Federation Empires

Diplomacy Handbook
Written by:
Commodore Kira Phoenix
 Table of Contents
Table of Contents................................................................................................ 2
Preface ................................................................................................................. 3
Our Purpose ......................................................................................................................................3
Copyright Notices .............................................................................................................................3
Diplomatic Rank.................................................................................................. 3
Ambassador-At-Large ......................................................................................................................3
Envoy Extraordinary.........................................................................................................................4
Senior Diplomat................................................................................................................................4
Consul ...............................................................................................................................................4
Envoy ................................................................................................................................................4
Promotions in Diplomatic Rank .......................................................................................................4
Specialized Envoys ...........................................................................................................................4
Conduct of Diplomatic Officers ......................................................................... 4
Contact with Foreign Groups ............................................................................ 5
First Contact Procedures...................................................................................................................5
Follow Up Procedures ......................................................................................................................6
Declarations of War ..........................................................................................................................6
Notices of Terminated Diplomatic Relations ...................................................................................6
Diplomatic Quarantine......................................................................................................................6
Individual Quarantine ..................................................................................................................7
Fleet Quarantine ..........................................................................................................................7
Treaty Types........................................................................................................ 7
Non Aggression Pact ........................................................................................................................7
Non Aggression Pact: Specimen .................................................................................................7
Mutual Protection Pact .....................................................................................................................8
Mutual Protection Pact: Specimen...............................................................................................9
Full Alliance (ALL) ........................................................................................................................10
Full Alliance Treaty: Specimen..................................................................................................11
Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 12
Preface
The purpose of this handbook is to provide the Diplomacy Department of Federation
Empires an overview of how the department should and will be run. This will be updated
periodically to reflect changes in policy and new implementations of policy. The public
will be permitted to view this document so as to allow them to become familiar with the
operations of Federation Empires Diplomacy and what to expect from the Ambassadors
and Diplomats within.

Our Purpose
The mission of the Diplomacy department is to establish and maintain cooperative and
beneficial relationships among the gaming community whether through alliance or by
mutual agreements. This department stands on integrity and integrity alone. Failure to do
such, and everything for which this department stands for will fall.

The diplomacy department may be required at times to declare war on other fleets or
cancel existing treaties with another group. While this is an unfortunate event, it is done
for the good of the fleet as a whole, and is not done lightly. Diplomacy is not an
intelligence department nor is it instrument of war. While the department recognizes the
necessity of such departments, Diplomacy Department will not take part in any such
affairs.

Copyright Notices
This handbook was written with the help and use of the Starfleet Diplomacy Handbook
with permission of Starfleet as granted in that handbook. The treaty specimens are of
Starfleet’s copyright and ownership however the rest of this handbook is copyrighted and
owned by Federation Empires. Other Fleets and Clans may use this handbook and adopt
portions or all of it’s content for its own use, but are required to give credit to the
Federation Empires, or in the case of the treaty specimens credit goes to Starfleet, with
the exception of the Non Aggression Pact. The preface of the NAP is owned by
Federation Empires and it’s use requires credit to such.

Diplomatic Rank
Diplomatic rank will be based on the experience of diplomats in the department.
Diplomatic Rank will ALWAYS supersede the military rank in diplomatic matters only.
That being said, in the event that a member of Federation Empires not within the
Diplomacy Department is contacted by a foreign fleet/clan, they are required to defer to
the Diplomacy Department for further evaluation. The following shall explain each rank
in order of superiority, starting with the most superior first.

Ambassador-At-Large
The Ambassador-At-Large or Ambassador, is reserved for the CO of Diplomacy. They
have the final word on all things diplomatic, and cannot be challenged except by those in
the Admirality. They also have the authority to represent the Federation Empires head of
state, which in this case would be the President.
Envoy Extraordinary
The Envoy Extraordinary rank is reserved for the XO of Diplomacy. Together with the
Ambassador-At-Large, they form Diplomacy Command and are responsible for making
major decisions within the department. They have full authorization to sign treaties with
the full backing of the department. They also have the authority to represent the
Federation Empires head of state.

Senior Diplomat
Senior Diplomats are seasoned and experienced members within Diplomacy. They have
authorizations to sign treaties up to an MPP. Normally, these members are sent to well
known fleets to maintain relations.

Consul
Consuls are sent to fleets to maintain relations with any fleet in contact with Federation
Empires. They only have the power to negotiate an NAP treaty.

Envoy
This is normally an entry-level diplomatic rank, but is quite often used to initiate first
contact with other fleets. No member of diplomacy should remain an Envoy for a long
period of time, and is simply used to ensure they are trained properly on diplomatic
procedures.

Promotions in Diplomatic Rank

This power rests in the hands of Diplomacy Command alone. No other person with in
diplomacy, save for the Admirality has the authority to alter any diplomatic rank of any
one person within diplomacy.

Specialized Envoys
Specialized Envoys may be appointed by the Diplomacy CO to carry out special missions
within the Diplomacy Department. Often times, they will carry out a singular mission and
their commission will expire at the end of their mission. Special Envoys are not
considered members of diplomacy and therefore do not have access to the private
diplomatic forums. Special Envoys may carry out other diplomatic duties or negotiations,
but only by the sole authority of the Diplomacy CO.

Conduct of Diplomatic Officers

Regardless of ANY SITUATION Diplomatic Officers WILL be courteous and respectful
to their counterpart or anyone else they come in contact with. Integrity is integral in the
department. It is important to recognize that some fleets operate differently and therefore
require to be handled differently than others.

Diplomats will not be permitted to use expletives or any such remarks while carrying out
their duties within their department.
Diplomats are required to remain neutral and respectful in all their affairs with foreign
groups, even if they themselves or Federation Empires as a whole or in part are insulted.

No diplomacy officer shall incite or take part in flaming, insult, provoking, harass, or
otherwise become hostile to any foreign group or member on or off any of the Federation
Empires assets. These assets include the Teamspeak server, forums and any gaming
servers.

The Diplomacy Department does not regulate its members’ conduct when acting outside
of the department, but they shall still be subject to the rules and regulations of Federation
Empires.

Violations of these directi1ves will be considered very serious and will result in
disciplinary action being taken by the Diplomacy CO/XO which may be, at the sole
discretion of the CO or XO, a simple warning, demotion in diplomatic rank, demotion in
military rank, dismissal from the department, or any combination there of. Appointments
to the diplomacy department carry with it a great privilege and prestige. As such,
members among the diplomacy department are held to the highest standards within
Federation Empires.

Contact with Foreign Groups

The first and foremost mission of any diplomat, is to establish and maintain good
relations with another fleet/clan. As such, it is inherent that first contact situations will be
common as new fleets/clans are discovered. This section shall further explain the
procedures that should be followed making a first contact post on foreign forums.

First Contact Procedures

When posting for the first time in foreign forums, respectfulness and politeness is a must.
They are to title the post with “Greetings from Federation Empires”. The content of the
post may vary depending on the officer, but it must include the following:

1. The current web address of Federation Empires website

2. The current web address of Federation Empires forums
3. The posting officer’s contact information

The above information may be placed in a signature, but a reference to the signature must
be made in the post.

The content of the post should include a little background about Federation Empires, such
as how many members we have, a list of games we support, a brief summery of how
Federation Empires operated and how long it’s been around for. A desire to begin
negotiations or expression of good will should also be included depending on the specific
circumstances. Once the initial post has been made, negotiations may continue on the
foreign group’s forums or on any other medium deemed to be of choice by both
negotiating parties. As always, it is key to remain polite and respectful at all times. It is
highly recommended to close first posts with a respectful salutation such as “Best
Wishes” or “Best Regards”.

Follow Up Procedures
When following up with another group, most formalities may be dropped without too
much problem, but it is still vital that the posting officer identify himself or herself as
well as provide Federation Empires’ web address. As always, proper spelling and
grammar is important. It is best to close such follow ups/status updates with a respectful
salutations, such as “Best Regards” or “Best Wishes”.

Declarations of War
It is the unfortunate duty of the Diplomacy Department that in the event that a declaration
of war is made against another fleet or clan to notify said fleet or clan affected. It is in
this most sensitive time that it is most important than ever to remain respectful and
neutral in posting. The conduct of diplomacy officers must be exemplary in what this
most certainly would be the most negative of diplomatic notices

Declarations of war are to be titled “Federation Empires Declares War On <name of

fleet>. The content of the post MUST ALWAYS be respectful and NEUTRAL. Insults of
any sort are prohibited. When closing such a post, officers are not to sign their name.

Due to the sensitive nature of a Declaration of War, it will usually be the CO or XO of

Diplomacy or a member of the Admirality who will make such posts.

Notices of Terminated Diplomatic Relations

Sometimes it is necessary to terminate relations with another group for the protection and
good of the fleet as a whole. As with declarations of war, respectfulness and
NEUTRALITY are vital.

Notices of Terminated Diplomatic Relations are to be titled “Federation Empires

Terminates Diplomatic Relations With <name of fleet>”. The content of the post MUST
ALWAYS be respectful and NEUTRAL. Insults of any sort are prohibited. When closing
such a post, officers are not to sign their name, but instead close the post with a salutation
like “We hope that the future brings better tidings for the both of us” or something similar
in that nature.

Due to the sensitive nature of a Notice of Terminated Diplomatic Relations, it will

usually be the CO or XO of Diplomacy or a member of the Admirality who will make
such posts.

Diplomatic Quarantine
There are 2 types of Diplomatic Quarantine, Individual Quarantine, and Fleet Quarantine.
Regardless of the type however, neither is declared lightly and even doubly so, declared
rarely. Only in extreme circumstances would Quarantine be declared by which can only
be authorized by those in the Admirality and Diplomacy Command. Quarantines can be
lifted at anytime by the same personnel.

Individual Quarantine
Sometimes, it is necessary for the security and safety of Federation Empires to issue an
Individual Quarantine on a certain fleet, or group of fleets. When this happens, the
Commanding Officer of Diplomacy Department will post in that fleet’s forum notifying
them of such. When declared on a fleet, only the Admirality or Diplomacy Command
may contact the fleet for any official business. No other member of [FE] is authorize, and
breach of quarantine will be punished severely.

Fleet Quarantine
When extenuating circumstance occur which force Federation Empires to focus internally
on itself, it may declare a Fleet Quarantine, in the Federation Empires itself is placed on
Quarantine. All treaties, negotiations, and relations are suspended until the quarantine is
lifted, and no member of Federation Empires may contact anyone on the outside for
official business with the exception of the Admirality, and Diplomacy Command.

Treaty Types
A treaty is defined as a permanent agreement between Federation Empires and another
group. This agreement can be as simple as stating that there will be no hostilities with
each other or it can be as binding as to state that everything will be shared including
military support and intelligence. No treaty is entered into lightly and all require
investigation of the potential fleet/clan in order to determine the benefit of such. Any
fleet that does not hold a treaty with Federation Empires is considered to be neutral. The
treaty types offered by Federation Empires are the Non Aggression Pact (NAP), Mutual
Protection Pact (MPP), and Alliance (ALL). Each of these are explained below, and each
will provide a specimen or example treaty for which shall be the template to follow.

Non Aggression Pact

The Non Aggression Pact, or NAP, is a treaty stipulating that neither side entered into the
treaty will engage in hostilities against each other with exception to prearranged war
games. Neither side is obligated to help the other nor provide support of any kind. NAPs
are considered null and void if at anytime they conflict with a MPP already in place or an
ALL already in place, or if they conflict with the laws and/or constitutions of either side.
They are usually the first step in progressing forward in forming relationships with other
fleets/clans.

Non Aggression Pact: Specimen

Federation Empires - Guardians of Neraxia

Preface:
This is the first diplomatic treaty between Federation Empires and Guardians of Neraxia.
The purpose of this treaty is to essentially state that both Guardians of Neraxia and
Federation Empires have entered into agreement that neither fleet shall engage one
another in any hostile manner. Both fleets shall instead remain neutral in all affairs
relating to one another.

Terms of this Non-Aggression Pact:

1. Neither Fleet is obligated to give assistance in times of war or internal conflicts. If
either Fleet decides to help out that in no way indicates that the other Fleet must
reciprocate that act.

2. Neither Fleet nor her Officers will attack one another verbally or through text on any
forums; IM’s , voice chat programs or in game.

3. Both Guardians of Neraxia and Federation Empires recognize and agree that this pact
does not supersede treaties and pacts currently in place by either Fleet. Both Fleets also
agree that this NAP is superseded by any Mutual Protection Pacts and/or Alliance
Treaties.

4. Both Fleets recognize and agree that this NAP is superseded by the Constitutions
and/or Council policies and/or laws of both Fleets.

5. This NAP refers to Federation Empires which resides at http://www.federation-

empires.com/ and http://www.federation-empires.com/forums/ and Guardians of Neraxia
which resides at http://www.neraxia.com/ and here http://www.neraxia.com/forum/

Once this NAP is signed it may not be amended in any way. If either Fleet wishes to make
changes the NAP must be rewritten and submitted for approval by both Fleets and
signed.

Signed:
By Federation Empires:
Commodore Kira Phoenix, XO of FE Diplomacy
Fleet Admiral J. Morianna, President of Federation Empires.
Operative 14, Vice President, Federation Empires

By Guardians of Neraxia:

Mutual Protection Pact

A Mutual Protection Pact, or MPP, states that two fleets/clans must defend each other
against a third fleet. This calls only for defensive action, meaning that if the one fleet is
the aggressor, the other signatory fleet is not required to assist. MPPs should have
provisions that encourage or require inter-fleet/clan cooperation a variety of levels and
respect between both groups. MPPs are above NAPs but are overridden by Alliances and
the laws and constitutions of each of the fleets.
Mutual Protection Pact: Specimen
Mutual Protection Pact: Federation Empires [FE], Example Fleet [EXAMPLE]

1. The fleets governed by this Mutual Protection and Cooperation Pact will be
Federation Empires (www.federation-empires.com) and the Example Fleet
(www.example-fleet.com).

2. Members of [FE] and [EXAMPLE] are required to respect and be courteous to one
another, in game and out of game. Apparent violations of this clause, between senior
officers, will be dismissed with the consent of all officers involved.

3. Military hostilities of any kind, except in the contexts of:

a) training simulations AND / OR
b) friendly games between [FE] and [EXAMPLE] and their constituent members
are not permitted whatsoever

4. Friendly joint exercises, meetings, and training sessions involving both [FE] and
[EXAMPLE] officers are strongly encouraged. Venues through which such interface may
occur include, but are not limited to:
a) fleet-supported communications, including but not limited to online bulletin
boards, voice servers, and text messaging servers
b) fleet-independent communications, including but not limited to online bulletin
boards, voice servers, and text messaging servers
c) personal communications, including but not limited to e-mail and private
instant-messaging programs

5. Collaboration between [FE] and [EXAMPLE] officers on intellectual ventures such as

strategy reviews and game modification is encouraged, but [FE] and [EXAMPLE] retain
any and all copyrights on information created by their respective fleet members and may
enforce them at will. Products (i.e.: maps, strategies) of [FE] - [EXAMPLE]
collaboration are considered collectively copyrighted and may only be released with the
consent of both fleets.

6. Officers of [FE] and [EXAMPLE] may, if requested to do so, aid one another in the
maintenance and development of internet resources, such as web sites and online
applications. In such cases, the officer requesting assistance takes full responsibility for
any security breach directly or indirectly resulting from his/her request. The provision of
aid under this clause is strictly voluntary.

6. [FE] and [EXAMPLE] may request aid, military or otherwise, from one another. Aid
must be given in time of need for defensive campaigns only, except under extenuating
circumstances.

7. Violations of this treaty by individual officers of [FE] or [EXAMPLE] will not be

counted as a violation on their respective fleet's behalf, but only if appropriate
disciplinary action is taken against the offending officer by his or her fleet, and only if
adequate proof of said disciplinary action is provided to the offended fleet.

8. This treaty will be null and void upon:

a) an announcement of nullification by either fleet's Council
b) a blatant and fleet wide violation of the treaty by one or both fleets without
immediate and sufficient remedial action
c) repeated individual violations of this treaty that do not result in appropriate
disciplinary action
1. 8 full-time and active Trek members
2. 45% of the fleet
3. whichever figure is lower will be applied
d) in order to meet clause c above, the signatory fleets will:
1.share or make readily available rosters of full time and active members
for each of the fleet’s gaming divisions

9. This treaty may be modified or amended at any time, but only through the agreement of
the Departments of Diplomacy and Councils of both fleets.

10. The Constitution(s), Code(s) of Conduct, and any other governing documents of
Federation Empires and the Example Fleet take complete and unequivocal precedence
over this Mutual Protection and Cooperation Pact. Should this Mutual Protection and
Cooperation Pact conflict with either Fleet’s governing documents, it will be declared
null and void until it is sufficiently modified as to eliminate such conflict.

11. This treaty is, without exception, binding on all members of [FE] and [EXAMPLE].

12. Signatures:

Federation Empires
Commodore Kira Phoenix, Diplomacy XO
President Morianna, President of FE
Vice President Operative14, Vice President of FE

Example Fleet
Admiral Pearson, CO of Diplomacy
Fleet Admiral Guy, Commanding Officer of Example Fleet
Commander Jones, Operations Officer

Full Alliance (ALL)

A Full Alliance is the most binding of the treaties. Those who have signed a Full Alliance
with Federation Empires are bound to provide Military and Logistical Support in all
operations that either side has under taken. When one signatory fleet declares war on
another fleet for whatever the reason is, the other signatory fleet must assist them using
whatever means possible. Alliances are only made with fleets that have a long positive
standing with Federation Empires.
Full Alliance Treaty: Specimen

Alliance Treaty: Example Fleet [EXAMPLE] & Federation Empires [FE]

***Signed on 24 OCT 2010***

The clans/fleets bound by this agreement are:
---------------------------------------
Example Fleet [EXAMPLE] Federation Empires [FE]

Terms:

1. Both parties should assist each other where possible. Unlike a Mutual Protection Pact,
this is not limited to military action.

2. In the event that one (or both) of the participants are the subject of hostilities,
assistance may be requested. Under normal circumstances the other fleet is bound to
provide the requested assistance. Assistance can be anything from intelligence to all-out
military assistance. Not all situations call for military aid, or any aid at all, and as a
result clans/fleets should not provide assistance unless requested.

3. If there is some exceptional circumstance then a fleet has the right to decline
assistance, for example if the requester is the antagonist in the conflict or a higher
diplomatic agreement (Alliance) is held with the 3rdparty.Denying assistance without
concrete reasoning is considered to be a breach of this agreement.

4. The fleets involved in this agreement will not engage in hostilities between themselves.
This does not cover friendly/competitive activities, for example organised competitions
and friendly games; however it should be ensured that both parties are aware of this to
prevent misunderstandings. Members who breach this should be dealt with officially
through their clan/fleet. In a similar manner, members should be respectful towards the
other party but there is no problem with friendly banter, shared jokes etc.

5. Any amendents to this treaty must be agreed on by both clans and signed by their
elected leaders before it becomes part of the treaty. If the amendent is not agreed on, then
the treaty stays intact as is.

6. This agreement lasts until it is breached or cancelled by one or both parties. In most
cases 24 hour notice of cancellation is requested from the cancelling party as a courtesy,
but in some cases this may not be applicable.

7. Signatures:

Federation Empires:
Commodore Kira Phoenix, FE Diplomacy CO
Fleet Admiral Morianna, FE President
Vice President Operative, FE Vice President

Example Fleet:
Fleet Captain Joe, EXAMPLE Diplomacy CO
Fleet Admiral Sue, EXAMPLE President

Conclusion
This handbook has provided the most basic tools you require to perform your duties as a
diplomat. Though diplomacy is a difficult department to be a part of, it is certainly one of
the more honorable departments that one could partake in. Diplomacy is charged with an
important job, and that is to be the face of Federation Empires, and to be a positive force
in the gaming community. Honor, courage, and commitment is the foundation for which
this department stands on. Take any of those out and the entire department fails. Follow
the standards and procedures set forth in this handbook, and you will be more than
successful in performing well in diplomacy and interacting with other fleets, clans, and
other online gaming groups.

Good Luck to all,

Commodore Kira Phoenix