Linus of Achaea

There are defining moments in every community. During my eight years as part of the Achaean community I have seen many times, but I’m going to focus on a few. I believe the spirit of community and unity is what makes Achaea and the Achaean experience the best out there.

The moment that is most unique to me is actually a mix of IC/OOC. The week after the September 11th attacks is my defining moment. The Magi, my guild at the time, was having a lot of political contention. This was manifested in the race for Guild Master that went public 9/12/01. However, due to the events of the day before, all three candidates dropped out of the race. They knew, as many of us did, that this was the time for clarity not for more confusion and change. It was a time when people didn’t know what to do in the real world and that, as it always does, reflects through to the character. Everyone dropped character and as the dust settled on the skeletal remains of the twin towers our wandering minds were just beginning to comprehend what happened and try to adapt to that world. The Achaean community stepped up, taking over all the news boards, Public, Poetry, Meets, Events, Announce and City Boards adding news of family members that were involved in the attack or news on the rescue attempts made by various members. I remember specifically that one player had been lost in the attacks and we all mourned as one instead of as Ashtanite, Shallamese, Mhaldorian, Hashanite. The planned ceremony was so well attended that the realms were full; we had to wait in queue to enter for our chance to say goodbye and god bless. This was one of the very few times during 2001 that the realms reached maximum capacity. There were no attacks or foul words being thrown around between the factions. There were several vigils held at NoT and Crystal Leaf Inn to pray or hope for the survival of as many as possible. The two IC years following the attacks were not marred by violence. Even the landmarks, which at the time were one of the most vigorously contested places in Achaea, were left silent; they stayed exactly the same over the two years, nobody fighting for them. I think ultimately a lot of people, who didn’t find an important place in the real world found their voice in the Achaea world where they could speak on even ground about the events that happened with the fellows of the communities.

I believe that the changes that can be seen in the realms have shown that communal spirit even more. The places of legend, that almost everyone is aware of, are all places where the community gets together as a whole. Places like North of Thera, The Crystal Leaf Inn, Fish Street, Central Market, Crossroads, and Stygian Crossroads are all places that are based in the concept of community. One of the biggest changes to Achaea was the change from guilds to houses. This continues to reflect the growing communal nature. Now people are able to come together regardless of class and be with people similar to them. The forums are now one of the most active parts of Achaea and I believe that is because ultimately that community seeks out itself. It doesn’t exclude people based on the real world but instead based on their intelligence and drive and that is amazing!

I challenge anyone to find another place that creates layers of community on community and which accepts anyone into their fold as easily as if they were family. These are the things that make Achaea great and unique. These are the reasons I will spend another 8 years playing this game. These are the reasons that Achaea is considered the only RPG mud that still matters. This is my home. I challenge you to show me one better.