Inspirations for the Guild

OOC GUILD INFORMATION & TRIVIA

I. )  The name of the guild, Forward Unto Dawn, is taken from a U.N.S.C. frigate in the Halo video game series by Bungie.

II. )  The guild is also known informally as the Order of the Dawn.  Catharta will usually refer to the guild in this manner.

III. )  The guild is modeled heavily after the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of Hospitallers.  They were a group of men attached to a hospital in Jerusalem that was founded by Blessed Gerard around 1023 which evolved into a military/hospitaller order.

The Hospitallers and the Knights Templar (formed in  1119)   became the most powerful Christian groups in the area. The Order came to distinguish itself in battle with the Muslims, its soldiers wearing a black surcoat with a white cross.  After the Templars were dissolved in 1312, much of their property was given to the Hospitallers.

The Order was known by several names (Knights of Malta, Knights of Rhodes, etc … ) and is actually still in existence.

IV. )  The elvish text in the title card reads:  "The Night Is Always Darkest Before The Dawn."

V. )  The guild is also heavily inspired by the film, "Kingdom of Heaven" as can be derived from the oath all knights of the Order must take.

Joining the Order

If one wishes to join the Order, there are several ways to go about it:

I. ) The most direct and quickest route is to contact Liliania Sunsong, the official recruitment officer and occasional second-in-command.  Although she usually has her hands full with the Sunsong Academy or planning the Sunday Services for the Horde, she is always eager to help.

II. ) While contacting the guild leader would seem like the easiest choice, it is not, though it is still a viable option.  While Catharta has no problem answering any questions one might have, she is usually doing several tasks while online.  So, if you message her and receive no reply, do not think that she is giving you the cold shoulder.  She will be more than happy to answer your questions — though doing so while a flag carrier (etc … ) can prove to be troublesome.

What to Expect

All initiates must undergo a month's trial before they are considered for promotion to Squire and official status in the guild.  This is simply to see how one behaves under certain conditions and to see if we are the right guild for you and vice-versa.  Do not expect to be inducted right away.  It is a slow process designed to separate those who are genuine from those who simply want a name above their character.

The Oath

As a member of the order, to advance in rank, you will have to swear an oath of loyalty.  After the oath is taken, the Adept may be considered a knight, and accorded all the rights and privileges of his/her title.

Be without fear, in the face of your enemies.
Be brave and upright, that the Gods may love thee.
Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death.
Safeguard the helpless, and do no wrong.
That is your oath.

[a quick backhand to the face]

And that, is so you remember it.
Rise, a knight!
 

Code of Conduct

I. ) Guild chat (/g) is always kept in-character. It is always best, whenever possible however, to keep RP face-to-face. The out-of-character channel (untodawnooc) is for everyday, casual discussions.


II. ) Try to help your guild-mates when they need it as they will most likely return the favor in kind.


III. ) There is no begging for items or gold in any chat channels. Gold is extremely easy to come by these days and there is no excuse for not having any.


IV. ) Members should refrain from foul or overly-suggestive language in both guild chat and the OOC channel. Try to keep it as clean as possible.


V. ) If you are having a problem with another guildmate, speak with Catharta or one of the Senior Officers about it. In the unlikely event that the problem cannot be solved, it's best to leave the situation with no hard feelings.


VI. ) Do not harass other guild members or players outside the guild. We encourage fun, but keep it respectable.


VII. ) We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. While a healthy in-game rivalry between factions and races is acceptable, we require civil and courteous behavior towards the people behind the keyboard.


VIII. ) Do not let someone else log onto your account and represent you. Your character's actions are your responsibility.


IX. ) Characters must be at least level 10 to join the guild.


X. ) The order is a very structured guild. That is not to say it is tyrannical, however it is expected that orders (in RP) are to be followed. Of course, conflicts will arise and if your character has issues or concerns about orders, they should voice them.


XI. ) While we are a very relaxed guild that will force no one to play a certain amount of time, please be aware that if you do not log on for more than three months, and you do not contact us to explain why, you will be reduced to the rank of retainer. This is not a punishment, merely a precaution against possible hacked accounts. Upon your return and verification of identity, your rank will be restored. from the guild. However, if you are gone for six months, you will be removed from the guild. This is not definitive, and you may join back, but we have to do this if we don't want our roster full of dead people.


XII. ) Every voice, from the highest ranking officer to the lowest initiate, is equal. If you have an OOC or even an IC comment or question, you will be listened to.


Roleplay


Is is strongly recommended (though not required) that you download and install MyRoleplay and that you fill in the blanks. It's a fantastic add-on that is essential for any roleplayer, casual or serious.


And remember … the most important rule is to have fun!

The Order of the Dawn

Welcome, traveler, to the halls of the Order of the Dawn.

While aligned primarily to the Horde, we are, in truth more neutral than anything, a practice that is often looked down upon, especially in these chaotic times.  However, it takes more courage to stand up for an unpopular opinion as opposed to one that everyone can easily rally behind.

The order was founded by the Baroness Catharta Ravenwood, a Blood Knightof the City of Silvermoon with a distinguished record.  This is, however, not an Order soley for knights.  All classes and races are more than welcome to join our ranks.

Based currently at Light's Hope Chapel in the Eastern Plaguelands, the Order strives to maintain some semblance of peace for the world, offering aid and protection to all who need it, regardless of their affiliation.