Oracles are the leaders and visionaries of the family. Their ideas and creativity provide the energy needed for growth and understanding. Through teaching, writing and magic craft, these members give shape to the darkness of the vampyre lifestyle.
Many oracles also become liasons for the elders and courts.
Warriors are the protectors and guardians. Their dark energy guides house members in appropriate outlets and protects them from the dangers inherent in our lifestyle. Whether providing sanctuary in our rituals or safety as we prowl the night, the warriors represent the dark strength and loyalty of the vampyre.
The warrior vampyre in our house will often take on the role of Verger during gatherings.
Courtesans are the healers and lovers of the vampyre family. Their energy serves to feed the spiritual and physical hungers of the vampyre, even as they themselves feed upon the lust and desire of others. Sensual, sexual, giving and compelling, the courtesan bring seduction into service for the good of the House.
Courtesans and donors can change their role quickly to achieve the desired outcome for the house and family.
In addition to developing an understanding of these different paths, we also promote each family member expanding their skills in other areas. We have found that many members have special understanding and gifts in the Tarot, Dream interpretation, death talking and channeling, artistic and garment creation, Majick skills and other gifted interests. These dark arts complement the vampyre condition and are to be cultivated.
Affiliates are non-vampyre friends and allies on the nightside. Witches, empaths, therians and others who share common interests and support our house are granted privileges within the house. We work together to build understanding and foster growth both within and outside of the nightside community.
Although strict in our adherence to hierchary, HDH has chosen a simple structure for ease of understanding. Our house is divided into inner and outer circles, based on the commitment and longevity of members involvement. Advancement is assisted when appropriate but not demanded for involvement. Many members are comfortable remaining in the outer circle for the entireity of their time in the family.
OUTER CIRCLE
SWANS
Swans are our first level of entry into House DarkHaven . These are members who are invited to join our gatherings and certain ceremonies based on an indication of genuine interest in and respect for the vampyre family. They are aware of the nature of the vampyre and have decided to investigate this path as means to explore their own dark side. Although some may serve as donors, many choose to support and assist in other fashions. Swans are required to follow all HDH rules and traditions and are granted a night side name.
INITIATE
The initiate is a swan that has awakened to his or her vampyre nature. He/she has made a formal request of the Liason to proceed further within the house. Once approval of the patriarch has been granted, an initiation ritual is held and a token of the family given. At this level, the member may use HDH at the end of their night side name to indicate their commitment. Intense study of the three basic paths commences as well as increased responsibilities in the maintenance of the House.
INNER CIRCLE
ORACLE, WARRIOR, COURTESANS
After adequate study and preparation, an initiate may decide to take full membership in the House. As such, she/he must choose a primary role to fulfill in the daily functioning and ritual activities of the house. One of the three paths is selected and those responsibilities become foremost in his/her nightside existence. Often members take a title such as Mistress or Sir, Verger, Madame or Master upon reaching this level. Performing rituals and training initiates also fall to those reaching this level.
Within each of the three paths, a term indicating seniority and mastery is often granted to particularly skilled members. A Liason for the Oracle, Verger for the Warrior and Courtesan for the concubine are the designations of the most accomplished and dedicated senior members of the inner circle.
PATRIARCH
Our patriarch is the founding member and leader of House DarkHaven. He is the ultimate authority in all matters of the House function and philosophy. He leads all rites and rituals and he alone is permitted to awaken a member to their vampyre nature. Lord Alistair has guided House DarkHaven for 20 years.
Prior to this Sire Julian and Venus guided the family and developed growth in the community.
Terrenace Lightfoot was the founding father of the House and instituted the Native Indian and Egyptian rites and rituals that have given us strength and guidance through the years.
