Policy

Policy is an Official GemStone IV Document, and it is protected from editing.

The GemStone IV Player Policy can be reviewed in game via the POLICY command. This command can also be used to review additional relevant information, such as reviewing your warnings, restricted status, and if you're being monitored for vulgarity; reviewing when you last read the GemStone IV Player Policy; and seeing if the current room is considered public (subject to vulgarity monitoring) or private. It also allows players to report others for policy violations to GameMaster staff.

POLICY 1: Introduction

This POLICY is in addition to the overall TERMS AND CONDITIONS that every user of Simutronics services agrees to follow. Included in the terms are topics like use of accounts, use of vulgarity, and use of the service. We strongly recommend that every player read the TERMS and CONDITIONS on the website, as every user is required to follow them and this POLICY. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable experience for the majority of our players. If you have any questions about either the TERMS AND CONDITIONS or this POLICY after reading them, you may put in an ASSIST to speak with a staff member.

By using GemStone IV, players agree that Simutronics reserves the sole right to make the final determination of what is and is not in violation of any part of this POLICY. Other policies in addition to the ones listed here may occasionally be necessary (such as unique rules for a quest). Therefore, Simutronics also reserves the right to make special-case adjustments to its policies and the steps it takes concerning violation of these policies.

POLICY 2: Roleplaying

GemStone IV is a text-based roleplaying game. This means that players interact in the world playing the part of their characters in a high fantasy environment. This is known as "in character" (IC) and means that the player is acting out the part believably. The term "out of character" (OOC) means that the player is behaving inconsistently with their character's situation in the game (such as discussing the latest sports event, singing the latest music release, playing the part of a starship captain, or communicating in French, Swahili or any earthly language other than English, Elanthia's Common tongue).

Players are expected to remain in character. Generally, if someone wants or needs to be OOC (such as to explain game mechanics to another player), they may do so in ways that are not in public. Using a private room (one with a locked or latched door) or talking in whispers is recommended. Note that tables are considered in public.

When one individual is reducing the enjoyment of other players by out-of-character behavior (be it by speech, actions, ESP messages, or any other method of communication within GemStone IV), this may be considered disruptive behavior. Private rooms, whispers, direct thoughts to another player through ESP, or any other methods of communication are not excluded from this if one of the participants involved objects.

Staff member characters (GameMasters and GameHosts) are necessary to keep the game running smoothly and to assist players with working out problems and are inherently OOC entities because of the nature of their tasks. Because of the reasons a player may need the assistance of a staff member, interactions with staff characters are not required to be IC. It would be extremely difficult for an elf to describe the details of a serious game mechanics calculation bug that the character would never see, but the player has to talk about the numbers involved. This only applies to staff member characters, not interactions with non-player characters (merchants, creatures, or other NPCs). These should be IC.

POLICY 3: Abusive/Disruptive Behavior

Because GemStone IV is a multiplayer game, there can sometimes be a conflict between an individual player's idea of entertainment and that of the majority of the players as a whole. In such situations, the majority will be given the greatest weight.

GemStone IV is designed for the enjoyment of everyone, and as a general rule, any behavior which is specifically targeted to lessen that enjoyment for another player may be in violation of GemStone IV policy. While what is disruptive is an extremely long list, it includes things such as vulgarity, harassment, sexual misconduct, cyber-bullying, out of character threats, doxing, and actions specifically targeted to be disruptive. Threatening violence, using hate speech, and engaging in any sort of personal harassment can result in immediate account termination.

This applies to all interactions within the in-game environment, Play.net, and the GSWiki. The official GemStone IV Discord server has its own set of rules but the two may overlap at times of extremely disruptive behavior. This does not include third-party content and websites that are not maintained by Simutronics. POLICY 11 also touches on third-party content and what we may monitor.

Policy on Disruptive and Detrimental Behavior

This policy outlines unacceptable out of character behaviors that disrupt the social environment and negatively impact individuals and the group.

Definition of Disruptive and Detrimental Behavior:

• Spreading false or misleading information about individuals or situations, creating unnecessary conflict and tension.
• Intentionally instigating arguments, disagreements, or tensions between individuals or groups.
• Publicly criticizing or undermining the contributions of others, creating a hostile or negative environment.
• Making derogatory or insulting comments about individuals.
• Falsely portraying oneself as being unfairly treated via the omission of facts.

Vulgarity

Vulgarity in GemStone IV is prohibited. Using vulgarity in non-private areas of the game can cause your character to undergo stricter monitoring, and depending on the severity of the language used, result in harsh penalties. It is important to have consent when using graphic language and to engage in private communication. POLICY 17 also touches base on privacy and what locales are considered non-private that are commonly mistaken as private areas. Masked vulgarity through alternate spelling and abbreviations can be considered graphic language, even though it is more accepted in general conversation outside of GemStone IV. Using vulgarity in public areas with only friends and family present is still against this POLICY.

Buyer Beware

When making a purchase from another player, there are several ways everyone can protect themselves from getting scammed, such as asking to see the note or contents of a container before buying, getting a bard to LORESING, having a warrior ASSESS, casting Elemental Detection, and using one of the magic crystals, like the one in the Abandoned Inn. In order to avoid someone running off with your money before handing over an item, use the EXCHANGE verb. All buyers are responsible for protecting themselves from dishonest dealers, so it is a good idea to check into the reputation of a seller when making a large investment of silvers. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it most likely is!

While GemStone IV is a "buyer beware" economy when exchanging items between other players, purposely participating in fraudulent activity to steal or cheat someone of their items, silvers, or other in-game currency can result in an official warning or a permanent lockout. Items obtained through fraud are subject to confiscation.

POLICY 4: Player vs Player Conflict

There are elements in GemStone IV that promote a competitive environment. GemStone IV is designed to promote competition as player vs. creature, or player vs. puzzle, and not generally player vs. player.

Some events, such as the Festival of the Fallen, encourage player vs. player combat in a structured setting. Also, some players will choose to roleplay a competitive situation between themselves and will combat each other, which is acceptable. What is not acceptable is to initiate combat against unsuspecting victims, especially to prey upon weaker players for the singular enjoyment of the attacker. As a rule of thumb, Character vs. Character (roleplaying - CvC) combat is acceptable, while Player vs. Player (OOC or disruptive - PvP) is not.

There are many grey areas in terms of defining what is acceptable competition and what is abusive behavior. For example, a pickpocket stealing items or silvers. This can be considered an open invitation for CvC, but losing 100 silvers isn't exactly cause for death. Losing large amounts of treasure might be though. Another example, the classic duel (Character 1: You have insulted my honor, and I must defend that to the death! Character 2: Have at thee Knave!) is on the surface acceptable, but on the other hand generic dueling (Player 1: Wanna duel? Player 2: k) can be considered OOC. Asking for a stat check is considered OOC.

In general, Simutronics will not get involved in a conflict confined to a small group of players unless it threatens to overlap to others or cause a generally disruptive influence on the game. It is important to also make use of the tools available when getting involved with CvC, such as the CHALLENGE verb. If you are experiencing unwanted PvP, using the WARN verb is an option. The WARN verb is a communication tool with two different options. WARN <player> HARASSMENT can be used to inform another player that they have gone beyond the limits of acceptable, normal roleplay, and that they are disrupting your enjoyment of the game. WARN <player> INTERACTION can be used to inform another player that you wish to have NO INTERACTION WHATSOEVER with them. It's important to note that using either of these comes with expectations regarding your own behavior. If you use WARN HARASSMENT, it's expected that you will behave yourself and assist with guiding the situation back within the bounds of acceptable roleplay. In the same vein, WARN INTERACTION means that you and the other player should go your separate ways immediately and that all interaction should cease. It's important to note that WARN INTERACTION violations are not an excuse to take matters into your own hands. If this occurs, your best course of action is to place an ASSIST and speak with a GameHost about the situation. Do not engage in PvP and immediately use the WARN command, as it may result in harsher penalties and possibly a lockout.

POLICY 5: Solicitations

GemStone IV may not be used as a venue for promotion of products or services of any kind. Casual discussion of the fantasy genre (such as saying "The Lord of the Rings is a great book") is acceptable as long as it falls within the roleplaying section of POLICY (in whispers, locked rooms, etc). Directing players to external and unofficial Simutronics websites may be deemed in violation of this POLICY and should be avoided. Directing players to helpful websites (maps or player-created content) is not a violation of this POLICY. Cash sales on an official platform (the official GemStone IV Discord server, the GSWiki, Play.net forums, or within the game itself) is against this POLICY.

POLICY 6: Character Names

The following guidelines are in place to ensure a high level of consistency among the names of the adventurers within our community. Players consistently creating names that violate the guidelines may be formally warned or face suspension of playing privileges.

• Names with titles in them. (Knightblackness, Mistressjade, Kingdan)
• Phrases. (Imatoasteroven, Irocku, Westandtall, Youfearme)
• Technology based names. (Laserbrain, Jetfighter, Mouseclicker)
• Copyrighted or trademarked names. (Nintendo, Lucasfilm, Chevy)
• Odd punctuation or capitalization. (Fragel DeLYon)
• Garbage names. (Xxbdgscy , Yyyzzz)
• Names with repetitive letters. Two may be allowed, three will not. (Xxfredxx, Ghannndalf, Marrrisa)
• Abbreviations or words with missing letters are not allowed. (Drgnslr, Grngobln, Ldyjssie)
• Character names should not be the name of any of the monsters, gods, goddesses, towns or cities in Elanthia.
• Names that mimic items or creature names. (Broadsword, Tower, Puma)
• Names too similar to names of Staff members or NPCs in game.
• Famous out-of-genre literary figures or well-known literary terms. (Buckrogers, Chewybacca)
• Names of out-of-genre personalities from T.V., literature, cartoons, video games, or movies. (Hansolo, Clarkkent, Spongebob)
• Names of current or past well-known personalities. (Madonna, Goldberg, Cronkite)
• Names of well-known historical or religious figures. (Hitler, God, Stpeter, Gandhi)
• Names of real locations, holidays, or events. (Chicago, Easter, Mitzvah)
• Vulgarity of any sort will not be allowed.
• Racist or racist related terms are clearly unacceptable.
• Drug-related terms are not allowed. (Cocaine, Opium, and prescription names)
• Names clearly in bad taste will not be allowed. (Lykmipihole or Monkeyspanker)
• Names created specifically to mock current players.
• Names that are crafted to either visually or audibly take the form of a name that would violate any of the above. (Budthed, Durnbguy)

Names used from a fantasy naming generator (including the one in the character creation for GemStone) do not automatically comply to this policy.

Two words that form a name do not automatically violate the naming policy.

There may be names within the lands that do not adhere to the above guidelines. The fact that these names were created prior to this revision has no bearing on the creation of new names. We will not argue or debate names currently in the game if we feel a newly created name violates our guidelines.

If you were sent to re-create your name but feel your name is acceptable and you wish to appeal, you must file the appeal in writing to gsfeedback@simutronics.com. Your request will be submitted to the senior staff for review. Be prepared to wait 1 to 2 weeks for a review of your appeal.

If an existing name is found to be a blatant violation of our guidelines, the senior staff may either request or force a name change depending upon the severity of the guideline breech or disruption among the community.

POLICY 7: Bug Abuse

Attempts to gain an unfair advantage which circumvents the letter or spirit of the rules presented in the documentation and changelog, as judged solely by Simutronics, are a violation of POLICY. Types of abuse range from sending special characters or signals to the software to obtain an unusual result to using normal game mechanics in ways they are clearly not intended.

Examples of serious bug abuse:

• Abusing game mechanics to cause duplication of items or silver.
• Disconnecting from the game to avoid paying the purchase price of an item.
• Finding a "feedback loop" with attacking, spells, or mana, which allows spells to be cast multiple times with little/no cost or not receiving roundtime (RT).
• Repeatedly injuring yourself (or another character) in order to generate experience for an empath or cleric.
• Finding a special circumstance in which to use a magic item whereby its quantity is not decremented when it is used.

Abusing bugs disrupts the balance of GemStone IV and reduces its effectiveness to remain an entertaining game and community. Sometimes there may be a great temptation to abuse a bug for personal gain when the negative effect is not readily apparent, but Simutronics cannot exercise any tolerance whatsoever for participating in this type of activity.

Bugs should always be reported. Serious bugs should be REPORTed and BUG/BUGITEMed, while minor ones should be BUG/BUGITEMed. If you observe someone else abusing a serious bug, or discussing a plan to abuse one, and fail to report it, you are subject to the same penalties as they are.

Benefits obtained from bug abuse may be confiscated. Failure to cooperate with Simutronics as to the extent or nature of a bug, or failure to be honest about the benefits obtained from bug abuse, is grounds for immediate lockout from GemStone IV.

POLICY 8: Delays or Slowdowns

Some delay between commands is a normal consequence of playing a game on a network. Delays are typically only a few seconds, but they may occasionally be longer. Additionally, some delays may affect only one player, because they are having problems with a local network or their system is having some issue that is causing the game to not behave properly due to third-party software.

If a character is harmed because of a delay or slowdown which was caused by a Simutronics system-wide delay that affected all users, repair or replacement of the damage may only be authorized if three separate criteria are met:

1. The damage was related directly to the slowdown.
2. The slowdown was at least 30 seconds in duration.
3. The slowdown is verifiable by Simutronics.

POLICY 9: Transferring Characters

To request the transfer of your character from one account to another, log into your account on play.net and click the CHARACTER TRANSFER icon. All requests to transfer a character to another account must be approved by the billing department.

POLICY 10: Name Purges

Certain inactive character names may be removed from the database to make room for active players. The following criteria must all be met:

• The character hasn't logged into the game in at least 10 years.
• The character is level 5 or below.
• The account has been inactive.

POLICY 11: Third-party Content

Simutronics does not regulate or police any third-party content, such as unofficial software, social media, or streaming platforms. If behavior is transfering from the third-party content to the game environment, game staff may monitor it and intervene in the best interest of GemStone IV. If you're having trouble with any form of third-party content, you should contact their maintainers and moderators.

Discord is currently the only social platform that we use in an official capacity. Simutronics does have a presence on various other social media, but it is not considered an official resource for GemStone IV. POLICY 3 touches on all content that is officially supported.

POLICY 12: GemStone IV Staff

GemStone IV has a large number of staff that works on the game at various levels. There are three main groups of game staff, which are volunteers, independent contractors, and Simutronics employees. Sometimes these roles are referred to as onsite and offsite staff. There is some overlap between all of this, but the goal with this POLICY will help outline each area along with the chain-of-command that should be followed.

GameHosts

GameHosts are volunteers that serve as the frontline to many customer service inquiries. GameHosts answers questions ranging from game mechanics, misplaced items, various troubleshooting, and more. While GameHosts do not get involved with POLICY decisions or item replacement, they document and log everything for a GameMaster to review and make decisions on. To talk with a GameHost, you would use the in-game ASSIST system. If further assistance is needed beyond what a GameHost can do or answer, they will set you up with a REFERRAL to speak with a GameMaster. In some cases, a GameHost will also refer you to our mentors, which aren't formally game staff, but serve as player help with a large array of topics! GameHosts (GH) who have been around for awhile may become Senior GameHosts (SGH) and will assist with training new recruits to the GameHost Program.

GameMasters and Assistant Product Managers

GameMasters and Assistant Product Managers are independent contractors that work on game projects that bring GemStone IV to life. GameMasters work on a large assortment of projects including but not limited to customer service, storytelling, world building, lore writing, player interations, item creation, and many forms of game development. Like GameHosts, GameMasters can answer players through the in-game ASSIST system, but they also can answer REFERRALs and REPORTs. A GameMaster's main responsibility is to preserve the game's integrity, and in situations where customer service may conflict with preserving that integrity of the game, the GameMaster is required to put the rules and this POLICY first.

GameMasters can hold the rank GameMaster Apprentice (GMA), Assistant GameMaster (AGM), Full GameMaster (FGM), and Senior GameMasters (SGM). GMAs are new GameMasters in training. AGMs work on a smaller project load with a focus toward the team that they are on. FGMs and SGMs can lead projects and teams and typically have a larger project load. An Assistant Product Manager (APM) performs the duties of an SGM and also lead a team of GameMasters.

Product Manager

The Product Manager (PM) is a Simutronics employee that manages the GameMasters, maintains GemStone IV, and guides the overall direction of the game. The PM works closely with the APMs and is involved in the day-to-day operations. The PM is responsible for the roadmap, enforcing the policy, and scheduling out a comprehensive goal for the teams to be working on. The PM also serves as the bridge between the in-game staff and onsite staff.

Feedback

Feedback is a Simutronics staff member that does not operate within the game. They have three main purposes: generalized feedback, complaints, and appeals. Generalized feedback typically gets forwarded to the PM, APM, and/or GMs depending on the sort of feedback being provided. Feedback is never going to change the course of action from a game system, override a GameMaster, or respond in a way that is counterproductive for the GemStone staff. Complaints will be addressed with Simutronics as a whole. Appeals can take place after assisting, speaking with a GM, and requesting a Senior GameMaster referral, if warranted. Appeals are reviewed by several entities at Simutronics including, but not limited to, lockout, billing, and the Product Manager for both GemStone IV and DragonRealms.

Onsite Staff

Onsite Staff are Simutronics staff that work on specific needs, ranging from art, billing, and lockout.

Chain of Command

The chain of command should go as follows: GameHost -> GameMaster -> Senior GameMaster and Assist Product Managers -> Product Manager -> Feedback

Skipping the chain of command can slow down the process and in many cases not get you the answers or information you needed. All communication should take place in game until Feedback is approached. Consult the EMAIL verb to see a list of official emails and phone numbers.

POLICY 13: Repair/Replacement of Items

Simutronics is not obligated to credit or replace losses for any user if their use is interrupted by a software failure or other service interruptions. Simutronics' sole obligation is to make a reasonable effort to fix a software problem or to return service as quickly as possible (except in cases where the service interruption is not related to the GemStone IV product itself). Simutronics has no control over and is not responsible for hardware or software that it does not own (internet routers or a user's ISP for example).

If it appears that your character is missing anything or that something about your character or its inventory has changed unexpectedly, you may inform us by typing ASSIST and speaking to game staff directly. Simutronics will attempt to investigate the problem, and may, at its sole discretion, authorize adjustments to your character or inventory. GameMasters are empowered to make many on-the-spot decisions about replacement, but some situations will require approval from Simutronics management. GameMasters will inform players about these situations when further research or approval is required.

Some missing items are caused by normal means, such as a weapon which is broken in combat, silver lost to a pickpocket, or a mistyped line. For example, if you were to type PUT SWORD IN SACK, this would normally put the sword into your own sack, but if there was a sack on the ground (perhaps left there by another player), your sword would instead go into that sack, and when you reached for it later, you might think it had just "disappeared." In any case where an item is lost or damaged through these types of normal game mechanics, repair or replacement may not be authorized. Items lost due to sharing passwords or accounts will not be replaced.

In many instances, Simutronics' only recourse in determining the cause of a problem a user may experience is to verify that the programming involved is reliable. If specific game mechanics function correctly, and repeated tests under similar circumstances as the reported problem yield correct results, then we must rule that what the user saw is attributed to some type of communication problem or a misunderstanding of the output.

If Simutronics cannot verify that an error in programming has occurred or cannot verify the construction of the missing item, then the replacement request will be declined. Characters will ONLY be replaced due to an error in Simutronics programming. Players may help verify construction of items by registering their items regularly. See the town registrar or simply use the REGISTER command to register your items.

Items lost to hurling, disarming, or being forced to the ground in some way can use the RECOVER system to gain access to them provided you are in the room that the item was lost in. You can also use the Adventurer's Guild to recover lost items for a silver cost if you cannot return to the room it was lost in. Be sure to review the RECOVER verb for more details.

Items placed on the ground and lost by normal game means (the janitor) are not guaranteed replacement at any time. No area is safe from this, including private properties, inn tables, lockers, and generalized safe locations. There is a way to PLACE an item at your feet if you need to free up your hands. If an item is lost, and replacement is being offered, only items that can be found by game staff and/or items that were registered will be replaced.

Note that some items may change the way they work from the last time they were handled. Compensation or replacement requests will be declined in cases where mechanics balance adjustments have been made and are working properly.

POLICY 14: Unique Items

Because of the volume of items and the wide range of distribution methods used for items that exist within GemStone IV, Simutronics cannot, and does not, maintain detailed records of the types of items and who claims them.

It is possible that there will be mistakes in item creation from time to time. These mistakes may be technical, invalid or unreasonable parameters, or elements which are outside the guidelines and mythos of the game environment.

Items vary widely in their scope, concept, and usefulness. Some items of similar or exact appearance may have different powers.

Simutronics can and will, at its sole discretion, make adjustments or repairs to these items as needed. In most cases, if an error represents a clear imbalance, you will not lose the benefits you acquired while the item was working the way it was intended. If a typo exists or something violates our ALTER policy, adjustments will be made.

Simutronics is not required to make any notification that a change has occurred. If you see that an item suddenly shifts its operation, then the reason is either due to a repair or that the item was programmed to do what it does for some reason. Game staff will make an effort to communicate when things may change that impact your gameplay.

In very rare instances, an item may have to be confiscated if it is seriously in error. GameMasters may replace it at their discretion with something similar.

If an error is made and an item exists for a period of time with said error, it doesn't mean the error can continue to exist forever. An example is an item that was allowed to be enchanted can suddenly not be enchanted anymore or an item was providing a benefit that was not intended such as no roundtime. These situations will be handled and prioritized depending on the level of error that is present. In all cases, game staff will uphold the item integrity to its best ability.

POLICY 15: Game Mechanics and Changes

Simutronics reserves the right to make modifications to any and all game mechanics and rules at any time, without notice.

Simutronics has a responsibility to preserve the balance of the game for the majority of the players, and furthermore, to maintain a level of challenge that is adequate for this type of product. Therefore, Simutronics will routinely add new systems, modify existing systems, and even go back and add new features that did not function as expected.

These changes can impact your character in a variety of ways. If you feel that the change unfairly penalizes your character, or your character type, given the requirements of balance, challenge, and the general good of the game, then you may make your views known to Simutronics via GemStone IV Feedback (not ASSIST or REPORT).

Simutronics maintains a longer range view which may be in conflict with short-term and character-specific interests, but Simutronics will always attempt to make the best decision for the overall good of the game.

POLICY 16: World Events

World events may happen at any time. Simutronics is not required to give warning that an event will be run. Some events are announced ahead of time, while others are run spontaneously. The intent is to involve characters and players in a living story, much as they would if the world was real and the character was truly living and breathing within.

Examples of world events are storylines, merchant sessions, random adventures, game staff NPCs, invasions, festivals, and special quests.

Because of this, world events have inherent dangers in them over and above the normal dangers to your character while playing GemStone IV. This could mean the death of your character, setbacks such as the threat of capture and many other possibilities due to choices your character, someone else's character, or even a game staff NPC makes. Not every event will end up working out in your favor, so be careful with choices and actions, as they will have repercussions, both good and bad.

You have the option of choosing not to participate in an ongoing event by typing OPTOUT if available or simply relocating during the event. This must be done as soon as you are aware that there is an event in progress. Once you have become involved, it is up to the GameMaster running the event as to whether your request to be removed should be honored.

Some world events have a limited capacity. For these limited space events, not everyone who shows up will be able to participate. Most events will be run without limitations, but occasionally storylines may target a certain area or group of players.

If you participate in an event, please limit the details of any puzzles with other players, because this can decrease their own enjoyment of it when their turn comes around. Puzzle solutions should not be discussed openly on ESP or even on Discord without properly tagging spoilers or getting consent by those you're sharing them with.

Awards may be given out at the end of events, but participation in an event does not guarantee an award. Even though a player may have contributed to the solution of a puzzle, or role-played well, their actions at those times may not be monitored. Simutronics is not required to monitor all event participants.

World event participants who are being disruptive may be moved to the Consultation Lounge, a cell, or removed from the area entirely at the discretion of the GM running the event and will not be eligible for any refunds of any kind. Examples of disruptive behavior in addition to the normal disruption definition are:

• Making disparaging comments about the event or the people involved.
• Actively thwarting the progress of other participants.
• Circumventing a decision made by a GameMaster by "shopping" around.
• Players who have participated in an event before or by players who have received puzzle solutions from other participants who lessen the enjoyment of other players who wish to discover the solutions for themselves (Such as solving the event or giving out answers just to get to the next step).

POLICY 17: Privacy

Staff members may not eavesdrop on private conversations unless there is a reasonable concern that such conversations relate to breaking policy, disruptive behavior, or ongoing events. In general, we try to respect player privacy as much as possible, however no area in the game is completely private. All actions and conversations within GemStone IV are subject to monitoring at any time.

Engaging in vulgar or intimate behavior in a non-private area can result in being nudged to move to a private area, or depending on the severity, an official warning, a lockin, and/or a lockout. This includes whispering, private thoughts, and various other forms of communication in game that aren't out loud via SAY, SING, RECITE, and so on.

Major Sanctuaries (Major Spirit spell [220]), inn tables, and bath houses are all considered non-private areas and are subject to monitoring. At any time you can type POLICY REVIEW to see if an area is subject to monitoring.

POLICY 18: Scripting Abuse

Any activity that derives ANY benefit to either yourself or another player while being unresponsive to the gaming environment will be considered against POLICY. For information on penalties, check POLICY 19.

If your attention is not on the game window, you should log out of the game or stop ALL SCRIPTED activities (including but not limited to artisan skill use, guild skill use, healing, lockpicking, purifying gems, spell casting, hunting, animal companion affinity, instrument playing, and more) to avoid being warned. The use of character "bots" that provide third parties an in-game advantage while being either responsive or unresponsive are strictly prohibited. The excuse that you looked away from the monitor or left your desk for a few minutes will not prevent you from being issued a warning since the staff of GemStone IV will have no way of verifying that fact.

Warnings for scripting or any unresponsive activities are based on the staff's observation of the character, our monitoring systems, and any behavior patterns that line up with unresponsive scripting. Therefore, each instance of scripting abuse will be judged independently. Furthermore, GameMasters have the right to verify that any and all characters are following this policy at any time. Game staff will use a variety of ways to test all accounts, which generally means you will not experience the same test twice. For example, some tests may produce "monsterbold" text, messaging in different front-end windows, or apply any number of status effects to your character(s). We may deploy automated systems that assist in the detection of violating this policy.

Exceptions

In general, if you are running a script or are in REST MODE and are not gaining any NEW experience, skills, silver, or providing other players or characters with an in-game advantage (e.g., casting spells), it does not fall under this POLICY. ANY activity that is deemed by staff to be disruptive or not in the best interest of the game or its players can be warned when discovered. Some examples include:

• If you are script moving in and out of rooms or an area causing excessive screen scroll, a warning and penalties may be issued.
• If you are gaining skills passively or providing other characters with an in-game advantage, a warning and penalties may be issued based on your being unresponsive to the gaming environment.
• If you set up a character "bot" to provide services, such as healing, lockpicking, and spell casting, to others while being unresponsive, you will be issued a warning and penalized.

Long Roundtime

Players are not responsible to be attentive through long durations of roundtime (RT) through normal game mechanics as long as no commands are being entered into the system. However, the moment the RT is over and a new command is entered, the player MUST be attentive at this point or be subject to a warning and penalties. An example of long roundtime would be anything that incurs over 60 seconds of roundtime.

Character "Bots"

For the purpose of this policy, a character "bot" is defined as any character that is either responsive or unresponsive to the gaming environment that uses any sort of trigger which can be executed by third parties to perform automatic "services" such as healing, lockpicking, spell casting, etc.

Any participation in the use of character "bots" witnessed by staff, even if the unresponsive character(s) is not connected to your account, will be considered against policy and result in a warning and other penalties. For example, if you knowingly activate a script run by another character who is unresponsive (such as set up to cast spells when "tapped"), you will receive a warning for botting. If you run a "bot" script that allows you to control other characters or accounts remotely that do not belong to you, it will result in a lockout for all parties.

Multiple Accounts

The use of multiple accounts is not prohibited by GemStone IV POLICY; however, if a player chooses to run multiple accounts at the same time, and they are being controlled by scripts and are gaining ANY benefit to the character or other surrounding characters, the player must be actively responsive to the gaming environment from EACH character's perspective.

Kill Switches

If while performing an activity that has any in-game advantages, you log off or go completely silent while being investigated for a POLICY violation, this will result in both a scripting violation warning and a game mechanics abuse warning, as this is a zero tolerance activity. This includes logging off, "slamming" to avoid consequences, or running to an area to mimic resting.

POLICY 19: Violations of Policy

Anyone found to be in violation of the GemStone IV POLICY or Simutronics Terms and Conditions, at the sole discretion of Simutronics and its game staff, may be warned or removed from the game. Please keep in mind that GameMasters may not rely on a player's word alone when handling possible POLICY violations, however a player's history may be taken into account on any given violation decision..

This list is used as a general guideline by GameMasters when determining steps to take. The actual decision will vary based upon the severity of the decision and the history of violations on any accounts connected to a player's account.

All warnings work based on the time since your last warning. If you haven't received a warning at all, it will always be your first warning. If you received a warning and a year passes until you get another warning, the next warning will restart the process as your first warning in a year. Warnings received within a year will be considered subsequent warnings and will set your last warning time to that date, resetting the time to restart the process for a year from that point. Warnings follow both the player and the account(s) they happen on. Warnings can also be compounded based on how many linked accounts get a policy violation at the time of the incident. A linked account is an account that you are running at the time, which doesn't necessarily mean your account.

First Warning

Players who receive their first warning will undergo a period of 72 hours where they cannot gain any new experience, silver, treasure, Adventurer's Guild tasks, or work the locksmith pool. This will be referred to as a timeout period. Additional areas may be applicable depending on the activity being performed. If the activity earned silver, it will also result in a fine equal to the silver earned in the current day.

Subsequent Warnings

Every offense afterward will start a 7 day timeout period. If you are running two accounts that are both in violation of POLICY 18, it will be a 7 day timeout period for both characters. Running multiple accounts and getting a warning on more than one will always skip the first warning penalties. If the activity earned silver, it will also result in a fine equal to the silver earned in the last week.

Other penalties can be placed on the character for repeat offenses doing certain activities. Examples being guild work, artisan skills, musical instruments, animal company affinity, gem purification, and item attunement such as bonding.

At any time, a lockout can be processed for extreme violations of this POLICY or if an account(s) get multiple warnings within a year.

Free Account Offenses

If an account is using our free to play (F2P) subscription or is on a promotion that gives them free game time, it may result in an immediate F2P lockout or a loss of the promotional free time.

Botting

If a warning comes from botting, meaning, a script is left to run and trigger on specific commands or strings, it will come with a 30 day timeout period. All players participating with the botting behavior will receive this warning. In situations where a player is unknowingly participating in botting and is responsive at the time a GameMaster is handling the incident, the penalties may be waived for the responsive player.

Examples of botting are healing and spelling up on specific speech strings or when a command is issued. In cases where one asks for healing in a public location and is instantly healed, the player who asked for healing wouldn't be in violation unless a pattern is determined by game staff. The bot will always be in violation.

Lockouts

At any time, a lockout can be processed for extreme violations of this POLICY or if an account(s) get multiple warnings within a year. Lockouts can also be issued if a behavior is not in the best interest for Simutronics as a company.

POLICY 20: Restricted Players

In certain situations, the overall pattern of behavior on an account or a set of linked accounts may be determined to be disruptive or abusive, even if a singular act doesn't clearly violate any specific policy.

Simutronics reserves the right to determine what patterns of behavior are defined as "high maintenance" or "disruptive" and may take action against the account(s). Restricted Players will be consulted on a case-by-case scenario either by senior staff or feedback.

Restricted Players can become locked out for the following activities:

• Continued disruptive behavior in game, on the official Discord, or on the wiki.
• Any in-game violation of policy or Discord violation.
• High volume of assists, reports, messages, and emails being sent to any staff member.

Restricted Player status may also hinder the ability of getting timely assistance and responses from both onsite and game staff. Restricted Players cannot hold a position of leadership such as an officer in an MHO, CHE, or other staff maintained group. They cannot be mentors, GameHosts, GameMasters, or be any form of moderator.

Restricted Players cannot use CLAIM and are disqualified from any delayed services they may acquire through normal gameplay. Other restrictions may apply depending on the circumstances and type of violations that caused the Restricted Player status.

Once a player is flagged as Restricted Player, it lasts at minimum one year on all linked accounts, even if the account transfers hands. Restricted Player status will restart from the time since your last warning, extending the duration if you get additional warnings. If multiple accounts are involved, it will result in a longer time as a Restricted Player.

See Also

• Verb:POLICY
• Gswiki:Policy
• Discord Code of Conduct
• Policy category
• Saved posts