Please note that this is a "living" document and will be occasionally updated. I will present the rules in a very concise fashion, and the explanations can follow later as needed. Please note that these rules apply to all Asura forums unless specifically stated otherwise. These rules are the most recent, updated version and there is no 'grandfather clause.'

The first rule, the proverbial …Rule #0: The buck stops with me. If you have a Question/Problem, ASK FIRST.
Just click on one of those little buttons at the bottom of the post: email, or private message. I generally get back to people within three to five days. Please be patient with me, as I have other professional and personal commitments that take priority over this forum.

The Asura leadership (names in green or red) are people who have volunteered their time to help police the forums and generally keep things rolling. They are empowered by me to add, modify, or delete posts as appropriate. If you have a problem with them or their actions, talk to one of the Administrators (AKA: ME) about it. However, if you can't provide a reasoned and logical complaint (as defined in the Appeals Section below) you will be ignored.

This also means that I am the final arbitrator in all disputes. Believe me, I'd rather leave this unsaid but there are people who need everything spelled out. When it comes to these forums, my interpretation stands. Don't think you're being clever if you play rules-lawyer with any of us - the spirit as well as the letter of the law holds sway here. Of course, no one is always right and I'm always open to a well-reasoned appeal of a decision (see below for more on that).


Rule #1: PLAY FAIR.
We all learned this rule in Kindergarten. Don't cheat, tell the whole truth, help out "around the house," be nice to others, be responsible for what you do, follow the rules, and treat others how you'd like to be treated yourself. Everything else from here on down is either administrivia or specific examples of how to PLAY FAIR. The adult version of this rule sounds like this: Don't Be A D*ck.

Rule #2: ASK PERMISSION. DO NOT SEEK FORGIVENESS.
If you're not sure, ask FIRST. If you're not sure, ask FIRST. Do not go ahead and do something, then beg forgiveness later. This is one of the few cases I will over-rule a more merciful officer who might get to you first. There is no forgiveness to be had, there is only permission to be asked beforehand.

Rule #3: Please do not start topics regarding politics, religion, race, or other sensitive issues unless they directly affect the FC AND relate to gaming. For example, Net Neutrality is an issue that is Very Important to us. Islamic extremism on the internet? Not so much. Religious people who have a hate-on for Dungeons & Dragons starting a petition to have it banned? That's relevant. Make sense? Should you start flaming or cluttering up the boards with your irrelevant posts, your post will be nuked and you will be warned. Disregard the warning and you will be suspended. Do it again and you will be banned.

Rule#4: Multiple User Accounts: One User Account Per Person, One Person Per User Account ONLY. EVER!
Having multiple accounts does not make one look like a trustworthy person. That is why it is forbidden. It makes you look like you're violating rule #1.

If you've forgotten your password, DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT. Reset your password through guildwork and move along.

Rule #5: Be Polite (So important, we said it twice!)
Abusive or inappropriate language towards any other FC member or guest user is not acceptable - doubly so when directed at an officer who notifies you of a rule violation. We reserve the right to escalate the consequence you've earned if you decide to vent at us. The definition of "abusive or inappropriate language" starts by applying Rule #1. Do note that officers have the right to determine what qualifies as abusive or inappropriate at their discretion.


Disciplinary Measures
Would that these be not necessary, but they are. Please note that severity of offense (and therefore level of disciplinary action taken) is at the discretion of leadership. Also note that any language deemed abusive or inappropriate towards any officer or other user will incur the penalties below at the discretion of the Admin or Moderator. Repetition of offense incurs the next higher penalty as appropriate.

First Violation
Violating any of these rules the first time will, depending on severity, earn you the following: A formal board warning and/or a two week account suspension. Note that in 99% of cases you will only receive a formal warning unless you do something to escalate the situation. In that case, the consequence you earn will be escalated as well.

Second Violation
Again depending on severity, you will earn one of three consequences:
1. Two Week account suspension
2. One Month Account suspension
3. Account Termination

Third Violation
Only one outcome: You are banned from the site. Your account will be inactivated, and your email address will be banned.
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Process of Appeal
Very simple. Email me (Altair) and present your case. If you are appealing a decision I have made, your appeal will be forwarded to another Administrator who was not directly involved in your situation. Be advised that correct logic, evidence and clear thinking will get you farther than playing rules lawyer, arguing semantics, threats, personal attacks, or appealing to my sentimental nature. Use of any logical fallacies in your appeal will not be looked upon kindly. I, or another uninvolved Administrator, will investigate the situation and render a final judgment. We reserve the right to modify consequences as we deem appropriate.

Do not make me ask for you to provide evidence. If you appeal something without evidence you are wasting everyone's time and I will not dignify you with a reply.
Do not send multiple emails, Private Messages, or other communications beyond the first unless you have something substantive to add. A "reminder," however well intentioned, is not substantive.

Once you've been contacted to confirm receipt of your appeal, the wheels will turn until a decision has been reached. You will be notified when the decision has been reached. Appeals will either be granted or denied;
Asura leadership reserves the right to render judgment and issue consequences based on criteria of our choosing. We are not obligated to share said criteria with anyone.