The Creation of Tao
Tao understands that people come to Aardwolf to have a good time, to relax, to get away from real life. With this in mind Tao offers a clan that doesn't require all members to be involved in everything. The clan is something for them to be a part of but not to the detriment of their enjoyment in their individual playing style, having to feel restricted by having to sit at levels, give all their gold or quest points, or have alignment requirements. Tao enables these people to join and be more of a part of the clan if they so choose.
The first steps within Tao are to have members gain an understanding of clans in general, and Tao specifically. We don't force our members to be involved, we don't force them to come to meetings, we don't force them to give us all their gold. But if they desire to be more involved they are welcomed to proceed onto further steps of Tao.
These further steps are the paths of Creativity and Self-Advancement. Progression further down the steps of Tao requires that members will have to show dedication to the clan and actually achieve something. Through creativity they are expected to make up descriptions for mobs/items/rooms for the clan and also offer the service of creating these for other people that are not part of the clan. Through self advancement they are expected to donate to the clan via gold and information on the world of Aardwolf.
Each member does not have to travel this far down the path, it is up to each individual, although there are incentives.
Ranks
Hopeful
- Hopefuls are able to, but not expected to vote on various clan upgrades or other matters that come up to a clan vote. People at this rank are not expected to donate to the clan, but it is appreciated. Hopefuls can interview applicants, but must have a person at Follower rank or higher present while they do the interview. The maximum amount of Hopefuls at any one time is 3, it will never be more then 3 but may become less.
- Hopefuls votes count as half.
Believer
- Believers are able to vote on all votable matters. Believers can interview applicants, but must have a person at Follower rank or higher present while they do the interview. A person at this rank is not expected to donate but is expected to be active.
- Believers votes count as 1.
Follower
- The members of this rank are expected to vote on everything that requires a vote to be cast. They can interview applicants freely if they wish to do so. At this rank members may choose to stay at this rank, or may further their role in the clan by contribution to the clan. That contribution can take take the form of Creativity, Self-Advancement, donations, Gathering and sharing of information, writing guides, helping others etcetera. Followers may begin these these activities at any time to prepare themselves for a future promotion that becomes available when the minimum time-in-rank requirements for the promotion have been passed.
- Follower votes count as 1.
Disciple
- The members of this rank have shown their commitment to Tao and its members through substantial contribution.
- Disciple votes count as 2.
Adept
- The members of this rank have shown themselves to be committed to Tao over a much more extended period.
- Adept votes count as 2.
Guide
- Those at this rank should endeavor to help out members of the clan wherever possible. Guides do as their rank suggests: guide those in need. While this includes clan members at all times, when an outsider requires some assistance that a Guide can give, it should be given. Guides help settle disputes and tell the leaders if someone has broken rules or done something that doesn't follow the theme. They are also here to help those outside of the clan understand the workings of the clan. A Guide is automatically pre-selected for the eventuality a leaderspot becomes vacant.
- Guides votes count as 3.
Tao Incarnate
- These are the leaders of the clan, they should provide everything that Guides do. They should organize the voting of upgrades and anything else that might require a vote. They are to tally up votes and keep the members informed of what is going on.
- Tao Incarnates votes count as 3.
Public Clan Hall
Recruitment
- The applicant will be required to be level 604 or greater, and have completed a number of quests equal to 2 per level. Campaigns count as 5 quests each.
- In order to join the clan an applicant must first write a note to the clan, detailing a little about themselves, their character and why they would like to join.
- After a leader has posted acceptance of the applicants petition, the applicant may begin seeking "interviews." The applicant is responsible for arranging these interviews with clan members, which are conducted to familiarise the member with the applicant, for the applicant to see if they would fit with clan ideals and for the member to see if they feel the applicant will fit in. Applicants may have as many interviews as they wish, and the results shall be written up by the interviewer and posted to the clan for viewing.
- At least three interviews with members rank Follower or above are required. The more interviews the applicant can manage the better, as all clan members will vote on the applicant's acceptance. Please be courteous in your requests and keep in mind many of our members have alot to do in our real lives.
- Leaders will open the vote for allowing the applicant to join after the third interview review rank Follower or above has been posted. Applicants will be accepted after the number of votes is totaled, and positive notes equal to 75% or more of votes made.
- Applicants with clanned alts will not be considered.