1- While there have been numerous and upsetting comments, complaints, reports and questions regarding Missa's channel #TheTrilands, briefly touted as "the Old DragonHeart”, she vehemently denies her part in causing any such misunderstandings and has gone out of her way to attempt to rectify certain things, including doubtful instances on her personal WebPages and the channel’s message boards.

2- The Heart has a long and restless history that has (off and on) included serious internal problems and struggles.

If it is going to require drastic action to have things set straight-

If we have to start over from scratch with the people who were here-

If we have to appear severe and demanding-

If we are to be called dictators without hearts, souls, or feelings-

If we have to lock the doors to hateful, rude, obnoxious behaviours and comments-

If we are forced to make things clear from a tyrannical point of view-

If we have to rework everything from the ground up-

-Then so be it.

3- People-including the pre-existing Op body-who have claimed loyalty to the Heart (no matter what), calling it "home"-

Who have referred to others there as "friends and family"-

Who say they have "worked" there and put the patrons first-

Who have talked about their convictions and solid stability, offering their support and saying they will do their best under the new management and requirements-

But then turned their backs, walked away to spread one-sided lies, false accusations, and venom, showing others half-truths and failing to live up to their promises of confidentiality - those who have left in defeat, pre-maturely, claiming they "can't take it", not having the faith or courage to wait and see, honestly, with open-minds, who have become verbal, bitter, back-stabbers-

All we can say is, “Shame on you.”

Actions speak louder than words. Strength lies in personal character and the ability to be willing to look ahead, to wait and be patient, to accept one’s position with an understanding of what others’ positions are; to get going when the going gets tough. Too many have given in to myopic, selfish expectations apparently based more on personal prestige than the good of the Dragon’s Heart in general. Too many left before giving anything a fighting chance. Too many have failed to see and hear, unwilling to set selfish motives aside. Too many have been quick to falsely accuse, to rant and rave, to resort to verbal violence and abuse - to jump to conclusions and assume, despite the many hours of long and personal conversations explaining, asking for patience, open-mindedness, and tolerance.

While some complaining, questions, demands for answers, voicing of objections and other such difficulties were expected, we did NOT expect the hostility, lack of respect and common courtesy, constant arguing over small matters and the severity we have experienced.

We were prepared to be firm, but fair: to listen, to compromise in the beginning, to wait and see, to take things slow. We were also prepared to explain at great length, make necessary changes over a period of time and to make our intentions and demands clear. NEVERTHELESS, we came in with some hope as well. We came in with the basic faith that the people already here who had been chosen to care for and oversee the Heart would feel some commitment, loyalty, and be strong enough to weather whatever storms would have to break. We did NOT expect the level of laziness, selfish focus, and outright rebellion we came up against.

It may be natural to test any changes, especially ones that were unexpected and sudden. However, we thought we would be seen as people who cared as much, if not more, for the Heart as all of them claimed to. We expected a fair and fighting chance. We gave it time. We left everything in place, not eliminating anyone without getting a feel for who they were and what they stood for.

Some have since apologized, some have explained their own feelings, some continue to argue and berate, some stay away, some drift in and out even now. Their ability to use #TheTrilands has been in some ways distressing, but in other ways a relief, giving people who consider themselves friends and family an outlet for continued self-expression among people who share their common values. There are many such wheres, and we wish them all the best there. It has been some relief to no longer have to deal with the petty squabbling and constant bickering among people who act as less than responsible adults, which is necessary in running an effective and organized where.

For those who are happy in their new home(s), we are glad and wish all the best. For those who continue to berate, accuse, and act like children who did not get your way we feel sorry, but they brought it on themselves and we do not have the time or patience to deal with them any longer.

Those who have expressed or have regrets, who have calmed and had second thoughts, let us say this:

There were mistakes made on both sides, but the primary differences were fundamental and affective. In essence, those who have left failed to understand and accept the chain of command. Eagle's long letters were a result of hours of trying to work with each of them, both publicly and individually, spending hours explaining, clarifying and repeating himself. His frustrations and despair resulted in putting his foot down on certain issues as they continued to be a severe problem. If they had listened, if they had thought, if they had understood to any degree, they would have reacted differently. Instead, they chose to mutiny. As mutineers, they lost the war, when they could have chosen to stay and win smaller battles as they arose, conducting themselves with dignity and common courtesy instead of like spoiled cheese.

They pushed the Captain too far, his self-control and patience being finally beyond his choice to tolerate, as was his right and responsibility, and they felt his explosive wrath. They may or may not deal with it, but they must know it for what it was, honestly. What was done is done.

For any rudeness, impatience, intolerance or unfairness you may believe was dealt you, individually or as groups; if your feelings, pride, or dignity had been hurt; if you believe you had been treated too harshly or that actions against you have been pre-mature or unwarranted, we apologize.

There is nothing more painful that the breaking apart of a family; nothing more difficult to swallow than the belief you have been misunderstood or misjudged; nothing more brutal than thinking there is no hope.

It is our hope that the slate may be wiped clean. It is our belief that the initial judgments, assumptions, and pre-conceptions that so clouded most of your minds may be reconceived.

If you have the strength and feel able to forget the past, to start over with no animosities or grudges or pre-conceptions-

If you have the grit and determination to set personal differences and opinions aside-

If you can be part of the team you were so adamant about being loyal to in the beginning

If you can in fact be loyal, and part of a cohesive, unified body who will be required to work as a team-

If you can be open-minded, fair and honest-

If you understand the concepts of respect, kindness, tolerance and chain of command-

If you can accept the guidelines set forth for Operators and Helpers of the Heart and see it all as necessary for the common good-

If you can work as a member of a body who know and understands their duties, obligations and priorities-

If you can set selfish motives, personal prestige or gain aside and be able to focus on the more important aspects of being a member of such a crew-

-Feel free to come back and start over, no questions asked other than to clarify the ones herein.

If you can accept the mandates and philosophies of the owners and wish to be part of the internal workings of the Heart (difficult as it would be), a where you so strongly swore loyalty to, then prove it. Clean slate, fresh start, nothing from the past to be thrown in anyone's face.

With sincere best wishes and regards whatever your choice, our conscience is clear, and we remain in the service of the Dragon’s Heart.

Eagle and Mahayr

Philosophy/Mission Statements

We work to-

-provide a safe, nurturing and honest environment for Role-Players of all ages (within the suggested PG-15 guidelines [parental guidance and awareness for patrons under the age of fifteen]) and walks of life. There will be no prejudices, intolerance, or abuse perpetuated against any Heart patron. In Character and Out Of Character interactions will be separate, at the players’ individual discretions.

To this end, the separate channel, #DH_OOC, is available for the public exchange of ideas, comments, clarifications of IC issues, etc. Private messages are private, and should always be considered privileged.

-Set a good example in terms of real-world personal conduct and morality.

-Remain calm, fair, kind and decent in the face of problems and difficult circumstances.

-Set clear, fair, and unbiased rules.

-Set an example in human leadership.

-Oversee a united and cohesive Operator/Helpers Body.

-Enforce and maintain a transparent distinction between the internal operations and In Character environments.

Common Complaints Addressed/Clarifications:

The Heart is NOT going to cater to troublemakers of any kind. While we are certainly open to knowing our patrons OOC if they wish, that is a personal matter and left entirely up to them, individually, and is not to be considered any reason as to why an individual should be shown any more leniency than anyone else.

The line between IC and OOC is not a clear one, and varies with each person. Most admit that their characters are, to some degree or other, a reflection of their own personalities, either in reality or because of some need to express themselves in various ways and for various reasons. It is not our place or our job to judge them outside the suggested PG15 guidelines.

We will set standards, rules, and guidelines for the Dragon’s Heart and anyone choosing to Role Play there - anyone acting within those boundaries - will be treated with dignity, respect and kindness when Out Of Character. Treatment will vary In Character, as is described in the revised channel rules, and should be considered as being just that - In Character.

Operators and Helpers - by necessity and choice - deal with each other Out Of Character on a daily basis. Their work is for the channel, and requires meetings, communication and decision-making. They will be required, at all times, to be respectful and civil to each other, even when disagreements arise. There will be no bickering. There will be no personal attacks or vendettas. They will work together.

The chain of command is clear, and the Heart will operate internally as a well-organized sea-fairing ship.

It should be understood that a Captain must have the loyalty and trust of his appointed hands. Such loyalty is a two-way street and must be earned. However, when a new Captain comes aboard already staffed with hands, those hands must then decide what they will do. The choices are, either to jump ship, mutiny (the hands in this case having no hope of actually winning and taking over the ship), or pull themselves up by the bootstraps and assign themselves to the duties at hand, doing their level best to cooperate, be flexible, and able to give unquestioning benefit of the doubt.

The captain does the same when choosing to keep existing hands. It is always a risk. He could always fire everyone and bring in his own crew, regardless of how skeleton it may be at first. The bottom line remains: He is the Captain of the ship as it is appointed to him by the higher governing forces and he will be obeyed.

Issues to keep in mind while working together as a crew include:

a. Personality differences.

b. The strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

c. Schedules and availability.

d. The unanimous acceptance of rules, guidelines and Op/Helper requirements.

The individuals of the crew may gain privileges, promotions or special duties as they demonstrate willingness and ability to put the needs and priorities of the Dragon’s Heart first. The Heart will never have another Captain, however the Captain may, in the future, leave the ship in the hands of a select group of trusted members who have proven to be an effective and unified force. They would become, in effect, a limited democracy; a committee approved by, and still under the direct authority of, the Captain.

The Captain cannot afford the luxury of being indecisive, lazy, selfish, or easily swayed. He must always put the overall good of the ship first - the good of the "country" he serves. In view of these self-evident facts, the Captain may come under scrutiny by both his own crew and outsiders who are unaware of why certain things are decided and done. It is up to the crew to remain loyal, supportive and to continue to work as a team, dedicated to the same goals, without demanding that these things be minutely explained on a constant basis in a specific manner that will best suit their own personal points of view. It is expected that the crew will have some life experience and will be able to understand why certain things will simply remain unsaid.

We know this is a great deal to digest. Please refer to it, read it again, and feel free to ask for clarifications. We have put a lot of time, energy and emotion into the Dragon’s Heart. The long history of internal struggle has to end, without letting it fall into the same mediocre, stagnant pool that so many other wheres have fallen in. We understand that times have changed, that good wheres are increasingly difficult to find, that they come and go, that many waste away or disintegrate altogether. We can only believe that if we build it, they will come, and that they will stay and make it their home; some of them not for the first time.

Chain of Command Explained

-Explanation of Duties

Founder/Owner/Captain - S`qarr (Eagle)

His word is law; his decisions are final unless otherwise stated by either discussion or circumstance. His authority is unchallenged. His position is not negotiable. He has made, and will continue to make, every effort to listen, consider and compromise when he deems it necessary and in the best interest if DragonHeart. He will not tolerate open challenges when done in a rude or demeaning manner. He will expect his crew to be mature, reasonable, civil, respectful and clear-headed. He does not expect perfection, but he does expect honest effort and an open-minded, clear, shared vision, in agreement with the basic Philosophy and Mission statements. He further expects all Operators and Helpers to be available to help the patrons on various levels. If this means sometimes having to put their own "fun" on hold that is the way it will have to be. He expects to be informed of problems and situations that arise in order to see to them in a timely manner. Details of Operator/Helper duties will be explained in an up-coming document. Operators/Helpers who feel they are unappreciated, treated unfairly, coerced, or in any other way compromised, are free to resign at any time.

Co-Founder/Co-Owner/Second in Command - Mahayr

Her word is Law second only to Eagle's. They work together in every detail of over-seeing the Dragon’s Heart. Eagle and Mahayr are fundamentally different in nature, and the crew should make an effort to realize these differences, and to not confuse one with the other. Such confusions lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary rhetoric. They are both a waste of time and upsetting. Avoid them at all costs to self and property.

Supervisory Operators - Respect, Kindness, Tolerance

Appointed to this position after proving their abilities to fill the position, they must remain unquestionably loyal; to be fair, calm, rational and to work as reliable liaisons and advisors. These will answer only to Eagle and Mahayr. Their decisions are to be considered final until approved or vetoed by Eagle or Mahayr. Vetoes may be explained, but must in no way result in public displays of disunity. They will also share the same duties as AOp's.

Automatic Operators - Respect, Kindness, Tolerance

Appointed to this position based on their conduct, availability, reputation for being reasonable and decent, these people will be the hands of law and order in the Heart. They will explain rules, answer questions, mediate problems, and delegate issues beyond their realm of expertise to either a SOp, Eagle or Mahayr. AOp's will be chosen from a pool of working Helpers.

a. Congeniality - Cool heads. You will attract more flies to honey than to vinegar.

b. Advisors to Eagle and Mahayr

c. Meeting attendance

d. Liaisons

e. Enforce Rules/Philosophies/Mission

f. Work to assist Helpers.

g. Pay close attention to the Channel when present there.

i. We will be cracking down on the habit of some to multi-channel. If you have other duties and responsibilities in other wheres, please attend to them at times you are not present in the Heart. (More on this later)

ii. Role Play as much as you can, involving as many of the patrons as you can. Do not ignore the actions of any patrons. IC conduct will depend of circumstances.

iii. Keep an eye out for habitual lurkers. Those recognized to be Heart regulars, or if they have good reason for doing so, may be tolerated. If not, we will be taking steps to eliminate them.

Helpers - Respect, Kindness, Tolerance

Helpers will be appointed based on an agreement to uphold all channel rules, philosophies, mission statements and other directives of the Founder. They will be able to take direction, obey orders, and will be required to remain calm, civil, patient and hospitable. They will be cultivated and educated to move up to Operators, based on individual ability. They will be expected to set a good example in terms of Role Play and public relations (including making an effort to not be lazy in any way). They will not argue with Patrons, nor will they allow themselves to be abused.

a. Congeniality - Cool heads. You will attract more flies to honey than to vinegar.

b. Responsibility (Priorities)

i. To yourselves - Only you can determine your time and availability to perform your duties in the Heart.

ii. To the Channel - Your primary public consideration.

iii. To the Patrons - Our ultimate consideration as a whole, within the boundaries as set forth in the rules, guidelines, and philosophy and mission statements.

iv. Duties:

1. To be assistants to the Operators, but not their subordinates.

2. Help and inform patrons: Answer question; direct them to WebPages and message boards; Remind patrons in the event of any breach of posted rules; Direct problems requiring mediation to Operators; Keep Operators informed of on-going/arising issues.

3. Report problems directly to Eagle or Mahayr.

Required Reading

1- http://dragonhearttavern.homestead.com/DH.html (and all associated links)

2- http://cyberbuzz.gatech.edu/apo/robert.html (as these apply to all official meetings to be held by the Heart’s Op body)

3- http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/magic/cmns/fwp.html (specifically, the Good Habits, Story Elements, Style, Ten Points on Plotting, Genre, Irony, Voice, Scenes, Show or Tell?, (most importantly) Character and Dialogue sections, as they are all very helpful to both novice and veteran Role Players)

4- Any future documents distributed either personally, via the mailing lists or posted on the message boards.

Please-

-Be advised that the website, rules, Mission Statement, general philosophies, etc. may undergo change or revision from time to time.

-Know that all opinions and suggestions will be considered.

-Understand and believe that we have one thing at heart: The good of DragonHeart and its people.

-Focus on this: We do not consider ourselves anything other than public servants, set into place for the common good.

-Consider that this document (in its entirety) was written with great difficulty, emotion, sincerity, and care for all who are now, have been, or will be associated with the Dragon’s Heart. We trust that this, at least, will be respected.

Eagle and Mahayr

1/05/02