First, let me say, this has nothing to do with anyone who is involved or posting on this matter. I would feel exactly the same way and make exactly the same statements if it were, say, Aedon who I consider a friend, or even Vallend who is like a brother to me. The only difference being, if I were saying it to them, I'd most likely be hurling something at their heads as well.
I also have to say that I really do not care what has been done on any other shard. This is not any other shard. Quite simply, it is Catskills and it is my home and has been for quite some time. The matters of Baja, Sonoma, Chessy, Atlantic, etc. do not concern me over much.
What does concern me greatly is when an honorable, long standing institution such as the Royal Guard becomes the basis for sniping and arguing and telling the Event Moderators to "mind their own business". Actually, the Royal Guard IS their business. If you go to the UO Herald and do a search, you will quickly find the that Royal Guard is part of the lore of the land. Several members are introduced to New Players as important people in history.
Going on further with history, the Royal Britannian Guard has always been a part of the fundamental background of the Event Moderator stories and has always fallen under their command/authority. It is an extension of the Crown and the commander has long been considered an important part of the Ruling Council. I believe this gives the basis to say that the Royal Guard is open to all and is above any one guild or collection of guilds as we know them.
Since the discussion has been about role playing, please bear with me while I set a scene of how I, personally, have always seen the Guard. Please believe the names I use here are only for the purposes of illustrating a point I'm trying to make which I hope will become clear.
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A discreet cough interrupted the argument currently becoming overheated between the normally genteel ladies Anne and Flutter. Glaring at the intruder, they both shouted, "WHAT?!"
The messenger looked extremely uncomfortable and more than a little wary, especially as both ladies had heavy jars lifted over head as though ready to bash each other or anyone else that might try to come between them.
"My apologies but there is urgent news and you are needed," he said clearing his throat so as not to appear cowed. "Skara has come under attack and the citizens are being slaughtered in the streets. Strange magical creatures are appearing and terrorizing all. The buildings burn even as I deliver the call."
As the reality of what the messenger said sank in, both ladies looked at each other and nodded. Flutter ran to grab her armor and sword and whistled shrilly for her trusted mount as Anne grabbed her potions and bandages. Both knew that, regardless of their differences, their combined strengths would be needed if this threat were to be dealt with. Flutter reached for Anne who swung up behind her and they flew to answer the call. All thoughts of their arguments and differences were put aside as they prepared to stand together, side by side and back to back, to defend their homes and the homes of their friends.
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To me the Royal Guard is, and always has been, outside of petty differences and larger than one guild or one person. Do you wish to play a fully trained and seasoned soldier who has seen much of war? Do you wish to play a lord or peasant with their own lives and worries to contend with? To defend your homes, your lands, even your families, would you not drop every difference and band together to fight, to lay down your lives?
It's not our place to develop guilds stating we are RBG. It's not our place to tell the EM's this is none of their business. It's exactly their business. It's for the very security of our lands and it's for everyone. This land we live in is not called Pitr's Sosaria or Anne's Sosaria or Flutter's Sosaria. It is, quite simply, called Sosaria. It belongs to us all.
The RBG should never, ever be used as an instrument to divide us. The flag and sash of the Royal Britannian Guard should unite ALL when called to serve.
I truly believe in my heart our EM's tried to accomodate and help what they saw as something the players wanted. They made a very noble try at helping foster that while saying from the beginning that NO ONE could be excluded. However, Pitr, by your own words you declared that you look after your own first. Believe me when I say, that is truly how it should be. However, NOT under the auspices of the Royal Guard.
I believe in my heart this is why the Royal Guard was never before, and I do not believe ever intended, to be a guild. We all know the reality is that guilds are subject to fighting within and without, amongst themselves, their allies and, yes, even spies and infiltrators. But the Royal Britannian Guard is above that. It is above our squabbles and our differences. It is above and beyond looking out for your own. The Royal Guard is our one shining example to rise above all that and become one. Not under the tag of any one guild but under the proud banner of ALL guilds and people standing side by side.
If you truly believe the only way that you can role play a guard is by forming a guild, by all means, do so. Call it whatever you wish, short of calling it the Royal Britannian Guard. That name belongs to all who lay down their differences and even their lives to defend when called.
I apologize for being so long winded on this. This is truly a subject that is near and dear to me as a long time resident of Catskills and proud defender of our lands through many battles.
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AnneNomilly, she's a smart chick. People should listen to her.