Halen Seminar
From LanceaSanctum
[edit] Novitiate reopened in 2009 as Vogelsanck Monastery
[edit] Disappearance of the Halen Seminar
While the actual buildings are still there, no signs of any Lancea Sanctum presence can be found, not that they ever have used the building. The underground complex seems to have completely disappeared. No inhabitant of Limburg expresses any knowledge of the Lancea Sanctum ever having had any presence in these buildings, not even the Lancea Sanctum currently residing in Limburg. Similar disappearances of havens and Kindred from all clans and covenants seem to have happened al throughout Limburg.
[edit] What is the Halen Seminar?
The Halen Seminar was an institution of Sanctified learning. It is comprised of the Noviciate and the Hub of Knowledge. Since the disappearance of acting bishop Lucas Desmet the Noviciate has been empty and silent and none dare to go there.
In the Noviciate, new Sanctified could get intensive courses in all matters Sanctified, but Kindred from other Covenants could follow classes here and make use of the guest quarters. The Noviciate was open to Kindred of all Covenants and is still believed to be stocked with a wide variety of works on many subjects.
The Hub of Knowledge is a vault of knowledge and center for basic, advanced and expert studies relating to the cause of the Lancea Sanctum. Amongst the teachers were several Cardinals. The libraries were open to research and chapels open for contemplation. It was always possible to petition the Seminar to organize a course on a certain topic, or even private tutoring. However nobody knows what's going on within these walls now.
The last permanent inhabitant of Halen was Lucas Desmet, acting bishop of Limburg. He was responsible for the running of the institution, the reception of guests, students and teachers, as well as the liaison with the court of Limburg. His disappearance didn't draw much attention, as he had always been a bit of a hermit and nobody noticed that he was gone.
The Hub of Knowledge was only open to members of the Lancea Sanctum.
[edit] The Perpetual Bloodflow
The Lancea Sanctum had made an agreement with Domain Limburg and Prince de Mérode concerning the supply of blood to all kindred who reside in the Seminar. As a trade-off for receiving supplies of high quality blood on regular basis for all kindred in the Seminar, all guests who reside there have no feeding rights within the domain Limburg for the duration of their stay. Should the Lancea Sanctum start maintaining a presence in the Noviciate again, this deal will probably still be valid.
[edit] The Noviciate
In the Noviciate, new Sanctified could get intensive courses in all matters Sanctified, but also Kindred from other Covenants could follow classes here and make use of the guest quarters. Now only the mortal keepers of this place ever set foot in the buildings anymore.
[edit] The Library of the Noviciate
This Library had a wide variety of works and used to be open to Kindred of all Covenants.
[edit] The Hub of Knowledge
This was a vault of knowledge and center for basic, advanced and expert studies relating to the cause of the Lancea Sanctum. Amongst the teachers were several Cardinals. The libraries were open to research and the chapels open for contemplation. It was always possible to petition the Seminar to organize a course on a certain topic, or even private tutoring.
[edit] The Opening
On October 14, 2006, Cardinal-Archbishops de Béthune and Mackenzie DuMont annointed Bishop J.W.Ghoren as Rector of the Dialectic he had proposed that evening, tasked also with aiding Bishop Laurence de Villenfagne de Vogelsanck in building up the Hub of Knowledge within the Seminar.
The opening ceremony of the Hub of Knowledge on November 19th 2006 led to the following letter of Cardinal DuMont to all Sanctified:
Brothers and Sisters of the Faith,
As many were aware, a few nights ago, His Eminence Cardinal de Béthune opened the doors of the Halen Seminar to all who wished to attend the glorious event. I wish to thank His Eminence, along with all Belgium Sanctified for their hospitality and their show of faith to those of us who visited from distant shores to attend an event that will not be quickly forgotten.
It should be noted that there were a number of individuals present - luminaries, Bishops, Paladins, Crusaders,Legates, etc. The faith that was shown by those present was stunning. The unity among all in a sacred place of knowledge was stunning. Through the faith of all, and through sacrifice, and knowledge, a new miracle was revealed unto those present.
From the Tree of life and wisdom bore a message which only those native or well skilled in Dutch could read. And from that message, a glimpse of knowledge was granted from the Divine unto those present of exceptional knowledge of the Dark Miracles. The glimpse given unto those present a single gift from the message cast in runes, and riddle...a long lost miracle. As the knowledge was granted to all, the Tree of Knowledge and Life dissolved before all, casting upon the room a thin layer of ash. Upon the brow of each was this placed, and a prayer given to grant them sight of what lay before them in holy and glorious splendor. It was not simply the locale of the Tree that held this splendor, but the entire room itself...
To those who wish to seek out the knowledge of this lost miracle, myself, His Eminence Cardinal de Béthune and the Reverend Lady Dirae will happily assist with this teaching, though do ask that you attend the Halen Seminar for this teaching. As tradition, we ask that should you arrive, you bring a gift to give to the Seminar, so that part of your knowledge and footsteps will be preserved for the ages to come, and for the generations of others of the Faith who will walk through the halls of the Novicate.
In Service,
Cardinal Mackenzie DuMont
Vicar of Longinus
Triumvir of Atlantic City
Admired of the Sanctified
[edit] Now
After the opening of the Noviciate the Sanctified presence in Limburg slowly began to dwindle until finally in the spring of 2007 Lucas Desmet, its last inhabitant disappeared without a trace. The Hub's Keeper, however, Bishop Ghoren of Delaware, has recently returned to an active Requiem and is seeking a solution with the Sanctified of Belgium.
[edit] Supernatural Effects Within the Hub
The Hub itself is a clearly supernatural place, where everything seems bigger than life. Mechanically speaking, all tests get a +5 on academics, occult, empathy, intimidation and persuasion.
At times frightened whispers, horrid screams or wicked laughter can be heard at the noviciate. Those with auspex sometimes see flames licking at the building.
[edit] Sanctity (Theban Ritual)
The Theban Miracle Sanctity was revealed during the opening ceremony of the Hub of Knowledge. It can only be taught within the Hub of Knowledge, so anybody who wants to learn or teach this ritual must proxy to Halen Seminar.
[edit] Proxying to Halen Seminar
If you want to proxy to Halen Seminar, contact Cardinal de Béthune, one of the Belgian Sanctified or the leader of the Diocesan Dialectic and IC'ly arrange your stay there.
OOC'ly, contact that player and send your proxy information to your VST, the Belgian NST (currently Anton Delbarre) and the aCST for Limburg (currently Maarten Cornil). If you want to play out some scenes with some of the Belgian Sanctified during your stay, mention this in your proxy request.
[edit] Former training center of the Ordo Praesidium Sanctum
One of the places where the renowned Ordo Praesidium Sanctum used to train its members. To reach the actual Hub of Knowledge, you have to walk through this martial arts training center. When you walk through it, you reach the entrance of the tower, which is the actual Hub of Knowledge. Now these training grounds are silent as no Sanctified come here anymore.
Though the tower has a square footprint, its entrance is a rotunda.
[edit] Library
The Hub's collection of Sanctified theologia can be accessed here in this subterranean library.
[edit] Auditorium Salvius
This is the primary auditorium of the Hub. It can easily house 100 Kindred and is situated on the first floor. There is an intriguing circular mosaic of the Tree of Knowledge in the center of this round auditorium.
[edit] Kincaid Chapel
Named after the late Sydney Kincaid, Archbishop of Northern California who graciously donated a fair share of the funds that were needed to buy the grounds of Halen Seminar
[edit] Ballroom de Mérode
The grand ballroom of the seminar is named after Prince de Mérode for his generous donation for the Noviciate and Seminar.
[edit] Park de Béthune
The Park surrounding the Seminar is named after Cardinal de Béthune for his generous donations and his co-operation with Domain Limburg and the Sanctified of Limburg to establish the noviciate and seminar.
[edit] Dining room von Stengel
Here Kindred can enjoy the nourishment provided by the Perpetual Bloodflow agreement.
[edit] Inhabitants
Kindred
[edit] Former Inhabitants
- Laurence de Villenfagne de Vogelsanck
- Novitiate reopened in 2009 as Vogelsanck Monastery
[edit] Teachers
Cardinal Archbishop Mackenzie DuMont
Cardinal Killpatrick: can be contacted at The Pit.
Bishop Salvius: can be contacted at Keizersberg
Bishop J.W. Ghoren of Delaware
[edit] Rumours
- Despite the opposition by the other covenants and even within his own covenant, Prince de Mérode favours the Lancea Sanctum. The arrangements for Halen Seminar are the best example of that.
- Cardinal de Béthune used blackmail and threats to force Prince de Mérode and the Court of Limburg to allow the Seminar in Halen.
- The ghosts of hippies that died from an overdose still dwell in the Seminar and can often be heard whispering to the Kindred that visit the Noviciate.
- There used to be an early Christian convent at the same place where the Noviciate is now. It was destroyed by heathens. Visiting Kindred can sometimes still hear the crackling of the fire and the screams and pleas for help of the dying victims. Some sensitive Kindred can even see the flames and smell the burnt flesh and ashes. This dreadful scene is followed by the hideous mocking laughter of the heathens who destroyed the Noviciate.
- Park de Béthune is the favourite place for Kindred who wish to indulge in the vice of lust.
- The contract between the Court of Limburg and the Lancea Sanctum concerning Halen Seminar was never actually signed. A fact that the both parties seem to forget for the time being.
- The last keeper of the Noviciate, acting bishop of Limburg Lucas Desmet in Halen has disappeared without a trace. Yet something or someone still seems to be guarding the Noviciate.
[edit] History
Early convent (7th century)
- Already in the seventh century there was a small convent at this location, but it was completely burnt to the ground and destroyed by one of the last convulsion of paganism in the region.
The Carthusians and their Convent in Zelem (1329-1796)
- On february 1st 1329 with the gifts from Lord Gerard of Diest and his wife Johanna of Flanders the Sint-Jansberg convent is founded as a Carthusian convent. At the request of the founders the convent is dedicated to John the Baptist.
- From the 16th century the convent gained prestige through the intellectual activities of the monks: their own literary works ("Elckerlyc"), bookbinding and illustration of books.
- However through the years the convent is plagued by attackers and plunderers. This makes the financial situation for the convent very difficult and the prior and the monks often have to flee to Diest where they own a refuge. In 1582 troops of Oranje burn the convent down. In 1616 a few monks start to rebuild the Convent.
- In 1794, when the French first invade the Netherlands the prior and the monks flee for the last time. On september 1796 the convent on the Sint-Jansberg is officially vacated.
Castle lords (1796-1919)
- A few years later in 1798 a certain Libotton buys the convent and several acres of land.
- In 1817 he sells the convent again to junker Johann Eberhard Paul Ernst Gericke van Herwijnen (1785-1845), governor of Nederlands-Limburg from 1840-1845. The church is demolished and Gericke constructs a new wing as a summer residence. The rest of the complex is divided among three farmers.
- In 1830 Gericke sells the property to Hubert-François Fischbach-Malacord (1798-1863), son of a rich tanners family, who spends part of his inheritance to restore the castle as his main residence. In 1837 he becomes mayor of Zelem until his death, after which his adopted son Hubert-David, mayor of Ferrières inherits the property.
- Uninterested Hubert-David sells it after only four years to Ferdinand Eugène de Marmol (1807-1891), who owns it from 1867 to 1883.
- In 1883 Xavier Tibaut (1843-1911) buys the property. He sells it again in 1906 when he is granted a peerage.
- The buyer is baron Edmond Charles Toussaint Whettnall (1843-1913). The castle is inhabited again. After his death, his daughter Mathilde lives in the castle.
- In 1922 the castle falls into serious decrepitude.
Trade school (1919-1928)
- During the last years of the Whettnalls' ownership of the castle, most of the valuables are removed and the inhabitants of Zelem start to despair about the growing decrepitude of the convent.
- At the end of 1920 a few notables of Zelem have the castle furnished as an orphanage and trade school for orphans and the local youth. To this end the organisation "youth education" is created, who becomes the owner of the complex in 1922. The friars of Our-Lady of Mercy lead the school. Several of the local craftsmen (carpenters, tailors, tanners, etc...) teach their trades at the school.
- In 1924 the friars have to quit their educational functions because of (suspected) abuses.
- The school will remain for four more years until 1928, when the murder of a student finally leads to the closure of the school.
Dominican Sisters (1928-1993)
- In 1928 7 sisters of the order of Saint-Dominic arrive from Dinant in the Convent at Zelem. They found the "Monasterium Corpus Christi".
- The first tens of years they have great financial difficulties. To pay support themselves the sisters organise spiritual retreats for women and make the hosties for several parishes nearby.
- On january 28, 1983 the last sister is initiated.
- The maintenance of the convent becomes too much for the old sisters and in 1993 they move to Kontich, near Antwerp.
BVBA "de Kartuizer" (1993-2006)
- The convent is uninhabited for a year, when in 1994 bvba "de Kartuizer" buys the convent. "de Kartuizer" under management of Luk Matthijs organises seminars and parties with special themes in the convent.
The Lancea Sanctum (2006)
- In may 2006 Prince de Mérode agrees with the Lancea Sanctum (represented by Père Salvius) to grant them the lands of the convent. A contract is signed to establish this agreement. The members of the Lancea Sanctum of Domain Limburg bring a nightly visit to the three members of the management of the convent to "convince" them that the presence of the Lancea Sanctum, their Seminar and their Hub of Knowledge would be beneficial to the convent, their organisation and their continued existence. Large sums of money are gathered by the Lancea Sanctum and their supporters to buy the property.
[edit] IRC-info
This is information for any IRC event at Halen Seminar!
[edit] #Halen-Signin
Please sign in by typing your Name, Camarilla #, E-mail address, Character Name, True Covenant, Covenant Status, ST Name, and ST e-mail address. You may then join #Halen-Park to begin playing. If you have questions, please ask here and we will be happy to assit you! For more information on your surroundings, go to http://www.lanceasanctum.org/Halen_Seminar
[edit] #Halen-Park
The entire domain of Halen is considered Elysium! You enter the park through a main drive, and you see around you the Kincaid Chapel (#Chapel), the Seminar (#Seminar), and the Hub of Knowledge (#Hub). The grounds of the park are formal, neatly kept, the flowers are in full bloom, and the plants show no sign of being bothered by the recent lack of rain. There are benches along paths, but no secluded areas.
[edit] #Chapel
The Kincaid Chapel is a single building, standard chapel. It has a large ceremonial area and small back-room for preparing ceremonies and storage. The door to the backroom is locked. Enter and exit through the main chapel doors. Exit to: #Halen-Park.
[edit] #Seminar
The Seminar is a cross-like building that is open to Kindred of all covenants. It has 4 sections which are connected through a Central Hall. The Central Hall (#Seminar) is entered via the Park. The 4 sections are: #Dining-room, #Ballroom-Merode, #Public-Library, #Noviciate or you may exit to #Halen-Park
[edit] #Dining-room
The Dining Room is entered from the Central Hall (#Seminar). It is the smallest of the three rooms, yet still a quite large monastic dining hall. The Dining Room is only on the ground floor and there is no access to the higher floors. Exit to #Seminar.
[edit] #Ballroom-Merode
Ballroom de Mérode is a large and very fancy ballroom on the ground floor, with one entrance from the Central Hall (#Seminar). There is no access to the two higher levels. The ballroom is completely empty of any furniture. Exit to #Seminar.
[edit] #Public-Library
The Public Kindred Library is as large as the Ballroom is 3 floors high. There is a single entrance from the Central Hall (#Seminar). There are multiple reading rooms equipped with tables and straight backed chairs, and several staircases. (Players may open side channel reading rooms for private conversation; please notify an ST). Exit to #Seminar.
[edit] #Noviciate
The Noviciate is the largest section with several classrooms and guest quarters. The main entrance is from the Central Hall (#Seminar); other entrances are locked. The Noviciate is 3 floors. Classrooms and guest quarters are locked. Exit to #Seminar
[edit] #Hub
When you enter the Hub, you pass through a martial arts training center (all rooms locked). At the end is an entrance to a tower, the actual Hub of Knowledge: a rotunda with 4 reinforced doors; 2 of them locked. One door has a sign above it Auditorium Salvius and a stair up. One door leads to a stair down. Exit back to #Seminar, up to #Auditorium or down to #hub-library
[edit] #auditorium
The stairs lead up to the Auditorium Salvius, which is a round auditorium that can host over a hundred kindred. There is an intriguing circular mosaic of the Tree of Knowledge in the center of the auditorium which can be viewed here: http://www.lanceasanctum.org/Halen_Seminar#Auditorium_Salvius Exit downstairs to #hub
[edit] #hub-library
The Hub's collection of Sanctified theologia can be accessed in this subterranean library. There are 3 floors, but no reading rooms. Tables and chairs are interspersed among the shelves. To see contents of the shelves: http://www.lanceasanctum.org/Pastor_Resource_Database For a picture of the library: http://www.lanceasanctum.org/Halen_Seminar#Library Exit upstairs to #hub
