Command Staff

### Intro

Command Staff is the term used to refer to members of the Empire Government. They are separated into different structures: The Fourth Guardian Command Structure, The Operations Command Structure, and the Administrative Command Structure.

#### **Fourth Guardian Command Structure**

(also referred to as the training command structure)

There are two ranks that make up the training structure: The *Fourth Guardian* and the *Fourth Guardian Taichou* (Captain).

#### **Operations Command Structure**

Operations Command are generally focused on the organization of members at a Verdish event. Their jobs primarily focus on running practice and maintaining a consistent event attendance for the Verdish public. The ranks General and Inquisitor fall in this category.

#### **Administrative Command Structure**

The Administrative Command structure act as the highest central authority in all of Verdite, with the power to challenge and change any Verdish process they wish.

Administrative members are concerned with one ultimate goal: improving the quality of life of all members. With this ultimate goal in mind they empower the lower command staff members to handle specific tasks and enact out their will.

This branch of governance only consists of: Tier-2 Command Staff Members and the Verditian Lord.

#### **Other titles**

There are other titles within Verdite that do not necessarily fall under the established structure.

**Paragons**

Paragons are trial-basis command staff members. They are given a task to perform in service to the Empire. If they prove themselves worthy: then they will be promoted to a full-time Fourth Guardian.

**The Reverent**

The Reverent are members in the empire who are very involved with supporting and promoting the members of Verdite. Some of the Reverent do not enjoy fighting, so they are given a level of authority to show respect for their devotions.

* The Reverent are appointed, through merit, by the Administrative members of the **command staff**.
	+ Merit can be exemplified in the following ways: crafting, healing, taking photos, distributing water/food, helping with social events, etc.
* They hold equal authority to a Footman/Ward-level Paragon.
* Non-combat styled Reverent have a white rank chain.
* The Reverent are not to be used in defending a rank trial unless that particular member has obtained footman via combat trials/assessments.
* The Reverent can take combat trials and obtain the fighting ranks of Footman, Vanguard, Knight, etc. without forfeiting their status as a support member. This applies to crafter ranks as well.
	+ Obtaining a combat/crafter rank through trials will result in a black rank chain.
	+ The authority level would still just be as if you also held Paragon status.
* The Reverent are desperately encouraged to become Penvaren.
* The Reverent may become Command Staff, especially positions like Fourth Guardian of Zeal.

**Noble**

Nobles are the ‘guest’ title of Verdite. This is in reference to any member’s spouse who participates in Verdish processes to be supportive. Nobles may fight if they wish but are subject to Command Staff field control for the battle. Nobles are considered Honorary Knights by rank but do not have any authority or command control. People choosing the Noble title may not switch between full membership and this guest membership status more than once.

Nobles are to be treated with respect by any member. Nobles are **not** Command Staff.

Lachlan wearing a command staff cloakUpper Command Staff wear a Gold Antioch symbolCommand Staff Structure
### How to become Command Staff

Each position has different requirements but there are general standards:

* Required to own elite level garb regardless of combat rank.

* Required to wear elite level garb at least 50% of the time they are attending any Verdish event.

* Required to attend at least 50% of official practices (once a week when concerning multiple practice days.)

* Required to be easily contactable for questions outside of Verdish events by standard members.

* Expected to attempt to generate additional growth for the empire.