Just finished helping out Balry with his thesis paper and made me think about why I've stuck around in the family for all these years. Here's my response to 'Why did you join?'
I joined the Gaiscioch family during their Warhammer chapter. I had been in numerous guilds up to this point and was actually looking for a guild that was big enough to find individuals willing to do dungeon runs. I had been in other groups and guilds in the past but they usually fell apart due to infighting or greed over loot. Gaiscioch was the first large guild that allowed me to play my character the manner in that I wanted, partnered with me to accomplish my in-game goals and actually equipped me without demanding anything in return from me.
My first connections with the guild were through Clanorton, Brisdeah, Craythur and Vampiresbane. I've been greatly encouraged through those friendships and making many more including Ben,Don and Prissy. The thing that has kept me around has been the concept of family- daggers out not in, helping those around you, and coming to each other's aid when needed.
Why did I agree to be an elder? Well that's a question I've asked myself many times since saying yes. As an ordained minister I often have my hands full with people issues and putting out fires of my own. (Not to mention handling crisis calls and real life emergencies.) Why would I take on more? I would simply say that there's something here that you won't find in many gaming communities, let alone in the 'real world.' And quite plainly it's worth investing in and fighting to preserve.
I know that over the last year I haven't been around as much as I have before. Life has become more demanding as of late. But can I encourage you to think about why you're here? At some point I had to go beyond thinking of only myself, what I wanted out of the guild and my 'vision' of the guild should be like. I had to choose to go beyond 'my' vision to 'our' vision. Would you be willing to do the same?
As a community we are not defined by the game we play, but by the memories we share. May your blades be sharp, your eyes keen, and your heart strong. Blessings!
