Rules and Policies

# Server Rules

Instead of having a wall of specific obvious rules, we boil it down to mostly this:

1. Be respectful
2. Be ethical
3. Use common sense

Additionally, we do have a couple **specific rules**:

1. Auto/afk fishing, foraging, mining, & similar is not allowed.
2. Using alts is **not allowed**. This should fall into "be ethical" and "use common sense", but circumstances necessitate that we specify it here. (you may use alts to temporarily store Pokémon or start fresh - do not transfer anything between accounts except for temporary storage)
3. Digging/mining excessively in the main world (outside of your claim) is considered griefing. For resource gathering, use /nav or /warps and check the **Resources** category.
4. Do not claim land without building anything, or just to clear land for Pokémon spawns. **Empty claims** may be **removed without warning**.
5. Do not build sky platforms. You can make floating builds, but nearly empty sky platforms will be removed without notice.

If something you do or say is not **respectful** or **ethical**, then it is simply not allowed. You can use **common sense** to determine this. Don't let this scare you, first-time mild infractions will result in warnings and not immediate punishment. If you have any questions, ask a staff member.

### Swearing/Adult Language

Swearing by itself **is allowed**. However, dialogue that is sexually explicit **is not allowed**. Also, as indicated in the main 3 rules, do not use language in a way that is disrespectful or insulting to other players, or that is spamming. **There are not exceptions to this** when conversing in public with your friends. Other players most likely won't know you're joking, and we want to keep a friendly environment, not a hostile one.

# Rule Enforcement Policies

We deal with misbehavior a little differently here. We've noticed that with the typical system other servers use for punishments, toxic players can skirt the line and get away with constant bad behavior if they know how to game the system, while well-meaning players that make mistakes can end up permanently banned.

In Obscuros, we take a **shades of grey** approach to moderation and handing out punishments, as opposed to a **black and white** system.

Intent is very important to us. This means that players that are openly hostile/unapologetic/trolling can end up banned with little to no warnings, while players that commit offenses but express remorse, give good explanations, and make a genuine effort to improve themselves get more leniency.

### How we deal with repeat offenders

The shades of grey stance means that if players show goodwill and have had incidents in the past, they may not necessarily be banned for minor offenses, even if we've said they're on their last warning. Looking at situations in shades of grey means looking at the individual case and seeing if it really warrants harsh punishments.

Eventually, if behavior does not improve and the situation with a player has gone too far and they've had too many chances, they should be banned. But there's **no right answer** for when this line should be drawn. We have to make the best decision we can with the information we have, and we want to be **fair to everyone involved**.

# Ban Appeals

If you want to appeal your ban, you can use the Ban Appeal Form.