General Rules

Community

1. Joining

1a. Odyssey is a private group. You must have been invited by an owner or recommended from an already established member– though neither of these things guarantee acceptance.
If you are invited to the group, this is how you can expect the joining process to go:

• You will only have access to the information you need to create your character and one designated forum where you can interact with staff and others who are still completing the joining process. It is in this forum where you can ask questions, but you can also create a ticket if you’d prefer. 

• You will be given 1 month to join the roleplay. If you have submitted a character for review, you won’t be removed from the server even if they’re not yet accepted. If you need more time, you may request an extension by showing that you’re actively working on your character.

• Your first character must be entirely your own creation. They cannot be an adopt (you won’t have access to that channel anyways), or an immediate family member of a character belonging to somebody else. This allows us to see if you are able to come up with something that abides by our lore and rules without being guided by somebody else. 

- This does not apply to those we’ve re-invited from the original server. 

• At any time, we reserve the right to deny anybody access to Odyssey. This may be due to behavior we’ve observed that suggests you may not be a good fit for our server, suspected use of AI for roleplay, disregarding/disputing our rules, or other reasons that we do not have to disclose.

- We won’t refuse you entrance into the roleplay if there are errors in your character’s application that are easy to fix– complete denial is only a possibility if the entire staff team can deduce that you have not read through the rules or website at all. 

1b. You must be 18+ to join Odyssey.
This is not an NSFW server, but it is a space for adults to explore themes suited to a mature audience. We do not allow minors here. Lying about your age, assisting someone in lying about their age (whether by actively helping them or knowingly staying silent), will result in a permanent ban from the server.

1c. After being a member for one month, you may refer your friends.

Please create a ticket and provide the requested information: your friend's discord user and, if there is one, an active social media account. Understand that access to Odyssey is not a guarantee, and we don't have to disclose the reasons for denial. 

 2. Etiquette

2a. We do not consent to any spinoff servers, copycat groups, or inspiration-based servers derived from Odyssey. 

Any use of our characters, NPCs, lore, concepts, or any other original content without explicit permission is strictly prohibited. Joining, creating, or promoting such servers, or using our intellectual property in any form, will result in immediate blacklisting, and we reserve the right to inform others in the community about the situation.

2b. We have zero tolerance for hostility, discriminatory beliefs, or aggressive behavior.
Being kind and respectful costs nothing. Members are expected to remain civil and polite, even toward those they may personally dislike. If you encounter an issue that requires staff intervention, please contact us through a support ticket.

2c. Avoid sensitive topics.
For topics that can be discussed but may be triggering to others, please use a spoiler and an appropriate content warning. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

• • Must be spoiled with a content warning: Artwork containing gore, IRL images of insects, mentions of vomit, images or discussions involving needles— If there’s anything you think might be sensitive, it’s best to use a spoiler and warning —better safe than sorry. 

  • Forbidden: Suicide, self-harm, abortion, sexual abuse, politics

2d. Odyssey does not have a blacklist that members can freely add to.
If there is a specific media, name, or emoticon that makes you uncomfortable, please keep in mind that, just as these may appear in other public spaces, they may come up in our chats as well. We ask for your understanding in navigating these shared spaces.

2e. Venting is not allowed in the server.
It’s okay to briefly mention if you’re not feeling well, but please avoid making it the focus of discussion. We want to keep the atmosphere light and positive for everyone. For more in-depth or ongoing support, we recommend reaching out to friends or support groups outside of the server.

2f. Do not mini-mod.
If you notice any rule violations or disruptive behavior, report it to the staff instead of attempting to handle it yourself. Our team is here to address these issues and ensure that actions are taken fairly and consistently.

2g. Exploiting the rules or systems may result in a strike or permanent ban from the server.
Exploits include (but are not limited to) taking advantage of loopholes in bot commands, finding oversights and using them for personal gain, or deleting earlier claims to make multiple claims on the same item or benefit. We expect all members to engage fairly and in good faith— intentional manipulation of the system won’t be tolerated.

2h. We do not allow the use of AI in Odyssey.
Odyssey is a collaborative group, and members would much rather recieve a shorter, simpler response written from a person rather than from ChatGPT. This applies to not just roleplays, but biographies and artwork as well-- disregarding this rule can and will result in removal from Odyssey. 

3. Activity

3a. Advertising is a privilege for active members only.
If we notice that you’re only engaging in the server to promote your work, your permission to advertise will be revoked until you become more active in other parts of the server. 

3b. Activity checks are held every three months. Here’s how they work:

• • Hiatus and exemptions: A hiatus grants exemption from only one activity check. If you anticipate being inactive for more than two months, we recommend leaving the group and rejoining when you’re able to participate again. If you choose to leave temporarily, you’re welcome to have one of your characters leave the territories, allowing you to reuse them upon return.

  • Missed activity check consequences: If you miss an activity check, you’ll receive a strike. Strikes for missed activity checks are handled differently from behavioral strikes and carry separate consequences. Until the strike is cleared, you won’t be able to bring new characters into the group. Additionally, if you hold a high rank, your character will be demoted from their role.

  • Clearing an activity strike: An activity strike can be cleared by simply completing the next activity check. However, failing to complete two consecutive activity checks will result in removal from the group, regardless of your overall strike count.

  • Hiatus strike: If you miss an activity check due to a hiatus, you’ll still lose the ability to bring in new characters. However, you have the option to complete the check when able, which will restore this privilege.

3c. Activity checks will alternate between two methods.

• Proving your activity: Members will be asked to link a non-chatter roleplay they’ve participated in the past 30 days. This roleplay must have a minimum of five posts from the person using it for their activity check. Those that link additional roleplays can receive a reward for their activity. For each roleplay that is linked, not counting the first one, ₯10 can be earned. These must follow the same guidelines.

• Updating your character's biographies: Members will be asked to completely update their characters’ written biographies, if they are not already up to date. This includes their age and history! Has anything happened in the clan recently, or within their inner circle? Have they made any friends, any enemies? Met the most beautiful cat they’ve ever seen? If it’s been awhile since the last time you updated your character, yet you can’t think of anything to add, it’s a likely sign that you should use them more.

Roleplay

4. General 

4a. Keep your character’s surroundings in mind.
Odyssey is set in Ancient Greece, with characters residing in untamed wilderness. Knowledge of humans is limited and passed down through generations, making their existence more mythical than real. While characters may have access to some unusual practices, you can assume their general knowledge level on science is similar to that of the clans in the first series of the Warrior Cats books. This also means there are no kittypets or domestic cats nearby, so kittypets are not playable characters.

4b. Follow standard RP etiquette.
This includes no god-modding, metagaming, or other actions that disrupt fair play. You may initiate an attack against another player’s character without prior permission; however, you cannot decide how the targeted character responds or the severity of any resulting injury. All actions and decisions should be based solely on what the character knows or can reasonably deduce. Using out-of-character knowledge to gain an unfair advantage or influence in-game actions is strictly prohibited.

4c. Out-of-Character beliefs are not the same as In-Character beliefs.
Other members are free to have their characters question your character’s motives, actions, or beliefs within roleplay. While it’s okay for your character to dislike or hate another, please be mindful about joking or teasing someone’s character OOC without permission– it can feel isolating and discouraging to be on the receiving end of a big joke where everyone thinks your character is disliked or undervalued. Respectful interactions OOC keep our community fun and supportive for everyone. 

4d. Religion in Odyssey differs significantly from the Warrior Cats books.
There is no Starclan. Instead, Odyssey has its own unique belief systems and concepts of the afterlife.

4e. 2 in-roleplay months, or "moons" as characters would call them, equal 1 real-life month.
Character ages increase by 2 moons each month rather than tracking half-month increments (every 14 days), as that becomes confusing over time. Instead, ages are updated monthly to keep the progression simple and consistent for everyone. The allegiances sheet lists every character’s current age, and automatically updates it too based on the character’s date of submission.

4f. Odyssey may explore themes that could be upsetting to some. Here’s a breakdown of what can and cannot be brought up or discussed:

• Allowed: Cult-like themes, blood, cursing, and abuse between characters.

• Must be spoilered with a content warning: Descriptive gore, suicidal ideation, drinking (fermented fruit), use of herbs for psychedelic effects, and infanticide.

• Forbidden: Suicide, sexual abuse, incest, homophobia, and transphobia.

4g. To submit resources, you must use our bot. 

You are free to gather items outside of the system, but they won’t be counted toward the group’s resource tracking.

• • /hunting to hunt

  • /fishing to fish– do not use this command if your character does not know how to fish. 

  • /foraging to forage

4h. Characters may participate in multiple roleplays at once.
But they cannot have more than one ongoing interaction with the same character outside of events, quests, and casual chatter. 

4i. Roleplays must be chronological.
Meaning a roleplay started after another one in the server should take place after it and shouldn’t reference events from newer roleplays. We recommend tracking your roleplays. It’s up to each player to determine how many roleplays they can reasonably manage at a time.

4j. Characters may only be in one chatter interaction at a time.
Our chatter channels can be used to detail how a character has been feeling recently, or what they are doing around the camp/territory. It is useful for simple, brief interactions between characters. Don’t let your posts become long and detailed– you can use the regular RP channels for that.

4k. Odyssey functions off a DnD based system.
You don't have to be a pro at DnD or know how it works at all, but you must be willing to learn. You can find an in-depth guide here, and character stats here.

5. IC Writing & Behavior

5a. Use correct terminology. 

• Instead of leaders, we have monarchs. 

- The monarch holds the highest level of  authority and responsibility.  Their primary role is to make critical decisions that ensure the safety, prosperity, and well-being of their clan. This includes strategizing defense and territorial expansion. They also lead ceremonies, such as naming new warriors and trainees, appointing overseers, and more.

• Instead of deputies, we have overseers. 

- Second-in-command– serves as the leader if the monarch is unavailable. Those chosen for this role are usually drawn from the ranks of the clan's most elite warriors. It is their duty to make sure that the clan is fed, and that the borders are marked. When a monarch dies, it is common for their overseer to remain in their role.

• Instead of medicine cats, we have oracles. 

- The bridge between the gods and mortals; oracles are tasked with interpreting signs and guiding the clan as its spiritual leader and main healer. Only one oracle exists in a clan at a time. Their successor will always be the attendant who’s spent the longest time within their role.

• A team of healers work alongside the oracle. In training, they are called attendant trainees, but once they have completed their training, they are attendants. 

- Those whose paths have guided them toward the practice of healing. They are less involved with spiritual affairs, instead prioritizing their responsibilities as the clan's doctors. Attendants in learning can spend a longer time as a ‘paw than their warrior trainee peers, and most will spend their entire life without ever becoming the clan’s oracle. 

• Instead of permanent queens, we have guardians. 

- Guardians choose to stay in the nursery to care for kits rather than tend to warrior duties. They dedicate their lives to raising and nurturing the Clan's youth, and provide support to parents. They also teach kits fundamental skills specific to their Clan, such as climbing in Cliffclan or swimming in Oceanclan, along with passing down their Clan's history and beliefs. When there are no kits to take care of, or just a few kits and multiple Guardians, they are expected to hunt for the Clan and perform other warrior duties. Cats can only take on the role of Guardian after serving as a Warrior for at least two years, or 24 moons.

• Instead of apprentices, we have trainees. 

5b. Your character's actions can– and will –have consequences, especially if they violate the code.
If you plan for your character to do something drastic or problematic, you must reach out to your clan’s leader beforehand. In such cases, you’ll likely be asked to use dice rolls to determine how well your character can conceal their actions. However, if you have specific outcomes in mind, we’re open to discussing it.

5c. No animal companions are allowed.
Imagine it’s a harsh winter, your clanmates are starving, but you’re keeping a pet mouse… What would you do? It’s kinda grim to think about, right? Beyond that, your leader wouldn’t allow it anyway– no playing with your food.

5d. You may request that your character mentor a specific trainee (and vice versa), but it should be a realistic choice for the monarch to make.

Certain characters are unlikely candidates for the monarchs to consider as mentors. These include: 

• Those who have shown impatience or aloofness towards younger clanmates

• Newcomers to the clan

• Recent code-breakers caught in the act

• Warriors nearing retirement

• Those who have only recently completed their training (under 22 moons old).

You can request a specific pairing by using the command /training request. Remember that both parties must agree.

5e. Characters are considered senior warriors at 70 moons.
They typically remain active contributors to the clan until reaching 120 moons (10 years), at which point they generally transition into the role of an elder. No character may continue serving as a warrior past 139 moons.

5f. When a character reaches the age of 160 moons, a biweekly survival roll is required to determine their continued lifespan.
This roll uses a d100. If the result is 20 or higher, the character will survive for another moon (2 IRL weeks). If the roll is below 20, the character will pass away within that time frame. You may plan the death yourself or leave it to chance. Please make a ticket to discuss. As the character gets older, their chances of survival decreases:

• 170+ moons: Must roll 40 or above for continued survival.

• 180+ moons: Must roll 60 or above for continued survival.

• 190 moons: Once/if a character hits 190 moons, they must be killed off.

5g. Kittens should behave like kittens, both IRP and within pre-group histories.
No kit is having complex conversations when they have yet to even be weaned. We do keep an eye on these things and will correct them if needed, especially in a character’s pre-group history. There is a progression chart that can be found in the Mates, Flings, & Kits section!

Submitting & Removing Characters

6. Submitting 

6a. Before submitting your character, please make sure they don't break any rules in our character creation and mate, flings, and kits guidelines.

If you don't, there is a chance you will have to redo major aspects of your character because you weren't aware they went against the guidelines. This can be a headache for both you and the staff.
6b. To submit characters, use the command /character submission -- you can use this in any channel! Please only submit finished characters.

Once you’re ready to start working on your character, you must create a biography. You may use the provided format or create your own, but if you choose to make your own, it must include all required information (excluding the optional details listed in the "extra" section).

• • Link to biography format - file > make a copy

6c. Your character is not immediately accepted-- they must be reviewed first by two staff members. The time it takes for this depends on several factors.

Including staff availability, your response time, the length of your character's biography and the number of errors. Acceptance can be as quick as a few hours, but it may also take a few days. If your character has not been accepted within 5 days, feel free to send us a reminder.

6d. We have a strict no living NPC policy. 

Any living character mentioned in your pre-group history, who isn’t already part of the group, must either be made available for adoption, be deceased, or be missing/have left the territories. When you submit your character, plan to post any adoptable characters connected to them in #🐾┋oc-adoptions shortly after submission (do not post them beforehand). Your character will not be accepted until these adopts are posted.

Avoid this by killing your family!

6e. If you are bringing a character into the group with planned connections to another character who is also not yet in the group, please attach the other player’s Discord username to the character if they’re mentioned in your character’s relationships.
The other player has until the next activity check to submit their character. If the activity check is within a month, they have until the following check instead. If the character is not submitted by then, you must either place them up for adoption or write them out of the story (e.g., by killing them off or having them go missing).

When submitting littermates, they should all have the same age up date regardless of when they're each submitted, they should all have the same age up date as the first one submitted.

7. Removing 

7a. If your character's story has come to an end and you wish to remove them from the group, please communicate this to the owners of characters closest to them, especially if the character was created through another player’s auditions. 

If another player has rights to the character, they may prefer to place them up for adoption instead of removing them from the group entirely.

7b. To remove characters, use the command /character removal -- the character is not gone until it has been accepted!

There are two ways to remove a character: death or leaving the territories.

• Death: Speaks for itself. This option is irreversible. 

• Leaving the Territories: This option is available once a month and limited to one character at a time. A character who leaves the territories can be brought back after six months, but there’s no guarantee their former clan will accept them back into its ranks. Keep in mind that their name may no longer be available, and time will have passed, so they will be older upon their return.

If you’d like to roleplay your character’s exit, please make a ticket that includes both the owners and moderators to discuss the process. Once the exit roleplay is concluded, you may submit a request to have the departure announced in the character’s clan’s news channel.