[b]Basic Rules[/b]
[list][*]A person may only roleplay one character at a time.  This does not include NPCs.
[*]All decisions regarding disputes or rule infractions are open to discussion and deliberation by the staff. No two situations are the same, and should the staff feel that there may be extenuating or mitigating circumstances involved, they may make a ruling they feel is right- regardless of rules on this page. In situations such as this, feel free to voice your opinion [i]in a constructive manner[/i]. Well expressed thoughts will be taken into account by the staff. 
[*]No god moding or cheating of any fashion, both as defined on this page and as the staff dictates it to be. Because this rules page has been left open-ended to allow people flexibility in their roleplaying, the staff has the ability to define something as cheating even when it is in no way addressed here. 
[*]No killing, altering, or maiming without permission. This applies to any form of damage to another person's characters- however, this protection DOES NOT EXTEND to NPCs they have created. 
[*]Stargate Universe technologies and abilities only.  The staff is knowledgeable on these subjects, and makes an effort to stay up-to-date on the events in the Stargate Series.
[*]Do not argue rulings made by the staff. Any ruling will be clearly identified as such, and is not debatable. Rulings are official decisions made by deliberation of multiple staff members. If you argue a ruling, you should expect punishment. 
[*]Do not interfere in closed roleplays (duels or storyline RPs) without specific and explicit permission from the people involved. The maker of the RP holds unilateral power on this matter.[/list]

The abilities of your character are defined by three things; 
[list][*]Your time in the galaxy as that character. 
[*]Your character's training and experience. 
[*]Your roleplaying ability.[/list]

All three of these things contribute equally to the powers of your character. Do not abuse or overestimate any one of them. 

All build forums must be open to ALL users. 


[b]God Moding[/b]
God moding is, but not limited to, all of the following. It would be impossible to list every situation so here are some general guides. The staff will decide when the act is in question. 
[list][*]Breaking any of the rules on this page. 
[*]Intentionally bending or otherwise acting to get around any of the rules on this page. 
[*]Using loopholes or vague comments on the rules page in a way which detracts from the fun or fairness of the game. (In an instance where a rule is unclear, [i]do not assume[/i]. You [i]will[/i] be liable for the consequences should you make an assumption regarding a rule, clear or unclear. If you are unsure, ask a staff member, and we will be glad to clarify.) 
[*]Using a new technology in the Stargate Universe which possesses unfair capabilities. Use common sense; if the technology gives you a clear and decisive advantage over your opponents, ask a staff member first.[/list]


[b]Group Rules[/b]
[list][*]All assets belong explicitly and completely to the Leader of the group. Unless specifically stated in an OOC thread on the board, the leader of the group is assumed to be the sole owner. Any member of the group laying claim to the assets of the group must present evidence of a thread made specifically for the purpose of stating the person's position as a joint-owner and the percentage of/number of ships, troops, etc, that member is entitled to upon merging/destruction of the group. 
[*]The owner of the group holds domain over what he chooses to do with the group. He may abolish, merge, and change the ethos, name, or identity of the group without consultation of the members. We, as the staff, do not encourage this practice, but it is permissible by rules.[/list]


[b]Group Merger Rules[/b]
[b][i][u]ALL GROUP MERGERS ARE SUBJECT TO STAFF APPROVAL.[/u][/i][/b]


[b]Out of Character Rules[/b]
[list][*]Language should be kept at a PG-13 level.
[*]No sexually explicit activities in OOC forums. 
[*]Do not be abusive to other users. If a person asks you to leave them alone, do so. If someone is repeatedly insulting, demeaning, or abusing you or another user, report it to a staff member immediately.
[*]Mild ribbing is permissible. Anything that the other user takes serious offence to is not. Know the line, and do not cross it- if you do, you will be the one to be punished. 
[*]Resolve conflict calmly, and clearly. Inane ranting filled with profanity is most likely going to be received with more ranting and profanity. 
[*]Out of character fights regarding IC issues can become very heated and can easily be taken offence to by those involved. Attempt to solve conflicts over IC issues with simple requests. If this does not work, and the argument continues or escalates, notify a staff member. 
[*]OOC Sexist, racist, anti-religious, or homophobic comments are considered to be a high offence by the staff. Those caught posting anything of the sort either once or repeatedly can expect to be met with swift and severe punishment, with little or no warning or deliberation on the issue.
[*]Remember, above all; keep IC and OOC separate.  A really good roleplayer knows where their personality ends and the character begins.[/list]


[b]Consequences[/b]
[list][*]Consequences are doled out by the administration on a case-by-case basis. First offenders are often let off, while repeat offenders will be dealt with swiftly.  Therefore, first offences- other than those of an extremely serious variety, such as spamming or racist/sexist comments- will be excused. Second, third, etc, offences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. 
[*]If a particular user is victimized by another, the victim's opinion will be taken into account when a punishment is given. 
[*]Temporary bans will be used to deal with repeat offenders. Depending on the severity of the various offences, the administration will assign a particular time limit. 
[*]Users who offend often or severely may be assigned a long-term temporary ban- IE, one month, two months, six months. 
[*]A user who commits an offence the staff agrees to be of an extremely serious nature, or who has proven to be a frequent and malicious offender, will have one or all of their characters permanently banned. 
[*]IP Bans will be administered only in circumstances where the offender provides legitimate reason for us to believe that he/she poses a threat to SGX as a whole.[/list]