We, the Elders, as the seniority of the universe, are bound by the
principles by which we try to unite the sectors and promote economic and
militaristic growth in every budding empire. We are the keepers of peace; we
form the structure for just wars. And thus, we must set an example for the
other races we encounter. For this purpose is the Elders' Code of Conduct, a
contract that binds us to the promotion of good relations between
Starknights, Darknights, Navigators, Merchants, and Republicans.
ARTICLE I:
The Universe is bound by physical law, and to break this law could
destroy us all. The Universe is also bound by a moral law, dictating that
every member must fight with justice. Defying the rules set by Skyven, the
prophet, is to provoke his wrath. We the Elders swear never to cheat in
Starknights, nor to use bugs or loopholes to our benefit, and to report all
bugs to Knightsoft, that they may restore the even flow of events to all.
ARTICLE II:
The Elders swear never to attack our brothers, neighbors, and even
enemies, before a proper amount of time has passed. We shall never purchase a
warp drive to attack any empire without good cause, namely an immediate
threat to our own Empire. The weak will die, and the strong will survive, but
only in a Universe where the difference between weak and strong can be
demonstrated.
Should an Elder be attacked unjustly before due time passes, that Elder has full rights to destroy the enemy involved. Those who do not obey social contracts have no right to survive. We shall defend ourselves and our honor. Should an enemy enter our sector with anything other than a probe, he invites his own demise.
ARTICLE III:
Never, by any circumstance, shall we resort to petty and offensive
language. The fight is fair, and we shall accept defeat should it strike us.
We have no need for harsh words, for as Elders we shall remain triumphant
with no regards to past losses. Should an adversary be found defying the
Universal laws set forth by Skyven, we refuse to become crude at our own
expense. The deviant oppressor will be reported, with no fault to be passed
to the Elders.
ARTICLE IV:
When our clan must unite to heed the call of war against another clan,
The Elders swear never to impede our own. We shall not steal from other
Elders, and we shall provide militaristic assistance upon hearing a cry for
help. We shall die for the good of the whole. No individual shall claim all
of the glory; no individual shall be oppressed. The Elders shall strive for
victory together, never leaving fallen allies to the gripping jaws of our
foes. We shall remember each ally that dies, and carry out our vendetta
before the suns set over their homeworld.
