Post by dorianlyons on Oct 13, 2009 7:36:05 GMT -5
Knights of Providence Charter
Approved by Amun Ra & Dorian Lyons
Written by: Dorian Lyons
Table of Contents
Section A: Arms Ranks
Section B: Political Ranks
Section C: Unit Meetings
Section D: Tribunal & Enclave Meetings
Section E: KOP Events
Section A: Arms Ranking
The Knights of Providence runs upon a five-plus-two rank system of development. This means that the unit hold five achievable ranks upon merits alone. The final two ranks of the unit are reserved for the elected Unit Commander and 2nd in Command members of this unit. A description of all ranks and abilities used by these ranks will be provided below.
1. Conscripts
2. Swordsmen
3. Veteran Knights
4. Paladin
5. Hero
6. Captain
7. Commander
Conscripts (rank 1) this is a player who has the proper characteristics to join the unit but has yet to prove themselves and more than likely no battle skill whatsoever. Conscripts shall be an introductory status to the Knights of Providence, it will be mandatory to attend KOP for 30 days and you will be up for review on the 30th day/4th consecutive week of attendance. Since the review of new recruits is very paramount to the longevity of KOP it taken very seriously. During your introductory period of Conscript the unit's Chaplin's will be entrusted to teach you of the unit's flavor and tactics as well as treat them as though they were knights themselves. Upon the 4th week of probation within the Unit the Conscript's own members shall be his judge. Their Chaplin shall be summoned to the Council to rate the performance of the Conscript in comparison to what is expected of a Knight. His fellow training members, the knights of the Chaplin's unit will offer opinions and rate the ethics of the member before the Council as well. After given this Information the Council will have 3 courses to choose from.
1. Administer Acceptance into KOP
2. Extend the probation period another 4 weeks (this may be done only once.)
3. Refuse acceptance
should the conscript be accepted they are to undergo a Trial to show themselves before the members of their unit. The conscript must face a gauntlet style trial against his entire team. These matches will be 1 on 1 leaving the chaplain as the final combatant. And the purpose of this is to allow the entire team, not just the chaplain get to learn their new Knight. For once the Conscript has completed this event and given The Initiate Recitation they are henceforth a Knight. This event is called a TRIAL BY FIRE.
Swordsmen (rank 2) Swordsmen are the basic player after the 30 day introductory period to dag as well as KOP. A knight holds no authority over any other member of KOP even the conscripts. But they are given access to the Political ranking benefits and are assigned a proper paladin or higher ranked member to report to for training and instruction as a team. There they are expected to train with a unit of allies and prepare for their chance to gain the expected rank of Veteran Knight. Only once per KNIGHTSHIFT can a swordsmen be allowed to take the Veteran's Challenge. This is only acceptable if the swordsmen's Paladin feels the member is ready for it and requests to the Enclave to allow for such an event. Should the swordsmen attend this event they shall be graded by the Enclave on 3 areas (Honor, Skill/finesse, Offense/Survival). Should the swordsmen receive 2 passing grades of the 3 they will be promoted to the title of Veteran Knight during the ending Ceremony of KNIGHTSHIFT.
Veteran Knight (rank 3) Veteran Knights are the ideal solider of K.O.P. They are someone who takes their hits well; someone who understands how to properly fight for and against all styles and is notably aggressive or defensive in reference to a basic dag solider of Dagorhir. Veterans gain a few distinct benefits one of them being no longer bound to training under a Paladin; though it is encouraged they remain. Veteran Knights, unlike typical swordsmen are invited to the Tribunal meetings to cast their votes on decisions about the Knights of Providence. These members are still not allowed to Call for a Vote however, this rank is the ideal rank for any basic member of KOP it will take much more to progress beyond this point and they should eventually create the majority of this unit. However the Veteran knights are the only members of the unit given the ability to petition for a vote. Petitioning a vote requires at least 5 veteran knights and 1 higher ranking official to sign a document before the next Tribunal meeting to have their issue addressed by the Tribunal. Petitions cannot be denied unless it has come up more than once to the Tribunal's attention. Should this happen the normal countermeasures on such acts may be taken just as though to veto a rule [please check in Decisions section]
Paladin (rank 4) These are people as previously stated that are important to KOP. They are the trainers, the skilled battlers and masters of at least one style of fighting to pass down to the unit. They are burdened with awesome responsibilities as the first rank to purpose rules and call for votes. Any vote a Paladin calls for immediately removes all member of lower rank than themselves from the vote (this is to avoid controlling the votes with subordinates, as to avoid unnecessary administration). A Paladin proves themselves to the Enclave by being a deadly warrior over a long process of leading by example, deed and spirit. In order to become a Paladin you must possess a natural leadership or charisma as well as show strength in explaining and sharing knowledge, tricks, tactics and suggestions on improvement. Long before a KNIGHTSHIFT the Enclave will hold secret meetings to discuss possible Paladin's inductions as well as appointing challenges to the people approved. The candidates will receive special invitations to KNIGHTSHIFT as part of the Paladin’s Trials. Should the Veteran accept they must announce what style of weaponry they are applying to prove themselves in. Should the candidate fail they are given the chance for a retry of the challenge but must explain why to the council. Should the council accept the offer the Veteran is given a retry. The Challenge may only be altered by the Commander and Captain both agreeing that a change is necessary for the event otherwise it will remain unchanged regardless of the situation.
Any Paladin that passes the challenge shall be honored at the end of KNIGHTSHIFT's ceremonies and given a list of names (either new or transferred generally linked to their weapon of choice.) at the ceremony. From then on it is expected for the Paladin to train their subordinates in the Lore/flavor of KOP as well as teach them the art of fighting either as a unit or individually (both preferred). Due to the importance of this rank absences are very devastating to the unit and team with Chaplin's. We will still instate a loose policy (for now) in regards to absences. Up to 2 weeks within a month are allowed without a word but after the 2nd one an excuse must be made either publicly before the entire unit or on the forums 24 hours early at least as to why. This reason shall be reviewed by the Enclave to bring into question if they should be removed from Chaplin status (this should be rare though...) paladin's can be demoted with only a 75% majority of the council. If such an event takes place the member must RE-EARN the rank.
Hero (Rank 5) The final rank able to obtained within KOP. They are grand warriors/diplomats/teachers and over all else shine as a brilliant example of the Knights of Providence in their stance of battle, RP and leadership. Heroes are promoted only through a consistent force of effort and commitment to KOP. When a Paladin has proven themselves capable in all 3 main styles of combat (Dual weapon, Large single & Shield style) in a Paladin's Trial all at once (3 one event) they are given the ability to ask the people to become their hero! In order to become a Hero of the people you must be loved by them! Before the KNIGHTSHIFT knighting ceremony (the end event) a popular vote shall take place for the potential hero. All members of the unit, even conscripts are given the ability to vote on whether they agree with the member becoming a Hero. Should the vote return 51% or more yes the Chaplin shall be honored as the final rank a Hero. Hero are considered part of KOP's Council making them the ability to act nearly as unbound as the Captain or Commander with the exception to the Delay rule. Hero can even call for an all unit vote on matters at the Tribunals (with exception to conscripts of course) with the permissions of the Captain or Commander. Heroes are no longer bound to the responsibilities of a Paladin though it becomes stressed that a hero of the people must stay with his people and keep them strong.
Section B: Political Rankings
Due to an effort to let any member of Swordsmen rank or higher try and stay fresh and unique within the Knights of Providence the institution of self entitlement seemed scary to help bolster your image you had in mind. These ranks are used to compliment your history/background/whatever. An example of this Might be someone of the Knight unit rank deciding to call themselves. This list is non-exhaustive so knock yourself out, please just keep it appropriate.
Section C: Unit Meetings
Unit Meetings are called Assemblies for the unit. These are generally used to communicate information regarding promotions, demotions, events, issues or breaking notices regarding the unit. These are generally mandatory and essential to show up to so please try and make time for it and others. These meetings are invites to all ranks and members of KOP even Conscripts.
Here is a list of Meeting terms used through all levels of meetings within KOP.
Summons: The ability to summon someone is in the law sense of things despite our fantasy setting game. Anyone who receives a summons is asked to appear before the court even if rank doesn't permit it so. This is a glorified paging system before a Tribunal or Council meeting.
Decisions Power: The Power to decide the fate of the Knights of Providence is something I want to be loud and clear within the unit. Nothing so faint as a few percentages making a different. instead i wanted a 75% of the attendees agrees during a vote for aye. If such a event takes place then it will passed and noted by the HRO or Scholar.
Veto power: The power to Veto is of course restricted to those who can call for votes(or petition them). generally something like a Veto is hard to gauge properly. it is either the majority vs the few or the powerful few vs. the Majority. So in this reguard I decided to make it a compromise of both. In order to ratify or remove a law or rule in KOP you shall need 51% of the votes to agree to a specific term as well as hold the support of at least a single council member. this is done to counter the ability to of mob rule as well as tyrants, unfortunately I am aware that the rank of Cavalier won't be filled for awhile so I might make this of a particular Chaplin to be named by the people for now.
Delay power: Some matters need time, while others need to be forgotten or just simply take forever to come into effect. This power is only usable by the captian and commander of KOP. it will immediately halt and delay whatever is being voted on till next week. This is a tool to help explain things completely as a leader or as a way to get a time consuming rule or bill pushed back for more urgent matters. This may only be repeated once (so two weeks of delays). after that it must be vote on, hopefully under the correct light of judgment. This may only be used if both Captain and Commander agree upon it, should either be missing the vote of 1 and only 1 for that situation will count (assuming the excuse of absence is reasonable) please keep in mind this is used to help understand complicated or controversial things, not used to punish the members of KOP
Voting: Only rank Veterans and higher have the ability to vote on any Unit related manners. The votes are Aye or Nay for any decision and you must participate properly otherwise your vote is removed from the selectable ones by it's caller. this is not to be abused.
Calling for a vote: only a Paladin or higher rank can call a vote to the meeting order of Knights. This should be politely introduced to the highest member attending the meeting after an official vote/ballot has been discussed. After the request is made the HRO (highest ranked official) they decide to allow or deny based on the circumstances of work flow, timing and politeness. Some ranks have rules which prevent certain members from participating in these votes and others do not (so keep this in mind). If the vote is cast the person calling for the vote must ask the Aye's to show themselves and the Nays as well.
Breaks & Debates: These are events that either help the unit cool off after a heated argument or allow for more free discussion for all participating members rather than in an established order. the Person in changed of this is also the HRO and they are the only ones who can call such events during a meeting.
The overall momentum of KOP's Tribunal or Council meetings should appear like this
1. Greetings and Introduction to the Meeting
2. Petitions or Delayed Votes first
a. Previous or reserved callers call for vote after explanation of case.
i. Ayes
ii. Nays
1. Finish Determination
a. Continue until Petitions and previous delay votes have been handled
3. HRO asks for Callers of Business
a. Acceptance is signified by a hand in the air and announcing your rank
i. Should you be current HRO of business you will be asked to speak of your business . (In the case of ties Original HRO will decide who is first)
1. Ayes
2. Nays
a. Finish Determination
i. Continue until no members have business or HRO asks for a break, debate, or conclusion of events.
All meetings should try and follow this basic flowchart of procedures.
Section D: Tribunal & Enclave Meetings
The Tribunal is all Veteran Knight Rank members or higher attending matters of generic guild concerns. Anyone of lower rank inside the meeting area will be asked to leave immediately. Since Tribunals are where most laws and addendums to rules will take place please review the flowchart of Section C in regards to organization.
The Enclave Meetings are reserved for the ranks of Hero (rank:5) and above. These meetings are called to handle internal affairs within the unit or human resources in order to understand to make sure everything is being followed as intended. Please make sure to bring any issues up with your HRO or Enclave member about issues that upset you particularly.
Section E: KOP Events.
This list is used to help provide a rough estimate to the KNIGHTSHIFT event we will hold 4 times a year. Please
The Basic Schedules of KNIGHTSHIFT are as follows.
1. Greetings, Introduction/ Registering
2. The Veteran Trials
3. The Paladin Trials
4. The Hero’s Trial
5. Event of the Season
6. The Hero’s Feast
7. Tribunal member meeting/ Unit members pick up battles or games
8. Knighting Ceremony
9. Enclave Meeting
10. Entire unit meeting/Ending of Event
Approved by Amun Ra & Dorian Lyons
Written by: Dorian Lyons
Table of Contents
Section A: Arms Ranks
Section B: Political Ranks
Section C: Unit Meetings
Section D: Tribunal & Enclave Meetings
Section E: KOP Events
Section A: Arms Ranking
The Knights of Providence runs upon a five-plus-two rank system of development. This means that the unit hold five achievable ranks upon merits alone. The final two ranks of the unit are reserved for the elected Unit Commander and 2nd in Command members of this unit. A description of all ranks and abilities used by these ranks will be provided below.
1. Conscripts
2. Swordsmen
3. Veteran Knights
4. Paladin
5. Hero
6. Captain
7. Commander
Conscripts (rank 1) this is a player who has the proper characteristics to join the unit but has yet to prove themselves and more than likely no battle skill whatsoever. Conscripts shall be an introductory status to the Knights of Providence, it will be mandatory to attend KOP for 30 days and you will be up for review on the 30th day/4th consecutive week of attendance. Since the review of new recruits is very paramount to the longevity of KOP it taken very seriously. During your introductory period of Conscript the unit's Chaplin's will be entrusted to teach you of the unit's flavor and tactics as well as treat them as though they were knights themselves. Upon the 4th week of probation within the Unit the Conscript's own members shall be his judge. Their Chaplin shall be summoned to the Council to rate the performance of the Conscript in comparison to what is expected of a Knight. His fellow training members, the knights of the Chaplin's unit will offer opinions and rate the ethics of the member before the Council as well. After given this Information the Council will have 3 courses to choose from.
1. Administer Acceptance into KOP
2. Extend the probation period another 4 weeks (this may be done only once.)
3. Refuse acceptance
should the conscript be accepted they are to undergo a Trial to show themselves before the members of their unit. The conscript must face a gauntlet style trial against his entire team. These matches will be 1 on 1 leaving the chaplain as the final combatant. And the purpose of this is to allow the entire team, not just the chaplain get to learn their new Knight. For once the Conscript has completed this event and given The Initiate Recitation they are henceforth a Knight. This event is called a TRIAL BY FIRE.
Swordsmen (rank 2) Swordsmen are the basic player after the 30 day introductory period to dag as well as KOP. A knight holds no authority over any other member of KOP even the conscripts. But they are given access to the Political ranking benefits and are assigned a proper paladin or higher ranked member to report to for training and instruction as a team. There they are expected to train with a unit of allies and prepare for their chance to gain the expected rank of Veteran Knight. Only once per KNIGHTSHIFT can a swordsmen be allowed to take the Veteran's Challenge. This is only acceptable if the swordsmen's Paladin feels the member is ready for it and requests to the Enclave to allow for such an event. Should the swordsmen attend this event they shall be graded by the Enclave on 3 areas (Honor, Skill/finesse, Offense/Survival). Should the swordsmen receive 2 passing grades of the 3 they will be promoted to the title of Veteran Knight during the ending Ceremony of KNIGHTSHIFT.
Veteran Knight (rank 3) Veteran Knights are the ideal solider of K.O.P. They are someone who takes their hits well; someone who understands how to properly fight for and against all styles and is notably aggressive or defensive in reference to a basic dag solider of Dagorhir. Veterans gain a few distinct benefits one of them being no longer bound to training under a Paladin; though it is encouraged they remain. Veteran Knights, unlike typical swordsmen are invited to the Tribunal meetings to cast their votes on decisions about the Knights of Providence. These members are still not allowed to Call for a Vote however, this rank is the ideal rank for any basic member of KOP it will take much more to progress beyond this point and they should eventually create the majority of this unit. However the Veteran knights are the only members of the unit given the ability to petition for a vote. Petitioning a vote requires at least 5 veteran knights and 1 higher ranking official to sign a document before the next Tribunal meeting to have their issue addressed by the Tribunal. Petitions cannot be denied unless it has come up more than once to the Tribunal's attention. Should this happen the normal countermeasures on such acts may be taken just as though to veto a rule [please check in Decisions section]
Paladin (rank 4) These are people as previously stated that are important to KOP. They are the trainers, the skilled battlers and masters of at least one style of fighting to pass down to the unit. They are burdened with awesome responsibilities as the first rank to purpose rules and call for votes. Any vote a Paladin calls for immediately removes all member of lower rank than themselves from the vote (this is to avoid controlling the votes with subordinates, as to avoid unnecessary administration). A Paladin proves themselves to the Enclave by being a deadly warrior over a long process of leading by example, deed and spirit. In order to become a Paladin you must possess a natural leadership or charisma as well as show strength in explaining and sharing knowledge, tricks, tactics and suggestions on improvement. Long before a KNIGHTSHIFT the Enclave will hold secret meetings to discuss possible Paladin's inductions as well as appointing challenges to the people approved. The candidates will receive special invitations to KNIGHTSHIFT as part of the Paladin’s Trials. Should the Veteran accept they must announce what style of weaponry they are applying to prove themselves in. Should the candidate fail they are given the chance for a retry of the challenge but must explain why to the council. Should the council accept the offer the Veteran is given a retry. The Challenge may only be altered by the Commander and Captain both agreeing that a change is necessary for the event otherwise it will remain unchanged regardless of the situation.
Any Paladin that passes the challenge shall be honored at the end of KNIGHTSHIFT's ceremonies and given a list of names (either new or transferred generally linked to their weapon of choice.) at the ceremony. From then on it is expected for the Paladin to train their subordinates in the Lore/flavor of KOP as well as teach them the art of fighting either as a unit or individually (both preferred). Due to the importance of this rank absences are very devastating to the unit and team with Chaplin's. We will still instate a loose policy (for now) in regards to absences. Up to 2 weeks within a month are allowed without a word but after the 2nd one an excuse must be made either publicly before the entire unit or on the forums 24 hours early at least as to why. This reason shall be reviewed by the Enclave to bring into question if they should be removed from Chaplin status (this should be rare though...) paladin's can be demoted with only a 75% majority of the council. If such an event takes place the member must RE-EARN the rank.
Hero (Rank 5) The final rank able to obtained within KOP. They are grand warriors/diplomats/teachers and over all else shine as a brilliant example of the Knights of Providence in their stance of battle, RP and leadership. Heroes are promoted only through a consistent force of effort and commitment to KOP. When a Paladin has proven themselves capable in all 3 main styles of combat (Dual weapon, Large single & Shield style) in a Paladin's Trial all at once (3 one event) they are given the ability to ask the people to become their hero! In order to become a Hero of the people you must be loved by them! Before the KNIGHTSHIFT knighting ceremony (the end event) a popular vote shall take place for the potential hero. All members of the unit, even conscripts are given the ability to vote on whether they agree with the member becoming a Hero. Should the vote return 51% or more yes the Chaplin shall be honored as the final rank a Hero. Hero are considered part of KOP's Council making them the ability to act nearly as unbound as the Captain or Commander with the exception to the Delay rule. Hero can even call for an all unit vote on matters at the Tribunals (with exception to conscripts of course) with the permissions of the Captain or Commander. Heroes are no longer bound to the responsibilities of a Paladin though it becomes stressed that a hero of the people must stay with his people and keep them strong.
Section B: Political Rankings
Due to an effort to let any member of Swordsmen rank or higher try and stay fresh and unique within the Knights of Providence the institution of self entitlement seemed scary to help bolster your image you had in mind. These ranks are used to compliment your history/background/whatever. An example of this Might be someone of the Knight unit rank deciding to call themselves. This list is non-exhaustive so knock yourself out, please just keep it appropriate.
Section C: Unit Meetings
Unit Meetings are called Assemblies for the unit. These are generally used to communicate information regarding promotions, demotions, events, issues or breaking notices regarding the unit. These are generally mandatory and essential to show up to so please try and make time for it and others. These meetings are invites to all ranks and members of KOP even Conscripts.
Here is a list of Meeting terms used through all levels of meetings within KOP.
Summons: The ability to summon someone is in the law sense of things despite our fantasy setting game. Anyone who receives a summons is asked to appear before the court even if rank doesn't permit it so. This is a glorified paging system before a Tribunal or Council meeting.
Decisions Power: The Power to decide the fate of the Knights of Providence is something I want to be loud and clear within the unit. Nothing so faint as a few percentages making a different. instead i wanted a 75% of the attendees agrees during a vote for aye. If such a event takes place then it will passed and noted by the HRO or Scholar.
Veto power: The power to Veto is of course restricted to those who can call for votes(or petition them). generally something like a Veto is hard to gauge properly. it is either the majority vs the few or the powerful few vs. the Majority. So in this reguard I decided to make it a compromise of both. In order to ratify or remove a law or rule in KOP you shall need 51% of the votes to agree to a specific term as well as hold the support of at least a single council member. this is done to counter the ability to of mob rule as well as tyrants, unfortunately I am aware that the rank of Cavalier won't be filled for awhile so I might make this of a particular Chaplin to be named by the people for now.
Delay power: Some matters need time, while others need to be forgotten or just simply take forever to come into effect. This power is only usable by the captian and commander of KOP. it will immediately halt and delay whatever is being voted on till next week. This is a tool to help explain things completely as a leader or as a way to get a time consuming rule or bill pushed back for more urgent matters. This may only be repeated once (so two weeks of delays). after that it must be vote on, hopefully under the correct light of judgment. This may only be used if both Captain and Commander agree upon it, should either be missing the vote of 1 and only 1 for that situation will count (assuming the excuse of absence is reasonable) please keep in mind this is used to help understand complicated or controversial things, not used to punish the members of KOP
Voting: Only rank Veterans and higher have the ability to vote on any Unit related manners. The votes are Aye or Nay for any decision and you must participate properly otherwise your vote is removed from the selectable ones by it's caller. this is not to be abused.
Calling for a vote: only a Paladin or higher rank can call a vote to the meeting order of Knights. This should be politely introduced to the highest member attending the meeting after an official vote/ballot has been discussed. After the request is made the HRO (highest ranked official) they decide to allow or deny based on the circumstances of work flow, timing and politeness. Some ranks have rules which prevent certain members from participating in these votes and others do not (so keep this in mind). If the vote is cast the person calling for the vote must ask the Aye's to show themselves and the Nays as well.
Breaks & Debates: These are events that either help the unit cool off after a heated argument or allow for more free discussion for all participating members rather than in an established order. the Person in changed of this is also the HRO and they are the only ones who can call such events during a meeting.
The overall momentum of KOP's Tribunal or Council meetings should appear like this
1. Greetings and Introduction to the Meeting
2. Petitions or Delayed Votes first
a. Previous or reserved callers call for vote after explanation of case.
i. Ayes
ii. Nays
1. Finish Determination
a. Continue until Petitions and previous delay votes have been handled
3. HRO asks for Callers of Business
a. Acceptance is signified by a hand in the air and announcing your rank
i. Should you be current HRO of business you will be asked to speak of your business . (In the case of ties Original HRO will decide who is first)
1. Ayes
2. Nays
a. Finish Determination
i. Continue until no members have business or HRO asks for a break, debate, or conclusion of events.
All meetings should try and follow this basic flowchart of procedures.
Section D: Tribunal & Enclave Meetings
The Tribunal is all Veteran Knight Rank members or higher attending matters of generic guild concerns. Anyone of lower rank inside the meeting area will be asked to leave immediately. Since Tribunals are where most laws and addendums to rules will take place please review the flowchart of Section C in regards to organization.
The Enclave Meetings are reserved for the ranks of Hero (rank:5) and above. These meetings are called to handle internal affairs within the unit or human resources in order to understand to make sure everything is being followed as intended. Please make sure to bring any issues up with your HRO or Enclave member about issues that upset you particularly.
Section E: KOP Events.
This list is used to help provide a rough estimate to the KNIGHTSHIFT event we will hold 4 times a year. Please
The Basic Schedules of KNIGHTSHIFT are as follows.
1. Greetings, Introduction/ Registering
2. The Veteran Trials
3. The Paladin Trials
4. The Hero’s Trial
5. Event of the Season
6. The Hero’s Feast
7. Tribunal member meeting/ Unit members pick up battles or games
8. Knighting Ceremony
9. Enclave Meeting
10. Entire unit meeting/Ending of Event