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OBR Laws

Order of the Bitter Rose
Laws and Mandates

Adapted from the Loriel Code of Honor and AoRG Mandates.

I. Courtesy
     
  A. Treat others as you yourself would desire to be treated.
  B. Entrance into another person's home, lands, or sovereign state is done only after permission for such is given.
  C. Privileged information of any kind, including aliases, true parentage, hidden powers, or anything that is not in the public domain should be confidential unless prior permission is given for divulgence.
  D. Mail received by one party may be forwarded to another if permission is first sought from the original author.
 
II. Rank, Advancement & Record Keeping
  A. Each member will start with the appropriate number of Initiative Points (IP) due his or her rank.
  B. Division Commanders (DC) have a limited power to issue IP's. Division Events that grant IP's must be approved by the Deputy Grand Commander (DGC).
  C.. No one may rise above rank 2d34 without express permission of the Grand Commander (GC) or Deputy Grand Commander (DGC).
  D. Division Commanders (DC) may deduct or award up to 25 IP's at any time at their discretion. Anything more than that requires the approval of the DGC and/or the GC. The GC and DGC have the right to review any and all changes in points or ranks, and reserve the right to freely remove or bestow rank and points as they see fit.
  E. All sources of IP are subject to a certificate of completion, a valid log or orb, three witness statements, or the Grand Commander, Deputy Grand Commander, or Tertiary Grand Commander, or Division Commander witnessing the event; depending on the item in question. All sources of IP are subject to DC's approval and may be reviewed by the GC, DGC, or TGC.
   See the IPs Page for more information.
III. Combat
     
  A. Proctoring and Submitting Combat for IPs
    1. OBR does not pay Proctor Initiative Points (IP) on self-proctored matches (matches that you both fight and proctor).
    2. The following information must included in the final Proctor's report:
      a. Title - Event, Match, Winner/Guild, Loser/Guild, Score
      b. Header - Winner, Loser, Match, Score, Proctor, Other if applicable
      c. Log - as described above, pay especial attention to terms - challenged picks
      d. Double check your math, especially when dealing with healers and enhancers.
    3. Proctors who fail to include the above information will be docked IP's.
    4. A proctor must be neutral and may not favor one side over the other. Please allow your fighters adequate time to hire healers and witnesses if allowed.
     
  B. Bodyguards
    1.
 A bodyguard may appoint themselves to protect any person, so long as the protected person agrees to the arrangement. The bodyguard will then be responsible for the safety and protection of said person.
    2. A person under the protection of a bodyguard should not initiate combat. Such action will void the responsibility of the bodyguard and the person will be responsible to defend themselves.
    3. If a third person attempts to initiate combat with a person under the protection of a bodyguard, combat must be initiated and completed with the bodyguard prior to combat with the protected party.
       
  C. The Witness
    1. For any combat, all parties have the right to have one other person witness the combat. This person shall be called the witness.
    2. A witness must be designated and announced prior to combat.
    3. The role of the witness is to ensure fairness during combat through witness of the events. They are not responsible to direct or permitted to interfere with the combat unless treachery is detected.
      a. Treachery shall be defined as trickery in combat (dice manipulation) or detection of unfair combat (multiple combatants attacking a single combatant).
    4. The witness may not initiate combat with the victor unless a challenge is given and is accepted by the challenged party.
       
  D. The Proctor
    1. Duels for cause (Honor Matches, Death Matches) should have a proctor present.
    2. The Proctor shall be agreed upon by both combatants prior to the duel. If acceptance is not verbalized, initiatives or actual engagement in combat shall be considered proper consent.
    3. The Proctor shall record the combat and keep score by whatever rules both combatants agree upon. The Proctor will announce the score as each round ends and designate the victor at the conclusion of combat. The Proctor's decision is absolute and binding on all participants.
    4. A combatant has the right to challenge the outcome of their combat and request a review for outside influences and technical errors. In the event that such aberrations are discovered, the Proctor's decision may be invalidated or reversed.
    5. The combatants will agree to the terms and conditions of the duel before combat begins. The Proctor should announce these stipulations, once decided upon, to everyone present. The Proctor may ask for verbal agreement from both combatants. If verbal agreement is not given at that time, engagement in the initiative phase, or beginning the combat if no initiative is taken, shall be considered to be proper consent.
       
  E. Honor Matches
    1. Defined: a duel designated for a specific gain for one party or the other.
    2.

Honor Matches should have at least one witness present throughout the entire duration of the combat.
    3.

Honor Matches should have a Proctor.

       
  F. Death Match
    1.

Defined: A duel resulting in the death of one of the combatants.
    2. Death Matches require at least one witness present throughout the entire duration of the combat.
    3. Death Matches require a third party Proctor.
    4.

Death ends the life of the defeated. Resurrection must follow the Post Combat Resurrection Process stated below.
       
  G. Assassination Attempts & Bounty Hunts
    1. As defined by the AoRG Mandates
       
  H. Combat Conventions
    1. Combatants may use any set of conventions they agree on to resolve combat. If no prior special conventions are agreed on, the following general conventions may be observed.
      a. The initiative process is used to determine strike order. The combatants may deliver a blow, toss a coin, or roll a die to determine the order of strikes. Generally, the person who delivers a heavier blow, calls the coin or rolls highest on the die will take first strike. The second strike in each round is called the honor strike. Completion of this procedure indicates consent to the duel and the authority of the proctor.
      b. A round is complete only when both combatants have taken their strike.
      c. The following scoring chart shall be used:
       
Die Roll
Score
0 - 14
0
15 - 19
1
20 - 24
2
25 - 29
3
30 - 34
4
35 - 39
5
40
6
      d.

The Proctor (or responsible party if no proctor present) shall announce the score at the completion of each round

Example:

Round 3: Fighter1: 5 ~*~ Fighter2: 3.
      e. The standard combat typically ends when five rounds are completed.
      f. There are several optional, nonstandard rules that may be used. When these are introduced, they must be explained prior to the duel.
         
  I. Healing
    1. As defined by the AoRG Healers Mandate
       
  J. Resurrection Process
    1.

The victor in an an event that resulted in the death of another person will maintain the rights of resurrection over the deceased person. Until the rights of resurrection are released by the victor, the deceased person cannot be resurrected.
    2.

The victor has three options with respect to handling rights of resurrection:
      a. Release the rights of resurrection freely. Deceased person is then free to be resurrected at any time.
      b. Never release rights of resurrection. Deceased person can never be resurrected.
      c. Negotiate a Terms of Resurrection in exchange for resurrection rights.
        i. Terms of Resurrection are generally negotiated between a third party and the victor. Terms may be anything agreeable to all concerned parties; generally involving exchange of goods and services, promises of change in conduct, change in status, etc.
        ii. When a Terms of Resurrection has been accepted by the victor, a letter shall be sent to everyone concerned restating the final terms.
        iii. Resurrection rituals may be performed by any qualified cleric or mage.
           
  K. War
    1. As defined by the AoRG War Governance
 
IV. Profiles and Message Boards
     
  A. Character Profiles
    1. Whereas table top RPG characters (ie. those from D&D, White Wolf, Shadowrun, etc) are represented on a "character sheet", or piece of paper with all the character's information listed, the character's online in Rhydin are represented through the Screen Name's (SN) profile. Every member of OBR and AoRG must have a role playing profile, and there are a number of items that are required to be in it.
    2. Required Information for Member Profiles
      a. Guild, in our case this is OBR.
      b. The Division you are assigned to.
      c. Your assigned dice
      d. Association of Rhydin Guilds (or the initials AoRG).
    3. Example Format
      a. OBR <division> <dice> AoRG
         
  B. Story Lines
    1. One of the best things about online role playing is the way it allows people to let their creativity run free, without many of the normal prejudices they might run into in face-to-face gaming. It doesn't matter what gender, age, religion, sexual persuasion, etc. your co-writers are, as long as they can come up with well-thought-out personas.
    2. In the OBR we have many creative story weavers. While there are few limits on where your imagination can take you, there are some guidelines we try to follow as far as how you go about it. On the OBR message board, as well as many others in the realms, you will find both Open SLs (Story Lines) and Closed SLs.
       
      a. Closed Story Lines
        i. In a closed story line, only the originating author and those specifically chosen to participate may write, post and contribute to that story line. A mun (human interactor, or author) may choose to keep the story line closed for the duration of the story for any of several reasons, including a desire to write only with a specific person or group that time around; for a firm idea of where the story is going; or the intention to accurately record in story form something already RP'd (Role-Played). If the story particularly piques your interest, contact the muns involved and see if there's a way to work in your character and ideas. Do not take it personally if they take a rain check. If nothing else, it lets others know you'd be interested in writing together in the future.
        ii. In some cases, a SL will start out closed to establish the parameters of the tale, and then become open to all comers. As a rule, a storyline is considered open unless otherwise noted, though there are still some basic courtesies to keep in mind. (See below for suggestions about Open SLs.)
           
      b. Open Story Lines
        i. Open story lines are open as long as you observe the flow of the story line and do not drastically change it from its original intent without permission, and you post in a way that is mature, flows, and enhances the story. Your post should be consistent with the events going on at the time, and should make logical and rational sense. Anything that detracts from the story line or causes it to tilt off course should first be discussed with the mun who created the thread, even though it is open. If you get negative feedback on your posts, please withdraw from the story line, or amend your post at once. Its proper etiquette to be respectful of other feelings at all times.
        ii. The open story lines that seem to be the most fun to read and write tend to be those in which the muns involved keep in contact with each other regarding the general direction of the story, and maintain a level of consideration to each other, the characters and the story itself. If you're interested in joining an open SL, please take the time to contact the key story weavers and get up to speed. While a certain amount of spontaneity keeps the interest building and creative juices flowing, it's important to respect the characters involved, and to be aware of how your contribution will affect the context and direction of the story.
 
V. Allegiance
     
  A. Citizens may, at their option, swear allegiance to another or to an institution, realm, etc.
    1. If sworn to a Liege, the Liege may call on that person's services at need for defense of the Liege or the Liege's interests. Such would include but is not necessarily limited to combat, spying, acting as bodyguard, or witness for designated parties.
    2. A Liege may not order death of a sworn citizen. That option always belongs to the individual.
    3. A sworn citizen is under the Liege's protection. Designated family members of the sword citizen are also under the Liege's protection. The names of these designated person should be sent to the Liege in writing before the citizen is sworn.
    4. In the instance that a Liege decides to swear to another Liege or institution, those sworn to the original Liege do not automatically transfer allegiance to the new Liege or institution, unless they wish to.
    5. Either party may terminate sworn allegiance at any time. It must be so designated in writing to both parties.
 
VI. Civil Ceremonies
     
  A. Marriage
    1. Marriage may involve any set of terms, genders, species or numbers desired by the parties involved.
    2. Marriages are generally performed by clerics or a Liege. Marriages shall be witnessed and a wedding log prepared at its conclusion. Terms of the marriage are for whatever the involved citizens wish.
    3. The wedding log is the legal record of the wedding and shall be considered the equivalent of a marriage certificate. The ceremony officiator's written announcement of the marriage may also stand as the Certificate of Marriage.
    4. If sworn, the married party must inform their Liege.
       
  B. Divorce
    1. Divorce is the termination of a marriage by one or more of the parties involved. If a multiple marriage, the divorced party leaves the marriage and the other parties continue in it.
    2. A letter of divorce should be prepared by the original cleric or Liege that performed the ceremony, stating that the marriage is terminated or that one or more parties is leaving the marriage.
    3. If the cleric or Liege who performed the ceremony cannot be located, or is unreasonably opposed to dissolution of the marriage, divorce might be obtained if sufficient grounds exist and can be established by the petitioning party.
    4. A request for divorce on grounds of abandonment should be accompanied by documentation or witness accounts that one spouse has been absent for at least 30 days.
    5. If sworn, the divorced party must inform his/her Liege.
    6. If the divorce is complicated, then Arbitration or Mediation may be used to assist in effecting a settlement.
       
  C. Annulment
    1. Annulment is the act of making a marriage legally void based upon certain conditions. In addition to the request from at least one party in the marriage, there should be:
      a. Sworn testimony the marriage has not been consummated, or
      b. Sworn testimony or documentation of consanguinity.
         
  D. Adoption
    1. Adoption is the act of legally taking the child of another as one's own.
    2. An adult citizen may petition to adopt a minor child if the child is shown to be orphaned or abandoned, or if the custodial parent provides written or witnessed verbal agreement to the adoption. In the latter, such agreement severs biological parental rights and responsibilities.
    3. An adult person may be adopted if s/he confirms this is her/his wish. If a biological or custodial parent is living, they must give their written or witnessed verbal consent since the adoption severs their parental rights and responsibilities.
 
VII. Items Not Included
     
  A. All items not included in these laws shall be determined by the GC. When a decision is reached by the GC it is final and supercedes all afore mention laws. The HC may amend the Code of Laws for OBR as they see fit however the GC has veto power on all legislative, judicial and executive decisions.