Elf Clan

ELF CLAN CHAT REACTIVATION- 2022

We are pleased to announce that ELF CLAN CHAT is being reinstated as of 2022-10-18.  Chat will be conducted through the main ELF CLAN group (not Elf Clan Chat... which group has been discontinued and has far fewer members).

When Elf Clan left Second Life in 2011, chat was shut down due to abuse of chat by others.  However 11 years has passed since then and the Eldar have been asked recently to reinstate chat so Elf Clan members can once again enjoy one another's association on Second Life. The Eldar have agreed by unanimous vote.

PURPOSE OF ELF CLAN CHAT

The chat system is being reactivated to allow members to enjoy one another's association and discussions.  It is not intended for advertising, event announcement or other acivities.   You can ask questions, ask for assistance (but not for money), and keep in touch with Elf Clan friends.

Group chat follows the Charter rules of * Honor * Respect * Friendship *.  All chat is to be family-friendly, with G-rated language and subject matter.  Please avoid real life topics; people come to Elf Clan to escape real life-- not dive back in to it.  As has always been our Charter rules:  politics, religion, sexuality and other controversial subjects are prohibited. 

In short, this chat is for fun, community and friendship.  Thank you for helping us to keep this chat venue harmonious.

OPTING OUT

If you don't want to engage in Elf Clan Chat but wish to remain in the group to receive announcements, you can simply shut off group chat in the Group Profile. 

GENERAL RULES

In order to maintain peaceful and harmonious conduct, a few guidelines and rules are required.

* NO ADVERTISING is allowed, unless authorized by the Eldar.  Please contact Wayfinder Wishbringer if you feel something warrants exception.

* NO EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS by other groups or organizations.  Only official Elf Clan / Affiliate events will be announced, and that will be by group notice.  Again see Wayfinder Wishbringer for such requests. A group and lands must be official Elf Clan Affiliates to announce events with Elf Clan. (See elsewhere on this site regarding becoming an Elf Clan Affiliate.)

* BREACH OF RULES will be given one private notice (public if the breach warrants it).  The second offense steps will be taken to insure there is not a third.  Griefing or obvious intentional abuse of chat will result in banishment from the group without notice-- as has always been our policy (and is the policy of most groups).

* MODERATORS are in place, peole who live in different parts of the world and are usually on Second LIfe.  They will be keeping track of group chat.

* REPORTING CHAT ABUSE.  If you notice someone abusing chat and no moderator is available at that time, please copy the chat text and send it in a notecard to EREN PADAR.  Thank you.

PLEASE NOTE

The reactivation of group chat does not mean that Elf Clan is returning to Second Life.  Our group is firmly established on Opensim, where we have 75 regions of land on Opensim and 64 Official Affiliate regions on DigiWorldz.  Those who wish to examine Elf Clan lands may do so on OSGrid (OSgrid.org... ElvenSong region) or DigiWorldz (Digiworldz.com... Sendalonde region). 

SL chat is being reinstated on Second Life simply to grive our members a channel of communication so you can enjoy one another's company.  We hope you gain enjoyment from this function.

-- Elf Clan Eldar

UPCOMING EVENTS

Be sure to bookmark this page.  : )

GRAND OPENING of the CRITTER CLUB

and ALL THINGS TINY shopping mall

Tues Nov 8 at 1pm on DigiWorldz, Opensim

Varmints region.  Click the box there for a LM.

OPENSIM EVENTS  For information on how to join Opensim (a series of grids apart from Second Life) please see end of this page. 

TO GET THERE:  Plug "hop" coordinates into Opensim chat, call up your chat window (ctrl-H) and click on the link.  (You must log into an Opensim grid first.)  You may have to teleport twice to arrive at your location.

Plug "grid" coordinates into the Viewer MAP and Teleport.  Again, you may need to teleport twice to arrive at your location.

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SL EVENTS:  Plug the SLURL into the system MAP and teleport.  You may have to teleport twice to arrive at your location.

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Please place these events on your personal calendar. 

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WHY OPENSIM?   <---- click this link for more information

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IMPORTANT:  When settinng up your Patreon account please use your Elf Clan avatar name. 

THE PATREON CONCEPT

Elf Clan members have mentioned wanting homes on group lands, but begin unable to afford entire regions. 

Historically in most societies Patrons have sponsored the arts and public events.  People like Elf Clan events... so we need Elf Clan Patrons.

WHY WE NEED YOU AS A PATRON

Patrons pay a small amount that can collectively add up.  Such funds provide us with the finances to pull a couple of very neat tricks.

There are members who would like to live on Elf Clan's family-friendly lands but can't afford an entire region.

In addition, people have told us they enjoy Elf Clan's event revival.  But events cost money and require event hosts.  

So it occured to the Eldar we could kill two birds with one stone by using Patreon.

* If we can get at least 8 to 16 Patrons, we can purchase a special residential region.

* That region will provide land for homes... both to Patrons (if such is desired)  and to Elf Clan members who host at least one event per week.

THAT'S RIGHT, FREE LAND TO EVENT HOSTS

Can't afford land?  Can't afford to be a Patron?   Just host one event per week (or more if you're able) and you will be provided nice piece of Elf Clan land.  The more events you host-- the larger the piece of land!

IT'S A WIN / WIN

With Patreon, Elf Clan members can own a home with Elf Clan for as little as $10 a month...  and at the same time help Elf Clan by providing funds to host events and offer incentives to Event Hosts.

A region costs us $40.  If we have just 16 patrons at the $10 level, that's $160... which will provide us all the funds necessary to host numerous events and pay for the residential region required.   Even reaching our minimal goal of $80 a month will provide us with residential lands and essential event operating funds.

All Patreon land funds will go to land Eldar Peter Lioncourt.  What is left over will go to our group funding avatar for event hosting costs.

WE GET TO TEST IT NOW, RISK-FREE

The great thing is you aren't charged for Patreon the moment you sign up.  Our first billing will be June 1.   We must have $80 in funding by May 30.   If we do, everyone is billed on June 1 and monthly thereafter.   We will purchase lands and hand them out to our new Patron residents.

If we don't get enough Patrons, no monetary loss occurs.  We simply shut down Patreon May 30, June 1 comes and no one is billed.  On the other hand if people generously become Patrons... Elf Clan can host regular, weekly events and our society thrive and prosper!

WOULD YOU LIKE WEEKLY EVENTS?

Do you like an active Elf Clan?  If you enjoy Tavern Nights, CritterBall, Dragon Fights, Giant Spider Races, Star Trek events and much more we have in mind-- we need your help in sponsoring such.  If we're going to hold events we need both the funds to do so... and event hosts to run them. 

If you want good events, different events... the kind of activities for which Elf Clan is famous.... We need Patrons.  : )

Remember:  no money is involved up-front.  You can sign up for Patreon now... and your first payment won't be due until June 1.  Please go to Patreon now and pledge your assistance to Elf Clan.  The entire group will benefit.

Please visit the Elf Clan Patreon page and see if you can assist.  All it takes is a relatively small donation per month to assist our group in a major way. 

https://patreon.com/elfclan

CALLING ALL MEMBERS--

Your assistance is needed!

Do you enjoy the low price of Elf Clan regions?

Would you prefer to pay $50, $60, $75 per month instead?

As an Elf Clan member, do you enjoy the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere of the numerous Elf Clan lands?

The answers to these questions are of obvious.  We love having full-power, 45,000-prim regions at only $40 a month.  In addition, Elf Clan members enjoy exploring the beauty and harmony of these lands.  Many have described Elf Clan as a "safe harbor from the rest of virtual reality".

However the special pricing of Elf Clan lands is only available to us if we maintain a certain number of regions.  If we fall below that number, prices increase. 

The reality:  as region owners we cannot simply enjoy low costs without effort, expecting others to somehow keep the group alive.  We must each contribute to the group effort.  Without such assistance Elf Clan can decline... and prices will increase.

EVIDENCE OF THIS:  in the last three years, Elf Clan has dropped from 54 regions to 30.  This follows a trend on all virtual worlds:  neither Inworldz nor any other grid is growing.  Most of us are well-aware of this trend.

What this means is that we need our region owners and members to offer your assistance in building Elf Clan's region count back up.   There are several ways to do this... which we will discuss here.

ACTIVELY SEEK NEW LAND OWNERS.  We all have friends.  You may often meet new people.  Wearing your Elf Clan Tag on a regular basis, dressing as Elven (or a themed race) and telling new people about our low-cost lands is one way to actively acquire new land owners.  In fact it is the best way we know to do so.

POST THOSE SIGNS.   Recently Elf Clan sent out signs for region owners to set out on their lands.  The signs say "OWN AN ELF CLAN REGION for only $40 a month!" and explains the advantage of our full, 45,000-prim regions.   (If you didn't receive such a sign, please contact Snoots Dwagon).

These signs are attractive, vibrant and to-the-point.  They contain a simple notecard that sends people to this website where they are introduced to Elf Clan.  The land arrangement is fully explained.

All you have to do is set out those signs in prominent places on your lands, where visitors can see them. 

In addition you can send copies of the notecard to your friends and give copies to new visitors.   This too is an excellent way to attract people to Elf Clan.

CAN YOU BUY A REGION? If you don't own a region, have you wished you did?  Would you like to have your own Elf Clan land-- a beautiful place to call home and build to your heart's content?  Can you manage a low $40 a month to do so?   Elf Clan has hundreds of members.  If even a portion of our existing members purchase regions, we can reach our goal of filling the remainder of our 50 regions.   You have three themes to choose from:  Fantasy, Science Fiction, Steampunk.  This provides you a wide scope of concepts on which to create your own personal world.

PURCHASE ANOTHER REGION YOURSELF.  If you already own a region, have you wanted more room, to expand your current lands, or to develop a different theme?  If you can afford one more region, that will of course help increase our region count.  This does not negate the need for all of the other items listed here, but it will help... every month.

BECOME A GREETER.  For years Elf Clan Greeters were the heart of Elf Clan activities.  They wore their Elf Clan tags and stood at Welcome Centers and greeted new members, hosted events, helped new ones with viewer tips, building hints, avatar arrangement and anything else people needed.   In short, Greeters make themselves personal friends to visitors.   We show them around, answer questions, and make new ones feel at home.

Can you volunteer to be an Elf Clan Greeter?  As such you will receive a special Title and a Greeters Manual which explains how to be a Greeter, based on years of Elf Clan experience.  It's really pretty easy to be a Greeter, and it's fun befriending new people.  All it takes is a little time.

If you can volunteer as a Greeter and spend some time each week assisting the group, this can be very helpful.

HOST EVENTS.  We have a brand new activity center in the form of ElvenMyst.  This region contains a Floating Castle with introductory materials, a fully-operational archery range, huge sandbox, surrounding Fantasy Market, Pirate's Cove with rezzable sailing ships, two taverns, a Drum Circle dance area and much more. 

We have a list of events that you can browse and help by hosting events.  Most events are fairly easy to host.

Events are helpful because they draw people to Elf Clan.   The more events we have, the more people become aware of Elf Clan... and the better chance we have of increasing our land count.

You can help. Imagine if we could get ten people to host one or two events a month apiece.  All we need are some dedicated Elf Clan members to help us in this area and host regular events.

WHAT ARE THE ELDAR DOING? 

We've been doing these things since 2004 (a period of over 13 years as of this writing).  Who do people think created ElvenSong, ElvenMyst, ElvenGlen, ElvenHope, Replicant City, the Archery Range, Pirate's Cove, our event tools and engines, group documents... and this very website.  Who does the extensive group scripting we see on our primary regions?  Who handles the finances each month which allow your regions to operate?  Who manages Elf Clan so that it continues to run smoothly?

In short, the Eldar do a great deal.  But we cannot do everything by ourselves-- nor should we be expected to.  This is your group too.  We need your help to keep Elf Clan alive.  Without that help, things will go as they go. 

Again... do you enjoy your low $40 tier level?  Do you want to help maintain that level? 

UNLESS YOU REALLY WANT TO PAY $75 A MONTH...

Of course, if we don't mind paying higher land prices there is no need to do any of this.  Elf Clan can drop to 20, 10 or even fewer regions-- and we can pay the same full-region prices as the rest of the grid.   That is the alternative to Elf Clan members cooperating together for the good of our group and lands.

Our special early-adopter grandfathered price was earned through our group working to build Elf Clan from ground zero. With Elf Clan's help Inworldz zoomed from 14 to 500 regions practically overnight.  That work must now continue with the focus of regularly bringing more members to purchase group lands. 

Only with your help can this be accomplished.  The Eldar cannot do this by ourselves.  We need the cooperation of all of our region owners and members combined if we are to succeed in building our land count back up into the "safe zone".  We currently have 18 regions available that need owners.  That is not an impossible figure, nor even a difficult one to reach.  We simply need your assistance to make this possible.   Without your assistance, Elf Clan like the rest of virtual worlds, will very likely continue to decline.

So what do you say?  How much do you appreciate our $40-a-month full-sim lands?  If you're not a land owner... how much do you appreciate being able to enjoy your virtual life on Elf Clan lands?

Here is your chance to show appreciation for this arrangement.  Please contact Snoots Dwagon for information on assisting Elf Clan in whatever manner you can offer.

-- The Eldar of Elf Clan

We're sometimes asked, "What is the story behind Elf Clan?"... the lore of the group (not how we came to be, but our "role play" story).

It's not a complex one. After the War of the Rings, once the One Ring had been destroyed at Mount Doom... the world returned to normal... at least as much as it could.

Most of the Middle Earth people returned home. As you know, Samwise returned to the Shire and raised a fine family. Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Ninefingers went off to Valinor with the Elves.

However, it is little known that there were some Elven who were in far distant places in Middle Earth, who once the One Ring was destroyed, had too far to travel to join the other Elven at Valinor. Upon the destruction of the ring we were found in a rather unusual situation. The Orcs that had previously been fighting against us, their minds now cleared of the evil influence of Sauron, were now quite lost. Dim memories began to return-- memories that they were once Elven. Of course, they were unable to totally shed their Orcish influence and still retained many of their ways, but they came to realize that things simply were not right.

The Lord of the High Elven, realizing Elf Clan was now the last of the Elven in Middle Earth, invited the Orcs to a feast of friendship... which amazingly the Orcs accepted. This was due largely to the leader of the Orcs... Schlitzie... who realized new changes were necessary. During that feast, the two leaders became fast friends, recognizing in one another honor particular to their race (mainly because the Elven Lord accepted a draught of Ork Snot Ale and declared it palatable-- which instantly endeared him to the Orc Boss). On that night, Schlitzie stood before Orc and Elven alike and swore friendship of the Orc Waaagh to Elf Clan for all eternity. Wayfinder granted the Orcs land and Embassy... and a firm friendship began.

Thus did the unthinkable occur, and the Orcs became Elf Clan's strongest and most fearsome allies. No, there was not always peace between the two groups. They once engaged in a major war (fortunately at which no lives were lost but one... and that was an Orc that unintentionally killed himself with an Elven Arrow and started off the war in the first place). The Elven and Orcs often jokingly insult one another... but would even more strongly defend the honor of one another should anyone else dare to insult.

Beneath the jibes exists a friendship and understanding stronger than any army could break. Let no outsider attack either group, for they shall face the wrath of the other. If Elven and Orc were fierce warriors alone... pity the army that comes against them jointly.

This alliance became legendary and as news traveled throughout Middle Earth, it attracted many homeless of other races. Hobbits came to the land and found that indeed, while the Orcs regularly spoke of feasting on Hobbit flesh... they were safe even in the middle of an Orc encampment (and Orcs found Hobbit ale to be somewhat acceptable... by the barrelful).

The Dragons, amazed that they were welcome and honored, swore to protect the lands and thus became our loyal guardians. There were no "good" nor "evil" dragons here... but rather dragons freed of the influence of evil... strong, wise and neutral in all politics and races, protecting all within their long-sight.

Dwagons eventually hatched and jointly decided "eberthing" was dwagon territory-- but they'd let the Elves run things because Elves makes good cookies. The Pixies came and along with the Dwagons, enjoyed tormenting the Orcs endlessly (the Orcs obligingly rage at and chase them-- to the delight of all involved).  The short-lived Orc-Pixie war is a record of history.

Soon the word spread to the Mer, and they came through the waters to join these lands, accompanied by Centaur and Faeries and Ents. Before long, all manner of creatures came to the lands of Elf Clan... even some from the race of men who no longer found a home in the rest of Middle Earth.

As time passed, the Elven Council realized that Mankind was growing populous and strong and soon would overrun everything. The Elven and Fae foresaw the time of technology... and a terrible time it would be. So with the agreement of their brethren the Orcs, they joined their magic along with the Dragons. The three races created a tremendous magic which removed the Elven Lands forever from the space and time of Man.

But the races wisely chose to leave a mystical gate open-- both to the age of Man and the ancient times of Middle Earth. Any who are rightly disposed of heart and mind are drawn to that gate... and may enter into our realms, where they may choose to stay or return to their own time and place. That barrier is sometimes crossed by the adventurous pixies and dwagons*... but they always return, reporting of the evils of men and weeping that they are destroying the earth.

Thus, in our place of time and wondrous magic, Elf Clan remains. It is a group not just of Elven, but of all those who have come to accept the code and honor of the Elves (more or less) and who in their joining, have given great joy and diversity to our lands.

--o--

* If anyone has ever wondered how we wound up with a Star Trek exhibit on Elf Clan lands.. that's how. A dwagon crossed the barrier into the times of modern man, somehow happened to watch a Star Trek episode or two... and after that there was no stopping them. Go Karts, automobiles and motorcycles soon followed. There is an Elf Clan saying: "As futile as controlling a dwagon."

Or as the Orcs say, "Ptah! Dwagons. Ya can't live with 'em and ya can't eat 'em." The Orcs have no right to complain of course. They think Klingons are great and the lore of Space Orks from a mere game of mankind changed their entire culture.

I really do need to start putting guards on that gate...

Originally posted Sept 17, 2013

The following document has been unanimously approved by the Elf Clan Eldar and is published here in response to public drama, malicious accusations and falsehoods that have caused some of our members concern.  We trust this will make our position-- and reasons behind such-- completely clear.

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STATEMENT OF THE ELF CLAN ELDAR
Lately there has been a number of posts attacking Elf Clan and/or its members on certain issues regarding group policies-- most notably our group position on minors and the hotbed issue of same-gender marriage. We have already sufficiently replied to the first issue.  Herein we reply to the second.

OUR RESPONSE TO HATE POSTS AND FALSE CLAIMS:

    It is established history that tolerance has never been brought about through hatred and intolerance.  Calling someone "homophobic" is just as bigoted and prejudiced a statement as slurs against someone because of their sexual preference.

    This recognized:  It is not only improper, but it is against Federal law to incite public hatred against individuals  or a group based on race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual preferences or creed-- regardless of personal beliefs and preferences.  This applies from both directions.  

    No member of Inworldz has the right to attack our group or members because we decide to conduct ourselves differently from their personal beliefs, whims or agendas.  Further, such activity is in breach of the Inworldz TOS, which prohibits public defamation of individuals or groups.  Regardless of where hate-based activity takes place or by whom, for whatever reason, it is still wrong.

    In everyday practice, no individual or group has the right or privilege to tell another group how to conduct its group or lands.  Every region on Inworldz insists on the concept of "The Sim Owner's word is law".   That applies to Elf Clan lands as well as anywhere else.  Anyone attempting to interfere with our group who is not of our group is considerably out of line.

    These important concepts established, let us discuss the issues at hand.

    Statements attacking Elf Clan and its members have been posted without bothering to ask us the reasons behind our policies.  Some individuals have intentionally twisted the meanings of forum posts to promote personal agendas and inflame emotional response. 

    It is evident such defamation is a result of lack of information and even personal hatred-- as well as evident lack of interest in obtaining the truth of these matters.   Such posts have included libelous claims and direct attacks, open flaming and drama.  Most of these are based on what are basically false assumptions in addition to intentional manipulation by specific forum members.  We shall address these issues here.

 

PROHIBITIONS OF SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE

    We were asked by certain indivdiuals if Elf Clan allowed same sex marriage as a public event.  It was later discerned this was with the purpose of forcing their personal opinions on our group by starting an emotional bigotry war.

    When they were referred to the Elf Clan Charter and its prohibition against political and controversial real life issues in Elf Clan, it was charged on Inworldz forums that Elf Clan's Founder (myself) and Elf Clan itself are "bigoted and discriminatory".  Let it be known such decision was not made due to any claimed "homophobic" sentiment.  Charges of bigotry and discrimination are false and slanderous.
    The decision to prohibit same sex marriages as an official event was made unanimously by the Elf Clan Eldar , for several very good reasons:

    1) We are a family-friendly, G-rated group.  Same-sex politics do not fit into that environment.   It turns an aspect of role play into one of real-life sexual commentary and controversy and brings politics into our "no politics allowed" group and as such does not respect the Elf Clan Charter-- the core guideline of our group.  

    2) This is not a matter of homosexuality; it is a matter of sexuality, period.  The Elf Clan Charter specifies open sexuality (thereby, sexually-charged controversy) is prohibited on these lands.

    3) Our group Charter specifically forbids POLITICS, RELIGION and PUBLIC CONTROVERSY on our lands.   Same-sex marriage is a hotbed of all three.  It is a divisive element... as forum posters have proved beyond any doubt. 

    4) Same-gender marriage has no precedent in the Elven lore and theme upon which our group and lands are based.  Recently we have expanded our themes to include science fiction and steampunk, but neither of those themes include such concept as an inherent part of the genre, nor does that alter our G-RATED status, which requires all themes to stay within the sensible boundaries of the Elf Clan Charter.

    5) Regardless of personal beliefs and feelings, same-gender marriage is still illegal in the vast majority of the United States.  (See ammendment below.)  That is a fact Elf Clan opposers have chosen to ignore.  Our group shall not be expected to officially condone and portray something that is still largely illegal in this country.  However, even should such in the future become legal, that does not change or negate the other issues listed above. 

    Real life legal or illegal-- politics, controversy, sexuality and drama are neither welcome nor permitted on Elf Clan lands.  The rule is well-known:  No drama-- zero tolerance.

Regardless, whether one personally agrees with these facts or not is irrelevant to the operation of our group and does not negate our right to exercise our policies on our lands as we deem fit.  Our group policies are not dictated by the personal lifestyles, whims and beliefs of others, nor should they be.  Anyone who attempts to interfere with how we conduct our group and lands is considerably out of line.  This is a principle widely-recognized on the Inworldz platform.

  

ELF CLAN'S VIEW TOWARD BIGOTRY AND DISCRIMINATION

    Most users of virtual worlds are aware of the fact there are men who have female avatars and vice versa.  There are known homosexual and lesbian members in Elf Clan.  They are treated with the same respect as anyone else so long as they conduct themselves in a manner that is required of all members, namely: respect for the Elf Clan Charter and land ratings (G-rated lands).    In short this means:  do not openly practice sexual activities in public nor make other members uncomfortable by bringing blatant sexuality into this group. 

    "What you do in your homes is your business.  What you do in the streets is ours"... is one of Elf Clan's oldest tenets.  

TO ESTABLISH FACT

    Not once in our more-than-a-decade history has any Elf Clan Eldar published or uttered “hate-gay” sentiment or posts.  Not once have any of us promoted or condoned such sentiment, nor used any derogatory term in regard to the homosexual community, either in chat, blogs or posts.  Any member promoting bigotry or prejudice within our lands can be banned from our group.  (Note:  this works in both directions, for those who think calling someone a "homophobe" is acceptable behavior.  It is not-- and will be treated as the bigoted hate-term it was coined to be.)

    Members with same-gender real-life lifestyles own regions in our group. Their personal decisions in sexuality do not affect our dealings with them and we certainly are not discriminatory.  
    Claims to the contrary are fabrications and propaganda intended to incite hatred and promote personal agendas-- and are themselves discriminatory and hate-mongering in nature.  They are without basis in fact and reality.  Evidence indicates they originated simply because certain individuals disagree with faith-based beliefs held by other Inworldz members.  We do not tolerate hate-based activity, no matter where it originates or for what reason it is practiced.  Bashing religious people for their faith-based beliefs is viewed the same as bashing people for their sexual preferences.  There is no difference.  It is hate-mongering regardless.
    Our group has never at any time forbidden private activities on Elf Clan lands-- so long as they remained private.   The Charter does state that certain things shall not be allowed as official group events or publicly announced in group notices.  This includes not only same-sex marriage but the practice of politics, religion, the occult or any activities illegal or controversial in real life. 

    Anyone who expects Elf Clan to go against its core tenets and further-- to publicly condone controversial, highly-charged and even illegal issues in our "no real life allowed" lands, is without understanding of the fantasy / recreational purpose of our group and the purpose of the Elf Clan Charter namely: to retain dignity, honor, respect and friendship within these G-rated lands. 

 

HISTORICAL NOTE

    For a number of years marriage of any kind was restricted as Elf Clan official events as it was considered an obvious "problem area".  In Elven lore mating is forever.  It is taken very seriously.  In other groups RP "marriage" was witnessed to cause regular drama and emotionalism, a source of repeated controversy and division when couples broke up, and was often not treated honorably as such warrants-- even in RP. 

    Elf Clan marriage events of any kind were only later allowed when a number of members requested such as a function of role play.  As such, it still had to remain in harmony with the existing tenets of the Charter and was to be treated with all due honor and respect.
    Same-gender marriage has nothing to do with the Elven Fantasy theme of Elf Clan and goes beyond the basic concept of role play, dragging real life sexual controversy into this group.  It is a highly controversial, emotionally-charged subject and does not belong on our G-rated lands. 

    Therefore it was not included as an official event, any more than we would allow any other socially controversial, politically-charged activity on these family-friendly lands.  Personal feelings, beliefs and bias regarding this subject are irrelevant to the operation of our group on our lands.  In addition, to put things plainly: anyone not a member of Elf Clan has no business in this matter.
    Nevertheless some have chosen to improperly make it their business, even going so far as to falsely portray and twist statements of Elf Clan members to achieve their goals.  Such conduct is dishonest and dishonorable-- and certainly brings no respect at all to the concepts such people are trying to promote.  Bigotry and hatred have never fostered tolerance and acceptance.  This is a lesson of history, of which these individuals should be well aware.

OUR LANDS, OUR LAWS, OUR RIGHTS
    The Eldar long ago thoroughly considered and discussed this issue and came to unanimous decision regarding same-gender marriage as public events.  It was unanimously recognized as political in nature and real-life controversy that did not fit the Elf Clan theme in any way.

    Anyone still offended by this decision after reading the statements above is reminded that no one is forced to be a member of this group.  Members may join or leave as they please.  If one remains a member of Elf Clan they are expected to uphold the rulings and guidelines of the Elf Clan Charter and honor the G-rated, family-friendly nature of our group.

    If one is not a member of Elf Clan, our affairs and our lands is none of your business.  If someone visits our lands they are expected to conduct themselves according to our visitor guidelines-- regardless of personal beliefs and lifestyles--  and to respect the rules of our lands, as we would when visiting theirs.  If they do not deem that proper-- they are free to enjoy their virtual experience elsewhere.
    Nevertheless in this regard, in order to remove any possibility of misconception or charges of discrimination, we at this time return to our original policies.  Wedding ceremonies of any kind may no longer be presented as official Elf Clan events.  They are henceforth to be private affairs consisting of personal invitation.  In this way we are sure to be fair to all.  We are sorry that some in the gay community have forced this decision, but bigotry and intolerance tends to have negative results, no matter which direction it comes from.
    We trust this explains our position and corrects any misunderstandings in this matter.  We certainly hope this puts an end to falsified posts and propaganda regarding our group and members.

-- The Eldar of Elf Clan

Ammendment:   In 2015 (approximately two years after this article was published) the Supreme Court of the United States declared that states are required to issue license for and recognize same-sex marriage.  This of course does not apply to all nations but is a considerable landmark case.  This legal change recognized-- as stated above it does not alter the remainder of the Elf Clan Charter regarding open sexuality on Elf Clan lands.  The decision of the Eldar stands: all marriage ceremonies (regardless of gender) is not of group theme or benefit and thus is to be considered a private rather than official group event.

ELF CLAN CHARTER

OVERVIEW
ELF CLAN is a fantasy /sci fi / steampunk group stationed on multiple 3D virtual worlds. We have dozens of regions with various themes and designs, owned by individual members.

Elf Clan is more a "themed" group than role playing. We're an Elven Fantasy group, one of the oldest in the VR worlds (since 2004).
 
Members tend to be in-character while on our lands, as it's more fun that way. But we don't require anyone to take character roles or speak / act any certain way. Visitors and members may be in or out of character at their choosing. We're pretty relaxed.

WHERE?

Currently the Elf Clan Homeland is hosted at ElvenSong region on OSgrid.

Elf Clan was originally founded on a system called Second Life, a very expensive platform.  Increasing expense, decreasing service and unfriendly policies stifled our group creativity and prevented growth.  We eventually moved to the hypergrid... a cooperative group of virtual worlds.  It is far less expensive and provides us greater control over our properties. In short we got much more for our money and a more hospitable environment.  As a result our group boomed far beyond any growth we'd experienced before.  Our lands and creations are more beautiful and our theme more diverse.   Elf Clan is everywhere.

 
ElvenHope

 

ROLE PLAYING
We do have role playing rules available for those who wish to engage in such activities. However, reading such is not required to enjoy our group or lands; role playing is optional and voluntary.

 
Orc Embassy

 

ENVIRONMENT
Elf Clan is very loosely based on Lord of the Rings, with a few twists. The Orcs are our oldest and most loyal allies (despite the occasional very hyper wars). Dragons are guardians of our lands. Tinies run about causing mischief. Pixies and Fae abound (mostly to keep the Orcs in line). All in all we are a pretty laid-back and very friendly group. We openly welcome visitors. Our lands are "Web-G, family-friendly".
 
Replicant City, high-sky ElvenSong

 

GENRE
Elf Clan is not strictly limited to Elven fantasy. We also currently have science fiction and steampunk themes, and are looking to add additional fantasy / sci fi themes in the future. We believe diversity makes exploration more enjoyable.
 
EXPLORATION
Pick up a TOUR GUIDE and TELEPORT HUD at ElvenSong Castle.

Come join us in a wondrous romp that includes fantasy, science fiction, steampunk and more.
 
ElvenGlen Castle

 
YOUR OWN REGION
If you like Elf Clan and would like to own your own region, please contact us. Our members love being part of our group of fantasy / sci fi islands.  We'll be happy to help you get established on OSgrid or one of our affiliate grids, according to your needs.
 

-- Wayfinder Wishbringer, founder of Elf Clan