Squad members are asked to adhere to the following guidelines. While the Executive Staff is quite lenient compared to some other squadrons, there are a few core values and rules that everyone should follow:
VULCHING
Squadron members bearing the Black Adder name are to fly respectfully. In team and melee servers, this means NO VULCHING. Any member caught vulching will have his flask confiscated and his line of credit in The Pub revoked. Repeat offenders will be dismissed.
CHIVALRY
Respect and Honor of opposing pilots during the Great War was perhaps the last example of chivalry between antagonists in combat. Squad members are to conduct themselves in similar fashion.
If you have a beef with another pilot, especially in melee, refrain from using foul or other abusive language. Have respect for the OTHER pilots not involved in your squable. Also keep in mind that some pilots these days are very young.
SQUADRON MATES
Always watch your wingman's six, and be prepared to come to the aid of squad mates in trouble. If your priority is to rack up kills, have at it in the melees. All of us like to go in to the melees on occasion to give everybody a good thrashing; however, in team play, the squadron and mission come first.
Disputes of any nature regarding the negative actions or conduct, perceived or actual, of any BA member should be addressed to the CO immediately for adjudication. (That means she'll fix it!)
CALLSIGNS
While the Command Staff is not particularly strict on Callsigns, we do reserve the right to ask you to change any inappropriate names (e.g. BA°Hunssuck - actually, I kind of like that one)
When creating a new pilot, use BA° before your name, followed by either Position or Rank.
Examples:
If you can't fit it all in, you can drop the rank; however, you might want to think of another name. Senior Staff members are required, however, to include their position description.
There is a particular reason for using the "°" character - to make it difficult for imposters to use the Black Adder signature. It's fairly easy to insert this character in documents. Instructions are included in the private section of the web site.
ATTENDANCE
The Staff understands the commitment involved in participating in squadron activities. Members who anticipate extended periods of inactivity may request a leave of absence; however, consistently absent or inactive members will be removed from the roster and sent to Captain Edmund's outfit in the trenches (he's still stinging over the loss of Private Baldrick).
PROMOTIONS
Upon acceptance, recruits are conferred the rank of Warrant Officer (WO). This is a probationary rank, during which time you will be evaluated by the Command Staff. Again, your skills as a pilot are not a determining factor in permanent selection (unless your just REALLY REALLY bad); this period is used to evaluate your participation, ability to get along with squad mates, possible assignments, and the ability to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner during excursions into town. Throw skill in acquiring large quantities of adult beverages into the bargain and your as good as "in". Recruits who are selected to become permanent members are promoted to Second Lieutenant and issued their flask.
MUGSHOTS
Finally, members are asked to provide a picture to represent their pilot. This may be an actual picture of yourself, modified to look like a period photo, or it may be a picture of an actual WWI pilot of your choice. Two good places to find period photographs are The Aerodrome or the Pair-a-Dice Squadron web site. There are several members of the squadron that would be happy to forge a photo for you if you like; just provide a suitable personal photo and pilot photo. We also have a rather large collection of pilot photos to choose from.
- The Executive Staff
This page last updated on March 30th, 2004