"The mission of The Fallen Legion is to serve its membership and the community and to help all players to succeed at respectful, fair, and cooperative gaming for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone involved."
Most "scholars" of online gaming agree that there are several different major "types" of guilds in the world of MMORPG's. While the nomenclature varies from person to person and from game to game, by and large this taxonomy of guild nature applies universally. We believe there are four discernable types of guilds.
The first type - and almost all guilds start out this way - is the Family Type guild. A Family guild's purpose is to work together for the mutual benefit of all of the members and to put forward a positive force in the game. It's a noble concept, social in its intentions and philanthropic in its approach. However, few Family guilds remain Family guilds, and we'll talk about why in a moment.
Exclusive Type or Clique guilds are sometimes born as they are, but more often than not evolve from a Family guild that has lost interest (for better or for worse) in a general philanthropy of "help your fellow man," and instead focuses on helping those within the inner sanctum. Frequently these players are friends outside of the gaming environment ("IRL" or "In Real Life") and as a result, tend to exclude those who do not have an "in" with at least one of the group members. The major benefit of an Exclusive guild is that they take very little organization and effort to maintain, as they take advantage of non-gaming relationship strengths. The major drawback is obvious to those outside the inner circle.
Power-Gaming Type guilds exist solely for the benefit of the individual. One player calls upon other players to help that one player improve himself/herself. Advancement at the expense of other guild members is rarely an issue, and communication is frequently to-the-point, if not aggressive. Failure frequently results in sanction (including being dismissed from the group) and success often results in tremendous reward. This is often a source of confusion; while the primary motivation of the power gamer is to better himself/herself, frequently the union of such strong players results in a guild of unparalleled strength. Power-Gamers are very impatient with newcomers, and often have rigorous expectations of their players in terms of contributions to group / guild events, as those contributions ultimately serve to better the individual. The advantages to this guild type are obvious: players in a successful Power-Gaming guild are often some of the most powerful in the game. The disadvantages are often felt most tangibly when one of them is shouting at a less-experienced player. These organizations are often notorious, having no patience for those outside the guild and frequently adopting a very negative attitude towards other players and groups. While some Power-Gaming type groups have some really great people in them, they are more often than not totally inaccessible to any but the most aggressive and "hardcore" of players.
Finally there is the Orphanage Type guild, which we believe is a distinct class in and of itself. Unlike a Family guild, which seeks to benefit all through high standards coupled with flexibility and patience, an Orphanage guild seeks to help everyone who needs help, accepting nearly anyone who comes to the door (hence the name) and providing them with as much as possible. The advantages are clear to any new player, but the disadvantages are rife. Firstly, the guild rarely excels as a whole because of the continuing influx of low-level members and time spent training the inexperienced. Secondly, turnover is usually very high, as players who succeed in an Orphanage guild frequently discover that there are major advantages to other guild types that are more fitting with their now-experienced playing styles. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly with an Orphanage guild, it is very frequent to see others take advantage of Orphanage guild generosity, and eventually the human nature that reviles being played like a cheap banjo kicks in, and the guild is shaken to its core with either an exodus or the loss of a major leader figure.
This returns us to the Family Type guild. The Fallen Legion is a Family-type guild that is Neutrally aligned, meaning that citizens of any city may enlist. The organization was founded by Senger in March of 2005, along with several individuals including Dead, Maulclaw, Rayven, and Kronin (as Lanthryn) and has become one of the most prominent and well-respected guilds on the Grobb-Everfrost server community. The organization does not have a Constitution, a Charter, or Articles that must be followed for membership aside from our most basic Code of Conduct, which asks that players, in short, respect one another. We do not have a "DKP" (Dragon Kill Point) system that gives more and more loot to the highest level players, nor do we have demanding scheduled events that you are required to attend. The policies that we do have are structures for success and guidance, not for oppression or subjugation, and certainly not to exercise power over others.
What The Fallen Legion does have is a high standard of conduct and cooperation. We play for fun, for friends, for family, and we play fairly. We hold respect in the highest regard. Legionnaires are expected to be outstanding players for their level. New players ask questions, and TFL understands that and feels that it is in the group's best interests to help develop informed, skilled players. Some players prefer to primarily solo, while others nearly always hunt in groups. TFL understands that and feels that it is in the group's best interests to foster cooperation in all its forms.
What makes you a candidate to join TFL? Showing one of the Leaders or Officers that you've got potential in your character's class, that you've got a sense of humor, and that you'll be a positive force in the organization.
What does it take to stay in TFL once you're in? Don't be selfish and don't be disrespectful. Help your guild mates when you can, and represent TFL well throughout your journeys in Norrath.
Interested in joining TFL? Speak to any full member of the organization in-game to begin your apprenticeship. The best way to learn about our organization is by becoming a member. While the apprentice role is restricted from some of the greater privileges of membership in a family like ours, if you're of good character you can expect to progress through the ranks rapidly as you demonstrate what you're made of, and if we live up to your expectations as much as you live up to ours, in a very short time you will find yourself a member of the elite in an organization unlike any other.
Welcome, in advance, to The Fallen Legion.