Members of the Chosen of Eilistraee are divided into two groups: Sword Dancers and
Darksong Knights. Everyone that is eligible to become a Chosen (i.e. a roleplayer and
a follower of Eilistraee) can become a Darksong Knight. But only female clerics can
become one of the priestesses: a Sword Dancer.
Both groups have three internal ranks that we loosely cling to: leading members (High
Priestesses and Generals respectively), full members (Dark Ladies and Silver Blades)
and fledgling members (Maids and Faithful). Each rank has its own rights and
responsibilities, though responsibilities are usually carried by all.
All new members enter at the lowest rank: that of either Maid or Faithful, depending
on to which group they aspire. This gives them their name on the members roster and
the right to access the private forums. They are required to behave themselves both
here and (especially) in front of others when bearing the name of one of the Chosen.
Gross misconduct can be grounds for removal.
To become a Dark Lady or Silver Blade one must first prove oneself worthy as such.
This is done by finding either three full members (Dark Ladies and Silver Blades
both) or one leading member (High Priestess or General) to act as sponsor. Then
follows a roleplaying test (online in NWN if possible) during which one must prove to
understand what it means to be a follower of Eilistraee. The exact form of this test
is to be decided, but will likely consist of three separate situations that the
tested has to handle. At least two-thirds of the sponsors and a leader have to be
present to take and oversee the test.
After successful completion of the test follows an initiation ceremony and does the
Maid become a Dark Lady or the Faithful a Silver Blade. With this new position comes
greater responsibility. They now have to do their best to uphold
Eilistraee’s Dogma,
especially towards non-members, most importantly: always be kind. Violation of this
can result in suspension, degradation or removal depending on the seriousness of the
transgression. But they also gain more rights. They get the right to a personal
biography page (contents subject to approval by the Web Mistress). They earn the
right to vote to elect new leaders. And they earn the right to help fledgling members
rise in rank. Additionally, Dark Ladies have the right to a private Flame Song, a
ceremony during which priestesses select their individual title.
The leaders (High Priestesses and Generals) are elected from the full members by a
majority vote from all full and leading members (from both groups). The maximum
number of leaders is dependent on the total number of members in each group (ratio to
be determined). Votes are called when a new space opens up (or disappears) or when
enough members (number to be determined) become disgruntled with current leadership.
When a leader is about to involuntarily lose their position, all leadership
positions are reevaluated.
Next to having a greater responsibility within the Chosen, leaders also have a (far)
greater outward responsibility. They are now supposed to be the epitome of an
Eilistraeen and have to act the part. As a reward for this excellence (other than
the spiritual one) they gain moderation and arbitration rights within the Chosen as
well as the right to conduct and oversee tests and the various ceremonies.
All members are expected to maintain a reasonable activity, or at least let us know
of their status in regards to the Chosen. That is why about every three months an
e-mail will be send to each listed member to confirm their continued membership.
Failing to answer this call will be taken as a sign of disinterest and gets one
removed from the members list, though we would highly appreciate to be informed of
any desire to stop being a Chosen. Obviously, if for this check alone, it is highly
important to keep us informed of ones latest e-mail address.