Saturday 9 November 2002

Pic of the day: Racing to the rescue in Dark Age of Camelot: Itland Hopebringer of The Faithful. Yeah, right. ^_^

Hopebringer

Well, one can dream, right? ^_^ In a fantasy world, where it doesn't cost too much and doesn't take too long time to be what you want to be ... A simpler world, a shared daydream made into pictures. There I am Itland Hopebringer of The Faithful.

Yes, I know there are other Itlands in the world, but I guess not so many in Dark Age of Camelot, especially not on the Galahad Server. (All Itlands in the world are my family, I think, unless some new have shown up recently.) So for short, I am Itland. That's been all until this morning when I reached level 30. That's when I got the ability to resurrect other characters. What wouldn't I have done to have that ability in real life ... or would I? The theological implications alone are staggering ... So, perhaps not. But a game is a much simpler thing. Oh yes, a very simple thing.

And in that simple world I am Hopebringer. It's not just a fancy name (actually it's more of a cheesy name, not that it breaks any records in DAoC) – it is also an expression of my play goal and style. And an expression of my class, as I see it.

***

When I come to a dungeon or other hunting ground, more and more people around my own level recognize me and are cheered up. I like to group with people a little below my level, and to be their "tank". That is, I draw the aggression of the monsters, and keep these engaged in battle while others assist with weapons or magic. As a Paladin, I can both heal myself and others to some degree, and strengthen the weapons of my group mates, and even make them less tired, all at the same time. My class is really well suited for working in a group, to defend others. We are the natural rallying point of the group.

Not all players like to group with those of lower levels. They feel that others are taking part of the experience points while not contributing so much. They prefer to group with higher levels, so they can kill larger monsters and get more XP. Therefore, a Paladin who is fond of grouping with slightly lower levels is almost always welcome. I am getting used to positive reactions and emotional outcries such as "Pallies rock!" (Pally is a common short name for paladin.)

Besides, I am member of a guild in which "hand-me-down" of weapons and armor is well organized, and which has a few good crafters of weapons and armor. Because of this, I can have a more relaxed attitude to loot we find on slain monsters, an important source of equipment in this type of games. I will often look for someone who might need a weapon or a piece of armor, and give it to them for free.

And now, from level 30 upward, I can also help people back into the game after the ultimate defeat. It is certainly not such a big deal as it is in real life; and in fact, the spells are not called "resurrect" but "revive" (though the players use the word "rez"). Still, lying inactive while the game goes on is certainly not fun, and there is a price to be paid in experience and in game money if you have to release. I can now end this problem for free, and I intend to do so whenever I can. After all, this is what I want another to do for me, right? ^_^

***

I see some players have chosen names of a very different bent, such as "Killya" or more fanciful variations on that theme. They want to intimidate, and I guess the need to cause emotion is deep in us. But I am picky as to what emotion I prefer to cause. (Which is why I also avoid player killing unless it is to help a threatened member of my own realm.) I want to be Hopebringer, and a threat to no one except those who peddle darkness and despair.

Now if only real life was that simple ...