8.11 CHOOSING A GUILD

(See HELP GUILDS, HELP GUILDSYSTEM, and HELP <guildname>)

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that a guild is just a club or social construct. A guild is a group of people who will control many aspects of your life in Lusternia for a long time. It is a political faction within a city or commune and thus not being in a guild disenfranchises you from part of your city or commune's political process. If you can't get along with them or disagree with their mission statement or values, then think very carefully about joining. 

Selecting a guild is probably the most important choice you'll make throughout all of your days in Lusternia. Make it wisely. Get to know the other members of this guild, at least by reputation. Ask around. 

A great way to see a bit more about the people who run a particular guild, and to see what it actually takes to rise in rank in that group is to talk to someone listed on HELP <guildname> as being "able to inguild and promote".

Meet the members. Talk to them. Ask about them. See what sort of reputation they have. Look for their names in the Lusternian combat rankings. See if they are helpful and responsive, or reclusive and self-centred. 

Guilds are a great way to get ahead in Lusternia. In fact, they are pretty much the only way. Can you survive and prosper in Lusternia without ever joining a guild? Survive: maybe. Prosper: definitely not. How often people tell us "I am independent, I don't need a guild." Maybe in some other realms that is true, but not here! In Lusternia, the world and its organisations are populated and run by the inhabitants. The guilds are the keepers of lore and your city or commune's core values, and to them you must go. Just be careful how you choose. 

(See HELP GUILDS, HELP GUILDSYSTEM, and HELP <guildname>)