Rules

Rules & Information

Welcome to Takashima RP (TRP). These rules exist to keep the SandboxRP environment fair, immersive, and enjoyable for everyone.

Unlike many roleplay servers, TRP is entirely player-driven: businesses, politics, law, and even crime are run by the community. Because of this, the rules serve more as a framework for realism and fair play rather than rigid restrictions.

Breaking these rules may result in sanctions ranging from warnings to permanent removal from the community. Rules marked as major violations can lead to immediate and severe punishment.

Terminology

This section lists the most common terms and abbreviations used in Takashima RP (TRP). Understanding them will help you follow staff instructions, communicate with other players, and keep roleplay consistent.

IC (In-Character)

Anything your character says, does, or experiences inside the world of TRP. IC is your character’s reality.

OOC (Out-of-Character)

Communication or actions outside of your character. This includes global OOC chat, Discord, or speaking as yourself rather than as your character.

LOOC (Local Out-of-Character)

Short OOC chat visible only to nearby players (used for clarifications, quick questions, or coordination).

Metagaming

Using OOC information in IC situations. For example: acting on knowledge you read in Discord or on the wiki that your character has no way of knowing in-game.

Powergaming

Forcing actions on another player without giving them a chance to respond, or performing unrealistic, overpowered actions.

Godmodding

Portraying your character as invincible or superhuman (e.g. dodging every attack, ignoring injuries, or having abilities that break immersion).

FailRP

Roleplay that breaks immersion or realism. Example: treating severe injuries as minor, or behaving in a way no real person would in a given situation.

AvoidRP

Escaping or preventing a roleplay situation unfairly (logging off to avoid arrest, hiding in safezones, or refusing to engage when consequences are due).

FearRP

Acting with realistic fear of consequences. Example: your character should fear weapons, police authority, or dangerous situations instead of ignoring them.

Void / Voiding

Cancelling an RP situation as if it never happened. Voiding is typically done by staff if a rule is broken or if all parties agree.

F2B (Fade to Black)

Skipping or summarizing a scene instead of playing it out in detail. Example: skipping the exact details of a long surgery, or ending a scene early with everyone’s consent.

ERP (Erotic Roleplay)

Roleplay involving sexual or erotic content. Usually forbidden in public RP servers due to maturity concerns and lack of consent frameworks.

Permissions

Special allowances for escalating RP (assault, kidnapping, mugging, injuries, or kill perms). These are governed by the permissions section of the rules.

SandboxRP

The philosophy of TRP: a fully player-driven roleplay environment without NPCs controlling progression. Businesses, politics, crime, and institutions are all run by players.

Faction

An out-of-character framework (e.g. Crime, Business, EMS, Education, Public Administration, Clergy) that regulates how in-character groups are recognized and managed.

A. OUT-OF-CHARACTER (OOC) RULES

These rules govern player behavior and conduct outside of roleplay, including community interactions, platform usage, and technical requirements.

A.1 Community Standards

Rules governing respectful communication, behavior expectations, and community interaction principles.

A.1.A - Respectful Communication

All members must maintain respectful and civil communication across all platforms (in-game, Discord, forums etc). Harassment, discrimination, hate speech, or toxic behavior.

A.1.B - English Language Requirement

Primary communication must be conducted in English to ensure effective moderation and inclusive community participation. Brief phrases in other languages are acceptable, but extended conversations must be in English.

A.1.C - Staff Authority & Decisions

Staff decisions are final and must be respected. Arguing with staff publicly, attempting to undermine staff authority, or "staff shopping" (asking multiple staff for different answers) is prohibited.

A.1.D - Honest Reporting & Communication

Players must provide truthful information to staff and community members. Creating false reports, lying during investigations, or providing misleading information will result in severe consequences.

A.1.E - Server Advertisement Prohibition

Advertising other Minecraft servers, Discord communities, or competing platforms is strictly forbidden. This includes subtle recruitment attempts or comparative discussions intended to draw players away. Except with authorization from the staff team.

A.1.F - Community Representation

Players represent the TRP community in all interactions. Behavior that reflects poorly on the community, including actions on other platforms or servers, may result in consequences within TRP.

A.1.G - Constructive Feedback

Criticism and feedback should be constructive and presented through appropriate channels. Public complaints, drama-mongering, or attempts to incite community unrest are prohibited.

A.2 Platform Conduct

Rules covering account security, ban evasion prevention, and appropriate behavior across all TRP platforms.

A.2.A - Account Security & Responsibility

Each player is fully responsible for all actions taken on their account. Account sharing, lending credentials, or allowing others to access your account is prohibited.

A.2.B - Ban Evasion Prevention

Using alternate accounts, VPNs, proxy services, or other methods to circumvent suspensions, bans, or other disciplinary measures is strictly prohibited.

A.2.C - Personal Information Protection

Sharing personal information (real names, addresses, phone numbers, school/work details) of yourself or others is prohibited. This includes both public sharing and private harassment.

A.2.D - Platform-Appropriate Behavior

Content and behavior must be appropriate for each platform. Discord conduct rules apply in Discord, forum rules apply in forums, and in-game rules apply in-game.

A.2.E - Spam & Flooding Prevention

Excessive posting, message flooding, character spamming, or other disruptive communication patterns are prohibited across all platforms.

A.2.F - Alt Account Limitations

Players may only use alternate accounts but must disclose all alternate accounts when asked. Secret alts or undisclosed characters are prohibited.

A.2.G - External Platform Conduct

Behavior on external platforms (other Discord servers, social media, forums etc...) that directly relates to or impacts the TRP community may be subject to moderation review.

A.3 Technical Guidelines

Rules regarding client modifications, bug reporting, server performance, and technical integrity.

A.3.A - Prohibited Client Modifications

Use of hacked clients, exploitative mods, or any third-party software that provides unfair advantages is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: X-ray, flight hacks, speed modifications, auto-clickers, or combat assistance.

A.3.B - Approved Modifications

Quality-of-life modifications such as Optifine, JEI, minimaps (without player/entity radar), and cosmetic shaders are permitted. When in doubt, consult staff before installation.

A.3.C - Bug Reporting Obligation

Discovered bugs, glitches, or exploits must be reported immediately to staff through proper channels. Failure to report or exploitation of known bugs is prohibited.

A.3.D - Server Performance Respect

Activities that intentionally lag the server, create excessive entities, or overload server systems are prohibited.

A.3.E - Game Integrity

Players must not attempt to duplicate items, abuse game mechanics for unintended advantages, or manipulate the server economy through technical exploits.

A.3.F - Connection Stability

Players are expected to maintain stable connections when possible. Intentional disconnection to avoid roleplay consequences or repeatedly connecting/disconnecting to disrupt gameplay is prohibited.

A.3.G - Third-Party Services

Use of Discord bots, external applications, or other third-party services that interact with TRP systems requires prior staff approval.

B. IN-CHARACTER (IC) RULES

These rules define standards for character creation, roleplay quality, and in-character interactions within the Takashima RP environment.

B.1 Character Development

Rules defining character creation standards, physical characteristics, naming conventions, and character consistency requirements.

B.1.A - Human Characters Only

All characters must be realistic human beings with standard human limitations and capabilities. Supernatural abilities, non-human entities, or fantasy elements are not permitted. Exceptions are made for staff-played roles such as Kamis for the Clergy faction.

B.1.B - Realistic Physical Characteristics

Characters must have realistic human physical features including appropriate height, weight, age appearance, and natural human skin tones. Extreme or unrealistic appearances are prohibited.

B.1.C - Appropriate Character Names

Character names must be realistic and culturally appropriate. Names of famous persons, inappropriate references, joke names, or obviously fictional names are prohibited.

B.1.D - Age Requirements & Consistency

Characters must consistently portray their stated age through appearance, behavior, and decision-making.

B.1.E - Background & Backstory Realism

Character backgrounds must be realistic and believable. Overly tragic, dramatic, or unrealistic backstories that would not occur in real life are discouraged though not banned, just write it well.

B.1.F - Character Consistency

Characters must maintain consistent personalities, mannerisms, and behavioral patterns. Major personality changes require gradual development through roleplay.

B.1.G - Skill & Knowledge Limitations

Characters cannot be experts in multiple unrelated professional fields without proper justification. Professional knowledge must be demonstrated and developed over time.

B.2 Roleplay Standards

Rules establishing quality expectations for roleplay interactions, realism requirements, and immersion standards.

B.2.A - Realistic Actions & Responses

All character actions must be realistic and appropriate to the situation. Characters should respond to events as real people would, with appropriate emotional reactions and logical decision-making.

B.2.B - Fear & Self-Preservation (FearRP)

Characters must display realistic fear and self-preservation instincts when faced with dangerous situations, weapons, authority figures, or life-threatening scenarios.

B.2.C - Injury & Pain Roleplay

Injuries must be roleplayed realistically with appropriate pain responses, limitations, and recovery times. Severe injuries require medical attention and ongoing effects.

B.2.D - Emotional Authenticity

Characters should display genuine emotional responses to traumatic events, relationships, losses, and significant life events. Unrealistic stoicism or indifference breaks immersion.

B.2.E - Environmental Awareness

Characters must acknowledge and respond to their environment, weather conditions, time of day, and surrounding events. Ignoring obvious environmental factors is prohibited.

B.2.F - Powergaming Prevention

Forcing actions upon other players without allowing them to respond, or performing unrealistic superhuman feats is strictly prohibited.

B.2.G - Godmodding Prevention

Characters cannot be invincible, dodge every attack, or possess abilities beyond normal human capabilities. All characters have realistic limitations and vulnerabilities.

B.3 Interaction Guidelines

Rules governing communication methods, metagaming prevention, consent boundaries, and proper interaction protocols.

B.3.A - Communication Channel Usage

Use appropriate communication channels for their intended purpose. IC chat for character speech, OOC for out-of-character coordination, and LOOC for brief in-scene clarifications.

B.3.B - Metagaming Prevention

Information gained through out-of-character means (Discord, forums, streams, previous characters etc) cannot be used in-character. Characters must learn information through realistic in-character interactions.

B.3.C - Consent & Boundaries

All players have the right to establish boundaries for their roleplay experience. Respect Fade to Black (F2B) requests and do not pressure players into uncomfortable scenarios.

B.3.D - Void Usage Limitations

Voiding (cancelling roleplay scenarios) can only be done for rule violations or with unanimous consent from all involved parties. Personal preference is not grounds for voiding.

B.3.E - Roleplay Avoidance Prevention

Players cannot avoid roleplay consequences by logging off, switching characters, hiding in safe areas, or refusing to engage when consequences are due.

B.3.F - Interaction Initiation

All interactions should begin with proper context and escalation. Sudden aggressive or intimate interactions without buildup should be realistic to the situation and character motivations.

B.3.G - Character Recognition

Characters can only recognize others through realistic means such as distinctive features, voices, mannerisms, or previous interactions. Mundane clothing or temporary appearance changes do not guarantee recognition.

B.3.H - Erotic Roleplay Prohibition

Explicit sexual roleplay (ERP) is strictly prohibited. Sexual intercourse may occur through Fade to Black (F2B) only. Any detailed description of sexual acts is forbidden. Use appropriate euphemisms such as "we made love" or "we did the thing" when referring to such activities.

B.3.I - Mature Content Consent Requirements

Mature themes (such as excessive graphic violence, mild sexual references, alcohol abuse, drug use, etc.) may only be included in roleplay if all participants are at least 16 years old and have given their explicit consent through OOC means. These elements must serve to enrich the story or add depth to the characters. They must never be used in an excessive, abusive, or senseless way.

C. SPECIALIZED SYSTEMS

These rules cover specific gameplay systems including combat mechanics, business operations, political structures, and criminal activities.

C.2 Business & Economics

Rules governing business operations, economic activities, employment practices, and commercial transactions within the player-driven economy.

C.2.A - Business Operations Realism

All businesses must operate realistically with appropriate overhead costs, supply chains, staffing requirements, and market limitations. Businesses cannot generate unlimited resources without realistic justification.

C.2.B - Employment Standards

Employment relationships must be conducted realistically with appropriate wages, working conditions, and contractual agreements. Both employers and employees must fulfill their roleplay obligations consistently.

C.2.C - Economic Competition

Business competition through pricing, marketing, negotiations, and market strategies is encouraged. Anti-competitive practices such as monopolization, price fixing, or market manipulation are permitted but must face realistic consequences.

C.2.D - Financial Transactions

All business transactions, loans, investments, and financial dealings must be conducted through realistic means with appropriate documentation and consequences for defaults or fraud.

C.2.E - Regulatory Compliance

Businesses must operate within established in-character laws and regulations. Regulatory violations are permitted but must face appropriate legal and economic consequences when discovered.

C.2.F - Business Development

Business expansion, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships must be conducted realistically with appropriate timeframes, resources, and stakeholder involvement.

C.2.G - Economic Impact Responsibility

Large-scale economic activities that could significantly impact the server economy require consideration of realistic market effects and cannot be conducted solely for OOC advantage.

C.3 Politics & Governance

Rules governing political parties, electoral processes, public administration duties, and democratic participation within the Takashima political system.

C.3.A - Political Party Standards

Political parties must maintain realistic platforms, ideologies, and organizational structures. All party activities and discourse must be conducted realistically according to the party's established character and goals.

C.3.B - Electoral Process Realism

Elections must follow realistic consequences and procedures. Vote buying, intimidation, and corruption are permitted as roleplay elements but must be conducted realistically with appropriate risks of discovery and legal consequences.

C.3.C - Public Office Responsibilities

Elected officials and public administrators must fulfill their duties realistically and professionally. Official decisions should be made in-character based on political ideology, public interest, or personal character motivations.

C.3.D - Campaign Conduct

Political campaigns must be conducted realistically. Personal attacks, harassment, or spreading false information about opponents are permitted as roleplay elements but must be realistic and face appropriate consequences if discovered.

C.3.E - Government Transparency

Public officials must roleplay transparency realistically based on their character and situation. Secret dealings and corruption are permitted but must face realistic risks of discovery and consequences.

C.3.F - Political Corruption Limitations

While political corruption may be roleplayed for story purposes, it must be done realistically with appropriate risks and consequences. Corruption should serve narrative purposes rather than personal advantage.

C.3.G - Democratic Process Realism

All participants in political roleplay must engage realistically with democratic institutions. Attempting to subvert or destroy political systems is permitted but must be conducted through realistic means with appropriate consequences and risks.

C.3.H - Legislative Limitations

Elected parties and officials may not enact, modify, or repeal laws that violate OOC rules or contradict constitutional provisions. All legislation must comply with server rules and constitutional framework regardless of electoral mandate. Certain exceptions can be made for events.

C.4 Criminal Activities

Rules governing criminal behavior, illegal enterprises, law enforcement interactions, and consequences within the sandbox crime system.

C.4.A - Criminal Realism Requirements

All criminal activities must be conducted realistically with appropriate planning, risk assessment, and consequences. Criminal acts should have logical motivations and face realistic law enforcement response.

C.4.B - Criminal Enterprise Operations

Criminal organizations must operate with realistic hierarchies, territories, revenue sources, and internal conflicts. Criminal businesses must face appropriate risks from law enforcement and rival groups.

C.4.C - Law Enforcement Interaction

Criminals must respond realistically to law enforcement presence and authority. While resistance and corruption are permitted, interactions must reflect realistic power dynamics and consequences.

C.4.D - Violence and Escalation

Criminal violence must be properly motivated and escalated through realistic means. Random violence without purpose or motivation disrupts the narrative flow and immersion of criminal roleplay.

C.4.E - Territory and Jurisdiction

Criminal territorial disputes, turf wars, and jurisdictional conflicts must be conducted through realistic means with appropriate escalation, negotiation, and resolution methods.

C.4.F - Criminal Evidence and Investigation

Criminal activities must account for realistic evidence trails, witness testimony, and investigative procedures. Criminals should take appropriate precautions and face consequences when evidence is discovered.

C.4.G - Rehabilitation and Consequences

Criminal characters must face realistic long-term consequences for their actions, including imprisonment, reputation damage, and opportunities for character development through rehabilitation or escalation.

D. CONFLICT & CONSEQUENCES

Forget complex permission rules. In Takashima, actions have realistic consequences. Your goal isn't to "win" but to tell a great story. Think: "What would happen in real life?"

D.1 The Golden Rules

1. Have a Reason: Never attack or cause trouble without a good In-Character (IC) reason. "For fun" or OOC grudges are not reasons.
2. Be Realistic: Your character isn't a superhero. They feel fear, get hurt, and can die. Roleplay injuries and fear properly.
3. Actions Have Consequences: Violence attracts police. Attacks create enemies. Your reputation matters.

D.2 The Three Contracts of Conflict

Who you are fighting changes the rules. These are the three "contracts" that define conflict.

The Street Code (Criminal vs. Criminal)

Who It's For: Anyone with the Criminal Status (see definition below).

The Deal: You chose this life. You know the risks. The rules of civil society do not protect you from other criminals.

The Rules: Almost anything goes—kidnapping, fights, turf wars—as long as it's realistic and has a good IC reason. You can escalate conflict quickly and severely.

Example: A gang member can shoot a rival gang member over a territory dispute without needing to issue a prior warning.

The Social Contract (Criminal vs. Civilian)

Who It's For: A party with Criminal Status and a party without it.

The Deal: Civilians are granted a heightened expectation of safety. Criminals cannot randomly attack them and must provide a clear way out.

The Rules (The Escalation Ladder):

1. 1. Set Terms: Make a demand and provide an IC Identifier. This is a piece of information that can be directly and realistically linked back to you or your group, providing a starting point for retaliation or police investigation. It MUST be unique. Examples: stating your full name, your gang's name, showing your unmasked face, displaying unique gang tattoos, or presenting a custom weapon known to belong to your faction. Generic threats like "we will find you" are NOT sufficient.
   2. Give a Choice: Let the civilian comply or run away. Anonymous threats are not allowed.
   3. Escalate: If they refuse or attack you, you can then respond with greater force.

⚠️ BREACHING THE CONTRACT: If a civilian initiates an unprovoked attack or criminal threat (e.g., trying to mug a criminal), they void The Social Contract and immediately gain Criminal Status for the duration of the scene. They are now treated under The Street Code and can be met with immediate, disproportionate force.

The Civil Accord (Civilian vs. Civilian)

Who It's For: Two parties without Criminal Status.

The Deal: Solve your problems like normal people in a civil society.

The Rules: Use words, lawsuits, or business competition. Fistfights are okay if there's a big argument, but no weapons or killing without a massive, well-established IC reason and OOC consent.

Example: You can have a bar fight over an insult. You cannot kidnap someone for outbidding you at a business.

D.3 Defining Criminal Status

Criminal Status

A character is considered to have Criminal Status if they are a known member of a criminal organization or a known individual who regularly and willingly participates in serious illegal activities for profit, power, or organizational gain.

What This Means (No Ambiguity)

• This is NOT about one-time crimes. A character who shoplifts once or gets in a single bar fight is not a "criminal" under this definition.
• This IS about a pattern of behavior or affiliation. A character is under The Street Code if they:

• Are a known, recognized member of any group focused on crime (gang, mafia, syndicate, crew).
• Regularly engage in activities like armed robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, kidnapping, or organized violence.
• Have a public reputation (on the street, with police, in the news) as a dangerous individual or gangster.

• You cannot claim "I'm not a criminal" if you are in a gang. Affiliation alone grants this status.
• You cannot avoid consequences by claiming "this is my first time". If you are committing a serious, premeditated crime like armed robbery, you are acting as a criminal and are subject to The Street Code.

How to Know ICly?

You can only treat someone as a criminal if you have solid, realistic In-Character knowledge of their status. This can include:

• Seeing them commit a serious crime (e.g., armed robbery, violent assault, drug deal).
• Knowing their affiliation with a known gang or criminal organization (e.g., they wear gang colors, are introduced as a member, are found in a gang's turf).
• Having credible information from a reliable IC source (e.g., a police bulletin, a trusted informant, a news report).

You cannot assume someone is a criminal based on OOC information, their skin, their name, or unverified rumors alone.

The Gray Zone & Initial Contact

If you do not know someone's criminal status, you must begin all interactions under The Civil Accord.

The moment you receive confirmed, realistic IC proof of their criminality (e.g., they pull out a weapon to mug you, they identify themselves as part of a gang, you see them commit a serious crime), you may immediately switch to applying The Street Code.

Example: A guy in a suit bumps into you. You can't just stab him. If he then pulls a gun and says "This is Snake Pit territory, pay up," you now know his status and can respond under The Street Code.

E. ENFORCEMENT & APPEALS

These rules outline how violations are handled, the appeal process, and measures taken to protect the community.