In-Game Contacts [Mod. 6/6/12]:
Umithar | Morghain | Leukos |Trypsen | Arosi | Acon | Lani
www.sempetorps.webs.comLadies and Gentlemen, it is with great pride and obvious joy that I present to you one of PlaneShift's great guilds, now available to the public. For years Sempetor has been a branch of the religion of Laanx, which although being the main religion, is heavily underutilized. For this reason, I believe it is now upon the people to bring it to the forefront where it rightly belongs, with all of its
Intrigue, Murder, Politics, Power plays, Unassumingness, and History-Born aspects. For this reason, I call upon you, alts, mains, Laanx worshippers, devious interlopers. . . role players, to join. Whether it is your life's devotion or simply a place to put an alt that could be a Sempetor, this /IS/ the guild for you.
Sum Up, because the rest of this post is ginormous Simply put, Sempetor is for fighters/warriors/assassins/physical or magical violence/guards/peacekeepers/chaotics/etc. There is a place for everyone who is warrior or mage roleplay-based within this guild. If you are creative with your RP, whether to infiltrate this guild, support this guild, or cause its downfall, you are welcome here. We do not discriminate.
As an Organization:
As a guild, we aim to add (more) intrigue and valuable, historical and lore-based roleplay to the setting of Yliakum in PlaneShift. All of our members will be versed in valuable and proper roleplay according to settings, and will maintain their characters in a proper way, developing and acting in accordance with how they ought to. As members of Sempetor, we will strive to the highest order of accuracy and roleplay and maintain that standard until the guild no longer remains.
As PlaneShift community members, we will maintain a high standard in knowing and maintaining our accurate knowledge in lore and settings. We will not be an elitist guild, we will strive to treat each new member of the community with understanding and offer our skills at teaching to them. To be in Sempetor will and must remain a great honor, and each new member will be hand-picked and groomed by the other members to not create an aura of elitism but to make being in the guild a great emblem of humility, yet pride in what they have accomplished.
Our Philosophy:
In greatness, servitude; in knowledge, teaching.
Sempetor
In service to the Masked God
In-game Contacts: Umithar (Cairn), Morghain, or Lani
A Short History, drawn from The Great Library of Hydlaa (
The Five Branches of Laanx):
A brief observation on the internal structure and politics involved in the temple of Laanx.
There are five branches of the church hierarchy, these are called the Five Seats of Laanx. The five chairs in the Iron Temple of Laanx in Hydlaa represent the Five Seats of Laanx. The following lists the current responsibilitiesof each of these branches, though every branch has many subtler sub ranks within them; these will be discussed in depth in another text.
Sempetor: This is the martial branch of the religion. They serve as guards and enforcers for the other branches and cannot act on their own. Many Sempetor serve as city guards or are members of the governmental armies. Some are even Gladiators. It is rumoured that Sempetor also has a hidden sub-branch of assassins and possibly thieves, though all branches deny this vehemently.
Leadership: The head of each of these branches is called a Diat (dee-aht). There is one Diat per level, making eight Diats for each branch, forty in all. The proper term for the head of a branch is Diat Pryam, Diat Noctar, and so on, and individuals are addressed as Diat, followed by the Surname. One of the eight Diat Pryams is chosen every spring to be the leader of the religion until the next spring. None of these positions are permanent, and a majority vote of the other Diats in the branch can have any other Diat dismissed, or in extreme cases, imprisoned or even sentenced to True Death. New Diats are chosen by a series of ceremonies in which they are required to prove their worth. These ceremonies can be found the texts of Laanx held in restricted libraries in the Temples. The active Diats will cast ballots on the candidates, one for every active member of their own branch, numbering seven in most cases unless some abstain, and one for each of the other branches, totaling eleven votes. A Diat who is stepping down is not allowed to cast a vote for his or her replacement. Diats are chosen from volunteers that can come from the ranks of either the lower priesthood or followers in one of the branches. This often causes power struggles and plotting in the hierarchy as Diats vie for support from their own branch and the others.
The Diats of a level are required to meet once every three months at the main temple of their level, though they will often gather more frequently. All Diats gather at the Iron Temple in the spring of the year for discussion of doctrine or the induction and voting on new Diats. At this synod, they discuss the direction of the church and the finer points of the teachings of Laanx through both his actions and his writing in the Book of Names. There have been many debates that have raged through to the bright hours of the morning over some arcane point in the Book of Names.
An [OOC] Introduction: I have browsed these forums for years upon years, and have seen some wonderful roleplays and characters, some even claiming to be in the Branch Sempetor of the Laanx religion. In all fairness, this should already be an established, firmly based guild or organization that does events, runs roleplays, and helps the community. Since it is not yet, it is now time for it to be this. So I began to dig as deep as I could into the lore and history surrounding the Masked God, specifically the role of religion and worship of her/it/him, and came to the conclusion that this guild could be of a great service to the community and to the quality of the roleplay therein. This being said, I will lay out the 5 OOC Goals of Sempetor:
1.) Encourage Community and RolePlay. Play with new players, indoctrinate them into PlaneShift as a community and as a setting.
2.) Run events, using Lore/Settings/History. Many events are already ran that can be done outside of these, and are all good, but Sempetor must feel the need to write and prepare events that are historically accurate and will revolve around a. the characters in the guild b. the Laanx religion (or others opposed), and c. Sempetor's setting in Yliakum
3.) RolePlay accurately, without godmodding, using OOC information, or judging others. We are not elitists, we will just be good at what we do. Fin.
4.) Educate. We have a vast history and knowledge in PlaneShift and it's players, and it is time to gather this knowledge and share it with new generations of players. Already on the Sempetor website it has begun being collected, but I know that there is Eons more to do. I will open up access to information to anyone who wishes, although with the privacy/spoilers rules, I have to keep it unaccessible to all but registered players.
5.) Have fun! While it is an overstated and overused goal, it is simply what must be done! Planeshift has a reputation of turning players into detail-based obsessive monsters, who spite others who do not roleplay in what they presume to be the 'right' way. Sempetor must not ever become like this. While we are secretive, set up, and roleplay is a demanding factor, we will never become the guild that shuns all others.
An IC Introduction:(Circa 450AY) - Umithar Hrain is elected Diat of Sempetor on the Dome level, and continues in this position for the foreseeable future. He runs virtually unopposed, and is rumoured to lead with an iron hand, and a contingent of some of Yliakum's deadliest. Sempetor grows in size and power under his leadership, surpassing many of the other branches in both political aspirations and goals. Hrain is rumoured to have the mind of a serpent, and is not to be trusted. Diat Pryam retains control of the religion, however.
Ranks:Diat of Branch Sempetor - (Rank 9): The Diat of the Sempetor Branch of the Laanx religion. Answers only to the head Diat Pryam of the entire religion. His word is in semblance to law to other members of the Sempetor branch, and can only be questioned by the Council, who are members of the lower priesthood.
Rank 8 - Hidden
Council Sempetor - (Rank 7): Select members of the lower priesthood who have been either voted in to position or ascended by the Diat's own hand into a council of sorts, to provide wisdom and leadership for the rest of the priesthood. Knowledge of the religion and wisdom are often required skills, but sleight of hand and money can cause greater influence still. Certain members are "enlightened" to the presence of the Hands above them, and may control them within reason as they see fit.
Sempetor Adept - (Rank 6): A member of the lower priesthood found to be versed in the knowledge of the Masked God and his will. Often times they are teachers for lower adepts, or devoted to spreading the religion of Laanx to others. Can be preachers, devoted fanatics, or simple men leading out a life in support of their God. Oftentimes more of the warrior caste are found here, and they are most devoted to protecting members of the other branches as well.
Enforcer - (Rank 5): A senior in the lower priesthood, similar to the Adepts above them. They strive to become teachers, leaders in the community, and bring tria to fill the coffers of their God. Must be well-respected in the community and not (often) prone to violent fits of behavior. If they are, must be good at not being caught. Many a warrior has been bred into this caste, and most Enforcers are great in skill and Way. They are the strongest caste within the Sempetor, in numbers and perceived skill.
Sempetor - (Rank 4): Simple men of the priesthood. They are percieved as still learning about the God, but devotion is obvious! They wish to fill the coffers for their God, and enlighten every level with the glorious truth that is Laanx. Many men from this rank go on to become leaders in the Branch Sempetor. Great warriors or guards come from this rank, but they are not yet renowned enough to become an Enforcer.
Sempetor Warrior - (Rank 3): A simple man or woman within Branch Sempetor. They find solace in learning and fighting for their God. Not yet experienced or diligent enough to become an Enforcer or Sempetor
Novice - (Rank 2): A warrior and priest apprenticed to either an Enforcer or sempetor adept. They are not well-trained in becoming a warrior for Sempetor, but they are devoted.
Masked Initiate - (Rank 1): a newly fledged member of the Branch.
Ranks 1-4 cannot order any other rank, even or even lower ranks. Enforcers and above can actively pass on the Diat, Council's, or other's commands. Rank 5-7 are mentors and semi-leaders. Rank 7-9 is leadership.
Article I.) How Leadership within Sempetor Works:
The Diat commands every rank, with only the council actively able to sway his decision via majority vote. The Diat can at times override this, with fear of reprimand or removal from position. The council can independently make commands as an entity with a majority vote, although each council member has no more sway than a normal enforcer on his/her/gemma's own. The council has the power and authority to report a Diat's actions to Diat Pryam, forcing a removal if necessary of Diat Sempetor from his/her/gemma's current position into exile, death, or true death if absolutely necessary. Enforcers and above are indepently able to make orders but must report them to a council member, Diat, or the entire council if possible, with fear of reprimand or removal from the Branch. Each decision must be weighed carefully. Orders given without the council's knowledge either before or immediately after will be punished as necessary. As a precaution, it is best to inform the Council oneself rather than have them find out any other way.
Article II.) Punishment within Sempetor: Failure to follow a Diat's or the entire Council's order will result in being placed down into an appropriate rank, or removed from the Branch entirely. Actions against Sempetor or it's members from a member within the ranks will result in more severe punishment, carried out by a Rank 8 or peer. Failure to follow a Rank 8's order will result in punishment, stripping of title and rank, and if deemed necessary by Rank 8, Council, or Diat, death and disallowment from the Iron Temple or other sacred grounds. True Death as a punishment is a reserved right and will only be carried out as a last resort, for an unworthy Diat or criminal of war against the Masked God. Punishment for inappropriate actions including but not limited to: disobedience of an order from a rank 5 or 6, open action against another Sempetor member, unordered violence, open inappropriate behavior disgraceful to the Masked God, lewd conduct demeaning to the Branch; will be set by the punishing council member or above, and carried out as seen fit.
[
OOC: We will kick people from the Branch for IC reasons if it absolutely is necessary. This does not mean we will break roleplay or communications from you, simply that your character saw fit to do what it did and Sempetor sees fit to continue in the pre-ordained path! If this is the case, we wish you the best of luck in future endeavours and we will roleplay with you in an appropriate manner. We do not force true death or death on anyone.]
-See website for further information, etc.-
Article IX.) All actions of Sempetor must somehow benefit the cause of Laanx.
[OOC: We are aware not all of your characters are Laanx worshippers, or are in this guild to do this. If you are to bring about the guilds downfall, go for it. If you are BF and want to infiltrate, do it. All sorts of things are possible, just be sneaky about it, and remember if you are in Sempetor you are aware of this, and don't want to be caught doing the opposite.]
Article X.) Sempetor is aware that there is life outside of the Branch. We do not police the outside activities of our members save if their conduct is demeaning to the Branch, wherein they will be questioned and/or removed. What an elf/human/gemma/enki does with their time is solely to them to decide.
[OOC: You are allowed to be a normal being in Sempetor. Your flaws, fears, character facets, they're all welcome! Just remember, when you're in this guild, your in it for a reason. We don't simply accept people that are gonna do nothing with the roleplay offered to them by this unique group. If you want to be a chaoticly lawless person, go join the OL or something, unless you have well-formed business being in here to topple us or something.]
What Makes Us Tick: Let's be honest, great guilds come and go. There are all sorts of novel, moment-based guilds that fulfill their purpose and then they are gone. I don't want Sempetor to be like this, and in all honesty, it has no reason to be like this. It will always be around, whether by our hands, GM hands, or the setting of PlaneShift in general, the fact remains that Sempetor is there. I only want this to be a great chance for players to step into their shoes and write some history as a Sempetor member, and make them a great thing to be. I truly believe that this can be a guild that writes history, helps new members, and is a solid staying force for as long as we can be. I'll give you this, that the player base is not large right now, nor will it probably ever be, but that shouldn't hold us back. Alts and mains alike I accept and invite, provided you fit an accurate portrayal of what I'm looking for. All I ask for is strong leadership, good friends, and a nice family to be around.
Sempetor should be timeless because it is already set in stone. There are facets we can change and be and admire, and with the strength of history behind us, we can set a great legacy.Website, and More Info:www.sempetorps.webs.comOn this Sempetor website, you'll have a chance to register for both the website and the forums, both of which are chock and (forum-wise going to be chock) full of information, such as lore and settings, history, links to great planeshift resources, and a discussion board for the guild. The website also features a members list, about us, and more.
Excerpt:
As A Guild:
[IC]: Led by Diat Sempetor, known only to the closest of friends as Umithar Hrain, a middle-aged Ylian man, Sempetor maintains it's reputation as the martial branch of the Laanx religion. Devout in their worship as well as their duties, they are sworn to protect all of the other branches that are not capable of doing so themselves. Many Sempetor serve as city guards or members of the Octarchial armies, or armies of the Vigesimi as well. There is rumoured to be a sertain sect within the Branch Sempetor that are assassins and thieves, but this all speculation and never proven. Each member of Sempetor is well-versed in combat, whether by swords or the magic Ways, and each member is hand-picked by Sempetor leadership to have a certain skill set that will best serve the Branch, and further the worship of Laanx in accordance to the Diat's orders.
Much of the time the Sempetor act on orders from the Diat in charge of the entire religion. There are times when a Sempetor's orders will come directly from Diat Sempetor, and each and every order uttered by the divine Diats is treated as unbreakable and must be followed. To be in this branch is an honor, to worship the great masked God is a greater honor still.
Forged over the hard hearts of the spurners With the molten metal of the faithful And the skilled hammer strikes of the soulful Laanx's book of names hath called for its priests.
Tend now to the chaos in the crystal
Let his mighty name ring forth in echoes And scatter his enemies in death throes While awaiting converts at each portal For Laanx, highest lord of Yliakum Hath made a home of this cold lifeless stone And brought souls from the Azure Sun.
Let none question the lessons of the crystal's hum.
And let us pass in passion the messages Marked out for us each in Laanx's passages.
[OOC:] Each member of Sempetor will be held to high standards. You are certainly allowed to be your own character, and certainly there will be some who do not adhere closely to the rules of the religion of Laanx, let alone the rules of the Branch Sempetor. However, be aware that should you act too openly against the Branch, you will be kicked out in an IC manner. Be aware that roleplaying a Sempetor is exactly that- you will be a Sempetor as well as your own character, so it must be a character choice to be one of the Branch. All manner of RP is accepted.
A small list of RP rules to be aware of in Sempetor (see forums for more):
-Sempetor does not accept godmodding.
-Sempetor members roleplay first, teach second, powerlevel third.
-Sempetor OOC must be curteous to others.
-Sempetor IC must be within the boundaries of the game of PlaneShift.
-Sempetor does not engage in cybering or x-rated roleplay.
-Sempetor is a 16+ guild. All members must be mature. We may become an 18+ guild because I expect a certain level of maturity, and I have a no-holds-barred policy of guild chat. This means that if you are curteous to others, I do not mind swearing, the expressing of opinions, etc. Be within reason, but freedom of speech is encouraged.
If this sounds like a good guild for you, then you may get a hold of me.
-Diat Sempetor
What I want from YOU:This needs to be a community based effort because to be fair I can't run or organize everything about this on my own. It is a large-scale project and I need a bit of dedication. So yeah, I can run this guild on my alts alone and provide some interesting roleplay, but I won't even start it until I can get some good people that I believe will pour even a wee bit of time on my side. Sempetor has everything; intrigue, assassins, killers, spys, politics, religion - the guild is boundless. I want there to be sempetor events, sempetor parties, sempetor killings, you name it. With or without you, there will be, but with you, it will be on a greater scale than previously imagined. So in the post below, I'll make a nice sign up and see what kind of activity with alts/mains i'll get, and see how many people are interested. When that's done, we'll take the next step.
Ingame contacts: [IC] - Send a yulbar/groffel/ or other appropriate letter form to Umithar Hrain. [OOC] - /tell Wulfar, Aedrich, Trypsen, Umithar, or Cayrn when on. Express opinion and interest and we'll get it rolling.
OOG contacts: Post here in this thread or message me. I'll have other leaders available soon and when they reveal themselves you can message them if they wish you too also.
It is duly noted that other great Laanx oriented guilds have been formed, such as VoL, etc., but I don't really want to hear about that
