Our General Rules
I. Follow game rules & TOS
Whichever game we're currently hosting the roleplay on it's expected of you to follow that games particular rules and terms of service. It's common courtesy and the most polite and respectful thing we can do. Please behave and don't get in trouble. Currently our games we play are Feral Heart Unleashed and very occasionally Dragons Den.
II. Be civil & respectful. Hate speech is not tolerated.
We want our community in Cryptic Refrain to remain a safe place for all. Be kind and respectful to your fellow members. We will not allow hate groups/speech of any kind into the server such as: white supremacy, homophbia, racism, sexism, bigotry, harassment, bullying or any sort of toxic/hateful behavior. Show common courtesy. Please be a decent human being.
III. No controversial or sensitive material
Please refrain from bringing up controversial topics or things deemed as too sensitive. Talking about these things can lead to drama and tension. This isn't something we want for Cryptic Refrain or our members to experience. We want everyone to feel comfortable in our community. This includes but is not limited to: politics, suicide, self-harm, drug/alcohol abuse and other possibly triggering topics.
IV. Listen to roleplay staff & your community as a whole
The staff of the roleplay are there to help keep things organized and see to it that everyone is comfortable and safe. Please listen if told to stop or change certain behavior. This goes for any member in the community as well. It's to be expected that if someone is uncomfortable and asks for you to stop doing something, that you stop.
V. In character and Out of character are seperate
As it always should be In character and out of character should always remain separated. IC actions do not reflect OOC opinions. Any drama or fighting that happens in character is only there for the roleplay plot and story. It should not effect the people playing the characters, only the characters involved.
VI. No sexual or explicit content
This rule pertains to both roleplay and out of character topics/media. We're a community that has all sorts of members of varying ages. Some of them are minors and do not need to be exposed to these sort of things. What you do in your personal, private DMs is up to you, but please refrain from bringing anything of the sort into any of Cryptic Refrain's spaces. This won't be tolerated.
VII. Stay active
We ask that all members try to stay active within the community. This pertains to both IC and OOC. Try to roleplay at least a few times a week on the Discord or ingame, either is fine. If you have an ongoing roleplay with someone try to respond reasonably until you finish the roleplay. Leaving a roleplay hanging is unfair to your roleplay partner at the time. If one of your characters is a high rank your activity will be actively monitored more closely. High rankings characters are especially important to the roleplay and making sure all flows well smoothly. Also remember to interact properly with your mentor/apprentice when possible. It makes things a lot more enjoyable for everyone all around.
It is understandable that times people can't be active. That's totally okay! Things come up in life all the time that effect us and you're not expected to be active all the time. Take breaks as needed, but please let us know! We have an absence channel on our Discord for this very reason. If you don't post an absence or let us know and go inactive, we reserve the right to remove your character/you at any time from the roleplay.
If you go on an absence and hold a higher ranking role you may loose that rank. We need active people for these positions. If no time frame is definitely given it will 100% be removed. When you return if the spot is open you may ask to have it returned if it is still open.
Characters that are not actively used for a month may be removed from the roleplay. You will get a notice about this in the form of a DM from a staff member. Failure to use the character in a roleplay afterwards will warrant their removal. You can re-add a character in a weeks time, after their removal.
It is understandable that times people can't be active. That's totally okay! Things come up in life all the time that effect us and you're not expected to be active all the time. Take breaks as needed, but please let us know! We have an absence channel on our Discord for this very reason. If you don't post an absence or let us know and go inactive, we reserve the right to remove your character/you at any time from the roleplay.
If you go on an absence and hold a higher ranking role you may loose that rank. We need active people for these positions. If no time frame is definitely given it will 100% be removed. When you return if the spot is open you may ask to have it returned if it is still open.
Characters that are not actively used for a month may be removed from the roleplay. You will get a notice about this in the form of a DM from a staff member. Failure to use the character in a roleplay afterwards will warrant their removal. You can re-add a character in a weeks time, after their removal.
VIII. Join the Cryptic Refrain Discord server
Joining our Discord server is a requirement. While we do roleplay in-game, Discord helps keep the community together. Most planning and communication goes on through our Discord. Discord is also used for roleplaying when it's not done in-game. As such it's fairly important you're involved in our Discord server for the roleplay.
Roleplay Rules
i. Follow roleplay standards for this group
Roleplaying should be done in paragraph to multi-paragraph format. At the minimum try to keep your post at least five sentences in length. All writing should be kept in third person to stay consistent with everyone else. If you're struggling or are unable to do this. That's totally fine. Keep in mind though that this is how the majority of our group roleplays. We want to welcome all roleplay skills and levels. We're more than accepting and willing to help you out if you ask.
The following things are looked down upon: powerplaying, meta-gaming, auto-hitting, attention seeking, mary-sues and god-modding. Please don't do these at all. If you're confused on what any of these are, just ask.
Avoid using excessive purple prose or wolf-speak. It's not grammatically accurate and tends to be confusing.
The following things are looked down upon: powerplaying, meta-gaming, auto-hitting, attention seeking, mary-sues and god-modding. Please don't do these at all. If you're confused on what any of these are, just ask.
Avoid using excessive purple prose or wolf-speak. It's not grammatically accurate and tends to be confusing.
II. Fill out your character forms to keep us updated
On our Discord we have a channel called "Creation-Retire-Changes". There you'll find a few forms to fill out that involve your characters. As the title of the channel would suggest you fill out forms when you create a character, retire/kill your character or in general have a change in rank. This helps our staff keep pages and our allegiance lists updated, so please be consistent and fill out your forms whenever is required.
Note: People playing unborn characters from litters should not post their characters here until they've been born in character.
Note: People playing unborn characters from litters should not post their characters here until they've been born in character.
III. Character designs should be natural
While we encourage creativity in creating a character, we would like things to remain consistent and natural in appearance. Any colors used should be natural hues and shades. Markings and patterns on a design do not need to be realistic or found on an actual, realistic cat. Your design should however flow well and in general look well put together. If you're concerned or confused you can always approach staff or advice and help.
Note: Natural colors refers to common colors found on cats. This isn't restricted solely to exact realism, but use common sense. Brown, gray, black, white, cream, etc.. No neon yellow or pink characters.
Note: Natural colors refers to common colors found on cats. This isn't restricted solely to exact realism, but use common sense. Brown, gray, black, white, cream, etc.. No neon yellow or pink characters.
IV. Only one high ranking character at a time
You may only have one high ranking character at a time. High ranks consist of: Leader, deputy, medicine cat, and medicine cat apprentice. Not only does this give more people a chance at being a high rank, but helps lessen stress too. Being a high rank requires a lot of activity and work. There is an exception to this rule, however. Medicine cats may be excluded from this rule, allowing someone to play a medicine cat (apprentice) with a leader/deputy character aswell.
V. We allow swearing & violence
Swearing is both fine ICly and in OOC conversation. Violence is only acceptable within the boundaries of IC. We have no strict rules against detailed writings about violence, death or gore. However if things go into great detail it's advised to spoiler your post if on our Discord server. When it comes to in-game activity, these rules only pertain to our private group chats and maps. When within public areas of the game you are to be respectful and avoid overly detailed roleplay with the above themes. Always make sure to follow the rules of the game you're on.
VI. Follow and abide by character rules & limits
1. There is a four character limit per person for the members of this roleplay. Elders, however are not included in this rule. If you play an elder they're allowed to fill an extra fifth character slot. You're also only allowed one character per tribe, excluding elders.
2. We also have limitations and elemental tiers that you should abide by when roleplaying. These help prevent people from powerplaying when IC. It helps keep things fair and fun for everyone. While the cats in this roleplay do wield elemental powers, they're are limits. It's advised you make yourself familiar with them. You can find all the information you need here.
3. Forbidden relationships and cross-tribe romances are allowed, but you must first check OOCly by both tribe's leaders. Know that there will be consequences if they are found out ICly and will be most likely be looked down upon. Medicine cats and leaders both may have offspring, though it too may be frowned upon depending on the situation.
4. Both loners and house-cats are allowed and welcomed if we have the appropriate available spots for them. Rogues too are welcome, but may not be created from scratch. A rogue is seen as an exile or a cat that has done particularly negative or heinous things. As such gaining this title must be done by IC means.
5. Cats are not able to use their elemental powers until they've had their elemental dream. The elemental dream is an actual roleplay that occurs both in-game or on Discord. Tribe-born cats usually receive their dream during their apprenticeship. As such if you create an adult, cat that was tribe-born it may be assumed they already have had their elemental dream. If you're starting out a character as a kit, apprentice or a cat that was not born into the tribe, you must request and roleplay out their elemental dreams.
6. All names should fit within the roleplay's format with a prefix and suffix. A character's name should be based around nature and the things a cat would be aware of in the wild. Please limit tribe-cat names to these standards, however loners and house-cats of course have more freedom. If your character was previously a loner or house-cat, they may be able to keep their original name instead of following the normal tribe format. It will be up to your tribe leader to decide both OOC and ICly.
2. We also have limitations and elemental tiers that you should abide by when roleplaying. These help prevent people from powerplaying when IC. It helps keep things fair and fun for everyone. While the cats in this roleplay do wield elemental powers, they're are limits. It's advised you make yourself familiar with them. You can find all the information you need here.
3. Forbidden relationships and cross-tribe romances are allowed, but you must first check OOCly by both tribe's leaders. Know that there will be consequences if they are found out ICly and will be most likely be looked down upon. Medicine cats and leaders both may have offspring, though it too may be frowned upon depending on the situation.
4. Both loners and house-cats are allowed and welcomed if we have the appropriate available spots for them. Rogues too are welcome, but may not be created from scratch. A rogue is seen as an exile or a cat that has done particularly negative or heinous things. As such gaining this title must be done by IC means.
5. Cats are not able to use their elemental powers until they've had their elemental dream. The elemental dream is an actual roleplay that occurs both in-game or on Discord. Tribe-born cats usually receive their dream during their apprenticeship. As such if you create an adult, cat that was tribe-born it may be assumed they already have had their elemental dream. If you're starting out a character as a kit, apprentice or a cat that was not born into the tribe, you must request and roleplay out their elemental dreams.
6. All names should fit within the roleplay's format with a prefix and suffix. A character's name should be based around nature and the things a cat would be aware of in the wild. Please limit tribe-cat names to these standards, however loners and house-cats of course have more freedom. If your character was previously a loner or house-cat, they may be able to keep their original name instead of following the normal tribe format. It will be up to your tribe leader to decide both OOC and ICly.
VII. Have a bio and ref for your characters
It's important to have a biography and ref for your character to better help those roleplaying with you. These don't need to be anything fancy at all and can be as simple or complex as you're comfortable with. Most of our communication is based on Discord, but Discord isn't the most easy place to keep and make elaborate biographies. We do have a solution for this though! In our "character" channel, you can post a ref image along with a mini-bio and optionally a link to a more intricate biography hosted somewhere else.
A mini-bio consist of only the most basic information, such as: name, tribe, rank, gender and age. You're also welcome to list immediate family such as a mate and offspring, but nothing further. This helps keep things organized and easier to navigate on our server. Of course on a full biography you can post as much information as you'd like. For hosting a full biography we recommend sites like toyhou.se, Deviantart, Wattpad, Weebly or even Google Docs.
Ingame bios are just as important if the game we're on has them. These too are usually limited, but you can find some great examples and further information on our character page.
A mini-bio consist of only the most basic information, such as: name, tribe, rank, gender and age. You're also welcome to list immediate family such as a mate and offspring, but nothing further. This helps keep things organized and easier to navigate on our server. Of course on a full biography you can post as much information as you'd like. For hosting a full biography we recommend sites like toyhou.se, Deviantart, Wattpad, Weebly or even Google Docs.
Ingame bios are just as important if the game we're on has them. These too are usually limited, but you can find some great examples and further information on our character page.
VIII. All IC actions will have consequences
Understand all actions your character does will have consequences IC. You can't have a 'villain' or 'bad' character simply do things and get away with it. It's not realistic. By roleplaying your character a certain way there will be consequences to their actions, whether negative or positive. Things like this are just not realistically unavoidable.
Discord Server Rules
I. Judge and drama free zone
This is a judge free zone! Please be friendly and courteous to everyone. No bullying or harassing of any kind. Take all arguments or disagreements off of the server. We don't want to see any of that personal drama here. If you have an issue with someone, talk to them privately through DMs or contact a Cryptic Refrain staff member. Refrain from talking about anything controversial, sensitive or political. This only leads to the potential to cause fights and drama.
There will be no racism, use of racial slurs, homophobic or culturally derogatory language. This includes, but it not limited to chat and signs. This rule extends from in-game to any Cryptic Refrain social platform. Absolutely zero tolerance will be exercised for this behavior. Those who join for the sole purpose of making others' experience miserable will not be welcomed.
There will be no racism, use of racial slurs, homophobic or culturally derogatory language. This includes, but it not limited to chat and signs. This rule extends from in-game to any Cryptic Refrain social platform. Absolutely zero tolerance will be exercised for this behavior. Those who join for the sole purpose of making others' experience miserable will not be welcomed.
II. Keep things in the appropriate channels
Our Discord server has a lot of channels. This may seem daunting at first, but it's only this way as a means to keep things organized. We'd like to keep it that way. Please try to keep content when posting to the appropriate channels.
1. Keep all venting or rants within the venting channel. Understand despite having a venting channel we don't allow mentions of possibly triggering or sensitive material such as self-hard, drug/alcohol-abuse, suicide, etc.. In the venting channel please refrain from mentioning others in our community or other groups within FHU.
2. All roleplays should be done within the roleplay channels, there are many. Tribe camps are meant for roleplays within the camps. Territory is for roleplays taking place on a tribe's territory. The neutral channels are for areas that are neutral to all the tribes. The plot channels are reserved for particularly important, plot-developing roleplays.
3. Our litter channel is for posting info and sheets about litters. It is not for conversation. If interested in applying for a open kit, message or contact one of the parents separately.
1. Keep all venting or rants within the venting channel. Understand despite having a venting channel we don't allow mentions of possibly triggering or sensitive material such as self-hard, drug/alcohol-abuse, suicide, etc.. In the venting channel please refrain from mentioning others in our community or other groups within FHU.
2. All roleplays should be done within the roleplay channels, there are many. Tribe camps are meant for roleplays within the camps. Territory is for roleplays taking place on a tribe's territory. The neutral channels are for areas that are neutral to all the tribes. The plot channels are reserved for particularly important, plot-developing roleplays.
3. Our litter channel is for posting info and sheets about litters. It is not for conversation. If interested in applying for a open kit, message or contact one of the parents separately.
III. Character information should stay organized
1. Your nickname on the server should include all of your character's names. Abbreviations are of course fine. Most of us only choose to list prefixes.
2. Before you add/retire/change a character, please be sure to fill out the proper character form in our "creation-retire-changes" channel.
3. If your character in allegiances does not have a description, please make sure you contact a staff member ot have one added.
2. Before you add/retire/change a character, please be sure to fill out the proper character form in our "creation-retire-changes" channel.
3. If your character in allegiances does not have a description, please make sure you contact a staff member ot have one added.
IV. 18+ Channel Specifics
Cryptic Refrain caters to many different ages in our community. As such we do have a safe place for our adult members to talk freely without worry or discomfort. This channel has fairly specific rules attached to it so we can continue keeping our community safe and clean.
1. Any topics brought up should be done in a tasteful and respectful manner.
2. This channel is not a means to bypass our rule on sexual explicit content. We still do not allow it. There will be no erotic roleplays, imagery or general topics allowed in here. If sharing artwork in here, tasteful nudity is fine, but nothing overly detailed or clearly sexual in natural.
3. You must be 18 years or older to view this channel. The only way to gain access to this channel is by contacting someone on the staff team and requesting it. We are allowed to deny this request for any or no reasons given.
Note: If you are a minor and lie about your age to gain access to this channel that is your own fault. We are not held accountable if you lie. Our staff team do the very best to keep our community and members safe for all ages. This channel is a means to give adults a safe place to talk without worry.
1. Any topics brought up should be done in a tasteful and respectful manner.
2. This channel is not a means to bypass our rule on sexual explicit content. We still do not allow it. There will be no erotic roleplays, imagery or general topics allowed in here. If sharing artwork in here, tasteful nudity is fine, but nothing overly detailed or clearly sexual in natural.
3. You must be 18 years or older to view this channel. The only way to gain access to this channel is by contacting someone on the staff team and requesting it. We are allowed to deny this request for any or no reasons given.
Note: If you are a minor and lie about your age to gain access to this channel that is your own fault. We are not held accountable if you lie. Our staff team do the very best to keep our community and members safe for all ages. This channel is a means to give adults a safe place to talk without worry.