The following is taken from the welcome page of the Duchy of Wessex website at http://www.duchyofwessex.org

Duchy of Wessex
Races: Dwarves, Humans and Mirdain
Active Members: 115
Guild Age: 8 Years, Since -99. So We're Here To Stay.
Role Play: Encouraged, But Totally Optional.
Do note that we're not hardcore roleplayers. Visit: When will we roleplay?
Website: http://www.duchyofwessex.org

hat we intend to do is provide our members with an online gaming experience completely immersive and wholly unique. What sets our guild apart is that we have striven to create a government that actually functions as a historical government from our real world might. We've done this not only to impart a technical organization and efficiency that will give us an advantage in the player versus player aspect of Darkfall, but also to create something wholly contiguous with and supportive of the world we project ourselves into. Rather than just being a part of a gaming "team" with an incidental mascot for a sport played on a medieval-themed 3D battlefield, we hope to make being part of the Duchy of Wessex a little more like stepping into an epic war movie. With the fully developed institutions of the duchy government in place, our members will be able to explore and pursue careers in various avenues of medieval kingdom life, and when war happens, it will feel like a war between societies, not just a really intense rugby match.

ne special focus of this guild will be on accurate and detailed administration, so we would really like to appeal to and attract members who are capable of filling out some of these roles. That means we are looking for the absolute best diplomats, heralds, ministers, information brokers, traders, and soldiers.

ur duchy's structure consists of the duke and his council, but opportunities abound for advancement. Initiate members are considered villeins or peasant infantry, and can remain in this status as long as they wish. However, even though villeins must fight and contribute to the duchy's coffers like everyone else, they are limited in several ways. As this guild's focus will be on obtaining the absolute best and most proficient players, we offer simple examinations to those who would advance beyond the rank of serf to become complete members with a specialized function within the ducal government. These examinations are broken into medium and advanced grades, and can be found on our site's left menu. On passing these exams, His Grace the duke will appoint you to an available position within the ducal court. Display valor and resourcefulness on the field and it's possible to be granted heraldic arms, a knighthood, and even a fief of territory within the duchy.

he success of a clan will be determined by its efficiency in warfare, and feudalism is the government structure that was meant for WAR!

The Duchy of Wessex's Military:
Our core military structure emphasizes discipline and team strength, with regular drilling of members to ensure efficient, precise and deadly combat tactics.

Drills:
That we're going to be a force to reckon with once Darkfall is released is nothing new. Being successful on the battlefield with such a big army will require experienced and disciplined soldiers that know how to follow orders.

We can now announce that we have started drilling our military, teaching our soldiers a lot of the different formations that we're going to be using in Darkfall. We're not only talking about theory, they also get to execute the formations inside a game environment so they know how it feels on a live battlefield. This way we are going to be efficient from day one.
Video from one of our first drills: Drill Movie

Military Chart:

A Grand Scheme of His Grace's Military.

Testimonials from people within the guild:

I think the organization of the Duchy of Wessex really caught my eye to join, never before have I seen such a guild that has this type of organization as the Duchy.
~ Spaw Kindrid

When I first started looking for a clan in the Darkfall forums, it was a difficult task as they all seemed the same. I knew after reading through all of The Duchy of Wessex website that this clan was different and exactly what I was looking for. Whether you like to Roleplay, PvP or anything else,this clan has the perfect balance of everything. Being a member here is different then other clans. You feel like your contribution is really valued by your fellow clan members and your not just another cog in the machine.
~ Yossarian

I knew from the start that I wanted a clan with a solid structure that could roleplay a medieval experience for me as we fought across Darkfall. I posted what I wanted in a clan on DF forums and I got exactly what I was looking for: a clan populated with mature people who take their responsibilities within the clan quite seriously and thus promote same in others around them.
The Duchy of Wessex does not idly sit on forums and await for the release of Darkfall; we play currently released games and betas to train ourselves in teamwork, strategy and we gain each other's trust while doing that. The trust our members have for each other and the discipline of coordinated team combat is what will helps us win in currently released games and will let us dominate in DF.
~ Alexio Corbeille

I first had no plan to join any guild at all. But when i came across the Duchy of Wessex on the official Darkfall forum i got interested in the guild. And i couldn't resist to go to their website. At the moment i saw the website i was sold and the more i read on it the more i wanted to join. The little experience that i have in the Wessex community says enough to me that it wasn't a bad choice. All the members are very friendly and nice to me, and the system of Wessex works very good. So i just wanted to say: visit the website and i assure it wont be a waste of your time.
~ Harathor Fallanor

I found myself constantly getting sick and tired of the same old quests and PvP that was going nowhere in most of the MMOs that I played. I'd max out my level and get all the coolest gear then just move on to the next game. That was until I found the Duchy of Wessex. I experienced my gameplay instantly enhanced being drawn into the deeper structure and roleplay encouraged by the goals and vision of the guild.
I was suddenly engaging more in the Duchy than I was in the game itself. It was as if Wessex provided me with a whole other game on top of the one I was paying for. If you want unbearable quests and crappy gameplay, stick with the other guilds out there. If you want a better experience, solid community, and to forge new friendships, check out the Duchy of Wessex.
~ Brando de'Medici

If you want a clan, with a combination of some of the best roleplay, and combat, along with friendly people... look no further!
~ Aiden Morild

What made me pick this guild was the fact that the entire guild structure is based on real feudalism. And the fact that the founders have put a tremendous amount of effort into research and organization, creating a guild which is both highly efficient and historical made me want to join even more.
~ Chrono

Url's of interest:
A Grand Scheme of His Grace's Military.
PDF Explanation of Our Military
Video From One of Our First Military Drills

Fireside Chat 1: Nobility and Social Class in Wessex
Fireside Chat 2: On Matters Military
Fireside Chat 3: Feedback on Various In-Game Policies

When will we roleplay?

Sub Guild: Kingdom of Sleggjaholl
A Viking/Norse-oriented guild open to all seeking a realistic Norse play style.
So if you favor playing as one, This is the clan for you!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me or any of our members, or come and investigate this medieval recreation clan yourself at http://www.duchyofwessex.org