This thread documents the history of changes to SOTF's rules over time. These changes are not exhaustively detailed, but any adjustments (and the times when they were done) will be noted in a new post each time they occur.
If you have questions about any of these rule changes, please contact a member of staff.
History of Rule Changes
V9 Pregame rule changes (November 3rd, 2024):
Global Rules
-NEW "catch all" rule that explicitly handles unforeseen events.
-NEW rule regarding rule changes and recording thereof (you're reading this now).
Character Applications & Acceptability
-Rule 4 now also forbids posting in profile threads unless directed.
-Rule 6 now forbids profiles written with LLMs.
-Rule 9 has been edited down for brevity.
Posting & Conflicts
-Rule 3 now specifically says you may report misconduct from members of staff, and references the new rule.
-Rule 5 has been removed and replaced with a new section, below.
(NEW) Discipline & Bans
-This section is composed of the old rules from P&C rule 5 in more depth.
-It also includes more detailed explanations of punishments for rulebreaking, as well as a new system for reporting staff misconduct.
Roleplaying
-Rule 3 now specifies that when a character dies, you must either confirm the death in the thread the character was rolled in, or in a PM to a member of staff.
-Rule 4 now specifies that the no god-modding rule applies to staff NPCs as well as PCs, unless otherwise noted.
-Rule 8 now codifies rules around exiting a thread with characters other than your own.
-Rule 9 now says "required" rather than "encouraged".
-Rule 12 now notes that it is the handler's responsibility to contact staff in advance if they intend on defying the game's IC rules, even if it's not part of an escape attempt.
-Rule 13 now notes that there are no thread limits in pregame, unless otherwise posted.
-Rule 14 now notes that MFTP closes at the end of the version, should there be no endgame.
-NEW rule regarding changes to an area and the etiquette around noting these changes.
-NEW rule regarding in-character area descriptions, and their need to match the staff-provided descriptions + any noted changes.
-NEW rule codifying staff's right to request changes to posts that violate the roleplay rules.
Killing, Dying, Rolls & Cards
-Rule 3 now states that rolls will be conducted publicly in V9 as an experiment.
-NEW rule 4 codifying roll etiquette, both while they are happening and after.
-Old rule 5, current rule 6 now states deaths that go over the deadline cannot be appealed, except in the case of staff error.
-Old rule 6, current rule 7 has removed the text regarding hero deals being a handler's responsibility, as it was already implied and so as to not encourage them at all.
-Old rule 8, current rule 9 now notes that votes cast using a VPN or proxy server will be disqualified.
-NEW rule grants roll protection for handlers who are new to SOTF and have only one character left during the first 1/3rd of the game.
Activity Rules, Inactivity, & Aways
-Rule 3 now notes that you can appeal activity warnings in the event of an error.
-Rule 8 now notes that terminal activity notices can only be appealed in extreme circumstances, and that appeals being granted will be rare. Please use the Away system instead of going inactive!
-NEW rule notes that chatting in the Discord server while Away is fine, but may be scrutinized during an appeal.
Escape Attempts
-Rule 1 now notes that escape attempts have to be submitted via board PM, NOT Discord.
-Rule 6 now bars former members of staff that have recently left the team from attempting escapes.
-NEW rule now notes that escape attempts MUST follow the plan that was submitted, and any deviations have to be re-approved.
Weapons, Possessions, & Supplies
-NEW rules now note the acceptability of battery operated devices, a student's personal belongings, and whether or not those items will be left to them during the game.
-NEW rule codifies weapon suggestions during pregame, and notes that a handler will be notified if their suggestion was accepted.
Code of Conduct
-NEW rule codifying roll etiquette as part of the Code of Conduct.
SOTF Account & Honesty Policies
-Rule 2 now notes that accessing the site through VPNs as well as proxy servers is also forbidden.
Character Adoption
-Rule 1 now notes that adoption bids are placed anonymously.
Global Rules
-NEW "catch all" rule that explicitly handles unforeseen events.
-NEW rule regarding rule changes and recording thereof (you're reading this now).
Character Applications & Acceptability
-Rule 4 now also forbids posting in profile threads unless directed.
-Rule 6 now forbids profiles written with LLMs.
-Rule 9 has been edited down for brevity.
Posting & Conflicts
-Rule 3 now specifically says you may report misconduct from members of staff, and references the new rule.
-Rule 5 has been removed and replaced with a new section, below.
(NEW) Discipline & Bans
-This section is composed of the old rules from P&C rule 5 in more depth.
-It also includes more detailed explanations of punishments for rulebreaking, as well as a new system for reporting staff misconduct.
Roleplaying
-Rule 3 now specifies that when a character dies, you must either confirm the death in the thread the character was rolled in, or in a PM to a member of staff.
-Rule 4 now specifies that the no god-modding rule applies to staff NPCs as well as PCs, unless otherwise noted.
-Rule 8 now codifies rules around exiting a thread with characters other than your own.
-Rule 9 now says "required" rather than "encouraged".
-Rule 12 now notes that it is the handler's responsibility to contact staff in advance if they intend on defying the game's IC rules, even if it's not part of an escape attempt.
-Rule 13 now notes that there are no thread limits in pregame, unless otherwise posted.
-Rule 14 now notes that MFTP closes at the end of the version, should there be no endgame.
-NEW rule regarding changes to an area and the etiquette around noting these changes.
-NEW rule regarding in-character area descriptions, and their need to match the staff-provided descriptions + any noted changes.
-NEW rule codifying staff's right to request changes to posts that violate the roleplay rules.
Killing, Dying, Rolls & Cards
-Rule 3 now states that rolls will be conducted publicly in V9 as an experiment.
-NEW rule 4 codifying roll etiquette, both while they are happening and after.
-Old rule 5, current rule 6 now states deaths that go over the deadline cannot be appealed, except in the case of staff error.
-Old rule 6, current rule 7 has removed the text regarding hero deals being a handler's responsibility, as it was already implied and so as to not encourage them at all.
-Old rule 8, current rule 9 now notes that votes cast using a VPN or proxy server will be disqualified.
-NEW rule grants roll protection for handlers who are new to SOTF and have only one character left during the first 1/3rd of the game.
Activity Rules, Inactivity, & Aways
-Rule 3 now notes that you can appeal activity warnings in the event of an error.
-Rule 8 now notes that terminal activity notices can only be appealed in extreme circumstances, and that appeals being granted will be rare. Please use the Away system instead of going inactive!
-NEW rule notes that chatting in the Discord server while Away is fine, but may be scrutinized during an appeal.
Escape Attempts
-Rule 1 now notes that escape attempts have to be submitted via board PM, NOT Discord.
-Rule 6 now bars former members of staff that have recently left the team from attempting escapes.
-NEW rule now notes that escape attempts MUST follow the plan that was submitted, and any deviations have to be re-approved.
Weapons, Possessions, & Supplies
-NEW rules now note the acceptability of battery operated devices, a student's personal belongings, and whether or not those items will be left to them during the game.
-NEW rule codifies weapon suggestions during pregame, and notes that a handler will be notified if their suggestion was accepted.
Code of Conduct
-NEW rule codifying roll etiquette as part of the Code of Conduct.
SOTF Account & Honesty Policies
-Rule 2 now notes that accessing the site through VPNs as well as proxy servers is also forbidden.
Character Adoption
-Rule 1 now notes that adoption bids are placed anonymously.