INDEPENDENT CONFEDERATION OF NEUTRALS CHARTER

ARTICLE I: STATEMENT OF GOALS; GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Section One: The members of ICON, recognizing the benefits of mutual cooperation, coupled with the right of self-determination for every empire, hereby establishes the following Charter. The members of ICON recognize as a founding tenet their desire to be independent from outside influences, and the benefits derived from determining their own fate, and that in furtherance of this principle it is imperative that ICON not allow other individuals, empires, or alliances t dictate to it. ICON members recognize the importance of an independent voice for neutral empires, and of creating opportunities for neutral empires in Lorasia. ICON members acknowledge the importance of locating and establishing an island homeland where the seat of ICON's power shall reside, and that in that homeland it is the desire of all ICON members to build cities and roads, manage natural resources and trade, and conduct diplomatic and military operations in protection of ICON's global interests. ICON members further acknowledge the need for local Chapter Houses on each continent to provide decentralized self-governance for appropriate activities including trading, recruiting, and diplomatic purposes. Finally, in support of the above goals, ICON members acknowledge the need for a powerful military for defense of individual members and the alliance as a whole, the need to create good relations with other alliances, empires, cities, and individuals, the need to promote trade, and the need to explore the wonders of Lorasia and add to the knowledge of ICON.

ARTICLE II: QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP; EXCLUSIONS

Section One: All member empires in ICON must be neutral. ICON seeks to promote and protect its own membership, and as such welcomes all races, and neutral deities and religions. Each empire is a separate and distinct member of the ICON electorate, and has a single vote on issues placed before the electorate. Players controlling more than one empire cannot enroll their other empires in other alliances, thereby creating a conflict of interest, unless they first obtain the approval of the electorate by a vote.

ARTICLE III: RELATIONS AMONG MEMBER ARMIES; ADHERENCE TO POLICIES; INFO SHARING; NEWSLETTERS

Section One: ICON members agree to adhere to this ICON Charter and to the rules and policies adopted as provided in this Charter, but are otherwise free to do whatever they desire. ICON members shall share information, such as skills, bonuses, spells, mapping information, and the like, freely within the alliance. ICON members are strongly encouraged to participate in ICON's goals, whether it be in defense, exploration, research, trade, politics, or other areas. ICON members are free to communicate with whomever they wish, however, information designated as "secret" in the newsletter shall not be revealed. ICON members are encouraged to communicate regularly and advise each other on plans to ensure a maximum of understanding and cooperation. Member newsletters are encouraged, and should be sent to any member requesting a copy.

ARTICLE IV: GOVERNANCE; SENIOR EXECUTIVE

Section One - Provision for Senior Executive: ICON shall be governed by a group of officials known as the Senior Executive. The Senior Executive shall be composed of a Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs (Grand Inquisitor), Minister of the Exchange, and Minister of Defense (Grand Marshal). The Senior Executive shall be presided over by the Prime Minister. The Senior Executive, by majority vote, shall elect one of their members as a Deputy Prime Minister. Should the Prime Minister become incapacitated or resign, the Deputy Prime Minister shall govern in place of the Prime Minister, pending a vote of the electorate to select a new Prime Minister. Should all members of the Senior Executive become incapacitated or resign, ICON shall be governed by the Junior Executive, as a collective executive pending a vote of the electorate to select a new Prime Minister. In the event the Senior Executive is deadlocked on voting, the deadlock shall be broken by a majority vote of the Junior Executive.

Section Two - Office of Prime Minister: The Prime Minister shall be voted into office by a majority of the electorate. The Prime Minister shall have the following duties and powers of office: (a) the Prime Minister is the official Voice of ICON in the Cosmic Balance and any other newsletter, electronic bulletin board, or other publication. Other members are not, however, prohibited from posting their own messages in publications. (b) the Prime Minister shall maintain and publish a quarterly newsletter to keep members informed of news, developments, and discoveries. (c) the Prime Minister shall maintain a master database of information gathered and compiled by other members of the Executive. (d) the Prime Minister shall appoint members to positions of authority in the Executive. Each appointee shall be subject to a vote of approval by the electorate, with a majority vote controlling. Should any member of the Executive become incapacitated or resign, the Prime Minister shall appoint a successor to be voted on by the electorate. (e) the Prime Minister shall be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the efforts between other members of the executive branch. (e) the Prime Minister shall be responsible for coordinating recruiting efforts. (f) the Prime Minister shall have the power to create special offices within the Ministry in the furtherance of his duties. (g) the Prime Minister is responsible for coordinating the efforts to locate for and establish a homeland for ICON.

Section Three - The Office of the Grand Inquisitor, Minister of Internal Affairs: The Grand Inquisitor, Minister of Internal Affairs shall have the following duties and powers of office: (a) the Grand Inquisitor, Minister of Internal Affairs, shall be responsible for coordinating the efforts of members within the alliance. Should a member require special knowledge, information, or assistance, such as the name of another alliance member who can teach a particular skill or bonus, the Minister shall assist in bringing the two alliance members together for the purpose of facilitating the provision of such specialized knowledge, information, or assistance. The Minister may delegate these functions to approved Chapter Houses, and coordinate with delegated Chapter Houses to ensure coordination among member empires within Chapter Houses. (b) the Grand Inquisitor, Minister of Internal Affairs, shall be responsible for planning the logistics of the construction of the infrastructure of the ICON homeland, and for maintaining said infrastructure. (c) the Grand Inquisitor, Minister of Internal Affairs, shall be responsible for keeping updated on what all members of the alliance are doing. (d) the Grand Inquisitor, Minister of Internal Affairs, shall keep a database of spells, skills, bonuses, and available character classes. The Minister shall provide this information to the Prime Minister for dissemination to all members via the official ICON Newsletter. (e) the Grand Inquisitor, Minister of Internal Affairs, shall have the power to create special offices within the Ministry in the furtherance of his duties. For example, the Minister may create an Office of Construction, whose purpose would be to explore construction possibilities in the ICON homeland.

Section Four - The Office of the Minister of the Exchange: The Minister of the Exchange shall have the following duties and powers of office: (a) the Minister of the Exchange shall maintain a database of market information for all known cities of Lorasia. The database should also include known gray market/black market information. The Minister shall forward this information to the Prime Minster for dissemination to all ICON members via the official ICON Newsletter. (b) the Minister of the Exchange shall negotiate trade deals between ICON and other alliances or ICON and non-aligned cities. Said duties shall include securing discounts for ICON members at various city markets. Responsibility for trade deals and discounts in neutral cities may be delegated to Chapter Houses for the areas they represent. (c) the Minister of the Exchange shall plan profitable trade routes for ICON members. (d) the Minster of the Exchange shall establish economic trade zones where feasible. These efforts shall be coordinated with the Chapter House, if any, covering the Trade Zone. (e) the Minister of the Exchange shall have the power to create special offices within the Ministry in the furtherance of his duties. For example, the Minister could establish an office to explore methods of increasing the markets in ICON cities.

Section Five - The Office of the Grand Marshal, Minister of Defense: The Grand Marshal, Minister of Defense shall have the following duties and powers of office: (a) the Grand Marshal, Minister of Defense, shall be responsible for coordinating the defense of ICON's homeland, Chapter Houses, and Trade Zones. The Minister of Defense shall also provide direct and/or indirect assistance to member armies and empires for their defense where feasible. (b) the Grand Marshal, Minister of Defense, shall be responsible for all ICON military campaigns. (c) the Grand Marshal, Minister of Defense, shall be responsible for military intelligence, and for maintaining a database of scouting information, such as troop types, military bonuses, and battle book options. The Minister shall forward this information to the Prime Minster for dissemination to all ICON members via the official ICON Newsletter. Approved Chapter Houses shall take responsibility for these functions within their respective areas, but shall provide copies of all information so gathered to the Minister of Defense, who shall maintain ICON's central files for these purposes. (d) the Grand Marshal, Minister of Defense shall have the power to create special offices within the Ministry in the furtherance of his duties. For example, the Minister could create an Office of Military Intelligence, with responsibility for gathering and compiling scouting information.

ARTICLE V: JUNIOR EXECUTIVE

Section One - Provision for Junior Executive: ICON shall also be governed by a Junior Executive, which is subordinate to the Senior Executive. The Departments of the Junior Executive, in order of priority, are: Department of Voting, Department of Exploration, Department of Diplomatic Affairs, Department of Recruitment, and Department of Inter-Alliance Trade; the Department of Propaganda; and each Chapter House, by seniority. Each of these Departments is established by the Charter and may not be abolished except by majority vote of the electorate. Each Office is under the direction of a different branch of the Senior Executive. The Departments of Voting and Recruitment are under the direction of the Grand Inquisitor, Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Departments of Exploration, Diplomatic Affairs and Propaganda are under the direction of the Prime Minister, and the Department of Inter-Alliance Trade is under the direction of the Minister of the Exchange.

Section Two - The Office of the Department of Voting: The Director of the Department of Voting shall have the following duties and powers of office: (a) the Director shall assemble all necessary information for vote on an amendment, issue, appointment or nomination. (b) the Director shall present the amendment, issue, appointment, or nomination, to be voted upon to the electorate. Each amendment, issue, appointment, or nomination shall be assigned a number and shall be recorded in the official ICON Newsletter. No number so issued will ever be used again with reference to a vote on an amendment, issue, appointment, or nomination. (c) the Director shall be responsible for conducting the vote pursuant to the rules set forth in this Charter. (d) the Director shall disseminate the results of the vote to the electorate.

Section Three - The Office of the Department of Exploration: The Director of the Department of Exploration shall have the following duties and powers of office: (a) the Director shall oversee all exploration efforts. (b) the Director shall plan exploration and immigration routes. (c) the Director shall actively trade sector information with other empires and alliances. (d) the Director shall coordinate the Mind's Eye campaign.

Section Four - The Office of the Department of Diplomacy: The Director of the Department of Diplomacy shall have the following duties and powers of office: (a) the Director shall monitor all treaties between ICON and other alliances, empires, and non-aligned cities that are not within the jurisdiction of a Chapter House. Chapter Houses shall monitor diplomatic relations with cities within their jurisdiction. (b) the Director shall select and assign diplomats to each alliance, empire, or city, as necessary. (c) the Director shall monitor treaties between other alliances, empires, and non-aligned cities that are not within the jurisdiction of a Chapter House. Chapter Houses shall monitor diplomatic relations of cities within their jurisdiction.

Section Five - The Office of the Department of Recruitment: The Director of the Department of Recruitment shall have the duties and powers: (a) the Director shall actively diplo other empires about joining ICON, and shall post notices in the Cosmic Balance and on electronic bulletin boards or in other publications, as necessary. These duties shall be coordinated with Chapter Houses for areas within their jurisdiction. (b) the Director shall establish a recruitment package, and disseminate said package to prospective members. (c) the Director shall determine whether prospective members are eligible and desirable as members for ICON. (d) the Director shall establish a new member recruitment package and disseminate it to all new members.

Section Six - The Office of the Department of Inter-Alliance Trade: The Director of the Department of Inter-Alliance Trade shall have the following duties and powers of office: (a) the director shall arrange for the trade of skills, bonuses, and other information between ICON and other alliances, empires, and cities. Section Six - The Office of the Department of Propaganda: The Director of the Department of Propaganda shall be responsible for the publication and dissemination of information regarding ICON, its allies, its enemies, it projects, and its campaigns.

Section Seven - Chapter House Leaders, Departments, no Voting Privileges Except to Break Deadlock: The Chapter House leaders shall also be members of the Junior Executive. Their responsibilities are those of their Chapter House. Chapter Houses are not "departments", being established by a separate provision in this Charter, and thus are not under the direction of a specific Ministry. A Chapter House does not get to a vote on the Junior Executive unless there is a deadlock.

ARTICLE VI: MEMBER MILITARY FORCES; ATTACK POLICIES

Section One - Member Obligations: ICON members are expected to create effective militaries, or to contribute to the military of ICON. Members are expected to join in any military campaigns if needed.

Section Two - Raiding: ICON members bear the responsibility for their own actions when conducting a raid. ICON members are free to conduct raids on other armies, with the following limitations: (a) the target is not in a declared Free Trade Zone or a declared Neutral Zone; (b) the target is not a member of any alliance, regardless of whether there is a peace treaty with said alliance; or (c) the target has not been declared a friend of ICON.

Section Three - Attacks: An ICON member may initiate an attack, without consultation, only under the following circumstances: (a) the attack is initiated as a result of a standing order to INTERCEPT attacks on member, allied, or friendly armies; (b) the attack is initiated as a result of a standing order to COUNTERATTACK armies that attack a member, allied, or friendly army; (c) the attack is against an army that has previously been declared an enemy of ICON; (d) the attack is against an army or empire that is at war with ICON; (e) the attack is against an army that belongs to an alliance that is at war with ICON; or (f) the attack is against an army or empire that has committed a crime against ICON. Further, unless one of the above exceptions applies, an attack can be initiated, without prior approval, against an army if it does not meet the following criteria: (a) the target is not in a city sector; (b) the target is not in a declared Free Trade Zone or a declared Neutral Zone; (c) the target is not a member of any alliance, regardless of whether there is a peace treaty with said alliance; or (d) the target has not been declared a friend of ICON.

Section Four - Friend of Icon Status: An army or empire may request peaceful relations with ICON. The request may be directed to any member of ICON and will automatically result in the army or empire receiving the designation of "Friend of ICON," unless good reason is stated for not so designating the army or empire as a friend (e.g. it attacked an ICON army without cause and has not made restitution). ICON members are required to forward friendship designation requests to the Minister of Defense, who shall maintain and disseminate a list of "Friends if ICON" to all ICON members. If an army that receives the designation "Friend of ICON" attacks an ICON or allied army or empire, the designation is automatically revoked. If a member believes that an army or empire that has received the designation "Friend of ICON" should have that designation revoked, he shall state the reasons therefore to the Senior Executive, who, upon vote, may elect to revoke said designation. If the designation is revoked, a notice shall be published in the Cosmic Balance newsletter, to the "insidetheweb" message board, and a diplo so stating shall be sent to the army or empire which has had the designation revoked. Once these steps have been taken, the army or empire is no longer considered a "Friend of ICON," however, nothing shall prevent the army or empire from re-applying for said designation.

Section Five - Attacks Against ICON Armies: Any army that attacks an ICON member is automatically considered a declared enemy, regardless of treaty or friendship status, and as such should be attacked upon sight until such time as it is deemed otherwise (such as with restitution, apology, or peace pact). The victim of the aggressor is expected to take leadership, in consultation with the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, in determining what should be done regarding a new enemy (such as creating battle plans, contacting diplomats, et cetera).

Section Six - Designation of Aligned Army, Empire or Alliance as Enemy: A member who believes an aligned army, empire, or an alliance should be declared an enemy may request such a designation from a member of the Senior Executive, and shall state his reasons for said declaration. The member of the Senior Executive, after considering the request, may, on his or her own authority, make a declaration. The member of the Executive shall endeavor to consult with either the Prime Minister or the Minister of Defense if at all feasible, but in the case of an emergency, may act unilaterally. Should the designation be in error, the member of the Senior Executive responsible for the declaration shall bear the burden of rectifying the error.

Section Seven - Designation of Non-Aligned Army as Enemy of ICON, or as Open for Attack: A member who believes that a non-aligned army should be declared an enemy, or should be open for attacked, shall request such a designation from a member of the Senior Executive, or from the designated official within a Chapter House with jurisdiction. The member and the official contacted are both responsible for determining that the target army is non-aligned. The member of the Senior Executive or Chapter House official, after considering the request, may, on his or her own authority, make a ruling that the target army is subject to declaration as an enemy of ICON or as open for attack. The official making the ruling shall promptly notify the Senior Executive. Should the ruling be in error, the official making the ruling shall bear the burden of rectifying the error. A ruling that a non-aligned army should be attacked overrides Section Three, subsections (a)-(c). It does not override Section Three, subsection (d).

ARTICLE VII: THE ELECTORATE

Section One - Definition and General Provisions: ICON member empires compose the electorate. All member empires are eligible to vote on all major issues put before the electorate by the Department of Voting. Issue to be voted one by the electorate include, but are not limited to: (a) nomination of a member for a position in the Senior or Junior Executive. (b) a declaration of war against an another alliance or army. (c) claiming territory in the name of ICON, or publicly influencing regions. (d) changing old ICON policy, or creating new ICON policy. (e) amending the Charter. (f) re-electing or adding officials. (g) expelling or admitting controversial players. (h) on any issue at the request of a member of ICON.

Section Two - Majority Vote Controls: All members are expected to follow majority decisions.

Section Three - Emergency Decisions: In urgent cases, the Prime Minster may make an emergency decision that will be binding until a vote can be called. Urgent cases usually involve situations where an ICON position is at extreme risk and where an immediate decision is needed to resolve the situation.

ARTICLE VIII: CHAPTER HOUSES

Section One: Creation of Chapter Houses and General Provisions Governing: ICON members acknowledge the need to establish Chapter Houses on each continent for purposes of trade, recruitment, and diplomacy. Chapter Houses must cover a specific geographic region (e.g. Vardian Plains) or city (e.g. Kaffa). Creation of a new Chapter House must be sponsored by at least 3 ICON members active in its geographic region or city. The members sponsoring the new Chapter House must submit a detailed proposal to the Department of Voting setting forth in detail the purpose and goals of the Chapter House, its area of jurisdiction (the sectors it covers), and the duties and powers of office of the Chapter House leader. A Chapter House centered on a specific geographical region covers all sectors in that region. A Chapter House centered on a city covers only the city's sector, although it may influence events in surrounding sectors. The Department of Voting shall put the proposal before the Electorate for approval. The decision to create a Chapter House must be approved by the Electorate. Once creation of a Chapter House is approved by the Electorate, the Prime Minister shall appoint a leader for the new Chapter House, who shall be subject to a vote of confirmation or no confidence by the member empires within the chapter house's jurisdiction. If the vote rejects the appointment, the Prime Minster shall appoint another leader, who shall be subject to a vote of confirmation or no confidence. The Electorate must then vote approval of a Chapter House leader.

Section Two - Abolition of Chapter Houses: Any member may call for the abolition of a Chapter House. In such event, the member must submit to the Senior Executive a detailed reason for abolishing of the Chapter House. The Chapter House shall then be given the opportunity to submit information and arguments supporting or opposing the request. After reviewing the information, the senior executive may direct the Department of Voting to place the proposal before the membership of the affected Chapter House for approval. The Chapter House shall be abolished only by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Chapter.

Section Three - Duties of Chapter House Leadership: A Chapter House leader shall encourage all ICON armies within the boundaries of his Chapter House to participate in the goals of the Chapter House. Junior members of a Chapter House are encouraged to follow the lead of the local leader, but are not required to follow direct orders of the leader if it is against their better judgment. A Chapter House depends upon the ability of the local leader to set goals, resolve local issues, and set an example so that junior members are willing to accept his or her guidance.

ARTICLE IX: FREE TRADE ZONES

Section One: Creation of Free Trade Zones and General Provisions Governing: ICON members recognize the need to establish Free Trade Zones ("FTZ") to promote free trade and peaceful relations. Creation of a new FTZ must be sponsored by at least three ICON members in the affected area. The members sponsoring the new FTZ must submit a detailed proposal to the Department of Voting setting forth in detail the purpose and goals of the FTZ, the city upon which the FTZ shall be centered, and the duties and powers of office of the FTZ director. A FTZ covers the city sector of the city upon which it is centered, and all adjacent sectors. The Department of Voting shall put the proposal before the Electorate for approval. The decision to create a FTZ must be approved by the Electorate. Once creation of a FTZ is approved by the Electorate, the Prime Minister shall appoint a director for the new FTZ. The Electorate must then vote approval of a FTZ leader.

Section Two - Abolition of Free Trade Zones: Any member may call for the abolition of a FTZ. In such event, the member must submit to the Department of Voting a detailed reason for abolition of the FTZ. The Department of Voting shall then place the proposal before the Electorate for approval. The FTZ shall be abolished only by a majority vote.

ARTICLE X: SOCIETIES, ORDERS, GUILDS, AND UNIONS

Section One - Purpose of Societies, Orders, Guilds and Unions: ICON members may establish Societies, Orders, Guilds, and Unions. Society, Order, Guild and Union membership is not open to armies or empires, but to individual characters. The purpose of Societies, Orders, Guilds and Unions is to promote character development and role-playing. Membership of characters in Societies, Orders, Guilds and Unions can, at the option of its member characters, be opened to characters who are citizens of the land, or citizens of cities and empires that do not belong to ICON, whether non-aligned or not, and who share a common goal or purpose that does not conflict with the policies and goals of ICON as a whole. Further, by opening character membership in Societies, Orders, Guilds and Unions, the ability of ICON to influence global politics shall be greatly enhanced.

Section Two - Creation of Societies, Orders, Guilds and Unions and General Provisions Governing: A Society, Order, Guild or Union may be established by three or more characters, each belonging to a different empire. The founding members must submit a proposed charter to the Prime Minister for approval. No vote is required. The Prime Minister may not deny a request to establish a Society, Order, Guild or Union without good cause (e.g. its goals or policies conflict with those of ICON). Societies, Orders, Guilds or Unions are not limited by geographic region, although they may choose to so limit themselves if they wish (e.g. the Battle Mages Guild of Greater Kaffa and Angohiem, Miner's Union of Balen's Deep). The members of a Society, Order, Guild or Union may establish additional Societies, Orders, Guilds or Unions within the confines of their ranks upon approval of their leader. (e.g. the Master Crafters Guild could establish sub-guilds for Woodworkers, Metalworkers, and Stoneworkers). Section Three - Abolition of Societies, Orders, Guilds and Unions: A Society, Order, Guild or Union may disband itself at any time as provided for in the Society, Order, Guild or Union's charter. A Society, Order, Guild or Union that is deemed to be acting against the best interests of ICON may be involuntarily dissolved by a combined majority vote of the Senior and Junior Executives.

ARTICLE XI: HOMELAND

Section One: All ICON members shall actively participate in the search for a suitable homeland from which ICON's main operations shall be directed. Chapter Houses, Free Trade Zones, Societies, Orders, Guilds and Unions all support a the establishment and protection of a strong homeland. Once located, a Homeland Directorate shall be established. The Directorate shall function much like a Chapter House, but shall cover the entire geographical region of the Homeland. The Directorate shall fall under the responsibilities of the Ministry of the Interior, and the Grand Inquisitor, Minister of the Interior shall appoint a Director to manage the Homeland Directorate. The Prime Minister is responsible for coordinating all efforts to locate and establish a suitable homeland.

ARTICLE XII: VOTING PROCEDURE

Section One: Members wishing to call a vote on any amendment, issue, nomination, or appointment should create a detailed resolution as to what is being voted upon. The resolution shall be given to the Department of Voting, the Director of which shall then assign a voting number to the proposal and determine its urgency. The Director shall then place the proposal before the Electorate for debate. Resolutions that do not require immediate approval shall be open for debate for a period of 21 days, whereupon changes to the resolution may or may not be made. Urgent resolutions shall remain open for debate for 7 days. The Director shall then place the resolution before the Electorate for a vote. The Director shall declare upon the success or failure of the resolution once a majority is reached. Resolutions designated as urgent shall be subject to an additional 21 days debate after the first vote, at which time the Electorate may further modify or reject outright the resolution. The Director shall place the changes, if any, before the Electorate for final approval by majority vote.

ARTICLE XIII HOLDING POSITIONS OF AUTHORITY

Section One: No member may hold more than two positions on the Senior and Junior Executive combined, with the exception that the position of Chapter House leader does not count towards the total number of positions that may be held.

ARTICLE XIV AMENDMENT OF CHARTER

Section One: This Charter may be amended upon proper submission of proposed amendment to Department of Voting, and upon consideration by the Electorate, upon a two-thirds vote of the Electorate in favor of said amendment. No other manner of amendment shall be effective.