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This is the new Black Veil what do you think about it?



I. Secrets – Secrets secure, protect, bind and unite us into the foundation of these Pacts. Our Mysteries are our own and those who wish to explore them should seek them out on their own through personal Initiative and Action. As a slight of hand magician would employ the principle of “hidden in plain sight”, so shall the Living Vampyre. Honor one’s choice of privacy, for example in regards to their Dayside identity, and never disclose their information without their explicit permission. Inner Mysteries are to be reserved for the formally initiated into the Synod. Public discussion of the Nightside with the media, publicly or with those not of the Blood, is an obvious violation of this tenet. Speak only for yourself, not for the whole of the Sanguinarium.

II. Honor Mundane Law – Adherence to the laws of our local governments, even if we disagree, is essential to provide us the freedom to explore our Nightside nature. If we disagree with mundane law, we must strive to be individually and socially responsible enough to change them through bureaucratic means.

III. The Metaphor of Blood - Strigoi Vii view Blood as a symbol and metaphor of the subtle life-force better known as Prana. We extend this Blood metaphor also to symbolize the ties of the greater Strigoi Vii Family. We are not Hollywood Vampires who consume physical blood. To satisfy our spiritual hunger we choose other forms of Communion which we find much more efficient and substantiate our Mysteries. This makes a clear avoidance of legal liabilities and health risks such as blood born diseases (Hepatitis, Syphilis, HIV/AIDS, etc.). Strigoi Vii simply cannot endorse blood drinking as we, Living Vampyres, do not need to drink human blood for the purpose of Communion (feeding)."

IV. Responsibility For Minors – We must honor the need for minors to establish a skeptical, materialistic, objective and rational Dayside foundation before exploring and embracing the Nightside. Those who have not reached the age of majority (eighteen) should not be permitted or encouraged to explore our Mysteries, participate in ritual or enter our Sanctums. Thus no minor shall ever be involved in Strigoi Vii privately or publicly.

V. Civility – Is the trait of evolved individuals. If you have a problem with another of the Blood, resolve it privately and civilly. Honor and resurrect long lost codes of etiquette as it will show a more refined and empowered presentation within Sanctums and to the mundane. No Living Vampyre would ever physically harm another human for the purposes of feeding.

taken from thsi site one of the site I learn from.


http://www.strigoivii.org/blackveil3.htm

http://www.strigoivii.org/currentofelorath/

I guess the Synod felt it was time for change but no I don't like it or feel it to be right. I follow the old one.

I admire the changes, and they may be proven necessary.... but if they keep with cutting down the Veil, changing the wording and etc...

The Veil may end up with only one rule :

" 1. Obey Us "



My amusement, humor and thoughts on that particular change.... Of many changes.



___
Vix

P.S. we are well thank you for asking.

So I take it that 'real' vampires don't drink then?
And how offical is this new version of the Black Veil?

^_^

i think thats a valid piont you have there
VixenDWT

myself the changes dont realy effect as i like others still adhear to the old and some of the virtues this to me is enough to hold a ballance of safety and freedom to move within and around society.

cheers

Omg this is like eye opening I had no idea like its weird I must go ponder this thought.~NFA

I feed from blood but I make sure my donors are clean I live the old ways

Thanks,
can I c/p your House rules for my personal use?

if you like

Thanks.
Always best to ask first. :)

I'm with Batchyld, that was in poor taste.

It's a lot to read because of the wealth of information in it. People only interested in gaining levels are the ones to say such rubbish.

It was very informative, dead. Since it was already said, I'd like to copy/paste myself.

The old ways are best for all creatures to follow

It is as official as those who wish to follow it, make it.

All I have to say is:

"Two legs baaaad, four legs goood"

Lmafo STABB!

I am in agreeance with Batchyld I feel like those who come on the threads of inteligence and come to share knowledge people who post things that are rude and just lame it not only offends the person who put the thread together but the readers as well.~NFa

Stabb that was good stuff*holding my side*

Nfa thank you hon..I say let's get this topic back on track.Keep it interesting for all ,so it can keep being a good ,productive thread. :)

Lord thank you for the time it took to share this with us all.I am saving this for my own future reference it's a very good read and informative.Makes me want to know all i can about this kind of thing. :)

Lord Ryu, These changes are Crazy and Disturbing. I'll check into who ok'ed the changes.

Lord Phoenix.

More then likely Todd him self.

Ryu that would not surprise me one bit if it was Todd who made the changes.Man can never leave well enough alone. LOL

lol tell me about it lol

These are code for your house correct. Not all in the community follow the same code. From what I have seen to the changes.. they are pretty much the same. Just a few things twisted around.

For me the black veil is unneccessary for myself for one reason. I out of respect for my community already Hold to the code of discretion. And For what knowledge I do have I share with those that do not share that knowledge so they learn. I have high respects for he community and "Some" of the houses out there.

Corpus the comment did double post ,but i took care to delete the repeat. All's good now. =)

well...its good but i do like the old Black Veil a little better. But the times are changing so it is nesseseary.

I know History; what drives it, what creates ideas, its successes and tragedies and its in-betweens.

I believe it is possible an in fact necessary at times to participate in or initiate civil disobedience. Obedience without question to local authorities has historically proven to be at time disastrous to vampire and non-vampire alike.

Change is necessary and is an intrinsic part of that which raises the sentient above mere existence into life! Using a real historical example, where would the great country of India be now had Gandhi not chosen the path of civil disobedience?

I think it is more important to follow the path which feels right rather than follow the whims of so called community leaders who may or may not be more interested in their own personal agenda than the well being of those who look to them for leadership. Just my two cents.
-AD

I happen to perfer the original 13 rules of community, but all things must adapt or die. Some of the ideas in the new veil are not bad, namely the section dealing with Secrets....
Other areas I have issues with, but I can see why they were done. Namely the issues of feeding. I disagree with the new stance on the issue, I think it's a personal choice. As long as you have your donors tested and go about everything in a responsible manner, consenting adults, who gives a damn?

Ahh i see where you get what you know from. Ive seen this before i think someone sent it to me so i can learn how to "control my thoughts and words" mostly actions. The person got deleted. Anyhow nice post i have to say. True about most but there are acceptions to some.

i do not liek these new rules at all nore do i feel i should fallow them i liek how we live and how my house is i jsut got used to all of that and now they want to change it i dont think so.....i agree with the minor law that minors should not be told or know anything until they are 18 but other than that i dont like this new shit ill respect those who choose to live by it but i for one will not

I still have a problem with anything that is associated with the Black Veil. In that it was primarily sourced from White Wolf's Masquerade. They can change it all they want but it still holds association with RPG.

Ok I do believe change is a good thing, but I do like the old ways still no matter what. If I do go on to the new there is always a part of my forte that is gonna be having influences of the old.~NFA

It appears that the Synod made these changes to protect themselves LEGALLY. The new wording reflects moving their organization towards a more "politically correct" position. They are trying to avoid violating any state or federal laws, so they are watering it down in order to avoid litigation or prosecution.

I believe you have a point there domangelus, it sounds like they are taking the CYA approach
to their teachings. By taking a political stance they are protecting their way of life from the curious bureaucrats.
Like VixenDWT stated, It sounds like most of the old veil was condensed to form the new one. One thing that did surprise me, was there was no mention of this past tenant.

2. DIVERSITY
Our paths are many, even though the journey we are on is essentially the same. No single one of us has all the answers to who and what we are. Respect everyone's personal views and practices. We cannot let petty differences of ideology prevent us from maintaining a unified community; there are enough who would attack us from the outside. Our diversity is our strength. Let our differences in viewpoint enrich us but never divide us amongst ourselves.

O.o Sounds like they are cracking the whip?

good to see open discussion and not arguing!

Not sure what to think about it. It seems like they are trying to get away from the game aspect of the last set of rules and trying to make something a bit more legit.

- Sin

i do agree with that but i must also say that the changes distube me as well why we must trail so far from our old ways i do not know until i fall though i know one thing is for sure i will not leave the old ways in the dust as long as i live

I will honor those who change. But, I know of my house will not. We as a community must stand up and be counted. Else we will be not better than the sheep that follow the herd. I for one feed of Blood and will keep feeding of blood. For I am Vampyre. I am a keeper of the night and hunter of the sheep. *Evil Grin*

I totally agree with you, my love. To abide by these new rules, would be like saying were not even vampire.

My House live my laes some of them are taking from the old Black Veil but with my own additions to them I will not honor the new one but I shall respect those that wish to follow it. as far the rpg thing one yes it has SOME! ties to it but not all many of you new comers to the family don't know the old laws the game Vtm was made by us for us to pass info and yes some of it is BULLSHIT but not all it is funny to me that you can not see this the elders of our kin know what I am talking about. but thats getting off topic anyways I honor what and who I am by being me! I am Vampyre and will feed the way I know how , I will hide my self from no one and Todd knows this.
for those of you who don't know what the old Black Veil is here now you do....



The Black Veil

*THE BLACK VEIL

The Black Veil, also known as the "13 Rules of the Community" was composed by Father Todd of House Sahjaza, Michelle Belanger of House Kheperu and COVICA as an voluntary standard of common sense, etiquette and ideals for the greater vampyre/vampire community.

Although copyright 1997-2001 by Father Todd and Michelle Belanger, the Black Veil is an open licensed text available for reproduction on related websites or in print for organizations and individuals who wish to promote it's concepts and ideals. All that is asked is that the Black Veil not be changed, amended or modified in ANY way and include the text and links detailed between the asterisks * here.

1. DISCRETION
This lifestyle is private and sacred. Respect it as such. Use discretion in who you reveal yourself to, and make certain that your motives are to truly communicate about our culture and to engender understanding. By no means should you talk to others about yourself and our community when your motives are for selfish reasons such as self-promotion, sensationalism, and attention-getting.

Do not hide from your nature, but never show it off to the those who won't understand.

2. DIVERSITY
Our paths are many, even though the journey we are on is essentially the same. No single one of us has all the answers to who and what we are. Respect everyone's personal views and practices. We cannot let petty differences of ideology prevent us from maintaining a unified community; there are enough who would attack us from the outside.

Our diversity is our strength. Let our differences in viewpoint enrich us but never divide us upon ourselves.

3. SAFETY
Use sense when indulging your nature. Do not flaunt what you are in public places. Feed in private and make certain your donors will be discrete about what happens between you. Donors who create rumors and gossip about us are more harm than they're worth. If you engage in blood-letting, put safety and caution above all other things. Blood-born diseases are a very real thing, and we cannot risk endangering ourselves or others through irresponsibility. Screen donors carefully, making certain they are in good health both mentally and physically.

Never overindulge or get careless. The safety of the entire community rests upon each member's caution.

4. CONTROL
We cannot and should not deny the darkness within. Yet we should not allow it to control us. If our beast or shadow or darkside is given too much sway, it clouds our judgment, making us a danger even to those we love. Never indulge in pointless violence. Never bring willful harm to those who sustain you. Never feed only for the sake of feeding, and never give over to mindless bloodlust. We are not monsters: we are capable of rational thought and self-control.

Celebrate the darkness and let it empower you, but never let it enslave your will.

5. LIFESTYLE
Live your life as an example to others in the community. We are privileged to be what we are, but power should be accompanied by responsibility and dignity. Explore and make use of your vampire nature, but keep it in balance with material demands. Remember: we may be vampires, but we are still a part of this world. We must live lives like everyone else here, holding jobs, keeping homes, and getting along with our neighbors. Being what we are is not an excuse to not participate in this reality.

Rather, it is an obligation to make it a better place for us to be.

6. FAMILY
We are, all of us, a family, and like all families, various members will not always get along. However, respect the greater community when having your disputes. Do not let your individual problems bring emotional strife to the family as a whole. Settle your differences quietly among one another, only seeking out an elder's aid in mediation when no other solution seems possible. Never bring your private disputes into public places and never draw other family members into the issue by forcing them to take sides.Like any normal family, we should always make an effort to present a stable and unified face to the rest of the world even when things are not perfect between us.

7. HAVENS
Our havens are safeplaces where everyone in the community can come to socialize. There are also often public places where we are likely to encounter people who don't understand our ways. We should respect the patrons of these places as we should also respect the owners of the establishments and always be discrete in our behavior. We should never bring private disputes into a haven. We should never initiate violence in a haven. And we should never do or bring anything illegal into a haven, as this reflects badly upon the community as a whole.The haven is the hub of the whole community, and we should respect it as such, supporting it without business and working to improve its name in the scene so that we can always call it home.

8. TERRITORY
The community is extensive and diverse. Every city has a different way of doing things, and a different hierarchy of rule. When entering a new city, you should familiarize yourself with the local community. Seek out the local havens. Learn what households have sway here. Get in touch with key members of the community, learn who is who, and show proper respect where it is due. You should not expect to impose your old way of doing things on this new scene. Rather you should adapt to their rules and be glad of their acceptance. Always be on your best behavior when coming to a new city either to visit or to stay. We are all cautious and territorial by nature, and only by making the most positive impression possible will you be accepted and respected in a new community.

9. RESPONSIBILITY
This lifestyle is not for everyone. Take care in who you choose to bring into it. Those who are mentally or emotionally unstable have no place among us. They are dangerous and unreliable and may betray us in the future. Make certain that those you choose to bring in are mature enough for this burden. Teach them control and discretion, and make certain that they respect our ways. You will be responsible for their actions, and their behavior in the community will be reflected back to you.

10. ELDERS
There are certain members of our community who have established themselves as just and responsible leaders. These are the people who helped establish local communities, who organize havens, and who work to coordinate the networking of the scene. While their word does not have to be law, they should nevertheless be respected. They have greater experience than many others, and usually greater wisdom. Seek these elders out to settle your disputes, to give you guidance and instruction, and to help you establish yourself in the local scene.

Appreciate the elders for all they have given you: if it was not for their dedication, the community would not exist as it does now.

11. DONORS
Without those who offer themselves body and soul to us, we would be nothing. We cannot be other than what we are, but it is the donors who sustain our nature. For this service, they should be respected. Never mistreat your donors, physically or emotionally. They are not to be manipulated or leeched off of for more than what they freely offer. Never take them for granted. Appreciate them for the companionship and acceptance which they offer us, which so many others would refuse.

This above all: appreciate the gift of their life. That communion is sacred. Never fail to treat it as such.

12. LEADERSHIP
When you choose to take a position of authority in the community, remember that you do not lead for yourself alone. Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. A good leader must set an example for everyone through his actions and behavior. His motives should be selfless and pure, and he should put the interests of the whole community before his own.

The best leaders are those who serve to better the community and whose person and behavior gives no one -- even those outside of the community -- a reason to criticize them.

13. IDEALS
Being a vampire is not just about feeding upon life. That is what we do, but not necessarily what we are. It is our place to represent darkness in a world blinded by light. We are about being different and accepting that difference as something that empowers us and makes us unique. We are about accepting the dark within ourselves and embracing that darkness to make us whole beings. We are about celebrating the thresholds: body and spirit, pleasure and pain, death and life. Our lives should be lived as a message to the world about the beauty of accepting the whole self, of living without guilt and without shame, and celebrating the unique and beautiful essence of every single soul.

feed well yours in Blood and Shadow,
Ryu Noctem Aeternus

LordOfNoctemAeternus

As always a wonderful and informative post..My respect for you and all of your house!

It is always nice to see that there are others that have such a strong sense of honour like myself.

I am more of a lone wolf myself. I follow my own creed and path; for it is my personal way.

Eventhough the words change, the main idea's stay the same.
Respect and Honor.

Two words any soul should live by.

I will no longer make threads for I am told they are condascending and some feel I am preaching my teachings. I am sorry they feel the way they do and I must say by no means was that what I was trying to do. I was trying to show my views and get feedback on them.

Thank you for your time
Ryu Noctem Aeternus

these words made me see things in another light thank you my sister

So my point is this, Why hide your beliefs from teaching others? Yes there are gonna be people who come and test your faith and run you down, but if you let them run you over with your beliefs and you bow down to them they were never your bliefs or teachings in the first place.
Keep strong my friends and never give up on who you are and what you are becoming cos I know it took along time to get here.~NFA

I enjoyed the old one better, but as for the new one, I agree entirely with #4. On the matter of #3..they will not endorse blood drinking, but have they taken the position to condemn it entirely? I ask only because I'm really not certain.

- D

from what I read all I can say, kewl ^_^

all i can say is.................. *twitch*

Deshler that all you know how to do is twitch ;-) but i think the new black veil is an interesting addition but not to be followed as absolute... the old on covered more and this i would keep as just an addition to the old one... cover more things and redefine certain aspects that other may have missed or even just as an update on the old one

I never knew the old and have just read both. I have always respected and honored others until they nolonger give me a reason to respect them. as for the rest I will walk my own path

i have mixed views

Which are?

:) STABB

I never thought of it. I have always respected and honored others until they nolonger give me a reason to respect them. But I choose my own destiny.

nothing last forever....

The original will always be the only one i hold dear and live by

that was really well said and made alot of since to me

sounds cool to me