Dark Embers / DARKEMBERS

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OOC Charter

Disclaimer: Dark Embers is a Role Playing Progression PvE gaming group.

This document is subject to change as the group itself changes and grows, to fulfil the needs of the members therein.

This is also a lengthy document, as far as online text goes. Much of the information here is common sense, but it is always best to have everything spelled out in black and white that can be used as a reference should it be needed. Please read over the entire document, even if something seems like it should be a no-brainer.

You must also adhere to the Role Playing Charter as well as the Out of Character Charter.

● General Conduct

Members are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and maturely.

Respect your free company mates, your raid leaders, and the company leadership – while one doesn’t have to walk on eggshells with their fellow company members, they should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times and learn their boundaries with each other instead of assuming the boundaries.

We are a very open minded and accepting guild. We accept people from every walk of life and do not refuse anyone based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, etc. We are, in fact, an LGBTQIA free company, so expect a lot of rainbow pride.

Company members are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost dignity and respect. Each and every member who carries a company’s tag reflects on that guild and its reputation. We want our guild to be known for its talent and the good character of its member, a positive reputation.

● Grouping

Not everyone in a free company gets along; however we do ask that company members try to group with one another at least from time to time to work on important quests that will better the quality of our members’ experience. If you need help with a group required quest, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance in guild chat.

We also realize that people have friends in other free companies, and we will never stop them from grouping with those friends just because they wear a different company tag.

Rage quitting on a group is grounds for suspension.

● PvE Progression

Some PvE progression will be on a set schedule of days and times. Members who desire to do PvE progression are expected to be at a designated staging point at full repair, insured, with all necessary equipment (including consumables) as well as logged into our VoIP server, and ready to be invited into the progression force at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. Keep in mind, in the event more members show up than there is room for, we will take what is necessary to accomplish the objectives planned for that night. Dedication does not go unnoticed or unrewarded, especially if you are asked to sit.

• There may be times when progression events will be planned and formed off of normal schedule, this can include any special events, achievement runs, or dare say, lot of people on and in need of some fun!

• All progression focused members must keep up on their gear upgrades. This section will be updated as more information about the game is released.

• While there may be several officers who create our progression strategies, they are always open to suggestions from the other. If a member has any insight to progression, they should feel free to send a tell stating the idea to the exploration leader, who will communicate it to the other officers. The exploration leader and the officers may request the member join them in another channel for further explanation, or may ask for more information in open channel so that everyone can understand the new idea; neither form is meant to punish nor point fingers at members, so don’t be afraid to speak up about your ideas.

Voice Server

• Progression events and most meetings will be conducted not only through in-game chat mediums, but through a voice over IP server. While we will not force everyone in the company to go out, buy a microphone and talk, we do ask that participating members be logged into the server once we start forming up for events and raids. Verbal communication is often quicker than typing, which can be very important when an encounter goes wrong.

During progression events, the voice channels should remain as clear as possible. While it is acceptable to chat during certain decisions, AFKs and between various situations, members are expected to end conversations when the progression leader and officers address the organisation. Questions can be asked in the voice channel as necessary, but non-progression related questions should be saved for after the event concludes.

During meetings, the voice channels should remain relatively clear, however due to the nature of company meetings, it is understandable when a company member wishes to add their thoughts or ask questions. It is asked that members remain respectful of one another, and allow each other to address the company without interruption or derogatory commentary during meetings. Meetings should remain focused on company issues, and non-company related topics should be discussed once the meeting has officially adjourned.

• Several other channels will be available on the server for company member use. These include basic group channels, the main lobby, and an AFK channel. Other channels may be added as necessary or by request if the leadership agrees upon said addition. There will also be non-public channels on the server, requiring either passwords or being dragged by leadership admins. Please avoid hanging out in the Raid channel if you are not in the current raid, or if there is not a raid in session.

• As a general rule, the VoIP server will be a closed server. Only company members will have full-time, unmoderated access to the server via their user accounts. The main password for the server will be periodically changed and changed as necessary – such changes will be noted in the MOTD, our private forums and in an in-game e-mail. Allies of the company may be invited onto the server from time to time, though any guest must be given clearance and receive server information from one of the company leadership.

● Company Characters

As members of a role playing guild, how you role play in public and what kind of character you play in turn reflects on the rest of us. For that reason, we will not accept characters, even alts, that have names that are offensive, break the EULA, or are obvious game-breaking names from other systems or real life. This is a game based on a specific set of lore, and the people role playing in that world want to play in that world, not to hear about samurai rabbits or hardbitten noir detectives.

• Main Characters – Members are allowed to have one (1) main character within the company. There is currently no minimum level requirement for main characters. Most of the time, this character will be the character that a member uses to participate in our primary events, groups and raids.

• Alternate Characters (Company Members) – Members are also allowed to have additional character in the company at this time. This character must be at least level 10.

• Alternate Characters (Non-Company Members) – The only rule we have regarding non-Company Member alts is that they are not members of current-tier progression organisations; role-play, family and casual organisations are perfectly okay.

• Exceptions – Members may have their alts made Company Members at any level for the sole purpose of accessing or donating to the guild bank.

• Probationary Members – All applicants to the company are required to be familiar with the company charter and company policies before posting an application. Once an application has been posted, it will be reviewed by the leadership, and a leadership member will contact the applicant.

The application process contains several steps after an applicant is contacted by a member of the leadership team. They will be invited to one of our public RP events so that the company as a group has a chance to RP with them. If the leadership feels the applicant is a good fit for the company, the potential recruit will then be interviewed in game; this in game interview will have both an IC portion and an OOC portion so that all their questions can be answered from both angels.

If an applicant is invited to join the guild, their probationary period begins. The probationary period will run for a minimum of two weeks, and may be extended as necessary. At the end of the second week, the leadership will review the applicant and the applicant will either be made a full member, have their recruitment period extended or their recruitment period will closed out.

Once the applicant has been given an invitation to the company, they are asked to join us for several groups and/or events. This gives a more casual setting for the applicant and the company members to get to know one another.

If the applicant wishes to join our progression force, they will be invited on several smaller progression events before becoming part of our regular progression force. This will not only give them more exposure to the majority of the company, but it will also test the applicant’s skills as a team player. Should they prove to be a valuable asset to our progression force, they may be invited to become a regular member of said force.

● Organisation Structure

There are two different structures within the company – the basic structure and the managerial structure. This outlines the basic structure, as it applies to the entire organisation.

• Board Member: Top level of the leadership body. The company board members manage the company as a whole, and have ultimate authority in the company when necessary, however they prefer to lead as a council with the officers as much as possible. Many of the mechanic related issues of the guild will be handled and addressed by the company masters, as well as website/server management and some of the behind-the-scenes paperwork. Currently, there are two Masters. This rank is part of what is often referred to as the leadership council or the leadership members. Darkfae and Hidohebi are currently the only two Board Members within the company.

• Director: Seconds in Command of the leadership body. These directors will handle key aspects of the company such as progression, over-all recruitment, treasury and events. Some of the mechanic related issues of the company can be handled by these officers, as well as forum moderation and maintenance. Currently, there are no directors.

• Senior: Senior members of the company. This rank is granted after at least three (3) months after a member has joined the company, however it typically is reserved for members who have been with the organisation for quite some time, or who have made major contributions to the company’s advancement. They share many of the same rights as regular members of the organisation, however they are often recognised for their contributions by being allowed higher accesses from the company bank.

• Middle: Normal level of Membership. This rank is granted after at least two (2) weeks to four (4) weeks after the recruitment period. A basic level of rights to the company bank is granted at this level, allowing members the opportunity to use the company resources to advance the company. These members are allowed to join in progression events, and should be knowledgeable about their own ships and roles to be considered part of the progression force.

• Junior: Initial level of membership. This rank is granted to an applicant who has successfully passed the pre-screening steps of the application process. While they are able to interact with the company, their privileges are restricted until their recruitment period is over, and they have been successfully voted into the company.

• Inactive Member: Technically, this is not an actual guild rank, and it has absolutely no privileges aside from being able to speak in guild chat. Anyone who has been offline for 30 days without posting notification in the forums or speaking with one of the leadership members will be moved to this rank. Without notice, a Member will remain in the Inactive rank for 60 days before they are removed. With notice, a Member may remain in the Inactive rank for up to six months; after six months, if the leadership has not heard back from that Member, the character will be removed. Any member in good standing who has been removed due to inactivity can re-apply to the company without having to go through the full application process, so long as there has been some communication about their absence.

● Company Bank Access, Item Availability, and Company Funds

• h4. Accesses

Organisation funds and supplies accesses will be determined when we have more information on whether or not such features will be available in Star Citizen.

• h4. Loot In The Bank

Forthcoming.

• h4. Rare Policy

Forthcoming.

● Disciplinary Action Policy

Any violation against any of the prior policies or the EULA/TOS will be met with disciplinary action according to their severity. All disciplinary acts will be up to the discretion of the leadership and subject to approval of the leadership council. According to the severity of any infraction, one of the following appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken:

◦ Minor Violations

• Disobeying officers.

• Not complying with or violating company policy.

• Minor violations will be met with a warning and/or 1 to 3 event, quest/dungeon group or raid suspension days.

◦ Medium Violations

• Repeated violations of policies.

• Continued disobeying leadership.

• Causing a disturbance within the company of any sort.

• Group/progression event abandonment or endangerment.

• Medium violations will be met with 3 to 5 days of event, group or progression event suspension days.

◦ Serious Violations

• Continuation of any Minor or Medium violations.

• Exploiting flaws in the Game.

• Violating the RSI EULA.

• Serious violations will be met with 5 days event, group or progression event suspension at minimum, and potentially could be grounds for removal from the organisation.

Role Playing Charter

The following is an ever growing and evolving list of policies relating to Role Play. Every member will be expected to know and follow these policies to the best of their ability. As a gaming group, we represent each other, and we’ve deemed the following important to us as role-players. If you have any questions or ideas about the following, please do contact the leadership.

● Dark Embers is a moderate role-play free company.

To us this simply means the following: We are heavily based in the proper lore and continuity of the game world we play in. We find this the most immersive means of play, and will do our best to make sure we do not step outside the lore’s continuity. This also means we will be In Character (IC) as often as possible. All Out Of Character (OOC) chat will be properly marked in all public and private channels unless it is already stated that the use of the channel is for OOC conversation.

● Out of Character (OOC) consent is important above all else.

As far as role-playing is concerned, this is the one rule we of Dark Embers deem most important. This simply means that one should always be considering the people behind the characters they interact with. One should always seek permission before attempting to inflict any serious mental or physical damage on a character. One should always be making sure the players behind the characters are comfortable with what is going on and hear their input on the direction of the role-play. Remember, some people hold their intellectual property in higher regard than others; some put more work and time into the development of their characters. So be considerate, and respectful to others, and you will find your role-play much more enjoyable.

● No Meta-Gaming.

• For example, OOCly you know a few people plan to attempt to kidnap you, you know this because they asked permission OOC ahead of time to do so, and you agreed. Now that you as a player have agreed, it would be wrong for your character to start behaving differently in preparation. Always consider these things carefully.

• Next, it would be equally considered meta-gaming if you purposely gave someone OOC information, false or true, to affect someone’s IC judgment. Let’s say you are attempting to assassinate someone, OOCly they already consented to your attempts ahead of time, however your character fails, and in an attempt to save his life your character reveals the names of those who hired him to do the job…but your character cleverly lied about it.

Now it would be considered meta-gaming, if after this role-play, you OOCly told the other party that your character was telling the truth. You’ve now used OOC information to affect the IC world, thus meta-gaming.

Everyone should be honest and respectful OOC, if you don’t want to spoil the role-play and a player asks you for OOC information, do not lie, simply tell them, Find Out In Character.

● No God-Moding.

This rule simply means that in role-play you do not call shots on other characters. In your emotes, make sure you are attempting in all you do; people quickly get defensive when you start emoting effects on their characters, especially without prior consent or discussion.

Be descriptive in your attempts, and what your character is doing, and how they are going about it to reach the desired outcome. Do not get mad if the targeted character does not take the desired affect, simply move on and have fun. There is a better chance they will accept your attempts if you keep them reasonable and well presented.

● My Character, Lose? Never! …Wrong.

It is important to the company that its members know how to role-play and lose during an incident with their opposition. You don’t come out on top of a situation? Have fun role-playing a defeat. Lose a battle? Make it fun!

Yes, it means we as players need swallow our prides, even if our characters do not, but once we get by that, we can truly make the role-play go further than just an OOC argument afterwards. Yes, this does involve going OOC and talking with your adversaries, planning a bit with them and once again, always checking with OOC consent.

If your character gets to kidnap the princess, it may be expected that said princess would like to be freed and rescued by a dashing scoundrel. Don’t be impossible to work with in these situations, it is after all in good fun, and we are technically playing the bad guys here for the most part.

● Consquences

There is one for every action, and they always vary, but it is important that players recognize this. If you walk up to the burly drunk who is looking ready to fight, and slap him in the face, be prepared for some confrontation and consequences. You’re going to get /dueled or in some cases have to emote a battle.

Don’t give out tons of verbal abuse and expect your character to not face any negative results for it – that simply isn’t realistic, which to a degree we should always be considering in any given situation. Don’t want to deal with a confrontation? Don’t spark one.

But this is also beyond the confrontations you may face in character. If you do not follow a request from a higher-ranking character; expect to face the consequences of your actions. Also, if any member of the OOC Leadership make a request and it is responded to badly or not done in a prompt manner, there may be consequences for that.

● Fantasy/Fictional Languages

We at Dark Embers may use elements of various created languages to add flavour and culture to our role-play. By no means are we portraying characters of those non-Star Citizen races by using a created language from another genre. We are playing races from the worlds of the Star Citizen, and if you as a player are seeking an organisation that is another fantasy race or culture that does not exist in the Star Citizen universe, you need look elsewhere.

● Personal Entitlement Vs. Company Benefit

As company leaders, we presume two things to be true. First, that if you are coming to join the company, you’re interested in sharing fun and entertainment with other players. If you wanted absolute control or tit for tat, well, there’s always novel writing, or going to college for debate or management. The other thing we presume is that one player does not single handedly make or break a company, and to allow them to is a disservice to the company as a whole. When something comes up that seems to be a matter of personal entitlement, please remember that we will basically always decide in favour of what will be best for the company. A person demanding attention in a plot “because they deserve it” or “because they did X” or “else I will quit” isn’t the kind of person a guild needs. Please share the fun, the stage, the credit, and be willing to bend. Sometimes, things will not go your way. Sometimes you will gear up to run a plot, and people will just not be in the mood – maybe a new expansion pack will drop and they’ll be super excited to see new content, or maybe there’s another plot already running that people want to see the end of. Be understanding, be flexible, or be elsewhere.