Command Tent II - Cavalry OOC Thread

Where now are the horse and rider? In here, probably.
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@Frostbite In the past promotion has been dependent on IC and OOC factors. They could include attitude and behaviour (being eager/having ideas/taking charge/volunteering for duties, etc.), how capable your character is IC, activity level and quality of posts, interests and availability of positions. There is no specific post number or word count, but rather more like what it would be in a real military. Requirements for Promotion will be listed in more detail in the Handbook once it is done. It is being worked on right now and we hope to have it finished soon!
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I know I'm new to Cav, so if more experienced members have something else to say, I welcome it but I just wanted to throw my two cents into this discussion.

@Allafyrefleorhtlig Thank you for consolidating a lot of what has been discussed. Your post is very clear and organised.

As for your question regarding activity and how that should impact IC ranks, we're all aware that real life can get hectic at times, (especially now when so much of life is up in the air) which can impact on our availability to play here. I would think that if you're going to be gone for longer than a week, it would be wise to let the Cavalry know. There is a thread in OOME now There and Back Again to let people know when and how long you'll be off plaza. If it's a planned absence, it should NOT impact your character's IC rank, unless your absence gets to a ridiculous length.

I think it's reasonable to expect ranked members of the Cavalry to do at least 1-2 Cav posts a week. That doesn't sound like too extreme of a commitment activity wise and still allows for a lot of real life stuff that might crop up. Again, allowing for extenuating circumstances when necessary.

As for demotion due to inactivity, I would think that no Cavalry activity for 4-6 weeks could qualify for an IC demotion. Of course, extenuating circumstances (illness/death in the family, school finals, etc.) that cause an unexpected absence should not automatically result in an IC demotion. If there is good cause for a lengthy absence, tell us, set up a substitute if your roll is that critical, and try to keep us updated OOC. If a Cav member disappears for more than say 3 weeks, someone should check in with the absent individual OOC to see what is going on. If it's just life being shire, hopefully something can get worked out so the character can stay at the rank. However, if someone has indeed gone AWOL, an IC demotion sounds like an appropriate consequence.

Prolonged absences can impact other character's development as well, so the character's rank and whatever RP threads they are currently running should be taken into consideration as well. I would think that Marshal's would be held to a higher standard of activity/alerting about inactivity than say a Dryhtguma,

I think it's difficult to have a hard and fast rule at this point, but there should be some general guidelines and specific circumstances handled on a case by case basis. We're a small group at the moment (and some of us are new to the Cavalry) so 4-6 weeks of inactivity seems to be an appropriate length of time before IC consequences could begin set in.

All this being said, and I hope I make sense, I try to see the best in people and firmly believe in giving extra chances.
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I've told a few people privately, but I figure should let it be known out here more - I had wrist surgery two days ago. My typing skills are currently not so good. I'm attempting to use a voice recognition software to help with this but it's slow going. I'll try and keep up with posting, no promises.
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@Éolath oh no! I hope it was a planned surgery and not a last minute one. Thank you for letting us know, and I hope your recovery is swift! I've heard some good things about voice recognition software, but also that there's a bit of a learning curve to it. Good luck!

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@Taethowen It was planned (injured months ago, just fighting with workers comp), just slightly unexpected in how much damage I'd actually managed to do. So I'll be in a cast longer than I'd hoped, but ... I'll be a very good one handed typer lol
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I know this is perhaps unconventional but thought I may as well ask.

As far as I can see a lot of people received healand status when they completed their cavalry re-training, and Allacan was offered the rank of paethfindian in an Eored outside Eastmark because Taeth was the Eastmark paeth at the time; I refused because I am loyal to my Eored (to a fault, apparently).

Now that Taeth is a Marshal, could I ask that my Lost and Found RPG posts (especially today’s long one) count towards my application for Allacan to take on the role of the now vacant Eastmark paethfindian.

I know that Allacan’s currently in trouble with the Marshals and she still needs to get past the impending debrief/disciplinary before any promotion of any kind, but in the event she is allowed to remain on the cavalry I’d really like to take on the old responsibilities of paeth, if I may?

If you need Grimthain to accept a demotion so I don’t have two ranked PCs then I am happy to accept that; I’m already working him along a character development route that will see his priorities shifting and him wanting to move away from cavalry responsibility for a bit.
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Posting Requirements Discussion

Dim and Alla have talked a bit about posting requirements, and I believe others. I wrote this, so we can discuss and put in the handbook if the general consensus is it's reasonable:

MINIMUM post requirements are as follows:
Dryhtgumas and sperewigends: 1 IC post every 2 weeks
Paethfindians, haelends, Æthelwigends: 1 IC post weekly
Ærest paethfindian, Bealdorhaelend, Feldmarshals, Marshals: 2 IC posts weekly

When there is an active cavalry RPG or Campaign, posting requirements may be more frequent. Also, less frequent posting would most often make promotions less likely.

Of course, we realize real life takes precedent. If you have a planned absence (vacation, family issues, school, etc), please post in the Command Tent, and the absence is excused. However, if absences become more regular, then a discussion will take place with the marshal team to discuss your availability, and if a different rank with fewer responsibilities and posting requirements would be a better fit.

If a person has been absent without prior discussion for two weeks, the marshals will reach out and tag (likely in the command tent). If there is still no response after one more week, we will again tag in command tent. If there is still no response after 1 more week, the cavalry member will be placed on an Absent Without Leave (AWOL) list, and their rank is subject to demotion. Upon return, they may be required to re-train.

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@Allafyrefleorhtlig Using your L&F posts toward paethfindian application is definitely reasonable (pending what happens in the Dragon Room!) Grimthain may need to step down, but we can discuss time-frame for that happening later

@Éolath I hope your wrist feels better quickly!!
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Re. Grimthain more than happy for him to be demoted if it is felt necessary; his current in-character priorities are shifting away from the cavalry so it can be a reflection of the same.
Random sequay:- I don’t want to be thought dishonest, so I’m posting here to confess I now believe I have been claiming to have once been a paethfindian and Aerest when that may not have actually been the case.

I was reviewing the achievements I listed in the Hall of Honour thread - which I apparently posted in while still a ruler - and it lists my previous ranks I have held in the cavalry.

I trust my past self’s memory of those times infinitely better than my current self’s, so despite my belief to the contrary it would appear that I was never a paethfindian or an Aerest.

In fact, I have a feeling that I may have been one of the last people @Taethowen trained as paethfindian, and on reflection I suspect I may not have actually finished my paethfindian training (or did, just about) when she stepped down as Marshal. Therefore I think I was promoted to the position of Third Marshal and stepped directly up to that rank without ever actually holding the rank of paeth.

I also have feeling that when I was First Marshal, because we were short on Paeths and I at least had some training, I maybe took on the responsibility for training the new paethfindians, which might also explain why I thought I had once held the rank of Aerest.

I want to be open and apologise for my misremembering, especially given I am currently ‘applying’ to be paethfindian; I guess it’s a good job I am proving my skills for the job!
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@Allafyrefleorhtlig I am 99% sure I found a DR archive with you as a pæth while I was still Ærest (because I couldn't open any DRs from when I was Third Marshal.) I'll double-check later when I'm on my computer. I know one of the last pæths I trained was G-she-who-shall-not-be-named.

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Is THIS what you guys mean when you say the healers need to carry their herbs around??

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Where did you find that picture of the haelends' uniform, @Winddancer????????
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Came up on FB :lol:

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That needs to be standard issue for the haelends for sure :lol:
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@Rowena Ellenweorc I’m planning an RPG to find the traitors in the Westmark, I was wondering if I can use your sperewigend NPC Aellen? More of an established trustworthy point of contact people can use/talk to. He won’t be the traitor!
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I think @Gwai's minimum IC posts to be reasonable and probably not going to be a problem. Question, though, at the moment this is not a problemt with the ongoing RP, but I am sort of asuming that there won't always be a RP going on. Back in the days I remember longer periods where the only ongoing RPs where the DR, the Æthelmund (cavalry-only pub for those unfortunate not to be familiar with it), and maybe the courtyard. So do we then make it a requirement that the minimum post should happen in the cavalry courtyard, DR (if relevant), and/or on-going RPs? Though I really enjoyed the Æthel, I think that this probably shouldn't be the place for the required posts (expect, of course, when a promotion has happened *very innocent grin*)

@Winddancer :lol: Yes, that's how we carry our stuff, not in a bag, a bag, that would be for... Gondorian healers and Elves. :lol:
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Oh, wow, @Winddancer. I love it!

@Amadhrill I agree that the post requirements would need to be in the Dragon Room or Courtyard, though dependent on RL stuff and if arranged with the marshals, the Aethel could count towards it in some cases. But hopefully there won't be a lot of long stretches between RPs, even just small ones to keep us busy and have fun.
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In the interest of having some sort of "paper trail" rather an offhand comment in a discord server, I would to officially state that Walpurga will be pursuing pæthfindian training once she is no longer a trainee.
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To bounce off Frostbite's post ;) Eo would also like to persue paethie training at some point. Eventually :D
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Éomund still has no idea what he will be doing. I've established that he has some basic plant knowledge (cook your potatoes!) and that he is comfortable around horses.

What are all the available tracks anyway?
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@Frostbite and @Éolath Thanks! We've got you both marked down for interest!

@Dimcairien Luiniel we're still working on that a bit, but traditionally the available tracks have been regular cavalry (with the potential for ranking officer positions), hælend (with the potential to work up to Bealdorhælend), and pæthfindian (with the potential to work up to Ærest Pæthfindian). In theory, there would now also be the quartermaster position, but that hasn't been a specialization before and I'm not sure it will be (but would be something we marshals should probably discuss).

@Winddancer that picture is uh... amazing. :rofl:

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Finally got some thoughts down on a few things - it's quite late here so hope these make sense:

RanksI think one player for one higher / specialised rank and then one lower rank sounds fair to allow others to progress. I remember the Haelend and Pæthfindian spots used to be like hens' teeth to get hold of. Larmægisters as a title for people of any rank able and willing to train others sounds fine - I think this was pretty much as it was.

Taeth's suggestion of a secondary character not holding a rank higher than their primary character has ever held - I took this to mean that if someone's main character was a drhytguma, say, and this was the highest rank they'd held, that they couldn't just create a secondary character and have them gifted straight into a higher or specialised rank. I think if someone had their main character as, say, an Æthelwigend and they wanted to train their secondary PC as a haelend, that would be OK - as long as they're not taking the space of someone whose primary or only character would like to train as that specialism.

Rotation of Ærest Pæthfindian / Bealdorhaelend - Whilst I see the sense in terms of giving people more ranks to aim for, I'm not sure if we'd really need an Ærest / Bealdorhaelend for each éored unless we have serious numbers. If we had as many as 3 paeths / haelends per éored then the lead for each éored would only be in command of two others. I do, however, think a term of office for the Ærest and Bealdorhaelend sounds quite good - maybe a year's term, then pass it on to the next senior serving paeth / haelend (unless they really don't want it)?

(speaking of which I would totally be a Haelend if I could wear the dress Winddy found)

HCMA - I think the HCMA should be as Alla describes, really: someone who can be called upon by the Marshals to offer their insights or opinions, help resolve conflicts and help organise Marshal elections where necessary.

Code of conduct - agreed about posts reflecting on the Cavalry being accompanied by a signature. I've already set my signature as not to automatically attach (which means I forget and have to go back and edit the Cav thread posts to display it) as it's not relevant to a fair few threads I've been posting in.

Getting trashed even in the Æthelmund was mildly frowned upon, I think. Suppose if you're not on duty or in uniform and not being violent or disruptive, maybe just a bit clumsy or morose, it's less of a problem. IC consequences for lesser transgressions sounds fun!

Minimum postings - suggestion from Gwai sounds reasonable enough, though I do get Ama's concerns in that people will need some sort of activity they can get involved with somewhere if there's no current RPG running, just the DR, Courtyard and possibly Æthel. (I too remember the days where there wasn't a vast amount happening between big RPGs!) Otherwise it just becomes posting for posting's sake to hit activity targets. But if plenty of things - even short scale stuff - is pencilled in then it shouldn't be a problem.
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@Eldrith We were reviewing the roster and realized that it makes more sense, logistically, to have the quartermaster stationed in Edoras. Ease of managing supplies, being near the Dragon Room and Throne Room, traders, markets, etc. Would you mind terribly if we moved you to the Meduseld Eored?
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@Shivased definitely not. I figured it would make sense especially if I reopened the Aeldsel should anything possibly happen to the current pub, but I didn't want to make an issue out of it!
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@Eldrith does this mean Meduseld gets first dibs on the Dr Pepper shipments!? :smooch:
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Yeay! Ama will be very happy (eventually, when she gets over the campian stuff) about having @Eldrith in the same eored! :grin:
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I have a question for the Marshals (@Shivased @Taethowen and @Gwai) though it primarily concerns Shivased and the Eastmark.

I've had a change of heart about Grimm/got extremely attached to him over the last couple weeks--does anyone mind if I keep him as a secondary Cav NPC after all? Since Alla wants to bump up to Paethfindian, we'd have a vacant Aethelwigend spot in the Eastmark still, so he could retain his currently fictitious rank, if that's okay with the Marshals (he wouldn't outrank Thali, my primary character). It would give us an extra body to help with trainees coming in as Dryhtgumas, and I don't mind having him step down to a lower rank once there's someone else with a primary character who wants to fill the Aethelwigend slot.

I also don't mind at all if Shiv continues to RP him as needed for things, as he's been very useful to have around, and still needs to haul her into the Throne Room. He's just such a lovely, straight-laced, painfully lawful character, I'd really like a chance to flesh him out/play him a little more.

Thoughts?


Edit: Oh fredegar, that means he'd have to switch eoreds, though, right?
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@Thalionwen Hunigfolm, you need to catch up on the DR, dear. ;) We've filled the Eastmark Aethelwigend spot with a secondary character from @Amadhrill currently, but yes, Grimm would have to be in a separate Eored from you anyway. That said, there may be a spot open up for him sooner rather than later. But yes, he can stay on as your secondary character. Give us a little time, and in the meantime he can just be a random Aethelwigend in the background.
Last edited by Taethowen on Sun Aug 09, 2020 4:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
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I think if he's going to have to leave the Eastmark to be my official NPC, I'd rather just keep where he is, as a shared character of the eored who can be used as needed, on the condition that I can RP him outside of Cav stuff. Would that be okay?
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@Thalionwen Hunigfolm sounds perfect! He really does fit in well in the Eastmark. :smooch:
Last edited by Taethowen on Sun Aug 09, 2020 4:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
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@Eldrith and @Allafyrefleorhtlig here is your Aethelwigend Insignia to use for your secondary characters if you would like:

Meduseld Aethelwigend: https://i.imgur.com/WsPEEeF.jpg
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@Thalionwen Hunigfolm and @Shivased My impression was that if I took on the rank of paethfindian, I might have to have my Second PC Aethelwigend Grimthain step down the ranks as those two are both special ranks, which I think is fair as it would give people like @Fairy Nuff and @Aethelu a chance at progression, given neither have a sexond character or special rank but I’ve loved their contributions to the Lost and Found RP so far.

Is it perhaps time to consider adding the Maegisterwigend rank back in as a sort of senior dryht rank, maybe as a leader of a Dorm room/patrol who works with the sperewigend/dryhtgumas and is responsible for keeping their soldiers in line but doesn’t have much power to give commands? (A bit like a patrol leader or sixer in Scouts/Guides) Then Meduseld’s Grimm and Eastmark’s Grimthain could be maegisterwigends regardless of Thali/Allacan‘s ranks and there are spaces for others to be promoted to Aethelwigend.
Last edited by Allacan ob Burzum on Sun Aug 09, 2020 12:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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@Allafyrefleorhtlig Magisterwigend is actually something that is being discussed by the marshals. We'll get back to everyone about it.
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Posting in here for the sake of being official, but Éomund has, I guess, officially joined the Eastmark Eored, thanks in part to Allacan shoving him into the fray. Completely done with the author's consent, but a bit unexpected at the moment for the character.

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@Dimcairien Luiniel yay! Another victim...I mean....*cough*...comrade! I will add you to the roster once this RP is done and Eomund comes to the DR to get his insignia.
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Elarith wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 10:51 pm
Taeth's suggestion of a secondary character not holding a rank higher than their primary character has ever held - I took this to mean that if someone's main character was a drhytguma, say, and this was the highest rank they'd held, that they couldn't just create a secondary character and have them gifted straight into a higher or specialised rank. I think if someone had their main character as, say, an Æthelwigend and they wanted to train their secondary PC as a haelend, that would be OK - as long as they're not taking the space of someone whose primary or only character would like to train as that specialism.
This is definitely closer to what I meant, yes. Right now, with as few numbers as we have, it wouldn't be an issue, but hopefully we'll grow a bit more soon and have plenty of people who want to work up through the ranks!
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I have no attachment whatsoever to Tord or being/having an æthelwigend npc. He can just dispear if anyone wants his position!
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@Dimcairien Luiniel I’m so glad you picked Eastmark; Eomund belongs with all the mischief makers, even if he doesn’t know it yet! And Grimthain will be so proud of him for doing his own thing!!!

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@Shivased I presume the Aethelwigend insignia is @Elarith ?
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@Eldrith It's for you, since Quartermaster is switching to Meduseld instead of Eastmark, and there's not an QM insignia quite yet.

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Code of Conduct Needing Feedback/Approval


This is only the Code of Conduct. It does not go into detail about the different Cavalry ranks, equipment, elections, etc. It is just the proposed set of rules which a Cavalry member will need to agree to abide by to be in the Cavalry. We have probably gone overboard drafting this in detail, simply because we wanted to leave no room for confusion.

If you do not agree or do not understand a certain rule, PLEASE ASK. Please make your argument for why it should be different. We want your contributions, because ultimately YOU are what keeps the Cavalry alive, even more than the Marshals.

Most of this we have cross-checked with suggestions made in Command Tents I & II, and I think we've maintained the expected spirit of the Cavalry.

Rohan Cavalry Code of Conduct Final 2020
(please note that 'final' only refers to it being our final draft, not the finalized version)

The Cavalry handbook will be following a little later this week for your approval as well.

Tagging ALL Cavalry members, so you don't miss this post:


@Shivased
@Gwai
@Rowena Ellenweorc
@Eldrith
@Thalionwen Hunigfolm
@Elarith
@Amadhrill
@Allafyrefleorhtlig
@Éolath
@Fairy Nuff
@Aethelu
@Frostbite
@Dimcairien Luiniel

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It looks reasonable enough to me. Everything looks very well laid out and clear. I might suggest a tiny caveat for the end though, basically a "as new, unforeseen issues arise they will be treated on a case by case basis and the CoC will be expanded to include them"
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Marshals, @Shivased @Taethowen @Gwai, as an outside observer, having read this document, I would as that you please make certain that every person interested in joining or remaining in the cavalry is directed to this document, and must affirm that they have read it fully and agree to it before participating. There is so much detail in it, and as it includes oversight by the Marshals of certain posts and behavior that are not cavalry related, it is in my opinion incumbent upon you to ensure that anyone bound by it must know explicitly what they are agreeing to.
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@Moriel We are doing our best to make sure those currently in the Cavalry read over this document and respond with any concerns they have. This is not being enforced in any way yet, and we will make sure people are knowing what they agree to, and we want feedback. If the Cavalry thinks it's too long, too detailed, and overreaching, we will adjust and scale back.

However, I'm not sure what posts/behaviors you're thinking we're attempting to regulate that aren't Cavalry related? Our only intention was to set guidelines for when people are acting as a Cavalry member, though for many Cavalry members if often does extend into the very identity of their character.

In this scenario, I would rather we share too much information than not enough. We're trying to be transparent.
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@Taethowen The following specifically, bold emphasis mine:
Conduct of Cavalry Members, In-Character (IC) and Out-of-Character (OOC)
3. Being a member of the Cavalry of Rohan has always been seen as an elite, privileged position, regardless of one’s actual rank within it. With this sort of visibility also comes responsibility.
a. Your interactions with other Plaza members (whether members of Rohan, the Cavalry, or the Plaza as a whole) affects the reputation of the Cavalry.
b. Any post you make on the Plaza where you display a Cavalry insignia will be considered representative of the Cavalry as a whole and be held subject to the Cavalry’s Code of Conduct.
c. Even if you do not display a Cavalry insignia (whether in your post or in your signature), but imply in a post that you are acting on behalf of the Cavalry or in any official capacity as a ranking officer, you will be held subject to the Cavalry’s Code of Conduct.
Sensitive Issues: What They Are

2.c.ii. If off-duty in a personal RP storyline, please see point number 4 below.
4. When a personal storyline is at play where some actions may be perceived as harassment towards other members of the Cavalry, these steps should be taken:
a. Consent should be acquired from all parties involved in the storyline. If the storyline involves NPCs/secondary characters rather than interaction with another Plaza member, proceed to point B below.
b. The Marshals should be informed of the upcoming personal storyline before it begins, with a brief overview of what actions will be involved. The Marshals will verify consent with the other parties involved if they feel it is necessary.
c. The Cavalry characters involved should be willing to face the IC reprimands/punishments appropriate for their behavior.
d. If a storyline will jeopardize a character’s standing in the Cavalry, but the Cavalry member wishes for the character to come out unscathed, then the storyline needs to be reconsidered.

e. It is unlikely that any storyline will be approved which contains a ranking officer instigating abuse or harassment of any sort towards a subordinate member of the Cavalry. The command position of a ranking officer inherently compromises the ability of those subordinate to them to give consent.
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@Moriel The signature issue was actually proposed by two non-Marshal members of the Cavalry (see quotes below).
Amadhrill wrote: Sun Jul 26, 2020 7:43 pm
Code of conduct

Here we already have the basic outline on the NuPlaza. Apart from this, I propose a «rule» stating that if you were the insignia/cavalry signature and RP as your cavalry persona, then you should not act in a way that will endanger the reputation of the cavalry and/or Rohan.
Elarith wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 10:51 pm Code of conduct - agreed about posts reflecting on the Cavalry being accompanied by a signature. I've already set my signature as not to automatically attach (which means I forget and have to go back and edit the Cav thread posts to display it) as it's not relevant to a fair few threads I've been posting in.
As for the second issue, it falls under the guideline of "4. When a personal storyline is at play where some actions may be perceived as harassment towards other members of the Cavalry, these steps should be taken:"

We're not going to be randomly double checking the personal RP of everyone in the Cavalry, we don't have time for that. But what we've seen in the Command Tent so far is that the Cavalry *wants* guidelines to *enhance* their everyday roleplay. Being a member of the Cavalry is more than just being able to participate in certain RPGs. It is, in a manner of sense, a societal ranking in the Rohan of the Plaza.
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It looks like you have all three put a lot of effort into the Code of Conduct, and as a first draft it looks very comprehensive and has clearly been drafted with a great deal of thought and consideration. Thank you for all your hard work. :smooch:

As for feedback, I’ll willingly put my lawyer skills towards spotting loopholes or potential problems ahead of time, hopefully helping to avoid any confusion or niggles in future.

However as a general comment, in my experience - and especially in relation to roleplay and game settings - I often find that ‘less is more’. My experience of Campian was that the complexity of the rules scared a lot of people off, and in fact it might have been sufficient in that thread for me to simply explain that it would be a dice game moderated by the referee fairly with adjustments made as required, and as long as I had the detailed document of the rules to hand for my own reference (and in case anyone asked) I didn’t need to post all the nitty-gritty details.

I also appreciate that we are trying to create a ‘catch-all’ document, but sometimes overthinking every detail can become over-taxing and over-complicated. My absolute favourite rule of D&D (an undeniably complicated game system) has always been the ‘catch-all’ rule that ultimately, the DM retains discretion to deal with situations as and when they arise in the best interests of positive and co-operative roleplay, and for players to respect the DM and their decisions.

I appreciate that we are all trying to achieve a fun and safe play setting, but as a one-time aspirant editor and professional legal advisor, I would suggest approaching the document from an objective standpoint and asking ‘does this specific rule need to be there?’ I’m sure writing it was a chore (well done and thanks again) and I have a feeling some busy players may find it a challenge to read at its current length. You three have done a really wonderful job on a challenging topic in the circumstances and are worthy of big recognition and hugs for getting it started, so thank you!

My general opinion is that the initial draft of the CoC is a great starting point. It covers a lot of the pertinent topics and issues that have arisen in the past and is some great food for thought.

I think the next step for the CoC is finding a way to phrase the rules more as something general that covers the basic principles without delving into too many specific details. Try and find some “catch all’s”. In roleplay and improvisation rules, it can be good to not tie yourself down to specifically with things like timelines and exact punishments, etc, because ultimately the GM wants to retain some discretion and allow scope for creativity.

I think it’s a great first draft, but I’d personally like to see it whittled down to the key points and principles before it becomes a binding document for all cavalry players to abide by (because I also know I’m more like to remember general rules towards conduct and tone than specifics like if must report an IC consensual relationship to the Marshals’, and I want to protect the fact Rohan and its cavalry encourage creative roleplay in all its forms, without too many stringent rules to put people off).

Allacan’s humble suggestion for those providing feedback on the Code of Conduct

As much as the lawyer in me (trained for look for loopholes and weaknesses in documents like this) really wants to, I’m going to refrain from providing point by point feedback on individual rules in the document, because I know from experience that we could literally all debate phraseology and wording of specifically circumstantial rules until the cows come home (mooooo!) I also have a suspicion that debating terminology in documents like this isn’t the fun and games we all came onto the plaza for.

I think maybe those people who are reading the Code of Conduct for the first time are in the perfect position to read it with the approach of helping us consolidate some of the specific points into a ‘catch all’ paragraph or two that can be used to apply to multiple scenarios.

A few examples I can think of right now are:-

1) Regarding character deaths within a cavalry thread it might be sufficient to say...

“As much as possible, we like ask you to please approach the Marshals for permission before roleplaying a character death within a cavalry RPG. Please also understand that by putting a character death within a cavalry RP then the player will be assumed to be consenting to the cavalry taking over jurisdiction of any subsequent investigation and plotline. Please note that the GM (the thread runner and/or the Marshals) retain discretion to ask other players to disregard posts that do not follow their intended design for the thread.”

2) Regarding punishments for misdemeanours and an officer’s approach to the same it might be best to put something general like...

“If a subordinate makes a mistake or behaves inappropriately, a commander is expected to initially attempt to explain to the person the error of their ways, teach them better behaviour and guide them in personal development so that they can become a better cavalry soldier. Tests should be set with the intent of challenging an individual or understanding their capabilities, not to catch them out or trick them. Disciplinary action and punishments should be aimed towards correcting behaviour and should always be proportional to the misdemeanour, and never used to bully or ‘make an example of’ a soldier. Subordinates are expected to engage in disciplinary actions with the intend on developing a character to enable continued co-operative and positive involvement in cavalry activities. Temporarily relieving someone of rank (suspension) or dismissal from the cavalry (termination) should be used as a last resort.”
I trust you’ll understand all my contributions are meant as constructive feedback to ensure co-operative, inclusive gameplay.

Also, as a person who *consistently* uses 100 words when 10 will do, I am aware of the hypocrisy of my recommendations. I am also *very consciously* aware that if I were in the position of @Shivased, @Gwai and @Taethowen I could never have possibly achieved a first draft as well written as this one, and all three of you are worthy of lots of love and thanks (especially Taeth, who I know has spent a lot of time and effort on this; give her some love people!).

Regardless of every other comment I have made, I especially want our three Marshals to know that I applaud them for all their hard work and commitment to making the cavalry the best it can be, and I am showering you all with flowers of gratitude for your efforts.
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@Taethowen My issue, looking at it as someone who is admittedly not part of the cav and has never been a member of Rohan, is that the cav is exerting control over personal, non-cav stories. If it's a rule that the body as a whole wants, then that's their prerogative, but I can tell you that such a rule would prevent me from ever wanting to join.
Taethowen wrote:Being a member of the Cavalry is more than just being able to participate in certain RPGs. It is, in a manner of sense, a societal ranking in the Rohan of the Plaza.
But the Cavalry isn't just Rohan. You've opened it to all- playing Rohirric characters, yes, but open to all nevertheless. And I have to admit that the idea of cav being a "societal ranking" squicks me out. Perhaps you are referring only to IC with this statement, but given all the rules in the CoC about how you carry the Cav with you everywhere you go and you are representing it in all your OOC interactions and not just Cav-specific IC ones, the lines are very blurred in my mind.
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So. I personally have no problem with a 12 page Code of Conduct. It mostly seems like common sense, and I don't find longer documents daunting. BUT, as that may be an issue for some people, especially for new recruits, and there seems to be desire for a more pared down CoC, I've compiled suggestions on how it might be rendered more concise. Comments are made in the margins of the document linked to below, and by my calculations, if every suggestion were followed, the CoC would weigh in at only 2 pages instead of 12. The spirit of everything currently covered would be maintained, without going to into as many specifics.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vw7CEp ... sp=sharing

The Marshals may take or leave suggestions as they see fit. These are just my thoughts :)

Update: edited to provide what was HOPEFULLY THE ACTUAL CORRECT LINK
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Okay, just so you can see what it would look like if all the above suggestions were incorporated, here's the scaled back 2 page CoC that would hypothetically include them all. Items in red are where I added or altered wording, rather than just cutting stuff. All the headings and numbering are wonky right now, but if any of this is used, you all can fix it, that's not my problem, I'm just a lowly chaos haelend :party:

Code of Conduct of the Cavalry of Rohan

Some of the topics mentioned here are further expounded on in the Cavalry Handbook.

Conduct of Cavalry Members, In-Character (IC) and Out-of-Character (OOC)

1. On the other side of the icon, Cavalry rank, and screen, there is a living breathing person with feelings and opinions. Always consider this in your IC and OOC interactions.

2. All Cavalry members should be working toward becoming a cohesive team, especially OOC. No backstabbing, literally or figuratively. Build each other up. Help each other become better roleplayers and better people.

3. All Cavalry members are permitted a Primary Character and a Secondary Character within the Cavalry ranks.

a. Promotions will always be offered first to those with qualified Primary Characters, rather than to Secondary Characters, especially if the Primary Character of a Cavalry member already holds a position as a ranking officer.
b. The main purpose of the Primary Character is to be the one a Plaza member uses to climb through the ranks of the Cavalry. The Secondary Character’s main purpose is to help fill in the lower-level ranks of the Cavalry (sperewigend, dryhtguma).
c. A Cavalry member cannot have a Primary Character and a Secondary Character in identical Cavalry ranks simultaneously (ie, two haelends, two Marshals, etc.)
d. If a Cavalry member wishes to switch the roles of their Primary and Secondary Characters in the Cavalry, they should post that wish in the Command Tent and work with the Marshals and any other commanding officers to accommodate that transition.

In-Character Conduct

Behavior Standards

1. All Cavalry members, regardless of rank, shall:

a. Maintain a professional demeanor while on-duty. This includes:
i. Proper uniform/gear, in well-maintained condition. Your Cavalry insignia should always be worn in a visible manner. Exceptions are granted for some situations (see handbook).
ii. Proper Grooming. Those with long hair should keep it tied back, braided, or pinned up in a way that does not hinder wearing a helm. Men should keep beards trimmed and looking neat. Bathing is not optional and should be done on a regular basis.
iii. Acting in a manner which befits your position in the Cavalry, ie-no drunk and disorderly conduct or dereliction of duty

2. If a consensual romantic storyline begins to develop between characters who are all enlisted in the Cavalry, especially when one character has a higher rank than another, please inform the Marshals OOC in the Command Tent.

3. If one wishes to roleplay a character death within the confines of a Cavalry thread, it is courteous to inform the Marshals first and gain their approval, so as not to disrupt any plots or stories currently being enacted.

Behavior Standards for Ranking Officers

Those in positions of command within the Cavalry should:

a. Never ask a subordinate to do something they are not willing to do themselves.
b. Never put a subordinate in a compromising position.
c. Offer constructive criticism with guidance to improve when a mistake or misunderstanding occurs.
d. Be competent in their duties, able to lead effectively, inspiring, and confident.
e. Be able to admit when they are wrong and defer to someone with more experience if they are of lower rank or unsure or untrained in a given topic.
f. Must demonstrate an ability to maintain consistent and frequent involvement in routine Cavalry life (barring scheduled or emergency absences)

Dereliction of Duty

All non-ranking Cavalry members are expected to post a minimum of once a month, all officers once every two weeks. Failure to meet posting requirements and/or consistent lack of involvement in ongoing activities will result in demotion/loss of rank. Scheduled absences of no more than XXX weeks may be requested, in which case characters will be listed as “on leave” and their rank temporarily assigned to another officer. Emergency absences of no more than XXX weeks will be accommodated, beyond which time demotion/loss of rank will occur.


Edit to include the following thought: Again, take this for what it's worth, it's just a suggestion on how the CoC *could* be more concise, I personally have no problems with spelling things out in detail or with reading 12 pages, or for that matter, with the existing CoC :grouphug:
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I'm just posting tonight to acknowledge that I have read the Code of Conduct. I'll admit a lot of it goes over my head, which probably has some to do with the late hour and the fact that I've never been involved in a Plaza Army before, so a lot of the "rules and regulations" are very new to me, but greatly appreciated.

@Thalionwen Hunigfolm: Thank you for the "cliff notes" version of the CoC. It definitely helped me make sense of some stuff.

I'll plan to edit this post with specific thoughts in the morning when my brain is a bit more cooperative.

Just as an initial reaction, it might be nice to have a "cliff notes" version of the CoC as well as a version that is spelled out in detail.

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