IC LETTER
A declaration from the Duke of the Ashen Coast and General of the Third Brigade of the Gilnean Army, tacked to notice boards and various other meeting places of the Alliance.
The War in the North has cost many lives. The lands of our people lay in tatters, the living dead roam about the streets and fields that we once called home as if it were their own. And yet we still remain. The Kingdom of Gilneas, the indomitable kingdom that has held fast against the Orcs and the Scourge has fallen low against the Forsaken; but has yet to be defeated. With the Fourth War at an end, our homeland awaits.
Within the southern lands of Gilneas the Blades of Greymane have re-established the Duchy of the Ashen Coast, a major first step towards the restoration of our great kingdom. Under the General and Duke, the Blades of Greymane march forward, carrying Gilneas’ banner high as we clash our steel against those who would oppose our people. All true sons and daughters of this land are urged to rally home and aid us with what work remains, so that their claim is not forgotten in this rebuilding country. Knights and soldiers are urged to come home, for those who dedicate service shall be rewarded with gold and an increased place in land distribution for their families.
Lordaeron rots of the Undead, the Argent Crusade has ignored our plight. It falls to us, the Alliance, and us alone to destroy this evil that has plagued our land. Though they speak of an era of peace with the banishment of Windrunner, the Horde cannot be trusted to be kept complacent forever. Gilneas will be reborn by the blood of our enemies, with steel drawn and their poison shown, we shall grant them with our own weaponry. Our answer shall be our ascent. We shall show them fire. And we shall show them what happens when you come into our den expecting us to kneel low.
This call goes out to all true Gilneans. All true brothers and sisters of the Alliance. Aid us in our hour of need. Aid us in the restoration of this great Kingdom and the restoration of our northern homeland. For when Gilneas has risen, so too will the northern kingdoms. When the next war comes, they will rue the day they ever set foot on Gilnean soil, and every kingdom that has been demolished by the beast in red shall know it was they who invited the wolf into their home.
Glory to Gilneas.
Berenal Grayblade
Duke of the Ashen Coast
Brigader-General of the Gilnean Army
OOC INFORMATION
The Blades of Greymane is Moon Guard’s oldest Gilnean guild still around. We’re a Gilnean re-establishment guild with an emphasis on lore, military, political, and story telling. The Blades stem from a military regiment of the same name that was made mostly defunct following the invasion of Gilneas by the Forsaken. They now act entwined with that of the Duchy of the Ashen Coast, acting as conjoined forces.
The Blades, while remaining primarily Gilnean at heart, have opened their doors to non-Gilneans willing to carry the banner of Gilneas and the Blades to rebuild and fight for the Alliance in the nation’s name. As of late, focus has turned inward to ensure Gilneas is finally re-established as a world might once again.
In addition to the military aspect of the guild, a political side exists as well through the aforementioned ongoing storyline of the Ashen Coast nobility, which has banded together under the banner of the Blades as a means of revitalizing not only their lands, but Gilneas as a whole. This gives the guild several branches for those interested; especially those with a penchant for political or noble role play within Gilneas.
On an out of character level, the Blades were founded early Cataclysm and have kept to our roots of mature and respectable RP since its inception. The Blades have been an active and lively guild since our creation, and our membership has been known for providing well-formulated and consistent roleplay.
Since our inception, the Blades have been an active participant in many server wide events, as well as collaborating alongside various other guilds in order to bring about some larger cooperative events and share the fun. Following BfA, we’ve elected to remain mostly involved with our internal storylines rather than server narratives; providing a rich world and environment for roleplay based within the Warcraft setting without fear of outside forces to need to keep narrative track of.
We’ve been able to maintain a very laid back OOC attitude and a friendly guild circle that extends beyond WoW into other games and communities and invite you to join us.
Click the arrows below to find information about our guild.
Branches of the Guild
The Blades of Greymane
Main Coordinators: Berenal.The roots of it all. The Blades were founded centuries ago and have, since then, represented Gilneas and the crown. Now inseparably intertwined with the Duchy of the Ashen Coast, the group continues that goal as well as the re-establishment of the kingdom.
The Blades as a segment of our guild almost exclusively deals with military matters. As a result, most events will be combat or combat related. The Blades as a group, aside from joint measures, typically will not deal with the political matters of the Duchy and is a group aimed for those who seek a more militant-based role play.
Duchy of the Ashen Coast
Main Coordinators: Berenal (Duchy/Bite), Aeliren (Range), Lerren (Reach), Aleyina (Fallow Crest)The Duchy of the Ashen Coast is, as the name implies, the lordship that rules over a significant portion of the region of the south in Gilneas. Led by the Duke, who is also the High Commander of the Blades, the Duchy funds most of the Blades’ endeavors and is inseparably woven into the order as part of the militants of the Ashen Coast and the nobility must swear the oath of the Blades.
Separated into four main regions, the Bite, lorded over by the Duke himself, the Reach, lorded over by Marcher Lord Derrik Greyfield and his hand, Lerren Darkoak, the Range, lorded over by Marcher Lord Ryan Greydon and his warden, Aeliren Chesterhill, and the Fallow Crest, lorded over by Marcher Lady Aleyina Grayblade, the Ashen Coast boasts a diverse political landscape.
The Duchy offers those interested in being part of smaller communities/political landscapes the opportunity to do so. While there is more than just the big four marches, the Ashen Coast serves the purpose of offering political RP while also being smaller communities in the guild to do regional based events that are specific to the interests of that region. At the same time, the Duchy offers a larger scale political landscape, for those interested in, to build and establish elaborate storylines and delve into the fanon we’ve created.
The Ashguard
Main Coordinators: Berenal, IlliasterThe frontline of the Blades, led by its elite membership within the Inner Circle. The Ashguard is restricted to the Inner Circle members and their operations with or without additional support from the main military of the Blades. As such, most of their operations involve surgical strikes or otherwise missions that your average footsoldier might not be able to handle without the supervision of this elite few.
This vanguard of warriors base out of Bannhurst themselves, as the Blades Headquarters provides; with most of their missions being the bulk of what can be expected of the Inner Circle during their time with the order.
The Galuyn
Main Coordinators: AleyinaThe Galuyn are a sub-sect of the Gilnean people, an ethnic group that traces their roots back to the original settlers of Gillneas, before the arrival of the Empire of Arathor. Keeping to their ancient heritage; the Galuyn differ visibly from the rest of the Gilnean populace.
None-the-less, these pagan men and women seek to make their place in Gilneas, having been accepted by the Ashen Coast as equals. Serving as an unorthodox, but fierce, force; the Galuyn’s goals align to spreading their culture and heritage, as well as their methods while preserving their ancestry. They are represented by Aleyina Grayblade, who has been elected as their representative by the heads of the largest clans that represent all facets of their culture.
The Order of the Onyx Dawn
Main Coordinators: Nawar
Created after the failure to train any of the aspirants during their time within the Silver Hand Council and the original Congregation of the Silver Hand following Erich Manstein’s death; the Order of the Onyx Knights was created due to a sense of urgency for paladin instruction. Due to Gilneas’ segregated nature from the rest of the world, the Silver Hand did not flourish in Gilneas it had in the other nations of the north. After the Silver Hand was reformed with the coming of the Burning Legion and declared neutral, the Onyx Knights cut all ties with the organization, remaining loyal only to Gilneas and the Alliance. Rebranding as a religious order, an elite branch led by tenants of virtue rather than faith, the Onyx Dawn came to be; representing the faithful of the Light within the Ashen Coast, where ever they may be.Based out of the cathedral of Creek’s End within Bannhurst within the central Ashen Coast, the Onyx Dawn is led by Cardinal Archibald Bishop; an old but pious man whose teachings are integral to the Dawn. Carrying the banner of the Blades, the Onyx Dawn carries with them the faith of the Light, and are willing to defend it, and the innocents of the Ashen Coast, with their lives.
Greystalkers
Main Coordinators: AelirenNot all work is done in the public light, some must be conducted from the shadows. The Greystalkers are the ranger corps of the group, dealing with clandestine and over seas threats that need a finesse touch; rather than the brutish invasion forces that the rest of the military might send.
It is the stealth division of the Blades, led by Spymaster Aeliren Chesterhill. Performing any and all non-invasion work that the Blades need, from infiltration, to scouting and even assassination; the Greystalkers missions consist of high-risk, high-reward operations, undertaken by men and women who are willing to take on rising threats of the enemy for their homeland.
Ravenborne Circle
Main Coordinators: RobynOnce known as the Order of the Raven, the Ravenborne were rebranded and recreated after the need for instruction of the magical arts, as well as the organization of it, took on a new form. Having been made dormant after the disappearance of the last Archmage of the order, the Ravenborne Circle was created to take on a new light for the group; as well as a new purpose.
Led by the Grand Seeker, Robyn Blackrose, the Ravenborne do not only handle the instruction of magic, but the seeking of magical artifacts, the handling of arcane threats, and the investigation of mysticism that may run rampant across the Coastlands and beyond. As such, they take on more duties than the previous order, but have also rallied a stronger calling for those whose talents lie beyond simply swinging a blade.
Expectations and Requirements
We expect from our members the following:
- Members must be at or above the age of 18.
- Moderate grasp of the concept of RP. - We are not new roleplayer unfriendly but our guild’s narrative may be harder to get into if you have never roleplayed before.
- Participation - We ask that those who join the guild participate in some way with the group. We always seek to include others but given that we have over several dozen members; it is appreciated when someone puts their best foot forward to interact.
- Respect for not only officers but fellow members of all ranks. While story wise we know some folks might not get along, don’t carry this into OOC. Keep IC to IC and OOC to OOC.
Race Requirement:
Due to the precarious nature of Gilneas, there is no race requirement at the moment. Gilneans are strongly desired, though other races will be allowed in as well.
Level Requirement:
There is a level 40+ level requirement. Mostly due to the fact that we will be using various areas around the world, and to show there is some investment in the character being added into the guild.
Abnormal Concepts
Concepts such as vampires, non-Allliance races (not including NPC alliance races like High Elves or Jinyu), Dragons, or other oddities must be run by the guild first. While not explicitly banned, certain concepts will not mesh with the theme or format of the guild and can be more disruptive than fun for everyone.
Alt Limit
There is no alt limit. You’re allowed to have as many characters in the guild as you’d like.
Joining the Guild & Moving Up
How to Join
In order to join the Blades you must go through a two step process.
You can apply at this link below:
http://tinyurl.com/bladesshivtr
It is advised you do not provide a bare bones application. This will result in a decline.
From there you’ll go through a short application process that will help us get a better grasp of you and your character. Assuming all goes well and your app is approved, you will be contacted as soon as possible.
On occasion, we will be recruiting in game. If you walk up to us there, we will arrange an IC interview where we will get a taste of your role playing skills. Should your character’s goals not match up with the Blades’, your character is unable to properly answer the questions provided, or if your role playing skills are not up to the standards we are searching for, you will be turned away.
If the IC interview goes well, your character will be inducted into the Blades and provided with some basic means of communication with the rest of the guild.
You will still be requested to fill out an application, but this is mostly a hand-waved process if you’ve successfully completed the IC interview; as an approved application is required to view our forums, which have important details on them.
Upon joining the guild, you can request a link to our Discord server; which is where the majority of announcements and discussion takes place.
Events
Guild events are often held multiple times across the week depending on the officer who plans them. These events are not always consistent and may alternate weeks, it is always a wise idea to make a habit of checking one’s calendar, as event dates may be shifted should a real life issue arise.
Our event types range from the following:
D&D Events,
We have our system listed up on our website for reference at all times. Most of our events are D&D, they often promote story and military movement for our guild’s progression. Occasionally an alternative system will be used, they will be announced with the event and a demonstration will be provided.
Objective Based Free Form
These consist of a scenario being posed as the event progresses in which your character can be given a chance to react to. Alternatively, we also may have in character objectives and groups posed that must be completed IC by the end of the event. Full creative freedom is given during these times within reasonable bounds of the scenario.
Roll20
Special events have been adapted into an out of WoW program called Roll20. Rules for these events can be found on our guild forums and links will be provided when it is time for these events.
Recreational
Not events, per say, but the guild will often gather at one or more locations for recreational RP on our down time. They’ll oft be announced in guild chat in some form. These are, as stated, not events and are typically more sporadic. Anyone can organize this, as expected.
RP-PvP
As the name implies, PvP with a Horde guild based off the current storyline.
Attendance at events is looked at closely, to put it plainly, a recruit who attends each event and is active in the guild in other ways will rank up faster, as they have shown their interest. While a recruit who is semi-active in the guild but attends very few of our events will rank up much slower, as they’ve shown little.
IC, the Blades maintain a strict military standard, disobeying an order from a superior can result in a demotion until the behavior is rectified. If severe enough, demotion is not always enough and expulsion from the Blades may be deemed necessary. We are an RP guild first and foremost, and as such, one must expect that while you may follow the rules OOC, your character is expected to follow the rules IC. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Contacts and External Links
Our officer contacts are as follows:
Berenal (GM)
Aleyina (SiC)
Lerren (Officer)
Aeliren (Officer)
Idrya (Sub-Officer)
Illiaster (Sub-Officer)
You can find our guild website at:
thebladesofgreymane.shivtr.com
You can apply directly here at:
http://tinyurl.com/bladesshivtr
You can find out more about the Blades and their back story at the Blades of Greymane tag on the Moon Guard wiki or our own wiki:
http://bogm.wikia.com/wiki/
http://moon-guard.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Blades_of_Greymane
Several other of our stories can be found scattered about, typically having to do with Gilneas. They can be found by reading into these various sections.
FAQ
How do ranks work?
Ranks within the guild are represented in a different manner then one might expect.
One ranks up through participation within the guild’s storyline, as well as being an active member of the guild in general. The hosting of meaningful storyline events when a main storyline is not going on is seen as a sign within the guild of your aptitude to handle and lead, both IC and OOC, and is a requirement past a certain rank.
Starting from highest to lowest, they are:
OFFICERS
General
The leader of the Blades. This is currently filled by Berenal and is seen as the end all of the chain of command. This rank is not obtainable by normal means.
Lord-Commander
Lord Commanders are the second highest rank in the guild. It is the second in command and has about the same power as the GM. Characters with this rank can answer any and all questions OOC. IC they are seen as just below the General in positions of power, but hold enough sway to dictate decisions on their own.
Scion
The main officer rank that is obtainable through hard work. Scions are chosen on a case by case basis and will require the person exemplify what the guild is. A scion is seen as one of the higher ranking officials within the inner order and is recognized as a commander by all parties within the Blades and their affiliates.
NORMAL RANKS
Blade Champion
Blade Champions are the pinnacle of the guild’s service. Typically knights or some sort of masterful tactician/warrior/spell weaver, these men and women are seen as the best of the best within the Blades’ ranks and within the inner circle are seen as some of the most cherished people in service to the order. A blade champion must show the qualities expected within the guild, such as being able to lead on and off of the field, the ability to hold their own in combat, and a clear interest in the well being of their fellows. Blade champions are elevated on a case by case basis during a special ceremony and their numbers rank few.
Grey Knight
Grey Knights are members of the inner circle who have exemplified on and off the field and have been rewarded in some form. All Grey Knights are made Knights of Gilneas by one of the Lord-Commanders and are seen as some of the best and brightest just before the venerated Blade Champion.
Raven Ward
Raven Wards are those within the inner circle who have begun to show qualities expected of the elite of the Blades. Their expertise on the field as well as their ability to lead and manage during wartime has resulted in an elevation past the common rank of Blackguard. They uphold the oath of the order and live to serve and protect Gilneas.
Blackguard
Blackguards are the most common rank within the order. Following their swearing in by oath, a Blackguard is one who has proven their dedication to the order and confirmed the decision from their elevation into the inner circle was a sound one.
OOC, this is the highest rank one can obtain without hosting events of any kind.
Oathbound
Oathbound is the term used for those who have just been elevated into the inner circle by recommendation. They have been observed on the field to possess a higher than normal capability to handle themselves or have been observed to have a penchant for management. As the lowest rank of the inner circle, these members are seen to have not yet been proven as members of the elite.
Conscript
Conscripts are seen as either mercenaries or outer circle members. Run of the mill soldiers who have not been seen to be a part of the core group, these members are valued but their inability to progress past the militant ranks has resulted in a lack of investment on their skills.
What is the Inner/Outer circle you keep mentioning?
The Blades of Greymane encompasses NPC soldiers into their ranks. To distinguish from these run-of-the-mill soldiers, PCs are typically seen as those who have proven beyond standard training to true mastery of their craft. While not all members of the guild are seen in this way (You begin in the guild as a conscript. You may also request to remain in that rank.), most PC members are. They are elevated past militant ranks into the elite core of the Blades, being the actual OOC guild, and are seen amongst the best. This elevation also allows for characters to command these NPC soldiers on the battle field, for who better than the elite?
What are the militant ranks?
They are:
Major
Captain
Lieutenant
Sergeant
Corporal
Private
These are standard military ranks and are typically reserved for those of the NPC. Those who wish to incorporate their characters fully into the guild’s story are permitted use of these ranks prior to their elevation.
Do I need to know all of the Lore/Fanon
No, you don’t. There’s a lot to cover, we’re well aware of it. While we’d love for everyone to digest all that the guild has to offer, we know that not everyone is into the same topics. That’s fine!
You’re only requested to read up on the lore relevant to the interests you are pursuing in the Guild. Any questions can be made to the leading officer for those branches.
If you’ve read this all then you’ll probably have very few questions on how the guild works upon joining, though keep in mind we will use this post as reference. So, if this is a lot to take in at once, don’t sweat it. It’ll always be here and pretty much everyone in the guild will be more than happy to answer any questions they can answer.
Any further questions or concerns about joining can be sent to myself or any of the officers mentioned. We’re a friendly bunch of folks who don’t bite and for those looking for a great RP guild with interesting story and a friendly group; look no further.
![:wolf:](https://d38bqls1q93fod.cloudfront.net/en/wow/images/emoji/twitter/wolf.png?v=6" ":wolf:")
![:crossed_swords:](https://d38bqls1q93fod.cloudfront.net/en/wow/images/emoji/twitter/crossed_swords.png?v=6" ":crossed_swords:")
The Forsaken think we’re weak. A broken people. They think we’ll roll over like a scared dog. How wrong they are. We will fight them in the fields until the last trench collapses and the last cannon is silenced. We will fight them on the streets until the last shot is fired. And when there’s no more ammunition, we’ll crush their skulls with the stones that pave our city. We will fight them in the alleys, until our knuckles are skinned and bloody and our rapiers lay on the ground shattered. And if we find ourselves surrounded and disarmed… wounded and without hope… we will lift our heads in defiance and spit in their faces. But we will… NEVER SURRENDER!!! FOR GILNEAS!!!![:slight_smile:](https://d38bqls1q93fod.cloudfront.net/en/wow/images/emoji/twitter/slight_smile.png?v=6" ":slight_smile:")
![:eyes:](https://d38bqls1q93fod.cloudfront.net/en/wow/images/emoji/twitter/eyes.png?v=6" ":eyes:")