Acts of Colonial Correspondence
The North West Company
Article I : Moral Law
Sub-Article I : “Company’s Own”
Actively enlisted servicemen of the Company are to serve faithfully and to the highest capacity and degree possible. With this, company-men cannot serve faithfully and to their highest capacity and degree if their time and loyalty is divided across a multitude of other military institutes outside of the Company. Therefore, enlisted servicemen are not permitted to be actively enlisted, passively enlisted, or have any involvement whatsoever with external military-focused institutes, especially ones that have been designated as enemies of the Company and State. Punishment can be but is not limited to fines, demotions, and discharges of varying type. Punishment can be administered by any superior officer regardless of company unless otherwise stated by an external bill or law. Mercantile establishments recognized by the Company, allies, or groups recognized by the State of the Company are exceptions to this rule, although, officer permission is specifically required to partake or be involved with any groups or outfits of this caliber.
Sub-Article II : “Honor First”
The Company represents the foundation of our good colonies, we are a beacon of light to the good men and women of our state(s). The Company is not a bandit group, it is an organized military force dedicated to the betterment of the colonies, with this, acts of murder and harm, stealing, cheating, blackmailing, and other actions of this caliber are strictly prohibited.
- The assault or murder of fellow members of the Company
- The assault or murder of the Company’s allies
- Assaulting or murdering neutral individuals, including but not limited to colonists, natives, and the free people of our states.
- Raiding or pillaging neutral establishments and towns.
- Scamming or Fraud of any kind, including attempts of doing so.
- Theft of goods or services from fellow company men.
- Theft of goods or services from neutral individuals, including but not limited to colonists, natives, and the free people of our states.
Sub-Article III : “Code of Conduct”
The Northwest Company represents the finest men and women of our good colonies, showcasing order and insuring the efficiency of the colonies. With this being said, all servicemen should also be working at their finest, this cannot be done if our fine troops do not follow the proper code of conduct. Any act of insubordination or disrespect, especially to officers of higher standing, will not be tolerated. Below, specifics have been outlined, -
- Disobeying direct orders from superiors .
- Slander of fellow company men or individuals of neutrality.
- Uncalled for conduct in the form of excessive cursing and use of any derogatory terminology.
- Acts of racism, sexism, and things of similar nature are strictly prohibited.
Defamation of character, especially among officers this will not be tolerated.
Represent the company to the best degree, this includes wearing proper uniform, “primary-ing and using the North West Company profile,” and acting maturely and professionally while actively serving.
Note : Disagreeing opinions (within reason) are not disrespectful. Furthermore, should an order from a superior be unlawful, unethical, or etc. members of the company may disregard these orders.
Sub-Article IV : “Oath of Loyalty”
Upon joining the company, you swear to act lawfully and swear to perform your duties with the utmost professionalism and with all your might and effort. Furthermore, you swear your loyalty and allegiance to the company, this means not committing any treasonous acts, may it be purposefully or not. Acts of treason include but are not limited to, -
- Desertion
- Conspiracy
- Spying
- Impersonation
- Admin Abuse or Abuse of Rank
- Coercion or “Blackmail”
Article II : Enforcement of Law
Sub-Article I : “Protection of Character”
When enforcing the law of the company, there is room for mistakes in everything. With this, any enforcer of the law should openly acknowledge that there is a possibility for wrongful punishment. To avoid baseless accusation and the ruining of an individual’s character, any enforcer of the law (specifically members of the Military Foot Police) should comprehend and gather information and / or stories from each side before providing final judgement. This is done, as stated, to prevent wrongful punishment, baseless accusation, and the defamation / ruining of character.
Sub-Article II : “Regulations of Enforcement”
If a member of the company fails to perform a duty, or rather, breaks a law, an officer of superior standing or a member of the Military Foot Police bares the ability and power to administer punishment. Punishment must be enforced and the punishment must also be reasonably gauged based on the degree of the offense and possible repetition of the offense. Furthermore, the enforcer or the individual administering the punishment should keep ample, legible, and easily understandable records of the punishment, offense, and reasoning behind the punishment.
Sub-Article III : “Case Investigation”
Investigations are carried out to ensure the proper party is punished with proof. This is to prevent baseless accusations in accordance with “Sub-Article I : ‘Protection of Character’” located within “Article II : ‘Enforcement of Law.’”
Any active investigations should not be openly disclosed to anyone whatsoever except members of the Judge Advocate Cabinet, selected members for the case (from the Military Foot Police), and to member of High Command that is integral to the Company (Lieutenant Colonel+). Investigations conducted on members of High Command will not be disclosed to anyone except the Judge Advocate, Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor himself.
Any member of the company can call for a case investigation should they provide reasoning and basic evidence that supports the opening of a case. Whether or not a case is opened, is up to the digression of the Military Foot Police. All voices deserve to be heard, especially the ones of loyal company men.
Investigations pertaining to commissioned-officer or high-command conduct will be directed towards the Judge Advocate and their cabinet for assessment. Investigations pertaining to ranker or non-commissioned-officer conduct will be directed towards members of Military Foot Police and its members for assessment. As previously stated, cases must be based on evidence, may it be in the form of text, audio recording, a multitude of witnesses, or anything within reason, evidence is everything in an investigation and court and it provides the groundwork for everything.
Sub-Article IV : “Justice Kings”
The Military Foot Police, also known as “Justice Kings,” serve as the primarily regulatory internal force that ensures our Company runs at its finest. They ensure the Company is running smoothly and that every unit is in accordance with the Northwest Company Charter.
Any member of “MFP” bear the right to enforce laws and apply punishment within ethical reason, especially in the respective detachments or militia organizations that they are assigned to. Military Foot Police are to be unbiased in their decisions and strive to ensure the Company’s internal success and fluidity.
Sub-Article V : “Judge Advocate’s Cabinet”
The Cabinet of the Judge Advocate bears many duties and is ultimately the guiding force in the enforcement of the charter of the Company. Any decision made by a member of the cabinet (Judge Advocate or Assistant Judge Advocate) is the ultimate and final decision regarding any subject matter related to the enforcement of law whatsoever. No body of military nor government is permitted to revoke, change, or void an order or punishment sanctioned by the Judge Advocate’s Cabinet.
Furthermore, this cabinet is responsible for the review and evaluation of officer conduct. Officers represent a core part of every military establishment, and so, with this, all officers must be of the highest degree as they directly represent the Company and ultimately reflect the will of the Company.
Sub-Article VI : “Ledger of the Kings”
All Military Foot Police personnel as well as the Cabinet of the Judge Advocate are provided with a guide in terms of policy and enforcement of law, contained within this are guidelines for how to punish individuals based on first, second, third, and fourth offenses. Any member of the “Justice Kings” bears the right to ignore the guidelines within reason and apply any punishment, as stated, within reason, especially if it is a matter of grave nature.
This leads to one of the forms of punishment, fines. Fine logs are kept on a ledger moderated and added to by the personnel of the Military Foot Police. Any member of the “Justice Kings” bears the right, with reason or evidence (ie. breaking a law or sub-article), to fine a member of the Company. Furthermore, the individual fining the offender will be given the option to set a time frame for payment that is reasonable (a private should not be fined upwards of thousands of pounds with a due date of the very next day), any time frame, as said, that is reasonable, may be set, and should be proportional to the pounds fined. Failure to pay fines in a timely manner will either result in further suitable punishment, or will result in a discharge (of their choosing and within reason) as dictated by the individual issuing the punishment.
Ledger logs nor fines may be revoked by anyone other than a captain or higher residing in military foot police, member of the Cabinet of the Judge Advocate, or by the Lieutenant Governor or Governor General. Tampering with ledger logs is an act of corruption, insubordination, and possible treason, and will result in punishment regardless of your rank, social status, or reputation in the Company.
Article III : Discharges and Transfers
Sub-Article I : “Discharges”
Upon completing service faithfully or failing to complete service faithfully, a company man may request to be discharged (or be forcibly removed/discharged). Discharges are used for a wide variety of reasons outlined below.
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Honorable Discharges: Honorable Discharges are reserved for individuals that have served the company faithfully and at an extremely high degree (Ie. in the form of a high ranking non-commissioned officer role or rank of similar or higher caliber). Individuals with an “honorable discharge” status are often welcomed back with open arms, and will easily find a suitable position of meaning should they ever choose to re-establish or re-align themselves with the Company. Honorable discharges may only be administered by the senior officer core in the form of a captain or higher. Any member honorably discharged will retain any medals, honors, or orders of Chivalry statuses (unless revoked by a member of notable high command, Colonel+).
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General Discharges: Should a member of the Company want the opportunity to retire and explore other ventures, they can request a “general discharge.” Any individual may request a general discharge to retire from the Company without repercussion as long as the individual does not pursue ventures with any enemies of the Company during the “Week’s Peace” code (outlined further below).
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Dishonorable Discharges: Perhaps one of the most feared punishments, dishonorable discharges are reserved for individuals that have committed unforgivable acts, may it be treason, conspiracy, spying, or other subjects of similar nature. Individuals with the “dishonorable discharge” status are not permitted to join the Company unless their discharge is revoked or appealed should the individual be chosen to serve penal servitude sentence by a member of the Military Foot Police. Members of the Judge Advocate’s Cabinet may also directly revoke or appeal dishonorable discharges without administering penal courses. As stated, any individual with a “dishonorable discharge” status may not be recruited nor instated in any position within the Company until their status has been changed or removed, this includes militia, as well as any special detachments. Any member dishonorably discharged will forfeit any medals, honors, or orders of Chivalry statuses with no exceptions.
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Week’s Peace: Should any member of the Company be honorably discharged or receive a general discharge, for a span of seven days after discharge, the individual is not permitted to become associated nor explore ventures with any hostile military institute, active military institute, or other ventures that directly conflict or could possibly conflict with the mission of the Company.
Sub-Article II : “Transfers”
Should an individual within the Company wish to transfer to another detachment or division within the Company, officers from each party (the party reassigning the individual and the party receiving the individual) should consent and agree to the transfer for it to occur. Furthermore, transfers should be logged and signed by the respective approving officers. Transfer may only be performed within “reasonable limits” (senior command will determine whether or not transfer are occurring outside of reasonable limits), and so, with this, “transfer locks” can be put into place to deter unreasonable amounts of transfer from occurring (the primary purpose for transfer locks is used to prevent an unreasonable amount of transfer, but it is not limited to this single duty and capacity). Transfer locks may only be placed by members of high command such as lieutenant colonels and higher.
Sub-Article III : “D&T Requirements”
To prevent the over-use of discharges and transfers, minimal requirements have been instated. Before members have any administrative actions performed on them, the following requirements should be met-
- Member has served in the company for at minimum, a week
- Member does not have a history of “faction” or “division hopping”
- Member does not have outstanding dues to the Company or has any filed ledgers
In the case of a dishonorable discharge, all of these may be voided or ignored.
Article IV : Honors and Orders of Chivalry
Sub-Article I : “Honors”
Military Medals
Medals may be awarded by the Battalion Lieutenant Colonel and above.
Colonels may award 3 company members weekly.
Lieutenant Colonels may award 2 company members weekly.
Cross of George the Great
Awarded as the highest honor within the North West Company for loyal dedication to the Company. Those awarded with the Cross of George the Great are among the most memorable heroes to have served alongside us.
Awarded only by the Lieutenant Governor & Governor.
Legion of Merit
Among the highest military honors of the Company, The Medal of Honor is an award of recognition for extraordinary service in the military. The faithful and honorable soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor serve as examples of what each and every company-men can become.
Awarded only by the Brigadier General and above.
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for outstanding longtime service in the North West Company. Recipients must have served in the Company for at least six months, ideally longer. Recipients must have an untarnished service record. Those awarded the Distinguished Service Cross form the backbone of our magnificent Company.
Awarded by Colonel and above.
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded for stellar military conduct and dedication. Awardees are among the core of the Company, serving as everyday examples of how to better serve the Company.
Awarded by Lieutenant Colonel and above.
Medal of Valor
Awarded for extreme bravery and talent in the face of combat. Company-men in possession of the Medal of Valor are among the bravest and most skilled in our ranks.
Awarded by Lieutenant Colonel and above.
Brevets
Brevets serve as honorary promotions, mainly in situations in which an actual promotion cannot be done. However, it is required that a company-man serve for at least one month in their position before receiving a Brevet, and three months before receiving a second. Otherwise, the limitation of awarding Brevets is at the discretion of the awarding officer.
Awarded by Lieutenant Colonel and above, but may be recommended by Major and above.
Sub-Article II : “Orders of Chivalry”
Orders of Chivalry
Members of the Company may be chosen to be inducted into an Order of Chivalry. These serve as small groups of individuals who are honored for their noteworthy service to the Company.
Members of these orders are entitled to post-nominals, should they so choose. Specific ranks entitle people to use the term “Sir” or “Dame.”
The titles of “Lord” or “Lady” may be granted by the Governor or Lieutenant Governor.
Members of an Order are restricted to membership of only that Order.
The Most Illustrious Order of the Thistle
Knight Commander (KT)
The Most Noble and Honorable men of the company who have shown outstanding and noteworthy abilities may be placed into the Order of the Thistle, the most Illustrious Order of the North West Company.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter
Knight Commander (KG)
Knight Commanders are hand-picked by the Lieutenant Governor to be Knighted in the most Noble Order of the Garter.
The Most Honorable Order of the Bath
Knight Commander (KB)
Individuals with noteworthy service to the Company may be chose by the Grand Master of the Bath to be Knighted in the Order of the Bath
Article V : Company’s Finest
Sub-Article I: “Guard’s Purpose”
The Irish Guard is tasked with the protection of VIPs. When not Guarding, the Guard acts as an Elite Infantry unit within the Company.
The Irish Guard is responsible for the protection of the Command Members chosen by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. They act as elite infantry when needed and are considered the most prestigious unit within the North West Company
Sub-Article II: “Backbone of the Guard”
The Irish Guard is made in Garrison Structure. A Captain will act as the second in command of the Guard while the Major acts as the ultimate command of the guard. At all times the Guard may be made up of a max of 2 Troops.
Sub-Article III: “Duty’s Honor”
The Irish Guard is to follow the same laws as the militia when not serving as a protection force, ie. when no protection detail is assigned, the Guard will serve as elite infantry and follow the same laws as other members of the Company. When taking part in a protection detail, any and all guards are immune to all laws so they may fulfill their objective and keep those they protect safe. Harassing members of the Irish Guard is highly frowned upon and any insinuators are subject to punishment of either being shot, killed, or anything the Major of the Guard, or next highest ranking individual within the guard sees fit.
Sub-Article IV: “High Duty - High Bar”
The Irish Guard will host tryouts and only accept the finest servicemen the company has available. Should a company man pass a tryout, their current Garrison/Platoon commissioned officer will not be allowed to contradict the individual joining the Guard. They will only be informed of the transfer, but as stated, will be unable to prevent it.
Article V: “Oath of Silence”
Members of the Guard must take an Oath of Silence upon entering the Guards, meaning all regular Guardsmen may not speak in-game without permission from a Guardsmen Officer (Warrant Officer or higher). Warrant Officer and higher in the Guard may speak freely without permission unless told otherwise by a member of the Guard of higher standing.