Minmir Keep: An Uplifting Primer
Embossed into the leather cover of this book is an emblem of fealty. Its design features an imposing stone keep and perched atop it, a vigilant dragon spreading its wings in an impressive display of power. Set delicately behind the keep and its sentinel is a polished emerald gem.
I. Introduction
Amidst the expanse of the isle of Arelith, a realm where diverse paths converge, stands Minmir Keep, a haven of resolute strength and shared purpose. If you're reading these lines, you've embarked on a journey that will bind you to its legacy - one woven into the rich tapestry of the Church of Bane.
Within Minmir's protective embrace, warriors, scholars, and seekers unite, each bringing unique stories and convictions. This introduction introduces you to the essence of the Minmir Keep, your newfound haven and community.
"Wealth. Power. Opportunity. Dominance."
"Regardless of faith or background, individuals gather under the banner of these shared goals. As an initiate, you join a diverse company, each thread contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our existence. Fresh among our ranks, you have much to explore and understand. These pages will offer insights into reporting protocols and strategies to safeguard our shared interests."
"Beyond the confines of this guide, your role unfolds in the grand narrative of Minmir Keep. Whether you wield a sword or pen, your contribution matters. Your actions influence our path and reinforce the bonds that hold our diverse community together."
"As you delve into the chapters ahead, remember that you are part of a family that is more than the sum of its parts. With shared goals in sight and the leadership of those who guide us, you embark on a journey of challenges and rewards to claim your own potential and become the master of your own Destiny."
"Welcome to the Minmir Keep."
- Kathryn Eldren
IV. Rules of Engagement
Guidelines for Handling Hostile Encounters
Verbal Communication: Initiate conversation before attacking when facing potential conflict. The unenlightened must be offered a chance to respond to verbal commands or questions. If there is a concern that the other party may attack or flee before words can be exchanged, we advise a simple order of "Halt! If you flee or cast magic, we will attack."
Body Language: If hostility continues, draw your weapon and assume a HOSTILE stance after starting a conversation. This conveys your authority. You can also take this stance preemptively if the situation demands it.
Attack/Defend/Flee: After attempting dialogue and violence seems inevitable, take action as necessary.
These are general guidelines on how to deal with miscreants and troublemakers. Use your sense and intuition when dealing with a situation, as no two are bound to be alike.
Chapter IV of "Minmir Keep: An Uplifting Primer"
III. A Guide to Reporting
For organized record-keeping, consult this guide when submitting reports on suspicious activities, hostile encounters, or intelligence gathering.
Expect to report such incidents to leadership for swift action to ensure our land's security. A sample report format is provided below, though adapt as needed for unique situations.
Report Title: (Type of Event) / (Location) e.g., "Encounter / Minmir, Nexus Falls" or "Intelligence / Andunor Faction - Order of Elven Death"
INCIDENT or ENCOUNTER Report Format
DATE & TIME: [Incident's date and time]
LOCATION: [Exact location]
NARRATIVE: [Brief incident description, involved parties, key details]
ACTIONS TAKEN: [Immediate steps taken]
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: [Relevant evidence]
TESTIMONIES: [Witness statements]
DOCUMENTATION: [Attach documents, sketches, photos]
-END OF REPORT-
INTELLIGENCE Report Format
SUSPECT(S): [Settlements, individuals, factions]
DATE & TIME: [Date and time information was gathered]
NARRATIVE: [Detailed description of intelligence]
-END OF REPORT-
Chapter III of "Minmir Keep: An Uplifting Primer"
II. Organization
MINMIR KEEP & CHURCH OF BANE
Minmir Keep operates with the Church of Bane, functioning as a united, self-governing paramilitary entity. Its goals include accumulating wealth, exploiting opportunities for power, and expanding influence. It does not restrict membership to Rank I positions on faith, race, or profession matters. Below are the divisions and ranks for each.
Dreadmaster (Rank IV): The Steward of Minmir Keep. Responsible for the organization's general administration and care by appointing personnel to critical positions. They devise broad strategies, operations, and alliances. They serve as the final authority in internal disagreements or deadlocks. This role is exclusively available to followers of Bane.
MARTIAL FORCES
Shrouded in Hatred and Order, it is a relentless and formidable force that strikes fear into all who dare oppose it. Comprised of unholy legions drawn from the darkest corners of existence, the military of Minmir is a devoted assembly of twisted creatures, corrupted souls, outcasts, pirates, and fanatical zealots.
WARMASTER (Rank III): The leader of Minmir Keep's Military Force, responsible for maintaining order and security. They devise strategies, plan operations, approve promotions within their division, and address performance issues. This position is restricted to followers of Bane or Loviatar.
DREADKNIGHT (Rank II): These senior warriors implement operations and supervise Blackswords. This position is restricted to followers of Bane or Loviatar.
BLACKSWORD (Rank I): Full-fledged members empowered to enforce Keep's directives within specific territories.
CLERGY
Devoted followers of Bane and Loviatar whose principles are rooted in Hatred, Order, Pain, and the pursuit of power at any cost. Members wield their faith to spread fear and corruption, embracing values that promote cruelty, suffering, and subjugation.
HIGH INQUISITOR (Rank III): The leader of the Church of Bane clergy. They oversee Imperceptors and Deadly Adepts, promote the faith across the island, plan vigils, approve promotions within their division, and address performance issues. This position is restricted to followers of Bane or Loviatar.
IMPERCEPTOR (Rank II): Senior Church Clergy with authority to uphold Keep mandates and provide spiritual guidance. This position is restricted to followers of Bane or Loviatar.
DEADLY ADEPT (Rank I): Junior Church Clergy with limited authority. This position is restricted to followers of Bane or Loviatar.
ARCANIST
A secretive and exclusive group of spellcasters united by their insatiable thirst for magical knowledge and power. Operating from Minmir Keep, this enigmatic cabal gathers individuals dedicated to studying and mastering the arcane arts. Comprised of wizards, sorcerers, warlocks, and other mystics, the Blackcloaks delve into ancient tomes, conduct forbidden experiments, and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos to unlock the most potent and elusive spells.
LORD/LADY OF MYSTERIES (Rank III): Minmir Keep's arcane casters leader. They oversee Deep Mysteries/Blackcloaks, formulate research projects, approve promotions within their division, and address member performance issues. This position is restricted to followers of Bane or Loviatar.
DEEP MYSTERY (Rank II): These senior arcane casters implement research operations and supervise Blackcloaks.This position is restricted to followers of Bane or Loviatar.
BLACKCLOAK (Rank I): Junior arcane casters with limited authority. They are empowered to enforce Keep's directives within specific territories.
SHADOWS OF THE HAND
An enigmatic order of spies and assassins that operate in the world's most powerful and dangerous arenas. Their origins and motives are shrouded in mystery, and their members are skilled in espionage, subterfuge, and deadly precision. With an unwavering commitment to secrecy, they navigate the intricate web of global intrigue, undertaking covert missions that manipulate nations' fate from the shadows, leaving no trace but a lingering sense of unease.
LORD/LADY OF THE HAND (Rank III): [Redacted]
TALON/AGENT (Rank I & II): [Redacted]
MERCHANT
Comprised of cunning traders and ruthless businesspeople known for their unscrupulous tactics, they use their vast wealth and influence to manipulate markets, gain power, and further Minmir Keeps agenda. They trade not only in commodities but also secrets, forbidden artifacts, and the souls of those desperate enough to make Faustian bargains.
MASTER/MISTRESS OF TRADE (Rank III): Director of Minmir Keep's trade operations. Responsible for maintaining all active shops associated with the organization. They devise trade strategies, set sell and buy prices, approve promotions within their division, and address performance issues.
TRUSTED SERVANT (Rank I & II): Responsible for managing shops, organizing storage areas, and crafting.
V. Collateral Duties
Regardless of your position, you have the opportunity to choose an additional duty from the list below to complement your main responsibilities.
MERCHANT
As Merchants of Minmir Keep, you play a crucial role in the management and success of our commercial endeavors. Your dedication and diligence are vital to maintaining our reputation as a prominent trading organization.
1) Managing Shops:
Your primary responsibility is to manage and stock all shops operated or controlled by Minmir Keep. This includes ensuring that the inventory is adequately stocked, pricing items competitively, and maintaining a clean and organized customer environment.
2) Organization of Storage Areas:
You are responsible for efficiently organizing storage areas. This involves promptly moving crafting materials and looted items from the Keeps community storage locker to the appropriate shops or designated storage areas.
3) Crafting Items for Sale:
As traders, you are expected to craft items for sale in our managed shops. This may involve utilizing Minmir account funds to purchase crafting materials or items found at a discount and subsequently reselling the items at a higher price point. Remember, the principle of "buy low, sell high" applies here, and your keen judgment will directly impact the profitability of Minmir Keep.
Note: Raid Participation:
Being a Trader doesn't limit you to trading exclusively. You're encouraged to join Raids, hunts, or trips to support our adventurous endeavors. However, maintaining a balance between your adventures and your primary Trader duties is crucial.
REAVER
As Reavers, you play a vital role in our operations, specifically focusing on organizing and conducting raids against dungeons and participating in sailing operations. We value your dedication and courage in undertaking these demanding responsibilities.
1) Conducting Raids Against Dungeons:
As Reavers, your primary responsibility is to plan, coordinate, and execute raids against dungeons. This includes identifying potential targets, gathering intelligence, assembling raiding parties, and leading them to explore and acquire valuable resources and treasures.
2) Conducting Sailing Operations:
Besides dungeon raids, you are responsible for managing and participating in sailing operations. This may involve exploring uncharted waters, engaging in naval combat, securing trade routes, or embarking on expeditions to distant lands.
3) Personal Profit from Raiding:
All coins acquired through raiding, whether in hard currency or through selling items such as scrolls, heads, and jewelry, may be kept and divided among Reavers as personal profit. This is your reward for the risks and efforts you undertake during raids. However, it is essential to note that high-end items such as runic materials, ores, and rarely found items are to be deposited in the Keep's storage to contribute to everyone's overall resources.
Note: Aid to Traders in Crafting:
Your role as a Reaver extends beyond raiding duties. You're encouraged to contribute to Minmir Keep's economic pursuits by assisting Merchants in crafting. By utilizing your skills and knowledge, you can enhance the creation of valuable goods and bolster the House's trading activities. Ensure your primary Raider responsibilities are met before dedicating time to crafting.
VI . DISCIPLINE
Although maintaining discipline is crucial, Minmir Keep grants officers and senior members the flexibility to establish their own rules and regulations which align with the organization's current requirements. To provide direction to upcoming leaders, we've gathered the following recommendations from the Church of Bane. It's important to note that these are mere suggestions, not the present regulations, which will be determined by the commanding officer of Minmir Keep's Garrison.
Disrespect towards an Officer "in word or action"
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Failure to salute an Officer "or anyone of higher rank"
Sentence: Flogging
* The sentence of Flogging may not be suitable for followers of Loviatar. Consider alternate forms of punishment such as: Public praise, hand-holding, or words of affirmation.
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Striking an officer on any pretense whatsoever ... or draws a weapon, or offers any violence against him
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Failure to carry out an order
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Disobeying an order
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Wasting ammunition
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Duelling
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Fighting and brawling
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Disrespectful speech against Bane
Sentence: Flogging, followed by Death by Gonne
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Disrespectful speech against Loviatar
Sentence: Words of affirmation, followed by Death by Gonne
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Mutiny
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Intoxicated on duty
Sentence: Flogging, followed by Death by Gonne
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Sleeping on sentry duty
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Leaving sentry duty without instruction
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Cowardice
Any soldier who, in the face of the enemy, runs away, or shamefully abandons his post or guard, or induces others to do the like, or casts away his arms or ammunition, or attempts to take his own life shall be slain on the spot.
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Inflicting self-harm
Sentence: Flogging, followed by flaying, followed by Death by Gonne
* Followers of Loviatar are exempt from this statute.
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Surrendering to the Enemy
Sentence: Death by Gonne
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Corresponding with the enemy
Sentence: Death by starvation
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Desertion
Sentence: Shall be hunted down without respite and executed in any manner necessary