First Order Cultural Codex

[Ludolf Vaas]

Hey guys.

So this is my grand idea for 2017 - basically, our own faction Codex.

The First Order Cultural Codex would be its own forum right here on our page. It would be a place where everything non-administrative is listed. Basically, our faction's lore. It would detail all of the cultural aspects of our faction - our major cities, our philosophy, what we believe in (including our race/species policy), art, architecture and music in the First Order, and generally, what daily life is like for the average First Order citizen. When you think about it, the possibilities are endless.

I've been wanting to do this for quite some time. Especially as our faction grows, it's good to have "what we're about" written in stone for all to see. This prevents the dilution of our original flavor and intent. The Cultural Codex can also be something that the members can make submissions to, which will be approved by one or many of our administrators. So the Codex will grow along with our member base.

My ideas for articles/threads so far:

Major Locations
Human High Culture
Racial Policy of the First Order
Popular Art, Music, and Architecture

And of course if you guys have any ideas for threads, I'd be happy to hear them.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

I like this idea. I'm working on something similar myself. My only question is how do we deal with disagreements among the staff about what that culture actually is? We have had disagreements already -- not world-shattering ones, but they are there (particularly as it relates to exactly how much we want to emulate Nazi Germany re: aliens and, I suspect, music, but it speaks to a larger concern about cultural values and conservatism). While I'm not looking to pull rank, I do feel that I am ultimately responsible for the culture of the faction, so I am inclined to want the final word to rest with me, but as a just and magnanimous Queen-Empress, I like to think I can be persuaded.

What do you guys think? Majority rules or rod of iron?

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

I'm inclined to agree that the final word should be decided by the faction owner, with the rest of us providing our points of view to help [member="Natasi Fortan"] reach an informed decision with multiple points of view.

That would definitely help alleviate any issues that might arise with too many cooks in the kitchen, as it were. I know Natasi has been coming up with something very similar on her end, as well.

I like the idea, but I do have reservations as well, in the direction that may be suggested. (IE - Nazi Germany in Space).

 

[Progflaw99]

I think we could work on our organizational skills for sure - as far as the forum is concerned.

Regarding a Codex of sorts, I think that's a great idea. As it stands, we have individual bits of lore but they're scattered about our Faction Forum, some in the Order of Ren subforum, others in their respective divisions/branches. If we could consolidate them in an easy to read/reach manner, I think that would do wonders as far as establishing who we are, as [member="Ludolf Vaas"] suggests.

I know we have the "Ren" foundations - but if we commit to this, I say we struggle through to have it at least done by second quarter of the year, having an intro similar to what Wolf and I put together for the Ren. For the Troopers, for FOSB, etc. Like a "Welcome to the Grind" style half IC/ half OOC guide to the branches/faction.

I also want to note that [member="Natasi Fortan"] has been working on what we're calling the "Faction Bible" or Codex as it were, outlining her OOC expectations and goals IC wise as well during our State of the Order address (Which will occur as time is available to my understanding).

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

I will write up the stuff on the racial policy. If everyone really hates it, then I will change it, but I don't expect you guys will since I'm not planning on doing anything radically different. I'm basically going to codify what we have already been tacitly uperating under for the past year and a half. Just like the Empire, there is a racial heirarchy with humans at the top. Aliens are below, in different orders depending on the species. It's not simply going to be "all aliens are equally bad", there is definitely a heirarchy of aliens we respect and ally with (like the Chiss), and those we don't.

Ultimately it's a "Humans First" society, in other words, simply blood nationalism. To what degree it aligns with IRL Nazi Germany depends on your viewpoint, but we're never going to shirk that comparison because in actual Star Wars canon, the First Order literally is Nazis in space, in the least subtle way possible.

For things like music and entertainment, there won't be one single genre or style which everyone listens to. Just like real life, there will be popular music, and there will be "high art" for the upper classes. There will be plenty of opportunities for lots of different music scenes, so to speak. I just want to more or less list the ones we already have.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

We can certainly hash it out based on what you write, [member="Ludolf Vaas"], but I can't stress enough how much we are not the film First Order. We would never consider blowing up a planet, let alone several in a go.

Of course I'm willing to read anything anyone wants to float, but as a general announcement, I'd say I would not cling too closely to the film's example.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Mhmmm yeah, I feel like [member="Natasi Fortan"] should have the absolute final say and she has been working on a Faction Bible. So I'm okay with sharing ideas and working things out if we can come to some sort of informal agreement like [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] has mentioned, but ultimately, Natasi's the boss.

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Well, since the beginning we've always agreed to operate as a team. Don't see why that should change now.