The Charter of Shahrazad

The name Shahrazad originates from 1001 Arabian Nights.  This timeless collection of stories is a tapestry of magic, intrigue, honor and wit brought together by the storyteller Shahrazad. The background for these tales is provided when Emperor Shahriar discovers his wife has been unfaithful.  He orders her killed and resolves to marry a new wife everyday and have her beheaded the next morning.  Shahrazad, a young woman with courage, wit and beauty, decides to save the kingdom from the emperor's curse and marries him.  Cleverly, after the marriage ceremony, she begins to tell Shahriar a story.  Entwining stories within stories and concluding each with a suspenseful glimpse of the next, Shahrazad entrances the emperor, and he decides to spare her life the next morning.  Ingeniously, Shahrazad avoids death for 1001 nights and gains the devotion and love of Shahriar.

We will be the embodiment of her stories.  Our conquests will be of lore, and the stories we write shall be passed down from generation to generation throughout all of Norrath.

Shahrazad's purpose is simple.  Our members are here first and foremost to have fun and explore Everquest.  We are not a required raiding guild.  Real life will always take precedence over any in-game activity.

It is also our belief that casual role-playing can enhance the gaming experience greatly.  We understand however, many individuals are uncomfortable or unsure how to role-play in Everquest.  Therefore, role-playing is encouraged and is always respected, but not required.

We are friends and allies here accomplish quests, content, and exploration.  We will move through game content, but not miss a chance to explore both old and new zones.  We will always try to help everyone accomplish their ever-changing goals, whether they are the newest or most experienced guild member.  The pace will be leisurely, but the focus will be on the next step. 

Everyone must adhere to the "play nice" policy set forth by SoE. We are all adults and should act as such. Try to resolve the problem without trading insults. If all else fails, remain calm and petition GM.  Be an example of an adult.

We will come to the aid of others and always be kind to those both in and out of the guild. If we hear or see someone yelling for help, we will assist him or her in anyway we can.  If it's a quick heal, buff or otherwise. If they ask for our help or if they are running away on their last legs trying to zone, we will help them out. We will not stand by passively and let someone die. They will remember our kindness. We will be an example.

Do things that are important ...things that matter. Perform random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.

Our name will always stand for honesty, integrity and good will.

Goals

The goals of Shahrazad are ever changing, just as the face of Norrath changes relentlessly.  As a guild, Shahrazad's strategy is to move through the content of the game towards the end game.  We will become a strong, moral force capable of exploring anywhere we wish.  There is no timeline set for any level of content.  Content level goals will be set as members become experienced and geared to handle the next step.  We will, as needed, go backwards to help members.  Once again, real life will always take precedence over any guild function or event.

Teamwork, experience and exploration will always be our main goal.  A guild must train at teach level of content before moving forward.  Members must feel comfortable with their characters abilities and tasks.

Why not just Zerg the objectives? Zerging (attacking the objective with such force, it falls due to shear numbers) accomplishes little.  Even low-level bosses such as Grummus can wipe large raid forces easily if strategy and playing skills are weak.  And conversely Rikukin and Kessdona can be taken down by two groups or less if they have a good strategy and excellent playing skills.

Gear, in all cases does, NOT make the player.  Gear only enhances the player's ability.  A poorly played cleric with Deathknell gear will cause a Seballis raid to wipe.  However a Kunark geared cleric on a Vishimtar raid will be out of mana before the fight begins.  A good balance must be achieved.  Gear must be divided fairly from raids and grouping according to the loot policies.

Our goal will forever be to take down each objective efficiently.  We do not need to be uber loot or uber size to accomplish tasks.  We must instead be uber strategy.

Member Policies

When you accept membership into Shahrazad you are agreeing to abide by the Guild Charter and the Membership Policies stated here.

  1. All members are expected to treat each other with the respect and politeness of a family. While we are a raiding guild we maintain a family guild in the manner we treat both each other and the general server community.
  2. Shahrazad does NOT have required raiding nor does it intend to move to it however, a "Raid If You Are On" policy has been adopted which applies to regular guild raid times. Simply put, if you are logged on and able, you are asked to raid during raid times. If you are unable to enter the zone being raided it is expected you are working towards getting access to the zone and\or helping other guild members move toward access
  3. All members must /autojoin shahrazad, shahlewtz and the appropriate class channels. Those are our raid chatter and loot channels. If you aren't in these you will miss out on incoming pulls, specific raid instructions and loot bids.
  4. All members must be committed to the progress of the guild.  Having alternate characters or mains in other guilds is not allowed.
  5. All members must remain somewhat active in Shahrazad.  Even if you are unable to attend any guild functions due to real life, a "Hello" in guild chat or on the message board is required.
  6. Message boards must be used regularly.  This is where all guild discussion and events will be posted.
  7. Language and topic on the forums and in /gu must be kept in good taste. Blatant cursing and explicit sexual comments are prohibited. Discussions on religion and politics should be kept to a minimum. A positive environment must be maintained.
  8. Absolutely NO using /gu chat as an Auction House. We do not make profits off of guildmates in guild chat.
  9. Guild leadership will be open to members' discussion and ideas.  Guild members must feel free to address questions and concerns with the leaders at their convenience.
  10. Members must be willing to play their characters to the best of their abilities and be willing to improve their skills according to their playing style.

Recruitment

We accept players into our family who will adhere to the Shahrazad Charter and Policies and are willing to enjoy the game as much as we do. Due to current content, minimum flags, AAs and gear are required. Recruit requirements are subject to change.

To apply, click on the recruit tab for more information on general and class restrictions.

Upon acceptance into the guild, new members will enter as Recruits. The recruit phase of entry acts as a transition phase.  It allows the recruit the chance to evaluate their desire to join Shahrazad.  It also allows the guild a chance to evaluate the playing style and abilities of the recruit.  30 days after entering the guild, recruits will be either granted to membership or declared as having failed recruitment.

Event Scheduling

Regular Guild events will be scheduled as follows, time and participation allowing.

Sundays 7:30PM CT
Tuesdays 7:30 PM CT
Thursday 8PM CT
Saturday 7PM CT

All Thursday raids are consider optional, the "Raid If You Are On" policy does not apply, unless noted on the MotD.

Event meet-up locations and specifics will be posted on the MotD as they become available. In many instances, specifics will not be known until an hour or two prior to the start of the event, in these cases it will be marked TBA on the MotD.

Anyone is welcome to scheduale or call "pick-up" events or request specific events. Loot policies for unofficial guild events MUST be set prior to beginning.

We are all leaders of our own game so please use the forum to make suggestions and plans.

Raid, Event and Loot Policies

  1. All of Shahrazad are held accountable for knowing the rules stated below.  Participation in raids and other guild functions is contingent upon adhering to and recognizing the below or be at risk for dismissal and prohibited from attending future raids.

  2. Each guest and participating member in raids or events is to be treated with respect and friendship. Participants are expected to bring any problems to the attention of the Event/Raid Leader or an officer when time permits. We do realize personality conflicts arise between people and as adults we should all rise above these altercations. Shahrazad members will not start or cause fights/slander during raids.

  3. Shahrazad members who choose to lead a raid or event must run it with quality, be educated and prepared. Our raids will be organized and well planned. Rules, conduct and other information will be supplied to the raid participants prior to start.

  4. Shahrazad does NOT have required raiding nor does it intend to move to it, however, a "Raid If You Are On" policy has been adopted which applies to regular guild raid times.
    Simply put, if you are logged on and able, you are asked to raid during raid times. If you are unable to enter the zone being raided it is expected you are working towards getting access to the zone and\or helping other guild members move toward access. Members online but unable to attend scheduled raids due to real life issues (Tues, Sat, Sun) are expected to remain in a non-combat zone. Anyone in violation of this policy will receive two warnings. A third occurrence will lead to removal. This rule applies to all of your characters.

  5. Raid participants must remain patient and mindful of raid and event leaders. We understand raids in many cases are quite time consuming and preparations can be quite uneventful.  We recognize a well-planned raid takes time and we will be patient.  Raid leaders are to be as efficient as their raiding skills and abilities allow.

  6. Shahrazad uses an Auction DKP system. The system is explained in detail below.

  7. Whining will NOT be tolerated by raid participants.

  8. We believe in highly organized raids. Leaders must be knowledgeable and well prepared. We believe in strategy, not brute force. BE PREPARED! Everyone must bring invis potions, food water and any other necessities.

  9. MAPS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL RAIDS! No Exceptions. You can download them from Mapfiend, there is a link on our site.

  10. NO AFK's During Raids unless permitted or called for by the Raid Leader. If you have real life obligations, such as feeding kids, putting them to bed etc we encourage you NOT to attend the raid. It is very rude and inconvenient for other members to stop, and baby-sit you while you are on autofollow / AFK. If it becomes a problem, you WILL be asked not to attend raids.

Shahrazad's Auction DKP System

How Points Are Earned:

1 point for arriving raid at the schedualed start time
1 point for attending each FULL hour of the raid

All raids will be posted within a week of the completion of the raid . It is YOUR responsibility to check and post any discrepancies with your attendance or DKP spent. You have one week after the event has been posted to dispute your attendance. The raid leader must verify your attendance for you to earn points. YOU need to be sure your point totals are accurate and notify the loot officer ASAP of discrepancies via website email.

You must attend at least 2hrs of any raid to gain DKP.

Examples:
a) Raid starts at 8, ends at 12, MemberA attends entire raid - 5dkp
b) Raid starts at 8, ends at 12. MemberD attends 8-11:50 - 4dkp
c) Raid starts at 8, ends at 12. MemberB attends from 8:15-12 - 3dkp
d) Raid starts at 8, ends at 12. MemberC attends 9:30-12 - 2dkp

  1. DKP CANNOT be traded or given away.
  2. Mains only are eligible to gain and use DKP.
  3. In some cases, alts will be allowed to share DKP with mains, but ONLY when PREAPPROVED by raid leadership.
  4. Characters who are boxed during raids can use DKP from main characters only with prior approval from guild leadership.
  5. Only one character can gain DKP on any raid.
  6. Only Guild Raids and Mini-Raids will award DKP.
  7. Banked DKP is capped at 200.
The Bidding Process:
  1. The loot officer or raid leader will link the loot in S HAHLEWTZ:PHAT channel with an opening bid of 5, for example "Ubba_Chestitem 5dkp". The first round of bid is open to full members and approved boxes.
  2. Approved Box's can bid a maximum of 15dkp on the first round of bidding, unless bidding against another approved bot. Should a main bid above 15dkp, all approved bot bids above 15dkp will be stricken.
  3. The loot channel is for BID AMOUNTS and ITEMS ONLY. Chatting and all other discussion is PROHIBITED and will disqualify your bids.
  4. Promptly send in bids so the bidding process goes quickly.
  5. Items not bid on after initial opening of bids at 5, will be called "Open to all at 1." Any member, recruit or alt in attendance is welcome to bid at this point. Approved boxeds are not capped during this round of bidding. Members who were eligible to bid the first round are capped at 5.
  6. LAST CALL will be announced before bidding is about to be closed
  7. The highest bidder will be Gratzed the item.
  8. Looting ANY item without being given the loot rights (aka gratz) is considered Ninja Looting and will be dealt with as such.

Bidding Rules:

  1. 30% over 30 days or 40% over 60 days attendance is required to bid on items, unless opened to all. Percentage attendance can be found by clicking on the member name on the DKP roster.
  2. The winner only needs to spent one more point than the next highest bidder
  3. In case there is a tie between two or more people that have the same number of points to bid on an item, a random will resolve the tie.
  4. Only the winner will be charged points
  5. All items looted will cost a minimum of 1 point
  6. Members late to a raid by 1 hrs or more cannot bid on loots (unless opened to all) equal to the amount of time missed, or until a raid target change is called.
  7. Items not bid on will be looted for GB, Guild Tribute or destroyed.
  8. Key, key components, spell runes and groupible\common quest items will be handled using NBG\Merit or open roll as determined by the loot officer.
  9. Some items may be PRE-CALLED. In these cases, no bidding will be announced.
  10. Complex and rare quest items will be handled using DKP. DKP will not be charged until all raid steps have been completed. A successful bidder will win loot rights to all items up to that point in the particular quest. Any exceptions to using DKP will be explained by the loot officer as they arise.
  11. Some items may be RESTRICTED BIDDING by class or member. ONLY the announced classes or members my bid on the item.
  12. Attending leadership can limit or exclude bidding by member. In these cases, the members limited will not be able to exceed the maximum bid set by the loot officer, or their bid may be stricken.
  13. You are responsible to know your DKP totals, officers will not notify you of your DKP during raids unless you are overbidding.
  14. You may not spend more DKP then is posted on the DKP page on the website, minus any loot purchased since the last update. It will be kept as up to date as possible. Be aware, it may take a few days after every raid to for updates to occur.
  15. Non Shahrazad Raiders will have NO options on loots, with the exception of rotting items.


IF YOU ARE CAUGHT ABUSING THIS SYSTEM THEN YOU WILL LOSE ALL OF YOUR POINTS AND MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE GUILD.

Examples of abuse:

  • Attempting to earn points without committed contribution to a raid.
  • Bidding on an item to sell it or give it away.
  • Manipulating the bidding process by forcing others to spend more points when you have no intention of winning the item.
  • Manipulating bids by inquiring into or collaborating bids with another member or loot auctioneer.
  • Using the system to make a profit.
  • Bidding with points you do not have, including points that have not been updated yet.

How Membership and DKP are effected by long term breaks

After dropping below 15% attendance over 60 days, member DKP will be removed from the DKP list and recorded. The member will be moved to "Retired" status to show this change. While tagged Retired members do not need to follow the "Raid If You Are On" policy, but are welcome to raid, space allowing.

Should the member desire to return to raiding, a request via email or /tell to the guild leader asking for reinstatement is needed. The leadership will discuss the request and either approve or deny the request following 30 days. If the requesting member is denied, they may request again in one month.

When approved to move back to full member the following will occur:

  1. The mean of all members of the same armor type will be calculated. The returning members DKP will be restored to the lesser of the mean or their original DKP.
  2. The returning member must maintain an 30% raid attendance average over the first 1 month period to regain use of their DKP except on "Open to all" items.

After 4 months of missing raids, a returning member will be marked "Honorary." These members have access to /gu, the guild hall and the message boards, but will have NO raiding or loot rights. In order to regain full membership re-apping is required.

Members who do not raid for periods exceeding 2 months or do not keep the leadership informed are subject to removal at the guild leaders discretion.