Post by Leonidas Wahrheit on Jan 10, 2013 18:08:06 GMT -6
The Holy Ring of Light
Light, as seen by all living beings on this planet, does more than simply provide life; it illuminates the darkness. All those who would seek the shadows and find shelter in the depths of evil stand no chance against the Ring of Light, for these men and women dedicate their lives to the noble and holy arts of healing, protection, and spiritual purity. Some amongst us champion the more peaceful aspects of Light whereas others strive for the absolute cleansing of all things evil. With such diversity readily apparent, the Holy Ring of Light must have two sub-rings which make up its entirety: the Philosophy of Peace and the Philosophy of War.
The Philosophy of Peace
Patron Deity:
Dungeons and Dragons: Tamara (The Silver Dragon of Healing, Faith, and Aid)
Pathfinder: Sarenrae
Paladins, Clerics, and any other classes more interested in helping the community and assisting those in need through the distribution of medicinal aid would benefit most from joining the Philosophy of Peace. These individuals set about on missions to aid, protect, and heal those in need, whether this be through running individuals through dangerous areas, providing much-needed healing support to an allied Guild, or simply donating supplies or gold to upstart communities looking to better those around them. The Oracle of Peace is responsible for organizing these "missions," though anything involving contact with another Guild must be approved by the Guardian of the Light.
The Philosophy of War
Patron Deity:
Dungeons and Dragons: Bahamut (The Platinum Dragon of Law, Justice, and the Righteous Spirit)
Pathfinder: Iomedae
Inhabited by War Clerics, Lawful Good Fighters, Monks, and Paladins, the Philosophy of War actively seeks out evil in order to end its reign of terror. Working closely with the Ring of Steel, the Philosophy of War sets out to aid other fledgling and allied communities in their fight against overly aggressive and negatively-aligned factions who would seek to stifle positive outreach and beneficial communication. Not to be mistaken with uncaring zealots, the Philosophy of War still pursues the Non-Aggression principle to the fullest extent of the Guild's laws and will seek peace whenever the situation allows it. More of defenders rather than aggressors, the Philosophy of War only enters into full scale combat upon the approval of the Guardian of the Light, the Guardian of Steel, and the Sentinel. The Guardian of Steel may requisition members from the Philosophy of War with the approval of the Oracle of War and the Guardian of the Light, as many of the members of the Philosophy of War can provide unique and invaluable anti-chaos/anti-evil spells/buffs/de-buffs which could turn the tide of any battle.
The Guardian of the Light rules over these two Philosophies as their Champion, a man or woman capable of understanding both the warm glow and searing grace light can provide. He or she, however, receives ample aid from two officers selected by majority vote from the entire Ring of Light. These officers, titled the "Oracles of Peace and War," assist the Guardian in the administration of the Philosophies and act as seconds in command should the Guardian become indisposed. A vote of no-confidence, which may be enacted by any member of the Ring of Light or any Warden from any Ring, requires a simple majority for its proposition and a 2/3rds majority in order to remove one of the Oracles.
New Oracles, though elected by majority vote, must be approved by the Guardian of the Light, though should the members of the Holy Ring of Light feel the Guardian is mistaken in his or her veto of the Ring's vote, then a 2/3rds majority will overrule the Guardian's veto. The Guardian may, once again, veto this majority vote, but must provide an adequate reason as to why he or she made such a decision. Should this not satiate the desires of the Holy Ring of Light, the members may bring their grievances to the Sentinel and he or she MUST address the situation through a meeting of the Inner Circle, whereby the Guardian of the Light and a representative of the Keepers of the Light in support of the vetoed candidate make their cases before the Inner Circle and a final decision is reached through a simple majority.
Donations: Due to the nature of our station, the Keepers, Wardens, Oracles, and Guardian of the Light strive to better the community as a whole. We do not offer our services to those who would do evil or harm others, but rather we freely labor for and defend the needs of the good-natured and pure of heart. As men and women of holy virtues, we find great satisfaction in the art of assisting others and rely completely upon the donations of our members. Donating remains voluntary, though as your rank within the Ring of Light increases, the expectation to set a positive example for the other members climbs with you. Should an ally, whether that be a separate guild or an independent individual/faction, offer us payment for a service, our members must politely refuse. Should that individual persist, then we may inform them that the Ring, not our members, is always happy to receive the kind donations of others so that we may continue our work in the world at large.
Note: Should we enter into a cooperative venture with any of the other Rings, we will follow that Ring's code of conduct as well as our own. Should that Ring charge for their services and we provided assistance, then the Ring of Light will benefit from this clause. The income will, however, go directly toward the Ring of Light's bank in order to fund our other ventures and services.
Note: Item creation and enchanting will be charged a fair price as the sheer effort, resources, and magical energy required to enchant high quality items would put us in a bad predicament in terms of monetary income.
Note: All members of the Ring of Light must go through a five week training period with the Ring of Steel so that we may stand ready to aid them in any defensive or escort missions. Members of the Philosophy of War will maintain their own standing regiments and will continue training with the Ring of Steel whereas the membership of the Philosophy of Peace will, after two weeks of training, will separate off into other regiments to begin Divine Spellcasting training. The two Philosophies will meet on a weekly basis to renew strategies and ensure our capabilities are up to strength.
Voting: All decisions within the Ring of Light may be voted upon by all Keepers and Wardens. These decisions may include: changing the Ring's Charter, accepting a member into the Ring of Light, and other administrative decisions created by the Ring, the Guardian, or the Oracles. These votes require a simple majority and remain separate from any of the "no-confidence" votes required to remove an Oracle. The Oracles and the Guardian have no voting power, but the Guardian may veto a decision voted upon by the members of the Ring of Light. Should the membership of the Ring of Light disagree with the Guardian's decision, they may vote again, this time with a 2/3rds majority, and overrule the Guardian's veto.
Peacetime Procedure: During times of peace, the Philosophy of War will retain 75% of its fighting force while transferring the other 25% over to the Philosophy of Peace in order to conduct missionary work. The Philosophy of War will remain current in all of its training procedures (as will the Philosophy of Peace) and will retain border patrol, COs (caravan operations), and heretic hunting missions as the Oracle of War and Guardian see fit. The Philosophy of Peace will also retain its active role in diplomacy with the Ring of Gold.
Wartime Procedure: The Philosophy of War will call back its detached forces in order to return to 100% capacity. A full 50% of the Philosophy of Peace will transfer over to the Oracle of War's command and will be placed into regiments (Ring of Light or Ring of Steel) as he or she sees fit. The other 50% will retain their normal duties. Should the enemy actively attack our settlement(s), the Philosophy of War holds the responsibility of defensive operations while the Ring of Steel may engage the enemy beyond our borders. Members of the Philosophy of War may be requisitioned by the Guardian of Steel upon approval by the Guardian of Light and the Oracle of War.
Squad Organization: All Ring of Light squads will be organized into several detachments based upon the membership and fighting strength of the entire Ring. Each squad will mimic the following organizational elements:
Chevalier (Squad Leader)
2 Sergeants
5-10 Men-at-Arms
2 Hospitaller
The Chevalier retains control of his or her entire squad during missions, but immediately abandons that control upon the successful completion and return of the squad to the settlement and holds no power over those individuals until assigned a mission by the Oracle of War or the Guardian or when the city comes under attack. The Chevalier may be displaced by either Sergeant should 2/3rds of the squad feel that the Chevalier has not performed with honor and dignity. While each squad is denoted as having two Hospitaller from the Philosophy of Peace, this number may be increased should the Oracle of Peace and War see fit.
Inter-ring Associations
The Ring of Steel: Extensive combat training, escort missions, and defensive operations require active coordination between both rings.
The Ring of Wood: As divine spellcasting remains concurrent between both Rings, Light and Wood will train together as well as perform border patrol. Light will also cross-train with Wood in order to understand and improve the arts of herbalism.
The Ring of Shadow: The Ring of Light will rely heavily upon the Ring of Shadow in order to root out evil and determine where our assistance in needed the most.
The Ring of Crystal: Copious enchantment and magical training, along with a repository of knowledge in reference to all things Divine/Arcane, stands as the shared responsibility of both rings.
The Ring of Earth: Light will provide protection and assistance to the Ring of Earth, as every Ring will rely on this Ring's vital services.
The Ring of Gold: Both Rings will take an active role in mediation and diplomacy, as well as provide relief and support services to those in need. The Oracle of Peace and the Guardian of Gold will actively organize such efforts.
The Guardian of Iron: The Guild's forges will have the protection and guardianship of the Ring of Light. Both Rings will also collaborate on crafting and enchantment projects.
Light, as seen by all living beings on this planet, does more than simply provide life; it illuminates the darkness. All those who would seek the shadows and find shelter in the depths of evil stand no chance against the Ring of Light, for these men and women dedicate their lives to the noble and holy arts of healing, protection, and spiritual purity. Some amongst us champion the more peaceful aspects of Light whereas others strive for the absolute cleansing of all things evil. With such diversity readily apparent, the Holy Ring of Light must have two sub-rings which make up its entirety: the Philosophy of Peace and the Philosophy of War.
The Philosophy of Peace
Patron Deity:
Dungeons and Dragons: Tamara (The Silver Dragon of Healing, Faith, and Aid)
Pathfinder: Sarenrae
Paladins, Clerics, and any other classes more interested in helping the community and assisting those in need through the distribution of medicinal aid would benefit most from joining the Philosophy of Peace. These individuals set about on missions to aid, protect, and heal those in need, whether this be through running individuals through dangerous areas, providing much-needed healing support to an allied Guild, or simply donating supplies or gold to upstart communities looking to better those around them. The Oracle of Peace is responsible for organizing these "missions," though anything involving contact with another Guild must be approved by the Guardian of the Light.
The Philosophy of War
Patron Deity:
Dungeons and Dragons: Bahamut (The Platinum Dragon of Law, Justice, and the Righteous Spirit)
Pathfinder: Iomedae
Inhabited by War Clerics, Lawful Good Fighters, Monks, and Paladins, the Philosophy of War actively seeks out evil in order to end its reign of terror. Working closely with the Ring of Steel, the Philosophy of War sets out to aid other fledgling and allied communities in their fight against overly aggressive and negatively-aligned factions who would seek to stifle positive outreach and beneficial communication. Not to be mistaken with uncaring zealots, the Philosophy of War still pursues the Non-Aggression principle to the fullest extent of the Guild's laws and will seek peace whenever the situation allows it. More of defenders rather than aggressors, the Philosophy of War only enters into full scale combat upon the approval of the Guardian of the Light, the Guardian of Steel, and the Sentinel. The Guardian of Steel may requisition members from the Philosophy of War with the approval of the Oracle of War and the Guardian of the Light, as many of the members of the Philosophy of War can provide unique and invaluable anti-chaos/anti-evil spells/buffs/de-buffs which could turn the tide of any battle.
The Guardian of the Light rules over these two Philosophies as their Champion, a man or woman capable of understanding both the warm glow and searing grace light can provide. He or she, however, receives ample aid from two officers selected by majority vote from the entire Ring of Light. These officers, titled the "Oracles of Peace and War," assist the Guardian in the administration of the Philosophies and act as seconds in command should the Guardian become indisposed. A vote of no-confidence, which may be enacted by any member of the Ring of Light or any Warden from any Ring, requires a simple majority for its proposition and a 2/3rds majority in order to remove one of the Oracles.
New Oracles, though elected by majority vote, must be approved by the Guardian of the Light, though should the members of the Holy Ring of Light feel the Guardian is mistaken in his or her veto of the Ring's vote, then a 2/3rds majority will overrule the Guardian's veto. The Guardian may, once again, veto this majority vote, but must provide an adequate reason as to why he or she made such a decision. Should this not satiate the desires of the Holy Ring of Light, the members may bring their grievances to the Sentinel and he or she MUST address the situation through a meeting of the Inner Circle, whereby the Guardian of the Light and a representative of the Keepers of the Light in support of the vetoed candidate make their cases before the Inner Circle and a final decision is reached through a simple majority.
Donations: Due to the nature of our station, the Keepers, Wardens, Oracles, and Guardian of the Light strive to better the community as a whole. We do not offer our services to those who would do evil or harm others, but rather we freely labor for and defend the needs of the good-natured and pure of heart. As men and women of holy virtues, we find great satisfaction in the art of assisting others and rely completely upon the donations of our members. Donating remains voluntary, though as your rank within the Ring of Light increases, the expectation to set a positive example for the other members climbs with you. Should an ally, whether that be a separate guild or an independent individual/faction, offer us payment for a service, our members must politely refuse. Should that individual persist, then we may inform them that the Ring, not our members, is always happy to receive the kind donations of others so that we may continue our work in the world at large.
Note: Should we enter into a cooperative venture with any of the other Rings, we will follow that Ring's code of conduct as well as our own. Should that Ring charge for their services and we provided assistance, then the Ring of Light will benefit from this clause. The income will, however, go directly toward the Ring of Light's bank in order to fund our other ventures and services.
Note: Item creation and enchanting will be charged a fair price as the sheer effort, resources, and magical energy required to enchant high quality items would put us in a bad predicament in terms of monetary income.
Note: All members of the Ring of Light must go through a five week training period with the Ring of Steel so that we may stand ready to aid them in any defensive or escort missions. Members of the Philosophy of War will maintain their own standing regiments and will continue training with the Ring of Steel whereas the membership of the Philosophy of Peace will, after two weeks of training, will separate off into other regiments to begin Divine Spellcasting training. The two Philosophies will meet on a weekly basis to renew strategies and ensure our capabilities are up to strength.
Voting: All decisions within the Ring of Light may be voted upon by all Keepers and Wardens. These decisions may include: changing the Ring's Charter, accepting a member into the Ring of Light, and other administrative decisions created by the Ring, the Guardian, or the Oracles. These votes require a simple majority and remain separate from any of the "no-confidence" votes required to remove an Oracle. The Oracles and the Guardian have no voting power, but the Guardian may veto a decision voted upon by the members of the Ring of Light. Should the membership of the Ring of Light disagree with the Guardian's decision, they may vote again, this time with a 2/3rds majority, and overrule the Guardian's veto.
Peacetime Procedure: During times of peace, the Philosophy of War will retain 75% of its fighting force while transferring the other 25% over to the Philosophy of Peace in order to conduct missionary work. The Philosophy of War will remain current in all of its training procedures (as will the Philosophy of Peace) and will retain border patrol, COs (caravan operations), and heretic hunting missions as the Oracle of War and Guardian see fit. The Philosophy of Peace will also retain its active role in diplomacy with the Ring of Gold.
Wartime Procedure: The Philosophy of War will call back its detached forces in order to return to 100% capacity. A full 50% of the Philosophy of Peace will transfer over to the Oracle of War's command and will be placed into regiments (Ring of Light or Ring of Steel) as he or she sees fit. The other 50% will retain their normal duties. Should the enemy actively attack our settlement(s), the Philosophy of War holds the responsibility of defensive operations while the Ring of Steel may engage the enemy beyond our borders. Members of the Philosophy of War may be requisitioned by the Guardian of Steel upon approval by the Guardian of Light and the Oracle of War.
Squad Organization: All Ring of Light squads will be organized into several detachments based upon the membership and fighting strength of the entire Ring. Each squad will mimic the following organizational elements:
Chevalier (Squad Leader)
2 Sergeants
5-10 Men-at-Arms
2 Hospitaller
The Chevalier retains control of his or her entire squad during missions, but immediately abandons that control upon the successful completion and return of the squad to the settlement and holds no power over those individuals until assigned a mission by the Oracle of War or the Guardian or when the city comes under attack. The Chevalier may be displaced by either Sergeant should 2/3rds of the squad feel that the Chevalier has not performed with honor and dignity. While each squad is denoted as having two Hospitaller from the Philosophy of Peace, this number may be increased should the Oracle of Peace and War see fit.
Inter-ring Associations
The Ring of Steel: Extensive combat training, escort missions, and defensive operations require active coordination between both rings.
The Ring of Wood: As divine spellcasting remains concurrent between both Rings, Light and Wood will train together as well as perform border patrol. Light will also cross-train with Wood in order to understand and improve the arts of herbalism.
The Ring of Shadow: The Ring of Light will rely heavily upon the Ring of Shadow in order to root out evil and determine where our assistance in needed the most.
The Ring of Crystal: Copious enchantment and magical training, along with a repository of knowledge in reference to all things Divine/Arcane, stands as the shared responsibility of both rings.
The Ring of Earth: Light will provide protection and assistance to the Ring of Earth, as every Ring will rely on this Ring's vital services.
The Ring of Gold: Both Rings will take an active role in mediation and diplomacy, as well as provide relief and support services to those in need. The Oracle of Peace and the Guardian of Gold will actively organize such efforts.
The Guardian of Iron: The Guild's forges will have the protection and guardianship of the Ring of Light. Both Rings will also collaborate on crafting and enchantment projects.