I have added a new system to the website to allow users to manage groups. A group is any kind of in-play association of PCs, be it a guild or something else. To create a group, go to Create Content in the top, left-hand corner and click Group. You will need to specify a name and a public description. You can also add an image (e.g., a group crest) and manage the group roster. This information will appear on the group list page (available under Community in the side menu) for others who may be interested in joining.
I have some enhancements planned for groups later on, but for the time being, they serve two main functions. First, every group can have private discussions. This is nearly identical to the current private forum functionality except for the content type (Group Discussion rather than Forum Topic) and the fact that the group owner controls who can see and participate via the group roster. Group owners likewise have the ability to moderate discussions within their own groups. Note that, because I no longer have to manage this by hand, there is no longer a limit to the number of groups to which you may belong.
Groups also have a vault for storing gold and treasure. Anybody can put treasure in a group vault (using the Give function, same as always) and all group members can view the contents of the vault. Only the group owner can distribute treasure from the vault, however. Note that groups do not have an inventory; if you want to bring group treasure into play, you will need to give it to a PC first.
As I said before, I plan to add enhancements to this at a later date. I'd like to give groups the ability to build guild halls and furnish them with profession-enhancing facilities (e.g., alchemy lab, enchanting circle, foraging garden, etc.) that apply to all group members. Assuming there is sufficient interest, I may also add privacy features to hide group pages and rosters. These are long-term plans, however. For the time being, groups are only useful for private discussions and vaults.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Yes, if you create the group, you are the owner and administrator. Yes, there can only be one at a time. If you need it changed, I can do that. Just don't make me do it more than, say, yearly. One of the main points of this was to limit the amount of administration this takes. ;)
all excisting groups have been, forum wise, taken down?