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[center][b][h3]Hello all you Cool Cats and Kittens![/h3][/b][/center]

Let me start by introducing myself as your new friendly neighbourhood news intern! I'm back with a brand new edition of the Guild News for your reading pleasure. I understand that many have taken this seat before me, I only hope I can continue the work started by those individuals, and bring you an enjoyable read each and every time.

Featuring in this month's issue, we have a word from the [b]Director of the Estermere Academy[/b], as well as a tell-all interview with everyone’s favourite new superhero, [b]Mizuhana Yoshiba![/b] But first, we have some important announcements to make regarding the [b]Guild and Chat Staff![/b]

Stepping up as our newest Site Mod, we have [@LegendBegins]! There have been changes to the RPGO Discord Server too, [@Stormflyx] has accepted a position as the newest Chat Mod. I wish them both well in their future as leaders of Roleplayer Guild!

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While some members have stepped up, sadly, one of our beloved Site Mods is stepping down. Unfortunately, we are saying goodbye to [@Byrd Man] as a staff member. I'd like to thank him on behalf of us all for his service to the site, and to this fantastic community and wish him well in all his future activities on the Guild.

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Think you’ve got what it takes to be Roleplayer Guild’s Next Best Superstar Site Mod? Then please send a PM to [@Ruby] for more information.

With all that is going on worldwide, [@StarLordess] and several members of the Guild staff are currently working on setting up a community fundraiser for any members who may have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. If you are in a tough position, or if you are looking for a way to help someone out, please find the thread [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/181904-covid-19-fundraiser-for-guild-members-in-need/ooc]here[/url], which will be continually updated over time as required. 

There is no shame in asking for help, and if you are struggling -- please reach out to someone. We can get through this together. 

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This month, the Guild News would like to place one of the coveted spotlights on a brand new Roleplay, certified [i]absolutely[/i] fresh! You heard it here, for your Slice of Life fix, there’s no better world to take a dip into than that which is being crafted by the amazing [@Hedgehawk] in [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/181941-estermere-academy-military-school-rp-open/ooc]Estermere Academy![/url]

So... Just what is it all about anyway?

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[sup][i]Founded in the year 1126 by Lord Rothello, Estermere was originally both a school of war and faith. This was perfectly normal at the time given the crusades that were going on during this particularly poignant time in history. After 1131 when the crusades finally ended, it was decided that the faith part of the academy should be dropped so that there was more focus on more military academia. Since that time, the academy has slowly expanded, accepting more students each year and increasing the amount of training and services it offers.

Estermere is located deep inside the mountain range of Lockemont. The academy owns the mountain range and technically does not come under any sovereign control, giving the academy a neutral status between the many nation states of Lorholt. The academy features a fully functioning fortress equipped with all the amenities a normal academy would provide. There really is no safer place to study in all of Lorholt!

Of course maintaining a prestigious academy such as this is an expensive undertaking. The research and development budget alone rivals that of small nations. In order to keep the academy in the black the academy operates a mercenary division. The division uses both students and graduate soldiers in its ranks as we feel it helps build up good battlefield experience.[/i][/sup]

Guild News swung by for a chat with the GM about this roleplay, I wanted to know what makes Estermere Academy stand out from the crowd, thankfully Hedgehawk was on hand, and a friendly individual they are too! If I wasn't so busy running around chasing stories, I'd certainly be thinking about joining it myself! I do wonder if I don a disguise... I might slip past security and get all the hot gossip that way...

[quote][@Hedgehawk]
People should join Estermere Academy because it is an interesting experiment. Estermere attempts to combine both Slice of Life and Fantasy genres. Something that doesn't appear often. I wanted to create this universe for those who usually play SoL and wanted to perhaps try something a little different and for those Fantasy RPers that want to expand their horizons. By combining the two together, players can explore the other half of the universe, while taking comfort that they are in somewhat familiar territory too.

As for the Universe, Estermere is set in the Mid-Renaissance: Books and knowledge are starting to become more widespread and the demand for professional soldiers is higher than ever. The Estemere Academy was founded to help fill that demand and quickly became the go to place for a military education. Players are all first years in the coveted Officers Programme which only has around 50 seats per year. Of course as with any school based roleplay there is drama. Out of the 50 slots, a fair few of them are reserved for the children of rulers and nobles and as such feel entitled to the position, whether they deserve it or not. Then you have the parents who used their wealth to simply buy their way into the programme. At the other end of the spectrum you have the poor kids who got into the programme because they showed promise and were offered a scholarship. As you can imagine, there would be a lot of tension between the groups, especially when they are forced to work together.

The roleplay follows the journey of these students through their first year of training. From field exercises to exams, balls to parades, the year is full of different events and scenarios for players to jump head first into. I hope to see everyone there soon![/quote]

If [i]I[/i] don't join the roleplay, then I strongly encourage you to, dear reader! This roleplay has all the makings of a classic on The Guild, so head on over and get your character sheet in today! Thanks again Hedgehawk, and best of luck with it all.

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In a Guild News first, I tracked down one of the most exciting new faces to grace the Guild! That's right, I sat down briefly for a moment, to chat with [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5096975]Mizuhana Yoshiba![/url] of "You Can Become a Hero", the [b]My Hero Academia[/b] fandom roleplay that is taking Casual by storm [i]right now![/i]

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For those out there who don't know you, how would you describe yourself?

[quote][sup][b]YOSHIBA:[/b] Oh, don’t worry about that. They’ll know me soon enough, because I’m going to be the greatest hero in the world. 

A lot of people think I’m not going to make it. But you’ve got to set your goals as high as you possibly can, you know? A lot of great heroes have gotten by with a quirk that doesn’t sound too impressive, but I guarantee you they had the same people doubting them. I’m gonna make sure the name Yoshiba Mizuhana goes down in history![/sup][/quote]

That sounds exciting! You're already so dedicated to your goals - that takes some discipline! How do you stay focused?

[quote][sup][b]YOSHIBA:[/b]  By remembering where I came from. It’s important to me to have Kagoshima in my rear view mirror at all times, so I never forget why I’m trying to become great.[/sup][/quote]

So, as a superhero in training - what is your everyday routine?

[quote][sup][b]YOSHIBA:[/b]  I’ve just gotten accepted to Ishin Academy in Hokkaido. I figure it isn’t going to be too different than junior high, just with the ability to work on hero stuff. Before opening day, I’ve just been preparing myself since, y’know, Ishin is the number two school in Japan. People make it out to be some kind of hell school, too. I don’t really care if it’s true or not. All I know is I’m going to be the best hero-student ever. I’ve got to cement my legacy.

I don’t have any money really, so all I can do is wait this out until I get assigned to a dorm room. I exercise? Sometimes I fish. My goal really is to stay in shape.[/sup][/quote]

The ocean is something that you have a close relationship with, yes?

[quote][sup][b]YOSHIBA:[/b]  Yep. Both of my parents were seafaring heroes, like Selkie. I guess it’s just in the blood.[/sup][/quote]

And yet your power is not related to the water, is it?

[quote][sup][b]YOSHIBA:[/b]  I guess not? I mean my mom had a similar quirk. Weird hair and all.[/sup][/quote]

So, just what is it about your hair that is so weird?

[quote][sup][b]YOSHIBA:[/b]  Well, I’m no expert, but my hair is basically like squid tentacles. Sort of. I can control it with my mind, like an extra limb. Normal hair can’t do that. It’s also stronger, so I can use it for all sorts of things.[/sup][/quote]

That’s amazing! It must have been such a surprise to discover this power! I can only imagine that it requires a lot of concentration to control, do you ever have any difficulties with this… Or, [i]bad hair days[/i], shall we say?

[quote][sup][b]YOSHIBA:[/b]  I mean, I’ve always had the hair. It isn’t like some quirks where people are too dumb to see what they can do with it. But I guess the trade-off is it isn’t as flashy? 

But yeah, it takes a lot of concentration to make it work like I want to. Sometimes I think my hair has a mind of its own, but that’s just one of the weird things about it. My mood affects how it acts. So if I’m going to be the best hero ever I need to focus better. I dunno about bad days, though.[/sup][/quote]

Sometimes my hair has a mind of it’s own too! It sounds like you’re doing the best you can, Yoshiba -- so what do you have to say to those out there who are trying to do their best? What words of advice do you have for our everyday heroes?

[quote][sup][b]YOSHIBA:[/b]  Well, All Might’s always said “go beyond”. It’s something I’ve thought about a lot. 

As heroes we’ve gotta do the best, no matter what anyone says or thinks. Being a hero is being more than just stopping bad guys and natural disasters. It’s about being a pillar. To anyone out there who wants to be great they just have to give the world their everything and be the best version of themselves they can be. Never give up. Don’t listen to the heat, because that’s like letting a villain get into your head.[/sup][/quote]

If you'd like to read more of Yoshiba's adventures, you can find her over [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/181627-you-can-become-a-hero/ooc#post-5096963]here.[/url]
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Mercenary siblings, [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5097973]Sagax and Piper Speculatus[/url] pulled the wool over the eyes of High Ranking Penitus Oculatus Professor, Priscilla, by faking the execution of their travelling companion, Sevine The Huntress. Sources have claimed that this was all part of an attempt to save the life of a family member of the pair.
[right][b][sup] [@Frizan] - The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Wayrest[/sup][/b][/right]

It has been confirmed that King Nikoloas’s beloved [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5110417]wife is pregnant.[/url] The news came to him following a meeting with his advisors and Admirals. The decision was made during the meeting to take on Khazaria with all of their military might. We shall follow this story as it unfolds...
[right][b][sup] [@Abefroeman] - Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets[/sup][/b][/right]

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[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/173153-palm-beach-royals-senior-year/ooc#post-4707655]Palm Beach Royals[/url] made it to the 600th post -- well [i]HOT DAMN![/i] Congratulations to [@Rosalia] and [@Altered Tundra] on a fantastic report from the District Superintendent, the Kings’ Academy of Crown Heights has passed it’s inspection with flying colours for the second year in a row.

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Since the Guild is full of some really amazing artists, I wanted to dedicate a spot each edition to share some of it. This time around, I chose a spectacular study by [@Hellion] that was shared in the RPGO Discord this weekend.

I love the use of the white to really make everything else pop from the page, and add a gorgeous dimension to the piece. It really feels alive, and works so beautifully. Well done Hellion, and thanks for continuing to share your art with us, may we see many more drawings from you yet! 

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Thanks again for your time, and thanks to those I got together for contributions for this first edition of the new Guild News! I hope that you have all had a relaxing weekend over this Easter period. With everything that’s happening around us, now is the time to look for the small moments of comfort where we can.

There’s so much uncertainty outside in the world, and it feels like there’s no end in sight for this collective experience that we’re all sharing. Everyday feels longer than the last, and many of you will most likely be in your quarantine now, some of you may have been in it for quite a while. Stay strong, stay hopeful, stay connected where you can to those you love and cherish.

It’s okay to feel lost, it’s okay to feel sad, and it’s okay to not feel motivated to “make this time productive”. It’s completely normal to be struggling with difficult emotions during this pandemic. Try to take time to focus on the ways in which we can soothe ourselves, and if we are able, to help those around us too.

Let’s think with compassion and with patience, let’s allow ourselves to ride the emotions we are feeling, and be gentle with ourselves and with others. As a community, we can be there for one another. No matter how alone you feel, we’re all in this together.

Stay safe, and look out for one another.

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