Terre D'Ange Doctrine

Last update: 11/20/2010

Overview

Terre D'Ange is based on the teachings of Elua. Elua's only commandment to his followers was to love as thou wilt. Here we will attempt to solve all differences with love and understanding.

General Requirements
All members must have only one identity on the forums. All members must be at least 16 years of age. Due to the nature of the series, mature topics may be broached. Membership requirements and information needed to be raised to higher ranks on the site can be found in the Ranks & Titles section below. To become a Senior Member, you must be at least 18 years of age.

Name, Avatars, and Signatures
Name: Even though we are not a site dedicated to roleplay, we encourage each person to have one online identity for use in our community (made up of a first and last name that sound as though they would belong in the world created by Jacqueline Carey). These identities should be the same gender as the creator. Members may not give themselves a title which they have not earned (i.e. Lady, Peer of the Realm, Priest/Priestess). Names should not be found in the Kushiel Legacy series, though House names may be used by ranking members once they have been raised to a senior role in that House and are considered on a case by case basis by the Administration.

Avatars: Each member should choose one face or avatar to represent themselves while in Terre d'Ange. Avatars must be exactly 110 x 170 pixels in size. No nudity. The avatars must be humanoid and not currently in use by another member of the community. It is each member's responsibility to ensure that the images are not copyrighted. Administration has the right to ask members to change their avatar due to copyright issues. Avatars are our "faces" on the website and how we recognize each other. As such they are not to be changed permanently unless permission has been given by the Throne. Each case will be reviewed individually and there must be a legitimate reason behind the change. Temporary changes or alterations are allowed for festivals and other celebrations.

We understand that sometimes artists may change or revoke permission to use their artwork. However, unless requested by the artist under their copyright restriction members can only change their avatar once per year.

Signatures: Signature blocks can be either seven lines of text, or a banner measuring no larger than 350 x 150 pixels with two lines of text either above, below or one each above and below. You may use one smaller graphic (no larger than 100 x 100 pixels) to either side. No animation of any kind (including glittering font) is to be used within the signature area, however the use of rotating signature hosts is permitted. Signature block content and accompanying graphics must be kept at or below a PG-13 rating. Artistic nudity will be monitored and handled on a case by case basis. During celebrations and/or contests, signature rules may be adjusted and, if so, will be posted accordingly.

Absences from the Site
When a member anticipates an extended absence from the site, they need to file a Leave of Absence (LOA) with the Site Admins. This can also be done by another member for you if you are unable to do so for yourself due to circumstances beyond your control. Failure to file an LOA will result in your membership being deactivated at the next Semi-annual Roll Call and Membership Cleanup event.

Semi-annual Roll Call and Membership Cleanup Event
Twice a year the Administrators of the site will hold a Roll Call followed by a Membership Cleanup. A roll call thread will be posted and all members not on LOA will be given a set period of time within which they must post in that thread indicating their active presence on the site. Members failing to respond will be deactivated.

Any member deactivated through this cleanup process can be reactivated at any time by requesting reactivation from the Site Admins. Members who held a senior rank that have been deactivated must spend 30 days at a Junior Rank to earn back their senior ranking. For example a deactivated Adept must spend 30 days as an Initiate after which time they will be reinstated as an Adept.

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Code of Conduct
This community was created as a place for people of similar interests to meet and form friendships. We ask that everyone keep in mind that members of this community come from all walks of life, all countries of the world, and will have different opinions and world views. Respect for all fellow members of this community is a founding principle and will be strictly enforced.

1. No bullying, harsh language, insensitive remarks, disrespectful, or aggressively persuasive tactics will be tolerated. However, because members come from different backgrounds and some members base language is not English mis-understandings can occur. We have adopted a policy of peaceful negotiation between the reporting member and the offending member.
2. No member may have more than one identity on the forums, except for those special occasions where an alternate identity has been granted by The Throne (Examples: Winter Queen, Sun Prince, Servant of Naamah).
3. No spamming or, in other words, posting of an excessive amount of insubstantial posts.
4. No posting of 18+ language, topics, or images in threads accessible to members that are under the age of 18.
5. No full-frontal nudity, nipple, or pubic hair may be shown in any image posted in any forum, thread, signature, or avatar.
6. No animation of any kind, including glittering font, may be used in any forum signature.
7. No image larger than 1000 pixels wide by 600 pixels tall may be posted in any forum or thread.

Any member may report any other member's post, private message, or image to the Site Admins. Any reported post, message, or image will be reviewed by the Site Admins and handled on a case by case basis. Because misunderstandings can occur, BOTH parties will be invited to a private room where the post contents will be discussed with the Site Admins as negotiator.

All members are expected to follow the Code of Conduct. If behavior is found to be offensive, Terre d’Ange has in place a three strike policy:

• First Offense - A formal warning will be issued to the offender and will remain on the member's profile for 60 days.

• Second Offense - Forum access will be restricted for the offender to only those forums accessible to new members for a period of 60 days.

• Third Offense – A tribunal hearing will be convened in the court to allow the offender to understand the charges brought against them and allow them the opportunity to defend themselves. The tribunal will investigate and make a recommendation to the Site Admins of what punishment should occur then the Site Admins will pass judgement.

The Administration has the right to terminate any membership immediately and without warning if the circumstances call for it.

Remember we are all here to have fun. Everyone here is a real person with differing sensibilities and should be treated with patience and understanding. Disagreements among members of our community are unavoidable, but are expected to be handled in a rational, reasonable, mature manner.

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Adult Topic
Because of the nature of the series there will be times when adult topics are broached. All adult topics should be kept in the private forums of the Senior Members and the topic must be labeled as "ADULT" so that those who may be offended are forewarned. While we do allow adult topics to be discussed, we ask that pornographic photographs not be posted.

Threads in the Wanderer and mid-level (Initiate or Postulant) areas should be kept to a PG-13/R rating. Please keep in mind that people as young as 16 are permitted to join our community.

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Ranks & Titles
Members at Terre d'Ange can move through different rankings of the Kushiel Legacy series. We have 3 different paths that members may choose from:

The Path of Naamah – For those members who wish to find a home within one of the Houses of the Court of Night Blooming Flowers. Wanderers become Initiates who then guest within the Houses while they search for their home. Initiates may guest in two Houses at a time until they decide where to join. Initiates will then apply to become Adepts within their chosen House. Initiates answer to the Priest(ess) of Naamah. Adepts answer to the Dowayne of their House.

The Cassiline Path – We have chosen to open this path to both genders. Wanderers become Postulants who then are given access to the Cassiline forums. Once they have fulfilled the necessary requirements the Postulants become Cassiline Brothers or Sisters. Postulants answer to the Priest(ess) of Cassiel. Cassiline Brothers and Sisters answer to the Prefect.

Path to Nobility – Members who have no interest in either Adepthood or the life of a Cassiline may find Nobility appealing. Wanderers become Courtiers who then are given access to the guest forum of the Nobles, Elua's Square. This path is for those who wish to be Senior Members without other ties. The Peer of the Realm is this group's moderator.

The Skaldi Path - The Skaldi path calls to people those people with a wild streak, looking for adventure and battle. New members begin as Thanes in a steading, eventually raising to the level of Chieftan. The Skaldi are led by the Skaldi Warlord.

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Junior Membership
To become a junior member, gaining the rank of Wanderer, a member:
* Must be at least 16 years of age and registered on the boards
* Must submit membership information (Real Life Name, Birthdate, Real World Location) to the Site Admins.
* Start an introductory thread.

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Intermediate Membership
To become an intermediate member, dedicated to the Path of Naamah, and achieving the rank of Initiate, a member:
* Must be at least 16 years of age
* Must be a member for at least one month and active (no burst of activity at the 1 month mark - this will be monitored)
* Must submit an application for raising to the Priest(ess) of Naamah

The application must include:
• Your Terre d'Ange member name
• The date you joined (this information can be found in your profile)
• The reason for your Path choice
• Why you think you should be raised to the rank of Initiate

In the absence of the Priest(ess) of Naamah, submit your application to the Site Admins.

To become an intermediate member, dedicated to the Cassiline Path, and achieving the rank of Postulant, a member:
* Must be at least 16 years of age
* Must be a member for at least one month and active (no burst of activity at the 1 month mark - this will be monitored)
* Must submit an application for raising to the Priest(ess) of Cassiel.

In the absence of the Priest(ess) of Cassiel, submit your application to the Site Admins.

To become an intermediate member, dedicating themselves to the Noble Path, and achieving the rank of Courtier, a member:
* Must be at least 16 years of age
* Must be a member for at least one month and active (no burst of activity at the 1 month mark - this will be monitored)
* Must submit an application for raising to the Peer of the Realm

In the absence of the Peer of the Realm, submit your application to the Site Admins.

To become an intermediate member, dedicating themselves to the Skaldi Path, and achieving the rank of Thane, a member:
* Must be at least 16 years of age
* Must be a member for at least one month and active (no burst of activity at the 1 month mark - this will be monitored)
* Must submit an application for raising to the Skaldi Warlord

In the absence of a Skaldi Warlord, submit your application to the Queen.

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Senior Membership
To become a senior member, dedicated to the Path of Naamah, and achieving the rank of Adept, a member:
* Must be at least 18 years of age
* Must have read at least one Kushiel book in its entirety
* Must have attended or taught at least one class
* Must have attended a class and submitted a contribution (a second class may be substituted)
* Must have been at the intermediate level for at least one month
* Must have visited with your intended House for at least 2 weeks and asked for admittance

When you have passed these requirements, please apply to the Dowayne of the House you wish to join (information will be posted in their respective areas).

In the absence of a House Dowayne, submit your information to the Site Admins.

To become a senior member, dedicated to the Cassiline Path, and achieving the rank of Brother/Sister, a member:
* Must be at least 18 years of age
* Must have read at least one Kushiel book in its entirety
* Must have attended or taught at least one class
* Must have attended a class and submitted a contribution (a second class may be substituted)
* Must have been at the intermediate level for at least one month

When you have passed these requirements, please apply to the Prefect of Cassiel.

In the absence of a Prefect of Cassiel, submit your information to the Site Admins.

To become a senior member, dedicated to the Noble Path, and achieving the rank of Noble, a member:
* Must be at least 18 years of age
* Must have read at least one Kushiel book in its entirety
* Must have attended or taught at least one class
* Must have attended a class and submitted a contribution (a second class may be substituted)
* Must have been at the intermediate level for at least one month

When you have passed these requirements, please apply to the Peer of the Realm.

In the absence of a Peer of the Realm, submit your information to the Site Admins.

To become a senior member, dedicated to the Skaldi Path, and achieving the rank of Chieftan, a member:
* Must be at least 18 years of age
* Must have read at least one Kushiel book in its entirety
* Must have attended or taught at least one class
* Must have attended a class and submitted a contribution (a second class may be substituted)
* Must have been at the intermediate level for at least one month

When you have passed these requirements, please apply to the Skaldi Warlord.

In the absence of the Skaldi Warlord, submit your information to the Site Admins.

If a Senior Member becomes dissatisfied with their House or Path they may choose to take a demotion to mid-level. They will lose Senior Member privileges for the period of one month until they are eligible to become a Senior Member again in their new House or Path. Senior Members may not take a demotion more than once per year.

If an Initiate finds that they cannot find a House to join and would rather become a Noble, they may do so. However, if they wish to become a Cassiline then they must first be a Postulant for at least two weeks.

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Relationships
Union – A loose bond between friends of any rank and gender. This relationship is simply an agreement between two members and does not require any approval from the administration. It can be dissolved at any time but is not recognized by the Throne.

Cassiline Brother/Sister and Ward – A warding relationship between a Cassiline Brother or Sister and any Adept or Noble. If a Senior Member wishes to engage the protection of a Cassiline Brother or Sister, an application may be made by private message to the Prefect outlining the reason for the request and any other pertinent information. Members petitioning for this relationship must have known each other for at least three months. If there is no Cassiline Prefect, applications should be sent via private message to the Site Admins. The relationship lasts until such time as the Ward releases the Cassiline Brother or Sister from their service.

Adoption – This is an unbreakable* relationship where a member takes the last name of the other and is available only to Adepts and Nobles. The applicants must have known each other for at least six months. Applications should be sent via private message to the Site Admins.

Perfect Companion – This is an unbreakable* relationship between a Cassiline Brother or Sister and a Senior Member (must be an Adept or Noble). Applicants must have known each other at least nine months. Applications must be sent via private message to the Site Admins.

Consort- This is an unbreakable* relationship between any two Senior Members, or a Senior Member and a member of The Court. Applicants must have known each other at least nine months. Applications must be sent via private message to the Site Admins. Any consort relationship between a Senior Member and The Throne are not subject to approval by the other Members of The Court.

* Only in cases where a member has been abandoned (by the other leaving or having been removed from the community), or other extenuating circumstances can these be broken. If the members seek to terminate their relationship, the Throne will consider each situation on a case-by-case basis.

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Roleplaying
Light role playing is allowed in all the forums. Roleplaying is not mandatory to be a member at Terre d'Ange. We have a sister roleplaying site Here for those who are interested. Members who choose to engage in roleplaying should be familiar enough with the Kushiel series of novels so their role-laying is in accordance with Terre d'Ange-style behavior for their role here on the site.

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Administration
We have several administration positions, each heading specific membership which are outlined below. Please note, not all positions are currently filled, and the day to day running of the community is being overseen by Site Admins Torrie Le'Alma and Kimaya L'Envers. Site Owner Xaviara is serving as Webmistress.

Queen:
* Responsible for the overall running of the site; maintains the domain, forums, website, etc. as well as any associated costs
* Responsible for all other administration positions (if you as a member have an issue, please feel free to contact the Queen)
* Responsible for raisings/bondings/etc.
* Responsible for forum administration

Emissary:
* Is a Member of the Court
* Is the moderator of the Wanderers
* Keeps the membership rolls

Dowayne (Adept Path) / Prefect (Cassiline Path) / Peer of the Realm (Noble Path):
* Head of the House/Group
* Moderates their groups forums
* Adds/removes users from their usergroups as needed
* Submits a monthly report
* Deals with any internal issues for their group
* Submits applications for raisings to the Court
* Is a Member of the Court

Priest(ess) of Naamah (Adept Path) / Priest(ess) of Cassiel (Cassiline Path):
* In charge of the Midlevels in their track.
* Receives applications from JM's to move to midlevel and submits them to the Court
* Assigns Mentors to Midlevels
* Moderates midlevel forums
* Prefect only: Approves Cassiline/SM relationships
* Submits a monthly report
* Is a Member of the Court

Here at Terre d'Ange, many of our administrators are members of the Court.

The Court is made up of:
* Site Admins
* Queen
* Priest/Priestess of Naamah
* Priest(ess) of Cassiel
* Dowaynes
* Prefect
* Peer of the Realm
* Emissary

In the event of an impasse or tie, the Site Admins will make the determining decision. The Site Admins also maintains the power to overrule any decision made by the another member of The Court.

What the Court Does:
* Votes on all "dedications", applications for citizenship, etc.
* Deals with user infractions above the pranking level.
* Votes on certain changes or additions to the forums
* Votes on and approves applications for moderator positions.
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Joining or Leaving the Administration
When an administration position comes open, an announcement will be made in the Announcement Forum with the job duties and qualifications. Job openings will be posted for a minimum of one week before applications will close.

In the unfortunate event that an administrator must step down, the Throne requests a minimum two weeks notice so that applications may be taken and training can take place.

Terre D'Ange Doctrine

© 2011 - Terre D'Ange - Webmistress JK Collins