Rites of Combat

The Rites of Combat are the standard gaming rules for all official Brotherhood gaming events, most notably the Gaming Nights and Tournaments. All members should familiarize themselves with the general gaming rules, as well as the rules for their platform(s) of choice. Also note that the information for reporting matches for each platform can be found on this page as well.

The goal of the Rites is to provide a sense of fair play and consistency in how multiplayer competitions are run. Violations of the Rites fall under the jurisdiction of the Justicar and the Fist. Members that are reported as cheating in any event will be dealt with by the Chamber of Justice.

Of course, not all members who play will know these rules. New members especially will not be used to having rules enforced on them. If you encounter a person who isn’t following the rules explain it to them and point them towards the Rites of Combat. It would also be good practice for Quaestors and Aediles to point new members to the RoC when they first join a House.

All competitions will follow the rules of the Rites of Combat unless the person(s) running the competition specifically opt to not use certain parts. Any alterations must be made clear prior to the start of any such competition and enforced throughout the entirety of the event.

Click here to help you learn how to submit scores to the Brotherhood website

General Gaming Conduct

To participate in any gaming event you MUST remain in the channel that the event is hosted from for as long as you wish to participate.
- Note: Stay in #DBGaming for Gaming Nights/Tournaments and #outerrim for any Inter-Club Gaming Event.
- If your computer can not run both IRC and the game, you must be in the gaming channel before and after the game concludes (Note: the more IRC channels you have open, the more memory gets used. Try closing down some channels to recover some memory on your computer).
- All matches must be set up through #dbgaming, not through IRC PM's or any other chat service.
  - If matches are found that were not set up in #dbgaming, those matches will be deleted.
- If members are living with other members in their house or have family members (as in real life family members) in the club, those members should stay in #dbgaming so that other members may play them as well.
  - During competitions, outcomes can be significantly skewed if members of the same household/family only play amongst themselves instead of with other members in #dbgaming.
    - If found out about, the Fist will talk to the members in question so that things would change. If the behavior doesn't change, the Fist has the authority to delete the matches.
You may play six matches on a single platform. You may play on as many platforms as you want, but if you are challenged in a specific platform and you accept, you must play at least one match on that platform before you continue on to another platform or stop playing.
- This means that you MAY play 6 matches for one platform, but after 1 match your opponent has no obligation to play any more.
- You may play as many platforms as you would like with a single person as long as you don't go over 6 matches in one platform.
  - Example: You play Person B in 6 games of RC, 3 of JO, 5 of JA, 1 of BF2, 4 of CoD, and 6 of Halo, before either you or Person B call it quits for the day.
You may play up to 6 team matches with the same set of people.
- Note: This means, no matter what the teams are, the same set of people can only play 6 matches. If one player is substituted for another, you can play another 6 matches.
You cannot refuse a match against a certain member in favor of playing another member for any reason.
While matches should not be dodged for any reason, demanding or harassing other players for matches creates a similarly negative environment for gaming and will be equally punishable.
If a member is not playing or planning to play anyone when you request a match, they are NOT dodging. Members aren't expected to game at all times.
A member only has to accept matches on the platform of their choice, unless they have played on the challenger's platform against other opponents in the last day. If a member has played on the challenger's platform in the past day, they must accept the match; otherwise, it is there right to play only their desired game.
- Example: If Player A recieves a challenge from Player B for a match of JA, Player A is not obligated to accept the challenge unless Player A has played matches on JA in the past 24 hours.
If your opponent(s) are acting in an unsportsmanlike way (behaviors such as trash-talking), inform the Fist of the event in private. If you feel the need to drop out of a current match because of such conduct, notify the Fist about the matches that will be reported and the reasons why you feel you need to drop out of the match.
Repeatedly joining and leaving an IRC channel within seconds during the course of the same day is considered match dodging. This gives the Gaming Staff and the Dark Council the impression that you are looking at the names of members in that channel and leaving before you can be challenged.
- The exception to this rule is if your IRC has a disconnect and #dbgaming is set up for auto-join.
Do not idle on any of the servers while you wait for matches.
If players cannot agree on settings, the participants will each get their choice of one game in their style. All details must be agreed upon before the match begins.
Stick to the rules and the spirit of the competition. Do not try to circumvent the Rites in any way. The Rites are meant to create an understandable, uniform playing area for all members to enjoy gaming within the club. "Gaming the rules" to try to give yourself an advantage over your opponents is unfair and unpleasant to those around you.

RoC during Vendettas and other Major Events

The Rites of Combat are still enforced, along with additional requirements, during Vendettas and other major event competitions.
- There will be no idling in #dbgaming except for the Fist, the Fist's Staff, and the Dark Council.
  - A member can be in #dbgaming for several hours trying to find a match, but if they don’t respond to the Fist or his Staff they will be kicked from the channel to make sure the member isn’t match dodging. Match dodging during a Vendetta or other major event can get you disqualified from the entire event after multiple offenses.
Free-For-All matches may only have one member from each unit. More than one member from a single unit will cause that match to be deleted. One player from Arcona, one from Naga Sadow, and one from Plagueis is an allowed FFA.
Three (3) matches are allowed a day against one person, unless the Vendetta rules state otherwise.
You can not game against members of the same unit during a Vendetta.
- Note: The exception to this is if the Vendetta is an Order-specific war.
If a member requests you to play a match in a game that you have played during the vendetta, you are required to play that platform. If you have not played that platform, then you are not required to play.

Forfeiting Matches

If your opponent has to leave a match early for real reasons and won’t be around on IRC afterwards, the current match may not be reported as a forfeited win unless it is deemed "acceptably played out" by the Fist or person responsible for the event.
- A match that has been played out to one point of a regular win (match point), for example, will most likely be counted as a win. A match that has just begun will most likely be discarded.
If your opponent has either disconnected from the match, timed out, or been crashed off the server due to ping or synchronization problems, the outcome of the match will be decided by the Fist or person responsible for the event after taking into consideration the status of all players and existing points.

Filing Complaints

If you suspect the person you are playing against is cheating or breaking the rules, use a in-game video program (such as Xfire or Fraps), to create a video of the suspected cheating.
Send any accusations to the Fist privately. The Fist will judge them on a case by case basis.
If there is someone verbally abusing another person, get a screen shot or video of the offense present it to the Fist and the gaming staff. They have the authority to act on the evidence provided to solve the situation. This goes for #DBGaming channel as well.

Free-For-All

General Rules

Accepted platforms: Halo series, JO, JA, RC, Resistance series, SC2, Killzone Series, AvP
Free-For-All matches are played until one participant reaches twenty-five (25) points.
- The one exemption from this rule is Jedi Academy and Jedi Outcast, where matches will be played up to fifteen (15) points for matches with three to six (3-6) people. Matches with seven (7) members and more will be up to twenty-five (25) points.
All games must be played with current version/patches installed (PC, Xbox 360, PS3).
During the Free-For-All match, you may not kill your opponent as soon as they respawn. This is spawn killing.
During a Free-For-All match, you may only use a single power weapon at a time
You can use health items to heal at any time during the game
Try to use small maps, but agree on a map nonetheless.
Maximum of 10 people allowed for a FFA match.

Reporting

For certain game types, screenshots, or links from Bungie.net will be required to be sent to the FIST
Ask for the PINs of all players in the match.
Maximum of 6 matches per day against the same set of gamers. See "General Gaming Conduct" for a full explanation.
Report each match seperately.
If you have any questions, ask the Fist and/or the Gaming Staff.

Matchmaking

General Rules

Accepted platforms: Halo series, Resistance series, Killzone Series, JA, JO, RC, BF2, SC2, Battlefield 3, Call of Duty, Team Fortress
Minimum of 2 members from the DJB in a match, maximum of 4
- Members must have DJB in their name or tag or something similar to their DJB Name so that they will be recognizable.
Before starting matchmaking, you must agree on a game type to play. If you cannot agree, then each gamer will pick a type they wish to play.
When a map comes up, try to agree on what map you would like to play.
When playing online, remember you represent the Brotherhood. Avoid spawn camping, spawn killing, and play respectably.

Reporting

Screenshots of matches or links from Bungie.net are to be sent to the FIST
Maximum of 6 matches can be recorded with the same set of people. See "General Gaming Conduct" for a full explanation.
Report each match seperately.
If you have any questions, ask the Fist and/or the Gaming Staff.

General Rules for Platforms

Jedi Knight Series

Jedi Outcast

All official DB competitions require the use of an official DB server (an updated list of which can be found on the Gaming Servers wiki page). If no official DB servers are found online, the players may, through mutual agreement, play on another server. By doing so, they also forfeit the right to any complaints regarding the outcome of the match due abuse/server statistics/mods/etc.
1v1 matches are played until one participant reaches five points, NOT the best out of five.
Team matches are played until one team reaches a minimum of 20 points. More participants should mean a raise in required score, but is not necessary. Decide beforehand.
CTF matches are played until one team has made five captures
If settings cannot be agreed upon, the participants will each choose either Force setting or Weapons setting.
You cannot use a bacta tank at any time during a duel.
You cannot attack an opponent directly on match start.
You cannot attack a player when their chatbox is active.
You cannot attack a player who has been knocked to the ground in a duel, whether by kick or saberlock loss.
You cannot use swaying to score repeated strikes against your opponent with a single swing from your lightsaber.

Jedi Academy

All official DB competitions require the use of an official DB server (an updated list of which can always be found on the Gaming Servers wiki page). Should no official DB servers be found online, the players may, through mutual agreement, play on another server. By doing so, they also forfeit the right to any complaints regarding the outcome of the match due abuse/server statistics/mods/etc.
1v1 matches are played until one participant reaches five points, NOT the best out of five
Team matches are played until one team reaches a minimum of 20 points. More participants should mean a raise in required score, but is not necessary. Decide beforehand.
CTF matches are played until one team has made five captures.
If settings cannot be agreed upon, the participants will each choose either Force setting or Weapons setting.
You cannot use a bacta tank at any time during a duel.
You cannot attack an opponent directly on match start.
You cannot attack a player when their chatbox is active.
You cannot attack a player who has been knocked to the ground in a duel, whether by kick or saberlock loss.
You cannot use swaying to score repeated strikes against your opponent with a single swing from your lightsaber.

Battlefront Series

Before the match starts, decide upon whether or not you will be playing space or ground battles, or a combination of the two.
Before the match begins, participants should decide on whether or not Heroes will be playable.
Before the match begins, participants should decide on which gameplay mode they wish to play: default will be Conquest for Land, and Assault for Space.
Before the match, participants should decide on whether it will be Galactic Civil War or Clone Wars.
Do not change the settings to be below the normal standards for reinforcements of 150. Anything below 150 will be not be considered an acceptable game.
Playing through a single map constitutes one match played.
The Host determines the map choices, but can and should take requests from their opponent.
If requested, match hosting can be split between participants, each hosting a single match and the third being decided by coin flip (or other means of randomization).

EaW Platforms

Match host will be decided prior to the start of the match via IRC.
Settings will be determined by both participants prior to the start of the match.
If you wish to change settings in between matches, both participants MUST agree to it.
No Super Weapons or Heroes.
Games set to Destroy Space Station.
You cannot rush your opponent until 5 minutes of the game have passed.
- This is a standard rule, but if members want to forgo this rule, they must agree to it in #dbgaming so the Fist and the Gaming Staff have logs of the 5 minute rule being removed.
- Attacking mines is allowed.

Republic Commando

An updated list of servers can be found on the Gaming Servers wiki page. Play on these servers, as other hosted matches are not accepted.
1v1 matches are played until one participant reaches five points, NOT the best out of five.
Team matches are played until one team reaches a minimum of 20 points. More participants should mean a raise in required score, but is not necessary. Decide beforehand before match starts.
CTF matches are played either until one team has made five captures.
In a match, you cannot load up on items, ammo, grenades, or weapons.
- If low on ammo, you can find where your weapon’s ammo cache is.
You cannot attack an opponent directly on match start or respawn during 1v1 matches.
You cannot use a bacta tank at any time during a duel, unless both players agree before game start.
- Note: You can pick up a Bacta pack after a duel, if you are injured.
If settings cannot be agreed upon, the participants will each get their choice of one game in their style of weapon picks. All details must be agreed on previously before match begins.

Gratuitous Space Battles

Star Craft 2

The game must be updated to the current version available.
Match host will be decided prior to the start of the match via IRC.
Settings will be determined by both participants prior to the start of the match.
If you wish to change settings in between matches, both participants MUST agree to the change.
You cannot rush your opponent until after 10 minutes of the game has passed.
- This is a standard rule, but if members want to forgo this rule, they must agree to it in #dbgaming so the Fist and his staff have logs of the 10 minute rule being removed. Both parties forfeit the right to any complaints regarding the outcome of the match.

Team Fortress 2

Because a server for DJB use has not been acquired at this time, members will have to play by matchmaking rules

Halo Series

All games for the Halo series must be played with current versions installed (PC and Xbox 360).
All matches are to be Slayer-based game variants, unless otherwise agreed upon before the game.
1v1 Matches are played to 5 total points.
Any Team based Matches (2v2 / 3v3) are played until one team acquires 25 total points. If your player count exceeds a 3v3 game, the 25 point limit should be increased depending on the amount of extra players in the match. Decide before the match starts, as the decided amount will be the standard for any other games played between the two teams.
Map Selection will be bounced back between players (1v1), starting with the player being challenged.
- For team-based games, the challenging team will choose the map first. After that, map selection goes to the winning team.
During a 1v1 match, you may NOT spawn camp for any reason. If a player respawns in front of your location, that player is to be given a fighting chance.
During a 1v1 match, you may only use a single power weapon at a time (if you are holding the Rocket Launcher, you may not also be carrying the Sniper Rifle, or any other weapon deemed to be a "Power Weapon").
- This Rule is voided during team-based matches.
- Power Weapons are defined as: Spartan Laser, Rocket Launcher, Plasma Launcher, Fuel Rod Cannon, Grenade Launcher, Sniper Rifle, Focus Rifle, Beam Rifle, Energy Sword, Shotgun, and Gravity Hammer.
Vehicle combat is restricted to team games, no exceptions.
- Gun Emplacements are still allowed in 1v1 games.
Before any match begins, all players will agree on match specific rules/settings. If settings cannot be agreed upon, then participants will each get their choice of one game in their style.

General Rules for Aerial Combat (Dogfighting) in Halo

This is a specialized game type, and must be requested by 'BOTH' parties involved before starting.
Aerial Combat game types are to be played to 15 points per game (team-based to 25).
If a dogfight is called between two specific players, all other players involved in the game will yield and wait before killing the two players who called the dogfight.
You are not allowed to destroy any of the spawning locations while in an aerial vehicle.
Team games must use least one of each aerial vehicle during the course of the game.

Gears of War

All Games for the Gears of War series must be played with current versions installed, this should be done automatically since you are connected through Xbox Live.
All matches are to be Execution, unless otherwise agreed upon before the game.
1v1 Matches are played to 5 total points.
Any team-based Matches (2v2 / 3v3) are to be played until one team acquires 25 total points. If the player count exceeds a 3v3 game, the 25 point limit should be increased depending on the amount of extra players in the match. Decide before the match starts, as the decided amount will be the standard for any other games played between the two teams.
Map Selection will be bounced back between players (1v1), starting with the player being challenged.
For team-based games, the challenging team will choose the map first. After that, map selection goes to the winning team.
During a 1v1 match you may NOT spawn camp for any reason. If a player respawns in front of your location, then that player is to be given a fighting chance.
During a 1v1 match you may only use a single power weapon at a time (if you are holding the Boomer, you may not also be carrying the Longshot, or any other weapon deemed to be a "Power Weapon").
- This rule is voided during team-based matches.
- Power Weapons are defined as: Boomer, Digger, Longshot, Scorcher, Hammer of Dawn, Torque Bow, Mulcher, Mortar, Oneshot, Vulcan Cannon.
Before any match begins, all players will agree on match specific rules/settings. If settings cannot be agreed upon, then participants will each get their choice of one game in the style of their choices.

Call of Duty

All Games of the Call of Duty series supported by the DJB must be played with current patches installed. (PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii)
All matches are to be done in a Private Party. No matches are to include non-DJB members unless they are formed through matchmaking.
1v1 Matches are played to 5 total points.
All Free-For-All and Team Deathmatch (1v1, 2v2, 3v3, etc.) are to be kill-based in score. All Special matches are to be objective-based in score.
- Matches played as Capture the Flag, Domination, Demolition, Search and Destroy, Sabotage and Headquarters, or any other Special matches set at standard online gameplay settings are judged by whichever team reaches the objective limit at the end of each match, unless agreed upon otherwise before the game.
- TDM and FFA matches set at standard online gameplay settings are judged by whichever team reaches the kill limit at the end of each match, unless agreed upon otherwise before the game.
Map Selection will be bounced back between players (1v1), starting with the player being challenged.
For Team based games, the challenging team will choose the map first. After that, map selection goes to the winning team.
DLC Maps are allowed as long as each participant has said map packs; otherwise, decide on another map that all participants have.
No Spawn-Trapping allowed. You may not intentionally seek out a designated area of the map that is the opposing team’s Spawn Location/Point.
All Killstreaks, Weapons, and Perks are allowed unless agreed upon otherwise before the beginning of the match.
Game types are to be set as Core match types, while Bare-Bones or Hardcore need to be agreed upon before the match begins.
Any Team Deathmatch matches of 3v3 or higher are to be played until one team acquires 2500 total points (25 kills). If the player count exceeds a 3v3 game, the 2500 point limit should be increased depending on the amount of extra players in the match. Decide before the match starts, as the decided amount will be the standard for any other games played between the two teams.
These are the standards for match type setup unless agreed upon before the beginning of the match:
- Sabotage: Time limit of 10 minutes per match.
- Capture the Flag: Time limit of 10 minutes per match (5 minutes each round).
- Demolition & Search and Destroy: Time limit of 5 minutes per match (2.5 minutes each round), with the assumption that there will be time bonuses in-game for completing objectives.
- Headquarters & Domination: Time limit of 10 minutes per match and points set at 200.
- Team Deathmatch: Time limit of 10 minutes per match, with points set at 2500.
- Free-For-All: Time limit of 10 minutes per match, with points set at lowest for 1v1, and for more participants, raise the minumum points to 1000.
Before any match begins, all players will agree on match-specific rules/settings. If settings cannot be agreed upon, then participants will each get their choice of one game in their style.

Battlefield 3

Because a server for DJB use has not been acquired at this time, members will have to play by matchmaking rules

Soul Calibur 4

Killzone Series

All Games of Killzone must be played with current versions installed.
All matches are to be kill-based game variants, unless otherwise agreed upon before the game.
1v1 Matches are played to first to 5 kills.
Each player may call out one class that will NOT be allowed in the game.
Any Team based Matches (2v2 / 3v3) are to be played until one team acquires 20 kills. If the player count is more than 2v2, the kill count should increase by increments of 10 per every 2 people (ie. 3v3 requires 30 kills, 4v4 requires 40, etc.)
Map Selection will go to the defending player (the player being challenged).
For team-based games, the challenging team will choose the map first. After that, map selection goes to the winning team.
During a 1v1 match you may NOT spawn camp for any reason. If a player respawns in front of your location, then that player is to be given a fighting chance.
Before any match begins, all players will agree on match specific rules/settings. If settings cannot be agreed upon, then participants will each get their choice of one game in their style.

Diablo 3

Players must be members of the DJB with Pin numbers
Match host will be determined before the start of the game via IRC
- Matches not set up in #dbgaming will be deleted
Mode will be determined before the start of the game via IRC
Act selection will be determined by popular vote via game
Duels will be agreed upon prior to start via IRC
Screenshots of everything must be included in the submission form
There are four categories to receive Clusters of Fire from and each category you may submit up to six times with the same person or group of people
- Categories are: Dueling, Bosses, Rare/Champion mobs (yellow and blue), and completing Acts.

Reporting Matches for all Platforms

Matches are reported via the DB Site Administrative menu and must include PINs of all participants.
- Report each match separately
- For FPS matches, enter the score of the match. The winning participant receives a "5" in their score box, while the losing member receives their score.
  - Example: Three matches are played with scores of 5-0, 5-2, and 3-5. Each match is entered into the score boxes before clicking "submit." The other two matches would then be reported separately as well.
  - Note: The exception to this is the Battlefront series, where members will submit scores for the platform like it is a RTS match (see below).
- For RTS matches, the winning participant(s) receive a "1" in the score box, while the losing participant(s) receive a "0".
  - Example: Three matches are played with scores of 1-0, 0-1, and 1-0. Each match is entered into the score boxes before clicking "submit." The other two matches would then be reported separately as well.
- If you cannot ask someone to help you report your matches, follow this link to give you a step-by-step walkthrough for how to submit matches for 1v1 or multiple participants: How_to_Submit_Scores
After the match(es) are completed, decide on who will be the one to report. This person should report all matches played, regardless of outcome. This prevents matches from being missed or double-reported.
Remember to choose the correct Competition and Platform from the drop down lists.
If you do not know your opponent's PIN, ask them for their PIN before you start reporting.
If you have any questions, contact the Gaming Staff for clarification before submitting.

RoC Infractions

Section 8.06(k) of the Dark Covenant states that the Rites of Combat will govern all gaming conduct. Therefore, any violations of the Rites of Combat are subject to Chamber of Justice prosecution just as any other offense. Violations will be dealt with by the Chamber in cooperation with the Fist, to ensure quick and appropriate decisions. If a complaint is filed, the Chamber and Fist will investigate the charge to determine merit, and if it is found, decide on an appropriate punishment. For complaints when the Chamber is unavailable and time is a factor, the Fist may determine and carry out suitable punishment himself (however, Fist punishments may be appealed to the Justicar). Typical gaming punishments begin at a written warning, banning from gaming servers, banning from gaming nights, removal of gaming awards, and may progress all the way to full CoJ trial if warranted.

Match Dodging

The main infraction known to many gamers is match dodging. Although not a major crime, it does make gaming difficult and can also change the outcomes of a competition.

When someone plays either specifically with only certain people or says that they are gaming with people and then wind up not playing them, they have committed match dodging. Although match dodging is a rare occurrence during regular gaming, it does come up during Vendettas and other major competitions.

In order to prevent match dodging, at least one game needs to be played and reported so that a log of gaming is attached to your name. Talk to your opponents and make sure that they know what you are doing. If you are playing with someone currently, tell any challengers who you are currently in a match with. Do not put anyone on your IRC ignore list while in #dbgaming: if someone you are ignoring asks you for a game, you will be dodging that match.

If match dodging occurs, inform the Fist or the Fist's Staff. They will investigate the claim, and if needed, they have the authority to punish match dodging.

Match Dodging Policy:

Match dodge once: Warning
Match dodge twice: Three day ban and an email to the Justicar
- If the match dodger is the winner of the PoB for that week (or month), they will not recieve any title
Match dodge three times: Permanently banned. The Justicar will determine any additional repercussions.
- All CF's and PoB's that were not awarded at the time at the ban will not be awarded and, if they had been awarded, will be removed.

Falsifying Matches

This is also a major infraction in gaming, where a member tries to forge matches with someone else, and report them for personal gain: for Clusters of Fire and/or to rank up in the GMRG. The Fist will inform the Justicar of the situation, and, given proper evidence, the following will occur:

A Letter of Reprimand will be attached to the member's dossier.
The member will be banned from gaming for three months.

Retired Games

Games over the years have been retired as they have become too old to be able to be ran properly on newer computers or a lack of membership playing them. The Retired Games Rites of Combat has the retired games and their Rites, so that if during a competition, the Fist wanted to allow a certain retired game, the rules are still accessible.