Welcome to Ravenswatch, an 18+ gaming community where we come together to enjoy MMOs and other multiplayer games. We maintain our own hosting services and strive to work together to have a good time in the games we play. We are a laid-back group that values open and honest communication; if you’re looking for a safe space that is politically correct, this might not be the place for you.

This charter outlines the structure, roles, and guidelines that govern our community. Too often we have seen communities fall apart due to in-fighting and a lack of organization and vision in how they operate. The goal of this charter is to be direct with our intentions and avoid conflicts by ensuring all members understand how Ravenswatch operates. The expectations described herein applies equally to all members regardless of their role in the community.

1. Membership Ranks

Overview:

At Ravenswatch, we aim to be as “rankless” as possible, fostering an environment where every member feels equal and valued. However, we recognize that some structure is necessary to drive engagement, maintain organization, and ensure the smooth operation of our community. The following ranks exist to define roles and responsibilities within Ravenswatch.

1.1 Visitors (@Everyone)

  • Description: Visitors are individuals who have joined our community server but have not yet engaged in any official capacity. They are newcomers exploring what Ravenswatch has to offer.
  • Permissions: Inherit the default permissions of the @Everyone role.
  • Notes: Visitors do not receive a specific role and are considered guests in our community.

1.2 Affiliate (Alliance)

  • Description: Affiliates are members of allied guilds or communities who collaborate with Ravenswatch. They help strengthen our external relationships and participate in joint activities.
  • Permissions: Granted access to specific secure channels on an as-needed basis.
  • Notes: Affiliates represent external alliances and are vital for inter-community cooperation.

1.3 Aspirant (Recruit)

  • Description: Aspirants are individuals who have expressed a desire to join Ravenswatch and are in the process of becoming full members. This rank allows us to get to know potential members before they become fully integrated into the community.
  • Process:
    • An application message is sent to the applications channel upon their expression of interest.
    • While their application is under review, they hold the same permissions as Visitors.

1.4 Member

  • Description: Members are the core of Ravenswatch—full members who have been accepted into the community. They are those who have committed to us, and we value their dedication and participation.
  • Permissions:
    • May participate in any game the community plays.
    • Access to guild/organization-only areas and resources.
  • Criteria:
    • Demonstrated commitment to Ravenswatch.
    • No doubts regarding loyalty or willingness to game with the community.
  • Admission:
    • Any Officer may admit a new Member using their judgment if the criteria are met.

1.5 In-Game Elevated Roles

  • Description: In certain games, some members may be granted additional permissions to facilitate gameplay without holding an official leadership position. These roles are specific to in-game needs.
  • Examples:
    • In games like ESO, a non-Officer who may withdraw items from the guild bank.
  • Notes: Titles and permissions may vary between games to suit the specific requirements of each game.

1.6 Officer

  • Description: Officers are members entrusted with leadership responsibilities to help manage the community and its activities. They play a crucial role in maintaining order and facilitating engagement within the community.
  • Permissions:
    • Access to secure areas in-game.
    • Voting rights on all community and game matters (except those exclusive to the Council).
    • Ability to admit new Members.
    • Authority to timeout Members if necessary.
    • May request a Council vote to expel a Member.
  • Voting:
    • Votes are open for 72 hours.
  • Appointment:
    • Added or removed via a majority vote by the Council.

1.7 Council

  • Description: The Council comprises senior leadership members who head active divisions and are responsible for major decisions within the community. They ensure that the community’s direction aligns with our goals and values.
  • Permissions:
    • All Officer permissions, plus additional authorities.
    • Ability to veto any vote, triggering a Council-specific vote.
    • May expel Members from the community.
  • Voting and Vetoes:
    • Vetoes must be unanimous among Council members.
    • Veto polls are open for 24 hours by default.
    • In urgent situations, an impromptu Council meeting may be called.
  • Appointment:
    • Council Members are added or removed through a unanimous Council vote.
    • Must be the leader of an active division within the community.
    • The server owner is a permanent Council Member.
  • Notes:
    • If a Council Member’s game is no longer active, they become an Officer.
    • Council Members must have a note indicating the game they represent.

2. Voting Procedures

Overview:

Voting is an essential part of our community governance, allowing members in leadership roles to have a say in decisions that affect Ravenswatch. This ensures transparency and collective agreement on important matters.

2.1 General Guidelines

  • Duration:
    • Standard votes are open for 72 hours to allow ample time for participation from all eligible voters.
    • Veto votes are open for 24 hours due to their urgent nature.
  • Participation:
    • Non-participation in a vote is considered an abstention.
    • Vote outcomes are determined solely by the participating voters.
  • Process:
    • Official votes are conducted via a poll in the Round Table channel.
    • Voting options typically include Yes, No, and Abstain.
  • Expectations:
    • Officers and Council Members are expected to honor the results of all votes, maintaining integrity in our decision-making process.

2.2 Veto Procedure

  • Initiation:
    • Any Council Member may veto a vote if they believe it is necessary for the community’s best interest.
    • This triggers a Council-only vote to override the original decision.
  • Outcome:
    • A successful veto requires a unanimous decision among Council Members.
  • Expedited Voting:
    • In time-sensitive situations, an impromptu meeting may be called.
    • If the majority cannot attend, the veto fails, and the original vote stands.
  • Purpose:
    • The veto process ensures that critical decisions are thoroughly considered and have full support from the senior leadership.

3. Divisions

Overview:

Divisions are the cornerstone of our community’s structure, representing the games we play and organizing our members around shared interests. They allow us to coordinate effectively within games and enhance the overall gaming experience.

3.1 Active Divisions

  • Definition: Active Divisions are games that the community regularly plays, promoting large-scale collaboration and engagement.
  • Leadership:
    • Each Active Division is led by a Council Member who serves as the guildmaster or principal leader in that game.
    • Officers within the Division assist in managing day-to-day activities and supporting members.
  • Officers:
    • Officers in the game are granted the Officer role in the community.
  • Considerations:
    • When establishing a new Division, consider the impact on leadership roles and community resources.
  • Purpose:
    • Active Divisions receive dedicated channels and resources to support their activities, fostering teamwork and community growth.

3.2 Inactive Divisions

  • Process:
    • A Division may be marked inactive by a Council vote if it no longer has significant community engagement.
    • Upon inactivation, all associated channels will be permanently deleted to maintain a clean and organized Discord server.
  • Purpose:
    • Ensures that community resources are focused on active and engaging games.
  • Notes:
    • Before marking a Division inactive, ensure that all members understand that channels will be deleted, not archived or mothballed.

3.3 Other Games

  • Participation:
    • Members are encouraged to play any game they wish, even if it’s not an Active Division.
  • Organization:
    • Games not designated as Active Divisions can utilize threads under the “Other Games” forum.
  • Community Engagement:
    • This allows members to share their interests and possibly foster new Divisions in the future.
  • Purpose:
    • The flexibility ensures that Ravenswatch remains inclusive of various gaming interests and encourages exploration of new games.

4. Code of Conduct

At Ravenswatch, we are committed to creating a positive and enjoyable gaming environment for everyone. Our Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all members to ensure a respectful and fun community. These rules are essential for maintaining harmony and ensuring that all members have a great experience.

4.1 Be Respectful

  • Do not be excessively rude, disrespectful, or intentionally problematic.
  • Treat others how you want to be treated.
  • Purpose: Fosters a welcoming environment where all members feel valued and respected.

4.2 No Spam or Unauthorized Promotion

  • Refrain from spamming, self-promotion (including server invites, advertisements, etc.), or any other commonly unwanted posts without permission from a Council Member.
  • This rule also applies to direct messaging fellow members and actions taken in voice channels.
  • Purpose: Keeps our channels focused and free from unwanted or disruptive content.

4.3 Promote Teamwork and Fair Play

  • Work together so that everyone can have a good time.
  • Actions such as sabotaging a game, griefing, leaking battle plans, etc., are prohibited and may result in a ban.
  • Some games or events may have additional rules to support this goal.
  • Purpose: Ensures fair play and a positive gaming experience for all members.

4.4 No Illegal or Prohibited Content

  • Do not engage in sharing illegal content, participating in illegal actions, or willfully violating any Terms of Service.
  • This includes violations within any game or platform.
  • Purpose: Protects the community from legal issues and maintains our integrity.

4.5 Agreement to Charter

  • As a member of Ravenswatch, you acknowledge and agree to abide by the guidelines, roles, and processes outlined in this charter.
  • Members understand that failure to comply with the charter may result in disciplinary actions, including removal from the community.
  • Purpose: Ensures that all members are aware of the community’s expectations and guidelines.

4.6 Enjoy Your Time Here

  • Have a good time! If you’re not enjoying yourself, please communicate with us so we can help improve your experience.
  • Remember, we are all here to share in the joy of gaming together.
  • Purpose: Encourages open communication and ensures members feel supported and happy.

Conclusion

This charter serves as the foundation for the governance and operation of the Ravenswatch Gaming Community. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure a cohesive, fair, and enjoyable environment for all members. Leadership roles exist not to create hierarchy but to facilitate engagement, maintain order, and help everyone have a good time. Divisions allow us to organize around our favorite games while remaining flexible to new interests.

Let us continue to grow together, fostering friendships and unforgettable gaming experiences. Welcome to Ravenswatch, where gaming is more than a hobby—it’s a community.