The Assembly of Judges

The Assembly of Judges is an out-of-character guild created by HOJN with the sole purpose of judging duels for those in need. Finding available judges can sometimes be a challenge, so the AoJ offers a simple service: you can MUDmail your duel to HOJN, who then forwards it to three members of the guild. These judges review the duel, submit their votes and critiques back to HOJN, who compiles all the feedback into a single MUDmail and sends it to both duel participants.

Critiques

The AoJ are possibly most known for their critiques on duels. Unlike most judges, rather than give a simple vote, they actually explain why they voted the way that they did, what they liked and disliked, as well as place their vote. Some have been known to write full paragraphs or up to half a page, others write two or three lines. It varies from judge to judge.

Anonymity

The identities of AoJ members are kept secret, each hiding behind a four-letter name that starts with 'H'. This system was created by HOJN after she noticed a troubling pattern: some judges were being verbally attacked by players upset with the outcome of their duels. These sore losers would lash out both in-game and through messaging platforms. Recognizing the unfairness and toxicity of this behavior, HOJN established the AoJ to protect judges and ensure a safer environment.

As part of AoJ rules, revealing another judge?s identity?if known?is strictly forbidden and results in the offending judge alt being sent to hell. To further preserve anonymity, HOJN labels votes and critiques as Judge A, Judge B, and Judge C, making it more difficult to guess who judged a particular duel.

AoJ Rules

We do not reveal who has an alt in the AoJ. Anonymity is critical to prevent bias and maintain fairness in judging. If others know a judge's identity, it opens the door to favoritism, judge-stacking, and persistent questions about who plays whom. We are committed to keeping this guild impartial, and revealing alts directly undermines that goal.

A judge cannot ask to judge specific duels. For example, if a judge wants to judge a duel involving their significant other, it's a clear conflict of interest. If there?s any perceived bias?positive or negative?a judge should not be judging that match. We aim to maintain fairness and neutrality at all times.

A judge must choose one winner?no ties. If a judge genuinely can?t decide between two participants, they are to speak with HOJN to have another judge assigned. Tiebreakers like coin tosses or randomizers are not allowed. Clear, decisive judgment is expected.

A may never change your vote after the winner has been announced?no exceptions. Doing so is unfair to both parties and will result in suspension. Changes are only allowed before the verdict is sent out. If a judge is unsure whether a verdict has been delivered, ask HOJN.

Report any bullying by a duelist to HOJN immediately. Bullying will not be tolerated, and anyone engaging in it risks being blacklisted from all future judging by guild members?regardless of the account they're using or who requests it. Our judges deserve a safe, respectful environment for the time and effort they commit.

Judging must be fair and unbiased. Any judge found rigging duels or consistently favoring the same person without clear justification will be suspended?and their judge alt retired permanently. If you suspect biased or unfair judging, its to be reported to HOJN with a detailed explanation so it can be properly investigated and addressed.

When submitting a vote to the Attendant, a judge must provide clear, specific reasons for their decision. A vague response like "I just thought they should win" won?t be accepted. If they don?t include valid reasoning, their vote won?t count. An explanation doesn?t need to be long, but it should be solid and include a few clear points. Judges should feel free to go into more detail if they wish.

For each duel, an attendant will be assigned to collect your vote, critique, and reasoning. Typically, this will be HOJN, though not always. The attendant is responsible for compiling a MUDmail for both duelists, including each judge?s vote and reasoning. Judges will remain anonymous, identified only as JUDGE A, JUDGE B, and JUDGE C. The MUDmail should be sent to both players simultaneously by adding their names in the 'to' field, separated by a comma, and must include all judge feedback. Players are allowed to opt out of receiving feedback and only have the vote sent to them

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Last modified on April 22, 2025, 06:47:54