Dearic spaceport, Talus: A lone figure walks amidst the bustling travelers with a long, slow gait
down the shadowy halls. His little above-average height is unassuming so that
few pay notice as he lumbers with the walk of a man with the weight of the
galaxy on his shoulders. His well worn and dusty robe flows gently around his
dented and somewhat scorched armor with his pace as if the warms winds of
Tatooine still billowed about his lean, muscular frame. Stopping briefly at the
port master’s counter to deposit the credit chip for the refueling of the Howlrunner, he wipes the sweat from his cleanly shaved head as he waits for the diminutive bureaucrat to acknowledge
his presence. “Name?” the bored Sullustan queries without looking up from the
holonews terminal. The man’s tanned and middle-aged face bears no emotion as he
replies in a deep and assertive tone, “A’Sharic Talpho.” “Destination?” the
port master’s disinterest suits A’Sharic just fine since he’d rather remain
discreet. A’Sharic’s penetrating blue eyes stare squarely at the port master as
he inauspiciously waves his hand, “I’ll be heading to the Deep Core systems,
you need’nt worry about my final destination.” The Sullustan’s blank, dark eyes
seemed to have almost blinked had he any eyelids, “I need’nt worry about your
final destination.” “Thank you.” A’Sharic turns and makes his way to docking
bay seven when his holomitter begins to beep incessantly. A’Sharic stops with
his back to the cool walls of the hallway, answering the pestering device.
“Talpho.” A’Sharic answers while keeping a weary eye on the Nikto that was
peering from around a nearby pillar at him. “Master, I have uploaded the Tython
coordinates into the Howlrunner’s
navicomputer as you have asked. Also, I have located the Army of Light.” “I
see, and did you find any affiliation with Lord Hoth?” “No Master, they do not
appear to be direct descendants, as it would be unlikely considering the
outcome of the Battle of Russan.” “Well done Ri’nn, I’ll be boarding
momentarily.” “JEEEEDAI!!” the Nikto
screeches as he leaps from around the pillar, lunging towards A’Sharic with a
vibro-blade. The Force whirls around A’Sharic like a warm wind as he
force-pushes the Nikto into the pillar. The Nikto bounty hunter slams into the
pillar with a nauseating ‘crack’ as his spine is crushed from the impact.
A’Sharic’s senses are afire with awareness when he feels the subtle whisper of
a movement behind him. A’Sharic pauses for a moment before calling his
lightsaber to his waiting hand. The hilt flies off of his belt and into his waiting
grip as the searing blue blade comes to life becoming an extension of his body.
A’Sharic spins reward, swinging his blade with precision as it deflects a bolt
from an antiquated DX-1 back into the Sullstan’s torso. The smoldering stench
of cauterized flesh permeates the air as A’Sharic walks past the decidedly
deceased port master to the Howlrunner. Collapsing into one of the Howlrunner’s passenger lounge chairs,
A’Sharic reflects before responding to the Army of Light’s queries. The
holorecording runs it’s diagnostics before a recorded females voice begins…
((1. - 2b.)) “Name?” “A’Sharic Talpho, Jedi Knight,
Guardian of the Republic.
((3.)) “Please describe your knowledge of the Galaxy” ((Star Wars))? “I
began my education as a Padawan some thirty-eight standard years ago. I am well
versed in persons of interest, planets, technology, and Galactic history with
an emphasis in Jedi lore.”
((4.)) “Please tell us about your past experiences, alternate identities, and
if you left any affiliation ((guild)) then, why?” ((4. Please tell us
about your other guild/MMO experiences. If there is more than one guild/experience, please include all of them. If you left your last guild, please tell us why you decided to leave. If you have used
more than one name, please list them all)) A’Sharic’s usually emotionless
face flashes a look of one who carries a deep scar, and suddenly he is reminded
of the burden he once carried. “I once was known as Asharic Cepho ((SWG/Bria,
Tarquinas,Starsider, 7 years, Human, Elder Jedi, CL90)) a founder and leader of
the Old Republic Alliance. We…they were a coalition of some three hundred and
fifty Jedi, warriors, scoundrels of all backgrounds, but with the common goal
of the defense of the Republic. I shared the leadership with three others for
nearly seven years until their thirst for power and my admittedly long absence
due to other obligations at the time led to the ultimate corruption and its
collapse. ((I took a year off from gaming for work, and family reasons. I
checked in weekly when feasible. When I was able to return, I had found that
the guild’s leadership and my inherent role had been supplanted by newcomers.
Not wishing to contribute to drama or participate in a power struggle, I left
on my own terms and with honor. A few days after my resignation and departure
which consequently led to a vacuum and mass exodus, the guild was renamed (I
know not what to) and reformed. ORA were a great source of friendship and
enjoyment, yet ultimately disappointment and disillusionment. I have no time
for drama since MMO’s are my outlet to ‘check out’ from reality and I only seek
to forge friendships with those of a similar interests and a love of all things
Star Wars. I should add that I have also played & Beta’ed AoC, LOTRO,
PotBS.))):
((5.)) “What function would you seek?” . ((What type of role do you wish to take within the guild? How do you plan to be active? Please be specific.)) A’Sharic took a long pull from the Tusken Ale and watched with amusement as the server-droid busied itself with cleaning each drop of condensation from the frosty glass as it puddled on the floor. “I have focused my training primarily
on lightsaber combat since that seemed to be where the Force led me. I am
particularly adept in protecting those under my charge and leading tasks
forces. In my years I have trained six Padawans with two becoming Masters
before leaving them. ((I am an experienced tank, like leading PVP and raids
though I’m a good group-troop as well. If I am to lead a group, I lead, if I am
to follow, I follow. No questions asked. I enjoy teaching the noobies and
testing knowledge and their toon’s character and persona. If asked, I would
happily help with leadership; however, I am quite content with just being there
as a member. As for staying active, I would be active as the guild is and do my
part to contribute to its activity by organizing activities, raids, questing,
grinding, etc.; But, the all important caveat is that I must be honest and tell
you the Real Life (RL) always comes first for me.))
((6.)) “Why have you come to us?” ((Why do you feel the Army of Light is a good
fit for you?)) A’Sharic’s face turns serious as he replies, “I am a
perennial student of the Living Force, and I have felt led here. I do not
pursue any undertaking lightly, in point of fact; I was considering traveling
the galaxy alone until I stumbled upon you.” (( I am looking for a mature guild
that is oriented around RP, PVP, PVE and all aspects of an MMO that make it the
full experience it was designed to be. I also noticed the rank structure and
that some members may be Marines as I am (now former), so based upon what I was
looking for, and some apparent commonalities, AoL looks to be a natural fit.))
((7. What do you expect of the guild?)) Quite simply what I expect of any guild is activity, loyalty, maturity and a fun & friendly environment. It has been my experience both as a former Zerg GL
and as a troop, that guilds; much like it has been said of this application
process, are exactly what you put into it. I expect no squabbling over loot
drops, and that people place need before greed. I expect maturity with a sense
of humor. I expect a reasonable process of dealing with conflict. First one on
one and if that cannot resolve it then send it up the chain of command until it
is. I don’t want complaining, I want solutions when it comes to activity.
You’re bored? Then let’s each go kill something or do a pick up RP, etc.))
((8. Age: 38 chronologically, but as my wife has observed, still a big kid))
((9. Time Zone: CTZ…Austin, Texas Y’all!!! And yes, I know where Bio-Ware is and no, they wouldn’t let me in. Kidding, I haven’t really been to their building but it is less than 10 minutes
away and it has been VERY tempting.))
((10.Role-Play experience/expectations. Can you give us some examples of Role-Playing you have participated in before. When it comes to expectations, give us an example of what would be fun to
participate in, what you are looking for, etc.
) I enjoy light to heavy RP
depending on my mood. I prefer that at least my toons and that of others are at
least named appropriately for example. Nothing ruins the game immersion more
than running with ‘L33tPwzor’ and the like. I have done a lot of pick-up RP, RP
scenarios/missions in SWG, that kind of thing. While it may seem boring to
some, I really enjoyed RPing the complicated relationship between myself and my
former Padawans. ))
((11. How can you benefit and help the guild? Please include any skills or talents you have that you would enjoy doing within the guild. How have you helped your previous guild(s), if you have
previous experience?)) Well I believe any benefit should be mutually
beneficial for the most part. In helping the guild, I am helping myself in the
long run. For example, I help a noobie out with grinding; I now have a trusted
and well trained team mate that I can anticipate in combat. We win the battles;
we share in the loot and glory, etc. Tough follow up question…I would say my
skills and talents lay within leadership, organization, chaos management,
diplomacy, writing, and combat are my best traits. My worst skill…anything
having to do with mathematics, particularly setting up templates..ugh. ))
((12. How do you define a quality member? In a word: loyal. A member should possess loyalty not just to the guild, but in the larger perspective; its principles, its reputation, etc. I
spent more time as a GL putting out fires started by guildies than playing the
game most times. I have many times, dropped what I was doing to help out a
guildie. Not because I wanted to run the same dull instance for the thousandth
time, but because the team needed me. ))
((13. How did you find the Army of Light? TOR
Wiki and the SWTOR guild listings.))
((14a.Have you visited our website and
chat room, and familiarized yourself with the, Charter, Mission
Statement, and Rules of Conduct? Not as I’m typing this, but yes, intend
to, will, and have done so by the time of this application’s submittal.))
((14b. Do you pledge to fulfill them,
most notably to uphold the virtues of Maturity, Honor, Respect, Personal Ethics
and No Drama?)) A’Sharic’s
daydreaming comes to abrupt halt as the recorded voice insists with it response
waiting tone catches his attention once more, “Do you swear fealty to the Army
of Light?” A’Sharic thinks for a moment, “No, I will not swear to a name, but I
will swear solemnly, my loyalty to those within the Army of Light, to serve the
Force and those I protect.”
((14c. The Army of Light wishes to have
members who take the concept of Commitment and Loyalty very seriously. By applying and if accepted, you
are taking an Oath to both the guild and your guild-mates here. Is this
something to which you can commit?)) The program seemed to give pause before a
series of buzzes and whirs emit from the holorecording, “Do you swear fealty?”
A’Sharic interrupts the recording, “If we’re going to repeat questions and
answers, this is going to make for a very long day,” The holorecorder status
light flashes, “Answer query please.” A’Sharic looks amused with a flash of
sternness, “Yes I so swear to commit my loyalty.”
((15. Would you say that you embody the
qualities of Respect, Honor, Loyalty, and Maturity? What are your definitions
of these four words? Please don’t just answer yes or no, let us know why you
think you possess these qualities.)) A’Sharic watches the bubbles rise in
his Tusken Ale as the holorecording continues, “Please define and cite examples
of Respect, Honor, Loyalty, and Maturity?” A’Sharic raises an eyebrow, is this
to be an essay now? You know, you have a nice voice for a recording.” “Please answer query…” A’Sharic lets out a
mild and bemused sigh. Respect is simply putting others feelings into
consideration before your own. Honor is more complicated, but in most senses of
the word, it means putting and ideal above all else. Loyalty is putting others
before one’s self and Maturity…well; I’ll tell you when I finally grow up, but
maturity is simply the managing aspect of the first three with a presence of
mind that once might expect of a particular age. A’Sharic leans back into the
lounge and looks at the ceiling as he continues, “As for the former, I don’t
presume that maturity ever ends, though I don’t think, I know. “ ((Respect,
honor and loyalty are concepts imbued in me since my childhood, forged in my
time in the Marine Corps and honed with my life’s experiences.))
((16. Tell us about a time you offered assistance to someone who did not ask for it but clearly needed it? Ok, without getting specific, I’m in law enforcement, so this is something I do everyday. But, I expect you mean in game and that’s an easy one. I’m in Mos Espa/SWG, as I’m running IC to the spaceport I see a noobie spamming for help and a group of l33t-tards talking smack to him
and refusing to help him. I approach, identify myself IC and the l33ties turn
on me, “oh hey cearbear, etc”, they not knowing I was at that point a 6 year
SWG PVP vet, they challenged me to a duel. Long story short, I left three of
the four in the cloner, with the fourth refusing and took the noobie out for
his questing, all the while staying In-Character. I had blast fulfilling my
Qui-Gon fantasy that day, but it also felt great helping a player out, not too
mention sending those…*ahem*… players to the cloner for some well deserved
humble pie.))
((17. Role-play Scenario (please tell us how you would handle the situation)) “Please answer query.” A’Sharic snaps back into the present, ‘Huh?’ The holorecorder repeats, “You are leading a
group of 3 others through a forest on a remote moon to destroy an enemy
communications relay. Up ahead in a clearing, you happen to spot a small Sith
camp. Your group has not yet been spotted by the enemy. You are reasonably well
supplied for your mission, including armaments. The clearing containing the
Sith camp is not necessarily in your direct path to reach your original mission
objective. Attacking the camp could alert the guards at the relay. However,
attacking the relay without first dealing with the camp could
mean enemy reinforcements from the camp. What do you do?” A’Sharic ponders for a moment before
responding, “The destruction of the Sith and therefore bringing balance to the
Force through the end of war is the ultimate goal, so one’s instincts might be
to destroy all obstacles of that path, but one should pay closer attention to
the subtleties of the living Force. If I have done my mission well, I can and
will, infiltrate the facility, plant the explosives and be gone before anyone
even knew I was there and without any additional loss to life. Should we be
discovered and a fight ensues, well...” A’Sharic’s mouth curves into a wry
smile, “Then I will do what I can to make my enemies one with the Force. I do
not worry of tiring since a Jedi draws his strength from the force. I do not
worry of dieing since there is no death. Either way the will of the Force would
be served.”
((18. In more than 50 but less than 200
words, please describe your personal character and the type of person you are: I am an idealist with an ever presence of mind
that people aren’t perfect, but that is no excuse not to strive for perfection.
Mistakes are allowable and expected, both in game and in life, but it is my
character that perseveres. So with that in mind, I would say I am kind,
respectful, unselfish, firm, fair brutally honest and fiercely loyal to my
family and friends. My detractors are that I am sometimes short-tempered, but I
have two kids so patience has been a lesson these past 12 years, so I’ve
improved. I am stubborn, but that also serves me well in a fight or with long,
drawn out tasking. I refuse to quit, it just isn’t in me to fail. My only fear
in life is failure. Be it failing to be there for someone, or personal
failure.))
((19. Tell us a little about your in-game
character)) The holorecorder continues, “What is your biographical data?”
A’Sharic finishes his ale and places it on the nearby table, “I was born
Asharic Cepho on Talus in the city of Dearic thirtyeight standard years ago to
human parents. It wasn’t until I made a personal discovery that my true name
was A’Sharic Talpho. I was made a Jedi Master some years ago, but I prefer to
think of myself as perennial student of the living Force. I have trained
Padawans, fought in battles and loved more deeply than I care to say, and each
has left me scars as reminders.” A’Sharic points to his hands which are
calloused and a long running scar that begins at his right hand running up the
length of his arm. A’Sharic is then reminded of the still healing wound to his
torso due to that unfortunate affair on Tatooine just three days prior. “That
is all for my data, should you desire more, I suggest we meet . May the Force
be with you.” A’Sharic ends the recording and transmits the encryption to the
AoL recrievrs before walking into the Howlrunner’s
cockpit. “How goes it Ri’nn?” The young Padawan still grieving over the loss of
his Master manages a reply, “We’re on course Master, but I don’t understand why
we are not heading to Nar Shadda?” A’Sharic places a warm hand on the Padawan’s
shoulder, “Atune yourself to the living Force Ri’nn, we are not meant to go
after your Master’s killer, a Jedi seeks justice, not revenge Ri’nn.” Ri’nn
nods quietly as A’Sharic takes the seat next to him watching the stars race
past the glass in a cacophony of white’s and silvers as they speed onward to
their destinies.
((A’Sharic is a character I have developed these past seven years and is largely based upon my
real life persona. While some use MMO’s as an outlet to live out an alter-ego
counter to their inherent nature, I have personally found it more satisfying,
and easier, to just act as I naturally would.))
((20. What is your registered user name on swtor.com? Asharic))
I hope you enjoyed reading the app as much as did writing it. You
should know that I work nights, but will spend 80% of my free time with the
game and guild when family and RL is not a priority. Thank you and MTFBWY.
Ash