Strike & Ban Process
Please note: Server rules are different from in-game laws.
Strike Types
One incident, you're out.
These are rule breaks that we deem to be simply inexcusable and not up for any debate.
- Examples:
- A character saying the F slur (in a non-reclaimed context).
- Someone saying their business is "whites only".
- A character name that is objectively offensive (i.e. they evaded our built-in name blocklist).
Admins will ban the player instantly, or as soon as humanly possible.
Two incidents, you're out.
These are rule breaks where the player could have reasonably misunderstood the rule, forgot the rule, or got caught up in the heat of the moment, and we deem that they deserve a second chance.
- Examples:
- The player abused an exploit without telling staff about it.
- The player became a "serial killer" without staff approval.
- The player did a robbery with 10 of their friends.
If the player has strikes left, the Admins will reach out to the player to inform them that they have broken a rule that is considered a Major Strike, and that they have exactly 1 chance left before they will be banned.
Three incidents, you're out.
These are all other rule breaks.
- Examples:
- A player watches a stream to find out where a person is located (meta-gaming).
- A player spoke while downed.
- A player self-promoted their "twitchy eyes".
If the player has strikes left, the Admins will reach out to the player to inform them that they have broken a rule that is considered a Minor Strike, and that they have X chance(s) left before they will be banned.
Major/Minor Math
The Admins adhere to the following: 1 Major Strike + 2 Minor Strikes = Ban
If the player has strikes left, the Admins will reach out to the player to inform them that they have broken a rule that is considered a Major Strike, and that they have exactly 1 chance left before they will be banned.
Forgiveness
After 6 months without any other strikes, old strikes will "fall off" (be forgiven from) the player’s record. While the Admins will still keep track of the strike for record keeping, a forgiven strike will no longer count towards a ban. This only applies to strikes, not bans – bans can only be appealed.
Suspensions/Temporary Bans
Depending on the action, a player suspected of a rule break may receive a suspension (AKA a temporary ban) at Admins’ discretion to provide time for investigation.
Ban Appeals
If a banned player believes they were banned unjustly, they can choose to appeal the ban. They must email to "rainbowrailroadrpsocials@gmail.com" a completed 2-page essay with single-spaced 12-point Times New Roman font, describing in detail how they have realized that what they did was wrong, how they have since educated themselves, how they sincerely apologize, and how they have concrete plans to do better in the future. As of October 4th, 2024, we no longer accept ban appeals via ticket. Admins will review ban appeals in due time.
Players: Your Best Practices for Reporting Others
All players are strongly encouraged to use a recording or clipping system while playing, to have hard proof of rule breaks and avoid "he said/she said" scenarios.
- Some examples of systems you could use include:
- Nvidia ShadowPlay's "Instant Replay" feature
- Windows Gaming's "Record in the background" feature
While clips and other physical evidence are extremely helpful for reporting others, it is not required. Please speak up if something is making you uncomfortable and always open a ticket in the event of a rule break.
The Admin team cannot do anything about a problem unless we are made aware of it, and so we strongly encourage you to reach out via ticket or alert others, such as our Mods, to behavior that is inappropriate.
Process Evolution
Please note that, like the Rainbow Railroad server rules, these processes may evolve to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all members. Any updates will be clearly communicated to the community through the Rainbow Railroad Discord server in a timely manner. In addition, we encourage members to provide suggestions and feedback to processes and changes to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
Server strikes & banning processes will be consistently reviewed by the Admins to measure relevancy and to address potential issues or concerns.