Drentha
- Organization and Bylaws -
February 24, 2007
1. Nature and Goals
1.1. Drentha is a company of mercenaries, gathered from all the corners and dust heaps of the dark ages. Its members each bring their own backgrounds and abilities, and little uniformity is expected or even desired. Indeed, all that is asked of each member is a willingness to give his or her all to the unit, both on the battlefield and in local practices, to engage the enemy quickly and decisively, and to be ready for any challenge with which he or she will be presented.
1.2. Drentha is a unit of Angaron and participant in Dagorhir Battle Games Association (DGBA). As such, Drentha and all its members are expected to adhere to the rules, policies, and goals of DBGA and Angaron.
2. Participation
2.1. Age
2.1.1. Dagorhir is a full contact activity, and the risk of injury increases for younger participants. Consequently, no person under the age of 13 shall be admitted to Drentha or allowed on the field.
2.1.2. Exception: Limited exceptions may be made for some individuals with older family members in attendance. The Eorlwerod will decide if the individual can be allowed on the field, based upon an evaluation of the maturity exhibited by the individual, and the safety of allowing him/her to participate. Such individuals may only participate when accompanied by an older family member.
2.2. Waiver of Liability
2.2.1. An individual may visit up to 2 practices, after which point he must submit a signed DBGA waiver of liability to the Thegn if he wishes to continue to regularly participate in Drentha practices. If the individual is a minor (under age 18) the waiver must be signed by a parent and notarized.
2.2.2. This does not apply to visiting members from other units of Angaron.
3. Membership
3.1. Definition
3.1.1. An individual is considered a member of Drentha if he fights with the unit and has a waiver on file. Two special cases of membership exist: the Werod and the Eorlwerod.
3.2. The Werod
3.2.1. The Werod are the rank and file of Drentha, made up of those who have demonstrated dedication to the unit by meeting the following requirements:
3.2.1.1. Be at least 13 years of age;
3.2.1.2. Have attended at least six scheduled practices or battles in which Drentha participates;
3.2.1.3. Have basic garb (meeting minimum Dagorhir standards);
3.2.1.4. Have his or her own weapon(s);
3.2.1.5. Have a character name.
3.2.2. Inactivity: a member of the Werod becomes inactive if he does not attend any practices for 2 months. Inactive members may not vote on matters placed before the Werod. An inactive member regains his status after attending a full unit practice or battle in which Drentha participates; he will be able to vote at the next practice he attends.
3.3. The Eorlwerod
3.3.1. The Eorlwerod are members of the Werod who have proven their dedication to Drentha beyond the level of an ordinary fighter. Members of the Eorlwerod must meet all the requirements for members of the Werod. In addition, they must:
3.3.1.1. Be at least 16 years of age;
3.3.1.2. Attend at least 12 scheduled practices or battles in which Drentha participates;
3.3.1.3. Possess garb that exceeds minimum Dagorhir standards;
3.3.1.4. Demonstrate dedication to the unit by donating at least one blue weapon to the unit's armory;
3.3.1.5. Recruit one new member to the Werod;
3.3.1.6. Enter the larger Dagorhir community by attending at least one inter-realm event.
3.3.2. Inactivity: a member of the Eorlwerod becomes inactive if he does not attend any practices for one month. Inactive members may not vote in matters placed before the Eorlwerod. An inactive member regains his status after attending a full unit practice or battle in which Drentha participates; he will be able to vote at the next practice he attends.
3.3.3. The Eorlwerod is responsible for organizing practices and battles, checking equipment, disciplining members, and otherwise enforcing the rules of DBGA. Additionally, the Eorlwerod is expected to train and mentor new and aspiring members, and to recruit new fighters to the unit.
3.3.4. If less than four members of Drentha meet the requirements for the Eorlwerod, the four most qualified members (the members who meet the greatest number of requirements) will be admitted to the Eorlwerod until the following January. These members must be over the age of 16.
3.4. Expectations
3.4.1. Members of Drentha, whether new recruits or members of the Eorlwerod, are expected to carry themselves with honor at all times. This means, among other things:
3.4.1.1. "Hit hard, take light:" While every member of Drentha should strive to play hard, he should take all marginal or questionable shots. If a member thinks that he might have been hit, or receives a "light" or "tap" shot, he should take the hit as though it were solid.
3.4.1.2. Discipline on the field: If a member believes another individual is blowing off hits (cheating) he will not accost the individual on the field. Instead, he will quietly bring it to the attention of the herald or politely speak to the individual at the end of the battle.
3.4.1.3. Head shots: If a member delivers a solid head shot to his opponent (one that causes him to pause or looks like it should have hurt), he should declare himself dead, step off the field, and do 10 pushups.
3.4.1.4. Language. Modern profanity does not help anyone's medieval experience. Members of Drentha should not find themselves using it.
3.4.2. If a member of the Eorlwerod notices anyone whose behavior does not uphold these standards, or is in any other way dishonorable or lacking in sportsmanship, he may ask that person to leave the field till the end of the battle.
3.5. Discipline
3.5.1. If a participant demonstrates behavior that is consistently damaging to the purpose and integrity of Drentha, is in violation of the rules of DBGA, or is deemed unsafe by the presiding herald or a member of the Eorlwerod, the Thegn may call him before the Eorlwerod to speak in his defense. If the Eorlwerod finds it necessary, they may then by unanimous vote (of all members present at the time) chose to suspend or expel the individual from some or all events hosted by Drentha. Such action is not to be undertaken lightly.
4. Leadership and Government
4.1. All decisions affecting the nature and future of Drentha shall be made by the Werod (including the Eorlwerod). These decisions include revisions to the bylaws, mission, goals, and character of Drentha.
4.1.1. Any member of the Werod may submit a proposal to the Thegn. The Thegn must then, at the next duly scheduled practice, assemble the Werod and present the issue for consideration.
4.1.2. In council, all members of the Werod have an equal voice.
4.1.3. A duly scheduled practice is one which has been announced at least two weeks in advance.
4.1.4. After the issue has been discussed, the Werod will vote on it. A sixty percent majority is necessary to pass.
4.2. Decisions regarding the day-to-day operations of Drentha shall be made by the Eorlwerod. These decisions include scheduling practices, battles, and events, securing facilities, and maintaining unit discipline.
4.2.1. The Eorlwerod shall meet at each practice and discuss any matters that require their attention.
4.2.2. Any member of the Eorlwerod may propose a matter to the other members. All members of the Eorlwerod have an equal voice.
4.2.3. After the issue has been discussed, the Eorlwerod will vote on it. A sixty percent majority is necessary to pass.
4.3. Officers
4.3.1. The following offices are created:
4.3.1.1. Thegn. The Werod shall select one member of the Eorlwerod (the Thegn) to act as their representative and be the figurehead of the unit. The Thegn is responsible for maintaining contact between Drentha and the greater Dagorhir community, leads Drentha on the field, and presides in council.
4.3.1.2. Treasurer. The Werod shall select a member of the Eorlwerod (excepting the Thegn) to act as treasurer. The treasurer is responsible for managing the financial assets of Drentha (if any exist) and keeping full financial records.
4.3.1.3. Clerk. The Werod shall select a member of the Eorlwerod to keep Drentha records, including attendance, minutes, waivers, and contact information, and to maintain internal communications. The Thegn or Treasurer may serve as the clerk.
4.3.2. Officers shall be chosen by the Werod in January of every year.
4.3.3. Officers must have frequent and regular access to email.
4.3.4. Dereliction of duty. If the Eorlwerod believes an officer is negligent in fulfilling his obligations, and is thereby disrupting the ability of the unit to properly function, they may, after allowing him to speak in his defense, ask him to step down, or choose to remove him from office by unanimous vote. This option should only be exercised as a last resort.
4.3.5. If an office is vacated, either from the officer stepping down or being removed by the Eorlwerod, the Werod shall appoint another person to fill the office for the remainder of the year.
5. Practices
5.1. Practices (or battles) must be held at least twice a month.
5.2. Practices will be scheduled and run by the Thegn, or other members of the Eorlwerod.
5.3. Practices should emphasize teamwork, speed, and unit efficiency, as well as providing each member a chance to polish his or her personal skills.
5.4. In the absence of a herald, members of the Eorlwerod may find it necessary (and are granted the power) to take a player aside or temporarily remove him from the field.