The Forest Owls was formed explicitly due to the lack of other spaces with similar policy within game (at the time of creation), in order to provide people of color and indigenous people, and LBGTQ+ people with a safe place to enjoy the game and community together. After 6 years of thriving, we are now entering our 7th year together, proving that it is possible to build a Free Company the right way, based in mutual understanding and respect. Owls is based around giving as much game access as is possible to its members, with our prosperity spread horizontally, were we can be treated as equals, and human beings.
18+ – The FC is not super lewd but it is a sex positive space. Certain adult topics will be discussed and adult-only content will be shared. Members come from diverse age groups and backgrounds, and keep it tasteful, but we are free to be goofy and express ourselves.
No Racism – The definitions of this rule are determined by those who it impacts. People of color. Racism is not simply just the use of explicit terms and can permeate nearly any aspect of interaction in real life or the game. Good faith actors with respectful attitudes will be given space to make mistakes, within reason. (This includes concerns unique to colonialism experienced by Indigenous peoples. Ongweh Ias ni ah, Ohi:yo Onodowaga ni no goedzo deh. Nya:weh skano!)
No Cisnormativity – Many members and officers are transgender, and gender diversity is encouraged in this FC. In order to remain inclusive of all kinds of members, we require a no transphobia nor cisnormativity policy.
No Sexism – Women and femme gamers are often faced with more social obstacles in MMO environments than other players. Owls recognizes this and makes sure to avoid such obstacles whenever possible.
No Heteronormativity – Sexuality is a spectrum. cope.
No Respectability Politics – Love voice is not a requirement, and those demanding it from women and POC and LBGT people here will be asked to leave. This space is for all members and is not solely focused and centered around white male feelings. It is not an educational resource for those outside our groups, but instead a place to enjoy the game together without harassment.
No “Engrish” – This is covered by the no racism rule, but since it happens so often in FFXIV, it must needs its own place in the list, so people know its not ok here. Making fun of races and/or ethnicities of people with stereotype jokes is not allowed.
No Religious Proselytizing – Any suggestive religious talk will not be tolerated. The FC leader is an anti-theist, and sovereign indigenous survivor of the church. Beliefs that cause harm to people and the land are not moral and will not be respected. This ties to the no racism rule, as people of color and indigenous people do not need to be reeducated. We have our own stories.
Support Officers – If officers are helping you complete duty or something else, remember to be courteous and thank them for their time, since they do a lot to make things run smoothly. If an officer requests that a PUG be dismissed from duty due to harassment, attending members must vote dismiss.
Stream with Consent – If you stream your gameplay to an audience of viewers outside of the FC and/or game, it is required that you create an additional chat log tab that excludes FC chat. Additionally, if you are in party or interacting with FC members while streaming, it is required that you inform FC members that they are being recorded, so they can consent or refuse of their own volition. This rule is totally non-negotiable and will be strictly enforced.
No Spoilers – In order to prevent story spoilers for those who have not yet seen it, please refrain from such comments in FC chat and general discord. Please ask Ongweh Ias or other officers in game if you want to join the FC spoilers linkshell, an in game chat group for spoilers. Also refer to the spoilers section of the FC discord if you want to post spoilers content.
Open Chest Policy – Please feel free to take any items from drawer 1 of the FC chest, they are up for grabs, but please do not take more than is needed. Taking items provided by FC for members and selling for gil is prohibited.
This list of rules is not complete. It is also mandatory. Please check back for updates.