General Information
Let it be known that Axes and Ales are allies to Durin's Folk and the collective known as the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth. As such, we do not tolerate the likes of those who would ally themselves to the causes of the Dourhands, petty Dwarves, nor Angmar's Army.
The tenants set forth below are to be abided by all who wish to both join with and remain as either a Recruit (hereafter known as Feather-Foe) or full Regular in good standing with the kinship of Axes and Ales. It is expected that these tenants will be met both within and outside the walls of our Garrison.
Uniform
We have a hauberk that we use as part of our uniform. It can be dyed any color. It is only required at meetings, during rounds, and other specified events. This uniform is issued by one of the Seneschals to each Recruit before their first meeting.
Use of Garrison Chests
Regulars and Seneschals are allowed to make use of the storage chests at all times. Feather-Foes may only make use of them during Garrison meetings.
Vault
Everyone in Axes and Ales may make requests for items and coin in our vault.
1- It is expected that requests for items will only benefit those in Axes and Ales.
2- Anyone caught selling vaunt items in the Auction House will be dismissed, with no chance of a future within Axes and Ales.
3- Any coin requested from our vault is considered an interest free loan. Loans must be returned within a reasonable time frame. No one may have more than one loan out at a time, and if the loan is not repayed within a reasonable time period, the Seneschals and Father will be notified, and further action taken once considered.
Grievances
We are a kin that values honor among other good qualities, and as such we do have proper channels for grievances.
Though we hope to never have them, misunderstandings and misspoken words can and do happen. If anyone, whether in or out of Axes and Ales has a grievance concerning anyone within Axes and Ales, we ask that you approach a Seneschal or Father privately so that we make take actions to address your grievance.
Membership and Status Information
Recruitment to Feather-Foe
We find it an affront that the Dourhands have drawn Hendrovals to their cause. As such, we call our recruits Feather-Foes to mark their first steps towards the defeat of our foes.
In order to be considered for recruitment:
1- An application to Axes and Ales must be submitted by all potential recruits.
2- Applicant should have read or have been told our Rules and Regulations.
3- If a potential recruit has not already met one of our Seneschals, they should also post an introduction with any questions they might have within the proper missive.
Duties of Feather-Foes
1- Once recruited, Feather-Foes will start a Personal Scroll within the Scrolls and Songs Missive. Within their scroll, the Feather-Foe will keep track of the progress of their duties.
2- Feather-Foes must complete at least three rounds within a reasonable time frame, the first of which will be led by a Regular of Axes and Ales.
3- Feather-Foes must participate in one kinship Fellowship within a reasonable time frame. If the Feather-Foe needs the assistance of Regulars to do so, it is their responsibility to put together the Fellowship. Use of our Missives is encouraged if neccessary.
4- Feather-Foes must participate in one social event within a reasonable time frame. It is the Feather-Foe's responsibility to keep themselves informed of ongoing events.
5- Feather-Foes are expected to act with the same decorum expected of Regulars.
6- Feather-Foes will do their best to be helpful when possible, but are not expected to help everyone in need at all times.
7- Feather-Foes do not get a vote in meetings, but are both allowed and encouraged to vote in open polls.
8- Feather-Foes who need leave from the Garrison for longer than 90 days must inform us via a missive, or they will be dismissed from Axes and Ales. If they are dismissed, they may ask for reinstatement upon their return via the missives.
Promotion to full Regular
When a Feather-Foe has completed the tasks set out in 1, 2, 3 and 4 as listed above, and has made a good faith effort in the remaining outlined Duties, they will be up for consideration for promotion to full Regular.
At the next scheduled Garrison meeting, that candidate must be present, and will be voted on by the Regulars and Seneschals. Father will cast the tie breaking vote if need be.
Duties of Axes and Ales Regulars
1- Regulars will maintain their Personal Scroll.
2- Regulars are encouraged to advise Feather-Foes as best they are able when necessary.
3- Regulars are expected to report in on Feather-Foe Scrolls when they have witnessed the enaction of said Feather-Foes expected duties.
4- Regulars must participate in one round a month.
5- Regulars are encouraged to attend social events.
6- Regulars are strongly encouraged to attend kin sponsored social events when their schedule permits.
7- Regulars are encouraged to be as friendly as they can be, but are expected to be honorable, trustworthy, helpful, and to keep a civil tongue in the company of nonkin.
8- Regulars have the right and are encouraged to vote in meetings and open polls.
9- Regulars who will need leave from the Garrison for longer than 60 days must inform us via a missive, or they will be demoted to Feather-Foe status. If they are demoted, they may ask for reinstatement upon their return via the missives, however the conditions of reinstatement will be up to the Seneschals based on their reasons for their absence.
Promotion to Seneschal
When a position for Seneschal becomes open, a missive will be posted to inform the kinship. Any specific duties related to that position will be posted so that everyone may make informed decisions.
Any Regular who has made a good faith effort to fulfill their Duties, may put their name in for consideration of the open Seneschal position. Nominations may also come from current Seneschals and Father.
After the candidate process has closed, at the next scheduled Garrison meeting, that candidate must be present, and will be voted on by the Regulars and Seneschals. A Seneschal can only be voted in by a 2/3rds vote within a Quorum. Therefore, if Regulars or Seneschals cannot attend that meeting, they must send in a vote to Father via post.
Duties of Seneschals
1- A Seneschal will abide by all of the duties expected of a Regular.
2- A Seneschal is expected to rise to fulfill leadership needs in times of crisis.
3- A Seneschal will be faithful to their pledge of office.
4- A Seneschal is expected to be available in the capacity of Mentor if required.
5- A Seneschal must be diplomatic when required.
6- On the rare occasion when an impartial party is needed, out of good faith, a Seneschal must recuse themselves if they find they cannot be impartial when asked at those rare times.
7- A Seneschal will do their best to go above and beyond when his/her kinmates need them, but is not expected to spoon-feed anyone unless they are truly ill.
8- Seneschals who will need leave from the Garrison for longer than 30 days must inform us via a missive, or they will be demoted to Regular status, and their position re-opened. If they are demoted, they may ask for reinstatement upon their return via the missives if the position has not yet been fulfilled, however the conditions of reinstatement will be up to Father based on their reasons for their absence.
Changes to This Missive
Changes to the Garrison Rules and Regulations
The Rules and Regulations may be changed only with a 2/3rds vote of Seneschals after the proposed change has been posted and given a one month consideration time.
