New Stormwind Guard guild in the making - a discussion

With the departure of the Dieudonne Seal from the guarding landscape, and Blazing Shields' current state some members of the Chapter and myself have decided that the city does after all need a guard guild. Now, a guard guild has close interactions with criminals and other forms of law-enforcement such as SI;7 and judges, so we are taking our concept up with those. But of course, guards also interact with wider role-play community, and that is why we are making this thread - to give you a peek into what we are planning, and a chance to have a say.

For now (the name is not final!) the guild is called The White Guard and is meant as a Daughter-guild of the Chapter both IC and OOC. Daughter-guild, what does that mean? OOCly it means that our officers and our members will help to set the new guard guild up. ICly it means that we will help set the guild up, and provide them with our assistance. For instance, they need somebody to spar against during a training? No problem, we send some Anethioneans! However, the guild -will- be independent from the Chapter and takes no orders from it.

Concept of 'The White Guard' is an experimental guarding regiment, trying out some revolutionary ideas to perhaps one day modernize city's guard force, or end up gathering dust on the shelf. First of all, this will be a 'citizen militia', meaning it is not a professional guard-regiment with full pay and army-hierarchy; instead it relies on working citizens, motivated to protect to their kingdom for but a token compensation. Secondly, it will elect its own sergeants to foster trust in the officer corps and increase officer's attunement to the people they command. Finally, it will rely on politeness, clear rules and ruthless eficciency to let the people of Stormwind feel that they can trust the White Guard, and that the Guard is there for them, respects them and cares for them.

That said, we intend to go the way of absolute strictness when it comes to law-enforcement, such as prosecuting every crime listed in the book, INCLUDING slander, sedition and the like, such as actually grabbing our batons and smacking people if they did not heed the 2 warnings prescribed by the Guidelines. We intend to take that, and pair it with similarly rigid demands to ourselves: being polite to citizens, treating citizens with respect, cracking down on all abuse of guard-power. In the end, we want to create a guard-guild the people will respect and fear. Strict, efficient, disciplinary but also respectful, dedicated and trustworthy.

Below you will find some bullet-point points of our concept:

Relationship to the Chapter
Set up according to Whitecloak Regiment template
Independent of the Chapter, Chapter has no power over the regiment
Chapter assists OOCly to run the guild and set it up
Chapter assists ICly with trainings and other non-guarding activities on Protector’s request

Relationships to the Council

Council may not order members and officers directly and must go through the Guild Leader
Council may inspect the regiment and facilities
Council has a say in guidelines and rules (With ooc consent of the guild)
Council may provide advices for improvement
Council may punish, with appropriate Court-marshal, any member or officer for violation of the guidelines and rules
Council may not withdraw guard-rights without King’s consent (Guild’s ooc consent)

Legal power

The regiment has full guard rights within the Kingdom of Stormwind
Guildleader may issue arrest and search warrants
Resident judges are present to deal with low criminal offenses, appeal possible
All testimonies/confessions signed in the presence of officers and guild leader are legally-binding and cannot be withdrawn
SI:7 has access to all prisoners and may take them into its own care without specifying the reason

Membership

Citizens of Stormwind (sworn loyalty to King Varian, property in the city, lived in the city for at least 1 year)
Professes faith in the Holy Light (practicing or non-practicing)
No more than 20% non-humans

Activity & OOC discipline

Guild has 2 fixed days of official RP a week (this for reliability, so thugs can know when we are SURE to be there)
At least 1 day per 2 weeks is activity-requirement
3 warnings for inactivity/screwing up before kick

Officership

Down-the-ladder hierarchy
Members may elect sergeants, 1 per 6 members, Guild Leader has veto
Sergeant responsible for training, discipline, tactical command and application of Guild Leader’s orders
Formal address, discipline and obedience demanded up the hierarchy-ladder

Religion

Secular
Proper religiosity expected, blasphemy and slander of the church not allowed

Discipline

Strict enforcement of the Laws of Sormwind, to the letter
Respectful, polite handling of all citizens and criminals demanded
Amusement on behalf of detainees punished
Abuse of power strictly punished
Use of blunt weapons against unruly

Ranks

Protector - Guild Leader
OOC Officer - Core officer
Inspector - Person who rather spends his time investigating crimes than patrolling
Warden - Person who rather spends his time sitting with detainees than patrolling
Sergeant - IC officer, elected, responsible for training, discipline, tactical command and practical application of orders
Guardsman - Veteran member
Trooper - member
Militia - junior member
Trainee - raw recruit


Your feedback on every point is desired. Be as harsh as you will, I love criticism more than praise!

Stunning concept. Besides what I told you this morning, you have my complete support.

A nice concept. Glad to see you keeping the Council out of the equation as much as possible.

I never really got seeing "non-humans" being guards of Stormwind. You wouldn't really see humans doing that in the other capital cities.

"SI:7 has access to all prisoners and may take them into its own care without specifying the reason"
And of course, with permission from the detainee, I presume.

Edit:
And an excellent plan, Melny
I hope that like the Cartel had with the Shields/Seals, we can perhaps share an OOC channel, the officers, in order to discus things and to straighten out any issues that may arise once the guild is made.

I think with the current requirement we won't see any non-humans.

Speaking of the council, it does a great job by making the awesome list of Laws, and it provides cool political role-play. And I think it is for mutual benefit it we set down the 'rules' of our collaboration from the very start, that way both sides can enjoy roleplay without drama.

@ Feydor. Yes, OOC permission of the detainee of course. Should have mentioned that more explicitly!

On the note of ranks, I believe it would work better as something like this:

Trainee -> Man-at-Arms -> Guardsman/Warden/Inspector -> Sergeant -> Commander.

Militia is a more general term for an organisation of.. well, militia. Trainee could also be changed out for 'Recruit' but then that may be considered too military. Man-at-Arms is pretty much what a more medieval militia type soldier/guard would be called anyway, whilst moving up the ladder to Guardsman sounds more professional whilst still un-commissioned & 'basic'. 'Protector' sounds more along the lines of a specialist than a proper high rank whilst Commander is a general term that could be a rank or just a general title for "Somebody incharge".

Just so you guys know. Wow politic prevents you from using any GUILD NAME with WHITE or BLACK in it. You will have to put an accent on it if you want to use it.

He's just desperately trying to lure someone with his trolling into giving a damn Exa', you can contribute by not giving any attention. And as I said already today, you know you have my support.

....you can't be serious Eloresh. That is a joke, right?

Eloresh wrote:Just so you guys know. Wow politic prevents you from using any GUILD NAME with WHITE or BLACK in it. You will have to put an accent on it if you want to use it.

Seriously?:S That seems a tad pointless.

Afraid not, it can be understood both wrong and right. With such a name, it can probably be reported over grounds of racism.

I am not joking no, our guild name was going to use the word White in it, and after trying different names and all, we noticed that it was that indeed. No white or black in the guild name without using accents.

It is true, when myself and Andrek wanted to create a guild with the word Black in it we had to go with Dark instead I think.

On one hand I could see some OOCers linking it to racism and making jokes, even if the name would be just nothing to do with it. But on the other if someone is offended that just by reading the word white or black, they shouldn't really be on -the internet- .

Anyway, have you decided on any uniforms yet? Around what level do you plan for. The problem with Shields uniforms was you needed level 54 for the full set, which led to lots of DK guards showing up, which I imagine Chapter wouldn't really like.

Geldar wrote:He's just desperately trying to lure someone with his trolling into giving a damn Exa'

I respect Exaythe far too much to try and derail his/her thread any more than I need to to explain that I'm just as entitled to an opinion as anyone else on this forum. Just because I have quite possibly the worst reputation changes nothing.

You're just mad that I hated on the council publicly.

And that's my last post in the matter. If you have such a big problem with my presence, Geldar, go ahead and ban me, or at least take it out on me in PM's.

Good luck in future with the guild.

DK guards will be discretely sent on suicide-missions, untill they either die or commit God-emotes and get kicked!

Completely correct, Cyaska. Exa', I really hope you figure out something with the DK's, they aren't exactly known for their compassion in a sense that they are after all vessels of vengence.

DKs can't be citizens of Stormwind, so that disqualifies them! Hah.

We will make a communication-channel for those who want to get involved in planning of the guild, or even join it.

Poke me on Ioánna on monday evening, and I will tell you the name.

This looks really ace. Full support from me! And frankly, the less drama that is born between guard guilds and the council the better. I really hope this works out.

Sounds like a good idea, Exaythe. And I did like them Whitecloaks. o/

But you know me, I have little faith in any officer of the Chapter except for yourself, so I intend to just observe the guild etc when/if it's out on the streets.

But my faith for you is great, since you have a talent for great concepts. Good luck.

Ledgic/Omanos wrote:This looks really ace. Full support from me! And frankly, the less drama that is born between guard guilds and the council the better. I really hope this works out.

What the colleague said.

I hope it works out like a clockwork; the guild knows what is expected of it (rules&guidelines) and knows that nobody will interfere with their work. Council knows that they can always approach the guild leader if they need guards for some event, be it guarding the c-meeting or some other event, and citizens know that they can approach the council with their complaints/suggestions regarding the guild and get results, either court-marshall or some new rule/guideline.

I think it is important that all parties involved know what they must do, what they may do, and what they are forbidden to do, and how to go about their buisness. Will probably ending up writing a small IC pamphlet for citizens on how to behave around guards, what guard-powers are, and where to get help if guards screw up.

Also, had a nice conversation with Geldar yesterday evening. We will see if we can encourage initiative and self-reliance, so that every individual guard knows what and how to do even if officers are not around to shout orders.

FYI, first draft of Guidelines & Rules. Criticise away!


Guidelines

1) When a guard encounters a person committing a crime without weapons such as slander or trespassing, or a person who is wanted, or requires a person to show his face and state his name, or a person to be brought in for questioning – the guard should first make a polite request, asking said person to comply and state the charges or reason for questioning.
2) Should this person talk back and refuse – the guard is to make a 2nd polite request and warn said person that failure to comply will result in the use of violence.
3) Should this person still refuse the guard – the guard may use blunt weapons to restrain the person and force compliance.
4) Should this person fight back using lethal weapons such as daggers and swords– the guard may use whatever means necessary in self-defense and to restrain this person.
5) When a guard encounters a person committing a crime with dangerous weapons or magic, or a wanted person who is stated to be dangerous – the guard must shout out a command demanding all people involved to drop their weapons and lay face down on the ground to be restrained.
6) Should any of the people involved in the crime refuse to comply – the guard may use violence to restrain them.
7) When a guard encounters a person in the act of endangering the city such as igniting a bomb or adding poison into the canals or a person who is outlawed and stated to be killed on sight – the guard may use maximum violence without warning.
When a guard sees a dangerous situation occurring such as a heated argument between a group of fully armed men, or suspects an illegal rally, or a loud argument in public place such as the Cathedral of Light – the guard may politely request –all- participants to leave the premises for half an hour.
9) When a guard is in any doubt whether any given situation can be handled by the guards currently present – the guard is to summon reinforcement.
10) Any person who has surrendered without violence is to be treated gently and with respect, escorted into the place of detention, issues prison clothing, given a chance to change into it, searched and locked in by his ankles.
11) Any person who has violently resisted detrainment is to be escorted into the place of detention by any means necessary, stripped of his possessions, stuck into prison clothing and locked in by his ankles and wrists.
12) After locked in, a prisoner must be offered additional blankets, food, water, medication attention, a chance to dictate a letter to any recipient of their choosing (letter may be censored on warden’s or officer’s discretion) and a chance to talk to a chaplain. Followers of religions other than the Holy Light may be provided a priest of their own creed on warden’s or officer’s discretion.
13) No visitors are allowed into detention facilities without the leave of a warden or an officer, authorized Stormwind Officials are exempt.
14) Proper Prisoner Report must be filled in as soon as possible after the act of detention. Report must be handed over to a warden or an officer.
15) A guard may not forcefully compel any witness into giving a signed or anonymous testimony, and may not request a testimony more than thrice. Fourth request can be reported as harassment.
16) When a guard is securing some premises, he should always specify the reason for denied access given to him by an officer; the guard is not compelled to provide any further explanation or answer questions and may politely request people to leave the area if he feels harassed or pressured. Violence may be used after 2nd polite request and a warning that failure to comply will result in violence.

Rules

1) A guard must treat his superiors, senior Stormwind Officials and His Majesty’s agents according to proper military or civilian protocol and with all due respect.
2) A guard must always be polite and respectful towards the citizens and guests of Stormwind.
3) A guard must always state his name, rank and squad-number when asked to.
4) A guard must always testify any crimes he has witnessed while on duty, and is obliged to sign the testimony.
5) A guard must follow the guidelines to the letter.
6) A guard must be clean, sober and of a clear mind when on duty.
7) A guard may not use his powers for personal benefits, such as but not limited to taking bribes and forcing citizens to vacate public places without a good reason.
A guard must always be wearing his full inform when on duty, and may not wear uniform and tabard when off-duty.
9) A guard must be able to justify his use of violence when requested to by an officer or a Stormwind Official.
10) A guard may not demand identification from any citizen or guest who is not involved in a crime, or not wearing facial cover.
11) A guard may not strike prisoners unless those have broken from their chains.
12) A guard may not withhold prisoner’s right to food, water, blankets, medical attention, one letter a day and the chaplain (of the holy light)
13) Must obey orders of his superiors while on duty.

Powers

These are powers vested in individual guards; they must be used in accordance to the guidelines for the enforcement of His Majesty’s laws and protection of the people of Stormwind, and never for personal benefit.

1) Compel a citizen or guest to come to the office for questioning, with appropriate warrant.
2) Perform arrest of a citizen or a guest, with consent or through violence, with appropriate warrant.
3) Perform arrest of a citizen or a guest, with consent or through violence, if the guard witnessed said guest or citizen commit a criminal offense within last hour.
4) Enter and search any private or public property, and search any citizen or guest on that property, with appropriate warrant.
5) Compel any citizen or guest to reveal their face and hair.
6) Compel any citizen or guest who had his face covered, or witnessed a crime, to provide an identification (name, address, occupation)
7) Compel any citizen or guest to vacate any given public or private space, with consent or through violence, if the guard suspects a threat to Public Peace or well-being of citizens.
Compel any citizen or guest to vacate any given public or private space, with consent or through violence, if the guard feels harassed or threatened while securing an area or performing his duties such as but not limited to arrest or escort.
9) Perform full search of any citizen or guest entering secure area, such as but not limited to an area temporarily declared Secure by King, Council or the Church, Council Chambers and military installations.
10) Confiscate any objects the guard deems dangerous from people entering such secure areas; objects must be returned when the owner leaves the area.
11) Confiscate any possessions of a person prior to detention, with consent or through violence.
12) Use maximum lethal force against enemies of the Kingdom such as the horde, and entities outlawed by the King and Council.