Rising Phoenix

House of Rising Phoenix

All information here is gathered from the current website dedicated to this Great House. [Go to website].

Bylaws, Charter, and Joining Information

PREAMBLE

The House of the Rising Phoenix was founded in the Third Era of Lore Master Reckoning roughly 200 years after the Fall of Quellbourne. Lady Wisraith Winterwind, Lord Lythe L'Green, and Lord Maruko Ashimine shared a common purpose -- to thwart the growing Unlife presence in Northern Jaiman; principally, the small frontier town of Kelfour's Landing which they called home. Thus, the House of the Rising Phoenix was born...a circle of friends sworn to uphold the virtues of the Lords of Orhan, and charged with the arduous task of carrying forward the knowledge and wisdom of the Lore Masters.

ARTICLE I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

As stated in the preamble, the House of the Rising Phoenix is dedicated to battling the Unlife and the forms of Chaos that seek to disrupt the order of the lands. We also seek to free the Undead from their eternal pain of undeath and return their souls to Lorminstra's waiting arms. Besides these, we are charged with maintaining and spreading the virtues and knowledge of the Lords of Liabo and their teachings, as well as upholding honor and the ways of righteousness that the Lords of Liabo seek to teach us as mortals.

ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF GOVERNING

Section 1. Definitions

A. Cooperative Houses of Elanthia - A loose organization of Houses of Elanthia, headed by the Ruling Council, whose purpose is to set standards of behavior. Although the organization has little official power, its decisions are generally accepted by all Houses as final, especially when issued in name of the Council.

B. Triumvirate/High Council - The Triumvirate, which signifies three, or the High Council, consists of, but is not restricted to: The House Chairman, one senior officer (Secretary or Treasurer) and one House Elder or other officer (founder, elder member, co-officer). The Council may rule on house business in certain matters not needing a formal vote and in times of emergency.

Section 2. Amendment of Bylaws

A. These Bylaws maybe amended from time to time by a vote consisting of 2/3 approval by the House Council and acceptance of said amendments by the House Controller.

Section 3. Normal House Business

A. Statement of Governing - The House of the Rising Phoenix shall be governed semi-democratically with a vote by the Council binding all decisions except in special circumstances which require the House Chairman to make a final ruling.

B. Meetings - Meetings are conducted in the House Library or Planning Room unless otherwise stated by the Chairman or another House officer.

C. Formal Voting - Formal voting is a requirement for investing new officers, amending the bylaws, expelling members and other functions where votes involving the House are required by Majority voting of the House or votes done by the House Council.

- 1. Formal voting is held when found necessary by the Chairman or other House officers.
- 2. The Triumvirate/Council must be present to constitute a formal vote.
- 3. The House Secretary is responsible for tallying the votes and announcing the results.
- 4. The Chairmen or highest ranking officer present has final judgment.

Section 4. House Officers

A. The House shall have three primary House Officer positions (Chairmen, Secretary, and Treasurer) and three secondary positions (Co-Chairman, Co-Secretary and Co-Treasurer.) Functions of the respective Officer positions are defined in section 4-D below.

B. House offices are held for life or until one of the following occurs:

- 1. The officer resigns.
- 2. The officer is declared inactive (defined as a long unexplained absence and lapse of duties).
- 3. The officer is expelled or terminated by the Chairman.
- - a. An officer can be terminated for not completing his or her duties as assigned in the following section.

C. Vacant offices shall be filled by the following process:

- 1. Nominations shall be taken for one month.
- 2. All nominees will be interviewed by the current officers to determine suitability.
- 3. All suitable candidates shall be placed on a ballot, and a general election will be held.
- 4. The candidate with the majority of votes shall win. Votes will be taken for a period of two weeks.
- 5. At the end of that period, the new officer shall be announced to the house, and will take office immediately.

D. Responsibilities. House Officers are charged with the following specific duties in addition to any others they are charged with by the House Chairman.

- 1. The Chairman as defined by the Cooperative Houses of Elanthia. The chairman holds the official leadership of the House and is ultimately responsible for all decisions and actions of the same.
- 2. The Secretary as defined by the Cooperative Houses of Elanthia. The position and duties of the Secretary is to keep records of all House business and history, assist in House initiations, keep a current House rosters list, keeping minutes of House meetings, send out meeting announcements, and settle all disputes over the House Bylaws and changes/additions to.
- 3. The Treasurer as defined by the Cooperative Houses of Elanthia is in charge of monitoring and maintaining all House funds, granting and keeping records of House loans and the agreed upon terms, receive money due and payable to the house, depositing such funds in the name of the House, assisting in House initiations and any other special duties assigned to this position.
- 4. Co-Chairmen must at any time step into the Chairman's position in time of absence, as well as assist with initiations and any other special duties needed by the House.
- 5. Co-Secretary is the assistant to the House Secretary, thus assists in keeping records, as well as an alternate House roster in case of errors and/or unnoticed changes by the Secretary, assist with House initiations and any other special duties assigned to this position.
- 6. Co-Treasurer is the assistant to the House Treasurer, thus assists in compiling files and records of loans and House fees, assists during initiations, provides assistance in loan procedures and any other special duties assigned to this position.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Requirements

A. Attainment of at least the tenth level of experience.

- 1. The age level requirement was officially changed from the fifth level of experience to the tenth level of experience, upon official House vote granting passage of Bylaw Amendment on day 2 of the month of Phoenatos in the year 5100 of the Modern Era (August 2, 2000, Common Age)

B. Members and Applicants shall not be affiliated with the Unlife or its agents, or participate in any organization which seeks to further the goals of the Unlife.

- 1. It is noted that the Unlife has sunken its claws deep into the citizenship of Wehnimers. The above statement is not meant to forbid interaction with friends, brothers, sisters, or even spouses of House Members who have been seduced by the Unlife.
- 2. Members are encouraged to enlighten and guide known Servants of the Unlife with the teachings of the Lore Masters and the Lords of Liabo upon which the House of the Rising Phoenix was originally founded.
- 3. Members shall not aid Servants of the Unlife in the procurement of items for their Masters. Items include skins and any other assorted gifts or tributes as may be required by their dark masters.
- 4. Members shall not aid Servants of the Unlife in gaining favor or deeds from Lorminstra and the Lords of Liabo.

C. Successful membership acceptance and approval as granted by Official House Committee.

- 1. Item C was officially made part of the Membership Requirements upon official House vote granting passage of Bylaw Amendment on day 2 of the month of Phoenatos in the year 5100 of the Modern Era (August 2, 2000, Common Age).

D. Payment of lifetime Membership fee of 40,000 silvers.

- 1. The lifetime Membership fee was officially changed from the sum of 20,000 silvers to the sum of 40,000 silvers, upon official House vote granting passage of Bylaw Amendment on day 2 of the month of Phoenatos in the year 5100 of the Modern Era (August 2, 2000, Common Age)

Section 2. Induction and Initiation

A. Induction Ceremonies - Ceremonies shall be limited to twice a month, those being the first Saturday and third Wednesday.

- 1. Added by Bylaws Amendment One, via official House vote granting passage on day 2 of the month of Phoenatos in the year 5100 of the Modern Era (August 2, 2000).

B. The Rite of Purification.

- 1. The Chairmen, the initiate and another of the House officers shall meet outside of the House of the Rising Phoenix and the initiation ceremonies for those with appointments will commence.
- 2. The group shall enter the Hall of Sacrifice in the Temple, where the Chairman shall offer an ordinary broadsword and a handful of fresh flower petals to the applicant.
- 3. The Applicant shall approach the holy fountain and join the High Priest in prayer so that Lorminstra's blessing may purify the ceremonial blade.

C. The Rite of Initiation.

- 1. Once the blade has been purified, the group shall proceed to the Clerks Office in Moot Hall.
- 2. The Applicant shall have in his or her possession the sum of 40,000 silvers for the lifetime Membership Fee and pass the ceremonial blade back to the Chairman. The lifetime Membership fee was officially changed from the sum of 20,000 silvers to the sum of 40,000 silvers, upon official House vote granting passage of Bylaw Amendment on day 2 of the month of Phoenatos in the year 5100 of the Modern Era (August 2, 2000, Common Age)
- 3. The Applicant shall kneel and state his or her intentions to join the ranks of the House of the Rising Phoenix and by his or her Oath swear to abide by all of the stipulations stated herein.
- 4. The Ritual of Induction shall commence and proceed to its conclusion.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBER STATUS

Section 1. Inactive House Members

A. A Member of the House of the Rising Phoenix is a Member for life unless he or she resigns or is expelled, but may be placed on inactive status through one of the following methods:

- 1. Long unexplained absences. Not present for more than 2 months without prior notice.
- - a. Officers placed on this list shall be temporarily replaced or terminated by the Chairman.

Section 2. Expulsion of Members

A. The Expulsion of a Member of the House of the Rising Phoenix is a grave matter, and the Council is expected to conduct a thorough discussion and investigation into any circumstances which warrant this charge against a Phoenix Member.

B. Expulsion of any Member shall require a 2/3 vote by the Council or House Members in a formal vote.

C. Any Member who, after being initiated, becomes a supporter of the Unlife, they will be expelled from the House, as soon as proof can be obtained. Anyone who stands accused of being a supporter of the Unlife, will be brought to Lorminstra's Temple, and will attempt to approach the altar. If they are unable to, they will be deemed a supporter of the Unlife, and expelled as a member on the spot. Anyone who refuses to go to the Temple when they stand accused, will be assumed a supporter of the Unlife, and expelled immediately. No Voting will be required, if the accused is proven, or assumed a supporter of the Unlife.

D. Definition of Supporter of the Unlife - A person who is a member of the Council of Light.

Section 3. Miscellaneous

A. Members who re-roll may be automatically inducted back into the House after reaching the appropriate level of experience.

B. Inheritance and Officer Heirs - An officer who by their right has designated an heir in said position, said heir is empowered to take the place of the departing officer upon the death or retirement of the current officer filling that position. If the stated heir is below the required age of the House, that position must be held until such time as said heir may join the House, unless overruled by decision of the Chairman.

C. The House Membership fee is 40,000 silvers for lifetime membership by virtue of Bylaw Amendment 1 - Membership Requirements. There are no monthly dues. Members who re-roll are subject to the Initiation Fee when re-inducted.

ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Section 1. Definitions

A. House Colors - The House colors are black, gold and crimson or red, signifying Knowledge, Honor, continuous Rebirth, and the fiery spirit of the Phoenix itself. These are often times worn during public events and House meetings as well as worked into items of personal apparel and arms as a means of displaying loyalty to the House and as emblems of pride in belonging.

B. House Insignia/Coat of Arms - The House of the Rising Phoenix is represented by a triumphant Phoenix rising from its own death, to screech into the heavens, as its tail blazes and its life is renewed once more in its never-ending cycle of rebirth and resurrection.

Section 2. Miscellaneous Benefits:

A. Storage - The House shall provide storage service of 40 items to active House Members.

B. Engraving - The House Coat of Arms is registered with the Cooperative Houses of Elanthia and is available to all members at the Engraver's shop.

C. House Pin

- 1. A House pin will be available for purchase. Price is determined by the House Controller. The proceeds will be split by half, with half going to the House funds and half to the House Controller.
- - a. House pins will be available only to House members.
- - b. House pins will serve to identify members as well as a private ESP thought net between members.

Section 3. Lodgings & Room Amenities

A. House Temple

- 1. House members may be married on the House premises in the House Quiet Temple or Sanctuary located in the Annex.
- 2. Petitions must be given to the Chairman for approval and conditions.

B. Library - The Library of the House of the Rising Phoenix is the normal location for House meetings and gatherings, as well as an earth-node, making it ideal for resting, quiet study, or socializing.

C. Rooms

- 1. General and Common Rooms - There are a number of both latchable and non-latchable private and semi-private rooms available for use by Members and their guests within the House of the Rising Phoenix, as well as private tables and various other rooms for meeting, gathering, resting, and socializing purposes.
- 2. Private Rooms
- - a. Space permitting, private rooms are available at the Member's expense and the approval of the House Controller.
- - b. Petitions shall be judged by seniority and submitted to the Chairmen or Triumvirate and under approval by the House Controller.
- - c. Private rooms, once constructed, may never be torn down.

Section 4. Magical Workshop

A. The House of the Rising Phoenix was the first House to offer the services of a magical workshop for enchanting and embedding.

B. Those wizards old enough are permitted keys into the workshop, but are subject to the rules set forth by the House Workshop Coordinator's Cycle.

- 1. Non-member and out of turn enchanting is strictly prohibited.
- 2. Any Member discovered to be allowing non-members to use the facilities of the House Phoenix Workshop may face and be subject to immediate expulsion of said member.
- 3. All enchanting will be scheduled by the House Coordinators and strictly adhered to.

Section 5. Loans

A. House loans are available according to the terms as set forth by the Cooperative Houses of Elanthia.

B. Petitions shall be given to the Treasurer for approval and conditions.

AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF THE HOUSE OF THE RISING PHOENIX

Amendment One to the Bylaws of the House of the Rising Phoenix was granted passage by formal vote on day 2 of the month of Phoenatos in the year 5100 of the Modern Era (August 2, 2000 Common Age) and includes:

- An amendment to Article III, Membership; Section 2. Induction and Initiation.
- An amendment to Article III, Membership; Section 1.A. Requirements.
- An amendment to Article III, Membership; Section 1.D. Lifetime Membership Fee.
- An amendment to Article III, Membership; Section 1.C., Interview Process and Approval.

Amendment One Inclusions Outlined, as follows:

Section 1. Induction Ceremonies

A. Induction Ceremonies - Ceremonies shall be limited to twice a month, those being the first Saturday and third Wednesday.

(An amendment to Article III, Membership; Section 2. Induction and Initiation.)

Section 2. Age Requirement

A. The Age Requirement shall be raised from 5 levels of training to 10 trainings with the intention of assuring that all perspective members are serious about joining our House, and not just interested in lockers.

(An amendment to Article III, Section 1.A. Requirements).

Section 3. Joining Fee

A. The lifetime fee for joining shall be raised from 20,000 silvers 40, 000 silvers.

(An amendment to Article III, Section 1.D. Lifetime Membership Fee).

Section 4. Approval and Interview Process

A. Interview Committee - An Interview Committee shall be formed for the purpose of carrying out the requirements of the Interview and Approval processes of the joining requirement.

- 1. Composition - Interview Committee shall be comprised of House officers and members.
- 2. Availability - Officers will make themselves available for the House following any initiations ceremonies, as well as during the scheduled initiation times, for the purpose of conducting prospective member interviews.

B. Interview Process - Any prospective member must be interviewed separately by 2 officers and a third house member comprising an interview committee, allowing the prospective member a chance to meet a committed house member, as well as an opportunity to allow our members a chance to help mold future members and offer their opinions on them to the officers for the process of Member approval.

C. Membership Approval and Waiting Period - Once approved by the Interview Committee as defined herein, the prospective member will be eligible to join during but not before the second available induction ceremony.

D. Induction Ceremonies - Ceremonies shall be limited to twice a month, those being the first Saturday and third Wednesday, thus assuring that all approved members will have passed the waiting period requirement and by so doing have showing sincere desire to join the House.

E. The Secretary and Co-Secretary will track the stages of progress for prospective members and coordinate the required communications between officers and the Interview Committee.

(An amendment to Article III, Membership; Section 1.C., Interview Process and Approval).

Amendment Two, Interview Process Addendum as an Amendment One, Section 4B REVISION AMENDMENT:

Amendment Two: Interview Process Addendum, was formally passed by House vote on day 3 of Lormesta in the year 5103 (January 03, 2003).

Any prospective member must be interviewed separately by 1 officer and 1 house member comprising an interview committee, allowing the prospective member a chance to meet a committed house member, as well as an opportunity to allow our members a chance to help mold future members and offer their opinions on them to the officers for the process of Member approval. The first interview will ask the reason for joining and ask for knowledge about the house. The second interview will test the knowledge of the prospective member about the house and the history of the house. Interviews will be at least one week between each.

Amendment Three, Expulsion of Members Addendum as an Amendment Three, to Article IV. Member Status, Section 2. Expulsion of Members

Amendment Three: Expulsion of Members Addendum, was formally passed by House vote on January 03, 2003.

Sections C. and D. by addendum, in reference to expulsion of initiated members who thereinafter become supporters of the Unlife.

Amendment Four, Filling of Vacant Officers as an Amendment Four, to ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF GOVERNING, Section 4. House Officers, item C. Vacant offices

Amendment Four, was formally passed by House vote on March 23, 2003.

To replace, and make obsolete the former process which was:

C. Vacant offices shall be filled by the following process:

- 1. Inheritance and Officer Heirs - An officer who by their right has designated an heir in said position, said heir is empowered to take the place of the departing officer upon the death or retirement of the current officer filling that position. If the stated heir is below the required age of the House, that position must be held until such time as said heir may join the House, unless overruled by decision of the Chairman.
- 2. In any and all cases where there is no designated heir:
- - a. At least one nomination for the office shall be taken at a formal House meeting or by an existing House officer.
- - b. The qualifications of the nominees shall be thoroughly discussed.
- - c. The Council shall vote or the Chairman as senior officer may break all deadlocks and appoint the officer.

The above was rendered obsolete and replaced with:

C. Vacant offices shall be filled by the following process:

- 1. Nominations shall be taken for one month.
- 2. All nominees will be interviewed by the current officers to determine suitability.
- 3. All suitable candidates shall be placed on a ballot, and a general election will be held.
- 4. The candidate with the majority of votes shall win. Votes will be taken for a period of two weeks.
- 5. At the end of that period, the new officer shall be announced to the house, and will take office immediately.