Moderation

Warnings are for behavior correction, not punishment.

When to Warn

• Mild rule violations

• Behavior that could escalate if left unchecked

• First-time misunderstandings

• Tone issues, unsolicited DMs, light NSFW misplacement

How to Warn

• Assess the situation calmly

• Use /warn with a clear, factual reason

• Follow up with a brief message in DMs or the channel (if appropriate):

“Hey! Quick reminder — please keep this content in the correct channel. Let me know if you need help finding it.”

Documentation

• /warn automatically logs to #mod-log

• No additional notes required unless context is complex

Timeouts temporarily restrict a member from sending messages. They’re used to calm situations, not punish people.

When to Use a Timeout

Use a timeout when a member is:

• Arguing or escalating tension

• Spamming or derailing chat

• Ignoring staff direction

• Emotional, overwhelmed, or spiraling

• Refusing to drop a topic after multiple prompts

Timeouts prevent drama from escalating.

How to Issue

• Use /mute add  

• Choose a duration based on severity

  • 10–30 minutes: light tension

  • 1–4 hours: heated arguments or persistent disruption

  • 6–12 hours: major escalation or repeated issues

• Add a short, factual reason

Ending Early

Remove with /mute remove if:

• The user apologizes

• The issue is resolved

• A staff member confirms the situation has cooled down

When Not to Timeout

Skip straight to a kick or ban for:

• Hate speech

• Underage concerns

• Non-consensual or illegal content

• Threats, stalking, or harassment

• Severe or malicious behavior

If Behavior Continues After a Timeout

• Warn if mild

• Kick if disruption continues

• Ban if hostile or dangerous

Kicks remove a member from the server but allow them to return later. They’re used when someone needs to be removed right now, but a ban would be too severe.

When to Kick

Kick a member (verified or unverified) when:

• They refuse or abandon age verification

• They behave suspiciously or evasively while unverified

• They’re causing ongoing disruption despite warnings/timeouts

• They’re emotional, chaotic, or out of control and need a reset

• They derail chat repeatedly or ignite drama

• They need distance to cool off more than a timeout would provide

Kicks are often used as a forced break without escalating to a ban.

How to Issue

• Use /kick

• Provide a clear, neutral reason

• DM the user optional but helpful

When Not to Kick

Skip straight to ban if:

• There is hate speech

• Underage concerns

• Non-consensual or illegal content

• Threats, harassment, or stalking

• Severe or malicious behavior

• Clear Discord ToS violations

These require permanent action, not a temporary removal.

If They Return and Repeat

If a kicked member comes back and continues:

• Warn if minor

• Timeout if heated

• Ban if hostility, evasion, or drama repeats

Admins should be alerted if a kicked user returns in a worse state.

Bans remove a member from Masquerade entirely. They’re used when behavior is dangerous, malicious, or incompatible with the safety of the community. A ban may be temporary or permanent depending on severity.

When to Ban

Ban immediately for:

• Underage users or credible underage suspicion

• Non-consensual content or any sexual content involving minors

• Hate speech, slurs, or targeted harassment

• Threats, stalking, or doxxing

• Severe ToS violations

• Evading moderation or returning on alts

• Explicitly malicious behavior

Ban after escalation when:

• Timeouts and warnings fail

• A kicked user returns and repeats the same problem

• Someone consistently disrupts the server

• A member becomes hostile toward staff or others

How to Issue

• Use /ban add (or /ban temp for temporary bans)

• Include a clear, factual reason

• Do not debate the ban in public chat

• Direct the member to open a Moderation Appeal if they have questions

Temporary vs Permanent Bans

• Temporary Ban:

Good for non-malicious meltdowns, heated drama, or behavior that needs a forced break.

(Examples: 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 30 days)

• Permanent Ban:

Used for anything severe, dangerous, illegal, or predatory.

No return expected.

When Not to Ban

• Mild rule violations

• First-time misunderstandings

• Situations resolvable with a timeout or kick

• Conflicts that can be de-escalated

Bans are for safety, not simple mistakes.

After the Ban

If appropriate:

• Use /ban remove only when an Admin approves an appeal

• Document with a /note if there is future risk to watch for

• Alert Admins for severe cases that need follow-up or reporting