> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hydralabs.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hydralabs.dev/lerna-network.md).

# Lerna Network

**Lerna Network** is a global ban enforcement system built and operated by **Hydra Labs LLC**. It prevents players who have been globally banned from joining any FiveM server that runs the `Lerna Network` resource — no per-server setup, no manual cross-referencing, no gaps.

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## How It Works

Lerna operates in three layers:

**1. The Ban Registry**\
Hydra Labs LLC staff issue global bans through the Lerna dashboard. Each ban is tied to a Discord ID and stored in the central `global_bans` database.

**2. The Lerna API**\
The API (`api.hydralabs.dev`) is the backbone of the system. It exposes a `/fivem/connect` endpoint that participating servers query in real time when a player attempts to connect.

**3.** `Lerna Network`\
A self-contained FiveM resource that server owners drop into their resources folder. On every player connection, it collects the player's FiveM identifiers, sends them to the Lerna API, and kicks the player if a ban is found — all before they fully load in.

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## Key Design Principles

**Ban issuance is exclusive to Hydra Labs LLC.**\
Server owners and Discord admins cannot issue, modify, or remove global bans through `Lerna Network`. The resource is enforcement-only.

**Fail-open by design.**\
If the Lerna API is unreachable, players are allowed to connect. Server downtime should never punish legitimate players.

**Identifier-based matching.**\
`Lerna Network` collects up to seven FiveM identifiers per player — `discord`, `license`, `steam`, `fivem`, `xbl`, `live`, and `ip` — and links them to the ban registry via Discord ID. This makes bans harder to evade by switching accounts.

**Minimal footprint.**\
`Lerna Network` is three files. It has no database of its own, no admin commands, and no UI. It does one thing.

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## What Lerna Is Not

* It is **not** a per-server ban system. It does not replace your server's own moderation tools.
* It is **not** a whitelist system. It only blocks players who are actively globally banned.
* It is **not** an admin panel for server owners. Ban management is handled exclusively by Hydra Labs LLC.

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## Quick Reference

| Component       | Purpose                                                       |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `Lerna Network` | FiveM resource installed on participating servers             |
| `config.lua`    | API token, endpoint URL, kick messages, Discord requirement   |
| `server.lua`    | Player connect handler, identifier collection, API call logic |
| Lerna API       | Central ban registry and enforcement backend                  |
| Dashboard       | Staff-only interface for managing global bans                 |

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## Getting Started

If you are a **server owner** looking to protect your server with Lerna Network, see the [Installation Guide](broken://pages/aae1ab58ff147f3d3c9b52f676584261dd43ccaa).

If you are a **player** who has been banned and wants to appeal, join the Hydra Labs Discord at **discord.gg/UtagHwp4Uy** and DM HydraMail.

If you have questions about data and privacy, see the [Privacy Policy](/lerna-network/privacy-policy.md).

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*© 2026 Hydra Labs LLC. All Rights Reserved.*