Important Notes

New rules: If prompted by the actions of players new rules will be added. Use common sense and if you are unsure about something, ask staff.

Assisting a player to break any of these rules is punishable with the same tariff.

Anything gained from breaking any of these rules may be reverted, e.g. if you xray, any ores (or other items) gained from xray may be destroyed

Intervention Clause: In extreme cases where a player is judged by staff to have a significant negative impact on the server (affecting funding or activity), they may be banned or muted even without breaking specific rules. A final warning will be given before punishment.

Server Rules

Instant Ban - Breaking any of these results in immediate permanent ban until appeal.

• No cheating software - Don't use any mods, hacks, or programs that give unfair advantages

  • See our disallowed software list: https://tinyurl.com/lotrsurvival-ds

• No identity theft - Don't use usernames similar to other players or "LOTR Survival"

• No payment fraud - Don't issue chargebacks on donations

• No ban evasion - Don't use alternate accounts to avoid punishments

• No item theft via tricks - Don't trick players into losing items through bandits or Utumno

• No protected structure griefing - Don't damage banner-protected areas using boss NPCs (hill-troll chieftains, mallorn ents, custom bosses)

• No explosive griefing - Don't use explosives, lava, or fire to damage player structures or nearby terrain

• No real money trading - Don't sell in-game items/services for real money (store credit exchanges are allowed)
  
  

Ban Warning - First offense gets a warning, second offense results in ban.

• No bug abuse - Report bugs to Discord instead of exploiting them

  • Known bugs list: https://tinyurl.com/lotrsurvival-kbs

• No inappropriate usernames - Keep Minecraft usernames clean (change immediately if warned)

• Cooperate with staff - Don't lie to or disobey staff during investigations

• No combat logging - Don't log out or use instant teleports to avoid PvP

  • Exceptions: Canceling TPA to avoid combat, logging out during /duel

• Respect others' structures - Don't place waypoints or go AFK in others' buildings without permission

• Don't block waypoints - Keep default LOTR waypoints clear and accessible

• Don't claim others' builds - Don't banner-protect structures you didn't build without owner permission

• No automatic grinders - Fully automatic grinders are banned (farmer NPCs and chickens are allowed)

• No stat manipulation - Don't use alt accounts or willing victims to boost your kill/death stats

• No false reports - Only report actual rule violations

• No tree griefing - Don't plant trees to vandalize areas

• No alt account exploits - Don't use alts to save Utumno locations, claim bounties, or lead factions

• No AFK circumvention - Don't use AFK pools or similar methods to appear active

Instant Mute - Breaking these results in immediate temporary mute.

• No malicious links - Don't share links to malware or inappropriate websites

• No doxxing - Don't share anyone's personal information without permission

• No server advertising - Don't promote other Minecraft servers or Discord servers

*These rules count as instant ban rules if broken via means other than the chat.

Mute Warning - First offense gets a warning, second offense results in mute.

• Keep chat clean - Don't swear excessively (5+ times in consecutive messages or within 30 seconds)

• No spam - Don't flood chat with repeated messages, characters, or words

• English in global chat - Use /msg or /team for other languages

• No hate speech - Don't use slurs or attacks based on race, religion, sexuality, or disability

• No impersonation - Don't pretend to be other players, factions, or staff using names/titles

• Keep names appropriate - No profane nicknames, titles, weapon names, or signatures

• No real-life threats - Keep all threats to in-game roleplay only

**These rules count as ban warning rules if broken via means other than the chat.

Protocol - Staff procedures that may result in loss of assets.

• No lobby units - Hired units and mounts left in lobby will be removed without compensation

• Server performance - Excessive hired units (200+) or lag-causing grinders may be removed to maintain performance

Discord Server Rules

• No impersonation - Don't copy others' usernames, nicknames, or profile pictures without permission

• No spam - Don't flood chat with messages, emojis, excessive pings, or repeat content

• English only - Keep conversations in English

• Tag responsibly - Only tag people/roles when necessary and relevant

• Keep content appropriate - No explicit, offensive, or harmful content

• No doxxing - Don't share others' personal information without consent

• Respect staff - Cooperate during server management and administrative tasks

• No malicious links - Don't share links to viruses, malware, or inappropriate sites

• Stay on topic - Keep discussions relevant to each channel's purpose

• Moderate language - Avoid excessive swearing or inappropriate language

• No false reports - Only submit valid reports

• No server advertising - Don't promote other Minecraft or Discord servers

• Follow server rules - All Minecraft server rules apply in #server-chat

• Follow Discord ToS - Adhere to Discord's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service

Note: Some rules can be enforced in DMs if users aren't friends and only share this server.

Definitions

Structure - A placement of blocks forming a distinguishable building with roof and walls

Player-built structure - Any structure built partially or completely by a player

Player-owned structure - Either a player-built structure OR any building with banner protection

Pre-generated structure - Structures automatically created by the LOTR Mod

Impersonation - Pretending to be someone else for entertainment or fraud

Permission - Explicit verbal agreement stating what is allowed

Hate speech - Attacks or slurs targeting race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability that are:

• Widely recognized as offensive in popular culture

• Reported by the victim (unreported incidents don't count as violations)

Administrative affairs - Official staff duties including investigations, events, and server management

Combat logging - Logging out or using instant teleportation to avoid PvP combat

Obstruction (waypoints) - Blocking fast travel destinations so players can't escape without taking damage, breaking blocks, or jumping in water

Excessive swearing - Either:

• Swearing 5+ times in consecutive messages

• Swearing 5+ times within 30 seconds

Spam - Any of the following:

• Sending identical/similar messages within seconds

• Repeating the same character 5+ times in a message

• Repeating the same word/phrase 5+ times in a message

LOTR Survival Rules - Frequently Asked Questions

🎮 Gameplay Questions

Q: Can I use OptiFine and other visual mods?

A: Check our disallowed software list at https://tinyurl.com/lotrsurvival-ds. If a mod isn't on that list and doesn't give gameplay advantages (like seeing through walls or auto-clicking), it's generally allowed. When in doubt, ask staff before using it.

Q: What exactly counts as "combat logging"?

A: Logging out or using teleportation commands to avoid PvP combat. Exceptions: You CAN log out while a TPA is in progress to cancel it (if avoiding combat on the other end), and you CAN log out during a /duel. Everything else counts as combat logging.

Q: Can I use automatic farms?

A: Chicken farms and farmer NPC crop farms are allowed. Fully automatic grinders (where you can be AFK and gain resources) are banned. If you're unsure about your farm design, ask staff to check it.

Q: What's the difference between player-built, player-owned, and pre-generated structures?

A:

• Player-built = You or another player built it

• Player-owned = Either player-built OR has banner protection on it

• Pre-generated = Automatically created by the LOTR Mod Most rules about "not damaging structures" refer to player-owned structures.

🏠 Building & Protection Questions

Q: Can I claim abandoned structures?

A: Only if they have no banner protection. If a structure still has banner protection, you need the owner's permission to claim it, even if it looks abandoned.

Q: What does "obstructing a waypoint" mean?

A: If a player fast travels to a default LOTR waypoint and can't escape your blocks without taking damage, breaking blocks, or jumping in water, you're obstructing it. This includes their mount getting stuck.

Q: Can I place blocks above someone's protected area?

A: No. You can't place ANY blocks (including water, lava) vertically above a visible structure's banner protection. This includes griefing attempts and making structures look worse.

Q: Someone is AFK in my base - what do I do?

A: Report them to staff. Players can't log off or go AFK in your structure without permission. Note: This rule is only enforced if YOU report it - so if it's your friend and you don't mind, no action will be taken.

⚔️ PvP & Items Questions

Q: Can I kill players using bandits or Utumno?

A: You cannot TRICK players into losing items through bandits or Utumno. Normal PvP where both players know the risks is fine, but don't deceive people into dangerous situations where they'll lose gear.

Q: What about boss NPCs in protected areas?

A: You cannot summon hill-troll chieftains or mallorn ents inside someone's banner protection to destroy their builds. This is considered griefing even though the boss NPCs can break protected blocks.

Q: Can I trade in-game items for store credit?

A: Yes! Trading in-game goods for store items is allowed. What's banned is trading for real money, PayPal transfers, gift cards, etc.

👤 Account & Identity Questions

Q: Can I have multiple Minecraft accounts?

A: Yes, but with restrictions:

• Don't use alts to boost your kill/death stats

• Don't use alts to save your location in Utumno

• Don't claim LOTR Mod bounties on alt accounts

• Don't lead factions or steward territories on multiple accounts

• Don't use alts to evade punishments

Q: What counts as "impersonation"?

A: Using usernames, nicknames, or titles similar enough to fool other players. This includes copying other players, staff members, faction names, or "LOTR Survival." Parody is still impersonation if it causes confusion.

🐛 Bugs & Exploits Questions

Q: I found a bug - what do I do?

A: Report it immediately on our Discord server. Don't use it for advantages, even "just once." Check our known bugs list first: https://tinyurl.com/lotrsurvival-kbs

Q: What if I accidentally used a bug?

A: Report it anyway. Staff can tell the difference between accident and abuse. Covering it up makes it look intentional.

Q: Are AFK pools allowed?

A: No. Don't use anything that makes the server think you're active when you're actually AFK. This undermines the time played and activity tracking systems.

💬 Chat & Communication Questions

Q: Can I speak other languages?

A: Use other languages in /msg (private messages) or /team chat. Global chat must be English so staff can moderate properly and all players can understand.

Q: How much swearing is "excessive"?

A: Swearing 5+ times in consecutive messages OR 5+ times within 30 seconds. Occasional swearing is fine, but don't make every message contain profanity.

Q: What counts as "hate speech"?

A: Insults targeting race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability that are:

1. Widely recognized as offensive in popular culture

2. Reported by the victim If the victim doesn't report it, no action is taken (allows jokes between friends).

Q: Can I have profanity in my username/nickname?

A: No profanity in Minecraft usernames (Ban Warning) or in-game nicknames/titles (Mute Warning). Chat swearing is different because it disappears quickly, but names are always visible.

🛡️ Staff & Moderation Questions

Q: What are "administrative affairs"?

A: Official staff duties like investigating bugs, investigating rule violations, or running events. Staff will make it clear when they're doing something administrative. You must follow their instructions and answer honestly during these times.

Q: Can staff punish me even if I didn't break a rule?

A: Yes, under the Intervention Clause. If you're having a significant negative impact on server funding or activity, staff can take action after giving a final warning. This is for extreme cases only.

🎮 Discord Questions

Q: Do Minecraft rules apply in Discord?

A: Yes, all Minecraft server rules apply in the #server-chat channel. Other Discord channels have their own rules but also follow Discord's Terms of Service.

Q: Can staff enforce rules in my DMs?

A: Only if you and the other person aren't friends and only share this Discord server. Rules marked with † can be enforced in DMs under these conditions.

🚨 Emergency Situations

Q: Someone is doxxing/sharing personal info - what do I do?

A: Report immediately to staff. This results in instant mute/ban and is taken very seriously.

Q: Someone sent me a suspicious link - what do I do?

A: Don't click it and report to staff. Sharing malware or inappropriate links results in instant punishment.

Q: I'm being harassed - what are my options?

A: Report to staff with evidence. Many chat-based violations (like hate speech and threats) require the victim to report before action is taken.

❓ Still Have Questions?

Not covered here? Create a ticket in #support on Discord or email lotrsurvival@gmail.com

Need clarification on a specific rule? Ask any staff member - they'd rather answer questions than deal with rule violations!

Think a rule is unclear? Suggest improvements! We regularly update rules based on community feedback.

Server Rules in Detail - Staff Reference

This section provides comprehensive explanations for staff enforcement and complex situations. For common player questions, see the FAQ section.

Instant Ban Rules

Breaking any of these results in immediate permanent ban until appeal.

No cheating software

Rule: Don't use any mods, hacks, or programs that give unfair advantages

Details: This includes all forms of hacks (fly, xray, auto-clickers, etc.), unfair mods, macros, and hack clients. See disallowed software list: https://tinyurl.com/lotrsurvival-ds

Why this rule: We aim to be a fair survival server where all players follow the same rules. Unfair advantages undermine this core principle.

No identity theft

Rule: Don't use usernames similar to other players or "LOTR Survival"

Details: This covers changing Minecraft usernames to impersonate other players or the server name.

Why this rule: Prevents exploitation, defamation, and confusion that could harm other players or the server's reputation.

No payment fraud

Rule: Don't issue chargebacks on donations

Details: Disputing donations through payment gateways. Refunds are available through proper channels (see store terms).

Why this rule: Protects server finances and prevents abuse of purchased items. Chargebacks can create financial problems and payment processor issues.

No ban evasion

Rule: Don't use alternate accounts to avoid punishments

Details: Using any alternate Minecraft or Discord account to circumvent active punishments.

Why this rule: Punishments serve as both prevention and deterrent. Evasion makes the entire moderation system ineffective.

No item theft via tricks

Rule: Don't trick players into losing items through bandits or Utumno

Details: Deliberately deceiving players into dangerous situations where they'll lose gear.

Why this rule: Creates atmosphere of fear that discourages player interaction and may reduce server population.

No protected structure griefing

Rule: Don't damage banner-protected areas using boss NPCs (hill-troll chieftains, mallorn ents)

Details: Boss NPCs can destroy banner-protected blocks by design. Using this to bypass protection for griefing is banned.

Why this rule: Banner protection should provide genuine safety. This prevents exploitation of intended game mechanics.

No explosive griefing

Rule: Don't use explosives, lava, or fire to damage player structures or nearby terrain

Details: Includes hired unit explosions and catapult rocks when used for griefing. "Nearby terrain" means within 10 chunk render distance of structures.

Why this rule: Protects player builds and prevents grief tactics that would drive players away.

No real money trading

Rule: Don't sell in-game items/services for real money (store credit exchanges are allowed)

Details: Prohibits trading for real currency, PayPal, gift cards, etc. Store item trades are permitted.

Why this rule: Prevents scams and protects server revenue by eliminating competition with the official store.

Ban Warning Rules

First offense gets a warning, second offense results in ban.

No bug abuse

Rule: Report bugs to Discord instead of exploiting them

Details: Using bugs for advantages is prohibited. See known bugs: https://tinyurl.com/lotrsurvival-kbs

Why this rule: Maintains fair gameplay and encourages bug reporting for server improvement.

No inappropriate usernames

Rule: Keep Minecraft usernames clean (change immediately if warned)

Details: Username contains or implies profanity/inappropriate content. Must change immediately when warned.

Why this rule: Protects younger players and maintains welcoming environment. Usernames are permanently visible unlike temporary chat messages.

Cooperate with staff

Rule: Don't lie to or disobey staff during investigations

Details: Must follow staff instructions and answer truthfully during administrative duties (investigations, events, etc.).

Why this rule: Gives staff necessary power to fulfill duties and makes rule enforcement possible.

No combat logging

Rule: Don't log out or use instant teleports to avoid PvP

Exceptions:

• Logging out while TPA is in progress to cancel it (avoiding combat on other end)

• Logging out during /duel

Why this rule: Maintains fair and smooth PvP gameplay.

Respect others' structures

Rule: Don't place waypoints or go AFK in others' buildings without permission

Details: Includes using /build, /pvp, or commands that allow instant return. Only enforced when victim reports.

Why this rule: Property owners should feel secure in their buildings.

Don't block waypoints

Rule: Keep default LOTR waypoints clear and accessible

Details: Players fast traveling to waypoints must be able to escape without taking damage, breaking blocks, or jumping in water. Applies to mounts too.

Why this rule: Default waypoints should function normally for all players. Getting stuck wastes cooldowns and can kill mounts.

Don't claim others' builds

Rule: Don't banner-protect structures you didn't build without owner permission

Details: Doesn't apply if structure's banner protection was previously removed due to banner removal system.

Why this rule: Protects time and effort invested in building. Losing builds can drive players away.

No automatic grinders

Rule: Fully automatic grinders are banned (farmer NPCs and chickens are allowed)

Details: Fully automatic means functioning while AFK. Farmer NPC and chicken farms are specifically exempted.

Why this rule: AFK resource generation at large scale is overpowered for survival gameplay.

No stat manipulation

Rule: Don't use alt accounts or willing victims to boost your kill/death stats

Details: Preserves integrity of PvP statistics and leaderboards.

No false reports

Rule: Only report actual rule violations

Details: Don't report without justified suspicion or with knowledge that no rule was broken.

Why this rule: False reports waste staff time and can damage innocent players' reputations.

No tree griefing

Rule: Don't plant trees to vandalize areas

Why this rule: Tree griefing is extremely difficult to repair and can easily ruin landscapes around structures.

No alt account exploits

Rule: Don't use alts to save Utumno locations, claim bounties, or lead factions

Details: Prevents various unfair advantages and system abuse.

No AFK circumvention

Rule: Don't use AFK pools or similar methods to appear active

Why this rule: Undermines time played statistics and activity tracking systems.

Instant Mute Rules

Breaking these results in immediate temporary mute.

No malicious links

Rule: Don't share links to malware or inappropriate websites

Why this rule: Protects player security and maintains safe environment, especially for younger players.

No doxxing

Rule: Don't share anyone's personal information without permission

Details: Includes real names, addresses, photos, etc. Permission must be explicit.

Why this rule: Protects privacy and prevents real-life harm from online conflicts.

No server advertising

Rule: Don't promote other Minecraft servers or Discord servers

Why this rule: Protects server population and prevents unwanted advertisements.

Mute Warning Rules

First offense gets a warning, second offense results in mute.

Keep chat clean

Rule: Don't swear excessively (5+ times in consecutive messages or within 30 seconds)

Why this rule: Occasional swearing is acceptable, but constant profanity creates toxic environment for younger players.

No spam

Rule: Don't flood chat with repeated messages, characters, or words

Details: Includes repeating same character/word 5+ times in a message or sending similar messages rapidly.

Why this rule: Spam disrupts communication and can drive players away from chat.

English in global chat

Rule: Use /msg or /team for other languages

Why this rule: Allows staff to moderate effectively and ensures all players can understand global communications.

No hate speech

Rule: Don't use slurs or attacks based on race, religion, sexuality, or disability

Details: Must be widely recognized as offensive AND reported by victim for enforcement.

Why this rule: Prevents genuine toxicity while allowing friendly banter (unreported incidents suggest consent).

No impersonation

Rule: Don't pretend to be other players, factions, or staff using names/titles

Why this rule: Prevents exploitation and defamation through false identity.

Keep names appropriate

Rule: No profane nicknames, titles, weapon names, or signatures

Why this rule: These are permanently visible unlike temporary chat messages.

No real-life threats

Rule: Keep all threats to in-game roleplay only

Details: In-game character threats are fine. Real-life threats are banned regardless of seriousness.

Why this rule: Protects player safety and wellbeing.

Protocol

Staff procedures that may result in loss of assets.

No lobby units

Rule: Hired units and mounts left in lobby will be removed without compensation

Why this protocol: Prevents lobby lag and obstruction.

Server performance

Rule: Excessive hired units (200+) or lag-causing grinders may be removed to maintain performance

Details: 200+ hired units may be acceptable but risks removal. Use /serverstats to check server impact.

Why this protocol: Maintains smooth gameplay experience for all players.