# Chat Rules

### Bypass / Swearing

* This refers to modifying a filtered word with symbols, numbers, or letters in order to get around the chat filter. For example, if “noob” was a filtered word, saying “N00B” or “No\*b” would be considered bypass.
* You are allowed to use up to 50% of these words, however, the rest of the word must be censored. For example, “N\*\*b” or “nb” is allowed, if no disrespect rules are broken. Failure to properly censor a word will result in punishment. 
* The use of racial slurs in any form is prohibited.
* Swearing is allowed in private messages unless disrespect rules are broken or if it’s reported, which is dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

### Spam

* Spam is approximately four messages in a row without another player’s message in between. While this is the general guideline, this rule may be enforced differently on a case-by-case basis. Deliberately irritating others with chat spam will result in punishment.
* In addition to spam messages, spamming players with commands such as: /tpa, /msg, /mail, or /pay is not allowed.
* Encouraging other players to spam is also punishable. For example, saying: “The first person to count to ten in chat wins 10k!”

### Impersonation

* Impersonation is the act of pretending to be another person for the purpose of entertainment or fraud.
* Impersonating a staff member is prohibited and offenders will be strictly punished.
* Impersonating a player is usually allowed, however, it will be up to staff discretion on imposing punishment in the case that a player reports it.

### Flood

* Flooding is the use of excessive repeated or random characters. Sending a message with approximately 8 or more repeated or random characters is technically considered flood (but not necessarily punishable). This is the general guideline, but the rule may be enforced differently on a case-by-case basis. Intentionally flooding the entire chat will result in punishment.
* For example, saying “;iufgbhsb3499ynjdls”

### Excessive Caps

* Sending a message with 8 or more capital letters is technically considered excessive (but not necessarily punishable). This is the general guideline, but the rule may be enforced differently on a case-by-case basis. 
* Repeated use of messages with capitalized letters over the limit will result in punishment.

### Language

* We only use English due to the limited staff members, and a lack of bilingual members. 
* Main chat is limited to English only, to protect people from unseen or easy-to-miss insults, bullying, etc. 
* Continued use of a foreign language in main chat will result in punishment. 
* You may use other languages in private messages or island chat.