Fair, clear, and enforced

1. General Conduct & Roleplay Etiquette

1.1 Respectful Interaction

• Treat all players with respect, regardless of their roleplay choices, OOC identity, or experience level.
• Avoid OOC toxicity, insults, or personal attacks in all forms of communication. This includes interactions with staff and team members.
• Adherence to platform TOS and community guidelines is mandatory, including zero tolerance for: doxxing, harassment, and discrimination. Words or phrases that violate TOS may result in immediate action. Repeated or targeted use will usually result in a permanent ban.
• Publicly discussing bans, punishments, or staff decisions, or creating/inciting drama is prohibited. Use tickets and proper channels, not public chat.

1.2 Age & Maturity

• All members must be 18+ and show maturity in both RP and OOC interactions.
• Failure to meet the age requirement or expected maturity can result in permanent removal.
• NO ERP or Nudity.

1.3 Use of AI

• Use of AI in any application connected to server systems, PD, EMS, or other official in-game institutions is prohibited unless explicitly approved by Staff.
• This includes AI "evidence," automated decision tools, or anything that bypasses RP or grants unfair advantage.

1.4 Roleplay Standard

• You must be in character at all times while in the server.
• Roleplay the scenario you are currently in through to completion.
• If there is a rule break, finish the scene IC and then report it afterward.
• Players are expected to promote and engage in roleplay at all times. Treat this as a story-first server, not a win/lose arena.

1.5 RDM – Random Deathmatch 💀

• Killing or attempting to kill another player without prior interaction or a valid in-character reason is prohibited.
• Verbal initiation or clear in-character escalation must occur before lethal force.
• You may not shoot someone who wronged you hours ago with no new RP interaction or words.
• Hitman RP and Serial Killer RP (aimed at random killing for sport) are prohibited and may result in a permanent ban. Please see the Hitman RP section for clarification.
• For RP conflict (verbal threats, gun fights, other altercations, etc.) the conflict is only valid for 24hrs. After that the conflict must be redone in order for it to not count as RDM or Grudge matching.

1.6 VDM – Vehicle Deathmatch 🚗

• Do not intentionally use your vehicle as a weapon unless it is your only means of escape and it fits realistic fear for your life.
• You may only strike another player once in such rare situations; repeated hits are not allowed.
• Using vehicles as battering rams or weapons outside realistic scenarios is considered VDM.

1.7 Metagaming 🧠

• Limit your character's knowledge to information learned in-game.
• Do not use information from streams, Discord, OOC chats, or another character to influence IC decisions.
• Do not discuss your other characters IC unless correcting a clear misidentification, and even then, keep it minimal.
• Voice ID: You may not identify players solely by their voice. You identify people by appearance and recognizable tattoos/clothing when logically memorable.

1.8 No Harassment

• Harassment, bullying, or intimidation OOC is strictly prohibited.
• This includes ongoing DM harassment, targeting, or trying to push someone out of the community.

1.9 NVL – No Value of Life 💖

• You must value your character's life at all times.
• If outnumbered or at gunpoint, you are expected to comply unless you have a strong, believable RP justification not to.
• Treat serious threats as serious. Acting invincible or ignoring danger is considered NVL.

1.10 Powergaming 💪

• Powergaming is intentionally abusing in-game mechanics or systems in ways they were not intended, or forcing RP with no chance for others to respond.
• Examples include:
  • Running into an apartment or inaccessible building so cops cannot reasonably follow.
  • Using bugged animations, wall-emoting, unrealistic physics stunts, etc.
  • Spam-tazing, spam-ramming.
  • Transferring items in ways that bypass intended mechanics (including between your own characters).
  • Corruption or crime done only for mechanical gain, with no story, may also be treated as powergaming.

1.11 FailRP

• Characters must behave in ways that make sense for the setting and situation.
• Example: after a severe fall or vehicle crash, you should roleplay injuries, not instantly act perfectly fine.
• Abusing mechanics to avoid logical consequences or ignoring obvious RP around you is FailRP.

1.12 Nuisance RP in Police Stations

• Criminal RP inside cells (e.g., attacking an officer inside a cell) can be allowed if it is properly escalated and story-driven.
• Running around PD trolling, harassing, blocking, or constantly entering/exiting with no RP reason is a rule break.
• The PD is an active workplace; escalation must feel organic, not forced or spammy.
• Breaking cuffs more than 3 times will be considered a rules break.

1.13 Disruption of Server Operations

• Do not intentionally disrupt or undermine the operations of the server or community.
• Talking badly about the server, staff, or community in a way that stirs drama, discourages players from staying, or creates a hostile atmosphere is prohibited.
• Advertising, recruiting for, or promoting other servers, communities, or projects on any Sunset Vibes platforms (in-game, Discord, or via mass DMs sourced from this community) without prior Staff approval is prohibited.
• Constructive feedback and suggestions are welcome, but must be delivered respectfully through appropriate channels (tickets, suggestion channels, or direct staff contact), not through public trash talk or negativity.

2. Interaction, Looting & Memory Rules

2.1 Pocket Wiping / Looting 💪

• Intentionally wiping a player's pockets of all or most of their items is prohibited.
• You may not loot or remove items from downed/incapacitated players without clear RP describing what you're doing, and it should not be excessive.
• Do not take unrelated personal items that do not contribute to the RP scene.
• Robberies must be roleplay-driven, not just loot runs. Robberies are limited to physical items and cash. Forcing bank transfers or similar is not allowed.
• Robbing Police Officers: Police equipment and gear (radios, cuffs, etc.) may not be stolen. Weapons may be taken if proper RP and story support it, except the Taser, which may never be taken.
• Abusive pocket wiping is treated as low-quality RP and powergaming.

2.2 Criminal Activity Rules 🔫

• Maintain basic respect even during conflict.
• Malding, screaming, and breaking character over losses is prohibited — if you're mad, don't press Push-To-Talk.
• Exceeding the player limit for PvP criminal activities (six players total) is not allowed; radio lookouts count as participants, unless pre-approved through a staff ticket (e.g., active gang war).
• Robberies and heists should always be part of a storyline, not purely for money.
• Deceptive scamming purely to drain money from other players, especially new ones, is prohibited.

2.3 New Life Rule (NLR) 🧬

• If a character is downed and respawned, they forget the last 15 minutes of events.
• If revived on-scene, memory is retained, but injuries must still be roleplayed.
• If SAEMS picks you up on scene and states that you need to go to the hospital for surgery, you still retain memories. The only way you lose full memory is if you press "E" (see the light).
• If revived on-scene, do not just get up and run away; give EMS the opportunity to roleplay and respect the severity of your injuries.

2.4 Torture RP

• Torture RP requires mutual consent from all involved players.
• Torture scenes must not include mental or verbal abuse using derogatory or deeply uncomfortable language. Torture is also considered verbal threats of torture when a player is trapped in a confined area that is not publicly accessible.
• Kidnapping for heists or standard criminal activities do not count as torture (e.g., "Don't call the police or I will shoot you").
• Gang on Gang torture must be communicated between leaders using the gang OOC channel — especially during active gang wars. This can also be done by pulling both gang leaders into a ticket.
• For Civilians or Non-Affiliated Gang members, the safe word is: "Sunset". If this is abused, please make a staff ticket.
• Player mental health is more important than forcing a scene.

2.5 Criminal Actions & Escalation 🎬

• Criminal behavior (theft, robbery, assault, etc.) must have proper initiation and escalation.
• Criminals must accept IC consequences (arrests, fines, jail).
• Store robberies should not use helicopters; this is considered FailRP.
• Escalating robberies or crimes into mass shootouts should only happen if there is a strong in-RP reason and build-up. Shooting should not be the default.

3. Scene Presence, OOC & Cool-Downs

3.1 Scene Presence 🎬

• Logging out before a scene ends (combat logging / cop logging) is prohibited.
• Respawning before EMS reasonably has the chance to reach you is not allowed.
• Logging out in front of other players during active RP is a violation.
• Interfering with scenes you are not part of (blocking, griefing, inserting yourself without cause) is not allowed.
• If you crash unexpectedly, reconnect as soon as possible or inform others via Discord (e.g., the headpop channel). Using the spawn selector to avoid a scene after crashing is against the rules.

3.2 OOC Behavior 💬

• There is almost never a reason to talk OOC in voice mid-scene.
• Use /ooc only for game-breaking issues; staff will handle misuse.
• If a rule is broken, continue the scene IC and report afterward.
• Posting OOC content in any in-game channel (including Twitter) is prohibited.
• When downed: stay in character, no trash talking, OOC complaints, or going AFK mid-RP without reason.

3.3 Conflict Cooldown ⏰

• Groups should not engage in repeated large shootouts with Law Enforcement within short timeframes.
• Each group is limited to one major shootout with Law Enforcement per day (i.e., a full mass LEO wipe). All shootouts must still remain within proper RP context.
• Conflict between criminal groups should be kept reasonable, unless part of a structured story or event.
• This is meant to avoid endless gunplay and keep the server story-driven.

4. Corruption & Special RP

4.1 Corruption RP 🕴️

• Corruption RP (PD, EMS, or other institutions) must be story-driven, subtle, and planned ahead of time.
• Trading PD equipment, evidence, or info purely for personal gain is considered low-quality RP and may be treated as metagaming or powergaming.
• If you want to do Corrupt RP, you must open a ticket to clarify boundaries and avoid rule breaks.
• Note: Until this note has been removed, all corruption RP requires staff approval.

4.2 No Intent to Roleplay 🚫

• Examples include:
  • Robbing a business with no prior RP with the worker (no "loot-boxing" companies).
  • Over-escalating scenes into fights/shootouts with no IC reason.
  • Calling out detailed locations or intel while unconscious/downed.
  • Stream sniping or obsessive fan behavior toward streamers.
  • Cop baiting (trying to provoke police to chase or fight with no story).
  • Paycheck farming (AFKing in businesses just to collect pay).
  • Exploiting game bugs or systems.

4.3 Out-of-Server Behavior 🌐

• Harassing other players (sexual or otherwise) anywhere related to the community is prohibited. This includes DMs, Discord servers, socials, and circuit-related servers.
• Using alt accounts to evade bans or punishments is strictly prohibited.
• We reserve the right to remove anyone for off-server conduct that harms the community.

5. Environment, Zones, Vehicles & Special RP

5.1 Green Zones

• Hospitals: Completely safe; no crime or violence.
• Police Departments: Green Zone by default. Hostile or criminal actions on PD property are only allowed if you are part of an existing RP scene that began outside PD. Using PD as a safe zone to avoid RP or arrest is powergaming.
• Server Events: Designated event areas are considered green zones.
• EMS & Vehicles: Not hard green zones, but griefing/killing EMS with no RP is prohibited.
• Spamming sprays/decals on key buildings, especially in a way that causes performance issues, is prohibited.

5.2 Hostages

• Hostages must be real players, not NPCs.
• Negotiations should be semi-realistic and give both sides room to RP.
• If terms are broken (e.g., leaving before or breaking negotiation terms) then LEO can be authorized to use lethal force or escalate.

Hostage SOP for LEO:

• Purpose: Create tense, story-first hostage scenes where negotiation is default, gunfire is last resort, and outcomes follow clear department policy.
• Scope: Applies to all law-enforcement agencies, EMS/Fire when attached, and all players involved in a hostage scenario.
• Negotiation Timer: 5 minutes minimum. During this time PD will not breach/shoot unless: a suspect fires a weapon (warning shots included), a suspect actively harms the hostage, or a suspect aims at officers and fires (lethal threat executed).
• Command & Scene Setup: Establish Inner/Outer Perimeters. Assign Primary (Negotiator), Secondary/Logistics, TAC, and Medical Staging. One voice — only Primary talks to suspects.
• Proof of Life: Primary requests proof of life; hostage speaks on VOIP (name, injury state). Visual confirmation via /me /do or appropriate animation.
• Timer Expiry: Primary issues Final Warning: "Timer's up. Release the hostage and surrender or we resolve tactically." (10–15s grace). After grace, TAC may breach or take shots when a safe shot exists.
• Golden Rule: If suspects fire, PD may immediately raid/shoot. If suspects do not fire, PD continues negotiating until the timer ends.
• Forbidden promises: legal immunity, "no chase," dropped/reduced charges, pardons, evidence suppression, judge/DA outcomes.
• Allowed assurances: staging a vehicle near exit, holding fire while hostage walks to officers, 10–15s head start to enter vehicle after release, EMS check on the hostage, supervisor/DA notification.
• Hostages may not be taken from or while in a vehicle. The hostage taker must be on foot.
• Taking hostages must have a story-driven reason — not just used as a deterrent for police.

5.3 Civilians & LEO Bodycams

• LEOs may have bodycams, but they're not forced to use them due to performance.
• Civilian "bodycam" footage is not considered valid IC evidence in court, but it is allowed for staff reports.

5.4 DNR / Character Death (Do Not Resuscitate)

• Players may permanently kill off characters if no outstanding fines or jail time exist, and a staff ticket is opened and the DNR is discussed beforehand.
• Dropping a surprise DNR mid-scene without prior agreement is FailRP.

5.5 Vehicle Realism & Tuning

• Vehicle use and stunts must be realistic for the vehicle type and situation.
• General city cars should not be hitting stunt jumps. Jumps need to make sense with the vehicle. There should be no "bridge jumping" unless you have an appropriate vehicle (e.g., monster truck), and even then this must be within reason.
• Off-road or race vehicles can do more, but not superhuman stunts.
• Tuned vehicles should not exceed ~200 MPH in regular use.
• Staff reserve the right to determine and adjust top speeds (e.g., F1, special vehicles).

5.6 Reset / Storm Etiquette

• No crime is allowed during the 30 minutes before a scheduled reset.
• No crime is allowed during the 15 minutes after a reset to let players load in and stabilize.

5.7 Teleport Zones

• Camping teleport zones (inside or outside) to catch people as they load in is considered powergaming.
• Give players time to load in and orient themselves before resuming or starting RP.
• Applies to portals, elevators, interiors, travel hubs, etc.

5.8 Weaponized & Armored Vehicles

• Weaponized vehicles (vehicles with mounted guns, etc.) may not be used in heists, robberies, and other crimes.
• Armored vehicles may be used, but that does not mean if caught that the vehicle is released.
• Abusing weapons or armor on such vehicles can result in vehicle seizure or removal from the server, and IC permanent "crushing" of the vehicle by LEO.
• If removed city-wide, existing owners may only keep them for non-criminal RP at staff discretion.
• RDM/VDM rules fully apply to these vehicles.

5.9 Lawyer Representation

• A lawyer cannot represent a gang or organization that any of their characters are part of.

5.10 Heist Rules

Note: These policies may change over time. We are currently in BETA.

Global Rules

• Heists have a 1-hour cooldown between completions.
• Before starting a heist, one member must fill out the heist logger: /heistlog
• If a heist member is injured or downed, they may be traded for a hostage as a demand in exchange for medical treatment. If treated at hospital, returning to the same active scene falls under NLR.
• Demand scaling: 1 hostage = up to 2 demands; 2 hostages = 1 extra demand; 3 hostages = 1 extra demand. Maximum of 4 demands total.
• If a crew brings more vehicles than the allowed limit, any extra vehicles will not be permitted to leave.
• Once you leave the heist scene, you cannot return to continue or complete the heist.
• No heists, store robberies, or shootouts 30 minutes before or after a server restart.

Heist Contracts

• Boosting (2 people max): Under B class — no cops usually called, no hostage allowed. B class or higher — one hostage allowed.
• House Robberies (Low/Medium): No hostage, no bikes, 2 people involved. High to Mafia: 1 hostage max, 2 cars (no bikes), Hostage SOP applies, 2 people max.
• Cargo: 0 hostages, 1 vehicle max (no bikes), 3 people max.
• Laundromat: 0 hostages, 1 vehicle max (no bikes), 3 people max.
• Cash Exchange: 1 hostage max (Hostage SOP applies), 2 vehicles max (no bikes), 4 people max.
• Fleeca Bank: 1 hostage max (Hostage SOP applies), 2 cars max (no bikes), 4 people max.
• Jewelry Store Heist: 2 cars, 1 hostage (Hostage SOP applies), hostage cannot be inside store until locals are dealt with, 5 people max.
• Humane Labs Heist: 2 cars, no hostage, 5 people max.
• Bobcat Heist: 1 car, 1 hostage max (Hostage SOP applies), hostage cannot be inside store until locals are dealt with, 5 people max. Suspects must call the LEO hotline via phone to communicate.
• Paleto Bank (15–30 min): Hostage SOP applies (15 min timer), 2 cars max (no bikes), 5 people max.
• Pacific Bank (30–45 min): 2 hostage SOP applies (20 min timer), 3 cars max (no bikes), 5 people max.
• Maze Bank (40–60 min): 3 hostage SOP applies (10–15 min timer), 3 cars max (no bikes), 6 people max.
• Art Asylum: 1 hostage SOP applies (10–15 min timer), 2 cars (no bikes), 5 people max.
• Casino: 3 hostage SOP applies (10–15 min timer), 3 vehicles (no bikes), 6 people max.

5.11 Hitman RP

• Hitman RP is allowed but must be initiated through VALID RP with a valid reason provided to the hitman when hiring.
• Hitman RP must be announced on Birdy (e.g., "To John Doe, I'm Coming for You").
• From the time the Birdy post is made, there is a 12-hour window to make the "hit," followed by a 3-hour cooldown. The steps must be repeated again on Birdy for subsequent attempts.
• Maximum of 3 assassination attempts before it is considered "failed." New RP must be created to target the same person again.
• You cannot assassinate the same target twice within a one-week period.
• Green Zones are still in effect during assassination attempts. A target who is aware they are being hunted may not abuse Green Zones — this will be considered Powergaming.
• You must fill out the Hitman Log (staff-only): /hitlog

6. Business & Economy Rules

6.1 Business Categories

• Dealerships may only operate within one category (e.g., cars or motorcycles). Expanding into another category requires staff approval.
• You may own two of the same business types — one in the city and one in Roxwood. You cannot own two of the same businesses in Roxwood, or two in the city.
• All business asset transfers must be done through tickets and are not guaranteed to be approved.

6.2 Anti-Monopoly

• No single group may monopolize a trade or service. This includes owning identical or overlapping business concepts on multiple characters.
• Violations may result in forced restructuring or license removal.
• If you become inactive and lose your property without notifying a real estate agent, you will not get the property back, all items in it become forfeit, and the property will not be held. Notifying a real estate agent only once a month will also result in losing the property.
• Businesses will not be held if an owner becomes inactive. If an employee is still active, they will be asked first if they want to take over before it becomes available through real estate.
• MLOs will only be worked on and put in twice a month.

7. Spirit of the Server

• Roleplay Comes First: Story and character interactions always come before winning or mechanical advantage. Players who treat every situation as win/lose rather than co-op storytelling may be removed.
• Community Over Conflict: Work with others to build RP, not to tear it down. Toxic behavior and ego-driven play are not welcome.
• No AI-Generated Arguments: You may not use AI to write up arguments related to RP storylines, including DoJ arguments.
• Escalate Through RP, Not Gunplay: Violence should be the result of story and character choices, not your first reaction.
• Positive Environment: Bring good energy, be cooperative, and help create a server people want to be in.
• Fun & Creativity: Deep characters, creative ideas, and enjoyable interactions are encouraged and valued.

8. Admin, Updates & Agreement

8.1 Rule Updates

• Rules may be updated at any time.
• Players are responsible for staying current with changes.

8.2 Staff, Team Members & Reports

• SVRP Team Members are held to a higher standard and must report rule breaks.
• Player comfort and safety take priority over continuing any RP scene.
• Report violations using Discord tickets and provide evidence when possible.
• Players are required to report exploits or cheating they know about; failing to report can result in similar punishment as the exploiter.
• Staff decisions are final; appeals must follow the set process.
• All SVRP Team Members are required to only be actively playing within Sunset Vibes RP. If a team member falls behind expected time without a Leave of Absence, Head Admins, Directors, and Founders reserve full right to remove them from the team.
• If a Team Member is caught poaching or advertising in other servers they will be immediately removed from the team.
• If Team Member(s) are caught leaking server documents (scripts, department SOPs, server rules, or general privileged information) they will be immediately removed from the team.
• Staff reserve the right to pause, reset, or void scenes if deemed necessary. Players may escalate to a Sr. Admin or Head Admin for clarification.
• Staff will delete characters after 90 days of inactivity, including all assets. Real Estate will be returned to the Real Estate Team.
• If you choose to leave the server, are banned, etc., you may not give assets away. No asset dumping — this includes MLOs, vehicles, money, and any character assets. Assets are non-transferable between characters.

Tebex Purchases

• Some Tebex purchases require an approval ticket prior to buying. We are not responsible if you buy a package without opening the necessary ticket.
• All purchases are final. Chargebacks will result in a permanent ban.
• If assets are brought in/donated to the server, they are then owned by the server. No refund will be given for transferred or donated assets.
• All Tebex bought items are non-transferable between accounts/characters. You may not sell Tebex items for any in-city currency.

Player Agreement

By accepting a "whitelisted" or "rules" role on Sunset Vibes RP, you:

• Acknowledge and agree to all community rules, terms, and policies.
• Understand this agreement is binding as soon as the role is assigned.
• Agree that ignorance of the rules is not a defense.
• Accept that continued access depends on following these rules.
• Understand that violations may lead to warnings, whitelist removal, temporary bans, or permanent removal.
• Reaffirm this agreement each time you log in.

These rules exist to create a balanced, immersive, and fun experience for everyone. Treat people the way you want to be treated — and remember, Sunset Vibes is here so we can all have a good time. 💜