The Task:



The quest assigned to me by M’Lord Truekillr was “to compile the mission statements from each house, to compile a small history of each house and fledgling organization, and to organize them in what you feel are the closest ideals to Onoir’s.” Thus charged, I first remind you of the mission of House Onoir according to our By Laws:



House Onoir has been established for the purpose of promoting Honor within the realm of Elanthia, educating and assisting in the manner of all Noble and kind behavior, and bringing Glory to the name of the Paladin.



To wit: House Onoir will assist young in proper behavior in hunting, thus reinforcing the teachings of Thrak and his ilk; proper behavior in everyday life, thus preventing such tragedies as might be visited by an explosion within a highly public area; and promoting Noble behavior among all by example, so as to bring the proper weight to the title of "Lord" or "Lady." Furthermore, members of the House are encouraged to pay homage to the deities, so long as the deity followed does not stand for anything that shall do harm to the Honor and Well-Being of the Lands as a whole.



According to our Adventurer’s Code of Conduct, the main ideals that flow from this mission are Honor, Valor, Faith, Honesty, Duty, Strength, and Loyalty. On the page that follows, I have listed each of these ideals. Under each ideal, I have organized each major official and unofficial house (major is defined as a presence on the message tree) by those of our ideal(s) which they seem to value most. I then discuss what I know of the house histories, and how their definition of each ideal differs from, or is similar to, our own interpretations. At no point should my opinions be taken to infer superiority on the part of House Onoir. Rather, by this process, I have attempted to define Onoir’s ideals more clearly for myself.



I was quite unable to find detailed (or, sometimes, any) histories of some of the houses and organizations that are in these pages, but I have included all available information about public locations whenever possible. It is my hope that this will be an ongoing work, and that, where I fell short, a more diligent scholar might well prevail. I also hope that House Onoir will preserve her own history more diligently, for how can we teach others if we do not first understand ourselves?



Respectfully Submitted,

Elaerina Cragsinger

Apprentice to Lord Truekillr


Honor

Valor

Faith

Honesty

Duty

Strength

Loyalty





Amazon





Amazon

Amazon









Beacon











Cairnfang

Cairnfang



Cairnfang









Faleen



Faleen

Snar











Snar













Arcane

Aspis







Aspis





Brigatta





Brigatta





Brigatta









Chesylcha



Chesylcha

Grey Wolf

Grey Wolf





Grey Wolf



Grey Wolf

Helden









Helden

Helden









Lords







Oor-tael





Oor-tael





Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix








Ravenwolf









Serenity



Serenity





Sylvanfair







Sylvanfair













Duty







Ivy Manor





Ivy Manor













Moonstone



Moonstone









Obsidian



Obsidian







Rone

Rone













Starlight













Twilight







Willow





Willow



Willow









Windsor







The Amazon Tribe (Faith, Strength, Loyalty). The Amazon Tribe was founded by Kythyn, Liranne and others in 5098 following the successful quest to find Leya’s shrine. The Amazons value strength tempered with mercy as the story of Leya’s life - and the lessons at her shrine - have taught them, and is described in their Codex. (http://members.aol.com/leskidd/Leya/overview.html ) They are generally fiercely loyal to each other. They value honor, but while the Festival of Strength does teach good combat behavior, they generally do not teach honor outside the Tribe. Likewise, valor and strength are valued as integral to the amazon way, but not as qualities to be taught to non amazons. Finally, it would be quite difficult for an Amazon to be male, while Onoir’s doors are open equally to men and women.



Beacon Hall Archive (Duty). The Beacon Hall Archive is being established as the headquarters of the Torre Society for Cultural and Historical Scholarship. This fellowship’s ideals include gathering, studying, preserving and promoting the historical, cultural and artistic knowledge of Elanthia. Their ideals do not overlap with Onoir’s appreciably. They are currently working on a spidey site.



Cairnfang Manor (Honesty, Duty, Loyalty). Cairnfang Manor (formerly Haven House), has a threefold pledge that admonishes members to think clearly and act without prejudice of race, religious affiliation, or prefession, to work to make Solhaven a place where elder citizens help the young, and to be loyal to the good of Solhaven rather than the individual. (http://members.xoom.com/cairnfangmnr/ ) This unofficial house shares Onoir’s ideals of duty to the youth of Elanthia, but does not place the same emphasis on honor, strength, faith and valor.



Clan Faleen, The Clan of the Raven (Duty). Part of the History of Clan Faleen can be found in the history of Clan Snar, and the rest has been told to me by Lord Trenmarc Faleen. At the time of the Blue One, Clan Faleen split into two factions: those who followed the Blue Dragon and betrayed Clan Snar, and those who followed the Benefactor (Lord Trenmarc tells me this benefactor was also a dragon). Lord Trenmarc, a member of the Knights Order of the Golden Scale, was one of those still loyal to the benefactor. He and 50 others set out from the valley to find the remnants of the six clans. Trenmarc eventually found Clan Snar in Wehnimer’s Landing, and hopes to reunite the clans against the fortold coming of the Blue One. (http://www.wnec.edu/~elowry/ClanFaleen.htm ) Until the clans are united, Clan Faleen has a strong sense of loyalty to its members and duty to the lands. They have a community service points system required for advancement in their ranks, and frequently imbed, pick, cast spells, etc for free as a part of this service. While Clan Faleen values honor, it does not place the emphasis on it that Onoir does, nor do strength, valor or faith play a major role in their mission. They place a stronger emphasis on duty to the community than does Onoir.



Clan Snar (Honor, Loyalty). (http://members.tripod.com/LadyPiri/clanpage.htm) Clan Snar was founded by Lord Ralath Snar who grew up amongst three clans: Snar, Macota, Trask, Pelintra, Faleen and Xaran. The clans lived together in peace, under the guidance of the “Benefactor”, until an evil Blue Dragon called “The Blue One” attacked and destroyed all but Clan Snar and Clan Faleen. A faction from Clan Faleen then betrayed the rest, and Ralath made his way to the Landing in the company of Sukota from Clan Macota. They hope to rebuild Clan Snar, and retake their valley from the Blue One. Clan Snar’s ideals include providing companionship, mentorship and help to others. They are a tight-knit patriarchal society that has more of a family structure than does Onoir. They run an adoption service for those who find themselves without family. While Onoir values these types of service, we do not share them as required duties. Clan Snar’s concepts of honor and loyalty meld well with ours, although they do not teach honor as we do. Strength, valor and faith, while valued, are not central parts of their mission. My thanks to Lady Piri for her assistance.



Dire Wolf Clan. It was with an increasingly heavy heart that I tried to find a contactable presence from the Dire Wolf Clan. I will keep trying, and have some leads from new activity on the message boards.



House Arcane (Loyalty, Nobility). House Arcane was the second house built in Elanthia, and was formed at the dawn of the past age by Corwin, Dagmar, Kayla, Moonpie and Talon as a hunting and questing club for the highest level characters in the lands.(http://www.housearcane.org/history.htm ) It continues to this day with the same goals. Only 35 Arcane Masters can exist at any one time, and they must each have at least 50 trains to be considered. The house places a high emphasis on the virtues of justice, loyalty, courage, humility and nobility, but in general does not make it its mission to teach them. Thus, House Arcane does not share our ideal of duty - to teach and aid the young. Nor does it appear to share our ideal of faith.



House Aspis (Duty, Honor). House Aspis (the first official house) was founded by Ilstar, Jamel, Taarna, Delvian and Erebor, with the purpose of offering aid and guidance to those new to the lands. (http://members.aol.com/ghaelon/argentaspis/aspis.html ) In particular, Aspis strives to teach proper social and combat etiquette, and to help outfit newcomers. In these goals, Aspis has much in common with Onoir. They have sponsored newcomer nights, scavenger hunts, and gladatorial games. They do not place valor, strength and faith among their central tenets.



House Brigatta (Honor, Honesty, Loyalty). House Brigatta was founded long ago by Gardner, Taarna, Zindarin and their families to provide a comfortable home for its members. It’s colors are white for purity, truth and honesty and blue for loyalty and inner strength. House Brigatta is politically neutral, and any deity may be worshiped.(http://www.wehnimer.com/brigatta ) In that, they differ from Onoir in faith, as we worship no deity who is dishonorable. House Brigatta promotes loyalty and a sense of family within its ranks, much the way we do. It also values honesty deeply. However, teaching its ideals is not expected, and valor and strength are not central to its mission.



House Chesylcha (Duty, Loyalty). This house was named after the daughter of Rythwier Faendryl, the 37th Patriarch of House Faendryl. It has been established to promote Elven culture and nationalism, to foster scholarship and combat-readiness, and demands complete loyalty of its members. Members must be of pure Elven or Faendryl descent. House Chesylcha hopes to reunite the Elven nation once again. As indicated in their mission, they value loyalty, duty and valor, but only in as much as those ideals are dedicated to the Elven nationalism. Thus, they share little with the ideals of House Onoir.



House Grey Wolf (Honor, Duty, Loyalty, Valor). The history of Clan Grey Wolf began during the elven empire of the second age – a time when human tribes faced difficult conditions at best. During this time, a human tribe called the Black Wolves rebelled, and colonized the caves now known as the Wolves’ Den. Eventually, they were driven from their caves and into hiding by the elves, and, at the brink of extinction, were taken in by a band of dwarves. Over time, the clan, now named Grey Wolf, took in members of all races, and accepted Eonak and Imaera as its patron deities. (http://pages.prodigy.net/durnick/history.htm ) The mission of House Grey Wolf is to unite the races in honor, to assist others through hunting and healing, and to encourage the worship of all deities. I believe that Onoir shares more with this unofficial group than with most others. Our paladin definition of honor does differ from theirs, and we do not believe that all faiths are honorable. We also place less emphasis on freedom and service and more emphasis on strength and teaching.



Helden Hall (Honor, Strength, Loyalty). Helden Hall was founded by Ingrid-the-White, Bjorne, Lady Passion and Lord Metaboculous and others not long after Ingrid and Bjorne faught their way free from captors at sea. (http://members.aol.com/heldenhall/heldenhall.html ) Helden Hall believes in the fierce viking ideals of strength, honor and loyalty, with the most important of these being strength. While on the surface, Helden Hall seems to have much in common with Onoir, their ideals of strength are not tempored with our ideals of valor, faith and duty, and teaching others is not a part of their mission.



House of Lords (Duty). The House was founded as House of the Silver Apple (for Macantoshians) on the 18th day of Lumnen, 5099 of the Modern Era. (http://www.geocities.com/gshouseoflords/master.html ) Currently, its mission has been expanded to that of building a house where those of Lord or Lady status can compile knowledge, “without having to stop to explain themselves to everyone who may overhear”, and where they can discuss amongst themselves how best to make that knowledge known to other younger adventurers. Onoir’s ideals do not include such separation of the young and old, nor the concept that we must decide for others how best to spread knowledge.



House Oor-tael (Duty, Valor). This house is currently being founded by Count Lavastene Dartangari and two other Masters. (http://www.stormloader.com/users/oortael/ )The mission of House Oor-tael is the quest for knowledge and history, the defense of the weak, and developing a better relationship between the young and the old. Thus, their concept of valor seems quite similar to our own. Nonetheless, their ideal of gathering knowledge is not one that we share, and their mission does not directly address honor, strength and faith.



House Paupers (Fun). House Paupers was founded to be a fun place where members must follow only a few simple rules. They are not allowed to cast harmful spells at each other on the premises, nor to steal from each other, and they must know how to enjoy a good party. Onoir’s ideals are quite different from those of House Paupers. No site is yet available for Paupers information.



House Phoenix (Honor, Faith, Honesty, Duty). House Phoenix was founded upon one mission - to fight the Unlife in all things, and to educate others in the promotion of this truth. ( http://www.geocities.com/Area51/chamber/1734 ) Its ideals of honor, faith, honesty and duty all revolve around this central mission, and its history has been marked by bloody sagas sparked by its members’ singleminded devotion to this cause. I continue to seek more information regarding the founding and histories of Phoenix. While we share much with Phoenix, we differ fundamentally in faith, honor and duty. For instance, while most of us pay homage to the gods and goddesses of Liabo, we do not spurn other faiths, but rather look for the honor to be found - even in unlikely places that most of Phoenix would spurn. Many members of Phoenix (those in the militia) indeed value valor and strength in much the same way as Onoir. Thus, despite our differences, we share more with Phoenix than perhaps any other official house.



House RavenWolf (Duty). It is the mission of House RavenWolf (members of the white wolf clan) to promote good will, peace and harmony throughout all races, ages, creeds and sects by teaching others with similar goals. (http://members.home.net/housewhitewolf/index.html ) As such, this House seems more politically neutral than House Onoir, and does not share our ideals of honorbound faith, strength and valor.



House Serenity for the Devotees of Lumnis (Faith, Duty). House Serenity was founded to provide honor to Lumnis. (http://rivendell.fortunecity.com/curse/330/serenitymain.html ) Within this god’s ideals, they try to promote a nonjudgemental sense of religious community, service and fairness. While Lumnis is certainly among those gods that Onoir honors, we are not concerned with building a religious community. While fairness is important to us, it does not supercede honor in those rare occurences where they are at odds. Finally, strength and valor are not central tenets for House Serenity.



House Sylvanfair (Honor, Duty). House Sylvanfair was founded to advance and support the youth in Elanthia. Their history is unknown to me at this time, although I continue to seek information. (http://members.aol.com/housesylvanfair/home.htm ) Their bylaws state that violence can only be condoned for defense and in matters of honor. In these ideals, they share much with Onoir. Sylvanfair is politically neutral, and supports worship of all deities, thus differing from Onoir in faith. Further, they do not emphasize our ideals of valor and strength.



House Silvergate (Comfort). I have not yet received information about Silvergate’s history from its members. It was founded with the belief that everyone deserved a comfortable home. (http://www.silvergate.org ) Thus, it is part private house, part public inn. I do not believe that House Silvergate has any agenda regarding politics, faith or teaching. It simply exists for comfort. As such, Onoir has little in common with it.



House Sovyn (Duty). House Sovyn’s history, according to Lady Cladia, has been lost with its founders, and their spidey site has recently gone off line (although I have a scroll containing the information from the old one). House Sovyn was founded for empaths and clerics. Its members consider it their duty to assist injured/deceased adventureres to prevent deterioration in their current condition, and to prepare them for return to healthful living, (as long as the patient is cooperative and the location is safe). These ideals actually mesh well with Onoir’s empath and cleric codes. In general, House Sovyn’s mission is focused on what we would consider honorable behavior for just two professions. Our ideals encompass all professions. Sovyn does not place valor and strength amongst their ideals, and, as I said, honor is limited to the healing/raising professions.



Ivy Manor (Duty, Valor). Ivy Manor was founded by Beinifien, Malok, Fitzand, Jenairess, Manodith, Foehn, Ontan, Baffled and Necole. Ivy Manor’s mission is to spread wisdom on the art of hunting using group hunts and classes, and to defend near-by towns during invasions or attacks. As such, they share Onoir’s ideals of duty and valor, and likely our ideals of strength as well, but not our ideals of faith and honor.



Moonestone Abbey (Duty, Loyalty). Moonestone Abbey has, as its foundation, the teaching of the three elven sisters, Das’Phan’ara, Tra’Lan’ari, and Lo’Tish’ana, who lived at the time of the Arkati. Each sister of the Trine garnered her nature from one of the three Elanthian moons (Lornon, Tlilok and Liabo, respectively) and spent countless hours debating planes of existance among themselves, and using their knowledge to benefit others. As the elven empire grew in power and ultimately made war on itself, these sisters gathered followers to make sure that their true knowledge was not lost, and disbanded their first abbey. The current Moonstone Abbey follows the teaching of these early sisters, and has as its mission founding a new abbey in which individuals can do research on history, magic and religion in freedom. (http://www.zone9.com/coven/welcome/documents.html ) They place no restriction on creed, but do require an oath of loyalty to the sisterhood and a dedication to furthering knowledge. Onoir’s ideals do not overlap with those of this group.



The Obsidian Tower (Duty, Loyalty). The Obsidian Tower was founded to stand as the symbol for Dhe’nar elves, to dispel untruths about them, and to enlighten folks about their ways. Further, it exists to help promote roleplaying of “dark” characters. The Obsidian Tower shares few of the ideals of Onoir: loyalty to the house, and a duty to educate others being the obvious exceptions.



Rone Academy (Honesty, Duty). The concept of Rone Academy was first envisioned by Rone Wehnimer, and was rediscovered in his diary by Matisse. The diary told of money and land set aside by Rone Wehnimer for such an academy – which, generations later, was still there. Ultimately, Rone Academy was founded with the help of Matisse, Lord Oldive, Asilynne, Avantos and others, (http://members.aol.com/matisse/about.htm ). Its mission is to teach Elanthian citizens more about adventuring in Elanthia in a politically neutral manner. Rone Academy’s mission emphasizes teaching (often, but not exclusively the young) in a wider variety of topics than does Onoir’s. We focus on teaching honorable behavior, while Rone Academy generally teaches professional skills without the same focus on honor. Valor, strength and loyalty are not central to the Academy’s mission, nor is faith, although sessions on any of these ideals could well be taught by members of the Academy.



Starlight Gardens (Duty). The Starlight Gardens was founded by Jemstra, Cladia, Lilliebelle and Viria to serve the social and fashionable crowds of Elanthia. (http://www.angelfire.com/la2/starlightgarden/index.html ) It intends to be a tasteful location for parties, auctions, and other events. Its concept of duty does not match that of Onoir.

Twilight Hall( Duty). This hall was founded in 5095 and is dedicated to the politically neutral study of magic. (http://rivendell.fortunecity.com/tekken/856/hall/twil2.htm ) Honor, valor, strength and faith have little place amongst its ideals, nor does teaching the young such values. Thus, Twilight Hall has little in common with Onoir.



Willow Hall (Duty, Loyalty, Valor). Willow hall was founded on the 10th day of Eorgen, 5099 when several friends met at the Solitary Modwir Tree and joined in cause.( http://members.aol.com/magintair/whmh0001.html ) They were founded on the principles that the Ranger profession is the noblest, that it is their duty to keep the lands safe and clean, and that they should be the first in and last out in war. In this light, members often cast mass colors in the Landing. They do not teach honor, nor do they seem to care about which faith a member pursues. Ranger valor is important to them, as valor for all is important to us.



Windsor Hall (Duty). Windsor Hall is being formed in Solhaven to promote role-playing, and to provide a common place for the citizens of Solhaven to meet, tell stories, and enjoy themselves. It is named after Walt Windsor, a famous bard. His song, “The Spirit of Solhaven”, told of the war when the citizens of Solhaven banded together to drive pirates away from their lighthouse, and also predicted a day when true freedom from the Human Empire would be won. The Windsor Hall project will someday rebuild the famous lighthouse, and build an adjoining house for both private and town use. (http://members.home.com/sinkem/gemstone/windsor.html ) While Windsor seems to share our ideals of duty, at this time they seem not to value faith, strength and honor in the same manner we do.