Acceptable use of Ops
{The following is not a firm set of RULES, but rather guidelines. These guidelines are enforced as it is deemed to be necessary at the time, buy whatever Emp, Demi or XOp that is around. Complaints about such enforcement should be messaged/emailed to a Emp (or Demi/XOp who will take it to an Emp). Discussion of the situation is allowed on channel, until an Emp, Demi or XOp asks that it be taken off channel, at which time, continued discussion is sufficent reason for a short ban.}
In a variety of ways, it is possible for people who frequent the channel, to obtain Ops in #Conquest. Often there is a lack of understanding as to what people are allowed to do with Ops once they have them. The following attempts to give some guidelines, and some rational for those guidelines. Again, these are just guidelines, and anyone pushing the limits of the guidelines have only themselves to blame if it is felt they have gone too far.
Emperors: The ultimate in Ops ;) These guys can do whatever they want to do, and there is no point in arguing with them, as they are the final word on what is acceptable. Arguing with an Emp is likely to bring down upon your head, all manner of unpleasantness. I won't attempt to give any examples, but let it be sufficient to say, that you are a guest in their house, and as such can be removed (both from the channel and game)
Demi: These are the direct representatives of the Emps in the game. A lot of the authority of the Emperors has been delegated to this class of individuals. As such, they have wide latitude in the use of Ops. Demi are primarily concerned with the smooth functioning of the game. Anything that disrupts that objective, either in the game, or on the channel, falls within the realm of their responsibilities. Demi have the power to enforce their will both in the game, and on channel. As the representatives of the Emps, they can handle any situation, in any manner they see fit. There is no Hierarchy among the Demi, each is individually responsible to the Emps, with no Demi having any power over another Demi's actions.
Should you disagree with a Demi, the appropriate recourse is to ask an Emp to review the action (or ask another Demi to ask an Emp to review the action). Arguing with a Demi on channel is both pointless and ineffective.
XOps: These individuals are the representatives of James Bennett, the channel owner. XOps have no game responsibilities, only channel responsibilities. While they may observe or log game activities, they do so as any other player would. On the other hand, they represent Romulus (James), in the management of the channel. They attempt to provide a 'nice' atmosphere for the channel by enforcing channel rules.
Disagreements with an XOp should be handled in the same manner as with a Demi.
Players: Some players, because of skill (or luck :) in the game, obtain the necessary number of 'Morts' needed to obtain Ops in the channel. This class is the class that most questions center around. As a class they have no mandate to represent anyone (other then the Game), and as players, they are responsible to he Demi/Xop’s and Emperors. The following are some guidelines in acceptable/unacceptable use of Ops for this group:
Never Op or de-Op another player/non-player. On a rare occasion, you might give Ops to a known Demi or XOp.. but remember both of these class, have other methods of obtaining Ops, and should use them.
Never kick or ban another player. While it might see appropriate to kick another player for some channel violation, player Ops are not to do so. The major reason is, that the player being kicked might
be at a critical position in the game, where not being 'here', or having to re-validate, might cause him harm in the game. No player has a right to cause such a situation for another player.(ok so what can you do :)
Player Ops CAN help enforce channel rules against 'Non-player' individuals. Kicking people who do not play the game, but do come into channel and disrupt it, are fair game for anyone with Ops... just be sure they are not a player. Always remember though that you can only act to enforce the
rules, or protect the integrity of the channel. Player Ops can also, modify the channel Topic as they see fit, unless asked not to, by and Emp, Demi or XOp.Ok, so a Player Op does something that you think should not be done... Again, arguing about it on channel is not acceptable. An Emp, Demi should be informed of the situation. THEY will handle it as they see fit. Typically, improper use of Ops, will result in the loss of Ops for a period of time as determined by the Demi or Emp. (yes, i have left XOps out, XOps have no 'game' enforcement powers about who gets Ops, yet, abuse of Ops is also a channel violation, and an XOp might take steps at the time of the violation to see it does not happen again)
Language Rule{The following is not a firm set of RULES, but rather guidelines. These guidelines are enforced as it is deemed to be necessary at the time, buy whatever Emp, Demi or XOp that is around. Complaints about such enforcement should be messaged/emailed to a Emp (or Demi/XOp who will take it to an Emp). Discussion of the situation is allowed on channel, until an Emp, Demi or XOp asks that it be taken off channel, at which time, continued discussion is sufficent reason for a short ban.}
The rules of acceptable language use on channel are a set of guidelines. Demi and XOps are allowed considerable latitude in how they choose to enforce these guidelines. While some attempt at uniform enforcement is attempted, because of the nature of changing Demi, there is always some variance. People who attempt to push the limits of the language, (or the patience of the Demi) assume all responsibility for any action taken by a Demi or XOp. The guidelines below are not inclusive or exclusive of every case, but are given to let people have a good idea of what is expected on channel. Situations not covered by the guidelines are handled as deemed necessary by any Demi or XOp.
Why Language guidelines: We are all guests on this channel, and the channel owner has asked that
certain types of language use be discouraged. Nobody is required to be in this channel, everyone comes here by choice, and as such, agrees to abide by all channel rules (written or otherwise).Basic Language guideline: This channel is intended to be operated in such a manner that it would be acceptable to families with children of all ages. As such, profanity, vulgarity, harassing and abusive language is discouraged on channel. There is not (and will not be) a specific list of what is or is not allowed on channel. If a Demi or XOp indicates that your language on channel is not acceptable, then it probably falls within his or her definition of the guideline and you should amend you language on channel to suit. What language one Demi or XOp allows, in no way sets precedence for other Demi or XOp to allow the same language. It is entirely incumbent upon the person in channel to adapt his or her language to the current channel situations.
Disagreements about Language: Any disagreement about the language rule should be discussed off channel, first with the Demi or XOp in question, and then if you feel it necessary, refer the situation
to an Emp, either directly or via another Demi or XOp.Conquest and Democracy
Every so often, the ugly head of democracy raises its ugly brow in #Conquest.... ;)
It should be stated right up front that there is no democracy in #Conquest. You come to this fine channel with the understanding that it is run under the authority of the Fine Emperor Romulus of the Normans, and his associates, the Emperors of the Saxons and Scots. Their authority is expressly given to the Demi and XOps. This group holds all authority to create or set aside any rules regarding any aspect of the game or channel. The enforcement of any such rules are at the discretion of any Emp, Demi or XOp, and all have wide latitude to interpret and enforce these rules.
If this is not acceptable to you, then you should find another channel to spend your time in, nobody requires your presence here.