Salvete!
This decretum ought to set new standards for nomenclature in SVR. This was an idea of my colleague Mus and has been worked out by me, with input from Orcus, Piscinus and Curio.
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DECRETUM DIONYSIUM DE NOMINIBUS
Preamble
This decretum seeks to clarify and further work out the principles laid down in the Regula Fundamentalis, article III.4.f with regards to the (selection of) personal names in the Societas Via Romana and the historicity thereof.
I. All members of the Societas Via Romana shall have a Roman name consisting of at least a praenomen (first name) and a nomen genticilium (surname). Applicants and members alike may freely select a cognomen (nickname). Agnomina (names of honour) can only be accorded by the Senatus.
II. The names of the members of the Societas Via Romana shall be Latin in form and structure, and as close to authentic Latin names as possible.
IIa. Towards that end, the censores shall, no later than the Ides of February each calendar year, draft a list of praenomina and nomina genticilia that applicants may choose from upon their becoming a member. The censores are encouraged to draft this list in cooperation with the Senatus.
IIa.1. A censor, consul, a praetor or at least three other Senatores have the right to put this list up for discussion and approval in the Senatus, but the same list may not be voted on by the Senate more than twice.
IIa.2. The nomina genticilia on the selected list shall automatically include, but are not limited to, the nomina genticilia already extant in the Societas Via Romana. Applicants shall also have the liberty of creating their own nomen genticilium, provided that they are accepted by the censores.
IIa.3. Applicants shall have the liberty of creating their own cognomen, provided that they do not violate article II. The censores may optionally add a selectable list of cognomina.
IIa.4. There shall be two separate selection lists for male and female names. Applicants may choose between either list, so long as their chosen Latin name is consistent in all parts (praenomen, nomen and cognomen) with regard to the name's gender.
IIb. A censor shall have the right to refuse an applicant's choice of name grounds other than a violation of article II if:
IIb.1. The choice of name is deemed vulgar, offensive or counter the spirit of tolerance of the Societas Via Romana; or if
IIb.2. The chosen name is already in use; and/or if
IIb.3. The applicant has chosen more than one nomen genticilium and/or more than one cognomen; and/or if
IIb.4. The applicant has selected both male and female names.
III. In all cases described under IIb, the acting censor shall try to mediate with the applicant until a solution is reached. If none is reached to the satisfaction of the applicant, said applicant may appeal to the praetores under the provisions of the Regula Fundamentalis III.1.c.
IV. The authority of censores shall also extend to names chosen prior to the adoption of this decretum. The members carrying a name or names in violation of article II or its subordinated articles will be privately informed by the censores of this matter, and will suggest alternatives to their choice of names. They will work towards a solution that is satisfying for both parties. If none is reached to the satisfaction of the member, said member may appeal to the praetores to impose a solution after hearing both parties.
V. In the procedures described in the articles above, the censores are advised to inform the Senatus of their doings.
Va. They may also appoint scribae with knowledge of Latin and Latin names to assist them with these specific tasks. These shall have no special status but will be granted the title of 'nomenclator'.
Vb. If neither of the censores has a knowledge of Latin, they shall appoint at least two scribae as described in Va, who have knowledge of Latin and Latin names.
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Valete,
Gn. Dionysius Draco