The Guide

Before you propose anything, sit with the question: what does this House exist for? A House that tries to be everything to everyone fails to be much to anyone. The strongest Houses have a clear centre — a practice, a sensibility, a kind of person they want to welcome and a kind of work they want to do together.

• A name that sounds like itself, not like another House.
• A motto, if one comes naturally. Don't force one.
• A short description — the elevator, but quiet.

The Founding Charter is the document a House lives by. It is the most important thing you will write. A useful charter usually covers:

• Values. What this House holds sacred. What it refuses.
• Conduct. How members treat each other and outsiders.
• Membership. How people join, advance, or leave.
• Leadership. Who decides what, and how dissent is heard.
• Discipline. What happens when the charter is broken.

Write it in your own voice. Plain prose serves better than legalese. The charter will be read by every prospective member; clarity is kindness.

Submit your proposal from propose a House. The Keepers will read every word before raising the Tower. Expect questions; expect revisions. A House is not a form, it is a commitment.

A Tower is the published face of a House — its page in The Cellars, its banner and crest, its charter, its notices, its library of Manuscripts. When the Keepers raise the Tower, the House becomes visible and may welcome members. Until then, the proposal remains private to its founder and to staff.

Once raised, the House's leadership keeps the Tower in good order: posting notices, curating the library, and tending to its members.

Browse the Houses to find raised Towers. Each card shows the House's name, motto and a brief description; opening one shows the full charter, leadership, notices and library.

From a Tower you may request membership. The leadership decides who is admitted, in keeping with the charter. You can track your pending requests on your admissions page.

Houses post notices to their Tower — short announcements for members and visitors. Leadership roles within a House are visible on the Tower, so members know who tends which part of the house.