This is just a suggestion to my fellow players. Recently, we've seen a few people roleplaying standard bearers with torches held high. I really like the idea, and wanted to see if I could make an appeal to my fellow NA'ers to let them do so. Treat them as non-combatants if they follow a few rules.
If the idea is interesting, here are the rules I suggest to qualify as a torchbearer. This is in no way enforcable, and I'm appealing to the fairness and honor of the people that try to do this.
1) Only level 10 and below. Peasants CAN affect the battle, but they really don't have that much of a chance to do so. Why not let them have some fun?
2) Only clothing allowed, nothing above padded jack or pilgrim outfit and a hat.
3) No melee weapon allowed. You may use the torch to practice blocking, but the best thing to do would be to retreat from the battle line if endangered.
4) No delaying. If the rest of your team has fallen, surrender yourself to the mercy of your enemies. I'm sure they will make the end quick.
5) If you have ride skill at that low a level, feel free to use a horse. If you bowl into an enemy line however, your status as a non-combatant has been nullified.
Like I said before, this is in no way enforcable on any level, but would be a neat little thing. It just takes players agreeing to not shoot at/swipe at torch bearers in cloth,
and torch bearers to follow the rules.