Long-life dreams, inspiring game individual sparks creative outlet
There times mere idea of playing in a massively multiplayer online game transcends many consider well founded within realm of real-world. In MMOs, we allowed move beyond constraints of real world, imagine soar in places defy logic.
But then MMOs supposed be, some level, about allowing players create their own stories, their own history lore within realms developers so carefully crafted.
In Funcom’s Age of Conan, players transported back Hyborean Age of Robert E. Howard’s world â€" a time some familiarity still prepossessed toward magic fantastic. races involved bear faint similarities ancient Romans, Germanic Egyptian civilizations, with a different spin, different god sets different underlying story lines still manage tread common tales of good evil.
In AoC, players choose server they wish play â€" some player-versus-environment, some player-versus-player, some role-playing servers (wherein players try immerse themselves more deeply a member of Cimmerian, Aquilonian, Stygian civilizations live vicariously through their exploits), then some combine combative style of server (PvE PvP with RP, role-playing).
On a PvP role-playing server, find guild known Order of Silver Dragons (OSD). makes clan a bit different begins with machinima of its members created tell tale of clan. Zoltan Paul Nagy (aka Zsolaith) creator of machinima thanks Funcom, GameZone able touch base with him talk about his clan, machinima, playing AoC, well playing a role-playing server.
It should noted, though, before getting interview, more at work than merely telling of clan’s exploits in Hyboria â€" inspiration behind . machinima dedicated member of clan, who goes name of Silverar â€" a handicapped individual who really cannot play game been part of clan several years nonetheless. Silverar’s daily struggles, well his continued service a clan he can’t truly adventure with, serves inspiration many.
That said, now interview with Zoltan …
Question: Tell us about 'The Last Bastion - Chronicles of OSD.’
Zoltan: "The Last Bastion" a non-profit, non-commercial production written, directed, produced, filmed edited myself, series creator. well, I've scored majority of soundtrack production, relying Funcom's Age of Conan soundtrack some royalty-free music complete sequences required. considered 'machinima' due its heavy use of 3-D graphics rendering engine makes MMO game called 'Age of Conan'.
The premise surrounds trials tribulations of mystical Order of Silver Dragons they struggle make sense of treacherous path they follow. mini-series released entirely online via YouTube in episodic format. premiere episode, which been released, opened with a two-part cliff-hanger introduced protagonists antagonists, focusing our mystical wise-man named Silverar our guild leader Sook Dukar.
I've intentionally kept a dividing line between Robert E.Howard's Conan lore story I'm trying create Order of Silver Dragons. "The Last Bastion" not connected in any way with stories concepts within Funcom’s Age of Conan universe entire Conan lore in general. My story exists within a fantasy world which allows me move in directions Howard’s lore might not 'jive' with in terms of settings, magic, characters concepts. I'm trying tell a tale entirely distinct, I don't want limited in story I feel needs told.  Â
Zsolaith, river-trading alter ego of Zoltan, maker of machinima
What inspiration behind machinima? did meet role does Silverar within clan?
Zoltan: I two primary inspirations strengthened my resolve, allowing me focus hundreds of hours into such endeavor ‘The Last Bastion.’
My first inspiration began upon my entrance into fantasy MMO world known Age of Conan (AoC). Playing my main character named Zsolaith, I quickly stumbled upon a humble band of players who first group did not try ‘take my virtual life,’ so speak. Of course I am speaking of noble warriors mystics of Order of Silver Dragons (OSD), a multi-wing gaming community a division within AoC environment. I realized they apparently shared values very similar mine, so within a short timeframe I offered my services assist them further cause. rest history!
First foremost OSD members a family. We protect each other, nurture respect each other’s decisions. brings me my second inspiration. A long-standing OSD community member named Silverar, a ‘gifted’ member of our virtual family that, certain reasons, cannot play in any of MMO games our guild participates in. close three years he humbly monitored OSD forums, struggling post his thoughts discussions at hand, never truly being involved.
It dawned me all of guild members telling their specific tales through their interactions in-game time, including myself, Silverar did not luxury. He observer, never part of adventure. I decided I would do something about breathing life into a virtual Silverar, giving a scripted reason he never seen walking amongst us.
My inspiration stemmed from events, machinima mini-series ‘The Last Bastion â€" Chronicles of OSD’ born.
Silverar
Considering his gifted nature, does Silverar participate with clan does clan do in return company of extraordinary individual?
Zoltan: Silverar best known a statement he would attach literally hundreds of in-game calendar event bookings. He would post just a few words effect of:
I bless my silver dragons with my dragon healing powers.
As years passed OSD ventured into many differed MMO games, members of guild felt if they victorious in their campaigns because of virtual blessing, which eventually portrayed Silverar in a mystical light … rightly so. In return we provide Silverar with a tremendous amount of respect, trying our best interact with him keep him informed of events within games we play. well, new members join OSD we ensure they understand mystery surrounds Silverar so they might also better interact with him chance permits.
What gave idea of creating machinima long does take do episode? do capture video use many people generally involved in voice-over work? story well told seems like takes a lot of cooperation from a lot of people. did manage convince so many work together RP/PvP server project?
Zoltan: I younger, I a great fan of anime distributed from Japan (I still am day). Their consistently epic character-driven story concepts powerful, thought provoking, energetic emotional, all at same time. Starting with analysis of beautiful stories, then continuing through years in ongoing study of mythological metaphorical narratives, specifically teachings of American mythologist Joseph Campbell, I found I had developed a strong grasp of aspects within a story would captivate audience, well truly considered 'epic' nature. I aged time did not allow such pursuits, I realized I had become highly critical of television theatrical releases, flaws in story composition glaringly apparent. From point I said myself I would day make my own epic story-arc, I lacked any sort of ability do so. a pipe-dream gathered cob-webs back shelf.
With my introduction into world of MMO's gaming in general, I became aware of a new digital art form called machinima. dawned me maybe I might able create a story produce myself through medium. Again, a fleeting thought with very little substance, which I quickly dispelled. I had in mind, MMO's available just weren't feasible produce such a creation. I finally logged into Funcom MMO game environment of Age of Conan, machinima movie production last thing my mind, I focused having fun interacting within their virtual environment. Things changed, I've relayed earlier, once I met Order of Silver Dragons became aware of Silverar. Being completely inspired guild gifted person, I determined make dream come true.
The clan - Order of Silver Dragons in their Guild City
Specifically, I cannot say long takes make episode. reason because I been working three episodes all at same time. I began project September 29th, 2008 with a very basic script outline of I do. At time I not truly expecting see mini-series actually go anywhere. I just player with low-level character making dynamic statements about my hopes were. would faded away fast I started if not amazing support I almost instantly received from specific guild members of OSD. key members at time, Sook, Bryce, Sprig, Coyotl, Duin Snyval, had no idea supportive they being at very critical period of pre-production. If weren't members their consistent support, project would been a bust. Within a short timeframe I became very determined hopeful; my creativity helping me produce a 101-page manuscript first two Episodes (a two-part opener) would help mini-series hit ground running.
In regards capturing of video, I'm only videographer walks around in-game filming all shots. However, two members, Sprig Duin, provide assistance direct guide large groups of players epic shots. voice-over work, only two people at any time involved in audio pre- post- production ... line reader myself, many stages bring all together. I provide script lines line reader, they meet with me in Ventrilo (an audio chat program we use guild) read their lines with several different forms of emotion I record, I ask retakes if needed. I process audio remove any anomalies, then work my magic make characters come life.
Quoting a post of mine in Age of Conan forums, of amazing things about 'The Last Bastion' entirely community based in its voice-acting. I mean majority of characters within story being played themselves, their real-life personas. makes project so special. I haven't hired any special actors actresses. Real people from four corners of Earth stepped forth play their fantasy characters ... with their own realistic sounds quirks. All of following episodes of 'The Last Bastion' absolutely all voice-acting played real people a part of MMO. I wouldn't any other way!
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Videographer Zoltan holds a coordination meeting with clan next segment
My personal reputation reputation of OSD guild helped early with gathering support from many players guilds virtually 'act' in environment, specifically with large battle sequences. Across sequences I've filmed all three Episodes, we've hit literally 200+ players who given their support actor in field. That, in itself, powerful motivation!
I also received crucial support at key times from our most beloved guild of sisters, Amazons of Hyboria. players behind characters of Mirnea Nahisha done a wonderful job in getting my request help 'out there' so many times, well; their guild leader Atalanta been extremely supportive. Many other guilds supported production well, expecting nothing in return. Invicta, Circle of Iron, Order, Light original Guardians a few come mind.
This mini-series truly received outstanding amount of support from community. a way bring players together! More than anything, I am very proud of members of MMO community stepped challenge of supporting me project.
This, everything else, respected!
In addition forums, published machinima tale YouTube Facebook. sort of response been getting stories?
Zoltan: community inside of AoC well outside of gaming community appears extremely happy with many plot points, story elements character introductions introduced in Episode One. People understand complexities of such a project been very supportive. person so enthralled he watched ‘The Last Bastion’ preview trailer he immediately went out purchased Age of Conan game just so he join OSD. Now THAT support! I’m pleased with overall responses I’ve received. I am my toughest critic first acknowledge I had some issues with voice-track audio quality, so any comments regarding voice-track quality been instrumental continuation of project. Without a flow of critical commentary, I wouldn’t able fully gauge viewer audience looking I release more episodes down line.
Tell us about clan, Silver Dragons. long been together, makes clan unique in opinion? many members do they mostly localized do attract players from all over. far away would say most-distant member is? Do real-world meetings social events? role within Silver Dragons?
Zoltan: Order of Silver Dragons (OSD) a long-standing multi-wing gaming community founded January 9th, 2006, exists well beyond any game, being involved in many gaming environments. makes OSD unique their ongoing commitment mature interactions, their proud display of civility concern, their desire adventure their healthy placement of value individual effort communications. They known across many gaming servers taking high road situations arise, they pride themselves in knowledge they strive help others. Their continued success stems directly from OSD officers of order whom take upon themselves uphold virtues, reminiscent of fabled Knights of Round Table, which in turn mimicked community of players within guild. source of success of officers derives from wisdom of their virtual leader, player behind character named Sook Dukar, who been instrumental in formation of such a strong community.
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The Silver Dragons sit in their Guild City discuss a situation
Currently OSD hundreds of members spanning across two active divisions, within Age of Conan, other within Dungeons & Dragons Online. Members from all walks of life, our furthest members living in Denmark, Australia Germany. Some serving in armed forces, others business men women, even others work from home. call adventure found in all people across globe.
The OSD consistently leverage their role-playing talents imaginations enhance gaming experience. Definitely not a hard-core RP guild, their maturity level allows absolute respect various playing styles of community. Recruitment on-going active event between our current members, leadership person who wants become a Silver Dragon. online forums symbolize key success, being heart blood of organization.
Small real world social meetings do in fact occur, whereby members get together just sake of saying hi their virtual friends. We currently in discussion work out logistics of a much larger social gathering in real world so we finally say hello our virtual brothers sisters.
My forte, so speak, with I like call PwP, player with player interactions, in server environment. I find very appealing sit in Old Tarantia with a friend sipping Hyborian java discussing in-game situations, gaming politics, events occurred, etc. Early within my tenure with Silver Dragons I found my place through a constant flow of interactions with other guilds, specifically our sisters in Amazons of Hyboria, eventually becoming OSD Knight of Alliances. some truly amazing people behind characters in other guilds out there, so generally many of guilds work together with us towards common goals. I play a big part in making happen.
I am very proud a member of Silver Dragons.
How long been playing MMOs attracted Age of Conan?
Zoltan: I a light player of MMO's with release of Turbine’s Asheron's Call, my stay quite short other things pulled my attention. After a very long gap of time, my wife Trish I entered NCsoft MMO Guild Wars. became a sort of family event with my wife, brother sister-in-law, we would occasionally play through content. However, I found somewhat limiting in did not allow character enough scope of movement. I felt need fully explore landscape well move vertically (up cliffs, diving underwater, etc.), not a function of Guild Wars. However, this, much more, completely feasible in Age of Conan. I hooked immediately upon washing shores of Tortage. beauty serenity of game unmatched in my opinion. no back.
How game evolved in time played it?
Zoltan: I been playing Age of Conan since late July, 2008. game severely evolved in many ways throughout time developers done they fix issues, adjust tweak settings add more content. At initial start of game many bugs issues, I too busy enjoying virtual world really focus too much time problems. I prefer focus ‘is’ working in a game enjoy it.
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The beauty of game helped attract Zoltan world of AoC
You play a role-playing player-versus-player server. attracts role playing deep does role-playing extend? do consider essential elements make a good role-player?
Zoltan: I'm avid gamer enjoys depth of I, many others, call creative role-play (RP). We don't focus we cannot do in a game, instead focus we CAN do bring table. RP make of at all times. It's not about complaining 'why can't I sit chair?’ it’s about committing yourself a fuller immersion into environment, playing part desire play. I used play 'paper pencil' role-playing games quite a ago, we didn't luxury of MMO-style gaming environments, we only had our imagination ideas keep us going. Anything else a game like Age of Conan provides me sugar top of . I also feel RP requires conflict drive story into unknown directions. Without any sort of in-game virtual fear, trying immerse yourself becomes harder do. Therefore in my opinion RP PvP should co-exist. RP without PvP bland at best.
The essential elements make a good role-player ability think outside of box in way they RP creative with tools at their disposal.
These two elements keys RP success!
There a time PvP simply gank-fests of more experienced players preying younger players (or newbs). seen change in any way? climate like PvP server play on?
Zoltan: our server, ganking exists not like originally many months ago. community grown friendships been forged, large groups of gankers 'rolling' weaker players much less frequent, if nonexistent. At least I not seen them in a long time.
Gank-fests, put it, a part of any MMO game provide freedom players able go in directions they wish. If MMO controls actions of its player base too strictly, hinder overall strength of in-game community, if MMO allows too much flexibility, also turn into mass havoc. In my opinion, Funcom tried find acceptable medium, continues do so community player base changes over time. all MMO's, a constant struggle continue.
Some people see MMOs a time-sink, a monthly monetary drain they see video-games disassociation with society. would respond that?
Zoltan: MMO's video-games in general truly a form of escape release from stresses issues real world brings us all. In a society rich diverse ours, become too involved, with little control. majority of society, gaming a fun outlet allows them enjoy something they can’t normally do in real world.
Should gaming cease? No. Similar any activities tends focus on, such any hobby, sports, musical interest, theatre watch a movie, etc, games play integral role in today's society. masses expect many different options entertainment they come home from a busy day at work. MMO's just avenue explore, absolutely nothing wrong with that.
As long people communities technology, gaming MMO's.
What do enjoy most about playing AoC MMOs?
Zoltan: question very easy answer. I am thankful vast community of players surround me, support me assisted me with such a massive endeavor 'The Last Bastion'. Considering most of us never met, they surely shown amazing strength of mind conviction towards others. aspect amongst many ensure I am found amongst my colleagues friends out in virtual Hyborian world any other MMO world OSD ventures into, trying my best assist support others.
I end with a line members of OSD adopted from ‘The Last Bastion â€" Chronicles of OSD’.
"We Order of Silver Dragons we prevail!"
