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Rules of Engagement

General Rules
LotRO is merely a game. Real life always has priority.
The Inklings Kinship exists to collectively assist each other in making progress in the challenges presented by the game with more ease and joy. Please keep this in mind when you are playing in general but especially when you are grouped with other kinship members. The goal is to help each other reach each others' goals as well as help the Kin reach Kin goals. 
Enjoy the aspects the game has to offer and add value and enjoyment to other players’ experiences.
Conduct your behavior in a manner that exhibits courteousness, kindness, charity, and respect.
Learn how to play the game in general and strive to be more than proficient at playing your character's class.
Do not be a complainer or a leech. Your goals should not be for personal prosperity or advancement at the continued expense of the kin. Don't act like a victim or assume someone is taking advantage of you. 
Contribute to the kin's prosperity by contributing to recruits and fellow members. Represent the character of the kin when interacting with non-kindred
Be social. Give salutations to the kindred and allies online.
Chat/Voice chat is for fun and ease of play. Please use voice chat when in groups even if you don't have a microphone. Also, be respectful to others in the voice chat channels. 
Code of Conduct - Reputation
Esteem & Disrepute How to remain an Inkling. Reputation levels are maintained by the officers.
Esteem If you play your class well and follow the General Rules, you will be esteemed.
If your reputation is highly esteemed and the kinship requires it, you may be promoted to additional responsibilities and titles. Promotions are handled by the officers.
Esteemed players have an easy time finding assistance. 
Disrepute If you persist at being a disaster to others, complain too often, are self-seeking, buy or sell gold, use power leveling services, earn penalty KP not associated with declaring or winning loot, or aid Sauron and his minions in any manner (i.e. consistently contributing to the low morale and death of the free people of middle earth), your reputation will be diminished. 
If your reputation falls to unredemptive levels or you demonstrate that you no longer aspire to be esteemed, one or more of the following things will happen: Your kin standing will be demoted, you will lose all your KP, you will suffer KP penalties, or you will be removed from the kin. The Inklings kinship does not like removing people from the kin. Demotions are handled by the officers. 
Disreputable players have a hard time finding assistance. 
Profanity Language sometimes happens.
Let us keep our language clean. Continual use of profanity can diminish your reputation.
Find different words to express your feelings, it may impress others and earn you esteem.
If you say something your regret, then apologize. If someone apologizes, accept it and move on.
Relationships Disagreements will happen. Resolutions might not be in your favor. Maturity is required. 
With Members
 Keep disagreements out of chat/vent and use /tell or a different vent channel to try to resolve it.
If you cannot resolve it, escalate it to the officers and it will get resolved.
With Officers
 Speak with another officer.
Keep disagreements out of chat/vent and use /tell or a different vent channel to try to resolve it. 
Admonishments Admonishments will be given if an immediate circumstance violates the RoE or after review or an escalated situation. 
If an officer gives your a written or verbal admonishment, the correct response is not argumentative. 
A simple admonishment is merely a reminder of the RoE. Continued admonishments or immaturity will lower your reputation. 
Kinship Advancement, Responsibilities, & Recognition
Recruits Applying The kin has 3 paths for players to become official recruits of The Inklings. Those 3 paths are listed below.

The officers when appropriate may make exceptions or may choose to open recruitment completely. If an exception is made, the officers will discuss and agree by vote. If they decide to open recruitment, then the 3 paths listed below would be bypassed.
Associate - Generally speaking, the kin never closes associate access or application for this type of relationship. If a player whom is an associate desires to move toward recruitment, then they can. In order to become a member they would need to earn 200 Kin Points (KP). The player should notify an officer, and the officers will either invite the player in as a recruit or set a new goal for KP if more time is needed. An Officer can invite them prior to the 200 KP into Kinship as a recruit on a case by case basis.
Family/Friends - If the player is a  family member of a current active member or has an out of game relationship with an active member as a friend, then that player may apply directly for recruitment.  
Discovery Team - A player may apply directly to the kin if they can be eligible for The Discovery Team. The Discovery Team has class specific options and the player must have at least one character that meets The Discovery Team class openings. In addition, the applicant's character must meet the Excellence Medal stat and gear standards listed on the website's Training Hall prior to Membership.

See Discovery Team reference in the RoE and Training Hall for more information. The Recruit Page has an up to date class opening list and the Training Hall has the Class Guides with the medal requirements.
Requirements Recruits must have an active account (not a trial or free to play account) unless they have access to all end game content with which the kin engages. 
Recruits must have one character at level 60. Officers may make exceptions. 
Recruits cannot have negative KP upon entering the kinship as a recruit. 
Recruits must not be inactive for 30 days. If 30 days pass since last log in, then the recruit is sent a mail and removed from the kin unless they give an officer a reason or note ahead of time for their inactivity.
Recruits must have a sponsor. An officer will assign the sponsor. 
Recruits are bound to the rules of engagement and are expected to be proactive with their sponsor to complete requirements to become a member. 
Recruits are given no more than 90 days to become a member. At 90 days since join date, recruits have until the next ceremony to obtain promotion  unless they give an officer a reason or note ahead of time for their inability to meet it.   
Benefits Access to associate sections on the website. 
Access to any event open to associates. 
Access to the training hall and kin vault. 
Able to earn and spend Kin Points. 
Members
 Promotion
 Recruits can be promoted to membership at a membership ceremony, which involves gifts, music, fireworks, smoke, and title changes. 
Recruits are eligible if they have completed 3 events, completed the checklist with their sponsor or an officer, cannot have negative KP, and have been recommended by their sponsor for membership. 
Recruits are also required to gather and bring a 100 stack of a resource (T6 for characters level 60 - 56 and T7 for 65+) to the kin ceremony and in exchange will be give 50KP. The resources are put in the kin vault for crafters in the kin.
Recruits are required to bring all of their alternates into kin.
At the ceremony, an officer will affirm the RoE and general requirements of members. The ceremony ends with everyone taking a sip from the Kin's keg for a trip around middle earth. 
Requirements Members cannot have any characters attached to another kin unless approved by the officers as a vault kin where the player holds alternates in a kin simply for storage. The member must disclose it, must disclose  the name and location of the house, and it must not be growing or recruiting.
Members who are inactive for 365 days or have <100 KP and inactive for 180 days will be removed from the kin. They will keep all their non-member earned KP and will have their status changed to "associate." If a member is dismissed due to dissolvement, and later come back, then they can be immediately promoted to "membership" status again if approved by the officers. 
Assist others in the kin and generally engages with the kinship through helping others in events, crafting, participate in the social events and attend membership ceremonies. 
Assist recruits.
Help upkeep the costs of the kin house and the costs of special kin events. We no longer have formal dues. When applicable the leader will notify members if donations are needed or required. 
We love the lore and hope you do, too. Strive to read the stories or give the impression that you have.
Benefits 
Access to member sections of the website, member only events, and any auction house postings.
Able to earn KP, spend KP, and is eligible for special  membership KP. See KP Page.
Access to the crafting hall, training hall, and kin bank.
Able to be promoted to other responsibilities or roles in the kinship. 
Eligible for special recognition and accomplishment gifts.
Officers
Promotion
Being promoted to officership will depend on kinship needs with respect to the ratio of the number of currently active members and currently active officers.
If you ever have interest in being an officers, let an officer know.
Current officers may make available other titles and kin related responsibilities for those looking to contribute in different ways.
Responsibilities
Maintain order: report issues to other officers and gently remind members/recruits of the general rules when necessary.
Mediate Disputes: Get both sides of a dispute, and present it to the officers and we'll decide together.
Be Available: Officers are expected to assist other members and recruits. This may require you to stop what you are doing to assist others in need with your character or with advice.
Be Active: An officer is expected to be in game on average 3 days a week (unless on AFG), attend 2 events a week of which at least 1 is a raid. This is the general expectation.
Be Helpful: As an officer, you will need to assist other member/recruits of the kin. If you are in the middle of a Raid or other encounter, then try to advize the member and assist at a time that will work for both of you.
Forums: Officers need to be a resource on the kin website. They need to check requests for crafting, quests, and KP. Officers will approve KP.
Leader/Successor
Leader
Makes final decisions on RoE changes, kinship responsibilities, and assists in sorting out questions and needed resolutions. 
Successor
When the leaders is out of game or away from game, the successor assumes the leader's role described above. 
Associates & Allies
Associates
Players who are members in other kinships or are without a kinship may apply for associate status. An associate is required to follow the RoE. Being approved allows an associated allows the following:
Attend raids and other encounters the kinship runs that are open to associates.
Earn KP and  can spend KP.
Players can lose associate status or it can be denied if the officers feel that it is warranted. Being removed as an associate in this manner is considered a dismissal.
 
Any associate that has not been active on the Inklings's website for six months will be dissolved. They can reapply if interested.
Allies
Officers will determine if our kin should ally with another kin. Generally speaking, we will ally with kinships whose goals and player base closely resemble our own.
Allied kin's events may be posted on our calendar and will have that kin's name in parenthesis after the event title.
Allies should be treated with respect and the relationship that is generally denoted by the word, "ally."
Allies are expected to be familiar with The Inklins's RoE and our members with their RoE. The kin who is hosting an event is whose RoE is in effect. 
Allies who may want to apply for membership can bypass recruitment as long as they have 300 KP. If approved by the officers, the ally would be promoted to membership and be expected to bring all characters into the kinship. 
Recognition
The kin enjoys recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance and consistent playing. 
Leveling Members and Officers may be eligible for certain gifts for leveling their charaters to certain thresholds.
Accomplishment 
Members and Officers may be eligible for certain gifts for exceptional and noteworthy accomplishments.  Officers will determine what acts or circumstances deserve special recognition.
Member of the Month: Nominated by officers and members and voted on by the officers. Selected members are posted to the Kin Accomplishment page as Member of the Month. In addition, they will earn 100KP and earn a medal.
Examples: Exceptional service and assistance to recruits and members. Outstanding and unsolicited recognition from other kinships. Placement in special kinship events. An exceptional display of skill use/play for the limits and challenges of that character's class such as soloing feats or rescuing a group from disaster. Consistent and universally recognized group leadership skills. Birthdays - if you wish to be recognized for your birthday, let the kin know your birthday.
Other Roles
The kin may make available other opportunities to contribute to the kin and its success. Preset roles and their responsibilities are outlined here. 
Craft Lead
Distributes, follows-up on, and generally manages tickets placed on the crafting hall for a particular profession. In addition, creates crafting guides and researches changes in release notes about crafting changes. Each non-gathering profession has a craft lead. 
Any members in good standing are eligible to serve as a craft lead. Craft leads are managed by an officer.
Sponsor
Assists recruits in getting acquainted and assimilated with the kin. Responsible for their assigned recruits. Communicates with Member Assimilator about recruits' progress and is required to recommend them for promotion in order for their recruit to become a member. Sponsors are asked to help their recruits get plugged into events and teach them how the kin operates. They advocate for their recruit. Sponsors go over the membership checklist and make sure the recruits understand the RoE. Upon a successful promotion, Sponsors earn 50KP per promoted recruit. 
Any member in good standing who is active and able to assist new recruits is eligible to become a sponsor. The officer of Member Assimilation approves and assigns Sponsors.
Histeward Manages Crafting Hall and the Training Hall's  non-class guides.

The role works with the Craft Leads and craft tickets to make sure they are assigned and KP is submitted and that proper follow-up to requests is taking place.

The role also builds, updates, and improves The Inklings's guides on the Training Hall for Raids, References, and Guides.

Any Member approved by the officers whom is in good standing and active online, the website every week especially in Raids is eligible to take this role.
Class Trainer
Manages class guides, roles in raids, medal requirements on training hall and provides feedback to players (recognition and opportunity) as well as holds training halls and approved medal requests. Can also post and run events like an EC.   
Any member in good standing who has obtained a medal of excellence for that class, continues to attend 1 raid and 1 non-raid event per month, and is approved by the officers. 
The Discovery Team Is our group of Recruits and Members whom explore new end game content including raids, instances, and landscape events in their various tiers and challenges. The Inklings make available to all its players opportunities to engage end game content, but this team has dedicated play times where it is purposed with trying a new strategy, attempting a new piece of content, or a tier of content. It is voluntary and available to any Recruit or Member that meets the eligibility requirements. Discovery Team events are clearly indicated as such on the Event Calendar. 

The Event Director with the help of the Officers keep a record of how many players it needs for each class and when vacancies exist. Players that are Members may apply for them as well as players that are seeking direct recruitment so long as they meet the requirements.
Any Recruit or Member in good standing who has obtained a medal of excellence for a specific class where there is a listed opening. Trainers for a class and Officers are eligible for the team outside of medals, but should obtain the appropriate medal to contribute to effective play during the events.

Players on The Discovery Team must be available for most of The Discovery events that are posted to remain an active player on the team.
Event Coordinator
Schedules event requests, helps Event Director with guides, holds regular events, communicated opportunities and recognition to class trainers on player contributions, and is eligible to become raid certified to lead raids. 
Any members in good standing are eligible to serve as an event coordinator. ECs are required to schedule and run 1 non-raid per month, they are also required to attend 1 raid per month. ECs are managed by an officer (Event Director). 
Alternates
Players are encouraged to play alternates in order to increase their play experience, understanding of the game's mechanics, and provide the kinship various options when engaging raids or encounters.
Leaving the Kin
Circumstances
If you need to leave the kin, we won't hold it against you. Stay in touch.
Recruits that do not get promoted to membership within 180 days of join date will be asked to leave kin. 
Please don't leave the kin in a way that tanks your reputation. See below.
 
 
Consequences
 Dissolvement: Defined as having to leave kin due to a policy around activity. This will result in moving to associate status, which will allow for future application for recruitment. KP is left intact except that membership bonus KP is returned, which may mean negative KP. 
Mutual Agreement: Defined as deciding that the kin was not a good fit for you or that after following the conduct rules for conflict, you'd think it best to dissolve the relationship. This will result in moving to associate status, which will allow for future application for recruitment. KP is left intact except that membership bonus KP is returned, which may mean negative KP. 
Rage Quit: Defined as leaving the kin without notice or leaving without attempting communication with the officers to resolve an incident or leaving without following the RoE's code of conduct. This will result in losing associate status, which will mean losing KP, and then having any member bonus KP that was earned impact you in a negative amount. Application for reinstatement would be determined by the officers and would require earning KP back to zero before becoming a recruit. 
Dismissal: Forced to leave on account of a RoE violation. If you get booted from the kin due to being disreputable, there's a better chance of Gandalf casually lawn bowling with the Witch King than for you to be invited back. This will result in losing associate status, which will mean losing KP, and then having any member bonus KP that was earned impact you in a negative amount. Application for reinstatement is not permitted. 
 Kinship Requests
Crafting  What is?
 A need for a crafted item or resource. Please check the kin vault first.
 Who can?
 Any player that has member standing or greater. 
 How do?
 On the crafting hall click "Add Need", completed the form, any specifics, any in game arrangements. A craft lead will assign it and post updates on the ticket's "comment" section. Once the assigned crafter updates the comment indicating that it was completed, they will submit a craft request and an officer will mark the need as met. 
Event/Quest
 What is? A need for a deed, quest, epic, or event with which you need or would like or could use assistance. 
Who can?
Any player that has recruit standing or greater. 
How do?
On the Kin Point page click "Submit News." Title it, and select "associate" and "quest" from the drop downs. Describe what you need and an event coordinator will comment on the ticket once an officer posts it. The event coordinator will either schedule a calendar event or do a pick up with you and other kinmates while online. 
Kin Point
What is? A request for kin points for applicable circumstances. See KP section below. 
Who can?
Any player that has associate standing or greater. 
How do?
On the Kin Point page highlight and copy the appropriate KP request form and click "Submit News." Title is to the corresponding KP submission type, and select "associate" and "KP request" from the drops downs. Fill in all the sections and any notes to clarify the event and click "ok." Once an officer approves the request, it will post to view and allows others to make additional comments or corrections. An officer will mark the ticket as converted and update the Kin Point standings.
Armour Tracker 
What is? 
A request for the armour tracker to be updated for your current armour set standing and sets. 
Who can?  Any player that has recruit standing or greater. 
How do? 
Post a shout in the shout box on the home page or roster page. Include character's name and set name. For example, "Tollers, DN." 
Training Hall
What is?
A request for a medal review or question session with trainer. 
What is? Any player that has associate standing or greater. 
How do?
Post a shout in the shout box on the home page or roster page. 
Vault 
What is?
A request for gold, an item or items out of the kin house vaults. 
Who can?
Any player that has recruit standing or greater. Only members can exchange KP for Gold. 
How do?
Go to the BANK page and then click on the category the item you are looking for would reside. Review the lists, click on "request." Enter the appropriate number you want (please note the total number in the vault). Submit the request. The community promoter will go to the kin house vault and will mail you the item and then approve the request. If for any reason the request is denied (extremely rare if ever), then the officer will let you know why in a mail. 
KP can be exchanged for Kinship gold to purchase a legendary item or symbol Celebrimbor on the auction house. 10KP  = 1 gold. An officer will purchase the desired item for the kin member and put in the KP ticket. 
  Grouping
Organizing There are two types of organized groups. There are "scheduled" and "non-scheduled." Non-scheduled grouping follows "Farm" status rules below.
Kinship groups/events can be set up on the calendar on the Kinship website as a "scheduled" event by an Event Coordinator (EC), Trainer, or Officer.
Any Recruit, Member, Counsel, or Officer initiating and forming a group should only do so if there is a reasonable number of kin folk and/or associates to attempt the targeted content. if there is not, (like 6 online and you want to do a skirmish raid), then Instance Finder should  be used. 
Any group formed through Instance Finder (not including/meaning pre-formed groups) are not considered kin formed groups requiring to follow the kin RoE.
Pickup groups created by a member or recruit, which contain other kin folk must be ran by kin RoE.
If you organize a group, but do not desire to lead it, then you can transfer leadership. However, if you choose to organize an event, then you should be willing or find someone willing. 
Leaders


 The Group, Fellowship, or Raid Leader is the Leader. Raid leaders can designate fellowship leaders.

Fellowship leaders in raids track resources, fellowship maneuvers and make sure their groups are working according to the strategy and help direct the Raid Leader's strategy.
The leader is responsible for group wipes.
Do not lead a group to their demise. Circumstances and learning happens, but continued failures can lead to poor leadership reputation. 
Respect and follow the leader's decisions and directions. Feel free to make suggestions, but do not be a back-seat leader. 
Leaders ought to explain to the group the encounter and should at appropriate times direct and explain strategy. Do not be overbearing or micro manage the group. 
Leaders are responsible for looting chests and use the master Loot option is used in spaces that have locks and always allow for KP to be spent. 
Leaders are responsible for making sure that Kin Point (KP) requests are submitted and accurately reflect the event (they can delegate that to someone if they wish). 
Raid Leaders
Must have a medal for that raid to be a raid leader for an event that is not on "Farm status." This is tracked on the raid certification table. If no one has a medal for the raid, then only an officer can lead the raid. (In this case Raid Leader KP is not earned.) 
Raid leaders can be officers, Event Coordinators, or Trainers.
The raid leader is guaranteed a spot in the raid.
Responsible to add or update the raid event, posting the raid composition, completing the composition for the raid (when scheduled), directing the raid strategy, explaining the encounter, and tracking and posting the KP earned (when required) for the raid.
Are awarded RL KP per wing/event as outline on the KP page.

Earn KP for becoming certified in that raid. 
To earn a medal and be eligible to be a certified raid leader see the Raid Certification Medals.
Loot
Do not be a tool. In other words, do not shadow other players to gain an advantage, do not take drops others have earned, and do not be a pack rat of loot drops.
Use appropriate loot options as directed by the RoE and enforced by group leader. 
A player should not loot a chest prior to the group leader. 
Spending KP on loot always takes priority over all other roll rules in "scheduled" events and any event with locks (even if on Farm Status). If players do not wish to spend KP or players' KP bids are equal, then all eligible players may roll. 
Crafting Loot
Pass to players who have that craft profession. 
Class Items
Pass to players who have that class or will use it non-cosmetically. 
Legendary Items
Pass to players who have that class or are within 10 levels the item's level. 
Quest Gathering
Be considerate and collaborative. 
Trophies
First one is always reserved for the kin house. After kin house has option, then open to other players. 
Special Drops
Some events have special drops that either unlock portions or make future versions easier (Balrog's broken chain link). The Raid Leader may assign/condition as desired. 
Raids/Fellowship
Posting
Events may be posted on Kinship Calendar. Raids not on Farm Status must be posted and must be posted 2 days in advance. This is required for Raids to give players a fair chance to go and get desired loot. 
The Event Coordinator who posts the event should lead it or assign a leader. 
Include the following in the post: Title of event, Leader Name, the event length, the appropriate event type (drop down), event requirements (listed below), class composition (can be changed up until Event Time), event time, and any general information about the encounter or strategy. 
Scheduled raids must have a start and end time when posted. The length may be posted from 1 to 3 hours. They can be posted for no less than 1 hour and no more than 3 hours. However, raids may run shorter or longer than posted time. 
Formation
Sign-up for planned events on the website calendar. If you do not sign-up, then do not expect to be invited.

For Scheduled Raids, players must sign-up 30 minutes prior to raid start time to be eligible for raid formation. 
In Scheduled Raids, each player must have their own dedicated microphone and headset/speakers. This is important for communication and teamwork during raid encounters. 
Scheduled raids must have a group composition posted. Non-Raids do not. Group compositions for Raids should not exclude any particular class whenever possible. In other words, in a 12-person raid, the post should allow for at least 1 spot for each class outside or a miscellaneous spot. 
Scheduled Raids use formation priority rules wile other events do not. The event organizer in non-raids will take the first players signed up as "Available," "Tentative" that meet the posted group formation or if pre-posted group formation is not used, then the EC must take players signed up as "Available," "Tentative" based on sign-up order.

Players may only sign up for an event that they are eligible to attend. Those requirements are outlined in the event description.

In order to sign up as Available for Tier 2 Raids, the player must complete it on Tier 1. If they have not done so, they may sign up as Alternate.

The Raid leader for raids will go through the formation prioritization with those who are "available" first, then with those listed as "tentative," and then finally with those listed as "alternate." Formation is started 30 minutes prior to raid start time and completed before raid start time. The raid leader will post in the Event details those roles that are assigned and those that have to be finally determined (based on formation rules that require a roll-off or bid to finalize the spot) at raid start time. Those spots that are confirmed prior to start time also have their event status changed to "confirmed."  
Raid Formation Priority (1st): Priority is given to those who sign-up as "Confirmed" or "Available." To sign-up with either of those two statuses, a player must be able to attend the entire posted time of the raid (beginning to end). If they cannot sign-up for the entire posted time, then they should sign-up as either "Tentative" or "Alternate." 
Raid Formation Priority (2nd):  Players signed up as "Tentative" before the posted time (not the time the raid starts or begins to form). Players signed up as "Alternate" are not considered in formation priority rules, but are the next eligible to attend if there are open spot at the start or during any point of the raid. 
Raid Formation Priority (3rd):  Those players who show up (in vent or in game) to the event on time, which means no later than 10 minutes after post time (according to raid leader's clock). Your forfeit your spot if you are more than 10 minutes later from posted time and have the lower priority than those signed up as "Alternate." 
Raid Formation Priority (4th): Players who signed up a character that can fit the pre-posted raid composition. When there are more characters for a class, then use the 5th priority rule. 
Raid Formation Priority (5th): Players withe a medal. Excellence > Aptitude > no medal. The medal of Renown does not count toward raid formation priority. If there is a tie between players with a medal or no one has a medal, then use the 6th priority rule. 
Raid Formation Priority (6th):  Players may bid Kin Points (KP) for their spot. The Raid leader will post, "Tank Spot" and the remaining players with that class can then bid. The Raid leader will type "1x, 2x, 3x" before typing "sold" to the highest bidder. If there are no bids or bids tie, then those players may roll. The raid leader types, "roll." 
When a raid composition has a miscellaneous spot as part of the raid composition any player that was filtered out by the above priority rules can then compete for the miscellaneous spot using the same priority rules. In other words, the miscellaneous spot is open to all classes. 
Guaranteed Spots: A player who won a spot in the Raid formation that decides to give up their spot so that another player can go is given a Guaranteed Spot on the first night of that same raid on the following week it is posted. If the Guaranteed Spot is not used the at the next posted raid, the Guaranteed Spot is lost. It must be used at the very next week's posting of that raid. It cannot be used to earn a spot in a subsequent night of that raid, it must be used for the same raid on the first night or the following week's posting. 
If an event has multiple event  nights, players who earned a raid lock (not inherited) have priority over other attendees or other players signed-up. When the raid leader is forming the group, however, those with earned locks must still meet group composition and compete for those spots before other attendees or other players sign-up. If there are still spots in the group composition that cannot be filled by a player with an earned lock, then other signed-up players are taken through the formation rules to fill spots. If no signed-up player can fill a composition spot, then any player with earned locks or any player signed-up may compete for that spot (i.e. medals>bid>roll.) 
Always check the event for updates including the event comments. 
Farm Raids Some raids are designated as farm status. All non-scheduled events also follow "Farm rules." These are determined by the officers and are listed below.  When a event is ran as a "farm" it uses the following rules. 
Running events as "Farm" status means:
  1. It does not have to be posted on the event calendar for the required 2 day minimum. 
  2. It is organized in place of a different posted event or as a pick up in game. 
  3. An event cannot be ran on "Farm' status if that same event has locks is scheduled on the calendar before locks expire. 
  4. It must be advertised first in Kin Chat to all and then can be advertised in Inks Chat. 
  5. The organizer will take the first that respond or that were signed up for the event it replaced. It doesn't follow raid formation rules since it is not a scheduled event.
  6. Raid formation rules do not apply to a raid ran on Farm status.
  7. Events ran on "Farm" status do not earn KP and cannot spend KP unless that event has locks (i.e. Helegrod, Skraids), however, they never earn Raid Participation KP.
  8. The group or leader cannot replace create new sub loot rules. Use RNG (what drops in your bag stays in your bag).
Eligible Farm Status Events: 
  • Any Small Fellowship
  • Fellowship
  • Landscape deed or quest events.
The Following Raids:
  • Rift
  • Vile Maw
  • Dar Narbugud
  • Filikul
  • Draigoch
  • Tower of Orthanc T1
  • Any Scaled Raid
  • Any T1 Raid that does have locks
  • Any Skraid.
Event Specific Requirements
A character has to meet the requirement specified to even sign-up for the event. Only the Kin Leader or Event Director can change these requirements.
In Scheduled raid events, a player may not sign-up as "Confirmed," "Available," or "Tentative" if they have negative KP. They can sign-up as "Alternate." 
The Kin Leader or Event Director may at times specify a raid to a certain medal requirement. This is rare and its purpose would be in discovery or trying a strategy. 
Rift:
  1. Level: 50+
  2. Medals: None
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: tactical Mitigation, Warding Scrolls, Battle Scrolls, 5 Hope Tokens, Consumables of every potion type
  5. Damage Type: Beleriand, Fire, or Light
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier  
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed at by raid leader)
Helegrod:                                       
  1. Level: On Level
  2. Medals: None
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: Warding Scrolls, Battle Scrolls, 5 Hope Tokens, Consumables of every potion type
  5. Damage Type: Ancient Dwarf, Fire, or Light
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier  
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed at by raid leader)
 Filikul:
  1. Level: 60+
  2. Medals: None
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: Food
  5. Damage Type: Fire, or Any
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier  
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed at by raid leader)
 Vile Maw:
  1. Level: 60+
  2. Medals: Aptitude highly encouraged
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: Tactical Mitigation, Warding Scrolls, Battle Scrolls, 1 Hope Token, Consumables, Poison Resist food
  5. Damage Type: Beleriand, Fire, or Light
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier  
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed at by raid leader)
Dar Narbugud:
  1. Level: 60+
  2. Medals: Aptitude highly encouraged
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: Tactical Mitigation, Resistance, Warding Scrolls, Battle Scrolls, 3 Hope Tokens, Consumables of every potion type
  5. Damage Type: Beleriand (include shield spikes), Fire, or Light
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier  
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed at by raid leader)
Barad Guldur:
  1. Level: On Level
  2. Medals: Excellence highly encouraged
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: Tactical Mitigation, Resistances, Warding Scrolls, Battle Scrolls, 3 Hope Tokens, Consumables of every potion type, fear resist food.
  5. Damage Type: Westernesse, Fire, or Light
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier  
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed at by raid leader)
Ost Dunhoth:                           
  1. Level: One Level
  2. Medals: Excellence highly encouraged, Minimum 5000 Morale
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: Tactical Mitigation, Resistance, Warding Scrolls, Battle Scrolls, 3 Hope Tokens, Consumables of every potion type, food.
  5. Damage Type; Westernesse, Dead, Giant, Fire, Light (depending on wing)
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier  
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed by raid leader)
Draigoch:                    
  1. Level: 75+
  2. Medals: Aptitude encourage, Minimum 5000 Morale
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: Physical Mitigation, Warding Scrolls, Battle Scrolls, Morale and Power consumables.
  5. Damage Type: Common and Drake
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier  
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed by raid leader)
Tower of Orthanc:                     
  1. Level: 75+
  2. Medals: Excellence encourage, Minimum 5500 Morale
  3. Player's Class stats are listed on Armour Tracker
  4. Equipment: Physical Mitigation, Tactical Mitigation, Warding Scrolls, Battle Scrolls, Tokens, Morale and Power consumables.
  5. Damage Type: Beleriand, Fire, Light. Giant, Troll, Orc is also good.
  6. Minimum Morale : TBD for tier 
  7. Class Composition: Able to fill one of the spots below (to be completed by raid leader)
Ettenmoors (PvMP)
Fight Club
Ranking your creep or freep through organized fight clubs are not allowed unless there is a rare specified kin event. 
Ghosting
Do not jump into a vent channel or dual box to get into a in-game chat channel to learn where freeps or creeps are in the zone.
Etiquette
Have Fun!
AFK 
Raid leader will announce these and take no more than the allotted time. If you need a AFK, let the leader know and come back on time or you will be removed from group. If you get removed, do not take it personal.  
Ventrillo
Download and get in the raid vent channel.
Do not talk over the raid leader. 
Loot Chests
Do not ever loot a chest unless directed by the group leader. 
Kin Points (KP)
Earning KP is the kin's way of recognizing contributions and participation by its members and recognized relationships. There are several ways to earn KP, but generally speaking it is earned through helping others where you receive little to no benefit. Highly involved questing, deeds, major instances, assistance in obtained rare loot, crafting items, medals are all examples of events that can earn KP.
Extended details and rules governing KP are located here.
Awards
Eligible for events hosted by The Inklings
Eligible for scheduled events or Farm Status events that still have locks.
Eligible for Associates, Recruits, Members, and Officers.
Given per account. A player shares their KP for all of their characters.
Cannot be earned incrementally while dual boxing. 
Since won and declared loot effects KP awards, only KP listed on the table is available to a player at a given time.
Penalties
Declaring Loot on the loot list. 
Winning Loot on the loot list. Sets your KP for that event/wing/boss to zero except for bonus KP. 
Violating RoE: Can range from -1KP to having your entire balance all set to zero.
You overbid on an item (even if you don't win it) by posting more than you have on the table (-10KP per 1 pt over spent).
Balances
Are kept on the KP table on the KP page. It also tracks KP that is spent, when medals were awarded and which alternates a player has redeemed for leveling KP.
Whatever balance shows on the KP table is the amount you have. KP earned is not considered part of your balance until it is converted. KP spent should be calculated into what you can spend if not yet converted. If you believe there is an error on the KP table, then contact an officer. 
Spending
Eligibility
You must be an associate, recruit, member or officer with The Inklings to spend KP. 
Players are allotted to spend any amount they have listed on the KP table in Scheduled Events or Farm Status events that still have locks. 

Players ought to consider recently spent KP that has not yet been converted.
KP can be spent on Loot, Kin Gold, or to buy a spot on a Raid.
A player may spend KP on any item they declare or if no player has declared an item. Players are not allowed to declare loot in raids. 
How bidding works
 There is not limit to the amount or number of items a player can bid on. 
Do not ever over bid.
After the group leader has master looted or if loot has been distributed to players' bags, the leader or player with the item will drop items into chat channel and state, "X is open for bids.'
Players type the amount they want to spend in the group chat channel and can bid up and over other players as long and as high as they want. Once the bids slow, the group leader will state the present bid/bids and type in chat channel, "1x, 2x, 3x, sold/roll."
If a player types a new bid in prior to the words, "sold" or "roll," then the bidding continues and the group leader will restart the count down. "Sold" is used when there is a high bidder, "roll" is used when the highest bids are tied. Once the leader types "roll," players that had the tying bids may /roll. High roll is the winner. 
It is a best practice for the group leader to type in chat channel, the item won, the winner's name, and the KP amount spent, but not required.
Submitting a Ticket
Group leaders assign to collect or collect the information about the event and submit a ticket that states all the KP earned and spent with any necessary commentary.
Kinship House
Upkeep 285 silver a week is what it currently costs to pay for the kin house upkeep. The kinship no longer has member dues. However, if the kin bank is depleted of resources to pay for the kin house upkeep, then members will be required to contribute. An officer will send a mail and provide instructions on how to send upkeep.
Decoration
Any member is permitted to decorate the kin house and is encouraged to do so. Avoid moving other players' items or sending them to escrow. Work out on the forums if necessary suggested changes. 
Chests
The chests in the kin house were purchased by the kin founders. They are kept locked. Please see the "Vault" section under the "Kinship Request" Chapter for details. Donations are most often welcome. Stale items (items that reside in the vault for too long) are sold by the Kin Leader and earnings are placed in the Kin BANK for events and kin house upkeep.
Training Hall
Purpose

The training hall exists to provide information on what can be achieved through game play of a certain class. It houses guides, tips, strategies for encounters, and medal requirements. 
The training hall lists medal requirements that give players an idea of personal goals to set for themselves. There are two types of medal requirements. There are the Training Hall general requirements that must be met and then there are the class specific medal requirements. Both must be earned to qualify for the medal. See the training hall page for more specifics. 
Class Guides
Class guides provide an array of information. Some chapters trainers are required to have while others are recommended. 
Required Chapters
End game stats: Aptitude, Excellence, Renown stats as numerical goals. The stats correspond to  the latest level cap and should focus on class relevance. A class shouldn't have stats for every type of stat unless really needed for success. 
Medal Requirements: Listed by Aptitude, Excellence, and Renown. These can list any number of requirements or feats of knowledge checks beyond the corresponding stat goals.
Change Log:  Tracks changes to the guide and medal requirements. Material changes should not occur unless there is a level cap change. The log should denote the reason for the change. Material changes will reset medals, which means anyone with a medal loses it and has the ability to earn it again including the reward for the medal.
Recommended Chapters
Intro:  LotRO intro or anything about the class the trainer wants to highlight.
Forum Links:  Links to kin threads, official LotRO threads or other useful threads/forums relevant to the class.
Gear Suggestions:  Links to gear that the players of that class tend to gravitate toward to maximize their stats/effectiveness.
Legendary Items: Guide on what  should be sought or suggestions on how to organize/maximize for the class.
Traits: Lists ranks of required and recommended traits.
Game Play: Suggestions for situations or even specific encounters. A guide on how to be successful/effective in various situations. 
Raid Requirements:  Any specific requirements or slot make-up that trainer wants the players to have for specific encounters.
Tips:  Suggestions or additional tips that may expand beyond general game play.
Other Guides
The training hall has other guides to help players in raids, crafting, game mechanics, or strategies. 
Medal Lists 
The log that lists which characters have obtained which medals. 
Medals
Purpose
The kin rewards medals that signify player accomplishment. They come in various forms and have corresponding benefits.
Aptitude 
Description
  Awarded to a player who has met the aptitude requirements for their class. It represents that the players has a good understanding of the how to play the class, has demonstrated effective playing, and has achieved good statistics that assist in group or solo play.
Award
 150 KP 
Benefits
In Raid formation, the character has priority over any other players of that class whom do not have a medal of aptitude.
Eligibility
Associate, Recruit, Member, or Officer. Must meet the medal requirements outlined for that class.
How Awarded?
 Submit a request to the class trainer. The trainer will meet with the player. The player can then submit a KP ticket for their medal. Once it is approved by the trainer, it is converted to the KP table, the medal is awarded, and the medal log is updated.
Excellence 
Description Awarded to a player who has met the excellence requirements for their class. It represents that the players has an excellent understanding of the how to play the class, has demonstrated outstanding playing, and has achieved excellent statistics that assist in group or solo play.
Award
300 KP 
Benefits In Raid formation, the character has priority over any other players of that class whom do not have a medal of excellence. 
Eligibility 
Associate, Recruit, Member, or Officer. Must meet the medal requirements outlined for that class.
How Awarded? Submit a request to the class trainer. The trainer will meet with the player. The player can then submit a KP ticket for their medal. Once it is approved by the trainer, it is converted to the KP table, the medal is awarded, and the medal log is updated. 
Renown 
Description
  Awarded to a player who has met the renown requirements for their class. It represents that the players has a near perfect understanding of the how to play the class, has demonstrated superb playing, and has achieved statistics that are near or are the best for which the game currently allows.
Award 
600 KP 
Benefits Bragging rights, confidence, and general community renown.
Eligibility 
Associate, Recruit, Member, or Officer. Must meet the medal requirements outlined for that class. 
How Awarded?
Submit a request to the class trainer. The trainer will meet with the player. The player can then submit a KP ticket for their medal. Once it is approved by the trainer, it is converted to the KP table, the medal is awarded, and the medal log is updated. 
Member of the Month 
Description
  Awarded to a player who has been nominated by members and approved by the majority of the officers. It is a recognition of contribution or any specifics the nominating players communicate.
Award 
100 KP
Benefits
Community recognition
Eligibility 
Must be a member of the kin for at least 3 months.
How Awarded?
The community promoter sends an inquiry or members may send a recommendation to the community promoter. Players can vote on the Kin Accomplishment Page. Officers approve by majority and the community promoter posts the KP request. Once it is converted, the medal is awarded.
Certified Event Coordinator Description  Awarded to an event coordinator who have been recognized for running several scheduled events on a regular basis. 
Award  10 KP for each scheduled non-raid event per month up to a max of 40 KP  
Benefits  Community Recognition  
Eligibility  An EC who has ran four scheduled events in one month and attended one raid that same month and continues to schedule and run one non-raid event per month and attends one raid per month. 
How Awarded?  The Event Director will submit a KP Medal request. 
Raid Leader Certification 
Description

Awarded to Event Coordinators who are able to lead the corresponding raid.

 - Rift
 - Helegrod
 - Filikul
 - Vile Maw
 - Dar Narbugud
 - Barad Guldur
  - Ost Dunhoth 
  - Draigoch 
  - Tower of Orthanc
  - Erebor
Award 
KP = The total amount for that Raid.
Benefits
Allowed to post and lead the corresponding raid as a scheduled event.
Eligibility 
Must be an Event Coordinator (EC), Trainer or Officer.

For non Farm Status events, the player must have either attended the event successfully with the kin and led the kin successfully through the encounter.

In order to become certified for a Farm Status Raid (see current list above), the EC just needs to meet with the Event Director and pass a knowledge check.
How Awarded?
Notify the Event Director or Kin Leader prior to the next raid for which you seek certification. Once you form, lead, and complete the raid, you can submit your medal. There may be knowledge checks that accompany the medal. The kin leader or Event Director will approve the request, convert the ticket to the table, award the medal, and update the Raid Certification table.
Craft Lead       
Description
Awarded to kin members who fill an open spot as a craft lead.
Award 
Medal 
Benefits
It is a good step in the direction of seeking further kinship responsibilities. Can use Kin Gold to access crafting resources for the kin.
Eligibility 
Kin Members that are active. 
How Awarded? Apply when a position opens to the Kin Leader or Community Promoter. The Community Promoter will review and approve appropriately. The Kin Leader or Community Promoter will award the medal.
Class Trainer          
Description

Awarded to kin members who fill an open position for class trainer.
Award 
Medal 
Benefits
Part of the kin council. Priority in kin discovery events where there may be exclusive attendance with officers. 
Eligibility 
Must be an active member. Must have earned the medal of excellence. Must attend at least 1 raid and 1 non-raid event per month. 
How Awarded?
Apply when a position opens to the Kin Leader or Community Promoter. The Community Promoter will review and approve appropriately. Officers will also review the application and may have some questions for the applicant. The Kin Leader or Community Promoter will award the medal. 
Special Event 
Description
   
Awarded for placing in special events held by the Kin. The kin often holds special events that are both competitive and fun. Part of the rewards are often trophies.
Award 
Medal and corresponding rewards relative to the medal and the event. 
Benefits
Bragging right and GLORY! 
Eligibility 
Participants in the events. Usually they are in a relationship with the kin that is equal to or greater than Associate status. 
How Awarded?
An event coordinator will submit the medal request. Once it is approved, it is converted, and the medal is awarded. 
RoE Changes
 Change Request
 How to?
Post a suggestion on the RoE thread or send a GP mail to an officer.
Approval Process
Suggestions are subject to discussion and approval by the officers. Any rule addition, deletion or edit is decide upon at an officer meeting.
 Approved Changes
 Recently changesd sections of the RoE will have a "" next to it. The icon will stay for one month. In addition, a post is made in the RoE thread notifying the kin an update has occurred. All players that have a defined relationship with the kin are responsible for reading changes.
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