|
|
Charter of all guilds of Dragon Lords
The DragonLord Guild is an Honor Guild.
Guild Motto
-The guild motto was originally designed for the game environment
provided by AOL's NeverWinter Nights and is at this writing being
reconsidered. There will be two mottoes. The first will be the
motto for all chapters and will be game non-specific, the second
will be determined by an individual chapter within a specific
game and/or game server.
Goals and Objectives
-The goal of the DragonLords is to become a respected
organization among the various game operators, game-worlds, and
gaming guilds in existence on the Internet. The objective of the
DragonLords is to be a group of friendly, diverse, and fun loving
spirits that can maintain friendships and mutual respect despite
the difficulties of being an on-line organization. To realize
these goals and objectives, the following information is provided
that prospective members and existing members understand the
tools, methods, and strategies that will enable us to be
successful as an organized guild while not detracting from the
true reason anybody plays a game- to have fun.
-Each game environ has unique characteristics that will make
addendum to this charter necessary to address those
characteristics. This charter is the core document that unifies
the guild chapters no matter the game or game server in which a
chapter exists. As of September 11, 2000, the DragonLords have
been chartered in AOL's NeverWinter Nights where the guild began,
Realms, Ultima Online, and Verant's EverQuest.
-The DragonLords (hereafter referred to as DL) exists on two
levels. The first level consists of the actual players who are
sentient beings of all ages, races, religious beliefs,
moral/ethical convictions, cultures, nationalities and perhaps
planetary origins that deal with all of the realities that life
presents. The second level consists of the characters that the
players play in whatever game environ is provided. This core
charter primarily addresses the players themselves- how they are
governed recruited, and what their responsibilities and code of
conduct will be within this body in which they've expressed
interest. Secondly, the charter will explain the fictional story
that establishes the DragonLords attitude of neutrality and what
is meant by neutral.
How to become a member of the Dragon Lords
-To become a DL, an active member in good standing must invite a
prospect. This makes that member a prospect's Sponsor. The
Sponsor is responsible for acquiring a prospect's email address
in order to keep that individual informed and to provide the
leadership a tool in which to contact the prospect through the
sponsor.
-In a DL Chapter using a Clans System, The Copper Dragon Clan is
responsible for managing prospects and their Sponsors. The Copper
Clan Lord of an individual chapter and their clan members make
enquiries and aid in assessing the progress of a prospect's
efforts in becoming a DL. In the absence of a Clan System, the
sponsor provides this service directly to the chapter's
Guildmaster.
-The Sponsor must be able to provide the names of all characters
a player will be wanting to have active in the guild as well as
the race, level, skills, and alignment of each character. Only
the leadership and Sponsor need actually know the names of
individuals' characters within the guild, allowing characters to
be role-played in different ways by the same owning player.
-A character's name is a matter of player choice. Characters that
will be involved in pvp (player vs. player) combat are
recommended to have short names that may be quickly typed in
combat situations.
-Individual chapters will have their own policies regarding the
duration of time it takes for a member to be accepted based on
experiences and decisions of the chapter's leadership within an
individual game's environment.
Role Playing a Character
-The DL is a Neutral Guild. This means that individuals who, in
real life, are considered by the normal standards of their
community to be `good', are permitted, even invited, to play
characters that are evil by race, nature, or inclination. The
role playing story of the guild sets the stage for this type of
play (see The Dragons of NeverWinter).
-Being evil means that killing, or robbing `good' non player
characters (npcs) is permitted as is using descriptive words that
indicate that an evil character is doing `bad' things to an npc
or even a player in the spirit of fun and role play.
-Graphic descriptions of torture or maiming are not permitted.
Descriptions of sexual assaults or activities will result in a
player being disciplined by the guild leadership. Persistent
abuse of these policies will result in a player being removed
from the guild and their character names and email addresses
being turned over to the game operators and possibly legal
officials.
-Sexually and/or violently explicit comments about or directed
towards, minors will be result in immediate censure by the guild
leadership and will likely be reported to legal authorities.
The Leadership
-The DL is lead by a High Guildmaster who sits over the high
council. The HGM casts tie-breaking votes, and has veto power.
Veto by the HGM can only be overruled by a unanimous vote of the
High Council until chapter numbers exceed a number to be
determined later, at which time a two thirds majority of
Guildmasters can overrule the HGM.
-The High Council consists of the Guildmasters of each individual
guild chapter.
-A Guildmaster, chosen by the body and confirmed by the High
Guildmaster, leads each individual Guild chapter. No one may be
Guildmaster of a sanctioned DL guild chapter without being
confirmed by the HGM. The Guildmaster oversees each chapter with
or without the aid of a Council of Clans depending on below
mentioned conditions and the will of the HGM. The Guildmaster
casts tie-breaking votes and has veto power. A unanimous vote of
the Clan Lords or a two-thirds majority of that chapter's
membership is required to overrule a veto.
-When the membership within a chapter exceeds a manageable
number, the Guildmaster of the chapter may select a member in
good standing to be Assistant Guildmaster (AGM) of that chapter.
AGMs serve in the absence of the GM, but can only replace a GM
who is withdrawing from that post by being confirmed by the HGM.
A guild chapter may have up to two AGMs. It is recommended that
this be done in order that the leadership may better serve the
needs of players from different time zones and/or play schedules.
Clans Council
Guild Clans are necessary when:
1- The numbers of players exceed a manageable number to be
decided by the leadership of that chapter.
2- The body of players/characters within the guild chapter fails
to act in ways that promote the goals and objectives of the DL.
3- If the High Guild Master (HGM) decides that a chapter needs a
council of clans
For a general description of the clans and their purpose within a
game, see The Dragons of NeverWinter. Individual chapters will
have precise information on how these purposes are realized based
on their individual game environments.
- Clan Lords (CLs) may be male or female, and must be active
members in good standing. They are chosen by the Guildmaster of a
chapter and can only be removed by a two thirds vote of that
chapter's membership, the GM, or the HGM.
-If the number of players within a clan exceed a manageable
number, the CL may choose and active member in good standing to
serve as an Assistant Clan Lord(ACL). The GM must approve of the
CL's creation of this post and of the member being selected as
ACL. The CL, GM, or HGM may remove the ACL at their discretion.
- It is recommended that an ACL be an individual who is in a time
zone or play schedule that is different from the CL in order to
better serve the needs of the clan.
Guild Rules
-Guild Rules are Reluctantly enforced but will be upheld by all
true DL.
The DragonLords are an Honor Guild.
1- Respect each other. Recognize that the guild's strength is in
the diversity of its membership. Disagree with an individual's
opinion, but respect their right to have that opinion if one's
own opinion is to be respected. If there is a conflict with a
fellow member, resolve it in private. If it can't be settled that
way, take it to the Clan Lord or the Guild master of the guild
chapter for resolution. Respect the guild enough to not involve
it in personal disagreements. In a clans system, the Gold Dragon
Clan settles disputes between guild members.
2- Respect the game operators, moderators, guides, as well as
other players and guilds. As a DL, each character holds the
reputation and future of the guild in their words and conduct
within the game. The guild chapter's leadership or the guild
itself will not tolerate insults against game operators and
volunteers; and public displays of dishonorable behavior such as
shouting matches or public insults against other guilds and
players. In a clans system, the Silver Dragon Clan settles
disputes between the guild and the game operators as well as
other guilds and player/characters.
3- Begging, whining, spamming, scamming, chronic vulgarities, and
other public displays of selfishness, greed, bad character, and
meanness are considered conduct unbecoming a DragonLord and may
result in disciplinary actions. Make each character played an
example that will cause other players of quality to be interested
in the DL as a guild of their own.
4- Share excess wealth and items with other DL knowing that over
time they will do the same for each DL new and old. In a clans
system, the Blue Dragon Clan creates, holds, and stores money and
items for offense, while the Brass Dragon Clan creates, holds,
and stores items for defense.
5- Aid new players in a chapter's game environ in good faith. By
helping new players to learn the game, the message of the Dragon
Lords is spread. Even if they do not join, they will always
remember help provided in the name of the Dragon Lords. If an
alignment and race make it impossible for a character to aid
another character be sure that the new player is given a message
in private or in character that this is being done in the spirit
of role-play and fun and is NOT a personal attack against that
player.
6- Help veteran players within a game environ quickly level
(power level) their alternate characters. It is recommended that
one not aid new players within a game, as it may prevent them
from fully understanding the game in which they find themselves.
In a clans system, the Green Dragon Clan has the responsibility
of teaching new members the nuances of a game and aiding the
player in advancing through the early stages of the game.
7- Role-play alternate characters if not the primary. This is not
a rule- but Role-playing adds an element of variety and diversity
within a game that is enjoyable by all players. Role-playing
gives life and personality to a character and prevents the
character from becoming stale and boring.
8- Have fun. That's why one invests in an on-line game in the
first place. If it doesn't make one happy, then why do it?
-Players found guilty of violating guild policy may be
disciplined by fines, services to be rendered, suspension, or by
being removed from the guild chapter based on the violation, the
degree, the intent, and the player's history in a particular
guild chapter. The GM or HGM sets down punishment as a situation
may warrant after enough facts are known and witnesses have sent
emails recording what they witnessed.
Player versus Player
- Most games have an option that allows players to fight other
players. In AOL's NeverWinter Nights, the guild not only
participated in pvp but had actual wars with other guilds, and
for fun, between clans. There will at some point be games where
pvp is not an option, but a fact of the game environment.
- Only the Guildmaster of a chapter can declare war and must give
notice of intent to do so to the HGM.
- No DL, by action or inaction, may deliberately instigate a war.
- Unless the game environment automatically permits pvp, or
allows pvp status to be rescinded, players must notify the
Chapter GM of their intent to become pvpers. Pvp causes the
character to be viewed differently by a game's citizens and may
reflect on the guild as an organization.
- Pvp should be done in character, with no grudges carried
outside of the game. Other players are simply put, the most
dangerous monsters in the game. Keep pvp activities fun.
The Dragons of NeverWinter
-The Dragons and Dragon Gods, upon which the DragonLord Guild
story is founded are based on the Dungeons and Dragons, and
Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Games in print and in computer and
owned by TSR. The DragonLord Guild began in the TSR owned and AOL
operated on-line game of NeverWinter Nights.
The Story
-On the magical world of Oerth, humanoids are threatening the
existence of the great dragons. Bahmut, the platinum dragon god
worshiped by all good dragons, and Tiamat, the five headed dragon
worshiped by all evil dragons have formed an unlikely alliance to
prevent their children from becoming extinct. In order to prevent
humanoids of various races, alignments, and classes from killing
dragons for treasure and/or components for magical spells and
items, the two form a covenant with each other, with dragons who
are willing to follow the will of the two dragon gods, and with
humanoids. The humanoids chosen are of many races, classes, and
alignments, but they all have one thing in common. They love and
respect dragons. They may only love and respect certain types of
dragons, but in order to preserve and protect the dragons they do
prefer, they are willing to protect ALL dragons that honor the
covenant, and are willing to respect and aid all other humanoids
within the guild that do likewise.
-Through the power of the dragon gods, the dragons and their
humanoid protectors are transported to many different worlds and
must adjust to new bodies, customs, and characteristics. Only the
goal of preserving the dragon spirit remains constant.
The Clans
Red Dragon Clan: This clan leads the DL in times of war and
conflict. Recognizing that the quick resolution of conflicts
limits losses of lives or property, the generally Chaotic and
Evil DragonLords quickly eliminate ANY who would divide, weaken
or destroy the Guild.
Gold Dragon Clan: This clan leads the DL in time of peace.
Recognizing that a state of peace and harmony within the guild
preserves the lives of the dragons and best protects the hoards
upon which they thrive, the generally Lawful and Good DragonLords
police the guild and quickly resolve conflict as it arises within
the Guild.
Black Dragon Clan: This clan trusts no one who is not DL.
Recognizing that none can be trusted as all beings act in their
own self interest, and will do anything to achieve their ends,
the generally Chaotic and Evil DragonLords monitor the actions of
other guilds to see if words match deeds. If necessary, they will
infiltrate guilds with the intention of weakening or destroying
from within, enemies of the Guild.
Silver Dragon Clan: This clan forms agreements, alliances, and
treaties with other organizations and the powers that be in a
given world. Recognizing that peaceful interaction with the other
organized bodies in a world protects and preserves dragon lives
and property, the generally Lawful and Good DragonLords maintain
a network of communication and interaction with other groups to
protect the lives and property of the Guild.
Green Dragon Clan: This clan educates prospective and new members
into the ways of the DragonLords and the worlds in which they
dwell. Through careful monitoring of each individual who reaches
this level of acceptance into the guild, the generally Lawful and
Evil DragonLords critically assess the progress of each prospect
and weed out the whiners, beggars, and weak while carefully
nurturing those who will most like serve the Dragon Spirit with
the honor and strength of spirit necessary to meet the goals of
the Guild.
Copper Dragon Clan: This clan recruits new members who, by their
character and actions, show the traits desirable in a member of
the DL Guild. With the aid of the entire guild who interact with
recruits and report on their conduct and character, the generally
Chaotic and Good DragonLords reach out to individuals of all
levels, alignments, and talents to find those who are most likely
to serve the Dragon Spirit with the honor and resolve necessary
to meet the goals of the Guild.
Blue Dragon Clan: This clan creates, purchases, stores, and sells
items that kill, or enhance offensive skills. In addition to
those items & monies with which to purchase more and to train
DL craftsmen, these generally Lawful and Evil DragonLords store
books, pages, and spell components necessary to kill individuals
as well as groups who would endanger the existence of the DL
Guild.
Brass Dragon Clan: This clan creates, purchases, stores, and
sells items that defend, or enhance defensive skills. In addition
to those items & monies with which to purchase more or pay
for the training of DL craftsmen, these generally Chaotic and
Good DragonLords store books, pages, and spell components
necessary to defend individuals as well as the entire body of the
DL Guild.
White Dragon Clan: Recognizing that a group of people is most
unified and bound to each other when serving common goals and
interests, the generally Chaotic and Evil DragonLords of this
clan set forth quests for magic items and needed skill components
that improve the power and abilities of the members within the
Guild.
Bronze Dragon Clan: Recognizing that a group of people is most
unified and friendly to one another when sharing positive
experiences, the generally Lawful and Good DragonLords of this
clan collect prizes and create and host games for DLs and their
allies in order to build camaraderie and esprit de corp within
the Guild.
The Clanless: Some characters are not suited or even desirous to
be part of a clan. These members are not considered clanless as
much as that they are considered to be in service to ALL clans.
There is no penalty for not being in a clan when in a chapter
that uses the clan system. Such Clanless DLs, take grievances,
needs, and conflicts directly to the appropriate CL/ACL if those
posts exist within the chapter, or to the Chapter AGMs if the
chapter has that position, or to the GM if no AGM position is
active in that chapter.
The dragons outside the covenant.
Amethyst: Neutral Genius Temperate and cold mountain lakes
Crystal : Chaotic Neutral Exceptional Temperate and cold
mountains
Emerald : Lawful Neutral Exceptional Tropical and subtropical
extinct
volcanoes
Sapphire : Lawful Neutral Genius Any subterranean
Topaz : Chaotic Neutral Exceptional Temperate or cold seacoast
Brown : Neutral(evil) Highly Any arid/Desert
Cloud : Neutral Genius Tropical, subtropical, and
temperature/Clouds and
mountains
Deep : Chaotic Evil Exceptional Hill and mountain caverns,
subterranean
Mercury : Chaotic Good Highly Temperate and subtropical/Mountains
Mist : Neutral Exceptional Tropical and subtropical/Forests, lake
shores, sea
shores, and river banks
Shadow : Chaotic Evil Genius Non-arctic/Ruins, subterranean, and
plane of
Shadow
Steel : Lawful Neutral(Good) Supra-Genius Temperate cities
(rarely temperate
hills, plains, and forests.)
Yellow : Chaotic Evil Very Desert