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◆ Character Summary ◆

eXEQ7er

Yul Ghost Sentinel

Lineage II: Live

Naia Server

◆ The Road to Lineage II ◆

“Once I began playing, I found myself fully immersed in the world of Lineage II. I formed friendships and rivalries within the game, and since then, I've never looked back.”

How long have you been playing?

I first encountered Lineage II back in 2005 when I started playing on a private server. Two years later, in 2007, it was decided that for a good quality game experience, a stable server was necessary. So, my friends and I "stormed" the newly opened official server Franz, which is now known as Naia. I've been playing here without interruption ever since :)

Give us a brief overview of what your gaming life was like before L2. What kind of games did you play, if any?

My gaming journey began in high school when I immersed myself in Lineage II. Fortunately, I had a home computer, which allowed me to spend a lot of time online, unlike many of my peers who frequented internet cafes. The only drawback was the cost of the internet connection, which was not unlimited. Before delving into Lineage II on PC, I found great enjoyment in playing Counter-Strike (shooter) and Red Alert 2 (strategy). Throughout my gaming history, I consistently played various games at a normal-high level simultaneously. This diverse gaming experience enabled me to explore different genres and constantly challenge myself to improve my reaction time and other associated skills, which remain valuable to me even today. Nevertheless, Lineage II has always held a special place as my number one game.

How did you first discover the game and what ignited your interest?

I first encountered the game while visiting a computer club with friends. At the time, I wasn't familiar with MMORPGs, but I was immediately drawn in by their novelty. The captivating game music and soundtracks further fueled my interest. The online nature of the game and its large player base appealed to me greatly. I felt a surge of competitiveness and a desire to jump in and start playing to gain an edge over other players.

After getting familiar with the game, what kept you coming back to L2? What makes L2 stand out compared to other games?

Once I began playing, I found myself fully immersed in the world of Lineage II. I formed friendships and rivalries within the game, and since then, I've never looked back. Lineage II has transcended being just a game for me, it has evolved into an integral part of my life. Its unique blend of gameplay, community interaction, and ongoing challenges sets it apart from other games, making it an experience that I continually crave and return to.

◆ Lineage II Through the Years ◆

“Like any other social space, the game has the power to bring people together... Real-life meetings have not only strengthened our in-game bonds but have also enriched our friendships beyond the game.”

Why do you like the game type you are currently playing (Live, Aden, Classic)? Have you always played this game type? Is there a reason you changed?

I currently play on the Live server. What attracts me to this game type is the sense of progress and continual improvement. I thrive on the excitement of new updates, fresh ideas, and necessary changes, including the resolution of past issues. While I've primarily stuck with this game type, my decision to play on the Live server stems from my preference for dynamic and evolving gameplay.

Favorite Memories

Baium

This epic boss stands as a timeless challenge in Lineage II. Defeating Baium not only yielded valuable rewards but also led to prolonged battles, as his spawn window was randomized, occurring at different times of the day. One pivotal moment involved using the quest item, Pippete Knife, to strike Baium. The challenge lay in the fact that Baium spawned far away in a PvP zone, and the door leading to him would only open upon his appearance. Neutral players faced significant difficulty in navigating this situation, needing to be in the right place at the right time.

Sieges

During periods of high activity, sieges brought forth memorable moments. Whether it was the strategic underwater rotations near Castle Rune or the lively transformations and dances during breaks in the action, each siege was a unique spectacle.

Venturing as a Pirate

In the Keucareus Alliance Base, transportation was once facilitated by ships,

allowing passage to destinations like the Seed of Annihilation. However, each clan could only deploy one ship. This led to daring escapades of stealing enemy ships. Timing was crucial - boarding the ship promptly after its summoning, taking the helm, and setting sail! Such actions often left rival clans without ships, disrupting their plans and rotations for important events, such as the assault on Tiat."

Favorite Events

Some of my favorite events are those that require additional activity or take place in specific locations, such as Fantasy Island, where simply defeating monsters isn't enough to earn chance-based rewards. Events like searching for treasure chests while transformed with a club on PI, or chasing mice scattered across the area with a Salvation Bow, the UFO event, and the Zombie event stand out to me. Even events involving pumpkins and watermelons become interesting distractions from the usual monster grind.

Additionally, I've enjoyed updates or events like Greedy Chest or Elite mobs, which demanded a significant investment of time and control but offered rewarding experiences.

Has L2 ever crossed over into your real-life? Do you have any stories of meeting up with players or making life-long friends?

Absolutely. Like any other social space, the game has the power to bring people together. One particularly memorable experience for me was meeting another player from a different country. After a year of virtual friendship, we took the step to meet in person. Fast forward, and now our families are close friends, and we're looking forward to celebrating his birthday together. Interestingly, he also shares my gaming journey, playing under the nicknames Graf/BlindOwl.

Most of my clan members are longtime companions from all different age ranges; we've built trust and camaraderie over the years, which is invaluable in today's world. Real-life meetings have not only strengthened our in-game bonds but have also enriched our friendships beyond the game. We used to organize gatherings several times a year, booking restaurants or renting cottages for multi-day events with around 20 attendees from different countries. While some have stopped playing due to life's changes, the tradition of gathering and reminiscing about old times continues to bring us together.

◆ Character Spotlight ◆

“I believe that through practice, learning, and a drive for self-improvement, success in any game is achievable... practice, grow, and delve into the intricacies of the game, and success will follow.”

What makes your character special and stand out from others? What impact do you think your character makes in the community?

My main advantage lies in the amount of time and its rational use, coupled with a deep understanding of the game's key mechanics. As a result, I have a high-level damage dealer. However, we should not underestimate the importance of a constant party, as it is a team game. While the character is a vital aspect of influence within the game, the player behind the character is equally crucial. Effective control and strategic decision making are paramount. Understanding opponents, their abilities, and equipment, and deploying skills judiciously are key facets of success. Fortunately, I navigate these challenges adeptly.

As Sean Connery once said, 'When you become successful, envy and hatred surround you like shadows.' Indeed, my active participation in events and consistent achievements have attracted both admiration and animosity. Nonetheless, I take solace in the supportive community of experienced players on Discord, where we engage in discussions beyond the realm of battles, fostering a sense of camaraderie amidst the competitive landscape of Lineage II.

Have you always been the same class as you are now? If not, why did you change? Why do you like your class?

For many years, I've played as a Wizard class. However, since my constant party consisted of three Wizards, we encountered difficulties in PvP competition due to limited teamwork capabilities. Therefore, I made the decision to switch to the Archer class, which at the time offered more consistent damage and strengthened our team. Since then, I've continued playing as an Archer. I believe the main feature of this class is the character mobility, ability to swiftly move across distances and deploy effective attacks.

Do you have any fun rivalries or fun stories with specific players?

In the game, control over locations and the struggle to maintain them play a significant role. I always persistently strive to achieve my goals and fight until the end. For instance, my group and I held the Gainak location from the very beginning of the game, and we were unmatched. Though we occasionally lost rounds or battles, we always believed victory would ultimately be ours.

One of the most memorable moments was during a period when Dragon spawns were randomized, ranging from 1 minute to 3 days. During this time, we had to tirelessly defend our Command Channel and engage in nearly continuous battles. It was both exciting and intense, yet also exhausting.

◆ Clan Life ◆

“A clan is like a family, and the most important thing in a family is mutual respect and finding like-minded individuals who are willing to fight for common ideals.”

Are you in a clan, if so, what clan are you in?

Currently, I am a member of one of the clans in my Const Party, "Yakuza". Over the years, the game mechanics have changed, and it is more strategically advantageous to be in different small clans while participating in almost all aspects of our beloved game.

What makes your clan special? What is your clan’s reputation or role on the server? Do you have any fun stories or favorite memories about your clan?

A clan is like a family, and the most important thing in a family is mutual respect and finding like-minded individuals who are willing to fight for common ideals. Throughout my 17-year tenure on this server, our clan's journey has been eventful. We began as part of the Yakuza clan, initially occupying a mid-tier position. The landscape was fraught with clan wars and formidable adversaries. As time progressed, rival clans and alliances emerged, necessitating strategic alliances for survival and progression. We recognized the importance of unity in the face of adversity. Rather than clinging to individual allegiances, we merged several clans into newer, stronger entities like GreenFire, RedSky, DragonHunters, and Hybrid. In these formations, I assumed leadership roles in various events.

During our peak, we held sway as a dominant force on the server, securing key castles and controlling vital farming areas such as dragon zones and open-field raid bosses. Our reputation was built on our prowess in strategic maneuvering and collective strength.

Reflecting on our journey, I recall countless memorable moments and camaraderie forged in the heat of battle. Each triumph and challenge strengthened our bonds and solidified our place in the server's history.

◆ The Road Ahead ◆

“I believe the greatest enjoyment in the game comes from engaging in battles with players whom we respect.”

What hopes do you have for the future of the game?

I'm very pleased to see the recent fixes and class balancing, especially the changes regarding Summoners and support classes. These adjustments have been long-awaited, and I'm glad to see some of them finally implemented. I'm also impressed by the power of Tanks and their capabilities. I eagerly await news regarding Healers and Isses, hoping they'll be just as usable and strong. I hope to see more content in the future related to active participation in events and raid bosses, allowing players to engage in various activities.

How has L2 and the community changed over the years?

I've noticed that people have become less open and friendly. This is particularly noticeable in the gaming world, where sometimes it seems more advantageous to take your own alt instead of having live support from a neutral player. Additionally, there's been a stratification and gap between the levels of character development, making interaction and communication on the same wavelength more challenging.

Is there anything you would like to say to the community?

Inevitably, battles occur in this game, but I would like to emphasize the importance of playing with respect towards other participants. I believe the greatest enjoyment in the game comes from engaging in battles with players whom we respect. Elevate your level of skill and utilize it in-game, making it more captivating and enjoyable for everyone. Let's work together towards creating a non-toxic and friendly community.

P.s. 123.

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