The Widowed
11-27-2005, 10:50 PM
The Benefits and Duties of Rank: A Breakdown
(Amended to accommodate the new Supergroup ranking system and to include newer features such as Coalitions and bases)
Gokyu -- White Belt rank
• The Gokyu gets to claim Urban Bushido membership and may wear the supergroup colors (of course).
• The Gokyu may be called on for Urban Bushido teams, exhibitions and other massed details or festivities.
• The Gokyu is expected to respect the good judgement of any active Bushi of higher rank in any conflict or serious decision, just as the superior is expected not to be tyrannical or frivolous with such decisions.
• The Gokyu may vote in any open council called at the behest of a Shodan, a Godan or a Hachidan. The Gokyu is also expected to lend counsel or advice to any Urban Bushido member who requests it.
Nikyu -- Blue Belt rank
• A Gokyu who has accompanied a ranking member of Urban Bushido (Shodan rank or higher) on no fewer than five missions and has demonstrated suitable discipline and talent for teamwork in that period may be promoted to Nikyu rank at the officer's discretion. Gokyu who have successfully brought at least three potential recruits to be initiated into the Gokyu rank of Urban Bushido may also be considered for this honor; Two recruits and two missions may also be considered an acceptable standard, again at the officer's discretion. A Gokyu who earns at least 30,000 Prestige (as viewed under the Supergroup roster, the sum of which does not include the Supergroup award of 20,000 Prestige for each of the first fifteen members) may be promoted to Nikyu regardless of whether or not any of the aforementioned standards have been fulfilled.
• The Nikyu is authorized to act as Team Leader over any number of Gokyu on any team consisting entirely of Bushi. If the Nikyu deems any Gokyu on the team worthy of a role as Team Leader, the Nikyu may pass the gold star to the Gokyu; Any such action should be exercised only after due consideration or in the face of suitable need (such as a particular Gokyu being the most familiar with the proceedings of a certain Task Force). The Nikyu is also expected to surrender the gold star to the ranking Shodan, Godan or Hachidan on the team unless the officer dictates otherwise, as above.
• The Nikyu may be called on for Urban Bushido teams, exhibitions and other massed details or festivities.
• In the event of a conflict among Gokyu, a Nikyu is expected to act as a mediator, bringing the conflict to a swift, reasonable and amicable resolution if at all possible. In the event that the conflict warrants any sort of punitive action, the Nikyu should discreetly alert the first available Shodan, Godan or Hachidan and ask the officer to intervene. Confidentiality is assured in all such incidents.
• The Nikyu may vote in any open council called at the behest of a Shodan, Godan or a Hachidan. The Nikyu is also expected to lend counsel or advice to any Urban Bushido member who requests it.
Shodan -- First-Degree Black Belt rank
• A Nikyu who has attained Security Level 20 and who has assembled a costume to serve as his or her Urban Bushido uniform may be promoted to Shodan rank. Guidelines for the uniform shall be established in a separate topic, but--as a general rule of thumb--the uniform must take the form of the uniform garments for any martial arts style: kung fu robes, karate gi, the trunks, boots and gloves or fist wraps which denote a boxer, et cetera. A uniform of questionable quality may be cause for a rejected promotion, at the discretion of the promoting officer(s).
• The Shodan may judge prospective Heroes and--if the Shodan judges them worthy of recruitment--may invite the Heroes to Urban Bushido, in compliance with guidelines. In absence of a Hachidan or a Godan, the Shodan is expected to render good judgement on permitting Dark Melee Scrappers, non-Archery Blasters or other "questionable" prospects who require evaluation.
• If a Gokyu meets or exceeds all standards for Nikyu rank, any Shodan may promote the Gokyu to Nikyu rank. It is entirely the Shodan's decision if the Gokyu's accomplishments are acceptable for the promotion.
• If a Nikyu meets or exceeds all standards for Shodan rank, two or more Shodan shall confer and decide on the Nikyu's promotion to Shodan rank. In the event that only one Shodan is available to decide on the Nikyu's promotion, this promotion may also be ordained by one Godan or one Hachidan, who may confer with the Shodan if any doubts about the promotion exist
• The Shodan may take part in any council to vote on suggestions, minor rules or minor implementations which do not drastically alter the status or mission of Urban Bushido, either in-game or out-of-game.
• The Shodan may assign punitive action to any Gokyu or Nikyu who is found acting in violation of Urban Bushido standards (ie. griefing, harassment, excessive vulgarity or abusiveness, etc). Such actions are left for the Shodan's good judgement but may include an award of damages from the offender to the victim(s) to be conducted through the Shodan, assigned missions or other duties, temporary suspension or temporary dismissal from Urban Bushido (permanent dismissal should only be conducted with a Hachidan's approval), trial by combat or imposed debt accumulation (ie. "See that Kraken who's about ten levels over you? Run up and punch him."). Again, the Shodan must be both fair and decisive with any such judgement.
• The Shodan may assume a sensei role for "public training sessions" and similar gatherings. If a Hachidan is present, this role may be requested by or bestowed unto the Shodan. If no Hachidan is present, the Shodan may (and should) assume the role immediately.
• Whether or not any Hachidan or Godan are present, the Shodan may call such a gathering into order if no business is pressing; The gathering may be dispersed at any time by the acting Shodan, two or more other Shodan who oppose the gathering or one Hachidan or Godan who opposes the gathering; The opposing Shodan, Godan or Hachidan are expected to explain their decision to the acting Shodan (ie. "We can't hold a demonstration for the public now. We've been called to fend off a Winter Lord invasion.").
• Grievances among Gokyu and/or Nikyu may be brought to a Shodan's attention, and the Shodan may arbitrate with his or her best judgement. The subordinates are expected to respect the Shodan's decision. If the subordinates feel that the Shodan's decision was unfair, they may appeal with either a Hachidan, a Godan or an alternate Shodan; The Hachidan, Godan or alternate Shodan is expected to confer with the arbitrating Shodan and determine if the judgement was fair after all or--if the verdict was indeed unfair--bring the grievance to a reasonable resolution.
• In an all-Urban Bushido team, a Shodan is expected to act as the team leader unless a Godan or a Hachidan is present. The Gokyu and Nikyu are expected to transfer leadership to the Shodan, but the Shodan would be within rights to transfer leadership to a Gokyu, as long as the reason is good; Training a Gokyu to lead by offering the leadership role is acceptable, but making a Gokyu lead because the Shodan is lazy or unsure of himself is not. Good Shodan are expected to lead from the front, but leading while away from the team may also be acceptable, given circumstances (ie. luring enemies away, setting up an ambush or clearing a safe retreat point). The Gokyu should listen to a Shodan's decisions, and the Shodan should ensure the well-being of the Gokyu.
• In any unusual event where two or more Urban Bushido teams must coordinate with each other (ie. street sweeping, coordinating an attack on Luska the giant octopus, et cetera), any Shodan may organize a team of Gokyu, Nikyu and/or consenting Shodan; The Shodan will serve as the team leader and the point of communication with other teams. This clause remains in effect even if the Shodan's team has members who are not affiliated with Urban Bushido.
Godan -- Fourth-Degree Black Belt rank
• A Shodan who has demonstrated leadership capability through any number of missions, recruitment drives and/or private or public events sanctioned by Urban Bushido may be promoted to Godan rank by either two Godan or one Hachidan, if the promoting officer(s) should deem the Shodan worthy. The Godan must also be Security Level 25 or higher, though the Hachidan may waive this standard for certain rare and exceptional candidates.
• The Hachidan may judge prospective Heroes and--if the Hachidan judges them worthy--may invite the Heroes to Urban Bushido, in compliance with guidelines.
• As mentioned before, two or more Godan may approve a Shodan for promotion to Godan. One Godan alone may approve any Gokyu or Nikyu for promotion.
• The Godan is authorized to buy, sell or customize room objects or similar details in the Superdojo. The Godan may also add, subtract or move rooms comprising the Superdojo but should request approval from a Hachidan before doing so.
• The Godan may invite other Supergroups into a Coalition with Urban Bushido after coordinating with the leaders of these Supergroups. This action is not to be taken lightly, as the morality and integrity of other Supergroups can reflect on Urban Bushido. Birds of a feather....
• The Godan may take part in any council to vote on anything, including major implementations or amendments which alter the status or mission of Urban Bushido, either in-game or out-of-game.
• The Godan may assign punitive action to any Gokyu, Nikyu or Shodan who is found acting in violation of Urban Bushido standards, as detailed above.
• The Godan may settle grievances among Gokyu, Nikyu, Shodan and/or other Godan, as detailed above.
• The Godan may assume a sensei role for "public training sessions" and similar gatherings, and may organize such gatherings. The Godan is also permitted to end such gatherings at will, though the Godan is expected to explain his or her decision to those involved with the gathering. Only the decision of a Hachidan or of two or more Godan may overrule this action.
• In an all-Urban Bushido team, the Godan is expected to lead the team in absence of a Hachidan, as detailed above.
• In any unusual event where two or more Urban Bushido teams must coordinate with each other, any Godan may organize a team of Gokyu, Nikyu, Shodan and/or consenting Godan, as detailed above.
Hachidan -- Eighth-Degree Black Belt rank
• Any prospective Godan who has been deemed worthy of promotion by two or more Hachidan may be promoted to Hachidan rank. Such an honor is ideally granted after the Godan has made significant contributions to the welfare, public presence and mission statement of Urban Bushido. The aspiring Godan should have no fewer than ten powers from among his or her Primary and Secondary power sets, and he or she must also be Security Level 30 or higher; No exceptions will be made for these standards. Hachidan is a demanding position which is to be bestowed only unto those who have truly earned it.
• If a Hachidan determines that the decision of any Nikyu, Shodan or Godan was in error, the Hachidan may overrule that decision.
• The Hachidan may judge prospective Heroes and--if the Hachidan judges them worthy--may invite the Heroes to Urban Bushido, in compliance with guidelines.
• The Hachidan may take part in any council to vote on anything, including major implementations or amendments which alter the status or mission of Urban Bushido, either in-game or out-of-game. Any Hachidan may also call such councils together and bring them to order as needs be.
• The Hachidan may assign punitive action to any subordinate Bushi who is found acting in violation of Urban Bushido standards, as detailed above. In addition, a Hachidan who transgresses may be assigned punitive action by the unanimous judgement of two or more Hachidan, though a debate or an attempt at resolution should ideally precede such measures.
• The Hachidan may settle grievances among any and all members of Urban Bushido--including other Hachidan--as detailed above.
• The Hachidan may assume a sensei role for "public training sessions" and similar gatherings, and may organize such gatherings. The Hachidan is also permitted to end such gatherings at will, though the Hachidan is expected to explain his/her decision to those involved with the gathering.
• In an all-Urban Bushido team, the Hachidan is expected to lead the team, as detailed above.
• In any unusual event where two or more Urban Bushido teams must coordinate with each other, any Hachidan may organize a team of Gokyu, Nikyu, Shodan, Godan and/or consenting Hachidan, as detailed above.
This charter may be altered or amended at anytime by the approval of a majority of Bushi officers (Shodan rank or above).
(Amended to accommodate the new Supergroup ranking system and to include newer features such as Coalitions and bases)
Gokyu -- White Belt rank
• The Gokyu gets to claim Urban Bushido membership and may wear the supergroup colors (of course).
• The Gokyu may be called on for Urban Bushido teams, exhibitions and other massed details or festivities.
• The Gokyu is expected to respect the good judgement of any active Bushi of higher rank in any conflict or serious decision, just as the superior is expected not to be tyrannical or frivolous with such decisions.
• The Gokyu may vote in any open council called at the behest of a Shodan, a Godan or a Hachidan. The Gokyu is also expected to lend counsel or advice to any Urban Bushido member who requests it.
Nikyu -- Blue Belt rank
• A Gokyu who has accompanied a ranking member of Urban Bushido (Shodan rank or higher) on no fewer than five missions and has demonstrated suitable discipline and talent for teamwork in that period may be promoted to Nikyu rank at the officer's discretion. Gokyu who have successfully brought at least three potential recruits to be initiated into the Gokyu rank of Urban Bushido may also be considered for this honor; Two recruits and two missions may also be considered an acceptable standard, again at the officer's discretion. A Gokyu who earns at least 30,000 Prestige (as viewed under the Supergroup roster, the sum of which does not include the Supergroup award of 20,000 Prestige for each of the first fifteen members) may be promoted to Nikyu regardless of whether or not any of the aforementioned standards have been fulfilled.
• The Nikyu is authorized to act as Team Leader over any number of Gokyu on any team consisting entirely of Bushi. If the Nikyu deems any Gokyu on the team worthy of a role as Team Leader, the Nikyu may pass the gold star to the Gokyu; Any such action should be exercised only after due consideration or in the face of suitable need (such as a particular Gokyu being the most familiar with the proceedings of a certain Task Force). The Nikyu is also expected to surrender the gold star to the ranking Shodan, Godan or Hachidan on the team unless the officer dictates otherwise, as above.
• The Nikyu may be called on for Urban Bushido teams, exhibitions and other massed details or festivities.
• In the event of a conflict among Gokyu, a Nikyu is expected to act as a mediator, bringing the conflict to a swift, reasonable and amicable resolution if at all possible. In the event that the conflict warrants any sort of punitive action, the Nikyu should discreetly alert the first available Shodan, Godan or Hachidan and ask the officer to intervene. Confidentiality is assured in all such incidents.
• The Nikyu may vote in any open council called at the behest of a Shodan, Godan or a Hachidan. The Nikyu is also expected to lend counsel or advice to any Urban Bushido member who requests it.
Shodan -- First-Degree Black Belt rank
• A Nikyu who has attained Security Level 20 and who has assembled a costume to serve as his or her Urban Bushido uniform may be promoted to Shodan rank. Guidelines for the uniform shall be established in a separate topic, but--as a general rule of thumb--the uniform must take the form of the uniform garments for any martial arts style: kung fu robes, karate gi, the trunks, boots and gloves or fist wraps which denote a boxer, et cetera. A uniform of questionable quality may be cause for a rejected promotion, at the discretion of the promoting officer(s).
• The Shodan may judge prospective Heroes and--if the Shodan judges them worthy of recruitment--may invite the Heroes to Urban Bushido, in compliance with guidelines. In absence of a Hachidan or a Godan, the Shodan is expected to render good judgement on permitting Dark Melee Scrappers, non-Archery Blasters or other "questionable" prospects who require evaluation.
• If a Gokyu meets or exceeds all standards for Nikyu rank, any Shodan may promote the Gokyu to Nikyu rank. It is entirely the Shodan's decision if the Gokyu's accomplishments are acceptable for the promotion.
• If a Nikyu meets or exceeds all standards for Shodan rank, two or more Shodan shall confer and decide on the Nikyu's promotion to Shodan rank. In the event that only one Shodan is available to decide on the Nikyu's promotion, this promotion may also be ordained by one Godan or one Hachidan, who may confer with the Shodan if any doubts about the promotion exist
• The Shodan may take part in any council to vote on suggestions, minor rules or minor implementations which do not drastically alter the status or mission of Urban Bushido, either in-game or out-of-game.
• The Shodan may assign punitive action to any Gokyu or Nikyu who is found acting in violation of Urban Bushido standards (ie. griefing, harassment, excessive vulgarity or abusiveness, etc). Such actions are left for the Shodan's good judgement but may include an award of damages from the offender to the victim(s) to be conducted through the Shodan, assigned missions or other duties, temporary suspension or temporary dismissal from Urban Bushido (permanent dismissal should only be conducted with a Hachidan's approval), trial by combat or imposed debt accumulation (ie. "See that Kraken who's about ten levels over you? Run up and punch him."). Again, the Shodan must be both fair and decisive with any such judgement.
• The Shodan may assume a sensei role for "public training sessions" and similar gatherings. If a Hachidan is present, this role may be requested by or bestowed unto the Shodan. If no Hachidan is present, the Shodan may (and should) assume the role immediately.
• Whether or not any Hachidan or Godan are present, the Shodan may call such a gathering into order if no business is pressing; The gathering may be dispersed at any time by the acting Shodan, two or more other Shodan who oppose the gathering or one Hachidan or Godan who opposes the gathering; The opposing Shodan, Godan or Hachidan are expected to explain their decision to the acting Shodan (ie. "We can't hold a demonstration for the public now. We've been called to fend off a Winter Lord invasion.").
• Grievances among Gokyu and/or Nikyu may be brought to a Shodan's attention, and the Shodan may arbitrate with his or her best judgement. The subordinates are expected to respect the Shodan's decision. If the subordinates feel that the Shodan's decision was unfair, they may appeal with either a Hachidan, a Godan or an alternate Shodan; The Hachidan, Godan or alternate Shodan is expected to confer with the arbitrating Shodan and determine if the judgement was fair after all or--if the verdict was indeed unfair--bring the grievance to a reasonable resolution.
• In an all-Urban Bushido team, a Shodan is expected to act as the team leader unless a Godan or a Hachidan is present. The Gokyu and Nikyu are expected to transfer leadership to the Shodan, but the Shodan would be within rights to transfer leadership to a Gokyu, as long as the reason is good; Training a Gokyu to lead by offering the leadership role is acceptable, but making a Gokyu lead because the Shodan is lazy or unsure of himself is not. Good Shodan are expected to lead from the front, but leading while away from the team may also be acceptable, given circumstances (ie. luring enemies away, setting up an ambush or clearing a safe retreat point). The Gokyu should listen to a Shodan's decisions, and the Shodan should ensure the well-being of the Gokyu.
• In any unusual event where two or more Urban Bushido teams must coordinate with each other (ie. street sweeping, coordinating an attack on Luska the giant octopus, et cetera), any Shodan may organize a team of Gokyu, Nikyu and/or consenting Shodan; The Shodan will serve as the team leader and the point of communication with other teams. This clause remains in effect even if the Shodan's team has members who are not affiliated with Urban Bushido.
Godan -- Fourth-Degree Black Belt rank
• A Shodan who has demonstrated leadership capability through any number of missions, recruitment drives and/or private or public events sanctioned by Urban Bushido may be promoted to Godan rank by either two Godan or one Hachidan, if the promoting officer(s) should deem the Shodan worthy. The Godan must also be Security Level 25 or higher, though the Hachidan may waive this standard for certain rare and exceptional candidates.
• The Hachidan may judge prospective Heroes and--if the Hachidan judges them worthy--may invite the Heroes to Urban Bushido, in compliance with guidelines.
• As mentioned before, two or more Godan may approve a Shodan for promotion to Godan. One Godan alone may approve any Gokyu or Nikyu for promotion.
• The Godan is authorized to buy, sell or customize room objects or similar details in the Superdojo. The Godan may also add, subtract or move rooms comprising the Superdojo but should request approval from a Hachidan before doing so.
• The Godan may invite other Supergroups into a Coalition with Urban Bushido after coordinating with the leaders of these Supergroups. This action is not to be taken lightly, as the morality and integrity of other Supergroups can reflect on Urban Bushido. Birds of a feather....
• The Godan may take part in any council to vote on anything, including major implementations or amendments which alter the status or mission of Urban Bushido, either in-game or out-of-game.
• The Godan may assign punitive action to any Gokyu, Nikyu or Shodan who is found acting in violation of Urban Bushido standards, as detailed above.
• The Godan may settle grievances among Gokyu, Nikyu, Shodan and/or other Godan, as detailed above.
• The Godan may assume a sensei role for "public training sessions" and similar gatherings, and may organize such gatherings. The Godan is also permitted to end such gatherings at will, though the Godan is expected to explain his or her decision to those involved with the gathering. Only the decision of a Hachidan or of two or more Godan may overrule this action.
• In an all-Urban Bushido team, the Godan is expected to lead the team in absence of a Hachidan, as detailed above.
• In any unusual event where two or more Urban Bushido teams must coordinate with each other, any Godan may organize a team of Gokyu, Nikyu, Shodan and/or consenting Godan, as detailed above.
Hachidan -- Eighth-Degree Black Belt rank
• Any prospective Godan who has been deemed worthy of promotion by two or more Hachidan may be promoted to Hachidan rank. Such an honor is ideally granted after the Godan has made significant contributions to the welfare, public presence and mission statement of Urban Bushido. The aspiring Godan should have no fewer than ten powers from among his or her Primary and Secondary power sets, and he or she must also be Security Level 30 or higher; No exceptions will be made for these standards. Hachidan is a demanding position which is to be bestowed only unto those who have truly earned it.
• If a Hachidan determines that the decision of any Nikyu, Shodan or Godan was in error, the Hachidan may overrule that decision.
• The Hachidan may judge prospective Heroes and--if the Hachidan judges them worthy--may invite the Heroes to Urban Bushido, in compliance with guidelines.
• The Hachidan may take part in any council to vote on anything, including major implementations or amendments which alter the status or mission of Urban Bushido, either in-game or out-of-game. Any Hachidan may also call such councils together and bring them to order as needs be.
• The Hachidan may assign punitive action to any subordinate Bushi who is found acting in violation of Urban Bushido standards, as detailed above. In addition, a Hachidan who transgresses may be assigned punitive action by the unanimous judgement of two or more Hachidan, though a debate or an attempt at resolution should ideally precede such measures.
• The Hachidan may settle grievances among any and all members of Urban Bushido--including other Hachidan--as detailed above.
• The Hachidan may assume a sensei role for "public training sessions" and similar gatherings, and may organize such gatherings. The Hachidan is also permitted to end such gatherings at will, though the Hachidan is expected to explain his/her decision to those involved with the gathering.
• In an all-Urban Bushido team, the Hachidan is expected to lead the team, as detailed above.
• In any unusual event where two or more Urban Bushido teams must coordinate with each other, any Hachidan may organize a team of Gokyu, Nikyu, Shodan, Godan and/or consenting Hachidan, as detailed above.
This charter may be altered or amended at anytime by the approval of a majority of Bushi officers (Shodan rank or above).