Codex
The Codex is the rules of Wolfguard.
Becoming a Wolfguard member:
Wolfguard has a two-tiered membership structure, composed of Novitiates, those
aspiring to become members of Wolfguard, and Adepts, full members of Wolfguard.
This is designed to develop and encourage mentoring and training by our Adepts
and to introduce the Novitiates to Wolfguard. Membership is by invitation
only.
Novitiate:
Novitiates will have a black sash with red trim and the silver
wolf. Novitiates may wear their sash at all events. To become a Novitiate,
a person is nominated by an Adept and must be voted on
unanimously by active Adepts within the realm. If approved, we would then
extend an invitation. Novitiates must abide by the Wolfguard Codex. Adepts
in that realm agree to train and
mentor the Novitiates. A Novitiate can walk away if he doesn't think the unit
is right for him. To eject a Novitiate requires a unanimous of all active
Adepts within the realm. Should a person leave and then
decide to rejoin, that person must be approved by unanimous vote of all active
Adepts within the realm.
There will be a minimum 6-month trial period before a Novitiate
is eligible for elevation to Adept. A Novitiate is raised to Adept status
by a unanimous vote of all Adepts present at a National Event (as defined
later). If a Novitiate is denied, we will give him a full explanation and
ask if he wishes to stay. He
would be eligible for a vote at the next National Event. A Novitiate would
be entitled to attend and speak at all Wolfguard meetings but would not be
able to vote. Should the unit choose, the prospective
member's acceptance may be determined by a vote including Adepts from other
realms, but this is not necessary.
Adept:
To differentiate from Novitiates, Adepts will have the red moon
behind the silver wolf on their sashes. Adepts are Wolfguard members who have
the authority to determine the both the
realm unit's direction, structure, actions, membership, etc. and the internal
structure of Wolfguard as a whole. These members have a final say on any appeal
process that may occur and act as arbitrators in all situations that call
for such actions.
Leadership on Local and National levels:
Local:
1. Unit leaders in individual realms must be Adepts.
2. Any new Wolfguard unit in a realm must be founded by a former
member of Wolfpack Wolfguard. This is to ensure that new units are founded
in the same mentality as the original unit.
3. There can only be one Wolfguard unit in a realm. If the realm
has limitations on the size of that unit then the unit must respect that limit.
National:
1. As we are all considered equals in Wolfguard, there is no
set leader. In the event that one should become necessary, a temporary leader
can be elected with a 3/4 vote. The duties and duration of a leader's term
are flexible.
General Guidelines for members:
1. Wolfguard members may not use flails. This is ground for
revocation of membership status. The only time that it is viable for a member
to use a flail is if the member has lost his or her weapon and it is the only
available weapon. The member should not sacrifice his or her life for this
rule; however never practice with a flail, never walk on to the field with
one, and if at all possible don’t pick one up. There are only two exceptions
to this rule. One is the reservation made for knights in Wolfguard, who are
allowed to train their squires with flails. The other is that Wolfguard members
may train with flails as long as they are in mundane clothes and are not representing
Wolfguard in any way.
2. Shield guidelines: The exact dimensions of shields for use
in Wolfguard are not set, but vary from person to person. A good rule of thumb
is that it should not cover your entire chest when held in a manner that puts
your bicep parallel with your shoulders. It should not cover more than one
leg, and should not go past your knee. Each shield will be voted in on an
individual basis at national events. Suggested shields are rounds and teardrops.
Tower shields will not be allowed.
3. Wolfguard is meant to be a group of great fighters and great
friends, but it is also meant to be an organization that is devoted both to
their realms and to the sport as a National entity. Toward that end, service
is always encouraged. It is always a rule that participation is never required
of Wolfguard members, but it is considered that the best members are those
who contribute to their realms, to their unit, and to the National Belegarth
organization.
4. Definitions of National Events: An event is an organized
fighting and socializing gathering where there is more than the majority of
the current Wolfguard Adepts. Events currently recognized as events
where Wolfguard voting may occur are listed as Beltaine, Armageddon, Octoberfest,
Springfest, Summer War, and Equinox.
5. Becoming a member of Wolfguard applies only to that specific
persona. If a person has other personas, then those other personas must be
differentiated by different garb, answering
to a different name, and different equipment such as a shield cover. Also,
while portraying a different persona, a member may not wear the Wolfguard
sash or fight with a flail.
6. Wolfguard meetings may be open at the discretion of the attending
members. Any meetings involving internal issues will be closed.
Discipline:
1. Disciplinary actions may be taken against any member of Guard.
The accuser or accusers must voice their complaint. The accused may speak
on his, or her, own behalf. Any member of Guard may speak for or against the
accused member.
2. Disciplinary decisions must be made by a group of at least three Adepts.
These members will decide the merit of any complaint and determine the action,
if any, to be taken against the member in question.