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From Children of StarClan
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Welcome to the CoSC Rules page. This first tab provides a blanket overview of all of the policies and rules we live by here. The various other tabs provide more detailed explanations of the rules, how they're enforced, and exactly how the CoSC Staff interprets the rules.
NEW PLAYERS: As long as you understand the content of this overview page, you should be good to go. It is recommended that you read all rules, but the Cliff Notes provided here are enough to get you started. (For example, you could: Read the overview now, start a character, and then work your way through the detailed rules while you wait for your first check.)
General Rules
These rules reflect basic expectations on all players who are a member of CoSC.
- Harassment will not be tolerated.
- Each user is limited to One Account.
- Images must not endanger other users' health. Avoid rapidly flickering images, which can trigger epilepsy.
- Avatars are limited to 100px by 100px
- Signature Images are limited to a collective 100px high by 600px wide.
- Signature Text is limited to 8 lines.
- Images for IC Posts may contain no more than 2 images that amount to 100px high by 400px wide per character played.
- Userpages must use the {{Player}} template.
- Players who are not able to participate for awhile may file an {{LOA}} on their userpage. Failure to do so can result in lost of characters or ranks.
Roleplay Rules
These rules reflect the basic expectations for conduct in role-play at CoSC.
- Prophecies must be approved by game administration prior to appearing in character.
- Omens must be approved by game administration prior to appearing in character.
- Appearances by dead cats must be approved by game administrator prior to occurring in character.
- Minimum post length is 3 complete sentences.
- When and Where must be specified acceding to the CoSC date structure and map in every thread.
- Posting Order is followed by CoSC, and considered automatic.
- In Character Combat observes the following rules:
- Each post is considered a "round" of combat encompassing approximately 5 seconds. Actions taken must fit within that period of time.
- Godmoding is not tolerated.
- Powerplaying is not tolerated.
- Activity expectations are as follows:
- Be involved with each character in at least 1 thread at any time.
- Meet various IC responsibilities based on your character's rank for all characters.
Character Rules
These rules encompass the very basic policies regarding characters at CoSC.
- All characters must be approved by staff prior to appearing in character.
- You may not control or otherwise effect the characters of others without consent of that player.
- In Character Actions equal In Character Consequences (ICA=ICC).
- Metagaming is not tolerated in character sheets.
- Powerplaying is not tolerated in character sheets.
- Characters must meet staff expectations to be approved.
- Character slots are limited thusly:
- 4 non-elder Clan Character Slots.
- 1 Domestic Cat Character Slot.
- 1 Feral or Semi-feral Character Slot.
- 1 Transfer of a character to the Cats of Camelot.
- 1 Transfer of a character to Caligula's Cabal.
- Unlimited Clan Elder Slots.
- Unlimited (staff approved) Non-player Characters.
- Extra staff character slots are granted based on staff rank.
- Ranked Character Limitations are thus:
- 1 character of leader or deputy rank.
- 1 character of Medicine Cat of Medicine Cat's apprentice rank.
- All litters, including those that have happened in a character's past, must be approved by the Litters Application Department.
Administrative Rules
These rules include the expectations and various documents used by staff to ensure consistency of judgement and enforcement across character sheets. Rules in this section don't directly effect players, but they do effect what players are permitted to have in their character sheets.
These reflect the most basic rules the RP uses, and defines elements of conduct that are expected of players.
This file is subject to change without notice. Changes will be announced on the forum when they are made.
The prior version of this page can be found HERE.
Harassment Policy
Contains further detail on What is harassment, harassment investigation, Unintentional violation, and intentional violation.
Harassment will not be tolerated. Players found to be harassing others, through any medium will suffer a permanent ban from CoSC.
Number of Accounts
Contains further detail on IP Addresses, Families, Multiple Account Investigations, Ignorance violation, and intentional violation.
Each player (who shall be identified through their IP Address) is limited to a single account. Multiple-player households MUST report (via PM) to Kitsu with the name of ANY and ALL accounts that will share IPs or it will be addressed as a purposeful violation of this rule.
Image Rules
Avatar Rules
- Avatars must be tasteful. What is Tasteful is decided by Kitsufox: Generally if it's not a violation of other rules or profane, it is permissible.
- Colors in avatars may not be those that clash with the website. Remember, even what you add reflects the image of this game.
- Avatars maximum size is 100 by 100 pixels.
- Avatars may not contain copyrighted images.
- Avatars may not contain animation that poses a risk of triggering epileptic seizures.
Players found in violation with this policy will have their right to use Avatars removed.
Signature Rules
- Signatures may remain reasonably sized. They may contain 1 (one) image of 100 pixels high and 600 pixels wide (or multiple images not adding up to more in either direction) in addition to a maximum of 3 lines of text. Signatures without images may contain a total of 8 lines of text.
- Signature images and text must be tasteful. This means no profanity or nudity.
- Signature image and text colors may not be those that clash with the website. Every image and word on this website reflects it's image, and we wish to project a mature and positive image.
- Signature images and text may not contain copyrighted images or text.
- Signature images may not contain animation that poses a risk of triggering epileptic seizures.
- Just because signatures permit the use of 1000 characters does not mean you need to use them all. This high number of characters is in place to make it possible for a player to link all of their current characters in their signature, not to let people go on for pages with random images and quotes.
- Please keep links to other games, sites, etc., out of your signature. If you wish to post links, please do so in areas approved for Advertising.
Players found to be in violation with this policy will have their right to use Signatures removed.
General Forum Image Rules
- Images must remain reasonably sized. No image, or string of images, may produce a line of more than 400 pixels. No single image should be larger than 100 pixels high.
- No post may contain more than 2 (two) images per character portrayed in the post. The image or pair of images may not amount to more than 400 pixels wide by 100 pixels high worth of images per character.
- All images must remain within copyright laws.
- Images may not be colors that clash with the website.
- Images may not be Hot Linked from other websites. This means that to use an image anywhere on the forums you must upload it to your own server, or a free image hosting service such as Photobucket. This rule counts for both the Forums, AND on character sheets.
- Images taken from another sort and displayed in character sheets MUST be accompanied by a letter of permission if they are not altered. Altered images may be displayed in character sheets.
- Images that are linked from character sheets or the forum must be linked IN CONTEXT. This means that you may not link directly to the image, but instead must link to the page that image is located on. (This rule does not effect directly linking images for image requests, but image requests are the only place in which this rule is not in effect.)
- Image may not contain animation that poses a risk of triggering epileptic seizures.
Character Sheet Image Rules
- Images used on character sheets need to be approved by the Character Images Department.
- These images will be pixel-style images intended to portray every character as accurately as possible.
Userpage Rules
{{Player}}
The {{Player}} template must be applied to every userpage. This is done by simply going to your blank userpage and filling out the form (Very little is mandatory) and hitting submit. If your userpage already exists, click "Edit with Form" and fill out the form (any added text will not be harmed).
{{LOA}}
The LOA Template can be used when a player needs to take a Leave of Absence. Failure to apply this template during an absence may result in losses of characters or ranks.
These rules reflect the basic expectations for conduct in role-play at CoSC.
This document is subject to change without notice. Changes will be announced on the forum when they are made.
Limitation & Regulation of Prophecy
Prophecies must be approved before they appear in Role Play by Game Administrators and any other related Leader/Deputy/Medicine Cat Players. Omens must be approved before they appear in Role Play by Game Administrators and any other related Leader/Deputy/Medicine Cat Players. Clouds over the moon at any Gathering can only be announced by Game Administrators .
Plots with any sort of prophecy, visitations by StarClan cats, or the like, must be approved before they appear in Role Play by Game Administrators and any other related Leader/Deputy/Medicine Cat Players.
Posting Rules
Contains further detail on Posting Definitions, When Threads Happen, Where Threads Happen, Traveling Between Threads, and Posting Order
Minimum Post Length
Posts must meet a minimum length requirement of 3 complete sentences with longer posts being preferred. Players who make posts of less than 3 sentences will receive a formal warning. Those who receive consistent warnings may be expelled from the game at the discretion of the game administrators.
Reasonable Self Limitation
A player is expected to keep themselves within reasonable limits. This means that players need to think before they join threads, particularly if they are involved in a large number already, or if they're involved in ones that might change the way their character would respond in the current thread.
When Threads Happen
Every thread must be clearly marked with a Timestamp in the original post. In clan areas one should use the clan-style dating. For Domestics it is acceptable to give the human correlation that is provided in the weather file, but for clarity it is advisable to also include the clan-style translation.
Where Threads Happen
Every thread must be clearly marked with a Wherestamp in the original post. This indication of where a thread happens should use a location listed in the area descriptions on the Wiki. It is suggested that you work to be as clear as possible on the location a thread is happening to avoid confusion.
Posting Order
When you're in a thread, all other people in a thread should be permitted to post prior to you making another post. A thread should automatically be using a posting order regardless of how many or how few players are involved. It is a matter of respect for the other people in the thread and their right to participate equally once they've joined.
In Character Combat Rules
Contains further detail on The time things take, Things that take longer than 1 round, Godmoding, and Powerplaying
Time/Combat Rounds
When characters fight in character there has to be a fair way to give each one an equal chance to be involved in the combat. That is accomplished by using a system of "rounds" of combat. A round is a section of 5 seconds In Character time in which each player is given the opportunity to explain their character's actions. When characters fight IC, each player is entitled to a full chance to have their characters respond on behalf of their character. During a round your character can engage in a number of actions, but the string of actions should not be beyond the scope of something that can be done in 5 seconds.
Godmoding
Godmoding is the act of using those things you (the Player) knows but the character does not while playing that character. This includes such things as pulling things out of the thoughts included in the posts of other players about their own characters and things that are referenced in other threads that your character would not be aware of, including items like combat weaknesses. Godmoding is explicitly forbidden by both these combat rules and the CoSC General Rules.
Powerplaying
Powerplaying is a complex thing that will not be defined here, but will instead use the definitions provided in PSA #11. To avoid powerplaying or accusations of unfair conduct in a fight a cat should never completely dodge more than 2 consecutive attacks. While this rule will be taken with a grain of salt, it will be used by Admins as a dipstick to assist in identifying certain kinds of powerplaying. Powerplaying is explicitly forbidden by both these combat rules the CoSC General Rules.
Activity Expectations
Contains further detail on the Activity Check Policy, and the Activity Expectations
Activity Checks
For every IC Moon that occurs, an activity check will be held for all Player Characters approved and active within the game (Approximately every other month). All users, excluding those with approved LOAs that were filed prior to the start of the check, are expected to post in the appropriate threads with their characters or face OOC consequences such as confiscation of their character.
Character Activity Expectation
Players are expected to be active with each character in at least 1 thread per month in addition to meeting any rank-specific additional requirements their character may have.
These rules reflect the basic expectations for characters at CoSC.
This document is subject to change without notice. Changes will be announced on the forum when they are made.
Characters
The only characters that may be used in role play are those that appear in the Viewer section of the character system. Role playing using unaccepted characters is not permitted. Characters Appearances must always fit the Short Description that was assigned by the Administration. All characters must also comply with CoSC Genetics Policy in which all characters must be genetically possible.
Consent
All Role Play happening on CoSC is intended to be consensual. All players involved and effected by a thread must exhibit willingness to participate and accept the result. "Intense" scenes, such as those that involve fighting, death, or other mature themes, are particularly subject to this policy. ICA=ICC Policy will always take precedent over the Consent Policy in role play, and players will be considered to have consented to the results of extreme actions (such as attacking another or smarting off to their leader) simply by taking them to avoid Retroactive Continuity (retcon) in which RP is considered never to have happened for reasons of poor player judgment.
When using another player's character in a character sheet you must have the player in question contact the approvals staff with a notification of their consent for the appearance prior to submission for approval.
ICA=ICC
The acronym "ICA=ICC" translates as "In Character Actions Equal In Character Consequences". This rule means that your character's actions with have In Character (IC) consequences. By doing something using unsound judgment a player as automatically consented to the results of the scene. If this results in extreme consequences for your character, so be it.
Metaplaying & Powerplaying
The using of information you know Out of Character (OOC) in an In Character (IC) Situation or creating a perfect and untouchable in combat, or controlling another person's character in Role Play without their consent or the consent of the staff to do so.
Character Requirements for Approval
Contains further detail on Requirement for Staff Approval, Bans Compliance, Expectations of Quality, and Genetic Feasibility
Characters are required to comply with all bans, lists and rules set forth by the game administration. At times these requirements can be somewhat subjective, and the administration of the game is granted the freedom to make those decisions for purposes of what they feel is the best interest of the game.
Slots & Limitations
Contains further detail on Pending Character limitations, Ranks Character Limitations, Character Slot allowances, Non-slotted Characters, Special Character Slots, Non-transfer or slot types, and Resolving Violations
Players are limited to certain numbers of characters (as described on the expanded policy page) and must keep those characters in compliance with various limitations and other instructions. Players with more characters than permitted, or with characters outside the given limitations will loose the most recently created/acquired of those characters.
Players are allotted thusly:
- 4 non-elder Clan Character Slots.
- 1 Domestic Cat Character Slot.
- 1 Feral or Semi-feral Character Slot.
- 1 Transfer of a character to the Cats of Camelot.
- 1 Transfer of a character to Caligula's Cabal.
- Unlimited Clan Elder Slots.
- Unlimited (staff approved) Non-player Characters.
- Extra staff character slots are granted based on staff rank.
Ranked Characters are limited thusly:
- 1 character of leader or deputy rank.
- 1 character of Medicine Cat of Medicine Cat's apprentice rank.
Litters Approval
Contains further detail on Relationship Tracking, Application Process, Submitted Applications, and Kitten Characters
All litters happening to a Player Character, be they "on camera" in the game or "off camera" in a character sheet, are subject to the approval of the Litters Department. This department has full arbitration of the decisions towards all aspects of the litter, including (but not limited to) conception of the litter, size of a convinced litter, and all physical traits they choose to assign for any resultant kittens. The litter approvals department also reserves the right to invoke complications on any queen bearing a litter, including death of said queen, and consent is considered given when the player of the queen places the template stating that they agree to bear the litter on the application.
Vox Populi
Contains further detail on Mandatory Status, Conduct, and Keeping VP Current
Vox Populi (VP) is a system that creates a place on character sheets where players can add the feelings of their own character about the character in question. This provides more information about what other characters are feeling, and can provide interesting insights into RP and give a player new ideas for threads and interactions between characters.
These rules include the expectations and various documents used by staff to ensure consistency of judgement and enforcement across character sheets. Rules in this section don't directly effect players, but they do effect what players are permitted to have in their character sheets.
Clan Cat Guidelines
Age Guidelines
Due to CoSC's much harsher take on the warriors world, we interpret Clanner ages a bit differently than most games do. In accordance we have created a help file to explain out age interpretations. The general guidelines being employed in the creation of this guide is that of 1 Moon being equivalent to 1 year of human development. It should also be understood that, due to the lack of scientifically based medical care and vaccines, feral cats lives are nowhere near as long as the lives of those who live as house pets.
Clan Bans
These rules outline things that are specifically not permitted (or permitted based on limitations) by individual Clan.
See Also: TC Bans, RC Bans, WC Bans, and SC Bans
Name Rules
Names are subject to frequent and lengthy discussion in the Warriors Fandom. To clarify the CoSC approach to many of the name issues, all of our policies and practices are outlined herein.
Realm of Experience
Realm of Experience refers to the idea that the Clan Cats experience life in a certain way that differentiates the language they use from that of humankind. It's specifically used primarily to refer to words that lie outside their "Realm of Experience". This means that, because clan cats don't experience life with humans then certain human words would not be amongst those they would know or learn.
Non-Clan Cat Guidelines
Non-clan Bans
These rules outline things that are specifically not permitted (or permitted based on limitations) by for cats outside the Clans.
Coming Soon
Overall Character Guidelines
Approvals Process Outlined
This is a rundown of the process that Kitsufox employes when she runs checks of characters. It is outlined as it is so that users who are interested may better understand the process and even employ at least some level of pre-check they do themselves.
Mature Themes
The world of the clan cats is a harsh place, but that does not excuse the players of this game from responsible use of sensitive topics. In accordance we have created this document to explain our expectations and requirements for several sensitive subjects. These guidelines apply to both histories and role play.
Short Description Guidelines
In an effort to clarify and simplify and the confusing subject of color naming. The specific purpose of this policy is to address what each term is considered to mean and how it will translate from the Description into the Short Description. The color words lists given here are NOT all inclusive, but as decisions are made on how to interpret words not already listed here, they will be added.
Kitsu has long made "Public Service Announcements" to address issues that she feels need addressing but dosen't have time to fully update the rules to incorporate. Those items that have been Struck have been integrated properly.
Announcements
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Multiple Accounts(Integrated with the Expanded General Rules) -
Genetics Rules(Integrated with the Expanded General Rules) -
Adoption Policies(Integrated with the Adoptions Department Rules) - Children's Online Privacy & Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) Updated 26 May 2017
- Copyright Updated 26 May 2017
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Cat Lingo(Integrated with Clan Cat Game Information) -
Posting Order(Integrated with the Roleplay Posting Rules) - Assigned OOC Ranks
- Acceptable Ways to Edit One's character Sheets
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Apprentice Ban Explanation(Integrated with Expanded General Rules) - Power Playing
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Mandatory Where Lines(Integrated with the Expanded Posting Rules) - New Profile Turnaround Times
- Short Descriptions
- Application Bypass
- Establishing Precedent
- Character Traits
- Adoptable for New PC Trades
- Feral, Semi-feral, & Domestic Ranks
- Essay on Clan Cat Disabilities
- Name Save System
- Express Clarifications Regarding Things Permitted by RP Only
- Adopting Characters You Formerly Owned Following Confiscation or Surrender
- Living Off Camera