Help Index :: World :: shuvanaguard The Shuvanaguard is an ancient protective order that dwells primarily in the Vaasa among the llewyrr (the elves). There are actually non-player characters (aka mobs) in the game that contain more information about the Shuvanaguard and you should ask them about the Shuvanaguard if you wish to know more information. Alternately, there are players who have joined the Shuvanaguard that may be willing to explain it to you to some extent as well. Suffice it to say, for now, that it is not a clan or a guild or anything of the sort often seen on muds. For all intents and purposes it is primarily a role playing aspect of the game and nothing more. - - - - - Some out of game additions from the creator of the Shuvanaguard... A lot of people have their own preconceptions what the Shuvanagurd is. In answer to the questions, I wanted to offer up the original intent. From an out of game standpoint, there had been a point where becoming a Knight might be a possibility. Knighthood seems such a human concept to me but the concept of a group dedicated to the safety of the people or its land and one that maintains a code of honor seemed, to me at least, a very elven concept still. In short, the Shuvanaguard is basically the elven equivalent of a Knightly Order. Bearing that in mind there were a lot of things to consider when designing it. Should non-elves be allowed? Since its symbol is the elven longsword should it be limited to only sword-wielding classes? Questions like these. To answer these, you have to look at some of the realm history from the time the Shuvanaguard was created. Back then, elves were just starting to overcome their xenophobic standpoint. Prior to that, the elves and humans had been in a war largely based on misunderstandings of culture and, while time had passed for the humans the long lifespan and long memory of the elves kept the threat of war fresh in their mind. They had spent quite some time secluded in the Vaasa keeping everyone else. Keeping in mind that the move of gameplay was headed towards giving players reasons to play together where reasons could be found, the idea was to move away from elven xenophobia and towards more integration. I can't see the elves actually just forgetting everything but why not an order dedicated to good and protecting the land that opens its proverbial doors to others of like-minded good intent. So the Shuvanaguard was made open to anyone of like-minded beliefs. Basically, those who don't directly oppose the elves. Yes, dwarves and humans and the like can and should be able to join the Shuvanaguard. This meshes well with the fact that the original elven longsword that existed prior to the Shuvanagaurd version was available to more than just elves. The original elven longsword was removed as "too powerful" for its level. The quest to obtain one limited the number in use as well as making them harder to acquire. Thus the benefits of the swords' value was balanced by the limitations placed on acquiring one and, given that more than elves could get them, kept it open to those who could have one before it was initially removed. So why should mages and the like be able to get one if they can't even use the sword? The sword, while certainly useful, is also the status symbol marking its wielder as a member of the Shuvanaguard. So a mage, who can't physically wield the sword, should be able to complete the quest and attain the badge of the order. Granted, I could have made several items marking people as members of the Shuvanaguard but the role playing idea is based on the concept and the sword is a part of that concept. I've seen more than a few mages who proudly carry their elven longsword with them after completing the Shuvaguard quest that I don't think my idea is far off from where it was originally intended. They bear their sword with honor and pride regardless of whether they can use it or not. I've considered offering a chance for mages, clerics, rogues, what have you the opportunity to trade in the sword for something more usable but would generally prefer to leave the longsword in tact. Granted, that doesn't help non-sword wielders any but never fear. Since shortly after finishing the joining quest, I've wanted to make a second quest that continues after the first. In fact, the quest is largely in place and I hope to open it sometime in the near future. While this may still seem like an imbalance in that sword-wielders get the sword first then get a chance at a second reward later I really looked towards using the second quest to reward the non-sword wielders first and allowing a few less functional items for sword wielders and those who would prefer items based on role playing potential rather than just a new weapon or armor bit or something. With any luck that should bring things more into a sense of balance. Shade and sweet water, Talis