>Currently there are a number of mobs that "block" PCs from
>going in a given direction. Guild guards, cabal outer
>guardians, and the Inn of the Eternal Star guardians. In
>order to get past them the PC must attack and kill them.
>
>It seems unrealistic that a mob (which is often much less
>powerful than the PC) can "block" him/her without resorting to
>blows.

And here is where game balance trumps reality. The guilds are protected for a reason. You have the ability to circumvent that by attacking. You can make the roleplay call on what you want to do. Newbies don't need to die repeatedly in a "protected" zone so you can feel better about your choice.