Reading this page is not required but it is highly recommended! Topics covered in this page are: General Twilight Empire Expectations, Disciplinary Procedures, How do I get promoted? What happens if I leave TE? What is the Empire's relationship with the Horde?
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General Twilight Empire Expectations
Here are some guidelines that are posted in order to help create a unified community within our guild. The Twilight Empire is a growing community. With growth comes the increased chance for people to take things the wrong way or for drama to develop. And we want to keep OOC drama to an absolute minimum!
So, to that end, here are some guidelines that everyone should read and follow in order to help us create a drama-free, fun, inviting, and amazing environment for RPers on Ravenholdt!
1) Address problems with the person with whom you have a problem. If you have an issue with a person, the way they said something, some they did, etc., then you need to address the problem with that person. Please do not go around complaining about that person to others, or let the negative feelings fester. It's my experience that oftentimes these things are simply misunderstandings and can be quickly solved by sitting down and discussing it.
Remember to keep these discussions CIVIL. If you feel that you or the other person might not be able to be civil with one another, please call in an Officer. Everyone can group up and work out a solution. That's what the Senators and myself are here for. Please let us help.
2) Remain civil. While some might think this is common sense, it's still something that must be stated. A situation is NEVER helped by using cusswords, insults, sarcastic or caustic remarks, etc. In order to solve things, please keep your anger in check. It's when people start trading insults that things quickly deteriorate into a drama show. It's not something your guildmates want to hear.
3) Put the best construction on everything. Did your guildmate really just say that? Stop. What else could that statement have meant? Were they just joking? Remember that it's very difficult to convey tone of voice through text. If there's a statement that can be taken different ways, take it the best way. Remember that in a group our size, everyone has different tolerance levels towards different things. Be respectful of that and try to take other comments in a good way.
4) Whispering is your friend. If you have a problem with something someone said, remember that whispering them might be able to quickly and quietly solve the problem. When you call someone out in a public channel, it automatically puts them in a defensive position and can deteriorate the conversation into an argument. If you had a problem with something someone said, evaluate whether it would be better to alert the entire OOC/guild channel or just whisper them. If whispering doesn't work, then WHISPER an officer. Oftentimes officers can intervene and help to solve problems.
The essential idea behind this rule is to KEEP DRAMA OUT OF PUBLIC CHANNELS. There are very few times where the whole guild needs to be involved in a sitaution.
5) Officers are officers for a reason. If there is something going on and an officer makes a statement, please listen to their words. They do what they do because they believe that it will be best for the guild. So please, if an officer asks you to stop talking about something, to take it to whispers, etc., listen to them.
6) Be respectful. We're all friends and we like to joke around and have fun. But remember that people have different tolerance levels for different things. If someone finds something offensive, please don't talk about it in the public channels.
7) You represent your guild. As someone wearing the guild tag, remember that you are ALWAYS representing us. When you troll trade, people see your guild tag. When you cuss in General chat, people see your guildtag. So please...don't. If you were killed in PvP, talk to us in our OOC channel. Don't complain in General chat. Don't antagonize people. And don't post on the Realm forums unless you have something constructive/nice to say. And don't respond maliciously to people who might say something negative about the guild. Walk that high road.
With this statement comes something else. When you are running instances with other people, you are representing your guild. I get letters if someone complains about your behavior. I also get letters if someone really appreciated your help. I would much rather get the latter kind! So please, when running instances, play your class like you're supposed to. If you're a rogue, don't tank more than the tank does. If you're frustrated, don't cuss out your group. I want letters telling me how great the people in my guild are!
Please note that if I do receive a letter about your behavior, I will talk to you about it. I don't do this maliciously, but just to help out the situation. It's meant to be constructive.
8) Be mature.This is pretty self-explanatory. While we don't not have an age requirement for the guild, we do expect a certain level of maturity. Be open to criticism and don't respond defensively. Nobody is intentionally being malicious. Be calm and take things the right way. This will go a long ways towards reducing potential for drama.
As always, I'm available to talk to at any time. Whisper me in game, PM me on the forums, talk to me in IRC, or email me (Aerana@twilightempire.org). I want to do my best to serve the guild and I'm always available to try to solve any situations that might arise
Disciplinary Procedures
While it's not something that we ever want to deal with, sometimes it's necessary to deal with disciplinary problems in a guild. The general structure for dealing with these problems is as follows (Though is subject to change depending on the specifics involved):
If two members have a conflict:The conflict should be brought to the attention of a Senator. The conflict should NOT be aired out in guildchat or in our OOC channel. In order to minimize any drama, the discussion will be taken to a private channel (e.g. group chat). The Senator will listen to both sides and help to mediate the problem. Should the problem persist, the matter will be brought before the Chancellor (if the position is filled) or the Empress. Empress Aerana's decision is final (since it is usually made with the approval of the Senate).
If two officers have a conflict:The conflict should be brought before Empress Aerana or the Senate as a whole.
Some punishments that may be ordered (in increasing order of severity) include:
- Warning
- Demotion
- Booting
Note: Not all steps are necessary. Specific disciplinary measures will be decided based on the specifics and severity of the situation. If you are caught ERPing (thus there is evidence of your guilt), you will be kicked from the guild. That is not the image that the Empire wishes to portray to the realm.
Please remember that Twilight Empire is a large guild and we continue to grow. Conflict is inevitable but if we all take the time to talk through things and not make rash and emotional decisions we'll better be able to remain unified. I've found that a little time spent in discussion the situation rationally will often prevent a potential disaster.
How do I get promoted?
This is a commonly asked question in the Empire, and rightfully so. Promotions within Twilight are not easily achieved, nor are they quickly accomplished. Seniority is not one of the factors in consideration for promotions, however loyalty to the Empire and its members is an important quality in officers. The Empire respects its officers and it's important the those officers are known throughout the Empire. Hence our members are watched closely for exhibitions of qualities that we look for in leaders. We also invite members of the Empire to let the Senate know if they feel another member is deserving of recognition. We love to get reports like this!
Now, while there are no specific requirements that must be met for one to move up through the ranks, there are some things that we look for.
We look for members who are willing to help other members of the guild. Help can come through advice, crafting, furthering storylines, etc. An officer is truly a servant of the Empire
We look for people who understand Twilight's tenets and would do an exemplary job of upholding said tenets.
While real life is an important concern and we understand that many things can make life chaotic, we do ask that those who wish to serve the guild as officers be available often to help the guild.
Since Twilight Empire is an RP guild, RP is an important part of being an officer. You may be asked to attend diplomatic meetings, parties, etc. So the more you RP and make us aware of your skills, the more confidence we'll have that you're able to accomplish this task.
We're looking for members who take initiative. Twilight Empire is a guild led by those who are in it. We love it when you take initiative in making up events, leading the guild, accomplishing tasks. This is a key quality for the Empire.
These are just some general considerations that are taken into account by the Senate when considering promotions. Your chosen branch may also have additional requirements or qualities that are sought for in leaders, but doing the things mentioned here is a good start!
What happens if I leave the Twilight Empire?
The Twilight Empire is an in-game community composed of a diverse player population. As such, we expect the Empire to host various ideas, perceptions, tolerances, beliefs, and personalities. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to conflict or tension, which in turn can cause someone to depart from the guild. Given that leaving can cause instability and hardships for the guild, we place a strong emphasis upon working out any conflicts or disagreements. The officers are able and willing to assist in this process. However, should you decide to leave and then wish to rejoin, the following guidelines will be followed by the Officers of the guild.
If you leave Twilight Empire:
- You will be asked to wait a period of 2 weeks before rejoining. This time period provides you time to think about Twilight Empire, why you left, and if it is truly the guild for you. It helps to ensure that you remain committed to the guild upon your return.
- You will rejoin the Empire as a Plebeian and be required to wait an additional 2 weeks before choosing a branch to join.
- The implemented application process will still apply.
- You may be asked to speak with an Officer about the reasons for your departure and your future role within the guild.
Please note that should you leave Twilight Empire and proceed to slander or tarnish the guild's reputation or act in any other way that is deemed inappropriate, the Officers have no obligation to allow you to rejoin the guild.
What is the Empire's relationship with the Horde?
Though victory was theirs, the mortal races found themselves in a world shattered by war. The Scourge and the Burning Legion had all but destroyed the civilizations of Lordaeron, and had almost finished the job in Kalimdor. There were forests to heal, grudges to bury, and homelands to settle. The war had wounded each race deeply, but they had selflessly banded together to attempt a new beginning, starting with the uneasy truce between the Alliance and Horde.
-Taken from the History of Warcraft
While hostility rages across Azeroth, the Twilight Empire holds true to the unstable truce forged between the Alliance and the Horde. It is for this reason that those who stand under the banner of Twilight are not to attack the Horde wantonly or without cause. Each individual must be judged by their own merits, not by vague generalizations ascribed to their race, over which they have no control. All members of the Empire are to behave in accordance with this truce and thus leave peaceful Horde alone in the interest of diplomacy.
However, it is a sad fact in the world that not all recognize or follow the truce. And I will not have the Empire be defenseless against those Horde who disrespect life and who seek to destroy all we hold dear. Thus, we urge all of Twilight to be cautious and wary around the Horde. If hostility is shown, we will not hesitate to defend ourselves. Those who disrespect life do not deserve it and the Empire stands ready to ardently defend any who seek to harm the peaceful Alliance.
It is a difficult tenet to grasp for some, but it comes down to this: We seek peace and yet gird ourselves for war. It is all a balance. Essentially if a member of the Horde faction acts with hostility towards you or your allies, you are free to defend yoruself with vigor. This includes anything from being marked with a Hunter's Mark, seeing a Horde attack an Alliance city, or seeing a Horde attack one of your friends. Additionally, if a particular member of the Horde is well known for violence towards the Alliance, it's reasonable to expect your character to know such things and therefore take measures to ensure you are not caught offguard (i.e. if you've been killed/ganked/camped by a particular person before, the Horde has obviously shown hostility and therefore is not protected under our vision for peace). The same would be said for any Horde character that the Twilight Empire is opposed to for RP purposes. There have been RP wars that the Empire has engaged in and the players from these guilds are considered hostile. It should be noted that whenever PvP happens, a member of the Empire should not engage in disrespectful behavior such a rude emote spams, planting a banner, etc. As noted in the "Required" section of our policies, your actions will reflect on the guild.
