6. Loot, XP & Progression

Progression in RaidGuild functions like an RPG advancement path — except instead of killing monsters, you ship things, collaborate, support the Guild, and show up consistently.

This section defines how players “level up” through the Guild, what loot they receive, and how they eventually become core members.

6.1 Stage 1 — Cohort Participant → Cohort Grad

How you earn this advancement:

• Attend and participate in Week 1
• Join a project team
• Contribute meaningfully throughout the month
• Present a demo or participate consistently even if the demo doesn’t materialize

Reward (Loot):

• Graduate status
• Access to weekly standups
• Ability to join RIPs and RAIDs
• Eligible to mentor in future cohorts
• Eligible to present lightning talks
• May return to any future cohort
• Eligible for “Raider of the Month”

Cohort graduates are welcomed into the periphery orbit of the Guild.

6.2 Stage 2 — Cohort Grad → Active Raider

After graduation, the next step is to participate in RAIDs and RIPs, contributing real work to the Guild.

Requirements:

• Join at least one RIP (internal RG project or research initiative)
• Join at least one RAID (client work, grant project, or ecosystem contribution)
• Remain active in standups or Guild ops
• Demonstrate reliability and initiative

Reward:

• Reputation
• Visibility
• Eligibility for sponsorship
• Strong internal network
• Trusted collaborator status

This is the proving ground.

6.3 Stage 3 — Active Raider → Core Member Nominee

To be considered for core membership, a Raider must:

• Be a Cohort Graduate
• Participate in at least one RIP
• Participate in at least one RAID
• Demonstrate Guild values
• Have a current Core Member stake on them (nomination)

This sponsorship is meaningful — it’s a personal endorsement of trust, character, and consistency.

6.4 Stage 4 — Core Member

If the membership proposal passes:

• They become a Core Member
• The sponsoring member “risks” their stake
• The new member must remain active for one quarter
• Upon successful quarter, the sponsoring member receives their stake back

This mechanism ensures responsible sponsorship and sustained engagement.

Core Member Loot:

• Voting power
• Governance privileges
• Deeper access to operations
• Ability to sponsor new members
• Stewards the long-term shape of the Guild

6.5 Raider of the Month (Special Achievement)

Every month, a few standout participants or members are elevated as Raiders of the Month.

This may include:

• Demo Day winners
• Cohort participants who went above and beyond
• Mentors or presenters
• Current members who crushed a side quest
• Anyone who embodied the Guild ethos that month

Why it matters: RoTM is a social bridge between cohort participants and core members. It signals excellence, reliability, and alignment.

Rewards:

• Public recognition
• Elevated visibility
• Stronger pathway toward membership
• Often: nomination discussions begin here

6.6 Summary Table