Imperial Protocol

Guide Outline

• Introduction
• Part I: Community Standards (Out of Character)
• Article I: Membership and General Conduct
• Article II: Discord and Community Communications
• Article III: Staff, Moderation, and Dispute Resolution
• Article IV: Privacy and Community Administration
• Part II: Imperial Conduct (In Character)
• Article V: Duty, Loyalty, and Chain of Command
• Article VI: Forms of Address and Ceremonial Courtesy
• Article VII: Official Imperial Communications
• Article VIII: ScanDocs and Transmission Codes
• Article IX: Imperial Meetings and Proceedings
• Article X: Information Classification and Security
• Article XI: Foreign Relations and Public Representation
• Part III: Ceremonies and State Occasions
• Article XII: Promotions, Investitures, and Awards
• Article XIII: Oaths, Memorials, and State Functions
• Part IV: Administrative Protocol
• Article XIV: Personnel Status, Transfers, and Records
• Appendices

Introduction

Protocol is the visible expression of Imperial order. It ensures that members of every branch, ministry, office, and institution conduct themselves according to a common standard, regardless of rank, assignment, or place of service.

Imperial protocol is not intended to replace judgement. It provides a framework for professional behavior, clear communication, lawful authority, ceremonial dignity, and the protection of Imperial information. When circumstances are not addressed directly by this manual, members are expected to act with discipline, courtesy, restraint, and loyalty to the Empire.

This page serves two related purposes. The first is to establish the real-world standards governing the community, including use of Discord, staff authority, privacy, and respectful participation. The second is to define the customs and procedures observed by characters serving the Galactic Empire in roleplay. These two systems are presented together because members participate in both, but they are deliberately separated so that there can be no confusion about which rules govern real people and which rules govern fictional Imperial service.

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Part I: Community Standards (Out of Character)

Article I: Membership and General Conduct

1. Respectful Participation

All members are expected to treat one another with basic respect. Disagreement is permitted; harassment, personal abuse, intimidation, discrimination, and deliberate humiliation are not. Members should criticize ideas, decisions, or roleplay actions without attacking the person behind them.

2. In-Character and Out-of-Character Separation

Members must distinguish clearly between fictional conflict and real-world interaction. A character may oppose, reprimand, arrest, prosecute, demote, or condemn another character within an agreed roleplay context. None of those actions grants permission to mistreat the player.

In-character rank does not create out-of-character superiority. An Emperor, Grand Moff, Minister, Senator, officer, or enlisted character remains subject to the same community standards as every other member.

3. Good-Faith Participation

Members should participate in a manner that supports the community rather than undermines it. Deliberate disruption, repeated bad-faith arguments, impersonation, ban evasion, fraudulent applications, and attempts to provoke conflict may result in moderation or removal.

4. Representation of the Community

Members using an official Imperial account, title, graphic, uniform, or public role should remember that others may reasonably understand them to be representing Galactic-Empire.org. Members shall not claim authority they do not possess or issue public statements on behalf of the Empire without authorization.

5. Creative and Roleplay Conduct

Members should respect established continuity, approved character information, and the creative contributions of others. Major changes affecting another member's character, office, unit, property, or storyline should not be imposed without appropriate consent or administrative approval.

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Article II: Discord and Community Communications

1. Official Platform

Discord serves as the Empire's principal platform for community discussion, administration, coordination, live events, and day-to-day communication. The website remains the primary home for official records, reference material, applications, and long-form content.

2. Channel Use

• Use channels for their stated purpose.
• Keep applications, personnel matters, technical support, roleplay, announcements, and casual conversation in their appropriate areas.
• Do not flood channels, repeatedly repost the same message, or intentionally derail ongoing discussions.
• Use threads when a long side discussion would otherwise overwhelm the main channel.
• Do not use mass mentions unless the information is important and the sender is authorized to issue them.
• Private disputes and sensitive administrative matters should not be argued in public channels.

3. Display Names, Avatars, and Roles

Members should use a recognizable display name. An official character may be identified by name, rank, title, or branch where practical. Discord roles indicate access, responsibility, and community function, but they do not replace the personnel database, written appointments, or the established chain of command.

4. Voice Channels

• Do not deliberately speak over others or prevent orderly discussion.
• Use push-to-talk, noise suppression, or muting when background noise becomes disruptive.
• Follow the direction of the meeting chair, channel moderator, or event host.
• Recording or rebroadcasting voice conversations requires the consent of those involved unless advance notice has been provided.

5. Direct Messages

Direct messages may be used for ordinary conversation and administrative coordination. They must not be used to evade moderation, pressure applicants, harass members, or continue a dispute after another person has asked for the conversation to end.

6. Official Announcements

Announcements concerning policy, appointments, disciplinary decisions, elections, events, or site operations should be issued only by authorized staff or officeholders. Members should avoid reposting incomplete or unverified information as though it were official.

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Article III: Staff, Moderation, and Dispute Resolution

1. Staff Authority

Administrators and moderators are responsible for maintaining order, enforcing community rules, protecting members, and preserving the functionality of the website and Discord server. Instructions relating to immediate moderation, channel use, safety, or access must be followed.

2. Complaints and Reports

Serious misconduct, harassment, threats, abuse of authority, security concerns, and repeated disruption should be reported through the designated administrative channel. Reports should be factual and should include relevant screenshots, links, dates, or other evidence where available.

3. Unauthorized Investigations

Members shall not conduct their own disciplinary investigations, interrogate other members, or organize private campaigns against an accused person. Information may be gathered for the purpose of making a report, but decisions belong to the appropriate staff or administrative authority.

4. Appeals and Review

A member who believes a moderation or administrative decision was made in error may request review through the established process. Appeals should explain the issue clearly and respectfully. Public arguments, repeated reposting, and pressure campaigns do not substitute for an appeal.

5. Conflicts of Interest

Staff members should not be the sole decision-maker in a matter involving a close personal dispute, direct involvement, or another significant conflict of interest when a reasonable alternative is available.

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Article IV: Privacy and Community Administration

1. Personal Information

Personal information obtained through applications, personnel records, moderation, or administrative work must be handled responsibly. It shall not be disclosed, copied, or discussed outside the purpose for which access was granted.

2. Account Security

• Do not share account passwords or authentication codes.
• Use unique passwords and multi-factor authentication where available.
• Do not grant administrative permissions or database access outside the approved process.
• Report lost access, compromised accounts, or unexpected permission changes promptly.

3. Administrative Access

Access to staff channels, application records, moderation logs, databases, or unpublished site material is granted according to responsibility and need. Community access is not determined by in-character rank alone.

4. Publication of Community Material

Screenshots, private messages, voice recordings, application material, and internal discussions should not be published outside the community without permission, except where disclosure is necessary to report misconduct or protect someone from harm.

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Part II: Imperial Conduct (In Character)

Article V: Duty, Loyalty, and Chain of Command

1. Duty of Imperial Personnel

All Imperial personnel shall:

• Uphold the Imperial Charter, Imperial law, and the lawful authority of the Emperor.
• Carry out lawful orders issued through the proper chain of command.
• Maintain discipline, dignity, and professional bearing while acting in an official capacity.
• Protect Imperial citizens, institutions, property, and information entrusted to their care.
• Place the lawful needs of the Empire above personal ambition or factional interest.

2. Lawful Orders

An order is lawful when it is issued by a competent authority, concerns a matter within that authority's jurisdiction, and does not violate the Imperial Charter, Imperial law, or a superior lawful directive. Personnel who believe an order is unlawful shall request clarification and, when necessary, refer the matter to the next appropriate authority.

3. Conflicting Orders

When two orders conflict, the recipient should seek clarification. If clarification cannot be obtained in time, the order issued by the superior competent authority normally takes precedence. Emergency orders concerning immediate threats may temporarily supersede routine instructions.

4. Unauthorized Investigations and Interrogations

Imperial personnel shall not conduct investigations, interrogations, surveillance, or disciplinary actions outside their lawful authority. Suspicious conduct, possible corruption, espionage, threats, or unauthorized requests for classified information shall be reported to the appropriate security, intelligence, judicial, or command authority.

5. Rumors and Unverified Information

Members shall not present rumor, speculation, or incomplete intelligence as established fact. Official announcements should be issued only by authorized personnel. Where accuracy is uncertain, personnel shall state the uncertainty and seek confirmation through proper channels.

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Article VI: Forms of Address and Ceremonial Courtesy

1. General Rule

Rank, office, and position shall be acknowledged in formal settings. Acceptable forms of address include rank and surname, office title, "Sir," or "Ma'am," as appropriate. Senior civilian officials may be addressed by title.

2. The Emperor

The Emperor is formally styled His Imperial Majesty. Direct address is Your Majesty. On subsequent reference, Sire may be used where appropriate.

In formal audiences, military personnel render a salute unless ceremony requires otherwise. A bow is customary for civilians. Kneeling may be required during investitures, oaths of fealty, or other solemn ceremonies, but is not expected during ordinary working meetings.

3. Imperial Family

Members of the Imperial Family are addressed by their recognized dynastic or official title. Ceremonial courtesy may consist of a bow or salute according to the member's office and the nature of the occasion.

4. Grand Vizier, Ruling Council, and Ministers

The Grand Vizier may be addressed as Your Excellency in formal diplomatic or state settings, or as Grand Vizier in ordinary official use. Ministers are addressed as Minister [Surname] or by their full office.

5. Grand Moffs and Moffs

A Grand Moff is addressed as Grand Moff [Surname]; a Moff as Moff [Surname]. Military personnel may render a salute where the official's command authority or the formality of the occasion makes it appropriate.

6. Military Officers and Enlisted Personnel

Officers are addressed by rank and surname. "Sir" or "Ma'am" may be used by subordinates where branch custom permits. Enlisted personnel are addressed by rank and surname in formal settings.

7. Senators, Judges, and Civil Officials

Senators are addressed as Senator [Surname]. Judges and justices are addressed according to the customs of their court. Directors, Commissioners, Procurators, Inspectors, and other officials are addressed by their recognized title.

8. Imperial Knights and Religious or Ceremonial Orders

Members of the Imperial Order are addressed by their recognized rank or title. The use of "Knight [Name]" is acceptable where no higher specific office applies.

9. Salutes

• Salutes are rendered by military personnel to superior commissioned officers in formal settings.
• Salutes may also be rendered to the Emperor, senior commanders, and authorized state officials during ceremonies.
• Salutes are not required during ordinary Discord conversation unless a designated roleplay event calls for them.
• During formal meetings, saluting, bowing, and kneeling may be suspended by the presiding officer until adjournment.

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Article VII: Official Imperial Communications

1. General Standard

Official communications shall be clear, concise, respectful, and directed only to those who require the information. The sender should identify the subject, required action, priority, classification, and response expectation.

2. Formal Correspondence Format

3. Directive Status

• Optional: Action is left to the recipient's judgement.
• Advised: Action is strongly recommended but is not mandatory.
• Mandatory: The directive is a lawful order and must be carried out.
• Priority: The matter requires prompt attention ahead of routine duties.
• Immediate: Action is required without delay because life, security, or major operations are at risk.

4. Response Expectations

• No Response Required: The message is informational.
• Acknowledgement Required: The recipient must confirm receipt.
• Response Required: The recipient must answer the substance of the message.
• Action Report Required: The recipient must report completion or explain why completion was not possible.

5. Deadlines and Dates

Deadlines should be expressed using a clear AIA date and time. Vague expressions such as "soon," "later," or "when possible" should be avoided when the timing of action matters.

6. Official Reports

Reports should distinguish fact, analysis, recommendation, and unresolved uncertainty. Operational reports should identify the situation, action taken, result, losses or damage, and required follow-up.

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Article VIII: ScanDocs and Transmission Codes

1. Purpose

ScanDocs are standardized in-character transmissions used for command orders, intelligence traffic, personnel notices, diplomatic messages, and secure administrative correspondence.

2. Standard ScanDoc Format

3. Action Codes

• AOPT: The action is optional. The recipient uses personal judgement.
• AADV: The action is advised. Strong preference exists, but the order is not mandatory.
• AMAN: The action is mandatory.
• AEXC: The action takes precedence over routine duties and is to be carried out with maximum priority.

4. Security Items

• PERS: Restricted to the named recipient.
• IMMD: May be disclosed only to personnel directly required for execution.
• USYS: May be disclosed to authorized superiors of the recipient.
• DSYS: May be disclosed to authorized subordinates of the recipient.
• ASYS: Approved for general Imperial distribution.

5. Response Items

• ROPT: A response is optional.
• RACK: Acknowledgement of receipt is mandatory.
• RMAN: A substantive response is mandatory.
• RACT: An action-completion report is mandatory.

6. Phasecycle and Mutation

The PSEG is the fictional decryption sequence assigned to the transmission. BMUT states the period before message mutation begins. RMUT states the interval between successive mutations. These elements may be used for roleplay flavor in highly sensitive transmissions and may be omitted from ordinary messages.

7. Readability

ScanDoc styling shall not make a transmission difficult to understand. Fictional encryption, technical markings, and formatting should support the roleplay rather than obscure the message.

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Article IX: Imperial Meetings and Proceedings

1. Presiding Officer

Every formal meeting shall have a chair or presiding officer. The presiding officer establishes the agenda, recognizes speakers, maintains order, calls for decisions, and determines when discussion has concluded.

2. Preparation

• Members should review the agenda and relevant materials before the meeting.
• Reports should be prepared in advance and focused on decisions, progress, risks, and required action.
• Items requiring a vote, order, or formal approval should be clearly identified.

3. Recognition of Speakers

In large or formal meetings, participants should request recognition before speaking. The traditional abbreviation RTF may be used to Request the Floor. A participant may conclude with YTF to Yield the Floor. Plain language may be used at the discretion of the chair.

4. Conduct During Proceedings

• Address the subject under discussion rather than the motives or character of another participant.
• Do not interrupt a recognized speaker except to raise an urgent procedural or security issue.
• Keep side conversations out of the principal meeting channel.
• Respect rulings of the chair, subject to any established appeal or review process.

5. Records and Follow-Up

Important meetings should produce a record of decisions, assignments, deadlines, and unresolved issues. Responsibility for each follow-up action shall be assigned to a specific office or individual.

6. Senate and Deliberative Bodies

The Imperial Senate and other deliberative bodies may adopt more detailed parliamentary procedures. Where such procedures are silent, the presiding officer shall determine the order of business.

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Article X: Information Classification and Security

1. Need to Know

Access to restricted Imperial information is determined by authorization and operational need, not curiosity, rank alone, personal relationship, or political influence.

2. Classification Levels

• Public: Approved for unrestricted distribution.
• Official: Intended for Imperial use but not considered sensitive.
• Restricted: Limited to specified offices, commands, units, or personnel.
• Classified: Sensitive information requiring explicit authorization.
• Imperial Eyes Only: Restricted to the Emperor and specifically designated recipients.

3. Handling Requirements

Restricted and classified material shall be transmitted only through approved channels and shared only with authorized recipients. Personnel shall not copy, summarize, or redistribute such material unless their duties require it.

4. Suspicious Requests

Personnel receiving an unusual request for intelligence, access codes, personnel data, deployment information, or restricted records shall verify the request through an independent trusted channel. Suspected compromise shall be reported immediately.

5. Compromise and Loss

Any suspected loss, interception, disclosure, or alteration of protected material shall be reported without delay. Attempts to conceal a compromise may constitute a separate offense.

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Article XI: Foreign Relations and Public Representation

1. Official Contact

Formal communication with foreign governments, allied groups, rival organizations, media representatives, or hostile factions may be restricted to authorized diplomatic, command, security, or administrative personnel.

2. Personal Contact

Imperial personnel may interact socially with persons outside the Empire unless a specific security or disciplinary restriction applies. They must not falsely claim to speak on behalf of the Empire or disclose protected information.

3. Diplomatic Courtesy

Foreign officials, envoys, and representatives shall be treated according to their recognized status. Courtesy does not imply agreement, recognition, alliance, or submission.

4. Hostile Powers

Contact with hostile powers shall be governed by operational, diplomatic, and security requirements. Personnel shall not initiate negotiations, make concessions, issue threats, or disclose Imperial intentions without authorization.

5. Public Statements

Statements made through official channels shall be accurate, disciplined, and consistent with established policy. Unverified claims and personal opinions shall not be presented as Imperial policy.

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Part III: Ceremonies and State Occasions

Article XII: Promotions, Investitures, and Awards

1. Promotions

Promotions may be announced administratively or presented during a formal ceremony. A formal promotion should identify the authority granting the promotion, the member's former and new rank, the effective date, and any new assignment or responsibility.

2. Promotion Ceremony

During a formal ceremony, the recipient is called before the presiding official, the promotion order is read, and the new insignia or rank plaque is presented. The recipient may be asked to reaffirm an oath of service before being dismissed to the congratulations of those assembled.

3. Awards and Decorations

Award ceremonies should identify the decoration, the authority granting it, and the action or service for which it is presented. The citation should be read in full when practical.

4. Titles and Investitures

Noble, ceremonial, or honorific titles are conferred by the Emperor or an authority empowered to act in his name. Investiture may include the reading of letters patent, an oath, the presentation of insignia, and formal recognition by the assembled court.

5. Precedence

Decorations, titles, and ceremonial honors are worn and announced according to the established order of precedence. Rank and office remain distinct from personal honors unless the granting instrument states otherwise.

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Article XIII: Oaths, Memorials, and State Functions

1. Oaths of Office

Senior officials, officers, judges, senators, and other designated personnel may be required to take an oath before entering office. The oath affirms loyalty to the Empire, obedience to the Charter and law, and faithful performance of the duties entrusted to the officeholder.

2. Empire Day

Empire Day is observed as the principal civic commemoration of the Imperial state. Ceremonies may include addresses, military reviews, remembrance of service, awards, public celebrations, and reaffirmation of loyalty to the Empire.

3. Memorial Services and State Funerals

Memorial services should honor the deceased with dignity and restraint. A state funeral may include lying in state, military honors, ceremonial guard, official eulogies, and the presentation of a flag, insignia, or decoration to the family or designated successor.

4. Moments of Silence

A presiding official may order a moment of silence in memory of the dead, in recognition of a disaster, or at the opening of a solemn proceeding.

5. State Visits and Receptions

Visiting dignitaries should be received according to rank and diplomatic status. The host office shall establish the order of arrival, introductions, seating, honors, security, and public statements.

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Part IV: Administrative Protocol

Article XIV: Personnel Status, Transfers, and Records

1. Personnel Records

Each active character shall have an official personnel record containing the information required by the Personnel Administration system. Appointments, promotions, transfers, decorations, titles, service history, and status changes should be recorded promptly.

2. Operating Numbers

Personnel may be assigned an Imperial operating number consisting of a branch prefix and a retained numeric identifier. When a member transfers between branches, the prefix may change while the numeric portion remains associated with the character.

3. Transfers

A transfer should identify the releasing office, receiving office, effective date, new assignment, and any effect on rank or authority. No member may exercise the powers of a new office before the transfer or appointment takes effect.

4. Leave and Inactivity

Members who expect an extended absence should notify the appropriate authority when practical. Temporary leave does not end service, but command, voting, or administrative duties may be reassigned for the duration of the absence.

5. Reserve Status

A character placed in reserve status remains part of the personnel database and service history but is no longer considered active for ordinary assignments. Reserve characters may be recalled or reactivated through the appropriate process.

6. Retirement and Death

A retired or deceased character remains preserved in the historical record. Retirement, death, and other permanent status changes should be clearly distinguished from temporary inactivity or reserve status.

7. Character Limits

The number and type of active characters permitted to a player are governed by current personnel policy. Inactive characters remain searchable in the database and may retain historical rank, awards, and service records.

8. Promotions and Appointments

Promotions and appointments must be issued by a competent authority and recorded in the personnel system. Acting appointments should be identified as temporary and should not be represented as permanent rank or office.

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Appendices

Appendix A: Common Forms of Address

Appendix B: Example Operational Report

Appendix C: Example Promotion Order

Appendix D: Example Oath of Office

Order, clarity, discipline, and respect are the foundation of Imperial service.