Demystifying the AG

[Granuaile]

I, for one, am tired of the resentment and judgment people are casting. First and foremost LET it be known and understood (as it has been stated, but appeared to have been missed) that both ARIXUS and DEVIN are NO LONGER A PART OF THE AG. They have both left, and NEITHER speak for the position of the Adventurers Guild,. Thorn stated as much in the Apology Thread.

Going forward, I’m going to answer some of the issues that seem to keep coming up.

1. Do you ban on entry?

Answer - NO. While that may have been in the past under the previous moderating group, we do not ban you for lurking, for coming into the room in a respectable manner, or for wanting to learn. Exception to the rule: Anyone from B.Net who THORN (The creator of the RP) has had passed dealing with and are known to be disruptive. Or if you enter into the room just to be an ASS - (See below for a great example).

2. So we are allowed to lurk?

Answer - YES. Come on in. Lurk, watch, see what the room is about. Check out the RP. DO NOT, however come in and flagrantly spout OOC to disrupt the RP. Obviously that goes for MOST rooms. It makes the AG neither elite or snobbish. It is called “respect”. Use it, and there will be no issue. Abuse it, well, unfortunately you will be warned. Continue to use it and yes, you will be banned. We have rules for a reason, and like every game, be it in tK, or any other Rping game, abide by the rules and things will go smoothly. Why that makes the AG any different from anyone else, is beyond me. It’s a natural part of gaming.

3. Are the Mods rude and obnoxious?

Answer - NO. While again, in the past, there were certain occurrences, it has since been rectified. Contrary to popular belief we are NOT RUDE. We do however take great pride in what we do. We ensure game play, stories for other players to participate in. We will help out newcomers to the point of directing them to the necessary reading that is required for the RP. We will review your profile. What we won’t do is -- TEACH YOU HOW TO RP, or ANSWER QUESTIONS YOU CAN DISCOVER FOR YOURSELF IN THE WIKI, We won’t HOLD your hand - it is up to you to learn what you can and then involve yourself in the RP. If you are unable to do this, then please don’t bother to join up. It is that simple.

4.Elitist / Snobs?

Answer - NO. Seriously - again, in the past it came across that way but we have a recent change in moderation and none of the current Dms or Moderators are elitist nor snobs. In fact, none of our players are either. What we are, however is PROUD. Yes, we are proud members of an RP that has lasted on TK for close to three years. We take pride in our game play and in our members. We expect a that same certain level of pride from all people who wish to join - who will immerse and interact with characters and stories. To bring something new to the table. Who can type legibly, grammatically correct, minimal spelling and sentence structure all go hand in hand. We do not expect Para-posters-- it’s about the quality of the post. At the same time, if you are just posting one line each time, then there is going to be a problem.

None of us are Snobs. What happened in the past is over. It’s done with. As long as you follow through with respect which should be the case in every room on tK, then there really isn’t any issue. We do not think ourselves HIGHER than others, or above others at all, save those, for example,  who believe spamming rooms for the fun of it, or people who blatantly come in to just obviously disrupt things then whine to others in another room that we are so mean when we do kick them. We are Roleplayers who enjoy a good game. Who create stories and develop characters. The AG isn’t for someone who wishes to just pop in and pop out.. It’s a place to build up your character over time, which is what all of us have done. It doesn’t make us snobs at all -- it means we are committed, and it is what we ask of people seeking membership.

5. Why do you turn people away?

Answer - I’ve listed some of the reasons above. First and foremost we do limit the number of players in the game, due to the fact that too many can ruin it. Since it is a GM based environment, with most DM’s handling adventures and such, too many characters can actually make it all the more difficult and game play will lessen, which in turn, reduces the fun. That isn’t to say we don’t accept new characters however. We just limit it to people who can a) show commitment by doing the require reading necessary to play. (We are playing in a different world, time, era, genre -- it is important to understand these), show a certain uniqueness in their character - how does your character fit into that environment? What can you character do in that environment? How well will your character interact with the others? Just for examples -- If you character is too powerful, or excessively magic, think about the time and genre -- it is similar to Early Victorian time frame, at the birth of new inventions.. It isn’t likely that people would be overly accepting of the occult. So make your character unique with a way to fit them in. Don’t over power them! Build them up over time.

There are MANY MORE things I could state, but I believe I’ve covered the basis. I WILL repeat however as it seems to have been MISSED, that neither DEVIN nor ARIXUS speak for the AG. Thorn has and will continue to do so. It is his word that counts. THE AG is his brainchild, spanning back for close to a decade. He does have final say in all things and has learned from his experiences in the past to make the AG what it is TODAY. We have new moderators in place and an amazing core of players who get along fine. So contrary to popular belief, we aren’t apart of the bitching and complaining in the other thread. That is between Devin and Arixus, who are no longer speaking for the AG, or are apart of it.

Now, I’m certain that most of you will likely find a way to bitch, complain, bash this post. I don’t expect it to suddenly fix everything, but I do want you to please consider the fact that we -have- gone through changes. And that judgments being made now, are based on PAST occurrences that are no longer in effect. Move on people. Its all I can say. Please don’t come and spam the room such as this:

06:46:32 Robin  fuckin' rapes the fuck out of 7:06.

06:46:36 Robin  rapes the shit outta 7:06.

06:46:37 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:40 Robin  anally fucks 7:06.

06:46:41 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:44 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:46:44 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:49 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:46:50 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:52 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:46:55 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:57 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:46:58 Robin  exits from this room

06:47:00 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:47:01 Robin  exits from this room

06:47:03 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:47:04 Robin  exits from this room

06:49:11 [Robin ] This was a protest, a message. I'd like you to keep this forum in your head, you power-abusing fucks. http://nexxushost.com/forums/index.php?topic=63366.0

06:49:14 Robin  exits from this room

I mean, is that truly necessary? I don’t think so. It is neither necessary for us to move to another chat. Why should we? It isn’t us that is now causing the problem -- it is the perpetuating belief that you all still carry, and continue to drag on and out. So please, take a step back and let it just end and see us for who and what we truly are.

Though I’ve hardly posted on tK forums before, some of you may remember me OOCily as Nae. I’ve been around tK for several years now, though I was absent for a while there. I have however played with the AG since it practically started in tK. I can say, it has changed from when I first started to where it is today. In a good way.

I know you will continue to make your own judgments, but the facts have been given and this is where we stand. United as an RP group, apart of a room that has history and proven consistency in tK. So no, we do not apologize for who we are NOW and what we have now become. It is evolution. Live and learn. And it is a two way street, earn respect and show respect. It really isn’t any more complicated than that.

Thanks for your time.

[Id]

Well. The first time I came in there a few months ago, I was kicked on entry. Then I came back in and said I wanted to quietly lurk because I've been gone from tK for a while and wanted to see what's what. I was not allowed.

That said, I came back in a month later, and have been a regular lurker ever since. I don't remember who it was who did that to me, frankly, but I'm guessing it was one of the two folks that are gone now. I honestly don't know. It could have been neither of them. But it would certainly seem things have improved.

As for the other stuff, as far as who is snobby and elitist and who isn't, I reckon that's relative to the individual. I like enough of y'all to spend my mornings drinkin' my Coke and watchin' the Daily Show with you OOCly so, good enough for me.  

[Thorn`Asures]

Yeah, what she said!

[Moondog]

06:46:32 Robin  fuckin' rapes the fuck out of 7:06.

06:46:36 Robin  rapes the shit outta 7:06.

06:46:37 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:40 Robin  anally fucks 7:06.

06:46:41 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:44 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:46:44 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:49 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:46:50 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:52 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:46:55 Robin  exits from this room

06:46:57 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:46:58 Robin  exits from this room

06:47:00 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:47:01 Robin  exits from this room

06:47:03 Robin  rapes everyone.

06:47:04 Robin  exits from this room

/ban

[Devin`Asures]

I'm bringing the drama here, but it needs to be brought. This is now personal.

Grace, I'm pretty pissed off that you seemed to use Arixus and I as scapegoats throughout your whole little FAQ thing there. It's pretty outrageous coming from you, someone who only recently returned to the AG. You very heavily implied that all of the negative instances were because of the past moderation of the room AKA Devin and Arixus. I'm offended that you're trying to pass yourself off as someone who has put in the time and effort to make the AG a success, because you haven't. You've been there for what? A month? Oddly enough, that was when the AG's internal conflicts began. I didn't want to place blame at your feet. In fact, I defended you and stuck up for you, and this is how I'm repaid? I'm not sorry for following my conscience, in that affair, but I am sorry I protected someone who was just going to hang me out to dry later.

Thorn, I'm disgusted that you let her. Arixus and I did so much to foster the AG RP and you let Grace crucify us? I was wrong to back you and run your RP for so many years. You have no sense of decency or loyalty. You use people and discard them.

On that note, let this serve as a warning to anyone who wants to get involved with the AG. I previously endorsed them as an excellent place to play, but now I see that all they do is use people and denounce them to save their own reputations.

[Kade]

On that note, let this serve as a warning to anyone who wants to get involved with the AG. I previously endorsed them as an excellent place to play, but now I see that all they do is use people and denounce them to save their own reputations.

No kidding.

But are they really just throwing people under the bus, or did they legitimately trim some fat?

[Granuaile]

First of all - Devin, you weren't used as Scapegoats. Not at all. NOR did I pass of the fact that I've made the AG what it is today. In fact, I supported you in the other thread, Devin. But since that post turned to a total beating of the AG, I strove to clarify some of the myths surrounding us who ARE STILL MEMBERS and didn't leave.

The past was the past. THINGS Have changed. There is no lie in that. You have even apologized FOR the mistakes YOU made in the past. My post only serves to show that, which you already admitted to doing, and how things have changed.

As for you putting the entire blame on me for any conflict that began, go ahead. If you feel you have to blame someone, fine. If it makes you feel better. This wasn't a personal POST. It wasn't a personal attack. This was a post to rectify issues. To clear the slate. But once again, those who aren't even a part of the AG anymore continue to stir up drama. Point in case.

No one was used. No one was denounced. Facts are facts. I clearly stated that you and Ari are no longer a part of the AG. TRUTH. You seem to want to find a reason to continue drama, even when it's being put to a stop! I mean you admit you make mistakes, apologize for them, then throw a fit when I'm pointing out possible errors or flaws in the past, along with 'how things seemed' (NOT STATING THEY WERE) a fact which you admitted to in your apology, to reflect changes being made and yet you are quick to jump in and say now that I'm throwing you under the bus?

I don't get that? I honestly don't.

So Devin - think whatever you will. Do whatever you want. Take it as you have. There was no crucifying in that post. Just a clarity of how things are changing, due to mistakes that have been learned. BY EVERYONE.

Plain and simple.

You wanna make drama out of it. Go ahead. Enjoy.

People can read for themselves. They can also venture into the room - make decisions of their own. You on the other hand are giving cause to stir up more shit, which truly isn't necessary or called for. And fact is, people can see that.

[Devin`Asures]

Grace, I do not say this lightly, and I might earn myself a ban from the TK forums for profanity, but; You Stupid Fucking Bitch. I am not known for swearing and using foul language, so I think it speaks volumes when I do.

I can't believe you. I really can't.

I wish I'd never tried to protect you. I wish I'd never tried to be encouraging or sympathetic towards you. If I'd have known you were just going to go and backstab me like this, then I'd never have bothered!
I was completely wrong to take your side in the conflict with Arixus.
Your duplicity and malice astound me. I thought you were some poor victimized player who needed defending against tyrannical moderation, but you were just in this for the drama and power all along. I feel like such an idiot for sticking up for you and even making my apology thread in the hopes that it would spare the AG's reputation with the rest of TK.

So don't try to be all magnanimous and "let people judge for themselves" now, because they probably can't see past your bullshit. They've never tried to defend you or offer you words of support only to have been used. Did you even read what you wrote? Are you that damn stupid that you can't see the implications? No. I don't think so. I think your show of innocence is just an act.

So again, fuck you, you stupid bitch.

And for everyone else, for the record, I LEFT the Guild of my own accord. I wasn't banned or run out. I left because I was disgusted by the way they were carrying on.

[Talin]

To everyone who doesn't know, I play Irien in the Adventurers' Guild thread. And I may be overstepping my bounds, but I do have an opinion to voice.

Firstly, in regards to previous moderation:
I had previously voiced complaints and concerns regarding this matter- particularly with Arixus. She had a tendency to set certain standards that were simply impossible, and excuse me for saying this, but she came off as being on a bit of a power trip. Dropping out of roleplay simply because the other people in character at the time weren't posting long enough was simply rude, and then telling people that they weren't good enough was something that SHE did, I know for sure. I've heard some of the complaints about Devin, and all I can say is this: I, even now, have a great amount of respect for Devin's capability as a roleplayer. A lot of people have made it sound as if Devin was kicked out of the Guild for being an ass. Firstly, Devin left of his own accord. And I never thought of him as an ass (out of character, that is- ICly, Irien was often known for his conflicting dynamic with the character of the Prince), and any problems I ever had with him- or vice versa- were addressed verbally with me on a personal basis in an attempt to work them out. I still speak with Devin and consider him a friend.

In Regards to the AG's approach towards structured RP:
I myself am currently co-DMing another game, which has been on The Keep for nearly a decade now, on and off, and I have to say that, in terms of a Roleplay that has a set world in which it takes place, the need for structure is vital. Without certain rules, only chaos would ensue, and who knows what sort of conflict might begin between the involved players in regards to disagreements in character capabilities and the like. As for their standards? We're really not as "Elitist" as people think. We do have standards, yes- when you want something to be genuinely good, you have to have some measure of standard. But it's not like our standards are something that are impossible to meet. Everyone and anyone can be capable of meeting these standards with a show of creativity and dedication. Simply put, we're not necessarily looking for the best. We're just looking for people who are at least willing to GIVE their best.

[Icon]

At the risk of being ignored (and oh no, please don't do that, you'd hurt my poor feelings), rather than make two threads on the forums about the Adventurer's Guild and spend time arguing about this, that and the other, why not, I dun'no, stick with e-mails, private messages, instant messages, or get into a room on the Keep and work this out. This whole forum fighting seems a little trivial.

But, hey, they say there's no such thing as bad publicity, so go on. Keep fighting, maybe you'll earn a few interested parties entering the room who love to argue as much as all of you are making it seem like you all do.

[Id]

... why not, I dun'no, stick with e-mails, private messages, instant messages, or get into a room on the Keep and work this out. ...

Because then Id misses her soaps. 

[Granuaile]

Heh.. Icon,

This post was to encourage the differences in the AG and to dispense the myths that had been floating around for some time. This thread was mean to differentiate between Devin, and his own point of view, and the AG, which are two entirely separate things.

Unfortunately, as you can see - it became drama-saturated and has now lost it's initial meaning entirely.

I merely responded to accusations. Sadly though, something that was meant to be positive has become entirely negative. There is a reason why I don't post much on forums anymore.

Meh.. I give up.

[Icon]

That's just it. You're responding. Stoppit. Your average person who is going to read these threads doesn't care. At all. They see fighting, bickering and that's not going to promote a fun role play. Stop replying, stop rising and taking the bait, everyone. This is asinine and serves no one any real purpose.

So Devin and what's-his-face-because-I'm-too-lazy-to-scroll-down-and-read aren't a part of the guild. Hooray. You said that, he replied. You could leave it there, make him look like he's paranoid, maybe even make him look like a jackass if you left it alone, but you replied. Kudos, now you look like you're argumentative.

And, Devin. Dude, making an apology takes some nerve, it does. Good on you for trying to, but why come here? If you honestly don't have anything to do with the role play anymore, why come to this thread? No one who will join in the future will care if you're the scape goat. If you are made out to be one, and it's true that you shouldn't be (and I don't know or care if it is or not), then the truth'll come out eventually when more and more people are tossed onto the fire.

So, in short, all of you are idiots. Shut up.

[Birdy]

So, in short, all of you are idiots. Shut up.

Yes, because it's idiotic to not deal with disagreements. And this thread? Sure, it's public, but people don't have to click on it. They don't even have to read it. If they don't care, let them not care, but people who care? It's better that they post their opinions, regardless the medium. Maybe people don't want to give their emails out to others that they're arguing with. Did that thought ever cross your mind?

If you don't like the argument going on then fuck off and pay it no mind. Don't come in trying to shut everything down. If a mod says stop, then it will stop. Nobody needs your two cents in the matter.

[Jason Baane]

So, in short, all of you are idiots. Shut up.

Yes, because it's idiotic to not deal with disagreements.

Thank you for saying this.

[Kade]

So, in short, all of you are idiots. Shut up.

Yes, because it's idiotic to not deal with disagreements.

Thank you for saying this.

Amen.

[Talin]

So, in short, all of you are idiots. Shut up.

Yes, because it's idiotic to not deal with disagreements.

Thank you for saying this.

Amen.

Seconded.

[Granuaile]

Due to the response, I will clarify my post to reflect my initial meaning, considering it has caused unintended shit.

first - i show this:

KitDreamer - I'd like to explain to you why I felt the need to apologise since you wrote you didn't know why. I made my apology because I felt that some of TK's users had been treated unfairly by the AG's moderation staff, one of whom was myself, and that the room had become an unfriendly and hostile place. I was ashamed of this, and sought to make amends.

Now to clarify what apparently has been missed.

1. Past moderation = Thorn, Devin, Ari, Greg, Tancred, and many others. When used in the above post, it did not say DEVIN personally. Nor did it say Arixus. It said "past moderation" which meant, what was in the past. Not an individual, but all.

2. I neither stated nor implied that Devin nor Ari were banned. IN any way. They left on their own accord. Devin left, making an public apology for the "past moderation" of AG, looking for forgiveness for some of the things he did that he felt had been wrong. IN turn, Devin's leaving allowed those of us WHO did remain to reflect back on the past and see what we could do to change it and make it better for the AG and those in tK who looked badly upon us. In fact, I myself encouraged Devin to stay with us so he could see those changes and that we were moving ahead and beyond what was bringing things down, and that perpetuated the 'myth' of the AG being a bad place.

3. The entire above post was to clearly reflect that. To show that we were moving forward and based on circumstances, have made some positive changes. It was not an attack against any one person.

4. I did clarify that ARI and DEVIN are no longer a part of the guild and do not speak for the guild. Re-iterating what Thorn had said in the previous thread. This was done because in the other thread, there were still assumptions that they were still both apart of things. As with everything else, this is a known fact and is the truth. There was no malice in my stating what I did

5. I have a life. Beyond Rp. I do not need, require and hunger for drama. Nor do I need, require or hunger for power. Particularly in a game. Which is what this is. A game that like the other members, we happen to care about. And the reason behind my post was to foster positivity to reflect how things are NOW. That makes me neither a drama queen, nor power hunger. I spoke for the masses, to the masses to clear up some myths.

6. AND If that makes me a (and I quote) a fucking stupid bitch, then I guess I am. I truly do not understand the response to this. I have done nothing to Devin, merely agreed with what he already said! And showed where we had made amends.. So beyond being hurt at the accusations and bullshit, I am also utterly confused at the reaction. From Devin and others who proceed to leave nasty messages for me elsewhere.

That being said, my original post still stands. All arguments and petty differences aside, the AG has changed. Those who wish to argue now, are the ones who chose to leave and do no speak for, nor effect the game play, or the room any more.

[Thorn`Asures]

No one's being crucified here. All I was trying to clarify was the fact that Devin and Arixus don't speak for AG any longer, as both voluntarily quit. I recognized the fact that you put a lot into the game and believe me, I appreciate it. As for using people and discarding them, I don't think that is a true statement. Anyone who did anything for me did so on their own accord, nobody forced them. And honestly this whole shitstorm is just ridiculous and I'd like to get past it as soon as possible but some people won't let sleeping dogs lie. I am instructing members of my group not to speak with this matter any further, as this airing of dirty laundry publicly is not very becoming and not the image I like to portray. This is a lot of wasted effort that could be spent RPing or doing something constructive. This is all you're going to get for me on this.

[TheMadHatter]

1. How can anyone want to be apart of a roleplay that has so much drama?

2. It looks like I need to find another Robin for my roleplay. If that is the same one. I don't know him very well, but It sucks to know that I let someone join my game that would do something like this.

[Dr. Javi]

dance, puppets, dance

[TheMadHatter]

Am I banned from the AG?

AG banning people?! Wha?! XD

[Rosery]

Question answered. Removing question.

[Robin]

I will take this time to write up an apology letter. Many of you, even the AG, who has been spammed with this username, (and yes, this is the real me) do not know the story. It is brought back to personal problems. I would like you to know that I am NOT using a cover story and that I would NEVER do something like that. Specifically you folks in the AG, I already have people who pick on/troll myself and there is no logic in making it worse. I'm not going to try to involve my personal life in here but if it'll clear things up, at the least, even if every one of you still hates me, it's for a greater good than accepting it.

I have been in a feud with my brother recently involving a specific schedule in school. Those details aren't important. As, mainly my RP mates in BatmanRP know, I usually arrive at 10pm on the chats and wait until we RP, and have a good time until about 5AM or so Eastern when people start leaving, and we just pause it. I usually go to sleep about an hour or so after that - in the same room as my brother, or to be honest, just play Sims 3 or something stupid. But obviously I went to sleep. I am guessing that by the look on his face, right now, as I type this, that he surely did it and, well, I'm fucked is all I can really say.

I am not sure why he specifically targeted the Adventurer's Guild but apparently there was an earlier topic when one of your members stirred something up. I wholeheartedly apologize for my brother's acts and I will completely understand that you don't believe me. I can feel it from here, before I even post this.

And if you don't believe me, then at least take it as an apology to me. Especially my own BatmanRP members, who turned out to also be in the Adventurer's Guild. With that, I can no longer stand being around here anymore because of, not only this, but now absolutely everyone will hate me, with the added on people who already treat me like shit for no reason.

This whole thing came to me as a surprise only fifteen minutes ago when I was contacted by two of my RP members. I don't want to cause any trouble anymore but the ride was really fun, guys.

I'd like to say thank you to everyone, and even my brother though. Recently I've been going a life change on my own, I've packed up all my video games and such, and am slowing my habit on the computer, of course, with the exception of the RP, etc. Now I can just leave it all completely.

Thanks... Robin.

[Devin`Asures]

I just discovered a very good reason for why this "drama" needs to be on a public discussion forum.

I've got wind that various members of the AG have been kicked or banned from the chat room simply for making mention of mine or Arixus' names. Users of the AG forums have told me that any threads they make there voicing their concerns are rapidly deleted by the moderators, and anyone daring to speak up has their account banned. It seems the AG has become largely intolerant of public discussion and the voicing of one's own opinion.

On TK's forums, we can speak up without fear of the AG censoring us.