Long Version
1) No profanity, inappropriate material, or content.
This is a family friendly game; we have players of all ages, including children. Do not post links to sites that have content rated more "mature" than PG-13 (Some PG-13 content, swearing and partial nudity in particular, is prohibited from the boards.). Profanity is strictly prohibited. Any material that is pornographic, sexually explicit, visually offensive, derogatory, or discriminates on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, lifestyle, or, any other material (includes nudity and offensive pictures) that may be deemed as objectionable in a public community environment, is strictly prohibited . Use of foul language, including swear words, real-world racial slurs, alternate spellings, and other language that is not consistent with the fantasy environment will be considered a disruption. Any swearing, whether spelled out, placed in an acronym, and/or censored (both self and through the forum), or placed in a graphical image, is prohibited. The existence of the built-in swear word filter does not mean you should let it do your editing for you. Just because the boards are PG-13, it does not allow you to violate these rules in any way. This includes offensively named accounts which may be deleted/renamed at any time. And yes, filters are used for a reason. Circumventing these filters is considered breaking the rules.

2) No illegal content.
This includes linking to any sites that may violate the rules. If you have any doubts, whatsoever, about the appropriateness of the content you want to post, don't post it. This includes but is not limited to:
adult-oriented content
content that breaks any laws
copyright infringement (many MP3s, ROMs, etc.), warez, CD keys, cracks, passwords, serial numbers, etc.
gambling and drugs
hacking materials and information
selling AQ Characters (property of Artix Entertainment, LLC.)
terrorism (promotion/carrying it through)
trojans, viruses, worms, and other such harmful things

3) You must not harass or abuse others.
Harassment is defined as specifically targeting another player or group of players to harm or inconvenience them. As harassment can take many forms, the moderators will make a determination as to whether or not a "reasonable person" would feel harassed and act accordingly. Actions which would be considered abuse include but are not limited to:

3.1) Sexual Abuse or Harassment - untoward and/or unwelcome advances of a graphic and sexual nature - PMs: If someone tells you to stop PMing them and includes a reason, you stop. If you do not, it will be considered harassment.

3.2) Attempting to Defraud - creating false information with the intent of harming another and/or receiving benefits as a result - This includes reporting player misconduct without basis for it.

3.3) Impersonating a Moderator - falsely representing yourself to another player as an AQ Staff Member (on or off the BattleOn server or on chat) - includes using anything restricted to moderators like using official tags (see (5) No spamming.) ) and making it seem like a moderator edited it into the thread, implying that you can edit someone's posts, ban someone, etc.

3.4) Personal Abuse - includes but is not limited to sending excessive private messages or e-mails to a moderator or staff member, making physical threats, or using abusive language against a moderator

3.5) Fellow Users - The above also apply to fellow users on the AQ boards.

4) No flaming (inflammatory speech).
Any speech or inference, direct or indirect, that constitutes a personal attack against another individual or group is prohibited. Do not insult other users for their ideas/opinions no matter how ridiculous they may be. Snide remarks will not be tolerated.

5) No spamming.
Unsolicited promotion of other web sites, or products, is spam. The occasional post about a game, (we all love games) allowed only in The OOC Room, but no advertising your uncle's Avon catalog site, etc. Please keep our forums free of unsolicited advertisement or product promotion. Posting referral/recruitment/trick links is strictly prohibited. Do not create threads on a topic that is already being discussed. Make sure to read all forum and sub-forum descriptions and their rules before posting new threads to ensure that you follow the rules and post in the correct place.

Spam also includes (this does not mean "limited to" - if a mod determines that something is spam, it is spam):
any posts that serve no purpose and/or fail to contribute to the overall productiveness of a thread (includes off topic posts),
posts bumping/reviving threads (Unless sub-forum rules explicitly state that you are allowed to do so, bumping will be considered spam.),
double/multiple posting (Unless sub-forum rules explicitly state that you are allowed to do so, multiple posting will be considered spam.),
posting in all caps and/or other pointless formatting,
excessive use of smileys (three per post maximum),
extra lines of space (only makes the post longer, wasted space)
use of unapproved/official tags in thread topics (can't use =Pae= (personal), =AQ= (official), or =DF=(official); can use =SB= in Sig and Avy for sig battles)
threads targeted at one person/a few people (use PM, e-mail, or IM instead - If no information is provided, nothing can be done.)
general conversation (posts that serve little purpose on the boards, content that is better off in private ("How are you doing?", "I'm fine.", etc.), same as the above)
and excessive quoting - quoting the post immediately above you (unless you are relevantly breaking down a post several lines long), quoting a quote, and quote pyramids).

6) Stay on topic.
While Adventure Quest and BattleOn games respect and appreciate your privilege to free expression the fact remains that our games are topical in nature. As such the posting of material should remain at all times within a board that is topically appropriate. It is not, for example, appropriate to role-play in the game discussion forum, nor is it appropriate to post stories (think books, novellas, short stories, etc.) in the role-play (acting as a character, like your character from AQ) forum. Please keep replies and posts topical to the board on which they are posted or they will be removed. Remember to read each the description of each place, the guides, and any pinned (stickied) topics before posting. Do a search if you want to ask a question or start a new thread to make sure that it hasn't been posted before.

6.1) Don't change existing thread topics.
Relating to topicality, you should not be changing the topic of an existing thread when you reply. This just serves to confuse people who have been following a thread, and often leads to spam and extra threads. If you have a new topic, you should be creating a new thread on that topic and not "hijacking" an existing thread.

7) No trolling.
In other words, don't post pointless replies to every thread that someone writes, also considered spam. If you don't have any serious things to contribute to the conversation, stay out of it. Please try to keep your replies relevant to the topic you are replying to. If they are asking about Zards, do not start going on about your pet snail Snoopy or your great thirst for orange juice. Do not post anything intended to provoke someone. Be nice, and make the forums better for everyone.

8) No whining.
Whining is defined as "an attack upon an idea, concept or problem, without offering a counter-idea, alternative concept, or a solution" or anything along the lines of "It's not fair." Any and all whining is strictly prohibited. Ideas are welcome, however, attacking ideas without offering constructive criticism is counter productive. Complaining about things the server cap, not being a Guardian/X-Guardian, something not being available in shops, sig limit, and the game not being updated often enough is not tolerated either. Accounts created for whining will be banned. Note: Whining about not being able to play DragonFable will not be tolerated.

9) No begging.
Do not ask anyone to upgrade your character (both Guardian and X-Guardian upgrades). Do not ask for someone else's account information. This includes via the forum, PM, and chat. Accounts created for begging will be banned. Do not ask to become a admin, mod, etc. Do not ask for titles, avatar upload, or special treatment. Asking is the best way to not become one. This includes heavily hinting at it and joking about it. No "trades" of any kind are allowed.

10) No announcing/offering upgrades.
Do not announce that you've upgraded someone (neither Guardian/X-Guardian), PM them instead. Also, do not offer to upgrade anyone to either Guardian of X-Guardian. Although it's kind to do so in either case, both generate far too much spam and whining.

11) No spoilers.
Spoilers are not to be posted anywhere. These are fun things for users to find for themselves. There's a short list below. If you're not sure if what you want to post is a spoiler or not, PM a mod first. Quoting someone else will also be considered a spoiler. Each user is responsible for what they post. Do not beg for them either.
unreleased items - no pictures, discussion, etc.
Pit location
secret pets/guests (pet rock, etc.)
potion combo in Mage Shop
spell scroll combo (Warlic's quest in Varrinsqu Keep)
getting from place to place in quests (like Bludrut Keep, Cure, Nowhere, Riona Is Back, Willow Creek) (The entrance to Nowhere Quest is no longer a spoiler.)
Isle D'Oriens: location of hidden doors/areas, route through the maze, Vault combinations, and access to the airship - Phlox location is not a spoiler.
flower needed for X Marks the Spot (should be obvious... see above and no giving out info on hidden pets/guests)
no exact stats from Guardian-only server (The stats of the monster might be changed later on.) | You are allowed to discuss which monster is in The Void.
certain things in special events (e.g. answers to the Talk Like a Pirate Day challenge) and newly released areas (Harpies in Crater)

12) Submission of Ideas
Submitting ideas does not in any way mean your art, ideas, etc. will be used or included in any way. Any ideas submitted to Artix Entertainment, LLC (AE) are free to be used by AE as desired.
Any ideas, art, works, or suggestions submitted to Artix Enterainment, LLC (AE), or a member of, become property of Artix Enterainment, LLC (AE).

13) Signatures *
Signatures are a privilege. Any sigs that do not follow the rules (includes ALL of the Universal and forum rules) will be removed. This includes not using your sig to advertise any sites.

13.1) Sig Use *Only use your sig once per page maximum; stricter rules may apply in different forums.

13.2) Sig Dimensions* Sigs, if used and are text only, should be no more than six lines of text. Please remain brief and to the point. The maximum total sig size (all images and text combined) is 500 pixels (length) x 100 pixels (height). The maximum total file size is 50KB, as it will cause the page to load slowly, especially for low bandwidth users.).

13.3) Sig Animation *Animated signatures are allowed, but they must not flash excessively, promote violence, or otherwise be contrary to the spirit of our forums. Moderators have the final word on whether a signature is appropriate or not.
Animated signatures that follow all other signature rules are permitted. Please do not use signatures with excessive flashieness or attributes that could provoke an epileptic or epilepsy-like attack.

13.4) Clan Advertising in Sigs* Advertising your clan is strictly prohibited. This includes no "join my clan," "check out my clan," "click the link in my sig," or other similar wordings. This includes the image as well. Clans sigs that do not advertise are allowed. The only allowed clan-related link is your clan's topic on these forums. Using the avy and/or sig of another clan and attempting to make that clan get into trouble will result in double the warnings for your clan. Those who are not in a clan will be dealt with separately. Not being in a clan does not excuse them from following the rules. If anyone from the clan requests that you stop using the avy/sig, you must do so.

13.5) Sig Advertising* Do not post telling people to look at anyone's sig. "Viral" Signatures (ie signatures which ask or tell others to include them in their signature) are forbidden. Sigs that are found to be annoying/distracting may be removed as well.

Note: To add an image

14) Account Responsibility
You are fully responsible for your own account and protection of your password. Statements such as "My friend/sister/brother/dog was using my account." are not acceptable as an explanation for the violation of any rule. If you share your account with someone and they break the rules, it will be treated the same as if you broke the rules yourself. It is also your responsibility to keep the account up to date, particularly the e-mail. If you use an e-mail that you rarely check, it is no one's fault but your own if you miss important notices from the AE staff. The same applies to using an invalid e-mail. Once again, your account and password are your responsibility and no one else's.

Members of Artix Entertainment will never ask for your password.

15) No cheating/hacking.
Cheaters and hackers are not tolerated in the community and will face severe punishment. This includes, but is not limited to:

exploiting any bugs in any AE game or in the AE forum
attempting to access another person's forum or game account
using or promoting hacking software
explaining or promoting bugs in any AE game or the AE forum, regardless of personal use

15.1) Linking to AE .SWF Files - Doing so will get your characters thrown in Jail and your forum account Banned. This also includes converting SWF's to a different format and linking to that, posting screenshots of them, and attempting to find another loophole.

15.2) Posting Screenshots of Content Not Officially Released - This breaks the above stated rule, as well. Sometimes it can be from a bug exploit or coding error. Whatever the case, it is not allowed. If you do find a problem (or what you think could be a problem), PM a someone on the Forum staff (administrator or moderator).

16) Multiple Accounts
Multiple accounts are not allowed on the board. There is no reason for them, and the accounts will be banned.

17) No plagiarism.
This should not even need to be in the rules. Do not take credit for someone else's work.

18) Read and follow staff messages.
If staff or moderators post rules specific to a board, they must be obeyed. Staff give their own time to keep the boards running smoothly. Failure to comply with their requests is grounds for deletion. If asked by a member of Staff to stop or change a behavior or action, you will do so. It is the job of Staff to keep the forums clean, so don't think that they're "out to get you". Users will find their time on the board much more enjoyable when they follow the rules and address Staff politely (This does NOT include something that seems polite but is meant to provoke...).
The term "polite" is at the moderator’s discretion. An action or statement that you think seems acceptable or inoffensive may offend a moderator who has different views than you.

If you are confused with a Staff member’s decision, or there appears to be a conflict with another rule, bring up your question in a polite and respectable way.

19) No backseat/mini-modding.
This includes demanding that a user delete his/her post and/or getting the thread locked (e.g. Delete your post! This thread should be locked.). Any action where the user attempts to take over for a mod (including any variation of "I'd rate this ___, if I could!") anywhere on a sub-forum without explicit permission may be considered mini-modding. This is especially true when the user only posts to do so. If someone has posted in a forum where it might be hard to determine what topic belongs there, post with advice addressing the question and suggesting (Note: NOT demanding) that the user post in the appropriately named forum. Posting in a particularly troublesome thread will likely get you into as much trouble as other users. The best way to take care of rule violations is to PM a mod. Only PM the mods once per violation. It is the responsibility of the mods and the sub-mod groups to enforce the rules. Please make sure to PM the correct person in the sub-mod groups, as they can only moderate in specific boards and are not global moderators. Please do not hinder them by posting in threads that need moderator action. It only serves to revive the thread and create even more of a hassle.

Additionally, if someone has already posted proper advice on where to post, do not post the same advice worded in a different way, or posting "Member X is right!" or other statements along those lines.

20) Staff may delete and lock messages at their discretion.
Part of the job of moderators is to keep the boards clean. Messages deemed inappropriate, old, or off topic may be deleted/locked by moderators at any time.

21) Foreign Languages
While we realize that AQ is played internationally, the boards are english-only and do not allow any foreign languages, unless a translation is provided.

Additionally, if a Moderator requests that you not use additional foreign language in a thread, it means that they want you to stop, not to disregard the request.

22) Release of Other User’s Information or Communications
It is unacceptable to post another user’s private/personal/public information, including email address, location of residency, contact information, or other information without express permission from that user.

Private messages from the forum or external chat clients, emails, memos, note scribbled on napkins and all other forms of communication are classified as personal and are not to be publicly posted in any shape or form onto these forums, or PMed to other users of these forums, without express permission from all parties involved.

23) Other Rules
If you are told by a moderator to stop, you cannot claim that it was not stated in the rules. It is impossible and impractical to list every rule possible. Attempting to circumvent a rule will result in a more severe warning. That includes deleting a post then reposting an identical or similar version of it. That will be considered both bumping and multiple posting. Also, the determination of things such as begging, flaming, spam, whining, etc. are dependent on the mod, not the users. Any complaints involving attempts to find loop holes in the rules and complaining that it was not explicitly stated in the rules will be ignored.

The forums are not to be used as your own message system.

Threads directed at and/or inquiring about one person are not allowed. That is what PMs are for.

Posting for a banned member/allowing that person to use the account is also not allowed and could be considered ban evasion.

Web forms are now being used. Therefore, posting battleon.com e-mails is not allowed. Attempts to circumvent the filter will result in warnings. You can find these web forms under their respective sections at http://www.battleon.com/help/ . Read Cheater Accusations to learn how to handle those situations.

People who are temporarily banned then unbanned and return flaunting the unbanning will be banned again. Bans are not a joking matter.

Note: All Artix Entertainment, LLC related games, forums, etc. are in the private sector. This means that some rights such as the freedom of speech do not apply at all, as that is ONLY for the governmental and public sectors. Also, implications/threats to sue may result in anything from a warning, post deletion, thread lock, or removal of all forum privileges (equivalent to a ban.).Know what you're talking about before posting.

AdventureQuest and DragonFable Inspired Websites - Read this for important information about AQ and DF inspired websites.

Rules Enforcement
Excuses for not knowing the rules will not be accepted. This includes claims about being a n00b/noob/newb/etc. The rules apply equally to everyone, Adventurers and Guardians alike.

When any of the above rules are violated or supposed violation occurs, Artix Entertainment Staff will, at their sole discretion, determine an appropriate remedy with or without communicating the warnings or results of the remedies taken. This includes but is not limited to verbal warnings, written warnings, temporary account suspension, permanent account suspension, server bans, and legal action.

In the event that an action is communicated to the transgressing user, the player will have an opportunity to appeal for a review of the decision within ninety (90) days time, otherwise, no such review is applicable. It is the responsibility of the user to stay up-to-date on the rules.

Access to this server and any of its related products is a privilege and not a right! The staff of this community moderate the server to their best of their ability and at their own discretion. Attacks upon their decisions or non-constructive arguments will be completely ignored.