Skie and Avery
07-24-08, 03:04 PM
Hey everyone! I'm sure most of you have noticed the announcements about Pagoda Month around the site. This a really exciting opportunity for everyone who is interested in reaping a bit more EXP or just looking for a fun challenge. I managed to get Christoph to sit down with me for a few questions about this whole shebang.
Manda: For our newer Althanians or ones who have been under a rock for a while; What is the Pagoda?
Christoph: Well, the Pagoda is that place. You know, that place, where stuff happens. More seriously, it's quite a bit like the Citadel in that you go in to battle other players, but the difference is, unlike the Citadel, your awesomeness is displayed for everyone to see if you manage to win a fight or two. And more seriously still, it's a structured battle venue where players challenge up a hierarchy of fighters, from Warriors all the way up to the Grandmaster with the hope of taking a position for themselves to gain the prestige and reap the benefits it provides. For more specific details, just read through the rules to get a good idea of how it works.
M: Who is the current Grandmaster?
C: The current Grandmaster is Bloodrose, and really, he's our first real Grandmaster since the Pagoda reopened. I say that because he's actually stayed active and managed to fight off a stiff challenger and still retain his rank. I suspect that he'll have more challengers soon enough, once the current wave of challengers makes its way up the ranks.
M: Definitely. I imagine there will be quite a wave with Pagoda Month. What exactly are the benefits of starting ones Pagoda Battles this month?
C: Well, the name Pagoda Month was probably a poor choice of words on my part. The duration is really almost two months, having started mid-July and ending after the first week of September. If I ever do it again, I'll just call it the Pagodaversary, since it fell very close to the one-year anniversary of the Pagoda's reopening under Atzar. But anyway, the benefits...
The big one is that all battles started and finished within the said timeframe gain double the ordinary EXP. Mix that with the handful of shiny awards given out to exceptional battlers, and there's plenty for the taking. In fact, I'll be announcing the first Post of the Week today. Basically, it's pretty awesome even if you don't like battling much.
M: That's great. What do you think the Pagoda brings to players whose characters aren't battle-based enough to use the Citadel? Aside, of course, from the extra reward.
C: Well, whereas the Citadel is just straight battling, the Pagoda offers other opportunities. Some characters would visit seeking instruction, hoping to learn from the experienced Hierarchs. Likewise, some of the Hierarchs prefer to take on various roles. While Slayer of the Rot's character, Dan, focused almost exclusively on ripping his challengers limb from limb back when he was a Pagoda member, my character, Chris, has been known to play a teacher role a little bit when the situation called for it.
M: Aw, I'm sure Dan could teach a class on cannibalism. Speaking of, what is the benefit for a player to climb up the ranks to take a spot from one of the Hierarchs?
C: Well, the three ranks, Warrior, Master, and Grandmaster all have their individual bonuses, typically bonus gold or whatnot. Gradually, as the Hierarch builds up a winning streak, he/she can select from a handful of accumulative bonuses, such as extra EXP or gold. The Warrior ranks' bonuses are fairly small, but still nothing to scoff at. The Masters get considerable winning streak rewards. The Grandmaster gets a bonus of 400 GP per battle right off the bat.
And I would also like to mention the Grandmaster Bounty. Aside from the opportunity to claim the highest rank, defeating the Grandmaster holds another reward. A challenger who defeats the Grandmaster in a completed, judged battle, gains 2,000 GP plus an additional 500 for every win on the current Grandmaster's winning streak. That would put Bloodrose's bounty at 3,500 GP.
M: Wow, that is a considerable amount. What's the longest streak held by a Hierarch and who held it?
C: Well, one tends to see the number "three" often. Haha. I believe that even our Grandmaster has a current streak of three.
M: They do say that three is a lucky number with magical properties.
C: Indeed. Back when I was a Warrior under my Green is the New Black account, my streak was three when I finally dropped from the Pagoda with that character.
M: Watch out Bloodrose! This may mean we see a new Grandmaster soon.
Now, the Pagoda sees a lot of amazing matches, but who would you say would be your dream match?
C: Well, I'm sure everyone remembers Godhand vs. Bloodrose. Up to this point, I'd have to say that it was the most noteworthy battle, not only because the battlers and the writing, but because it was the first completed battle over the position of Grandmaster. As for my dream match, there are too many to choose from. I would love to see some of the "old greats", such as Letho, Sighter, Dirks, or Ashiakin try their hands at climbing up a Hierarchy filled with many comparatively new players. Any of them against Numbers, Godhand, or Bloodrose would surely be a match to remember.
I've been lucky enough to be sharing a battle with none other than Lord Leopold, with guest appearances by Slayer of the Rot and Rayse Valentino. That one should be epic. Assuming I don't muck it up. =p
M: Godhand's an oldbie, too, tho. One of my first battles was against him in 2002, I believe. I would like to see Findelfin against him, tho. Findelfin vs. Leopold would be great, too. Coming back to reality, is there a current battle that you've noticed that looks especially promising?
C: Well, there are a few. As I mentioned before, the battle I'm in with Leopold, Slayer. and Rayse (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=16750) stands to turn out very well given it's concentration of reputable battlers. Then there's Samutth a Ranajira - Nyadir vs. Acyutani (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=16766) between Witchblade's alt Ira Shinkara, and talented but mostly unknown writer, Ebivoulya.
M: Awesome, well I'd like to thank you for taking the time to talk to me about the Pagoda. Since it's reincarnation, it seems to be doing very well and I'm really looking forward to the great material it provides Althanas with.
C: Haha, no problem.
Thank you again, Christoph. It was great to interview you. I'd like to give a little snippet of the Ira Skinkara vs Ebivoulya as our spotlighted thread this week. Stay tuned for next week when Ataraxis brings Althanas what it really wants: MOAR!
The beat of ceaseless drums grew louder in his ears as silent seconds passed by in the world outside his head, and the overwhelming light finally subsided into a tolerable glare from the East. Not one word echoed in the sandy winds between the half-elven swordsman and the woman he traveled here to fight, both with eyes locked on eachother. His muscles tensed occasionally as the sound of his thundering heart grew stronger, and he almost pounced upun his prey when she slid down from the fallen pillar upon which she sat. Her motions were graceful, exact, and she seemed to waste no energy in unneccessary movement. The wait for her strike, the anticipation of the hit was driving him mad, if it is indeed possible to push an already mad man even further. No words could come from his mouth even if he wished to speak them; he was unquestioningly focused on his opponent, and couldn't help but pay extreme attention to her every move. The heartbeat grew louder still, it had become almost deafening, and he nearly lept out of his skin as she confidently turned her gaze to the pillars behind her and exposed her backside. However, his rational mind and natural curiosity drew his gaze beyond her sultry form to a black spire rising crookedly in the distance with a single name etched upon it.
His elven mother, blessed with the heightened senses of her kin, came to his mortal mind as he peered into the distance. Floating in a sea of thoughts, he could see her slender features, smile softer than her fair skin, and the aquamarine earrings she had given to each of her sons; he almost felt as if he might be able to force a smile as he lightly touched the gem hanging beneath his vest. Forever would he remember her exceptional sight, and how she taught him to use his own as effectively as possible. It required a relaxation of every muscle in his eyes, allowing his subconcious to focus upon those things which mattered, and a concentrated mind could pick up minute details at a glance. It had become a habit of his now, even when he didn't need it, and thus he clearly noticed as cracks formed in the tendril of slate which defied the horizon. It didn't take long for the mortal to recognize his own name, included now just below the first, and he quietly berrated himself for not attempting to register for the Pagoda under some monicker. It seemed that even with such a name his presence would always be known to those loyal to his old master, but he could've at least left no physical records of his travels.
She turned and spoke, her words barely audible over the beating of his own heart. His vision seemed to grow momentarily clearer with each loudening thrum, and he tensed in caution as she slowly walked towards him, her steps hardly leaving a smudge on the bright yellow sand beneath. If her speed matched her beauty, he would not be able to keep the protection and added force provided by his much heavier boots. He would have to use his dagger to slice the laces of leather which tightened his boots to his feet, and perhaps even make a good distraction out of them when the time came. She bowed low, to which he smirked and made a mocking half-bow, disregarding her words for the truth they held. Without a warning or sign of exertion, two weapons simply appeared in her lithe hands, wrought from the smoldering air itself. Each of them was roughly two feet in length, half handle, half blade, and both weapons thickened and curved near their lethal tips. The summoning of these surprised the half-elf, though he subconciously grinned as they appeared. Finally all his anticipation and nervous energy would be put to good use, and he would be provided yet another chance to test himself.
Still she waited, prolonging already endless moments in which the half-elf's mind raced unceasingly, constantly calculating the specific advantages and disadvantages inherent to her weapon types and assumed physical prowess. His eyes did not blink, soon drying almost painfully as he kept his attention on the woman mere paces from him. A twinge in the slender muscles of her legs immediately drew his attention downward, and as her feet sank backward in the sand his right hand moved to grip the blade which still stood between them like another great pillar in the sand. By the time he had grasped the handle she had crossed half the distance between them, exhibiting exceptional speed which he could only hope to match with his reserves of energy. In that instant it became all too clear to the swordsman he would not be able to save them for the healing of wounds mid-battle. He would need to use that power to increase his quickness and strength both to match hers, and to keep himself from falling within the first few strikes. Unfortunately, though, he would need a greater distance to accomplish that, for within at best ten paces she would be able to cross and attack before he was done fortifying his body for battle.
As the tip of his blade leapt from the sand to intersect her expected attack path, the much quicker woman spun elegantly to his right, preparing a left-handed strike to take off his arm and render him both useless in battle, and dead within minutes. However, her actual attack mimicked the feint, simply coming across horizontally from the other side, and although her speed obviously surpassed his, it was no great challenge to block such a simple strike by pulling the hilt of his large steel weapon above her swing. He had no time to turn the blade around for a more effective block, but he still silently wondered if she was merely testing him, or warming up. The force of the blow almost drove his own blade into his leg, and with a grunt of exertion he momentarily stopped the strike's momentum. It seemed that not only did she possess greater speed than him, her strength even rivaled that of the larger barbarian-by-blood, a fact which did not bode well for the coming fight.
With one elbow above his head, and his blade holding one of her weapons at bay, his left foot rose from the sands as quickly as he could muster it, leaving trails of grains which fell like golden snow in the searing heat. The steel-plated heel flew directly towards the flat of the blade which covered her midsection, a powerful kick that sunk his other foot deeper into the sand. His torso leaned back to maintain his center of gravity, and at the expected point of contact he let loose a roar as he strained to fling her blade up and away from the mortal half-elf. Combined with a successful kick, she would be thrown back enough for him to lunge and thrust towards the first opening he saw in her defense, but his right leg maintained a nervous tension which was waiting, expecting the signs of an effective counter attack. In such a case he would be forced to throw his large body into a roll over the sand to his left, a move which would lower his torso below her effective strike zone, but leave his legs wide open in the air as his back hit the sand, and he tried to flip back onto his feet.
Manda: For our newer Althanians or ones who have been under a rock for a while; What is the Pagoda?
Christoph: Well, the Pagoda is that place. You know, that place, where stuff happens. More seriously, it's quite a bit like the Citadel in that you go in to battle other players, but the difference is, unlike the Citadel, your awesomeness is displayed for everyone to see if you manage to win a fight or two. And more seriously still, it's a structured battle venue where players challenge up a hierarchy of fighters, from Warriors all the way up to the Grandmaster with the hope of taking a position for themselves to gain the prestige and reap the benefits it provides. For more specific details, just read through the rules to get a good idea of how it works.
M: Who is the current Grandmaster?
C: The current Grandmaster is Bloodrose, and really, he's our first real Grandmaster since the Pagoda reopened. I say that because he's actually stayed active and managed to fight off a stiff challenger and still retain his rank. I suspect that he'll have more challengers soon enough, once the current wave of challengers makes its way up the ranks.
M: Definitely. I imagine there will be quite a wave with Pagoda Month. What exactly are the benefits of starting ones Pagoda Battles this month?
C: Well, the name Pagoda Month was probably a poor choice of words on my part. The duration is really almost two months, having started mid-July and ending after the first week of September. If I ever do it again, I'll just call it the Pagodaversary, since it fell very close to the one-year anniversary of the Pagoda's reopening under Atzar. But anyway, the benefits...
The big one is that all battles started and finished within the said timeframe gain double the ordinary EXP. Mix that with the handful of shiny awards given out to exceptional battlers, and there's plenty for the taking. In fact, I'll be announcing the first Post of the Week today. Basically, it's pretty awesome even if you don't like battling much.
M: That's great. What do you think the Pagoda brings to players whose characters aren't battle-based enough to use the Citadel? Aside, of course, from the extra reward.
C: Well, whereas the Citadel is just straight battling, the Pagoda offers other opportunities. Some characters would visit seeking instruction, hoping to learn from the experienced Hierarchs. Likewise, some of the Hierarchs prefer to take on various roles. While Slayer of the Rot's character, Dan, focused almost exclusively on ripping his challengers limb from limb back when he was a Pagoda member, my character, Chris, has been known to play a teacher role a little bit when the situation called for it.
M: Aw, I'm sure Dan could teach a class on cannibalism. Speaking of, what is the benefit for a player to climb up the ranks to take a spot from one of the Hierarchs?
C: Well, the three ranks, Warrior, Master, and Grandmaster all have their individual bonuses, typically bonus gold or whatnot. Gradually, as the Hierarch builds up a winning streak, he/she can select from a handful of accumulative bonuses, such as extra EXP or gold. The Warrior ranks' bonuses are fairly small, but still nothing to scoff at. The Masters get considerable winning streak rewards. The Grandmaster gets a bonus of 400 GP per battle right off the bat.
And I would also like to mention the Grandmaster Bounty. Aside from the opportunity to claim the highest rank, defeating the Grandmaster holds another reward. A challenger who defeats the Grandmaster in a completed, judged battle, gains 2,000 GP plus an additional 500 for every win on the current Grandmaster's winning streak. That would put Bloodrose's bounty at 3,500 GP.
M: Wow, that is a considerable amount. What's the longest streak held by a Hierarch and who held it?
C: Well, one tends to see the number "three" often. Haha. I believe that even our Grandmaster has a current streak of three.
M: They do say that three is a lucky number with magical properties.
C: Indeed. Back when I was a Warrior under my Green is the New Black account, my streak was three when I finally dropped from the Pagoda with that character.
M: Watch out Bloodrose! This may mean we see a new Grandmaster soon.
Now, the Pagoda sees a lot of amazing matches, but who would you say would be your dream match?
C: Well, I'm sure everyone remembers Godhand vs. Bloodrose. Up to this point, I'd have to say that it was the most noteworthy battle, not only because the battlers and the writing, but because it was the first completed battle over the position of Grandmaster. As for my dream match, there are too many to choose from. I would love to see some of the "old greats", such as Letho, Sighter, Dirks, or Ashiakin try their hands at climbing up a Hierarchy filled with many comparatively new players. Any of them against Numbers, Godhand, or Bloodrose would surely be a match to remember.
I've been lucky enough to be sharing a battle with none other than Lord Leopold, with guest appearances by Slayer of the Rot and Rayse Valentino. That one should be epic. Assuming I don't muck it up. =p
M: Godhand's an oldbie, too, tho. One of my first battles was against him in 2002, I believe. I would like to see Findelfin against him, tho. Findelfin vs. Leopold would be great, too. Coming back to reality, is there a current battle that you've noticed that looks especially promising?
C: Well, there are a few. As I mentioned before, the battle I'm in with Leopold, Slayer. and Rayse (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=16750) stands to turn out very well given it's concentration of reputable battlers. Then there's Samutth a Ranajira - Nyadir vs. Acyutani (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=16766) between Witchblade's alt Ira Shinkara, and talented but mostly unknown writer, Ebivoulya.
M: Awesome, well I'd like to thank you for taking the time to talk to me about the Pagoda. Since it's reincarnation, it seems to be doing very well and I'm really looking forward to the great material it provides Althanas with.
C: Haha, no problem.
Thank you again, Christoph. It was great to interview you. I'd like to give a little snippet of the Ira Skinkara vs Ebivoulya as our spotlighted thread this week. Stay tuned for next week when Ataraxis brings Althanas what it really wants: MOAR!
The beat of ceaseless drums grew louder in his ears as silent seconds passed by in the world outside his head, and the overwhelming light finally subsided into a tolerable glare from the East. Not one word echoed in the sandy winds between the half-elven swordsman and the woman he traveled here to fight, both with eyes locked on eachother. His muscles tensed occasionally as the sound of his thundering heart grew stronger, and he almost pounced upun his prey when she slid down from the fallen pillar upon which she sat. Her motions were graceful, exact, and she seemed to waste no energy in unneccessary movement. The wait for her strike, the anticipation of the hit was driving him mad, if it is indeed possible to push an already mad man even further. No words could come from his mouth even if he wished to speak them; he was unquestioningly focused on his opponent, and couldn't help but pay extreme attention to her every move. The heartbeat grew louder still, it had become almost deafening, and he nearly lept out of his skin as she confidently turned her gaze to the pillars behind her and exposed her backside. However, his rational mind and natural curiosity drew his gaze beyond her sultry form to a black spire rising crookedly in the distance with a single name etched upon it.
His elven mother, blessed with the heightened senses of her kin, came to his mortal mind as he peered into the distance. Floating in a sea of thoughts, he could see her slender features, smile softer than her fair skin, and the aquamarine earrings she had given to each of her sons; he almost felt as if he might be able to force a smile as he lightly touched the gem hanging beneath his vest. Forever would he remember her exceptional sight, and how she taught him to use his own as effectively as possible. It required a relaxation of every muscle in his eyes, allowing his subconcious to focus upon those things which mattered, and a concentrated mind could pick up minute details at a glance. It had become a habit of his now, even when he didn't need it, and thus he clearly noticed as cracks formed in the tendril of slate which defied the horizon. It didn't take long for the mortal to recognize his own name, included now just below the first, and he quietly berrated himself for not attempting to register for the Pagoda under some monicker. It seemed that even with such a name his presence would always be known to those loyal to his old master, but he could've at least left no physical records of his travels.
She turned and spoke, her words barely audible over the beating of his own heart. His vision seemed to grow momentarily clearer with each loudening thrum, and he tensed in caution as she slowly walked towards him, her steps hardly leaving a smudge on the bright yellow sand beneath. If her speed matched her beauty, he would not be able to keep the protection and added force provided by his much heavier boots. He would have to use his dagger to slice the laces of leather which tightened his boots to his feet, and perhaps even make a good distraction out of them when the time came. She bowed low, to which he smirked and made a mocking half-bow, disregarding her words for the truth they held. Without a warning or sign of exertion, two weapons simply appeared in her lithe hands, wrought from the smoldering air itself. Each of them was roughly two feet in length, half handle, half blade, and both weapons thickened and curved near their lethal tips. The summoning of these surprised the half-elf, though he subconciously grinned as they appeared. Finally all his anticipation and nervous energy would be put to good use, and he would be provided yet another chance to test himself.
Still she waited, prolonging already endless moments in which the half-elf's mind raced unceasingly, constantly calculating the specific advantages and disadvantages inherent to her weapon types and assumed physical prowess. His eyes did not blink, soon drying almost painfully as he kept his attention on the woman mere paces from him. A twinge in the slender muscles of her legs immediately drew his attention downward, and as her feet sank backward in the sand his right hand moved to grip the blade which still stood between them like another great pillar in the sand. By the time he had grasped the handle she had crossed half the distance between them, exhibiting exceptional speed which he could only hope to match with his reserves of energy. In that instant it became all too clear to the swordsman he would not be able to save them for the healing of wounds mid-battle. He would need to use that power to increase his quickness and strength both to match hers, and to keep himself from falling within the first few strikes. Unfortunately, though, he would need a greater distance to accomplish that, for within at best ten paces she would be able to cross and attack before he was done fortifying his body for battle.
As the tip of his blade leapt from the sand to intersect her expected attack path, the much quicker woman spun elegantly to his right, preparing a left-handed strike to take off his arm and render him both useless in battle, and dead within minutes. However, her actual attack mimicked the feint, simply coming across horizontally from the other side, and although her speed obviously surpassed his, it was no great challenge to block such a simple strike by pulling the hilt of his large steel weapon above her swing. He had no time to turn the blade around for a more effective block, but he still silently wondered if she was merely testing him, or warming up. The force of the blow almost drove his own blade into his leg, and with a grunt of exertion he momentarily stopped the strike's momentum. It seemed that not only did she possess greater speed than him, her strength even rivaled that of the larger barbarian-by-blood, a fact which did not bode well for the coming fight.
With one elbow above his head, and his blade holding one of her weapons at bay, his left foot rose from the sands as quickly as he could muster it, leaving trails of grains which fell like golden snow in the searing heat. The steel-plated heel flew directly towards the flat of the blade which covered her midsection, a powerful kick that sunk his other foot deeper into the sand. His torso leaned back to maintain his center of gravity, and at the expected point of contact he let loose a roar as he strained to fling her blade up and away from the mortal half-elf. Combined with a successful kick, she would be thrown back enough for him to lunge and thrust towards the first opening he saw in her defense, but his right leg maintained a nervous tension which was waiting, expecting the signs of an effective counter attack. In such a case he would be forced to throw his large body into a roll over the sand to his left, a move which would lower his torso below her effective strike zone, but leave his legs wide open in the air as his back hit the sand, and he tried to flip back onto his feet.