MEMBERSHIPWe are largely a Shu’halo focused group. Our membership, however, is not limited to Shu’halo. Almost any may carry the colors of the Ishnu Por Ah so long as they are willing to dedicate their lives to respecting our ideals. Some may need to prove themselves more than others, however.
There are two general roles to be played in Ishnu Por Ah, that of her Fist and that of her Hearth. Those of the Fist are those driven to defend and to be warriors. There focus is on hunt, war, and protection. Those of the Hearth are the caretakers. They keep strong the purposes of our heart by keeping ways to remind us of home and family. At times these two roles will mesh together when the need arises.
Currently, our ranks only include those races associated with the Horde. Should any Alliance feel they can be a part of our circle, it will be taken into consideration.
We ask the following to swear upon pain of death before being admitted among our ranks. Blood Elves must swear they resist their addiction to magic. Forsaken will denounce their allegiance to Sylvanas. Death Knights will swear freedom from the Scourge.
There is only one class of person NOT permitted into Ishnu Por Ah. Warlocks are forbidden as we do not wish to have their association with demons or the Fel magics tainting our cause.
Word of interest in joining Ishnu Por Ah can be sent to us through letter. You may also come to any of our meetings or events to personally express interest.
Invitation to the guild is conducted in two ways. The preferred way would be at a council meeting where the initiate can meet those attending before he is given the rites of the Traveler. The other method is through a personal invite by any Ishnu Por Ah trusted with the responsibility. Afterwards, however, the new member must meet with the leader of the guild to receive their blessing. Initial membership will be represented by the offer of a raven’s feather.
Your activity in the guild is the main factor in deciding your title and continued membership. Any new member who does not communicate a reason for long term absence will be removed of their association with us. Any member who creates problems among us will be brought before the Chief and dealt with accordingly and may include being removed. Any member above the title of Traveler will be given a reason if they ever face removal. And it would be appreciated if those who choose to leave Ishnu Por Ah, that they will give forth their reason for doing so.
((The Fist refers to the endgame and PvP aspects of our guild. The Hearth refers to those wishing to promote the RP side of the guild. As well as provide opportunities to help levelers and arrange for other guild needs and achievements not related to endgame.
There are three major reasons for removal from IPA. One, inactivity. Two, inconsolable disputes concerning a guild member, whether it is within the guild or someone else in the Cenarion Circle community. Three, disrespectful and rude behavior against the Ishnu Por Ah and the RP community.))GUILD GOVERNANCE AND TITLESIshnu Por Ah’s basic governmental structure is based off the basic tribal structure of most Shu’halo. The leader, commonly known as Chief, is known as the Matriarch or Patriarch. The most trusted and accomplish among the Ishnu Por Ah are looked at as a council and the general populace are expected to contribute what they can to benefit the tribe as a whole.
((Ranks for players are given based largely on IC reasons, even for those who enter the guild for OOC reasons. The following rank descriptions will better explain.
Traveler and Remembered do not require authenticators. All other ranks require authenticators. This is a requirement to allow our guild members greater access to the guild bank.))TRAVELER
Those who first enter into Ishnu Por Ah are known as Travelers. As a Traveler among the Ishnu Por Ah, your time with us will determine if you were guided by Por Ah, the Earthmother, to truly be among us. Travelers, like all among the Ishnu Por Ah, are free to participate in all we do. However, there are limits as to what responsibilities we will entrust you with until you have proven yourself worthy. Your life with the Ishnu Por Ah will be marked by the offering of a raven’s feather which is to be worn at all times among your person.
Tabards should not be worn as a Traveler. Should you prove to be a dedicated and trusted fellow, you will be given a tabard and honored with the possibility of two titles.
((The starting rank for all members. Your activity during your time as Traveler will determine if you will be raised to the next rank of Brethren or Oathbound. Any Traveler inactive for more than a month, without notice of your whereabouts, will be removed from the guild without cause. Guild bank access is extremely limited. You do not need an authenticator to join as a Traveler.))BRETHREN & OATHBOUND
Gaining one of these titles shows you have shown dedication to our causes. It is with this honor that you will officially receive a tabard. You will have a greater voice in matters concerning the Ishnu Por Ah and more freedom to our stores.
The Brethren are those who are dedicated to the Ways of the Earthmother and the Ways of the Shu’halo (Tauren) people. They are the ones that consider Ishnu Por Ah to be their tribe and family, at the very least while they are away from their true ones. Brethren have the power to invite others to join Ishnu Por Ah. Brethren may gain the privilege of any other titles.
The Oathbound are those who may or may not be dedicated to the Earthmother’s Ways but have pledged loyalty to serve the Ishnu Por Ah. By verbal contract they are sworn to abide by all the commands given to them by the Ishnu Por Ah. At anytime that they consider those given commands unconscionable, then they may consider their contract with the Ishnu Por Ah severed. While serving the Ishnu Por Ah, they retain much of the same benefits as the Brethren. However, they may not invite others to join and the only other title that may be bestowed upon them is Champion.
((The general population ranks of the IPA. There are two major differences between the two ranks. First, is that Brethren is a rank open only to RPers. Oathbound are not required to be RPers, but is also open to RPers. The rank was developed to allow friendly players who wish to raid or game under our guild name as well as give RPers who do not wish to explicitly become “Earthmother Lovers” a way to join the guild. Non-RPing Oathbound are required to respect that this is a guild and a server for RPers and act accordingly. Second, Oathbound have only one option of promotion. That is to become Champion. The raid leader officer rank. Brethren have open promotion to any rank.))HONORED
The Honored are the long time members who have become trusted in making overall decisions concerning the welfare of the Ishnu Por Ah. They are proven leaders or inspirations. Their title will signified with the gift and acceptance of a staff.
Along with invite privileges and more access to guild stores, they are permitted to handle guild disputes, promote any other members and recommend the removal of other members. Honored hold a stronger voice in the guild and are to be used as council by Ishnu Por Ah’s Chief, the Matriarch or Patriarch.
((These are essentially the officers of the guild.))LOREKEEPER
((This is currently a title in flux. It may be changed to something which more appropriately fits possible changes made to the guild. I am essentially looking for this rank to in some way be an RP focused rank.))CHAMPION
A distinct title among the Honored, Champions are proven leaders in hunt and war. They take command of such efforts on the field. Any inquiries in regards to such endeavors can be sought from a Champion.
((Raid leaders, PvE or PvP. They are the managers of IPA’s raid efforts. Along with all the privileges afforded to the Honored, they can decide who does and does not come to raids.))KEEPER
One of the most responsible roles among the Ishnu Por Ah. The duties of Keeper are given only to one who the guild as a whole trusts unconditionally. For it is the responsibility of the Keeper to manage and guard the shared holdings of the Ishnu Por Ah.
MATRIARCH/PATRIARCH
The principal Chief of the Ishnu Por Ah. They are responsible for the overall care and livelihood of the family. The position is retained so long as a majority of the Ishnu Por Ah accept their rule. The Chief is to open any discussions which affect the majority of the Ishnu Por Ah to that majority. But overall, the final decision will be made by the Chief and adhered to. It is the responsibility of the Chief to name a successor or interim leader and transfer power should they decide to step down or be away for an extended period of time. Only the Chief can remove a member from Ishnu Por Ah.
REMEMBERED
The names among the Remembered are the beloved and missed. They hold a special place among the Ishnu Por Ah because of past contributions and/or the possibility is there for a return from their long travels.
((This rank is a placeholder for those whom we just cannot remove from the guild, even if they do not play anymore. They have no access to bank or any other privileges besides speaking in guild chat. Should any of the Remembered returned in game, it is required of them to answer this question. “What is the Password?” to ensure that they are not a hacked account. Only the Matriarch/Patriarch is permitted to return them to an active rank.))
((AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST. . . .Real life is more important than a game.
Application to the guild can be found here.))This is the Guild's Charter as of February 20, 2011. It is subject to change at any time.