Section 1: Governing structure

ODS is a social and military Order based in Riverhaven. As such, it is loyal to the Baron of Therengia who allows us to operate freely in his lands provided we obey the laws of Therengia and aid in her defense. ODS is governed by a Council that votes on all official actions of the Order, determines the direction and organization of the Order, and votes on new recruits. Three Officers do not vote, but may speak in council in regard to Order business. A quorum of two-thirds is required for any vote.

The Speaker (or Commander) is the voice of the Council and Order and executes their wishes. In emergency circumstances when Council cannot be gathered, the Commander may make decisions and orders to handle the nature of the emergency. Such orders will be discussed by council in a timely manner to be affirmed or rescinded. The Commander may appoint additional Officers for specific tasks with the approval of Council.

The Vice-Speaker (Vice-Commander) acts as the Speaker's assistant and conducts business as directed. In the absence of the Speaker, has the power of the Speaker subject to the same restrictions and oversight.

The Treasurer holds Order funds, disburses them as directed and accepts coin earned from Order events for deposit. Is next in line of command after the Speaker and Vice-Speaker, except in the case of a military emergency in which the Strike Force Leader would have command.

Members have a voice in the Order through their councillors. Councillors shall make themselves available to the members to hear grievances and ideas for the betterment of the Order.

Strike Force is the military arm of the Order and will respond as directed by the Commander or as the Leader sees fit in the absence of command.

In the absence of the above Officers, any Council member or general member is expected to lead the populace and Order members in times of invasion, war or other emergency.


Section 2: Membership

Membership is open to all in Elanthia that wish to be part of an Order that seeks fellowship within and without the Order, help the general populace of the lands, research and preserve the history and traditions of Elanthia, participate in events of the Order, and to defend all peoples, the province of Therengia, and in particular the city of Riverhaven. Upon application, an Order sponsor will be assigned to inquire of the recruit and instruct in the Order's ideals, laws, and history. Returning members must go through the recruit process, the exception being a returning founder of the Order.

Members are expected to participate in Order meetings, events and hunts as best they are able at a minimum of once per month. Excessive absence from Order activites without communicating a reason for such, may be cause for removal. A two month absence will cause the Commander to attempt to contact the member to determine the cause of absences. At this time a resolution will be found or an LOA granted. If by three months a member has not responded to attempts to contact, has not contacted the order or has not followed through with agreements to attend Order functions then their name will be submitted to council for removal from the order. A leave of absence may be applied for and approved by the Commander.

No dues are required of members as regular participation in coin earning events will bring in more revenue than dues.

Conlict within the Order is discouraged, and depending on the circumstances and severity, may be grounds for dismissal. In the case of a dispute that cannot be resolved through mediation with Officers of the Order, members may turn to the Council for resolution and must abide by Council's decision. Failure to follow a Council ruling may be grounds for dismissal from the Order.

Conflict with those outside the Order that results in defamation of the Order may be grounds for dismissal.

Behavior that disgraces or brings dishonor upon the Order may be grounds for dismissal.

In all matters regarding dismissal, any member may bring complaint, which will be investigated thoroughly by the Speaker and evidence heard by Council. Testimony will be heard and fact discerned from hearsay. The member in question may speak in defense and hear the evidence in the matter.

Section 3: Selection of Officers and Council

Councillors represent the membership of the Order and have the voting authority to elect all Officers and fellow Councilors. Service in these positions will be until the Officer or councillor steps down or a no confidence vote is acheived by the full council. When an Officer or Councillor wishes to step down or is removed, Council will elect the new person to office.