Organization Leader Handbook

Expectations

As a Faction Leader, you are expected to adhere to all the rules of Howling Hills and set a positive example for those in your faction. Treat others with the respect and fairness you would want for yourself. Players join factions to feel part of a supportive and reliable team, and fostering a welcoming environment is crucial to maintaining that trust.

Poor treatment of players on an OOC (out-of-character) level can lead to the breakdown of your faction’s cohesion. In severe cases, such behavior may result in your removal from the leadership role. Please ensure your actions uphold the spirit of teamwork and respect within the community.

Faction Leaders should issue IC commands strictly in-character (IC), whether in-world or through IC channels on Discord. Commands should never be given through out-of-character (OOC) channels.

OOC interactions should be limited to coordinating player schedules or casual conversations unrelated to the IC storylines. This separation helps maintain immersion and ensures clarity between IC and OOC interactions.

Handbooks

Each faction should have a concise handbook that outlines expectations for both players and their characters. This doesn't need to be overly detailed but should clearly define key guidelines to avoid confusion and establish a common understanding. If there is already a handbook there is no need to write one but you are free to add to the existing ones within reason. 

Key elements to include in the handbook:

• What happens if a Character Quits the faction

• Consequences of character betrayal

• List of faction leaders

• In-character (IC) rules

• The faction's purpose and goals

• Ranks and their roles

Gatekeeping

Gatekeeping refers to preventing a player from progressing or joining a faction for out-of-character (OOC) reasons. This practice does not promote a positive environment and may lead to the removal of a faction leader from their position. A player should only be restricted from advancing or joining a faction for valid in-character (IC) reasons.

Life Happens

Life happens, and sometimes real-life responsibilities pull you away from your faction—it’s unfortunate, but understandable. However, it’s crucial to communicate your absence with the SIM staff and your fellow faction leaders. Keeping everyone informed ensures the faction can continue to function smoothly in your absence.

If you are absent for one month without any form of communication, one of the other faction leaders will step in to manage your responsibilities. If your absence extends to two months without any communication, your position will be reassigned.

On the other hand, even minimal communication with staff will ensure your position is not replaced.

This policy is about maintaining the stability and momentum of the faction. Strong leadership is essential to a faction’s success, as players rely on their leaders to foster a sense of community and keep the group active. Without leadership, factions risk losing cohesion and, ultimately, falling apart.

If a Faction Leader fails to provide content or fulfill their responsibilities in some capacity, the Faction Admin will eventually address the situation.

Faction Leaders who feel unable to meet their duties are encouraged to step down into an "Advisor" role. We understand that interests can shift, or life circumstances can make it difficult to dedicate the necessary time. There’s no shame in stepping back, but please avoid holding onto a leadership role if your passion or availability no longer aligns with the position.

Faction Ranks and Guidelines 

These titles can be renamed in the faction handbooks but should in essence always work the same.

Faction Leaders

Each Faction should have a total of two faction leaders. The main purpose of the faction leader is to organize events for players, recruit, settle In character disputes, and provide direction for the characters/players within their faction.  Faction leaders should be able to host at least one event* a month of some sort or be able to offer up simple tasks for players to complete.

If the Faction Leaders are unable to lead the faction for RL related reasons, they should be able to rely on their Second in Command or their Advisors. 

A Faction Leader cannot be a MOD or Admin.

The Faction Leaders have the final say over everything within their faction.

( This does not have to be an epic event, simply a meeting works. )

Second in Command

When the faction leaders aren’t available there is the second in command that assists with driving activity, hosting meetings, and assisting with leading the faction.  This is a perfect position for someone who really wants to be a faction leader or wants to feel as if their character has climbed up through the ranks.

 This role is an optional role for a faction, unless:

•  The main faction leaders keep going AWOL and leave the faction hanging. 

1. The Faction Leaders have gone AWOL

2. There are no advisors or 2nd faction leaders. 

Advisors

These are players who are interested in helping to provide content for members of the faction/players and are great at offering guidance.  There can be up to 6 advisors.  This is a great role to give to players who want to be leaders/give guidance and is also great for handing to a character as a “promotion”.  This is a good role also for–

Mods/Admins, and previous faction leaders who were switched out for being absent for over the two month period. 

Advisors cannot issue commands, and have no real ‘power’ over those in the faction but should be looked at ICly as someone who is favored by the chain of command. 

Important Note:

Admins and Mods have been assigned Advisor roles to support the rebuilding of factions and assist new Faction Leaders.

Their role is strictly advisory. Admins and Mods have no authority over Faction Leaders or their factions unless a core rule of Howling Hills has been violated.

If you ever feel that a Mod or Admin is overstepping their role, abusing their position, or "throwing their weight around," please contact the Faction Admin or reach out directly to Edith. While we hope such situations never arise, we take these concerns seriously. Rest assured, we will listen, investigate, and take appropriate action if needed.

You are always welcome to reach out or use the ticket system without hesitation.

Edith

SL:  Light.Witch

Discord: Ticklish Pumpkin

Havente ( Faction Admin )

SL: Havente.Waydelich 

SL: PearlPudding

Discord: Mikhail_R