Order of the Black Fox

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Order of the Black Fox This is an Official Order

Sanctioned Province: Zoluren City Base: Leth Deriel Active Members: 15 Website: None Twitter: @BlackFoxOrder Officers Speaker: Kaelie Vice Speaker: Pyppa Treasurer: Lycette Council Members Malign Sanzia Lycette Xionara Akolu Fiaenna Amaci Nereyda Tennman Talvor Grayaiche Leayne Ikevindy Hatham Molwten Cholable Amberyll Raewynne Anuril Zakarii Sonatina Eskila

Flyer

~~ Order of the Black Fox ~~

Sanctioning Province: Zoluren

Ask any member for an application!

Sponsorship Required: No
Minimum Circle Requirement to Join: 0
Guilds Welcome: No Necromancers
Races Welcome: All

Speaker of the Order: Kaelie
Vice Speaker: Pyppa
Council Members: Malign, Sanzia, Lycette, Akolu, Fiaenna, Amaci, Xionara

History

In 332, the Year of the Amber Phoenix, deep in the forests surrounding Leth Deriel, a pact was made in a secluded glade known only to the locals. They called the place “the Black Fox Hollow” after the rare and gentle foxes that once resided there. Fourteen families, seeing trouble ahead, pledged that they and their children would forever protect Elanthia and its traditions. The children were sent across the lands to learn the ways and teachings of the lands. When they returned as adults, they found much changed in their former home. It was decided they would band together to continue the wisdom of their elders and became the founding council for the Order of the Black Fox, a group to which all Elanthians might look for guidence and instruction.

At one time, the full story of the founding of the Order of the Black Fox could be found in the book, "The History of the Order of the Black Fox" which was passed from Historian to Historian. Unfortunately, over time, this book has been misplaced and whatever deeper secrets it held have been lost. It is the hope of our scholars that it may one day be found or re-written from verbal accounts gathered from those who were once among our ranks. The former Historian, Kohab Iani, had researched this topic to great lengths and efforts are provided below.

History of the Order of the Black Fox

Goals

1. Promote activities to help people learn and understand the traditions and history of the lands.

2. Inspire the citizens of Elanthia in virtues of respect, loyalty, excellence in whatever niche you occupy, fraternity, articulation, freedom and honor.

3. Leaders will hold the group's priority as a whole over any one or few persons.

4. Eat, drink, smoke, joust, bid, hunt and enjoy yourself. (OOC: Have fun)

5. The Order will remain neutral. Issues will be discussed and considered from all guilds and races in that fashion. You are free to participate in whatever military action you support. This Order is not interested in changing anyone's personal opinions, rather celebrating the diversity of opinions and culture across the Realm.

All within the laws of the province of Zoluren.

Official Charter and Bylaws

SECTION 1 - Reason for Founding

In 332, the Year of the Amber Phoenix, deep in the forests surrounding Leth Deriel, a pact was made in a secluded glade known only to the locals. They called the place Black Fox Hollow after the rare and gentle foxes that once resided there. Fourteen families, seeing trouble ahead, pledged that they and their children would forever protect Elanthia and its traditions from evil. Their children were sent to Therengia to learn the ways and teachings of Elanthia. When they returned as adults, they found their Sylvan home much changed. So they banded together to continue the wisdom of their elders and became the founding council for the Order of the Black Fox, a group to which all Elanthians might look for leadership, guidance and a sense of family and support.

At one time, the full story of the founding of the Order of the Black Fox could be found in the book, "The History of the Order of the Black Fox". Unfortunately, over time, this book has been misplaced. It is the hope of our scholars that it may one day be found or re-written from verbal accounts gathered from those who were once among our ranks.

SECTION 2 - Purpose

The primary purpose Of the Order of the Black Fox is to guide those newly arrived in Elanthia in understanding the customs, culture, and history of the various races and peoples of our lands so they might understand and follow the traditions of Elanthia.

Projects such as the restoration of public buildings and monuments damaged by war and the passage of time are supported by the Order, as well as efforts to document and preserve the history of the Realms.

The Order of the Black Fox strives to be an extended family and to provide care and support for all who abide by the laws and traditions of Elanthia.

In keeping with this, the order is also dedicated to helping the various people's of Elanthia remember and honor their cultural traditions and history. It is our belief that by sharing these in an atmosphere of mutual respect, we will come to understand and respect each other better.

The Order of the Black Fox is a group to which those in conflict may turn for mediation and peaceful resolution.

The Order will offer both its members' services and its own premises to any who request assistance, providing secure and neutral ground on which the disputants may meet to discuss and attempt to resolve their differences, end conflicts and secure treaties of any kind.

SECTION 3 - Goals

The Order of the Black Fox strives to:

1. Promote activities designed to help people learn and understand the traditions and history of the lands as well as sharing the traditions and history of their own diverse backgrounds and cultures. 2. Offer a sane and safe haven as well as mediators to resolve conflict without violence if at all possible. 3. Inspire the citizens of Elanthia to find enjoyment and gratification beyond the quest for material reward and personal gain. 4. Help those in need, regardless of personal recognition or glory. 5. Provide guidance to the inexperienced. 6. Provide a refuge from the storm and a place for convivial interaction.

SECTION 4 - The Order's Insignia

The Black Fox insignia is a white tower shield with a bold red chevron, at the center of which sits a small, placid black fox with glowing amber eyes. On a crescent-shaped silk banner atop the shield, the words "Order of the Black Fox" are embroidered in gold thread in flowing script.

SECTION 5 - Item

All members of the Order of the Black Fox receive on induction an iron pin cast in the shape of an alert black fox with glowing amber eyes to indicate their acceptance and support of the goals and ideals of the Order.

SECTION 6 - Laws Of The Order

1. Members are expected to read and abide by the Official Rules of Orders posted by the Administrator of Orders.

2. Members of the Order of the Black Fox are expected to abide by the laws and customs of Elanthia which may prevail at any time or in any place in a reasonable and responsible manner that respects the rights of the people of the realms.

3. Members are expected to fulfill their responsibility to take part in Order-sponsored events and activities at any level, by initiating, organizing or actualizing them, as stated in section, within reason and whenever possible.

4. Members are expected to comply with any reasonable request for assistance made by a fellow Order member.

* Our Charter and by-laws are only reflective of the Sanctioning Orders. If there are any discrepancies thenthe rule will be to obey Sanctioning Laws first and foremost.

SECTION 7 - Officers and Council

The Order must at all times maintain the following positions in accordance with the official rules of Orders outlined by the Administrator of Orders:

There shall be a Speaker, Vice-Speaker, and a Council of no less than five.

The Officers are the administrators and formal public representatives of the Order.

The Council is the governing body of the Order.

The authority and responsibilities of these positions are detailed in Sections 8 through 11.

SECTION 8 - Office of the Speaker

The Speaker is required to understand the Provincial Administrator's rules and regulations regarding the creation and continuance of the Order, as well as the Order's own Charter and By-laws, including any changes which might be made in order to clarify for the membership those governing rules as well as the Order's own rules and laws.

The Speaker is designated by the Order as the point of contact with the Provincial Administrator of Orders in any direct dealings.

On those occasions when a council of the Orders is convened by the Administrator of Orders or other Government officials, the Speaker will attend to represent the Order.

The Speaker has the authority, in the event that the Council lacks enough councilors to fill a majority of its seats, to appoint members until a majority has been reached.

The Speaker has no vote in Council meetings.

There is no limit to the Speaker's term of office, but continued tenure is subject to Council approval. Should the incumbent Speaker resign or voted out of office, the Council will choose a replacement. The general membership will be informed so all interested candidates may put their names forward. If there are more than three candidates, the three candidates with the most votes will be listed on a second and final ballot.

In the event the Speaker is unable to perform their duties for whatever reason, the duties of the Speaker will be performed by the Vice-Speaker.

In the event the Vice-Speaker is unable to fill in for the Speaker for whatever reason, the duties will then fall to a member of the Council of Ten (no less than 5 per Sanction), selected by the Council.

SECTION 9 - Office of the Vice-Speaker

The Vice-Speaker is the second point of contact for the Provincial Administrator of Orders in the event that the Speaker is unable to attend a meeting or consultation with the Administrator of Orders or perform any other prescribed duty of the Speaker.

The Vice-Speaker is required to understand the Provincial Administrator's rules and regulations regarding the creation and continuance of the Order, as well as the Order's own Charter and By-laws, including any changes which might be made in order to clarify for the membership those governing rules as well as the Order's own rules and laws.

The Vice-Speaker has no vote in Council meetings.

There is no limit to the Vice-Speaker's term of office, but continued tenure is subject to Council approval. Should the incumbent Vice-Speaker resign or be voted out of office, Council will choose the replacement. Notice shall be given to the general membership so that all interested candidates may put their names forward. If there are more than three candidates, the three candidates with the most votes on the first ballot will be listed on a second and final ballot.

In the event the Vice-Speaker is unable to fill in for the Speaker for whatever reason, the duties will then fall to a member of the Council of Ten (or at least five), selected by the Council.

SECTION 10 - The Order Council

The Council is considered the governing body of the Order, and consists of ten (no less than five per Sanction) council members, called Councilors.

The Council must at all times have all at least five seats filled. (As per sanction)

After the initial appointment of the Council, any council member vacating a seat has the right to appoint his or her replacement unless that council member has been removed for rule violations listed in Section 14, Removal from Office and Disciplinary procedures. In such instances, the Council has the right to vote the seat vacant and to vote in a replacement member.

No Officer of the Order may simultaneously hold a Council seat. Should a Council member be voted into Office, that Council seat will be vacated, and the ex-Council member will not be allowed to appoint a successor. The vacant seat will be filled by vote of the remaining Council body.

Council has the authority and the responsibility of voting in the Officers of the Order. A Council member may move a vote of no confidence in an Officer of the Order. If the motion of no confidence passes, the Council has the authority and responsibility of voting that officer out of office.

Council has the authority to set the dues paid by the members. (We have none set)

Council members have the authority and responsibility of voting in new members and voting out existing members when warranted.

Council members have the authority and responsibility to appoint special committee Chairpersons as need dictates. This includes but is not limited to such positions as Membership Committee Chairperson, Office Administrator, Special Projects Coordinator and Mediation Team Leader.

In the event that a Councilor cannot be contacted and has missed four consecutive Council meetings, the remaining Council has the right to vote that seat vacant, and to vote in a replacement member.

There is no limit to a Councilor's term of office, but continued tenure is subject to Council approval. Should an incumbent Councilor be voted out of his or her position or resigns without naming a successor, Council will choose a replacement. Notice shall be given to the general membership so that all interested candidates may put their names forward. In the event that there are more than three candidates, the general membership shall be to vote for the final three they wish the Council to consider for the position.

SECTION 11- Sub-Officers

The Council has the authority to create sub-offices by vote.

SECTION 12- Loans

At this time funds are not loaned to officers or members. This is subject to change by council vote. If a loan is authorized, Council may raise or lower the loan limit of any member and may determine the rate of interest, if any.

SECTION 13 - Membership Requirements

Members of the Order are required to adhere to and uphold the Laws of the Order at all times.

In compliance with the Order's stated purpose of providing mediation and conflict-resolution service and assistance to any who might request aid, Order members will be expected to assist in manning the Order offices and the Order Headquarters as their abilities allow and on such a schedule as will be determined. Also, members are expected to assist in whatever manner may reasonably be requested of them in a mediation process when their knowledge, abilities or skills might be helpful.

Members are required to pay to the Order each month in a timely manner the dues appropriate to their experience and individual Guild standing. Dues are subject to revision and adjustment by the Council.

Dues are presently set at the following:

-- Nothing

Failure to comply with any of these requirements will lead to a membership review and interview with Council. Depending on the circumstances, the member may face a fine or other penalty as determined by Council, up to and including dismissal from the Order where warranted.

SECTION 14 - Procedures

1) General Meetings

General Meetings of the entire membership will be called on a quarterly basis. At these meetings, membership will be formally advised of the status of the Order and its standing with the Administrator of Orders. A Financial Report will be presented, as well as an update on any ongoing projects or business which may be in hand. General concerns of the membership at large may be addressed at these meetings as well, if deemed to be serious requests and presented for consideration in time for inclusion on the agenda.

Matters to be presented for discussion at these meetings may be proposed by any member to any of the Officers or Councilors.

The Speaker will be responsible for providing an agenda no less than seven real-world days prior to the date of the meeting, after which time no new business may be added to the agenda.

2) Council Meetings

Council meetings will be regularly scheduled every two real-world weeks. At this time, Council will review the matters presented for consideration, vote on those matters requiring action, receive the formal report of the Treasurer and deal with the ongoing administration of the Order.

Per the official rules of Orders as set out by the Administrator of Orders, the Council meetings will be closed to all except members of the council including the Speaker and Vice-Speaker unless invited to attend by the Council.

A minimum of seven members of Council must be present for any action taken to be valid and binding. (Five as per new Sanction)

Any member with a concern or complaint may approach a Councilor or Officer of the Order to request that the matter be presented for discussion in Council. At the discretion of the Council, the Member business may be dealt with, tabled to be taken up at the next General Meeting, or, if deemed to be frivolous or malicious, dismissed.

The Chairperson of the Council, as selected by the council, will be responsible for providing an agenda for the meeting no less than three real-world days prior to the Council meeting date, after which no new business may be presented. Having been advised of the agenda in this manner, any vote taken by a majority of Council in the meeting will be considered binding.

SECTION 15 - Removal from Office and Disciplinary Procedures

Continued failure to take part in some manner in any of the Order's official events will lead to censure of the uninvolved member. If the lack of involvement persists after Council review, interview and warning, and in spite of fines or other admonitory actions taken against the member, the Council has the right to vote for removal from membership.

Members whose personal activities or behavior conflict with the goals of the Order itself, reflect poorly on the Order's public image and adversely affect its standing with the Provincial Administrator of Orders will be called before Council to explain those actions. If, in the opinion of Council, the action or behavior leading to the interview are indefensible then the Council may vote for removal from membership.

Activities which might lead to Council taking such action include but are not limited to: arbitrary or aggressive PvP, bullying of newcomers and younglings, item theft or grave robbing, continuing harassment of another player or players.

Less severe penalties for transgressions on the part of any member will include, by decision of Council, any or all of the following:

1. Fines 2. Official censure by Council 3. Public censure before the Membership body, either in the newsletter or at the General Meeting of the Order.

Insignia

Badge:

an enameled-iron black fox pin with bright amber eyes

Cut into the shape of a sitting black fox, the pin has been enameled with shades of black and charcoal. Finely detailed, the tiny creature wears a mirthful expression and its amber eyes give an air of warmth and wisdom. A flowing script winds around the edge.

There appears to be something written on it.

A black fox pin reads:

"Member of the Order of the Black Fox."

Official Description: The Black Fox insignia is a white tower shield with a bold red chevron, at the center of which sits a small, placid black fox with glowing amber eyes. On a crescent-shaped silk banner atop the shield, the words "Order of the Black Fox" are embroidered in gold thread in bold, flowing script.

Blazon: Argent, a chevron inverted gules and a fox sejant guardant sable. Supporters: dexter, a woodsman holding a spear; sinister, a maiden holding in her dexter hand a sword, and in her sinister hand two arrows.

Related Items

The Order of the Black Fox hosts many events. At these events, all attendees receive a gift and prizes may be awarded to competition winners. The gifts and prizes from these events are documented on the following page:

Order of the Black Fox Gifts and Prizes