Request for Proposals: Rank Structure

[Dario Tashavan]

This thread is for those interested to post proposals for the rank structure of the Circle. This is intended to cover what ranks should exist, as well as what their scope of influence and responsibility should be. This thread is not intended to cover topics such as advancement between ranks or disciplinary actions that would reduce or preclude rank. Nor is it intended to cover the application process. This is also not intended to be a conversational thread. Debate, input, criticism, and comment should be taken to the Discussion: Rank Structure thread. This thread will remain open through Friday, January 25, 2013, at which point it will close to submissions. Polls will open for members to vote on the proposals on Monday, January 28, 2013 and remain open for one week, closing Sunday, February 3. The Discussion thread will remain open through the duration of the voting period

[Drake]

This may look familier... I copied most of it from Nym's, changes are all below Guardian level.

Sentinel/Watcher- The leaders tasked with guiding the group and overseeing all aspects of guild functions with the rest of the Inner Circle but with more final power.

Inner Circle- The council of Guardians tasked with overseeing all aspects of the guild functions. They are responsible for calling for votes and determining at what level they should be voted on.

Guardian- Individual tasked with overseeing their Ring and serving in the Inner Circle.

Warden- Officer of their Ring tasked with supporting their Guardian in whatever form needed. Responsibility on voting on internal Ring matters and top-level Circle matters. This status might be required to hold certain positions within a Ring depending on each Ring’s charter. You may voluntarily step down from Warden status. You may be a Warden of multiple rings only if you are voted as such by existing Wardens of each ring. You may be asked to step down from a Warden position if it is seen that you are no longer able to contribute fully as a Warden. This is mearly a signifier of inactivity within a ring and you may be restored as Warden by vote during the next normal Warden voting period without the need to be sponsored. If you are a Warden of multiple rings you still only recieve one vote on top-level Circle matters.


Keeper- Member of their Ring, responsibility on voting on general matters of the Circle. On internal matters of their Ring they can voice their concerns to the Wardens to ensure they are heard. Must be a Keeper for X amount of time before a Warden of their Ring may sponsor them for Wardenship. You may be a Keeper of multiple rings but must be voted in to each new ring just as if you were an Initiate. You may step down as Keeper of an individual ring. Inactivity alone will not be justification for removal of a Keeper from a ring.


Initiate- New recruit that needs to be sponsored by a Keeper. They will have no vote in any level of the Circle. They take time to get used to the organization and get to know the people. When they feel ready they may ask to join a Ring at which time the Wardens of said Ring will take a vote. If the vote passes they will become a Keeper of said ring. The time spent as an Initiate will also give Shadow a chance to clear them of espionage suspicion.


Edit: Underlined changes from Nym's

[doomcrow]

This is the section on my charter proposal concerning rank structure. *Note* I did not include the admissions process for Initiate due to the context of this thread, but rest assured I have it covered to submit when we get to the admissions process. Of course, this is all subject to change and I encourage you to provide your feedback, suggestions and any additions, deletions or modifications you may see as valuable to the discussion thread for this topic: www.keepersofthecircle.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gd&thread=117&page=1#2404

Initiates
Non-members who are interested in joining the Circle become Initiates. They adventure with Keepers and are introduced to the Circle's core values, and are taken on by a Sponsor who works closely with them.

Powers: Initiates have not been accepted into the Circle yet, and as such do not have the voting power or access to Circle resources like a Keeper does. They are on a trial membership.

Responsibilities: An Initiate is tasked with adventuring with members of the Circle, getting to know its members, and show they possess the qualities that the Circle is looking for in a new member. Being helpful, working well in a team, and showing a genuine desire to become a contributing member of the Circle are prime examples.

Keepers
Every member of the Circle is known as a Keeper - each Keeper may belong to no Rings, one Ring, or several Rings, but may only hold elected rank in a single Ring at a time.

Powers: Every Keeper has a vote within the Circle. They can bring a motion of no-confidence to an elected position if they feel that position isn't being fulfilled by the person in office. They can vote on the Guardianship of their Ring. They have access to Circle resources and facilities as long as they are part of the Circle.

Responsibilities: Being a Keeper in the Circle means helping when and where you choose without being beholden to anyone. Keepers may engage in any Circle-related activity they choose, or none. They may become part of any Ring they choose, or none. They have the power to vote, yet they can choose not to exercise that power if they choose. The only code they must adhere to is the non-aggression pact; they are not to initiate acts of aggression on anyone for any reason.

Wardens
Keepers of the Circle may be elected by a unanimous vote into the Wardens of the Circle - the "officers" of the organization, Wardens have the power of direct votes in the top-level decisions of the Circle. Wardens are further eligible to hold specific offices.

Powers: Wardens are able to vote on the top-level decisions made in their Ring, and can vote to abolish or re-evaluate and modify Inner Circle decisions that may be deemed as counter to the beliefs of the Circle or a detriment to the Circle. They too can bring a vote of no-confidence to any Inner Circle position if that officer is deemed unfit to serve. Furthermore, a Warden can hold a specific office, such as Sentinel or Oracle of Peace. Wardens are able to Sponsor Initiates for membership, and have the power to vote on admissions to the Circle.

Responsibilities: Wardens are the “officers” of the Circle, and must act and carry themselves with integrity, resolve and courage at all times. They are a reflection of the values the Circle holds most dear, and are held to a higher degree of scrutiny by non-Circle members. Wardens many have additional responsibilities within their Ring and may hold positions according to the sub-charter of that Ring.

Guardians
Each Ring has a Guardian, an administrative and leadership position for that Ring. The Guardians are voted in by all members of the Ring to which they belong, but may be overturned by a 2/3 vote of all Wardens. As part of the Inner Circle, they vote on policy that affects the entire circle.

Powers: Guardians are the leaders of their Ring, and can forge policies for their Ring to be voted upon by the Wardens and Keepers within. The can create and modify the sub charter of their Ring. They have voting power as members of the Inner Circle in creating, modifying and maintaining policies that affect the Circle, and bring motions to be voted upon.

Responsibilities: Guardians are responsible for the daily operations within their Ring, collaborating with other Rings when activities and situations present themselves, and handling all leadership matters within their Ring. They report to the Inner Circle, and their actions are subject to being voted upon by the Inner Circle.

Sentinel
The Sentinel is the arbiter of the Inner Circle; they step in when there is conflict or a deadlock and serves as mediator in order to help facilitate a decision. They ensure that balance is maintained.

Powers: The Sentinel has tie-breaking power in Inner Circle votes should a tie occur. In matters of dispute, they act as mediator in order to facilitate resolution. In an arbiter role, they can make interpretations on Inner Circle policy and judge whether they fall in line with the values of the Circle. When War has been declared, they take on the powers of a war chancellor, taking command of the Circle's military forces until the threat has been averted and peace returns.

Responsibilities: In Times of Peace, the Sentinel sits on the Inner Circle to facilitate meetings, mediate disputes, interpret policy in order it coincides with Circle values, and ensure balance is maintained at all times. They also serve as official spokesperson of the Circle to the outside world, and the face of what it means to be a Keeper of the Circle. In times of War, the Sentinel becomes responsible for the command of the Circle's military forces and the enforcing the strategies designed to achieve self-defense and victory. Once the threat is over, they relinquish these military powers back to the Inner Circle and Rings.

Watcher
The Watcher takes on the responsibilities of the Sentinel when he/she is unavailable. They monitor the Inner Circle to ensure all positions are working in harmony and that corruption does not rear its ugly head.

Powers: The Watcher monitors the Inner Circle in order to detect any corruption within the ranks, and to ensure that the policies being voted upon and passed do not conflict with the values of the Circle. Flagged policies are brought before the Sentinel for interpretation and judgment. Ensures that the Sentinel is acting in the name of balance, and that should war occur, ensures that the sentinel relinquishes their wartime powers once the threat is over.

Responsibilities: Attends all proceedings held by the Inner Circle. Advises the Sentinel on all matters of interpretation of policy that comes into question. The Watcher assumes the powers and responsibilities of Sentinel should the Sentinel be incapacitated, be in a period of absence, or cannot otherwise fulfill his or her duties.

[Dario Tashavan]

Keepers
The introductory level of membership. Individuals who have passed through the appropriate application process and undergone preliminary vetting are inducted into the Circle as Keepers. Keepers are members of the Circle at large, and not of any particular Ring, and as such have limited access to Circle resources, such as bank loans or higher tier training facilities. They are free to speak on any matter before the Circle, but do not have a direct vote.

Explanation: Keeper is intended to serve as an introductory rank. It will give new members time to determine which aspect of gameplay will be their primary area of interest without feeling beholden to a Ring. It will also give them, and us, time to come to know each other to ensure there is a good fit, as well as allowing us to do additional vetting so as to reduce the likelihood of infiltration.



Wardens
These are the normal members of the Circle. Keepers who have proven their loyalty and have found their place in the Circle may choose to join a single Ring matching their primary focus. Wardens are bound to the charter of their Ring, and in return will receive a vote in the direct matters of their Ring, and in the major decisions of the Circle as an organization. Choice of Ring does not limit the actions of Wardens, who may find themselves working alone, or alongside Wardens of other Rings as need and interest dictate.

Explanation: This is where most full members of the Circle will exist. A unified Warden rank for all members in Rings serves two primary purposes. It allows each ring to set its own internal hierarchy to suit its particular needs. It also avoids the problems inherent in any dual-advancement system, particularly the issue of an individual who may be clearly qualified to hold a position within the Ring, but is inhibited because it requires a higher Circle rank as well. Limiting full Ring membership to a single Ring serves several purposes as well. It helps to clarify who you should talk to if there is some sort of issue, your own Ring’s leadership if it’s a general problem, or yours or the other person’s leadership if it’s an interpersonal conflict. It also serves to clarify which Ring’s strictures and requirements apply to any given situation. A Warden of Light who wishes to join a Ring of Gold operation is not required to follow any limitations or obligations within the Ring of Gold charter. It may be a good idea to do so, or at least reach an agreeable compromise, lest he find he has less Wardens of Gold willing to work with him in the future, but will not face official censure for failing to do so, unless he also violates rules for the Ring of Light.



Inner Circle
These are the individuals elected to lead their respective Rings, and the Circle itself. They will be responsible for determining the overarching direction for the Circle, as well as ensuring successful cooperation among the individual Rings. The Inner Circle may, at its discretion, refer any matter to a Circle vote of all members ranked Warden or higher.

Explanation: This group is intended to collectively form the Circle leadership, and will handle the ordinary functioning of the organization. The referral mechanism is intended as a tool to aid the Inner Circle in making decisions, not to limit the Warden-level votes. Certain aspects of Circle governance, such as taxes or other Circle wide policy, should involve a full vote.

Sentinel: The administrative and operational director of the Circle. The Sentinel is responsible for coordinating near- and long-term goals of the Circle, and guiding its growth into a productive organization. The Sentinel will also serve as Commander-in-Chief during times of war. The Sentinel may be required to assume Watcher duties if the current Watcher is unavailable.

Watcher: Aide to the Sentinel. The Watcher will primarily be responsible for monitoring balance among the Rings and mediating between Rings if needed. Additionally, the Watcher will serve as a tiebreaker in the event the eight Guardians reach a tied vote, and temporarily step up if the current Sentinel is unavailable.

Guardians: The leaders and representatives of the Rings regarding Circle governance. Guardians are responsible as administrators of their respective Rings. They will translate Circle goals into actionable items for their respective Rings, and ensure these tasks are carried out. Guardians will be responsible for the organization of their Ring, inasmuch as is required, and will serve as the primary contact in the event a problem arises with a member of their Ring. As members of the Inner Circle, Guardians will be responsible for keeping the Inner Circle apprised of the status and activities of their Ring, to ensure Circle leadership is able to make effective and informed decisions, and to allow proper coordination between the Rings. Within their respective Rings, Guardians will carry such additional rights and responsibilities as laid out in the Ring's charter.

[Nymerias]

Proposed Charter Hierarchy:

These excerpts are from the original introduction Hrod gave that influenced how I thought the guild was to be organized. I know this is all subject to change; I just want to point out where my thought process came from. Emphasis added is mine.

“The Circle itself is a representation of Life; as such, those who are Keepers of the Circle support that which advances life. The Circle of life is made up of Rings, each of which covers a different aspect of life. Every member of the Circle is known as a Keeper - each Keeper may belong to no Rings, one Ring, or several Rings, but may only hold elected rank in a single Ring at a time.”

“Keepers of the Circle may be elected by a unanimous vote into the Wardens of the Circle - the "officers" of the organization, Wardens have the power of direct votes in the top-level decisions of the Circle. Wardens are further eligible to hold specific offices. Each Ring has a Guardian, an administrative and leadership position for the Ring. The Guardians are voted in by all members of the Ring to which they belong, but may be overturned by a 2/3 vote of all Wardens. Wardens are also eligible for being elected to become the Lord/Lady Sentinel of the Circle - the overall leader/head administrator of the Circle. The second place candidate will be appointed as the Watcher of the Circle, the Lady/Lord Sentinel's deputy. No member may hold more than one elected office at a time.”

From this explanation I took it as Keeper being the general base membership of the organization. Since Wardens were suggested as “officers” I took that to be intended as a smaller population than Keepers. I also took the sentence about Wardens having direct votes in the top-level decisions to mean that Keepers could have a direct vote on less sensitive matters. I assumed from reading further about the Inner Circle that those individuals would have the responsibility to decide what matters were deemed top-level decisions. So when I joined this was my view of the structure:

Sentinel/Watcher- The leaders tasked with guiding the Circle.
Sentinel-The Sentinel is the Leader of the Keepers of the Circle. The Sentinel proposes overall policies and goals to pass to the Guardians of the Rings for implementation.
Watcher-The primary job of the Watcher is to support the policies and goals as proposed by the Sentinel, ensuring that the Guardians work effectively to implement the policies and goals of the organization. In the absence of the Sentinel, the Watcher serves in the Sentinel’s place and bears all of the Sentinels powers as needed.


Inner Circle – The council of Guardians, plus the Sentinel and Watcher, are tasked with overseeing all aspects of the Circle. The Inner Circle approves all policies and goals prior to vote by the Wardens (and Keepers when relevant); approval is granted by 2/3 vote. Members of the Inner Circle may also propose ideas to the Sentinel. The Inner Circle is responsible for determining the level (Keeper or Warden) and timing for votes.

Guardian – Individual tasked with overseeing one Ring and serving in the Inner Circle. Guardians are the leaders of their individual Rings, receiving general direction from the Sentinel as to the Circle’s policy goals. Guardians have full discretion to determine how best to implement Circle policy within their Rings. The Guardian is responsible for providing direction and delegating responsibility to Wardens to accomplish Ring goals. Guardians have veto power on internal Ring matters, but have no direct vote. Wardens may overturn a Guardians veto by a 2/3 majority vote. Guardians have a direct vote on top-level Circle matters. Guardians have access to the same resources and benefits of the Circle as Keepers and may have greater access based on the sub-charter of the Ring.

Warden – Senior members of one Ring who work to accomplish Ring goals by organizing and supporting Keepers of their Ring. Wardens are tasked with supporting their Guardian in whatever form needed. All officer ranks in a Ring are held by Wardens, as are other important roles specified in each Rings sub-charter. Wardens have the right to vote on internal Ring matters and top-level Circle matters. Wardens have access to the same resources and benefits of the Circle as Keepers and may have greater access based on the sub-charter of the Ring. Each Player may hold Wardenship in one Ring.

Keeper – Members of one or more Rings* who work to accomplish Ring goals under the guidance and support of their Wardens. Keepers have the right to vote on general matters of the Circle. Keepers may freely voice concerns and recommendations on internal matters of their Ring to the Wardens. Keepers have access to most of the resources and benefits of the Circle. Each player may hold the rank of Keeper in multiple Rings, though their character’s highest rank within the organization is the in-game rank they will hold.

Initiate – New recruits that must be sponsored by a Keeper or Warden. Initiates take 3-7 days to become familiar with the organization and get to know the people. The Ring of Shadow also uses the time spent as an Initiate to clear the individual of espionage suspicion. When the Initiate feels ready, the sponsor requests induction into a Ring. All standing Wardens of the Ring vote to approve the new member. If the vote passes by a simple majority, the Initiate becomes a Keeper of that specific ring. Initiates do not have access to the resources and benefits of the Circle. This is an in-game rank to facilitate them being able to get to know the organization and its members fully.

*Though it is stated in the original draft by Hrod that a Keeper may have no Ring, we feel that this should be amended.

-As Proposed by:
Taela, Warden of Wood
Hark, Warden of Crystal
Erian, Warden of Gold