The Order of the Seraphim
13:33 Nov 21 2009
Times Read: 578
Respect
Respect is better defined as the growing relationship one member develops with another. By natural progression it is earned through loyalty, dedication, good faith and the establishment of mutual trust. The aspect of respect as it pertains to the Community is rather simple...Respect is a two-way street, give it and you’ll get it and as such The Traditional Greeting (Founded by Lord D’Drennan of Gotham) will be the way that we greet one another within our Community; this is a way to honor tradition and to show mutual respect amounts each other. Within the overall Community, there is a clear chain of command. ie: Elders, Advisors, Calmaes, and Fledglings. Also, within the community as a whole, a certain level of respect and decorum is required amongst its members. Everything you say, and everything you do within a Haven, at a social gathering, house meeting, or night club event will be a reflection upon you, your Sire, the Household(s) and the Community at large.
In the case of community meeting it is imperative that we conduct ourselves properly. It is a sign of disrespect to your fellow members, Sire, and Elders to act in an immature fashion by speaking out of turn and staring a discussion into a personal matter that has no concern to the group as a whole. At these meetings/debates, all must be aware of their rank within the Community. Simply put, know your position within the family and do not over step or abuse your authority or lack thereof. Everyone will get the opportunity to speak their mind on an issue of importance as long as you do not selfishly ramble on and waste the time of all present. Lastly, Respect should always be given to those above and below your own rank despite of personal dislikes. If you have a personal dislike for someone, that is fine, but respect them for what their role is within the Community.
Responsibility
Responsibility refers to what is expected of us in accordance to the traditions, guidelines, and codes of conduct that the Community abide by. It is delegated throughout the Community in its complex as well as its most basic of forms. To elaborate on the complex would be the responsibilities of our members by rank. From Fledgling to Elder, each individual has their own responsibilities to their selves, Sire, House, Bloodline and above all, the Community.
As one ascends within the ranks, responsibilities increase and more tends to be expected of the individual. This is the true test that comes with learning as a Fledgling, applying said knowledge as a Calmae, and leading as an Elder. We all have a role to play in the growth and balance of the Community. As Calmaes, Advisors, and Elders we must realize that the Fledglings are the foundation and if we cannot fulfill our obligation to them, then we have no right to expect perfection or hold them accountable for their mistakes when they ascend.
It is by no means difficult to understand the concept of responsibility. Quite simply put, everyone involved is an adult...So, act like one. We all have different responsibilities within our lives. There is no reason why that same mentality cannot be applied here.
Self-Control
Self-Control as it pertains to the Community involves many aspects of behavior. The general aspect of self-control encompasses all of our guidelines and codes of conduct. self-control should be displayed any and everywhere members within the Community are gathering. It is not just about self-control towards your kin, but to those within the community all together.
On a more detailed matter, self-control not only means the abusive use of the mouth, but also the aspect of physical aggression. As members of the Community, we cannot allow ourselves to participate in the spreading of rumors or false information that could lead to any type of confrontation between members and patrons of the community. We also cannot allow said rumors to segregate members from each other and form "cliques". This is above all else supposed to be a Community of family, and if not such, a large a collection of like minded individuals who bond on many aspects be it intelligence, creativity, nightlife, religion, etc.
Last and certainly not least, it is imperative that all members of higher rank display a clear example of self-control seeing as how it ties into everything else. The betrayal of Self-Control results in violation of Respect, Responsibility, Secrecy, and a disgrace of the Family itself. Any issue or dilemma between members of the respective lines and households must be dealt with internally and only involving the parties involved in the situation and their respective sire/elders. No other party is to interfere with this matter. If a definite resolution cannot be made, the Elders must intervene in the form of an official Sit-Down and come to a final decision. All concerned must be aware that your actions can and will reflect directly on the Community as a whole.
Secrecy
The practice of sharing information among a group of people, which can be as small as one person, while hiding it from others...That which is kept hidden is called a secret. A concept that seems relatively simple is nearly impossible to achieve in today’s society, no matter what way of life one associates with. As it relates to the Community, the aspect of secrecy is a rather crucial matter. Social gatherings, family outings, debates, and or meetings are all situations in which if any Community/Family/Scene related discussion occurs, it is imperative that our members use discretion. Someone that should not be involved can easily hear and more importantly, someone is always watching.
Secrecy involves a great deal of trust and should above all be taken into consideration in terms of siring and promoting members. If you cannot trust an individual with vital information or an important task, then they do not belong as your student, nor would said individual be appropriate for ascending to a higher rank. There are so many ways to discuss and debate the meaning of secrecy literally and as it pertains to the Community. Each House and individual may have variations on how information is shared throughout. The concern is simple as it refers to us all, what happens here, stays here; which ultimately means follow the Code of Silence that is in place. At meetings especially whatever is said and whatever occurs should only be known by those present and at most, members who could not attend and may need to be made aware of certain matters.
Family
By definition, the term "family" has at least four meanings. However, to coexist as we stand today, we need not to split ourselves into the four different depictions. The aspect of family that we live and should live by is at its basic of principles and ideals. For the most part, none of us share genetic heritage with the exception of those in relationships that have spawned offspring. So, basically, family as it pertains to the Community is a collective group of like-minded individuals who share similar passions and interests on various things yet often differ to maintain a sense of individuality.
As a family we must respect all that makes up a “family”, be it the good and the bad. The importance of that is the behavior of the individuals. As adults, no matter should be handled in a juvenile fashion. Many factors can cause tensions between members as with certain issues can raise concern amongst others who may need to seek council. As Calmaes and above, it is of the upmost importance that we are there to guide and aid the Fledglings whenever appropriate. How each and every member conducts themselves is a direct reflection on their sire, their line, their Household, and the Community. We must never forget that. When one is granted the right to sire, one must be cautious when doing so. Those you choose to sire are your responsibility until they are released from your Bloodline/Household or has ascended to a high level rank be it Advisor or Elder.
If one is a Fledgling, your sire is your representative on all official matters. All concerns that a Fledgling may have must go through their sire. It is only with explicit permission from an Elder or one’s own sire that a Fledgling may voice their own concerns on a specific official subject, otherwise they can wait until an open forum is given for Fledglings to speak on any other matter. No one should ever feel as though they cannot be heard. Though we are a collective with a hierarchy, we still are a family.
All families socialize, party, and love...conversely all families’ gossip, fight, and hate. It is unavoidable, but we must try to disassociate ourselves from the negative aspect of a “family”. By no means is that easy, but for us to rise above the genetic cliché of families today, we must try. This is a family. We are a family, so please, act like it.
_____________________________________________________________________
In conclusion…
Upon completion of this document the reader should have obtained an insight into the basic structure of Community ethics. With that said, reader, keep in mind though this reading pertains to the entire Community, each Household within governs their own with various subtle differences. The purpose of this reading is to serve solely as a guideline and introduction if you will as to who we are and what we stand for.
As previously stated everyone within and those seeking to be part are adults and should act as such. We are neither militant nor degenerate however, I expect nothing less than the basics of adult maturity and decorum and collectively we demand no less. Those who fail to comply with even the most basic of mental capacity will not be permitted within our ranks. This is a community and lifestyle to many who partake and simply a nightlife scene to the rest. Carefully place yourself within one of those two mindsets before even attempting to be a part of us. We are here as a family to act as such on every form. We prefer those who look for more than just a “good time” at a club to share our ways with.
This document is for members current as well as members potential. Our members take this and apply it to their personal teachings with those they seek to mentor. Our potentials or prospects take this as an introduction and learning experience to help guide them in their decision to fully become a part of our Community or follow a different path. In my personal opinion these basic “codes” can be applied to how you conduct yourself in the community as a whole. They are simple enough for any bloodline, guild, household and above all the Community at large to agree with and adapt into their own teachings. Nothing can be clearer to understand than five simple words: Respect, Responsibility, Self-Control, Secrecy, and Family.
COMMENTS
-
LordOfNoctemAeternus
15:28 Nov 21 2009
Seraphiel(leader of the Seraphim), Jehoel, Metatron.
JadedxBeauty
23:56 Nov 22 2009
You get two thumbs up from me. It's a name brand, I stand behind like pepsi, I guarentee it. LMAO... All jokes aside I really love it.