Staff Intent

This thread outlines the ownership intent for DemocracyCraft. It serves as a foundational document to inform owner decisions, including vetoes, and provides guidance to lawmakers and players in leadership positions. While player-led governance is central, server ownership retains the responsibility of safeguarding the core vision of the network.

Our Vision

DemocracyCraft is a democratic City Roleplay server with a focus on political realism, aesthetics, and community inclusion.

Our vision is to foster a dynamic, politically driven roleplay experience that balances realism and unpredictability while preserving the server’s heritage and ensuring long-term political and aesthetic stability.

Preservation of Aesthetic

DemocracyCraft places a high value on visual cohesion and realism. To preserve the original intent of the Reveille map:

Town Borders:

Towns are allocated specific boundaries. These are to remain fixed to avoid urban sprawl and maintain balance across the server. Allowing one town to expand sets a precedent for all towns, which risks eroding the buffer zones and visual harmony of the map.

Natural Landscape:

Mountains, rivers, and forests surrounding urban areas are integral to the world’s visual appeal. These should be preserved and not incorporated into town expansions, as changes will degrade these natural features over time.

City Zoning and Layout:

Major changes to city zoning are often irreversible and can significantly impact urban realism. For example, the alleyways west of Government House and the Courts are deliberately placed to prevent the merging of entire city blocks near the city centre. Altering these features would undermine the intended urban density and realism of the central district.

Preservation of Democracy

While players are free to develop government systems and legislation, the following principles guide the network’s democratic framework:

Integrity of Institutions:

Each branch of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—must remain distinct and independent.

System of Government:

DemocracyCraft should be a republic that resembles a modern constitutional democracy, featuring a clear separation of powers, regular elections, and a government accountable to its citizens.

Intent of Roleplay:

The aim is not to simulate anarchy or technocracy, but to model a functioning democratic state. Reforms or decisions that would fundamentally break this premise may be vetoed if they compromise the roleplay intent of the network.

Decision Time Creep

We refer to a phenomenon we often encounter as decision time creep.

A classic example: town build height limits. Initially capped at 30 blocks, lobbying led to an increase to 40 blocks. Now, there’s pressure for 50. And if granted, 60 will be next.

Each incremental decision may seem minor—but over time, these cumulative changes significantly alter the original intent.

Be mindful of precedent. Once a door opens, it rarely closes.

Pragmatic Decision Making

When proposing changes:

• Be practical – Will this serve a real purpose beyond novelty?
• Strive for realism – Even in a Minecraft world, roles like “Criminal” stretch believability.
• Factor in staff load – Even simple changes like renaming a department can require 2+ hours of work behind the scenes.
• See the full picture – Consider your idea from three perspectives and the inputs required: ▫ As a regular player ▫ As a staff member ▫ As a member of the government