Circle of Equals:

“The area in which a trial takes place is known as a Circle of Equals. It ranges in size from a few dozen feet for personal combat to tens of miles for large-scale trials. Though traditionally a circle, the area can be any shape.”

The Circle of Equals serves as a method for the community to settle maters pertaining to Zellbringen amongst itself. Here players may both reward, and punish each other for their adherence, or lack there of, to the clan way of life. Those who show exceptional bravery honor and sportsmanship may be recognized and rewarded. Those who fail to abide by the traditions and customs of the clans, may be warned, and punished. The Punishments and reward will still be administered by the Moderators and Administrators, but the Community itself will decide who will deserve them. Democracy has come to MekWars.

The circle of equals consists of three steps; Nomination, Ratification, and Administration. A Player is first Nominated for a reward or punishment by another player. Then the nomination must be ratified by the community before the punishment or reward is administered.

Step 1: Nomination.

In order to be eligible for a reward or punishment, a player must be nominated. Any player may nominate another player for a reward or punishment. Player may not nominate him or herself. Members of the Dark Caste and STU may not be nominated for any reward or Punishment. When nominating a player clearly state what punishment or Reward (listed below) the player is being nominated for. When Nominating a Player, it is the sole duty of the Nominator to provide evidence and arguments supporting the nomination. These include, but are not limited to; Logs, Screen shots, and saved games.

Step 2: Ratification.

Once a player is Nominated, The Nomination must be approved by the Community. The Ratification process lasts for Seven days. During this time, the Nominee may argue in his defense, and other players may argue for or against the nomination. Also, at this point, Players may vote “Aff” to support the nomination, or “Neg” to oppose the nomination. If at the end of the ratification process there are a majority of “Aff” votes, and at least seven votes total, then the nomination is Ratified, and proceeds to the next step. If there are not seven total votes, or the “Neg” votes have the majority, then the Nomination is not ratified, and no further action is taken.

In the Case of a Nomination for Punishment, the Nominee may challenge the Nominator to a “Trial of Grievance”. The Nominator does not have to accept. If the Nominator declines, then the Normal ratification process continues. If the Nominator accepts, then the results of the Trial will determine if the Nomination is ratified. If the Nominator is victorious, then the nomination is ratified immediately, if the Nominee is Victorious, then the Nomination is not ratified, and no further action is taken.

Step 3: Administration.

Once a Nomination is Ratified, it falls to the moderator and/or the administrators of the sever to apply the punishment or reward. This is to be completed as soon as possible after the Ratification is completed.

Rewards:

Ristar

“This term refers to a particularly gifted warrior on his or her way to high position. It is probably derived from the expression ‘rising star’.”

Nominees for “Ristar” should have a firm grasp of the clan ideals, show an above average sense of honor, or display exceptional skill. A player may be Nominated and receive “Ristar” more than once. Players who receive “Ristar” will have the Word “Ristar” added to their Comment field, and receive 5 reward points. Subsequent awards only grant the reward points.

Bloodname

“Bloodname refers to the surname of each of the 800 warriors who stood with Nicholas Kerensky during the Exodus Civil War. These 800 are the foundation of the Clans' elaborate breeding program. The right to use on of these surnames has been the ambition of every Clan warrior since the system was established.”

Nominees for “Bloodname” must display exceptional merit. Nominees may not have received any punishment form the circle of equals. It is Customary for nominees to have previously received “Ristar”, however it is not necessary. A player my only receive “Bloodname” once. Players who receive “Bloodname” will have an appropriate Bloodname from their clan added to their Comment Field, and receive 50 Reward Points. If the Player has previously received “Ristar” then the Bloodname will replace that title in his or her Comment Field.

Punishments:

The Black Band

Description to come later

Nominees for “The Black Band” must show a disregard for the welfare of their clan, or place their own gain ahead of their clan's. A player that receives “The Black Band” will have his or her “Ristar” and “Bloodname” titles removed. A player may receive “The Black Band” more than once. Players who receive “The Black Band” will be fined 100% of their influence, and 25% of their Reward points.

Dezgra

“A fighting unit which disgraces itself is known as a dezgra unit…Any unit that refuses orders, panics in the face of the enemy, or takes dishonorable action is disgraced. The unit warriors are given a choice: immediate execution or the dezgra: ‘disgraced expulsion’.”

Nominees for “Dezgra” must display cowardice dishonor, or a disregard for Zellbringen. A player that receives “Dezgra” will have his or her “Ristar” and “Bloodname” titles removed. A player may receive “Dezgra” more than once. Players who receive “Dezgra” will be fined 100% of their influence, 50% of their Reward Points, and 25% of their C-Bills.

Abjuration

“When a problem within a caste or Clan can be resolved by no other process, the troublesome element may be ejected from Clan society through a Trial of Abjuration. The target of the ritual is stripped of rank and caste, which places them outside Clan law, and is usually forcibly ejected from Clan territory. Members of the Clans may no longer speak the name of the abjured member or Clan and, in case of warriors, their genetic material is purged from the gene pool. A Clan may also abjure a warrior for negligence of duty or conduct unbecoming a warrior.”

Nominees for “Abjuration” must show a complete lack of regard for Zellbringen or in some other way completely dishonor themselves. Abuse of the rules, Throwing games, Abuse of the Circle of Equals are all acceptable reasons for Nominating a player for “Abjuration” Players who receive “Abjuration” are fined 50% of their C-bills, and 100% of their Reward Points. Additionally, they are moved to the Dark Caste, and stripped of all previous “Ristar” and “Bloodname” titles.