Server Rules

[Sonder Fantasy]

All rules are subject to change at any time, so please keep yourself up to date on them.

Section A​

Community and OOC Rules​

The following rules apply to all out-of-character (OOC) spaces, including the Discord, in-game OOC chats, and any community-adjacent interactions. Failure to follow these rules may result in warnings or removal from the community depending on severity.

1. This is an 18+ community. While interactions outside of the official Discord and server are not directly moderated, we take member safety seriously. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe due to another member's behavior--on or off the server--please report it to the staff team so we can address the concern appropriately. ​

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2. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. Any form of discriminatory behavior-whether based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or otherwise--through official server channels will result in an immediate ban. We are committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for all. ​

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3. Be respectful and mindful of communication. Whether in voice or text, avoid disruptive behavior such as yelling into the mic or using excessive caps. use the appropriate channels when requesting help--posting in the wrong place may delay responses and cause unnecessary frustration. ​

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4. Handle conflicts privately and constructively. Public forums, Discord, or in-game channels are not the place to resolve personal disputes. Bring concerns to Moderation or address them privately. Remember, this server is a shared space--be polite, contribute positively, and help foster a welcoming community. ​

a. Respect staff boundaries and roles. Sonder's staff are here to help and were chosen by the owners and admin team for a reason. if you need support, don't hesitate to reach out through the proper channels. All staff are clearly tagged on the server and forums for easy identification. ​

b. Use official channels for staff communication. All Sonder-related concerns must be brought up through official channels--such as support tickets or designated Discord chats. Do not message staff members on their personal accounts about server matters. this ensures all issues are tracked and handled appropriately. ​

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5. Do not loophole the rules or exploit grey areas. Attempting to bend, twist, or exploit the rules without technically breaking them is a bannable offense. All players are expected to follow both the letter and the spirit of Sonder's rules. if someone feels like it's toeing the line, it probably is. This includes behavior that undermines fair play, roleplay integrity, or community trust--even if it isn't explicitly written in the rules. ​

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6. All contributions to the server are subject to change. Anything submitted to the server--including builds, lore, and other content--may be altered over time due to roleplay developments, balancing needs, or alignment with the server's evolving setting. By submitting content to Sonder, you agree that it becomes part of the server and may not be removed without approval. This policy helps maintain consistency and continuity within our growing community. ​

a. Content removal requests must follow proper procedure. If a player wishes to remove content they created independently upon leaving the community, they may submit a request to ownership or a Team Lead. This includes lore, builds, or similar contributions. However, if the content was created collaboratively, consent must be obtained from all contributors involved. These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure fairness and server stability. ​

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7. Recording or streaming requires full consent. Recording voice chats or streaming roleplay--whether on Discord, in-game, or trough social media platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Kick, or others--requires the clear consent of all parties involved. This applies to both public and private channels. Failure to obtain consent before recording or broadcasting is a serious violation of community trust and may result in a ban. Always communicate transparently and respect the privacy of others. ​

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8. Skin usage requires permission. Any skins created for use within the Sonder community--whether made by community members or external contributors--may not be copied, modified, or used without the explicit permission of either the original artist or the commissioner of the skin. This includes, but is not limited to: NPC skins, Figura monsters, player uniforms, and custom player skins. Respecting artist and commissioner rights is essential to maintaining creative integrity. [FTU Skins by Emmmm]​

a. Using public skins from skin-sharing sites. Skins sourced from platforms like Planet Minecraft or Skindex are often marked with usage guidelines. Many creators label their work as "FTU" (Free to Use), which generally means the skin can be used freely without needing explicit permission. However, it's still best practice to credit the artist if requested, and to read any specific terms they've provided--some creators limit use to certain servers or scenarios. When in doubt, always check the original post or contact the artist to ensure respectful use. ​

b. Plagiarism is not tolerated. All forms of plagiarism are prohibited. Give credit where credit is due--whether it's for skins, character concepts, or builds. Even when using schematic-style builds or heavy references, a simple sign placed on the exterior of the build acknowledging the original source is sufficient. Additionally, do not recreate pop culture characters in a 1-to-1 likeness. Respect others' creativity and contribute your own original idea to the community. ​

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11. Discord membership is required to play. All players must be a member of Sonder's official Discord server in order to access and participate on the Minecraft server. This ensures important updates, community announcements, and staff communications are received, and helps prevent report or ticket evasion. Staying connected through Discord is essential for a safe, informed, and engaged player experience. You can join here for our Discord.​

 

[Sonder Fantasy]

Section B​

Server Rules​

These are the rules for appropriate conduct when logged into the Minecraft Server. They are largely in regards to OOC conduct, but some may also have bearing on Roleplay.

1. Build respectfully and within the theme. All builds on the main map must align with Sonder's Medieval Fantasy setting. Modern architecture, pixel art, futuristic technology, or any that disrupts the world's aesthetic will not be permitted. Builds should reflect the tone and style of the setting to help maintain immersion and consistency. Staff may remove or request edits to builds that violate this rule. ​

a. Griefing is strictly prohibited. Griefing in any form is not allowed on any map. This includes altering or damaging another player's build without permission, intentionally disfiguring the landscape (e.g., digging messages into terrain, setting fires, pouring lava), or creating disruptive structures for amusement. The Resource World is strictly for resource gathering--abusing it with destructive or offensive behavior will result in disciplinary action. Always treat shared spaces and others' creations with respect. ​

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2. Do not abuse special commands or permissions. If you have access to commands such as /fly or similar, use them responsibly. Abusing these privileges--especially in ways that disrupt roleplay, grant unfair advantages, or harass other players--will result in a warning and the removal of those permissions. These tools are provided to enhance, not exploit, the experience. ​

a. Do not use permissions to spy or gather IC information unfairly. Using elevated permissions (e.g., /fly, spectator mode, staff access) to spy on other players, eavesdrop on roleplay, or obtain information your character would not reasonably have access to is considered metagaming and a breach of trust. Any IC actions based on improperly gathered information may result in disciplinary actions, including removal from staff or special roles. Keep IC and OOC boundaries clear and respectful. ​

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3. Do not use resource packs or client-side mods to gain an unfair advantage. Using any third-party tools, modifications, or packs that bypass server rules, permission groups, or give you an edge in gameplay or roleplay is strictly prohibited. Sonder uses the Conquest resource pack, which helps maintain the server's medieval fantasy aesthetic. We also offer a supported modpack that includes client-side quality-of-life mods approved for use on the server. You can both find the resource pack and full list of supported mods here. If you're ever unsure whether a mod or resource pack is allowed, please reach out to staff for clarification before using it. ​

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4. Be mindful of server performance. To ensure a stable experience for everyone, players must respect the server's technical limitations. Farms should remain reasonably sized, and entity counts should be limited within any given chunk to avoid lag. Lag machines or intentionally disruptive builds are strictly prohibited--anyone found creating one is subject to an immediate ban. If you suspect a build is causing performance issues, report it to staff so it can be addressed appropriately. ​

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5. To show you've read the rules, include a reference to one of the towns or cultures listed in the Cultures or World Lore section on the forums in your character's background when submitting your application. This ensures that all players are familiar with the setting and have engaged with the world before joining the server. ​

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6. Regions and homes may be reclaimed due to inactivity. After six months of inactivity, any region without a listed co-owner is subject to being put up for auction. There is no guarantee that your possessions, money, or regions will remain in place upon your return. ​

a. To add a co-owner to a region, you must create a Build Team ticket and include the person you wish to add. They must confirm their agreement in the ticket before the co-ownership is approved. This process ensures transparency and consent from all parties involved. ​

b. For player homes, if you are inactive for 4 weeks or more, the Build Team will notify you and provide a 1-week grace period to either confirm your return or relinquish the home. If no response is received or you are not apart of the discord, you will be evicted and your items will be taken and auctioned off at a later date after 2 weeks from Eviction Date. Players who have had repeated contact from Build Team about potential evictions can be evicted anyways even if they have a valid excuse on a case by case basis. This is rare and is generally done if property is in high demand.​

 

[Sonder Fantasy]

Section C​

Roleplay Rules​

These rules govern all in-character (IC) conduct and roleplay on the server. They are designed to preserve immersion, encourage fair storytelling, and ensure all players can enjoy meaningful, respectful roleplay experiences within the world of Sonder.

1. Keep roleplay appropriate and respectful. ERP, extensive torture, graphic descriptions of harm, or any other inappropriate RP is not allowed on the server. You do not need to detail the gruesome treatment of a prisoner or the consummation of a wedding night. A simple fade to black will suffice--everyone has an imagination, and immersion does not require explicit content. ​

a. Roleplay must be consensual. All intense or sensitive roleplay must be agreed upon by all parties involved. If a player does not consent to a specific interaction, it should not be forced onto their character. Consent is an OOC agreement between players about what is and isn't acceptable for their characters. This does not exempt a character from facing consequences for their C actions, but it does mean players must respect each other's boundaries when navigating those consequences through roleplay. ​

b. Minecraft skins must remain appropriate. Skins that include graphic anatomical detail--whether sexual or otherwise--are not allowed. This is a shared space, and explicit visuals are neither necessary nor appropriate for immersion. Please keep character skins tasteful and respectful of the community. ​

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2. Meta-gaming, power-gaming, and alt abuse are bannable offenses. These actions undermine fair roleplay and server integrity. Any reports of these offenses will be taken seriously and fully investigated. ​

a. Meta-gaming includes using out-of-character knowledge that your character would not reasonably have access to in-character, such as identifying a disguised player or knowing the location of hidden regions without proper discovery.​

b. Power-gaming includes forcing outcomes onto others without consent or using false OOC pretenses to manipulate IC situations, such as luring a player into a location under misleading intentions. ​

c. Alt abuse includes having your character interact in any way, including sharing items or being in the same location--even across different accounts. Each character must exist separately and independently within the world. You are allowed to hear about one of your characters through others in roleplay and speaking about them IC, but you may not directly interact, exchange items, or influence one another's storylines. ​

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3. Players should not use invisible NPCs to benefit their characters. Sonder is a player-driven world. Characters should not rely on off-screen or "invisible" NPCs to teach skills, provide protection, or grant advantages during roleplay. If your character needs a teacher, a guard, or assistance--seek out other players or go on a character-driven journey. ​

a. NPCs may be used as flavor. NPCs are acceptable for passive, non-conflict roles such as barmaids, farmhands, or mail carriers--positions that exist to support immersion but are not typically roleplayed by players. Nobility may also flavorfully reference guards stationed at their homes or within their regions in peaceful settings. These should not act as active participants in events or combat unless played by a DM or approved player. ​

b. NPCs may not be used in combat or conflict without approval. NPCs are not to be used in combat scenarios or as active defenders unless approved and directed by a DM. If your character needs protection or assistance in a hostile setting, hire another player. A DM or designated player can be requested to temporarily play an NPC guard or similar figure if contextually appropriate. ​

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4. You must physically have items of consequence to use them in roleplay. If an item--such as a weapon, piece of armor, or magical artifact-is not present in your inventory, it cannot be used in RP. This ensures fairness and accountability during interactions. This rule does not apply to mundane, non-consequential items like paper, combs, or bread. Items of consequence must be crafted through the server's custom plugin and signed to be considered valid for use in roleplay scenarios.​

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5. Characters under the age of maturity are restricted from certain roleplay. Characters younger than 16 may not participate in combat, romantic relationships, or any graphic or mature RP. Characters 16-17 may partake in combat systems and violent events, but all graphic injury and violence must be censored or kept vague. Characters 18 and older are not restricted by age-based limitations and may fully engage in mature or graphic RP as appropriate. ​

a. Violence around minors must be censored. Any roleplay with or around characters under the age of 18 that involves violence must be censored, or described to the least detail possible. If such characters are known to be nearby, it is highly encouraged to just censor and/or swap to appropriate chats. ​

b. Child characters are discouraged. While child characters are permitted, they come with strict limitations. If a player attempts to involve a child character in restricted or inappropriate roleplay, they will face immediate removal from the community. for this reason, child characters are discouraged unless carefully and sparingly. ​

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6. IC theft and criminal actions must follow proper procedure. OOC theft is strictly against the rules. However, IC theft, vandalism, and other destructive crimes are allowed--but only under specific conditions and with staff oversight. All theft or criminal acts must be done through an event ticket, with approval and active presence from both a member of Moderation and a DM. Players may only steal from online players, and the target must be reasonably able to react. Stealing from locked chests or using permissions to bypass in-character security is prohibited. Evidence or traces of the crime must be left at the scene, and any items targeted must have a clearly established IC location prior to the attempt. If the proper ticket and oversight are not in place, the act is considered invalid and may result in disciplinary action. ​

 

[Sonder Fantasy]

Section D​

Staff Recusal Rules​

Recusal is withdrawing yourself from a case or hiring and firing vote or discussion on the grounds that you cannot remain impartial or you present your involvement as a conflict of interest. This includes discussions of these cases or votes. Circumstances that would require one to recuse will be listed below. Initial failure to recuse yourself will result in a moderate breach, and refusal to recuse once you have been asked to will result in a severe breach.

1. If you engage in romance RP with the person in question, you must recuse yourself from their case or a vote pertaining to them.

2. If you play a family member IRP of the person in question, you must recuse yourself from their case or a vote pertaining to them.

3. If you are in a romantic relationship with the person in question, you must recuse yourself from their case or a vote pertaining to them.

4. If you are otherwise close with the person in question, you must recuse yourself from their case or a vote pertaining to them.

5. If you fail to recuse on these grounds, as otherwise close might be hard to define, you will always be warned first.

6. If you are directly involved in the incident, you must recuse yourself from the case and all votes pertaining to the situation.

7. You may recuse yourself at any point if you feel as though you cannot remain impartial.