Rule Clarification Update 8/19/18

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 19 Aug 2018, 19:10

Post any questions or clarification you need on the rules here. We'll clarify them as best we can. Any questions here will be added to the list.

The answers will ONLY be given by headstaff.

Shitposting in here = Forum ban

This is not a place for debating or arguing rules, this is for clarification. You post a question or situation, you get a response. Debates/Arguments = Forum Warn + Post Deletion. If you need additional clarification that's fine, but don't debate/argue.

Past FAQs: updated/relevant

► Show Spoiler

When is it ok to go SSD or Logout? - If you go SSD or Ghost without going to cryo, you may recieve a job-ban. After the deployment, you should still go to Cryo, but there is a little more leeway so long as it doesn't become a habit. Remember, if you don't want to play a role, set it in your preferences. You will always receive a job-ban if you ghost/SSD because you didn't like the role. If you're unable to reach cryo, ahelp that you have to leave and you won't be in any trouble.
When boarded by hostiles can everyone arm themselves? - Yes. Each department is equipped with a mini-armor which can be unlocked by the Command Crew, however, try to remember what job you are and act appropriately. A doctor wouldn't want to fight on the front lines as it's their job is to treat wounded/injured marines.
What can general marines build? - Tables and Sandbags. Anything else Marines are restricted from but if you can build it, it's fair game.
What do standard marines know medical wise? - Anything basic Marines have access to is fair use, though most items will go slower when not used by medical personnel. Anything else is Medic and up only.
Do medics know about chemical combinations? - Medics do not know any chemistry, but they know how to use all the drugs and their side effects (ODs, OD Damage, Toxic combinations).
Can engineers bring down extra equipment like batteries and circuits in a separate bag? - Yes, but the bag remains in the FOB. You don't wander around the planet holding the second bag of equipment. You'll need to return to the FOB to retrieve supplies as needed or place them in your worn backpack.
Can the RO order supplies they think they will need at round-start? - Yes, but you should avoid sending down massive supplies with the first drop. Remember, you don't know what the situation is planetside.
When can you take an ID? If it's the moment of life and death. If you need to get through a door, you can take the ID but put/throw it back to the owner, don't take it. You can NOT take IDs to prevent turret damage or to access vendors.
Can I "lend" out my ID? - No. IDs should be kept on you at all times. ID theft can mess with several things so we do not allow theft, borrowing, or loaning at all.
Can Regular Marines setup Turrets? - If they have the knowledge to do so, but they should not be stealing them from Engineers to set them up.
Are Standard Marines allowed to weld stuff? - Yes
Can we used lightly lore-based names? - Generally, no. Something like Ellen Kowalski would be fine, but something like Erin Ripley would not. If it's a COMMON first/last name it's probably acceptable but if a staff member asks you to change your name, you must always CHANGE YOUR NAME.
Can Xenos go hunt for survivors right at round start? - Xenos are aware there are survivors. If they decide to hunt them, they can.

New FAQs:

Is it okay for Standards to loot dead SGs and grab their M56 Harness, Sight and a Powerpack to gain a speed boost and night vision? - No. Normal Marines, or anyone else not trained to use a smartgun, shouldn't be taking the equipment when they can't even it in the first place. Anyone who is trained to use a smartgun can wear the armor, but make sure the person is beyond saving (can't defib) before you take anything off them.
Can Synthetics desert the ship after the Xenos hit via droppod or Normandy without being given explicit orders to do so? - Generally, this is fine. Synths aren't forced to remain on the ships at all time or could go down to protect someone else. That said, a Synth wouldn't really be the first one to jump ship, they want to protect people. This could vary from case-to-case but Synths are free to leave the ship if they wish.
Are there any rules on aliens attacking synthetics? - Aliens are free to attack Synths as they please, though Synths will often try to RP with you in return if you attempt to RP with them.
What is the rule about killing monkeys and other wildlife as a survivor/Marine? - This has never been allowed due to it being a big balance factor for the Xeno and ripe for abuse from some players. Much later in the round, and only later in the round, once Marines have started to be captured/are inside the hive, it can be reasoned that they use the wildlife to reproduce and thus killed. Killing monkeys for any reason outside acidental fire can put you at risk of being in trouble.
How you can detect Metarush and avoid being a commander (queen) that've done a metarush? - This is a rule we really don't try to directly punish people for, unless the player in question caused serious problem or made the round end extremely quickly. In majority cases, we simply put in-game restrictions to prevent so we have a simple and fair system. Usual metarush tactics involve either spearheading all squads to the Xeno hive or Queens (less often) aiming to quickly dispatch squads/emplacements before they can be prepared. That said, this is very much a case-by-case thing.
Can people disarm/steal (or even insubordinate) when there is no MPs? - IC but if you're doing LRP or just being a dick, you will get in trouble. Stealing someone's gun is IC but if you go around stealing stuff from a lot of people, expect OOC repercussions.
Can a marine choose not to deploy and stow away on the ship if they RP cowardice or something of the like? - This is IC and if you want to RP refusing to go down, the MPs can take action if Command has a real problem with it. If you are playing Squad Engineer, Medic, Smartgunner, Spec, or Leader, you are expected to assist your squad. You can't just refuse to deploy without a valid IC reason as not helping would be the same as wasting a slot.
Are Civillians from the Almayer (Doctors, researchers, etc) allowed to leave the FOB whenever they wish? - This is IC, though don't play a doctor who just runs to the frontlines and dies or you will be punished for LRP (Low Role Play).

List of questions from Avalanchee:
- Is it LRP to do things like /me inhales /me exhales, even just once? I had no intentions to be like the guy that emoted every step he made. - You won't get anything more than a warning for doing it once, but given it's become a joke of itself, it's often perceived as LRP/not serious. If you do want to emote something like that, I'd suggest adding some description to it like /me breathes shakily or /me takes a deep breath.
- Snowsuits as a PFC. Powergaming or not? - IC, you can get in trouble for not being in uniform but if it's on the ground to use there's no reason you can't.
- Is using Planetside equipment as a marine LRP? - IC, read above.
- Is stealing a command radio so you can coordinate with other squads better LRP or Powergaming? IC, but you may be arrested if the MPs find out.
- Lowpop and some random MP is arresting someone for something he never did - command doesn't give a damn and there are no admins/seniors online, I want to save the marine - what are my options? - Server rules still apply and there's almost always a staff member online that can assist you. If there isn't anyone online, you can ask for a staff to get onto the server to assist you with a problem via discord.
Is recording games where you play as a Predator and uploading them to YouTube against the rules, or generally "something we'd rather you not do"? - I have no problems with this myself though do ask the Yajuta Council directly about their concerns with it. If they're fine with you posting a video of you playing predator, you're free to do so.
Is using a switchblade to clear weeds against the rules? They clear weeds the same speed surgical tools do. - This is powergaming, yes. Surgical tools don't have a delay to them so Doctors can have the quality of life to do their job without waiting for the action delays. As for switchblades, it's unintended they have no delay on use so don't use them to clear weeds. If the devs step in and nerf them because people abused it, then you're free to use it then.
What are the roles aside from MPs that will get banned if they insubordinate? I am thinking back to times when Xur was banned from SL for insubordination, despite the idea that "SLs must follow orders" isn't written down. - Currently, only MP roles are required to follow Marine Law. That said, Command roles are expected to work in-part with the rest of Command. Everyone is still Human and you're not bound like the Xeno, but a SL shouldn't refuse to follow any orders just because they don't want to. If that is a bad habit of some people, they may be job-banned from the role.
Can you go into detail about the "Ramboing" rule? - Honestly, this rule is rather old and from a time when CM was a lot smaller of a population, and before we had map deterrents built in. It may be just lumped into metagaming to make things easier. Big-Red and Prison are most likely going to have to undergo small updates to help deter early pushes while not hurting late-game. For now, we try to avoid actively hunting people down for meta-rushes and instead are looking for permanent solutions and we ask people to avoid metarushes will staff will also try to keep rounds from ending extremely early.
Being more clear regarding Squad Leaders who just ignore orders from Command - There's been more questions regarding this and I'll put it in a more straightforward explanation. If you're playing SL you can not just refuse to listen to Command's orders. "My headset wasn't working," or, "That order is bad," and excuses of the such aren't valid. Refusing to work with Command as SL is a failure to uphold the role requirements and if you do this you will be given a warning, with future infractions resulting in a ban from SL. This does not mean that SL are slaves to Command's will, you're still human and you can still adapt the plan to fit the situations your squad is in. Also, if you think orders given are "suicidal" for your squad, you can still refuse to comply; THAT SAID, you're still part of the Marines and you're down there to go to war, you can not pull this card over small dangers or things that put someone's life in danger. You're in the USCM to fight and you accept the danger that comes with this. This rule is not designed to restrict a SL's role-play and such, but it is a crack-down on SL who simply ignore Command because they don't personally like the orders or want to do their own thing.
Are auto-clickers allowed even if it's part of the mouse soft/hardware? - No.
In extension from the Squad Leader rule, would that apply to other important Squad Roles to any degree? How does it apply to aSL if at all? - No and unlikely it will be. This applies only to people who actively pick SL. If you're a Spec and you suddenly become the SL, you're not forced to follow those specifc RP standards and things will be left IC (OOC rules still apply).
Green Aliens from Event: They are still on "They are not friendly and will not negotiate." outside of team they are bound from the beginning? - This is an event role and can vary from event-to-event. Always ahelp before taking things into your own hands, however.
What, if anything, are MP's allowed to do planetside besides arrests? - MP should mostly focus on their job at hand when groundside. If you're down there to protect someone, you should be focusing on protecting them and not fighting. You don't need to shoot Xenos running around the outskirts when Marines are there to do that job and you certainly shouldn't be chasing Xeno down to kill them. If you have IC justification to defend a groundside area from Xeno, you're free to shoot them, but you shouldn't be bug-hunting on the planet even if told to ICly, that's not the job of the MP.

Marine Law Clarification:

How do doctors and the CMO fit into Insubordination? - Although doctors and the CMO are labeled as civilians, they're still part of the USS Almayer Crew and should still listen to any orders the CO and XO give out. Refusing to listen to other command staff wouldn't be a Marine Law rule-break unless directly ordered to listen to them.
MP's must stay with brig prisoners. Does that apply for perm prisoners too? - No, if someone is in perma you aren't required to watch their closed cell, though don't forget about them there. MP are still in charge of the health and wellbeing of those in perma and no one likes to spend the whole round completely alone.
Civilians (Survs, CL, Doctors..) insulting marines, Can MPs do anything about it? - Nothing you can arrest them over, but you can RP it as you wish as an MP. Civilians are still required to listen to the CO/XO so you can take the problem to them if you desire.
I had an MP arrest a marine from the RO line because he wasn't wearing armour before briefing and deployment, is this allowed? - If you're getting ready to deploy, you are required to be in full gear. You don't have to gear up before heading to the RO line but doing so does put you at risk of being denied by the RO/CT or getting in trouble with the MP.

Sulaboy · Post by **Sulaboy** » 19 Aug 2018, 19:22

Is it ok to ask for clarification on marine law as well?

Avalanchee · Post by **Avalanchee** » 19 Aug 2018, 19:27

Is it okay for Standards to loot dead SGs and grab their M56 Harness, Sight and a Powerpack to gain a speed boost and night vision? Or is it considered powergaming?

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 19 Aug 2018, 19:45

Marine Law questions are fine, but things may change with Marine Law updates.

ThePiachu · Post by **ThePiachu** » 20 Aug 2018, 03:41

Can Synthetics, as a class that cannot break Marine Law, desert the ship after the xenos hit via droppod or Normady like in https://youtu.be/1W2Va3EtL8I?t=1253 , without being given explicit orders to do so? Or is that against the programming?

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 20 Aug 2018, 16:27

All questions to this point have been answered

Sulaboy · Post by **Sulaboy** » 20 Aug 2018, 17:47

Are there any rules on aliens attacking synthetics?

Urytion · Post by **Urytion** » 20 Aug 2018, 20:50

How do doctors and the CMO fit into Insubordination? Can a doctor be arrested for insulting command officers? Can an SO, XO, or CO order the doctors to do things against good judgement and arrest doctors if they fail to comply? (ie treat this baldie first so I can execute him instead of the specialist missing a leg. Yes, I have been ordered to do this).

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 26 Aug 2018, 16:02

Updated to include all past questions. Monkey rule added.

NethIafins · Post by **NethIafins** » 27 Aug 2018, 09:58

Question I heard many times from community:
How you can detect Metarush and avoid being a commander (queen) that've done a metarush?

Can people disarm/steal (or even insubordinate) when there is no MPs?

kooarbiter · Post by **kooarbiter** » 27 Aug 2018, 09:58

can a marine choose not to deploy and stow away on the ship if they RP cowardice or something of the like? maybe only allowing stardards to do this so it doesn't mess heavily with squad composition, and it not making sense for an experienced or veteran soldier to hide from deployment before knowing the threat, but it kinda would for a rookie out of basic

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 02 Sep 2018, 21:43

Updated to this point

Mister Jeether · Post by **Mister Jeether** » 05 Sep 2018, 19:40

Are Civillians from the Almayer (Doctors, researchers, etc) allowed to leave the FOB whenever they wish?

ThePiachu · Post by **ThePiachu** » 05 Sep 2018, 20:05

Is the Synth application process getting updated like the Predators, or will it remain as is for the foreseeable future? If the latter, could we periodically remind people in general to voice their opinions and vote on the various applications to move the process along? Almost half of the applications currently haven't had a single reply in 2 weeks.

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 08 Sep 2018, 21:47

Update to this point.

Regarding Piachu's question, Synth and CO will (possibly) getting councils soon. Councils will work on updating the applications for them. This is an on-going plan to help rework Whitelists.

Avalanchee · Post by **Avalanchee** » 19 Sep 2018, 03:49

I got warned for emoting
/me inhales /me exhales
LRP?
Keep in mind that I did it once and I had no intentions to be like the guy that emoted every step he made.

Snowsuits as a PFC
Powergaming or not?

using Planetside equipment as a marine
(turtlenecks, riot gear)
LRP or not?

Stealing a command radio so you can coordinate with other squads better
LRP, Powergaming?

Situation is following,
lowpop and some random MP is arresting someone for something he never did - command doesn't give a damn and there are no admins/seniors online, I want to save the marine - what are my options? Is tackling MPs considered roundstart memery?

Can standards make Spears and Stunprods?

ThePiachu · Post by **ThePiachu** » 25 Sep 2018, 18:26

Looking for an official ruling since a lot of people were expressing their concern - is recording games where you play as a Predator and uploading them to YouTube against the rules, or generally "something we'd rather you not do"?

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 05 Oct 2018, 11:47

Updated to this point

adrenalinetooth · Post by **adrenalinetooth** » 30 Oct 2018, 07:59

Regarding this - Is using a switchblade to clear weeds against the rules? They clear weeds the same speed surgical tools do.

Karmac · Post by **Karmac** » 30 Oct 2018, 08:01

same for the switchblade

adrenalinetooth · Post by **adrenalinetooth** » 31 Oct 2018, 21:10

What are the roles aside from MPs that will get banned if they insubordinate? I am thinking back to times when Xur was banned from SL for insubordination, despite the idea that "SLs must follow orders" isn't written down.

REDALERT · Post by **REDALERT** » 01 Nov 2018, 15:55

I require clarification, in the utmost detail available on this exact listed example of meta. ""Ramboing" - Chasing down aliens immediately after first contact directly to their hive." I have seen many metarushes, going from one squad bum rushing the hive, to a planned sweep of the tunnels in big red where the marines sent 2 squads into the caves to go around the outside of the map and find the hive before first contact, to even a moderator playing as CO ordering 3 squads of marines to crashed ship on prison, which promptly ended the round before the 45 minute mark. Maps like LV prevent any action against the hive till around that 50 minute mark. Without such things as the fog on every map. There must be a clear precedent established to clarify, what is a metarush, and what isn't. Something needs to give here and multiple times I have been told its not a metarush, yet clearly this example states any chasing after first contact is meta. Something has to give here.

Reposting here due to not being answered on the last thread. Also due to yet another metarush on big red, 7 minutes after landing 2 marine squads were in the caves, 12 mins all four squads were in the caves killing all xenos. The round ended at the 47 minute mark. A moderator (Sargash) started to respond to me but never did, after about 15 minutes of the text that he was responding popped up.

I know this question has been answered but why are mentors (KingPhilipIII) doing this, isn't the whole point of being commander understanding the rules and not meta rushing?

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 01 Nov 2018, 17:59

Updated to this point

Emeraldblood · Post by **Emeraldblood** » 02 Nov 2018, 20:09

Added an extended update to Squad Leaders refusing to follow Command

Novus Luna · Post by **Novus Luna** » 03 Nov 2018, 09:27

In extension from the Squad Leader rule, would that apply to other important Squad Roles to any degree? How does it apply to aSL if at all?

To be blunt: can Squad Engineers on a team given a job directly for them (power and telecomms, but especially FOB) fuck off from doing that job?

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