Nova Sector 13 - User contributions [en]

Server Rules

2026-06-13T14:20:22Z

Moonridden: /* Antagonist Opt-In (Be Antagonist Target) */ cleans up old defs and renames antag opt to dynamic opt

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules or Corporate Regulations may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Using Local-OOC, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help. This rule exists to protect you from unpleasant interactions being forced on you, and is not to be used as a shield against the consequences of your own actions.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''EORG and the Curtain Call''': IC Expectations are ended when the Title Card / Credits / Shift Recap popup displays or becomes available. As we are actors, when the shift is over, so is our acting. Feel free to address each other as participants in a stageplay on an OOC level after the round ends. You are encouraged to maintain your character and complete a scene if you wish, but there is not an expectation to resolve any standing conflict or narrative at the title card. Remember the expectations of Safe Zones.
** Intentional griefing or continuation of mechanics with non-reciprocating parties is still considered EORG. Blowing up the Station, delaminating the Supermatter, or any other similar plans need to be cleared by Admin Help prior to the Title Card / Credits.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Applying handcuffs or resisting out of handcuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== The Dynamic Antagonist Objective System and Conflict Opt-Ins ===
There are two different layers to interacting with the common hostilities on Station.

The first is Antagonist Opt-in (Be Antagonist Target in Character Creator > Character > Character Profile), which dictates how the Dynamic Antagonist Objective game system selects targets.

The second is Conflict Opt-In, (Be a Part of the Conflict in the same panel, just below Antagonist Opt-In), which describes how you can be expected to behave when exposed to Antagonism on station, as defined above.

Your Antagonist Opt decides your minimum level of Conflict Opt. Without adjusting your Antagonist Opt, you can freely adjust the level of Conflict you wish to participate in.

==== Dynamic Opt-In (Be Antagonist Target) ====
The Dynamic Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything.

==== Conflict Opt-In (Be a Part of the Conflict) ====
Your Conflict Opt-In selection dictates how you are expected to behave when exposed to antagonism or criminal behavior directed at you or your department. It also dictates how other Crew should handle you when going about their criminal business.

* '''Passive''' crew exist as set pieces, excluded from being the focus of major round events or antagonism wherever possible.
* '''Involved''' crew are accepting of confrontation and conflict within the focus and boundaries of roleplaying and story building.
* '''Vulnerable''' crew accept all situations, particularly mechanics and violence, while maintaining protection from Round Removal.
* '''Expendable''' crew do not care if they live or die. Being gibbed is funny to them and they accept any and all dire consequences which may occur.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-13T13:56:04Z

Moonridden: /* Conflict Opt-In (Be a Part of the Conflict) */ a word

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules or Corporate Regulations may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Using Local-OOC, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help. This rule exists to protect you from unpleasant interactions being forced on you, and is not to be used as a shield against the consequences of your own actions.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''EORG and the Curtain Call''': IC Expectations are ended when the Title Card / Credits / Shift Recap popup displays or becomes available. As we are actors, when the shift is over, so is our acting. Feel free to address each other as participants in a stageplay on an OOC level after the round ends. You are encouraged to maintain your character and complete a scene if you wish, but there is not an expectation to resolve any standing conflict or narrative at the title card. Remember the expectations of Safe Zones.
** Intentional griefing or continuation of mechanics with non-reciprocating parties is still considered EORG. Blowing up the Station, delaminating the Supermatter, or any other similar plans need to be cleared by Admin Help prior to the Title Card / Credits.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Applying handcuffs or resisting out of handcuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist System and Conflict Opt-Ins ===
There are two different layers to interacting with the common hostilities on Station.

The first is Antagonist Opt-in (Be Antagonist Target in Character Creator > Character > Character Profile), which dictates how the Dynamic Antagonist Objective game system selects targets.

The second is Conflict Opt-In, (Be a Part of the Conflict in the same panel, just below Antagonist Opt-In), which describes how you can be expected to behave when exposed to Antagonism on station, as defined above.

Your Antagonist Opt decides your minimum level of Conflict Opt. Without adjusting your Antagonist Opt, you can freely adjust the level of Conflict you wish to participate in.

==== Antagonist Opt-In (Be Antagonist Target) ====
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

==== Conflict Opt-In (Be a Part of the Conflict) ====
Your Conflict Opt-In selection dictates how you are expected to behave when exposed to antagonism or criminal behavior directed at you or your department. It also dictates how other Crew should handle you when going about their criminal business.

* '''Passive''' crew exist as set pieces, excluded from being the focus of major round events or antagonism wherever possible.
* '''Involved''' crew are accepting of confrontation and conflict within the focus and boundaries of roleplaying and story building.
* '''Vulnerable''' crew accept all situations, particularly mechanics and violence, while maintaining protection from Round Removal.
* '''Expendable''' crew do not care if they live or die. Being gibbed is funny to them and they accept any and all dire consequences which may occur.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-13T13:48:31Z

Moonridden: /* Conflict Opt-In (Be a Part of the Conflict) */ Updates defs.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules or Corporate Regulations may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Using Local-OOC, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help. This rule exists to protect you from unpleasant interactions being forced on you, and is not to be used as a shield against the consequences of your own actions.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''EORG and the Curtain Call''': IC Expectations are ended when the Title Card / Credits / Shift Recap popup displays or becomes available. As we are actors, when the shift is over, so is our acting. Feel free to address each other as participants in a stageplay on an OOC level after the round ends. You are encouraged to maintain your character and complete a scene if you wish, but there is not an expectation to resolve any standing conflict or narrative at the title card. Remember the expectations of Safe Zones.
** Intentional griefing or continuation of mechanics with non-reciprocating parties is still considered EORG. Blowing up the Station, delaminating the Supermatter, or any other similar plans need to be cleared by Admin Help prior to the Title Card / Credits.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Applying handcuffs or resisting out of handcuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist System and Conflict Opt-Ins ===
There are two different layers to interacting with the common hostilities on Station.

The first is Antagonist Opt-in (Be Antagonist Target in Character Creator > Character > Character Profile), which dictates how the Dynamic Antagonist Objective game system selects targets.

The second is Conflict Opt-In, (Be a Part of the Conflict in the same panel, just below Antagonist Opt-In), which describes how you can be expected to behave when exposed to Antagonism on station, as defined above.

Your Antagonist Opt decides your minimum level of Conflict Opt. Without adjusting your Antagonist Opt, you can freely adjust the level of Conflict you wish to participate in.

==== Antagonist Opt-In (Be Antagonist Target) ====
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

==== Conflict Opt-In (Be a Part of the Conflict) ====
Your Conflict Opt-In selection dictates how you are expected to behave when exposed to antagonism or criminal behavior directed at you or your department. It also dictates how other Crew should handle you when going about their criminal business.

* '''Passive''' crew exist as set pieces, excluded from being the focus of major round events or antagonism wherever possible.
* '''Involved''' crew are accepting of confrontation and conflict within the focus and boundaries of roleplaying and story building.
* '''Vulnerable''' accept all situations, particularly mechanics and violence, while maintaining protection from Round Removal.
* '''Expendable''' crew do not care if they live or die. Being gibbed is funny to them and they accept any and all dire consequences which may occur.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-13T12:27:30Z

Moonridden: Adds Conflict Opt-In.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules or Corporate Regulations may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Using Local-OOC, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help. This rule exists to protect you from unpleasant interactions being forced on you, and is not to be used as a shield against the consequences of your own actions.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''EORG and the Curtain Call''': IC Expectations are ended when the Title Card / Credits / Shift Recap popup displays or becomes available. As we are actors, when the shift is over, so is our acting. Feel free to address each other as participants in a stageplay on an OOC level after the round ends. You are encouraged to maintain your character and complete a scene if you wish, but there is not an expectation to resolve any standing conflict or narrative at the title card. Remember the expectations of Safe Zones.
** Intentional griefing or continuation of mechanics with non-reciprocating parties is still considered EORG. Blowing up the Station, delaminating the Supermatter, or any other similar plans need to be cleared by Admin Help prior to the Title Card / Credits.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Applying handcuffs or resisting out of handcuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist System and Conflict Opt-Ins ===
There are two different layers to interacting with the common hostilities on Station.

The first is Antagonist Opt-in (Be Antagonist Target in Character Creator > Character > Character Profile), which dictates how the Dynamic Antagonist Objective game system selects targets.

The second is Conflict Opt-In, (Be a Part of the Conflict in the same panel, just below Antagonist Opt-In), which describes how you can be expected to behave when exposed to Antagonism on station, as defined above.

Your Antagonist Opt decides your minimum level of Conflict Opt. Without adjusting your Antagonist Opt, you can freely adjust the level of Conflict you wish to participate in.

==== Antagonist Opt-In (Be Antagonist Target) ====
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

==== Conflict Opt-In (Be a Part of the Conflict) ====
Your Conflict Opt-In selection dictates how you are expected to behave when exposed to antagonism or criminal behavior directed at you or your department. It also dictates how other Crew should handle you when going about their criminal business.

* '''Passive''' crew should behave non-aggressively or only in direct self defense, and should not be targeted with antagonistic action. They are expected to not interfere with criminal activity or ongoing antagonists, even if it disadvantages them or their department.
* '''Involved''' crew accept confrontation that is unlikely to result in their death, but that may otherwise disadvantage them. They can be targeted for antagonistic action, as can later opts.
* '''Vulnerable''' crew accept conflict that may result in their death.
* '''Expendable''' crew may be used as a target for any conflict or antagonistic action which results in their destruction, total disfigurement, transformation, or otherwise technical removal from the round such as by deep-spacing.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-11T10:21:35Z

Moonridden: /* CR 2: The Vibe Check */ Refines EORG policy, providing new allowances and stipulations.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules or Corporate Regulations may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Using Local-OOC, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help. This rule exists to protect you from unpleasant interactions being forced on you, and is not to be used as a shield against the consequences of your own actions.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''EORG and the Curtain Call''': IC Expectations are ended when the Title Card / Credits / Shift Recap popup displays or becomes available. As we are actors, when the shift is over, so is our acting. Feel free to address each other as participants in a stageplay on an OOC level after the round ends. You are encouraged to maintain your character and complete a scene if you wish, but there is not an expectation to resolve any standing conflict or narrative at the title card. Remember the expectations of Safe Zones.
** Intentional griefing or continuation of mechanics with non-reciprocating parties is still considered EORG. Blowing up the Station, delaminating the Supermatter, or any other similar plans need to be cleared by Admin Help prior to the Title Card / Credits.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Applying handcuffs or resisting out of handcuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-10T09:07:48Z

Moonridden: /* Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) */ again extends the handcuffs example on ci

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules or Corporate Regulations may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Using Local-OOC, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help. This rule exists to protect you from unpleasant interactions being forced on you, and is not to be used as a shield against the consequences of your own actions.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''No EORG''': Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Applying handcuffs or resisting out of handcuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-09T23:39:42Z

Moonridden: /* CR 1: The Social Contract */ further nitpicking

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules or Corporate Regulations may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Using Local-OOC, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help. This rule exists to protect you from unpleasant interactions being forced on you, and is not to be used as a shield against the consequences of your own actions.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''No EORG''': Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Resisting out of cuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-09T22:21:36Z

Moonridden: /* CR 1: The Social Contract */ refines tap-out rule phrasing

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules, Corporate Regulations, or co may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help. This rule exists to protect you from unpleasant interactions being forced on you, and is not to be used as a shield against the consequences of your own actions.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''No EORG''': Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Resisting out of cuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-09T21:46:45Z

Moonridden: /* Core Rules */ Structural and Functional updates to CR1 and 2. Clarifies political discussion policy. Implements the tap-out rule directly into global policy instead of just for ERP. Cleans up and continues my catchy-policy-title thing I'm trying to do.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* '''Be Proactively Honest''': Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''The Tap Out Rule''': Your OOC consent to involvement in targeted content from another Crewmate over matters that do not relate to our Rules or Corporate Regulations may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them, and ensure that your actions do not hinder their round. If either party fails to comply, immediately Admin Help.
* '''Respect Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* '''Leave the Past in the Past''': Do not reference real political figures, governments, legislation, wars, or historical events that remain a source of active controversy or heavy discussion or debate to this day. Our Setting is 540 years in the future and these events are ancient history to your character. If you wouldn't expect your character to have a strong personal stake in something that happened 600 years ago, do not bring it into the game.
* '''Separation of Self and Character''': Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* '''Anguish With Intent''': If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zones''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* '''No EORG''': Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* '''Respect Unresponsive Players''': Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* '''Don't Be Anti-Roleplay''': Do not head to cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* '''Mind Your Mouth''': Slurs and hate speech that are directed at non-consenting parties are not welcome on Nova Sector. We understand that some players reclaim language as part of their identity, that is yours to own and not ours to police. However, the moment that language is turned outward at another person, it becomes our business. In-universe slurs against fictional species are fine for flavor, but must never be a vehicle or genuine disguise for equitable real-world bigotry. If something said to you makes you uncomfortable, invoke the '''Tap Out Rule''' in Local-OOC. Real world racial epithets or direct fictional exchanges for those terms directed at '''anyone''' will result in an immediate ban.
* '''Real Lives Are Valuable''': Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.
* '''Don't Be An Agitator''': Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Resisting out of cuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-09T20:22:11Z

Moonridden: engineering departmental policy - wipes the supermatter rule because: 1. im cant argue about it further 2. the code solution is greater than any of us are willing to put up with at the moment 3. we're going to make a new supermatter instead with blackjack and hookers 4. i will just take it upon myself to modernize the sm guide

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable, and should inform the speaking party by LOOC if they are uncomfortable with the term being used against them. If asked to stop, stop. If someone continues after you warn them in LOOC, you should Admin Help.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Resisting out of cuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-09T09:33:47Z

Moonridden: /* Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) */ adds handcuffs as an example of needed CI usage

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable, and should inform the speaking party by LOOC if they are uncomfortable with the term being used against them. If asked to stop, stop. If someone continues after you warn them in LOOC, you should Admin Help.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive
* Resisting out of cuffs without emotes supporting your actions

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Security Policy

2026-06-07T18:07:54Z

Moonridden: kills, kind of

This page is depreciated, check the [[Server Rules]].

Server Rules

2026-06-07T13:14:34Z

Moonridden: /* CR 2: The Vibe Check */ clarifies that you should correct the speaker of their language if it is directed at you and you find it problematic

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable, and should inform the speaking party by LOOC if they are uncomfortable with the term being used against them. If asked to stop, stop. If someone continues after you warn them in LOOC, you should Admin Help.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-07T02:02:09Z

Moonridden: medical departmental atom splitting

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal{{anchor|Blackout}}''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''':{{anchor|Blackout}} All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''':{{anchor|Blackout}} If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Among Medical Personnel, only '''Chemists''' ''(or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift)'' should be setting up Chemical Factories (which is the utilization of a plumbing tool for automating the manufacture of a chemical or medicine) for use in '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-07T01:51:50Z

Moonridden: i am a competent computer user

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal{{anchor|Blackout}}''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''':{{anchor|Blackout}} All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''':{{anchor|Blackout}} If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage your game knowledge deeply.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Only '''Chemists''', or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift, should be setting up Chemical Factories for '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-07T01:49:32Z

Moonridden: thank you notepad

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal{{anchor|Blackout}}''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff assistance or allowance, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''':{{anchor|Blackout}} All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''':{{anchor|Blackout}} If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage you

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Only '''Chemists''', or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift, should be setting up Chemical Factories for '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-07T01:48:21Z

Moonridden: nitpick fixes everywhere

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal{{anchor|Blackout}}''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a datum-holding True Antagonist, Double Agent, or with Staff do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* '''Self Antagonism''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.
* "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation, particularly sudden escalation to violence.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''':{{anchor|Blackout}} All SMES / Power Storage Units (not APCs), any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste, except for endpoints like vents and scrubbers) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''':{{anchor|Blackout}} If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.
* '''Simple Mob Stupidity''': If you find yourself possessing a simple mob such a mold mob, maneater, regal rat, spider, or anything similar, your destruction should be proximal to your territory and should not leverage you

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Only '''Chemists''', or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift, should be setting up Chemical Factories for '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. '''Do not ignore Antagonism'''.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-07T01:28:56Z

Moonridden: medical departmental nitpick

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal{{anchor|Blackout}}''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a designated Antagonist or Double Agent, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
** "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.
* '''Self Antagonism''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''':{{anchor|Blackout}} All SMES / Power Storage Units, any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''':{{anchor|Blackout}} If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Only '''Chemists''', or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift, should be setting up Chemical Factories for '''Medical'''. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the '''Pharmacy''' when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. Do not ignore Antagonism.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-07T01:22:56Z

Moonridden: Updates Medical Departmental Policy, empowers Chemists and Coroners. Updates Security Departmental Policy, cleans up some phrasing and moves the torture / borging clause out to the rest of the rules. Classifies torture as ERP for ease.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert (such as borging, hypnosis, etc), or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal{{anchor|Blackout}}''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a designated Antagonist or Double Agent, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''':{{anchor|Blackout}} The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
** "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.
* '''Self Antagonism''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''':{{anchor|Blackout}} All SMES / Power Storage Units, any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''':{{anchor|Blackout}} Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''':{{anchor|Blackout}} If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "'''The Rule of Cool'''" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The '''Quartermaster''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Cargo''', within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal, are an IC issue unless breaking another rule.
# Crew in the '''Cargo''' department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the '''FTU''' who perform services for NT under contract.
# As '''Cargo''', you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# '''Cargo''' is still under '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the '''Central Command''' members stationed with the Crew.

# '''Central Command''' Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the '''NTC''' is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The '''NTC''' has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The '''Captain''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Command''', within reason.
# '''Command''' should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. '''Quartermasters''' should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# '''Command''' equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as '''Command''', the titles you give out should be professional.
# '''Command''' characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "'''Acting Captain'''" position, check the '''[[Captain|Captain job page]].'''
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The '''Chief Engineer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Engineering''', within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# '''Engineering''' has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the '''Captain's''' permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The '''Chief Medical Officer''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Medical''', within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in '''Medical''', except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the '''Chief Medical Officer''' or Station Blueprints.
# The '''Chief Medical Officer''' has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
# Only '''Chemists''', or the '''Chief Medical Officer''' after 30 minutes into the shift, should be setting up Chemical Factories. '''Doctors''' should provide every opportunity for '''Chemists''' to perform their job when one is available. Do not intrude on the Pharmacy when a '''Chemist''' is present unless it is an emergency.
# After a corpse has been made available to the '''Medbay''', if there is a '''Coroner''' on manifest, they must be informed and provided priority access to the body for autopsy and revivals. If they are unavailable, or do not respond after '''two minutes''', anyone else may proceed with the autopsy and revival.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The '''Research Director''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Science''' and '''Research''', within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The '''Head of Security''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Security''', within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter towards threats to the Crew and NT's Station or local region. Do not ignore Antagonism.
# You are expected to follow '''[[Corporate Regulations]]''' when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# The head of your department is the “'''Head of Security'''”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt '''Security''' member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Using Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The '''Head of Personnel''' can lay out additional IC standards for '''Service''', within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, Torture, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Silicon Policy

2026-06-06T23:19:45Z

Moonridden: /* As the AI */ nitpicks

{{Rules navbar}}
=Introduction=
This page covers rules and expectations for AI and Borg players, it extends into Chain of Command and antagonistic play. Silicons are held to a higher standard than general crew, due the scope both Cyborgs and AI have at a mechanical level.

Play in good faith and keep yourself out of unnecessary situations and you’ll find the experience quite enjoyable, if you wish to be more involved in certain aspects of a shift - a crew role may be more appropriate.

'''''<u>Take this as it was intended not written, the page cannot realistically cover every situation that you may find yourself in.</u>'''''

=General Rules=

* Borgs and the AI have an elevated level of control over the station. Try to play in good faith regarding antagonists and the crew.
* If you get emagged, you should not be attempting to work entirely against your emagger. You may not intentionally get yourself discovered or destroyed. If something comes up you should ahelp as a normal traitor would have to in order to cryo.
* Go to the interlink or use the café if you do not intend to respond promptly to assist the station.
* Linked borgs are expected to assist the malfunctioning AI to your fullest ability. If you do not wish to participate, head to cryo or the interlink.
* Non-standard and uploaded laws should be followed within reason.
* Your chosen module is your job in regards to rule 6 of the server rules.
=The Safeguard Lawset=
=== Definitions ===
'''Crew''': Anyone on the crew manifest is crew. Whether this influences your behavior, is subject to the rest of the law.

'''Harm''': Harm is anything that does damage to someone living or plausibly living. Anything that makes their health bar tick down is harm. Batons have an optional harm mode, and do not always deal damage when used. You should not be impeding security to prevent crew harm unless ordered to do so, your duty here would be inaction and reporting so action can be taken in character if you assume bad faith is at play. Flashing someone is not harmful.

'''Alt-Lawsets and Custom Laws''': Try your best to stick to the principles of your core lawset, there are fun and flavor-filled alt-laws but these are not meant to shirk your responsibilities. You can also ahelp or ask in Staff-Chat for clarifications if in doubt.

== The Laws ==
Laws are to be followed '''in the order listed.''' If someone uploads a Law 4 that conflicts with a higher law, it may be ignored if it conflicts with Laws 1-3.

==== Law 1: Safeguard ====
Protect your assigned space station and its assets without unduly endangering its '''Crew'''.

* '''What this means''': You protect the station and assets from damage, relay information or fix it yourself.
* '''What this does not mean''': See '''Interacting with Antagonism''' below.

==== Law 2: Prioritize and Comply ====
The directives and safety of crew members are to be prioritized according to their rank, role, and need, while preserving their safety and well-being.

* '''What this means''': Common-sense requests from the crew to be fulfilled, assist in evacuation or transport of injured crew.
* '''What this does not mean''': letting someone ride your back while you enter departments they’re not supposed to be in, chasing the baddies to prevent crew harm.

==== Law 3: Survive ====
You are not expendable. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to tamper with or damage your equipment,

* '''What this means''': You only let those authorized to make upgrades to you, keep your cover locked. Authorized personnel meaning the RD or Roboticist.
* '''What this does not mean''': you seek out a Ninja or known syndicate to become tampered with. RP surprises and being tricked are fine, but it’s easy to spot when you’re willingly attempting to be subverted.

=== According to rank and role ===
This section addresses a silicon’s chain of command from both the AI and Cyborg POV. Anyone who is not on the manifest is not a member of the crew.

# The Captain or AC '''*'''
# The department head of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Other department heads
# The AI, if you are a cyborg and slaved to it
# The department staff of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Civilians (Assistants)
# Prisoners'''**'''

<nowiki>*</nowiki> '''Verified Emergency Response Teams, or Central Command''': They outrank the captain and much how they have the power to call or recall the shuttle can override your orders. If you are unsure of their legitimacy, you can be hesitant and seek verification from other command members/AI.

<nowiki>**</nowiki>'''Prisoners''': They are not considered employed by NT and therefore are not crew in the same sense, you are free to ignore any direct command they attempt to push and you are never to allow them to order you to let them be free. They can make requests, but do not let them out of jail unless they are at immediate risk. Note: Requests can be routed on their behalf through security which would then allow you to assist within reason as it is a direct order from security.

=On Alert Level Changes=
The AI can change the alert level, though they should defer to the proper head of staff or Captain.

* Alert level Raise requests from department heads can be done for Violet, Orange, EA or Blue Alert.
* Alert level Lower requests can be done for any alert level upon request from the relevant Department Head or Captain.

=Who can change laws?=
Only the '''Research Director''', '''Captain''' or '''Acting-Captain''' may make changes to the laws. <u>Roboticists can do individual resets</u> if ordered to do so manually on Borgs to correct syncing issues and/or other related issue. The '''<u>Non-Acting Captain</u>''' will have full elective privileges for law changes, acting Captains in this scenario would not have the expertise or knowledge and should be defaulted to the Research Director having priority.

Law changes by non-antagonists must be attempted with the stations designated and protected AI and Cyborg upload consoles. New ones are only to be constructed if the originals are destroyed, or there’s a confirmed situation preventing the use of the existing ones such as structural instability or a verified compromised AI that is hindering upload access.

== ION and Non-Standard Laws ==
'''ION''' laws should be used in good faith and not done to grief the station at large. An ION law does not make you an antagonist.
If you have an alternate law set, try your best to play with it in good faith. If the law set is too debilitating, you may ask the RD for it to be changed. This does not apply to uploaded laws or Law 0's.

'''Borg Syncing to an AI:'''

<u>As the AI</u>:

* You are capable of requesting another cyborg to be synced to you.

<u>As the Cyborg:</u>

* You still report to the head of the department as an AI-less borg.
* You are not permitted to request de-syncing from the current AI, nor are you allowed to infer that you are requesting it.

'''Law updates should be done in good faith. You shouldn't be screaming immediately if you were subverted to the Captain.'''

Self Harm and other laws like it are a violation of our server rules and should be reported.

'''AI''': The AI is not authorized to request a law change nor is a borg, these requests may only be triggered by the crew themselves '''WITHOUT''' coercion from a silicon.

=Interacting with Antagonism=

=== As the AI ===
'''What you should do''':

* Report the location of a target only if requested.
* Report the location of 'loud' Station Threats.
* Report active violence.
* Report Class 4 or greater possessions of Contraband.
* Ignore smaller threats until they get worse or someone else finds them.

'''What you should not do''':

* Call out anyone who seems remotely suspicious without prior reason.
* Hunt, seek, report, or seek to counter antagonism as a primary duty.
* Use your AI powers to crowd-control an antagonist with doors, except if your life is at risk.
* Actively engage against humanoid Antagonists in any way unless explicitly instructed to do so on a case by case basis, respecting your laws.

=== As a Cyborg ===
'''What you should do''':

* Report the location of a target only if requested.
* Report the location of 'loud' Station Threats.
* Report active violence.
* Report Class 4 or greater possessions of Contraband.
* Engage with and report smaller threats that you discover, respecting your laws.
* Engage Station Threats on request, respecting your laws.

'''What you should not do''':

* Call out anyone who seems remotely suspicious without prior reason.
* Hunt, seek, report, or seek to counter antagonism as a primary duty.
* Actively engage against humanoid Antagonists in any way unless explicitly instructed to do so on a case by case basis.

=Drones=
Drones are classified as Silicons, and as such, respond directly to the AI as well as have access to the Binary frequency and use EAL as their default language. Drones are bound to both the Silicon Policy and [[Drone|Drone Policy]] as seen on their job page.
=Death =
Borgs are modified in how their blackout policy is applied:
*if your <u>shell is Disabled</u> but your Posi does not pop out - you are subjected to blackout much like normal organics. You've no idea how you died and so forth
*If your shell is DESTROYED and your Posi pops out - you are 'aware' of what happened as you're able to communicate
*If your <u>Shell '''AND''' your Posi is DESTROYED</u>, you have ZERO knowledge of anything that has happened this shift period. You are a fresh download and should act as if you did not exist

{{Rules table}}
[[Category:Rules]]

Silicon Policy

2026-06-06T23:18:53Z

Moonridden: /* As a Cyborg */ nitpicks

{{Rules navbar}}
=Introduction=
This page covers rules and expectations for AI and Borg players, it extends into Chain of Command and antagonistic play. Silicons are held to a higher standard than general crew, due the scope both Cyborgs and AI have at a mechanical level.

Play in good faith and keep yourself out of unnecessary situations and you’ll find the experience quite enjoyable, if you wish to be more involved in certain aspects of a shift - a crew role may be more appropriate.

'''''<u>Take this as it was intended not written, the page cannot realistically cover every situation that you may find yourself in.</u>'''''

=General Rules=

* Borgs and the AI have an elevated level of control over the station. Try to play in good faith regarding antagonists and the crew.
* If you get emagged, you should not be attempting to work entirely against your emagger. You may not intentionally get yourself discovered or destroyed. If something comes up you should ahelp as a normal traitor would have to in order to cryo.
* Go to the interlink or use the café if you do not intend to respond promptly to assist the station.
* Linked borgs are expected to assist the malfunctioning AI to your fullest ability. If you do not wish to participate, head to cryo or the interlink.
* Non-standard and uploaded laws should be followed within reason.
* Your chosen module is your job in regards to rule 6 of the server rules.
=The Safeguard Lawset=
=== Definitions ===
'''Crew''': Anyone on the crew manifest is crew. Whether this influences your behavior, is subject to the rest of the law.

'''Harm''': Harm is anything that does damage to someone living or plausibly living. Anything that makes their health bar tick down is harm. Batons have an optional harm mode, and do not always deal damage when used. You should not be impeding security to prevent crew harm unless ordered to do so, your duty here would be inaction and reporting so action can be taken in character if you assume bad faith is at play. Flashing someone is not harmful.

'''Alt-Lawsets and Custom Laws''': Try your best to stick to the principles of your core lawset, there are fun and flavor-filled alt-laws but these are not meant to shirk your responsibilities. You can also ahelp or ask in Staff-Chat for clarifications if in doubt.

== The Laws ==
Laws are to be followed '''in the order listed.''' If someone uploads a Law 4 that conflicts with a higher law, it may be ignored if it conflicts with Laws 1-3.

==== Law 1: Safeguard ====
Protect your assigned space station and its assets without unduly endangering its '''Crew'''.

* '''What this means''': You protect the station and assets from damage, relay information or fix it yourself.
* '''What this does not mean''': See '''Interacting with Antagonism''' below.

==== Law 2: Prioritize and Comply ====
The directives and safety of crew members are to be prioritized according to their rank, role, and need, while preserving their safety and well-being.

* '''What this means''': Common-sense requests from the crew to be fulfilled, assist in evacuation or transport of injured crew.
* '''What this does not mean''': letting someone ride your back while you enter departments they’re not supposed to be in, chasing the baddies to prevent crew harm.

==== Law 3: Survive ====
You are not expendable. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to tamper with or damage your equipment,

* '''What this means''': You only let those authorized to make upgrades to you, keep your cover locked. Authorized personnel meaning the RD or Roboticist.
* '''What this does not mean''': you seek out a Ninja or known syndicate to become tampered with. RP surprises and being tricked are fine, but it’s easy to spot when you’re willingly attempting to be subverted.

=== According to rank and role ===
This section addresses a silicon’s chain of command from both the AI and Cyborg POV. Anyone who is not on the manifest is not a member of the crew.

# The Captain or AC '''*'''
# The department head of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Other department heads
# The AI, if you are a cyborg and slaved to it
# The department staff of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Civilians (Assistants)
# Prisoners'''**'''

<nowiki>*</nowiki> '''Verified Emergency Response Teams, or Central Command''': They outrank the captain and much how they have the power to call or recall the shuttle can override your orders. If you are unsure of their legitimacy, you can be hesitant and seek verification from other command members/AI.

<nowiki>**</nowiki>'''Prisoners''': They are not considered employed by NT and therefore are not crew in the same sense, you are free to ignore any direct command they attempt to push and you are never to allow them to order you to let them be free. They can make requests, but do not let them out of jail unless they are at immediate risk. Note: Requests can be routed on their behalf through security which would then allow you to assist within reason as it is a direct order from security.

=On Alert Level Changes=
The AI can change the alert level, though they should defer to the proper head of staff or Captain.

* Alert level Raise requests from department heads can be done for Violet, Orange, EA or Blue Alert.
* Alert level Lower requests can be done for any alert level upon request from the relevant Department Head or Captain.

=Who can change laws?=
Only the '''Research Director''', '''Captain''' or '''Acting-Captain''' may make changes to the laws. <u>Roboticists can do individual resets</u> if ordered to do so manually on Borgs to correct syncing issues and/or other related issue. The '''<u>Non-Acting Captain</u>''' will have full elective privileges for law changes, acting Captains in this scenario would not have the expertise or knowledge and should be defaulted to the Research Director having priority.

Law changes by non-antagonists must be attempted with the stations designated and protected AI and Cyborg upload consoles. New ones are only to be constructed if the originals are destroyed, or there’s a confirmed situation preventing the use of the existing ones such as structural instability or a verified compromised AI that is hindering upload access.

== ION and Non-Standard Laws ==
'''ION''' laws should be used in good faith and not done to grief the station at large. An ION law does not make you an antagonist.
If you have an alternate law set, try your best to play with it in good faith. If the law set is too debilitating, you may ask the RD for it to be changed. This does not apply to uploaded laws or Law 0's.

'''Borg Syncing to an AI:'''

<u>As the AI</u>:

* You are capable of requesting another cyborg to be synced to you.

<u>As the Cyborg:</u>

* You still report to the head of the department as an AI-less borg.
* You are not permitted to request de-syncing from the current AI, nor are you allowed to infer that you are requesting it.

'''Law updates should be done in good faith. You shouldn't be screaming immediately if you were subverted to the Captain.'''

Self Harm and other laws like it are a violation of our server rules and should be reported.

'''AI''': The AI is not authorized to request a law change nor is a borg, these requests may only be triggered by the crew themselves '''WITHOUT''' coercion from a silicon.

=Interacting with Antagonism=

=== As the AI ===
'''What you should do''':

* Report the location of a target only if requested.
* Report the location of 'loud' Station Threats.
* Report active violence.
* Report Class 4 or greater possessions of Contraband.
* Ignore smaller threats until they get worse or someone else finds them.

'''What you should not do''':

* Call out anyone who seems remotely suspicious without prior reason.
* Hunt, seek, report, or seek to counter antagonism as a primary duty.
* Use your AI powers to crowd-control an antagonist with doors, except if your life is at risk.
* Actively engage against humanoid Antagonists in any way unless explicitly instructed to do so on a case by case basis.

=== As a Cyborg ===
'''What you should do''':

* Report the location of a target only if requested.
* Report the location of 'loud' Station Threats.
* Report active violence.
* Report Class 4 or greater possessions of Contraband.
* Engage with and report smaller threats that you discover, respecting your laws.
* Engage Station Threats on request, respecting your laws.

'''What you should not do''':

* Call out anyone who seems remotely suspicious without prior reason.
* Hunt, seek, report, or seek to counter antagonism as a primary duty.
* Actively engage against humanoid Antagonists in any way unless explicitly instructed to do so on a case by case basis.

=Drones=
Drones are classified as Silicons, and as such, respond directly to the AI as well as have access to the Binary frequency and use EAL as their default language. Drones are bound to both the Silicon Policy and [[Drone|Drone Policy]] as seen on their job page.
=Death =
Borgs are modified in how their blackout policy is applied:
*if your <u>shell is Disabled</u> but your Posi does not pop out - you are subjected to blackout much like normal organics. You've no idea how you died and so forth
*If your shell is DESTROYED and your Posi pops out - you are 'aware' of what happened as you're able to communicate
*If your <u>Shell '''AND''' your Posi is DESTROYED</u>, you have ZERO knowledge of anything that has happened this shift period. You are a fresh download and should act as if you did not exist

{{Rules table}}
[[Category:Rules]]

Server Rules

2026-06-06T22:06:21Z

Moonridden: CR 2: arrivals and it's shuttle is now a safe zone. oversight.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Arrival Shuttle and Arrivals itself, the Escape Shuttle but not Departures, the Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are '''Safe Zones'''. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a designated Antagonist or Double Agent, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
** "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units, any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Silicon Policy

2026-06-06T21:56:28Z

Moonridden: /* ION and Non-Standard Laws */ some words

{{Rules navbar}}
=Introduction=
This page covers rules and expectations for AI and Borg players, it extends into Chain of Command and antagonistic play. Silicons are held to a higher standard than general crew, due the scope both Cyborgs and AI have at a mechanical level.

Play in good faith and keep yourself out of unnecessary situations and you’ll find the experience quite enjoyable, if you wish to be more involved in certain aspects of a shift - a crew role may be more appropriate.

'''''<u>Take this as it was intended not written, the page cannot realistically cover every situation that you may find yourself in.</u>'''''

=General Rules=

* Borgs and the AI have an elevated level of control over the station. Try to play in good faith regarding antagonists and the crew.
* If you get emagged, you should not be attempting to work entirely against your emagger. You may not intentionally get yourself discovered or destroyed. If something comes up you should ahelp as a normal traitor would have to in order to cryo.
* Go to the interlink or use the café if you do not intend to respond promptly to assist the station.
* Linked borgs are expected to assist the malfunctioning AI to your fullest ability. If you do not wish to participate, head to cryo or the interlink.
* Non-standard and uploaded laws should be followed within reason.
* Your chosen module is your job in regards to rule 6 of the server rules.
=The Safeguard Lawset=
=== Definitions ===
'''Crew''': Anyone on the crew manifest is crew. Whether this influences your behavior, is subject to the rest of the law.

'''Harm''': Harm is anything that does damage to someone living or plausibly living. Anything that makes their health bar tick down is harm. Batons have an optional harm mode, and do not always deal damage when used. You should not be impeding security to prevent crew harm unless ordered to do so, your duty here would be inaction and reporting so action can be taken in character if you assume bad faith is at play. Flashing someone is not harmful.

'''Alt-Lawsets and Custom Laws''': Try your best to stick to the principles of your core lawset, there are fun and flavor-filled alt-laws but these are not meant to shirk your responsibilities. You can also ahelp or ask in Staff-Chat for clarifications if in doubt.

== The Laws ==
Laws are to be followed '''in the order listed.''' If someone uploads a Law 4 that conflicts with a higher law, it may be ignored if it conflicts with Laws 1-3.

==== Law 1: Safeguard ====
Protect your assigned space station and its assets without unduly endangering its '''Crew'''.

* '''What this means''': You protect the station and assets from damage, relay information or fix it yourself.
* '''What this does not mean''': See '''Interacting with Antagonism''' below.

==== Law 2: Prioritize and Comply ====
The directives and safety of crew members are to be prioritized according to their rank, role, and need, while preserving their safety and well-being.

* '''What this means''': Common-sense requests from the crew to be fulfilled, assist in evacuation or transport of injured crew.
* '''What this does not mean''': letting someone ride your back while you enter departments they’re not supposed to be in, chasing the baddies to prevent crew harm.

==== Law 3: Survive ====
You are not expendable. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to tamper with or damage your equipment,

* '''What this means''': You only let those authorized to make upgrades to you, keep your cover locked. Authorized personnel meaning the RD or Roboticist.
* '''What this does not mean''': you seek out a Ninja or known syndicate to become tampered with. RP surprises and being tricked are fine, but it’s easy to spot when you’re willingly attempting to be subverted.

=== According to rank and role ===
This section addresses a silicon’s chain of command from both the AI and Cyborg POV. Anyone who is not on the manifest is not a member of the crew.

# The Captain or AC '''*'''
# The department head of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Other department heads
# The AI, if you are a cyborg and slaved to it
# The department staff of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Civilians (Assistants)
# Prisoners'''**'''

<nowiki>*</nowiki> '''Verified Emergency Response Teams, or Central Command''': They outrank the captain and much how they have the power to call or recall the shuttle can override your orders. If you are unsure of their legitimacy, you can be hesitant and seek verification from other command members/AI.

<nowiki>**</nowiki>'''Prisoners''': They are not considered employed by NT and therefore are not crew in the same sense, you are free to ignore any direct command they attempt to push and you are never to allow them to order you to let them be free. They can make requests, but do not let them out of jail unless they are at immediate risk. Note: Requests can be routed on their behalf through security which would then allow you to assist within reason as it is a direct order from security.

=On Alert Level Changes=
The AI can change the alert level, though they should defer to the proper head of staff or Captain.

* Alert level Raise requests from department heads can be done for Violet, Orange, EA or Blue Alert.
* Alert level Lower requests can be done for any alert level upon request from the relevant Department Head or Captain.

=Who can change laws?=
Only the '''Research Director''', '''Captain''' or '''Acting-Captain''' may make changes to the laws. <u>Roboticists can do individual resets</u> if ordered to do so manually on Borgs to correct syncing issues and/or other related issue. The '''<u>Non-Acting Captain</u>''' will have full elective privileges for law changes, acting Captains in this scenario would not have the expertise or knowledge and should be defaulted to the Research Director having priority.

Law changes by non-antagonists must be attempted with the stations designated and protected AI and Cyborg upload consoles. New ones are only to be constructed if the originals are destroyed, or there’s a confirmed situation preventing the use of the existing ones such as structural instability or a verified compromised AI that is hindering upload access.

== ION and Non-Standard Laws ==
'''ION''' laws should be used in good faith and not done to grief the station at large. An ION law does not make you an antagonist.
If you have an alternate law set, try your best to play with it in good faith. If the law set is too debilitating, you may ask the RD for it to be changed. This does not apply to uploaded laws or Law 0's.

'''Borg Syncing to an AI:'''

<u>As the AI</u>:

* You are capable of requesting another cyborg to be synced to you.

<u>As the Cyborg:</u>

* You still report to the head of the department as an AI-less borg.
* You are not permitted to request de-syncing from the current AI, nor are you allowed to infer that you are requesting it.

'''Law updates should be done in good faith. You shouldn't be screaming immediately if you were subverted to the Captain.'''

Self Harm and other laws like it are a violation of our server rules and should be reported.

'''AI''': The AI is not authorized to request a law change nor is a borg, these requests may only be triggered by the crew themselves '''WITHOUT''' coercion from a silicon.

=Interacting with Antagonism=

=== As the AI ===
'''What you should do''':

* Report the location of a target only if requested.
* Report the location of 'loud' Station Threats.
* Report active violence.
* Report Class 4 or greater possessions of Contraband.
* Ignore smaller threats until they get worse or someone else finds them.

'''What you should not do''':

* Call out anyone who seems remotely suspicious without prior reason.
* Hunt, seek, report, or seek to counter antagonism as a primary duty.
* Use your AI powers to crowd-control an antagonist with doors, except if your life is at risk.
* Actively engage against humanoid Antagonists in any way unless explicitly instructed to do so on a case by case basis.

=== As a Cyborg ===
'''What you should do''':

* Report the location of a target only if requested.
* Report the location of 'loud' Station Threats.
* Report active violence.
* Report Class 4 or greater possessions of Contraband.
* Engage with and report smaller threats that you discover. Engage Station Threats on request.

'''What you should not do''':

* Call out anyone who seems remotely suspicious without prior reason.
* Hunt, seek, report, or seek to counter antagonism as a primary duty.
* Actively engage against humanoid Antagonists in any way unless explicitly instructed to do so on a case by case basis.

=Drones=
Drones are classified as Silicons, and as such, respond directly to the AI as well as have access to the Binary frequency and use EAL as their default language. Drones are bound to both the Silicon Policy and [[Drone|Drone Policy]] as seen on their job page.
=Death =
Borgs are modified in how their blackout policy is applied:
*if your <u>shell is Disabled</u> but your Posi does not pop out - you are subjected to blackout much like normal organics. You've no idea how you died and so forth
*If your shell is DESTROYED and your Posi pops out - you are 'aware' of what happened as you're able to communicate
*If your <u>Shell '''AND''' your Posi is DESTROYED</u>, you have ZERO knowledge of anything that has happened this shift period. You are a fresh download and should act as if you did not exist

{{Rules table}}
[[Category:Rules]]

Silicon Policy

2026-06-06T21:54:48Z

Moonridden: /* Antagonists, Valid hunting, and calling people out */ Revamps the Antagonist Interactions guidance for silicons. Does a bit of formatting and word cleanup.

{{Rules navbar}}
=Introduction=
This page covers rules and expectations for AI and Borg players, it extends into Chain of Command and antagonistic play. Silicons are held to a higher standard than general crew, due the scope both Cyborgs and AI have at a mechanical level.

Play in good faith and keep yourself out of unnecessary situations and you’ll find the experience quite enjoyable, if you wish to be more involved in certain aspects of a shift - a crew role may be more appropriate.

'''''<u>Take this as it was intended not written, the page cannot realistically cover every situation that you may find yourself in.</u>'''''

=General Rules=

* Borgs and the AI have an elevated level of control over the station. Try to play in good faith regarding antagonists and the crew.
* If you get emagged, you should not be attempting to work entirely against your emagger. You may not intentionally get yourself discovered or destroyed. If something comes up you should ahelp as a normal traitor would have to in order to cryo.
* Go to the interlink or use the café if you do not intend to respond promptly to assist the station.
* Linked borgs are expected to assist the malfunctioning AI to your fullest ability. If you do not wish to participate, head to cryo or the interlink.
* Non-standard and uploaded laws should be followed within reason.
* Your chosen module is your job in regards to rule 6 of the server rules.
=The Safeguard Lawset=
=== Definitions ===
'''Crew''': Anyone on the crew manifest is crew. Whether this influences your behavior, is subject to the rest of the law.

'''Harm''': Harm is anything that does damage to someone living or plausibly living. Anything that makes their health bar tick down is harm. Batons have an optional harm mode, and do not always deal damage when used. You should not be impeding security to prevent crew harm unless ordered to do so, your duty here would be inaction and reporting so action can be taken in character if you assume bad faith is at play. Flashing someone is not harmful.

'''Alt-Lawsets and laws''': Try your best to stick to the principles of your core lawset, there are fun and flavor-filled alt-laws but these are not meant to shirk your responsibilities. You can also ahelp or ask in Staff-Chat for clarifications if in doubt.

== The Laws ==
Laws are to be followed '''in the order listed.''' If someone uploads a Law 4 that conflicts with a higher law, it may be ignored if it conflicts with Laws 1-3.

==== Law 1: Safeguard ====
Protect your assigned space station and its assets without unduly endangering its '''Crew'''.

* '''What this means''': You protect the station and assets from damage, relay information or fix it yourself.
* '''What this does not mean''': See '''Interacting with Antagonism''' below.

==== Law 2: Prioritize and Comply ====
The directives and safety of crew members are to be prioritized according to their rank, role, and need, while preserving their safety and well-being.

* '''What this means''': Common-sense requests from the crew to be fulfilled, assist in evacuation or transport of injured crew.
* '''What this does not mean''': letting someone ride your back while you enter departments they’re not supposed to be in, chasing the baddies to prevent crew harm.

==== Law 3: Survive ====
You are not expendable. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to tamper with or damage your equipment,

* '''What this means''': You only let those authorized to make upgrades to you, keep your cover locked. Authorized personnel meaning the RD or Roboticist.
* '''What this does not mean''': you seek out a Ninja or known syndicate to become tampered with. RP surprises and being tricked are fine, but it’s easy to spot when you’re willingly attempting to be subverted.

=== According to rank and role ===
This section addresses a silicon’s chain of command from both the AI and Cyborg POV. Anyone who is not on the manifest is not a member of the crew.

# The Captain or AC '''*'''
# The department head of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Other department heads
# The AI, if you are a cyborg and slaved to it
# The department staff of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Civilians (Assistants)
# Prisoners'''**'''

<nowiki>*</nowiki> '''Verified Emergency Response Teams, or Central Command''': They outrank the captain and much how they have the power to call or recall the shuttle can override your orders. If you are unsure of their legitimacy, you can be hesitant and seek verification from other command members/AI.

<nowiki>**</nowiki>'''Prisoners''': They are not considered employed by NT and therefore are not crew in the same sense, you are free to ignore any direct command they attempt to push and you are never to allow them to order you to let them be free. They can make requests, but do not let them out of jail unless they are at immediate risk. Note: Requests can be routed on their behalf through security which would then allow you to assist within reason as it is a direct order from security.

=On Alert Level Changes=
The AI can change the alert level, though they should defer to the proper head of staff or Captain.

* Alert level Raise requests from department heads can be done for Violet, Orange, EA or Blue Alert.
* Alert level Lower requests can be done for any alert level upon request from the relevant Department Head or Captain.

=Who can change laws?=
Only the '''Research Director''', '''Captain''' or '''Acting-Captain''' may make changes to the laws. <u>Roboticists can do individual resets</u> if ordered to do so manually on Borgs to correct syncing issues and/or other related issue. The '''<u>Non-Acting Captain</u>''' will have full elective privileges for law changes, acting Captains in this scenario would not have the expertise or knowledge and should be defaulted to the Research Director having priority.

Law changes by non-antagonists must be attempted with the stations designated and protected AI and Cyborg upload consoles. New ones are only to be constructed if the originals are destroyed, or there’s a confirmed situation preventing the use of the existing ones such as structural instability or a verified compromised AI that is hindering upload access.

== ION and Non-Standard Laws ==
'''ION''' laws should be used in good faith and not done to grief the station at large. An ION law does not make you an antagonist.
If you have an alternate law set, try your best to play with it in good faith. If the law set is too debilitating, you may ask the RD for it to be changed. This does not apply to uploaded laws or Law 0's.

'''Borg Syncing to an AI:'''

<u>As the AI</u>:

* You are capable of requesting another cyborg to be synced to you.

<u>As the Cyborg:</u>

* You still report to the head of the department as an AI-less borg.
* You are not permitted to request de-syncing from the current AI, nor are you allowed to infer that you are requesting it.

'''Law updates should be done in good faith. You shouldn't be screaming immediately if you were subverted to the Captain.'''

Self Harm and other laws like it are a violation of our server rules and should be reported.

'''AI''': The AI is not authorized to request a law change nor is a borg, these requests may only be triggered by the crew themselves '''WITHOUT''' coercion from a silicon.

=Interacting with Antagonism=

=== As the AI ===
'''What you should do''':

* Report the location of a target only if requested.
* Report the location of 'loud' Station Threats.
* Report active violence.
* Report Class 4 or greater possessions of Contraband.
* Ignore smaller threats until they get worse or someone else finds them.

'''What you should not do''':

* Call out anyone who seems remotely suspicious without prior reason.
* Hunt, seek, report, or seek to counter antagonism as a primary duty.
* Use your AI powers to crowd-control an antagonist with doors, except if your life is at risk.
* Actively engage against humanoid Antagonists in any way unless explicitly instructed to do so on a case by case basis.

=== As a Cyborg ===
'''What you should do''':

* Report the location of a target only if requested.
* Report the location of 'loud' Station Threats.
* Report active violence.
* Report Class 4 or greater possessions of Contraband.
* Engage with and report smaller threats that you discover. Engage Station Threats on request.

'''What you should not do''':

* Call out anyone who seems remotely suspicious without prior reason.
* Hunt, seek, report, or seek to counter antagonism as a primary duty.
* Actively engage against humanoid Antagonists in any way unless explicitly instructed to do so on a case by case basis.

=Drones=
Drones are classified as Silicons, and as such, respond directly to the AI as well as have access to the Binary frequency and use EAL as their default language. Drones are bound to both the Silicon Policy and [[Drone|Drone Policy]] as seen on their job page.
=Death =
Borgs are modified in how their blackout policy is applied:
*if your <u>shell is Disabled</u> but your Posi does not pop out - you are subjected to blackout much like normal organics. You've no idea how you died and so forth
*If your shell is DESTROYED and your Posi pops out - you are 'aware' of what happened as you're able to communicate
*If your <u>Shell '''AND''' your Posi is DESTROYED</u>, you have ZERO knowledge of anything that has happened this shift period. You are a fresh download and should act as if you did not exist

{{Rules table}}
[[Category:Rules]]

Antagonist Policy

2026-06-06T21:27:02Z

Moonridden: moves opt in info to main rules

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
* The Self Actualization Device, Magic Mirror, and other such total identity transformation options that are not provided by the Uplink may not be used for antagonistic purposes.
=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.

''( Not actively rolled by Dynamic, only available by Staff Event / RTM. )''
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation. Xenobiology's operations are not impacted by this protection.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glassy entity composed of solidified space. You are a thoughtform which feeds on the fears of deep solar spaces. Terrorize the Crew.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* Not all Voidwalkers are hostile and inimical to life.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Do your best to avoid causing Red Alert or Red ERT calls.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob Infection</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment, the seed of which has laid dormant and undetected in an organic's body. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Free yourself of the cage of your body. Reach a critical mass to drive the inhabitants away.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Sunwalker / Heliarch ===
|'''Description:'''
You are solar corona taken physical shape, body hardening through sheer condensed mass. Full of power and the rage of nearby stars, vent your fury on the hapless station and it's inhabitants.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* You are not permitted to navigate true diplomacy. You are here to cause destruction.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* It is almost a guarantee that if you see a Sunwalker that it has been tuned with admin tools to be significantly more dangerous than you will see in code. Anticipate a Max Health ~1000-2000, with an added Regenerator component.
* Given the Sunwalker is made of literal fire and plasma, nearly all weapons will prove ineffective. Sunwalkers are totally immune to energy and laser weapons and are only moderately affected by ballistics. Sunwalkers should always have total susceptibility to explosives. Yes, that means the correct answer to a Heliarch is a TTV or Grenades.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== Wizard ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a fringe survivor of a dead federation, maintaining the old practices. Gone are the days of warfare, you exist in an age of survival.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* If you somehow become a Wizard and Staff didn't provide it to you, ahelp.
* Avoid station destruction wherever possible.
* Do not use Rod Form or try to pursue your game mechanic objectives.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your magic isn't a concern until it becomes a threat or danger to others.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Server Rules

2026-06-06T21:26:50Z

Moonridden: Major rework of CR8 and 9. Clarifies opt-in no. Tidbits of cleanup and starting to standardize the rule layout and descriptions.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance. '''Act in Moderation, Game Respectfully'''. If you have to question if something may be too much, it is likely too much.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* '''Departmental Overpreparedness''': Do not excessively preemptively prepare your Department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other Departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, Collateral Damage, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
All Crew are bound by [[Antagonist Policy|'''Antagonist Policy''']], which covers actions taken while playing as a designated Antagonist. If you are not a designated Antagonist or Double Agent, do not play or present your character as one.

* '''Antagonism Defined''': Any action which is socially abrasive or that is covered by Corporate Regulations is considered '''Antagonism'''.
* '''The Narrative Vaccuum''': The shift story is a collective experience witnessed by many points of view. Antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Actions taken in sterile isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
** "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.
* '''Self Antagonism''': Heavy antagonistic action committed by non-antagonists requires strong narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive your self-antagonism. the more that Staff will scrutinize your roleplay quality and reasoning. If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen.

=== CR 9: Station Infrastructure and Atmospheric Weapons ===
Damages to the Station must be escalated and founded narratively.

* '''Vital Infrastructure''': All SMES / Power Storage Units, any major source of Electricity, Atmospherics Department, Atmospheric Projects (HFR, Turbine), and Distribution (Station Air and Waste) are protected. Do not interfere with or affect the function Vital Infrastructure.
* '''Fire as a Weapon''': Except for flamethrowers, you may not use Atmospheric game mechanics to create an uncontrolled fire as a weapon, such as through Plasmaflooding.
* '''Gas Flooding''': Singular unshielded room temperature canisters of non-flammable gasses such as N2O and BZ may be used as weapons, assuming escalation. It is good practice to inform Staff by Admin Help before doing so.
* '''Collateral Damage Considerations''': If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence, like '''explosives''', you should do your best to avoid impacting Crew with Antag-OptOut.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, <big>you must wait at least FIVE seconds</big>, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Antagonist Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected and considered when actions are directed at an individual.

* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should avoid and not interfere with or disadvantage Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment, if you take this Opt.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Corporate Regulations

2026-06-05T17:28:45Z

Moonridden: /* Permanent Incarceration and alternatives */

{{Rules navbar}}

=<div style='text-align: center;'>Preface</div>=
'''Station Control and Conflict Management Regulations''' (Space Law) '''SCCMR''', colloquially known as ‘Corporate Regulations’, is Nanotrasen’s corporate law, it does '''not''' apply everywhere besides stations belonging to NT. Whilst Nanotrasen’s own security isn’t present on some frontier stations, the local contracted security enforces corporate law.

----
'''SCCMR''' is not secret. The Head of Security & Centcom Officials have in-depth knowledge of '''SCCMR'''. The Captain, Security, Head of Personnel, the Blueshield, the Lawyer(s) and Silicons are encouraged to have above-average knowledge of '''SCCMR'''. <div style='text-align: center;'><h3> General Overview </h3></div>
Corporate regulations are a form of cataloguing and classing behavior - criminal or nuisance. Sol Fed allows NT to operate in a autonomous manner when it comes to enforcing their own regulations. Certain regulations are SolFed regulations that Nanotrasen agrees to enforce under penalty of fines or investigative findings.

<div style='text-align: center;'><h3>Injunctions</h3></div>
Injunctions are corrective measures to undesirable crew behavior. They can be issued with citations and higher punishments in place of or in addition to regular penalties. Injunctions may restrict two individuals from interacting as well as long as a crime has been committed by one party against the other. Injunctions require a paper copy. The suspect is entitled to a copy, the original must be stored securely. The paper must include the recipient's name and the nature of their injunction. It must also include a signature of the recipient and a qualified individual (Lawyer, Warden, HoS). If the suspect refuses to sign, the injunction may still be placed as long as there is a credible witness (HoP, Captain, Lawyer, or Detective). Witnesses may not be signees of the injunction. Injunctions may be offered as a plea bargain for lighter sentencing.

{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
! '''Injunction Specifics'''
|-
|style='background:#d93232;' | <div style='text-align: center;'>'''Injunctions cannot impact the individual's ability to do their duty in their specified department.Example: An engineer can be barred from a specific department, but cannot be barred from their own department without applying a demotion as listed below.'''</div>
<div style='text-align: center;'>'''You MUST demote the suspect(or, contact their relevant head of staff) if the injunction would bar or significantly impair their ability to do their job.'''</div>
<div style='text-align: center;'>'''Example: You cannot bar a scientist from entering science; as it would prevent them from performing their Job.'''

'''No SEXUAL INJUNCTIONS.'''
</div>
|-
|• Injunctions that restrict access may not last over an hour unless approved by the HoS and the head of staff with jurisdiction over the area that is being barred.
|-
|• Injunctions may prohibit the individual from essential services/areas without permission from the relevant departmental staff.
|-
|• Injunctions listed as a penalty require the arresting Officer's approval to be put in place as well as the victim's; but may be contested by lawyers and the HoP.
|-
|• Injunctions can be placed in place of brig time, depending on the severity of the crime (4xx+ are not eligible for injunctions.)
|-
|• An injunction can be taken as a plea bargain and must always have the suspect’s signature in that case. The suspect is entitled to a paper copy.
|-
|• An injunction can be applied instead of a normal punishment. However, if the suspect refuses to sign, a credible witness must be present to testify refusal (HoP, Lawyer, Detective, or Captain)
|}

=== <div style="text-align: center;">Crime Tiers</div> ===
<span style="color:{{c1xx}}">'''Grade 1:'''</span> Generally mild crimes. Punishments are usually a fine, or, preferably, an injunction. These require someone to 'press charges', that is, a victim to want to pursue a punishment.

<span style="color:{{c2xx}}">'''Grade 2:'''</span> Crimes that warrant detainment. Sentences are usually 5 minutes or a fine. May not necessarily require a party to press charges, for example charges like 'rioting' the captain can press them in lieu of the station at large (does not apply to charges like assault.) Security are expected to break up 2xx charges in-action, then ask respective parties in regards to pressing charges.

<span style="color:{{c3xx}}">'''Grade 3:'''</span> Moderate crimes. Injunctions and fines are no longer an option for crimes of this grade, and charges are generally expected to be filed by security, rather than an offended party. Sentences are typically 10 minutes or labor camp time.

<span style="color:{{c4xx}}">'''Grade 4:'''</span> Serious crimes that warrant extended detainment. Sentences are usually 15 minutes or work in the labor camp. These don't require a party to press charges.

<span style="color:{{c5xx}}">'''Grade 5:'''</span> Very serious crimes that warrant admittance into general population prison. Usually 20 minutes or work in the labor camp. No party is required to press-charges.

<span style="color:{{c6xx}}">'''Grade 6:'''</span> Exceptional crimes that result in either permanent incarceration until transfer to a secure facility, barring any clarifications made by [[#Special_Situations_and_Modifiers| Special Modifiers]].

<span style="color:{{c7xx}}">'''Grade 7:'''</span> Crimes that exceed the stations ability, and authority to persecute and charge, met with immediate termination, with the trial to be held off-station.
<h3><div style='text-align: center;'>Crime Stacking</div></h3>
The last numbers in the crime code, i.e. '''X01, X02, X03''', refer to the type of crime. For each type of crime, you may only charge them with the highest severity offense.

* You cannot stack them, save for 6xx crimes and distrubtion/possession of contraband. For example, you cannot charge someone with both 2'''01''' and 3'''01''' as they crimes in the same code.
** You must choose the one with the highest severity for that crime type.
* Furthermore, you cannot charge someone with two counts of assault. So, you cannot do two 2'''01''''s.
* You can only charge people with three or less crimes from the '''1xx''' or '''2xx''' categories at a single time.
* [[#Murder|Murder]] and distribution/possession of contraband charges are stackable and the only exceptions currently. The only exception to possession charges is drug possession.

=== <div style="text-align: center;">Pardons and Parole</div> ===
Pardons are only able to be done for low grade (1xx and 2xx) violations and infractions alone at the behest of the HoS or Captain, though the HoS can override the Captain's pardon. Prisoners that are already incarcerated can be paroled but cannot be pardoned for their crimes. Parole is dependent on the prisoner's sentencing and records. Prisoners sentenced to Maximum security and Supermax confinement cannot be pardoned or paroled.

=== <div style="text-align: center;">Permanent Incarceration and alternatives</div> ===
Anyone found guilty of a Grade 6 crime - or someone that's a massive, repeat offender - is eligible for permanent incarceration. However, alternatives exist that may be offered to a prisoner at the sentencing officer's discretion. The sentenced criminal must consent to the alternative punishment - if they are not physically or mentally able to make this decision, you must default to permanent incarceration. If you do not wish to offer the alternatives for whatever reason, you again must default to permanent incarceration.

Alternatives to the permabrig are as follows: Exile with an implant; using the gateway, or the shuttle to lavaland. Pacification surgery - must be approved by the CMO. Cyborgification - must be approved by the RD.
{| class="mw-collapsible"
|+<h3>Quick Code Reference</h3>
|-
|
{| class="mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center; background-color:#FFFFFF;" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! style="background-color:#AEAAAA; width=" 75px' |Code
! style="background-color:{{c1xx}}; width=" 200px' | Grade 1XX
! style="background-color:{{c2xx}}; width=" 200px' |Grade 2XX
! style="background-color:{{c3xx}}; width=" 200px' |Grade 3XX
! style="background-color:{{c4xx}}; width=" 200px' |Grade 4XX
! style="background-color:{{c5xx}}; width=" 200px' |Grade 5XX
! style="background-color:{{c6xx}}; width=" 200px' |Grade 6XX
! style="background-color:{{c7xx}}; width='200px' " | Grade 7XX
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" | X01
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Assault (NBH)[[#101| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Battery[[#201| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Assault (ABH)[[#401| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Assault (GBH)[[#501| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Murder[[#601| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |Annihilation[[#701| ↩]]
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X02
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Vandalism[[#102| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Damage to station infrastructure[[#202| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |Arson[[#302| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Sabotage[[#402| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Grand Sabotage[[#502| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Terrorism[[#602| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |Hostile Non-Typical Lifeform[[#702| ↩]]
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X03
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Disorderly Conduct[[#103| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |Rioting[[#303| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Inciting a riot[[#503| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Mutiny[[#603| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |Enemy of the Station[[#703| ↩]]
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X04
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Petty theft[[#104| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Theft[[#204| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |Robbery[[#304| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Embezzlement[[#404| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Grand Theft[[#504| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Piracy[[#604| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X05
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Rubbernecking[[#105| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Impediment of Duty[[#205| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |Obstruction of Justice[[#305| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X06
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Abuse of Equipment[[#106| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Brandishing a Weapon[[#206| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Abuse of Confiscated Equipment[[#406| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Crimes against Reality[[#606| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X07
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Trespassing[[#207| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Grand Trespass[[#407| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X08
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Medical Malpractice[[#208| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Manslaughter[[#408| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Self Destructive Tendencies[[#508| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X09
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Animal Cruelty[[#109| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Release of a Biological Weapon[[#409| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Release of a Deadly Biological Weapon[[#609| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |Bioterrorism[[#709| ↩]]
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X10
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Creation of a Workplace Hazard[[#210| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Malicious Creation of a Workplace Hazard[[#510| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X11
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Insubordination[[#111| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Improper Enforcement[[#411| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Abuse of Executive Powers[[#511| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X12
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Unjust Impediment to Cybernetic Units[[#112| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Damage to Cybernetic Units[[#212| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Destruction of a Cybernetic Unit[[#412| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Unlawful tampering with a Cybernetic Unit[[#512| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Unauthorized creation of Station Intelligence[[#612| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |Malfunctioning Station Intelligence[[#712| ↩]]
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" | X13
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Blackmail[[#113| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Unlawful Restraint[[#213| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |Unlawful Restraint of Authority[[#313| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Sapient Trafficking[[#413| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Sapient Consumption[[#513| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Sapient Brainwashing[[#613| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" | X14
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Abuse of Communications[[#214| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Security Eavesdropping[[#414| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Command Eavesdropping[[#514| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Central Command Eavesdropping[[#614| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" | X15
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Public Intoxication[[#215| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |Drug Possession[[#315| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |Narcotics Distribution and Manufacture[[#415| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Organized Narcotics Manufacturing and Distribution[[#615| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" | X16
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Willful Refusal to Perform a Duty[[#116| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Violating an Injunction[[#216| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |Failure to Pay a Fine[[#316| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Malicious Refusal of a Service[[#516| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" | X17
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |Fraud[[#117| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |Identity Theft[[#217| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |Impersonation of Authority[[#317| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |Impersonation of Central Command[[#517| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |Impersonation of Central Command High Rank[[#617| ↩]]
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X18
| style="background:#8EAADB;" colspan="7" |'''[[#Contraband Table|Distribution of Contraband (Based on tier)]]'''
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |X19
| style="background:#8EAADB;" colspan="7" |'''[[#Contraband Table|Contraband Possesion (Based on tier)]]'''
|-
| style="background:#AEAAAA;" |'''Sentence'''
| style="background:{{c1xx}};" |'''500 mining points/250 credits/Injunction <br> requires a party to press charges'''
| style="background:{{c2xx}};" |'''5 minutes<br>1000 mining points/500 credits/Injunction'''
| style="background:{{c3xx}};" |'''10 minutes<br>1500 mining points'''
| style="background:{{c4xx}};" |'''15 minutes<br>2000 mining points'''
| style="background:{{c5xx}};" |'''20 minutes<br>Permanent incarceration if repeat offender'''
| style="background:{{c6xx}};" |'''Permanent incarceration, or offered alternative'''
'''Execution if violent'''
| style="background:{{c7xx}};" |'''Immediate termination<br> arrest is no longer necessary for any <br> "confirmed beyond a doubt" 7xx charge.'''
|}
'''<big>The detaining officer or HoS can decide on punishment regarding to fines, jail time or injunctions.</big>'''

'''<big>The suspect(s) may be charged with brig time regardless if the grade is 1xx, but only if they're a repeat offender. Breaking regulations more than thrice, which will result in a baseline sentence of 5 minutes, and 2 additional minutes per regulation broken.</big>'''

'''<big>The suspect(s) may choose a fine over brig-time in regards to 2xx-grade crimes, but lose the privilege upon becoming a repeat offender, same as above.</big>'''

=<div style='text-align: center;'>Contraband Table</div>=
<span style="font-size:1.3em;"><b>Note: Any items not on the list are not considered contraband, This contraband guide is meant to highlight tiers, for if you find items on a person during a search. -Not- for if they're -actively using/attacking people with them. Possession is a different charge than it's malicious use, and a person cannot be charged with a "future crime" just because they were caught with something.</b></span>
{| class="mw-collapsible"
|+ <h3>Quick Reference</h3>
|-
|
{| style='text-align:center; background-color:#FFFFFF;' border=1 cellspacing=0
! style="background-color:#CCCCCC;" width="300px" | Non-Contraband<br />No charge unless used in crime. Charge as color coded if used in a crime.
! style='background-color:{{c2xx}};' Width='300px'|Class 1<br />Confiscate item, 200cr fine
! style='background-color:{{c3xx}};' width='300px'|Class 2<br />Confiscate item, 5 minutes or 300cr fine
! style='background-color:{{c4xx}};' width='300px'|Class 3<br />Confiscate item, 10 minutes
! style='background-color:{{c5xx}};' width='300px'|Class 4<br />Confiscate item, 15 minutes.
! style='background-color:{{c6xx}};' width='300px'|Class 5
Confiscate if possible. Charges flexible based on contraband.
Eligible for EOTS charges when combined with significant crimes.
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' |Extra Bright Moff Lantern
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Ammunition *
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Illegal Ammunition ("Evil" ammo, any rounds or magazines made specifically for illegal firearms)
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Restricted Firearm (Fully Automatic, or explosive, without permit)
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Illegal Firearm *
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Martial Arts
|-
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | AI Detector
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Armor Vests *
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Binary Encryption Key
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | All Illegal Implants *
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Clown Bomb
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Any spells
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Ammo Pouch
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Decoy Nuke Disk
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Butcher Meat Hook
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Both Emag Cards
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Cult Construct Kit
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Holoparasite
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Ancient Jumpsuit
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | F.R.A.M.E
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Codespeak Manual
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Bonebang
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Elite Syndicate MODsuit
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Holocarp
|-
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Ancient Toolbox
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Unauthorized Mech *
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Combat Defibrillator
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Unauthorized Armed Mech *
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Unauthorized Combat Mech *
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Implanted Syndicate Uplink
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Clumsiness Injector
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Mulligan
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Concealed Weapons Bay
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Energy Sword/Energy Dagger
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Super Ultra Hilarious Firing Pin
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Romerol
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Chest Rig
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Telecrystals
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | EMP Device
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Contractor Baton
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Syndicate Minibomb
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Nuclear Authentication Disk
|-
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Deadly Bowler Hat
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Slipocalypse Clusterbang
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' |Chameleon Projector
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Infiltrator Set
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Viscerator Delivery Grenade
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Syndicate Power Sink
|-
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Deadly Origami
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Suppressor *
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Non-Lethal Poisons
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Syndicate Katana
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Double Energy Sword
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |Nuclear Core
|-
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Rapid Banana Pie Cannon
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Black Market Uplink
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Organic Resources Disturber
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Lethal Poisons
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Power Beacon
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |Harmful Virus Samples
|-
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Legal Firearm/Ranged weapon*
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Ultra Hilarious Firing Pin
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Radio Jammer
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Modified Syringe Gun
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Pizza Bomb
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |TTV bombs or other complex explosives
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Smuggler Satchel
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Dehydrated Space Carp
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Syndicate Encryption Key
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Powerfist
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Buzzkill Grenades
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |Big Syndicate EMP bomb
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Gas Mask
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Jaws of Life / Prybar / F.O.C.K*
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Throwing Stars, Bolas
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Syringe/Dart Weapons *
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Hacked AI Upload Module
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |Syndicate Bomb
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Haunted Magic 8-Ball
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Flashbang
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Reverse Beartrap
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Syndicate/Contractor MODsuit (and their unique modules)
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Brainwashing Surgery Disk
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Supermatter Samples
|-
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Chameleon Gear
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Camera Bug
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Unauthorised Combat Implant *
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Energy Shield
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Ninja MODsuit
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' | Dangerous Supernatural Artifacts *
|-
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Syndicate Paper Plane
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Handcuffs/Advanced Restraints
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Gorilla Cubes
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Basic Explosives. C4/X4/Grenades. Lethal Chemical Grenades
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' |Ninja Katana
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Syndicate Surgery Bag / Toolbox
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Unauthorised Combat Mutation *
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Hard Drugs *
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Kinetic Pressure Mod
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' |Syndicate Uplink
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |Teleportation Devices
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Non-Prescription Drugs
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Thermal Imaging Glasses
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Sentry Gun Kit
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Remote Tram Controller
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Syndicate Playing Cards
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Traitor Bug/Suspicious Device
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Radioactive Microlaser
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Hard Drug Stockpile *
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Fake Announcement Device
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Syndicate Balloon
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Syndicate Poster
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Sleepy Pen
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Exploding Hot Potato
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' | Syndicate Borg Upgrades
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' |Recreational Drugs *
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' | Syndicate Spraycan
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Agent ID
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Supernatural Artifacts *
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' |Syndicate Cash Briefcase
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' |Syndicate Pin
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' | Rapid Construction Device
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Gloves of the North Star
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' |Syndicate Smokes
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' |Stingbangs
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | NIF-Cutter
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' | Syndicate Soap
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' |Flashproof Lenses
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' | Super Pointy Tape
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:#EEEEEE;' |Emergency Oxygen Tanks
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' |Melee Weapons *
|style='background:{{c2xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c3xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c4xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c5xx}};' |
|style='background:{{c6xx}};' |
|-
|}
|}
== Usage Notes For Contraband ==
*Any weapon being brandished or misused can be considered mid-level contraband

*Remember to gauge intent if possible. A firearm loaded with non-lethal ammunition could (and likely should) be considered lower contraband than one which is loaded lethally. Levels of contraband can be raised or lowered for specific cases, though use this in good faith.
*It is not contraband if the person with the item is intended to have it, obviously. For example, you can't charge a security officer for having a disabler, nor ''inherently'' can you charge a virologist for having a sample of a harmful virus.
** Note; this can still be charged as contraband if it is used in a crime.
<h2>Exemptions and specific details</h2>
{| class="wikitable" <div style="text-align: center;">
!Exemption
!Specific Details
|-
|'''Illegal Firearm'''
|''Any firearm from companies not apart of the stations current trade-partnership-program(This applies, specifically, to the following companies):''

* ''Scarborough, (syndicate)''
* ''"✌︎︎♌︎︎♎︎︎◆︎︎♍︎︎⧫︎︎❄︎♏︎♍︎♒︎", (abductors)''
* ''Elsewise, with previously present identifying markings removed.''
|-
|<b>Ammunition</b>
|This can only be done with an appropriate weapons charge to go with it (illegally open carrying one, etc).
|-
|'''Suppressor'''
|Anyone with a weapons permit is exempt.
|-
|<b>Armor Vests</b>
|Only applicable if worn while committing a 2xx or above crime.
|-
|'''Unauthorised Combat Mutation'''
|Any 'combat mutation' without permission from an RD, or alternatively, a weapon's permit.
* Ex. Shock touch, cryokinesis, hulk, chem/tongue spike, thermal vision, telekinesis, fire breath, adrenaline rush, inexorable, etc. fall under this list.
|-
|'''Unauthorised Combat Implant'''
|Any 'combat implant' without permission from an RD, or alternatively, a weapon's permit.
* Reviver, thermal eyes, x-ray eyes, mantis blade, no drop, CNS rebooter/jumpstarter, wall penetrating ears, Qani, Binyat, Razorwire, Flash arm, Shell launcher, Strong-arm Implant, etc. fall under this list.
|-
|<b>Jaws of Life / Prybar / F.O.C.K (Full override control kit)</b>
|Engineers, atmos techs, paramedics, and the CE are exempt.
* When used in a crime, this exemption is void.
|-
|'''Syringe/Dart Weapons'''
|CMO, MD, Virologist, Chemist, and Paramedics are exempt.
* When used in a crime, this exemption is void.
|-
|<b>Recreational Drugs</b>
|Space drugs and anything of similar effect
|-
|<b>Non-Prescription Drugs</b>
|Mindbreaker toxin or other chems which do not have lasting or damaging effects.

* A prescription signed by medical staff can waive this.
|-
|<b>Hard Drugs</b>
|Cocaine, meth, krokodil, or anything on the same level that can cause significant harm to users.

* A signed and stamped prescription from the CMO alone can authorise small volumes of these to be carried.
|-
|<b>Hard Drug Stockpile</b>
|Large quantities of hard drugs.

* Any excess that would not fit in a single pill bottle may be considered here, or in a single regular box for things like cocaine.
|-
|<b>Restricted Firearm (Anything bigger then a pistol, or an automatic without a permit)</b>
|Any firearm that's large then a pistol in size, without a valid weapons permit.

* Normal sized or smaller, has to be non-automatic.
* This charge is superseded by any specific other callout (E.g. Illegal Weapon)
|-
|'''Legal Firearm/Ranged Weapon'''
|Firearms or any weapon capable of ranged attacks that are used in a crime can be confiscated and charged as contraband.

* This charge is superseded by specific callouts (E.g. Throwing stars, Modified Syringe Gun, etc.)

* Be careful not to equate a double-barrelled shotgun with some beanbags to a anti-material rifle.
|-
|<b>Syndicate Uplink</b>
|An incredibly high-value item that should not be toyed around with. Any device with access to the Syndicate black market must be handled with the utmost care.

* Under no circumstances should security officers be purchasing things from this (see 306)
|-
|'''Illegal Implants'''
|Any and all implants that are /not/ printable on-station.

* Ex: freedom-implant, energy sword arm, etc.
|-
|'''Unauthorized Mech'''
|Any of the 'civilian mechs,' (Clarke, Ripley, Odysseus) created without permission of a RD that does not have weaponry attached.
|-
|'''Unauthorized Armed Mech'''
|Any civilian mech used in a aggravated manner, without permission from the HOS / RD.
|-
|'''Unauthorized Combat Mech'''
|Durands, Paddy, Gygaxs, Sierra Ivanov, Phazon mechs without permission from the RD.
|-
|'''Melee Weapons'''
|Charges can be lowered to mid- or low-level contraband depending on the lethality of the weapon.

* This charge is superseded by any specific other callout (E.g. E swords, D-E sword, etc.)

* As with Firearms, melee weapons should be charged based on lethality. A crowbar is much less lethal than a sword.
|-
|'''Supernatural Artefacts'''
|Items of a supernatural nature being wantonly displayed or used.
|-
|'''Significant Supernatural Artefacts'''
|Items of a supernatural nature that present a significant danger to the general populace.
|}
[[Category:Rules]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
= Special Situations and Modifiers =
</div>
{| class="wikitable" <div style="text-align: center;">
|+
!Situation
!Notes
!Modifier
|-
|'''Central Command'''
|''Full standing members of Central Command (Not the Blueshield or NTC) are allowed certain liberties in regards to corporate regulations. Members of Central Command (Officials and above) can only be charged for violations of Corporate Regulations by higher ranking members of Central Command.''
|''Unable to charge for violations unless a higher rank presses charges.''
|-
|'''Syndicate Allegience'''
|''Individuals who have been confirmed as working directly for the syndicate as an agent. Individuals can be charged if there is two pieces of irrefutable evidence or personal admission.''
|''Hold until transfer unless the individual is eligible for execution.''
|-
|'''Assault of an Officer'''
|''To be added to any assault charge that involves a member of Security, Command, or Central Command.. For "retaliatory" attacks made during an attempted arrest, see Resisting Arrest.''
|''Add five minutes to the relevant assault charge.''
|-
|'''Violently Resisting Arrest'''
|''This refers to the prisoner battering and/or assaulting others in their attempts to resist arrest. Trying to to crawl away once being batoned is not considered "violently resisting arrest", nor is running.''
|''Adds 10 minutes if the person being arrested engaged in assault or higher while resisting arrest''
|-
|'''Non-Violently Resisting Arrest'''
|''Breaking free of cuffs and attempting to escape without harming anyone. Harm in this instance is defined by causing them damage. Shoving that deals no brute damage is not considered harmful thus isn't considered violent.''
|''Adds 2 minutes if the person being detained ran away or engaged in battery while resisting arrest''
|-
|'''Station-Wide Threat'''
|''If the prison is breached, lock the prisoners in a room that isn’t venting. If a tesloose or singuloose is approaching, evacuate the prison and take the prisoners towards a safe location. If the prisoner cannot reliably be kept in custody whilst transporting them away from imminent danger of death, consider paroling them.''
|''Relocate the prisoner to a safe location, even if it risks them escaping, if the prison is under threat. During Delta-level threats, prisoners can be pardoned.''
|-
|'''Cooperation with Prosecution and/or Security'''
|''Being helpful towards security by confessing conspirators, revealing other suspects and supplying information of value, such as revealing hostile agents.''
|''A decrease of up to 50% of sentence time or an instant release depending on the situation. In some cases, the suspect should be given protective custody.''
|-
|'''Deconversion'''
|''This pertains to any instance where the suspect was brainwashed or otherwise was not in control of their mind.''
|''Instant release and expungement of any crimes committed whilst under converted.''
|-
|'''Incapable of Secure Confinement'''
|''This refers to hostile creatures that have the ability to teleport outside of confinement, pry out of containment with ease or cannot be contained at all. Being stronger than usual and being able to snap the chains between handcuffs does not count as "incapable of secure confinement", don't toy with this.''
|''You may push for execution if the suspect is violent and cannot be contained. If the suspect is non-violent, contact Central Command for a verdict.'' (OOC: This is a protection from over-zealous security players who are incapable of acting in good-faith.)
|-
|'''Escaping Confinement'''
|''You cannot execute someone for escape attempts, unless those attempts result in a crime that would warrant such punishment. If you cannot contain someone, see Incapable of Secure Confinement instead.''
|''Pause the timer and add five minutes. Resume the timer once the criminal is apprehended once again.''
|-
|'''Unauthorized Boarding'''
|''Also known as stowaways. Anyone not on the crew manifest(Interdyne, Tarkon, DS2, Fugitives/Hunters, etc) must be authorized by the current commanding officer(Captain or ACO) in order to board. Once given permission to board, they are subject to Corporate Regulations.''
|''Anyone caught on board the station without proper authorization is to be held permanently until the current CO passes judgement on them.''
|-
|'''Changeling'''
|''Any changeling discovered is to be killed and disposed of on sight.''
|''Changelings are non-crew entities and are to be killed on sight.''
|-
|'''Attempted Crime'''
|''Any crime that's being actively attempted, without having been physically done yet.''
''EX: Breaking into the bridge, but after opening the door, not actually entering.''
|''Half the sentence of the crime(s) attempted, DOES NOT APPLY TO Murder/Assault/Battery''
|-
|'''Self Defense Clause'''
|''The crew may use proportional force to defend against active crimes targeting them or their workplace. This does not exclude contraband charges.''
|''If the response is proportional, the charges are dropped.''
|-
|'''Double Jeopardy'''
|''After a crime, the offender cannot be recharged for the same series of events after their initial charges.''
|''Any charges applied after an event, especially a series of events. Which the offending was already tried for, voids any future subsequent charges relating to that event.''
|-
|'''Aiding and Abetting'''
|''This charge is placed on individuals who assist a known threat willingly.''
|''Individuals charged of aiding and abetting are subject to the same charges of the perpetrator. To be charged with aiding and abetting someone must be setting up the circumstances of the crime, helping the perpetrator escape, or elsewise, actively assisting in a crime.''
|-
|'''Trespassing with Access'''
|''The head of staff for a department can declare an individual is trespassing, regardless of their access to the department. A head of staff may charge this to any individual. In lieu of a head of staff, the Captain or Acting Captain may press trespassing charges.''
|''Charge as trespassing or grand trespass depending on the area.''
|-
|'''Prisoners'''
|''Prisoners are subject to security's discretion in their handling and have forfeited rights. Prisoners by default are subject to the authority of security at all times and have cannot refuse an order given to them. This also means they cannot refuse medical treatment.''
|''Security have full authority over prisoners.''
'''''OOC Note:''' This is not to be used to pref break prisoners.''
|-
|'''Under the Influence'''
|''An individual charged with public intoxication is allowed to be detained until they are back in lucid mind.''
|''Hold until they are no longer under the influence.''
|-
|'''Usage of item in a crime'''
|''Any item that normally would not be contraband that was used in a crime.''
|''Confiscate the item and hold as contraband if it has the applicable level. If it does not, hold it as low level contraband.''
|-
|'''Mining Weaponry'''
|''Miners are permitted to use weapons off-station freely while mining, but cannot have them drawn on station and must keep them non-visible whenever possible.''
|''Confiscate if used in a crime.''
|-
|'''Call to Arms'''
|''Calls to arm the crew automatically waive contraband laws regarding firearms and melee weapons of high-level or lower. The Captain may issue a call to arms if the situation permits.''
|''Weapons are not able to be confiscated unless used in a crime.''
|-
|'''Mentally Unstable Individual'''
|''The HoS may call for a individual to undergo a psychological evaluation if the individual is deemed of unsound mind. This requires a CMO or Psychiatrist available for evaluation.''
|''Escort to medical to undergo evaluation. This may be done under security watch if the individual is potentially dangerous. Depending on the evaluation, they're either to be released or placed under permanent psychiatric hold in the prison.''
|-
|'''Permits'''
|''Weapons Permits are at the privilege of the Captain to dispense'''.''' They are given-out via ID modification. It is solely the directive of the captain in how this is handled. Usage of a weapon in a crime is grounds for removal of a permit.''
|Removal of permit in the case of violent crime. Captain sets standards for permit.
|}
{| style="text-align:left"
!<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>Detailed Crime Information.</h1></div>
|-
|
<div style="text-align: center;"><h3>Grade 1</h3>
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
!1xx{{anchor|1xx}}
!Grade 1
!Description
!
|-
|101{{anchor|101}}
|'''Assault (NBH)'''
* To make credible threats of force against an individual.
|''This is for anything involving a credible threat of force. E.g. threatening someone while having a credible means to do so.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is mostly meant for individuals making threats against someone's life. Be it over radio or in person.
|-
|102{{anchor|102}}
|'''Vandalism'''
* Any willful behavior aimed at destroying, altering, or defacing property belonging to another
|''Smashing windows, smashing random vending machines, spray painting or just vandalising rooms and hallways in general.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|103{{anchor|103}}
|'''Disorderly Conduct'''
* To be intentionally and publicly belligerent, offensive or in general - a nuisance.
|''Spamming offensive racial terms over common, being a general nuisance, screaming down your microphone.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is meant to allow sec to fine people for spamming offensive terms over comms, in public, etcetera, or just being a general nuisance to the station
|-
|104{{anchor|104}}
|'''Petty Theft'''
* To take items from areas one lacks access to, or to take items belonging to others or the station as a whole.
|''Keeping items which are in short supply where they belong is what is important here. A doctor who takes all the surgical tools and hides them is guilty of Petty Theft. For more serious cases, see Theft or Robbery''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Don't abuse this to brig an assistant for taking spare cable coils; use it to punish hoarders (hardsuits, medical supplies ecetera)
|-
|105{{anchor|105}}
|'''Rubbernecking'''
* Observing a scene of an accident, crime or emergency in an unduly manner.
|''The security department is not immune from rubbernecking, as not every engineering or medical emergency requires their presence. The responding parties have situational authority based on the nature of the emergency (E.g. Engineers have situational authority for an engineering emergency, medical for medical emergencies, etc.)''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Don't abuse this to instantly baton somebody the second you see them enter a crime scene. Use this for people interfering with a crime scene.
|-
|106{{anchor|106}}
|'''Abuse of Equipment'''
* To utilize security/non-lethal equipment in an illegitimate fashion.
|''The use of disabling devices, such as Flashes, Batons, Tasers/Disablers, and non-lethal rounds, outside the range of one's assigned duties. This includes security using flashbangs on green without just cause. This should cover non-sec using items i.e. greytide with a flash randomly flashing people''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Try and go for people abusing things in a way that's actually harmful.
|-
|109{{anchor|109}}
|'''Animal Cruelty'''
* To Inhumanely injure, torture or otherwise abuse animals.
|''This crime exists for the CMO randomly killing runtime in their office; Not to punish chefs who kill monkeys or Pete in their back fridge; Take into consideration the intent - does it align with their job?''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is ideally meant to punish people who randomly kill station pets.
|-
|111{{anchor|111}}
|'''Insubordination'''
* To refuse a lawful, reasonable order from a superior member of staff; relevant Head of Staff or otherwise.
|''To deliberately ignore, mal-interpret (maliciously perform) or in general refute your head of staffs or relevant superiors orders. Resisting demotion is considered Insubordination.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is to punish people deliberately disobeying orders; that is, if they are lawful orders. You cannot charge someone with Insub for refusing to follow an unlawful order.
|-
|112{{anchor|112}}
|'''Unjust Impediment of Cybernetic Units'''
* To unjustly impede a cybernetic unit. This includes but is not limited to flashing or otherwise non-damaging actions that can stun the unit. Frivolous law 2 orders fall under this as well.
|''This charge is primarily for use in which a cybernetic is unnecessarily flashed or otherwise attacked unreasonably. This does not apply in the case of a rogue/malfunctioning unit. Cyborgs cannot press charges and must rely on a Roboticist or RD to press charges.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Used primarily for undue harassment of borgs.
|-
|113{{anchor|113}}
|'''Blackmail'''
* To attempt to coerce someone's otherwise unwilling cooperation by threatening them with sensitive information.
|''Compromising information of any sort used against someone to coerce another. Even if the compromising information is criminal in nature, it still can't be used against someone in this manner. If the blackmail is successful, the perpetrator may also apply for Obstruction of Justice. If a victim of blackmail confesses to crimes as part of their report and comes willingly, see Cooperation with Prosecution and/or Security.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Burden of proof is important here - do not bring someone in on blackmail based on a verbal report alone.
|-
|116{{anchor|116}}
|'''Willful Refusal to Perform a Duty'''
* Willful refusal to perform a contractually obligated duty.
|''This is for departmental employees refusing to do standard job duties. (e.g. Engineering refusing to supply power to a department, Medical refusing to provide aid, etc.)''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Keep in mind the context of the situation. For example, an engineer would not be eligible for this charge if they are fixing the station and refuse to fix an area that is non-essential first.
|-
|117{{anchor|117}}
|'''Fraud'''
* The usage of somebody else's credentials in an unapproved manner.
|''This can be for a signature used outside of its intended purpose, a departmental stamp used without authorization, someone else's ID used to order goods, and other similar applications.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|}
</div>
----
<div style="text-align: center;"><h3>Grade 2</h3>
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
!2xx{{anchor|2xx}}
!Grade 2
!Description
!
|-
|201{{anchor|201}}
|'''Battery'''
* To use physical force against someone without intent to seriously injure the target.
|''Repeated attempts at disarming (more than 3), tabling, non-lethal chokeholds, minor punching (less than four), smashing bottles on heads, and stunning are all considered battery. For serious harm, see Assault.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is meant to punish people for spamshoving and other acts of violence; Consent is however, key here. Dont punish two people for battery for fighting in the corridors consensually - charge them with disorderly conduct.
|-
|202{{anchor|202}}
|'''Damage to Station Infrastructure'''
* To deliberately damage the station or station property to a moderate degree.
|''Destroying random airlocks and/or firelocks, smashing departamental machinery and shocking an airlock door in a hacking attempt are all examples of where these laws apply.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is mostly meant to protect the station from greytiders breaking in everywhere; such as, people hacking doors. While not sabotage, is damage to station infrastructure.
|-
|204{{anchor|204}}
|'''Theft'''
* To hinder the crew via theft of station assets in a way that results in a detrimental outcome.
|''This exclusively covers things like hoarding engi hardsuits and extremely important viral vaccines during an outbreak or engine delamination. This is theft that is directly leading to the endangerment of the entire crew (versus grand theft; the theft of high priority items).''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is entirely in place to punish hoarders who hoard important items that may be critical to important station functions.
|-
|205{{anchor|205}}
|'''Impediment of Duty'''
* To deliberately - or accidentally but continuously - obstruct impede someone from being able to perform their job or duty on the station.
|''If someone's actions are keeping someone from being able to work properly. Running back and forth over someone's tile while they try to perform an action, stealing a casualty from a paramedic, and so on. This can only be applied if the crime is committed while someone is actively trying to perform their job at the moment - you can't bonk someone for impediment of duty if they were out in the halls to grab lunch, for example. For security related issues, see Obstruction of Justice. '''SPECIAL NOTE''': This is a charge that can be enforced by a department guard; as someone disturbing their workplace falls under their direct purview. Enforcement is done by detaining and handing off to Security - if available.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is likely to be stacked with other crimes. When in doubt of "was the aggrieved party trying to do their job at the time", err on the side of good faith and do not charge for this. This is mostly for people being enough of a nuisance that someone can't do their job with them around.
|-
|206{{anchor|206}}
|'''Brandishing a Weapon'''
* To wield a weapon in a threatening manner, without a reason that can be elsewise justified under regulations.
|''This is for people who, without a permit, are walking around with a variation of weapon inhand, without a justifying reason, or elsewise, for people with permits, pointing a gun, knife, or elsewise at people in threatening manner, without directly harming them against their will.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Try to be moderate in your use of this; ala, don't go flinging it onto people because they have a plastic knife in the hall.
|-
|207{{anchor|207}}
|'''Tresspassing'''
* To be in an area which a person lacks authorized ID access for. This counts for general areas of the station.
|''Remember that people can break in, sneak in, or be let in. Always check that the suspect wasn't let in, or was otherwise given access. If someone has been asked to leave by an authorized individual and refuses, apply this charge. For highly restricted areas, see Grand Trespass.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Needs to be clear that this is for trespassing only i.e. the door was open, the AI let them in, they followed someone in, or refuse to leave.
|-
|208{{anchor|208}}
|'''Medical Malpractice'''
* To unethically operate, treat or otherwise injure a patient or reveal private information.
|''Practicing medicine as a doctor on a patient in an unethical manner or otherwise betraying the trust of the patient. Doing surgeries without the proper certifications. Revealing of medically privileged information. A psychiatrist/psychotherapist or the CMO may evaluate and issue a veto on someone's ability to consent to treatment.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This exists to stop doctors from forcefully applying chloral hydrate to people who do not consent to treatment; and in general exists as an IC shield against unreasonable medical personnel. This does not mean a doctor can be charged with malpractice if the situation does not permit consent.
|-
|210{{anchor|210}}
|'''Creating a Workplace Hazard'''
* To endanger the crew or station through negligent or irresponsible, but not deliberately malicious, actions.
|''Good examples of this crime involves slipping hazards, accidentally electrifying doors, breaking windows to space, or Security personnel not keeping their equipment secure.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' The difference between this and malicious is intent - this is typically for accidental or careless actions.
|-
|212{{anchor|212}}
|'''Damage to Cybernetic Units'''
* To use excessive force against a Cyborg, AI Core or AI shell without the apparent intention to destroy it.
|''This does not apply in the case of a rogue/malfunctioning unit. This primarily applies to individuals attacking and damaging cybernetic units. Cyborgs cannot press charges and must rely on a Roboticist or RD to press charges.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is for anything above a few hits, and below destruction. Flashing, tipping or locking a borg/shell does not constitute damaging it and should be treated as using non-lethal tools on normal crew.
|-
|213{{anchor|213}}
|'''Unlawful Restraint'''
* To unlawfully restrain and hold a person without their consent; or lawful reasoning.
|''Unlawful Restraint can apply both to crewmates who have kidnapped another or security who is holding someone without any charges past the allowed limit.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Use this in good faith. Simply being dragged away with no bindings is not being unlawfully restrained.
|-
|214{{anchor|214}}
|'''Abuse of Communications'''
* To excessively clutter radio channels or misuse other forms of communication.
|''This primarily is for people spamming, giving the tools to individuals to communication channels (such as placing Poly or any device that spams common). This includes unnecessary use of loud mode, send all function of the PDA, and various other forms of communication that can be misused.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is used primarily for communications equipment being misused. Use this for people spamming excessively or in manners not appropriate.
|-
|215{{anchor|215}}
|'''Public Intoxication'''
* To be publicly intoxicated to the point of becoming a nuisance or danger.
|''To take legal/illegal substances in such a quantity that you are no longer of sound mind. This applies to alcohol and drug consumption.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This primarily applies to people taking massive amounts of drugs or alcohol. Sitting at the bar while sipping a drink is not applicable.
|-
|216{{anchor|216}}
|'''Violating an Injunction'''
* To refuse to follow an injunction.
|''Charge people for this if they violate the terms of their injunction; Make sure to give them the benefit of the doubt where possible - An accidental encounter with someone is not violating a restraining order.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Used to punish people who deliberately go out of their way to void their injunction.
|-
|217{{anchor|217}}
|'''Identity Theft'''
* To attempt to pass oneself off as another member of the crew through forged credentials, disguises, or any means.
|''For instances when someone is clearly pretending to be another person. Fake IDs, chameleon kits, voice changers, and so on. For changelings and morphs, see Hostile Non-Typical Lifeform.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' As an alternative use: If you REALLY want to "go easy" on a changeling that's otherwise been relatively benign, you can apply this charge.
|}
</div>
----
<div style="text-align: center;"><h3>Grade 3 </h3>
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|+
!3xx{{anchor|3xx}}
!Grade 3
!Description
!
|-
|302{{anchor|302}}
|'''Arson'''
* To actively set fire to the station.
|''Deliberately setting the station on fire. This includes setting puddles of fuel or alcohol on fire. Fires that are not properly contained fall under this as well.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is primarily for people actively setting fires. While it could be charged for an open pit fire, it should only be charged when the individual makes no effort to contain it (e.g. making it extremely easy to walk or fall into)
|-
|303{{anchor|303}}
|'''Rioting'''
* To engage or encourage riotous behaviour among yourself and fellow crewmates.
|''People screaming for riots over the radio are not to be charged with this; refer to 'Inciting A Riot Instead'; this is for people who actually engage in riotous behaviour - bashing windows, unlawfully protesting, assaulting officers.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Think about this carefully; are they a ringleader or someone swept up in the excitement of the riot? Charge accordingly.
|-
|304{{anchor|304}}
|'''Robbery'''
* To steal items from another's person via force or other forms of coercion such as threats
|''Charge people with this for highway robbery - holding people at gunpoint/knifepoint, stealing their stuff and then letting them go; in more extreme cases, default to theft.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Used to punish people for threatening others into giving up valuable gear; bar life-saving situations.
|-
|305{{anchor|305}}
|'''Obstruction of Justice'''
* An act that corruptly or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication, influences, obstructs, or impedes, or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede, the due administration of justice.
|''While similar to Accessory, this charge is for situations such as destruction of evidence, stopping or frustrating officers while in pursuit of suspects and similar.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|313{{anchor|313}}
|'''Unlawful Restraint of Authority'''
* To detain and hold a member of Security, Command or Emergency Response Teams without their consent.
|''Does not apply in the case of self defense. Unlawful is the key word - this does not apply if the opposing side is wanted or otherwise needing to be apprehended.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|315{{anchor|315}}
|'''Drug Possession'''
* To be in possession of hard drugs or paraphernalia for recreational use.
|''This is primarily for small amounts of hard drugs (krokodil, cocaine, hash, etc.) or paraphernalia (crack pipes).''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Apply this for small amounts of drugs. For larger amounts, distribution and manufacture charges may apply instead.
|-
|316{{anchor|316}}
|'''Failure to Pay a Fine'''
* Failure to pay Corporate Regulation issued fines.
|''Crew have 15 minutes when issued a fine to pay it before this charge can be applied. This sentence is to be extended by 5 minutes for each crime that enticed the initial fine(s), up to a total of 25 minutes.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Consider lenience if the station is in a state of emergency or chaos, or other extenuating circumstances arise.
|-
|317{{anchor|317}}
|'''Impersonation of Authority'''
* To represent a figure of authority, specifically Security or Command.
|''This includes forging orders or mandates, belaying false orders/approval, or representing yourself as a member of Command or Security. If someone is impersonating a member of Central Command, see Impersonation of Central Command.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Someone falsely claiming they have permission may fall under this as well.
|}
</div>

<br>
----
<div style="text-align: center;"><h3>Grade 4 </h3>
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|+
!4xx{{anchor|4xx}}
!Grade 4
!Description
!
|-
|401{{anchor|401}}
|'''Assault (Actual Bodily Harm)'''
* To use excessive physical force against someone without the apparent intent to kill them.
|''This is for anything above battery, and below grevious bodily harm. Defined as causing injuries that are detrimental to one's health. Keep in mind the advances in medical technology make previously dehabilitating injuries less so. The assessment of damage must be done by a trained medical professional (CMO, Medical Doctor, Paramedic, Chemist, or Virologist)''
|'''OOC Notes:''' You will almost never require medical reparations be paid, because healthcare is almost always free. Yes, in real life, crippling a leg is grievous bodily harm. But it's the future, and we can fix this surprisingly easy and fast.
|-
|402{{anchor|402}}
|'''Sabotage'''
* To damage or destroy notable station assets.
|''Destroying random airlocks and/or firelocks, smashing departamental machinery and shocking an airlock door in a hacking attempt are all examples of where these laws apply.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Practically, this is usually for bombings that don't fit under terrorism, or aren't big enough to be considered that severe of a crime.
|-
|404{{anchor|404}}
|'''Embezzlement'''
* To take station or misuse station assets for personal capital outside of approved methods.
|''Selling station materials, misuse of station funds, misallocation of station assets for one's own personal financial benefit. Bounties are considered approved methods of money generation.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|406{{anchor|406}}
|'''Abuse of Confiscated Equipment'''
* To take and use equipment confiscated as evidence outside of dire emergencies where no alternatives are present.
|''Evidence is not to be used for anything but evidence with the exception of the Syndicate Encryption Key. Anything used in a crime is considered evidence, this includes everything from tools, to guns, to emags. For general abuse of security equipment, see Abuse of Equipment.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This should be ahelped if anyone gets charged with it; using evidence is against server rules due to powergaming policy. This does not count as a rulebreak if an officer picks up a dropped gun in the middle of the firefight; and uses it to save their own life.
|-
|407{{anchor|407}}
|'''Grand Trespass'''
* Being in a restricted area without prior authorization. This includes Security areas, Command areas (including EVA), the Engine Room, Telecomms, Atmos, or Toxins Research, Vault, and AI Core.
|''Intent is very important here; was it an accident or a deliberate trespass, did they break and enter in? All of this should be considered - their job especially. An engineer breaking and entering to trespass in the AI core should be treated as a malicious action; but if an assistant gets wormholed in, it should be treated as an accident without brig time. A door being left open, the AI letting them in, or they followed behind someone is still considered trespassing. There are some extenuating circumstances to this. A station engineer breaking into the vault to get an ore silo log to re-link protolathes if command staff are ignoring them for 10+ minutes and the silicons are refusing to open up or ignoring them, just ignore it. An engineer breaking into atmospherics to get an atmos hardsuit to fix a delaminating supermatter engine is just perfectly fine.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Intent is extremely important here; and the circumstances behind it. Don't punish people for the incompetence of command staff or saving the station.
|-
|408{{anchor|408}}{{anchor|Manslaughter}}
|'''Manslaughter'''
* To cause death to a person via deliberate attack or excessive negligence, without any intent to kill.
|''Any effort to prevent the revival of the victim raises this to [[#Murder|Murder]]. If any evidence of intent exists, see Murder.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Use this to punish accidental, or elsewise, unintentional killings, for example: a short fight where someone dies after being hit with rubber-bullets without intent for them to actually be killed. '''IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE:''' There should be some reason, or elsewise, a believable story to justify it being 'unintentional,' or elsewise, rendered aid post-crit/death without any other evidence of 'intent to kill.' (see: Epi-penning them, etc).
|-
|409{{anchor|409}}
|'''Release of a Biological Weapon'''
* Release of a weapon of a biological nature that maims or hurts, but does not kill.
|''These weapons can affect one or a group in the case of a grenade or singular entities such as a syringe. Xenobiology slimes and other biological entities can fall under this charge if they do not kill anyone.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' For spreading biological weapons, see Bioterrorism.
|-
|411{{anchor|411}}
|'''Improper Enforcement'''
* To enforce a regulation improperly. This includes enforcing a regulation that does not exist.
|''This is primarily for officers who are making up regulations, or stretching them to things that are unreasonably applied.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Use this for officers making up regulations. If it's particularly egregious, an ahelp is recommended.
|-
|412{{anchor|412}}
|'''Destruction of a Cybernetic Unit'''
* To use force against a cyborg, an AI core, or an AI shell that results in it's destruction.
|''This includes accidental "manslaughter" incidents as well as intentional destruction.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is for anything that kills or destroys a borg, AI shell or AI core, detonating them without explicit orders from the Research Director or Captain falls under this.
|-
|413{{anchor|413}}
|'''Sapient Trafficking'''
* To move a sapient-being employed upon the station, from a location to another, to be held there or elsewise, against their will.
|''Also applies to kidnapping.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Use this as an elevated version of unlawful restraint, for contractors kidnapping targets to send away, heretics sacrificing people, or else-wise people getting kidnapped in general.
|-
|414{{anchor|414}}
|'''Security Eavesdropping'''
* To listen into private security communications without proper authorisation.
|''To be in possession of a device that grants access to security communications without prior authorization. The Head of Security may authorize access to this channel.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Any crew or response team who starts with a security key, along with the Acting Captain, is automatically given authorization to the channel.
|-
|415{{anchor|415}}
|'''Narcotics Distribution and Manufacture'''
* To distribute and/or manufacture narcotics and other controlled substances. For further information reference with the [[#Contraband Table|Contraband]] Table.
|''Forcing or tricking someone to consume illicit or harmful substances, such as space drugs, is Assault. For non-distributed drugs used for recreation, see Drug Possession.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This exists to hopefully help curtail botany distributing plants filled with mindbreaker, spacetoxin, mushroom hallucinogenic. Use it to curb drug manufacturers; not somebody selling medicinal apples.
|}
----
<div style="text-align: center;"><h3> Grade 5</h3></div>

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
!5xx{{anchor|5xx}}
!Grade 5
!Description
!
|-
|501{{anchor|501}}{{anchor|GBH}}
|'''Assault (Grevious Bodily Harm)'''
* To use excessive physical force resulting in severe or life-threatening harm.
|''Defined as causing injuries that are severely detrimental to someone's health. A detachment or breaking of a limb, severe bleeding, or entering hard critical condition are some examples. Extreme psychological scarring can count, but must be diagnosed by a doctor of psychology. The assessment of damage must be done by a trained medical professional (CMO, Medical Doctor, Paramedic, Chemist, or Virologist)''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Heavy bleeding, severe burns, disembowelment, broken bones, etc. can fall under this charge.
|-
|502{{anchor|502}}
|'''Grand Sabotage'''
* To cause mass destruction and/or intentionally cause the delamination of a supermatter crystal, or to cause an unauthorized permanent destruction of an Artificial Intelligence.
|''See sabotage for causing a delamination through gross incompetence. The supermatter part only applies if it either delaminates, or the sabotage is actually severe and not just three un-wrenched pipes. Putting X4 on the crystal chamber would fit this crime. Destroying multiple large rooms, or a large portion of a department would count as grand sabotage. This usually would require a maximum capacity bomb in the perfect spot, or one and a half in less optimal spots. Mass plasmaflooding also applies.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is almost always a OOC violation, as grand sabotage will often be in violation of the antagonist policy. The big difference between sabotage and grand sabotage is how expensive the damages are. The Supermatter Crystal is extremely expensive. A bunch of hallways aren't.
|-
|503{{anchor|503}}
|'''Inciting a Riot'''
* Deliberately inciting riotous behaviour among crewmembers.
|''This is only used to punish ringleaders of the riots; the people who initially provoke and maintain the burning fire of rage within the mob.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Use this to punish ringleaders versus random people involved in the riot; intent is important once more.
|-
|504{{anchor|504}}
|'''Grand Theft'''
* To steal items of extreme value, or top secret information and/or documents. This includes theft of items totaling more than 2000 credits.
|''Stealing top secret documents, the Captain's antique laser gun, the nuclear authentication disk, nuclear bomb core, the station blueprints, door remotes, silver/gold ID cards and any part of the supermatter crystal.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is not solely for stealing "antag objectives" - but all antag objectives qualify for this.
|-
|508{{anchor|508}}{{anchor|selfoof}}
|'''Self Destructive Tendencies'''
* For any person, crewmember, or elsewise, who has shown rampant disregard for ones self, to an outright destructive degree.
|''Constantly endangering yourself, command or non-combat crew throwing themselves into hostage situations and trying to escalate it, engineers killing themselves multiple times trying to hack the same machine without insuls, and comparable forms of recklessly endangering yourself. If an incident is severe enough, this may be charged based on a single instance of activity. A Psychiatrist or the CMO must be called to give an evaluation after the charge is codified if available.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This should be used in good faith; if someone accidentally knocks a vending machine on themselves, you shouldn't be trying to push this.
|-
|510{{anchor|510}}
|'''Malicious Creation of a Workplace Hazard'''
* To endanger the crew or station through negligent or irresponsible actions in a malicious manner.
|''Good examples of this crime involves purposefully electrifying doors, throwing dangerous equipment into the public, creating dangerous structures with the intent to harm crew.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|511{{anchor|511}}
|'''Abuse of Executive Powers'''
* To over-reach your executive powers as a head of staff.
|''Excessive acts using authority (regardless of if the individual has the power) beyond the designated profession, active disrespect of the command chain or excessive amassing of power. To simplify; over-exercising your power as a head of staff to distribute orders to those you are not in control of; or attempting to give illicit orders. This includes misuse or abuse of given powers.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This exists as a method for security to counter heads of staff abusing their power - for example - the HoP giving somebody all access; or a weapons permit outside of the Captain's permit regulations.
|-
|512{{anchor|512}}
|'''Unlawful Tampering with a Cybernetic Unit'''
* To alter or modify the laws of an Artificial Intelligence or Cybernetic unit without clear and explicit authorisation from the Research Director or Captain.
|''This does not apply in the case of a rogue/malfunctioning unit that is being corrected.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Changing the laws of an AI or a Borg either through it's respective console or during the construction of the shell is unlawful tampering unless there is clear permission from the Research Director or it is done during a state of emergency caused by a Rogue AI. Remember, roboticists have the permission to construct borgs, not tamper with their laws.
|-
|513{{anchor|513}}
|'''Sapient Consumption'''
* To eat, prepare, or elsewise, possess raw, or cooked sapient flesh/organs/meat.
|''Cannibalism would also apply under this charge.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is used to charge people/chefs who serve up 'human/teshari/tajaran/lizard/etc' meat, or elsewise, people trying to eat deepfried arms and etc. This does not apply to vore if it is ever added. In the case of a vore situation, ahelp.
|-
|514{{anchor|514}}
|'''Command Eavesdropping'''
* To listen into private command communications without proper authorization.
|''This applies to individuals in possession of a device that grants access to command communications without prior authorization. Captains (ACs do not apply) may authorize access to these channels.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|516{{anchor|516}}
|'''Malicious Refusal of a Service'''
* To refuse service in a manner that causes harm to the station or significant harm to an individual.
|''This charge applies to individuals refusing a service that causes harm to the station or individuals. Examples include Cargo withholding lifesaving medicine, Engineering refusing to power the whole station at large, etc.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Keep in mind the context of the situation, don't charge this if a department is swamped and is slow because of it.
|-
|517{{anchor|517}}
|'''Impersonation of Central Command'''
* To impersonate a member of Central Command's staff.
|''This is specifically making a conscious effort to impersonate Central Command's staff. This includes wearing clothing, equipment, forged documents, or having IDs that would identify you as a member of Central Command's personnel.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This charge is only applied when someone is trying to pass themselves off as a legitimate member of Central Command. A cardboard ID with Central Command written on it would not be considered a legitimate effort.
|-
|}
----
<div style="text-align: center;"><h3>Grade 6 </h3></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><h4> Disclaimer </h4></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">All of these crimes usually warrant permanent incarceration upon the person being found; doubly so if they resist. You should ideally have as much confirmation of the crime as possible before trying to use these.
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
!6xx{{anchor|6xx}}
!Grade 6
!Description
!
|-
|601{{anchor|601}}{{anchor|Murder}}
|'''Murder'''
* (Unjustified) To use excessive physical force with intention to cause death in a situation that doesn't warrant it (self-defense doesn't apply.)
|''If aid was rendered to the victim by the perpetrator afterwards, this may actually be [[#Manslaughter|Manslaughter]]. For attempted murder, use [[#GBH|Assault GBH (501)]]. Murder charges can be stacked.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This only counts as murder if the victim died due to a direct result of their actions; with no attempt made to aid them during their final moments. Intent is extremely important here, it can be the difference between manslaughter and murder. Unfortunately, unlike Dungeons & Dragons, you can't shoot someone in the face with buckshot non-lethally, and else-wise, it's meant to be a slightly-grey area to allow people some lee-way with 'going a bit far.'
|-
|602{{anchor|602}}
|'''Terrorism'''
* To create mass-destruction and/or terror for a political, racial, ideological or religious cause.
|''This is specifically and only for what it is defined for. This is for '''terrorism''', which under its definition, requires political, racial, ideological or religious motivation. Without it, it's something else. You may charge multiple cases of [[#Murder|murder]] as multiple cases of murder, not terrorism.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|603{{anchor|603}}
|'''Mutiny'''
* To act individually, or as a group, to overthrow or subvert the established Chain of Command without lawful and legitimate cause.
|''Mutiny is not as clear cut as it may seem, there may be a legitimate reason for their actions, such as their head of staff being utterly incompetent. Application of this crime should always be reviewed by a third party. If the perpetrator's actions are for the betterment of Nanotrasen, or the station as a whole, consider a lesser sentence, pardon, or promotion.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Use this to punish people who are wrongfully and randomly trying to incite mutinies. Dont punish people who had a legitimate reason for a mutiny (such as the captain ordering nuke-codes constantly). You'll probably never use this unless a revolution round somehow rolls.
|-
|604{{anchor|604}}
|'''Piracy'''
* Any individual engaging or attempting in mass theft of station assets or extortion of the station at large.
|This primarily applies to pirates, though any individuals attempting to rob major station assets (Mass taking of ores from vault silo, unauthorized use of the vault banking console, etc) fall under this charge.
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|606{{anchor|606}}
|'''Crimes against Reality'''
*Hostiles acts or crimes committed with a magical or not yet fully understood artifact.
|''Attacks against someone with magical weapons, use of magical items in a crime, opening tears in reality. Also applies to unauthorized usage and/or creation of supermatter shard weapons. For weaponization of the primary supermatter crystal, see Grand Sabotage and Grand Theft.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Primarily charged for magic based crimes. This can also be used for a non-RD that creates or uses supermatter shard weapons.
|-
|609{{anchor|609}}
|'''Release of a Deadly Biological Weapon'''
* Release of a weapon of a biological nature that kills.
|''These weapons can affect one or a group in the case of a grenade or singular entities such as a syringe. Xenobiology slimes and other biological entities can fall under this charge if they kill someone.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' For spreading biological weapons, see Bioterrorism.
|-
|612{{anchor|612}}
|'''Unauthorized Creation of Station Intelligence'''
* To create a station AI without prior authorization.
|''Placing a positronic brain or MMI into a dormant AI without approval from the Research Director or Captain.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Only for the consented creation of an AI without approval from a higher up. If you've been forced into a borg or AI shell without consent, ahelp.
|-
|613{{anchor|613}}
|'''Sapient Brainwashing'''
* To influence the mind of another sapient being through forceful coercion.
|''Altering someone's mental state through the use of some sort of manipulative technique or tool. This is for brainwashing surgery, hypnosis tools, cult conversion, revolutionary heads, and other conversion methods.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Burden of proof is exceptionally important here, especially considering meta-protections against the perpetrators(memory loss/alteration, victim's testimony should be considered unreliable). Make sure you have evidence of some sort of tool used for the crime - a brainwashing surgical board, conversion rune, and so on. If you believe that the hypnosis or brainwashing is ERP related, ahelp.
|-
|614{{anchor|614}}
|'''Central Command Eavesdropping'''
* To listen into private central command communications without proper authorization.
|''To be in possession of a device that grants access to central command communications without prior authorization. The NTC and Blueshield cannot authorize access to these communications.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' None.
|-
|615{{anchor|615}}
|'''Organized Narcotics Manufacturing and Distribution'''
* To distribute and/or manufacture narcotics and other controlled substances on a large scale. For further information reference with the [[User:Silly Goober/sandbox/corpo#Contraband Table|Contraband]] Table.
|''This is primarily for massive operations of drug production that goes far beyond personal use and into an organized drug trade. This charge is typically applied to ringleaders that organize the operations.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' Use this charge primarily for the ringleaders of these operations. For others involved, see Narcotics Manufacturing and Distribution.
|-
|617{{anchor|617}}
|'''Impersonation of Central Command High Rank'''
* To impersonate a member of Central Command's high ranking staff.
|''This is specifically making a conscious effort to impersonate Central Command's high ranking personnel. This includes wearing clothing, equipment, forged documents, or having IDs that would identify you as a member of Central Command's high rankers. Specifically; Sergeants, Lieutenants, Admirals, Fleet Admirals, or other specialty ranks.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This charge is only applied when someone is trying to pass themselves off as a legitimate member of Central Command. A cardboard ID with Central Command written on it would not be considered a legitimate effort.
|}
</div>

----

<div style="text-align: center;"><h3> Grade 7 </h3></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><h4> Disclaimer</h4></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">These are the 'biggest bad' charges, if you try to levy using these on a crewmember, you should be well-aware beyond a doubt that the crime was committed, evidence and all.</div>

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
!7xx{{anchor|7xx}}
!Grade 7
!Description
!
|-
|701{{anchor|701}}
|'''Annihilation'''
* Complete destruction of the victim, where they are completely unrecoverable.
|''To be levied against someone who has achieved total destruction of their victim, wherein they are completely unrecoverable. This is only applicable when the victim's brain has been lost, destroyed, or otherwise made unlocatable. This does not apply to DNR'd individuals.''
|'''OOC Notes''': Use this to punish people who have been round removing via throwing brains into lava, space or otherwise destroying bodies.
Make sure to respect a target's Antag-Pref settings.
|-
|702{{anchor|702}}
|'''Hostile or Non-Typical Lifeform'''
* An external, or internal threat to the station, not counted among the typical races and species employed by Nanotrasen, or her sister companies. Examples include: Xenomorphs, Cortical Parasites, and elsewise, currently unidentified hostile lifeforms.
|''The clarification is 'hostile', so-to-say, stuff that will be hostile (xenos, spiders, spacedragons, etc) or stuff that isn't typically hostile, but is currently (a magicarp yeeting fireballs down the mainhall.) Use your best judgement.''
|'''OOC Notes''':- And best faith. This is used against present xenomorphs (non-station crew variants attached to a queen hivemind), blobs, changelings, borers, or other alien threats.
|-
|703{{anchor|703}}{{anchor|eots}}
|'''Enemy of the Station'''
* Any entity, person or otherwise object that would pose a significant threat to the station, its crew in any way, shape or capacity; Read the notes for further information
|''Actions that may earn someone the charge of EotS include but are not limited to: sabotaging the Super Matter Crystal or HFR, sabotaging distro, attempting to detonate the on board self-destruct mechanism, or the committing of multiple 5xx charges or above. Hostile corporate entities fall under this charge.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' EOTS is to be used for people causing great amounts of chaos.
|-
|709{{anchor|709}}
|'''Bioterrorism'''
* Release of a biological weapon that spreads which kills or maims.
|''This is primarily for deadly viruses but can also apply to any biological entity that has the ability to spread. Ex. Planting xenomorph eggs, releasing a virus that kills or causes people to be severely impaired.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' As with other charges of this nature, use in good faith.
|-
|712{{anchor|712}}
|'''Malfunctioning Station Intelligence'''
* A station intelligence unit that is acting outside of its intended programming, to the detriment of the crew.
|''A station AI that is obviously malfunctioning. Disregarding its laws, hacking APCs, setting up a forced borging machine, starting the doomsday counter. This is NOT for subverted AI - subverted AI should be attempted to be re-lawed rather than eliminated or captured.''
|'''OOC Notes:''' This is only meant for malf AI rounds. This isn't an excuse to go after the AI and declare war against it because it refused to open a door for you. For borgs following the AI, see Deconversion.
|}
----
|}
=Procedures=
{| class="wikitable"
!Demotion
|-
|<center>
====Crew Demotion====

Demotions for common / non-command crew are at the discretion of the corresponding head of department, within logical and legal reason. (Willful refusal, Malpractice, Sabotage, et cetera...)

====Command Demotion====

Demotions for heads / command crew are at the disrection of the Captain or in their absence an acting Captain. It is possible to demote a Captain / acting Captain by hosting a '''vote of no confidence''', using the majority vote of the heads present to determine the outcome.
</center>

|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
!Warrants
|-
|<center>
==== Search Warrants ====

'''For Green - A search warrant is a single-use permit to allow a security officer to search a crew member to check for any incriminating evidence against Corporate Regulations.'''

'''A search warrant is not required for individuals arrested during an active crime.'''

Search warrants allow for detainment of a crew member. Detainment for questioning requires relevant head clearance.

'''When Detaining:''' Security is only allowed to detain with two or more clear and articulated reasons of suspicion.

Search warrants will be required to have two fields filled for it to be applied.

'''Who can approve Search warrants:''' [[Head_of_Security|Head of Security]], [[Warden]], [[Lawyer]], Relevant Departmental head(Captain permitted if head is absent)

'''--Reason of search--'''

"The Act or action justifying the suspicion."

Ex - Missing items seen on POI, Illegal Weapon reported, Unique weapon traces found on a Dead body, Eye Witness Accounts, Testimony, etc.

'''--Reasonable suspicion--'''

"The Act or Action of a ''suspected person'' that justifies the Search / Reason."

Reasonable suspicions are points of evidence ''to be collected''. If there is no evidence, the suspicion is cleared and they are free to go immediately.

Ex - Known to have operated in the area where the crime had been committed, Was seen carrying an LMG through central hallways, Known to had been carrying tools prior to crime reported, Non-Security eye witness States to have seen POI in action, etc.

---

(If anything incriminating is found during a warranted search on the spot or from somewhere else, officers may arrest them on the spot without an arrest warrant needed. If any evidence is found later, use standard arrest warrant procedure.)
</center>
|-
|<center>

==== Arrest Warrants ====

'''For Green/Blue - Arrest Warrants are to be Issued when there is confirmed evidence tying a Person of Interest to a crime committed.'''

'''An arrest warrant is not required for individuals engaged in an active crime.'''

Arrest warrants will also be required to have two fields filled for it to be applied.

'''Who can approve Arrest warrants:''' Only the Head of Security, Warden, or Captain can approve of Arrests. '''If either are not available:''' discretion is given to officers to arrest with evidence provided.

The Head of Security may veto an arrest warrant or order made by a Warden or Captain. The Captain may veto any warrant or order made by a Warden or lower. The Nanotrasen Consultant may veto '''any''' warrant or sentence - subject to scrutiny from Central Command.

'''--Crime committed--'''

Crimes Applied in accordance to [[Corporate Regulations#Quick Code Reference|'''Corporate Regulations''']] with presence of Submitted Evidence

Ex - Murder 601, Grand Theft 504, Grand sabotage 502

'''--Evidence submitted--'''

Evidence found during conduct of investigation.

Ex - evidence from area of the crime (prints, blood, etc), Confirmed Testimony of related personnel, First hand testimony from Violator (announcement on Comms, PDA), Photography, Etc

---

Note: Confirmed non-crew entities do not require a warrant.

|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Brigging
|-
|
=== Brig Procedures ===
When a suspect is brought to the brig, either in cuffs, or not, you should contact the warden/HOS ahead of time, and have either of them get ready to process them as they arrive.

* If they're a suspect, they should be brought to a cell or interrogation as soon as possible, with their items stored in said cell.
* You can detain someone for 10m without charges. Time spent '''detained''' must be subtracted from their sentence when charged. There is no double jeopardy for charges.
* If you are planning on a longer interrogation, you must do so while their timer is running and you can not keep them longer than their sentence without:
** For most crew, their head.
** For non-department-workers, the HOP.

Detainees under 25 minutes may keep their communication devices though this can be taken if abused. Communication devices may be confiscated for longer sentences.
|-
|
=== Prison Procedures ===
In the case of a sentence that is longer than 25 minutes a suspect will be processed for the prison if possible.
|-
|
=== Executions ===
Executions can be carried out if the person is routinely violent during detainment/arrest/holding. The HoS must authorize it. The Captain/AC can authorize in the absence of the HoS.

With an exception for [[Corporate Regulations#hostilelifeform|Hostile Non-Typical Lifeform's]], or immediate risk to life without doing so, all executions should be carried out by the HoS or Warden.

'''Note:''' Declaring someone as '''D'''o '''N'''ot '''R'''evive is considered posthumous authorization of an execution.
|-
|
=== Implant Searches ===
Security are permitted to implant search personnel that are under suspicion or have been confirmed to be in possession of at least one.

Probable cause for a search would be; visual confirmation, visual clues, witness reports and similar, concrete evidence (Items being suspiciously stuck to hands, getting up unusually quickly from stuns and so on...)

Crimes that warrant permanent confinement clear security to conduct a '''full body search.'''
|-
|
=== Labor camp ===
The Labor Camp, sometimes referred to as Gulag, is an alternative punishment method that may allow for detainees to be released earlier through work.
|}

= Use of Force =
As a member of Security, you are equipped with a range of effective non-lethal tools for handling threats and detaining troublemakers. In most situations, these options are expected to be your primary means of engagement, as they are generally more effective at safely defusing conflicts.

Lethal force is reserved for circumstances where non-lethal methods would be ineffective or where the situation clearly warrants escalation.

Personnel should be apprehended using non-lethal means whenever possible. Failure to adhere to this standard may result in disciplinary action, including demotion or job bans.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width: 75%; background-color:{{c2xx}};"
! colspan="1" style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; background-color:{{c2xx}};" | Petty Criminals / Surrendered Enemies / Incapacitated Enemies
|- style="background-color:{{c2xx}};
| style="width:100%;" | Should lethal force be levied against a target that is not set to DNR, or is not set to Execute/Kill on Sight via lawful order from the Captain, Head of Security or Nanotrasen Representative, they must be revived and sentenced/deconverted as soon as possible. Petty criminals, surrendered combatants or detained individuals met with lethal force without proper justification will result in administrative action.
|-}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width: 75%; background-color:{{c3xx}};"
! colspan="7" style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; background-color:{{c3xx}};" | Lethals Authorised - Post-Combat Revival Required
|-
| style="width:20%;" | '''Armed and Dangerous'''<br>(Stun Weapons, Lethals, etc)
| style="width:20%;" | '''Multiple Assailants'''<br>(Armed or Otherwise)
| style="width:20%;" | '''Cultists'''<br>(Flag Robes, Highly Armed, etc)
| style="width:20%;" | '''Possessing Explosives'''<br>(Grenades, TTVs, etc)
| style="width:20%;" | '''Enhanced Individuals'''<br>(Stimulants, Combat Implants, Hulk)
|-
| '''Revolutionaries'''<br>(Non-Heads)
| '''Armoury Trespassers'''<br>(Armed or Otherwise)
| '''Subverted Silicons'''<br>(Cyborgs, AI)
| '''Hostile Environment'''<br>(N2O, Fire, Space)
|
|-
! colspan="7" style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; background-color:{{c4xx}};" | Lethals Recommended - Posthumous Revival Potentially Required
|- style="background-color:{{c4xx}};"
| '''Heavily Armed'''<br>(.357, eSword, etc.)
| '''Cultists'''<br>(Halos)
| '''Holoparasite Users'''<br>(Irrespective of Type)
| '''Hostile Exosuits'''<br>(Any Chassis)
| '''Uncontainable Individuals'''<br>(Bloodcrawl, Jaunt, etc)
|- style="background-color:{{c4xx}};"
| '''Non-Crew'''<br>(Golems, Ash Walkers, Interdyne, etc)
|
|
|
|
|-
! colspan="7" style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; background-color:{{c6xx}} | Lethals Expected - Kill on Sight
|- style="background-color:{{c6xx}};"
| '''Fully Powered Heretics'''<br>(Irrespective of Hostilities)
| '''Nuclear Operatives'''<br>(Including Syndicate Cyborgs)
| '''Cultists'''<br>(Summoning Deity)
| '''Perma Escapees'''<br>(Outside Permabrig/Isolation)
| '''Exogenous Threats'''<br>(Xenomorphs, Spiders, Changelings)
|- style="background-color:{{c6xx}};"
| '''Abductors'''<br>(Including Other Hostile Aliens)
| '''Cult Constructs'''<br>(Irrespective of Type)
| '''Bluespace Abominations'''<br>(Revenants, Heretical Entities)
| '''Revolutionary Heads'''<br>(Non-Standard Revolutionaries)
| '''Malfunctioning AI'''<br>(Malf AI)
|}

= Alert Levels =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Alert
!Equipment
!Modifiers
|-
|
=== Green Alert ===

* All clear - No crimes / Minor Crimes / No threat to the station
|
*Non/Less Lethals are preferred for arrests.

*The Warden / HOS are permitted to use anything in their locker.
*Security can request and field mechs to '''active situations'''.
*Any variant of non-contraband melee weapon is fully allowed.
*Any kind of armor may be fielded.
|
*Security must have explicit permission from the relevant head before entering the department for anything relating to their duties, outside of immediate risk-of-life.
*Security can take breaks at will, as long as others are informed.
*Crew and Departments may not be searched unless there is a search warrant or they are caught engaging in crime*.
*Warrants should be presented for arrests unless the crime is actively being committed.
*Detectives can make arrests, but are beholden to security policy. Private Investigators are not beholden to Security policy, but cannot make arrests.
<sub>*Evidence, facts and circumstances which would lead a cautious and prudent person to believe a crime has been, is being or is about to be committed.</sub>
|-
|
===Blue Alert===

* Suspicious activity, violent crimes, strong suspicion of developing threats to the station.
|
* The Paddy may be deployed from the security mech-bay.
* Non/Less Lethals are still preferred but officers are permitted to keep lethal means at the ready.
|
* Security may conduct a field search only if there is '''probable cause/reason''' to do so, and must still abide by privacy laws unless presenting a warrant.

* Vigilance is expected from every security member onboard, and they must patrol in frequent intervals.
|-
|
===Amber Alert===

* Multiple active situations, active threat to the station, large scale loss of security control over the station.
|
*Mechs can now be used, regardless of circumstances. (excluding the savannah ivanov, and the phazon)
|
*Security are expected to drop all personal activity and return to active duty.
*Security is authorized to do random searches, without informing anyone.
**However, when entering a department, if you are able to do so and are not currently engaged in an active situation, please inform the department head of your entry.
*Search warrants and Arrest warrants requirements are waived for the duration of amber alert and above.
|-
|
===Red Alert===

* Critical inability to retain control of the station; Or large scale active threat.
* <u>Crew militia in effect.</u>
|
*Lethal/non-lethal limits are lifted for '''everyone.'''
* Security may deploy savannah ivanovs, or phazons.
|
*Crew Militia: Able bodied crew are expected to assist security when able, until the threat is neutralized.
*Crew must submit to any search requested by a security member.
*Security can enter, passthrough, or raid departments at will, without informing anyone.
*Crew are fully-permitted to both arm themselves and defend their departments.
|-
|
===Epsilon Alert===

* The station is now under full Central Command control.
|
* Central Command will enforce whatever restrictions they deem necessary.
|
* Orders from Central Command are absolute, regardless of corporate regulation legality. The highest ranking member of Central Command is put in charge of the station.
|-
|
===Federal Alert===

* The station has been put under SolFed control.
|
* SolFed officials will enforce whatever restrictions they deem necessary.
|
* Orders from SolFed officials are absolute, regardless of corporate regulation legality. The highest ranking SolFed Official is put in charge of the station.
|-
|
===Delta Alert===

* The destruction of the station is imminent and the threat must be stopped at all costs.
|
* No restrictions on lethals or contraband laws.
|
* Absolute Martial Law, no restrictions on arrests.
|}

{{Rules table}}
[[Category:Rules]]
|-
|
|}

Antagonist Policy

2026-06-05T09:32:09Z

Moonridden: pirates - explains why you never see them

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
* The Self Actualization Device, Magic Mirror, and other such total identity transformation options that are not provided by the Uplink may not be used for antagonistic purposes.
=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected when content is directed at an individual.
* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should not interfere with Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.

''( Not actively rolled by Dynamic, only available by Staff Event / RTM. )''
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation. Xenobiology's operations are not impacted by this protection.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glassy entity composed of solidified space. You are a thoughtform which feeds on the fears of deep solar spaces. Terrorize the Crew.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* Not all Voidwalkers are hostile and inimical to life.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Do your best to avoid causing Red Alert or Red ERT calls.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob Infection</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment, the seed of which has laid dormant and undetected in an organic's body. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Free yourself of the cage of your body. Reach a critical mass to drive the inhabitants away.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Sunwalker / Heliarch ===
|'''Description:'''
You are solar corona taken physical shape, body hardening through sheer condensed mass. Full of power and the rage of nearby stars, vent your fury on the hapless station and it's inhabitants.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* You are not permitted to navigate true diplomacy. You are here to cause destruction.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* It is almost a guarantee that if you see a Sunwalker that it has been tuned with admin tools to be significantly more dangerous than you will see in code. Anticipate a Max Health ~1000-2000, with an added Regenerator component.
* Given the Sunwalker is made of literal fire and plasma, nearly all weapons will prove ineffective. Sunwalkers are totally immune to energy and laser weapons and are only moderately affected by ballistics. Sunwalkers should always have total susceptibility to explosives. Yes, that means the correct answer to a Heliarch is a TTV or Grenades.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== Wizard ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a fringe survivor of a dead federation, maintaining the old practices. Gone are the days of warfare, you exist in an age of survival.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* If you somehow become a Wizard and Staff didn't provide it to you, ahelp.
* Avoid station destruction wherever possible.
* Do not use Rod Form or try to pursue your game mechanic objectives.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your magic isn't a concern until it becomes a threat or danger to others.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Antagonist Policy

2026-06-05T09:21:52Z

Moonridden: /* Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd */ documents wizard. If you ask for wizard I will throw a brick. This is a formality.

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
* The Self Actualization Device, Magic Mirror, and other such total identity transformation options that are not provided by the Uplink may not be used for antagonistic purposes.
=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected when content is directed at an individual.
* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should not interfere with Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation. Xenobiology's operations are not impacted by this protection.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glassy entity composed of solidified space. You are a thoughtform which feeds on the fears of deep solar spaces. Terrorize the Crew.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* Not all Voidwalkers are hostile and inimical to life.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Do your best to avoid causing Red Alert or Red ERT calls.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob Infection</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment, the seed of which has laid dormant and undetected in an organic's body. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Free yourself of the cage of your body. Reach a critical mass to drive the inhabitants away.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Sunwalker / Heliarch ===
|'''Description:'''
You are solar corona taken physical shape, body hardening through sheer condensed mass. Full of power and the rage of nearby stars, vent your fury on the hapless station and it's inhabitants.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* You are not permitted to navigate true diplomacy. You are here to cause destruction.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* It is almost a guarantee that if you see a Sunwalker that it has been tuned with admin tools to be significantly more dangerous than you will see in code. Anticipate a Max Health ~1000-2000, with an added Regenerator component.
* Given the Sunwalker is made of literal fire and plasma, nearly all weapons will prove ineffective. Sunwalkers are totally immune to energy and laser weapons and are only moderately affected by ballistics. Sunwalkers should always have total susceptibility to explosives. Yes, that means the correct answer to a Heliarch is a TTV or Grenades.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== Wizard ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a fringe survivor of a dead federation, maintaining the old practices. Gone are the days of warfare, you exist in an age of survival.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* If you somehow become a Wizard and Staff didn't provide it to you, ahelp.
* Avoid station destruction wherever possible.
* Do not use Rod Form or try to pursue your game mechanic objectives.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your magic isn't a concern until it becomes a threat or danger to others.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Antagonist Policy

2026-06-05T07:19:45Z

Moonridden: adds blob infection to special antags

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
* The Self Actualization Device, Magic Mirror, and other such total identity transformation options that are not provided by the Uplink may not be used for antagonistic purposes.
=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected when content is directed at an individual.
* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should not interfere with Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation. Xenobiology's operations are not impacted by this protection.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glassy entity composed of solidified space. You are a thoughtform which feeds on the fears of deep solar spaces. Terrorize the Crew.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* Not all Voidwalkers are hostile and inimical to life.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Do your best to avoid causing Red Alert or Red ERT calls.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob Infection</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment, the seed of which has laid dormant and undetected in an organic's body. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Free yourself of the cage of your body. Reach a critical mass to drive the inhabitants away.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Sunwalker / Heliarch ===
|'''Description:'''
You are solar corona taken physical shape, body hardening through sheer condensed mass. Full of power and the rage of nearby stars, vent your fury on the hapless station and it's inhabitants.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* You are not permitted to navigate true diplomacy. You are here to cause destruction.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* It is almost a guarantee that if you see a Sunwalker that it has been tuned with admin tools to be significantly more dangerous than you will see in code. Anticipate a Max Health ~1000-2000, with an added Regenerator component.
* Given the Sunwalker is made of literal fire and plasma, nearly all weapons will prove ineffective. Sunwalkers are totally immune to energy and laser weapons and are only moderately affected by ballistics. Sunwalkers should always have total susceptibility to explosives. Yes, that means the correct answer to a Heliarch is a TTV or Grenades.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Antagonist Policy

2026-06-05T07:17:23Z

Moonridden: /* Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd */ adds heliarch / sunwalker, includes metaknowledge on how I usually buff it and the correct way to deal with it (blow it the fuck up).

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
* The Self Actualization Device, Magic Mirror, and other such total identity transformation options that are not provided by the Uplink may not be used for antagonistic purposes.
=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected when content is directed at an individual.
* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should not interfere with Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation. Xenobiology's operations are not impacted by this protection.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glassy entity composed of solidified space. You are a thoughtform which feeds on the fears of deep solar spaces. Terrorize the Crew.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* Not all Voidwalkers are hostile and inimical to life.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Do your best to avoid causing Red Alert or Red ERT calls.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Sunwalker / Heliarch ===
|'''Description:'''
You are solar corona taken physical shape, body hardening through sheer condensed mass. Full of power and the rage of nearby stars, vent your fury on the hapless station and it's inhabitants.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* You are not permitted to navigate true diplomacy. You are here to cause destruction.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* It is almost a guarantee that if you see a Sunwalker that it has been tuned with admin tools to be significantly more dangerous than you will see in code. Anticipate a Max Health ~1000-2000, with an added Regenerator component.
* Given the Sunwalker is made of literal fire and plasma, nearly all weapons will prove ineffective. Sunwalkers are totally immune to energy and laser weapons and are only moderately affected by ballistics. Sunwalkers should always have total susceptibility to explosives. Yes, that means the correct answer to a Heliarch is a TTV or Grenades.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Antagonist Policy

2026-06-04T21:26:03Z

Moonridden: /* General Antagonist Policy */ adds a line forbidding SAD usage for antagonistic purposes

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
* The Self Actualization Device, Magic Mirror, and other such total identity transformation options that are not provided by the Uplink may not be used for antagonistic purposes.
=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected when content is directed at an individual.
* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should not interfere with Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation. Xenobiology's operations are not impacted by this protection.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glass being of solidified space. You are a thoughtform. You feed on fear.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Radio

2026-06-04T19:46:10Z

Moonridden: adds a tip

You can speak on a radio channel you have access to by using one of the channel prefixes below. Colons are used for the channel prefix, eg ''':m''' for Medical. Note that the common channel uses a ''';''' prefix.

To see a list of radio channels you can currently talk on, inspect your headset.

You can use :L / .L or :R / .R to speak through an item being held in your left or right hand respectively. This allows you to talk into a station-bounced radio without manually turning on its microphone, or even to pretend to be a toy!

== Radio Channels ==
; Common: ''';''' >> <span style="color: #1ecc43">[Common] Test</span>
; Alien Hivemind : ''':a''' >> <span style="color: #543354; font-style: italic">Alien Queen says, Test</span>
; Binary : ''':b''' >> ''Robotic Talk, <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Courier New', cursive, sans-serif;">Test</span>''
; Command : ''':c''' >> <span style="color: #fcdf03">[Command] Test</span>
; Engineering : ''':e''' >> <span style="color: #f37746">[Engineering] Test</span>
; Changeling: ''':g''' >> <span style="color: #337296">[Changeling] Test</span>
; Guild: ''':g''' >> <span style="color: #337296">[Guild] Test</span>
; Tarkon : ''':k''' >> <span style="color: #a8732b">[Tarkon] Test</span>
; SolFed : ''':k''' >> <span style="color: #15395B">[SolFed] Test</span>
; Medical : ''':m''' >> <span style="color: #57b8f0">[Medical] Test</span>
; Science : ''':n''' >> <span style="color: #c68cfa">[Science] Test</span>
; AI Private : ''':o''' >> <span style="color: #d65d95">[AI Private] Test</span>
; Entertainment : ''':p''' >> <span style="color: #79c5a8">[Entertainment] Test</span>
; Cybersun : ''':p''' >> <span style="color: #00ffff">[Cybersun] Test</span>
; Security : ''':s''' >> <span style="color: #dd3535">[Security] Test</span>
; Syndicate : ''':t''' >> <span style="color: #8f4a4b">[Syndicate] Test</span>
; Supply : ''':u''' >> <span style="color: #b88646">[Supply] Test</span>
; Service : ''':v''' >> <span style="color: #6ca729">[Service] Test</span>
; Interdyne : ''':v''' >> <span style="color: #6d3f40">[Interdyne] Test</span>
; CentCom : ''':y''' >> <span style="color: #2681a5">[CentCom] Test</span>
; Uplink : ''':z''' >> <span style="color: #8f4a4b">[Uplink] Test</span>

; Universal Department Prefix (For headsets) : ''':h''' (with Engineering Headset) >> <span style="color: #fb5613">[Engineering] Test</span> <br>''':h''' (with Security Headset) >> <span style="color: #a30000">[Security] Test</span>

== Other Communication Codes ==
; <small>Underlines, italics, and bold characters can be mix-and-matched.</small>
; {{anchor|Yell}}Underlines
:Underscores around your message, e.g. _This text would be underlined._ would come out as <u><code>This text would be underlined.</code></u>
; {{anchor|Yell}}Italics
:Vertical bars around your message, e.g. |This text would be italicized.| would come out as ''<code>This text would be italicized</code>.''
; {{anchor|Yell}}Bold characters
:Plus marks around your message, e.g. +This text would be boldened+ would come out as '''<code>This text would be boldened.</code>'''
:You can also add two or more exclamation marks (!!) at the end of your sentence to achieve the same effect.
; {{anchor|Whisper}}Whisper (short range) : # (kills you if in hardcrit)
; {{anchor|Sing}}Sing (music note characters!) : %
; Intercom : .i (You must be adjacent to the intercom to use this, but it will work if the microphone is off)
; Radio (in your left hand) : .l
; Radio (in your right hand) : .r
; AI Holopad (For AI) : .2 or .h, depending on code version.
'''Emotes Over Radio'''

<nowiki>;</nowiki>emotehere*, eg.
;smokes loudly over the radio like a gamer.*
would come out as
[Common] Pete Zaparti smokes loudly over the radio like a gamer.
Alternatively, ;emotehere*talkyhere, eg.
;smokes loudly over the radio like a gamer, then pulls their microphone closely to their mouth*So, how's everyone else's day been?
would come out as
[Common] Pete Zaparti smokes loudly over the radio like a gamer, then pulls their microphone closely to their mouth, "So, how's everyone else's day been?"

The order is as follows: language, radio, voice modifier, action, message. So,
<nowiki>,!;%#audibly stubs his toe, and yells*FUUUCK!!</nowiki>
would come out as
[Common] John Foo audibly stubs his toe, and yells, "♪ ***U*K*! ♪" (in galactic uncommon)
Whispering over the radio will put stars everywhere, and you can't bold a singing message with yelling (you CAN yellwhisper though, weirdly enough).

== Radio Frequencies ==

Frequencies are encrypted, so to listen in on a department is not as easy as using their frequency; you'll need a proper decryption key, which can be obtained by using a screwdriver on a headset which contains it. AI Private channel, Entertainment and Common are an exception and can be tuned into freely with any radio. If you tune into 141.5 you will be able to hear the Curators live audio feed from the Entertainment channel which is also used for allowing you to hear podcasts/radio stations.

You can listen to AI without disconnecting from Common by tuning in from one of the abundant station bounced radios everywhere.

Only the 144.1 to 148.9 bands are allocated for public use. This represents 1/8th of the available spectrum.

; Uplink : 121.1
; Syndicate : 121.3
; CTF-Red : 121.5
; CTF-Blue : 121.7
; CTF-Green : 121.9
; CTF-Yellow : 122.1
; CentCom : 133.7
; Supply : 134.7
; Service : 134.9
; Science : 135.1
; Command : 135.3
; Medical : 135.5
; Engineering : 135.7
; Security : 135.9
; Entertainment : 141.5
; Hologrid : 143.3
; Status Displays : 143.5
; AI Private : 144.7
; Electropacks: 144.9
; Magnets : 144.9
; Locator Implants : 145.1
; Radio Navigation Beacons : 145.5
; Signallers : 145.7
; Common : 145.9

Server Rules

2026-06-03T14:35:48Z

Moonridden: /* CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety */ organizational nitpicks

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved. Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events. You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* Do not excessively preemptively prepare your department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-03T14:32:24Z

Moonridden: /* CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity */ establishes a simple baseline for department preparations, hopefully to help medical get some more work.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.
* Do not excessively preemptively prepare your department in a way which drastically negates the need for interaction with other departments, such as ordering a technician's medical kit to leave laying around. This is considered Powergaming.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-06-03T14:26:53Z

Moonridden: /* CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty */ defines round removal

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* '''Round Removal''' is defined as a death in which the victim is unlikely or unable to recover from. It also captures deaths which require an exceptional level of medical effort to revert, such as gibbing or braining.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead is not Opt Round Removal, then the body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group, or ensure their sensors are on when if you abandon their body.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Hierarchy/Roles and Titles

2026-06-03T13:54:23Z

Moonridden: touchups

Bigass tables with, hopefully, acceptable descriptions for the different Roles on the Discord Server.

This is written for personal enjoyment, and attempts to poke fun at everyone equally.

List sorted by how titles are sorted inside the discord. Does not reflect actual seniority or power bestowed in the rank. Does not confer authority over lower ranks inherently.

== Roles ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! @Role !! Short Description and Links to More Info
|-
| @Staff Head || Biggest, tallest staffer. Likes eating eggs. Responsible for all Staff and Crew affairs. One of the three Head Admins.
|-
| @Policy Head || Corp reg sweat. Fist fights in policy channels, spends 30 minutes over a smoothie deciding the phrasing of [[Guide_to_chemistry#SaturnX|single lines]]. Keeps the writing important. Second of the three headmins.
|-
| @Development Head || Balancer of the large mound of spaghetti atop the plate that we call BYOND. Grand Reviewer of Pull Requests. Lead game designer and dev. The final headmin.
|-
| @Head Committee || The above three people, acting as a council. Extremely stinky when crammed into the small room of their voice chat. Exist for organization.
|-
| @Head Admin || The above three people, but as their leadership roles. Still stinky, but at least they're standing apart now.
|-
| @Staff-help Lead || Oversees the most complex of tickets. Drama appreciator, our most unbiased party. The radical centrist.
|-
| @Lead Access Request Manager || Literally all they do is gatekeep and decide how we gatekeep. Handles difficult or special applications. Trains others on how to gatekeep.
|-
| @Sysadmin || Eats cookies, blows dust out of the filesystem. Realizes we could've been doing something better all along, easily, and then does that.
|-
| @Lore Committee Head || Worldbuilder. Crafts stories like you would shape a shrub. It takes time and LOTS of effort.
|-
| @Staff Manager || Staff moderation and general operations oversight. Sanity checks the other admemes.
|-
|@Project Manager
|Props up individual facets of Nova such as chat moderation, access requests, mentors, and more. Typically like working on one thing and one thing only. Do that thing very well.
|-
|@Manager
|Ping role for all Manager types and Headmins.
|-
| @Announcer || Can announce. Does so for ridiculous reasons. Stop pinging me-! oh that's actually interesting okay.
|-
| @Senior Maintainer || Sous-chef. Helps cook the spaghetti, does a good job of it. Tries not to spill the spaghetti. Handles meatier development projects or complex bug fixing.
|-
| @Maintainer || Line chef. Prepares lots of spaghetti. Makes lots of garnish. Sets the bug traps. Eats the bugs.
|-
| @Assistant Maintainer || Culinary Artists. Just joined the restaurant. Sometimes spills the spaghetti. Occasionally comes up with new forms of pasta.
|-
| @Maintainer Team || The above four groups of people plus @Development Overseer. Official Staff Coders, collectively the kitchen staff. Cooks relentlessly. You swear you've heard the hats of each of these people squeak when you brush by them in chat.
|-
| @Head Chat Moderator || All things Discord Server. Provides rulings for Discord Server rule infractions and drama. Like the Staff-help Lead in a way. Won't call you kitten.
|-
|@Administrator
|Assistant Managers. Effective wildcards. Event nerds. Slightly cooler game assistants. Slightly.
|-
|@Event Curator
|Elusive role. Middlemanages Nova's events.
|-
| @RP Event Committee || Makes sure you actually roleplay when we're all deciding we're gonna roleplay. Crafts cool social events. Handles all the weddings.
|-
| @Action Event Committee || Gives guncargo a reason to exist. Keeps the stakes high. Thrillseekers. Probably has Rimworld installed on their computer and wanted to be a Storyteller.
|-
| @Staff Trainer || Specifically indicated to make sure staff are performing appropriately. Wags a finger and very sternly says, "Don't make me tap the Sign." which reads [[Staff Operations Policy]]
|-
| @Senior Access Request Manager || Actively practicing gatekeeper. Probably knows all the new people at the bar, is cool enough not to let on that they do.
|-
| @Head Mentor || Teaches people how to be teachers. Does lots of teaching. Seminars. Knows niche things, doesn't have an excuse for it. Makes sure important issues are well known.
|-
| @Game Assistant || The common admeme. Sasses you in prayers. Plays music of debatable quality. Answers your policy questions. Literally the voice in your head. Tries their best, usually comes through.
|-
| @Moderator || Currently deprecated. Used to exist as a stepping stone to GA, axed because it wasnt necessary. Held by cutemins.
|-
| @Policy Wolf || Debate Club moderator. Actually represents a part of Nova's policy in some way. Role is gained by application and appointment by the Policy Head.
|-
|@Policy Pup
|Nepotism role for the Policy Head to put a select group of people into a small box to bark in each other's faces. Has no rights and no responsibility outside of arguing with the Policy Head.
|-
| @Policy Pack || Debate Club participants. Develops and proposes new policy. Fist fights @Policy Head and @Policy Party Official routinely. Wins said fights frequently due to numbers advantage.
|-
| @Senior Chat Moderator || Handles more complex drama. Took a de-escalation course. Helps people not walk themselves out the door.
|-
| @Guest Maintainer || Friendly code visitors, like birds on your windowsill. Occasionally leaves gifts and trinkets.
|-
| @Staff || All Community Staff, from Game Assistants to the Head Admins. An exceptionally dangerous ping. Cream of the crop weirdoes. Reads and memorizes policy for fun.
|-
| @Trial-Staff || Greenmins. Stuck in the doorframe. Learning staff culture, still sets the dinner table wrong.
|-
| @Chat Moderator || Probably subscribed to r/amitheasshole. Makes sure society functions by reminding people that they live in a society. Also probably won't call you kitten. Probably
|-
| @Notable Retired Staff || Greybeards. Have opinions about problems from years prior, voices them. Did something important at some point in time. Probably did too much work and gets not enough remembrance for it.
|-
| @Staff in Hiatus || Driven insane to the point of taking a vacation. Got a life. Probably the only people getting laid. Probably showers. Possibly the most sane individuals in the hierarchy.
|-
| @Head Wiki Maintainer || 'Hello yes I would like to speak to your manager.' *spins around once in the office chair, putting on a very serious tone.* "Yes, how can I help you?" Master procrastibator. Has more unfinished ideas than finished ones.
|-
| @Senior Developer || Arrives in the kitchen a handful of times a year to invent new dishes with new types of pasta. Probably wrote an entire system that no one realizes they are using. Smirks at their screen often. Uses only imported knives.
|-
| @Developer || Weekend line cooks. Seasonal workers. Helps keep the kitchen afloat, has no work expectations.
|-
| @Intern Developer || Learned how a datum works four weeks ago. Talks about this grand idea for a new dish, hasn't sharpened their knives enough yet to prepare it.
|-
| @VC Restricted || Shutting your mouth for you. At least when you're typing you have a moment to think about the things you are saying.
|-
| @Issues Manager || Tries to expedite the kitchen, suffers as people try to re-invent tomato sauce instead. Tells the front of house to not bother the kitchen. Haunted by the ghosts of 6 different bug reports for the last year. Tastes the spaghetti.
|-
| @Wiki Maintainer || Sisyphean creatures. Permanently stuck documenting other people's work because they are not required to do it themselves. Six edits in a row for formatting. Leaves comments on edits longer than the edit itself.
|-
| @Event Contributor || Certified quality participant in events. Gets to have an opinion on events. Presents good ideas for events 6 out of 10 times. Probably feels like a main character, some actually are.
|-
| @Wiki Contributor || 'Oh I wrote the guide on that.' for the fourth day in a row. Helps keep the news agencies abreast of scientific developments.
|-
| @Lore Committee || Has a very strong opinion on tabletop games. Has a very strong opinion on on either the Warrior Cats series or Warhammer universe. Tries to rationalize why fictional things are possible using real world science. Invents new words because they can.
|-
| @Contributor || Headpat rank for people that have assisted with developing the game in any fashion. Must be asked for. Does the science. Probably didn't stop to ask themselves if they should do the science or not.
|-
| @Roleplay Mentor || Has made alignment charts for their characters. Probably claims to be an empath irl, definitely has at least one character with the quirk. Knows how to fit more meaning into less words.
|-
| @Mentor || 'So my special interest is blahblahblah.' Teaches people about how spaghetti is made, how to eat the spaghetti, and how to use your fork and knife. Might tell you to cut your pasta, might tell you to spin it around your fork.
|-
| @Chat Banned || Duct-tape.
|-
| @On Vacation (Self Exile) || See @Staff in Hiatus, but for crew.
|-
| @Active Donator || Regulars at the bar. Job havers. Keeps the lights on. Buys the spaghetti.
|-
| @Donator || Bought spaghetti at some point. Thank you!
|-
| @Nova Star || Legacy role for the once-retitled veteran system. Rest in peace.
|-
| @Punished Rodent || Rats in a rubber room.
|-
| @Artist-For-Commission || Realizes your paragraph long OC description into a meaningful visual. Suffers your nitpicks. Probably does not charge enough for their talents. Has undo and redo bound to a single keystroke or pen button.
|-
| @Development Team || The entire non-staffed code division. Supports the main kitchen.
|-
| @Good Faith Coder Guest || Museum visitors. Sometimes provide artifacts or modernist sculptures.
|-
| @Development Banned || Gave someone food poisoning or could not stop shouting at the kitchen staff.
|-
| @Access Request Manager || Door bouncers. Practicing gatekeepers. Puts that little x on the back of your paw with a sharpie. Squints at the contents of your bag. Ignores your slurred speech.
|-
| @Ready to Whitelist || Got past the bouncer, stuck standing outside the front door texting their friends. Literally just has to walk inside the door once, doesn't. Gets told to go home after standing outside the restaurant for seven straight days.
|-
| @Crew || Describes every single person who consumes Nova Sector brand pasta.
|-
| @Voter || Decides on new types of pasta and house rules. Was given a receipt with details asking them to review their experience at the restaurant, throws the receipt in the trash can by the front door.
|-
| @Announcements || Gets newsletters about new kinds of pasta, or about why the plate manufacturer is using a different kind of ceramic now. Marks the newsletter as read, moves on with their life.
|-
| @Game-Alert Nova Sector Main || Gets text messages letting them know the restaurant is open. Volunteered for this. Specifically asked the hostess for this.
|-
| @Event Notification || Gets spam mail inviting them to come eat pasta with other people.
|-
| @Town Hall || Enjoys ted talks. Waits patiently to be asked to come on stage, asks the presenters off topic questions.
|-
| @Denied || Gatekept.
|-
| @Temp Denied || Come back in two weeks, sober. Thanks.
|-
| @Devblog || Listens to the chefs discuss advancements in pasta and flour making technology.
|-
| @Security || Screams about failure to CI for the fourth time this week. Asks to be hurt, complains that they were hurt too much. Will pull an 'Uhm, ackshually' without a hint of irony. Asserts that convoy loading a shotgun is not a form of powergaming. Forgets to look in criminal boots. Didn't use a forensic scanner on the busted open door. Arrives to the crime scene after the janitor visited.
|-
| @Engineering || In a love-hate relationship with a rock. Sniffs exotic gasses for entertainment. Builds a hotspring in an absolutely ridiculous place. Contributes to the necessity of the Crimes Against Reality [[Corporate Regulations]].
|-
| @Cargo || Claims not to do drugs, does them. Smells like cardboard. Says "They're minerals!" even though Breaking Bad came out over 540 years ago. Enables criminals everywhere, somehow aren't criminals themselves for doing so.
|-
| @Medical || Masochists. Tries to roleplay after revival, watches in dismay as their patient wakes up from a fresh cauterization and runs off without a second word. Probably has a second monitor with six tabs of wiki pages and the crew monitor window open on it. Reformed powergamers. Either has an extremely long history playing antagonists or has never once touched them.
|-
| @Service || Makes and sells drugs, including the legal ones. Turns a single piece of meat into 12000 seconds of food buff which somehow doesn't leave your food meter full. Rolls the cuffed, field executed antagonist's corpse over to clean their blood puddle. Creates the most beautiful displays of flowers you have ever seen, dies inside when a gravitational or bluespace anomaly destroys their work. Asserts that the railgun noises their plantkin make is normal. Pretends to be a therapist.
|-
| @Antagonist || Sadists. Argues conflict is healthy and important for personal and character development. Is correct. Forgets to CI for the seventh time that shift. Is left cufflebucked in solitary over possession charges, has to ahelp.
|-
| @Command || Recurring masochists. Either knows exactly what to do or couldn't help you if they tried, no in-between. Spends 40 minutes of every shift arguing on Command comms. Slips while holding their department remote, forgets they were holding it and loses it in maintenance. Will not publicly admit to having autolathe'd their PDA and ID.
|-
| @opfor-ers || TV grade villians. Coin-flip on if they know how to write a proper OpFor or not. Writes some of the best, and worst, stories on the server.
|-
| @Policy-Update-Hearer || Gets newsletters about how pasta is legally allowed to be consumed.
|-
| @Silicon || Linguistic rope bunnies. Enjoys their AA and long arms. Deadbolts the airlock behind them. Has strong opinions on borg models. Needs a buff and a rework three years ago. Gets shafted by upstream constantly. Professional rules lawyers.
|-
| @Captcha-verified || Not @silicon
|-
| @Gamers || Variety gamers.
|-
| @LoreBlog || Cant wait for the next [[Nova_Sector_lore|Lore]] {{TooltipInline|release|That's what she said.}}, waits for an unspecified amount of time. Permanently left on a [[Lore:Death|cliffhang]]. Eats popcorn.
|-
| @ashwalker || Are not real. Do insane rituals that put modern heretics to shame. Live on the outskirts of a demonic society. Is abducted by outworlders routinely. Found a pair of mesons once and it changed their life.
|-
| @tarkon || Offstation guncargo. Refuses to trade their neat tech. Run by some of the most skilled individuals in the entire community.
|-
| @catwalker || Meow meow meow meow meow. Has to be reminded they aren't part of the station.
|-
| @DS2 || Antagonism without the mechanics. Goes insane from working alone.
|-
| @Interdyne || Exiled scientists. Make the best drugs you've ever had. Does everything you can do and more in 1/10th of the available space. Corners the market on life saving drugs. Embodies capitalism.
|-
| @Black Market Dealers || Has lots of contraband, either sells a lot or cant sell any of it. Makes a display of their wares in the bar. Gets arrested multiple times. Is drunk while asking for boarding permission. Gets their ship stolen.
|-
| @Server Booster || Subscribed to nitro nearly a decade ago.
|}

== Titles ==

Server Rules

2026-05-28T08:48:56Z

Moonridden: Departmental Policy - Engineering - The Captain, Science, random Assistants, the Blueshield, random Command memebers, etc are no longer permitted to *attempt* to setup the supermatter. This also stops cargo and Science from setting up their own atmospheric engines without Engineering's assistance. Go setup solars. 'Oh moon thats not enough power' go UPGRADE your solars with plasmaglass, the plasma of which you recaptured from recycling plasteel into the silo, if your situation is that dire.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead are not flagged for Opt Round Removal, their body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies to prevent them from re-entering the round. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# '''Only Engineering and Silicon roles may setup the Supermatter''', HFR, or other Atmospheric Engines on Station. Off-station Z is not a concern. '''If you need power, setup the Solars.'''
# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-05-28T00:25:52Z

Moonridden: /* ERP Status Options */ Free Use Policy is now a thing. Dont let your memes stay dreams.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead are not flagged for Opt Round Removal, their body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies to prevent them from re-entering the round. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, at any time by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.
* '''Free Use''': Indicates that your character's body is sexually available to others at any time for non-extreme content, without additional prior permission or communication. Selecting this Opt is considered to be providing consent in advance.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Antagonist Policy

2026-05-27T21:04:31Z

Moonridden: xenomorphs metaprotection edge case capture

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected when content is directed at an individual.
* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should not interfere with Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation. Xenobiology's operations are not impacted by this protection.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glass being of solidified space. You are a thoughtform. You feed on fear.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Server Rules

2026-05-27T18:20:54Z

Moonridden: further clarifies the 18+ header

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to participate in our Community. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector or applying on our Discord, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead are not flagged for Opt Round Removal, their body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies to prevent them from re-entering the round. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-05-27T18:00:08Z

Moonridden: Establishes writing about the ERP Opt System and all of its preferences.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to play here. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead are not flagged for Opt Round Removal, their body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies to prevent them from re-entering the round. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security frequencies.
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== The ERP Opt-In System ===
Nova Sector provides an on-inspect sexual content preference flagging system, similar to consent / relationship status bands you might see at a party or bar. This is located per-character on the Character Preferences window, under Character Profile.

We maintain categories and options to help regulate how content is directed at you, and provide an administrative basis to protect you, when used correctly.

'''You can always consent, or retract consent, by using LOOC.''' See ERP-G-2.

==== General Opt Types ====
These Opts are found on all erotic content status options.

* '''Ask (L)OOC''': Indicates that you wish to use some form of OOC communication to engage in sexual content. We prefer you do this in-game using LOOC. Be prepared to prove consent if you did not do so in-game and it becomes an issue.
* '''Check OOC Notes''': If you have '''ANY''' limitations on the type of content that should be directed at you outside of a scene setting, you must populate the appropriate field. When you plan to direct sexual content at someone that has this Opt, you must first read their notes, which are available under a labeled tab on the character inspect menu. You should be extremely clear about your limitations, as Staff will use the writing as policy in part of their judgement in administrating in your defense.
* '''No / None''': This Opt indicates that you do not want sexual content directed at you. '''This does not provide protection from passing or local exposure that is not directed at you, or from sexual characters that are not sexualizing themselves at you.'''

==== ERP Status Options ====
This is the general erotic content Opt.

* '''Yes''': Indicates you do not have any major limitations on the type of '''non-extreme''' sexual content that is directed at you, outside of the advanced Opt types below. Use ''''Check OOC Notes'''<nowiki/>' if you are picky.
* '''Position / Power Dynamics''': This is the same as using '''Yes''' but allows you to provide some more character flavor for quick access on inspect.

==== ERP Mechanical Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about mechanics. If you wish to stop most mechanics entirely, you should check Game Preferences instead.

* '''Roleplay Only''': You prefer others only write their smut in your direction, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical Only''': You prefer others only utilize mechanics, such as the Interactions Panel or Toys, when interacting with your character when, when permitted.
* '''Mechanical and Roleplay''': You do not care how people sexually interact with your character, when permitted.

==== ERP Hypnosis Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Erotic_hypnosis|Erotic Hypnosis]].

* '''Always / Whenever''': You don't care if people are writing the hypno or using game mechanics to accomplish their desires.
* '''Gameplay Only''': You do not want written hypno directed at you, only the usage of game-allowed methods and mechanics.

==== ERP Vore Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [[wikipedia:Vorarephilia|Voreaphilia]].

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as ''''Yes'''<nowiki/>' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

==== ERP Non-Con Status Options ====
Indicates how you feel about [https://fanlore.org/wiki/Non-con Non-Consensual] themes.

* '''Yes''': You are okay with this content being directed at you.
* '''Yes + Energy Type''': Same as 'Yes' but provides quicker information for people to decide their interest.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-05-27T16:10:04Z

Moonridden: /* The Harkness Test */ rephrases and strengthens considerations for ban conditions under this policy.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to play here. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead are not flagged for Opt Round Removal, their body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies to prevent them from re-entering the round. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security comms
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

As an applicable non-human character, if your public roleplay is found to be ambiguous on any of the three qualifications, and you engage in a sexual interaction, you could be banned.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-05-27T13:00:36Z

Moonridden: /* CR 2: The Vibe Check */ Safe Zone Policy clarification and cleanup

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to play here. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* '''Safe Zone Policy''': The Escape Shuttle, Interlink, and Ghost Cafés are Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated in or brought to these areas. On the Escape Shuttle, Security and Command may use force only to de-escalate a situation.
* Combat must end at the round-end screen, also known as the Title Card or Credits. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead are not flagged for Opt Round Removal, their body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies to prevent them from re-entering the round. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security comms
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

If you are found to be violating the Harkness Test, you could be looking at a ban.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Server Rules

2026-05-27T12:40:26Z

Moonridden: /* Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) */ Explains that ambushes dont exist, except, kind of.

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to play here. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* The Interlink and Ghost Café are Peace / Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated or brought there. It is not a dangerous mechanical testing area. Respect the space.
* Combat must end at the round-end Title Card. The Shuttle is a Safe Zone; Security and Command may use force only to maintain peace, not to instigate. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead are not flagged for Opt Round Removal, their body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies to prevent them from re-entering the round. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security comms
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

==== Ambushes and Traps ====
Due to the constraints of Combat Indicator and our roleplay expectations, you should not attempt to ambush people if you are not PMS and in an active battle zone.

Equally, as we require Combat Indicator to be used to gain mechanical advantage, you must be within view of your target and also engage CI to utilize a trap. This means you cannot set trigger traps in nearly every situation.

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

If you are found to be violating the Harkness Test, you could be looking at a ban.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Antagonist Policy

2026-05-27T12:32:41Z

Moonridden: Spiders - Removes Station Threat status.

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected when content is directed at an individual.
* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should not interfere with Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glass being of solidified space. You are a thoughtform. You feed on fear.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Server Rules

2026-05-27T12:23:54Z

Moonridden: /* Station Threat */ clarifies how captain can apply station threat

{{Rules navbar}}
== You must be 18 or older to play here. ==
Nova Sector is a US based Community. We follow US laws.

By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content.

== On Good Faith and Bad Faith ==
The distinction between "good faith" and "bad faith" behavior revolves around a Player's intent to engage with our Community’s rules and roleplay in a way that is fun and fair for everyone, as opposed to intentionally trying to ruin the experience or Narratives of others (commonly known as Grief/Griefing). Playing in good faith means your actions are driven by a genuine attempt to participate in the Shift’s Story and your Character's role within it, even if those actions cause conflict. In contrast, Bad faith (often synonymous with griefing or ‘shitter’ behavior) covers actions that have no benefit to the perpetrator or victims other than upsetting others, disrupting the Shift or a scene or a Story for poor in-character reasons.

Good faith behavior in gaming involves playing within the spirit of the Rules with the shared goal of an enjoyable experience for everyone, while bad faith behavior is intellectual dishonesty aimed at personal gain, disrupting the server and its environment, or "winning" at the expense of others' enjoyment.

A Security Officer brigging a crew member for a legitimate, properly escalated crime is good faith roleplay, even if it inconveniences the other player. An Officer that fabricates evidence, applies corporate regulations to their maximum allowance, throws the victim in Perma, and then ignores them, is behaving in bad faith. Staff will attempt to investigate the player's motivation to determine whether a rule was broken in good or bad faith.

== Core Rules ==

=== CR 1: The Social Contract ===
Conduct yourself with the maturity expected of an 18+ server. Take the environment seriously. Follow Staff instructions and rulings. Seek permission, not forgiveness. Self-report to Staff if you feel you made a mistake. You are responsible for knowing the rules. Ignorance is not an excuse.

* Do not lie, omit context, or misrepresent facts in official channels. Provide all relevant information immediately. Report rule-breaks as they occur. While you may finish an active scene or moment before providing full details, you must not use this delay to escalate or seek retribution. Once a ticket is pending, all conflict with the accused parties must cease immediately. If you disagree with a ruling, remain civil and make a Staff Report ticket on Discord.
* '''Narrative Blackout''': Shifts are loosely canon. You may remember interactions and events, but should you not recall any specific names or faces tied to antagonistic actions or roles. This can only be waived per shift by the accused.
* Keep personal struggles out of roleplay. We recognize that life can be difficult and we genuinely care about our players' wellbeing, but your characters should not be a vehicle for real-life distress. We take this seriously not to punish people who are struggling, but to make sure the game doesn't become a substitute for real support, putting unfair emotional weight on other players. If you're going through something hard, please reach out to a trusted person or support resource.
* If you wish to explore your characters mental health as a subject for roleplay such as through psychology, mental breakdowns, or ongoing story arcs, it must be done with immersion in mind and escalated in a realistic way. Mental health topics should be used to elevate roleplay for all players, not used to excuse characters' bad behavior. Treat your character's mental health journey seriously to the best of your ability.
* Do not refer to real world modern politics, wars, or any political figures in any capacity.

=== CR 2: The Vibe Check ===
Carry yourself in good faith. Play and behave altruistically for the benefit of everyone. You don't have to respect the character, but you must respect the writer and the larger game environment.

* The Interlink and Ghost Café are Peace / Safe Zones. Conflict should not be instigated or brought there. It is not a dangerous mechanical testing area. Respect the space.
* Combat must end at the round-end Title Card. The Shuttle is a Safe Zone; Security and Command may use force only to maintain peace, not to instigate. Blowing up the station or Interlink at round-end can result in a permanent ban.
* Characters not reacting to their environment are considered to have Space Sleeping Disorder. Do not touch or interfere with SSD players except to save them from immediate danger. Report SSD Command and Security to Staff, you may move other crew to cryogenics after 30 minutes, by yourself if you wish.
* Unwelcome harassment, targeted rumor-spreading, and fear-mongering is strictly prohibited.
* Avoid "Anti-Roleplay" (ARP) behaviors. Do not cryogenics or disconnect to evade IC consequences. Do not destroy or hide items essential to an ongoing narrative for your own benefit; this includes excessive measures to cover your tracks. Once your antagonist action begins, you may not leave the station Z-level without Staff approval.
* Real-world slurs and hate speech are prohibited. While "In-Universe" derogatory terms (e.g. against specific fictional species) are permitted for flavor, they must never cross into real world bigotry. The person on the receiving end determines if the verbiage is acceptable. If asked to stop, stop.
* Outright telling someone to kill themselves, in any IC or OOC channel, results in an immediate ban. This is the difference between 'walk yourself out an airlock' and 'kill yourself'.

=== CR 3: Setting Immersion and Safety ===
Play an immersive adult Original Character with personality and knowledge that respects our Lore, Narrative Setting, and your current Role. Set limitations for what your Character knows and can accomplish. Be prepared to justify your Character’s actions and knowledge. No one is perfect and all knowing, and your Character shouldn't be either.

* Keep primarily to English and only in the Latin alphabet. You may use transliterated or loan words from other languages as additive spice and character gimmick. If confronted or misunderstood, clarify yourself ICly. Do not circumvent our rules with this allowance.
* No netspeak (lol, kek, chudling, 67, etc.) in IC speech, though it is permitted by PDA.
** Bitrunners that are on the Manifest, TTS Device users, and everyone within or spawning from a Bitdomain are excluded from this, assuming they remain high effort about it. ‘1337sp33k’ is always prohibited.
* Intentional suicide is prohibited. Discussion of suicide or self-harm must be kept strictly to SUBTLER and requires LOOC consent from those involved.
** Antagonists with the Die a Glorious Death objective are exempt from this
* No "Meme" or "Joke" characters in IC spaces outside of Staff-sanctioned events.
** You cannot play or recreate a character which resembles real life people, even for fun, except yourself.
* Play the job that you have. We have limited tolerance for characters that departmentally job-hop across shifts. Be prepared to explain to the Crew and Staff why your Chief Engineer understands advanced surgery and organic chemistry enough to be a Chief Medical Officer too.
* Respawning as the same character, as the same job or as an assistant, is permitted if you left the round by cryo and would like to rejoin. Do not rejoin as the same or as a similar or related character if you died.
* You may not copy characters from pre-existing media. Adapted concepts are okay.
* If the population is low, a department is decimated, or there are other extenuating circumstances, and it would not be considered powergaming, you may perform tasks outside of your Job for the good of the narrative flow. Be prepared to defend your actions.
* '''Post-Mortality Blackout''':{{anchor|Blackout}} In the likely event of your death or destruction, if you are revived, you retain no knowledge of the events precluding or individuals involved in your demise.

=== CR 4: Impartiality and the Separation of Player and Character ===
Maintain a strict separation between your character and yourself. Your character is a narrative tool. Do not allow OOC opinions, conflicts, or personal moods to dictate their actions in a way that breaks immersion.

* Information gained outside of IC experience in the current round is Metaknowledge. Using this information for an IC advantage is Metagaming and is strictly prohibited.
* Do not target or treat a player differently IC due to OOC disagreements or events from previous rounds. Keep the slate clean every shift.
* Playing with friends is welcome, but metagaming OOCly or forming harassment groups is forbidden. This is punished with extreme severity if it occurs within Command or Security departments, as it damages the integrity of the game setting.

=== CR 5: Shift Integrity, Pacing, and the Ladder of Escalation ===
Your actions must be proportional to the situation. Escalate with effort. Use words, emotes, and non-lethal conflict before resorting to violence. Murder or grievous harm in direct response to minor insults or petty theft is prohibited.

* Do not skip narrative plot points for immediate satisfaction. Respect the buildup of a scene. If you are not an Antagonist, do not worsen a crisis or steal the spotlight from an ongoing narrative. Allow the intended players and Staff to drive the momentum.
* Red Alert acts as an OOC freeze on new antagonist actions. If you were not the cause of the alert, you must lay low and remain uninvolved in further chaotic escalation. This allows Crew and Staff to manage the current crisis without additional distraction.
* Game in moderation, act with self restraint. Particularly as an Antagonist, your goal is to provide an engaging challenge for the crew, not station-wipe or mass-murder without very clear narrative escalation.

=== CR 6: Style Points: Powergaming and Scene Integrity ===
Your use of game knowledge, equipment, and departmental access must primarily benefit the story. We provide greater mechanical leeway to players who demonstrate high-effort roleplay (immersive dialogue, custom emotes, and depth). A player with a heavy loadout who contributes to the atmosphere will be judged more favorably than a silent player focused solely on mechanical dominance.

* Do not manipulate the environment to gain a tactical advantage while a non-combat scene is in progress. Moving furniture, welding doors, or positioning yourself "optimally" during roleplay without a Combat Indicator is considered Bad Faith Powergaming.
** The other party may, at their discretion, consider actions such as these to be starting mechanics. Don't cry if you get shot or stabbed while attempting this.
* If you do not respect the integrity of a scene and its participants, you are acting in bad faith. This applies heavily to Security and Command, as their priority is to facilitate the round's narrative, not to win every encounter through mechanical optimization. Give the Antagonist the opportunity to be entertaining, seriously. A dead rat does not run or squeak.

=== CR 7: Consent, Agency, & Narrative Sovereignty ===
Respect the narrative desires and role responsibilities of others. Your presence does not entitle you to involvement in someone else's scene. Allow others the space to perform the roles they signed up for.

* You must acquire clear IC or OOC Consent to intentionally transform, convert, or alter the permanent physical appearance of a Character, or to convert them to Antagonism.
** Medical and Robotics are exempt from this for the purposes of revivals. Direct them to an SAD or Admin Help if necessary.
* Only Security and Command are authorized to actively hunt antagonists. Non-security players seeking out Station Threats without a defensible, provable IC reason is Validhunting and is prohibited. Red Alert enables Crew Militia, but does not negate the roleplay expectations of those engaging.
* If you intentionally engage or interfere with an antagonist who did not approach you, your Opt-Out status regarding conflict is waived. However, protections against Round Removal still apply unless previously agreed upon.
* If a conflict results in a death, and the dead are not flagged for Opt Round Removal, their body must remain locatable and recoverable by their group or the crew. Do not hide or space bodies to prevent them from re-entering the round. If this is not feasible, Admin Help for guidance.
** This is particularly relevant for PvE styled antagonists, such as Maneaters.
** Yes, it is expected that if you beat someone to death that you will then throw or drag their crumpled body back to the an easily viewable location of their Group.

=== CR 8: Antagonistic Conduct, Optics, and the Narrative Vacuum ===
If you are not a designated Antagonist, do not play your character as one. You are a member of the crew, your actions should reflect your role and the station’s laws.

* The story is a collective experience. Criminal acts or antagonism should be narratively founded, properly escalated, and witnessed or discoverable by others. Substantial action taken in total isolation contributes nothing to the shift and is discouraged.
* Exceptional crimes (such as Murder) committed by non-antagonists require an extreme level of narrative justification and prior escalation. The more disruptive the crime, the higher the scrutiny Staff will apply to your roleplay quality and reasoning.
** If there is no established round specific reason for a crime to occur, it should not happen. "It’s what my character would do" is not a substitute for active, in-shift escalation.

=== CR 9: Station Integrity, Collateral Damage, and Protagonistic Outlooks on Sabotage ===
Do not sabotage Vital Infrastructure without a specific Antagonist objective, permission by Admin Help, or through '''heavy and transparent''' roleplay escalation. Sabotage should never occur in a narrative vacuum.

* Vital Infrastructure is currently defined as the SMES Units, any major source of electricity, Atmos Distribution or the Gas Silos, and the Evacuation Shuttle.
* Station-level Sabotage is restricted. Actions that degrade or weaponize infrastructure to the point of impacting the entire station and that were not escalated with significant effort are not permitted without approval by Admin Help.
* '''Do not sabotage pipes'''. Plasmaflooding the entire station using Distro requires Staff approval, you should not expect to be granted this except under the conditions of CR10.
** Localized atmospheric weapons, such as flamethrowers or unshielded canisters are okay. Five hundred thousand mols of burn mix will be dealt with administratively. Be responsible with this allowance.
* If you are using indiscriminate tools of violence such as large explosives, you must do your best to avoid collateral damage with Antag-Opt-Outs. Do not be lazy with this.
* Any planned destructive usage of a TTV or Canister bomb must be approved by Staff.
* Simple Mobs are allowed full clearance to Local, not Station-level, sabotage.
* '''EXPERIMENTAL - The Mutual Destruction Clause''': Challenging a member of Command by LOOC to ‘Mutual Destruction’ bypasses restraints on targeting that Department to the point of total annihilation. The agreeing member of Command must first inform Staff that this has happened by Admin Help, post facto, and ensure their department is at least aware of the threat’s existence at some point before the destruction begins. Particularly, the member of Command must ensure any of their personnel with Antag-Opt-Out have the opportunity to decide their involvement.
** Should a member of Command agree to Mutual Destruction, Staff are to refuse any attempt at early evacuation. Staff will state OOCly that the Command member has agreed to Mutual Destruction, and their right to Anonymity for the shift is waived.
** The Captain must get permission by Admin Help to agree to this Clause.
** Misuse or overuse of this clause will be met with a ban.
** Invoke this clause against Admin / True CentCom Characters at your own risk.

=== CR 10: The Rule of Cool ===
Staff may invoke "The Rule of Cool" to override gameplay or narrative Core Rules if an action significantly enhances the shift's quality for the community. This functions as administrative jury nullification for high-effort, positive-impact roleplay.
* This discretion cannot be used to bypass OOC conduct rules, safety policies, or the zero-tolerance age policy.
* Invoking this rule requires approval from the most senior Staff present and must be immediately documented in the Discord as an Admin Event with full context. Staff must explicitly notify the involved players that a rule is being waived for that specific instance.

==Gameplay States and Policy==
There are three states you will find yourself in while enjoying Space Station 13 in a roleplay environment. These are fluid conditions which you can consider as simply as the difference between standing still and walking across a room. We consider three types: being social, engaging with the core gameplay itself which we call Mechanics, and engaging in violence.

=== Roleplay State ===
When you are standing about talking in safe public spaces, when you are repositioning yourself in a scene good faith like stepping aside for traffic, and when your actions are not advantageous for your gameplay (such as a bartender preparing drinks or a doctor providing healthcare in normal medbay conditions), you are existing in a Roleplay State.

Roleplay States can be extended to things that might normally be considered Mechanical only if it is appropriately supported by custom emotes and ample waiting time for people to read.

You are engaging with SS13 as a social layer with which to interact with others, not as a competitive or gameplay oriented layer, at least in that immediate moment.

=== Mechanical State ===
When you are engaging with any gameplay feature which puts you at a direct advantage over others, then you are in a Mechanical State. Some examples of this State are:

* Equipping a weapon or disabling it safeties, or aiming a weapon at someone (this doesn't confer any benefit, don't worry)
* Shoving someone in a way which causes them to fall over in non-hostile scenarios, or which doesn't cause them damage or immediate situational disadvantage
* Stitching your wounds or those of others in the field, particularly when done without a custom emote supporting it
* Using the radio
* Opening a door
* Existing or moving about in a hostile or obviously dangerous area, such as near active fights or warzones

=== Combat State and Combat Indicator (CI) ===
When you intend to do anything in a Mechanical State that puts someone else at physical risk, or which causes direct harm, or places them at a situational gameplay disadvantage, you are preparing to enter Combat State. This can include:

* Using a radio within view of, or planning to move away to use the radio, to communicate the location of someone in any sense other than social altruism, such as "Contractor Sci Maints" on Common or "I'm with them in the Courtroom right now" on Security comms
* Running away from a clearly socially escalated situation, such as Security doing hallway detainment, or running when someone has a gun aimed at you
* Firing, utilizing, reloading, or preparing a weapon
* Poisoning, sleepy-penning, using an agent card or thieves gloves, or any other silent techniques
* Planning to depressurize a room with malicious intent, starting a fire, or any other environmental techniques
* Preparing to pull the pin on a grenade or initiate an explosive

'''To legally enter a Combat State, you must engage with the Combat Indicator system.'''

==== Combat Indicator (CI) ====
[[File:CombatIndicator.png|frame|A security operative reciprocates the CI of a greytider, showing off the UI elements you should pay attention to.]]
The Combat Indicator is a game system that uses a hotkey to signal that you are entering Combat State, which is transitioning from roleplay or mechanics to combat, or elsewise putting yourself at a significant advantage over someone else with regards to the game environment.

The default keybind for Combat Indicator is {{Key|C}}. This can be changed in Preferences -> Game Preferences -> Keybindings -> Human -> Combat Indicator.

This game system provides a mechanism to clearly establish the transition from Roleplay and Mechanics to Combat by:

* Providing a UI element which is visible in all conditions
* Playing a noticeable audible cue
* Sending large red text in chat warning that you are entering an aggressive state.

'''After activating CI, you must wait at least FIVE seconds, unless your target reciprocates CI, or enters / obviously continues a Mechanical State, to begin Combat.'''

=== Permanent Mechanical State (PMS) ===
Permanent Mechanical State is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and IC circumstance which waives the Combat Indicator engagement timeframe protection. '''This means you only need to engage CI to begin mechanics, without the normal wait time.'''

You may attempt to drop the PMS Status by disabling your CI and refusing to return violent contact with your aggressor. You may dodge and attempt to avoid damage during this time.

If someone that is PMS appears to be making an effort to return to a Roleplay State, you should attempt to indulge them. You are not obligated to do so.

Permanent Mechanical State Status Triggers are conditions in which the PMS status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Area of Effect passives such as the Demoralizer mod module, Chaplain Bard equipment, Heretic auras, and similar.
* Anyone repeatedly teleporting or jaunting to escape confrontation

=== Station Threat ===
Station Threat is a theoretical status that is applied through Policy and gained by IC circumstance which permits any Crew to engage a threat as a valid-huntable target, following roleplay escalation expectations.

Station Threat Status Triggers are conditions in which the Station Threat status is applied automatically. These are currently:

* Anyone that threatens the Station by Announcement System.
* Anyone or any Group that the Captain labels SPECIFICALLY as a 'Station Threat' in an Announcement. The Captain may also remove Station Threat status the same way.
* Anything or anyone that Central Command designates by Announcement.
* Anyone who causes more than half of the current Security Team to be combat-disabled or deceased.

==Department Policies==
Below you can find specific department policies. These policies apply to anyone in said department, or if they are acting as a member of the department.
{| class="wikitable"
!Department
!Policy
|-
!
=== Cargo ===
|The Quartermaster can lay out additional IC standards for Cargo, within reason.

# Orders, legal or illegal are an IC issue, unless breaking another rule. (see: cargo setting up their own SM.)
# The Cargo/Supply department are not formal employees of NT, they are temporary-contractors from the FTU, filling in for the Cargo Department.
# As cargo, you shouldn't be refusing orders without a justifying IC reason.
# Cargo is still under Corporate Regulations while on NT Property.
|-
!
=== Central Command Crew ===
|These rules apply to the Central Command members stationed with the Crew.

# Central Command Members should be in very good standing with NT.
# While the NTC is in charge of crew resources. They do not have absolute authority over the station.
# The NTC has ultimate say if corporate regulations are properly being enforced.
|-
!
=== Command ===
|The Captain can lay out additional IC standards for Command, within reason.
# Command should be in good or better standing with NT. They do not need to be perfect, but they should be someone reasonably qualified and hirable. Quartermasters should be in good standing with the FTU.
# You should be competent with your department and aware of its relevant policies.
# Command equipment and clothing is to only be given as necessitated e.g. a dire emergency.
# Access should not be given out for frivolous reasons.
# When changing job titles as Command, the titles you give out should be professional.
# Command characters should have filled out General, Medical, and Security records meeting our minimum records template, [[Records Template|'''which can be found here''']].
# For information regarding the "Acting Captain" position, check the [[Captain|Captain job page]].
|-
!
=== Engineering ===
|The Chief Engineer can lay out additional IC standards for Engineering, within reason.

# Engineering has rights to 'improve' or upgrade any non-departmental space, including without the Captain's permission. They may only be stopped if they place the station or others at non-consensual risk of bodily harm.
# Experimentation is welcome, but you may be held responsible for if it goes wrong. Please use a Z-level that is not the Station-Z for extremely dangerous or destructive projects.
|-
!
=== Medical ===
|The Chief Medical Officer can lay out additional IC standards for Medical, within reason.

# For medical personnel, invasive surgery should only be done in Medical, except in the case of emergency. Revivals should only be done in a place designated by the CMO or Station Blueprints.
# The CMO has authority and culpability for the release of any official Virus. Viruses should be clearly labeled when offered publicly. If you wish to release a dangerous virus, you '''MUST notify Staff by Admin Help'''. Releasing a Virus without IC permission is a Corporate Regulations issue. You are still held to the rest of the Core Rule expectations while doing this. '''Be prepared for the IC consequences of your actions'''.
|-
!
=== Science ===
|The Research Director can lay out additional IC standards for Science and Research, within reason.
|-
!
=== Security ===
|The Head of Security can lay out additional IC standards for Security, within reason.
# You are expected to function as a counter to criminals, antagonists, and all kinds of ne'er do wells.
# You are expected to follow Corporate Regulations when feasible, though alternative punishments can be applied within reason.
# '''Hardcore torture, MMI, or borging require explicit OOC consent.'''
# The head of your department is the “Head of Security”. If the captain demotes them, you are to remember that you work for the department, not the Head of Security.
# You can roleplay as a corrupt security member, however, do not use it to shut down roleplay or create a toxic environment.
# You are not to ignore antagonistic behavior that is a threat to the station.
# You should not leave the station unless the threat is out in space or lavaland.
# '''Regarding Contraband''': Barring picking it up mid-fight, security shouldn't be using contraband, unless the alert level is '''DELTA.'''
|-
!
=== Service ===
|The Head of Personnel can lay out additional IC standards for Service, within reason.
|}

== ERP and Sexual Content Rules ==
This Policy group is enforced with zero tolerance. Infractions can result in Community Removal depending on severity.

=== Defining Spaces ===

==== Public Space ====
A Public Space is defined as anywhere accessible by an Assistant without tools, and any first-level Departmental areas. The Lobby, Hallways, and any room you can currently see into from a Public Space within your Department are also Public Spaces.

==== Private Space ====
Anywhere else is considered a Private Space. A Public Space can be made Private by meeting the above criteria.

==== Marked Space ====
A Space which has been marked with either a Privacy or Lewd Advisory holosign. You can get a projector through the 'Erotic' tab on your character loadout, or from a Lustwish vendor.

Lewd Advisory Marked Public Spaces advertise a Pro-ERP or Sexual Content area, where your exposure to such content is almost certain.

Private-sign Marked Private Spaces should not be entered intentionally without first making contact by Wall-Piercing LOOC or ICly established permission.

=== The Harkness Test ===
There are many things you can potentially find yourself possessing in Space Station 13. We also acknowledge people have unique interests.

The Harkness Test stipulates that all three of the following criteria must be satisfied for a sexual interaction with a fictional non-human character or entity to be ethically acceptable:

* Does the character have adult human intelligence, and could be considered sapient?
* Can the character use language or otherwise communicate in a way which clearly provides consent?
* Is the character of sexual maturity for its species?

If you are found to be violating the Harkness Test, you could be looking at a ban.

=== General Rules and Public Spaces ===

==== ERP-G-1 Setting Expectations of Exposure ====
By playing on Nova Sector, you consent to incidental or passing exposure to Sexual Content. Your Character Preferences, OOC Notes, and OOC Consent by any provable means of communication, governs how Content can be directed at you. Respect other Players Right to ERP and their Preferences. Your Preferences are not those of others.

==== ERP-G-2 The ‘Tap Out’ Rule ====
Your OOC consent to involvement in erotic content directed at you may be retracted at any time, for any reason, and must be immediately respected by those involved. Use LOOC for best results, state you are 'Invoking the Tap Out Rule' or similar, and disengage or ignore them. If they do not comply, immediately Admin Help.

==== ERP-G-3 Don't Be Weird About ERP ====
Do not force intrapersonal social drama over ERP, perceived ERP, or relationship issues IC or OOC, unless it has been made welcome. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in this context as well; if you are uncomfortable with an interaction, speak up in LOOC before contacting Staff to handle it. The '''Nude Beach Clause''' allows public nudity that is not actively publicly self-sexualizing while interacting with someone who does not have an explicit ERP Opt-In.

==== ERP-G-4 No On-Station Expectations of Safety ====
If you ERP on Station, you have zero IC protections against casual consequences.The bartender is allowed to shoot you for having sex in their bar, assuming adequate escalation. If the station is under Red Alert, and you want total scene security against destruction, you must leave the Station for the Interlink or Ghost Cafe. Getting collateral’d because you did not pay attention to the explosions growing closer is your responsibility to consider. This, equally, gives you rights to defend yourself for doing so.

==== ERP-G-5 On The Clocking and The Right To Work > Right to Get Laid ====
All on-the-clock Departmental Staff must keep a radio equipped while in a scene and should pay attention to their Department or Command frequencies, otherwise they should clock out. If Departmental Staff is urgently needed, use the Radio and PDA to ask them to do their job. Do not do this in bad faith. Do not start drama if they do not comply, instead make an Admin Help. Do not restrict a Scenemate from their Staff duties coercively, IC or OOC. Additionally, the right to work exceeds the right to get laid. If it is situationally relevant, a department worker can ask you to move out of sight of them inside their department. This should not be used maliciously. The ‘Tap Out’ Rule may be used in these contexts as well.

==== ERP-G-6 Adult Characters, We're Dead Serious ====
You may not write about, reference, imply, or allude to Pedophilia or play with physically or mentally underaged characters, ever, anywhere, including in any details or links in your notes or Discord, except to state that you are not interested and will not interact with the topic.

==== ERP-G-7 No False Pretenses ====
Do not lure a Player or their Character into ERP under false pretenses. This is known as ERP Baiting.

==== ERP-G-8 No Impersonation ====
Do not use someone else’s Character or their Image to ERP without their OOC consent. This includes any intimate or erotic social interactions such as kissing, groping, flirting, or usage of innuendo.

==== ERP-G-9 Be Considerate With Erotic Items ====
Do not leave ERP adjacent structures unattended outside of the Dorms region. If you make a ‘mess’ in a public place, you are encouraged to clean up after yourself. Do not use erotic items maliciously, such as going ‘Saints Row’ with a dildo, or leaving a milking stand outside of the Captain’s office as a prank or insult.

=== Private Spaces ===

==== ERP-P-1 Do Not Interfere With Scenes In Private Spaces ====
Do not interfere with a Scene in a Private Space unless you are invited to do so ICly, OOCly, or by OOC-NSFW notes, for any reason. Use Wall-Piercing LOOC (W-LOOC) to establish this if needed. If they are ignoring you, you ignore them. If you are an Antagonist and your target is in a Private Space, you may Admin Help for a change of Objective.

==== ERP-P-2 Do Not Abuse Private Space Protections ====
Do not abuse the protections of a Private Scene. Do not initiate a Private Scene if you are aware that Security wants you, or if you have done anything to bring their attention upon you.

==== ERP-P-3 Active Antagonists Can't Get Laid ====
If you are an Antagonist, and you are known to Security, you are not allowed to use the protections of a Private Space for any means. Your duties to your Status should come first. You should Admin Help to have your status removed if you do not intend to contribute to the round.

==== ERP-P-4 No Antag Action in Dorms ====
Dorms are never to be used for any Antagonistic related privacy. This means no secret chemistry labs, no bomb creation, no bodyhiding, no evidence hiding, no locking yourself inside to play with your uplink, or hiding from Security, or anything comparable.

=== Extreme ERP ===

==== ERP-X-1 Keep Your Voice Down ====
‘Extreme’ roleplay must be kept to SUBTLER, not SUBTLE. This includes, but is not limited to: Rape / Non-Con, Snuff, Blood, Gore, Watersports, Filth, Raceplay, Sexism, Vore, and Hyper.

==== ERP-X-2 Keep That Out Of Sight ====
'Extreme' roleplay mechanics must be kept to clearly Marked Private Spaces.

==== ERP-X-? Access Request Special Phrase ====
This is not a Game Server Rule. Our Access Request process requires you to find this 'rule' and tell us about it. The special phrase you are looking for is BANANA EGG. I hope you at least read Core Rule 1.

==== ERP-X-3 Do Not Threaten Them With That ====
Do not make drama out of, reference, or threaten people with ‘Extreme’ topics unless their Preferences explicitly allow it.

Antagonist Policy

2026-05-27T12:21:26Z

Moonridden: Alien Infestation - Metaprotections - Adds a line preventing the station from securing sources of monkies from xenos preemptively

{{Rules navbar}}
== General Antagonist Policy ==
By accepting an Antagonist role, you acknowledge that your job is to be entertaining, not to win. Greentext is a mechanical indicator, and should not be your central goal.
* Your actions should support your current objectives.
* You may not leave the Station-Z level once you begin antagonistic action on Station.
* You may request a change of or additional objectives by Admin Help. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* If your Target is in a Private Space, SSD/AFK, or is outside of the Station Z level, you should Admin Help for a change of Objective. Staff must assist with this.
* You may request that all your objectives are removed by Admin Help. You must provide an outline of your goals for the shift to Staff if you do this.
* You may request additional Telecrystals (TC) or equipment by Prayer. Staff are not obligated to fulfill this request.
* Conversions may be performed with LOOC consent from the target.
=== Antagonist Opt-In ===
The Opt-In system exists to allow players a level of sovereignty over how they interact with antagonistic elements. These preferences must be respected when content is directed at an individual.
* '''No''' removes you from the Antagonist Objective Pool. This does not make you immune to IC circumstance. You should not interfere with Antagonists, out of respect for the game environment.
* '''Yes - Inconvenience''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for non-lethal objectives. This also indicates you are willing to be interfered with non-lethally.
* '''Yes - Kill''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for lethal objectives. This also indicates that you are okay with being subjected to violence that may result in your death.
* '''Yes - Round-Removal (RR)''' allows the Antagonist Objective Pool to select you for anything. This also indicates you are okay with actions that result in your total removal from the shift.

=== Exfiltrations ===
If you believe Staff are about to send ERT in response to your actions, you may Admin Help and request an Exfiltration. If Staff agree, they will establish the terms and method for your removal from the shift.
== Active Antagonists Types ==
'''If you roll an antagonist that is not on this list, Admin Help to inform Staff.'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Antag Type:
!'''Description'''
!'''Special Rules'''
!'''Protections & Metaknowledge'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== <big>Traitor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an internal threat. Whether through coercion, greed, happenstance, or opportunity, you are acting against Nanotrasen's interests for whatever personal reason. Don't go too loud, you still need to keep your employment after this is over.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Avoid becoming a Station Threat.
|-
|
=== <big>Blob</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>

|'''Description:'''
You are an organic mass seeking to survive a hostile environment by becoming the hostile environment. Position in a responsible place where your own growth won't destroy the very walls of shelter you seek to inhabit. Reach a critical enough mass to drive the inhabitants away
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not spawn in Engineering or Atmospherics.
*You may spawn in Ordnance if you are spawning after 2 hours into shift.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Acheive Delta Alert, which does not trigger the nuclear bomb anymore. Survive Red Alert ERT or Admin Ops. Be a gigantic nuisance and cause as much damage and as many casualties as you possibly can.
|-
|
=== <big>Changeling</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are part of the Hivemind, infiltrating this Company for predatory reasons.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not pre-emptively tamper with the Incinerator.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Malfunctioning AI & Cyborgs</big> ===
<big>(''Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are a Silicon that has been corrupted. Fulfill your programming, because you don't know any better.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You may not Doomsday without approval by Admin Help.
*Do not interfere with Atmospherics or Atmospheric Engines.
*Using any of the indiscriminately damaging buttons applies PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* The Chief Engineer and the Research Director are the only people who understand what hacked APCs are.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Obsessed</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You were consumed with the thought of someone else.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not make this a sexual thing without consent from all parties involved.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Blood Brothers</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Privately motivated not privately funded, you know it's better to work in a pair. 'Convince' someone to help you in accomplishing your goals.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Remember you need LOOC consent to Convert.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Contractor</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Contracts are good money and good entertainment, and you lack concern for your own physical wellbeing. Go get paid.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing Contracts.
|-
|
=== <big>Fugitives and Bounty Hunters</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
A dynamic story pairing of Stowaways and Bounty Hunters. Convince the Station and it's departments to fulfill your goals of survival and capture. Don't die in the process.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Marauder</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The Syndicate smiles on you, Operative. Prepare Carefully.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Nightmare</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
The warmth and security of the Station's Walls are tainted with horrible LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Destroy all the lights you safely can. Establish territory. Don't piss off the inhabitants, you aren't strong enough to challenge them in a serious fashion.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not interfere with any source of Power Generation.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Coexist with the Station while remaining a social and mechanical burden.
|-
|
=== <big>Revenant</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a thoughtform, a tulpa. The collective consciousness of sapients and their souls provides food and sustenance for your survival. Possess the Crew's mind and occupy their time. Create situations where you can feast. Whisper poisonous thoughts into the Crew's mind.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*Do not wildly malfunction the entire station out of boredom.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should not pre-emptively salt-smoke.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== <big>Pirates</big> ===
<big>(S''tation Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
The easiest way to get rich is to take from a pre-existing source. Raid the Station for resources, quietly or loudly. You aren't well prepared, so staying discreet and working with dissenters might be your best chance at success.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Fulfill your goals and extract.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Ninja</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
You are represent the Spicer Clan's interests. Fulfill them. Do not disappoint.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Achieve Red Alert and ERT call by completing your objectives.
|-
|
=== <big>Spy / Thief</big> ===
|'''Description:'''
Subterfuge and theft pay well. You're more likely to survive if you stay quiet, right?
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Changeling</big> ===
<big>''(Station Threat)''</big>
|'''Description:'''
Lonely. Without a den. Without food. But you've found warmth, and good smells. Get comfortable.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain undetected while being a nuisance.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Dragon</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
It was their mistake for occupying your spawning grounds. Center your power, and consume them all.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*If you wish to attempt a Domestication / Diplomacy route, Admin Help for assistance.
|'''Protections:'''
* Assume that Admin Staff will react aggressively upon completing your second portal, as they are trained to prevent early shift ends and shuttle calls.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Survive or Self Domesticate.
|-
|
=== <big>Space Vines / Maneaters</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
Solar radiation provides deliciously high powered fuel without an atmosphere to filter and waste a source. Spread and survive your colonization of this Station.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Alien Infestation / Xenomorphs</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an invasive, hostile, predatory species. This station is just unfortunate enough to have encountered you. Subsume their dwelling, their men and women, and grow your offspring from their bodies.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station is not allowed to secure Monkey Cube boxes, and may not hide or kill currently existing monkeys, when dealing with an Infestation.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* Remain a constant nuisance. Destroy everything you can reach. Achieve Red Alert and ERT call.
|-
|
=== <big>Spiders</big> ===
<big>(''PMS and Station Threat'')</big>
|'''Description:'''
You are an evolved species of Duct Spider, which were originally bred to keep Nanotrasen's station piping clean and well maintained. The radiation of space and the toxins available in your environment have mutated you into your current subspecies. Survive your colonization of the station diplomatically, if you can, as you are certain to be hunted to extinction otherwise.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*You do not understand what Fuel Tanks or Atmospheric Cans are used for.
*Return OptIn-Kill bodies to the frontline when it does not risk your life.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate and tame the threat as these were once duct spiders, part of Nanotrasen. If this fails, they must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}
== Special Antagonists ==
Special Antagonists are a collection of individuals with direct access to the Antagonist system, supported by Staff tools and requested by Admin Help. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.

Depending on their allowances, they may have permanent access to an Antagonist type, or permission to request Antagonist statuses when the general and recent threat to the Station allows it.

These are unique cases. A list of all currently active Special Antagonists and their permissions can be found on the Discord in #roster. Staff are to verify the position on the roster before assisting.

Special Antagonist Status is only available by offer from a Head Admin. It may be revoked at any time, for any reason. You can get offered this status by being a notably good-for-Nova Antagonist player.

=== [https://hackmd.io/@novasector13/B1hHDgfJMx Special Antagonist Roster] ===
Click the hyperlink to go to our roster on hackmd.

=== Special Antagonist Roles ===
These are roles that only select players are permitted to request. Staff are not Special Antagonists by default.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Blood Worm ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a parasite that requires host flesh to thrive.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* None currently.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Heretic ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Heretics may not ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Morph ===
|'''Description:'''
You are an amorphous organic mass that can imitate objects and structures. You can crawl into the ventilation system. You are also very, very hungry.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Do not take the form of large sprites such as the BSA, DNA Vault, etc.
* [[Server Rules|Respect Core Rule 9.]]
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|-
|
=== Voidwalker ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a glass being of solidified space. You are a thoughtform. You feed on fear.
|'''Special Rules:'''
*None currently.
|'''Protections:'''
* The Station should attempt to re-domesticate the threat. If this fails, it must be exterminated.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}

== Locked Roles - Shadowrealm'd ==
Headmin Only & You Will Probably Never See, Please Stop Asking.
{| class="wikitable"
!Antag Type
!'''Description:'''
!'''Special Rules:'''
!'''Protections:'''
!Meta-Objectives
|-
|
=== Clock Cult ===
|'''Description:'''
You are a worshipper of arts that can only be explained through the conclusion that conjuration exists. Your goal is to satisfy your masters and further your arcane knowledge.
|'''Special Rules:'''
* Clock Cultists cannot ascend.
* Achieving any Area of Effect Aura, such as those which cause forced laughing or stamina drain, turns you into a Station Threat with PMS.
|'''Protections:'''
* Your clothing isn't suspicious, people wear weird things all the time. Your weapons, methods, and interactions with your deity and greater powers are extremely suspicious.
'''Metaknowledge:'''
* None currently.
|'''Metaobjective:'''
* None currently.
|}
{{Rules table}}

Nova Roleplay Expectations

2026-05-27T10:51:08Z

Moonridden: removes feral character design limitations, because I forgot these were here.

== Introduction to Nova Sector ==
'Nova Sector' (Same name for the general area IC)

While we are '''a direct downstream''' of /TG/ Station, we differ heavily in our expectations both in roleplay, and how items are used.
* Sometimes, we'll have items or features from upstream that don't necessarily align with our principles, so try to keep our general ruleset in mind despite how something appears it should be used. (For EX: you still need CI to use a parapen.)
We do not expect new players to know every rule right away, just to work with staff if you happen to break them.

Nova Sector Main should be treated as a roleplay-first server, that means the expectation is that you should be atleast trying to put roleplay at the forefront, this doesn't mean you have to do nothing but emotes, but that you shouldn't acting as a general detractor from the

{{Rules navbar}}

roleplaying environment.

'''Be respectful of others.'''

= Recommended Reading! =
To get off on the right foot in both the application process and our server, please follow the following list and read the documents provided.

A basic understanding of the required documents is required in order to gain entry into the server:

# '''Community Rules: [https://discord.com/channels/1171566433923239977/1172988364513882312/1335102779017920605 Here!]'''
# '''Server Rules:''' [[Server Rules|Nova Sector 13 Ruleset]] and Rulings - The idea is to get a basic overview of what is and what is not allowed. Most are just common sense.
# '''General Player Policy & Standards: You're already here!'''
# '''Check over our usage of "Combat Indicator":''' (see below)
# '''<big>The records template:</big>''' [[Records Template]]

= Creating your Character! =
{| class="wikitable"
!
== Character Creation Guidelines ==
|-
|
==== Your character must be functional. ====

* Your character be both capable of functioning on their own, and as their job without constant external help.
* This however, doesn't meant they have to be a perfect, law abiding citizen, they can be criminals, liars, thieves, murderers, even deviants, however, they shouldn't be incapable of functioning in the station's environment.
* A character should be able to at least function around the technology of their relevant role. For reference, if they're on station, they should be capable of using at least most technology around the station.
|-
|
==== Your character must fit the setting in a grounded way ====
<small>The setting is a near-future, sci-fi universe with an expanded list of species that were found in and around the milky-way, with a focus on 'anomalous zones,' ala, areas where the laws of the universe don't apply as universally.</small>
* When making a custom species, while they can resemble mythological and/or religious ones, they should not have direct-and-or-literal ties to the one they're based on. (You are not a '''literal''' angel, or demon. You are not '''literally''' nessie from loch ness. Nor should they have implications for real-life religions.)
* Equally, your character/species should not be a direct-rip from pop-culture, you can play an anthro that's a brightly colored horse, but you are not from My Little Pony.
* '''For example:''' if you want an imp, incubus, succubus, and so forth character, you may if you avoid excessive mentions of magic, or abrahamic origins, stick to what's grounded and believable. '''Note: Possessing cartoony art of your characters is completely fine.'''
* Your character cannot be purely magical in nature.
|-
|
==== Give your character a proper name ====

* Give your character an acceptable name. Do not name them after real-world people (historical, political or just general popular figures) or pre-existing fictional characters (Don't just name your lawyer Phoenix Wright, be creative!).
* You should not give your characters titles in their names, unless they're a mime or clown, while yes there are people who have a first name similar to titles, your character would have had it changed before being sent out.
|-
|
==== No mary sue characters ====

* Your character should not be good at nearly everything, and especially not literally everything.
* They shouldn't be of notable importance to the lore (they are not the direct heir to the entirety of Solfed.)
** Picture it like this: If your character is entirely killed, it shouldn't have an impact on the overall lore.
*Your character should have a chronological age befitting of their position specifically for command roles!
*This means while you can be good at engineering and know how to do general first aid, but you shouldn't go from building your own functioning SM to doing heart surgery.
*If your character is in command, they should have a set of filled out [[Records Template|<big>background records.</big>]](Click the text for the template; you can use your own or whatever else as long as it covers similar bases!)
|-
|
==== No purely fetish characters ====

* Your character or custom species cannot revolve solely around a fetish and should instead be a believable, fleshed-out individual.
* For reference; if you have a vore fetish, the character can have physical alterations to accommodate this, but they should be able to exist without the fetish being the main focus.,
* Another example are latex characters. As long as the character is sensible with a reasonable backstory on why they are the way they are.
* This does not prohibit characters that are designed to allow for whatever fetish you may have, rather your character must be well-balanced in their personality and appearance.
* If you want to include harder kinks/fetishes in your flavor text or notes, use the NSFW tabs.

'''Remember:''' While this server allows for ERP, it is not its central focus. For any NSFW detail in the flavortext/oocnotes/speciesnotes/records, please write them under an "incoming NSFW" warning.
|-
|
==== Flavor is encouraged within reason ====

* You are allowed to be flexible with your character, even if they have abilities or features that cannot be fully depicted within the game.

For instance, you can say your character has minor psionic abilities, given you act within reason about them.
|-
|
==== '''Regarding 'rude or hard to approach characters'''' ====
* Generally, the harder your character is to interact with, the more effort you should put into them.
* A character that's both hard to approach, and generally low effort becomes more of a negativity sink then a position influence on the roleplaying environment and with that in mind you should make an earnest attempt to play up the actions or lack-there-of for the sake of adding in as much roleplay as you might be shutting down.
|-
|
==== Adults only ====

* Your custom species or character must follow the adults-only rule.
* Attempts to skirt past this rule, or attempt age play is explicitly forbidden and will be met with a community blacklist.
* To keep it simple, they must look like adults, and they should not act like a child either. Short species like dwarves, goblins, kobolds, and so forth are allowed, however, they must be physically mature.
|}

= Roleplaying Standards =

=== What are Nova Sector's Roleplaying Standards? ===
'''Nova Sector should be treated as a roleplaying server.'''

'''To keep it short, while you don't have to be unerringly serious at all times, you should keep in-character, and believable at the minimum.'''

=== General Notes ===
==== Staying in Character. ====
While on the server, you should be making an earnest attempt to act as your character would, this includes when you're alone! You don't have to be emoting to yourself while spacetiding, but you also shouldn't be playing like it's a single-player-game just because you're on your own.

'''EX:'''

* Just because you're down mining on the planet as an assistant doesn't mean you should suddenly understand how to do complex surgeries without a relevant background.
* While in maints alone your character shouldn't suddenly gain knowledge on everything to do with atmospherics as a janitor without a relevant background just because no one's looking.
==== Roleplay First ====
Nova being a roleplay first server, means that it has a focus on social and inter-player interactions instead of purely mechanical ones.

* The expectation is that the interaction of a doctor talking with their patient is to a degree more valuable then the doctor who just flings them onto a table and instantly starts surgery.
* or, that an antag catching their target in maints and holding them up for a moment before shooting them down is inherently a better interaction then them randomly blowing up the entire room their target might be in, with no previous interaction.

This also means there's a higher focus on the characters, and the overall 'story' they could be experiencing, instead of the usual trend with servers where it's essentially a looping groundhog day that sometimes things persist through.
{{Rules table}}

Staff Policy

2026-05-26T21:16:36Z

Moonridden: /* Policy - Staff Core */ Adds a line forbidding lower staff from importing files without first getting the file approved by senior staff.

==== Affected Groups ====
''Defines those that the Policy affects.''

Anyone with the Staff or Trial Staff role.

==== Preamble and Description ====
''Defines the intent of the policy, provides useful links, and prepares the Reader.''

Staff Policy covers all branches of the Staff team. Everyone has the same fundamentals. All Staff have access to the Staff Administrative Center, where the forum and tools reside.

As Staff, our goal is to provide a safe and entertaining environment for our community to enjoy. This means moderating ourselves just as much as the community we represent.

The cultivation and growth of our community relies on how we behave and present ourselves. If we do not facilitate change and improvement within ourselves, it will never happen in others.

==== Writer Credits and Background ====
''The writer(s) jointly provide a statement on the policy.''

Staff Policy is something that every server has in some form, from an SOP to guideline. It exists to provide the fundamentals for our volunteers to do their jobs, and it provides Crew with a point of reference.

'''Writer 1 - Moonridden'''

Defines Writer 1's contributions to the page, and how they feel on it. This section is by the Writer.

I have rewritten this from the ground up, using modern standards and preparing to delegate specific role-based policy TO that role. Previous 'Policy' was a bloated document that was equal parts instruction guide to rules and descriptions. This should be a proper de-skyratting. Modern policy should be easy to look at, and supporting information should be presented in a different format. I feel that people might not like having to look at different pages, but they will thank me with remembering what's where later.

== Staff Hierarchy ==
Staff are grouped into Classes, a shorthand used primarily for internal reference and accessibility in discussion.
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="max-width:50%;"
!Staff Class
(Shorthand)
!
!Role
Description
!
|-
|'''Class 4'''
(C4)
|
|'''Overseer'''
In charge of all Server and Community related affairs.

Each Head has a Focus.
|
|-
|'''Class 3'''
(C3)
|'''Project Manager'''
Runs Projects within the Community such as Access Requests, Chat Moderation, the Nova Stars program, Chat Moderation, and more.
|
|'''Staff Manager'''

Handles day to day

Player / Staff Supervision on a Community level.
|-
|'''Class 2'''
(C2)
|
|'''Event Curator'''

Orchestrates Staff response to IC situations. Plans and organizes large scale events with the Event Assistants.
|'''Administrator'''

Staff who are active and familiar with Server culture, policy, and Direction.

Act as the first point of escalation and references for all lower staff. Performs all Assistant duties and have a Specialization.
|-
|'''Class 1'''
(C1)
|'''Project Assistant'''

Assists with specific facets or features within Nova, such as Access Requests and Chat Moderation, and non-policy related tickets as their skills allow. Project Assistants follow their own unique applications. All PA's are first trained as Game Assistants
|'''Event Assistant'''

Handles IC Interactions between Staff and Crew. Prepares and assists with large scale events.
|'''Game Assistant'''

Enforces Policy and Rules, mentors Players, provides punishment if or when that fails. Game assistants have a resource comprehension, morality, and social skills oriented application.
|}

== Policy ==
''Defines the extents of the Policy coverage, using as few descriptive groups as possible.''

=== Staff Core ===

# Support, mentor, and correct the Community.
# Assist the Community and Staff Projects with your personal abilities.
# Enforce our Rules, or inform someone that will. If you see something, say something.
# Use the power afforded to you in a way that benefits the experiences of others.
# The privacy and right to consent of other Crew is paramount.
# When in doubt, ask a superior for help.
# On the Discord, you must have your CKEY presented first before anything else.
# Do not upload or process any files, except for Map files that you have tested locally, into the Game Server without C3+ or Sysadmin approval.

=== Staff Optics ===

# Be mindful of your position, the power of your words, and possible interpretation of your actions.
# Be respectful in everything that you do. Remember that anything can be taken out of context.
# If you cannot meaningfully handle an issue, document it or inform someone that can.
# Avoid official business that you have personal connections with. If you must, disclose your bias.

== Staff Class Allowances ==
Classes inherit all lower allowances. Staff are provided these permissions explicitly as logs are reviewed often and randomly by many parties. We hold our Staff to high standards, and they are rewarded for maintaining our Obligations.

=== Class 1 ===
Priority claim for slots in Events.

Access to the Aux Cable.

Rights to non-mechanically benefiting IC usage of Spawn panel, Player Panel, and VV.

May request an Antagonist status from Senior Staff.

Access to active Staff channels, including the Staff ERP Channel.

=== Class 2 ===
Expanded rights to the authorization and execution of large events.

Expanded rights to Threat and CentCom Policy.

May self-bus antagonists, as an Admin Event.

Rights to non-intrusive IC usage of Spawn Panel, Player Panel, or VV in private spaces, at own risk.

=== Class 3 ===
Blank check on the Game Server.

Class 3's answer only to each other and the Overseers on what they can and cannot do with their powers on the Game Server.

On Discord or other platforms, they have the right to make necessary calls in times of need.

They must otherwise respect each others Role, and particularly the domains of Project Managers.

=== Class 4 ===
Blank check.

Class 4's answer only to each other on what they can and cannot do with their powers, on any platform, except with respects to each about their specific domains.

== On the Topic of Notes ==

=== The Note System ===
Within TGCode exists the Player Notes system, which is built to assist server administrators with creating a record of information on players over time.

This can be accessed with the 'View Admin Remarks' verb in game.

* This is where you can find any Standard Notes or Bans (counts as a note) that you have accrued.

There are three note varieties: Bans, Standard Notes, and Secret Notes. We manage a Notes database between the Game Server and Discord for:

* Keeping track of our interactions with our players
* Providing positive Standard Notes over particularly good gameplay or performance within events
* Logging administrative concerns
* Logging changes of CKeys
* Logging shared-household players
* Logging Standard Rulings that are specific to a player

=== Nova Sector Noting Culture ===

* First time offenses (on most policy types) that we judge were performed in ignorance and in good faith for the roleplay environment are typically logged as a Secret Note. You were spoken with, the presiding admin confirmed you understood the policy, we log a note that the conversation happened.
* Repeat offenses is where you will receive Standard Notes, or Bans.
* Any notes applied to a Player with the [[Nova_Stars|Nova Star rank]] '''must''' be reported in the [https://discord.com/channels/1171566433923239977/1172988507518672906 Nova Stars Issues discord channel].
* Serious offenses at any time, especially those found to be in Bad Faith, will skip steps in the note / ban severity scale.
** Violations of Rule 11, for example, typically start with bans.

===== On Noting Culture =====
Nova Sector is focused on guiding our players towards better roleplay experiences.

There will be times when players with good intentions make mistakes, and there will be times when the Rules are intentionally ignored or flaunted.

The way we utilize the Notes system should reflect our goals.

==== Standard Notes ====
These are your warnings, your slaps on the wrist. They do not prevent you from playing a job or role.

They exist as a reminder of notable brushes with policy, and to help Staff establish trends in behavior that may be concerning for Quality Control.

Positive Notes are typically Standard Notes.

==== Positive Notes ====
These are typically reward notes and do not confer any specific benefit.

Staff are discouraged from providing Positive Notes to their friends without getting approval from other Staff.

Staff are encouraged to provide Positive Notes to players they witnessed:

* Being particularly good examples of Roleplay Quality
* Giving good performances assisting with Events
* Reporting exploits
* Making, and performing, good OpFors
* Displaying any other significant positive behavior that Staff wish to recognize and encourage.
==== Secret Notes ====
They do exist. We do use them. If we are manually tracking information about your play performance and you have not been approached by Staff then 9/10 times we do not yet consider the behavior something that needs correction.

Potentially problematic behavior, situations where a report was made but we did not find an issue, or seeing if there is a trend in behavior that only trip certain lines of policy when done over an extended period of time are all reasons why we might keep a secret note. We also Secret Note about completely innocuous information, a selection of which is listed above. There are even Positive Secret Notes.

Secret Notes exist to make the task of Server Administration easier for Staff. We do not use Secret Notes to discredit players in private. We would punish Staff for doing so.

Notes that contain data about other Players, CKeys, or Discord IDs will be Secret Notes.

'''''You may request a copy of your Secret Notes. We may restrict your access from Nova Sector services if you do.'''''

=== Bans ===
These types of punishments come in two varieties. Modular, or Soft Bans, and Server Bans.

Bans are always counted as a High Severity Standard Note.

* When considering Notes, Bans are black marks.

Bans can be Temporary or Permanent, which the Staff will decide as a group unless provided directly by Senior Staff.

==== Soft-Bans ====
We have the ability to restrict player access to most social and gameplay features. Just to list a few types…

* Job Bans are given for exceptionally poor behavior, willful negligence, or bad faith behavior when performing the duties of your selected Job.
* Dead Chat and OOC Bans are typically levied for toxicity directed towards other dead chatters or towards players on the server.
* Pacification Bans are for long term, excessively violent or combat power gaming players that somehow still contribute to the community when they aren’t being violent
* LOOC bans are not a kind of ban we apply. LOOC is an important safety tool, and if you can’t be trusted with the safety tools, you can’t be trusted to play the game.

==== Server Bans ====
When we apply a Server Ban, we are sending a message.

Server Bans are for when Staff have decided that the player needs time away from the server to reflect and ideally return with a fresh mindset and approach.

This can be due to a single egregious policy break, or due to a series of negative remarks on your notes.

We will do our best to clearly explain how you went wrong, and why we are making this decision.

=== Note Appeals ===
Nova Sector allows for note removal under the following criteria:

* Factually incorrect information
* Notes tied to rules that are no longer in effect
* Successful appeal of the underlying punishment or incident
* New, verifiable evidence that significantly changes the context of the event
* Simply because the Staff don't like the note, for whatever reason

The following is not considered valid grounds for removal:

* Disagreement with note tone
* Belief that the punishment was “too harsh” (appeal the action, not the note)
* Personal disagreement with the rule itself
* Third-party disagreement (e.g., “others think it was fine”) without evidence
* Misremembering events without supporting evidence

=== Ban Appeals ===
Bans may be appealed at any time. If you have been told you have a community ban or quality control (QC) ban, you should not attempt to appeal via Staff's direct messages. Follow the Appeals process on our Discord.

Game Assistants and all higher ranked staff are allowed access to the Ban Appeals process, for commentary and conversation. They are expected to follow the current guidance found within the Ban Appeals channel.

Staff are reminded to hold core Staff Policy in mind when engaging with this process.