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All Warriors of Clan Diamond Shark have a responsibility to the Clan. Though the duties required of each rank differ, all are critical to the Clan’s overall success. The following is a description of the responsibilities associated with each level in the command structure, followed by procedures through which a Warrior can advance in rank. Responsibilities Khan: saKhan: Galaxy
Commander: OathMaster: LoreMaster:
Star Colonel MechWarrior,
Point 1-5: Cadet: Rank Advancement Candidates for CDS membership participate in the Cadet Program through the procedures outlined in the OathMaster’s area. Cadets can enter the touman as a MechWarrior Point 1, 2, or 3 depending upon the outcome of their Trial of Entrance. Advancement through the ranks of MechWarrior Points 2, 3, 4, and 5 will be through Trial of Position (ToP) or by field promotion granted by an Officer. Requests for ToP’s at this level are submitted to any Star Officer, and procedures for the ToP are detailed in the OathMaster’s area. Advancement to the rank of Star Commander, Star Captain, or Star Colonel will be through Trial of Position or field promotion granted by the Galaxy Commander. Requests for ToP’s at this level are submitted to the Keshik. The positions of Galaxy Commander, OathMaster, LoreMaster, and saKhan are appointed by the Khan. The Khan is elected to his position by a Clan-wide vote overseen by the OathMaster. Procedures for election to and removal from the Khanship are described below. Khanship Elections Clan Diamond Shark is unique among the Clans in that it allows all its Warriors an equal voice in electing its chief executive. Although there are no terms of office for the Khanship, elections for the Khanship are routinely held upon a Khan's resignation. The OathMaster oversees these Clan-wide elections, and only fully active Warriors may participate. To begin the election process, the OathMaster will call for public nominations for the Khanship, and the nomination period will be open for one week's time. During this time, public discussion of a candidate's qualifications is encouraged, provided such comments are of a positive nature only. Any nominated Warrior must publicly accept the nomination to be included on the Khanship ballot. After nominations are closed, all nominated and accepting Warriors will be allowed one final opportunity to publicly address the general membership while the ballot is prepared. The OathMaster will then publicly list all candidates for the Khanship along with instructions for submitting private votes to the OathMaster for tallying. All fully active Warriors will be allowed to cast a vote for one candidate, and the voting period will be open for one week's time. At the end of the voting period, the OathMaster will officially announce the new Khan. All candidates will be privately informed of the final vote count and may request copies of all cast votes if desired. Khanship Impeachment Because the Khanship is an elected position, the Khan has a responsibility to the general membership and can be removed from office if he is considered negligent of his duties. However, such proceedings should not be undertaken lightly. To those who would seek to replace an existing Khan, know that the following have precedents in Battletech lore, and per Battletech lore, no challenge is made without consequence. Any fully active warrior not satisfied with the leadership of their Khan has the right to call for a Trial of Possession for the Khanship. Since CDS does not allow for a Trial to choose its Khan, a victory in a successful Trial for the Khanship will open up that position to a Clan-wide election. Know also that a Khan always has the option of choosing a champion to represent him in any contest. Furthermore, as is customary of a Trial of Possession, the defender has the right to request some concession from the challenger in the event the challenger fails in combat. For example, a challenged Khan would have a right to demand anything from an apology to the resignation of the challenger should the challenger be defeated. Following the Trial of Possession, the loser of the Trial will have one final appeal before the terms of the Trial are enforced, and that will be through a Trial of Refusal, if desired. In the case of a ToR, a Clan council votes either for or against an appeal. The ratio of the votes for and against determines the ratio of the forces set against each other in combat to decide the outcome of the appeal. In this case, the Clan council will consist of all fully active Warriors. Ratios of votes will determine total tonnage for the two sides in the Trial. Should any of
the above Trial challenges be issued, the OathMaster will correspond
with both parties to determine the rules of engagement. The time, place,
and consequences of the Trial will be announced publicly. The OathMaster
or an appointed representative will serve as Trial Officer. |
