Sometimes the greatest of us end up with egg on our face. It's one of those things that comes with being supremely awesome that really doesn't get talked about, mostly because it would discourage people from being awesome. Who wants to be awesome if it means getting served? Exactly. Well, here's the story.
Aquitane (David) is starting a play-by-email game of Diplomacy (the single greatest board game ever created). If you're not familiar with it, clicky. The reason it's so great--it involves virtually no luck--there are no dice. Everything that happens, happens because of the conscious decisions of others in how they choose to order their units, who they ally with and who they attack. Each player has equal opportunity to influence the other players in the "Diplomacy" phase. Nothing in the outcome of the game is random.
The only random element is what country you play. In a live game, we traditionally draw out of a coffee mug or something. In a play-by-email game, David decided it would be best to give me a random list of the 7 powers and then assign them based on the order in which people replied to his invitation to play. He told me the list. My coveted England was sixth.
So, gaming the system like awesome people do, I timed my e-mail to arrive sixth. It actually arrived sixth. So I get to sip on tea in London, right? Not so fast.
David then turned around and told another player that he was really going to assign powers in the reverse order of the list that he gave me. Instead of England, I play the dreaded Austria--no naval outlets and surrounded on every side. I get to fight over the Balkans. Yay?
Statistically, Austria is the most eliminated power in games. Awesome.
So, not only did I get fooled by David, but I got fooled into taking the statistically worst power in the game. I have precious little doubt that England and Austria were diametrically arranged as such (and thereby accuse David of violating the random choice of powers rule--he needed to draw his 7 out of a hat). But that's here nor there. I got served.
But because I'm awesome, I'm going to go win the game with Austria.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Guild Charter Revised
Okay, I think that this is a lot better. I think that it captures who we are--a casual and fun guild--without quite an altogether casual tone. I hope that it finds the balance of being fun and respecting who we are and the time we play--which is what makes this work. As always, thoughts, comments? Leave them, say something in game.
-Z
The Guild Charter of the Voltron Force
Who Are We? Diverse and Fun!
If you’re reading this and aren’t a member, I want to thank you for taking the time to find out who we are and what our guild’s values are. If you’re reading this and are a member, I hope that each time you read this, that your experiences mirror the mission and values set forth here.
The Voltron Force—an appropriately dated reference for a lot of our guild members (twenty-somethings)—was created to provide a casual and fun environment for friends to play World of Warcraft together. So far, one initial group of friends has reached out to others who wanted to join up with us. We are now a nexus of multiple groups of friends, both in-game and real-life, spanning from the East Coast, to Chicago, the Mississippi Delta, Rocky Mountains and Pacific Coast. We are students, teachers, young professionals, sports fans, goofballs, and just plain fun people to talk to.
Our diversity as people and easygoing nature are one of our most important assets.
Who’s In Charge Here Anyways?
I am—Jason, aka Zarkon in game. However, I really let the inmates run the asylum. That is to say, the feedback and thoughts of everyone in the guild is important to me. There is no hierarchy in this guild. Instead, you get to name your own rank, if you want one. There are no officers. There are people who are worth listening to—I do every day and trust them completely. I won’t name them because I trust that their personalities, fairness, helpfulness and game play will command your attention. Another way to put this, we all listen to each other. Listen, and you will be heard.
Our Mission—Progression Through Selfless Teamwork, Commitment to Excellence
As students and working professionals, we recognize that different people can progress at different speeds in the game. We have kept ourselves within a few levels of each other, so there are always people to play with and instance with. Our guild is respectful of those that can play less than others and makes sure that they aren’t left behind. At the same time, we are all committed to getting to Kharazan one day soon (probably sometime in July or August) and progressing beyond it.
As friends and guildmates, we recognize the importance of going forward as a team and cohesive unit. As such, we have all contributed to keeping our tanks well-geared, our professions developed, and have selflessly moved gear around the guild. One of my favorite guild moments was when at level 42, four of us scrounged up 10 gold each to buy our tank an epic shield for 50 gold, to use at level 45. That is the selflessness and community that you can expect in this guild. Following is Leading by example.
On a personal note, as the Guild Master, I decided from day one to roll a priest and take responsibility as one of our main healers. I also am one of those ‘priests who heal’ in battlegrounds. This commitment to the whole and to success runs throughout the guild. Everyone has found a niche and role to play in the guild, as a class, in their professions, and the commitment has been outstanding. Everyone is a leader by example. Act and you will be heard.
Of course, PvE content is not our only focus. We have consistently instanced as a guild three nights a week (M/W/Sat). We have also PvP’d with each other in every bracket and hope to field a competitive arena team. If you want to focus on PvP, you will find several ready and willing teammates who know how to kill the enemy and keep you alive.
Should I Join? Perhaps.
If you’re looking for server firsts, lots of pups and fast progression, we aren’t going to be for you. If you’re looking for a good group of people who are fun, cooperate, help each other, listen and will progress at a speed friendly to a more casual player, then we are for you. If you have friends who want to join for our people and our values—great! We’ll find a place for everyone.
-Z
The Guild Charter of the Voltron Force
Who Are We? Diverse and Fun!
If you’re reading this and aren’t a member, I want to thank you for taking the time to find out who we are and what our guild’s values are. If you’re reading this and are a member, I hope that each time you read this, that your experiences mirror the mission and values set forth here.
The Voltron Force—an appropriately dated reference for a lot of our guild members (twenty-somethings)—was created to provide a casual and fun environment for friends to play World of Warcraft together. So far, one initial group of friends has reached out to others who wanted to join up with us. We are now a nexus of multiple groups of friends, both in-game and real-life, spanning from the East Coast, to Chicago, the Mississippi Delta, Rocky Mountains and Pacific Coast. We are students, teachers, young professionals, sports fans, goofballs, and just plain fun people to talk to.
Our diversity as people and easygoing nature are one of our most important assets.
Who’s In Charge Here Anyways?
I am—Jason, aka Zarkon in game. However, I really let the inmates run the asylum. That is to say, the feedback and thoughts of everyone in the guild is important to me. There is no hierarchy in this guild. Instead, you get to name your own rank, if you want one. There are no officers. There are people who are worth listening to—I do every day and trust them completely. I won’t name them because I trust that their personalities, fairness, helpfulness and game play will command your attention. Another way to put this, we all listen to each other. Listen, and you will be heard.
Our Mission—Progression Through Selfless Teamwork, Commitment to Excellence
As students and working professionals, we recognize that different people can progress at different speeds in the game. We have kept ourselves within a few levels of each other, so there are always people to play with and instance with. Our guild is respectful of those that can play less than others and makes sure that they aren’t left behind. At the same time, we are all committed to getting to Kharazan one day soon (probably sometime in July or August) and progressing beyond it.
As friends and guildmates, we recognize the importance of going forward as a team and cohesive unit. As such, we have all contributed to keeping our tanks well-geared, our professions developed, and have selflessly moved gear around the guild. One of my favorite guild moments was when at level 42, four of us scrounged up 10 gold each to buy our tank an epic shield for 50 gold, to use at level 45. That is the selflessness and community that you can expect in this guild. Following is Leading by example.
On a personal note, as the Guild Master, I decided from day one to roll a priest and take responsibility as one of our main healers. I also am one of those ‘priests who heal’ in battlegrounds. This commitment to the whole and to success runs throughout the guild. Everyone has found a niche and role to play in the guild, as a class, in their professions, and the commitment has been outstanding. Everyone is a leader by example. Act and you will be heard.
Of course, PvE content is not our only focus. We have consistently instanced as a guild three nights a week (M/W/Sat). We have also PvP’d with each other in every bracket and hope to field a competitive arena team. If you want to focus on PvP, you will find several ready and willing teammates who know how to kill the enemy and keep you alive.
Should I Join? Perhaps.
If you’re looking for server firsts, lots of pups and fast progression, we aren’t going to be for you. If you’re looking for a good group of people who are fun, cooperate, help each other, listen and will progress at a speed friendly to a more casual player, then we are for you. If you have friends who want to join for our people and our values—great! We’ll find a place for everyone.
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