(GameAmp): Hello Herithius! You say you're the co-leader of Shadow Sanctuary? How did you come to aquire this position in your clan?
(Herithius): Divinity, who is the co-leader and myself decided to form a clan with our past gaming friends specifically for Lineage 2. In preparation we initially went to Shadowbane to give us the best PvP experience available at the time for L2. It gave us many valuables lessons on how to work collectively as a clan. Divinity and myself both wanted to maintain and strengthen this community that has developed and took on the role of being co-leaders. From our experiences in past clans we often found that a clans success relied heavily on the leader, for better or for worse. So we decided to place the burden on both our shoulders instead of solely one.
(GameAmp): If you would, tell me a little about the leadership of Shadow Sanctuary? How is the hierachy set up in your clan?
(Herithius): Many of our community members have been friends for years so leadership in the conventional sense isn't applicable to our clan as it is so many others. While Divinity and I hold the titles of clan leaders the actual leadership is often seen in all of our members. The hierarchy currently in place is that of the two leaders followed by our senior and younger members. We often don't place labels but the senior members are the ones who help the newer members into the clan and aid them in any way they can. The only time that a hierarchy will be evident will be during battle. Our clan is fortunately close enough that all our members realize who is most capable in what situations and giving authority over to them. Our clan faced many battles in our previous game and learning the strengths of our members will be crucial in helping us in L2.
(GameAmp): You guys are on Kain now, correct? Do you plan on staying on this server once server moves are allowed? If not, where does your clan plan to move?
(Herithius): This was the great debate of our clan for many weeks. During the first days of OB we read that migration would occur either at the late stages of OB or early release. It was also our understanding that ranked clans would be back to lvl 0 if they chose to migrate. So we decided to wait as long as we could. A few weeks into release we realized that the congestion that once haunted Kain was alleviated and we found ourselves attached to the regular faces and guilds on Kain and decided to make it our permanent home.
(GameAmp): How many members do you guys have total as it stands right now?
(Herithius): As it stands I believe we have 32 members.
(GameAmp): From reading your site, you guys seem to be coming along nicely. What level is your clan as of today?
(Herithius): We are extremely thrilled at our clans progression. We are currently at clan lvl 3 and are scheduled to be 4 at Chronicle 1's debut.
(GameAmp): What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to your clan developing quickly and rising to it's present level?
(Herithius): As cliche as it sounds it would have to be because of all our members. Everyone works so hard to make this clan a success and really appreciates the community we have fostered here. Each member looks out for one another and that is why we are all in Shadow Sanctuary. To never be alone and to always have friends to call upon. When people outside the clan get a glimpse of this is when the flood of requests normally come in ;)
(GameAmp): Are the majority of your members North American players, or are there other countries represented in your membership?
(Herithius): While the majority of our members reside from North America we have met many friends from across the world. These include France, the United Kingdom, Belgium and New Zealand. The added benefit is having members during nearly all hours of the day.
(GameAmp): What is the age range of your members?
(Herithius): It's been a while since we have checked on that but our members vary from 16 to 45 in age. I believe our average age is 28 or so. Shadow Sanctuary is a community that is based on mature gaming. In my time I have seen 16 year olds that put the maturity of those in their 40's to shame. So while age helps, it is obviously not the most ideal indicator.
(GameAmp): What do you believe your clan offers it’s members that most clans out there do not?
(Herithius): I would have to say a friendly atmosphere to enjoy themselves in. A lot of clans have quota's their members must pay, levels they must be achieve and an abundance of guidelines to adhere to. Many of these clans are under the belief that such methods will better themselves. While this may be true it is our philosophy that the most important thing is people in our clan are having fun. We are all playing a game after all. People would be surprised how dedicated members of such a community can be and the longevity and stability that the clan gains because of it.
(GameAmp): For many players out there on Kain that are looking for a clan, what’s the recruiting policy of the Shadow Sanctuary? What would someone need to do if they’re interested in joining?
(Herithius): We ask that anyone interested register on our site and contact us ingame. The key is persistence to show us you are genuinely wishing to join us. Get to know our members either via the forums or ingame. This will always help your chances. We don't take our applicants lightly and feel priviliged to be selected above the numerous clans on Kain. While the process may take a while, we readily make ourselves available for any questions or just friendly discussion at most periods of the day.
(GameAmp): What aspect of Lineage II does your clan enjoy the most right now? What is the most disappointing thing thus far?
(Herithius): The graphics for Lineage 2 are immensely enjoyable. We have members in numerous upcoming betas and the sentiment is that they don't stack up to what we have now. The immersive environments and diverse landscapes greatly add to this games enjoyment. While thoroughly impressed with the game thus far the dissapointing element is that sieges, the heart of the game is not implemented yet. Fortunately this is a problem that should not plague us for too much longer.
(GameAmp): How do you see your clan and Lineage II changing after Chronicle I releases on the North American servers?
(Herithius): The introduction of sieges will greatly effect both our clan and the game at large. This is when our levels, our gear and our organization as a clan finally gets put to the test. This is the feature of the game that most of us bought L2 for so there are many high expectations. The interesting element will be the wars that erupt and alliances that take form in the weeks ahead. Politics and diplomacy greatly add to the game and it will be enjoyable to have this factor introduced.
(GameAmp): If there's one thing you would like people out there to know about Shadow Sanctuary, what would that be?
(Herithius): It is that we are loyal, mature and dedicated group of gamers that can be counted on making things interesting on Kain. There are a lot of people that take enjoyment on griefing others and this is notice that we will be paying you visits shortly ;)
(GameAmp): If you had the opportunity to sit down with a group of Lineage II developers and tell them exactly what's on your mind and on the mind of your clan, what would you tell them?
(Herithius): I would ask why in a game where they have hundreds of mob models that the players have to be so similar in appearances. The game seems easily capable of allowing customization and I find that this is a feature that is greatly appreciated by the playerbase. This can range from face models to tatoo's to changes in height, etc. Most importantly I would tell them to listen to the players on what changes to make once we offer them. Changes we would like to see in sieges, possible expansions and the like. The game is still in its infancy and many features are yet to be released. Once we have more experience I hope they will listen to our advice on how to continually improve the game in the years ahead.
GameAmp would like to once again thank you, Herithius , for taking the time to give us an interview and an insight to your clan. Be sure to keep checking back with us in the near future as we have many new features coming that we feel your clan and the rest of the Lineage II gaming community will love!
Be sure to drop by Shadow Sanctuary's web site and tell them hello!
