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What keeps one together?
what can one do to help it grow ? what to you's think?

same interests and goals, togetherness and rules to abide to

what do u mean exactly...more clarity

Hmm need to be a bit clearer.

strong willed people and people who will fallow what they are supposed to

Define house. When I think house, I think Family, individuals for whom you would lay your lives down for, willingly lay them down.

ok what I am asking is what can make a family of like minded people stay together

Wouldn't that be more of a clan though?

trust, respect, and fear

Accepting of others, ... diversity . that all members are valued and a contibution to the group/house no matter their status.Loyalty, Respect, honor, truth, honesty, open communication, friendship, order, that it be a place where members feel , its a place thats home,a place of learning, to be with those like youself, a place that feels good to be there and feeling proud of being a member of house. there are other things...

The pure fact that they are like minded.

some rules/restrictions, togetherness, basically the things lordvampiro said

sorry. lordvampirio*. speeled it wrong

you all are helping more then you can ever know even one who we have our diffs. my thanks for maybe what I am doing is wrong but I look to all here as my family to learn from. to make my house well respected and loved by our kin and those of like mind. who I am and what I stand for is in my profile. but even I know that I need help sometimes to make me see things from others eyes. I am just trying to make my house stronger and with much love and honor.

Ryu Noctem Aeternus

everyone willing to do their part

I see it as being a Father. Not in the paternal sense, but even as that iron fist to discipline. But when the time comes, the father must step down. Now to rule forever is a dictatorship. Someone will ALWAYS question the ruler and attempt a takeover. History has taught us that. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Life , especially in a house is an endless game of King of the Hill. The larger the house, the more chances of mutiny in the ranks.

Everything has to be based on respect, benevolence and aknowing of who is who and why. Let it slip just a little, let honor fall to the side, and its just a power trip waiting to fall to revolt

Wise words from you both thank you

What keeps a house (family) together the main thing is communication without people talking nothing will ever get accomplished from there you can comprimise. and the rest will follow!

I suppose its also about setting new boundaries and things.

definately
the "lord" MUST know where there authority stops....otherwise they may while trying to help in their own mind be taken as overbearing and intrusive

Ryu you already know my thoughts on this one I think from the messages earlier.

*smiles*

I don't really have to type them out again tonight do I?

Maybe in the morning?

lol no my sister lol embraces

Thank god because if I had to type all that out again I would definately need a hell of a lot more coffee then I have in front of me!

Like minded people who trust each other.

But even tough they're like minded they still have to keep in mind that they're individuals with different lives,believes,issues, and cultures.

If everyone accepts this they would be closer and more willing to remain in the house.

This reply is based on my opinion.
A house is focused on and around the will of its Master. When persons describe "a common goal" or "things in common" they can only be talking about the goals or the tone that the Master of the House has set. All things in a house should be focused on achieving the goal or tone of the Master. To this end, one purpose emerges, and is in competition with the tone and purpose of other houses. Its like an Olympic team. Each nation enters a bobsled team...one person is the coach, one os the driver, others are chosen for performance, and one is the finisher. The overall performance is based on team effort, but the goal could never be accomplised without the vision and guidance of the coach. A good team competes with other "teams" who may have diferent methods and goals. In this instance, trying to retain and maintain the favor and approval of the Prince. In a House, the Master should not guide every step, I think, but rather, let individuals develop as long as they stay within the confines of the goal of the House, overall. A House member above all must be loyal. In the instance of vampire hierarchy, servitude is indentured. This is not a society that places a great deal of value on free will. If a person chooses to become a member, and a Master identifies certain attributes in a prospect and drafts them, that is the end of it. But a House member, and/or a minion above all, and without question OWES loyalty until they are released or it is an unpardonable offense. Disloyalty should mark a minion as unworthy of any House. (Unless of course the House chooses that path and requires spies, treachery, etc. which is also, frankly, a viable political option.) At the end of the night, the purpose of a House is to serve at the leisure of the Master, just as the Master serves at the leisure of the Prince.

Not so much as "What makes a house", but what keeps one strong.

It's simple really, AVOID POLITICS!

I'm sure there are some here who know of what I'm getting at.

*looks around at his kin*

Politics have been the downfall of more houses, hell of more civilizations and goverments, then anything else save maybe religion. Then again religion and politics have gone hand in hand for centuries. So.....

Trust and everyone willing to do their part

i agree with those who mentioned communication....i think that communication between the members is fundamental in a house.....

I agree with Ashkalon in certain ways, if I understand that post correctly.....avoid politics...but only avoid politics if they are your own; that speaks to the stength of a House. the only politics of a House should be the politics of the Master, and make no mistake--Masters will be involved in political struggles with other Houses...that is why a House needs, and should compel loyalty amongst its minions. Therefore, an outright aversion to being political is not an answer, in my opinion. If a Master has tasked you with sparking a contoversy, raising an issue, taking a stand, etc. on an issue that will benefit the overall mission of a House, by all means be political....and do whatever it takes to complete the task given to you. Masters will tell you Their orientation...if they want you be stealthy...subversive....whatever...being a political animal is fun, but it should always serve the goal of the House and never be for personal gain. Again, just my opinion, of course.

Personally i think that a house is the place where you feel safe and were from your inside you feel you belongs, emm have the things you desire which for instance makes you happy, doing things without others like those above you eg. in school interrupting you. A house is your private space where one can escape from the rest of the people around him.. the society.
In The House A Person Can FInd Himself Again.

Also the communication between the individuals in the house is very important for them to remain close to each other and understand each other.

I agree with everyone's thoughts here.
Sometimes as a group people need to go seperate ways to maker them stronger as a whole.
I sent you a message to better explain my standing.

Teamwork, communication, trust, and respect I think.

I agrre with whats already been said and I might repeat some.
First you must have a respectful leader who knows how to be one.
Secondly, all problems can be worked out and must be done in a reasonable way. If not then the leader must step into his role and state how it will be.
Thirdly, all must follow some sort of code. Honour and respect for other housemates must stand.
Fourthly, loyalty must be there. A leader's loyalty to his cause and his followers. A member's loyalty to there leader and his cause.
This is the family that you choose, and so you must honour that decision. If you cannot withhold the House's basis, then you shouldn't have joined.

I think it’s a mixture of a lot of things.
A great leader (which we have ;) ).
A good set of rules.
Communication I feel is a big thing, once the bonds are formed with everyone in that house you become a house with more togetherness and strength.
But you also want to make sure that smaller groups are not being formed in the house withdrawing them selves from the whole house.
Just the making sure of everyone feels like they belong will create a bond. Or at least that’s my opinion. Sorry I am still 99% asleep so if I just ramble on a bit....

i think talking on forums and to one another in a house builds bond..........

what makes a house? Well lets see:

Like Minded Individuals all working to a certian ideal or goal within learning of the Condition.

Keeping Politics simple and easy to deal with. Not to mention professionalism is needed in order to keep a high standing within the community.

Also, in the end those who are members within the house should be those that can be trusted as friends. What is the use if all we are, are aquantences?

These are a bit of some ideas I have, yet since I've never really been in a house till now, I cannot say what works best.

- Sin

*smiles at her Kin's words knowing their wisdom was won the hard way*

What keeps a House together and makes it strong? It really depends on the goals of the one whom begat the House and the line.

The leader must have a clear definition of what they believe a House should be - since there are as many House/Clan structures as stars in the sky - and they should be able to convey their wishes in a clear, calm, rational manner. This requires strength tempered with a love for those in their House, since those individuals become Family.

The knowledge that some will come with a wealth of information they can share, yet others will need much guidance and support. A House moves as one, but each person involved is still an individual.

Basic it is just a bunch of people who share the same interests!

I believe this is the first time you made sense on a post of yours Dead Prince.

You are right, yet I do need to say there needs to be some sort of heircy structure as well. There always needs to be leaders and teacers, students and followers.

- Sin

Running a house is like running a drug cartel. You have to be the one that everyone fears. You have to be the one that everyone thinks "well before we do anything we have to talk to him first" and "He wouldn't like us doing this, maybe we shouldn't do it." Politics are inevitable. Without politics, you don't have a house. You have anarchy and a fight over who's going to be the top dog, pardon the pun..

thank you all

In my oppinion you need communication first no one should ever fear thier lord. They should never feel they cannot come forth with thier feelings for fear of some kind of punishment. Living in fear brings about resentment. HUGE ISSUE is trust you should know that their decete in your house no one should have real secrets. Compassion- you must show you actually give a shit if someone has a genuine problem and not be angry (even though that is very very hard to do) Rationality- A family must understand each other and know why they do the things they do. A since of self worth- every member of a house should feel they bring something equally as good as thier lord to the house i would never follow a leadrer for a second if i didnt think him wise and my family people who had nothing to bring. I am having trouble with this because ITs hard to descibe when i am blessed with such an understanding lord who may not always know the reasons why but he understands and listens. the last thing i can say is common interest help out alot. If no one has anything in common except what they are they soon run out of things to say to another and if one beleives something different then they should not be made fun of or looked down upon no matter how strange it seems (even if its something straight out of anime) lol. I love my family more than anything. they have helped me through good times and bad and tried to support me. One day you have to ask yourself as a leader is wat happens when i go.... who is in charge... who would challenge me.. who would just like tpo strike out on their own but keep their roots....all these things are vital to keeping a house whole . they all must RESPECT the lord sorry do disagree with WTD but fear just leads to people fighting and challenges. if the ruller is wise and loved his subjects will follow him to hell and back w/o question. however if they live in fear they might consider are they better off. Infintie love thats all thats really needed. knowing no matter whtat family is there.

the whole family coperateing and doing activities together

I am of the opinion that a House should not be run as a democracy. That every member of a House knows its role and works towards the common good of the House. Thats said the one who runs the House needs to be aware that they are not going to please all of the people all of the time. A backbone is needed to run a House not a need to be loved. Ive run a succesful House for some time now and i believe its succesful because i try to be firm but fair.

I have to disagree Deshler. Fear and fear of what the consequences will be if you fuck up are what keeps the master of any house on top. Anyone in my pack knows. You challenge my word. You challenge me. If you challenge my rules or misuse my trust, in any fashion, You will essentially be excommunicated from my life. And that has been true for everyone. Most of my immediate family have been excluded from my life. And that's BLOOD REALATIONS. My pack is mine. No-one elses, and they love me as I love them. But they do know, when wolf is angry, tread lightly, if at all.

communication, respect, following of house rules, getting to know each other,etc...

Fear is a small factor to me I am very obstinate I want to love my lord not hate him secretley.
If you love who you serve then you have no reason to ever question their judgement. BUT to have this you must have complete faith in all they say, which is not an easy task. No one like to be afraid of some one they should love it leads to challenges and unessacry conflicts. -my oppinion

One thing that makes a great house is that you trust the head of the house, and that you have respect for the person.....also that there are no games or lies played within it......no scape goats ....

Respect for the House leader does not always translate into respect for other House members. Therefore you need a strong leader who will ensure their goals are met and that each member is doing their part toward making the House successful.

No one said it was easy, that is why there are so many bad leaders to be found.

I agree with that much

*raises her brows in surprise at the words of some included in this thread and shakes her head*

A House is built on respect and discipline. Of one's self and their Family.

D.T. Is that how I make you feel less then the rest? forgive me. all who know me know I am not weak. I give my all to my house but my laws can not be broken.
someone on here once said the house needs to be cleaned he was right it shall be done. I am doing this thread to better understand the needs of my house. if all of yous wish to know what I ,we stand for read my profile. my house is my family and yes they know I would give up my life for them all of them even the ones who are otherkin DT I want them all as happy as they can be but I will not bend the laws for anyone not even my own blood child.

Maybe a pack is more severe than a house. But when I say sit. They sit. When I say speak, they speak. When I give my word to anyone in my pack. They know I will follow through. I feel that being a leader means standing above all the rest who would follow.

To me being a leader is not always being the strongest or better then any other, but one who puts the needs of his people before his own. Teaching , understanding love ,hope , compassion, honor , respect and dignity make up a good leader. A leader should be one to look up to, not feared. In my eyes fear does not equal respect.

I think trust is essential. You may not trust other members on a personal scale but one that is in a house should be able to trust their housemates that their loyalties to the house are complete. That the objectives they cater to are in the house's best interest.

Thus when everything else might fall through you have one last concrete standing, that the house who takes care of you is going to be taken care of by it's members.

P.S. also know when to be severe.

thanks my sister Ryven

i have no clue

Lucios and Ryu, you both have a very good idea of what you need to run a house. Both view points of a leader should be combined and then you would have your answer Ryu.

Lord Ryu....every thing you need to know about keeping your house together and running strong you already know , it is what you do and how you use this knowledge that counts.

hmm.. something to think about indeed.

A good leader is someoone who has the respect and admiration of those beneath them in a house because they earned those things through their actions and words. Firmness and harshness in dealing with situations is going to be a given for any leader. But if the people within the house know that even when their leaders actions are harsh they are also fair and done in the best interests of the entire house and it's members the level of trust and respect they have for their house leader will only increase.

A leader who rules through fear is never going to be completely trusted or respected by the others because if you fear someone you can not truly feel that you can trust them to be honest and fair when dealing with you. And if you fear the one who leads you, are you likely then when you have a serious concern, to feel that you can safely bring that matter before your head of house and expect fair and reasonable avice and assistance in the matter?

Fearing the penelties that will result from violating the house's rules. Fear the repercussion if you knowingly make a serious mistake. But to fear the person who is supposed to be there to unite and watch over those of the house? That's something I personally can not find acceptable.

I think we are forgetting one very fundamental thing here, and that is everyone who is in a House has to want to be there, otherwise it will always be fragmented and have troubles within. A House must be where your soul feels at home to have a sense of belonging within a community.

ElyriaBloodshadow now that was well said and where I was trying to go with the combining of to two above.

Well said sis

Emaerald has a very good point. Everyone has to be sure they are in the right place and be comfortable with their house, their leader and their fellow members and all that the house stands for and believes. If you are not comfortable in a house you really should not be there at all.

*looks at her sister*

Why thank you.

Ryu when you log back on and finish reading this thread I hope you find the answers you are looking for.
I know you will for you are a strong person even when you doubt yourself.

Np Sis Im still waiting for a truncated message from you...:runs off laughing:

Cohesiveness, passion for bond, strong tendencies toward the same ambitions. Many, many factors contribute.

*swats her sister*

You are mistaking me for Evangius or Nyx my dear. They are far worse at that then I am lol. And I don't believe anything on this board ever truncates lol see my vamp info journal enteries for proof of that lol

Chuckles

trust, communication,
getting along with others....to name a few

I was reading through the tread again and thinking about just what some would class as being a true house.

I for one currently concider myself to be a part of a house. Oh, we don't have any fancy name or title and we have not been formally recognized as a house or coven by any council, synod, other houses or so on in any traditional sense.

Hell half of us don't even live on the same side of the Atlantic. We don't have a nice set of house laws we require everyone to follow. We don't have a set leader or clan head. But if you ask anyone of us we will tell you we are of the same house, the same family and are bound by the same beliefs and ideals, at yet at the same time unique in the way we might choose to express them.

I have a house and a family....Ashkalon, Sky,Nastya,Siobhan and VladVoivode are among it's members.

We are as much, if not more of a unified house and family then half of those officially recognized ones that I have been a part of or been friend to over the years and yet we do not officially call ourselves that.

So in at least some cases it is the bond alone between the people involved that makes a true house and not location, leadership, laws or official recognition by others of it's kind.

(oh and for those wondering as to the extent of time refered to in my comment of "over the years...I have been a part of the community since 1994. yeah i know i am old shaddup!)

wow i really liked reading that...i never really knew what this whole house thing is about, but now i know :) now im sure i understand what it's all about :)

What makes a house........well, as one from another place where I have my own house and family blood ties cominghere has shown a different way of doing things.

In both places a house is as strong as the one running it, pure and simple. If the leader is a weak, the house is weak.

We take time in our places to allow people in,, they are vetted closely and allowed access over time. The ones I am teid to tend to favour quality over quantity, but that is how we have always worked and have survived.

Here, people are taken in and a relationship begins in ignorance so to speak.......different lol but as that is the rule here so be it. But the leader still has to be strong...to have decided on what they wish to achieve and stick to that irregardless.

Trust is tantamount in a leader, and also I will agree that they should not play games with their kin.....but then, if the trust is there there kin will know they would not be played against, trust after all is a two way thing.

The ties I share with the ones I have come here with are many fold.....some are blood, some are friends I have known and trusted a long time, some are newer to me, but belong to my kin, and I trust the judgement of my kin. And a couple are ones with whom I have had laughs and disagreements with, but have always respected their intellect, and also know that they too have strong ties based on loyalty to their own.

A house, clan, pack, coven, whatever will succeed if the leader is one worth following.........

If the leader turns out to be a snivelling coward, a liar, r false in other ways then the house will fall like a pack of cards, as it should........

Wow... I didn't know that..

nastya What if the followers are weak. Even the greatest leaders can feel like they fail. Even though they gave them everything. I failed my house along time ago. I abandoned ones that trusted me to help my human family. I hid all these years. 10 long years. I hid what I was and blended into what was a world. I no longer cared about. I met in secret with old friends that forgave me. They called me Phoenix. They had trust still in me for all these years. Lord Ryu, I sat in the dark reading day after day. Seeing the Honor you bring to your house and the Honor you show to a brother. You are a just and honorable man. Any one of us could learn from you. I want you to know what I do today is to protect that Honor.
Someday I hope to see you in the hunting grounds. Yes I'm the Lord of my house. But, I'll only be half the Lord you are. Feed well my Brother

I would try to summon it to simple words, instead of complete sentences:
Respect, understanding, common goals, and above all, interest in the well being of eachother.
Power will make a House big in the eyes of others.
Fear will keep the uneased safe, and make the House seem protective.
Harsh discipline will make the house cohearant.
Friendship, will make the House live on, when all else fails.

VampirePhoenis

As i said, this place is very different from our homes, where we do things differently to here.

We take a long time to decide to bring someone into the inner core so to speak, some never make it, therefore we usually find we make the right choice. If we find weakness we do what nature does, cut it out and rid ourselves, and that sometimes is more painful than one cares to think about.

I thought of this thread as relating to online, but if one has an offline 'house' etc, then the choices are harder to make but make them all the same.

Real life verses online, real life should come first in my opinion, becasue that is where you are grounded to. If you made a choice of one family over another, then at the time you did it for thebest reasons for you. perhaps you had things to learn, about yourself, your true nature?..perhaps now is your time to be the leader you always were. I'm not sure whether the weakness of your followers relates to an on or offline situation so I can't comment further, but you arehere now and I'm sure you are amongst the ones you need to be with.

Walk safe and hunt well....

its the same with any type of house. its the ppl in it that keep it going or make it better. if you do everything you can to help it. it will grow. but if you sit back and watch it grow you didnt do anything to help it.

*smiles at the words of her Family*

Everyone has made very valuable contributions to this thread. The beauty of coming together in a community such as this is being exposed to the wisdom, opinions, and experiences of its members.

I am proud to be part of this Family of choice, whether it be in or out of the vampire community. We have weathered many storms and come out more strongly bonded together - for that is the definition of Family.

I hope everyone is fortunate enough to find the connection I have.

Being proud to be apart of someones house, participation in the forums and contests, good will towards each others house mates, getting along with ones house master. Simple things like that.

No ryu that is not what I think of you. I admire you. You ar3e my father in a way. I respect you because i know in the long run you wont do ME wrong. I love you like a brother and i would lay down my life for you. You have never wronged me, ever, ever...
I will admit some people are scard of you and cant talk to you but i am not one of them I know i can be open with you. Even if its something you dont want to hear you will listen. Hence forth why you are a great lord.

ok i'm going to get a little more rude than I normally am for this one
for those of you who feel that only the houses masters will matters...YOU ARE FUCKING SHEEP
seriously....being a part of a house does not make you a mindless slave....and if it does then likely you already were one to begin with....
this is not to say the master should not control the house....but there is control.... then there is dictatorship....you can control and still acknowledge being wrong sometimes....but if you refuse to admit to being fallible then you have closed your mind and shut down your options
but this might be part of why I am solitary.... I will bow to no man.........and wouldn't want any to bow to me

Daermon

No offence taken lol cos I agree with what you're saying.

here on the rave their is a system set up... as we have wandered over here to have some fun for the most part we're playing it this way as it's the way to be done, but it isn't our way to be sure.

Nothing worse than sheep, unless of course you want a new jacket or a lamb chop in which case they have their uses.

Especially the way things are worked out here as trong leader is amust.becasue people are taken in without having got to know them you need a leadership to keep things running to your own vision of what youwant for your own house.

Quite interesting wathing how things work when one travels

*smiles*

to make a house work you need much ...

trust

ppl who want to be in the house

respect

like mindedness,as well as differences we need things to make things tick ...or else it be same shit different day between everyone.

you need participation...activity lots of it !

obedience to any laws.rules or dictations given by house master! or his/her staff.

so much goes into a house ,but team work and belief and communication,lots of it and all i mentioned above are crucial to makin a house run smoothly to where everyone is happy.

It may just be my lack of sleep talking, but I was re-reading the thread and it looks like there was some confusion with people as to whether or not the question was addressing houses here in VR, other houses or groups of an online nature or real world covens and houses.

Knowing a bit about the situation that prompted the thread to be started in the first place, I wasn't confused as to which he was refering to, but it might be helpful in the future for threads of this type, if the person asking the question would clearly specify which of those situations he or she is refering to when asking their question or making a comment.

Just a thought.

I beleive strongly but fair leader...and a common goal or ideal

trust in a good, strong leadership

Everyone plays diff roles in order to make a house work, such as the walls, supports, and roof do to a literal house

Daermon,

Your point is well-taken. The only ones who would want or benefit from a house full of yes men are those who are too weak-willed to lead properly.

It seems we are beginning to delve into an almost Machiavellian study of house leadership. While written to curry favor with the current prince, his study on success at any cost did take a provocative look at power and corruption, and his views that the charisma and vitality of a leader was directly responsible for each state's success can be applied not only to a house structure but also to current political state of our world.

Does a leader want to augment their own glory, or lead their people in search of a common good?

nice forum

I have to agree with Evangius in that trust and loyalty of the house members is essential, but, further to what Emmy said-

Everyone has to make the commitments and have the will to follow through on them. Each has to make the contribution that develops the sense of communual spirit and to give the House a sense of depth of character, of soul and of uniqueness of being...otherwise, its just a label to be used for bragging rights.

loyalty until they are released or it is an unpardonable offense. Disloyalty should mark a minion as unworthy of any House. (Unless of course the House chooses that path and requires spies, treachery, etc. which is also, frankly, a viable political option.) At the end of the night, the purpose of a House is to serve at the leisure of the Master, just as the Master serves at the leisure of the Prince.

i agree with sevvan, sorry if i spelled it wrong

Nicely put Stabb, I couldn't of worded it nicer :) People must develop a sense of community to make a House successful, but that sense must come from their own free will to want to do that..

Everyone makes good points and i think everyone has there different views on a great house...a great house is a great enviorment for the people in it. some may like to look up to someone "a great leader" other may not...it all depends on the individuals within the house hold....say if you put people in the house with totaly different things they want to be doing it may mean your not in each others way and so on aslong as it doesint go to the point where you have views where you dispise the oposite for having those views then your no more happy then a marriage going through a divorce say....what im trying to say it doesint matter who you are and what you think...it matters on all of us as individuals. i once lived in a flat for 2 weeks where you had people who took sevral hours to get ready takeing up bathroom space ect then there where the ones wanting to get to work on time some how we all compramised....(wounders how looking back) i suppose its about everyone working as a team even to he point of having a bathroom chart in the mornings lol! its about listening to each other because at the end of the day your the people they come home to and if they dont feel like they can trust you enough to talk about there problems have a manly night in to a cry out session with the girls...then your at a loss theres lots of things that make a good home its all about finding how you and your house mates work together...

It seems that a House serves to unite a group of people under its Lord/Master/whatever. They carry out the Lord's will, and respect and fear him. But, what does a House accomplish if its leaders don't know what they're doing? All it serves to do is inflate the ego of the Lord.

This is why I prefer a pack. A pack exists to hunt, protect, and survive. Comfort is found in your packmates, who will fight to the death to protect you, as you would for them. You follow the Alpha, fear and respect him/her, but you don't serve his will.


Above all.. a House or Pack is only as strong as the weakest trust amongst its members.

you all made good points

people make their one house!!!

I believe a house is built on trust and communication and honor. With out that it can't thrive.

due to certian developemenst in a house..i have found that one of the best ways to make a house sound and smooth running is the fact you have to respect that everyone has different views.
You also have to know how to word concerns so that they dont not seem to attack or disrespect. we are only human, and as i have heard from a house member...seeing as how we are communicating through the net, we are unable to see facial expressions or hear the tone in a voice..so one must be acreful how you say things to other people

I don't think we're talking about the VR houses here, sorry...

oops my misunderstanding..but such goes for any house in particular..the head has to be able to listen with respect if he/she wants respect from its followers

The only way I think a house grows & remains thru it all is by working together. One think I find not helping much on this matter is the thought that masters can trade their personal whenever they want, most times will be made if someone of the house asks to be changed-& of course doing what he/she should, still this would be the only downfall to the whole thing because then there wouldnt be a house-everyone would just want to go to another house or one they think they like. To mainting a house you begin at a house & you finsih with the house. Anyways is just what i think about this.

Talking with one another and understanding ones point of view if they have a problem with such things as friends, life, etc...

this is wha makes a house to me people who have honor and respect for everyone else and who would give everythign they can for the house and the members including their lives if needed
also peopl who have a place and a signifigance in the house who bring somethign to the house and do what they are supposed to with out question if asked
people mean what they say and say what they mean and people who are strong a house isnt a place for someone who is weak becouse if one weak person is there it makes the whole house weak
a house needs strong minds hearts and people who belong a house does not have room for those who try it fit and dont that what a house is to me or what one should be liek there is much more that a house should be but it would take forever to write so ill do the short version

i think that a strong house needs disapline, respect for one another, not just ur lord, honor, communication, and honesty. i think that if all of these things are in effect in a house it will be strong.

Similiar intentions, honour, camaraderie, a desire to be united as one force as opposed to just being on one's own (in terms of lone wolfism versus being part of a group). A few more things that make a grand House are mutual respect between all the members, the feelings of being safe and secure at the House, and to a certain extent, the feeling of knowing that you are loved and wanted.



If I were to play God or in this case Elder, I would build my House with these principles (though with adaptations to things such as the Black Veil; which would be dealt with so that if my House were to have guests that follow that path, they will feel secure as well)



Just my thoughts.

loyalty until released was mentioned....
what if as you grow and change...as all do... the house no longer fits your morals/ideals/ideologies but the lord refuses to release you....are you then unfit for other houses because of leaving without being"released?"or did you leave with valid point from a house which was disloyal to you?
loyalty is never quite so black and white as it has been referenced....it depends on constantly changing interactions to affirm it or tear it down...
yes I feel that if you leave a house without dismissal then you should not be welcomed back.....but this should not ostracise you from other houses/covens/packs.....I use all these terms because I see very little difference between them.....
they are all in essence the same idea..just presented with a few variations

Houses are like any other real family. We fight, we confide in each other, we get made, we talk things out. Keeping a house together is the same as trying to keep a real family together. It's a lot of hard work, and sometimes it feels a bit relentless, but in the end, they are still you family.
I was in a house many years ago that went sour. Friendships we lost, people attacked each other, it was a mess. It's like a true family, some can stay together and some can't

For me it´s a place to feel safe and comforted, to help others, to be loyal and to get to know people and love them...

I'll get back to you when i get asked to join one!!

there are many things.. trust , family,belonging..to many to really list

Robots, who need regimentation

To me its the willingness to work together as one

Its a group of people that share common intrests and goals and who like eachother

respect-honor & persistence to help out your house.

First you need a leader who understands that while they may lead without those who follow them they are just another person in the crowd. It is your duty to give the same respect and loyalty to your underlings as you demand from them.
the leader who foregoes the needs of their people in pursuit of their own whims will quikly find themselves in need of support that is no longer there. If you expect some one to lay down their life for you you had best be willing to do the same for them. Second you need laws that are clear and absolute no give no exceptions what is wrong for one to do is wrong for all that includes you your highnesses if there are to be exceptions to the laws include them with the law its self i.e. there is to be no violnce against another house member except should a challenge be offered and WILLINGLY excepted ect.
Third you need members whos desires and ambitions are akin to thine own and each others. Why deal with the problems of trying to get people who think what you're doing isn't right to obey when you can prechoose people who think your path is right? Also when chooseing ranking of your minions choose the right people for the jobs. You dont make an eloquent and peacul person your warlord you make them your emisarry. Choose people for positions of power only if you belive they can handle it, and watch them the moment the begin to abuse it replace them. Better a brusied ego for a wrong decision than a broken house for not haveing the guts to admit you were wrong. I could go on at length on this topic and in fact I have heh but I'll stop here. thank you for your time and may my words be helpful

wow so many great answers! I agree with almost all of them here. I also say make sure not to talk about anyone behind their back, dont start rumors either. it shows disrespect and in the fight to come many will take sides which can lead to deviding the group.
that's just my thoughts to add in, I would have just been repeating what everyone else said other wise

i am not in a house as yet but I feel that

loyalty to the leader and the other house members is the glue

but

you have to want to be in the house and you have to respect it's values and goals in order to develop that loyalty

so

a common belief is required in SOME form to start the process moving towards 'togetherness'


am I off base?

I would think that trust, honesty, loyalty, and love would keep a house together. Setting oneself aside to tend to the needs of the entire house, without surrendering that individuality that makes you special.

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