House of Keys/Chantry

History

         The Key House is the home of an old, secret society on the campus known of UC Prospect similar to the academic honors clubs on Yale's campus (skull and bones / wolf's head, etc.). Rumors have circulated for years that the "Key Holders" (the common name for the members of the Secret Society) were an elite group of students and alumni on campus. Although many knew of their existence, no one seemed to be able to locate where they met or what, exactly, they did. Membership was rarely offered and when it was the recipient was sworn to secrecy about what happened behind closed doors. Like any secret society, speculation about their activities ranged everywhere from child sacrifices, drunken orgies to power-brokering within the city and the nation and everywhere in between.

For more information on the origin of the House see below

Location

         The Key House is located on a corner of the campus that seems to have been forgotten. This is a square building constructed in the Moorish revival style complete with a small court yard, double stairways that lead up to the massive iron-clad doors with three windows set above. The waist-high, stone wall that surrounds the courtyard completely encloses the grounds but rather than following the perfectly square proportions of the building, the perimeter wall is a perfect circle. Viewed from some adjacent rooftops, the building appears to be two stories tall with a central, domed, wrought-iron skylight that encloses a garden-like courtyard common to Edwardian architecture. There doesn't appear to be a parking lot behind the structure nor does there appear to be any entrance other than that of the front doors.

Familiar Faces

• Professor Twig:
  
  Professor Horace W. Smallwood was known as 'Twig' by many due to his small physical appearance. Though small in stature, Professor Smallwood is a giant of intellect, possessing three different doctorate degrees in Archaeology, Ancient Languages and History. As a Master within the Order and a scholar of the Bonisagus House, his achievements within the study of primal magic are quite impressive - just ask him. Twig serves as as an adviser to the Chapter House though is academic duties typically keep him far too busy to deal with the day-to-day operations; that's what good apprentices are for.

Membership

Guests:
Guests are welcome to visit the House to study, socialize, or relax within its public areas. They may make use of the House’s basic amenities and attend open gatherings but do not hold any authority or influence in its operations. Guests are considered non-contributing visitors—they have not donated to the House’s shared resources or “perk fund.”

Voting Members:
Voting Members are those who have actively contributed to the upkeep and improvement of the House through the donation of Homebase points to the collective “perk fund.” These contributions grant them both a voice and a vote in matters concerning the operation, expansion, and background purchases of the House. Voting Members may propose expenditures, improvements, and policies, and participate in regular votes on how resources are used.

Becoming a Member

Membership in the House isn’t bought — it’s earned through contribution.
To be recognized as a Member, an individual must provide something of lasting value to the House and its residents. This contribution reflects both their commitment to the community and their ability to enrich it.

Examples might include:

• Donating rare or useful tomes, texts, or research to the Library.
• Offering the use of a Contact or Ally who benefits the House collectively (e.g., a professor, curator, or craftsman).

Each contribution is reviewed or acknowledged by the Small Council (usually the Chamberlain or Archivist), who formally recognizes the individual as a Member once the contribution is accepted into the collective holdings of the House.

Operations

Small Council:
The Small Council consists of Voting Members who have volunteered (or been appointed) to assist in the day-to-day management of the House. These roles help maintain its operations, safeguard its resources, and ensure a functional, welcoming environment for all.

Typical positions include:

• Chamberlain: Oversees the House’s daily affairs, coordinating activities, managing logistics, and ensuring the comfort and safety of all residents and guests.
• Archivist: Maintains the House’s records, library, and magical archives.
• Groundskeeper: Responsible for the maintenance and warding of the building and surrounding property.
• Steward: Manages the House’s pantry, meal preparations, and general hospitality — ensuring that residents are provisioned and guests are cared for.

Additional roles may be created or adjusted as the needs of the House evolve. Members serving on the Small Council typically have contributed Homebase points and are recognized for their willingness to take on a leadership or service-oriented role within the community.