5119 Edition
Elanthian Printed Handbook

Table of Contents - Page 1

Willow Hall Mission Statement - Page 2
The Five Directives of Willow Hall - Page 3
Willow Hall Charter - Page 4
Coat of Arms - Page 5
Meetings - Page 6
Law of the House - Page 7
Roles of Office - Page 8
Member Benefits - Page 9
Membership and Dues - Page 10
Join Willow Hall - Page 11
Willow Hall Oathes - Page 12
Willow Hall Officer List - Page 13


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*~*~* Willow Hall Mission Statement *~*~*

We are a hall dedicated to Rangerish ideals. The love of nature, the lore of living things. We recognize these ideals live within the hearts of all races, cultures and professions and welcome those who espouse these ideals to our abode.

We seek to impart knowledge of our surroundings and lend our talents to those who seek to become proficient in our combined lores. We welcome diversity and endeavor to coexist with all nature and it's surroundings. We also dedicate ourselves to protecting the lands in which we roam.
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*~*~* The Five Directives of Willow Hall *~*~*

We believe that the foremost principles and ordinances of the Willow Hall Ranger are:

FIRST: First, a belief that the ranger way of life is the noblest calling in the lands;
Second, a strong commitment to keep the lands clean and safe for all;
Third, true faith and obedience to the laws and officers of Willow Hall.

SECOND: We believe that through our combined and unwavering efforts all adventurers may reach their highest potential knowing they have a Ranger to help them in times of need.

THIRD: We believe that all people have the right to freely roam the lands.

FOURTH: We believe that any group invading the lands and endangering the lives of others is in direct violation of the third directive, and the Rangers of Willow Hall are sworn to defend such invasions by being the FIRST IN and LAST OUT!

FIFTH: We claim the privilege to form our own government. Officers in that government have the privilege to govern Willow Hall as they see fit; to add, change, or clarify any directives, as much as it is fair and is in the betterment of everyone.


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*~*~* Willow Hall Charter *~*~*

Be it known unto all nations, kindred, tongues, and people unto whom this shall come; that we, rangers bound together by a devotion to the lands and its people, have forged together a union of friends. We first came together as clansmen sharing a Solitary Modwir Tree as our only sanctuary and meeting place. Over time, our numbers grew, as did our dedication to build a House that would be recognized within the Lands. We overcame terrible obstacles and suffered tremendous hardships to bring our goals to fruition. We now claim our rightful place in Elanthia as the Rangers of Willow Hall.

Signed this 10th day of Eorgaen, 5099 (December 10, 1999), as we stand before the doors of our new home and the realization of our dreams, Willow Hall.


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*~*~* Coat of Arms *~*~*

The House Coat of Arms is a green willow tree on a field of black. The colors of Willow Hall are green and black.


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*~*~* Meetings *~*~*

Our regular meetings are held on Tilamaires at 9:30 P.M. Elven at Willow Hall outside the Landing. We'll be in our Annex in Sylvarraend the the last of every month. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss all activities, events and house business in an open forum. House hunts may be held after the meeting with all proceeds being donated to the house.

A member is required to attend at least one meeting per month. If they cannot attend in person, attendance by amunet is required.

Officers are required to attend all meetings, or notify the Scroll Keeper or Guardian of their expected absence. A newsletter with the most current meeting minutes will be mailed weekly and posted in the appropriate forums. See the "Upcoming Events" sections of current newsletters for any changes to our regular scheduled meeting time or location.

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*~*~* Law of the House *~*~*

Willow Hall is a democratic house, with all members voting on key issues. The Chairman will break all ties and control the agenda for issues to be brought before a vote. The elected officers of the House may overturn any of the Chairman's decisions with a majority vote. Each officer is an established officer for life. An officer may be asked to step down if not fulfilling his position requirements, or may step down on his own choice. Unfilled positions will be appointed by the Chairman until the time an election can be held. An election will be held as soon as possible to fill vacant positions. If you're interested in running for any open positions, please contact the Willow Guardian or Scroll Keeper.

A Parliament may be formed from the standing officers and general members of Willow Hall for the purpose of revising House laws or to address issues regarding non-compliance to the laws. The President of the Parliament will be the Co-Chairman of the House or, should the Co-Chairman be unable to serve in this capacity, an elected member of the Parliament will serve.

If a revision of the laws is made and approved by a two thirds majority vote of the officers, it will be placed before the general membership for a vote where a simple majority will make the decision to implement the By-laws revision. The Parliament will decide what constitutes non-compliance of the laws. The Co-Chairman/President of the Parliament will notify the Chairman of the situation, and advice the Chairman on action to take. If there is a discrepancy, the President of Judges will make the final decision.


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*~*~* Roles of Office *~*~*

Willow Guardian (Chairman):
- Oversees all operations of the House.
- Responsible for replying to all House mail, postings, or forwarding them to the appropriate officer or Member.
- Calls all meetings to be held.
- Has the power to veto any law passed by Parliament; this veto may be overturned by the unanimous decision of the other house officers.
- Has the power to override a judgment imposed by the Judges; this action may be overturned by the unanimous decision of the other house officers.
- Involved in all decision making of the House.
- Approves any programs or activities.
- Can appoint a Member to office in the case of a vacancy.
- Has the final say in any matter concerning the house.

Branch Guardian (Co-chairman / President of Parliament):
- Acts as Chairman if the Chairman is unavailable.
- Responsible for creating and revising laws as needed.
- Consults Judges if a Member is in violation of laws.
- Works with 2 Parliament Members on amendments/bills and get them to voting status.
- Corresponds with Parliament Members

Chancellor (President of Judges):
- Acts as Chairman if the Chairman and Co-chairman are unavailable.
- Responsible for settling disputes between Members.
- Declares punishments with the aid of Judges for any Member violating our directives, oath and bylaws.
- Conducts interviews for prospective Members of the House with Judges.

Exchequer (Treasurer):
- Is appointed by the presidency.
- Responsible for the collection of all moneys gained through dues, donations, fines, fund-raisers etc.
- Works with Secretary to ensure all Members are keeping up with dues.
- Maintains an accurate and detailed record of where all moneys are from.
- Notifies Judges of all Members who do not pay dues.

Auditer (Co-Treasurer):
- Acts as treasurer when the treasurer is absent.
- Assists treasurer in all his duties.

Scroll Keeper (Secretary):
- Maintains an accurate and up to date record of all Members, including name, level, e-scroll address and office.
- Takes a log of all meetings.
- Sends meeting minutes to all Officers and Members after each meeting.
- Notifies Judges of Members and Officers not following attendance policies.
- Create and maintain an archive of house documents and a resource of all things related to Willow Hall, including membership requirements and survey.
- Updates the library weekly to display the most current meeting minutes.
- Create and update a bulletin board with announcements, reminders to vote and other house news and events.
- Post minutes and announcements on the appropriate forums.

Archive Keeper (Co-Secretary):
- Acts as Secretary when the Secretary is absent.
- Assists Secretary in all his duties.

Judges:
- Assists President of Judges in judging any Member
- Assists interviewing of all potential Members.

Parliament:
- Makes suggestions for improvements to existing laws.
- Makes suggestions for laws as needed.
- Works with President of Parliament in all revisions.
- Observes all Members at all times to ensure all are upholding the house beliefs and laws.

Arbitrator:
- Settles internal disputes of members PvP or CvC acting on his own accord should they comes to his attention.
- May be directed to act through the Offices of Guardian and/or the Offices of the Chancellor/Judges to carry out any corrective action, discipline or executions as meted out by those in that office.
- Provides order and security during all Hall gatherings to include escort duty during times of invasion, surveillance or possible pickpockets, and ejection of hecklers and malcontents.

Seneschal:
- Provides support to the Guardians and officers of Willow Hall.
- Acts as coordinator for all Willow Hall Functions and activities.
- Responsible for all issues of hospitality for the Hall during Open House, meetings, event and gatherings to include stocking the refreshment cart, erecting and dismantling the House Tent, and providing support to the officers and members during these events.
- Responsible for coordinating all Hall announcements through the criers, news, amunet and informing the Guardians of calendar item submissions.


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*~*~* Member Benefits *~*~*
- Storage Facilities
There is a standard-sized locker (80 items) assigned to each member in the House or the House Annex in the town where his or her public locker would otherwise reside; and a premium-sized locker (110 items) assigned to each Four Winds Isle member in the House and in each Annex of the House.
- Open storage facilities in the Armory.
- Workshop in the Grotto.
- Archery Targets in The Butts.
- Darts in the Gaming Lounge.
- Fishing Lake in the Companion Park.
- Hot Pool.
- Private Tables in the Pub and Sun Room.
- Private Rooms.
- Free food and drink.
- Natural Earthnodes in the Garden and Companion Park.


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*~*~* Membership and Dues *~*~*

Membership in this House is contingent on compliance with requirements specified in the House laws. Membership is restricted by minimum membership standards as set forth by the local government. Membership is unrestricted by consideration of profession, nationality, culture, life-style, sex or age.

Initiation:
Before induction, a prospective member must have read and agreed to the House laws and all other Elanthian governing regulations. Before induction of a prospective member, the officers performing the induction will ensure that the player has read and understood the House Bylaws and any and all other Elanthian governing regulations and is in agreement with the policies set forth in those articles. At the initiation ceremony, a prospective member must recite the appropriate oath of membership and pay their one-time initiation fee of 25,000.

Termination:
The Chairman may terminate a membership for failure to meet membership requirements, provided the member was offered an opportunity to have a hearing, if requested, at which the member was permitted to defend against the termination. A hearing to consist of the Chairman, a quorum of the officers and those members that can attend. (A quorum shall be defined as a majority of the officers.) Before a hearing is conducted a mailing to all members will be made. If terminated, a with minimum of one-week notice. The hearing will be conducted by the President of Judges. Member may be allowed to rejoin by the Chairman after demonstrating eligibility for membership.

Dues:
An initial membership offering as stipulated by the local government (currently 25,000 silvers) applies to all members initiated. Dues of some amount may be instituted by a vote of the membership and will be payable, if instituted, monthly. Dues, if instituted, will be collected by the House Clerk of the local government. General members will be notified when dues are required via the dues system, if instituted. General members who cannot meet their dues or will not be around must make arrangements with the Chairman in advance to avoid automatic termination.

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*~*~* Join Willow Hall *~*~*
Willow Hall is comprised of members from a variety of backgrounds and every walk of life. Despite our differences, our fellowship shares a deep sense of camaraderie, honor, a respect for nature and all Elanthia's cultures, embracing the ranger way of life.

While some members have chosen to focus on the mysteries of nature and the spirits, becoming Rangers, others are called to focus elsewhere, becoming practiced empaths, sorcerers, wizards, bards, clerics, warriors, paladins, and rogues.
All who hold to the ideals that bind our myriad of cultures and professions together and believe strongly in our Motto, "First In ~ Last Out" are welcome to join our ranks.

Joining the hall is a four step process.
1. Complete a membership survey. This will tell us the basic information about you and why you are seeking to join Willow Hall. Any prospective member must meet a minimum of five (5) trainings to be considered eligible to become an official member.

2. Attend some meetings. We hold weekly meetings on Tilamaires at 9:30 P.M. Elven in our Hall in the Landing - except the last of every month when we gather in our tree house in Sylvarraend. Please show up a few minutes prior to the start of the meeting and ring the bell and one of our members will escort you in. Attending meetings allows us to watch you interact to see how well you'll get along, as well as allow you to watch us to see if you really want to get involved in the Ranger way as practiced by Willow Hall's members. If you are unable to attend the meetings, we hold events every month. Come to an event, get involved and speak with our membership.

3. Request an interview. After a few meetings, contact one of our judges to arrange for an interview. They will meet with you for a face-to-face talk and determine whether you will go on to the fourth step. We do suggest that you review the information in the handbook and be familiar with our charter, by-laws and Ranger way of life.

4. The final step. Your name will be submitted to our Willow Guardian, who, along with our officers will make the final determination of your (and our) compatibility. After approval, you will be inducted into the Hall. Any prospective Member must pay an initiation fee of 25,000 silver. This will be due at the induction ceremony held at Willow Hall, and is payable in silver only (no notes). The prospective Member must recite the Oath of Membership at the induction.


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*~*~* Willow Hall Oathes *~*~*

Membership Oath:
"I ________, do solemnly swear to bear true faith and dedication to Willow Hall, its members and the beliefs and values it is governed by; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation and that I will well and resolutely fulfill the responsibility in which I am about to enter. I hereto commit my life in allegiance to Willow Hall and to the lands in which I roam."

Officer's Oath:
"I ________, having been entrusted by the Members of Willow Hall to hold the office of ____________, do solemnly swear to uphold and defend the beliefs of Willow Hall. I swear to wield the powers given me for the betterment of the House and its Members. I hereto commit my life in allegiance to Willow Hall, to the Members of Willow Hall, and to the lands in which I roam."


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*~*~* Willow Hall Officer List *~*~*

Willow Guardian : Sharnath
Branch Guardian : Aisalt
Scroll Keeper : NONE
Archive Keeper : Augustinia
Exchequer : Rasti
Auditor : Ranpalandil
Chancellor : Landrat
Seneschal : Qatari
Arbitrator : Lehon