Clan Stormblade

Hi! I’m Kore Breach, webmaster for Clan Stormblade. Our guild is a fellowship of friendly, fun-loving, great people. Perhaps “fellowship” is the wrong word. We’re really more like a family. As for the name “Stormblade”, it was the character name of our founder and monarch, Runis Stormblade.

What is the main focus of your guild?

Our primary focus is ensuring our members have a good time in the game. We have a code of conduct, which we call “Da Kine Code” (a slight Hawaiian joke). We’re pretty dedicated to this code, which basically says that Clan Stormblade stands for fair, respectable play. In other words, we don’t tolerate griefers, gankers, or anyone disrespectful to others. Yep, it’s pretty high moral ground, but we’ve got a good history of making it work.

How long has your Guild been around?

We evolved out of another guild in the original Asheron’s Call, when AC2 went into beta test. So, that makes us about a year old.

How was your guild founded and who are some of the founding members?

Clan Stormblade was founded primarily by Runis Stormblade (our “monarch”) and myself, Kore Breach (the web guy). Runis had the vision for what he wanted in a clan, and I pretty much just said, “Yes, Boss!” (Well, OK…Actually, I’m not always THAT agreeable.) We have a very strong following still in AC2, and we’re now looking forward to Horizons for the depth of play it promises.

What kind of structure does your guild have in terms of leadership and roles they play?

We have a small, and constantly fluctuating, group of core people called the “Enclave”. These are our major in-game support. They don’t really have a big “I’m better than you” position. They’re the great, helpful, terrific people who go the extra mile to help out others in the clan. When Runis and I aren’t around, the Enclave makes decisions for the clan. Anyone can rotate into the Enclave if they have a great track record for providing help and making good decisions.

What resources do you provide to enhance interaction between members of your guild?

The biggest one is our web site, at http://horizons.clanstormblade.com . We’ve been working hard to provide great forums, timely news, chat, reviews, downloads, and all of the other stuff you’d hope to find. We’ve got a sense of humor, too. We’re not afraid to laugh at ourselves sometimes.

What are some benefits to being in your guild?

Fame, glory, riches… No, seriously – The biggest benefit is our awesome people. We really ARE all about making the clan more like a family.

What single moment in your guilds time, have you found the most memorable?

Hmmm… Runis was just telling me today how he ran into someone in beta who recognized his name from back in the AC1 days, and he said he wanted to join Clan Stormblade because he remembered how Runis was always helping out the rest of the guild members. Yeah, I know it’s sappy, but it was a pretty nice complement. It’s great to know that people appreciate and remember you.

What event has changed ‘you’ the most, since you have been in the guild?

Well, Runis was always the social type. I’m more of a…well…web geek. Being in the clan has really helped me find my social wings.

Does your guild have or will your guild have planned gatherings, and if so, how often? (In game and/or Real Life)

As in AC2, we’ll be doing frequent events, clan-sponsored tournaments, crafting binges, scavenger hunts, and whatever else we can think up. In AC2, we held horse races for prizes. I still get a kick out of that one. In real life, everyone in the guild is welcome to come for beach and pizza out here in Hawaii where we’re based. You can crash at my house.

In a short paragraph, tell us why someone should join your guild.

As you can see from all of the above, I have a hard time with the whole “short” thing. Let me sum it up by saying that you should join Clan Stormblade because we want you to have fun. We’ll help you have fun. A guild is only as great as it’s members, and we’ve got some pretty terrific ones. We want and need your talents, and hope that “Da Kine Code” sounds like what you’re looking for. (Griefers need not apply).

If someone is interested in joining your guild, what application process (if any) must they go through?

Just visit the site, read the code, mentally agree to it, and sign-up for an account. It’s that easy.

What games has your guild been a part of to date?

AC1 (founding members), AC2, and now Horizons.

What attracted you to Horizons and where to see your guild in the world when Horizons starts?

The biggest attraction was the depth that seems to be built into the gameplay. We wanted something with more to do than *whack-a-mole*. Horizons offers so much to do, in addition to beating up creatures. (Not that we don’t appreciate a good Aegis-butt-whoopin’ as much as the next guy).

Have you ever been a Leader of a Guild before? What MMO and what was the size of the Guild at peak?

In AC2, our size has reached about 620 characters. That represents almost 250 individual people, since many have more than one character registered. As far as actual active players, I’d say we were probably at about 150 at a time of our peak.

Tell us a little about your gaming experience and role as ‘guild master’.

Well, I would, but I’m the lowly “web master”. Runis doesn’t know I’m doing this interview, so that gives me the opportunity to talk about him behind his back (hehe). I think Runis has everything it takes to be a great “guild master”. He’s certainly got a great track record.

As a ‘guild master’, tell what is the hardest set back you’ve had to deal with and how you handled the situation. (Which MMO was it and what was the out come?)

In AC2, like anywhere in life, we all run into our share of “undesirable” people. We had a guy join the guild who just couldn’t talk to other people without being abusive. Runis didn’t publicly flog the guy or anything, he was just given a few warnings, and was then dismissed from the clan. Sometimes a simple warning fixes any problem. Sometimes it doesn’t, but there’s good, mature ways to handle that.

What would you like your guild’s role in Horizons to be?

We want to be known as the guys (and ladies) you would like in your group, to purchase from, to hang around. We want Clan Stormblade to represent a family, and good, respectful players.

Where you do see your guild a year into the game?

Hanging out on our clan-constructed castle patio by the pool. No, seriously, that’s hard to say. We aren’t trying to make the biggest guild on the server, just one where we have a lot of fun together. If we’re blessed with a lot of people, like we were in AC2, that’s OK. If not, that’s OK too.

Any other details about your guild that you would like people to know?

Well we don’t exclude any player races, we’re totally “rollplay-optional”, and I guess that’s about it. We really hope you come and check us out at http://horizons.clanstormblade.com. Thanks for the opportunity to do this interview. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in-game!