Policy command

This command displays the DragonRealms Rules of Conduct. The in-game list, supplemented by policy announcements in NEWS 5, is the most current policy document.

[You can type POLICY [TERM] to search for specific items in the policy, and POLICY # to view a specific item.]

Introduction

This file contains the policies under which users may participate in DragonRealms. The goal of these policies is to provide an enjoyable experience for the majority of the users. Because DragonRealms 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. Please read these policies carefully so you understand the rules under which you can play DragonRealms and interact with the other players.

General

DragonRealms is presented on an AS-IS basis. Usage of the DragonRealms product indicates acceptance of this, and any risk that may imply.

Simutronics is not obligated to credit any user (with experience, renown, coins, inventory, or otherwise), if his/her usage is interrupted by a software failure or other service interrupt. 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 interrupt is not related to the DragonRealms product itself).

Miscellaneous

Additional policies from time to time may become necessary, such as unique policies for a quest.

It is also Simutronics policy that if anyone is locked out of one Simutronics product, for any reason, Simutronics may choose to lock that user's accounts out of ALL Simutronics products, on all services. This includes current and future Simutronics products. If a user is discovered to be playing on an account which is registered to a fraudulent or incorrect name, address, or billing method, that may also be grounds for immediate lockout.

Simutronics reserves the right to make special-case adjustments to its policies and the steps it takes concerning violation of these policies.

Abusive or Disruptive Behavior

DragonRealms 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 DragonRealms policy.

DragonRealms is known as a "Roleplaying Game" which means that it is assumed that the player will present their character in a manner that is consistent with the medieval fantasy environment. This type of play is termed "in character" (IC) and means that the player is acting out the part in a believable manner. The term "out of character" means that the player is behaving in a manner which would be inconsistent with his or her character's situation in the game.

Generally, it is up to the player to decide how much he or she wants to remain in character while playing DragonRealms. However, there can exist situations where being blatantly out of character can be considered abusive behavior: for example, an individual who insists on remaining out-of-character, even when associating with a group of other players which is trying to remain in-character. 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 DragonRealms), this may be considered as disruptive behavior. Judgment of what is and is not disruptive is entirely at the discretion of Simutronics.

Bug Abuse

Attempts to gain an unfair advantage which circumnavigates the letter and/or spirit of the rules presented in the documentation and the version notes, 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: Disconnecting from the merchant manager to avoid paying the purchase price of an item finding a "feedback loop" with spells or mana points, which allows spells to be cast multiple times with little or no cost 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 potion whereby its quantity is not decremented when it is used abusing game mechanics to cause duplication of items or coins.

Abusing bugs disrupts the balance of DragonRealms and reduces its effectiveness to remain an entertaining product. Sometimes there will be a great temptation to abuse a bug for personal gain because the negative effect is not readily apparent. However it should be understood that the consequences of allowing bugs and loopholes to be exploited is so detrimental to the product, that Simutronics will exercise no tolerance whatsoever for anyone participating in this type of activity.

Bugs should always be reported. 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. Serious bugs should be reported through DragonRealms Feedback.

Benefits obtained from bug abuse may be confiscated, at Simutronics' sole discretion. 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 lock-out from DragonRealms.

Character Names

Please remember that DragonRealms is a product designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, and harsh language is clearly inappropriate. This also applies to the names chosen for your character. Obscene names will not be tolerated. Please endeavor to keep names within the genre of DragonRealms (medieval fantasy). Names such as "Chainsaw Laserman" or "Klingon Fuzzbuster" are inappropriate.

Character Purges

Certain characters which have been inactive are in danger of being purged from the database, to make room for active characters. The rules are as follows.

• If someone just logs into the game once or twice for a few minutes, and then never returns, their character will probably be purged from the database within a couple weeks. The criteria is, if a character's TOTAL playing time in the game is under an hour, and they have not visited the game for at least 15, they will be purged.
  
• ANY character, even a high-level one, that has not visited the game for 90 days or more will be purged from the database.
  

If this happens, your only option is to start a new character, as nothing from the old one (stats, coins, renown, inventory, etc.) will be replaced or re-created.

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 may occasionally be longer. Additionally, some delays may affect only one player, because he or she is having problems with a local network node. Delays, disconnections, or losses that are the direct result of service connections are no longer replaced for by Simutronics staff. See the section on repair/replacement for more information. Simutronics reserves the right of final judgment as to the verification of any slowdown-related claims.

Game Mechanics

Simutronics reserves the right to make modifications to any and all game mechanics and rules at any time, without notice. Players should be mindful of the fact that 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 rules, modify existing rules, and even go back and change new additions which 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 DragonRealms Feedback. It should be understood, however, that 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.

GameMasters

GameMasters are frequently on-duty to answer any calls for assistance which may arise. All players are encouraged to type ASSIST (or click on the "Assistance" button) if they are having a problem with game mechanics, which will notify any on-duty GameMasters that you have a question. GameMasters are not permitted, however, to give solutions to puzzles, supply inventory to the player, or divulge certain details which the player is supposed to discover for himself or herself. For example, a GameMaster could examine a locked chest to see if it was constructed properly, but would not typically be allowed to tell you its exact difficulty level, or what number you would have to roll in order to be able to open it.

GameMasters are not permitted to make personalized items for players, unless a special merchant event is in progress. GameMasters are forbidden to show any type of favoritism towards one player or another. VERY IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that although GameMasters serve as Customer Service representatives, their main responsibility is to preserve the integrity of the game's rules and balance, and in situations where customer service may conflict with preserving the integrity of the game, the GameMaster is required to put the rules first.

Player vs Player Conflict

It is understood that there are elements of combat in DragonRealms, which will promote a competitive environment. DragonRealms has been designed to promote competition as player vs. creature, or player vs. puzzle, and not generally player vs. player. Some events (such as the Gladiatorial Games), 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. Anyone exhibiting such behavior, especially one who chooses to prey upon weaker players for his or her own enjoyment, may be in violation of DragonRealms policy.

There are many gray areas in terms of defining what is acceptable competition, and what is abusive behavior. In general, Simutronics will not get involved in any player vs. player conflict which is confined to a small group of players. However, if such conflict overlaps to other players, or causes a generally disruptive influence on DragonRealms in general, the participants will be warned. Simutronics reserves the right to determine which behavior is considered abusive.

Privacy

We consider our GameMasters in DragonRealms to be equivalent to a GM in a tabletop game, which means that they have the authority to monitor everything that goes on in the world, and to add and modify with the intention of keeping interest high and promoting the overall enjoyment of the product. It is not Simutronics policy, however, to eavesdrop on private conversations unless there is a reasonable concern that such conversations relate to bug abuse, disruptive behavior, or ongoing events. In general, GameMaster policy is to respect player privacy as much as possible, however it must be made clear that all actions and conversations within DragonRealms are subject to monitoring.

Quests and Special Events

The running of events and quests takes an enormous amount of effort for setup and execution, but can sometimes accommodate only a few players at a time. Simutronics may run the same quest more than once, to allow as many players as possible to enjoy it. Because of this, if you participate in a quest, please do not discuss the details of the puzzles with other players, because this can decrease their own enjoyment of it when their turn comes around. Also, please do not broadcast puzzle solutions or other spoilers over general means of communication, such as the ESP network, or the public Message Board topics.

Quest participants who are being disruptive, may be removed from the quest. Examples of disruptive behavior are.

• Being extremely out-of-character.
  
• Making disparaging comments about the quest or the people involved.
  
• Actively thwarting the progress of other participants.
  

Disruptive behavior can also be caused by players who have participated in a quest before, and therefore already know the puzzle solutions, or by players who have received the solutions from other participants, and thereby lessen the enjoyment of other players who wish to discover the solutions for themselves. Determination of what is and is not disruptive behavior, and/or removal of a quest participant, is entirely at the discretion of the GameMaster running the event.

Some quests have a limited capacity. Simutronics makes no guarantee that everyone who shows up for a quest will be able to participate. Most quests will be run again at a later date, but Simutronics makes no guarantee of the frequency of these quests, or that any particular player will be guaranteed the right to participate in any of them.

Simutronics is not required to give warning that a quest will be run. Some quests are announced ahead of time, while others are run spontaneously.

Quests have inherent dangers in them, over and above the normal dangers to your character while playing DragonRealms. This could mean the death of your character, the loss of inventory, the threat of kidnapping or capture, and many other possibilities. You do have the option of choosing not to participate in an ongoing quest, by typing ASSIST and requesting that you be removed from the quest. This must be done as soon as you are aware that there is a quest in progress. Once you have become involved, however, it is up to the GameMaster running the quest as to whether your request to be removed should be honored.

Awards are frequently given out at the end of quests and other events. There is no guarantee, however, that a player's participation in an event will guarantee an award. Even though a player may have contributed to the solution of a puzzle, or roleplayed well, his or her actions at those times may not be monitored. Simutronics is not required to monitor the behavior of all quest participants.

Repair or Replacement of Items

Should it appear that your character is missing some points or that something about your character or its inventory has changed unexpectedly, you may inform us by typing ASSIST and speaking to a GameMaster directly, or by leaving DragonRealms Feedback and giving an explanation of the situation. Simutronics will attempt to investigate the problem, and may, at its sole discretion, authorize adjustments to your score or inventory. GameMasters are empowered to make many on-the-spot decisions about replacement, but some situations will require approval from Simutronics management.

Some missing items are caused by normal means, such as a weapon which is broken in combat, coins lost to a pickpocket, or a mis-typed line to a parser. For example, if you were to type PUT SWORD IN SACK, this would normally put the sword into your own sack, but if there were to be 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 this type of normal game mechanics, repair or replacement cannot be authorized.

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. For example, if your sword breaks in combat, and the die roll does not match the expected result, then Simutronics will check the programming involved carefully, and attempt to reproduce the error. In this case, if the breakage system operates correctly thousands of times a day, and attempts to re-create the identical error fail, then the conclusion Simutronics must draw is that the mistake was caused by human error or a communication problem such as line noise, which mangled the output.

Due to recent developments, Simutronics will no longer replace for a character's inventory or score losses caused by delays or disconnections that are the direct result of the service provider the player accesses.

Score Lists

Simutronics is the sole judge of the accuracy of any high score lists and other event score listings. An announcement by Simutronics as to the winners of an event, is final.

Scripting Policy

(Note: For the purposes of this policy, all violations will be referred to as "Scripting".)
Any activity that results in ANY benefit to either you or another player while being unresponsive to the gaming environment will be considered against policy.

Warnings for using triggers, running scripts, or any other activities while being unresponsive to the gaming environment are based on the Staff's observation of the character, and the Staff's judgment may vary from instance to instance therefore each instance will be judged independently. Furthermore, GMs have the right to verify that any and all characters are following this policy at any time.

Exceptions.

In general, if you are running a script and are responsive to the game -or- are in Rest Mode or Sleep Mode and are not gaining any NEW experience, skills, money, or providing other players with an in-game advantage (e.g., casting spells), it does not fall under this policy. ANY activity that's deemed by Staff to be disruptive or not in the best interest of the game or its players can be warned when discovered. (E.g., if you are scripting moving in and out of a room, a warning may be issued because it causes undue screen scroll.)
If you are gaining skills passively or providing other characters with an in-game advantage, a warning may be issued based on your being unresponsive to the gaming environment. If your "Rest Mode" message is determined to be inappropriate, a warning may be issued based on the message being Out of Character (OOC) or disruptive. If you set up a character "bot" to provide services (i.e., healing, lockpicking, spellcasting, etc.) to other players while that "bot" is unresponsive, you will be issued a warning.

Utilizing Character "Bots".

Any participation in the use of character "bots" witnessed by Staff, even if the unresponsive character is not connected to your account and you currently are not in violation of this policy, will be considered against policy and may result in a warning and/or other penalties.

Multiple Accounts.

The use of multiple accounts is not prohibited by DragonRealms Policy however, if a player chooses to run multiple accounts at the same time and they are being controlled by triggers or scripts and are gaining ANY benefit for that character or surrounding characters, the player --must be actively responsive to the gaming environment-- from each character's perspective.

Violation Penalties.

• First offense: Player receives a formal warning, is moved to a holding room, loses ALL field experience (unabsorbed experience), has an experience inefficiency penalty added, and must reread and agree to policy before being released.
  
• Second offense: In addition to the above penalties, 10% off all skills 1 point off all stats (along with the corresponding number of TDPs) will be subtracted from the violating character.
  
• Third and subsequent offenses: On the third violation, the EXP Loss penalty escalates to 25% along with 2 points off all stats (and the appropriate number of TDPs). Any further violations will result in the the penalty (i.e., 40% + 3 points off all stats, 55% +4 points on stats, 70% +5, 85% +6) up to, and including, 100% skill loss together with an additional 7 points off each stat. In the case of gross violations of this policy, all characters on the offending account, plus all other linked accounts, may receive the same penalties, at our discretion. When/If a character has suffered 100% loss, a subsequent warning will result in full character forfeiture. This confiscation will be immediate and there will be no transfer of items from a confiscated character to any other character allowed.
  

Solicitations

Casual discussion is a part of the game. DragonRealms must not be used, however, as a venue for promotion of competing products or services. Individuals who actively promote other competing products or services within DragonRealms, may be locked out.

Transferring Characters

Under no circumstances will Simutronics transfer an existing character from one online service to a different service. If you decide to switch online services, you will have to either roll up a new character from the new service, or continue to use the old service to play your old character.

Even within the same service, characters generally cannot be transferred from one account to another, except in certain specific situations. For example, if a user moves, he or she may require a new account, which would require the transferring of the player's character from the old account to the new one. To request the transfer of your character from one account to another, use the DragonRealms Feedback option. All requests to transfer a character to another account must be approved by the management of that particular service.

Unique Items

There are various methods which the GameMasters use, to introduce unique items into DragonRealms. Some of these are planned well in advance, such as auctions, or quest treasure, or have immediate GameMaster involvement, such as during merchant events. Other methods, however, such as the treasure queue or "feeder" system, are done on a daily basis with only limited checking. The queue system is a powerful method to get large numbers of unique items into the hands of DragonRealms's players, but because of the volume, Simutronics cannot, and does not, maintain detailed records of the types of items, and who claims them. Because of this, requests for replacement of unique items lost due to system problems cannot always be honored.

In cases where Simutronics has a record of the item and its owner, replacement in the case of a loss (such as from a software crash) is usually authorized. In un-documented cases, however, Simutronics accepts no responsibility to replace the item. This policy allows GameMasters to create a large number of unique items, without requiring the detailed documentation and tracking which can stifle creativity.

A few problems, however, emerge from this exciting method of treasure distribution.

• Because of the large number of such items, replacement in the case of loss may not be possible, because there will be no records of the item's exact structure or status.
  
• 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 will vary widely in their scope, concept, and usefulness. Some items of similar or exact appearance may have different powers.
  

Therefore, the following policy is imposed on these items.

• Simutronics will not replace or repair unique items under any circumstances other than bug fixes we initiate at our sole discretion. Therefore, if you lose one of these items in a crash, we may not be able to replace it because we will not have any documentation on what it was, or how it really worked.
  
• 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. The exception to this is if it was a gross mistake that has serious ramifications for the world balance.
  
• 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. Items should never be trusted to ALWAYS behave in a perfectly predictable manner.
  
• In very rare instances, an item may have to be confiscated if it is seriously in error. GameMasters are authorized to replace it with the next item in the unique item queue (though this will probably not have any relationship to the benefits/powers of the one removed). Again, this can take place at Simutronics' sole discretion.
  

Violations of Policy

Anyone found to be in violation of the policies described in this document, at the sole discretion of Simutronics, will be subject to the following.

1. First violation: The user will receive a warning describing the breach of policy Simutronics believes they have committed, either onscreen or via Email.
   
2. Second violation: The user will be locked out of DragonRealms for a period of up to one month, and will be notified via Email.
   
3. Third violation: The user will be locked out of DragonRealms permanently.
   

If the user has more than one account, all accounts, on all services, will be simultaneously subject to the above actions.

In certain circumstances, such as extremely abusive behavior, a user may be locked out without warning or notice of any kind. However, Simutronics will follow up with an Email explaining why this step was taken.

Players are also always subject to the policies of the online services that provide the connection to DragonRealms. If a player violates the policy of the online service, then that is also considered to be a violation of DragonRealms Player Policy. Reports of such policy violations will be forwarded to to the online service involved.