Code of Conduct

I. Introduction

II. General Rules

III. Additional Guidelines


Code of Conduct

I. Introduction

Knights of the Sacred is a multi-game, multi-server guild. As such, our Code of Conduct bears sections devoted to general conduct as well as game-specific conduct.

Our founding principles are basic, but fundamental. These principles should guide each member of the guild, regardless of his or her level of seniority or in-game levels.

This guild was founded to provide an atmosphere in which we can all have fun, play with friends and family, and achieve our goals. Many find the guild to be a support network beyond the games they may play, and a group of people that tries to be there when we are needed.

It is expected that our members behave with honor and respect for themselves and others at all times. We are here to make the games we are present in more fun for everyone we come in contact with, guild members or no. Each of our members deserves and has a voice in our guild, and we must all strive to walk with dignity wherever we may go.

We consider each of our members to be a representative of the guild. This is more than a simple point of pride; it is a core principle. Each Knight is chosen because we believe that he or she can uphold these principles, and we have great respect and admiration for each of our members.


II. General Rules

These rules apply to all communications that our members make using their gaming handle. Examples are in-game chat, public message boards, and our web site.

1. Real Life takes precedence.

While a lot of us spend no small amount of time in-game, and consider our guild members to be close friends, real life must always take top billing. We don't expect anyone to sacrifice their private lives or spend more time than is comfortable for them, and no member shall be penalized for making time for real-life obligations and cares. Additionally, we all strive to be a group that will always be there for any of our members in times of good fortune and bad.

2. It's a Game - it's supposed to be Fun.

We're all here to have fun. Different people enjoy different things, and our guild tries to support as many of those things as possible. We set no rules about how, when, or in what ways to play. Above all else, we want to have a blast hanging out with people we like and take part in all of the different activities we can.

3. Language - keep it clean.

We have members of all age groups and demographics. It is not permitted to use foul language or derogatory terms in any public medium. We, as respectful people, understand that there are many of us who may hold different beliefs and have different lifestyles than our own, and we must take responsibility for the fact that insulting or derogatory language can hurt those we care about.

4. Attitude...

We hope that our guild members are proud and honored to be a part of Knights of the Sacred. Part of that pride should be represented by a public face that is representative of the kind of people we are and strive to be. Thus, we expect that your attitude be one of respect, kindness, and support. We understand that it can be difficult to maintain this kind of attitude all the time, but we expect each member to try. We hope that you will consider Knights of the Sacred as your game-family and as such will welcome everyone with the respect they deserve.

5. Disputes...

Every family has its fights. This is a reality, especially in a group of diverse individuals such as our guild. That said, we expect disputes to be settled privately, not in public channels. It is unfair to other members to have to witness public arguments, and in forums and similar environs it presents us as petty and argumentative. Should a member have a disagreement with another member, that dispute should be settled in a private forum, either via in-game sends and chat groups, email, or instant messenger. Officers will be available to arbitrate if any of those involved desire. Should a dispute not be resolved between members and if it affects the guild, officers will take steps to mediate the problem. If the problem can not be resolved to the satisfaction of all, it may result in removal of one or all members involved. We hate to lose any member of our family, however the guild can not suffer from division between its members for extended periods of time.

6. Use of your game handle and/or the guild name.

We are delighted when our members are proud of their game characters and of their guild. However, it must be reinforced that each time you use your game handle or the name of the guild you are acting as a representative of this guild, and you are expected to behave as such.

7. You have a voice!

We strive to listen to each of our members, whether it be questions, comments, positive feedback or negative feedback. Please feel more than free - feel encouraged - to use your voice to effect change. If any Knight feels ignored, especially by an officer, that is an issue that must be addressed in the most expedient way possible.


III. Additional Guidelines

1. Kill Stealing...

Kill stealing is not permitted in this guild. There will be situations where this happens, either through helpful intentions or by accident. However, when this does happen please be sure to make this clear to the other party involved.

2. Hacking

Members will not use hacks or cheats on closed servers for any game. The use of hacks and cheats on open servers is discouraged, but not prohibited

3. Camping...

If another party is already camping a group of monsters, please try to find another place to hunt before you start camping the same area. If it is a camp with a spawn number/rate that is more than enough for 2 groups, sharing shouldn't be a problem. If there are only enough monsters for one group make sure you communicate with that group before starting to pull monsters from the camp.

4. Grouping...

We are a guild and a group of individuals who have come together in the spirit of forming a family that will work together. Knights of the Sacred will do everything in its power to help its members and make their goals obtainable as long as it is within the scope of the guild. When grouping, all attempts are to be made to include members of the guild before non-guild members. The only way to grow stronger is to group together and help each other level. If a spot is open and a guild member wants to join, they should never be refused as long as they are within the groups level range and their addition will not cause imbalance or jeopardize the groups chance of success. You do not have to kick someone from the group just to get a Knights of the Sacred member in it. It is not the responsibility of any member to “power level” any other member, however any member may offer it should they desire to help another member. Members should not beg for "power leveling", money, or items. Asking once is acceptable and polite, but beyond that it is considered excessive. Many members give plenty of time, money and items to benefit the guild and its members. Opportunities to take advantage of such giving will always come around if you are patient.

5. Loot splitting...

When you join a group make sure that you are clear as to your intentions when it comes to loot. We encourage the Need Before Greed system (this means the need of the characters in the group, not guild mates and not secondary characters). Remember that not every group is going to want to use the NBG system, so make sure you are always aware of what the group you are in has agreed upon. Also, it is general courtesy to take into account how long someone has been in the group when deciding who gets the item. If you just joined the group and need the same item as another member of the group who has been there for an hour, it is generally considered appropriate that the member who has been there longer should get the item.

6. PvP

When raiding another realm if you could kill someone who is either hurt from fighting a monster or in the middle of a battle with a monster. There are some who consider this to be grief playing; however, war is war. This is not something we openly encourage, nor do we completely discourage it. PvP zones are not a safe place to be, and anyone who enters them is well aware of that.

7. Honesty...

For Example, If you don't want to accept someone in your group let them know why. Whether you can't use their class, they're too low or too high of a level, or they've got a bad reputation, they deserve to know why. Of course, this is just one example of how honesty affects the game. Honesty is expected of our members at all times.

8. Be Nice.

For Example, If you're a rezzer and you are standing right next to someone who needs a rez, help them out. If you see someone running in panic from a group of 4 mobs and you can help them, then help them. If someone asks you for 5 silver for a horse ride and it won't hurt you to give it to them, then please do.

9. Don't Spam.

For Example, If you are lying there dead and someone is nearby it's sometimes helpful to yell for help. It is not helpful and it's downright annoying to yell for help 20 times in 5 seconds. Also, when you come up and ask someone to join their group they are usually going to talk in group chat about whether you would be a good addition to the group, and they'll probably do a /who on you to check your level, so be patient and wait for a response. You don't need to ask them over and over again.

10. Guild Funds...

Knights of the Sacred does everything in its power to help out its members. A guild fund will be kept which will fund guild housing, crafters, and newbie's in need. Although not obligatory, it is expected that every member that can donate, even small amounts, will do so. Events may be held which will require an entry fee to participate, and all moneys raised will go to the guild fund. While the entry fee will be minimal, you are welcome to donate more. Every member should try and attend as many of these events as possible. We all have the opportunity to benefit from the guild fund and therefore should contribute. Some members may choose to donate directly to those who are in need. This is not discouraged, but we do recommend that you donate to the guild fund as well. Individual efforts are appreciated but cannot necessarily be known when donations are made from person to person.