Thank you for your comments. I find them most interesting. I'll try to address them in order. Please bare the long answer.
Technically, the term "ranger" has many meanings but putting aside any time period, a ranger's basically a warrior, soldier or fighter. Here's a
reference that shows some of the meanings of the term. Thus, having a guild champion isn't too far fetched since fighting/sparring is part of their training.
Now, as posted, the main rank is that of 'ranger'. No real need for more.
If you wish to be a guild champion, druid, mentor or guild master because that suits your character and contributes to your RP then you can try out. I cannot tell you exactly about the process to choose a chambion yet because so far we haven't had such a situation. I guess it will depend on how consistent the applicant proves to be.
And you are right about the guild structure being IC as well. I don't see a problem in presenting it OOC though. I find it helps make the post a little shorter and not to the detriment of the contents of the post.
Now, about the name, it was given to the guild long before I joined and it would be actually presumptuous of me to change it without consideration. I think a solid institution is that which survives its creators. I've seen a lot of "of Yliakum" guilds and I agree that the particle has lost its originality. We will consider coming up with a new name but it will have to be in balance with our interest in respecting tradition.
The approach I'm taking leading the guild is not based on community work or long term objectives. The actual role of guilds at the current stage of the game lies at least as much on OOC as it does on IC, since the needs that support their existence are of both natures: helping new players, exploring, protecting, attacking, etc. and I have chosen to define the guild objective based on how to RP a ranger. True, you can claim you are one and not be a member. Everyone's free to do as they wish in that sense and we do not claim any exclusivity or rights over the term 'ranger'. However, we do discuss our views on how to consistently RP one and, as a community, the final "RP skills" are much more easily accepted than that coming from an single individual. Non-members interested in
the ways of the ranger are welcome to participate in the discussion as well.
It is not an objective of the rangers to rule over anything or acquire social power. They are individuals with unique training who will prove to be valuable in any RP (both IC and OOC). They are free to come and go and fight for what they believe right. That is why the first new rule is to accept being alone. Our guildtab doesn't blink every second but it's a quiet one. Whereas this might be a "weakness" in OOC terms (given the fact that the guild tab is OOC by default), it is our strength in IC terms.
Finally, if you see a character baring the "Rangers of Yliakum" lable, you can be sure they are trying to play a consistent character and will be likely to show interest in any RP you might be involved with. Feel free to approach and find out. I'll be happy to receive any feedback.
