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 Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:50 pm
xxxx X xxxxGUILD HANDBOOOKxxxx X xxxx spaceWelcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! This thread outlines the rules you're expected to follow as a member of our guild and community. Please read this thread carefully. Questions and comments should be directed to the guild captain, Diamond Wales.
spaceAny updates, additions, or changes to the rules will be marked by red text. You are expected to keep track of when these changes occur and familiarize yourself with them. No current changes are red due to the complete overhaul of the rules and layout. Members should read and sign the new rules as if they just joined the guild.
spaceAll new members are required to read and sign the rules. By signing, you are declaring that you understand and intend to follow them. Failure to do so will result in receiving warnings. The guild operates on a three-strike system - a third warning will result in being banned from the guild. General Rules ♦ Etiquette ♦ Characters ♦ Roleplaying ♦ Classes ♦ Chatroom ♦ Crew Interaction ♦ Consequences Updated by ~ Dia [01/21/2019]
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:52 pm
xxxX General RulesxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxFollow Gaia's TOS
This is still part of Gaia, therefore, please make sure that you follow their Terms of Service and their Rules and Guidelines. This means that everything you post in the guild and chatroom should fall under a PG-13+ rating. For more information on what that means, read this.
Information
You are responsible for keeping up to date on any and all rule changes and/or goings on in the guild. It is highly recommended that you have guild announcements enabled, as this is how the moderators keep members up to date on changes and events. Failure to comply with newly introduced rules will be met with a warning.
Roleplay Timeline
This guild and Ministry of Magic and the Wizarding World run in tandem with one another. Three months real time is one year in the roleplay. Please keep up with the current year and be sure to adjust and plan things accordingly. However, scenes in roleplay do not have a formal time limit on how long before they must be completed. Once a scene is posted, you may continue it as long as you like, though it is recommended that you not let it go on longer than one month.
Activity
Members are expected to remain active in guild, and are considered inactive after failing to participate in roleplay scenes after six months. Posts in Out Of Character areas such as the Chatterbox, or posting nothing but new profiles, do not count towards activity. Once you have been inactive for six months, you will be removed during the following inactivity sweep. Inactive members may return to the guild, but they will have lost all face-claims or special requests (such as MTA's) that were associated with their previous membership. Any face-claims that have been taken by other members during that time cannot be reclaimed, and MTA requests will be denied until the inactive member has re-established themselves as active.
Literacy
The guild is considered semi-literate. While we do not expect absolute perfection, or essay long posts, we do require that members make an effort. Excessive poor grammar and spelling will be met with a suggestion from crew to improve, and failure to follow up with that request will be met with a warning. Posts should be at least small paragraph, at least three sentences long (with exceptions for areas like Quidditch). To some extent, this applies to all areas of the guild, including OOC areas and the chatroom. Please speak clearly and with proper English for the most part (although the chatroom is a little more flexible).
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:54 pm
xxxX EtiquettexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRespect for your fellow members
The roleplay prides itself on being open, accepting, and inclusive of people from all walks of life. We do not tolerate discrimination or prejudice between members. If you are observed as being unkind to one of your fellow members, you will receive a warning for your behavior. Excessively poor behavior may result in an instant ban from the guild.
Respect in the Discord
The Discord Chatroom is open to all members of the guild. There are people of varying ages and backgrounds there, and it's important to be mindful of this fact. While the requirement that things be kept PG-13 is a good rule of thumb to follow, there are plenty of things that are not restricted by that rule, which still might make someone uncomfortable. If you are asked to dropped a certain subject in the chatroom, you should be respectful of your fellow members and do so. If you have any issues with any topics, please feel free to alert the designated Mods.
Respect for you roleplay partners
No one's life should revolve around an online roleplay. Most everyone has outside obligations, be it a job, a family, school, or something else. Therefore, we ask that members be mindful of the fact that an ongoing scene in the guild is not necessarily going to be someone's top priority. Not only that, we are all susceptible to writer's block. Do not rush or pester your roleplay partners for replies; if it has been an excessive length of time (say, four or more days), you can gently nudge them. But do not expect people to reply to you on your timeline. Be patient. Furthermore, if you are involved in a scene with three or more people, please stick to posting your characters in the same order, unless you are given permission by a member to skip their character. Posting without waiting for everyone in the scene to get their chance moves the scene along without that person, and effectively cuts them off from the interaction, which can be disheartening, and is rather rude.
Respect for other people's scenes
We ask that all members be mindful before posting their characters interacting with someone else's if they are already involved in a scene. If you are posting your character and don't mind anyone butting in, it's helpful to include a note that says 'Open for interaction' or something to that effect, to let others know they are free to join. If you see two or more people posting a scene and they do not have any similar note, it's recommended you ask them before involving yourself in the scene.
Respect for characters and character development
Characters are going to become involved in one another's lives, that's how a roleplay works. So, it's important that you be mindful of your choices with your characters, and how they affect the people in their lives. It's always a good idea to ask your roleplay partners for their opinions on any plans you have that might cause backlash on their characters, so that they can at least be prepared to deal with it, or find a way to back out so that it doesn't affect their character in a way they don't want.
Respect for crew members
It is important to note that, while we all like to be friendly with one another regardless of our position in the guild, crew members hold authority. If you receive a message or are poked by a crew member regarding an issue, what they say is generally not going to be a suggestion, or something you can argue over. We don't like to order people about or bully anyone, but when we advise you to change something, you should do it.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:55 pm
xxxX CharactersxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxCreating a character
New members are expected to follow the guidelines for their first characters outlined in this thread. The process and requirements for new characters are outlined there.
Creating a family
In Hogwarts, we don't allow for someone to create and post an entire family in this guild. However, if you do wish to create a family to roleplay, then please join Ministry of Magic and Wizarding World and read this thread. The process and requirements for new families are outlined there.
Joining an established family
Some members are willing to allow others to join their already-established families. If you are interested in joining a family, you should contact the owner of that family to ask about doing so. It is important to note that, if you choose to join a family, it is up to you to make sure that your character backstory matches up appropriately with what is already established. For example, if you join a muggleborn family, it is expected that your character would also be muggleborn. Or, if the family is established as having been comfortably middle-class, you shouldn't create a character who is excessively rich or poor. Please also note that you should always defer to the owner of the family when your character interacts with established family NPC's to ensure that you're portraying them accurately. Members are not allowed to add new characters to the family without permission from the owner.
Creating a joint family
Members are allowed to jointly-own families, meaning that both (or all) roleplayers involved are the family's inception have equal control and say over the family. Things such as NPC personalities and the like should be discussed and established to maintain consistency. Members are also allowed to give joint-ownership of a family to a member who came into the family after the fact, such as when someone marries into the family. This is generally done so that no one has to get permission to marry, or become a parent (either via conception or adoption).
Magical schooling for characters
In order for a character to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, they must have been born in England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales. Characters born outside of the British Isles and UK are not eligible to attend. For information regarding alternative and foreign schools, see this thread and this forum.
Universe Rules
Characters must be written in a way which complies with Harry Potter canon. While the guild has some areas in which it deviates (generally things that were established in roleplay, only to have later information be released that contradicted it), we do try to stick as closely to canon as possible. We follow a certain hierarchy. The book series is our baseline (this includes companion books like Quidditch Throughout the Ages), if it is in the books, that is how it works here. Next comes the movies, which we follow except when they are contradicted by the books. Next is the video games, which we mostly use for spells and things of that nature. The Fantastic Beasts series, as well as The Cursed Child, are ignored more or less completely, as both are directly contradicted by events and various universe rules established in guild prior to their release. Information on Pottermore is considered canon and followed, except where it relates to these two things.
Character quirks
We're no stranger to odd or interesting quirks with characters, either for them personally or for their family history. In regards to things like this, the general rule of thumb is to keep it self-contained. What this means is, does this odd quirk affect just your character and their family, or are you inadvertently writing new universe rules to establish it? If it's the former, no problem! As long as it doesn't break any rules, we can work with you. But, if allowing it would require a sudden upheaval in the overall story of the guild, it's advised you not include it. Examples of things that would not be allowed include attempting to establish a new all-wizarding village the family lives in, or creating a secret Illuminati-esque underground society.
Keeping things reasonable
While we do not like to limit our members, we do ask for some level of restraint with regards to characters, especially for new members. While we all enjoy drama, and the plots that derive from it, too much can overburden your roleplay partners and make things a lot less fun. Try to mix it up and balance your characters, both in backstory and in future plots. Also keep in mind that, as per the restrictions on new members, crew members will be heavily critical of characters with seemingly excessive tragedy in their backstories.
Profile skeletons
There are two official profile skeletons provided by the guild for members to use. However, you are not required to use these skeletons if you would prefer to code your own, or are interested in using someone else's skeleton (provided they give you permission). The only requirement we have is that it include all of the information included in the basic profile skeleton. You may add whatever sections you like beyond those provided, but the basic skeleton includes the essentials. Please reference it and make sure you are including all required information if you code your own skeleton.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:56 pm
xxxX RoleplayingxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxApproved characters
Characters are not allowed to be posted until they are marked either pending (in the case of incoming first year students) or approved. Pending characters, once sorted, must edit their formats to include their house as well as add their house to their profile. Characters with pending requests (such as an MTA) may not make direct reference to these aspects of their profile until they are approved. Once a character is pended or approved, you are allowed to post them in appropriate roleplay areas. When you make edits to your profiles, you are still allowed to post your character while you wait for it to be checked, provided you do not directly reference any changes (the exception being house or backstory elements that have occurred in guild). However, if your profile requires edits, that character will be frozen until the edits are made. The only exception to this rule are profiles that are already accepted in Ministry of Magic and the Wizarding World. Unless they are an incoming student, these characters may be freely posted in Hogwarts and Hogsmeade within reason (in other words, adults and children not teaching or attending Hogwarts may not post in classes, etc).
Literacy, point of view, and tense
As stated before, the guild is considered semi-literate. Please try to keep this in mind when posting. If necessary, use a spelling and grammar checker to review your posts to ensure that they are meeting this requirement. Posts should be written in third person perspective, past tense. An example of this would be, "Mercy, as always, ran through the barrier full speed, without the least bit of grace. She didn't have any to use, anyway, so why bother trying? She did come to a screeching halt just past the entrance, so she wouldn't hit anyone, but that was the extent of her self control, as per usual. Once she was through, she got up on her tip-toes to try and find her friends." Note the usage of she/her rather than 'I', and past tense verbs such as 'ran'. Failure to comply with this standard will result in a notice from crew. Failure to correct the problem after it has been addressed will result in a warning.
Formats and character information
While we do not require specifics when it comes to format aesthetics, it is highly recommended that you make your formats look appealing. If you require help with this, many of the guild's members are happy to help with coding advice, and some might even be willing to make graphics for you (though they are within their rights to charge gold/platinum for it). Formats for adult characters are only required to include their name, although information like their job is always helpful. An exception to this is Hogwarts staff, who are required to list their position with the school, and shop owners, who are required to include their status as owner. Magical creatures should include their name, and, if it is not apparent from the image provided, what type of creature they are. Formats for students must include their name, house, and year. Other information you're welcome to include might be blood status or MTA's, though this is not required. It is highly recommended that you at least include an 'OOC' section on your format to communicate with roleplay partners. It is also suggested that you include a spoiler code, as you are required to use one to hide any quote boxes when you quote a roleplay partner. In addition, when quoting, you should never quote the actual post. Simply use an empty quote box with the person's username in the coding.
Godmodding and meta-gaming
Godmodding and meta-gaming are not allowed in guild. What this means is, you are not allowed to state what another person's character is doing in any given situation, unless you have explicit permission from that person. If your characters are in a fight or duel, for example, you cannot state that your character has hit the other person, only that they attempted to do so. You are also not allowed to use information you personally have about a character, that your character does not have, during interactions. An example of this would be your character knowing that someone else is a werewolf, even though your character has not been informed of this and has no way of having discovered it. The only exception to this rule is in regards to hippogriffs; by the established universe canon, if your character antagonizes a hippogriff, you are inherently granting permission for them to be injured by that hippogriff.
Plotting
Everyone likes to cause a little chaos and have fun with their characters. That said, we like to keep track of the drama going on in guild, and make sure that it complies with the rules we've established. Therefore, there are certain circumstances under which you are not permitted to post certain events without them having been approved. More information on that can be located here and here.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:57 pm
xxxX ClassesxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxPlease note that these rules are subject to change as there will be a new Spells List posted shortly in the future.
List of Knowledge
Classes in the guild are based on the guild's List of Knowledge. This list is a generic list of skills that are key points that your students learn in their time in Hogwarts. These, however, are not the end all be all for spells that your character learns. These are instead lessons that are taught in Hogwarts, or at least a guide to what your characters should learn in each class. Each class in Hogwarts has their own version of the List of Knowledge. For students, they have the option of posting the list in their own profile (this would be a separate post from their actual profile) or not. No character will be penalized for not posting the List of Knowledge in their profile thread.
Classes
Professors have their own threads for each year of their class. They will update the classes each week for students to post in. Students need only post in two lessons to be considered present for the entire year. Please note that this rule is subject to change with the new Spell List and review of the List of Knowledge.
Electives
Electives are chosen prior to a character's third year. Each student must choose a minimum of two electives (Second year students may choose to attend Advanced Flying as part of their class load). Advanced Flying is not considered part of the two classes chosen. Students may drop classes they do not wish to continue in after third year, though they cannot take the OWL and claim credit for that class. However, students may choose during fourth year to take another elective they did not previously take, although they must take the first and second year of that class to make up for it. For more information, please refer to the What Electives Can I Take? thread.
Special Events During Classes
Sometimes during classes, certain events occur that can potentially be roleplaying occasions for characters, such as an argument occurring during class, lessons involving particular topics (such as boggarts in third year Defence Against the Dark Arts), etc. These lessons do not require for your character to submit a plot request as long as your character reacts within reason and no one comes to harm. Please speak with the professor in charge of said lesson if you wish for something interesting to happen during class to give them a heads up and to see if said event requires a plot request.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:58 pm
xxxX Discord ServerxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxJoining
When members get accepted to Hogwarts and/or MoM, they will receive a welcome PM from one of the Vice Captains/Captains, which will include a link to join the guild Discord, which you'll be able to join and take part. Once you join, you'll be directed to the rules page, which you should read and react appropriately. Once done, you'll have access to all the cool threads we have!
Username and Discord Access
If you don't currently have a Discord account, you'll need to follow the steps with Discord to set up a new account. Your username can be whatever you'd like, however, in the guild Discord, we'll ask you to please update the server profile to make sure the username matches your Gaia username, at least enough so we can connect the two. Here are the steps to update the server profile: Toggle the Down Carrot (v) next to the Discord name in the top left. Select Server Profile, edit the name. (If you need further help, please PM Cinnabun Gryffie, who will send pictures to assist.
Introductions
When new members join the discord, it's something of a tradition for the present members to introduce themselves. Members will typically state their name, any nicknames or aliases they use in chat, and status in guild. Other information might include ages, locations, hobbies, or characters new members might be interested in roleplaying with. New members are encouraged to also introduce themselves, with as much or as little information as they wish, within reason.
Personal security and privacy
While in the Discord, we ask that you do NOT share photos including yourself, spouse, children, etc. This is to help keep you safe. If you would like to share where you live, we ask you go no further than the city. Please never share addresses or photos including your home directly. If you are curious if some info would breech our security and privacy rules, please reach out to one of the Captains/Vice Captains for further clarification.
Appropriate chatroom topics
Our Discord, much like Gaia, is PG-13. We have members of all ages and comfort levels, so we ask that everyone avoid topics of overt sexual nature, gore/violence, or anything relating to abuse/domestic violence/child endangerment. If you do bring up these topics, you may be asked to cease speaking of them, and any messages may be deleted by the mods. On the other hand, if any topic is brought up that you would like to stop, please don't hesitate to ask for a topic change. If this doesn't happen, please alert any of the mods (or tag them with @Mods) and they will insure the topic gets changed appropriately. When you request a topic change, you don't need to tell us specifics on why you'd like the change. Either way, we'll make it happen for the comfort and safety of our members.
Chatroom abuse
While usually there is at least one mod present, the guild has people of all timezones and schedules. If you see something that violates any above rules, please don't hesitate to tag the mods using @mods. If you do not feel comfortable tagging the mods (due to who is talking, topic, etc) please take a screenshot of the conversation, then send it to @Loki, @MJ Spooks, @addaellis or @Gryffie. All will immediately investigate and make sure everything is handled appropriately.
Crew presence
Now that we have Discord, all our wonderful crew members are listed as moderators. Of course, not everyone is going to be online at all times. If you reach out to a specific mod and they aren't able to respond in a relatively quick time, please feel free to reach out to one of the Captains/VCs. The Captains/VC will attempt to reach out to the mod, and if unable, will work with you to come up with a solution.
Time Zones and Schedule Issues
Please remember, the guild and discord have people from all across the globe. While it is fine to tag people not online (using @[their discord name]), please try to only tag them once, as they may be asleep, working, or doing something else. If you have a direct question, you can also send them a DM (direct message), so they have a little easier time to see and respond.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:59 pm
xxxX Crew InteractionxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxContacting crew members
It is requested that members not contact crew with questions regarding profiles or requests for at least three days. As stated, we all have lives outside of Gaia, and cannot always respond to things immediately. Please be patient with us and allow us a grace period before sending us a private message. If you have general questions, they should be posted in the Help subforum, not sent to crew.
Concerns and debate
Sometimes, crew members will say things that you do not agree with. This can be anything from an edit request on a profile for something you don't feel you should have to change, to an unsatisfactory answer to a question. You should remember that crew members are the authority, and that they are not given this without thought. While we understand that sometimes you may not agree with them, we ask that you respect their authority. If you think that they are being legitimately unfair, you should first address the issue, politely and respectfully, with them, to allow them a chance to explain their reasoning. We are not dictators who will not hear you out and refuse to change our minds, but generally speaking, if we are saying something to you, we have already thought it out, and possibly even discussed it as a group. If you still feel they are being unfair, you may take your concerns to whoever is in charge of the area you are concerned with, or to the captain. However, do not be surprised if the answer does not change. We ask that members handle these situations with grace. Rude behavior towards crew and a belligerent attitude are cause for a warning.
Abuse of power
We are not perfect. Sometimes, a crew member may say or do something that you find unacceptable. In these situations, please screenshot the interaction and send it to Diamond Wales. Please note that these situations should be limited to crew members behaving rudely or unkindly towards you. It is not abuse for them to do their job, even if their job is to tell you no.
Becoming crew
Guild members are eligible to become crew after six months of active membership. There is a form to fill out here, which should be sent to the guild captain. There are guides available for new crew members to familiarize themselves with the workings of the guild, and they will be considered 'floaters' for the first month after having been promoted. After a month, they are free to contact the captain and request specific assignments. Vice Captains may also claim crew members for their respective areas if they so choose.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:00 pm
xxxX ConsequencesxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxProfile warnings
Profile warnings are given when a member breaks a rule regarding profile etiquette, such as removing a crew comment. An accumulation of three of these will result in a guild warning, and the removal of the profile in question. Profile warnings will be posted at the top of the profile in red text, with the signature of the member who issued it. Warnings are logged by crew, and can only be removed by crew. It should be noted that profile warnings do not go away when we remove the note on the profile itself. While we will keep a record of the warning being issued, we don't see any need for the warning to remain on the profile itself, and will remove it, usually the next time the profile is checked after the initial approval.
Warnings
Warnings will be issued for breaking any of the rules listed in this thread. The guild operates on a three-strike system. Your first and second warnings will get you a PM from a vice captain relaying your offense and informing you of how many warnings you have received. A third warning will result in your being banned from the guild. You will still receive a message to let you know why you were banned.
Do warnings go away?
Typically, no, they do not. Once a warning is issued, it is on your record and will stay there. However, if you receive a warning fairly early in your days of membership, and stick around for a substantial length of time, the previous offense may be forgiven.
Can I rejoin if I'm banned?
It will depend on the offenses you were banned for. Things like failure to meet literacy standards can be forgiven, provided you return with evidence of improvement. We are much less likely to forgive disrespect towards your fellow members. Harassment or cruelty towards guild members or crew will result in a lifetime ban, with no chance to return.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:02 pm
xxxx X xxxxRESERVEDxxxx X xxxx
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:03 pm
xxxx X xxxxRESERVEDxxxx X xxxx
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:04 pm
xxxx X xxxxRESERVEDxxxx X xxxx
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:04 pm
xxxx X xxxxRESERVEDxxxx X xxxx
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:06 pm
xxxx X xxxxRESERVEDxxxx X xxxx
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:07 pm
xxxx X xxxxRESERVEDxxxx X xxxx
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