Sentinels of the Valley / THEVALLEY

Those who dwell in the Valley are folks who value their fellow citizens within the community. In this Valley, we look out for one another and seek the sharpening of our skills, the finding of our fortunes, and the forging of stories that will help shape us as individuals. Together, we are so very strong, and we must use that strength to fend off those who would see our valley plundered or destroyed.

Average citizens need not be Sentinels as we are, but populate the very valley we’ve sworn to protect. Some may aid us in this, and some may see us undone, but all are to be given the benefit of the doubt until action must be taken. The average citizen outside of our order is who we aim to interact with, whether it is a medical rescue or assistance with the mundane.

It is our duty not just to protect and nurture those that reside here, but also live for ourselves. It is important to ask for and accept any compensation that can be given for our efforts, no matter how small. That recompense frees who we assist from any guilt or debt to us. Know that even a Sentinel has personal goals they want to meet, and that should never be forgotten. Sentinels are all bonded by our common goals, and can of course be trusted with helping eachother with our own growth and aspirations.

One last thing to leave you on as we draw our mission statement to a close: Optimism must be tempered by realism or it will lead you to ruin, but a cynic never prospers. As they say, everything in moderation including moderation.

~The Dragon of the Valley

Here are the standards for a Sentinel of the Valley:

• This is the most important rule stated here: Only stand as a Sentinel when you have it in you. Emotional, physical, and mental burnout do occur in even the strongest of people, so don’t take a fight or attempt to help someone when you’re running on fumes in one way or another.

• Patience in all things, especially with yourself.

• Never feed into a troll’s vitriolic ramblings. Keep responses respectful but do not hesitate to put someone in their place should the need arise. This use of bared fangs should be brief and to the point, reserved only for the most grievous of offenses such as racism and the like. Remember our standards, and never swear when doing this. Point out hypocrisy, and stay on the right side of the conversation, keeping a level head all the while. Be able to look back on a conversation like this without regret, knowing you did all you could to reach an amicable resolution.

• Never stand for someone being talked down to in the chat, stick up for them and do your best to diffuse the situation. The goal here is not to aggravate the offending party, but merely have them lose interest and move on.

• Use other topics of conversation to deflect a troll’s pointed attacks toward someone or something. If you shift the flow of chat in a different direction, that can be enough to dissuade further interaction from the offending party.

• Know when to relent. Not all individuals can be reasoned with, and sometimes it will be necessary to disengage in conversation. Sometimes time is the best tool to use in diffusing a situation. Let trolls and irate individuals burn themselves out whenever it makes sense to do so, and keep stoking the flames of better conversation.

• When you are able, have a willingness to help those who ask questions about the game in all chat to the best of your ability. Coming to a fledgling citizen’s aid can be some of the most rewarding interactions you can have in the Valley. Point folks towards official sources, or reliable third party tools when possible.

• Always give folks the benefit of the doubt, you never know what someone might be going through. If you are ever able, attempt to appeal to a troll’s position. Find common ground to agree upon, while still drawing a line with what is helpful and what isn’t. The goal is peaceful discussion, not projection.

• We are not a purely lawful org, and illegal shenanigans are fun and accepted. We care about people, not laws.

• Stay professional when the need arises, but remember we are here to have fun. Never be afraid to cut loose and unleash your wild side!

Remember, discretion in all things. We hold ourselves to a higher standard especially when it comes to communication. Be intelligent, gather context and information, and most of all be compassionate. This goes double for offending parties, and it’s best to kill them with kindness. Some lost souls find their way back to the Valley, and we welcome them with open arms.

Please reach out to me personally if any of this is unclear.

~The Dragon of the Valley