1 RP Guidelines in Silvereye
1.1 Chapter Stories
1.1.1 Patrol Events
1.1.2 Chapter Events
1.2 Regular Events
1.3 Improvised Events
1.4 Personal Stories
1.5 OOC feedback and discussion

2 Channel Guidelines

3 Recruitment
3.1 Recruitment Process

4 Guild Structure
4.1 Ranks
4.1.1 Exile
4.1.2 Watcher
4.1.3 Sentinel
4.1.4 Guardians
4.1.5 Warden
4.1.6 Advisor
4.1.7 Keeper
4.2 The Quarters
4.2.1 The Quarter of War
4.2.2 The Quarter of the Moon
4.2.3 The Quarter of the Hunt
4.2.4 The Quarter of the Wild
4.3 Inactive Members
4.4 Leadership and Organisation
4.5 IC Organisation
4.5.1 Complaint management
4.5.2 Issues with the guild
4.5.3 OOC/IC Conflicts with characters
4.5.4 Leadership changes

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SILVEREYE F.A.Q.

1 RP Guidelines in Silvereye
Role playing is the aim of the Silvereye. While instance and raid activity is part of the attraction of the game, it will never become the focus of the guild. This section describes specific RP initiatives designed to ensure that: members always have something RP related to do that links to ongoing storylines and benefits the guild materially; and that storylines and characters are more open to interaction

All members, from the Guild Leader, on down need to be on message with regard to this. This does not mean that no leveling or instance grinding is permitted. It means that everyone realises that this guild is about other things - and that levelling and loot MUST be a means to an end, and not an end in itself.

That said, there must be space to unplug, and just grind a bit if that is what you need. However, in such cases, it is courtesy to let everyone else know this. And as long as it does not become the norm, then it will not be an issue.

1.1 Chapter Stories
A change to the large scale storylines, such as "Legacy" and "Essence of War" are organised. These will be presented with a "Chapter description" that details what the story is about and how people can get involved. It will present themes and general descriptions although certain "plot twists" will be kept quiet for maximum fun and entertainment. Chapters will consist of Chapter events, which are pre-planned and run by specific people and move the story to a new chapter, and RP Patrols, which are more free form events that follow the theme of the Chapter, and offer something to do that relates to the Chapter theme but is not dependant on specific people being involved.

1.1.1 Patrol Events
These are free-form events that take place within a general theme or idea. For example: The Chapter theme is "the Scourge" and Patrol Events might include assaults on the Cauldrons in Western Plague Lands, as well as attacks on the undead in Ashenvale. Low level characters could easily be part of such high level events, the need to keep them safe would add to the "spice" of the event.

1.1.2 Chapter Events
These are specific planned events that are put into the Calendar and move the story to a new phase. For example, an attack on Adorhal to kill the Summoner This would then move the story to a new Chapter, possibly with new themes and new patrols.

1.2 Regular Events
These are similar to the planned events we have currently, things like Moonrise, Samhain, Circle Meetings and so forth.

1.3 Improvised Events
These events take place whenever someone has a bright idea. For example: lets go armwrestle some dwarves, or lets go dangle Maevon onna stick in WPL...

1.4 Personal Stories
These are a sort of Chapter Story where characters open up their personal stories to larger participation - "Darkness Within" is an example of this. Basically, this is an invitation for people to get involved in other character's storylines.

1.5 OOC feedback and discussion
In all cases, be aware that people have differing ideas about what is acceptable and what is not in RP. If your story is moving into uncertain territory (especially explicit sexual or sexual violence) then discuss this with other people OOC and respect a "stop" - this goes generally. I might be willing to play along at being sacrificed to the Lich King, I might not. Discuss it with me first…

2 Channel Guidelines
- No OOC in /s or /y or in the emote channel
- /t, /p and /g are OOC unless established and agreed as IC in context
- /tell stalking is unnacceptable. A member who repeatedly bombards another member with /tells after being asked not to will be sanctioned.

Members are expected to exercise mature channel behaviour - /g is an exception, but abusive comments will have consequences here too. When in /p or /ra with members of another guild (who do not have the close contacts we have, which allow us to be rougher with each other in OOC channels) members may be humourous, crack jokes and fool about, but MUST refrain from abuse, boys-will-be-boys behaviour or anything that might reflect negatively on the guild as a whole.

If in doubt about what might reflect negatively on the guild as a whole, don't say it.

3 Recruitment
A potential member must RP with at least two different members, preferably on separate occasions. She should then be introduced to a Warden, or an Advisor, for some more RP.

This should optimally include some grilling, to make sure that the character is deep and interesting enough, and that their general ideology fits the guild. Also, the Silvereye is a guild with a particular OOC atmosphere - we are open, mature and expect members to be flexible and reasonable.
Silvereye is not a guild for OOC drama queens.

Note, that in order to maintain the friendly atmosphere we have in the guild, it is important to discuss such matters with potential members OOC - using /p for this toward the end of the grill is the preferred method.

Once two members and an officer vouch for the new member, recruitment should take place. Ideally, one of the two members should act as a mentor for the recruit, assigning them a few tasks.

3.1 Recruitment Process:
Potential members associate with the guild, speaking with members, being grilled and so forth. This new member is encouraged to make a post on the forums IC, and a little interaction takes place there. The discussion moves to the forums, where the member is sponsored by a current member. The member is discussed, and if necessary voted on.

The new member is invited to a guild meeting and sponsored by his or her coming mentor. The Silver Oath is sworn, the new member becomes a Watcher.

4 Guild Structure

4.1 Ranks

4.1.1 Exile
Exiles are those who have left the guild for IC reasons, usually as part of a storyline.

4.1.2Watcher
These are the newest members, they have the vote from the get go, can speak and question all aspects of policy, however they must wait until last when speaking to allow the possibility of more experienced members the chance to make them rethink or reconsider their opinion. They are NOT guild representatives (i.e. they cannot speak for the guild as a whole) nor can they engage in diplomacy with other guilds. The other important restriction is they must have a "mentor" of some sort, a person who teaches them, brings them up to date, and inducts them. This may or may not be a Warden)

Toward the end of her period as a Watcher, the new member must choose one of the four Quarters to associate with.

4.1.3 Sentinel
These are the main body of the guild, all the usual like in the silvereye, also agree that their actions carry the burden of the guild, and they accept the responsibility and consequences of their indiscretions. They are allowed to assist in diplomatic work, and can operate independently of a "mentor". They can also counsel and teach initiates, such is recommended and desired.

Promotion to Sentinel occurs when her peers decide she is ready, and after she has been mentored and chosen a Quarter to associate with.

4.1.4 Guardians
Guardians are members chosen by the Wardens for specific tasks or longer campaigns.

4.1.5 Warden
These are the "elders" of the guild, experts on various matters, they are the first to speak in meetings, and they are the first point of contact for advice and counselling.
The Wardens are the highest rank in the Silvereye, short of the Keeper herself. Advisors are technically Wardens, who have been hand picked by the Keeper to assist her in the matters of recruitment.

Wardens and Advisors are expected to:

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• Run and assist in the running of storylines
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• Actively watch for, and assess potential new members
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• Engage in diplomacy on behalf of the Silvereye
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• Pass on important SL information to the rest of the guild
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• Wardens have access to the /o channel and can promote and demote members

Promotion to Warden occurs when they have successfully mentored a few Watchers, displayed loyalty and trustworthiness, and a desire to have a more active part in the background work involved. The backing of two Advisors and a general majority of the guild is required.

4.1.6 Advisor
These are the "officers", with the technical ability to accept membership applications, and handle the administration of the guild. They are also the primary Event planners, and are responsible for creating and involving people in storylines and ensuring the community spirit is maintained.

Promotion to Advisor occurs when the member shows a desire to organise events and help foster the guild growth, and is heavily active in the game and on the forums. The candidate must have the unilatral backing of the Advisors and the Keeper.

4.1.6 Keeper
The leader of the Silvereye

4.2 The Quarters
The Quarters are a philosophical or ideological affiliation, which defines how a character in questions views herself, and how she thinks it best to serve the Goddess. They are not "factions within the Silvereye" as such.

4.2.1 The Quarter of the Wild:
Feral and Balance Druids - learn to harness the beast in battle and in espionage. Ensure that the guild always has a ready supply of the bounty of nature (skinning, herbalism)

4.2.2 The Quarter of War:
Warriors, rogues - maintain our arsenals (mining, blacksmithing) run martial training (duels), organise patrols in our lands, train to defeat our enemies (tanking, off tanking, pulling).

4.2.3 The Quarter of the Moon:
Priests, Druids of restoration - hold ceremonies, counsel and help those in need, interpret the will of Elune. Work to restore the lands, as well as those who are in need (first aid, alchemy)

4.2.4 The Quarter of the Hunt:
Hunters, rogues - combine the beast and the slaughter of our foes with a single shot, seek out great beasts and tame them to aid us in battle. Scout the great labyrinths and dungeons in the depths of Azeroth.

4.3 Inactive Members
Members who are inactive in RPing (either because they are never around, or because they instance/PvP raid to the exclusion of all else) should be encouraged to participate more actively by the relevant Warden, the Advisors or the Keeper. If they continue to remain inactive they will be gently persuaded to seek other challenges.

4.4 Leadership and Organisation
The Keeper sets general strategy and recommendations on the "macro" level, on the basis of the general wishes of the guild.

Advisors and Wardens then execute and help steer the guild by making suggestions, encouraging discussions on the "micro" level. Advisors and Wardens are also considered DM's / Event organisers, and on the OOC level will most likely know what's planned for the members. Obviously, metagaming by this group will not be permitted.

The officers and guild leader are NOT in a glass bubble or on a pedestal and expect to be told outright if something has been messed.

4.5 IC Organisation
Everyone is considered equal, no standing on ceremony or things like that, we are a circle of equals, the only stratification is through wisdom and experience. IC Taiev is considered to be very wise, therefore any respect given is purely on the merit of that, not because she is "Keeper".

The organisation of the guild is built on mutual respect is the kind of tacit agreement although IC disagreements are encouraged. If an issue becomes too difficult to resolve either through mediation or discussion, something akin to a "duel" or "trial by combat" may need to be staged IC to deal with it.

4.5.1 Complaint management
If something is wrong, it needs to managed, before it gets to destructive levels. The first step in handling an issue is bringing it to the attention of the Keeper or and Advisor, either in /tell or with a PM on the forums. Issues will be dealt with in a mature fashion following extensive discussion by the officers and the keeper in a closed forum. There are no vested interests in these discussions.

4.5.2 Issues with the guild
All members are encouraged to work to solve issues in the guild as they arise. Members are encouraged to the use the PM system on the forums to raise issues with the Keeper. All issues will be handled in a mature and well-thought-through manner.

4.5.3 OOC/IC Conflicts with characters
OOC conflicts should really be discussed OOC, and handled there. But at the same time, we should all focus on providing a good IC explanation at the same time.

At the same time, it is important to ask a player OOC what direction they want to go with an RP situation, so that you can help them. This is not metagaming, it is flexibility, and an understanding that one storyline is as good as another, but conflicts that would force characters into dead ends should be avoided.

4.5.4 Leadership changes
In the event of a desire for a change of leadership in the guild, a majority of the guild must vote for a change of leadership. The Keeper will then have a period of time to discuss the causes for this change of leadership and negotiate with members to see if the situation can be dealt with in some other fashion. If not the Keeper should step down and appoint an Advisor or Warden as an acting leader until the Circle can select a new leader by vote.

11-May-2006: Reposted this here, as I have the feeling none of our current members will find this if it's only available in the New Members section - me being one of those .