The Shadow Code is the list of guidelines by which the Shadow Knights live, breathe and die. Consisting of only the pure essentials required to ensure you are treat fairly and evenly in the guild, every Shadow Knight must abide by the Shadow Code.
Mantra
Power is an illusion, there is only Knowledge.
Through Knowledge, I may guide my hand.
Through Judgment, my hand will fall.
Through Honor, my enemies are slain.
Through my acts the Shadow Knights will Reign.
Behavior
The expected behavior of the Shadow Knights is as complex as it is simple. The basic principle is when in doubt, don't.
As a Shadow Knight, we expect you to not only kill everything that stands in your way, but we expect you to do it in style too. Feel free to take the piss out of others, but do it in an adult way and keep it impersonal. Flaming and trolling isn't big or clever, the same goes for excessive swearing. We understand the occasional multiple post (server lag, etc.), but intentional spam should be left in it's can.
Obscenity in the form of pornography might be good for a quiet Friday night, but we don't want to know or see, so keep it to yourself.
The most important guideline is strictly no bullying. This includes the use of derogatory terms including, but not limited to, racist and sexist defamation of any kind. Remember, keep your banter impersonal.
While in the public eye, Shadow Knights must be seen as powerful, controlled members who are as professional as they are polite. The correct use of spelling and grammar is expected at all times, as well as maintaining discipline while in and out of combat. We expect members to know where to draw the line between having fun and acting up, especially in groups.
Allegiances and Clan Loyalty
The Shadow Knights pride our loyalty as highly as we pride our discipline. Those loyal to the name and title will find themselves going very far very quickly. That said, the Shadow Council understands that circumstances change over time and appreciate that change may take you away from the Shadow Knights or from the games we play. We are fully accepting that you may be a part of other gaming guilds or clans who will also be in demand of your time and we do not punish those that are a part of other clans or guilds providing the other guild is in a different game to the Shadow Knights.
The Shadow Council deeply frowns upon those that are a part of more than one guild in the same game, especially so on the same server. If you need/want to be a part of the Shadow Knights while being a part of another guild, first contact the Shadow Council, who will decide on whether or not to progress with interviewing the other guild and establishing relations that would permit your shared interests.
Should the Shadow Council become aware of any deception regarding guild affiliations, severe punishment in the form of removal from the guild and public ridicule should be expected. The Shadow Knights have eyes everywhere, so no secret will remain so for long.
Expectations
Though it goes without saying that every Shadow Knight, whether Recruit or Lord, is expected to abide by the guidelines of the Shadow Code, there comes a point where other expectations must be noted to ensure everyone knows the minimal standard of performance required to maintain their position in the guild.
In-game time is crucial. Without it, there's no point being in the guild in the first place. A minimum of 3 hours per week is expected of everybody. That's the equivalent of around 5% of your week.
Forum activity is expected of everyone and Sign-up to the Forum & Website is essential. We also expect a minimum of 1 post per week on average, which is hardly difficult!
TeamSpeak activity is expected of all those in groups and raiding parties. Even PvP groups should use TeamSpeak to best coordinate their efforts. If you don't use it, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage and potentially effecting the performance of the guild overall.
Failure to meet these expectations doesn't come with immediate action. Of course personal circumstances will change how much any one person can commit to the guild. In cases where expectations are not being met, the Shadow Council may wish to talk with you and aim to better understand how we can help you while outright disregard for these expectations will be met with an iron fist. If you are worried about meeting any of these expectations, contact a member of the Shadow Council with your concerns. Our minimum requirements are exceedingly small, so there is no excuse.