Post by Khelbyn on Apr 28, 2008 15:43:52 GMT -5
“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”¹
It is all too quickly forgotten that some of the most appalling catastrophes to befall the Alliance races have been wrought upon themselves. Whilst other have both eye and sword turned upon the Horde, Argentum Ordo turns its eye towards our common enemies... the Scourge... the Burning Legion...
Together, as Knights, we serve not only each other, but any of those who would require our aid. Horde, Alliance… there is no black or white view, there is only Silver.[/i]
I. Overview of Argentum Ordo (the Silver Order)
II. Respect and Courtesy
III. Ranks Within the Order
IV. Becoming a Knight
V. Miscellaneous
When you wear the colors of the Silver Order there are some expectations of conduct, as every action you take reflect not only on yourself, but on the entire guild.
It is expected that all members familiarize themselves with the expectations outlined here. Ignorance of these guidelines does not excuse any breach of conduct. Unless otherwise detailed in a specific section, note that any violations will follow a single-warning system. In other words, you will be warned once. Anything after that is considered grounds for immediate dismissal.
We are a Neutral Good Guild. Generally speaking, your character should be one step within this alignment (ex. Lawful Neutral, Chaotic Good). Any evil (Chaotic, Neutral or Lawful) is unacceptable. If you are unsure what these alignments mean, or if you can’t really tell what alignment your character is, I strongly urge you to take the Wizard’s Online Alignment Test. It can give you quite an accurate representation of where your character stands.
www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20001222b
It also has a clear definition of the different alignments.
Argentum Ordo is an RP Guild, first and foremost. You don't have to be good at it, you just have to be dedicated. Guild Chat and any other communications and/or interactions is IC (or, In-Character). People work hard to maintain character immersion. Please denote all OOC ((or, Out-Of-Character)) speak with double-brackets. Also, keep it confined to the ARGOooc Channel, or in whispers.
If you come across an RP interaction or event, and you wish to participate, try and establish permission to do so in /whisper first. If that fails, try to work into the action organically, and in character. In either case, if they'd rather play with themselves, please allow them the space and courtesy to do so. We'd expect the same.
Immersion in your character is essential, and breaking your character breaks others' immersion as well.
Every word that leaves the characters mouth belongs to your character. As do emotes. Remember this.
For additional resources, please see articles/thread posted in the RP Studio sub-forum of the Library on the guild boards. It is expected that, if you are entirely new to RP, you familiarize yourself with some of the concepts detailed there.
Meta-Gaming, God-Modding and Power Emoting are unacceptable. Poor quality is not an offense, poor form is. Ignorance of what these terms mean is not an excuse for doing them.
Character Backgrounds need to be known by the player, if not actually expressed anywhere. There are numerous resources available for research, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
While this is not a PVP Guild, there are those who enjoy it. Though, keep in mind the Code of Conduct of Argentum Ordo when doing so. The Horde are not all scum, in fact, the Order believe that hostile actions should not be taken against them unless it is a case of self-defense. Killing during war is creating a casualty. Killing otherwise is considered murder. If ganking is something you enjoy, you need not look here.
Raiding/End-Game content is not a primary focus for Argentum Ordo. If you feel that these needs outweigh the need for RP, then this guild is not for you. That is not to say that there is no Raiding or exploration of End Game content. Rather, it is not, by any means, a primary focus.
Be courteous at all times, whether guild-mate or not, Alliance or Horde. As a guild, you should know that you can count on your fellow guildmates to be respectful, if nothing else. Do not argue over NEED or GREED calls. Everyone makes their own judgments as to what they need, be it right or wrong. Keep in mind, it is just loot - there is always more and it usually comes with earning more XP anyhow. Do not ninja loot. When practical, ask permission before skinning someone else's kill, and certainly wait until its clear they aren't going to do it themselves. If there is a conflict over a mining node, let the other person have at it; they will respawn. Asking someone if you can take a swipe, for the skill increase, works as well. At least, it has for me in the past.
Always be the better person.
Inevitably, one finds that however courteous and genial you are, other people are rude, obnoxious, petty, vindictive, and immature. Their bad actions do not excuse a poor response on your part. This does NOT mean that one need roll over and play dead - just don't descend to their level. If they are guilded, ask another member of that guild if the guild leader and/or officers are on, and report the behavior; it’s not "squealing". It's making officers aware that they have an unworthy person in their midst.
Be mature. Any l33t terms and/or other types ( I C U can 2) and such are not tolerated and will warrant immediate expulsion. Ninja looting, dancing naked in Goldshire and Duel-Spamming will as well. When you wear the tabard, you represent the ENTIRE guild. Should you enjoy these activities, maybe you selected the wrong server.
Also, If you have issues with someone else doing this to you, walk away. /ignore works wonders.
Be respectful of the Horde. Argentum Ordo does not serve to wage war upon the Horde. Rather, we should be doing all we can to cultivate some semblance of peace whenever possible. Certainly don't EVER camp low level Horde grounds, for any reason. This is not a PVP server. It is disrespectful and frustrating to those trying to level on their own territory. Killing Horde Guards does not make you tough. It can, however, put you on the path in search of another guild.
Guild Chat is ALWAYS In-Character. OOC belongs in the ARGOooc channel. If you see someone doing this, kindly direct them to the OOC channel. If it happens repeatedly, report them to an Advisor or Templar.
Do NOT link items in the Guild channel unless absolutely necessary (ex. using said item as part of Guild Channel RP). If someone really wants to see your item(s), or you want to show them, take it to a whisper. The guild channel is not the forum for showing off your wonderful loot. Be original. Do it in person and in character.
Abusive, racially insensitive or lewd conversation in the OOC channel will not be tolerated. It is disrespectful to everyone. If you are the kind of person who cannot control how you present yourself, Argentum Ordo is clearly not the guild for you.
Do not beg. EVER. Asking if someone has a spare Thorium Widget (or other such item) is absolutely tolerable (and expected, actually). But begging for them is disrespectful to you, them and everyone who witnesses it. Other guilds hold no reservations for alerting Guild Officers of a member begging in any public channel. Doing so reflects poorly on the guild at large and any reports of this conduct are dealt with swiftly and with severity. Begging in any channel or at a gathering is grounds for immediate expulsion.
This extends to requests for assistance with Quests, Zones, Instances, etc. There is a section on the boards with which to post (and subsequently schedule) requests for Guild runs. Keep it there. Constantly asking and/or whining in the OOC channel for help with any of these requests is intolerable, as is bombarding other members with whispers. While your fellow Knights are here to help, everyone has their own set of priorities. Asking for immediate assistance is often considered rude and disrespectful, primarily when one has not exhausted one’s own attempts or sought the help of the LFG channel or PUG runs.
Essentially, be polite. Be respectful of other people’s time. If you need help, post a request on the boards.
Asking someone else to farm materials for you is, largely, unacceptable. Again, there is a section on the boards for tradeskill/quest material requests. Use it. Check the Guild Vault. Post a request. If you are still unable to acquire what you need, check the Auction House. No luck? Buckle up and go farm. You’ll often find that people are more than willing to answer requests that have been posted. Harassing anyone for items within your ability to obtain, yourself, is intolerable.
Complaints made regarding begging (in any form) will be taken seriously. As with any other breach of the Guild’s Code of Conduct, the first offense merits a warning. Second offense warrants expulsion. There will be no third.
Guild departures of any sort must be handled with dignity, courtesy and discretion. If the departing character is not gracious, this does not end your obligation to uphold a higher standard.
Barring exceptional circumstances (ex. abusive behavior, obscenities, etc.), all guild removals will be handled by Templars or by their own statement (ex. when someone posts on the boards "I'm done. So long suckers!") No one else has the ability, so it should not be an issue.
It is also expected that should you wish to depart from the ranks of the Order, that you at least notify an officer with a reason or a farewell. Posting an announcement may also be considered a polite course of action.
Argentum Ordo is composed of individuals, Knights, who share a common view. Above all else, a Knight should know that he or she can count on any of the other Knights at any time. This is compounded exponentially In Character. Any Knight should be able to put the honor and respect of any other Knight above all others. Any place, at any moment. It is expected that one would put the welfare of a comrade above all others, even ones’ self. The Silver Order demands devotion and scorns selfishness.
a. Knight-Templar[/b][/blockquote]
There is no singular leader presiding over Argentum Ordo. If any one truth has been proven over time, it is that power corrupts. The power, if it can even be called that, that exists among the Order is equally distributed among the five Templars. These individuals serve as the five fingers of the Hand. The benefit of this unique structure is that there can be no tyranny, no dictatorship through a tribunal. This station bestows a great deal of responsibility upon the individual who holds it. Templars must, at all times, and without fail, find a balance between conducting themselves with all the dignity demanded of those who would be called leaders, elders or advisors and unwaivering servitude. Servitude to the Order, themselves, each other and any individual in need.
Each Templar should retain an Advisor of their own choosing (though with the general approval of the other Regents). As Templars are the fingers, Advisors are the palm. Together, they form the Hand of the Silver Order. They serve, and therefore conduct themselves, similarly to Templars. In the departure or absence of a Regent, he or she serves in their stead. In respect to the former, the Advisor will make this transition permanently. Subsequently, a new Advisor will then be named.
Knight-Captains are a further extension of the Knights. These are the select few who have shown a level of honor, respect and dedication beyond the call of duty. This rank serves as a pool from which any new Advisors might be drawn.
As Templars and Advisors form the Hand, the Knights are the arm. They are the strength of the Order. Without them, the Hand is powerless. Knights are not officers, but they are certainly not any less valuable to the Order.
Each member within the order may only hold one ranked position with a single character. Any subsequent characters will automatically be given the rank of Alt. Only Knights and above may have more than one guilded character, thus Squires may not enter additional characters.
Squires serve as initiates, before becoming Knights. Squires must be observed, and must receive the approval of at least two Templars or Advisors before being promoted.
All new members must also be level twenty or higher, and have a name that fits within Blizzard’s guidelines for naming on an RP server. Furthermore, it is essential that they are of an alignment that fits with the guild at large. Alts of current members need not meet the level requirement, as their mains should have already done so. This is not a rule in place to exclude lower leveled members. Waiting until twenty serves two purposes: That you have had time to acquaint yourself with your own character, and that you are indeed serious about application.
Admission to the Order is done by posting an application on the boards and scheduling an interview, or interaction, with two or more officers, Advisor and above. Completed applications should be posted in the Edicts & Enlistment section of the forums and titled (only) with your character’s full name.
Guild events/meetings generally take place every Friday evening, thus scheduling character introductions after posting an application is met with little difficulty.
After admission, all new Squires will need to complete a roster entry, to be posted on the Roster section of the boards. This is not purely tedium. This is a chance for players to expand on and explore their character at a greater depth. At this point, they will retain the rank of Squire until they have been given personal approval of no less than three current members. At such point, they will be promoted to Knight and be considered a full member. Only Knights and above may have guilded Alts. The required amount of approvals must be obtained within thirty days of recruitment, barring exceptional circumstances.
If you have gotten this far and are still interested and intent on becoming a Knight, welcome.
We look forward to meeting you in-game.
Forum posts should be respectful to everyone, and includes a ban on discussing religion and politics. There are other places for that.
It is all too quickly forgotten that some of the most appalling catastrophes to befall the Alliance races have been wrought upon themselves. Whilst other have both eye and sword turned upon the Horde, Argentum Ordo turns its eye towards our common enemies... the Scourge... the Burning Legion...
Together, as Knights, we serve not only each other, but any of those who would require our aid. Horde, Alliance… there is no black or white view, there is only Silver.[/i]
Argentum Ordo : Overview, Guidelines and Code of Conduct
I. Overview of Argentum Ordo (the Silver Order)
a. Background and Alignment
b. Role-Playing
c. PVP / Raiding / End-Game
II. Respect and Courtesy
a. Out of Character : General
i. Horde Relations
ii. Chat Channels
iii. Requests for Aid
iv. Leaving the Order
b. In Character : On Being a Knight
III. Ranks Within the Order
a. Knight-Templar
b. Knight-Advisor
c. Knight-Captain
d. Knight
e. Errant
f. Squire
IV. Becoming a Knight
a. Restrictions
b. Application
c. Interview and Approval
d. Promotion to Knight
V. Miscellaneous
a. Forums
I. Overview of Argentum Ordo (the Silver Order)
When you wear the colors of the Silver Order there are some expectations of conduct, as every action you take reflect not only on yourself, but on the entire guild.
It is expected that all members familiarize themselves with the expectations outlined here. Ignorance of these guidelines does not excuse any breach of conduct. Unless otherwise detailed in a specific section, note that any violations will follow a single-warning system. In other words, you will be warned once. Anything after that is considered grounds for immediate dismissal.
a. Background and Alignment
We are a Neutral Good Guild. Generally speaking, your character should be one step within this alignment (ex. Lawful Neutral, Chaotic Good). Any evil (Chaotic, Neutral or Lawful) is unacceptable. If you are unsure what these alignments mean, or if you can’t really tell what alignment your character is, I strongly urge you to take the Wizard’s Online Alignment Test. It can give you quite an accurate representation of where your character stands.
www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20001222b
It also has a clear definition of the different alignments.
b. Role-Playing
Argentum Ordo is an RP Guild, first and foremost. You don't have to be good at it, you just have to be dedicated. Guild Chat and any other communications and/or interactions is IC (or, In-Character). People work hard to maintain character immersion. Please denote all OOC ((or, Out-Of-Character)) speak with double-brackets. Also, keep it confined to the ARGOooc Channel, or in whispers.
If you come across an RP interaction or event, and you wish to participate, try and establish permission to do so in /whisper first. If that fails, try to work into the action organically, and in character. In either case, if they'd rather play with themselves, please allow them the space and courtesy to do so. We'd expect the same.
Immersion in your character is essential, and breaking your character breaks others' immersion as well.
Every word that leaves the characters mouth belongs to your character. As do emotes. Remember this.
For additional resources, please see articles/thread posted in the RP Studio sub-forum of the Library on the guild boards. It is expected that, if you are entirely new to RP, you familiarize yourself with some of the concepts detailed there.
Meta-Gaming, God-Modding and Power Emoting are unacceptable. Poor quality is not an offense, poor form is. Ignorance of what these terms mean is not an excuse for doing them.
Character Backgrounds need to be known by the player, if not actually expressed anywhere. There are numerous resources available for research, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
c. PVP / Raiding / End-Game
While this is not a PVP Guild, there are those who enjoy it. Though, keep in mind the Code of Conduct of Argentum Ordo when doing so. The Horde are not all scum, in fact, the Order believe that hostile actions should not be taken against them unless it is a case of self-defense. Killing during war is creating a casualty. Killing otherwise is considered murder. If ganking is something you enjoy, you need not look here.
Raiding/End-Game content is not a primary focus for Argentum Ordo. If you feel that these needs outweigh the need for RP, then this guild is not for you. That is not to say that there is no Raiding or exploration of End Game content. Rather, it is not, by any means, a primary focus.
II. Respect and Courtesy
a. Out of Character : General
Be courteous at all times, whether guild-mate or not, Alliance or Horde. As a guild, you should know that you can count on your fellow guildmates to be respectful, if nothing else. Do not argue over NEED or GREED calls. Everyone makes their own judgments as to what they need, be it right or wrong. Keep in mind, it is just loot - there is always more and it usually comes with earning more XP anyhow. Do not ninja loot. When practical, ask permission before skinning someone else's kill, and certainly wait until its clear they aren't going to do it themselves. If there is a conflict over a mining node, let the other person have at it; they will respawn. Asking someone if you can take a swipe, for the skill increase, works as well. At least, it has for me in the past.
Always be the better person.
Inevitably, one finds that however courteous and genial you are, other people are rude, obnoxious, petty, vindictive, and immature. Their bad actions do not excuse a poor response on your part. This does NOT mean that one need roll over and play dead - just don't descend to their level. If they are guilded, ask another member of that guild if the guild leader and/or officers are on, and report the behavior; it’s not "squealing". It's making officers aware that they have an unworthy person in their midst.
Be mature. Any l33t terms and/or other types ( I C U can 2) and such are not tolerated and will warrant immediate expulsion. Ninja looting, dancing naked in Goldshire and Duel-Spamming will as well. When you wear the tabard, you represent the ENTIRE guild. Should you enjoy these activities, maybe you selected the wrong server.
Also, If you have issues with someone else doing this to you, walk away. /ignore works wonders.
i. Horde Relations
Be respectful of the Horde. Argentum Ordo does not serve to wage war upon the Horde. Rather, we should be doing all we can to cultivate some semblance of peace whenever possible. Certainly don't EVER camp low level Horde grounds, for any reason. This is not a PVP server. It is disrespectful and frustrating to those trying to level on their own territory. Killing Horde Guards does not make you tough. It can, however, put you on the path in search of another guild.
ii. Chat Channels
Guild Chat is ALWAYS In-Character. OOC belongs in the ARGOooc channel. If you see someone doing this, kindly direct them to the OOC channel. If it happens repeatedly, report them to an Advisor or Templar.
Do NOT link items in the Guild channel unless absolutely necessary (ex. using said item as part of Guild Channel RP). If someone really wants to see your item(s), or you want to show them, take it to a whisper. The guild channel is not the forum for showing off your wonderful loot. Be original. Do it in person and in character.
Abusive, racially insensitive or lewd conversation in the OOC channel will not be tolerated. It is disrespectful to everyone. If you are the kind of person who cannot control how you present yourself, Argentum Ordo is clearly not the guild for you.
iii. Requests for Aid
Do not beg. EVER. Asking if someone has a spare Thorium Widget (or other such item) is absolutely tolerable (and expected, actually). But begging for them is disrespectful to you, them and everyone who witnesses it. Other guilds hold no reservations for alerting Guild Officers of a member begging in any public channel. Doing so reflects poorly on the guild at large and any reports of this conduct are dealt with swiftly and with severity. Begging in any channel or at a gathering is grounds for immediate expulsion.
This extends to requests for assistance with Quests, Zones, Instances, etc. There is a section on the boards with which to post (and subsequently schedule) requests for Guild runs. Keep it there. Constantly asking and/or whining in the OOC channel for help with any of these requests is intolerable, as is bombarding other members with whispers. While your fellow Knights are here to help, everyone has their own set of priorities. Asking for immediate assistance is often considered rude and disrespectful, primarily when one has not exhausted one’s own attempts or sought the help of the LFG channel or PUG runs.
Essentially, be polite. Be respectful of other people’s time. If you need help, post a request on the boards.
Asking someone else to farm materials for you is, largely, unacceptable. Again, there is a section on the boards for tradeskill/quest material requests. Use it. Check the Guild Vault. Post a request. If you are still unable to acquire what you need, check the Auction House. No luck? Buckle up and go farm. You’ll often find that people are more than willing to answer requests that have been posted. Harassing anyone for items within your ability to obtain, yourself, is intolerable.
Complaints made regarding begging (in any form) will be taken seriously. As with any other breach of the Guild’s Code of Conduct, the first offense merits a warning. Second offense warrants expulsion. There will be no third.
iv. Leaving the Order
Guild departures of any sort must be handled with dignity, courtesy and discretion. If the departing character is not gracious, this does not end your obligation to uphold a higher standard.
Barring exceptional circumstances (ex. abusive behavior, obscenities, etc.), all guild removals will be handled by Templars or by their own statement (ex. when someone posts on the boards "I'm done. So long suckers!") No one else has the ability, so it should not be an issue.
It is also expected that should you wish to depart from the ranks of the Order, that you at least notify an officer with a reason or a farewell. Posting an announcement may also be considered a polite course of action.
b. In Character : On Being a Knight
Argentum Ordo is composed of individuals, Knights, who share a common view. Above all else, a Knight should know that he or she can count on any of the other Knights at any time. This is compounded exponentially In Character. Any Knight should be able to put the honor and respect of any other Knight above all others. Any place, at any moment. It is expected that one would put the welfare of a comrade above all others, even ones’ self. The Silver Order demands devotion and scorns selfishness.
III. Ranks Within the Order
a. Knight-Templar[/b][/blockquote]
There is no singular leader presiding over Argentum Ordo. If any one truth has been proven over time, it is that power corrupts. The power, if it can even be called that, that exists among the Order is equally distributed among the five Templars. These individuals serve as the five fingers of the Hand. The benefit of this unique structure is that there can be no tyranny, no dictatorship through a tribunal. This station bestows a great deal of responsibility upon the individual who holds it. Templars must, at all times, and without fail, find a balance between conducting themselves with all the dignity demanded of those who would be called leaders, elders or advisors and unwaivering servitude. Servitude to the Order, themselves, each other and any individual in need.
b. Knight-Advisor
Each Templar should retain an Advisor of their own choosing (though with the general approval of the other Regents). As Templars are the fingers, Advisors are the palm. Together, they form the Hand of the Silver Order. They serve, and therefore conduct themselves, similarly to Templars. In the departure or absence of a Regent, he or she serves in their stead. In respect to the former, the Advisor will make this transition permanently. Subsequently, a new Advisor will then be named.
c. Knight-Captain
Knight-Captains are a further extension of the Knights. These are the select few who have shown a level of honor, respect and dedication beyond the call of duty. This rank serves as a pool from which any new Advisors might be drawn.
d. Knight
As Templars and Advisors form the Hand, the Knights are the arm. They are the strength of the Order. Without them, the Hand is powerless. Knights are not officers, but they are certainly not any less valuable to the Order.
e. Errant
Each member within the order may only hold one ranked position with a single character. Any subsequent characters will automatically be given the rank of Alt. Only Knights and above may have more than one guilded character, thus Squires may not enter additional characters.
f. Squire
Squires serve as initiates, before becoming Knights. Squires must be observed, and must receive the approval of at least two Templars or Advisors before being promoted.
IV. Becoming a Knight
a. Restrictions
All new members must also be level twenty or higher, and have a name that fits within Blizzard’s guidelines for naming on an RP server. Furthermore, it is essential that they are of an alignment that fits with the guild at large. Alts of current members need not meet the level requirement, as their mains should have already done so. This is not a rule in place to exclude lower leveled members. Waiting until twenty serves two purposes: That you have had time to acquaint yourself with your own character, and that you are indeed serious about application.
b. Application
Admission to the Order is done by posting an application on the boards and scheduling an interview, or interaction, with two or more officers, Advisor and above. Completed applications should be posted in the Edicts & Enlistment section of the forums and titled (only) with your character’s full name.
Guild events/meetings generally take place every Friday evening, thus scheduling character introductions after posting an application is met with little difficulty.
c. Promotion to Knight
After admission, all new Squires will need to complete a roster entry, to be posted on the Roster section of the boards. This is not purely tedium. This is a chance for players to expand on and explore their character at a greater depth. At this point, they will retain the rank of Squire until they have been given personal approval of no less than three current members. At such point, they will be promoted to Knight and be considered a full member. Only Knights and above may have guilded Alts. The required amount of approvals must be obtained within thirty days of recruitment, barring exceptional circumstances.
If you have gotten this far and are still interested and intent on becoming a Knight, welcome.
We look forward to meeting you in-game.
V. Miscellaneous
a. Forums
Forum posts should be respectful to everyone, and includes a ban on discussing religion and politics. There are other places for that.