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Post by Fechak on May 9, 2006 8:45:59 GMT -5
Although the halls have been somewhat quiet of late, there has been much discussion in the Council of Lords as to the next generation of our guild. Make no mistake, the death of D'ana'no is the end of an era. Many things have already changed, many other changes are still to come.
The Alliance is still strong between the Defenders and Lunari Meridia. Talks are still under way with the Knights of Verus. All members are highly encouraged to seek out our friends from either guild to seek help in adventuring and questing. Both of these guilds have the highest caliber of members, which is why we allied with them in the first place.
Although for the past month, I have been waiting for the dust to settle, now more events will be coming at you on a regular basis. Events that are being designed by the Lords to have much more interactivity, but soon events that will be designed by all members.
Speaking of which, although we are still hammering out the details, each house will soon have an advanced rank to attain. For our younger members, each house will have a small task to complete and then write about their exploits in the Vignettes section of our halls. Upon completing their training in seasons, a much grander trial awaits should they wish to attain their Champion rank. Here, several options lay before you: write and complete an epic storyline (see Into the Dark, Eloi Eloi, Imminent Depression, Lost in Translation et al), for those that do not have the author's bug another option is to plan and execute a guild-wide event unique to your character. This can have such a wide variety and range that I don't dare go into all the options here... Those are the only two that we have officially come up with - have an idea? Post it here so we can discuss and impliment it. We would love to come up with unique ideas for each house. The last step is the Champion Trial in which you will duel a member from each house in a grueling duel after duel battle. Expect some surprises.
There is still much more to come, I will continue this very soon.
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Post by Fechak on May 10, 2006 23:04:21 GMT -5
Before I traverse the advanced ranks in detail (mostly because we're still in discussion about it), I'll talk briefly on the quartermasters and the guild's generosity.
After talking it over with many people, I have come to realize that no one takes advantage of the quartermasters to the fullest of their extent. There are rarely times when someone needs an item in a dire way from any of them, and toward the end of our seasons, much of our treasure can only be picked up, and never traded. Their stores are a truely staggering testament to our guild generosity. I've honestly never seen such selflessness in all my travels. This should continue, but in a slightly different way.
The quartermasters will now be leaned down to only accepting rare or greater items of note. Also, for reagents and other ingredients, they will only accept those that are on a short list which are listed as truely hot commodities.
If you still wish to donate all of your found items to the guild, you may do so through myself or your local enchanter. I will then sell these items and place the money earned in the guild bank for use in the near future. I also have it on good word that Polrena will accept any season fifty and above item for her finger wiggling...
((I must now take this opportunity to thank Kalmorith on all the insanely hard work and hours and hours he put into each of those quartermaster characters. I hope they'll live on, just in a smaller capacity!))
Speaking of the guild bank, it will be buying reagents for each raid so your pocketbooks aren't hit too hard for my zesty need for wiping constantly. Also, as the events are more fleshed out, it will be used for cash prizes during guild events (100g for the best campfire tale sound nice?).
More on advanced ranks next.... some exciting stuff still to come!
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Post by Fechak on May 20, 2006 7:06:20 GMT -5
Because we are still ironing out the details of the advanced ranks (although I will give a teaser in this post), I will talk a little on ethos today. The thing that drew me into this guild was role play. This is what I love most about our guild, it helps that we have some damn fine role players, writers and players to have so much fun with. It is one of my goals to maintain a constant level of balance between the game, and our game. Although for some it might seem that the guild is moving toward being instance-centric, I would like to dispell this notion quickly right now. It is true I have been taking my time implementing certain things. Real life does come first. Once we get the ball rolling, you will come to see that everything we will soon be doing as a group will always have a role playing element to it. I try to maintain role playing during raids, but that's incredibly difficult for me to do while leading and pulling - so I love it when I see those during downtime foster it in a place that is rarely used for such things. In the near future, there will be as close to one event per week as is humanly possible. I don't pay the lords to do what they do, so it might not work out exactly as I imagine it All of these events will be role playing-centric. For the time being, I seem to be the only one interested in running the combat-type stuff, so that will remain where it is. That being said, if you're interested in running your own raid (things like the pvp team is a good example), please let me know. So this is the balance that we will attempt to maintain. I don't want to see it tip from one side to the other in either direction. Part of what will make this guild very special in the near future will be our advanced ranks, and commendations. Once a member passes his 'probation' and has at least attained his 40th season, each house will give a quest tailored specific to their classes (ie. Blooding in Beast). But, upon reaching the final season, there will be a plethora of things to accomplish to attain champion-like ranks, and commendations. A few examples: - Champion: A trial by fire claiming victory from one member from each house in a quick succession duel war.
- Scribe: Completing an epic storyline on the boards (still defining epic).
- Hunter's Mark: Successfully pulling General Drakkisath away from the main force so that they may deal with the guards without hinderance.
These are just a few of the ideas that we're currently fleshing out behind the scenes. Of course, each of the events that take place solely in game will need to have their story told in the Vignettes section in order to get the final stamp of approval. If you don't fancy yourself a writer, than you will have the option of telling your story during a specially scheduled Tuesday Salon. There, someone will record your story and post it in the halls for all to see. The rewards are what you make of it... as they say, it isn't the destination it's how you get there.
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Post by Fechak on Jun 25, 2006 12:00:47 GMT -5
((I do apologize about my absence. It has been a multi-faceted vacation from the game. I needed it to reflect and of course move into my new house. I know things have been extremely quiet from the leadership over the last couple weeks, but I assure you that we have been in detailed discussions behind the scenes. Now that we have ironed out the major wrinkles, things should be back on track, but expect some major changes to follow.))
Several changes will come in the near future as to the positions in the Council. Caspin is away on a secret mission for the Stormwind Navy, as such Vangelis will be taking over his position for the extended absence. Finney will be traveling to a far away land soon, as such has offered to step down as Warden, Celera is expected to name a new warden soon. Polrena is away for a relaxing meditation at the Stormwind Cathedral, and is not expected back for some time, however she will retain her position for the time being through written letters to the council.
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Post by Celera on Jun 27, 2006 20:21:08 GMT -5
As Lord Fechak has indicated in the previous notice, I have asked Kielon to assume the duties of Warden in the House of the Beast, and he has accepted. We will have a ceremony on Friday evening, June 30 to acknowledge his new role and show our support of him as he assumes these responsibilities.
I would also like to acknowledge Finney's long service to the House as Warden. Finney's unparalleled skill as a hunter, and his generous and good-natured ways, have made a great contribution to the House, to the Guild, and to the lives of many Defenders. On behalf of myself and the House, thank you Finney, and Elune guide you in your new adventures.
I hope that you will share more about these new adventures before you set out on your voyage!
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Post by Fechak on Jun 30, 2006 16:47:29 GMT -5
You may, or may not, have noticed a few new things on the ((in game)) roster. There are two ((actually three)) new positions that members can work to attain.
The general entry and membership requirements have stayed the same. That is, upon entering our guild, you will be bestowed the rank of initiate, of which you must be for a minimum of thirty days. After that time has elapsed, along with the first step of telling the guild about you ((posting a bio)), you will be elevated to a full member with all the privaledges that go along with this. Some of our members may wish for even more, and this is where our new rank system is finally coming into play. After much deliberation both within the guild and behind the closed doors of the Council, we have come up with the following system.
Upon reaching their 40th season, a member may wish to attempt the trial of claming the Exemplar rank. There will be a relatively simple task or quest assigned by your respective Lord. You must also have participated in sharing a tale with the guild outside of your history. This tale can take the form of a written story, or a live reinactment during a specially scheduled Salon. Although your rank will be Exemplar, each House will have a specific title that will go with it.
Beast: Guide Ensign: Veteran Dalaran: Wizard Virtue: Protector
Former officers will automatically become Exemplars, their title shall be unique to that station: Elder.
Exemplars will be members that have gone above and beyond the normal call of our family to contribute something of their own to our history.
Upon reaching your 60th season an Exemplar may wish to rise to the challenge of an ultimate quest so difficult most members will be unable to achieve the rank of Paragon. Your Lord will assign you a quest that might take you to the edges of Azeroth, or perhaps to stand toe-to-toe challenging the greatest fighters of each House in a duel to the death. Many things can arrise based on the needs of the guild, quests are customized for each Exemplar wishing to begin the trial. Of course it goes without saying that an epic tale must be woven to complete the task, and like Exemplar it may be told in our halls or before your guildmates.
The rank of Paragon brings with it the responsibility second only to the Council in our family, all members will look to you as an example of the finest our guild has to offer. Do you have what it takes? Like the quests, each title is customized for each class:
((Please note these are not final names - if you have a better idea, please PM or mail me))
Hunter: Ranger Druid: Greenbond Warrior: Centurion Rogue: Infiltrator Mage: Archmage Warlock: Sorcerer Priest: Divine Paladin: Gallant
Paragon's are the very pinnacle of our guild, even the Council will stand in awe of your accomplishments. We do not expect everyone to be up to the challenge...
((I mentioned a third rank - this is a specific 'Officer Alt' rank. We felt that having a dozen of Wardens wasn't proper almost as if didn't mean the same thing any more. Therefore, all officer alts will be listed as such so that they may still be sought out for assistance if needed.))
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Post by Vangelis on Jun 30, 2006 17:46:28 GMT -5
If I may flesh out some of the details, below is the description of the new ranking system as it will appear on our updated website (coming soon!):
Initiate
Upon joining the guild an adventurer is assigned the rank of an Initiate. In recognition of the "trial nature" of the initiation period, we ask that initiates refrain from wearing a guild tabard until recognized as full members.
Member
After a minimum of 30 days, and if the Lord of their House deems them to meet the Defenders' high standards of character and honor, an initiate may be invited to become a full member. It is normally expected that the initiate post a brief biography (( in character )) in the forum of their House. Every effort will be made to hold a membership ceremony within a week or two of eligibility, subject to the participants' availability, at which time they will be formally presented with the guild tabard.
Every full member of the guild is treated as a valuable "citizen" of the guild and is encouraged to share opinions and contribute ideas. Full members represent the Defenders to the wider world of Azeroth. (( Alts of full members are automatically welcome in the guild. ))
Advanced member ranks are intended to recognize those guild members who embody the Code in an exceptional way, both in their character (( roleplaying )) and in their value on the battlefield.
The High Lord may, at his or her prerogative, also grant special titles to members in recognition of exceptional contribution to the guild. Such titles are independent of the advanced ranks listed below.
Exemplar
To be recognized as a Exemplar, a member must:
1. Have at least 40 seasons of experience as an adventurer.
2. Contribute to the history of the guild by sharing at least one story in our guildhall, whether it be a vignette or a longer tale or journal.
3. Demonstrate their battlefield competence to a Lord or their designate. These are normally skills required to contribute appropriately to a team of five.
Paragon
To be recognized as a Paragon, a member must:
1. Have 60 seasons of experience as an adventurer.
2. Hold the rank of Exemplar.
3. Contribute to the history of the guild by sharing an epic tale in our guildhall. (( Or otherwise making a significant contribution to the RP life of the guild, e.g. planning and hosting in-game RP events, etc.. ))
4. Demonstrate exceptional battlefield competence to a Lord or their designate. The standard test is to prove oneself by winning duels against four opponents: one from each House. A test of similar difficulty may be proposed as a substitute for dueling.
It should be noted that becoming a Paragon is expected to be difficult. Not all members who reach level 60 will want to or be able to achieve this designation. This is intentional.
EDIT: Note the judicious use of words like "may" and "normally". This is intended to leave us some flexibility as a guild, so that while we do have a "box" in the sense of some definition to the ranks, we can go "outside it" if circumstances justify it.
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