VAST EMPIRE AXIOM . . .
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For the Vast Empire to run efficiently it becomes necessary to divide up the powers of the High Council. For this reason the Vast Empire High Council of old will be split into two smaller groups. The first group will remain the High Council of the Vast Empire. It will contain the Head of the High Council, the Executive Officer, and the Operations Officer. The second group will be the Division Leaders Council and will be made up of the Prefect of the Army, the Naval Fleet Commander, and the Grand Master of the Dark Jedi.
Powers of the High Council -
- Newsletter for the Vast Empire as a whole
- Domain (updating and maintaining the main site)
- Basic Relations with other clubs (to be done through the ambassador)
- Bank/Casino/Store/Stock Market updates
- Note - the Divisions will be required to do their own pay scales and bank updates, but the High Council will do the administration/paying
- ComNet
- Basic administration over non-division ComNets.
- Channel
- Administration over the main channel. (#Vast_Empire) Also in charge of switching servers if the need comes.
- CoC's and Enforcement of the CoC's
- Making required changes to the CoC's
- In case a member has broken a CoC the High Council will also be responsible for deciding how to deal with that member.
- Plotline
- To be developed by the Operations Officer
Powers Shared by Both Groups -
- New Divisions
- Joining Gaming Leagues
- Inner-club tournaments (campaigns that use more than one division)
- Alliances
- Removing High Council and Division Leaders
- Suggesting replacements for High Council and Division Leaders.
Division Leaders Powers -
- Division Council can appeal a High Council vote if they do it unanimously.
- The Division Council must approve proposals from Vast Empire members before they are brought before the High Council.
- Any other powers that are not given to the High Council, or are shared with the High Council.
Proposals that are brought to the High Council by members of the Vast Empire will be voted on publicly.
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Currently, a group of three people form the High Council. This body serves to govern the Vast Empire. Each person in these bodies has been assigned particular duties to fulfill.
- Head of High Council [HHC] (HC-1) -
- The Head of High Council has unlimited authority only at the discretion of the High Council and the Division Leaders Council. All decisions made by him/her can be over-ruled by a majority vote by the rest of the High Council. Both the High Council and the Division Leaders Council appoint the Head of High Council. He/she may be removed from command by a unanimous vote by both the High Council and the Division Leaders Council. When this occurs, the Executive Officer for the Vast Empire will take over until a new Head of the High Council is selected. The Head of High Council is also in charge of approving the overall plotline once the Operations Officer has developed it. He/she also manages the High Council members and ensures that they perform their duties adequately. The position pay is 1,000,000 Imperial credits.
- Executive Officer [XO] (HC-2) -
- The duties of the Executive Officer are various. The primary duty of the Executive Officer is to assist the Head of High Council in all of his/her duties. If the Head of High Council is forced to take a leave of absence the Executive Officer will immediately take his/her place until he/she returns. The Executive Officer should be given courtesy copies of all messages sent to the Head of High Council so that he/she will be able to properly take command if the Head of High Council has to take a leave of absence. In the case of the Head of High Council being brought up on charges to be removed from command by the High Council; the Executive Officer will act as judge. The other High Council Officers will hear all of the charges brought forth and make a vote. If the vote is unanimous the Executive Officer will immediately take command as the Head of High Council and inform the Vast Empire Administrators to choose another Head of High Council. The Executive Officer (XO) of the Vast Empire serves as an assistant to the Head of High Council. Because of this, the Head of High Council is not allowed an assistant. In the past, the Executive Officer has taken policy created by the Head of High Council and enforced it. The true power of the Executive Officer is felt only when the Head the High Council is on leave, and the Executive Officer steps in to take his place. The position pay is 800,000 Imperial credits.
- Operations Officer [OO] (HC-3) -
- The Vast Empire Operations Officer is in charge of helping the various levels of commanders, assisting the Vast Empire Executive Officer in development of the Vast Empire's programs, and is usually in charge of most Vast Empire communications. The Operations Officer is also in charge of developing the storyline for the Vast Empire. He has the ability to write it any way that he sees fit, but it is up to the rest of the Head of High Council to approve it. He/She will keep track of and manage the metting log archive. The position pay is 700,000 Imperial credits.
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The following is a list specifying the medals that may be handed out by the members of the High Council to their subordinate officers/troopers/pilots. Please note that specific members of the High Council may only hand out certain medals.
High Council Medals:
(In order of importance)
Medal of Honor
Star of the Empire
Eagle's Claw Medallion
Steel Cross of Palpatine
Sadow Crescent
Imperial Grand Cross
Spirit of Daala
Meritorious Service Medal
Valorous Unit Award
Imperial Expeditionary Medal
Good Conduct Award
- Medal of Honor [MoH] -
- The Medal of Honor is awarded to a person who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the Empire; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the Empire is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit. The Head of High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
- Star of the Empire [SotE] -
- The Head of High Council or the Operations Officer may only bestow this medal/award.
- Eagle's Claw Medallion [ECM] -
- The Head of High Council or the Operations Officer may only bestow this medal/award.
- Steel Cross of Palpatine [SCP] -
- This award is given only if the recipient has shown courage under fire, displayed the proper manners befitting an Imperial officer, surpassed the expectations of normal activity, and have changed the army in a positive way because of his/her actions. This medal my only be awarded by the Head of High Council and the Prefect of the Vast Empire Army.
- Sadow Crescent [SC] -
- Named after Naga Sadow from the illustrious history of the Sith, this is the highest medal to be awarded in the Vast Empire Dark Jedi. It is awarded only if the recipient has shown the utmost respect, dedication and loyalty to the Vast Empire Dark Jedi. This medal may only be bestowed the Head of High Council or the Grand Master of the Vast Empire Dark Jedi Order.
- Imperial Grand Cross [GC] -
- The Imperial Grand Cross is the highest honor a member can obtain in the Vast Empire Navy. Recipients of the Grand Cross have demonstrated acts of ultimate bravery in the face of the enemy, performed constant service above and beyond the call of duty, and have significantly improved the entire fleet through their direct actions. Examples of such service would be to personally introducing an aspect to the fleet which proves to be instrumental in its growth or function overall. The Head of the High Council and the Naval Commander in Chief can only bestow this medal.
- Spirit of Daala [SoD] -
- This medal/award may only be bestowed by the Head of High Council or the Vast Empire Ambassador onto members that have led to an alliance or has introduced a new clan or other such group into the Vast Empire.
- Meritorious Service Medal [MSM] -
- The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to those members of the Empire who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement while assigned to a joint activity. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
- Valorous Unit Award [VUA] -
- The Valorous Unit Award is to be awarded to units of the Empire for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the Empire is not a belligerent part for actions. The unit must have performed with marked distinction under difficult and hazardous conditions in accomplishing its mission so as to set it apart from the other units participating in the same conflict. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Medal of Honor to an individual. Extended periods of combat duty or participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air, is not sufficient. Units that have participated in single or successive actions covering relatively brief time spans will earn this award. It is not reasonable to presume that entire units can sustain Medal of Honor performance for extended time periods under the most unusual circumstances. Only on rare occasions will a unit larger than a battalion qualify for this award. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
- Imperial Expeditionary Medal [IEM] -
- The Imperial Expeditionary Medal may be awarded to members of the Empire who have participated in a campaign in which hostile action by foreign armed forces was imminent even though it does not materialize. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
- Good Conduct Award [GCA] -
- This is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Imperial service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active military service. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
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The Imperial Penal Code is the guidelines, which helps the High Council decide when charges are brought against a member:
Article 1: Offenses Against Persons
- Chapter 1: Insolence - Any member or officer who mocks or disrespects a superior officer, either privately or in the presence of others, shall be guilty of insolence, a Class I Offense.
- Chapter 2: Insubordination - Any member or officer who continually or maliciously disrespects a superior officer, either privately or in the presence of others, shall be guilty of insubordination, a Class II Offense.
- Chapter 3: Gross Insubordination - Any member or officer who continually or maliciously disrespects a superior officer, either privately or in the presence of others, after having received a direct order (either implicit or explicit) to cease such conduct, shall be guilty of gross insubordination, a Class III offense.
- Chapter 4: Disorderly Conduct - Any member or officer who mocks or disrespects any other member or officer of the Vast Empire, either privately or in the presence of others, shall be guilty of disorderly conduct, a Class I Offense.
- Chapter 5: Gross Disorderly Conduct - Any member or officer who continually or maliciously mocks or disrespects any other member or officer of the Vast Empire, either privately or in the presence of others, shall be guilty of gross disorderly conduct, a Class II Offense.
- Chapter 6: Conduct Unbecoming an officer - Any member or officer who continually or maliciously disrespects any other member or officer or the Vast Empire, either privately or in the presence of others, after having received a direct order (either implicit or explicit) to cease such conduct, shall be guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer, a Class III offense.
Article 2: Offenses Against Imperial Property
- Chapter 1 - Forgery
- Section 1: Any member or officer who submits work for publication and/or presentation that he or she purports to be his or her own, when such work is in fact the work of another, shall be guilty of forgery, a Class I offense.
- Section 2: Any member or officer who submits for official purposes a document, recording, or log, which he or she knows to be false, shall be guilty of forgery, a Class II offense.
- Chapter 2: Sabotage - Any member or officer who knowingly damages or in any way interrupts the function of an Imperial communication media, or in any way damages or disrupts the function of Imperial property shall be guilty of sabotage, a Class II Offense.
- Chapter 3: Espionage - Any member or officer who engages in sabotage, or the release of confidential or sensitive information in order to gain benefit in another organization, or in collusion with another member, or to intentionally harm the Vast Empire, shall be guilty of espionage, a Class III offense.
- Chapter 4: Piracy - Any member or officer who attempts to disrupt the normal function of any Vast Empire communications media or other instruments, including but not limited to: e-mail bombing, nuking, etc., is guilty of piracy, a class III offense.
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The following are the recommended guidelines for the High Council pertaining to the sentencing of individuals who have committed an offense(s).
Article 1: Generally
- Chapter 1: Statutory Aggravating Factors - In determining the appropriate sentence to be imposed on a person who has been convicted of an offense, the High Council will usually consider the following aggravating circumstances:
- The nature and circumstances of the offense, and the role of the actor therein, including whether or not it was committed in an especially heinous or depraved manner;
- The gravity and seriousness of harm inflicted on the victim, including whether or not the defendant knew or reasonably should have known that the victim of the offense was particularly vulnerable or incapable of resistance.
- The risk that the defendant will commit another offense;
- A lesser sentence will depreciate the seriousness of the defendant's offense because it involved a breach of the public trust, or the defendant took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit the offense;
- The extent of the defendant's prior record and the seriousness of the offenses of which he has been convicted;
- The defendant committed the offense against a commanding officer exhibiting evidence of his authority; the defendant committed the offense because of the status of the victim as a command officer;
- The need for deterring the defendant and others from violating regulations;
- The offense involved fraudulent or deceptive practices.
- Chapter 2: Statutory Mitigating Factors - In determining the appropriate sentence to be imposed on a person who has been convicted of an offense, the High Council usually consider the following mitigating circumstances:
- The defendant's conduct either caused nor threatened serious harm;
- The defendant did not contemplate that his conduct would cause or threaten serious harm;
- The defendant acted under a strong provocation;
- There were substantial grounds tending to excuse or justify the defendant's conduct, though failing to establish a defense;
- The victim of the defendant's conduct induced or facilitated its commission;
- The defendant has no history of prior delinquency or disciplinary issues or has led a law-abiding life for a substantial period of time before the commission of the present offense;
- The defendant's conduct was the result of circumstances unlikely to recur;
- The character and attitude of the defendant indicate that he is unlikely to commit another offense;
- The defendant is particularly likely to respond affirmatively to probationary treatment;
- The willingness of the defendant to cooperate with command and the High Council;
- The conduct of a youthful defendant was substantially influenced by another person more mature than the defendant.
Article 2: Class I Offenses
- Chapter 1: Class I offenses may rightly be punished with the following sanctions unless stated otherwise by the High Council:
- Official Warning: The member will be warned that his or her conduct is unacceptable and will result in more severe sanctions if repeated.
- Reprimand: The member will be officially rebuked for his or her unacceptable conduct.
- Censure: The member will be publicly rebuked for his or her unacceptable conduct.
- Probation: The member will be supervised for a period, during which time any new offense will constitute a violation of probation, resulting in a re-sentencing on the previous offense and the possibility of more severe sanction.
- Reassignment (Punishment Tour): If a member of an elite unit the member may be reassigned to one less favored.
- Chapter 2: Class I offenses may additionally be punished by any combination of those possibilities listed in Chapter 1 above.
Article 3: Class II Offenses
- Chapter 1: Class II offenses may rightly be punished with the following sanctions unless stated otherwise by the High Council:
- Any of the sanctions enumerated in Article 2, Chapter 1 of this title, provided that the mitigating factors in the case outweigh the aggravating factors in the opinion of the sentencing High Council.
- Demotion: The member will be reduced to a lesser grade or rank.
- Dismissal: The member will be removed from a position of command to some lesser position.
- Suspension: The member's right to participate in Vast Empire events will be curtailed for a period fixed by the High Council.
- Chapter 2: Class II offenses may additionally be punished by any combination of the actions in Chapter 1 above.
Article 4: Class III Offenses
- Chapter 1: Class III offenses may rightly be punished with the following sanctions unless stated otherwise by the High Council:
- Any of the sanctions enumerated in Article 3, Chapter 1 of this title, BUT NOT those enumerated in Article 2, Chapter 1, provided that the mitigating factors outweigh the aggravating factors in the opinion of the High Council.
- Discharge: The member shall be expelled from the Vast Empire and loose all rank and seniority.
- Expulsion: The member shall be discharged without possibility of return.
Article 5: Offenses Carrying a Mandatory Sentences, and Administrative Offenses
- Chapter 1: Offenses Carrying a Mandatory Sentence - The following offenses carry a mandatory sentence unless stated otherwise by the High Council:
- Section 1 - Gross Abuse of Power with special circumstances carries a mandatory sentence of expulsion.
- Chapters 2: Administrative Offenses are punished at the discretion of the administrative authority in question. However, they are not subject to sanction greater than Class II without good cause shown.
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The following rules, known as the Code of Conduct (CoC), are to be adhered while in the Vast Empire IRC Channel(s) by all members, whether Vast Empire aligned or not --- no exceptions. This includes the channel operators themselves.
- Rule 1 - Do not abuse your channel operator status, voice, or X-bot access: Abusing ops and X-bot access consists of kicking, banning or threatening kick/ban without reason or proper cause. Changing the topic and channel modes unnecessarily also is considered abuse. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 2 - Do not take advantage of a service error or net split: Taking advantage of a Service error or net split is when ChanServ leaves the channel, or a server is split from the Network and the channel is effectively in two places, and members become ops themselves, or op other non ops. Only those who are meant to have channel operator status normally may hold ops in these situations. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 3 - Do not be obscene: Swearing of all kinds is forbidden in the Vast Empire channel. Whether it be swearing in another language (English being the default language for all Vast Empire channels), concealed swearing or suggested swearing. Being obscene also refers to discussing sexual, pornographic, grotesque or generally undesirable subjects in detail. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 4 - Do not over-use colors: Colors on an IRC channel are considered bad netiquette, however sometimes they are allowed. Constant usage of colors to the annoyance of other members is not tolerated. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class II Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 5 - Do not insult others: Insulting anyone in the Vast Empire channel to the point of it not being taken as a joke is completely intolerable. This includes insulting on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, creed, etc. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 6 - Do not flood: Flooding constitutes as a large amount of text displayed in a short time entered in a channel or in private chat. This is not tolerated in any channel at all. Flooding members in the channel separately with text, pings, or another way is also not tolerated and can result in a first a kick, and eventually a ban from the channel if the flooder persists on disobeying this rule. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class II Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 7 - Do not use clones: Cloning is when another person enters the channel when they are already present having two (or more) copies of themselves on the one channel. This is not tolerated on any VE channel and all clones are to be banned. Caution must be taken when there is a chance a clone could be a ghost. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class II Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 8 - Do not impersonate an officer: On IRC, impersonating an officer can be as simple as changing your nick to a rank that you do not hold, changing your nick to another person's known nick or completely changing all IRC information (ident, hostmark, etc.) as well as nick and pretending to be someone they are not. Although the severity is ranging, all are subject to an immediate kick. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 9 - Do not annoy people: As different people have different annoyance levels, it is up to the discretion of any present ops or "sub-ops" as to what action is to be taken and when. Someone can be considered annoying when a person or persons are disgusted with the persons behavior, actions or conversation. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class II Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 10 - Do not be aggressive or argumentative: When talking on the channel, do not in any way confront other members, start arguments or put other members down. All people are there for the enjoyment and the experience of IRC and that is not to be disturbed. If anyone is overly aggressive, report them. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 11 - Do not openly disobey a superior officer or channel operator: If an op or a superior officer gives an order, kicks a person or sets a ban, they are not to contradicted or argued with in public. If you have a disagreement with the order or action, speak to them in private or consult their superior officers. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 12 - Do not use unauthorized bots: All bots that are to be used must be cleared by the Head of High Council first. This means sending a copy of the script and any relevant information about the bot. If an unauthorized bot is caught, both the bot and owner will be banned. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 13 - Do obey a superior officer: If a superior officer gives an order to a junior officer, whether Vast Empire or IRC related, it must be followed. The Vast Empire Command Hierarchy is always in effect on IRC and must be followed. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
- Rule 14 - Do heed an the warnings/requests of a channel operator: If a channel operator or sub-op gives a warning or asks a member to cease an activity, it is to followed immediately. After one warning the member continues to misbehave or break the Code of Conduct, that member may be kicked or banned depending on the offense. Any member who violates this rule will be punished. The punishment will range between a Class I and Class III Offense pending on the severity of the member's actions.
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The following outlines the specified powers of a channel operator in the Vast Empire channel(s):
Kick: A kick should be implied then used (i.e. give a warning first) if a member:
- Uses foul or unruly language, whether directed at another member or just in general.
- If a member of the channel continuously harasses another member after being warned by that member or an operator of the channel to cease the harassment.
- If a member insists, after being warned to stop, on discussing a topic in the channel that only causes frustration and anger from the majority of other members in the channel.
- If a member is in another channel, that can harm or bring a bad name to VE, after being warned to leave it.
- Floods the IRC Channel.
Banning: A temporary, non-Chanserv-ban should be implied if a member:
- Returns after a kick and repeats the action or actions that he/she was kicked for.
- Becomes incredibly hostile and uses excessive language and attacks other members in the channel and they do not deserve any warnings or such.
A-Kick: An A-Kick should be implied then used (i.e. give a warning first) if a member:
- Attempts Ban Evasion so he/she can re-enter the channel.
- Any hacking, WinNuking or disruption of other member's programs and/or the Vast Empire channel bots.
- Any person or persons known to be banned from VE IRC activity in the Vast Empire.
[NOTE: Misuse of power as a channel operator will result in immediate suspension and investigation by the High Council pending on the severity of the act. The powers that are given to a channel operator in the Vast Empire are a special privilege that comes with rank and position. It assumes maturity on the part of the operator. If the operator fails to act maturely and rationally, his channel operator status will be revoked.
Whether a channel operator agrees or does not agree with the Code of Conduct and Channel Operator Guidelines, he/she is still expected to enforce them. Retaliation by other channel operators against those who enforce the Code of Conduct will be met with severe punishment. For example, if a channel operator, John Doe, either bans or kicks a member for disobeying the Code of Conduct and is then himself kicked/banned by a second channel operator, Jane Doe, for the apparent reason of Jane personally disapproving of John's actions, Jane will be subjected to investigation by the High Council and accordingly punished by the Head of High Council.]
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