Simply put, the actions of a single member of a guild reflects upon the
whole, whether you like it or not. If you must ask why this is so, then
it is probably a waste of breath to attempt to explain, but I shall try.

A single offense is often only attributed to a single person, whomever
the offender may be. Repeated offenses are generally met with physical
repercussions. There comes a time when people in the leadership of a
guild should begin to determine if that is the kind of publicity they
want from one of their members. It stands to reason that eventually, the
ones who have become fed up with being insulted believe that a guild
should have taken some steps to harness the wayward child.

Finally, tired of waiting and repeatedly killing the offender, the
angered (or annoyed) persons will take it out on those who hold the only
true power over him. His leadership, his friends, his family. Sometimes
it is discussed diplomatically, and sometimes it is accomplished through
crude threats upon the persons who are indirectly involved. Either way,
there is a definitive result. Either the unsavory behavior ceases, the
offender is removed from the body of the guild, or the guild supports
the actions of the offender. The third instance, of course, leading to
fault for the entire guild.

A Druid that frolicked about burning forests wouldn't be exactly
suitable to be among the forestals, would he? But if the Druids did
nothing, I am sure the Sentinels would be up in arms against the entire
guild - NOT just the person - for allowing such behavior over an
extended period of time.

Another example, that perhaps all can identify with: Have you ever heard
someone say, "I can't believe they let someone like -that- into their
guild! *snort*"? While it may very well be unfair to stereotype an
entire group based upon the actions of one, it happens more often than
not. This should be a lesson to all, that despite how much you claim to
act for yourself only, you will always represent your chosen
affiliation, whether it is a guild, a city, an Order, or all of these.

Signed,

Myslani Lamia

Penned by my hand on the 13th of Variach, in the year 95 MA.