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Guides of the Month (June)

Clak – EQ

Why did you become a Guide?
I tried to think of something sparkling, different and interesting to say here but the truth is it's very simple. I was helped by a Guide, and thought to myself I would love to be able to help other players like that. It sort of felt like giving something back to the game that I get so much out of.
What games do you guide in? For how long?
Just EQ 1 - my first true love :) - although I have, and do play, some EQ2 and Vanguard
What is your guide race and class?
I am a rather fierce looking Halfling Ranger... who makes pies and is NOT made into them!
What is your favorite color?
Green
What is your favorite land (zone)? Why?
Hands down Castle Mistmoore. Sadly underused nowadays... the crazy routes the evil Guards take... a danger around every twisting corner and under every tombstone... and oh those trains... the trains of Blackburrow are famous... the trains of Castle Mistmoore are things of Legend that nothing else compares to it.
What has been your best or favorite moment as a Guide?
This is very tough to answer :/. Outside of this honor that I am still checking my mailbox for a message that says theres been a mistake... I can only boringly say I can't pick any single moment. It's every time a player says thank you even when I haven't been able to give direct help, and the players that send a hug or hi.
What is your favorite quest, event, or knowledge circle? What do you do the most of?
My favorites are the pvp Events... especially the Team Events... and top of the list is the male v female player one in the arena. I remember the last time I did this... I was cheerleading the males and a female Guide was urging on the Female team. I had to lend a few males to the female team... NO Halflings... but the taunting and shield banging and the battle that followed was pure FUN! Not saying who won.... but then girls always do don't they sigh.... then again if they hadn't had the girly men on their side.... :)
What has been your worst of least favorite moment as being a Guide?
The obvious answer would be an angry unreasonable player taking it out on me... but actually it isn't. Almost exclusively the angry player is just angry at the situation and just need to vent, and it isn't personal. Almost always nice people having a bad day. The worst moment - or moments as a Guide for me are easy... I look after training and when an Apprentice Guide doesn't make it, or decides to leave, that right there is head and shoulders my worst moment.
As a player have you every run into any Guides and events?
Yes I have many times. I try and spend a little time joining in if they are role playing, and have sat in on answer circles - always something to learn and love to see they style, personality and way other Guides do things... then steal their best lines :) KIDDING... probably :)
What is your favorite thing about this Game?
The community - easy answer, the meaning a bit harder to describe. There are real people behind the screen... I have been very lucky in the friends I have made - within the Guide Program and without. EQ is the world where we became friends and shared our online lives and our lives outside EQ... maybe a good example is one of my best player friends who I met 9 years ago [actually yes in Castle Mistmoore] - he was a network technician back then... he is now a Homicide Detective and currently having FBI training... we have grown up together in the game and outside of it. Community.
What do you plan to do in the future as a Guide? Any goals?
My goals are to try and help as many Apprentice Guides make Full Guide and beyond with as good a grounding as possible. To try and remember my motto of think THEN speak up.
I have no ambitions to be more than a Guide trying to give players a better play experience... not sure I would be comfortable in the executive suite... I am very happy here in the servants quarters with sawdust on the floor :)

Nizzy – EQII

Why did you become a Guide?
Having played EQ+ for eight years, I realized that my most rewarding play revolved around helping others to enjoy the game. I've done a lot of player-run events, and decided it would be even more fun to guide, and spread the cheer.
What games do you guide on? For how long?
Just EQ2 for me, so far, but one can never tell…
What is your guide race and class?
I began life with wiggly fingers, but when I realized the limited wardrobe choices, I quickly amended my career choice! Now, I am a gnomish templar, but not much of a healer. Instead, I wash dishes for a living at Fish's Ale House in Qeynos Harbor.
What is your favorite color?
Um... (coughs) I should say green, but the truth is, my favorite color is blue. Imagine my consternation when choosing my clothing from the merchant in Hold of Prexus!
What is your favorite land (zone)?
Well, that's a really rough question, because I enjoy so many of them for different reasons, but, I'd have to say Greater Faydark is the one that gives me the most immersive sense of well being. Between the aesthetic beauty and the ethereal and haunting music, it just can't be topped.
What has been your best or favorite moment as a Guide?
I think the favorite moment(s) have been when players /tell me that they are happy to see me, (us), and thank us for guiding, helping with events, or, as one said a few days back, "...for your exuberance!". Players crave interaction with the guides and it is a pleasure to give them what they seek.
What is your favorite quest, event, or knowledge circle? What do you do the most of?
Oh, my favorite group quest has to the Adventures in Petsitting, as it gives several guides a chance to run around being silly, and who doesn't want to be a baby dragon? I've also enjoyed my storytelling sessions, and look toward developing more of those over time.
What has been your worst of least favorite moment as being a Guide?
Umm...I think it was when I realized that I couldn't tie Meitner's bootlaces together. He wears...velcro!
As a player have you every run into any Guides and events?
Back in the dark ages on my EQ server, E'ci, there were regular quests and events run by guides. I think my favorite was Riddlemaster, but there were many that I enjoyed, including the progressive story telling events. Grogg was a super GM for us then, and everyone flocked to his events. In EQ2, I haven't seen as much as I'd like. Once I happened upon a group doing the Orc Uprising quest in CL, and more recently I was able to do both Halden's and one of the Erollisi quests. Although I play a fair amount of time, I haven't seen a lot of quest activity on my play server, but when I have, the guides have been terrific and the events have been great fun.
What is your favorite thing about this Game?
Oh, by far it's the community. I never cease to be amazed at the imaginative things that players come up with, and I sit in my seat and giggle.
What do you plan to do in the future as a Guide? Any goals?
While I won't say I have specific goals as a guide, (other than to continue entertaining our community), I've got plenty of time, and love to help when my skills can be utilized, so I'll be looking to take on more responsibilities when my SMT deems me fit for such.