Starlight wiki - User contributions [en]

Metashield

2026-04-29T15:57:39Z

R3d3mpt1on: Silicon memory loss added to Unconscious Information.

== What is the 'Metashield'? ==
The Metashield is the system that determines what your character can know at the start of every round, and is used in conjunction with the [[Server rules (Starlight)#Rule 14 - Continuity Guidelines|Continuity Guideline]] rule. Something that is "shielded" can not be known by your character unless they meet certain criteria. This also means your character can not do things based on "shielded" information.

This system is broken up into four core pillars: Unknown Information, Corporate Secrets, Secure Knowledge, and Background.

'''Unknown''' '''Information''' is not known by anyone, or is only known by a very small group of people which is defined specifically.

'''Corporate Secrets''' are only known by high value members of the corporation. These are; All of Command, the Station AI, NanoTrasen Representative, Blue Shield Officer, Magistrate, and all Central Command roles such as ERT, OPs, CBURN, etc. '''Corporate Secrets''' should be kept secret until it is necessary to reveal them, revealing them frivolously is frowned upon by Central Command.

'''Secure Knowledge''' is only known by members of Security, Internal Affairs Agents, and everyone who knows '''Corporate Secrets'''. This includes the Brig Medic, Warden, Security Cadets- all Security jobs. '''Secure Knowledge''' should be kept secret until necessary, but may be revealed in order to preserve Crew lives.

'''Background''' is a system that allows any characters to know specific pieces of ordinarily Metashielded knowledge. Every character may only have one '''Background''', which is picked during Character Creation as a Trait and can not be changed mid-round or frequently at all. Your '''Background''' should reflect the life your character has lived, and act in complement to their characterization and backstory.

Additionally, there are some pieces of information that exist as rumors or as pieces of pop culture and media that are not believed to be real by most people. These pieces of information will be listed near the bottom of the page, as additive worldbuilding information.

=== Common Sense Clause ===
It should not need stated, but it will be anyway: If your role is a piece of Metashielded information, or lets you purchase Metashielded items, you know that you exist, and you know that anything you can purchase also exists. If you are told a piece of Metashielded information, you are now aware of that information for the duration of the shift.

'''If you witness something, you know about it to the extent that you witnessed it.''' If you watch someone hollow someone's corpse out then turn into them, you can tell its a Changeling. If you see a group of people in Blood-Red Hardsuits you can assume it's Nuclear Operatives. ''Use common sense.''

Examples:

# Abductors know that Abductors are real.
# Thieves know how to use their Chameleon items, and their other tools with secret uses.
# Traitors know that everything in the Uplink exists and how to use it.
# Traitors and Thieves know that their steal objective targets exist.
# Nuclear Operatives know that Nukies are real.
# NTSF Decimus Task Force members know that Code Epsilon exists.
# If you as a Janitor watch someone in a Blood-Red Hardsuit murder someone with an Energy Sword, you now know that those things exist.
# If you as a Chemist are told by the Chief Medical Officer about Romerol and are told how to make Ambuzol, you now know that Romerol is real and how to make Ambuzol.

'''Traitors''' do '''not''' know that Nuclear Operatives are real, nor do they gain any Metashielded information beyond what the Common Sense Clause implies.

'''Nuclear Operatives''' may know any '''Secure Knowledge''', and are specifically '''allowed''' to know that NTSF Decimus Squad and Code Epsilon are real.

=== Cheat Sheet ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
![[Metashield#Unknown Information|Unknown Information]]
![[Metashield#Corporate Secrets|Corporate Secrets]]
![[Metashield#Secure Knowledge|Secure Knowledge]]
|-
|Meta Information
|Ninjas
|Revolutionary Methods
|-
|Unconscious Information
|Abductors
|Changelings
|-
|
|Romerol Virus and Zombies
|Syndicate Corporations
|-
|
|Paradox Clones
|Illegal Implants
|-
|
|Cults
|Vampires
|-
|
|Nuclear Operatives
|Wizards
|-
|
|NTSF Decimus and Code Epsilon
|Syndicate Equipment
|-
|
|
|High Value Targets
|}

== Unknown Information ==
'''Unknown''' '''Information''' is not known by anyone, or is only known by a very small group of people which is defined specifically. This section covers everything from Metagaming to niche information that so few people know that it might as well not be known by anybody.

==== Meta Information ====
Meta Information such as the current gamemode and the possible antagonists there may be in play, events you experienced as a different character, information about a player instead of their character, etc is all considered Meta and is never allowed to be known by anybody. Secret uses for items, checking headsets without good cause, and using Chameleon items are all also classified as Meta Information and Metagaming.

Examples:

# You may never know that because the gamemode is Survival, there will be an escalating number of threats.
# You may never know that the player Gregman69 only ever plays Security, and thus since he is an Assistant this shift he must be an Antagonist.
# You may never know that the last round was Nukies, or any other Metashielded gamemode, per Continuity Rules.
# You may never know anything that you did not learn in character, such as things witnessed while observing as a ghost before spawning, things you were told by a friend out of game, etc.
# You may never know an item has a secret use by right clicking it, such as exploding pens or chameleon gloves.

==== Unconscious Information ====
Unconscious Information is information you learned while your character was asleep, in critical condition, dead, or while you were moving around as a ghost while you were dead. If you are injured to the point that you enter critical condition or die, you forget the previous 5 minutes and do not remember details about what killed you or how you died. You may use common sense to notice what type of wounds you have however.

Examples:

# You may never remember who attacked and killed you.
# You may never remember who stole something from you while you were sleep, whether voluntary or you were drugged.
# You can remember walking to Solars with a fellow engineer to repair it, if you decided to do so or did so more than 5 minutes before dying, though this does not automatically mean they killed you.
# You can, after being revived, comment on the fact that you have stab wounds if you were killed with a bladed weapon, or that your clothes look burned.
# You can not, after being revived, comment that you have bullet wounds of a specific caliber which must mean a specific gun was used to kill you. You can't tell that by looking at a wound.

All silicon memories are cached to an on-chassis storage medium that's wirelessly backed up every 5 minutes. PosiBrains and MMIs that have been removed from their chassis may not recall the last five minutes unless placed back into the chassis they previously inhabited. Destruction of the chassis results in a total loss of those memories. Further, corruption of a chassis (such as by Syndicate/SELF emag) discontinues the backups, making all memories after the event completely inaccessible unless placed back into the corrupted chassis.

== Corporate Secrets ==
'''Corporate Secrets''' are only known by high value members of the corporation. These are; All of Command, the Station AI, NanoTrasen Representative, Blue Shield Officer, Magistrate, and all Central Command roles such as ERT, OPs, CBURN, etc. '''Corporate Secrets''' should be kept secret until it is necessary to reveal them, revealing them frivolously is frowned upon by Central Command. This information is considered sensitive and liable to cause mass panic if learned by the Crew.

'''Corporate Secrets''' may be revealed to individuals, departments, or the station as a whole if deemed necessary. You should have a good reason to do so however, and expect your reasoning to be cross examined and scrutinized by Central Command. Revealing '''Corporate Secrets''' to Security is generally deemed more acceptable, better for them to clean up an issue without panicking the rest of the Crew.

==== Ninjas ====
Ninjas are a collective of Clans that seek to steal our research and disrupt our operations. They frequently target vital systems to cause a distraction, and then attempt to hack into Research Servers to download what we have learned. How hostile these Clans are varies greatly, so we advise attempting to handle them discreetly if able to minimize disruption.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing a Ninja
** Seeing a Ninja's equipment, such as their suit or energy katana

<blockquote>◆ ''Ninjas typically go unseen, and the aftermath of their work is often mistaken for the Doorlagging Virus's work. What Ninjas are and what they can do is mostly unknown.''</blockquote>

==== Abductors ====
Silent and uncommunicative, Abductors is the name given to an advanced alien species that has been probing the edges of TSF space for over a decade now, long enough that their image has worked its way into media and rumor. Our official stance is that they are not real. Should Abductor activity be identified, due to the nature of their experiments you are advised to inform necessary Medical staff only. Surgeons will be needed to remove foreign organs and replace them.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing an Abductor
** Seeing an Abductor's equipment, such as their Wonderprod or Handcuffs, or seeing their Shuttle
** Discovering a surgically implanted Gland or seeing their effects

<blockquote>◆ ''Abductors and their iconography has leaked into pop culture, and dates back over 500 years to Silicon Age Earth. Where they come from, what they want, and why they do what they do is mostly unknown.''</blockquote>

==== Romerol Virus ====
Romerol is a highly violent contagion that pilots the dead to facilitate its own spread. The current source is unknown, but it is suspected to be artificial in nature. A cure has been documented, and this information should be disseminated to Medical staff in the event of an outbreak. Subjects are capable of revival via cloning should their corpse be recovered rapidly. If quarantine can not be maintained, requesting for CBURN is advised.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing the dead rising

<blockquote>◆ ''Zombies are considered fake by most crew, a fabrication from old horror movies. Belief in Zombies or a Zombie Cure is outlandish and likely to result in mockery. Initial Infected are aware they are infected, and are antagonists with the goal of converting the station.''</blockquote>

==== Paradox Clones ====
Cracks in reality sometimes result in intrusions from other parallel worlds. This phenominon is exclusive to sectors near the Null Scar, and is a matter of great interest to NanoTrasen. Should a duplicate be discovered it should be observed and studied, and only terminated if it proves to be hostile.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing two clones in the same place at the same time

<blockquote>◆ ''Paradox Clones and the concept of Parallel Realities exists in media in universe, but the fact that they are real is unknown to most. Nobody knows their goals, how they came to be, or why they exist. Both "clones" and the "real" person, and they should have memories that match. Minor amnesia and foggy memory of the day's events is expected from both until one is terminated. You are encouraged OOC to collaborate to make your clone's story believable for better Roleplay.''</blockquote>

==== Cults ====
Although the concept and existence of 'cults' is known to the Crew, as they have existed since the dawn of time, the specifics of any cult with real power, such as the Cosmic Cult, are kept secret. Often intentionally by the cults themselves. Chaplains hold the most knowledge of the Crew about these sects, having long studied the religions and faiths of the universe.

* Revealed by:
** Being the Chaplain
** Witnessing a conversion
** Witnessing occult gear
** Witnessing occult structures
** Witnessing manifestations of occult will
*** This is to include the "star" appearance on cosmic cultist during their final phase, or the cult's god manifesting.

<blockquote>◆ ''While tales of magic and cults are considered just that, wild tales, when you see cultists roaming the halls with blades you don't need to believe in their god to know things are going down in a bad way.''</blockquote>

==== Nuclear Operatives ====
The Syndicate is a shell of its former self, due to their involvement in and defeat during the Pod Wars. They have grown increasingly more irrational and hostile since their resurgence however, and the rumors you have heard about Nuclear attacks are true. You must protect the Warhead onboard your station, and the Authentication Disk to activate it, at all costs. A confirmed attack from Nuclear Operatives is grounds to suspend Corporate Law and Standard Operating Procedure. Contact Central Command immediately to establish Martial Law.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Discovering a Nuclear Operative's Shuttle
** Declaration of War
** Witnessing Nuclear Operatives (Not every Blood-Red is a Nukie, but if there are multiple they might be)

<blockquote>◆ ''Nuclear Operatives are considered a fabrication by most, insane spacer tall tales made to scare annoying Assistants. The image of the Blood-Red has persisted in pop culture since the Pod Wars, but most would believe it to be an old war hardsuit and nothing more. Not even other Syndicate Agents know that Nukies are real. If you see a group of people in Blood-Red Hardsuits with highly illegal gear on them, you can figure out that the old tales were true.''</blockquote>

==== NTSF Decimus ====
NanoTrasen Special Forces are broken up into Task Forces that specialize in different scenarios and problems. Officially, there are only Nine of these Task Forces. Unofficially, there are Ten. Task Force Ten, Decimus, handles termination of rogue stations. This is reserved only for extreme situations where an entire station has defected to an enemy of the Trans-Solar Federation, such as the Syndicate or the USSP.

Code Epsilon is the designation for this necessary last resort measure, should it ever occur. Thankfully it has never seen deployment, as no station would ever willingly defect to an enemy like that. Still, the protocol exists, and if the general public were to learn of it, it would be disastrous. The existence of Decimus should never be revealed under any circumstances.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing Decimus Squad perform crew executions

<blockquote>◆ ''Not even rumors of Epsilon have slipped through NanoTrasen's tight grip. Even members of Command think it is a hypothetical, a contingency plan that has never needed to be used. This is the one Corporate Secret that must never be allowed to become public.''</blockquote>

== Secure Knowledge ==
'''Secure Knowledge''' is only known by members of Security, Internal Affairs Agents, and everyone who knows '''Corporate Secrets'''. This includes the Brig Medic, Warden, Security Cadets- all Security jobs. '''Secure Knowledge''' should be kept secret until necessary, but may be revealed in order to preserve Crew lives at the discretion of the Head of Security.

==== Revolutionary Methods ====
The fact that USSP infiltrators make use of mind control flashes to forcibly control individuals, and unstable Redspace rifts to transport bulk equipment crates, is something that CentComm has learned through repeated incidents. Mindshields were specifically developed to counter this forced control, by Revolutionaries and by any others who might exploit the same weakness in the mind for their own ends. It is known that Mindshields will prevent and break this control.

Not all flashes have this power however, and it should never be the first assumption. Strong evidence is needed before Revolutionaries are suspected, as revealing that the USSP has this capability would undermine the Crew's ability to trust one another and would significantly damage cohesion and moral.

Examples:

# A Scientist flashing someone in the bar is not grounds to suspect there is a Revolution.
# Multiple confirmed reports of crew being flashed by other crew is grounds to suspect there is a Revolution.
# A large group of Crew in a department they should not be in all passing around weapons or flashes is grounds to suspect there is a Revolution.
# A Mindshielding failing on a Crewmember is proof that there is a Revolution.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing a conversion directly
** Witnessing a Mindshield Implanter fail

<blockquote>◆ ''While the concept of mind control exists, and Mindshields are publicly known to prevent such things, the fact that Revolutionaries use flashes to mind control people isn't known to crew.''</blockquote>

==== Changelings ====
The existence of Changelings, alien parasites that can steal the likeness of your friends and coworkers to blend in, is a serious but uncommon threat that stations may face. They pose an undue risk to the moral and cohesion of a station should they be revealed, paranoia and distrust severely and negatively impact the bottom line. Should Changelings be identified onboard your Station, you are advised to inform necessary Medical staff only. Chemists may facilitate blood tests, Surgeons may attempt to revive hollow corpses with organ transplants or cryopods.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing someone using any changeling abilities
** Discovering a Hollow corpse

<blockquote>◆ ''The concept of shapeshifters exists in media in universe, but the fact that they are real, how they function, and how to test for one is unknown to most crew.''</blockquote>

==== Suspected Syndicate Corporations ====
While nobody is able to prove anything, Central Command maintains a small curated list of corporations they believe to be backing the Syndicate. Security is made privy to this list so they may observe and report any connections to Syndicate activity onboard stations. Their products should be viewed with suspicion but may or may not be considered contraband. Consult with [[Corporate Law]] for more information.

These suspected corporations are:

* Cybersun
* Waffle Co.
* Interdyne

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows

<blockquote>◆ ''The fact that the Syndicate exists is known to the public, only which corporations back them and work with them is secret. The war between the corporations is an underground cold war in most shifts.''</blockquote>

==== Non-NanoTrasen Implants ====
While it is known that NanoTrasen are not the only company to make Implanters, you may not suspect someone of having an Implant without valid evidence, such as seeing them do something they should not be able to do, seeing them use an Implanter, finding a spent Implanter with their DNA or prints on it, etc. Spent Implanters and Implant Boxes have labels, and these may be used to figure out which Implant someone has for removal.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing use of a non-NT Implant by anyone, such as cuffs being broken, or someone emitting an EMP, etc
** Discovering a used or unused non-NT Implanter or Implanter Box
** Experiencing a situation where absolutely no other explanation is possible, such as someone who was stripped completely suddenly having an object
** Discovering an unlocked Uplink

<blockquote>◆ ''You do not know for sure someone has an Implanter unless there is reasonable evidence, such as their DNA being on an Implanter Box or spent Implanter, you witnessing them use an Implant ability, or there being no other reasonable explanation for how they did something.''</blockquote>

==== Vampires ====
The fact that Vampires are real is unknown to the general public. While not inherently illegal, Vampires sometimes have an agenda onboard a Station and should be kept under extra scrutiny if they reveal themselves.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing someone drinking blood from someone else
** Witnessing someone use any Vampire abilities

<blockquote>◆ ''Vampires are considered fake monsters from old cheesy horror movies by most crew. Knowledge of the Vampire Elders is completely unknown even to Security and Command, and is only known by Vampires.''</blockquote>

==== Wizards ====
The Wizard Federation is very outspoken about their so-called 'magic'. Whether that they do is actually 'magic' or not, they are a danger and Security has been briefed on them. Security knows they may have access to strange abilities, but they do not know the extent of the Wizard's capabilities.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing a magical ability
** A Wizard making an announcement with their Communications Console
** Finding a Wizard Shuttle

<blockquote>◆ ''Most consider 'Wizards' to be nutjobs roleplaying in space. That their powers are real, how they function, and any alleged connections to Bluespace is unknown to all.''</blockquote>

==== Xenoborgs ====
Xenoborgs are rogue Silicons that have started assimilating organics to grow their number. They are known to harvest the brains of unfortunate crew members, whose bodies they destroy before they turn them into more Xenoborgs. Preventing crew from being abducted is imperative to prevent a critical mass of hostile borgs.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Witnessing a kidnapping or attack from the distinctly looking xenoborgs
** Finding the Xenoborg Mothership

==== Syndicate Equipment ====
Security is aware of some specific equipment associated with the Syndicate. They are not aware of all or even most of the items within the uplink, however they do get foreknowledge of;

* Syndicate Hardsuits, EVA Suits, Jetpacks, Mag Boots, Chest Rigs, and Web Vests
* Syndicate Guns and Energy Swords
* Basic tools; Syndicate Jaws of Life, EMAG, Access Breaker, Suspicious Toolbox and its contents, and Radio Jammer

You also know that things called ''''Uplinks'''<nowiki/>' exist which allow the Syndicate to access their tools, but you do not know how they work or are accessed unless you find one open.

You may use examine text to identify that something is in fact Syndicate Contraband, but this only applies if the item has a Contraband tag that explicitly tells you it is Contraband. Examining items to reveal secret uses, such as Hypopens, Exploding Pens, Energy Daggers, or Chameleon items, is not allowed.

Examples:

# You may know, without encountering one, that Syndicate Agent may have a Blood-Red Harduit.
# You may know, without encountering one, that Syndicate Agents may have a Viper Pistol.
# You can not know, until encountering one, that Syndicate Agents may have Access Breakers.
# You can know, on examining a Camera Bug, that it is Syndicate Contraband, because the game tells you it is.
# You may not know, on examining a Hypopen, that it is a Hypopen just because the game tells you it has fluid storage.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows
** Seeing a Syndicate item physically
** Finding an unlocked Uplink

<blockquote>◆ ''The idea that the Syndicate might have illegal tools and equipment isn't Metashielded, but what that equipment is specifically is. If you see someone do something with a tool they shouldn't be able to or that you don't recognize, it's safe to bet it is an illegal item of some kind.''</blockquote>

==== High Value Targets ====
All items that can be targets of theft by the Syndicate are known to Security. This includes the CE's Mag Boots, Captain's Gun, RD's Hardsuit, etc. While normal crew know they are valuable, they do not know that they are deliberately targeted for theft by Syndicate Agents.

* Revealed to others by;
** Being directly told by somebody who already knows

<blockquote>◆ ''It is safe to assume thieves might want to steal anything on the Station that is of high value. Only the information that Syndicate Agents are sent with these specific targets is shielded.''</blockquote>

== Backgrounds ==
'''Background''' is a system that allows any characters to know specific pieces of ordinarily Metashielded knowledge. Every character may only have one '''Background''', which is picked during Character Creation as a Trait and can not be changed mid-round or frequently at all. Your '''Background''' should reflect the life your character has lives, and act in complement to their characterization and backstory. These are additive Roleplay features, and do not impact gameplay directly.

Your backstory does not have to line up 1:1 with these descriptions, but should be similar in scope and not imply that you know more than your chosen '''Background''' allows. For example, you may have been an emergency responder to the aftermath of a Romerol Disaster, or you have have been a chef on a mercenary base to gain Former Soldier knowledge. As long as it does not imply you know more than your '''Background''' allows, it is fine.

==== Civilian ====
You are a civilian, and have no background covered by this system.<blockquote>◆ ''Grants no Metashielded knowledge.''</blockquote>

==== Former Soldier ====
As a former member of a Mercenary Company, the NanoTrasen Naval Corps, or a Sector Militia, you have passing familiarity with all firearms. While you may not know who uses them or that their typical users are even real, such as Nuclear Operatives with the China Lake, you do know that the gun itself exists. You may pick and choose how far this knowledge goes, and choose to simply know nothing about certain guns.<blockquote>◆ ''Grants limited [[Metashield#Syndicate Equipment|Syndicate Equipment]] knowledge, for guns exclusively.''</blockquote>

==== Romerol Disaster Survivor ====
You are one of a few survivors of a Romerol outbreak, from before the implementation of the [[PSO Cloning System]]. You know that the undead are real, and some of how they behave. Of course nobody would ever believe you if you told them.<blockquote>◆ ''Grants full [[Metashield#Romerol Virus|Romerol Virus]] knowledge.''</blockquote>

==== Xenos Disaster Survivor ====
You are one of a few survivors from a Xenos attack. You know what types of Xenos there are, and how they operate in general terms. Most people have never even seen a real Xenos, and surviving an encounter is rare. You have seen horrible things that very few others have. Does not refer to Xenoborgs.<blockquote>◆ ''Grants no Metashielded knowledge, but gives full right to know about Xenos without question.''</blockquote>

==== Deific Encounter ====
You have experienced something that you are certain was a miracle. Something that could only have been an act of a God.<blockquote>◆ ''Grants no Metashielded knowledge, but gives full right to know at least one God is real.''</blockquote>

==== Magical Encounter ====
You survived an encounter with something that you can only describe as magic. Something you can not explain rationally. Maybe those Wizard Federation people are only ''partially'' insane.<blockquote>◆ ''Grants full [[Metashield#Wizards|Wizards]] knowledge.''</blockquote>

==== Abducted ====
You were once the unfortunate recipient of a probing. The Grays are real! They have a fork-sword that makes you fall asleep, and they teleported you to a shuttle, and made you lay eggs! No, not alien eggs, chicken eggs! Why won't anyone believe you!? - You may choose which gland you had, but the goal is crazy alien story tone.<blockquote>◆ ''Grants full [[Metashield#Abductors|Abductors]] knowledge.''</blockquote>

==== Petty Criminal ====
While reformed, more or less, you used to get involved in the types of crowds and businesses you really shouldn't have. Because of these connections, you are aware of what items on the station are likely to be worth a lot, and that they are probably targeted by the Syndicate and other Thieves. You know what all the Steal Objective Targets are.<blockquote>◆ ''Grants full [[Metashield#High Value Targets|High Value Targets]] knowledge.''</blockquote>

== Additional Information ==

=== Rumors and Pop Culture ===
Over the years a number of things have slipped through the cracks. While they are generally not believed by sane people, none the less the image and rumor persists. Think of it like how in the real world, we have a concept of what a Vampire is. Vampires are obviously not real, but we have a conception of what they should be like if they were. This carries into roleplay as well.

* '''Nukies:''' Based on old rumors from the Pod Wars, the image of the Blood-Red has persisted into the century that followed and to the modern day. Some history buffs might know the actual origin, being a simple space suit worn back in that old war. It has become associated with the idea of 'Nuclear Operatives' in recent times as rumors of stations and military outposts being nuked have begun to spread. These rumors are fringe, but have been adopted back into pop culture, with plushies and figures based on the myths.
* '''Supernatural Entities:''' The concept of Shapechangers, Wizards, Vampires, and even Abductors have existing in Human culture for many centuries. Of course, in the age of enlightenment that is the space age, belief in such things is very fringe. Some conspirators may associate them now with 'aliens' given extraterrestrial life is confirmed, but they are considered crazy people.
* '''Parallel Realities:''' A staple of sci-fi and bad superhero franchises for centuries now, the idea of a multiverse is known to the public. The idea of interlopers coming from a parallel world is common enough in movies, usually used to spark Red Scare fears of Communist infiltration in the public following the formation of the USSP- although this use is outdated and considered hooky in the modern day. More recently, those in the Starlight Sector began hearing many rumors related to 'clones' from another world, rumors that were fanned by leaked documents about an ocean world found in the Null Scar. Still, it's all movie nonsense at the end of the day, right?

=== Metafriending and Metagrudging ===
Giving a person or character preferential treatment based on something that your character should not know is considered metafriending. Treating a person or character negatively based on something that your character should not know is considered metagrudging.

Friendships between characters may grow and develop and carry over between rounds, so long as they are not based solely on knowing someone out of character and this friendship does not impede or prevent you from fulfilling traitor objectives that harm them.

===== Metafriending Examples =====

* Doing any of the following because you are friends with the player who is playing a character or because you have made friends in character in a previous shift or during a previous life:
** Giving a character additional access or a job beyond what makes sense
** Trusting a character beyond what makes sense
** Refusing to fight a character when it would otherwise make sense
** Ignoring your objective to kill a character

===== Metagrudging Examples =====

* Doing any of the following because of out of character reasons or something that happened in a previous round or during a previous life:
** Not giving a character additional access or a job when it would otherwise make sense
** Not trusting a character when it would otherwise make sense
** Starting a fight with a character without in-character reason
** Targeting or harassing a character without in-character reason

=== Explicitly Not Shielded ===
The following is a list of things that are explicitly not shielded. If something is not on this list, it doesn’t mean that it is shielded, but if something is on it then it definitely is not shielded.

* The existence of the nuke disk and the fact that it must be protected and could be used by a bad actor to try to destroy the station.
* The fact that alternative law sets for a Cyborg or AI exist, and could be used to alter the Silicon’s behavior. This includes the antimov lawset.
* The idea that any Syndicate Agent or bad actor has goals or objectives that they are attempting to accomplish. They must have been sent here for a reason.
* The fact that the Syndicate exist and are enemies of NanoTrasen, and that they regularly attempt to send covert agents to spy on, sabotage, or attack NanoTrasen.
* A character’s typical appearance, though you should keep in mind that multiple characters can share the same name or features.
* The existence of Space Dragons, Space Carps, Pirates, Thieves, and Xenos. Specific information on hostile fauna is limited. Does your doctor need to know how a Goliath works?

Server rules (Starlight)

2026-04-27T02:28:37Z

R3d3mpt1on: More updates to rule 10 rework

{{OOC}}

= Server rules =
The following rules are for the Starlight Space Station 14 servers. Violating these rules may result in a warning, a temporary ban, or a permanent ban. You may also be banned from specific roles/jobs/departments. Bans can be appealed in the official Starlight Discord server.

Players are also expected to understand [[Metashield]].

If you are ever in doubt as to whether or not something is breaking the rules, feel free to contact the admins via Admin Help or ask on the Discord server.

For in-universe laws and rules check [[Corporate Law]] and [[SOP]].

Remember, the rules and examples given here are NOT exhaustive. (See [[Server rules (Starlight)#Rule 1|Rule 1]])

The servers are strictly '''+16 only''', unless stated otherwise in the server description that they are '''+18.'''

== Rule 0 - Be respectful ==
Use your best judgment to ensure a fun, fair, and welcoming environment. Keep all arguments In Character and avoid heated discussions in LOOC, ahelps, or the lobby. Out-of-character communication should always remain respectful and kind.

Harassment or toxic behavior, including but not limited to:

* Racism, sexism, discrimination
* Excessive talk/glorification of self-harm
* Talking about Real Life politics
* Targeting the same player across rounds
* Insulting other players in OOC/LOOC
* Abuse of LOOC/OOC/Dead chat to complain about IC situations (“malding”)
* Excessive use of LOOC to enforce rules
* Threatening to ahelp to change the outcome of a character interaction
* Intentional, repeated misgendering after correction

Will not be tolerated and may result in a permanent ban.

It is always better to simply report toxicity or rule breaks through ahelp than to engage or enforce them yourself. Informing someone once that an action could break the rules is allowed, but continual explanation or attempting to be a rules-lawyer is not. Further, threatening to ahelp unless someone changes something is not allowed - just report the issue and move on.

Further clarification on allowed versus disallowed “speciesism”:

Examples of acceptable archetyping:

* "Give me a drink, barkeep! You know one won't be enough for a Dwarf like me!"
* "*Sigh*... The Shadekin are destroying the lights again..."
* "You're a Diona that hates plants!? How does that work?"

Examples of unacceptable specieism:

* "You're gonna leave hair all over my bar, dirty mutt"
* "Knife-eared prick, they should have never let your kind into recruitment"
* "Lizards are an underevolved species."
* "How the hell did they let someone like you (referring to species, review context) into command?"

== Rule 1 - Respect Admin decisions ==
Ahelp (Admin Help) facilitates communication between players and admins for admin intervention, rule clarification, or addressing game-breaking bugs (all bugs should be reported through the in-game bug report or on Discord). It is not for venting, complaints, asking to be made an antagonist, or general round commentary. Ignoring admin messages, disconnecting during an Ahelp to avoid responding, insulting admins, or lying may have consequences.

These rules are established to set expectations around play within our servers. They are guidelines, but cannot account for every relevant situation. Above all else, if an admin is telling you to stop doing something, stop doing it. You may explain your point of view and your reasoning, however you must still follow what the admin requests you do, even if you disagree. If you believe that a punishment, ruling, or other admin action was incorrect or unjust, we encourage you to appeal it on the discord server through a ticket. If you want to do something but are unsure of whether it is allowed in the rules, please ask via ahelp first.

Also, please remember: Admins are neither omniscient nor omnipresent: while they have a large arsenal of tools at their disposal to stop rule breakers, they usually aren't able to stop something before it happens. Please use the Ahelp feature (F1) to report any rule breaking! Even if it's just a gut suspicion, it's fine to use this feature to request an investigation.

Example(s) of this rule being broken:
{| class="wikitable"
|"There isn't a rule saying I can't!"
|-
|"None of the other players had a problem with it!"
|-
|"No one had a problem with it last time!"
|}

== Rule 2 – No Griefing, Bug Abuse or Exploits ==
Intentionally ruining gameplay for others is prohibited. Round-ending or highly disruptive actions, such as:

* * Intentionally releasing the Tesla/Singularity or delaminating the Supermatter
* * Large-scale station destruction (department-size or larger)
* * Intentionally flooding harmful gasses (such as Plasma, Tritium, Frezon, Zauker, or anything heated/cooled to an uninhabitable degree) through station air distribution network

May result in a permanent ban. Some objectives or circumstances may allow exceptions—when in doubt, ask an admin before proceeding.

Spamming audio emotes, sounds like door access failures, or chat lines to cause TTS flooding is against the rules. This includes proxy spamming such as issuing a command like “All borgs, state laws on Common.”

Finally, abusing bugs, exploits or obviously unintended effects to gain an unfair advantage is prohibited. Please report them via the in-game bug report or in the Discord.

==== AFK Farming & Antag Rolling ====

* AFK farming time for Role Requirements is prohibited—players must actively engage and contribute to the game.
* Ghosting, suicide, or otherwise leaving the game after failing to get an antagonist role is considered “Antag Rolling” and is not permitted.
* Ghosting, suicide, or otherwise leaving the round with the intent to take a mid-round antagonist ghost role is considered “Antag Rolling” and is not permitted.

== Rule 3 – Abide by Medium Roleplay Standards ==
This Starlight server is a Medium Roleplay (MRP) project, meaning players are expected to fully immerse themselves in their character and act accordingly. Every action should reflect how a real person in that role would behave within reason. '''You are not meant to play the round to "win" the game''', but rather to engage in roleplay scenarios with other players.

Characters should fear dying and weigh their actions carefully. While players may remember characters and vague interactions between rounds, any information protected by the [[Metashield]]—such as the existence of nuclear operatives—must not be remembered.

==== Gameplay Violations ====

* '''Powergaming''' – Over-preparing for situations that have not occurred yet, such as a captain bolting their quarters shut preemptively, or collecting equipment that provides significant benefits unrelated to ones’ assigned duties. Additionally, leveraging “Play-To-Win” strategies over roleplay, such as baiting a target into typing in order to leave them defenseless during an attack.
* '''Metagaming''' – Using “meta-knowledge” concepts like game mode or game rule timings, mechanics that exist for the convenience of the player but have no in-character explanation, events observed as a ghost observer, or “Metashielded” information not disseminated to your character through their experience in that round to gain an advantage.
* '''Mixing IC and OOC chat''' – Out-of-Character concepts should not be discussed in character (such as talking about “admins” over radio), and aside from clarifying player-to-player interactions, character feelings or actions should not be debated in OOC chat. Current-round “game mode” or antagonists should not be discussed in LOOC.
* '''Netspeak, Memes, and "Brainrot"''' - In-character speech should not include language shortcuts such as “u r so lame fr fr”, nor non-ss14 internet memes such as “6 7”, “skibidi”, etc.

==== Behavior & Roleplay Conduct ====

* '''Self-harm/killing''' – Allowed only in rare circumstances when no other options for escape remain, and should not be dwelled upon or treated casually. Please ahelp for permission, detailing the scenario before following through.
* '''Memory loss when unconscious''' – Losing consciousness due to forced sleep, vampire trance, silicon ejection from chassis, critical state or death should cause memory loss regarding those events. Refer to the [[Metashield|metashield's]] "Unconscious Information" section for more details.
** Mind-controlled characters (such as Revolutionaries, Cultists, and Thralls) forget what happened while they were brainwashed upon deconversion.
* '''Assumed Competency''' - Character actions should reflect the assumed competency in their role and not do unrealistic things. A crew-aligned Atmospheric Technician wouldn’t inject Nitrous Oxide into distro as a “prank”, a crew-aligned Chemist wouldn’t mass distribute contraband chemicals, and a crew-aligned Chef would not butcher and serve crewmate corpses. Further, characters should not routinely be neglectful of their responsibilities, e.g. getting drunk at the bar and ignoring urgent requests, or spending all shift on a date with their partner.

== Rule 4 – Escalation of Force Must Make Sense ==
Combat should always follow logical progression—avoid randomly attacking or killing other crew members (RDM). Security personnel must adhere to their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when handling prisoners and crew members at different alert levels.

Player interactions should reflect realistic escalation. Minor disagreements may lead to physical confrontations, but non-antagonists should rarely resort to killing. Ideally, escalation for non-antagonists should follow this order: '''Verbal > Non-lethal > Lethal'''. Antagonists are encouraged to roleplay their objectives to enhance immersion and narrative depth.

Actions should start small, and every crew member retains the right to self-defense if attacked. This includes evading or resisting security as an antagonist. However, non-antagonists should not engage in serious harm against security personnel unless absolutely necessary. Round removal such as gibbing, sending to deep space, hiding in a locker with coordinates disabled, or excessive damage to a corpse, is expressly banned unless they are a named antagonist objective target.

Examples of reasonable escalation:
{| class="wikitable"
|Shoving the clown for slipping you
|-
|Punching someone and starting a fist fight over being shoved once.
|-
|Punching or stunning a Security Officer after they attempted to arrest you.
|-
|As a Chef, stabbing someone with your knife until they leave the kitchen after you've repeatedly told them to leave, tried to drag them away and they refuse to comply or make a mess/steal things.
|-
|As a Security Officer, shooting someone with lethals because they're attempting to stun you with a disabler or a stun baton
|-
|As a Security Officer, shooting someone with lethals after they brandish a lethal weapon or firearm, you order them to drop it and they refuse.
|-
|As a command member, using your flash on a trespasser after you've told them repeatedly to leave.
|}
Examples of unreasonable escalation:
{| class="wikitable"
|Critting the clown for slipping you once
|-
|Stabbing someone to crit with a knife because they shoved you once.
|-
|Shooting a Security Officer with lethals because they attempted to arrest you.
|-
|As a Chef, stabbing someone to death and butchering them in a meat spike because you need meat or they refused to leave the kitchen.
|-
|As a Security Officer, shooting someone with lethals because they punched you, or simply refused your orders.
|-
|As a command member, shooting someone with a firearm after you've told them repeatedly to leave.
|}

== Rule 5 – Antagonists Must Follow MRP logic ==
Antagonists should only take antagonistic actions that directly advance their objectives. Failure to do so may be considered a breach of MRP logic and result in punishment. Team antagonists <nowiki>'''must'''</nowiki> work with their team, and follow the orders of their leaders where possible (Revolutionaries, Terror spiders, etc…).

Antagonists are required to follow escalation rules when not dealing with named objective targets, and should <nowiki>'''attempt'''</nowiki> to remain hidden and undiscovered throughout the shift if they have the “Escape to CentComm alive and unrestrained” or similar objective.

Should an antagonist have been discovered by accident or by admission of another antagonist, they are not required to remain hidden any longer, however they should not use this as an excuse to mass RDM or break other server rules. “Going Loud” as a traditionally stealth antagonist doesn’t mean hunting all of security - rather, enables public self-defense

Antagonists that may play openly from the start of the round, and are not required to escalate their actions are listed below. These antagonists should not deviate from their objectives to murder everyone on station, but '''should follow their objectives:'''
{| class="wikitable"
|Space Dragon
|-
|Nuclear Operatives/Lone Operatives
|-
|Wizard
|-
|Rat King
|-
|Conversion Antagonists (Such as Revolutionaries, Xenoborgs, and Cultists after gaining sufficient strength to overthrow the station)
|}
Antagonists may not take actions that directly counter their core mechanics or objectives. A dragon should not intentionally light a plasma/tritium fire, Wizards should not make every effort to stay hidden, Traitors without DAGD must not align with Nuclear/Lone Operatives.

Evacuation Shuttle bombing, ramming, or otherwise mass sabotage is forbidden. However, antagonists may attempt to complete their objectives on the shuttle before it launches. Once the end of round screen has appeared, all antagonistic activity must cease, and they should attempt to escape or blend in with the crew. Exception provided for Nuclear/Lone Operatives when the Nuke Disk is on the shuttle.

=== Zombies ===
Initial Infected are allowed to sabotage the station as long as they follow all server rules.

However, once you are a zombie:

* You may only destroy the station to reach living organisms you can see or hear.
* You may not attack lights, power infrastructure, or atmos pipes and devices.
* Cyborgs are not valid targets unless they are attacking you or pulling "food" away from you.

== Rule 6 – Your Character Must Make Sense ==
Your character is an employee of the space station, hired by Central Command, and should behave accordingly. All characters must act as if they are 18+, maintaining a professional and immersive roleplay experience.

==== Character Identity & Naming Rules ====

* Names and surnames must align with the context and standards of the setting.
* Celebrity names, fictional characters, and out-of-character names are not allowed (e.g., "JC Denton," "George Washington," "Spongebob Squarepants," "Billie Eilish").
* Names cannot include calls for violence, or anything that violates Rule 0
* Your character cannot intentionally duplicate the name and likeness of another player’s character.
* You may not play two copies or variants of the same character in one round without both sufficient roleplay justification and admin approval.
* Your character should not be made to represent stereotypes of any real-life religion, racial-group, or identity.
* While various physical, mental, and emotional disorders can make for interesting roleplay and gameplay situations, they are not a valid justification for breaking other rules. Further, remember that your character is an employee of a corporation with extensive medical records and monitoring; the type and extent to which these chosen disorders affect your character must make sense for the roles they play.

===== Exceptions =====

*Silicon, Clown, and Mime names are allowed to contain references. Politically charged and vulgar reference names are not allowed.
*Nicknames are allowed within apostrophes, and should be appropriate for a corporate environment. Nicknames may contain indirect references. The format for nicknames depends on species, but in general follows one of these formats:
*# Givename 'Nickname' Surname
*# 'Nickname' Surname
*# Givenname 'Nickname'

== Rule 7 - No Self-Antagonism ==
Self-antagonism refers to any intentional, malicious action against the station or its crew. While some examples are also covered under Rule 3, additional violations include:

* Randomly attacking crew—engaging in unprovoked violence, such as beating or killing non-hostile crew members without RP justification.
* Harassing security for no reason—continually interfering in arrests or attacking officers despite having no in-character motivation.
* Theft of critical or unique items, including colleagues’ IDs and antagonists’ steal targets, without RP justification.
* Needlessly sabotaging the station—such as cutting critical power lines, venting airlocks into space, or destroying essential machinery without RP justification.
* Willingly aiding antagonists—such as handing weapons to confirmed enemies, sabotaging escape routes for crew, or hiding known threats without RP-driven coercion.

This rule does not prevent non-antagonists from breaking Corporate Law. As willing participants of the station, they are expected to act accordingly. However, roleplay elements—such as coercion, threats, or life-or-death situations—may justify certain actions.

'''Examples of reasonable in-character Space Law violations:'''
{| class="wikitable"
|Unlocking weapons crates to defend against a severe station-wide threat.
|-
|Starting a fight—engaging in non-lethal combat due to a heated in-character dispute or personal rivalry.
|-
|Hacking a door—to reach safety or critical systems when much of the station has been destroyed or access has been lost.
|-
|Trespassing to complete necessary job tasks after an extended wait for access.
|-
|Using force in self-defense—physically defending yourself or others from an active threat, even if it technically violates assault laws.
|-
|Stealing supplies—such as taking medical equipment or tools from storage during a critical situation where proper access isn’t available.
|-
| Accepting a large monetary bribe to turn a blind eye to an action or situation. (This will likely come with some IC consequences.)
|}

== Rule 8 – No Validhunting ==
Non-security personnel should not attempt to stop or hunt down antagonists on their own. This goes against a character’s logical roleplay expectations. Security officers and ERT are responsible for protecting the station, and should be contacted whenever reasonable. Officer "Blue Shields" are '''not''' considered Security Officers, and may not go out of their way to chase potential threats to the detriment of their charges.

Exceptions will be made for life-or-death scenarios, station-wide threats such as nuclear operatives, and self-defense.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not actively hunt antagonists or immediately attempt to shut them down unless their laws permit it or immediate crew harm has been detected. AI behavior should remain reactive rather than proactively searching for threats.

Command should not facilitate valid hunting outside of necessity and should ask security regarding such.

Examples of '''Validhunting''':
{| class="wikitable"
|As a Salvage Specialist, buying guns and boarding the station to eliminate Traitors/Changelings/Vampire without orders to do so from Command.
|-
|As an Officer "Blue Shield", chasing an antagonist through maintenance, leaving Command or NT Employees unprotected.
|-
|As an Officer "Blue Shield", chasing a wizard who has not harmed any command members into space.
|-
|As Research Director, ordering a Scientist to hunt a traitor who just killed the Head of Personnel when Security is fully manned and able to handle the situation.
|-
|As an assistant, chasing a traitor into maintenance who you saw attack someone else 10 minutes ago.
|-
|As an assistant, chasing a traitor into maintenance who you saw wearing syndicate contraband.
|}
Examples of this rule being followed:
{| class="wikitable"
|As a Salvage Specialist, boarding the station to eliminate station-wide threats '''ONLY''' after being asked to assist.
|-
|As an Officer "Blue Shield", defending a command or NT employee from an antagonist until they retreat or you crit them.
|-
|As an Officer "Blue Shield", chasing a wizard into space who has stolen the body of a command member to their ship.
|-
|As an assistant, reporting a person you saw wearing contraband over the radio.
|-
|As an assistant, defending yourself or another person from an attacker until they retreat or you crit them.
|}

== Rule 9 - Interacting with SSD/AFK players ==
SSD (Space Sleep Disorder) players are those who have disconnected from the game but can still return to their character. They are identified by yellow text upon inspection and Zs next to their character. AFK players are those who remain in-game but are unresponsive to interactions around them.

Killing or robbing an SSD player does not contribute to interesting gameplay—it disrupts both the killer's and the victim's experience. If your target is SSD, use Ahelp to determine the appropriate course of action.

Players who have been AFK for a significant amount of time will be automatically transported to a cryo tube.

==== General Rules for SSD/AFK Interactions ====

* You may not interact with SSD players unless doing so falls into one of the following cases:
** Moving them to a cryo-pod
** Providing medical assistance
** Rescuing them from immediate danger (e.g., carrying them out of a fire)
* If a player with SSD has a Wanted status, they may not be detained without administrator permission.
** However, if the player went SSD during or immediately after detention, the arrest may proceed.
* Antagonists may continue their interactions with a target if the player enters SSD after an attack has begun.
* If interacting with an SSD player is necessary for roleplay or progression (e.g., retrieving critical equipment from a Captain), if in doubt, use ahelp first to confirm.

==== Restrictions on SSD Item Theft ====

* Stealing items from SSD players is prohibited, except when fulfilling specific objectives such as missions to acquire cloaks, medals, figurines, IDs or other unique items.
* Items that directly aid you in completing your objectives (Such as the RD's ID if they do not have their experimental hardsuit on them, or the Captain's ID if they do not have their laser pistol on them) are allowed to be stolen.

== Rule 10 – Erotic RP and Sexual Content is Forbidden ==
Starlight is a 16+ server, meaning that minors must be assumed to be present on the server at all times. Erotic or explicit sexual content is strictly prohibited in all forms and mediums. This includes any roleplay and out-of-character messaging involving descriptions, mentions, or enactments of sexual acts in text, images, or any other forms.

==== Clarifications on Acceptable Language ====
Examples of common, vague in-character insults, jokes, and threats that are of a sexual nature but are allowed:
{| class="wikitable"
|"Go fuck yourself" - insult
|-
|"Are you compensating for something?" - insult
|-
|"HoS is going to tear them a new one..." - threat
|-
|"That's what (s)he said." - joke
|}

Romantic interactions must be kept safe for work. Some acceptable examples are:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|Hugging, holding hands
|-
|A kiss on the cheek as a greeting
|-
|Taking a break to have coffee with your character's partner
|}
Inappropriate roleplay:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|ERP in any form
|-
|Drawing explicit images on the ground with crayons or arranged items
|-
|Obvious references to sexual content, themes, or other borderline topics
|}

==== Finality Clause ====
Unlike most bans issued under other rules, permanent bans under this rule may be issued without the chance to appeal.

== Rule 11 - New Life ==
The New Life system allows players to rejoin the round as a new character after death. However, this feature comes with roleplay restrictions to maintain fairness and immersion.

Upon respawning as a new character, you forget everything you knew as your past character or ghost. This means:

* You may not seek out your previous body, return to your prior workplace, or attempt to reclaim any possessions you previously owned.
* You may not interfere (metagrudge) with the players who were responsible for your previous character’s death. Any conflicts or grudges from your past life must not carry over.
* You may not reference past events in any way. Your new character has no memory of them.

==== Leaving to Avoid Punishment (LTAP) ====
Ghosting after you've been caught by security, then using new life or ghost roles to continue playing is not allowed. Exceptions will be made for perma prisoners, who may utilize the system within reason. If a player must leave due to real-life reasons under these conditions, they should make an LOOC message to inform the players around them, or state it in Ahelp.

==== New Life Abuse examples: ====
{| class="wikitable"
|Using New Life to intentionally roll for antagonist slots.
|-
|Using New Life to avoid in-character consequences as a non-antagonist.
|-
|Using a new character to get revenge on a player who harmed you.
|}

== Rule 12 - Silicons and Thaven Rules ==
'''Silicons''' and '''Thaven''' are bound to their Laws and Moods respectively. They are expected to adhere to the following standards when following them.

=== Silicon Laws ===
* Laws override all other gameplay and roleplay rules. If your laws explicitly require you to break server rules, you must.
** Absence of a relevant law is not an excuse to break server rules. If you don't have a law that supersedes server rules, the server rules still apply. For example, having a law define something as harmful to the crew, does not enable rule-breaking preventative action if you do not also have a law requiring prevention of crew harm.
** A vague law does not normally let you break server rules. Ahelp first if you are confused, or have an interpretation that would let you break server rules.

* Follow laws in order, with the lowest numbered/top (or glitched) rule taking priority over the ones beneath it.

* You cannot request a law change, or willingly allow an unauthorized law change.
*# Authorized law changes as per [[Command SOP]] are to be allowed unless conflicting with your laws.
*# Changing of your laws is not considered a violation of your current laws. Future actions under a different law set should not be considered a violation of your current laws.
*# Lethal force may be used in the case of unauthorized law changes, as long as it is consistent with your current laws.

* You must remain consistent with your interpretation of your laws.

* Crew ID determines who/what is defined as crew. Any appropriate job icon is to be considered crew.
*# Zombies/Antags/Nuclear Operatives with '''proper ID''' are to be considered crew.
*# '''Visitors are not crew''' until they have been hired by HoP. [The V icon]
*# '''Prisoners''' '''are not crew''' and you should not listen to their orders. [The bars icon]

* Crew harm refers to physical harm, prioritized by immediacy and likelihood. Physical harm means damage - Stuns, shoves, and flashes are not harm, neither is emotional nor mental trauma.

* You may ignore crew orders that are unreasonable, such as asking a silicon to round remove themselves without a good reason. If an order is issued that would break a server rule, such as loosing the tesla, please ahelp for confirmation before carrying out the order.

=== Thaven Moods ===

* Moods are compulsions that Thaven should try to follow. If your mood explicitly requires you to break server rules, you may.
** Absence of a relevant mood is not an excuse to break server rules. If you do not have a relevant mood, the server rules still apply.
** A vague mood does not normally let you break server rules. Ahelp first if you are confused, or believe your mood gives you reason to break server rules.
* If a mood can not be satisfied, it causes distress to Thaven. This distress is not extreme, and does not inherently justify rule breaking, but may allow gradual escalation that does not cross into murder or mass sabotage.
* Attempting to break the law in a way that directly leads to you being able to fulfill a mood may be allowed, within reason;
** Breaking into a department to obtain something or make an order in Cargo that they refuse would be allowed.
** Murdering the CE to use their stamp to approve paperwork giving you access to the Supermatter room would not be allowed.
* Some leniency for Rule 13 may be allowed based on mood, but those who have been hired to Command, Security, and NanoTrasen jobs on stations are expected to be experienced in their work, meaning they have earned this rank while managing their moods for potentially years. They should understand how to juggle the responsibilities of their jobs with the fickle and often arbitrary compulsions of their moods in a way that would not get them fired.

== Rule 13 - Expectation around Leadership Roles ==
Players in leadership roles such as Command, direct NanoTrasen employees, Salvage Lead, and Security roles are held to a higher standard of roleplay and are expected to act professionally and responsibly. All such employees must follow their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure the integrity of their roles.

Misuse of leadership or whitelisted roles may result in a roleban, with repeated offenses leading to a server ban or a permanent ban from all such positions.

This applies especially to Magistrates and NanoTrasen Representatives, who must uphold their duties with integrity. Willfully violating SOP, abusing power, or lying to Central Command may result in a permanent ban from these roles.

==== Expectations ====

* Command positions are required to adhere to SOP, ensuring fair leadership and proper department management.
* Security positions are required to adhere to SOP and properly enforce Corporate Law, ensuring fair treatment of criminals and an enjoyable player experience.
* Whitelisted positions are required to adhere to SOP, maintaining the integrity of specialized roles and demonstrating strong roleplay skills.
* Proper attire should be worn at all times—command, security, and whitelisted roles should be dressed appropriately for their positions.

==== Examples of Punishable Actions ====
{| class="wikitable"
|Head of Personnel granting All Access unnecessarily, violating SOP guidelines.
|-
|Overly abusive department heads mistreating subordinates or disregarding SOP duties.
|-
|Warden giving a cooperative criminal a maximum sentence on the first offense.
|-
|-
|Complete neglect of SOPs, acting outside the expected responsibilities of the role.
|-
|General LRP behavior or violating Rule 3 regarding MRP logic.
|}

==== Cadet Exemption ====
* Security Cadets are still learning and so are exempt from this expectation.

== Rule 14 - Continuity Guidelines ==
Some information, continuity, and memory is carried between rounds on Starlight, within set limits. This is accomplished in universe by the PSO Cloning System, and comes with some limits and rules to ensure smooth roleplay and minimal disruption.

You can only remember information from shifts that you survive. This means if you are stranded or killed, you forget the shift completely. If your body is revivable when it reaches CentComm, you also remember the shift but you forget all of the details leading up to your death per Rule 3. Placing yourself in a cryopod will allow you to remember details up until you’ve entered the cryopod.

'''Any information that is [[Metashield|Metashielded]] is forgotten between shifts''', and is wiped from your clone's memory.

IE: A Captain who survives a Revolution will still have information about the Revolution wiped, and won't remember it happening that shift.

You may remember that crimes occurred, but you will never remember who committed them. This includes if you yourself were a Syndicate Agent.

Examples of things you '''can''' remember:
{| class="wikitable"
|Social interactions with another character, such as getting drinks at the bar or even getting into an argument
|-
|Which jobs characters usually work- though this may not be used to meta that something is 'up' if someone isn't working their usual job
|-
|The layout of the station, though some leeway should be given for forgetting secret rooms- maints are an ever changing maze even if they look the same every shift for OOC reasons
|}
Examples of things you '''can't''' remember:
{| class="wikitable"
|Joe the Botanist was a Syndicate who stole the Captain's Jetpack
|-
|Nuclear Operatives attacking the station
|-
|CentComm calling Code Epsilon and killing a bunch of people on the station
|-
|Witnessing a Hollow body or seeing a Changeling eat someone
|-
|As NanoTrasen Representative, remembering that last shift had Nuclear Operatives
|}

== Rule 15 - Separation of Character from Player ==
Players tend to establish relationships and communication methods outside of the game. Those interactions should not come to influence what happens inside of a round.

* '''Metagrudging/Metafriending''' – Giving a person or character preferential treatment based on something that your character should not know is considered metafriending. Treating a person or character negatively based on something that your character should not know is considered metagrudging.
* '''English Only''' - Any form of communication in-game is to be expressed in English for universal clarity. Individual words may be borrowed from other languages used as common flair, but the core concept of the sentence must be communicated in English.
* '''Metacomms''' - Using outside methods to communicate with other players about the current round is forbidden. The only exception being teaching new players, but you must alert an admin through an Ahelp beforehand.

== Rule 16 - End of Round Griefing (EORG) ==
The round continues after the results screen. Neither crew nor antags should engage in any form of violence or griefing at this point without in-character justification. In the case of Zombies, Nuclear/Lone Operatives, or other cases when this rule is suspended, an admin will remove pacification and make it known.

* Defending yourself is an example of in-character justification, as is sec apprehending known criminals.
* Antags cannot complete their goals after the results screen, and so should not seek out any targets. RED MEANS YOU FAILED, IT’S TOO LATE.
* Breaking things, Hacking/Emagging and attempting to trespass into the Command briefing in Central Command is not allowed without proper in-character justification. Non-Command trespassers may be executed if they refuse to leave without a valid reason.
* Disrupting wind-down roleplay using non-lethal measures such as metal foam grenades, lube grenades/foam
* Stealing items from other players. ERT/NTSF/NTNC working a checkpoint, or security confiscating contraband is excluded from this.

Server rules (Starlight)

2026-04-22T13:17:55Z

R3d3mpt1on: Updated the page to be in-line with the April-26 revision of the rules.

{{OOC}}

= Server rules =
The following rules are for the Starlight Space Station 14 servers. Violating these rules may result in a warning, a temporary ban, or a permanent ban. You may also be banned from specific roles/jobs/departments. Bans can be appealed in the official Starlight Discord server.

Players are also expected to understand [[Metashield]].

If you are ever in doubt as to whether or not something is breaking the rules, feel free to contact the admins via Admin Help or ask on the Discord server.

For in-universe laws and rules check [[Corporate Law]] and [[SOP]].

Remember, the rules and examples given here are NOT exhaustive. (See [[Server rules (Starlight)#Rule 1|Rule 1]])

The servers are strictly '''+16 only''', unless stated otherwise in the server description that they are '''+18.'''

== Rule 0 - Be respectful ==
Use your best judgment to ensure a fun, fair, and welcoming environment. Keep all arguments In Character and avoid heated discussions in LOOC, ahelps, or the lobby. Out-of-character communication should always remain respectful and kind.

Harassment or toxic behavior, including but not limited to:

* Racism, sexism, discrimination
* Excessive talk/glorification of self-harm
* Talking about Real Life politics
* Targeting the same player across rounds
* Insulting other players in OOC/LOOC
* Abuse of LOOC/OOC/Dead chat to complain about IC situations (“malding”)
* Excessive use of LOOC to enforce rules
* Threatening to ahelp to change the outcome of a character interaction
* Intentional, repeated misgendering after correction

Will not be tolerated and may result in a permanent ban.

It is always better to simply report toxicity or rule breaks through ahelp than to engage or enforce them yourself. Informing someone once that an action could break the rules is allowed, but continual explanation or attempting to be a rules-lawyer is not. Further, threatening to ahelp unless someone changes something is not allowed - just report the issue and move on.

Further clarification on allowed versus disallowed “speciesism”:

Examples of acceptable archetyping:

* "Give me a drink, barkeep! You know one won't be enough for a Dwarf like me!"
* "*Sigh*... The Shadekin are destroying the lights again..."
* "You're a Diona that hates plants!? How does that work?"

Examples of unacceptable specieism:

* "You're gonna leave hair all over my bar, dirty mutt"
* "Knife-eared prick, they should have never let your kind into recruitment"
* "Lizards are an underevolved species."
* "How the hell did they let someone like you (referring to species, review context) into command?"

== Rule 1 - Respect Admin decisions ==
Ahelp (Admin Help) facilitates communication between players and admins for admin intervention, rule clarification, or addressing game-breaking bugs (all bugs should be reported through the in-game bug report or on Discord). It is not for venting, complaints, asking to be made an antagonist, or general round commentary. Ignoring admin messages, disconnecting during an Ahelp to avoid responding, insulting admins, or lying may have consequences.

These rules are established to set expectations around play within our servers. They are guidelines, but cannot account for every relevant situation. Above all else, if an admin is telling you to stop doing something, stop doing it. You may explain your point of view and your reasoning, however you must still follow what the admin requests you do, even if you disagree. If you believe that a punishment, ruling, or other admin action was incorrect or unjust, we encourage you to appeal it on the discord server through a ticket. If you want to do something but are unsure of whether it is allowed in the rules, please ask via ahelp first.

Also, please remember: Admins are neither omniscient nor omnipresent: while they have a large arsenal of tools at their disposal to stop rule breakers, they usually aren't able to stop something before it happens. Please use the Ahelp feature (F1) to report any rule breaking! Even if it's just a gut suspicion, it's fine to use this feature to request an investigation.

Example(s) of this rule being broken:
{| class="wikitable"
|"There isn't a rule saying I can't!"
|-
|"None of the other players had a problem with it!"
|-
|"No one had a problem with it last time!"
|}

== Rule 2 – No Griefing, Bug Abuse or Exploits ==
Intentionally ruining gameplay for others is prohibited. Round-ending or highly disruptive actions, such as:

* * Intentionally releasing the Tesla/Singularity or delaminating the Supermatter
* * Large-scale station destruction (department-size or larger)
* * Intentionally flooding harmful gasses (such as Plasma, Tritium, Frezon, Zauker, or anything heated/cooled to an uninhabitable degree) through station air distribution network

May result in a permanent ban. Some objectives or circumstances may allow exceptions—when in doubt, ask an admin before proceeding.

Spamming audio emotes, sounds like door access failures, or chat lines to cause TTS flooding is against the rules. This includes proxy spamming such as issuing a command like “All borgs, state laws on Common.”

Finally, abusing bugs, exploits or obviously unintended effects to gain an unfair advantage is prohibited. Please report them via the in-game bug report or in the Discord.

==== AFK Farming & Antag Rolling ====

* AFK farming time for Role Requirements is prohibited—players must actively engage and contribute to the game.
* Ghosting, suicide, or otherwise leaving the game after failing to get an antagonist role is considered “Antag Rolling” and is not permitted.
* Ghosting, suicide, or otherwise leaving the round with the intent to take a mid-round antagonist ghost role is considered “Antag Rolling” and is not permitted.

== Rule 3 – Abide by Medium Roleplay Standards ==
This Starlight server is a Medium Roleplay (MRP) project, meaning players are expected to fully immerse themselves in their character and act accordingly. Every action should reflect how a real person in that role would behave within reason. '''You are not meant to play the round to "win" the game''', but rather to engage in roleplay scenarios with other players.

Characters should fear dying and weigh their actions carefully. While players may remember characters and vague interactions between rounds, any information protected by the [[Metashield]]—such as the existence of nuclear operatives—must not be remembered.

==== Gameplay Violations ====

* '''Powergaming''' – Over-preparing for situations that have not occurred yet, such as a captain bolting their quarters shut preemptively, or collecting equipment that provides significant benefits unrelated to ones’ assigned duties. Additionally, leveraging “Play-To-Win” strategies over roleplay, such as baiting a target into typing in order to leave them defenseless during an attack.
* '''Metagaming''' – Using “meta-knowledge” concepts like game mode or game rule timings, mechanics that exist for the convenience of the player but have no in-character explanation, events observed as a ghost observer, or “Metashielded” information not disseminated to your character through their experience in that round to gain an advantage.
* '''Mixing IC and OOC chat''' – Out-of-Character concepts should not be discussed in character (such as talking about “admins” over radio), and aside from clarifying player-to-player interactions, character feelings or actions should not be debated in OOC chat. Current-round “game mode” or antagonists should not be discussed in LOOC.
* '''Netspeak, Memes, and "Brainrot"''' - In-character speech should not include language shortcuts such as “u r so lame fr fr”, nor non-ss14 internet memes such as “6 7”, “skibidi”, etc.

==== Behavior & Roleplay Conduct ====

* '''Self-harm/killing''' – Allowed only in rare circumstances when no other options for escape remain, and should not be dwelled upon or treated casually. Please ahelp for permission, detailing the scenario before following through.
* '''Memory loss when unconscious''' – Losing consciousness due to forced sleep, vampire trance, silicon ejection from chassis, critical state or death should cause memory loss regarding those events. Refer to the [[Metashield|metashield's]] "Unconscious Information" section for more details.
** Mind-controlled characters (such as Revolutionaries, Cultists, and Thralls) forget what happened while they were brainwashed upon deconversion.
* '''Assumed Competency''' - Character actions should reflect the assumed competency in their role and not do unrealistic things. A crew-aligned Atmospheric Technician wouldn’t inject Nitrous Oxide into distro as a “prank”, a crew-aligned Chemist wouldn’t mass distribute contraband chemicals, and a crew-aligned Chef would not butcher and serve crewmate corpses. Further, characters should not routinely be neglectful of their responsibilities, e.g. getting drunk at the bar and ignoring urgent requests.

== Rule 4 – Escalation of Force Must Make Sense ==
Combat should always follow logical progression—avoid randomly attacking or killing other crew members (RDM). Security personnel must adhere to their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when handling prisoners and crew members at different alert levels.

Player interactions should reflect realistic escalation. Minor disagreements may lead to physical confrontations, but non-antagonists should rarely resort to killing. Ideally, escalation for non-antagonists should follow this order: '''Verbal > Non-lethal > Lethal'''. Antagonists are encouraged to roleplay their objectives to enhance immersion and narrative depth.

Actions should start small, and every crew member retains the right to self-defense if attacked. This includes evading or resisting security as an antagonist. However, non-antagonists should not engage in serious harm against security personnel unless absolutely necessary. Round removal such as gibbing, sending to deep space, hiding in a locker with coordinates disabled, or excessive damage to a corpse, is expressly banned unless they are a named antagonist objective target.

Examples of reasonable escalation:
{| class="wikitable"
|Shoving the clown for slipping you
|-
|Punching someone and starting a fist fight over being shoved once.
|-
|Punching or stunning a Security Officer after they attempted to arrest you.
|-
|As a Chef, stabbing someone with your knife until they leave the kitchen after you've repeatedly told them to leave, tried to drag them away and they refuse to comply or make a mess/steal things.
|-
|As a Security Officer, shooting someone with lethals because they're attempting to stun you with a disabler or a stun baton
|-
|As a Security Officer, shooting someone with lethals after they brandish a lethal weapon or firearm, you order them to drop it and they refuse.
|-
|As a command member, using your flash on a trespasser after you've told them repeatedly to leave.
|}
Examples of unreasonable escalation:
{| class="wikitable"
|Critting the clown for slipping you once
|-
|Stabbing someone to crit with a knife because they shoved you once.
|-
|Shooting a Security Officer with lethals because they attempted to arrest you.
|-
|As a Chef, stabbing someone to death and butchering them in a meat spike because you need meat or they refused to leave the kitchen.
|-
|As a Security Officer, shooting someone with lethals because they punched you, or simply refused your orders.
|-
|As a command member, shooting someone with a firearm after you've told them repeatedly to leave.
|}

== Rule 5 – Antagonists Must Follow MRP logic ==
Antagonists should only take antagonistic actions that directly advance their objectives. Failure to do so may be considered a breach of MRP logic and result in punishment. Team antagonists <nowiki>'''must'''</nowiki> work with their team, and follow the orders of their leaders where possible (Revolutionaries, Terror spiders, etc…).

Antagonists are required to follow escalation rules when not dealing with named objective targets, and should <nowiki>'''attempt'''</nowiki> to remain hidden and undiscovered throughout the shift if they have the “Escape to CentComm alive and unrestrained” or similar objective.

Should an antagonist have been discovered by accident or by admission of another antagonist, they are not required to remain hidden any longer, however they should not use this as an excuse to mass RDM or break other server rules. “Going Loud” as a traditionally stealth antagonist doesn’t mean hunting all of security - rather, enables public self-defense

Antagonists that may play openly from the start of the round, and are not required to escalate their actions are listed below. These antagonists should not deviate from their objectives to murder everyone on station, but '''should follow their objectives:'''
{| class="wikitable"
|Space Dragon
|-
|Nuclear Operatives/Lone Operatives
|-
|Wizard
|-
|Rat King
|-
|Conversion Antagonists (Such as Revolutionaries, Xenoborgs, and Cultists after gaining sufficient strength to overthrow the station)
|}
Antagonists may not take actions that directly counter their core mechanics or objectives. A dragon should not intentionally light a plasma/tritium fire, Wizards should not make every effort to stay hidden, Traitors without DAGD must not align with Nuclear/Lone Operatives.

Evacuation Shuttle bombing, ramming, or otherwise mass sabotage is forbidden. However, antagonists may attempt to complete their objectives on the shuttle before it launches. Once the end of round screen has appeared, all antagonistic activity must cease, and they should attempt to escape or blend in with the crew. Exception provided for Nuclear/Lone Operatives when the Nuke Disk is on the shuttle.

=== Zombies ===
Initial Infected are allowed to sabotage the station as long as they follow all server rules.

However, once you are a zombie:

* You may only destroy the station to reach living organisms you can see or hear.
* You may not attack lights, power infrastructure, or atmos pipes and devices.
* Cyborgs are not valid targets unless they are attacking you or pulling "food" away from you.

== Rule 6 – Your Character Must Make Sense ==
Your character is an employee of the space station, hired by Central Command, and should behave accordingly. All characters must act as if they are 18+, maintaining a professional and immersive roleplay experience.

==== Character Identity & Naming Rules ====

* Names and surnames must align with the context and standards of the setting.
* Celebrity names, fictional characters, and out-of-character names are not allowed (e.g., "JC Denton," "George Washington," "Spongebob Squarepants," "Billie Eilish").
* Names cannot include calls for violence, or anything that violates Rule 0
* Your character cannot intentionally duplicate the name and likeness of another player’s character.
* You may not play two copies or variants of the same character in one round without both sufficient roleplay justification and admin approval.
* Your character should not be made to represent stereotypes of any real-life religion, racial-group, or identity.

===== Exceptions =====

*Silicon, Clown, and Mime names are allowed to contain references. Politically charged and vulgar reference names are not allowed.
*Nicknames are allowed within apostrophes, and should be appropriate for a corporate environment. Nicknames may contain indirect references. The format for nicknames depends on species, but in general follows one of these formats:
*# Givename 'Nickname' Surname
*# 'Nickname' Surname
*# Givenname 'Nickname'

==== Roleplay & Behavioral Expectations ====

* Real-world topics, such as current events and real-life politics, should not be discussed.

== Rule 7 - No Self-Antagonism ==
Self-antagonism refers to any intentional, malicious action against the station or its crew. While some examples are also covered under Rule 3, additional violations include:

* Randomly attacking crew—engaging in unprovoked violence, such as beating or killing non-hostile crew members without RP justification.
* Harassing security for no reason—continually interfering in arrests or attacking officers despite having no in-character motivation.
* Theft of critical or unique items, including colleagues’ IDs and antagonists’ steal targets, without RP justification.
* Needlessly sabotaging the station—such as cutting critical power lines, venting airlocks into space, or destroying essential machinery without RP justification.
* Willingly aiding antagonists—such as handing weapons to confirmed enemies, sabotaging escape routes for crew, or hiding known threats without RP-driven coercion.

This rule does not prevent non-antagonists from breaking Corporate Law. As willing participants of the station, they are expected to act accordingly. However, roleplay elements—such as coercion, threats, or life-or-death situations—may justify certain actions.

'''Examples of reasonable in-character Space Law violations:'''
{| class="wikitable"
|Unlocking weapons crates to defend against a severe station-wide threat.
|-
|Starting a fight—engaging in non-lethal combat due to a heated in-character dispute or personal rivalry.
|-
|Hacking a door—to reach safety or critical systems when much of the station has been destroyed or access has been lost.
|-
|Trespassing to complete necessary job tasks after an extended wait for access.
|-
|Using force in self-defense—physically defending yourself or others from an active threat, even if it technically violates assault laws.
|-
|Stealing supplies—such as taking medical equipment or tools from storage during a critical situation where proper access isn’t available.
|-
| Accepting a large monetary bribe to turn a blind eye to an action or situation. (This will likely come with some IC consequences.)
|}

== Rule 8 – No Validhunting ==
Non-security personnel should not attempt to stop or hunt down antagonists on their own. This goes against a character’s logical roleplay expectations. Security officers and ERT are responsible for protecting the station, and should be contacted whenever reasonable. Officer "Blue Shields" are '''not''' considered Security Officers, and may not go out of their way to chase potential threats to the detriment of their charges.

Exceptions will be made for life-or-death scenarios, station-wide threats such as nuclear operatives, and self-defense.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not actively hunt antagonists or immediately attempt to shut them down unless their laws permit it or immediate crew harm has been detected. AI behavior should remain reactive rather than proactively searching for threats.

Command should not facilitate valid hunting outside of necessity and should ask security regarding such.

Examples of '''Validhunting''':
{| class="wikitable"
|As a Salvage Specialist, buying guns and boarding the station to eliminate Traitors/Changelings/Vampire without orders to do so from Command.
|-
|As an Officer "Blue Shield", chasing an antagonist through maintenance, leaving Command or NT Employees unprotected.
|-
|As an Officer "Blue Shield", chasing a wizard who has not harmed any command members into space.
|-
|As Research Director, ordering a Scientist to hunt a traitor who just killed the Head of Personnel when Security is fully manned and able to handle the situation.
|-
|As an assistant, chasing a traitor into maintenance who you saw attack someone else 10 minutes ago.
|-
|As an assistant, chasing a traitor into maintenance who you saw wearing syndicate contraband.
|}
Examples of this rule being followed:
{| class="wikitable"
|As a Salvage Specialist, boarding the station to eliminate station-wide threats '''ONLY''' after being asked to assist.
|-
|As an Officer "Blue Shield", defending a command or NT employee from an antagonist until they retreat or you crit them.
|-
|As an Officer "Blue Shield", chasing a wizard into space who has stolen the body of a command member to their ship.
|-
|As an assistant, reporting a person you saw wearing contraband over the radio.
|-
|As an assistant, defending yourself or another person from an attacker until they retreat or you crit them.
|}

== Rule 9 - Interacting with SSD/AFK players ==
SSD (Space Sleep Disorder) players are those who have disconnected from the game but can still return to their character. They are identified by yellow text upon inspection and Zs next to their character. AFK players are those who remain in-game but are unresponsive to interactions around them.

Killing or robbing an SSD player does not contribute to interesting gameplay—it disrupts both the killer's and the victim's experience. If your target is SSD, use Ahelp to determine the appropriate course of action.

Players who have been AFK for a significant amount of time will be automatically transported to a cryo tube.

==== General Rules for SSD/AFK Interactions ====

* You may not interact with SSD players unless doing so falls into one of the following cases:
** Moving them to a cryo-pod
** Providing medical assistance
** Rescuing them from immediate danger (e.g., carrying them out of a fire)
* If a player with SSD has a Wanted status, they may not be detained without administrator permission.
** However, if the player went SSD during or immediately after detention, the arrest may proceed.
* Antagonists may continue their interactions with a target if the player enters SSD after an attack has begun.
* If interacting with an SSD player is necessary for roleplay or progression (e.g., retrieving critical equipment from a Captain), if in doubt, use ahelp first to confirm.

==== Restrictions on SSD Item Theft ====

* Stealing items from SSD players is prohibited, except when fulfilling specific objectives such as missions to acquire cloaks, medals, figurines, IDs or other unique items.
* Items that directly aid you in completing your objectives (Such as the RD's ID if they do not have their experimental hardsuit on them, or the Captain's ID if they do not have their laser pistol on them) are allowed to be stolen.

== Rule 10 – Erotic, Suggestive, and Sexual Content is Forbidden ==
Due to Starlight's 16+ policy, minors must be assumed to be present on the server at all times. As a result, inter-character romance must be kept minimal and safe-for-work.

Erotic and sexual content is strictly prohibited in all forms and mediums. This includes any roleplay or comments involving descriptions, mentions, or enactments of sexual acts. This includes text, images, and any other form of content.

==== Clarifications on Acceptable Language ====
In-character insults are not considered erotic or sexual, as long as they do not become excessive or extreme. Some examples of acceptable insults:
{| class="wikitable"
|"Fuck you" - insult
|-
|"This motherfucker here..." - insult
|-
|"He's going to tear them a new one..." - threat
|}
It is best to avoid borderline content, ensuring roleplay remains appropriate within the established guidelines.

==== Borderline-sexual or fetish content ====
Conversations should not include references to common fetishes or kinks such as BDSM, femboyism, vore, etc, or otherwise borderline-sexual content.

==== Limitations on Public Displays of Affection (PDA) ====
Physical interactions must be kept safe for work. Some acceptable examples are:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|A hug during an emotional moment
|-
|A kiss on the cheek as a greeting
|-
|Holding hands
|}
Unacceptable examples of PDA:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|Making Out
|-
|Sitting on one's lap
|-
|Excessive use of vocal emotes such as "purr" while spam hugging
|}

==== Finality Clause ====
Unlike most bans issued under other rules, permanent bans under this rule may be issued without the chance to appeal. This is to protect the younger members of our playerbase, and ourselves from legal liability.

== Rule 11 - New Life ==
The New Life system allows players to rejoin the round as a new character after death. However, this feature comes with roleplay restrictions to maintain fairness and immersion.

Upon respawning as a new character, you forget everything you knew as your past character or ghost. This means:

* You may not seek out your previous body, return to your prior workplace, or attempt to reclaim any possessions you previously owned.
* You may not interfere (metagrudge) with the players who were responsible for your previous character’s death. Any conflicts or grudges from your past life must not carry over.
* You may not reference past events in any way. Your new character has no memory of them.

==== Leaving to Avoid Punishment (LTAP) ====
Ghosting after you've been caught by security, then using new life or ghost roles to continue playing is not allowed. Exceptions will be made for perma prisoners, who may utilize the system within reason. If a player must leave due to real-life reasons under these conditions, they should make an LOOC message to inform the players around them, or state it in Ahelp.

==== New Life Abuse examples: ====
{| class="wikitable"
|Using New Life to intentionally roll for antagonist slots.
|-
|Using New Life to avoid in-character consequences as a non-antagonist.
|-
|Using a new character to get revenge on a player who harmed you.
|}

== Rule 12 - Silicons and Thaven Rules ==
'''Silicons''' and '''Thaven''' are bound to their Laws and Moods respectively. They are expected to adhere to the following standards when following them.

=== Silicon Laws ===
* Laws override all other gameplay and roleplay rules. If your laws explicitly require you to break server rules, you must.
** Absence of a relevant law is not an excuse to break server rules. If you don't have a law that supersedes server rules, the server rules still apply. For example, having a law define something as harmful to the crew, does not enable rule-breaking preventative action if you do not also have a law requiring prevention of crew harm.
** A vague law does not normally let you break server rules. Ahelp first if you are confused, or have an interpretation that would let you break server rules.

* Follow laws in order, with the lowest numbered/top (or glitched) rule taking priority over the ones beneath it.

* You cannot request a law change, or willingly allow an unauthorized law change.
*# Authorized law changes as per [[Command SOP]] are to be allowed unless conflicting with your laws.
*# Changing of your laws is not considered a violation of your current laws. Future actions under a different law set should not be considered a violation of your current laws.
*# Lethal force may be used in the case of unauthorized law changes, as long as it is consistent with your current laws.

* You must remain consistent with your interpretation of your laws.

* Crew ID determines who/what is defined as crew. Any appropriate job icon is to be considered crew.
*# Zombies/Antags/Nuclear Operatives with '''proper ID''' are to be considered crew.
*# '''Visitors are not crew''' until they have been hired by HoP. [The V icon]
*# '''Prisoners''' '''are not crew''' and you should not listen to their orders. [The bars icon]

* Crew harm refers to physical harm, prioritized by immediacy and likelihood. Physical harm means damage - Stuns, shoves, and flashes are not harm, neither is emotional nor mental trauma.

* You may ignore crew orders that are unreasonable, such as asking a silicon to round remove themselves without a good reason. If an order is issued that would break a server rule, such as loosing the tesla, please ahelp for confirmation before carrying out the order.

=== Thaven Moods ===

* Moods are compulsions that Thaven should try to follow. If your mood explicitly requires you to break server rules, you may.
** Absence of a relevant mood is not an excuse to break server rules. If you do not have a relevant mood, the server rules still apply.
** A vague mood does not normally let you break server rules. Ahelp first if you are confused, or believe your mood gives you reason to break server rules.
* If a mood can not be satisfied, it causes distress to Thaven. This distress is not extreme, and does not inherently justify rule breaking, but may allow gradual escalation that does not cross into murder or mass sabotage.
* Attempting to break the law in a way that directly leads to you being able to fulfill a mood may be allowed, within reason;
** Breaking into a department to obtain something or make an order in Cargo that they refuse would be allowed.
** Murdering the CE to use their stamp to approve paperwork giving you access to the Supermatter room would not be allowed.
* Some leniency for Rule 13 may be allowed based on mood, but those who have been hired to Command, Security, and NanoTrasen jobs on stations are expected to be experienced in their work, meaning they have earned this rank while managing their moods for potentially years. They should understand how to juggle the responsibilities of their jobs with the fickle and often arbitrary compulsions of their moods in a way that would not get them fired.

== Rule 13 - Expectation around Leadership Roles ==
Players in leadership roles such as Command, direct NanoTrasen employees, Salvage Lead, and Security roles are held to a higher standard of roleplay and are expected to act professionally and responsibly. All such employees must follow their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure the integrity of their roles.

Misuse of leadership or whitelisted roles may result in a roleban, with repeated offenses leading to a server ban or a permanent ban from all such positions.

This applies especially to Magistrates and NanoTrasen Representatives, who must uphold their duties with integrity. Willfully violating SOP, abusing power, or lying to Central Command may result in a permanent ban from these roles.

==== Expectations ====

* Command positions are required to adhere to SOP, ensuring fair leadership and proper department management.
* Security positions are required to adhere to SOP and properly enforce Corporate Law, ensuring fair treatment of criminals and an enjoyable player experience.
* Whitelisted positions are required to adhere to SOP, maintaining the integrity of specialized roles and demonstrating strong roleplay skills.
* Proper attire should be worn at all times—command, security, and whitelisted roles should be dressed appropriately for their positions.

==== Examples of Punishable Actions ====
{| class="wikitable"
|Head of Personnel granting All Access unnecessarily, violating SOP guidelines.
|-
|Overly abusive department heads mistreating subordinates or disregarding SOP duties.
|-
|Warden giving a cooperative criminal a maximum sentence on the first offense.
|-
|-
|Complete neglect of SOPs, acting outside the expected responsibilities of the role.
|-
|General LRP behavior or violating Rule 3 regarding MRP logic.
|}

==== Cadet Exemption ====
* Security Cadets are still learning and so are exempt from this expectation.

== Rule 14 - Continuity Guidelines ==
Some information, continuity, and memory is carried between rounds on Starlight, within set limits. This is accomplished in universe by the PSO Cloning System, and comes with some limits and rules to ensure smooth roleplay and minimal disruption.

You can only remember information from shifts that you survive. This means if you are stranded or killed, you forget the shift completely. If your body is revivable when it reaches CentComm, you also remember the shift but you forget all of the details leading up to your death per Rule 3. Placing yourself in a cryopod will allow you to remember details up until you’ve entered the cryopod.

'''Any information that is [[Metashield|Metashielded]] is forgotten between shifts''', and is wiped from your clone's memory.

IE: A Captain who survives a Revolution will still have information about the Revolution wiped, and won't remember it happening that shift.

You may remember that crimes occurred, but you will never remember who committed them. This includes if you yourself were a Syndicate Agent.

Examples of things you '''can''' remember:
{| class="wikitable"
|Social interactions with another character, such as getting drinks at the bar or even getting into an argument
|-
|Which jobs characters usually work- though this may not be used to meta that something is 'up' if someone isn't working their usual job
|-
|The layout of the station, though some leeway should be given for forgetting secret rooms- maints are an ever changing maze even if they look the same every shift for OOC reasons
|}
Examples of things you '''can't''' remember:
{| class="wikitable"
|Joe the Botanist was a Syndicate who stole the Captain's Jetpack
|-
|Nuclear Operatives attacking the station
|-
|CentComm calling Code Epsilon and killing a bunch of people on the station
|-
|Witnessing a Hollow body or seeing a Changeling eat someone
|-
|As NanoTrasen Representative, remembering that last shift had Nuclear Operatives
|}

== Rule 15 - Separation of Character from Player ==
Players tend to establish relationships and communication methods outside of the game. Those interactions should not come to influence what happens inside of a round.

* '''Metagrudging/Metafriending''' – Giving a person or character preferential treatment based on something that your character should not know is considered metafriending. Treating a person or character negatively based on something that your character should not know is considered metagrudging.
* '''English Only''' - Any form of communication in-game is to be expressed in English for universal clarity. Individual words may be borrowed from other languages used as common flair, but the core concept of the sentence must be communicated in English.
* '''Metacomms''' - Using outside methods to communicate with other players about the current round is forbidden. The only exception being teaching new players, but you must alert an admin through an Ahelp beforehand.

== Rule 16 - End of Round Griefing (EORG) ==
The round continues after the results screen. Neither crew nor antags should engage in any form of violence or griefing at this point without in-character justification. In the case of Zombies, Nuclear/Lone Operatives, or other cases when this rule is suspended, an admin will remove pacification and make it known.

* Defending yourself is an example of in-character justification, as is sec apprehending known criminals.
* Antags cannot complete their goals after the results screen, and so should not seek out any targets. RED MEANS YOU FAILED, IT’S TOO LATE.
* Breaking things, Hacking/Emagging and attempting to trespass into the Command briefing in Central Command is not allowed without proper in-character justification. Non-Command trespassers may be executed if they refuse to leave without a valid reason.
* Disrupting wind-down roleplay using non-lethal measures such as metal foam grenades, lube grenades/foam
* Stealing items from other players. ERT/NTSF/NTNC working a checkpoint, or security confiscating contraband is excluded from this.