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Rules

At ShadesTown, we take rule violations very seriously. Keep in mind that even a single breach could lead to a ban, and it’s your responsibility to stay informed about any rule updates. The staff team will determine the appropriate consequences based on the offense. Additionally, if your account is found to be inactive, we reserve the right to reset your character data.

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to the staff via Discord, adhering to the chain of command.

General Rules

  • ● Rule Updates: It’s your responsibility to stay up-to-date with any rule changes posted on our website or Discord.
  • ● Copyrighted Content: Streaming or playing any copyrighted material (DMCA protected), such as movies, music, or other media, is not allowed. Respect the rights of content creators and obtain the proper permissions before using such material. Let’s keep things lawful and respectful.
  • ● Microphone Requirement: A working, clear microphone is mandatory for all players.
  • ● No Erotic Roleplay (ERP): Any form of explicit, sexually suggestive, or inappropriate content, including nudity or lewd posts, is not permitted in our community.
  • ● Encouraging Rule-Breaking: Do not incite or encourage others to violate the rules. Doing so may result in a punishment similar to the person you influenced.
  • ● Sensitive Topics in Roleplay: Roleplaying sensitive real-life events such as suicide, terrorism, pandemics, or sexual assault is strictly forbidden. We aim to create a safe and welcoming environment, so please avoid these themes.
  • ● Ongoing Roleplay: Roleplay should continue unless all involved parties agree to pause or end it. Open communication is key to ensuring everyone is comfortable during interactions.
  • ● Inappropriate Names: Using offensive or inappropriate names on any ShadesTown platform is not tolerated.
  • ● Zero-Tolerance for Discrimination: Racism, trolling, homophobia, sexism, and any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.
  • ● Respect for All: Treat every member with respect, as all players are equal in this community
  • ● No Offensive Language: Derogatory language is strictly forbidden.
  • ● Behavior Outside ShadesTown: Attacking or engaging in harmful actions towards members on other platforms (such as Discord, YouTube, or Twitter) is against the rules. We expect respectful conduct both within our community and beyond.
  • ● Content Creator Responsibility: Content creators must actively moderate their communities. Failure to do so, particularly when allowing harmful behavior, may result in a ban. We value a respectful and inclusive environment for all.

Account And Payment

Account

  • ● Account Responsibility: You are fully responsible for any actions or activities on your account. It’s important to keep your account secure and adhere to our community guidelines and rules. Misuse or unauthorized access to your account may result in consequences.
  • ● Buying/Selling Accounts: Trading accounts or in-game valuables with other users outside of official channels managed by the server owner is strictly prohibited. Such actions can lead to scams, permanent character loss, or bans. The community is not responsible for any negative consequences arising from these unauthorized transactions. Always follow the official guidelines for account-related dealings.
  • ● Allowlist Access: If you lose access to your Discord account, we cannot transfer your Allowlist status to a new account. To maintain your status, keep your Discord account secure by enabling two-factor authentication and safeguarding your login details. If you lose access, you'll need to reapply for Allowlist with your new account.

Payments

  • ● Refunds: Mistakes happen, and we understand that. We offer a 12-hour window for refund requests on payments or purchases. If there’s an issue or a unique circumstance, contact Sharman & Aayush {Executives} within 12 hours of your transaction for assistance. Your satisfaction matters to us.
  • ● Perk Allocation: Purchased perks and benefits are tied to the character you specify during the transaction. Once perks are assigned, they cannot be transferred to another character or account. Be sure of your choice before finalizing your selection.
  • ● Bans and Refunds: If you are banned for breaking server rules, please note that no refunds will be provided for any purchases made.
  • ● Chargebacks: If a chargeback is initiated, any bans resulting from rule violations will be non-appealable. Chargebacks involve the reversal of payments and can have serious consequences, including the loss of the right to appeal bans. We encourage open communication with the server admins to resolve any issues responsibly.
  • ● Selling Purchased Items: Items obtained through purchases are for personal use only and may not be sold or traded within the community. Purchased items are meant to enhance your enjoyment, not for commercial use.

Character

  • ● No Corruption in Key Roles: Players acting as Police, Department of Corrections (DOC), Department of Justice (DOJ), or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) must refrain from any form of moderate or serious corruption, such as selling or giving away equipment for personal benefit. These roles are expected to maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism.
  • ● Character Separation: Each of your characters should exist independently, without sharing any personal information, such as the location of weed farms, relationships, or rivalries. It’s crucial to avoid linking your characters in any way that goes beyond the in-game roleplay, ensuring a more immersive experience for everyone.
  • ● Serious Character Names: Character names should reflect a serious tone. Using meme names or inappropriate titles may result in disciplinary action or a forced name change without warning.
  • ● No Cross-Character Affiliations: You are not allowed to have multiple characters affiliated with the same group, circle, or gang. Each character should have their own identity, relationships, and affiliations to preserve the diversity and authenticity of roleplay interactions.
  • ● Recording Legal Evidence: If your character is equipped with a camera, you may use footage as legal evidence. Without a camera, such recordings cannot be used.
  • ● Unique Character Concepts: Creating special characters like serial killers, robots, or paranormal beings requires prior approval from the staff team to ensure they fit into the roleplay environment.
  • ● Inactivity Policy: To keep the server dynamic and active, properties such as vehicles and homes may be removed if a player is inactive for roughly 60 days. Logging in occasionally just to avoid removal will not meet the activity requirements, and properties may still be reclaimed by the server.
  • ● Permanent Character Death (Perma): If your character indicates they have no pulse three or more times, this will lead to a permanent death of the character.
  • ● Complete Character Creation: Before entering any roleplay, ensure that your character creation is fully complete. Using default or "Danny" faces can break immersion and is discouraged.

Engagement Standards

Engagement Standards

  • ● Cop Baiting: Intentionally provoking or luring police officers into scenarios without proper roleplay is considered low-quality roleplay. This includes actions like deliberately colliding with police vehicles to initiate a chase for the sake of a gunfight, undermining the immersive experience
  • ● Money Simulator Gameplay: Players should avoid prioritizing monetary gains over meaningful interactions. Focusing solely on accumulating wealth detracts from the importance of social engagement and dynamic roleplay experiences.
  • ● Cooperation with EMS: Refusing to cooperate with EMS staff may result in consequences, including potential removal from the server. Engaging with EMS during roleplay scenarios is crucial for maintaining realistic interactions.
  • ● Toxic Behavior: Salty and toxic behavior, such as shooting downed players, playing disruptive music, or engaging in unnecessary drama, is strictly prohibited.
  • ● Hospital Camping: Waiting near hospitals to taunt players who have recently lost fights is not allowed.
  • ● Enhancing Roleplay: Scenes should be utilized to enrich roleplay, providing context and atmosphere.
  • ● Interactions with Police: Criminals must offer valid reasoning during encounters with police before resorting to violence, especially in high-tension scenarios.
  • ● Vehicle Explosions: Randomly blowing up vehicles without proper initiation is prohibited.

Fail/Low Quality Roleplay (LQRP, FRP)

  • ● Definition: FailRP, or Low Quality RP, includes actions that are unrealistic or detrimental to others' roleplay experiences. While some creative freedom is encouraged, actions disrupting immersion may face consequences.
    ○ Examples of FailRP:
    ■ Stripping upgrades from a vehicle.
    ■ Ignoring /me interactions from other players.
    ■ Speaking normally after sustaining gunshot wounds—attempt to roleplay injuries realistically.
    ■ Using a taser to pop a tire.
    ■ Spectating shootouts without involvement.
    ■ Robbing someone without adequate roleplay justification.
    ■ Repeatedly using the same shootout location in a short timeframe.
    ■ Ocean dumping a vehicle without reason.

Value of Life

  • ● Prioritization of Life: Players must value their character's life as if they have only one. This means taking precautions and avoiding unnecessary risks.
  • ● Compliance in Dangerous Situations: If faced with a clear disadvantage (e.g., a gun pointed at you), compliance with demands is expected.
  • ● Outnumbered Situations: If significantly outnumbered, compliance is generally expected, though escaping is still an option if it can be done realistically.
  • ● Escape Attempts: Attempting to escape from a hostage situation without a reasonable chance of success (e.g., running from an armed captor) is not acceptable.

Economy Rules

  • ● Character Transfers: Creating new characters to transfer starter money or assets to another character is strictly prohibited. Violators may face severe consequences, including the loss of involved money and bans. This rule ensures fairness and a balanced economy within the community

Aircraft Rules

  • ● Use of Aircraft: Aircraft use is a privilege that must be respected. Unrealistic use, such as colliding with other helicopters, is prohibited.
  • ● Avoiding Capture: Aircraft should not be used to evade police capture in unrealistic ways.
  • ● Deployment in Conflicts: Rapid deployment ("hot dropping") into gang conflicts or similar scenarios is not allowed unless properly trained for such actions (e.g., as a cop or EMS professional)
  • ● Legitimate Use: Aircraft should be used for legitimate activities like reconnaissance or transportation, not for violent purposes.

Communication

Communication Procedures

  • ● Multilingual Communication: Players are welcome to communicate in any language, provided it doesn’t violate any other rules and all parties involved are comfortable. We encourage diversity and cultural exchange, as long as communication remains respectful.
  • ● Advertising & Cyber Threats: Advertising other GTA V communities or issuing cyber threats is strictly forbidden across all ShadesTown servers and channels. Any form of harmful promotion or threatening behavior will result in an immediate permanent ban. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community members.
  • ● Spam Prevention: Spamming repeated or meaningless messages (including the /me command) is prohibited. Additionally, refrain from using voice chat to create disruptive sounds or spam server commands unnecessarily.
  • ● In-Character Language: Offensive language and threats are permitted within the context of roleplay, but be aware that such actions may give others legitimate in-character reasons to retaliate.
  • ● Out-of-Character (OOC) Language: Any offensive or threatening language outside of roleplay is strictly forbidden. Real-life threats are taken seriously and will result in harsh penalties.
  • ● Excessive Swearing: Excessive screaming or swearing at others will not be tolerated and can lead to removal from the community.
  • ● Staff Authority on Language: If staff believe a player is abusing the roleplay allowance for offensive language, they can request that the player cease such behavior.
  • ● Voice Quality: Players using low-quality microphones or disruptive voice changers will be addressed via the ticket system to either resolve or guide them towards better quality solutions.
  • ● Respect Towards Staff: Disrespect or combative behavior directed at staff members will result in removal from the community. We expect all interactions to be constructive and respectful to maintain a positive atmosphere.

OOC Terminology

  • ● OOC Discussions: Keep OOC conversations within Discord channels; they are not permitted in-game
  • ● Immersion Breaks: Avoid using words that disrupt roleplay immersion. Phrases like “the government,” "Gods are watching," or “look to the skies” to refer to staff are strictly prohibited.
  • ● No References to Other Cities/Counties: You cannot reference other “cities” or “counties” in the server. Each character and roleplay should be self-contained.
  • ● No ‘Alter Egos’: Do not refer to your own or others' characters as “cousins” or “alter egos.” Each character must be treated as a separate entity with no out-of-context relationships.
  • ● Bugs in Roleplay: If you encounter bugs (e.g., ghosted cars), continue roleplaying and report the issue afterward. Do not break character or the roleplay flow due to technical issues
  • ● No Derogatory Remarks: Using words like “weird” or “strange” to describe or criticize another player’s roleplay in a derogatory way is prohibited
  • ● Cop Comments: Telling cops they must be “bored” for playing their role is considered OOC terminology and is not allowed.

Report

  • ● Reporting Issues: We encourage players to use the Discord ticketing system for any reports concerning other players or incidents. This formalized process helps staff address concerns in an organized manner.
  • ● In-Game /report: While /report is useful for immediate issues, it does not replace the ticket system.
  • ● Providing Evidence: Ensure your reports include all relevant details, including timestamps, participants, and any supporting evidence like screenshots or videos.
  • ● Timely Processing: We aim to resolve reports within 48 hours, though complex cases may take up to a week.
  • ● Reporting Staff Abuse: If you believe a staff member is abusing their power, submit a report via the ticket system. Staff-related concerns are handled with full transparency and seriousness.
  • ● No Direct Messaging Staff: Please avoid sending personal messages to staff regarding community matters. All issues should go through the ticket system to ensure proper documentation.
  • ● Staff Actions in Roleplay: While staff will not ask you to break character, they can request a pause in roleplay if server rules are being violated. This request will always be initiated through a Discord ticket.

Roleplay Rules

Off-Limits Areas

  • Fort_Zancudo and the aircraft carriers are off-limits due to heavy security

Deathmatch, Revenge, Killing & Kill On Sight

  • ● Initiate Roleplay: Before engaging in any shootout or violent confrontation, players must initiate roleplay interactions. This involves verbal communication to establish the context of the conflict, fostering immersive and meaningful interactions.
  • ● Self-Defense: You may defend yourself if another player intentionally tries to harm you, damages your property, ignores your threats, or takes hostile action against you.
  • ● Random Deathmatch (RDM): RDM is strictly prohibited. This includes intentionally killing or harming another player or damaging their property without a valid in-character reason
  • ● Vehicle Deathmatch (VDM): VDM is also prohibited. This refers to using a vehicle to intentionally harm others without valid in-character justification. Responsible roleplay is emphasized, and using vehicles as weapons without justification is discouraged. Intentionally running over someone, even with justification, may still be considered Low-Quality Roleplay (LQRP).

New Life Rule (NLR)

  • ● NLR Activation: This rule is triggered when you are incapacitated and respawn or receive treatment at a hospital, regardless of the cause.
  • ● Area Restrictions: Once incapacitated, you cannot return to the area of your death for 30 minutes and cannot take hostile action against the party responsible for your death for 60 minutes.
  • ● Scenario Conclusion: If downed in a scenario that has ended, you cannot return to the scene for evidence or loot.

Combat Roleplay Logging

  • ● No Disconnecting: Players may not disconnect or respawn during a roleplay or combat situation that could have in-character consequences. This ensures continuity and discourages avoiding repercussions.
  • ● Reconnect Promptly: If disconnected or experiencing a game crash, players should reconnect as soon as possible to resume their roleplay.
  • ● Emote Restrictions: Using emotes (e.g., passout, sleep) during combat to gain an unfair advantage is not allowed.

Metagaming, Powergaming, Torture RP

  • ● Metagaming: Using real-life information gained outside the game for in-game advantage is prohibited. This includes accessing information about another player's location or identity that your character wouldn’t realistically know.
  • ● Accidental vs. Intentional Metagaming: Accidental metagaming may occur without malicious intent, while intentional metagaming to gain an advantage is more serious and disrupts the roleplay experience.
  • ● Streaming Restrictions: You may not appear in livestreams (e.g., Discord, Twitch) of players who are also in the city.
  • ● Powergaming: This refers to roleplaying with non-existent mechanics or forcing other players into limited choices. Prioritize realistic interactions within the game's limitations.
  • ● Unfair Advantages: Using the /me command to force favorable outcomes, spamming jump actions, or placing items outside visible areas of owned properties is considered powergaming.
  • ● Escort & Cuffing Restrictions: Unnecessarily escorting or cuffing players not in a downed state is prohibited. Dragging a player to avoid roleplay or cause annoyance is a serious offense
  • ● Torture Roleplay: Consent must be obtained before engaging in torture RP. If a player objects during the scenario, the roleplay must end immediately
  • ● Vehicle Restrictions: Vehicles with unbreakable windows or that provide unfair advantages in shootouts are prohibited for criminal activities.
  • ● Third-Party VOIP Restrictions: Using external VOIP services while connected to the server is prohibited.
  • ● Property and Money Demands: Forcing a victim to sell property, demanding ownership of vehicles, or requiring withdrawals from bank accounts is strictly prohibited. Requests for spare keys can be made using in-game commands.

Prison Roleplay

  • ● Lifer Restrictions: Breaking out of prison as a lifer is prohibited unless staff approval is obtained. Lifers must fully engage in their role without attempting escape.
  • ● Roleplay Consistency: Maintain the mindset of having Department of Corrections personnel present, even if no players are online, to uphold a consistent roleplaying environment.
  • ● Low-Quality Break-Ins: Breaking into prison without valid reasons or a solid plan is considered Low-Quality Roleplay.
  • ● EMS Transport: EMS personnel may transport individuals from the prison for necessary medical procedures not available within the prison.

Private Discords

  • ● Adherence to Rules: All ShadesTown-related Discord servers with in-character channels must follow ShadesTown Rules and Guidelines for consistency in roleplay.
  • ● Channel Designation: Owners of private Discord servers must clearly indicate which channels are in-character.
  • ● Business and Gang Links: Businesses and gangs must post their Discord invite links in the designated sections of the Main ShadesTown Discord.
  • ● Staff Access: Staff may require access to private Discord servers for compliance with metagaming rules. Refusal can result in consequences for the group.
  • ● Evidence Submission: If staff requests screenshots for a report, involved parties must provide accurate and complete evidence to ensure fair investigations.
  • ● Staff Presence: Removing staff from your Discord server is not allowed unless the staff member is no longer associated with your group.

Crime And Gangs

Gangs

  • ● Gang Dynamics: Gangs in our community should not focus solely on constant conflict and violence. Players are encouraged to create original and creative gang concepts that may involve diverse objectives, unique identities, and cooperative ventures. While rivalries can exist, there’s ample opportunity for a variety of storylines and interactions.
  • ● Roleplay Priority: Players are expected to initiate roleplay and communicate verbally before resorting to violence. Dialogue should be the first step in resolving conflicts, even if tensions arise through social media or other platforms. Face-to-face interactions enhance immersion and engagement.
  • ● Gang Handbook: For comprehensive information about gangs and the application process, please refer to the Gang Handbook.
  • ● Quality Roleplay in Taxing: When attempting to identify or apprehend individuals during taxing, provide a high-quality roleplay experience. Simply aiming guns from a vehicle while demanding payment is inadequate. Engage in realistic and immersive roleplay to enhance interactions for all involved.
  • ● Taxing Restrictions: Staff can revoke taxing privileges for jobs that yield excessive rewards.
  • ● Gang Clothing & Symbols: Use of gang-specific clothing, flags, or liveries that cannot Roleplay Qualityrealistically be obtained through roleplay is prohibited.

Criminal Activities

  • ● Participant Limit: The maximum number of participants in criminal activities is five, except for Oil Rig activities, which allow up to six. "Criminal activities" encompass a variety of actions, not just robberies.
  • ● 5-Man Rule: Criminal activities are restricted to five players to maintain balance and fairness. Additional participants, including lookouts or those providing information, are not allowed until the scenario is fully resolved. Gangs cannot take a scenario to their turf if it violates the 5-man rule.
  • ● Mechanics Restrictions: Mechanics must refrain from using their F1 menu or job-specific abilities during criminal activities.
  • ● Independent Groups: Separate groups may not collaborate on different objectives during a criminal activity; each group must operate independently.
  • ● Prison Transport Scenarios: Attacking a prison transport is a separate scenario, allowing a new group of up to five individuals to assemble for that purpose.
  • ● Fake Hostages: The use of fake hostages during criminal activities is strictly prohibited to maintain roleplay integrity
  • ● Planning Robberies: For robberies (e.g., Drug Runs, Fleeca, G6, Paleto Bank, Pacific Standard Vault), participants should have detailed plans. Evading police by merely driving away lacks depth and creativity. We encourage thoughtful strategies to enhance the roleplay experience.
  • ● Cooldown Periods: After participating in robberies or car boosts, players must observe cooldown periods:
    ○ Store Robberies/Car Boosts: 45 minutes
    ○ Vangelico Robberies: 90 minutes
    ○ Fleeca Robberies, Bank Trucks, Drug Runs: 120 minutes
    ○ G6, Paleto Bank, Pacific Standard Heists: 180 minutes Cooldowns apply collectively, meaning participating in one robbery starts the cooldown for all specified activities.
  • ● Robbing Other Players: This is permitted but must be conducted with high-quality roleplay, including justified reasons. Use appropriate commands (e.g., /me takes cash) to enrich the scene. Focus on roleplay quality rather than loot.
  • ● Scamming: Scams must be executed through in-game roleplay interactions, with valid roleplay reasons. Scamming for profit without a roleplay basis is not allowed.
  • Engaging in scams that involve accessing unauthorized menus or teleporting, with the exception of the F2 inventory menu, is strictly prohibited within our community.
  • ● Unauthorized Access: Scamming involving unauthorized menus or teleporting (except for the inventory menu) is strictly prohibited. Using server functions or mechanics for an unfair advantage in scams is also not allowed.
  • ● No Robbery in Restricted Areas: Areas with a "teleport" designation are off-limits for player robberies
  • ● Interference in Robberies: Interfering in ongoing robberies is prohibited, unless specific circumstances allow it (e.g., store owners can intervene in store robberies on their turf). Revenge-driven interference is not permitted.
  • ● Following Robbers: Players may follow those who have just robbed a bank, but must engage in roleplay interactions before resorting to violence.
  • ● Robbing Government Employees: Targeting government employees (e.g., PD, DOJ, EMS) solely to obtain their belongings is prohibited to maintain a fair roleplaying environment.
  • ● Robbery Timing Restrictions: Engaging in robberies is prohibited within 60 minutes before and 30 minutes after a server restart, and criminal activities are banned during the 30 minutes surrounding a restart. After an unscheduled restart or crash, wait 15 minutes before engaging in criminal activities.
  • ● Camping Prohibition: Camping in an area to commit a crime is not allowed. You must leave the area for at least 5 minutes before returning.
  • ● Shooting Cooldown: A 90-minute cooldown applies to all shooting, regardless of the scenario.
  • ● Traphouse Ownership: A single group may own up to two traphouses. In the event of a conflict over a traphouse, the owning group may have a maximum of five members present..
  • ● Powergaming Restrictions: Shooting or incapacitating locals to gain access codes is considered powergaming and is not allowed.
  • ● Big Job Limitation: Only one big job (G6, Paleto Bank, Pacific Standard, Drug Runs) may be executed per server restart.
  • ● Low-Quality Roleplay: Tunnel shootouts aimed at looting police officers, as well as rooftop holdouts, are considered low-quality roleplay

Cheating And Exploiting

Game Modifications, Cheating & Macros

  • ● Prohibited Modifications: Using game mods or enhancements that provide unfair advantages, such as increased speed, night vision removal, health regeneration, teleportation, or similar cheats, is strictly forbidden. We strive to ensure fair gameplay, and any player caught cheating with such mods will face a permanent ban without prior notice. Cheating is taken seriously to maintain a balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone.
  • ● Allowed Modifications: Visual enhancements or modifications that don’t provide an unfair edge or disturb gameplay balance are allowed. Players can also bind keys to server commands or text messages for convenience, as long as it doesn’t give them an advantage over others.
  • ● Macroing: The use of third-party software or hardware to automate actions (macroing) is not allowed. Whether it’s to gain financial benefits or bypass AFK scripts, engaging in macroing is a bannable offense. Any assets or experience gained through this method will be forfeited. We’re committed to maintaining a fair gaming environment, and macro use undermines that integrity.
  • ● Shadows Requirement: Disabling shadows is considered an unfair advantage. Therefore, shadows must remain enabled at all times.

Exploiting Bugs

  • ● Bug Exploitation: Taking advantage of client or server bugs is strictly forbidden. Any player caught exploiting glitches will be banned, and any items or benefits gained through such methods will be revoked. We strive to maintain a fair and stable environment for all players.
  • ● Spawn Camping: Repeatedly waiting at known animal or vehicle spawn points to exploit their appearance is considered a violation. We encourage a natural and immersive gameplay experience where encounters happen organically. Exploiting spawns undermines the balance of the game and disrupts fair play. Players are expected to engage with the game in a dynamic way, avoiding repetitive actions that exploit spawns.
  • ● Emote Cooldown Circumvention: Bypassing emote cooldowns using the F8 menu or any other method is strictly prohibited.
  • ● Bug Reporting: Any bugs encountered must be reported through the proper channels by submitting a ticket.