The common bond we all share in the Dark Empire is our love for the game and the camaraderie we share with others. Realizing that we are a diverse group playing a multi-faceted game, our members would benefit from a player-friendly format which allows them to Raid, Quest or just “hang out.” We also want to encourage people to share their knowledge of trade skills and/or other services (i.e., porting, rezzing, grinding, etc.) and be rewarded for their service to the membership as a whole.

LEADERSHIP

Guild Leader -The Guild Leader basically runs the show, except on raids (see below). The leader is responsible for the welfare of the Guild and its members. The leader sets the Guild’s direction based on requests, information and input received.

Guild Second – The Guild Second supports the Leader with more or less the same powers and stands in when the Leader is not available.

Compliance Officer – The Compliance Officer investigates situations and reports to the High Council with recommendations for punitive action as determined by offense and the offending member(s)’s past history. Punitive actions can range from a warning to guild removal. All punitive actions require approval from the High Council.

Administrative – The Administrative Officer handles all record-keeping functions and works with the webmaster/mistress to insure that information on the website is current.

The platinum literally stops here with these four officers; however, decisions are made as a group, with the exception of the Guild Leader who has the final veto. If at a situation arises that cannot be resolved by the Class Lead or Questing/Raiding or Recruiting officers, the Compliance Officer should be notified via email. The Compliance Officer will conduct an investigation and report findings to the High Council, which will then meet to resolve the matter and issue their decision to all parties concerned. Every effort should be taken to avoid bringing controversial issues into Guild Chat.

Raiding/Questing Officers (Treasurers)
Raiding/Questing Officers will coordinate with Class Lead Officers to determine Class Specific Raids for Epics and Questing. Raid Leaders will plan the raids for the week and help the Class Leads determine if class strength needs to be a little better for the goals of the Empire. These people will also “call the shots” on a raid and may even be considered higher than the Guild Leader during raids, in essence, their word is law with regards to those attending the raid.

These Officers will also be the master looters at the raids and hold the wealth of the Empire. They will also be responsible for Hate stones, Air Stones, MQ items, Quest items and unclaimed loot from the raids. Class Specific items looted during a raid will be given to the Class Lead Officer (i.e., Runes to Class Lead Wizard, etc) for distribution to the membership as determined by need over greed.

Recruitment Officers
Recruitment Officers are the heart and soul of the Guild. They review applications for membership and set up mini-grind groups with the applicant to see if he or she displays the qualities we expect of our members. They may ask one or two Dark Empire members in good standing to group with new applicants and these members will report their findings directly to the Recruitment Officer(s). They will also speak with the Class Lead and Raiding Officers to determine specific classes that need members at all levels.

Class Lead Officers
Each class will have a Class Lead and that Lead will be an Officer. The Class Lead will be responsible for the overall welfare and strength of that specific Class in the guild. Class Leads are responsible for coordinating class-specific quests and epics with the Raid/Questing Officers and will hold all looted class specific items for distribution.

RECRUITMENT

Level Caps – Minimum level of 35 is required. There is no minimum for alts of members in good standing. Admission will be based on the applicant agreeing to read and abide by the guidelines set forth and to undergo an evaluation of his/her playing style and personality to be sure that it is a good fit for both the applicant and the Guild.

Four Types of Recruitment

1. Former Guild members who left in good standing. Any officer will be able to invite them back at any time.

2. Alternates of guild members in good standing. Any officer will be able to invite them at any time.

3. Friends (RL or in-game). Recruitment officers will be able to offer an automatic invite provided they are satisfied that the member requesting the invite for a friend will vouch for the friend’s integrity. The friend must also agree to abide by the guild guidelines as set forth. A probationary period of two weeks will also be required.

4. Players who are interested in joining DE with no member sponsorship. These players will be directed to the new members posting on the website. After the Recruitment Officer receives an application, s/he will set up a time to group with the applicant (or have other guild members in good standing group with the prospective member.) Should the Recruitment Officer find that this applicant fulfills all requirements, he/she may issue an invitation; however, a probationary period of not less than two or more than four weeks will be required.

RULES OF CONDUCT

1. All members must register their main character on the roster at www.darkempirecentral.org. They may choose to register alts but it is not required.

2. The Dark Empire has zero tolerance for any player in direct violation of SOE’s rules. Such violation will result in immediate removal from the guild for any member.

3. The Guild Tag of Dark Empire should be worn at all times. It represents your commitment to treat others with respect and shows your pride and integrity as a fair and honest member of the Empire. Granted, we realize that for some members it is not an option to go completely un-anonymous and for those members, we would request that you would choose the /roleplay feature. Additionally, there will be times, in certain instances when total anonymity will be allowed. If a player needs to use this mode, s/he should contact the Guild Leader via email.

4. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that represents the integrity of all members of the guild. This means that kill stealing, “ninja”-looting and stealing from others is strictly prohibited.

5. Respect your fellow Guild members. We represent a wide range of ages, professions and geographical locations. Profane language and derogatory statements about one’s private personal preferences, religion, politics, ethnicity, etc. is to be kept out of guild chat. Being an adult does not give you the right to use profanities. The truth of the matter is that anyone can swear; it takes a mature adult to know when he/she should not.

6. If you find a guild member’s gameplay to be objectionable, it is not dishonorable to report that member to an Officer via private tell or email. The Officer will then advise the other Officers, observe that guild member and take appropriate action as necessary. Remember YOUR reputation and integrity are at stake if such activities go unreported.

7. When tempers flare or a disagreement occurs between guild members, it should be taken out of guild chat immediately. If issues cannot be resolved between the individual members involved through direct tells, members involved should do one of several things: a) log off for a while until you can calm down, b) ignore each other for a while if you choose to continue to play, or c) ask an Officer for mediation.

8. Guild chat is never an acceptable forum for insulting others, accusing others or attempting to cause a rift within the Guild. There is zero tolerance for this behavior and a member who chooses to use guild chat as the preferred forum after several requests to stop may find him/herself immediately summarily removed from the Guild.

9. Although the Administrative Officer may sent information via email, Postings on the website are the most effective way of distributing information to everyone. It is requested that members use this forum wherever possible. This includes details about camps, difficult battles and hints that could help guildmates achieve their goals.

10. The Officers make no claim to having all the knowledge in Norrath so they are always happy to review suggestions for changes and/or improvement in the Guild.