Discord
Set up Arcalotl on your Discord server.
Arcalotl integrates with Discord through slash commands, embeds, buttons, modals, and role management. Members choose plans in Discord, then pay through Stripe Checkout.
Adding the bot
- Visit your Arcalotl dashboard and click "Add to server"
- Select the Discord server you want to add Arcalotl to
- Authorize the bot permissions
- Move the Arcalotl bot role above every paid role it needs to manage
Required permissions
Arcalotl needs these Discord permissions to function:
- Manage Roles: to grant and revoke subscription roles
- Send Messages: to respond to commands and send notifications
- Embed Links: for rich embed responses
- Use Application Commands: for slash commands
- Create Channels: for private payment-help fallback channels
- View Channels and Send Messages: for bot responses and fallback channels
Available commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/subscribe | Browse plans and start checkout |
/manage | View subscription status and open Stripe Billing Portal |
/cancel | Start the cancellation flow |
/retain setup | Connect Stripe and finish server setup |
/retain plan create | Create a plan tier and billing options |
/retain plan edit | Edit an existing plan |
/retain plan delete | Archive a plan |
/retain plan list | View current plans |
/retain plan import | Import existing Stripe products and prices |
/retain settings | View and manage server settings |
/retain analytics | View subscription and retention metrics |
/retain ping | Check bot admin status |
Role management
When a member subscribes, Arcalotl assigns the configured role after Stripe confirms the subscription. When access ends, Arcalotl removes the role.
Make sure Arcalotl's bot role is positioned above the roles it needs to manage in your server's role hierarchy. Otherwise, Discord will prevent it from assigning those roles.
Member checkout
Members run /subscribe, choose a plan in Discord, and open Stripe Checkout from the button Arcalotl provides. Payment details stay in Stripe Checkout, and Arcalotl updates access when the subscription activates.
You can also configure a Community Channels subscribe channel so members can start from a persistent plan display message.
DM-based features
Payment recovery reminders, cancel-save prompts, and term optimization offers are sent by DM when possible. If DMs are closed during payment recovery, Arcalotl can create a private payment-help text channel in the server so the member still has a billing update link.
For common setup issues, see Troubleshooting.