Initial setup
Configure once. Launch with confidence.
Server owners, members with Manage Server, and configured Time Capsule management roles can use either route below. Discord is fastest for first launch; the portal is best for reviewing every policy surface with your staff.
Before you start
Prepare the server decisions.
- A channel where locked capsules and announcements may appear.
- An optional staff-only channel for moderation alerts and audit events.
- The server’s default language and the roles allowed to manage Time Capsule.
- A decision about the Standard/NSFW moderation mode, audit logging, and media uploads.
- One private test channel where you can seal and reveal a test capsule.
Permission check: If setup does not open, confirm that you own the server, have Discord’s Manage Server permission, or hold a configured Time Capsule management role. The bot also needs to view and send messages in every channel you select.
Route A — Discord bot
Run guided setup in Discord.
/timecapsule setup
This Discord route opens only when the server’s
guided_setup feature is enabled. If Discord says
guided setup is unavailable, continue with the portal route
below or contact the server’s Time Capsule administrator.
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Open the six-page private setup
Input: In any server channel where commands are allowed, enter
/timecapsule setupand send it.Expected result: Time Capsule opens a private concierge panel on page 1 of 6. Other members cannot see your setup response. Plus-only controls are labeled and disabled when the server is on Free.
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Set essentials and delivery
Input: On page 1, choose the default destination, enter the server timezone, and decide whether attachments are allowed.
Expected result: The summary shows the selected destination, IANA timezone, and attachment policy. The destination is used only when a capsule has no explicit channel; it is never a fallback for a deleted explicit destination. Free servers remain limited to images and their displayed attachment allowance.
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Configure reports and reviewers
Input: On page 2, choose the reports destination, reviewer role, and whether reviewers receive notifications.
Expected result: Reports use the private destination and the selected role is notified only when reviewer notifications are enabled.
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Choose the safety policy
Input: On page 3, choose whether to block explicit language, flag likely harassment, block PII, and send private alerts; select the staff-only alert channel when alerts are on.
Expected result: Every enabled safety check and its private alert destination appear in the summary before you continue.
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Set audit, language, and channel policy
Input: On page 4, choose no audit trail, metadata only, or metadata plus capsule content; set the server language and explicit-language list. On page 5, review channel allow/block lists and individual channel overrides.
Expected result: Audit retention is explicit. Channel allow/block lists and individual overrides are disabled with a Plus explanation on Free.
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Resolve readiness checks and finish
Input: On page 6, review the Time Capsule role, required server permissions, and every configured channel. Correct each listed issue, choose Recheck permissions, then choose Finish setup.
Expected result: Each failed check names the missing role or permission and the channel to fix. Setup is recorded as complete only after a default destination is selected and the readiness review is clear.
Example first-launch policy
| Setting | Example input | Expected behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement channel | #time-capsules |
Public capsule notices and eligible reveals can use that channel. |
| Moderation alerts | #mod-alerts |
Staff review notices stay out of public channels. |
| Moderation mode | Standard or NSFW | The selected labeled mode is recorded as the server default. |
| Audit logging | On | Eligible staff actions are retained for handoff and review. |
| Media uploads | On | Members can add supported attachments, subject to platform and server limits. |
After first launch
Change common settings from Discord.
/timecapsule configure
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Open server controls
Input: Run
/timecapsule configure.Expected result: A private control panel shows the current announcement channel, audit channel, management roles, and bot delivery state.
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Update channels or management roles
Input: Choose a new announcement channel, optional audit channel, or up to 10 management roles. Changing role access requires Manage Server.
Expected result: Each selection saves immediately and the panel refreshes with the persisted value.
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Pause or resume the bot when needed
Input: Select the pause or resume control.
Expected result: The panel shows the new delivery state. Pausing is appropriate during a policy or permission incident; resume only after a test succeeds.
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Open the full portal settings
Input: Select All server settings.
Expected result: Your browser opens the selected server’s Delivery & media settings directly. If Discord sign-in is required first, OAuth preserves the server and settings destination instead of returning to the general portal dashboard.
/timecapsule portal is a separate shortcut to
this server’s portal Home. It is available only to the server
owner or a role explicitly approved in Time Capsule’s
management-role settings.
Route B — moderator portal
Configure from the web control room.
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Sign in with Discord
Input: Go to platform.cuffdev.team/login, select Continue with Discord, and approve the Discord identity prompt.
Expected result: The portal returns you to Home and lists only servers you are currently authorized to manage.
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Select the server
Input: Use the server switcher to choose the server you are configuring.
Expected result: The server name and live bot state appear in the portal. A missing server means ownership, Manage Server, or a configured management role is not currently recognized.
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Set delivery defaults in Server settings
Input: Open Server settings; review delivery state, default destination, timezone, and attachment behavior; choose whether members may use one-time capsule edit links; then save changed fields.
Expected result: A success notice confirms saved server settings. Reloading the page shows the same persisted values. Disabling member edits revokes member-only access sessions.
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Define destination rules in Channel management
Input: Open Channel management and set any blocked, premium-only, delivery, or safety overrides for individual channels.
Expected result: The channel list shows each override, and capsule validation respects the new destination policy.
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Complete Safety and Appearance
Input: In Safety, review portal roles, reports, reviewer alerts, filters, bans, crisis destinations, and logging. In Appearance, preview the Discord-visible profile and save branding only if the plan grants it.
Expected result: Safety changes apply to the selected server. Appearance shows either editable branding controls or a clear plan requirement.
Acceptance check
Verify the setup before launch.
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Create a private test capsule
Input: In the private test channel, run
/timecapsule compose, enter a harmless message, choose a short date/time such as one hour, and choose that channel only if it is the configured Free-plan announcement/allowed channel or another destination permitted by the server’s entitlement and Channel management policy; preview and seal.Expected result: Time Capsule returns a private confirmation with a capsule code and the scheduled destination.
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Confirm staff access
Input: Ask one designated moderator to sign in to the portal and select the server.
Expected result: They see the intended server and permitted controls, but no unrelated servers.
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Confirm delivery and logging
Input: Unlock the test capsule with its code, then review the destination and Activity/audit views.
Expected result: The reveal reaches the selected channel once, and the lifecycle event is visible to authorized staff.
/timecapsule unlock id:YOUR-CAPSULE-CODE