Sic transit gloria mundi
This is written in semi-IC style
Decided to write this so that we have a frame of reference for conduct in the field. Firemane conduct has been exemplary so far, so this is not a reactionary move in response to that.
This guide applies to Firemane and the Fire Order, since both are really the same beast. The Angelii and the Eldorai army have their own code, though it is very similar. Questions about theirs can be directed to [member="Anya Venari"] and [member="Aeda Shaytari"].
War is hell, a cruelty that cannot be refined. It is not a leisurely stroll in the park where you convert the bad guys by spouting platitudes about peace and justice, though that would make things a lot easier.
It is a grim business. The overriding objective is to defeat the enemy and make sure you and your buddies get back home alive. Collateral damage is an unfortunate fact of war. When you attack a town, chances are civilians will be caught in the crossfire or end up getting hurt in an artillery salvoe. Amoral enemies such as Sith might go so far to use civilians as human shields, as they did on Ruusan. Firemane will try to do what it can to limit collateral damage, but it will not be intimidated. However, there are some rules to bear in mind.
1. Firemane troops are expected to comport themselves with decency and be respectful to civilians. Looting and stealing from innocents is strictly prohibited. You want something from a shop, you pay for it. Looting the treasures of a crimel lord or a Sith is permitted.
2. We prosecute our battles against enemy forces vigorously. We don't have tea parties with Sith and debate philosophy with them in the middle of a battle. Or outside of it. We fight them. No mercy to slavers, Sith, traitors and enemies who refuse to yield.
3. Common enemy soldiers who surrender are to be treated with decency. Make sure their surrender is sincere, restrain them and so on. But prisoner abuse is prohibited. They must not be denied food, subjected to heavy labour and so on. The wounded should be patched up and given medical care. Force-using prisoners are to be treated with caution and put into the custody of the Fire Order. Never think a Sith prisoner is helpless unless he or she has been deprived of powers.
4. Wanton slaughter of noncombatants, especially children, is prohibited and will be punished most severely. Unfortunate, but unavoidable collateral damage in the heat of combat is one thing, but murdering unarmed children is dishonourable. Things become murky when enemies such as the Xioquo stoop to such a low level and use child soldiers in human wave assaults. Or Jedi throw young Padawans at you. They're stil lkids, but also combatants if they attack you with their lightsabres. Bottom line, killing in hot blood to protect your squad is within the rules of war. Wanton murder is not and shows a sociopathic disregard of sentient life.
5. Any abuses are to be reported to your superiors. If they do not take the appropriate steps, they are guilty of aiding and abetting crimes. COAS ([member="Mirien Valdier"], Director) has an investigative branch devoted to looking into abuses like this.
6. Firemane is opposed to showing favouritism to magi. Thusly, if a member of the Fire Order betrays the group, they will be treated like any traitor. We do not give them a hug and treat them like victims because 'the Dark Side made them do it'. If they can be captured, good, but they will be put in an orderly cell, put on trial and punished.
7. Punishments for crimes can range from long-term incarceration in a high-security facility, hard labour, to severence from the Force (if applicable), execution and mind wipe etc. Employees who commit heinous acts will no longer be suitable to work for Firemane and forfeit their pensions.
I'm aware you cannot kill PCs without permission. No worries, just making clear actions have consequences.
