Regarding the new Abbey Champion

From Redwall MUCK Wiki

Recently, Flicktail was promoted to Abbey Champion. Some people enjoyed this turn of events - it created RP! It was something new! Most haven't ever seen the MUCK with an Abbey Champion because they're not an old fart like me! Then again, there are a number of players who have a problem with it and have made themselves quite vocal about it both ICly and OOCly. I know some of the reasons - I've talked with some of them about it - but I won't bother listing them. I'll just tell you why I think he's a GOOD choice.

First, let's look at his character ICly. Flicktail is a nice guy. He's kind to everyone, he loves the Abbey, and he cares for all of its inhabitants. He's a fox who is as woodlander as they come. He wants everyone to be happy and to get along. He has never sought power or aggrandizement because it's just not something his character would think to do. He spent much of his past life seeking to protect others and has battle experience. ICly speaking, he is the perfect creature to wield the sword. He does not seek power and so is unlikely to be corrupted by it and he is devoted to the place and creatures he has been charged to protect.

Now, let's consider the player. He is a frequent and consistent RPer. He is kind to everyone, he loves the MUCK, and he makes everyone feel welcome. He doesn't care if it's your first day on the MUCK or if it's your tenth year. He doesn't care how many lines you can pose, if you're not the best writer, or if you're unfamiliar with MUCK commands or practices. He just wants good, fun RP for everyone. OOCly, he is the perfect person to hold an important, canon position on the MUCK. Having a player like him in the Abbey, in a recognizable role from the books, as someone who does not shirk from RPing with anyone, however PAINFULLY NEW they may seem to some, is nothing short of a stroke of genius. It is a decision made that will benefit the whole MUCK and encourage its success. In short, he will be a constant source of RP and he will help us to retain new players.

Furthermore, while the MUCK is meant to be a place for people to enjoy themselves, that is not its only purpose. It is also part of a larger ideal to encourage love of literacy in young people and to provide them with a place to flourish with like-minded individuals. It was that for me, when I was a young teenager, and I'm sure it has been that for many of you. I was made to feel welcome by all of the wonderful players and staff members present in the MUCK's early days. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, I don't think that is as often the case anymore. There are certainly some who still foster that experience for our new, young players, though. One of those people happens to be Flicktail.

For those reasons and especially for that last reason, I support him whole heartedly - both ICly and OOCly. Note what I said there - both ICly and OOCly. I agree with the decision OOCly for the reasons I have stated. ICly, I agree with the decision because it was MADE BY MARTIN THE WARRIOR. My main character, Colonel Zoe Lang Francis, has been an unfailing supporter of the Abbey throughout her life. She believes in its ideals and supports it in all ways. In short, she's a Long Patrol hare just about right out of the books. Meanwhile, I also have another character, Brother Harper, who is the Abbey Recorder. He has spent a good deal of his life at the Abbey and he believes wholeheartedly in its goodness and has faith in Martin the Warrior. Like many of the Abbey's inhabitants, he has felt the old Champion's presence on at least one occasion. For that reason, the very second Martin's Sword was given to Flicktail, he was certain it was the correct decision. Because he is a member of the Order and to members of the Order and those who are protected by the Abbey's walls, Martin's word is God. It also helps that what he knows of Flicktail supports his faith.

So, I have explained to you why the two of my characters primarily impacted by the decision are in wholehearted agreement. They are behaving consistently with the genre in which we all play make believe. However, some people are not content with being consistent with the genre. They want things to be less clear cut, less black and white, less formulaic, more dark, more mysterious, less G-rated. That's fine - that's their choice. There are other places they can RP which will support that desire. There are even non-canon regions of the MUCk where they can go and RP in that fashion without being bothered (save for violations of the G-rating).

What people need to remember is that the MUCK is not your brain space, meant to serve your purposes and whims. It is a place in which to role play in ways consistent with the series of children's books written by Brian Jacques. It is a place to feel welcomed and be welcoming. Some people have forgotten that. Let's all endeavor to remember it in our RP and in our OOC discussions.