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.
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.
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 direct them towards the Rites of Combat. It is also 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 state otherwise. Any alterations must be made clear prior to the start of any such competition and enforced throughout the entirety of the event.
This page is the main page for the Rites of Combat. Quick Links for navigating to other ROC Pages follow:
General Gaming Conduct
Stick to the rules and the spirit of the competition. Do not try to circumvent the Rites of Combat 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.
Use of IRC
- 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 against another member (Player versus Player or PVP) must be set up through #dbgaming, not through IRC PM's or any other chat service.
- If PVP matches are found that were not set up in #dbgaming, those matches will be deleted.
- Repeatedly joining and leaving an IRC channel within a short period of time (less than 2 minutes) during the course of the same day may be 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 obvious exception to this rule is if your IRC has a disconnect and #dbgaming is set up for auto-join.
Challenges and Match Limits per Day
- 1v1 Duel Limits: You may play twelve (12) matches against a single opponent, on each platform each day. You may play on as many platforms as you like.
- Example: You may play Person B in 12 games of Jedi Academy, 6 of Starcraft II, 8 SWTOR Duels (Open Level), and 5 SWTOR Duels (Level 15 Bracket) before either you or Person B call it quits for the day.
- Team and Free For All Limits: You may play twelve (12) team matches with the same set of people on a single platform each day.
- Note: This means, no matter what the teams are, the same set of people can only play 12 matches on a single platform. If one new player joins the set of people playing or the group changes platforms you can play another 12 matches.
- A member only has to accept matches on platforms 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 their right to decline the challenge.
- You cannot refuse a match against one member in favor of playing another member for any reason.
- If you are challenged in a specific platform you must play at least three (3) matches on that platform before you continue on to a different platform, or play a different opponent.
- 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.
- Example: If Player A receives 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 day.
- If players cannot agree on match settings, the participants will each get their choice of one game in their style. All details must be agreed upon before the match begins.
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. This is at the discretion of the Fist or person responsible for the event.
- 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.
Same Household Gaming
- If members are living with other members in the same household 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 this occurs the Fist will talk to the members in question and remind them of this part of the ROC policy. If the behavior doesn't change, the Fist has the authority to delete matches.
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. Each Vendetta is unique and may have additional changes to the rules, beyond what is listed here. These will be listed with the information for each Gaming Competition, so be sure to refer to those. The following are some changes to previously listed rules during these events:
Changes to Use of IRC
A member can be in #dbgaming for several hours trying to find a match, but may not idle in the channel. If they do not respond to the Dark Council or the Fist's Staff they will be kicked from the channel to make sure the member isn’t match dodging. Multiple offenses of match dodging during a Vendetta or other major event may get you disqualified from the entire gaming portion of the event.
- The Dark Council is permitted to idle in #dbgaming to monitor gaming activity and ensure all appropriate rules are being followed.
- Fist Staff members may idle in #dbgaming, however they will forfeit their ability to place in the Gaming Event. This decision will be made by each Fist Staff member prior to the start of the Event. The Fist will adjust Auto-Op and Auto-Voice privileges in #dbgaming so that only Fist Staff member's who wish to be able to idle will retain these Access Levels.
Changes to Challenges
If a member challenges you to a match on a platform that you have played during the vendetta, you are required to play them. If you have not played the platform during the vendetta, then you may decline.
- Note that this is different than normal ROC, which only requires you to accept challenges on platforms played in the last day.
Unit Based Restrictions
- 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.
- 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.
General Rules by Game Type
1v1 Duels, Team Matches, and Capture the Flag
- Each 1v1 matches will be played until one player reaches 3 points.
- Use of #DBGaming on IRC is required to set up matches
- You may not kill your opponent as soon as they respawn.
- Team Matches
- Team Matches with less than six (6) players are played until one team reaches 20 points.
- Team Matches with seven (7) or more players are played until one team reaches 40 points.
- Note: Members may choose to raise the points required to win a match of either size if they desire. This should be agreed upon in #dbgaming prior to match start.
- Capture the Flag matches are played until one team has made 5 captures.
- Members may choose to raise the captures required to win a match if they desire. This should be agreed upon in #dbgaming prior to match start.
Free-For-All (FFA)
- FFA matches may include up to 10 people and 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.
- Use of #DBGaming on IRC is required to set up matches
- Clusters of Fire are awarded to multiple individuals based on placement, in a 10 person FFA match up through 7th Place is awarded additional CFs. Ensure you log everyone’s placement after each match for later reporting.
- Agree on a map with your opponents prior to the start of the game. Small maps are recommended.
- You may not kill your opponent as soon as they respawn.
- You may only use a single power weapon at a time
- You may use health items to heal at any time during the game
Matchmaking
Matchmaking is when members of the DJB join together in a multiplayer match where they play as a team against other players who are not part of the DJB.
- Minimum of 2 members from the DJB in a match, maximum of 4
- Members should have DJB in their tag or something similar to their DJB Name so that they can be recognizable.
- Use of #DBGaming on IRC is required to set up matches
- Matchmaking may be played on any approved Tier 1 or Tier 2 Gaming Platform
- When playing online, remember you represent the Brotherhood. Avoid spawn camping, spawn killing, and play respectably.
Rules by Gaming Platform
Each individual platform may have specific rules for its use within the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. Rather than list each platforms rules within the Rites of Combat they have been broke out to two separate wiki pages, in order to keep the Rites more organized. It should be noted by members that all rules for specific platforms are considered to be a part of the Rites of Combat and should be followed. Be sure to reference these rules for platforms which you are going to play.
Tier 1 Gaming Platforms
Tier 1 Gaming Platforms are those which are currently popular with the Club at large, and played on a regular basis either during Vendetta Events or just for fun. Tier 1 Gaming Platforms will be at the discretion of the Fist, however they will always include at least one of each of the following genre’s: First Person Shooter, Real Time Strategy, and Flight/Space Flight Simulation.
The current Tier 1 Gaming Platforms are as follows:
- Jedi Academy (FPS)
- Jedi Outcast (FPS)
- Starcraft 2 (RTS)
- X Wing Series (Flight/Space Sim)
- Pazaak
- TOR
Tier 2 Gaming Platforms
Formerly referred to as “Retired Games”, Tier 2 Gaming Platforms are still supported by the Club and Clusters of Fire may still be earned from playing them. They are not available for play during Vendetta’s or Major Events, unless stipulated in the Competition for that event. Many of these platforms do not have a significant amount of members playing them.
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 (to be conducted by the Justicar), and may progress all the way to full CoJ trial if warranted.
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.
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 only plays PVP matches with certain people or says that they will play a PVP match with another member and then does not play 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, ensure you follow the ROC rules for Challenges listed above. 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 receive any title
- Match dodge three times: One month ban. The Justicar will determine any additional repercussions.
- All CF's and PoB's that were processed during the time of the ban will be removed (or remanded if they have not been processed yet).
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 of Clusters of Fire and/or to rank up in the GMRG. The Fist will inform the Justicar of the situation and, given proper evidence, at a minimum the following will occur:
- A Letter of Reprimand will be attached to the member's dossier.
- Removal of falsified awards from the member’s dossier.
- The member will be banned from gaming for three months.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
While rare in gaming, unsportsmanlike conduct does occur from time to time. Interpretation is at the Fist’s discretion. If a member is acting in an unsportsmanlike manner do not follow in suit with them, remain polite and send screenshots of the conversation to the Fist and Fist’s Praetor. The following are examples of actions classified as unsportsmanlike conduct, this is not a comprehensive list.
- Cursing at another member (not including cursing in general conversation, which should still be avoided)
- Demeaning talk to another member
- Talking negatively about a member in public to third parties
- Stereotyped accusations towards a unit levied against a person
- Publicly berating through unfounded accusations (i.e. if a member already played the required matches - "play more games with me or I'll brand you as a Match Dodging")
- Excessive gloating over a match
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 felt you needed to drop out of the match.
These actions are taken seriously by the Fist and Justicar. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in an initial warning, and may be followed by a ban if it continues. Please note that warnings may carry over from event to event; that is, you are not entitled to multiple warnings simply because you are gaming in a different competition or Vendetta. If the actions continue after a gaming ban issued by the Fist, the Chamber of Justice may seek charges.
As a final note, while unsportsmanlike conduct is prohibited, this policy is not meant to encourage members to report minor infractions. In other words, someone being a sore loser (or winner) is not the same as being unsportsmanlike.
Gaming Ban Definition and Enforcement
This section was added to clarify the effect a Gaming Ban has on Member vs Member PVP Gaming and Co-Op (or PVE) Gaming.
- PVP Gaming (i.e. Club Member Duels) - No PVP Gaming will be permitted for the duration of the Gaming Ban.
- PVE Gaming - No CFs will be earned for the duration of the Gaming Ban. The member who has been banned will not count as a second member for others to earn CF with when grouped. Examples follow:
- DJK Joe is banned. DJK Joe and JH Tom complete a TOR Flashpoint. Neither of them can earn CFs from this activity.
- DJK Joe is banned. DJK Joe, JH Tom, and DA Slick complete a TOR Warzone. JH Tom and DA Slick will earn CFs from this activity.