22 members
The Decorum Collaborative / DECORUM
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Exploration -
Resources
Decorum means “decency of conduct.”
We value:
Probity: We are Lawful, Neutral, & Chaotic good.
Equity: We treat everyone with decency.
Comity: We foster a fun, friendly atmosphere— & we respect each other.
Eminencity: We lift each other up, so everyone can achieve highest potential.
History
Welcome!
— This is a place for truly enjoying the ‘verse. (We will support each other out there in the black, so if you need crew, a job, fuel, supplies, or other support— your fellow Collaborators will have your back.)
— This is a place where you will find encouragement and decency. (We exist to rock an amazing atmosphere of fun— without nsfw content, immature conduct, elitism, toxic attitudes, or defensive egos to ruin your gaming experience.)
— This is a place where you can play your way. (Roleplay will neither be forbidden nor required; different branches can decide how much or how little immersion they will utilize in their sectors.)
— This is a place where you can thrive. We believe in lifting one another up. (We will strive to help you advance in almost any profession, though we don’t do piracy or griefing.) The Collaborative supports all areas of industry, Murray Cup Racing, the Responsible Mining sector, Passenger Transport Industry, Exploring in all forms, contracted freelance privateer and bounty services, search and rescue operations, the Salvage industry, merchants, scientists, haulers, journalists, medics, courriers, overclockers, and more.
History
“Decorum” means “decency of conduct.”
“Collaborative” means “produced or constructed by two or more parties working together.”
The Non-Governmental Organization known as “The Collaborative of Decorum” has held this name since 2789, but it traces its roots back more than 1000 years earlier than that— to two early-Earth progressive think-tanks:
The Ancient Order of the Philophrosyne was an undergraduate secret society founded by John Winthrop in 1730. Philophrosyne— spirit of friendliness, kindness, and welcome— was chosen as the patron of the group that sought to encourage one another and to seek solutions to the greatest societal problems of the day. Members of the secret society took a vow to uphold the values of the Order, and the original members of the Order are said to have signed their names to the handwritten codex in blood. Though a hand-bound book is no longer used, the Decorum Collaborative still refer to their manifesto of values as “the codex.”
The Ancient Order of the Philophrosyne, though highly clandestine, is widely believed to also be the inspiration for another group— the Eucleian Society. A similar (only slightly less covert) student organization founded at New York University in 1832, was the second “parent of the modern Decorum Collaborative. Eukleia, the sister of Philophrosyne, was the ancient Greek spirit of good repute. The ancient Eucleian Society was an early open supporter of gender equality, the abolition of slavery, and the protection of Native Americans’ rights. The Eucleian Society was also a debate fellowship that offered a departure from the learn-by-rote instruction that prevailed at the time. Both Philophrosyne and Eucleian groups amassed their own libraries, invited brilliant guest lecturers, and assembled resources to counter the largest problems in society at the time.
In the early 1940s, both groups became even more secretive, and many speculate the groups began collaborating on ways to bring a peaceful end to World War Two. The two groups did not merge formally until after first contact with the Banu in 2438. The NGO changed it’s name to The Collaborative of Decorum in 2789 as an attempt to replace human-culture-specific nomenclature with a name that could convey their values to other beings more immediately and clearly.
The phrase “the collaborative of decorum” appeared in the first human language translation of the first X’ian response to the Terran peace talks of in 2789. Though the phrase has since been more accurately translated as “building the peace together,” it was such a foundational element of the initial, groundbreaking discussions, that the phrase has taken on a powerful meaning throughout the galaxy.
Throughout the centuries, the Collaborative has not shied away from being a voice for positive change. Many members of the 2806 Truth and Reconciliation Commission were members of the Decorum Collaborative NGO, and worked tirelessly to bring to light the atrocities of the Messer era.
Today, the Collaborative retains the original symbol of the Order of the Philophrosyne as a reminder of the group’s core ideals. The symbol is the Halcyon— a bird that, in Greek mythology, had the power to calm the angry, dangerous wind and ocean waves while it nested on the water during the winter solstice. Homage to this Halcyon is still retained today in the form of stylized wings that appear on each side of the shield of Decorum.
The Decorum Collaborative is no longer a secret society, and today all members of the Collaborative invite others to join them in their quest to further the cause of probity in the universe. Today, inductees no longer sign their names in their own blood, but they do take vows to uphold the values recorded in the Codex… especially probity, equity, comity, ecumenicity, and eminencity:
Probity:
The condition of complete and confirmed integrity.
The word derives from the Latin probitas meaning “good.”
Probity requires the unencumbered embrace of true goodness, and demands faithfulness to strong moral principles, honesty, trustworthiness, and decency.
Equity:
The condition of striving to be truly just.
The word derives from the Latin aequitas, meaning “just.”
Equity requires creating systemic instrumentality that is impartial, fair, and honorable; providing opportunity for all without prejudice, so that everyone can attain full potential; and securing resources sufficient for basic needs to be fulfilled— from each according to ability, to each according to need— in a manner such that burdens and rewards are not spread too divergently.
Comity:
The condition of civility and considerate behavior.
The word derives from the Latin comis meaning “courteous.”
Comity requires kindness, looking out for the welfare of others, and mutual earned respect.
Ecumenicity:
The condition of striving for unity among all inhabitants of the universe.
The word derives from the Greek oikoumene, meaning “oneness of the known world.”
Ecumenicity requires an inclusive spirit to heal bitter divisions, banish jingoistic aggression, and turn enmity into kindness.
Eminencity:
The condition of striving to uplift others to greatness.
The word derives from the Latin eminere, meaning “to elevate.”
Eminencity requires creating an environment where others can thrive, encouraging one another, trusting one another, holding each other in high esteem, being there for one another with solace and empathy, and supporting others, so they can be the absolute best they can be.
Manifesto
The following is an excerpt from the codex to which all members assent:
We value PROBITY: Following the most positive ideals. We strive for the conscientious conduct that befits noble character.
We value EQUITY: Systemic justice. We work to eradicate slavery, poverty, hunger, trafficking in persons of any species.
We value ECUMENICITY: Unity among all. We value diversity and work for the healing of painful divisions, subjugations, xenophobia, and discord.
We value EMINENCITY: Encouragement. We value helping others succeed, acting in empathy, and being supportive.
We value COMITY: A social atmosphere of mutual civility— within and beyond the Collaborative. We strive for courtesy, kindness, affability, friendliness, beneficence, and respect.
We value INTEGRITY: Decency, trustworthiness, and moral uprightness of conduct. We value honesty and good character.
We value ACUITY: Sharpness or keenness of thought. We focus on what we are doing.
We value JOVIALITY: Joyous humor with a spirit of good-fellowship. We want all to be able to enjoy life.
We value LOYALTY: Faithfulness to the cause of systemic probity. We stand in solidarity with the oppressed, exploited, and marginalized.
We value PACIFICITY: Peace-making. We seek to diffuse hostilities, belligerence, and imperious behavior.
We value DIGNITY: The quality of being worthy of esteem or respect. We hold others in high regard, and expect the best of them.
We value CHARITY: Activity that benefits the public at large. We focus on where the most systemic change is needed and where we can do the most good.
We value CONSPICUITY: Identifying the work that needs to be done. We conduct ourselves in a straightforward, above-board manner.
We value DIVERSITY: Learning about new life. We appreciate the cultural richness throughout the entire universe.
We value COMMUNALITY: Shared resources are used in common by the Collaborative. We assist one another from each according to ability, to each according to need.
We value HUMILITY: A modest view of one’s own importance. We oppose colonial exploitation and imperialism by brute force and territorial theft.
Charter
Together, our members will establish rules for our conduct, based on the principles of the collaborative— in the following manner:
The rule of PROBITY: We pursue true goodness.
— We play with integrity, compassion, and decency. We always try to do the right thing.
The rule of EQUITY: We want what is best for all.
— We pool our resources. We work for the communal welfare of all. We help the underdog, the disadvantaged, the persecuted, and the downtrodden.
The rule of ECUMENICITY: We foster a spirit of respect for each other.
— We learn from diverse perspectives. We strive for unity, not uniformity.
The rule of EMINENCITY: We lift each other up.
— We believe in each other. We listen to each other and provide empathy and encouragement. We work to elevate one another to greatness. We build each other up, not tear each other down.
The rule of COMITY: We try to create a pleasant atmosphere.
— We strive to be excellent to each other. Comity requires working together with a positive attitude. Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. Don’t give other players a hard time. Don’t try to steal players from other organizations. Don’t belittle anyone. Check negativity, defensiveness, whining, and derogatory remarks in the real world. Don’t be a griefer or a pirate.
The rule of INTEGRITY: We behave with decency.
— We never go nsfw. We play with sincerity, trustworthiness, and honesty. We avoid vulgar language and behavior. We keep our word and deliver what we promise.
The rule of ACUITY: We stay sharp.
— We don’t play while drunk. We keep things family friendly in all channels, divisions, and formats.
The rule of JOVIALITY: We play to have fun.
— We remember this is only a game. We don’t impose strict play requirements. Real life comes first.
The rule of LOYALTY: The DECORUM Collaborative must be our main org.
— We do not join other organizations unless approved by the Collaborative.
The rule of PACIFICITY: We don’t provoke fights.
— We do not fire unless fired upon. We do not provoke other groups to target us.
The rule of DIGNITY: We never want to bring shame upon the Collaborative.
— We do not deal in slavery, pleasurebots, drugs, smuggling, or other indecencies.
The rule of CHARITY: We help others in game and we donate to worthy causes out of game.
— We always render in game aid to another member of the Collaborative as we are able.
The rule of CONSPICUITY: We always identify ourselves as members of the Collaborative.
— We use the established ship nomenclature to make ourselves easily identifiable.
The rule of DIVERSITY: We appreciate differences and see them as assets.
— We prohibit racist, sexist, nationalistic, heterosexist, and other xenophobic speech and conduct.
The rule of COMMUNALITY: We respect the collective ownership and use of Collaborative-owned property.
— We follow the established system for using org-owned ships with honesty and responsibility.
The rule of HUMILITY: We do not want to be obnoxious in game or on the forums to other players.
— We do not brag, taunt, trash-talk, flame, troll, put-down, or otherwise be a jerk to others.
