Contents
Code of Conduct
Preamble
Section 1: General Moral Imperatives
Section 2: More Specific Professional Responsibilities
Section 3: Organizational Leadership Imperatives
Section 4: Compliance with the Code
Section 4: Guidelines
Rules
Attacking From Behind
Calling Color
Javelin
Ranking
Membership Ranks
Combat Ranks
Artisan Ranks
Officer Ranks
The Trials
Trials and Tests
Realm Marks
Rules
Mark Table
Units and Realm Fealty
Our Path
Unit Requirements (Please see our Amendments Page for information)
The Code of Conduct
The following is a code of conduct that is to be followed at all times, by all members and leaders within the Kingdom.
Preamble
Commitment to the Code of Conduct is expected of every member (fighting members, and non-fighting members) of the
This code, consisting of twenty-four imperatives formulated as statements of personal responsibility, identifies the elements of such a commitment. It contains many, but not all, issues members are likely to face. Section 1 outlines fundamental ethical considerations, while Section 2 addresses additional, more specific considerations of membership conduct. Statements in Section 3 pertain more specifically to individuals who have a leadership role, whether in the workplace or in a volunteer capacity. Principles involving compliance with this Code are given in Section 4.
The Code shall be supplemented by a set of Guidelines, which provide explanation to assist members in dealing with the various issues contained in the Code. It is expected that the Guidelines will be changed more frequently than the Code.
The Code and its supplemented Guidelines are intended to serve as a basis for ethical decision making in the conduct of membership action. Secondarily, they may serve as a basis for judging the merit of a formal complaint pertaining to violation of membership ethical standards.
It should be noted that although computing is not mentioned in the imperatives of Section 1, the Code is concerned with how these fundamental imperatives apply to one's conduct regardless of a member’s reasoning.
It is understood that some words and phrases in a code of ethics are subject to varying interpretations, and that any ethical principle may conflict with other ethical principles in specific situations. Questions related to ethical conflicts can best be answered by thoughtful consideration of fundamental principles, rather than reliance on detailed regulations.
Contents & Guidelines
I. General Moral Imperatives.
II. More Specific Professional Responsibilities.
III. Organizational Leadership Imperatives.
IV. Compliance with the Code.
1. General Moral Imperatives.
As a member of The Kingdom of Valinor I will...
1.1 Contribute to society and human well-being.
This principle concerning the quality of life of all people affirms an obligation to protect fundamental human rights and to respect the diversity of all cultures.
1.2 Avoid harm to others.
"Harm" means injury or negative consequences, such as undesirable loss of information, loss of property, property damage, or unwanted environmental impacts.
This principle prohibits the deliberate use of any equipment in ways that result in harm to any of the following: visiting fighters, visiting non-fighters, members, the general public, city employees. Harmful actions include intentional destruction or modification of personal property, or anything leading to serious loss of resources or unnecessary expenditure of human resources such as time and effort.
Well-intended actions, including those that accomplish assigned duties, may lead to harm unexpectedly. In such an event the responsible person or persons are obligated to undo or mitigate the negative consequences as much as possible. One way to avoid unintentional harm is to carefully consider potential impacts on all those affected by decisions made during design and implementation.
In the event or practice environment the member has the additional obligation to report any signs of dangers that might result in serious personal or social damage. Once reported it is the superiors responsibility to curtail or mitigate such dangers.
1.3 Be honest and trustworthy.
Honesty is an essential component of trust. Without trust an organization cannot function effectively. The honest member will not make deliberately false or deceptive claims, but will instead provide full disclosure of all pertinent information and problems.
A member has a duty to be honest about his or her own qualifications, and about any circumstances that might lead to conflicts of interest.
Participation within other organizations may at times place individuals in situations where their statements or actions could be interpreted as carrying the "weight" of a larger group of members. A member will exercise care to not misrepresent The Kingdom of Valinor or positions and policies of the realm and or its allies.
1.4 Be fair and take action not to discriminate.
The values of equality, tolerance, respect for others, and the principles of equal justice govern this imperative. Discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, disability, national origin, or other such factors is an explicit violation of realm policy and will not be tolerated.
Inequities between different groups of people may result from the use or misuse of language and information. In a fair society, all individuals would have equal opportunity to participate in, or benefit from, the realm’s resources regardless of race, sex, religion, age, disability, national origin or other such similar factors. However, these ideals do not justify unauthorized use of realm resources nor do they provide an adequate basis for violation of any other ethical imperatives of this code.
1.5 Give proper credit for intellectual property.
Members are obligated to protect the integrity of intellectual property. Specifically, one must not take credit for other's ideas or work, even in cases where the work has not been explicitly protected by copyright, patent, etc.
1.6 Honor confidentiality.
The principle of honesty extends to issues of confidentiality of information whenever one has made an explicit promise to honor confidentiality or, implicitly, when private information not directly related to the performance of one's duties becomes available. The ethical concern is to respect all obligations of confidentiality to members unless discharged from such obligations by requirements of the law or other principles of this Code.
2. More Specific Professional Responsibilities.
As a member of The Kingdom of Valinor I will ....
2.1 Know and respect existing.
Members must obey existing local, state, province, national, and international laws unless there is a compelling ethical basis not to do so. Policies and procedures of the organizations in which one participates must also be obeyed. But compliance must be balanced with the recognition that sometimes existing laws and rules may be immoral or inappropriate and, therefore, must be challenged. Violation of a law or regulation may be ethical when that law or rule has inadequate moral basis or when it conflicts with another law judged to be more important. If one decides to violate a law or rule because it is viewed as unethical, or for any other reason, one must fully accept responsibility for one's actions and for the consequences.
2.2 Improve public understanding of Foam Fighting and Dagorhir.
Members have a responsibility to share their knowledge with the public by encouraging understanding of foam fighting and Dagorhir, including the impacts of participating. This imperative implies an obligation to counter any false views related to foam fighting or Dagorhir.
3. Organizational Leadership Imperatives.
As a member and an organizational leader, I will....
3.1 Articulate social responsibilities of members and encourage full acceptance of those responsibilities.
Because organizations of all kinds have impacts on the public, they must accept responsibilities to society. Organizational procedures and attitudes oriented toward quality and the welfare of society will reduce harm to members of the public, thereby serving public interest and fulfilling social responsibility. Therefore, organizational leaders must encourage full participation in meeting social responsibilities as well as requirements.
3.2 Manage personnel and resources to design and build a superior environment that enhances the quality of foam fighting life.
Organizational leaders are responsible for ensuring that the realm enhances, not degrades, the quality of life. When implementing anything new, organizations must consider the personal and professional development, physical safety, and human dignity of all members.
3.3 Create opportunities for members of the organization to learn the principles and limitations of equipment.
This complements the imperative on public understanding (2.2). Educational opportunities are essential to facilitate optimal participation of all realm members. Opportunities must be available to all members to help them improve their knowledge and skills, including courses that familiarize them with the consequences and limitations of particular types of equipment.
4. Compliance with the Code.
As a member of The Kingdom of Valinor I will....
4.1 Uphold and promote the principles of this Code.
The future of the realm depends on both practical and ethical excellence. Not only is it important for members to adhere to the principles expressed in this Code, each member should encourage and support adherence by other members.
4.2 Treat violations of this code as inconsistent with membership.
Adherence of members to a code of ethics is largely a voluntary matter. However, if a member does not follow this code by engaging in gross misconduct, membership in the realm may be terminated.
The Rules
In The Kingdom of Valinor we use the national rules set presented in the Dagorhir Manual of Arms. All Dagorhir Rules are intended for the enjoyment and safety of our participants. All weapon safety guidelines and combat rules are stringently enforced at all times. This keeps the injuries to a minimum and keeps the fun, fun. Rules are kept as simple as possible, to keep battles exciting and fast-paced, and to keep the system easy to learn. Though realism plays a role, safety and playability are far more essential. Dagorhir’s system is a proven success after decades of play-testing. The following are house rules of The Kingdom of Valinor not presented in the Dagorhir Manual of Arms.
Attacking from Behind
Combatants attacking an opponent with a melee weapon from behind MUST shout the color of the weapon being used (i.e. “Blue”). This informs the opponent that it was an attack, and causes damage. If the color is not called, the opponent should consider it to be an unsuccessful strike and take no damage.
Calling Colors
Combatants attacking an opponent with a Red or Green weapon MUST shout the color of the weapon being used (i.e. “Double-Green”). This informs the opponent that it was a two-handed attack, and causes the appropriate damage. If the color is not called, the opponent should take damage as if struck by the weapon with a one handed attack.
Javelin
Combatants attacking an opponent using a javelin as a projectile MUST shout “POINT” upon a successful strike. This informs the opponent that it was the head of the javelin, not the shaft, and causes damage. Combatants must also call “SHAFT” upon an unsuccessful hit where the shaft of the javelin makes contact with the opponent, this informs the opponent to take no damage.
Ranking
Moving up in rank has a few simple requirements.
1 You must have already achieved the rank just before the rank in which you are attempting to gain. (i.e. You must be a Guardsman before you may even attempt to moved up and become a Man-at-Arms.)
2 You must complete any and all additional specific requirements for that rank. Of course all of these must be met and overseen by someone of rank.
3 All participants are only allowed one attempt on the day of the trial. They must then wait again until another attempt is scheduled on a later date.
4) Starting at the rank of Brother, all members must show their fealty to Valinor by donning a realm tabard, realm sash or realm shield cover during any event.
Membership Ranks
Petitioner
Prerequisites: This is the term for a prospective member who is in the process of obtaining member status. He/She has either just started fighting or has no ambition to become a recognized member. A Petitioner may fight with the realm during all realm and or unit battles.
Brother
Prerequisite: Own Minimal Garb and have your own gear. You must turn in your "Waiver of Liability"
Combat Ranks
These Ranks may only be obtained by a member of the "Brother" rank of higher.
Scout
Prerequisites: Must be an active participating member of Valinor, attend at least one National event for its entire duration and must pass the "Test of Blades."
Guardsman
Prerequisites: Own a Dagorhir legal shield, a realm tabard and participate in a national Campout. Must pass the "Aegis Mastery."
Man-at-Arms
Prerequisites: Must own two pieces of armor, a set of bracers, greaves or pauldrons counts as one piece. Must pass the "Test of Combat Rules," and the "Trial of Brothers."
Armati
Prerequisite: Must Own a Red weapon and a Javelin. Must complete the "Trial of Penance."
Crusader
Prerequisites: Complete the “Crusader's Trial." Own a set of armor and a bow with 3 arrows. (set includes: greaves, bracers, helm and chest armor.)
Valiant
Prerequisites: Pass the “The Valar's Judgment.”
Artisan Ranks
These Ranks may only be obtained by a member of the "Brother" rank of higher. All prerequisites must be completed by the member obtaining the rank and must be checked with a Constable. (Armor Set: Helm, Bracers, Greaves, Pauldron and Chest) (Garb Set: Tabard/Tunic, Pants/Skirt) (Weapon Set: Blue Sword, Blue Axe, Flail, Dagger, Polearm, Red Sword, Javelin, 3 Arrows)
Apprentice
Prerequisites: Must make one piece of armor, one entire passing weapon set, one complete set of garb, one cloak and one shield. Must own feast gear and must attend one complete campout. (Armor: Greaves, Bracers and Pauldrons count as one piece.)
Scholar
Prerequisite: Must pass the "Foam-Fighting Test." Must attend National Events and assist in: Weapons Check, Heralding and Event Check-In. Pass the "Politicians Test." Must obtain 20 Realm Marks.
Master Artisan
Prerequisite: Must make a high quality: Cloak, Armor Set, Fighting Garb Set, Feast Garb Set and Weapon Set. Must run,organize and promote your own event. Must demonstrate apptitude in an unrelated artisan craft. Obtain a total of 100 Realm Marks.
Officer Ranks
Some Ranks are considered special in respects to their purpose in our organization. All Officer Ranks listed in this section are administrative ranks that make up the governing body of Valinor.
High Constable
This is a Rank that can only be held by one member at a time. Currently it is held by the founder of the Chapter, and will continue to be so until he steps down and hands this position to a worthy Officer. The Constable is unquestionably the leader both on and off the field and has the power to ratify any amendment or doctrine seen fit to him at the time.
Constable
This is a title given to a regional chapter leader of Valinor. Constables are the undoubted leaders of the realm second only to the High Constable.
Seneschal
This Rank is held by a minimum of two Unit administrators per Valinor Unit. The Seneschal's are reliable members of a unit that will be in regular contact with their local Constable. Seneschals will often be Unit leaders though this will not always be the case.
Envoy
This is a position appointed by a Constable and can be instated as a permenant station, or may be instated for the duration of any number of events. The Envoy has the power to make decisions and run trials for the Constable in the event that the Constable is unable to do so.
The Trials
The following are descriptions of each trial and test required by any one of the ranks. The time of any given trial is unknown to the participant, the trial in question will be held on a day the participant is in attendance and those of rank are prepared to judge the fighter. Only a Constable or an Envoy charged with running a trial may schedule or initiate any trial and a trial may only be attempted at an event. A member will only be permitted one attempt at a trial at any one event. Unless noted armor is not permitted in any trials.
Test of Blades
This trial tests one's apptitude with single blue swords and physical endurance. The participant must defeat 15 different opponents in one on one single blue combat. Simultaneous kills do not count as a win, and the participant must defeat each opponent to move on to the next. Upon defeat the participant must kneel before his opponent and then reinitiate combat within 15 seconds. The paticipant can only fail this trial if he or she is too fatigued to initiate combat within the alloted 15 seconds.
Aegis Mastery
This Trial tests one's prowess with shield combat and endurance. The participant must defeat 10 different opponents in one on one combat and must also defeat a single pair of shield fighters. Simultaneous kills do not count as a win, and the participant must defeat each opponent to move on to the next. Upon defeat the participant must kneel before his opponent and then reinitiate combat within 15 seconds. The paticipant can only fail this trial if he or she is too fatigued to initiate combat within the alloted 15 seconds.
Trial of Brothers
This trial tests one's ability to work with a partner to defeat multiple opponents. The two participants may use and gear they desire not including armor. The participants will fight three teams of single blue fighters starting with a team of 3. The size of the enemy team increase by one for each fight up to a maximum of 5. The participants must defeat each team without any friendly fatalities.
Trial of Penance
This trial tests both endurance and combat skills. The participant may use any equipment, and must defeat opponents using any selection of equipment as well. The trial lasts 15 minutes and the participant must fight at least ten different opponents during the course of the trial. To complete this trial the participant must fight each of his opponents until he/she defeats them. When the participant “dies” he must drop to the ground and has 5 seconds to then stand and tap swords to restart the fight. When an opponent is defeated the next opponent must be engaged within 5 seconds. If the participant forfits, is disqualified or can not defeat his opponents within the alotted 15 min then the trial is ended and the participant is defeated. (simultanious deaths do not count as defeating an opponent).
Crusader's Trials
This trial tests the combatant’s endurance. The Participant must fight for exactly one hour with at least 15 different opponents during the course of the trial. The participant will stand in a circle formed by his/her opponents. Each opponent is given a number. The numbers will then be called out randomly and each time a number is called the opponent that has that number must step into the circle and fight the participant. More than one number may be called at a time. When the participant dies he/she must take a knee then stand back up hit themselves in the back and call out their name in order to resurrect themselves. Each time the participant dies he/she has 10 seconds until they must tap swords and reinitiate combat. Whenever the participant receives a solid head shot he/she gets a 30 second break and may drink water during the break. The participant also gets a 2 minute water break half way/30 minutes through the trial.
The Valar's Judgment
This trial is given to only the most deserving of champions that have already reached the rank of Crusader. This trial must be administered at Ragnarok or another event of this magnitude. The participant must fight at least 50 different opponents during the course of the trial. During the trial the participant's opponents may us any equipment, and must chose what gear the Crusader is to use. The choices are, Sword and Board, Dual-Wielded Swords, Spear and Sword, or Red Sword. The opponents may wear armor while the participant may not. The participant will fight no more than one opponent at a time, but must fight each opponent until He/She defeats them. (simaltanious deaths do not count as defeating an opponent)
Test of Combat Rules
Just as the name states this multiple choice test will demonstrate ones knowledge of Combat related rules pertaining to major Foam-Fighting games in which we participate.
Foam-Fighting
This test covers the entire rule sets and practicle application of rules in major Foam-Fighting games in which we participate in.
Realm Marks
While progressing along the Artisan path the accumulation of Realm Marks will be a key requirement. Marks are awarded to an Artisan who has crafted some piece of gear for another member of Valinor. To recieve any Marks the Artisan may not charge the recipient any amount greater than the cost of materials. Only a Constable may award Marks, thusly the crafted item must be shown and apporved before Marks can be awarded. The quantity of Marks recieved for any particular item can be veiwed on the table below.
Test Mark Table
*Will be posted at a later Date*
Realm Structure
Our Path
Our crusade has found many allies in our war, and with luck there are many more to be found in our travels. If you find yourself interested in joining Valinor please take all your options into account. First, do you reside within the boundaries of an existing Realm? If so please look into the options that they provide before continuing down the roads leading to Valinor. If after you check into your local realm and Valinor still sparks your interest please contact your local Constable. If you find yourself without a local realm, or are blessed enough to already live in our lands please investigate our pre-existing Units and our Realm Unit Policies. Keep in mind our goal as a Realm is not merely to perfect our fighting prowess, but to enhance the atmosphere in which we operate. As a member of Valinor it will be your duty to represent yourself, our Realm, and the games in which we play in a positive light.
As a member of Valinor we only ask that you follow a few rules. First, every member of Valinor shows their fealty to the realm through the use of a Realm Tabard, a Realm Sash or a shield bearing the Realm Insignia. Second, every member of Valinor is to follow the Code of Conducts posted on our Constitution. Lastly, it is mandatory that all of our members maximize the level of fun that they and the people around them experience. We do not require you to fight with the main body of Valinor, though it is appreciated. Our system of Ranking is entirely for fun and to give our members a structured path to better themselves through. As a unit you are completely autonomous, using whatever fighting styles, ranking, garb styles or personas you desire. Your Constables and Officers are here to server you, our members, and to facilitate the growth of both Valinor and Dagorhir.
Unit Requirements
Please check our Amendments Page for further info
This Constitution brought to you in courtesy by our friends in Rome.