Cheshire Wiki

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======Rules======
{{:cera_blip.png?200|}}**Cera:**"Make sure to report any issues or problems to Cheshiretails so she can help."

//----//

     Rule Index

Cheshire Species and DeviantART group rules.
(Cheshire Species is often shortened to ‘ChS’, please be aware of this when reading.)
**Last Updated: 9/2/2024**

=====Section 1:  Cheshire Species and DeviantART Group rules.=====

__**1.1 Cheshire Species [ChS] and Group rules**__
-All users must have an active DeviantART [DA] OR Toyhou.se account to be able to have access to site features. 

-Anyone aged 13 and older can join the ChS groups (‘Fetter-Folk’, ‘The-Seeking’, ‘Degil-Hollow’,‘Desert-Gremlins’) on DA and the website (https://cheshirespecies.com/) but it is recommended to be 16+ if you wish to join.

-All users in the Cheshire Species [ChS] community can participate so long as they follow Cheshire Species [ChS] (Insert links to the TOS, and privacy policy) as well as the terms of service found and etiquette found on the site which you host your account be it DeviantART or Toyhou.se. 



__**1.2 Empty, New, or Alternate Accounts**__

The Cheshire Species [ChS] spaces are free to join, but any new, blank, or inactive accounts will be closely watched especially if the attached DeviantART or Toyhou.se account is empty.


New users with empty DeviantART or Toyhou.se accounts cannot access the following features:
	*Free MYO events or prompts

	*Free raffles and Giveaways

	*New users with empty DeviantART or Toyhou.se accounts will have limited access to the following:

	*Character Transfers.

Users who do not have DeviantART [DA] or Toyhou.se [TH] accounts that fit the criteria above can still have their characters put into their names. However, they will be placed in their name as a Manual Account. Manual accounts can only interact with the site once a valid Cheshire species [ChS] profile claims them. Manual Accounts can be claimed at any time on the user profile. However, if the DevaintART [DA] or Toyhou.se [TH] account does not meet all the criteria listed in **1.2 Empty, New, or Alternate Accounts**,  then claiming the manual account might be declined until the DeviantArt [DA] or Toyhou.se [TH] fits all requirements. These characters entirely belong to the user even though they are not usable on the site until it is connected. Characters on Manual Accounts are transferable, but only by a mod via the ‘Manual Transfers’ section. They cannot be transferred using on-site transfers.


__**1.3 Activity Participation - Cheshire Species & DeviantArt Groups**__


All activities hosted through the Art Role-Playing Game ARPG on the Cheshire Species [ChS] site or DeviantART [DA] group have participation rules. Please make sure you read all rules featured on the pages before participating. If users are participating in games that require Shirefolk to participate, the Shirefolk must be listed under the user’s name to redeem the rewards. Shirefolk that are being traded or transferred before banking can be completed will not receive prizes as the Shirefolk is no longer in the user’s possession. 

The only exceptions to this are to use a current Cheshire Species [ChS] NPC for prompt or event participation.

For non-owners, you may use an NPC, OR create  gift art or a written piece to submit for the hosted activities. 
__**1.3a Activities where the use of gift pieces/writing and/or NPC use IS allowed.**__

	*Monthly events
	
	*Raffles that require art or written entries.
	*Turn in for in game currency earning [Crystals]


__**1.3b Activities where the use of gift pieces/writing and/or NPC use is NOT allowed.**__

	* Prompts specifically created for the ARPG that are turned in for randomized loot or items. ARPG specific prompts are not to be confused with ChS Events.


If using an NPC for your art or writing permission is not needed to do so. However, if you are using another user’s character for any of the approved activities listed above in **1.3a Activities** where the use of gift pieces/writing and/or NPC use IS allowed, you will need to get the permission of the character’s owner before using their character for any works or entries that you plan to turn in. It is your responsibility to communicate with the character owner to not only to gain their permission for use of the character in the Event, but also for the context in which the character is used. Make sure that whatever content you are creating is something the owner is comfortable with and follows our guidelines set out **Section 2: Content Policy**. Users who repeatedly breach these terms may receive a warning or permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity.

**1.4 Creative Work Submission - DeviantART Group.**
__**Rules of submission:**__
	*All works submitted to the DeviantART [DA] groups must follow Section 2 guidelines.
	
	*All works and submissions must be Cheshire Species [ChS] related.

	*Official folders cannot be used for non-offical ARPG events.

	*Works submitted can contain outside species, but those species will not count for in-game currency [Crystals], nor can they get prizes rolled based on their presence. 

	*Works submitted for activities cannot be reused again for any reason. This means that works used in one activity cannot be used for another. 	

	*Traced or copied works are not allowed, regardless of whether it is your work or other users.

	*No part of any previous work can be reused for new work. (E.I. reusing backgrounds.)


**1.5 Artwork sourcing and submissions - Cheshire Species [ChS]**


Please ensure all artwork posted is used with permission and properly sourced. If artwork is found to have been wrongfully sourced, or Cheshire Species [ChS] is asked to remove images, they will be removed without notification. Users who repeatedly abuse the submission system may receive a warning or permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. 

**1.5a  Unauthorized Artwork Usage, Removing Art - Cheshire Species [ChS]**

In no way does Cheshire Species [ChS] claim ownership of images uploaded by its users. Copyright of any works uploaded to this website belongs solely to the original artists. If you are the original artist and someone has posted or used your art on Cheshire Species [ChS] without your explicit permission, we will delete it without question when efficient proof is provided. For further questions or to have artwork removed, please see the Contact Us section. 



=====Section 2:  Content Policy=====
(Cheshire Species is often shortened to ‘ChS’, please be aware of this when reading.)

 
__**2.1 Prohibited Content**
__ 


The following content is prohibited in interactions or public areas:

-Hate speech or insults targeting any race, sexual orientation, gender, or disability.

-Hate or insults directed towards another user’s work, creations, or designs.

-Disclosure of another user’s personal, real-life identifying information.

-Violent threats made directly or indirectly by others. 

-Speech or images that are explicit and reference nudity, mild sexual content, explicit sexual content. 

-Inappropriate content directed towards minors.

Content that violates these terms will be removed and the user that posted said content will be given a warning or permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. 

__**2.2 Content Requiring Filtering**__


Submission of works to any CheshireSpecies [ChS] spaces that are deemed inappropriate will be removed without warning. Repetitive misuse of submission may be followed by a warning or a permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. Cheshire species [ChS] has strict rules on what filtered content can and cannot be submitted to the group:
__Can be submitted with a Filter:__
	*Works that have mild gore or extreme gore (such as blood.) All gore must be properly filtered.

	*Works that contain sensitive or upsetting content, as long as a warning is provided and it abides by the rules laid out in 2.1 Prohibited Content.


__Cannot be submitted with a Filter:__
	

	*Works featuring explicit themes, references to nudity, mild sexual content, explicit sexual content. 





__**2.3 Sensitive Content**__

Cheshire species [ChS] is intended to be a friendly group that does its best to allow freedom of expression. We urge our users to be conscientious and understand that some will find content triggering, but we can all co-exist. We do not have rules against works featuring sensitive material about characters, but we ask that users be considerate to their fellow group users. Please consider filtering them for your peers.

Examples: 
	*References to self harm and physical or mental disorders.
	*References to physical or mental abuse.
	*References to bigotry or hate speech.


__**2.4 Adult Content and Underage Users**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] has a zero-tolerance policy on adult content. Adult content includes pornographic commissions, pornographic artwork or literature, erotic roleplay, and detailed sexual headcanons. Posting any form of pornography in any space under the Cheshire Species [ChS] realm of control will result in an immediate permanent ban. 

If you are under 18, do not use the Cheshire Species [ChS] spaces to offer, request, or share adult content, or to provide or request adult content to or from other users. Underage users found to be using false birthdays to upload or interact with adult material will be banned. Adults interacting inappropriately with minors will be banned instantly, reported to DeviantART staff, Toyhou.se staff, and the authorities will be contacted. 


=====Section 3:  Character Ownership Etiquette=====
(Cheshire Species is often shortened to ‘ChS’, please be aware of this then reading.)


__**3.1 Character Creation**__


Cheshire Species [ChS] has an established list of Official Artists who produce Official Shirefolk that can be purchased to participate on this site. All Shirefolk must be present on the Masterlist to be considered an official Shirefolk. Other users only can make Shirefolk using a MYO [make your own] slot or/MYO] events. These Create-Your-Own [CYO] events are one [CYO/MYO] per user. Even if users have side accounts, all accounts are counted as a single account. 


**Example:** A user has a DeviantArt account, a Toyhou.se account, and a Twitter account.
All of these accounts belong to the same owner and will be recognized as under that user. They should not be used to try and enter events or games of any kinds multiple times.



__**3.2 Character Ownership**__

Only one account/user can own a Shirefolk. Cheshire Species [ChS] does not recognize the co-ownership of characters.


__**3.3 Character Sale Rules**__

The Cheshire Species [ChS] Group is now what is considered a Free Range Market.

**Free Range Market:** A market in which characters can be sold, traded, or gifted as the owner sees fit regardless of how the design was obtained or if they purchased it to begin with. There is no limit to how much a design can be resold for regardless of method of obtaining. 

**Masterlist Value:** The value listed on a Shirefolk’s Masterlist entry to show how much money has gone towards a design. This is so that any potential buyers or new owners can make an educated financial decision on if they wish to purchase this design regardless of how it was first obtained. 

__**Expenses that can be applied to the Masterlist value of your Shirefolk:**__
	*Commissions (virtual or traditional) you paid for with legal tender.
	
	*Physical goods including but not limited to fursuit parts, badges, buttons, pins, plushies, paid for with legal tender.
	
	*Virtual goods including but not limited to 3-D models, art, written works, animations, paid for with legal tender.

__**Expenses that can NOT be applied to the Masterlist value of your Shirefolk.**__
	
*Artwork or physical goods created by the owner while owning the design.

*Gifts, free work, traded works.

*Any previous works gained when ownership of the character was transferred via trade, gifting, or raffle. 

*Any work you as the owner did not pay for. 


__**3.4 Character Disputes**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] does not reimburse users/players for third-party trades. Do not sell or trade things you do not have permission to sell or trade. Cheshire Species [ChS] takes no responsibility or role in resolving character disputes; there is often very little we can do. Issues and conflicts must be dealt with by and between the owner and the future owner. 

Cheshire Species [ChS] does not support or enforce terms established between the owner and the future owner see **3.6 Converting personal characters into Shirefolk, Voiding Characters, and Re-Designs**. Cheshire Species [ChS] does however, log character disputes that they are alerted to.

Depending on the intent, content, and severity, users with multiple complaints may receive a warning, strike, or permanent ban. If we are shown sufficient evidence that the transaction took place but was not honored, we will do our best to restore your property by issuing a warning, strike, or permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. However, we cannot force refunds, or force users to pay.

__**Reports require the following:**__
*To follow our reporting steps featured in the Contact Us section.

*Sufficient evidence of the failed transaction.

*Sufficient evidence that you, the reporting party, have gone out of your way to resolve it.

__**3.5 Character Designs and Themes Based on Derivative Content.**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] allows Skirefolk to be inspired from characters of popular culture, books, and movies, but they can not be matched to these characters. As a rule of thumb, the Shirefolkmust be uniquely distinguishable as their own entity and not a direct representation of referenced character applied to the Shirefolk. Cheshire Species [ChS] reserves the right to decline anything that it views as too closely sourced to copyrighted content, including but not limited to art submissions, themes, or redesigns. 
Cheshire Species [ChS] Official Artists also reserve the right to decline to create these designs.

__**3.6 Converting personal Characters into Shirefolk, Voiding Characters, and Re-Designs.**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] does allow voids of characters, but for logging purposes they will still show up on the Cheshire Species [ChS] masterlist. They will have special annotations that display them to be voided and no longer part of the species or group.

Users/Players are allowed to convert their Shirefolk into other characters or species, and have these forms exist at the same time as one another. 

**Example:** You create a Shirefolk, and then create a pony character version that exists in an Alternate Universe.

In order for you to do this or to have this character exist in multiple Closed Species all at the same time, some criteria must be met. This also applies for non-Closed Species versions.

__**The following criteria must be followed/met to allow AU versions of a design:**__
*All alternate versions must be reported to the Cheshire Species [ChS] team and recorded on the character’s Masterlist entry.

*If the alternate version is present in another species, this species must allow alternate versions to exist as well. 

*If any version of the character is traded, sold, gifted, or ownership is transferred in any way, then all versions including the Cheshire Species [ChS] version must go with it, no exceptions. 

Do not order personal characters as Shirefolk or convert them into other species, then sell the Shirefolk only. If you are uncomfortable with Shirefolk existing in our system forever, we can do nothing once it is made.

Do not sell your design under the understanding that the new user will not use it and must hide it. This is not fair to all future owners. Cheshire Species [ChS] takes no responsibility if the new prospective owner chooses not to accept the terms established by the seller who does not want Approved Designs to be used. Users are welcome to use any approved design associated with their owned Shirefolk, hidden or unhidden. 

Cheshire Species [ChS] consider “I’ll sell it if you promise not to use specific approved designs.” agreements as scamming.

Users who repeatedly abuse the Design Approval system by applying looks to Shirefolk, converting them into new characters, and selling the Shirefolk, while they continue to use the same character in another form may receive a warning or permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. 

__**3.7 Character Duplicates and Theft**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] never intend to make or approve similar designs that already exist. Cheshire Species [ChS] also does not approve redesigns similar to existing characters. To report character or design duplicates, please refer to the Contact Us section. Cheshire Species [ChS] views intentionally copying characters as harassment. Users who abuse the Design Approval system repeatedly may receive a warning, strike, or permanent ban depending on the intent, content, and severity. 

*3.7a A design made for an adopt as an official GA [Guest Artist], Admin, or any official sale that is hosted in the #Official-sales-and-auctions channel in the discord and/or posted into the 'Adoptables' Folder in any of the DeviantArt.com Groups must be an original design created by the artist. The artist may not take old designs that they bought from someone else and then draw the character as a ChS species design to then sell as an official GA or Admin design even if credit is given to the original designer. All adoptables must be created by the artist for the purpose of being a ChS adopt/character, unless it was a design prior made by the artist that they simply wish to repurpose into a ChS adopt/ character sale. 



=====Section 4:  Community Conduct=====

(Cheshire Species is often shortened to ‘ChS’, please be aware of this when reading.)


__**4.1 Spamming or Trolling**__
Spamming or trolling take up a significant space while contributing no content to the Cheshire Species [ChS] spaces. Spamming and trolling may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the DevaintART [DA] group and Cheshire Species [ChS] site.




__**4.2a Disciplinary Action Etiquette**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] are believers in second chances, but also are believers in appropriate discipline. Depending on the situation, Cheshire Species [ChS] employs disciplinary types depending on the intent, content, and severity of an offense. Official warnings and bans are delivered via a private Direct Message on Discord, Note on DeviantArt, or direct message on Toyhou.se, depending on the platform the user is based on. The notice will clearly state whether disciplinary action is a Warning, Strike, Temporary ban, Permanent ban, etc.




__**4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] separates privileges so that it is possible to discipline users by simply blocking their access to one privilege rather than blocking their entire ARPG experience. Official privilege bans are delivered via a private Direct Message on Discord, Note on DeviantArt, or direct message on Toyhou.se, depending on the platform the user is based on.The notice will clearly state whether disciplinary action is a temporary or permanent privilege ban depending on the intent, content, and severity.
Example: Users could receive a permanent ban from Discord and Official Sale Privileges but still be in good standing with the rest of the ARPG.

__ All ARPG Privilege types:__

*ARPG Game Privileges - Allows users to submit to all activities.

*Event Privileges - Allows users to participate in special events.

*Character Creation Privileges - Allows users to submit and create characters.

*Group Access Privileges - Allows users to submit art to the ChS group spaces.

*Design Approval Privileges - Allows users to submit for Design Approval.

*Discord Privileges - Allows users to participate in our public Discord..

*Official Sale Privileges - Allows users to purchase from Offical Artists.

*Ownership Privileges - Allows users to own Shirefolk

*Giveaway Privileges - Allows users to participate in all free Cheshire Species [ChS] giveaways.

*Trade Privileges - Allows users to trade characters and items freely.

__**4.2c Ban Etiquette - Moderators**__ 
Due to the nature of our group, our Moderators complete their duties on personal accounts. ChS does not stop its Moderators from blocking users on their accounts as they see fit. Moderators retain the right to block users should they feel the need to do so due to comfort or otherwise. Users can not appeal to being blocked by a Moderator or Admin. However, if a personal block inhibits your ability to play games or participate in the APRG because you cannot place comments in official areas due to a block, please seek out another Moderator who has not blocked you from making the comments in your place. Our supervising Moderators would be more than pleased to assist. For detailed instructions on who to contact, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by seeing the Contact Us  section for further help. 

__**4.3 Denials, Warnings, Strikes, and Ban Systems**__

__**4.3a Denials**__

**Denial Examples:** 
*Art or written entries that do not follow the event, game, prompt, or other activities requirements. 

*The Shirefolk is depicted (via art, literature, or any other medium) with traits they have not yet unlocked or earned officially. 

*Accidentally submitting something that does not adhere to the **content policy in Section 2.** 

*Reusing assets from prior entries or projects by accident in instances where it is not allowed. 

**Explanation:** 
Users should avoid assuming that any direct replies, direct messages, or notes from Moderators and Admins are official warnings. If a user is getting warning it will be stated explicitly by said staff member in the initial contact message. A denial is simply a mod letting a user know that a rule was broken. 

**How should getting a denial make me feel?** 
“There was a mistake with something I did or I accidentally broke a rule; the Mod is telling me how to fix this. I am not in trouble.” 



__**4.3b Warnings**__

**Warning Examples:**  
*Continuously breaking specific art rules, game rules, prompt rules, event rules ect. more than 3x times.

*Displaying hostility or aggressive behavior towards Moderators or Admins in approvals.

*Accidentally guilt tripping and/or harassing any user in the Cheshire Species [ChS] Spaces. 

*Forgetting to send a trade within a reasonable amount of time but completing the trade when reminded by a Moderator or Admin. 


**Explanation:** 

Warnings are the first step in the disciplinary system. If a user receives a warning, it is because they have either been spoken to multiple times (2x) by a Moderator or Admin  and no changes have been made, or the issue’s content calls specifically for a warning as a discipline. Warnings are just the Moderator or Admin letting users know that users will receive a strike if the problem keeps happening. Users can receive up to 3 warnings; the 3rd incident can result in a temporary ban from some (or all) ARPG privileges, depending on the intent, content, and severity. Warnings reset back to 0 at the beginning of each calendar year. 

**How should getting a denial Warning me feel?** 

“I have repeated an offense or broken multiple rules. I was given warnings about these in the past. I am not in trouble but if I continue to do these things I will get another warning or possibly a strike depending on what I did. If I stop this behavior and it does not repeat then I won’t need to worry. It was a misunderstanding but I know now for the future.”



__**4.3c Strikes**__

**Strike Examples:**  

*Intentionally breaking specific art rules and game rules to gain an advantage.

*Extreme Hostility towards Moderators or Admins in any Cheshire Species [ChS] spaces. (This does not extend to personal interactions between users). 

__**4.2c Ban Etiquette- Moderators.**__ 
*Ignoring a Moderator or Admin warning on purpose.
*Public and Private Harassment (severe cases will not receive warnings.)

*Character Theft

*Failure to deliver trade, contests, and commissions that feature services or goods within Cheshire Species [ChS] realm of control.



**Explanation:** 
Strikes are the second level of the disciplinary system. If users receive a strike, it is because they have received three (3x) consecutive warnings or the issue’s severe content calls explicitly for a strike as a discipline. Strikes are the Admins letting users know that if the problem keeps happening, the user will receive a ban. In most cases a strike will only be applied with a warning first [**see 4.2 Disciplinary Action Etiquette**].  Strikes reset back to 0 at the beginning of each calendar year. Users can receive up to 2 strikes; the 3rd incident will result in a permanent ban from some or all ARPG  privileges, depending on the intent, content, and severity. Cheshire Species [ChS] will not  tolerate consecutive strikes if the issues are related and reserve the right to escalate the problems to permanent or full bans at any time. 

**How should getting a Strike make me feel?** 
“I have repeated an offense or broken multiple rules even after being given a warning. Or, I have done something bad, and it was serious enough that I got a strike. I have not lost any privileges, but I’m in trouble. Doing this again could lead to another strike or even being banned depending on what I did. After a year this strike will go away if I never do it again. I should be more careful and re-read the rules to be safe.”




__**4.3d Temporary Bans, Permanent Bans, and Full-Account Bans**__

**Temporary Ban - Minor Infractions**

**Examples:**  
*Call-Out posts against any other user that is posted in any Cheshire Species [ChS] spaces. 

*Openly talking poorly about any user in the ChS Discord. 

*Causing a scene or soapboxing in the ChS Discord. 

*Cheating in the ARPG


**Explanation:** Temporary bans can be applied to any privilege see **4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette**. Temporary bans are 30 days to a year-long, depending on the intent, content, and severity. Cheshire Species [ChS] reserves the right to extend bans or escalate bans after their sentencing. See rule **4.4  Ban Etiquette - Appeals** for more information. 

**How should getting a Temporary Ban make me feel?** 

“I have broken the same rule after multiple strikes, causing mischief, attempted scamming, or just generally participating in the harassment of another user. I have lost privileges and have been banned for 1 to 12 months. I am in real trouble now. I won’t lose more privileges if I take responsibility and stop. I know I am welcome back once I serve my ban sentence or I have been instructed I can appeal and said appeal has been accepted. This is temporary; the mod will tell me what is affected.” 

__**Permanent Bans-  Major infractions**__
** Examples:**  

*Intentional, consistent cheating.
*Coordinated Conspiracy to harass or bully.
*Conspiracy to scam.
*Intentional or repeated character theft.
*Scamming
*Posting x-rated content.
*Repeated failure to deliver trades, contests, and commissions that feature services or goods within Cheshire Species [ChS] realm of control. 



**Explanation:** 

Permanent bans can be applied to any privilege see **4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette**. Permanent bans are the loss of one or more privileges forever (ex: Discord or Design Approval.)

**How should getting a Permanent Ban make me feel?** 
“I have broken the TOS or rules so badly that I have completely lost one or multiple privileges and have been permanently banned from one or more parts of the ARPG. I know this is not temporary, but I might still be able to participate in other areas of the ARPG. The mod will tell me what is affected.” 


__**C. Full-Account Bans -  Extreme Infractions**__

**Examples:**  

*Any inappropriate interactions with minors. 

*Coordinated conspiracy to do physical, mental, or financial harm. 

*Stalking and prolonged extreme harassment using the ChS spaces. 

*Any criminal activity. 

**
Explanation:** 
“Full- Account Bans are Cheshire Species [ChS] most extreme punishment. Users with this ban type automatically lose all their ARPG privileges see **4.3b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette**. All items become frozen in the account and become non-transferable. Unlike other ban types, Full- Account Bans cannot be appealed. 


**How should getting a Full account ban make me feel?** 

“I have completely lost all of my ARPG privileges in the group. This may apply to just me but also could extend to my characters and items depending on the situation.”

**Loss of Character ARPG Privilages:** 

The only time Cheshire Species [ChS] chooses to remove ARPG privileges from characters is if the owner who owns them has committed severe harassment or severe scamming. This disciplinary measure is only used in extreme cases where all other discipline has failed.

*If the user continues to attempt to access the community despite already being permanently banned. 

The designs are still the property of the user that owns them, and they may still draw their characters as they see fit. They can be used outside of the Cheshire Species [ChS] world and traded however they like, but the Shirefolk will never be usable in the ARPG. These users are responsible for telling all future owners that the characters have had their ARPG privileges stripped and can only use them as personal characters. In even rare cases, banned users may lose the ability to transfer their Shirefolk out, except through the species owner Cheshiretails.

__**4.4  Ban Etiquette - Appeals**__
All users can appeal bans and decisions unless informed that they are not eligible for appeals at the time of ban sentencing. Appeals cannot be made via anonymous accounts. Please forward all concerns to Cheshiretails on DevaintArt or on Discord unless otherwise specified.
 


__**4.5 Ban or Block Circumvention**__
Creating new accounts to circumvent account bans or loss of ARPG privileges will result in an immediate second ban and no opportunity for ban forgiveness.

 Creating new accounts to circumvent personal blocks by users or Moderators on personal accounts and then using said new account to contact Moderators or users may also receive a warning or permanent ban depending on the intent, content, and severity. Be aware this behavior violates DeviantART [DA]'s terms of service as well. Users and Moderators reserve every right to report offenders.

**This includes but is not limited to the following:**
*Using new accounts to direct message [DM] users.
*Creating public posts on private spaces.
*Creating new accounts to participate in sales, events, and games the blocking user hosts.


__**4.6 Harassment, Bullying, and Report Etiquette**__
Be aware there is nothing we can do if harassment is unrelated to the Cheshire Species [ChS] group, ARPG, or other Cheshire Species [ChS] controlled spaces. Please do not contact us about these incidents; we cannot help. If bullying and harassment are public and there is proof of the poster's identity. Cheshire Species [ChS] will request that posts be removed before taking action; strikes may still be applied depending on the intent, content, and severity. Cheshire Species [ChS] respects that users can use their private accounts and social media to express themselves. Still, if posts are obviously about a user, regardless of platform, we will ask them to be removed. Users may receive a warning or permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. Cheshire Species [ChS] considers harassment and bullying of any kind as a major infraction. See 4.3d Temporary Bans, Permanent Bans, and Full-Account Bans for more details on major infractions. This community is meant to be a fun, safe space, and Cheshire Species [ChS] has a no-tolerance harassment and bullying policy. After reporting a user, please discontinue all interactions with them and allow a Moderator to act as your liaison. For detailed instructions on report etiquette, users can refer to the Contact Us section.
 
**Examples of harassment and derogatory speech:** 
*Identifying someone by their username while explaining a negative experience.
*Speaking negatively about others’ art or persons in the community.
*Begging for art, items, or characters from any user.
*Guilt-tripping others about prizes, characters, money, or opportunities. 
*Spreading rumors and making up lies about other users on social media or public spaces.



__**4.7 Scamming**__
Scamming is when a user offers an in-game item, tangible item, design, or currency for a trade. Another party accepts this user’s offer, and then the user does not deliver on the promise while taking something and giving nothing in return. Cheshire Species [ChS] considers scamming a major infraction. See **4.3d Temporary Bans, Permanent Bans, and Full-Account Bans** for more details on major infractions. Should we find sufficient evidence that the transaction occurred and wasn’t honored, we will do our best to restore your property by issuing a warning, strike, or permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. However, we cannot force refunds or force a user to pay.


__**4.8 Public Blacklisting and Call-Out-Post Policy**__
Cheshire Species [ChS] does not support public blacklists or call-out posts. Cheshire Species [ChS] does not support cancel culture. We will take action against call-out posts if they violate **Section 2: Content Policy** or are considered bullying directly related to ChS spaces. Do not start witch hunts.



__**4.9 Anonymous Accounts**__
Users are not allowed to create anonymous accounts for complaints or concerns. So that users know – anonymous complaints and concerns will be disregarded. If users are uncomfortable reporting themselves, please follow the report etiquette in the Contact Us  section. 
 

__
**4.10 Cheating**__
Cheating includes but is not limited to the following:

*Using multiple Cheshire Species [ChS] accounts.

*Using multiple DeviantART [DA] accounts to join raffles, circumvent one per-user limits, or alter voting results.

*Using multiple accounts to circumvent bans.

*Using popularity to manipulate others in your favor in community voting unfairly.

*Tracing, heavily referencing, or reusing assets from your or others' work throughout multiple activities.

Cheating usually results in a ban from the specific privilege or a full ARPG ban, depending on the incident. Users may receive a warning, strike, or permanent ban depending on the intent, content, and severity. Please don't hesitate to report any cheating or suspicious activity via the Contact Us section. 


__**4.11 Impersonating Moderators**__
Accidentally impersonating Moderators is dangerous for users. Please don't be involved in other people's troubles and act as liaisons. Moderators are in place to keep the community safe and organized. While we understand users wish to help, it often undermines the efforts of our Moderators.


__**4.12  Unofficial Artist Commission Conduct**__
Users can only design or take commissions work for Shirefolk officially on the Masterlist. Please make sure you ask for a Masterlist entry before accepting any art commissions. Breaking this rule can result in the artist and commissioner losing Design Approval privileges. Abuse of this rule can result in a warning or permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity.
Cheshire Species [ChS] reserves the right to refuse or remove artwork for ARPG use if it was acquired in this manner.


=====Section 5:  Art Rules=====

__**5.1  Minimum requirements for submissions**__

It is very important to read the requirements of each event, prompt, or activity you are entering as requirements may be different for that specific one. 

Most standard events and prompts will require a full body image of the focus character with a background of sorts. 

Backgrounds should not be single colors, stock images or images you made in the past. They should be made to match the given prompt and give a clear idea of where the character is. If the background does not meet these requirements then it may be declined.


Fullbody means that 75% of the focus character is showing. If not enough of the character is showing then the submission may be declined.

__**5.2 Visual Modifiers**__


**Note:** This rule only applies to art being submitted for official activities.


If a Shirefolk participates in Official Activities and Design Approval, visual modifiers/additional traits must be unlocked on the Masterlist to be approved if the Visual Modifiers/traits are present in the art. If users draw characters showing visual modifiers they have yet to unlock; they may be declined.

**Visual Modifiers refer to:**
*Added traits
*Redesigned characters


 
__**5.3 Reusing Assets and Tracing**__
Reusing assets and Tracing is considered cheating. **See 4.10 Cheating section Section 4**. Community Conduct for more details. This rule can extend to other elements if those elements are visually required for the activity.

**Examples:**
 *Users cannot make assets like trees, flowers, or rocks and use them in multiple activities.
 *Users cannot make assets like stock images of pets, scenery, or background characters and use them in multiple activities.




__**5.4a Bases and Reusing Assets**__
**Base:** Lineart that has minor changes made to it.
 
**Art Asset:** Any part of a drawing - Reusing an asset means the user reused a portion or all of a picture for future artwork.
Assets that have already been previously submitted and bases should not be used for prompts or activities unless otherwise allowed in the events requirements. 

Art Assets can not be resubmitted multiple times and be counted for in-game currency. 

**Example:** You drew your Fetterling under a starry night sky. You submit this art for in game currency via the Cheshire Species website submission system. You can not then erase that Fetter and draw your Degil (or any character) on that same background art and submit the art as having a background. This background also may not be used in any other prompt or event. 

**Bases and YCH submissions:** Users can turn in art they made on bases that were drawn by themselves. They may also turn in art they made with Your Character Here [YCH] commissions, trades, or gifts. However these bases and YCH’s must be listed as such in your submission on the site via clicking the checkbox that says “Base or YCH piece”. These submissions receive a different amount of currency than those that were drawn individually and uniquely each time. 
Bases may also not be used for event, prompt, activity, or game participation unless otherwise stated.
**Note:** Users are not able to submit pieces for in-game currency if the base or YCH was not created by said user. 


__**5.5b Heavily Referencing and Tracing**__

**Heavily Referencing:** Copying someone's artwork by eye by drawing the whole thing yourself without guidelines or tracing.

**Tracing:** Using your own or someone else's art as guidelines to guide your lines to create an artwork.

Heavily Referencing is not allowed in the group nor can it be submitted for in game currency. 

Tracing is not allowed in the group nor can it be submitted for in game currency.


__**5.6 AI art or written works**__

Any works be they written or visual that were made in part or in whole by AI (artificial intelligence) generators will not be allowed in the group. 

These works will not be allowed to be submitted for in game currency, quests, prizes of any sorts, or any in game gain. 

Submitting AI works will subject the user to the measures listed out in **4.2a Disciplinary Action Etiquette** and **4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette** under **Section 4: Community Conduct**.



=====Section 6:  Activity Rules=====

__**6.1 General Rules**__
**Shirefolk Rules:**

*You must own an official Shirefolk to participate in Activities, unless using an NPC.

*Shirefolk must be in the user's ownership to participate. If Shirefolk are transferred at any time during activity approvals, those approvals become void.

*Only Shirefolk or a Companion with a Masterlist can participate in Activities.

*Designs featured on Shirefolk for activities must be the ‘current design’ listed on the ML.

*All Shirefolk must follow the rules set out in Section 5: Art Rules, 5.1 Minimum requirements for submissions. 

**Usable Forms forms in Activities:**

*Shirefolk Forms

*Anthro Forms


 
__**6.2 Visual Art Rules**__


*All Visual art must follow Section 2: Content Policy


*All Visual art must follow all rules in Section 5: Art Rules unless stated otherwise in the Activity-Specific Rules of the Activity.


*All Activity submissions must follow 5.2 Visual Modifiers.


*No part of Activity Submissions can be traced, heavily referenced, or a base used (unless otherwise specified). 


*Visual art must portray your chosen Shirefolk in a way that answers the task or is relevant to the prompt given.


*Art should be submitted to DeviantART [DA] Gallery, Toyhouse, Twitter, or whatever platform you frequent and then linked to the appropriate entry form or submission place.


*If any other specifications are required for Visual Art, they will be specified in the Activity itself.
 
__**6.3 Written Art Rules**__


*Written art must follow Section 2: Content Policy.


*Written art must portray your chosen Shirefolk in a way that answers the task and is relevant to the prompt.


*Written art is required to be at least 850 words.


*Written art must be submitted to the DA Gallery using Deviantart's "Literature", Toyhouse, Twitter, or whatever platform you frequent and then linked to the appropriate entry form or submission place.


*If any other specifications are required for Written Art, they will be specified in the Activity itself.


__**6.4 Bonus Rules**__

__**6.4a  Companion Bonding**__

Shirefolk can have a companion bonded to them. This will need to be done in order to apply or get Companion Bonuses that are available in prompts, events, games, or activites. To bond your Companion please submit a request on the Cheshire Species [ChS] Website. 

Cheshire Species [ChS] companions can only be bonded to the main species of the Cheshire Species [ChS] world.

__**The current main species are:**__
*Fetterlings

*Seetra

*Degils

*Desert-Gremlins

__**6.4b Companion Bonus in Activities**__
In some activities, a Companion can participate with the Shirefolk they are bonded to said Shirefolk. If users are eligible to use Companions, Users can add Companions in both Visual and Written Art. 
In some activities, Companions award bonuses for being included in the image. If users are eligible to use the Companion, the submission can only be Visual Art. Companions must be visible and identifiable in Visual Art Submissions.

=====Section 7:  Redesigns and Design Updates=====

**Introduction**

Please ensure you have read all of the rules in **Section2: Content Policy** and Section **3: Character Ownership Etiquette**, specifically **3.5 Converting Personal Characters into Shirefolk, Voiding Characters, and Re-Designs**, as these sections pertain to Design Approval. 
Cheshire Species [ChS] reserves the right to decline and remove any and all images, approvals, and history pertaining to Design Approval for any reason at any time. All Design Approvals must follow all Cheshire Species [ChS] rules. All prior redesigns are kept on record in case of file misplacement or in cases of question if a redesign was ever official or not.


__**7.1 Redesign requirements and protocol**__
Redesigns can be done for any character at any time unless otherwise specified by staff due to misconduct, see Section 4: Community Conduct. 


**Original design:** The design that was first ever created for the shirefolk. 

**Redesigns will need to be submitted to the site with the following things in mind:**

-Any and all redesigns must stay with that particular Shirefolk even if not being used. Any attempts to circumvent this will be considered cheating.

-A redesign may not be removed from one Shirefolk and then put on another. 

-A log of all designs that were made and approved for a Shirefolk are being kept for logging purposes and will at some point in the future be added to the Shirefolk's ML page.

-Redesigns DO NOT have to be based off of the original and designs can be scrapped entirely and made anew as the player desires.

-The Original design will always be listed on the Shirefolk's ML page under the 'Original' Tab for record keeping purposes.

-If the Shirefolk has multiple forms unlocked, these forms will need to be approved individually and added onto the ML once this feature is available. At this time this feature is not yet ready but we will update when it is.





__**7.2 Using Design Approval in the ARPG**__

Redesigns are free to do and do not require any items unless traits are being added to a design. If any traits are being swapped out then it will need to be specifically listed on the form that is sent in for the redesign on the Cheshire Species [ChS] website. 
At current there is no limit to how many redesigns a user can do for a design, however, if we feel like the redesign system is being ‘spammed’ then we reserve the right to contact the user in question and place a ‘cooldown’ on the amount of redsigns they can submit in a period of time.

Users can mix visual modifiers and Design Approval to make iconic characters. See **5.2 Visual Modifiers** for more details on how Visual Modifiers affect the Design Approval system. Once a Design Approval is approved and on the Masterlist of the Shirefolk can start using that design in the ARPG. If a design has multiple redsigns then it is important to note that only the design that is listed as the ‘Current’ design on the masterlist can be used for official activities, games, or currency earning. If the design being used does not match the ‘current design’ on the Masterlist then any activities submitted will not be accepted. 


__**7.3 Removing / Changing Approved Designs**__

If a user wishes to remove a redesign from a character, they may ask that the design be changed back to its Original Design at any time, or any other existing redesigns as long as they have permission from that redesign’s creator. 

To do so users simply need to go on the Cheshire Species [ChS] website and submit a request with all relevant information. 

**Relevant information:**

If submitting a redesign:

*Were any traits that are above ‘common’ rarity changed? If yes please list which traits were swapped. Do not list common traits. 

*List if any traits are being added from trait potions or trait items, and if yes then list which ones. 

**Note:** In order to apply any trait potions or trait items to your character, said items will need to be already present in your inventory. If you do not have them in your inventory then the request will be denied.

__**7.4 Design Approval Abuse**__

Due to the nature of redesigns, it is subject to specific abuse and therefore has particular punishments. See **4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette** and **4.3d Temporary Bans, Permanent Bans, and Full Account Bans** for more details on major infractions bans, and privileges.
Cheshire Species [ChS] reserves the right to remove Design Approval privileges if users do not follow all of the Cheshire Species [ChS] rules. Cheshire Species [ChS] considers abusing Design Approval a major infraction; Permanent Bans, and Full Account Bans for more details on major infractions bans, and privileges. Users may receive a permanent ban from the Design Approval service depending on the intent, content, and severity of Design Approval abuse. To report abuse in Design Approval, please see the Contact Us section.

**Examples of Abusing Design Approval Privileges:**

*Using Design Approval to heavily copy, reference, or steal designs. (**7.5a**)

*Using Design Approval to copy a copyrighted character. (**3.6**)

*Submitting Design Approval intentionally mimicking someone's style to harm. (**4.3**)

*Submitting Design Approval with designs with markings that sexualize the design (Example: Adding markings that resemble nipples or other genitalia.) (**2 Prohibited content**)

*Submitting art to Design Approval that you do not have permission to use. (7.5a)

*Harassing or guilt-tripping the mod in the chain. (4.3)

*Spamming the chain with unrelated submissions. (4.1)

__
**7.5a Unauthorized Artwork or Designs in Design Approval**__


Please reach out to us via the Contact Us section if you are the original artist and someone has posted or used your art or heavily referenced your original designs in Design Approval without your explicit permission. After reporting a user, please discontinue all interactions with them and allow a moderator to act as your liaison. For detailed instructions on report etiquette, please take a look at the Contact Us section. Unauthorized Art and Design in Design Approval usually results in a ban from the service or a full ARPG ban, depending on the incident.


__**7.5b Design Approval Ban Evasion**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] uses temporary and full bans from Design Approval to enforce our rules. See **4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette and 4.3d Temporary Bans, Permanent Bans**, and Full Account Bans for more details on major infractions bans, and privileges. Users who create new accounts or use others’ accounts to circumvent Design Approval bans will receive a full account ban. Users aiding in ban evasion may also receive a warning or permanent ban depending on the intent, content, and severity.
Please do not participate in agreements to receive characters from other users to submit Design Approval for them. In some cases, these users commit ban evasion to avoid the particular limitations on their accounts. If users ask you to submit a Design Approval for them, please reach out via Contact Us. 


__**7.6 Submitting Character Art for Design Approvals**__

__**7.6a Submissions**__
Please ask permission from the artist before uploading the art. Ensure all art follows our Terms and Conditions and Rules before uploading the art.

**Submission Rules:**

*Art must be PG-13.

*Art must be full-body.

*Art must be colored.

*Art cannot have a background (unless a simple solid color, or reference sheet style background.).

*Art cannot feature Visual Modifiers that are not unlocked.

*Art cannot include other Shirefolk (Companion or Shirefolk.)

*Art can include up to 2 drawings per slot (To show back/front or accessories/no accessories.)

**Disclaimer:** In no way does Cheshire Species [ChS] claim ownership of images uploaded by its members. Copyright of any works uploaded to this website belongs solely to the original artists. Please ensure all artwork posted is used with permission and properly sourced. If artwork is found to have been wrongfully sourced or Cheshire Species [ChS] is asked to remove images, they will be removed without notification. If you have any more questions, please reach out via Contact Us.

=====Section 8:  Discord Policy=====
**Introduction
**
Welcome to the Cheshire Species [ChS] Discord! We welcome everyone to participate in our public chat rooms. It is a great place to share art, socialize, trade, and talk about Shirefolk or other fun topics! This server is treated as PG-16+ so simple to mild gore is allowed, along with reference to alcohol. There is a strict no NSFW [18+] or suggestive content policy. 
This social/art-sharing server exists as a place for users to enjoy themselves. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming with a focus on character creation and development as well as general fun chatter.

If you enjoy more serious topics, debates, and being pessimistic with a tendency to enjoy difficult or depressing adult conversations, then this server is likely not the best fit for you. While we intend for Discord to be a fun, friendly place, Cheshire Species [ChS] is not responsible for the actions of individual users and has no control over users' private interactions on Discord. Users must strictly adhere to all rules this guideline establishes while using the Cheshire Species [ChS] Discord. 
 
__**8.1 General Rules**__

It is OK to ping Cheshiretails. Only Cheshiretails should ever be pinged in emergencies. Please don't personally DM our Moderators aside from Cheshiretails with questions. Ideally all general species questions should be asked about in the **#faq-and-help channel**, where you will be answered at the next available opportunity. 


For more serious or personal inquiries, please head to the **#faq-and-help** channel and ask to speak with or DM a mod. Do not just DM them without asking in the #faq-and-help channel first as that mod may not be currently available. 

*Cheshire Species [ChS] Rules apply to all Discord channels.

*Users must be 13 years or older to participate in this server; joining while underaged will result in a Full-Account Ban. It is recommended that users be 16 to join or participate however.

*This is an English server. English must be spoken at all times.

*If a user, Moderator, or Owner requests a topic change, it must be respected. Ignoring anyone about a topic change can result in a 24-hour kick or Permanent Discord Ban.


__**8.2 Unacceptable Content**__

*Each channel may have specific rules for posting in said channel. These rules will be listed in the channel's title or in a pin. If content does not abide by these rules, it will be removed.

*Please see **Section 2: Content Policy** for all acceptable content.

*Adult content in any form is prohibited in every channel.

*Negative content and discussions are prohibited in every channel.

*Advertisements in any channel not labeled #trade-resell-swap or #advertisment are prohibited; see rule 8.3 Market Channels below for more details.

*The sharing of outside discord servers in ChS spaces. 


__**8.2a Sensitive Content**__

Please reference **Section 2: Content Policy**, as this section is condensed. Religion, politics, self-harm, and gore/medical procedures will not be discussed at length. These topics are sensitive, and for the sake of others, we ask you to refer to them only in passing. Inappropriate posts will be deleted. Don't discuss sexually explicit topics; users should not make racist, homophobic, or transphobic comments. We welcome everyone and will not tolerate bigotry; users who make intolerant statements will receive a Full-Account Ban.


__**8.3 #trade-resell-swap Channel**__


**Introduction to #trade-resell-swap:** 


The** #trade-sell-swap channel** is for users with Shirefolk, Cheshire Species [ChS] companions, or Cheshire Species [ChS] items that they wish to trade/sell/swap. No other species trades, sales, or swaps should be posted in this channel. See Introduction to #Advertisements channel for more on ads related to other species, one-offs, or other content in general. 
Cheshire Species [ChS] monitors and hosts #trade-sell-swap as a Moderated space for users to buy, trade, and sell characters. We want to be very clear that we are unable to monitor or uphold any TOS or rules from other groups, Closed Species, or artists and as such each user should be diligent in looking into the rules, TOS, and guidelines for any species, art, characters, or goods outside of Cheshire Species [ChS] control.

In the case of users violating rules in other groups we have no say or power over what is or is not done with said offending user in those groups. We take no responsibility for users posting characters ‘on cooldown’ or with other restrictions from other species, groups, or artists in Cheshire Species [ChS] spaces. Nor do we take any responsibility for users seeking characters from other groups while offering Cheshire Species [ChS] characters or items and then accepting a character that is on ‘cooldown’ or with any specific restrictions set by other groups.  Any resulting issues from users breaking terms in other groups is strictly between the offending user and the moderation team of those groups. 

As a consumer it is your responsibility to read and be aware of all rules and TOS for groups or designs you see advertised here in the Cheshire Species [ChS] group, discord server, or other controlled spaces. 

We will not be responsible for any trade reversals or strikes given to users that break rules or TOS set by artists or groups they are interested in gaining characters or art from. 

**Introduction to #advertisements:** 


__**8.3a Market Section Ad Policy**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] characters can be sold for any price seen fit by the current owner regardless of how the character was obtained.

As a point of clarity for our members we wish to allow them and all future purchasers to know what the design was originally purchased for and that price will be listed on the Masterlist entry. This will not however change what the owner may sell the design for as Cheshire Species [ChS] is a ‘Free Range Market’.

Cheshire Species [ChS] monitors and hosts **#advertisments** as a Moderated space for users to buy, trade, and sell art and characters not related to the Cheshire Species [ChS] worlds.

We want to be very clear that we are unable to monitor or uphold any TOS or rules from other groups, Closed Species, or artists and as such each user should be diligent in looking into the rules, TOS, and guidelines for any species, art, characters, or goods outside of Cheshire Species [ChS] control.

In the case of users violating rules in other groups we have no say or power over what is or is not done with said offending user in those groups. We take no responsibility for users posting characters ‘on cooldown’ or with other restrictions from other species, groups, or artists in Cheshire Species [ChS] spaces. Nor do we take any responsibility for users seeking characters from other groups while offering Cheshire Species [ChS] characters or items and then accepting a character that is on ‘cooldown’ or with any specific restrictions set by other groups.  Any resulting issues from users breaking terms in other groups is strictly between the offending user and the moderation team of those groups. 

As a consumer it is your responsibility to read and be aware of all rules and TOS for groups or designs you see advertised here in the Cheshire Species [ChS] group, discord server, or other controlled spaces. 

We will not be responsible for any trade reversals or strikes given to users that break rules or TOS  set by artists or groups they are interested in gaining characters or art from. 

**Uses for the #advertisement Channel:**

*Posting advertisements for commissions.

*Posting trades, or sales for characters not related to the Cheshire Species [ChS] worlds.

*Advertising events you are personally hosting in other spaces.

*Posting seeking Advertisements for Cheshire Species [ChS] characters.


**
Daily Total:** Adverts cannot be posted more than one time in any #advertisement or #trade-resell-swap channels within 24 

**Acceptable Ad Content:**

*Ads offering One-Off original characters.

*Ads offering Shirefolk.

*Ads offering Currency, Cheshire Species [ChS] In-Game Items, Art, or Trades.

*Ads seeking 3-way trades.

*Ads offering Shirefolk in exchange for other CS, Art, or Trades.

*You may not make advertisements for other species in the group, however if you wish to sell/resell an adopt from another Closed Species in the correct ChS discord channel that is fine. 

*You may not use adopt sales/ resales to promote or advertise for other Closed Species or groups.

Example for an acceptable ad for another Closed Species adopt: "Selling this Seetra adopt I made! To learn more about the Closed Species they are part of please DM me!"

Example of an unacceptable ad for another Closed Species adopt: "Selling this Seetra adopt I made! We are an ARPG group that offers X, Y, Z features. To buy this adopt you need to join our website, discord server, ect. We are hosting an event/raffle/giveaway so come check it out here."


**Unacceptable Ad Content:**

*Ads that mention or allude to NSFW [18+] content or themes.

*Ads that feature negative rants and text will be removed.

*Ads that link back to NSFW [18+] content.

*Ads that link to other Discord Servers.

*Ads for other closed species.


__**8.4 Conduct**__

Please look at **Section 4: Community Conduct** for all acceptable conduct.

__**8.4a Spam**__

Spam is not allowed. Spam includes but is not limited to posting repetitive text, posting many images at once, chain messages, or many links that contribute nothing of value to a conversation. It also applies to repeating the same content repeatedly in a short period. 


__**8.4b Warnings, Strikes, and Kicks v.s. Bans**__

Cheshire Species [ChS] use the same warning and strike system it uses for the ARPG; for Discord Privilege infractions. For a full explanation of how privileges and discipline are determined, please look at rules **4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette** and **4.3 Denials, Warnings, Strikes, and Ban Systems**. 

Kicks, in particular, are only used in Discord. The difference between a kick and a ban in Discord is significant. A Moderator may choose to kick users out of the server for a while to give the user time to calm down. Kicks are not warnings or strikes unless specified by a Moderator. Moderators reserve the right to distribute/waive warnings or strikes depending on the intent and severity of the situation. A Moderator also reserves the right to ban any user without three strikes, depending on intent and severity of their infraction. The terms of the discipline will be indicated in the message from the Moderator. Access to the Cheshire Species [ChS] is a privilege, not a right; Cheshire Species [ChS] reserves the right to bar any user from the Discord because it is a non-essential service to participate in the ARPG. Cheshire Species [ChS] Discord privileges are independent privileges from all other ARPG privileges'. Cheshire Species [ChS] Discord strikes do not affect your standing in the group, ARPG, unless the infraction is serious. 

**Note: It can take up to 24 hours or more to receive a notice of a ban or kick. We have a small staff team so please keep this in mind.**

__**How to Appeal Bans:**__

**Read 4.4  Ban Etiquette - Appeals.**

**Discord-Specific Strike Discipline:**

*Strike 1, 24-hour kick or ban.

*Strike 2, repeating rule breaks - warning or banned for one week.

*Strike 3, repeating rule breaks - permanent Discord ban.



__**8.4c Reporting Suspicious Activity and Inappropriate Behavior.**__

Users should read **Section 4: Community Conduct** in conjunction with this section to better understand report etiquette and helpful resources on what our Moderators can do for you. Cheshire Species [ChS]’s Moderators take the health of its Discord community very seriously. If users encounter or see other users violating any of our Discord or ARPG Rules, they should reach out to staff  via the methods listed in Contact Us immediately. Discord is specifically a separate privilege because we try our best to enable everyone to play the ARPG. What Cheshire Species [ChS] does not do, is allow users to have an endless platform to harm others. If you are being bullied in the Cheshire Species [ChS] Discord or receiving inappropriate messages from another user, reach out to staff via the channels listed in the Contact Us section immediately. We have a 0 tolerance harassment policy and a 0 tolerance policy on NSFW [18+] content. 


__**8.5 Derogatory Speech and Harassment**__

Negativity towards any person, Moderator, Owner, work, or topic posted in this Discord will not be tolerated. The environment of this Discord is light-hearted, and general negativity in any form is unwelcome unless it is in passing. Moderators and users are allowed to request topic changes in these situations. This may result in a 24-hour kick or ban, depending on the severity.
 
**Examples:**

*Publicly explaining any negative experience with any person (even out of context).

*Speaking negatively about others art, other CS, or persons (even out of context).

*Begging for art, items, or characters.

*Spreading rumors about other users.

*Guilt Tripping and gaslighting. (**See 8.5a Below**)
 
__**8.5a General Guilt Tripping and Gaslighting and Unacceptable Anti-Social Behavior**__

**Examples:**

*Bringing in information about how you were declined, given a warning, a ban, or a strike for x reason in any channel after receiving discipline.

*Talking about pending approvals repeatedly in any channel after submitting them, effectively rushing the Moderators.

*Talking significantly negatively about yourself to get public sympathy, regardless of that, is the intent: “Of course, I got in trouble; everyone hates me.”

*Lashing against other users or Moderators for explaining the rules: “Don’t tell me I am wrong!”

*Acting gloomy and depressed in any channel for extended periods for any reason. 

*Acting gloomy or making the main topic about you after not being chosen as the winner of prizes, characters, items, or opportunities: “I never win anything. I put in so much effort and time.”

*Saying any person(s) should not be eligible to participate in Activities, Events, or Group related activities in a way.

*Complaining about any topic to the point where it is uncomfortable. (**See 8.7 Below**)

__**8.5b Soap Boxing, Inciting Scenes, and Feedback**__

**Introduction:** 

Since Cheshire Species [ChS] is open during beta, anything can change at any time. Cheshire Species [ChS] provides a space located in the Contact Us Section where users can safely express all their feelings without worrying about censoring themselves. Cheshire Species [ChS], however, does not provide an open forum in the Cheshire Species [ChS] Discord for users to post critical feedback because it has been noted in past experiences both in and out of this group to host a negative and hostile place for staff, other members, and those generally present in the group. This is not an attempt to censor users or their feelings but a necessary rule from experience. Users can express their frustrations about Cheshire Species [ChS] on their personal social media accounts, on private servers, and with friends.

We support users' right to express themselves freely; we do not believe in censorship; we simply ask that users utilize the official means of giving feedback listed in the Contact Us Section. 


**Soapboxing Specific Strike Discipline:**

*Strike 1, A warning and a 1-month kick from the server.

*Strike 2, Indefinite non-contestable permanent Discord ban.
 
__**8.6 Spoilers**__

**General Spoilers:**
Spoilers aren’t fun. Do not spoil TV, Books, Films, or Games, for other users in Discord without applying a spoiler and providing a content warning. Visit Discords Official Tutorial on how to "spoiler" content. All spoilers that will need to be properly given a content working and have discords ‘spoiler’ option applied to it as well as needing to be posted only in the #spoilers-chat channel. Do not post spoilers (filtered or not) outside of this channel.

**Cheshire Species [ChS] Spoilers**:
Do not spoil Cheshire Species [ChS] Scavenger Hunts in any channel. Users who spoil Scavenger Hunts will receive a permanent Discord ban; these bans are not contestable in appeals. 
 
__**8.7 Outside Links and Outside Servers**__

Sharing external servers in the Cheshire Species [ChS] is allowed but must adhere to all the present Cheshire Species [ChS] Rules. See **Section 2: Content Policy** for details on what content is or is not acceptable. If any outside links are deemed inappropriate, this may result in a 24-hour kick or Full-Account Ban, depending on severity.

=====9. Official Artist Relations=====

Official Artists and their services are not attached to Cheshire Species [ChS]. Their agreement exists by and between Cheshiretails and said Official Artist. These artists are not necessarily Moderators of Cheshire Species [ChS], as Cheshire Species [ChS] Cheshiretails employs no one. Official Artists are individual Freelancers that have been allowed to create official Shirefolk. This means that all Official Artists set rules and terms for their services. For more details on the commissioning, purchasing, and practices of Artists, please look at their personal pages.

=====10. Disclaimer=====

While we do our best to be transparent, Cheshire Species [ChS] reserves the right to change/update these rules at any time. Cheshire Species [ChS] may decline anything it sees as unfit for its spaces. We update our rules accordingly, but unfortunately, we don't promise their accuracy, timely updates, nor the duration of specific rules or terms. 

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