Definition Of TermsMODERN DAY RENUNCIATE
A Renunciate on Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover is one who has renounced the traditions of Darkovan society. She chooses to live her life by her own wit and skill, seeking no protector or husband and relying solely on herself and her sisters for defense. A Modern Day Renunciate adopts the spirit of the Darkovan Renunciate 's committment and applies that to her life, her sisters and her family in today's world.
GUILD
A Guild is a society for mutual help, and/or with a common objective. The definition aptly describes The Guild of Modern Day Renunciates.
GUILDMOTHER
A Guildmother acts as a female parent and is defined as head of a community or society of women. The Guildmother's function in The Guild of Modern Day Renunciates is precisely that. She organizes the Guild and functions within the Guildhouse and is there as a nurturer for all members.
GUILDHOUSE
A Guildhouse is a building for human habitation or other specified purpose in which we dwell or take shelter.
THE COUNCIL
A deliberative and administrative body who settles disputes and decides policy for The Guild.
COUNCIL MEMBER
One of two Sisters of the governing body, The Council.
ELDER
One chosen by The Guildmother and approved by The Council to be recognized as a Sister who displays wisdom, fairness and respect for others on a consistent basis. Also one of greater age, which in The Guild Of Modern Day Renunciates, refers to the length of time as a member of The Guild.
HOUSEBOUND TIME
Bound meaning limited to The Guildhouse for a period of thirty days. During this time, a new member gets to know her sisters in The Guildhouse and the ways and operations of The Guildhouse. The purpose is to bond to the group as a whole and not to any individual while going through this period of adjustment. The rules on Housebound behavior are strictly enforced. All communications between a new member and existing members of The Guildhouse must be confined to the common mail list and the weekly chat session.
OATHBOUND
A Sister who has taken The Oath Of The Modern Day Renunciate.
UNBOUND
One who has not taken The Oath Of The Modern Day Renunciate
THE OATH
The Official Oath Of The Modern Day Renunciates
OATH MOTHER
An Oathbound Sister chosen by a Sister who has decided to take The Oath Of The Modern Day Renunciate (and has received approval by The Council) to witness her Oath Giving. The chosen Oath Mother will administer The Oath and officially accept the name by which the new Oathbound Sister will be known in The Guildhouse. An Oath Mother is expected to guide, council and nurture her Oath Daughter while cultivating the bonds of lifelong friendship.
OATH DAUGHTER
A Sister who has given The Oath Of The Modern Day Renunciate to her chosen Oath Mother. She looks to her Oath Mother for guidance and seeks to further the bonds of lifelong friendship.
OATH SISTER
All Sisters who have taken The Oath Of The Modern Day Renunciate are Oath Sisters.
