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 //Please refer to the Table of Contents to the right for specific links to relevant sections.// //Please refer to the Table of Contents to the right for specific links to relevant sections.//
  
-====4.1 Reporting====+=====4.1 Reporting=====
  
 ===4.1a Anonymous Reporting=== ===4.1a Anonymous Reporting===
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-====4.2 Disciplinary Code====+=====4.2 Disciplinary Code=====
  
-===4.2a Disciplinary Action Etiquette==+===4.2a Disciplinary Action Etiquette===
 Starlight Commons [SLC] believes in second chances, but we also believe in appropriate discipline. Depending on the situation, Starlight Commons [SLC] employs disciplinary measures depending on the intent, content, and severity of the infraction. Official warnings, strikes, or bans are delivered via a private message on [[https://toyhou.se|Toyhouse]] from the [[https://toyhou.se/StarlightCommons|Starlight Commons ToyHouse Account]]. Starlight Commons [SLC] believes in second chances, but we also believe in appropriate discipline. Depending on the situation, Starlight Commons [SLC] employs disciplinary measures depending on the intent, content, and severity of the infraction. Official warnings, strikes, or bans are delivered via a private message on [[https://toyhou.se|Toyhouse]] from the [[https://toyhou.se/StarlightCommons|Starlight Commons ToyHouse Account]].
  
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 **All ARPG Privilege Types** **All ARPG Privilege Types**
-\\ - ARPG Privileges | Allows users to submit to all [[Activities]], [[Expeditions]], and [[Missions]].+\\ - ARPG Privileges | Allows users to submit to all [[Navigation Hub|Tasks]], [[Activities]], [[Expeditions]], and [[Missions]].
 \\ - Event Privileges | Allows users to participate in [[Events]].  \\ - Event Privileges | Allows users to participate in [[Events]]. 
 \\ - Discord Privileges | Allows users to access and interact in the Starlight Commons Discord. \\ - Discord Privileges | Allows users to access and interact in the Starlight Commons Discord.
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-====4.3 Denials, Warnings, Strikes, and Ban Systems====+=====4.3 Denials, Warnings, Strikes, and Ban Systems=====
  
-===4.3a Denials=== +^ 4.3a Denials ^^ 
-When something is submitted to the Starlight Commons ARPG and it may not follow the rules or something is missing, they might have their submission denied. When they are denied, the reason for the denial will be explained by the approving moderator.+|  {{denial.png?125|Astrali Denial Reaction}}  | \\ \\ **How should I feel if I get a denial?** \\ //"I have made a small mistake or accidentally broken a rule; the Mod is telling me how to fix it. I am not in trouble.// |
  
-Denials are NOT disciplinary or recorded unless it is explicitly stated that it is a warning because of a repeated offense. A denial is a moderator simply trying to remind the user of the rules and asking them to resubmit.+**Appeals** 
 +\\ Disciplinary actions at this level cannot be appealed because they are not considered severe. However, users may ask questions if they believe a notice was issued in error or if they need clarification on what must be corrected.
  
-===4.3b Warnings=== +**Explanation** 
-Warnings are the first level of the official disciplinary system, and are often given when a user has been told multiple times about an issue by a moderator but no changes have been made to correct the issue. A warning can also be given if the flagged issue's content calls for an immediate warning.+\\ Users should not assume that direct replies from Moderators are official warnings. A user may be contacted by the [[https://toyhou.se/StarlightCommons|Official StarlightCommons ToyHouse]], or via a direct message, about a rule violation. These denials are not disciplinary and are not logged unless explicitly stated. In these cases, the Moderator is simply informing the user that an issue needs to be repaired or that a rule was accidentally broken.
  
-Warnings are given in an official capacity to warn the user that the continued repetition of their error could result in a strike if the behavior continues. A user can receive up to three (3) warnings before higher disciplinary action is taken, like the removal of some or all ARPG privilege's listed in **4.2a Disciplinary Removal of Privilege**. +**Examples** 
 +\\ - Submitted art doesn't follow the three-limb rule or other game rules. 
 +\\ - [[Stellaborn]] is missing the necessary Form, Mutation, or Design Approval. 
 +\\ - Accidentally submitted art with excessive swearing.  
 +\\ - Reusing assets without realizing it wasn't allowed.
  
-The amount of warnings given to a user ARE recorded, but will reset at the beginning of each Calendar Year.+^ 4.3b Warnings ^^ 
 +|  {{warning.png?125|Astrali Warning Reaction}}  | \\ **How should I feel about a warning?** \\ //"I have repeated an offense after having it explained to me once, or I have broken multiple rules, and the Mod has given me a warning. I am not in trouble, but if I do this exact thing again, I will get another warning. If it is terrible, I could get a strike, depending on what I did. If I never do it again, this will never be a problem. It was just a misunderstanding, but now I know."// |
  
-===4.3c Strikes=== +**Appeals** 
-Strikes are the second level of the official disciplinary system. A user may receive a strike for being given three warnings for the same issue, or if the flagged content calls explicitly for a strike as discipline. +\\ Disciplinary actions at this level cannot be appealed because they are not considered severe. However, users may ask questions if they believe a warning was issued in error or if they need clarification on what must be corrected.
  
-Strikes are given in an official capacity to warn the user that if they continue perpetuating the problem, the user will receive a ban. Users can receive up to two strikes, but the third strike **will result in a permanent ban** from some or all of the ARPG privilege's listed in **4.2a Disciplinary Removal of Privilege**. +**Explanation** 
 +\\ Warnings are the first level of the disciplinary system. A user receives a warning when they have been spoken to once or multiple times by a Moderator with no observed improvement, or when the issue clearly calls for a warning as the appropriate response. Users can receive up to three warnings on any given topic before it is escalated. The third incident may result in a temporary ban from some or all ARPG privileges or a strike, depending on intent, content, and severity. All warnings expire 12 months after the date they are issued.
  
-The amount of strikes given to a user ARE recorded, but will reset at the beginning of each Calendar Year.+**Examples** 
 +\\ - Continuously breaking specific art rules/game rules more than three (3) times. 
 +\\ - Accidentally guilt-tripping and/or harassing in the official Starlight Commons Discord, ToyHouse World, or DeviantArt Group.  
 +\\ - Forgetting to send a trade/sale or complete owed work within a reasonable time.
  
-Starlight Commons **will NOT** tolerate consecutive strikes if the issues are relevant to one another, and reserve the right to escalate problems to permanent or full bans at any time.+^ 4.3c Strikes^^ 
 +|  {{strike.png?125|Astrali Strike Reaction}}  | \\ **How should I feel about a strike?** \\ //"I have repeated an offense and/or broken multiple rules even after receiving a warning. Alternatively, I did something quite bad, and it was serious enough that I got a strike. I didn't lose any privileges, but I'm in trouble. If I do this thing again, I could get another strike or, worse, be banned, depending on what I did. The strike will disappear after a year if I never do it again. I should be more careful."// |
  
-===4.3d Temporary Bans=== +**Appeals** 
-Temporary bans are given for any repeated minor infraction, unless the flagged issue calls explicitly for a temporary ban as punishment. Temporary bans can range in length from anywhere between 30 days to a year long, depending on the intent, content, and severity.+\\ Disciplinary actions at this level may be appealed. Users may request a review if they believe the decision was made in error, or if they need clarification on what rule was applied and what is required moving forward. For appeal information, see [[Community Behavior#4.4 Ban Etiquette - Appeals|Section 4.4 Ban Etiquette - Appeals]].
  
-Starlight Commons reserves the right to extend or escalate bans after the initial sentencing. See **4.4 Ban Etiquette | Appeals** for more information.+**Explanation** 
 +\\ Strikes are the second level of the disciplinary system. A user may receive a strike after three consecutive warnings, or when the situation warrants a strike without additional warnings. A strike is a formal notice that continued behavior may result in a ban. In most situations, Starlight Commons [SLC] will issue a warning before escalating to a strike. Users may receive up to two strikes. A third incident will likely result in a permanent ban from some or all ARPG privileges, depending on intent, content, and severity. Starlight Commons [SLC] does not tolerate repeated, related strikes and reserves the right to escalate directly to permanent or complete bans at any time when warranted. Strikes expire 12 months after the date they are issued.
  
-===4.3e Permanent Bans=== +**Examples** 
-Permanent bans are given for any major infraction, and can be applied to one or more of the ARPG privilege's listed in **4.2a Disciplinary Removal of Privilege**. Permanent bans are the loss of one or more of these privileges forever.+\\ - Intentionally breaking specific art rules and game rules to gain an advantage. 
 +\\ - Extreme hostility toward Moderators and/or users in any official space (Official Starlight Commons Discord, ToyHouse World, DeviantArt Group). This does not include personal blocks described in **Section 4.2c Ban Etiquette | Moderators** and **4.2d Ban Etiquette | Users** above. 
 +\\ - Ignoring a Moderator's warning on purpose. 
 +\\ - Public and/or private harassment. (Severe cases will not receive warnings) 
 +\\ - Character theft. 
 +\\ - Failure to deliver a trade, contest, or commission involving services or goods within Starlight Common [SLC]'s realm of control.
  
-===4.3f Full-Account Bans=== +^ 4.3d Temporary Bans - Minor Infractions^^ 
-Full-Account bans are the highest and most extreme level of official punishment, and result with the user automatically losing all of their ARPG privilege's. All items owned by the user become frozen in the account, becoming non-transferable. Unlike the other ban types, a full-account ban can **NOT** be appealed.+|  {{tempban.png?125|Astrali Temporary Ban Reaction}}  | \\ **How should I feel about a temporary ban?** \\ //"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 1-12 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 my ban is served. This is temporary; the Mod will tell me what is affected."// | 
 + 
 +**Appeals** 
 +\\ Disciplinary actions at this level may be appealed. Users may request a review if they believe the decision was made in error, or if they need clarification on what rule was applied and what is required moving forward. For appeal information, see [[Community Behavior#4.4 Ban Etiquette - Appeals|Section 4.4 Ban Etiquette - Appeals]]. 
 + 
 +**Explanation** 
 +\\ Temporary Bans may be applied to any privilege; see **Section 4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette**, above. Temporary Bans typically range from one (1) month to one (1) year, depending on intent, content, and severity. Starlight Commons [SLC] reserves the right to extend a ban or escalate disciplinary action if issues continue after the ban is served. 
 + 
 +**Examples** 
 +\\ - Making call-out posts targeting another user within Starlight Common [SLC]'s realm of control. 
 +\\ - Publicly speaking poorly about another user in the official Starlight Commons Discord. 
 +\\ - Causing disruption or soapboxing in the official Starlight Commons Discord. 
 +\\ - Cheating in the ARPG. 
 + 
 +^ 4.3e Permanent Bans - Major Infractions^^ 
 +|  {{permban.png?125|Astrali Permanent Ban Reaction}}  | \\ **How should I feel about a permanent ban?** \\ //"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."// | 
 + 
 +**Appeals** 
 +\\ Disciplinary actions at this level may be appealed. Users may request a review if they believe the decision was made in error, or if they need clarification on what rule was applied and what is required moving forward. For appeal information, see [[Community Behavior#4.4 Ban Etiquette - Appeals|Section 4.4 Ban Etiquette - Appeals]]. 
 + 
 +**Explanation** 
 +\\ Permanent Bans may be applied to any privilege; see **Section 4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette**, above. A permanent ban is the permanent removal of one or more privileges, such as Discord Privileges or Design Approval Privileges. 
 + 
 +**Examples** 
 +\\ - Intentional, repeated cheating. 
 +\\ - Coordinated harassment or bullying. 
 +\\ - Scamming. 
 +\\ - Conspiracy to scam. 
 +\\ - Linking directly to unfiltered 18+ content. (See **[[Content Policies|Section 2: Content Policies]]**. 
 +\\ - Intentional and/or repeated character theft. 
 +\\ - Consistent failure to deliver trades, contests, or commissions involving services or goods within Starlight Common [SLC]'s realm of control. 
 + 
 +^ 4.3f Full-Account Bans - Extreme Infractions^^ 
 +|  {{accountban.png?125|Astrali Account Ban Reaction}}  | \\ **How should I feel about a full-account ban?** \\ //"I have completely lost all of my ARPG privileges, and the Mods have gone to extreme measures to revoke my access to the site and the community. This might apply to just me, but it can extend to characters depending on the situation."// | 
 + 
 +**Appeals** 
 +\\ Disciplinary actions at this level cannot be appealed. 
 + 
 +**Explanation** 
 +\\ Full-Account Bans are the most severe disciplinary action. Users with this ban type automatically lose all ARPG Privileges. See **Section 4.2b Removal of Privilege Types Etiquette** above. Items on the account become frozen and non-transferable.  
 + 
 +//⚠︎ NOTE: In extremely severe cases, Starlight Commons [SLC] may remove ARPG privileges from specific characters. This is only considered in situations involving severe harassment or severe scamming, and only when all previous disciplinary actions have repeatedly failed. This may also apply if a user continues attempting to access the community after being permanently banned. Affected designs remain the property of the owner and may still be drawn as personal characters. These characters may be used outside Starlight Commons [SLC] and may be traded externally, but they will never be usable within the ARPG. The owner is responsible for informing any future owner that the character's ARPG privileges have been removed. In rare situations, banned users may also lose the ability to transfer [[Stellaborn]] from their account, except through the **[[Service Desk]]**. In extremely rare cases, Starlight Commons [SLC] may also restrict Ownership Updates entirely.//  
 + 
 +**Examples** 
 +\\ - Inappropriate interactions with minors. 
 +\\ - Bestiality. 
 +\\ - Coordinated attempts to cause physical, mental, or financial harm. 
 +\\ - Stalking or prolonged, extreme harassment. 
 +\\ - Criminal activity. 
 +\\ - Spamming pornography. 
 +\\ - Bot, AI, or hacked accounts.
  
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-====4.4 Ban Etiquette | Appeals====+=====4.4 Ban Etiquette - Appeals=====
 Users may appeal bans and Moderation decisions unless they are explicitly informed at the time the action is issued that an appeal is not available. SLC is always open to respectful appeals and will review them in good faith. Formal apologies may be included alongside an appeal and will be considered as part of the review process. Appeals may not be submitted through anonymous accounts. To submit an appeal, visit [[Advanced Support]] at the [[Service Desk]] under **Ban Appeals**. Users may appeal bans and Moderation decisions unless they are explicitly informed at the time the action is issued that an appeal is not available. SLC is always open to respectful appeals and will review them in good faith. Formal apologies may be included alongside an appeal and will be considered as part of the review process. Appeals may not be submitted through anonymous accounts. To submit an appeal, visit [[Advanced Support]] at the [[Service Desk]] under **Ban Appeals**.
  
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-====4.5 Ban or Block Circumvention====+=====4.5 Ban or Block Circumvention=====
 Creating new accounts to bypass account bans or to regain ARPG Privileges will result in an additional immediate prohibition, with no eligibility for ban forgiveness. Creating new accounts to bypass account bans or to regain ARPG Privileges will result in an additional immediate prohibition, with no eligibility for ban forgiveness.
  
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-====4.6 Harassment, Bullying and Report Etiquette==== +=====4.6 Harassment, Bullying, and Report Etiquette===== 
-**Important Note:** Starlight Commons can do nothing if the harassment has nothing to do with Starlight Commons or the spaces it controls, the harassment is posted by a non-member, or if an anonymous account posts the harassment. Please do not try to contact us about this incident as there is nothing we can do about it. +Starlight Commons [SLC] can take action when harassment involves Starlight Commons [SLC] spaces, [SLC] users, or [SLC]-related activity. Starlight Commons [SLC] may also take action when public harassment targets a Starlight Commons [SLC] user and violates another platform's Terms of Service.
  
-If the bullying and harassment is public and there is proof of the poster's identity along with their interaction in Starlight Commons spaces, strikes may be applied depending on the intent, content, and severity. Starlight Commons respects that users can use their private accounts and various social media to express themselves, but if the posts are obviously about a user (like a call-out post), regardless of platform, we will ask them to be removed before moving on to further action. +If harassment is unrelated to Starlight Commons [SLC], posted by a non-user, or posted by an anonymous account with no confirmed identity, Starlight Commons [SLC] cannot take action. Starlight Commons [SLC] also cannot moderate private venting in personal DMs or on private servers outside Starlight Commons [SLC]. However, if there is clear evidence of coordinated harassment, stalking, scamming, or a conspiracy to cause harm to a Starlight Commons [SLC], [SLC] may still take action, depending on the intent, content, and severity.
  
-This community is meant to be a fun, safe space, and Starlight Commons holds a no-tolerance harassment and bullying policy. Starlight Commons considers harassment and bullying of **any type** as a major infraction, which would result in the lowest form of discipline being **4.3e Permanent Bans**.+**Public Etiquette Reminder** 
 +\\ In general, users should not discuss or vent about other users in public spaces. Public call-outs, indirect posts, and hostile commentary often escalate conflict and may be treated as harassment depending on the situation.
  
-After reporting a user, please cease all interactions with them and allow a moderator to act as your point of contact. For detailed instructions on Starlight Commons report etiquette, please refer to our [[Service Desk]].+**Post Removal Requests** 
 +\\ Starlight Commons [SLC] may request the removal of harassing content posted in Starlight Commons [SLC] spaces or on other platforms when the content violates that platform's Terms of Service. Even if content is removed, strikes or bans may still apply depending on intent, content, and severity.
  
-**Examples of Harassment and/or Derogatory Speech:** +**Disciplinary Severity** 
-\\ - Publicly identifying someone by their username while explaining a negative experience. +\\ Harassment and bullying are major infractions. See **4.3d Temporary Bans, Permanent Bans, and Full-Account Bans** for more information. 
-\\ - Speaking negatively about others' art or a person in Starlight Common spaces. + 
-\\ - Begging for art, items, and/or characters. +**Reporting** 
-\\ - Guilt-tripping moderators about prizes, money, or opportunities. +\\ See **[[Community Behavior#4.1 Reporting|Section 4.1 Reporting]]** for more details on the reporting process. 
-\\ - Spreading rumors and/or lies about others on social media or Starlight Commons spaces.+ 
 +**Examples of Harassment and Derogatory Speech** 
 +\\ - Naming or identifying another user, directly or indirectly, while describing a negative experience in a public space, even if the post is vague, but the person's identity can still be reasonably determined. 
 +\\ - Insulting, mocking, or speaking negatively about another user's art or personal character. 
 +\\ - Begging for art, items, or characters. 
 +\\ - Guilt-tripping others about prizes, characters, money, or opportunities. 
 +\\ - Spreading rumors or making false claims about other users on social media or in public spaces.  
  
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-====4.7 Scamming==== +=====4.7 Scamming===== 
-Scamming is when a user offers a Starlight Commons ARPG item, tangible item, design, or currency but does not follow through with their side of the trade when another party accepts. Starlight Commons considers scamming a major infraction, which would result in the lowest form of discipline being **4.3e Permanent Bans**.+Scamming or theft occurs when a user takes items, currency, designs, or other value from another party and fails to deliver what was agreed upon. This includes any exchange in which one side receives something and the other receives nothing. Scamming also includes misleading another user about the source, authenticity, ownership, or legitimacy of the exchange.
  
-If Starlight Commons was presented with sufficient evidence that the transaction occurred 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 can NOT force refunds or force a user to pay.+Scamming and theft are major infractions. See **Section 4.3d Temporary Bans, Permanent Bans, and Full-Account Bans** for disciplinary outcomes. If Starlight Commons [SLC] finds clear evidence that a transaction occurred and was not honored, [SLC] may issue a warning, strike, temporary ban, or permanent ban, depending on intent, content, and severity. Starlight Commons [SLC] may also attempt to restore lost property when possible. However, Starlight Commons [SLC] cannot force refunds, require payment, or compel a user to return money. See **[[Community Behavior#4.1 Reporting|Section 4.1 Reporting]]** for more details on the reporting process.
  
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-====4.8 Public Blacklisting and Callout Posts==== +=====4.8 Public Blacklisting and Callout Posts===== 
-Starlight Commons does not support public blacklists or callout posts, as we do not support cancel culture. We will take action against callout posts if they violate [[Content Policies|Section 2: Content Policies]] or are considered bullying directly related to Starlight Commons. +Starlight Commons [SLC] does not support public blacklists or call-out posts. Starlight Commons [SLC] does not support cancel culture. [SLC] may take action against call-out posts when they violate [[Content Policies|Section 2: Content Policies]], are considered harassment directly related to our group, or violate the Terms of Service of other platforms. See **[[Content Policies#2.1 Defining Realm of Control|Section 2.1 Defining Realm of Control]]** for details on where Starlight Commons [SLC] can take action. See **[[Community Behavior#4.1 Reporting|Section 4.1 Reporting]]** for more details on the reporting process.
  
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-====4.9 Anonymous Accounts==== +=====4.9 Spamming or Trolling===== 
-Starlight Commons does not accept complaints or concerns from anonymous accounts, and any made through these methods will be disregarded. If users are uncomfortable reporting themselves, please follow the report etiquette in the [[Service Desk]].+Spamming and trolling take up significant space while contributing no content to the group or Starlight Commons [SLC]. Spamming and trolling may result in a temporary or permanent ban from the Starlight Commons [SLC] spaces, like the DeviantArt Group, ToyHouse World, or Discord. See **[[Community Behavior#4.1 Reporting|Section 4.1 Reporting]]** for more details on the reporting process.
  
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-====4.10 Cheating==== +=====4.10 Cheating===== 
-Cheating usually results in a ban from the specific privilege the cheating took place or a full ARPG ban depending on the flagged event. Users may receive a warning, strike, or permanent ban depending on the intent, content, and severity. Please do not hesitate to report any cheating or suspicious activity in our [[Service Desk]].+Cheating typically results in a warning, a strike, a temporary ban, or a permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. Please report suspected cheating or suspicious activity by opening an [[Advanced Support]] ticket at the [[Service Desk]]. See **[[Community Behavior#4.1 Reporting|Section 4.1 Reporting]]** for more details on the reporting process.
  
-**Examples of Cheating can include but is not limited to:** +**Examples of Cheating can include, but are not limited to:** 
-\\ - Using multiple accounts to claim [[Stellaborn]]. +\\ - Using multiple accounts to join raffles, circumvent one-per-user limits, or alter voting results. 
-\\ - Using multiple accounts to join raffles, or circumvents ARPG limits. +\\ - Using multiple accounts to circumvent bans. 
-\\ - Having someone else enter a raffle for you to circumvent entry limit rules to win a design. +\\ - Using popularity or social pressure to influence community voting unfairly. 
-\\ - Using popularity to manipulate others in your favor to make a community voted decision in your wishes. +\\ - Tracing, heavily referencing, or reusing assets from your own or another user's work across multiple activities.  
-\\ - Tracing, heavily referencing, or reusing assets from you or others works.+ 
 +===4.10a Drawing Uniqueness Requirements=== 
 +Maintaining very consistent or repetitive poses and backgrounds across multiple submissions may result in a user's work being declined. Starlight Commons [SLC] encourages users to keep drawings visually distinct to avoid this. If images are too similar, they may fall under one of three categories: Bases/Reused Assets, Heavy Referencing, or Tracing. This rule is not meant to accuse users of wrongdoing, but to guide submissions toward uniqueness and prevent situations where the Moderator might interpret repeated elements as intentional cheating. Reusing assets, such as bases, repeated poses, or limb placements; heavily referencing official images; and tracing are not allowed. While this rule primarily applies to [[Stellaborn]] drawings, it can extend to other elements if they are visually required for the activity, such as reusing the same line art of a bush or a tree. Users will receive a warning before any instance of this behavior is treated as cheating. Reusing drawings or assets in this way across multiple submissions can be considered cheating in some contexts. 
 + 
 +===4.10b Reusing Assets=== 
 +Reusing assets refers to creating pre-made elements, such as body parts, facial features, characters, or background objects, and repeatedly inserting them into multiple artworks. This includes copying, pasting, or otherwise reusing the same drawn elements rather than creating them fresh for each piece.  
 + 
 +Users may not create assets and reuse them across multiple images. Each submission must be an entirely new, original artwork and may not be assembled from previously created components. This rule also applies to backgrounds, even if they are resized, recolored, or slightly modified. 
 + 
 +For example, creating a set of trees, flowers, rocks, or other environmental elements and placing them into multiple activities is not permitted. Likewise, character-based assets, such as [[Roamkin]] or [[Collectibles]], may not be reused more than once within the same image or across different images. Even if adjustments are made, repeated use of the same base asset still counts as asset reuse. This rule intends to ensure that each artwork represents a complete, original effort rather than a composition built from previously created elements.  
 + 
 +===4.10c Heavy Referencing=== 
 +Heavy referencing and copying occur when artwork is inspired by existing art to the point that it appears similar. This can happen unintentionally when users repeatedly and consistently draw nearly identical backgrounds or poses for simple characters. 
 + 
 +This may include reusing the same visual elements in very similar placements across multiple works, even if those elements are redrawn each time. For example, repeatedly drawing a house and a tree in the same positions with a scene, even if the artwork is flipped, resized, or redrawn, it can still be considered heavy referencing if it is on multiple submissions. 
 + 
 +===4.10d Tracing=== 
 +Tracing is the practice of using existing artwork as a direct guide for drawing, either by drawing directly over the original image or closely following it by eye. Even when portions of the image are altered, such as changing details, colors, or flipping the image, the underlying structure of the original work can often still be identified.  
 + 
 +This includes situations where poses, proportions, or line placements match the source too closely to be coincidental. For example, recreating a character by following the exact outline, pose, or silhouette of another artist's work, or your own work, even if the character design or environment is changed, would still be considered tracing. Because tracing relies heavily on the original artwork's structure, it limits originality and can result in works that are effectively copies. 
 + 
 +For these reasons, we strongly discourage tracing for official [[Navigation Hub|Tasks]] and encourage artists to use references as learning tools rather than direct templates. 
  
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-====4.11 Artist Crediting System==== +=====4.11 Impersonating Moderators===== 
-Starlight Commons hosts the ability to credit the artist on the art that is posted on the [[https://toyhou.se/StarlightCommons|Starlight Commons Masterlist]], and it should be used appropriately. The credit must be the member's username from their preferred social media location.+Impersonating Moderators, even accidentally, can create serious confusion and place users at risk. Please do not get involved in other users' conflicts or act as a liaison. Moderators are responsible for keeping the community safe, organized, and handled fairly. While we understand users may want to help, intervening often escalates situations and can undermine Moderator-led resolution. 
  
 -------- --------
  
-====4.12 Unofficial Artist Commission Conduct==== +=====4.12 Commission, Sale, and Trade Etiquette===== 
-Users can only design or take commission work for [[Stellaborn]] officially on the [[https://toyhou.se/StarlightCommons|Starlight Commons Masterlist]]. Please make sure you ask for a Masterlist link before accepting any art commissions, as breaking this rule can result in the loss of design approval privileges from both artist and commissioner. Abuse of this rule can result in a warning, strike, or permanent ban depending on the intent, content, and severity.+**Disclaimer:** Starlight Commons [SLC] and their Moderation team take no responsibility for the management or fulfillment of user-to-user commissions, sales, and trades. If you encounter scams, harassment, or inappropriate behavior related to commissions, sales, or trades, please see **Section 4.12c Dispute Policy, Commissions, Sales, and Trades** below.  
 + 
 +**Best Etiquette** 
 +This section is a guide to the do's and dont's of commissions. It outlines best practices for safe and fair transactions, as well as reportable behaviors. These guidelines are not enforced as rules. 
 +  
 +\\ - **Clarity before Starting** | Clients should provide precise details before a commission, and all details should be confirmed with the artist before work begins to avoid miscommunications or disputes. 
 +\\ - **Payment Terms** | Payment terms for commissions or sales should be agreed upon before work begins, including whether payment is due in full upfront, half upfront, or upon completion. All payments should be made through secure methods, such as PayPal, where refunds can be processed easily should a commission not be delivered. 
 +\\ - **Communication** | Both clients and the artist should communicate regularly and respectfully through any sale process.  
 +\\ - **Revisions and Changes** | Artists should clearly define how many revisions a commission can have before additional costs are incurred. 
 +\\ - **Clear Refunds and Cancellations** | Cancellation policies should be agreed upon before work begins. 
 +\\ - **Respect Boundaries** | Artists and clients should clearly state boundaries. Harassment, threats, or abusive messages directed at either party are unnecessary. Any behavior of the like can fall under [[Community Behavior|Section 4: Community Behavior]] and may be reportable.  
 +\\ - **State Deliverable Timelines** | We do not recommend taking longer than 30 to 90 days to complete commissions, as any longer can affect the availability for refunds. Communication is key. 
 +\\ - **Properly Credit Work** | Artists can showcase completed commissions unless asked otherwise by the client. Clients should credit the artist when sharing the work publicly. 
 + 
 +===4.12a Unofficial Artist Commission Conduct=== 
 +Users may only design [[Stellaborn]] or accept commission work for officially listed [[Stellaborn]] on the [[https://toyhou.se/StarlightCommons|Masterlist]]. Before accepting any [[Stellaborn]]-related commission, artists and clients must confirm that the [[Stellaborn]] is on the Masterlist. Violations of this rule may result in the artist and/or the client losing Design Approval Privileges. Repeated or intentional abuse may result in a warning or a permanent ban, depending on the intent, content, and severity. 
 + 
 +Starlight Commons [SLC] also reserves the right to refuse or remove artwork from ARPG use if it was obtained through this method. 
 + 
 +===4.12b Common Scams and Unsafe Transactions=== 
 +Despite best efforts, scams do occur, and the examples below are reportable under the rules. If any of these happen within the community, contact the [[Service Desk]]. There is no time limit on reporting a failed transaction. Even if Starlight Commons [SLC] cannot recover items, money, or characters, reporting misconduct helps keep the community safe. 
 + 
 +**DANGEROUS TRANSACTIONS** 
 +\\ ⚠︎ **Paying with SLC Characters or Items** | When trading or exchanging Starlight Commons [SLC] characters or in-game items, never send your portion without seeing proof of the transfer being placed. Doing so can lead to disputes. If one party fails to honor the trade, [SLC] can intervene to ensure items and characters are transferred as agreed. 
 + 
 +⚠︎ **Paying with Real-Life Money or Goods** | When trading, selling, or commissioning artwork of characters using real-life money, physical items, or other valuables, never complete your part of the transaction or trade before receiving payment or goods. Doing so can lead to disputes. Starlight Commons [SLC] cannot intervene in these cases unless it is Starlight Commons [SLC] characters or items; users must resolve any issues directly through payment services, banks, postal services, or other legal avenues.  
 + 
 +⚠︎ **PayPal "Friends and Family" Payments** | When using PayPal for commissions or sales, do not use the "Friends and Family" option. Refunds are much harder to obtain if any issues arise; always use "Goods and Services" or an invoice for better protection. 
 + 
 +⚠︎ **Three-Way Trades** | Three-way trades involving three or more users in a single trade often create complicated, irreversible issues. Moderators typically cannot resolve disputes caused by these trades. They are strongly discouraged, even when they are not always scams. 
 + 
 +**SCAMS** 
 +\\ ⚠︎ **Currency Conversion** | Currency conversion confusion can occur when a listing is posted in one currency, but the seller later requests additional payment due to exchange rates or fees. For example, an agreed price may change after the agreement due to currency fluctuations. This can be misleading and may be reportable if it results in unexpected price changes after an agreement is made.  
 + 
 +⚠︎ **Non-Refundable Deposits** | Be cautious of non-refundable deposits.  
 + 
 +⚠︎ **Platform Fee Shifting** | Some sellers ask buyers to cover platform or payment-processing fees in addition to the agreed price. These fees are the seller's responsibility to account for. Requests to add processing fees, whether made during or after an agreement, are reportable. If you, as an artist, would like to have fees covered, include them in the original sale price. 
 + 
 +⚠︎ **Selling Non-Transferable Items** | Some items are marked as Account-Bound [AB] and are not transferable. Users should report attempts to trade or sell these items to the [[Service Desk]]. 
 + 
 +===4.12c Dispute Policy, Commissions, Sales, and Trades=== 
 +**Disclaimer:** Starlight Commons [SLC] does not provide reimbursement for commissions, sales, trades, or payments conducted through third parties. Starlight Commons [SLC] cannot mandate refunds, enforce payments, or force a user to return money. See **[[Community Behavior#4.1 Reporting|Section 4.1 Reporting]]** for more details on the reporting process. 
 + 
 +Starlight Commons [SLC] does not enforce or endorse complex agreements made between users, especially those difficult to uphold across multiple owners or over long time periods. For transfer and re-design rules, see **[[Character Ownership Etiquette#3.5 Converting Personal Characters into Stellaborn, Voiding Characters, and Redesigns|Section 3.5 Converting Personal Characters into Stellaborn, Voiding Characters, and Redesigns]]**.  
 + 
 +**Before you Trade or Sell** | Users should not sell items or characters they do not entirely own. Always verify that [[Stellaborn]] are transferable before trading.  
 + 
 +**When you can Request Help** | Users may contact Starlight Commons [SLC] about item or character refunds after 90 days, provided communication has stopped entirely. For details on what is reportable, please see [[Community Behavior|Section 4: Community Behavior]] 
 + 
 +**What SLC Can and Cannot Do** 
 +Starlight Commons [SLC] does not mediate standard commission disputes, payment disagreements, or creative differences between users. However, users should still report abusive behavior, malicious trades, ghosting, or repeated bad-faith conduct. Reports help Starlight Commons [SLC] identify patterns and take action when necessary. If there is clear evidence that a transaction occurred and was not honored within [SLC]'s Realm of Control, Starlight Commons [SLC] may issue warnings, ARPG strikes, or bans, depending on the intent and severity. In cases involving only Starlight Commons [SLC] ARPG items and [[Stellaborn]], Starlight Commons [SLC] may also restore property when possible. 
 + 
 +--------- 
 + 
 +=====4.13 Unofficial Stellaborn and Masterlist Etiquette===== 
 +**What is an Unofficial [[Stellaborn]]?** 
 +\\ An unofficial [[Stellaborn]] is any [[Stellaborn]] design that: 
 +\\ - Does not have a [[https://toyhou.se/StarlightCommons|Masterlist]]. 
 +\\ - Exists publicly, but has not been used in Design Approval. 
 + 
 +**Core Rule** 
 +\\ Users may not create or share unofficial [[Stellaborn]] in public. All [[Stellaborn]] designs must be created for an existing Masterlist slot with the intent of being applied to it through Design Approval.  
 + 
 +**The following breaks this rule:** 
 +\\ - Making [[Stellaborn]] designs "just for fun" with no plan to apply them, or for a future [[Stellaborn]] that does not exist yet.  
 +\\ - Hosting Design contests where only one design will be used, or repurposing the designs for other Masterlist slots that do not yet exist. 
 +\\ - Posting a full [[Stellaborn]] design publicly before it has been approved. 
 +\\ - Creating designs as trades or commissions for users who do not yet have a Masterlist slot. 
 + 
 +**Where can I share design concepts before a Masterlist exists?** 
 +\\ Unapproved [[Stellaborn]] may only be shown in the Official Starlight Commons Discord in the correct channels. They may not be posted in other [SLC] spaces or on public platforms/galleries until they are properly approved. 
 + 
 +**Private Work** 
 +\\ This rule does not apply to private, unposted work. Starlight Commons [SLC] cannot moderate headcanons, DMs, or private spaces. If we discover unofficial [[Stellaborn]] posted publicly, we ask that it be removed.  
 + 
 +**Repeated Violations** 
 +\\ Repeated or intentional violations may result in content removal and further disciplinary action, including the loss of Design Approval privileges. Disciplinary measures will be determined based on intent, content, and severity.
  
-Starlight Commons reserves the right to refuse or remove artwork if it was acquired in this manner.+**Why this Rule Exists** 
 +\\ This keeps the Masterlist accurate, protects design ownership, prevents unauthorized [[Stellaborn]] from circulating, and helps prevent scams.
community_behavior.1781650868.txt.gz · Last modified: by pallet