TEC The Guide

The Guide

TEC GUIDE

Fight Together, Never Surrender

Index -
    Welcome
    History
    Newcomers' Guide
    Clan Rankings
    Rules
    Seven Core Values
    Promotions and Demotions
    Achievements, Awards, and Titles

Appendix

Welcome

Greetings, this was created first and foremost to answer the majority of any questions you may have about this clan and to tell about how this clan was founded, has changed, and as it exists now. We are officially a clan created for Halo Wars, which has not yet been released. Therefore, we are a Halo Wars Clan, one of many. Among us are several others, notably the Helghast Empire and the Core Alliance. These two form the other two vertices needed to complete a triangle representing the three major clans that will surely dominate the coming RTS these clans are for. We strive to be at the top, and will settle for nothing short of total victory.

~ Mythonian (Leader)

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History

On February 18, 2008, the clan, originally deemed to be temporarily known as the Before Halo Wars (BHW) clan, along with the original site hosted by freewebs.com, was built by HWF (Halo Wars Forums) members Artemis and Sigma Octanus. These two were backed by many members who had secretly agreed to join the clan immediately following its release to the HWF. The very first member to join was Gruntmaster, a trustworthy and devoted member. Since then we have undergone many adjustments, trying to please every member who has joined.

We began building around the members, and succeeded in doing so. After several weeks of evolution and growth, Sigma Octanus unfortunately became inactive and was inevitably removed from the clan. Short on Administrators, we needed someone to rise up and take on the responsibilities of keeping the clan alive. This person ended up being Mythonian. He rose up to take Sigma's position and quickly proved himself dedicated. Not only did he completely reorganize the site, but he was incredibly kind and social towards the members in the forums.

As Mythonian kept the clan alive, Artemis worked towards creating the first site we used that was hosted by Spruz. This site was finally used on March 30, 2008. Many members did not make the transition, as we had completely cleared the roster of all members, making them re-register. Since then, members have periodically met online, on both FPS and RTS games.

On July 28, 2008, Artemis announced he was leaving the clan. This has been a serious blow to us, as he was not only the last original leader of the Before Halo Wars clan, but also a well known and liked member. Despite this tragedy, the clan held itself together and perservered, even though we had lost a great leader, member, and friend.

After the saddening departure of Artemis, the higher ranking members thought it a good idea to make a new site, along with a new start. A Spruz System Update ironically made the site's forums unable to be posted in, which sped up the revealing of this new site. The primary creators of the new site were Reegan, Gruntmaster, and Mythonian, and the new site was finally and officially used on August 10, 2008. As of just a few days later, most of the members of the clan had successfully made the transfer to the new site.

Even though several members never made the transition, they are not missed to the degree we still miss Artemis. He periodically checks in to watch our progress, but it will never be the same as it was before. This new site, however, continues to display the great idea that originally led to its creation. It possesses many new aspects and approaches to things that have made it original and effective.

Surprisingly and fortunately, at 10:03:00 PM (Eastern Time) on November 11, 2008, Artemis returned and posted an official application to rejoin the clan. After resigning from the clan over a quarter year previously, the ranking that he deserved was undecided. He was personally fine with starting out as a Recruit again and building himself back up, but many of the members opposed this on the basis that they refused to outrank the founder of our clan. The Officers decided to vote on it, and had discussed the matter of how he should be ranked, and eventually came upon the conclusion that he could come back as an officer, but the lowest rank still classified as an officer ranking.

From then until early December, another hiatus of few notable activities existed as the members prepared for Christmas and had a jolly time doing so. A long-dead discussion, however, was one of these notable occurrences. It was of possibility of changing the name and what we should change it to. Originally, Before Halo Wars' name was designated as temporary, but it has grown on many members, making them think twice about changing it at all, and double checking all suggestions to make sure that they would rather be within a clan with that name than one with the name currently used. After much discussion, we came upon the possibility of using the Eighth Column, named after Mythonian's Halo fan-fic that featured several members of the clan as characters. It quickly gained a unanimous backing and is now officially our name.
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Newcomers' Guide

This specific section of the TEC Guide has been created specifically for new members who may be confused about certain features or feel lost and unable to navigate our site. First and foremost, if you are currently merely visiting and wish to join the clan, than I suggest you do the following:
1. Create an account with Spruz if you need to at http://www.spruz.com/
2. Join our community after logging into your account while viewing our website.
3. Fill out the automated required application form to the best of your ability.
4. Go into the "Archives" page and into the Registration thread.
5. Copy the Registration form in the first post and fill it out in a reply.
6. Wait to be accepted into the clan and given access to the rest of the site, pages, and forums.
7. Browse the forums/pages at your leisure and enjoy being a member of The Eighth Column.

If you have any other questions or concerns that are not addressed in this section or the rest of the Guide, please send a PM to any current member with the specific details.
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Clan Ranking System

Commissioned Officer Rankings:

General(GEN) - Max of one(1) General at any time - Commands all operations including starting and ending wars and wartime strategies.� Used to clan customs and shows great leadership qualities.� Has the dividing vote in the event of a tie when electing a soldier to become either a Sergeant or a Staff Sergeant.
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-general.gif

Brigadier(BGR) - Max of one(1) Brigadier at any time - Assistant to General. Operates and commands in the General's absence.� Members who achieve this rank are only promoted this far in the event of a personal promotion given by the General himself.� The most esteemed honor a member can have.
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-colonel.gif

Colonel(COL) - Max of two(2) Colonels at any time - Officers who may assist the Brigadier. Commands in the instance that all higher-ranking officers are absent.� Promotion to this ranking only occurs if the member in question has earned it by learning to be an Officer during his time as a Major and Captain and who has been nominated by a ranking officer and elected by a vote made by the General and Brigadier.
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-lcolonel.gif

Captain(CPT) - Max of two(2) Captains at any time - Officer who has learned enough of how to command and manage while being a Major.� These members are primarily advisers and assistants to higher-ranking members.� These members should be learning more advanced and detailed management and command related aspects while learning to deal with responsibility appropriately.� The rank of Captain is only achieveable by a promotion given by the Master Sergeant, but if the Master Sergeant is unavailable, a majority vote of all higher-ranking Officers will decide.
Image URL - http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s206/Mythonian/ranks-Captain2.gif

Major(MAJ) - Max of three(3) Majors at any time - Basic officer position. Officers who must be taught the specifics for leading and commanding.� Have shown considerable understanding for all concepts presented.� Promotions to this ranking are decided by the Master Sergeant, but if the Master Sergeant is unavailable, a majority vote of all higher-ranking Officers will decide.
Image URL - http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s206/Mythonian/ranks-Major2.gif

Non-Commissioned Officer Rankings:

Master Sergeant(MSG) - Max of one(1) Master Sergeant at any time - Members who achieve this ranking are truly loyal and worthy of such a title and responsibility.� The Master Sergeant has full control over whether a member is promoted to or demoted from the rankings of Staff Sergeant, Sergeant, Major, Captain, and all Enlisted ranks.� This ranking is only achievable by a vote made by the General and Colonel.� This ranking is equivalent to that of a Colonel in terms of influence.
Image URL - http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s206/Mythonian/ranks-masterSergeant.gif

Staff Sergeant(SSG) - Max of two(2) Staff Sergeant at any time - Member who has continually proven that they will not do anything that does not promote the clan as well as contributing much to the betterment of the clan.� Earned by being nominated and promoted by the Master Sergeant, but if the Master Sergeant is unavailable, a majority vote of all higher-ranking Officers will decide.� This ranking is equivalent to that of a Captain in terms of influence.
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-staffsergeant.gif

Sergeant(SGT) - Max of four(4) Sergeants at any time - Member who has shown that they are a true asset for their clan and have done everything possible to promote the clan and its members.� Earned by being nominated and promoted by the Master Sergeant, but if the Master Sergeant is unavailable, a majority vote of all higher-ranking Officers will decide.
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-sergeant.gif

Enlisted Rankings:

Corporal(CPL) - Member that appear to have great potential and extreme, unwavering loyalty, as well as understanding tactical or strategic data.
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-pfc2.jpg

Private First Class(PFC) - Member showing above average-level potential and undieing loyalty.�
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-corporal.gif

Private(PVT) - Member showing average-level potential and loyalty.
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-privatefc.gif

Recruit(RCT) - Basic Rank.� May be a soldier showing little or no skill, uncooperative, or has yet to earn a higher ranking.
Image URL - http://www.bhw.spruz.net/user/160127/Rankings/ranks-private.gif

NOTE - Ranks may be subject to change without notice and at any time, these may or may not be permanent.� Please see Last Revision notice at top.

Pay Grades:
Pay Grades are a way to reward members for their accomplishment in achieving the ranking that they have.

Enlisted -
E-1 : Recruit
E-2 : Private
E-3 : Private First Class
E-4 : Corporal
Non-Commissioned Officer -
N-1 : Sergeant
N-2 : Staff Sergeant
N-3 : Master Sergeant
Commissioned Officer -
O-1 : Major
O-2 : Captain
O-3 : Colonel
O-4 : Brigadier
O-5 : General

Pay Grades equal to or greater than N-1 and O-1 come with Moderating Powers.
Pay Grades equal to or greater than N-3 and O-3 come with Administrative Powers.

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Rules

These rules must be followed in order to prevent from being demoted, banned from the forums, or expelled from the clan.

1. Remain active both on the site and XBL as much as possible.
2. Treat all fellow members with respect.
3. No swearing, flaming, or use of unnecessary insults.
4. Do not disrespect other clans, their members, or opposing competitors.
5. Make all complaints or concerns with an Administrator.
6. Abide by all of the Core Values.

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Seven Core Values

These should be followed and, if so, will lead to promotion or other rewards.

1. Loyalty - Bear true faith and allegiance to the Clan.
2. Duty - Fulfill your obligations, statements, and promises.
3. Respect - Treat others as they should be treated.
4. Selfless Service - Put the welfare of the Clan before your own.
5. Integrity - Do what is right.
6. Courage - Face fear, danger, or adversity calmly.
7. Honor - Live up to these values.

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Promotions and Demotions

Being Promoted to a higher ranking or being Demoted to a lower rankings can occur in multiple ways

Promotions -

1. Show great potential for leadership positions continuously

2. Spent a great amount of time with the clan and has participated in clan events continuously.
3. Excell at all tasks given to you to a very high degree.

4. Continuously following orders given by higher-ranking members with efficiency.

Demotions -

1. Fail to follow the rules laid out on a multitude of occasions.

2. Cease to log in or participate in clan events for a long period of time without stating the reasoning in the related topic within the forums.

3. Continue to post disrespectful, unnecessary replies in the forums, even after specifically told to cease this activity and continue to swear, disrespect, and purposely flame other people.

4. Failure to follow orders from an Admin or higher-ranking member.

Expulsion -

1. Total disregard for the other members of the Clan on the Forums, in games, and overall.

2. Continue to be inactive for an extremely long period of time.

3. Refusing to consent and follow direct orders from an Admin and disrespecting them continuously.

To return to the Clan after an Expulsion, you must speak with a Leader of the Clan or an Admin and prove yourself. It will not be an easy task, and may take some time to complete. After three Expulsions, you will NOT be accepted again, it will be permanent.

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Achievements, Awards, and Titles

Awards are a way to reward members for good behavior, excellent skill, and for overall contributions made toward the Clan's well-being and prosperity, as well as achievements made in inner- and inter-clan activities. There are multiple awards, each of which can be achieved differently. Rewards given alongside these awards are still pending final decision. The declaration of a member achieving an award will be stated and the appropriate member given a specific signature if available. Anubit3Blad3 is the official Sig Designer of BHW, and displaying the signature is optional.

Member of the Month

Achieved by extreme amounts of activity and contributions made that, when totaled, are greater than any other member. All previous winners of this and the other awards will be displayed on the Events page found on the website.

Monthly Tournament Victor

Awarded for being the victor in one of the monthly tournaments. Multiple members can achieve this award at once, especially if the tournament is team-based.

Spartan Title

This award is not an award actually, it is a Title. Given to the best Halo 3 player and is kept by the same person until someone surpasses him/her in skill and defeats the current holder in a best-of-three match up on default maps (no forged maps unless specifically allowed by the Tournament Director, which is TNine.). The current holder picks the maps, but no map can be used twice. No person can challenge more than once a week, and the current holder may postpone a challenge if a valid reason is provided.

Senior Award

Possibly the most prestigious award. Achieving this means that you have been with the Clan through the good and bad times, wavering never, and with unyielding loyalty to the clan. This member is a truly valued asset for the clan, and will be awarded as such.

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Appendix

    Timezone Map

Halo 3 Multiplayer Maps
    Avalanche
    Black Out
    Cold Storage
    Construct
    Epitaph
    Default Foundry
Onslaught
Amplified
    Ghost Town
    Guardian
    High Ground
    Isolation
    Last Resort
    Narrows
    Rat's Nest
    Sand Trap
    Snowbound
    Standoff
    The Pit
    Valhalla

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TEC Established February 18, 2008