These rules are in addition to the rules set by the 'Souls Assemblage. If we do not answer something here, it is more than likely it is already mentioned in site wide rules found here. But, of course, when in doubt, ask a leader or a member of the 'SA!
The ranks of CDM are a four tiered system. Each tier fulfills some role in the Court and all are valuable members to the Kingdom. Naturally, more responsibility is expected the higher you go and activity is an important thing.
It is possible to switch types of tier, though we strongly recommend you think about your tier before you take it, as it will involve a lot more work for you. For example, if you are the Duke in the domestic tier and want to move to military, you will have to work at it from the start again. Nothing is wrong with starting over again but it is a lot more work!
Ranks change with every rank shuffle, and will depend entirely on your threads, character personality, and in character achievements.
At the current moment, CdM does not have a rank cap for your second character, so as long as your activity is good enough, then you will not be penalized for having two characters in the same pack by having their ability to be promoted lost. If you do not want them to rank up past a certain point, you are free to let us know and we will cap their progression. However, if you have a high ranking character - in the council or a highest ranking noble, your second character may not have a similar rank.
If there is a mandatory pack thread, it will be pinned and be labelled as such. Failure to make an appearance can, and usually will, result in a demotion for your character or its removal from the pack. Mandatory threads usually only require 1-2 posts from each member and will be kept as short as possible, as they contain important information.
Because joining threads should move very quickly and smoothly, there have been a few policies put into place to ensure they go fast. We want new members to hop right in, so these need to be quick!
Occasionally, the pack will hold a pack only contest. While it is not mandatory to participate in a contest, there can be very nice prizes. It also shows pride spirit and makes the leadership smile happy smiles. However, if there is a contest that requires voting, we do appreciate pack member participation in the vote.
It is highly encouraged you edit your wiki entry in our directory so that everyone knows where you are and who you are and how best to bother you.
If you are dropping a character from CDM or moving them, you must, must, must tell the leadership of it or else you will get into a lot of hot water. We don't stalk your character, and often enough we miss blurbs in the player update forum. With the new drop thread, we still require a pm even if you post your desire to npc in that thread. If we do not hear about it from you, your character WILL be dropped.
Rank shuffles are done at the end of every month. The leaders keep a list of the minimum post requirements to keep your rank or promote you, as well as the cut-off number for members to be demoted at. If you are the absentee list, this is taken into account while doing the shuffle. There will be an announcement every time there is a rank shuffle. Sometimes it won't be on the first or last of every month; we're busy folk but we get it out as quickly as possible!
With our new rank system, you may or may not be promoted. Several factors are taken into account with promotion, such as character personality, post activity, leader recognition. We also take any negative actions into account that would be known to the leadership when promoting and demoting accordingly.
We do take into account past activity, as well as any absences you have posted officially on the forum. If you do not mention that you are scarce or you have limited access, we will not take this into account. You must, must, must, report it on the official absence thread for us to take to take it into consideration.
If you are leaving for an extended amount of time, we can put your character as an NPC. This means they will not gain a rank nor lose one while you are away. An extended amount of time is 4 weeks or more, as decided by the 'Souls Assemblage. However, if you are gone for more than the agreed or decided time, we hold the right to remove you from the rank lists. And by being gone, we mean you have been gone for a month plus since the end of our agreed NPC time.
If you do not tell us about NPC'ing a character and post in the official Drop thread, your character will not be npc'd. Your character will be dropped completely for not following policy.
We follow the 'SA policy for NPC non-canine and canine companions.