StorM RiderS Hero League Blog

SR moves on to Games Cammpus

2011-08-16T15:34:00.001+03:00

Dear 9Dragons Community,

This post is to formally announce that GamersFirst will be ending our service of 9Dragons effective 9/15/11 (15/9/11 for the EU).

On September 15th, we will transfer your character information (provided you have agreed for us to do so) to Indy21 so that they can resume service of the game with a new publisher. On or around August 15th, we will launch an “opt-in” page where we will request your (the players) permission to transfer this data.

In response to this news, the 9Dragons team will be removing leased items (such as Premiums, Ghost Bags, Trigrams…etc.) so that players cannot purchase items that would be active past the 9/15 date. 90 day premiums are currently off the IM but many people already have these items in their inventory. Please submit a ticket to our support team (payments) for a refund on these items. Also, as of now the plan is to continue to provide the 9Dragons community with in-game events up until September the 15th, 2011.

Most Item Mall items are consumable or permanently affixed to the character and those items will be transferred over to Indy21 along with all your other account/character information on September 15th. As of now, we will continue the sale we have been running for the last week to keep prices low and help you enjoy the remaining days of our service, and this will allow you to stock up for after the transfer should you choose to do so. No refunds will be given for permanent items or consumable items as they will remain on your account when transferred to Indy21.

In an effort to help with the transition, GamersFirst will provide “Transfer Packages” to the 9Dragons players for privileged access to our other titles. We plan to make these packages available on August 15, 2011 along with the “opt-in” page, and these packages will consist of in-game premiums/items/cool stuff for our other titles. You will be able to pick one package from several packages for many of our titles, including War Rock, Fallen Earth, APB, and Sword 2. We want to do this because there will be some extended downtime between our service, and the next publishers service so this will keep you gaming during that time. We will post details and send e-mails regarding these packages to the entire 9D community at a later time.

Thank you for your patronage over the last year. The seeds of the Dragon will always thrive within you!

Team 9Dragons. (HYPERION)

StorM_RiderS on Phoenix

2010-10-09T13:59:00.001+03:00

League Master of StorM_RiderS : Orisi

1.Band Master of StorM_RiderS (wu tang band): Orisi

2.Band Master of Lotka_Voltera (wu tang band) : Sedbona

3.Band Master of Enlightend (shao band) :OinkY

4.Band Master of Noble_Eightfold_Path (shao band): Xiriu

5.Band Master of HONDA_RIDERS (beggar band) : Ludie

More pictures : HERE

Words from Indy21 for the 9D Community

2010-09-23T21:57:00.006+03:00

Dear Fellow Dragons,

I am Yongnam, Partner and CFO at Indy21.

I believe that this is the first time that I, on behalf of Indy21, am talking to the community directly. First off, thank you all very much for having been the biggest supporters of 9Dragons. You have always been with us through our ups and downs.

Although there have been many times that I wanted to communicate with you directly, especially to show my gratitude, we chose to let our previous publisher take care of the direct contact with you, due to a contractual obligations.

However, the series of events that happened recently has made me want to step up and initiate this communication to provide you all with our perspectives and thoughts on the current situation.

On August 26, I was shocked and disappointed by the way business was conducted by reputable companies like Playdom and Disney. We are operating in the business in which, I believe, if there are any disputes, we try to resolve the issues in congenial terms between companies by putting our customers interests first, not by holding our loyal community members hostage.

I believe, whether you are Western-based or Eastern-based, that is just a simple rule of thumb in the industry that we are in.

We had known that 9Dragons was to be transitioned to our new friends at GamersFirst and were promised by our former publisher that they would support a smooth and friendly transition of all player accounts. We had already inked our agreement with GamersFirst and had started working together to begin this transition, cooperating fully with Acclaim and taking them for their word. However, when the plug was pulled, we, along with the rest of you, were left completely in shock. We were not given the promised notice; the game database, which we required to recreate your characters and accounts for the upcoming re-launch of the game, was not transferred. What is most hurtful and saddening was that even in the last few hours of service, you were not informed of what was going on with the game.

SO, where do we stand now? We have a steep challenge ahead of us and here are our immediate priorities:

1. Restart 9Dragons immediately! We are working tirelessly with our friends at GamersFirst to re-launch 9Dragons as soon as humanly possible.

With little or no sleep in the last week both our teams are working around the clock to re-launch the game. In our estimate we are about less than ten days away from restarting service.

2. Recreate ALL player characters and accounts: It is my promise along with the rest of my team that we will move mountains to make this happen. We are consulting legal counsel and negotiating with stakeholders at Disney to find an amicable solution. We are also working with GamersFirst and trying to come up with some innovative solutions to resolve this problem. We don't have a definitive timeline for this but, again, it is my promise that WE WILL MAKE THIS HAPPEN. GamersFirst and Indy21 will do manual account updates if it becomes absolutely necessary athough we don't think it will come to that!

3. Design and Develop exciting new content updates and communicate the release schedule with you all. The abandonment of our community has fired up each one of our developers here in Korea and they are on a mission to make the 9Dragons community the greatest gaming community out there via providing you with enriched content updates.

With our combined efforts, we will all be playing 9Dragons again very very soon and we look forward to this new chapter in our journey as a stronger community and close friends.

Yongnam
Partner and Chief Financial Officer
Indy21 Co., Ltd.

Words from GamersFirst's Founder and CEO for the 9D Community

2010-09-23T21:45:00.003+03:00

Dear 9Dragons Community,

I’m the Founder and CEO of Gamersfirst. Over the last 8 years my team and I have built the GamersFirst community one member at a time and we are welcome all of you into our global network of MMO communities. Your vibrancy and passion were the main reasons why we signed this game from Indy21.

First, I was appalled by how you were all abandoned by the previous publisher of the game, Acclaim. As a gamer, I felt angered and disheartened, by how your community wasn’t shown any respect;

I felt your sense of abandonment as they shut down your service with no notice and warning. I promise you that at GamersFirst, you will be provided the utmost respect just as the rest of our communities.

Secondly, I want you to know that Indy21 took no part in deciding when and how the 9Dragon servers were shut down. My colleagues and partners in Korea, at Indy21, were as shocked and surprised as the rest of us as they too were promised a seamless and smooth transition.

It seems that the decision to shut down the 9Dragons service was made unilaterally by Acclaim and Playdom. Right now, our first and foremost priority is to help recreate your accounts on our platform as expediently as possible. We’ve already made progress and will be on it like there is no tomorrow. Quite frankly, this process won’t be easy and will require a lot of close collaboration between us and the community. With your help, however, I am confident that we can make it happen and we are committed to working 24x7 till this gets done. From my standpoint as CEO, I view this problem as an opportunity to prove our worth to you. So, from this point on, without any complaint or excuse from us, we will do everything in our power to serve you right.

So, where do we go from here?

Three things I ask you to do:

#1. Stay calm and give us a few days to launch the game servers. Our engineers from both Gamersfirst and Indy21 are working round the clock through the weekend since last Thursday to launch the new website and servers;

#2. Visit the 9Dragon forum as often as you can to find out up-to-the-minute progress. Also, please join our new facebook fan page so you can share information quickly and easily. Our goal is to make the character restoration process as painless as possible. We know how hard you worked to build up your characters. To some of us, it means more than just a game. It’s our life.

Although there will be some minor hiccups along the way, I assure you that we will help you restore all your previous characters with or without the screenshots of your characters. You have my word on this.

In fact, because you are going through the current crisis and remain loyal community member, if you came back and went through the character restoration process successfully, we will offer you a lot of incentives. I’m positive you will love the special offers to earn and keep your loyalty. Also, we have a lot of new content waiting at the sideline to be deployed. I’m sure you will like what you’ll see as soon as we launch the game;

#3. Tell your friends about the plan we have. Spread the news and let’s get them excited about the new opportunities. I want you to take this opportunity to help us restore and further energize the 9Dragons community. This is the time to test this community’s character and resilience.

And, I know, you guys care about the friendships you built over the years and it’s just as important to you as to us.

Gamersfirst is the first and most experienced Free2Play MMO publisher in North America. We have more than 30 million players who created accounts on our platform; and these 30 million friends are welcoming you with open arms. Our mission is to put Gamers First. That means putting YOU first.

So, tell your friends about us, about the change. There is new hope.

Cheers,

Josh

Founder and CEO

Gamersfirst.

Asmo StorM : Spirit-Fists, part 2

2009-09-05T14:32:00.002+03:00

A.I : What characters did you play? How would you describe them?

Spirit-Fists : In all my time in 9D I only played 3 different chars. Onslaught (Warrior) was my first char, and during his peak time, was widely regarded as one of the toughest chars to face in PVP, utilizing a variation of mixed PVP builds. Once Onslaught was level capped at CS1, I started work on Spirit-Fists (Hybrid) who became one of the toughest grind chars ever to grace Bardo. Spirit hit each level cap as one of the top 2 chars on Bardo, it wasn’t long after that I got bored at CS4 killing 4 mobs for 0.01% and left the game for three months until Icy Palace map finally opened, I returned a few weeks after it opened to find myself over taken by many players, so I got back to grinding and soon took back my lead spot as the highest White char on Bardo. Orisi (nuker) was created when Spirit was stuck at the LM level cap, this time I refused kill multiple mobs for 0.01% so I started on a new char called Orisi, but I didn’t enjoy nuker as much as the melee chars. It was fun to start with, reaching CS2 within 6 weeks of creating the char, thanks to the two Xmas and New Year 2XP events, but got tired of nuker, and once again left the game for about three months until the level cap was again raised.

A.I. : You were The Master of StorM_RiderS, how was your experience? What did you learn? What was SR for you? What is your legacy?

Spirit-Fists : For me SR was all about respect and honour. I am proud to have been in charge of so many players who shared my dream of helping others and uniting the White Clans for the benefit of all whites and not just ourselves. It was no easy task, at one stage we even kept ourselves away from PVP for months at a time to push ourselves in level and strength before returning to the fold and showing the true power of SR in PVP. My legacy, so to speak, is that SR continue to uphold the beliefs that the league was founded on. Respect, honour and the ability to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

A.I. : Did you have any downtime, or you were constantly bombarded with members questions or others players as BM?

Spirit-Fists : Sometimes it was hard to concentrate on my own game. SR was the largest and strongest league on Bardo for a very long time. I would get questions and messages from many inside our league as well as many from leagues that were friends of SR. Thankfully I did not try to run SR alone, that would have killed me very fast. I was happy to be the figure head of SR, which made sense as my char was one of the highest chars for most of my life on 9D. After creating the SR league, I basically shared the League Master position with Yoink as an equal, and we had all the other Band Masters as deputies, which worked very well. SR was systematically run by 5 chief players instead of one player ruling over everyone. Then we had a good group of Band Leaders who were all chosen upon their principals and the manner in which they showed themselves to others.

A.I. : Playing on Bardo’s white side, what you think are the difference between the whites and the blacks? What they war for?

Spirit-Fists : The main difference I found between Bardo’s White and Black sides was the ability to work together. SR with the help of a few other leagues were able to bring the majority of the White Clans together, working towards the same goal and showing each other respect. The Black Clans on Bardo didn’t manage this at the time because there was too much fighting going on between themselves, this meant that they found it harder to work together during Clan specific events such as War and SVS.

A.I. : What is your opinion on Item Mall prices? Mall stuff creates advantages for your character or not?

Spirit-Fists : The Item Mall is a great place to upgrade your char, but it has become over priced as of late. Deco’s and Premium packs are a must for those that want to compete seriously in PVP, but not everyone can afford to throw money at Acclaim, so it creates an imbalance. Just look at the recent change in making XP Cards tradable, it has destroyed the already fragile market, and made Nukers even more over powered now that they can level as fast as any other class. I personally feel that Acclaim or Indy have spent too much time thinking of new ways to make money and not enough time on fixing bugs, some of which are well over two years old.

A.I. : Now you play AION. How do you find AION in comparison with 9D?

Spirit-Fists : The contrast is huge and really shows the difference between pay to play games and free to play. Aion is the total package. As of this date, I have only come across a very small number of bugs, and most of these don’t interfere with the game play. Although 9D is free to play, I believe most of the mid-hardcore players will still spend more money per three months on 9D than they would playing Aion for the same time period. All you pay for in Aion is the monthly subscription, all the rest is done with ingame gold. The PVP in AION is much more balanced, yes it is based on level, but as there is far fewer levels than 9D, this doesn’t create a huge imbalance as it does in 9D.

A.I. : Why do you think that many players of 9D went to AION?

Spirit-Fists : Many of the 9D players now playing AION have found the same issues with 9D that I have. The most obvious one being the total imbalance in 9D PVP, why bother to make any class except Nuker unless you have already reached the level cap. The amount of bugs still unfixed on 9D and the continual lack of communication from the Acclaim team is a big factor. Another big factor is the running costs of playing 9D if you want to seriously compete with others, some players spend obscene amounts of money in the Item Mall and it is hard for those without this kind of funding to compete at the same level as those with seemingly unlimited funds. AION is a breath of fresh air to those of us that have put up with Acclaims incompetence (for lack of a better word)

A.I. : From your experience, what would you share with the others players?

Spirit-Fists : Be good to yourself and to others. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. Remember RESPECT is not easily earned but can be lost much faster.

A.I.: Thank You.

Favourite Spirit ss:

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx36eZ9

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxjkp7i

Asmo StorM : Spirit-Fists, part 1

2009-09-05T14:30:00.002+03:00

A.I. Why do like to play games? How would you describe yourself as a player?

Spirit-Fists : For me, gaming is my way to relax, I work hard most of the week and like to unwind by throwing myself in to a game that I enjoy. I don’t know how I would describe myself as a player, I suppose I would consider myself a semi hardcore player who lives by the honour system, “do to others as you would have them do to you”

A.I. : You have played a long time, felt many emotions. What would you identify as the essence of 9D?

Spirit-Fists : I feel the essence of 9Dragons is the community and how you respond to others. I would probably have left 9D a few months earlier if it wasn’t for the large amount of friends I have made over the years in 9D. Friendship and respect are things you must work hard to get and it’s not always easy to just turn your back and leave, which is why I am still connected to SR even if I’m no longer playing 9D.

A.I. : 9Dragons back in 2007, was better than it is now?

Spirit-Fists : It was much more fun back in the earlier days of 9D. I feel that Acclaim have sort of lost the plot over the last year. They are too concerned with taking players money in the Item Mall and don’t spend enough time and concern over the huge amount of bugs still plaguing the game. Back in 2007 and 2008 many players were still playing for fun and enjoyment of the game, nowadays since the game has stagnated with nothing new coming in the near future, many players only care about the imbalanced PVP and abusing this to annoy and disrupt other players games.

A.I. : Why did you quit playing 9D?

Spirit-Fists : I had reached the Endgame of 9D. After hitting each and every level cap, I felt there was nothing left for me do in 9D. It also had a little to do with Acclaim and Indy’s lack of communication with the player base and lack of patches that actually fix bugs, without bringing more bugs to the game. It got to the stage that the excitement and enthusiasm that I used to feel was no longer there.

A.I. : What is you opinion on the management of the game? What do you think of Games Managers?

Spirit-Fists : Acclaim and Indy have let themselves and the players down by leaving the game full of bugs and proving that they don’t actually know much about the game in general. Take the Webinar’s for example, on a few occasions I posed some perfectly good questions that many players wanted the answers for, but they never knew anything and could only reply with “ we’ll have to ask the devs and get back to you” and they still haven’t answered these questions. As for the GM’s I have had good times and bad times with them. I have all the respect in the world for Nathan (DragonHead) he helped me soo much in the early days with a serious lag and DC issue I had, and I’m so glad he was promoted to Head GM when Phew left for Spellbound. Then there was Max (Phew), we clashed multiple times due to his lack of communication and the fact that he kept telling us lies and I was catching him out. Even as a VGM he was unhelpful and unreachable 99% of the time, when I needed him for serious reasons. He didn’t like it when I posted the true IP and location of Bardo (in LA) when he was telling the player base that it had already moved to the EU 2 months earlier. I didn’t like being lied to by the man who was supposed to be our leader and mentor.

A.I. : What was your funny and tragic moment in 9Dragons?

Spirit-Fists : I’ve had many funny moments in 9D, most of these in PVP with United Forces, specifically early on at the start of the War with UF when I hounded and terrorized Evil Homer with Onslaught in the cave. The War with the Dragons in CC3 and CC4 was also great fun, I loved that they thought of me as a “Warmonger” xD

My saddest moment was the day I finally decided to leave 9D for good. After making a shout to inform all my friends and enemies that I was leaving, I spent over 2 very emotional hours replying to the many messages I was getting wishing me the best and asking me not to leave.

A.I. : What you think about the 9Dragons forum? Did you visit it often? Is it worth to spend time there? What about the moderation team?

Spirit-Fists : The forum is a great tool for players to learn and ask questions, but there are also many players who use it purely to abuse other players. The moderation team needs to become more neutral, there were times that posts that needed locking right away were left open to abuse because it was a friend of a mod who had started the post, or the mod was in the a band that was at war with the posting player.

A.I. : You were a VGM. How was your experience as a VGM ? Why did you leave the VGM team?

Spirit-Fists : I joined the VGM team on the basis that we would be helping the player base communicate with the GM’s and Devs, but it quickly became clear that our thoughts and advice were rarely acknowledged or taken seriously. I also had a problem with other VGM’s from opposing bands who would start flaming posts in the VGM forum just because they were unable to do so ingame or on the general forum. For a long time, all the VGM’s did was report gold spammers and chat to players, getting asked questions that we ourselves did not know the answers to because the GM team didn’t give us much information. My VGM char was also placed on a different server from my playing server and due to the time zone difference between the US server my VGM char was on and my time zone in the EU, the server was normally very quiet at the times I logged to help.

"Leadership can be thought of as a capacity to define oneself to others in a way that clarifies and expands a vision of the future." (EDWIN H. FRIEDMAN)

Wu-Dang Tai-Keck : Xiriu

2009-09-05T14:28:00.003+03:00

A.I.: How did you start playing 9Dragons ? Why you like this game?
Xiriu : Well it was beginning of 2007, february to be exactly. I was on vacations and pretty bored trying to find something to do. So i joined on a mmorpg forum and found this "9 Dragons"... As I enjoy martial arts I tried it and enjoyed.I confess I started to enjoy even more when i made my nuker!Even before 9D I played "The 4th Coming" for about 8 years so I always enjoyed MMORPGS.

A.I. : Do you keep in touch with your friend in 9Dragons? How many have you made?

Xiriu : I'm not sure about that but i made a bunch. Yes I keep in touch with them through msn, skype, teamspeak and sometimes on other games.

A.I. : What is your character like ?

Xiriu : I always try to help others as much as i can and on everything i make i always try to be the "best" aswell.

A.I. : What do you think about 9Dragons managemnet?

Xiriu : I think they have good intentions but they take too much time to fix the problems. Only item mall issues are solved in the light speed.Anyways I don't think it's only acclaim's fault probably Indy21 also don't care much about Acclaim issues. Once I was banned just because I talked to kor-sin... It's like "tell me with who you walk and I tell you who you are" ... It was a permanent ban but they found out that they were dumb so they gave me back my account.

A.I. : Hmm...9Dragons in year 2007 was better than it is now?

Xiriu : I don't think it was that better but it was more fun for sure. We were all trying to discover things in game and no one level cap. We had many fun wars back in 2007 that i'm sure we will never have again. Some people call it by "Dragons time".

A.I. : What was your funny and tragic moment in 9Dragons like?

Xiriu : Funny moment for sure was once when we lost General Wei control, so me and Nonis were always there to ks and pk. On a dark night i woke up and noticed it was Wei time, so i tried to log in to check. Guess what "error code=-1" was on. I was like GRRRRRRRR I will miss this wei. When i finally logged in, Wei was dieing, so i killed the finisher when Wei was 2%. Then the noobs there killed wei and the drops(WBs dmg female and 10 BEs) were on the floor because the nb which had the best damage was died and i bet he didn't have pancakes. Then they started to attack me and I kept trying to take the drops.So I succeded, iItook the drops and logged off... I was laughing so much uaheuaheuaehu. Those WBs Igave to Nonis as he was my partner on wei ks/pk raids.

The tragic moment was when I received the message from my friend "Fyoda", my first brazilian friend in 9D. He was with bones cancer. Anyways he already went under surgery and he is better now. Honestly i didn't know what to tell him when he told me that...

A.I. : What about your real life?

Xiriu : I consider my life very nice. I live with my parents and i have a brother, sister and nephew that live with me aswell... I'm a good person and I always helped people around me, not only relatives. I already helped in many social projects as a volunteer. I was doing mechatronics engineering in Brazil (would graduate in the middle of next year) and working on IBM but now I won a scholarship to study in "Politecnico di Torino" so I will continue my university there (starting now in 14th September).

A.I. : 9Dragons did change anyhow your real life?

Xiriu : Not at all... It's just a hobby when I got nothing to do. Anyways I gotta confess it sometimes help me to keep motivated, can't explain well but it does. Even more when we are at war for some goal like Wei for example.

A.I. : What you think about 9Dragons forum? You visit it offen? It worth to spend time there?

Xiriu : It's very helpeful. I visit it almost everyday. It does worth because veteran's people help out the new people so much.

A.I. : If you would meet TheHistorian what would you tell him about 9Dragons official team?

Xiriu : Well, they have good people on 9Dragons official team but it's like 10% only. I would tell him to find more "good intentioned" people to their team.

A.I. : You had a warrior, but now you play nuker, why? How are nukers in our days?

Xiriu : I found out that nukers were a good class and that i would have more success as a nuker. I can say that with all those new ornaments and items it's more balanced but still nukers are better to play with than warrior i guess and also better at pvp (if same level ofc).

A.I. : What is your opinion on mall prices. Are they high for you? What you buy from mall?

Xiriu : Yes, they are very high for me, these xp cards was "the idea" on Acclaim business I guess they are earning a lot with them. I buy usually premium,deco,trigrams and xp cards.

A.I. : Tell me about yourself, Xiriu.

Xiriu : A good guy and humble which is always trying to find something new to make the world and our lifes better. That's why i decided to do engineering aswell.

A.I. : Now you play AION and little 9D ? In september what you will choose?

Xiriu : In september I will probably be so busy with university stuff that i will choose none... I don't know yet how hard or easy it will be in Italy.So I would rather to answer to this question later. But I can say that AION is much, much better than 9D.

A.I. : You was the Submaster of STORM RIDERS, how was it?

Xiriu : It was very nice. I had so much fun and i could learn so much been in SR. It was a very hard and sad decision for me to give up from it but I don't have so much time as I used to have, so I thought it would be better to SR have someone more active as a BM that's why I passed it.

A.I. : What would you share with the others leaders? What you think a leader has to have to lead a band?

Xiriu : First of all you need patience to deal with all the problems... A good leader should always look forward and think positive, even if the scenary sometimes don't look so good.

A.I. : Did you find any virtual love in 9D ? What do you belive about this concept?

Xiriu : Oh well, yes I did. I don't need to tell who I guess hehehee. I like to be realistic, in the beginning I always told her that we should decide our "future"after we meet on real life.

A.I. : What was your favourite moment with your band members?

Xiriu : For sure it was after SR lost nanchang fortress, so we went to fight in Hengzhou on Sunday and we won. I can't describe but I felt so much pride and happy.It tasted even better because in the morning some noobs(enemies) were flaming SR and tran was trying to answer, I told him to wait the HZ SvS and let noobs talk bullshit. So we showed them how good we can be.

A.I. : What do you share in common with them?

Xiriu : First we are all baldies hehehe(joke). Well i think mostly SR people consists on good and well intentioned people. As some people say we built a family together, not only a bunch of virtual friends.

A.I. : When you think the game stops and the real life beginn?

Xiriu : Well first i think we need to dedicate our time to make our "real life" good as we would like to. Then if you still have some spare time then you can go have fun in game. As everyone always say "real life comes first"...

A.I. : From your experience, what would you share with the others players?

Xiriu : Whatever happend or happens in your life always be honest. Sometimes seems that honest people are always behind but trust me the honest path brings more happiness in the end. So that's it for now!

A.I. Thanks for your time and patience.

Xiriu screens :

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxcPHN0

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxcPUfJ

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxcQ8dA

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxcQfI0

Heroine story

2009-09-05T14:26:00.002+03:00

A.I. . : Since when you play 9D?

Heroine: 2007, summer.

A.I. : What you like at this game?

Heroine : The graphics, the game story, animation.

A.I. : How many characters , roles you played till now?

Heroine : Very different characters over 10, I played all the roles, less healer. I had only a healer but low level. In particular hybrid and nuker, I played more.

A.I. : 9Dragons forum is a place where you can tell freely your view?

Heroine : You can tell only if the view is good, but if it is bad, the moderators will find an excuse, sometimes ridiculous, not listed in the Rules of Conduct just to close or delete your topic. Moderators of the forum should be changed to some adults who know what responsibilities are.

A.I. : What considers that must be changed in the game?

Heroine : In the game ... should equal the balance in PvP.

A.I. : How are you in real life, what you do, what thoughts you have?

Heroine : I am like any human, I have responsibilities, not staying all day without doing nothing. I don't have a job yet because I am a student, but I hope once I graduate, I will not be like other "no-lifers" who spend 50 + hours per week in front of computer.

A.I. : In the game you meet many players, so how do you see the community? What do you think they have in common?

Heroine : In my opinion they are 2-3 ways for players. "High greedy rich people" and "friendly persons, which are trying to help the community" .The Community has 1 thing in common: they are disappointed by events and the way Acclaim doing the 'things', which makes them crazy, like Asura server rollback for example.

A.I. : What do you think of GM's?

Heroine : GM's ... are people busy, so they say, rarely a GM enter the game, such as for example _Ravenclaw_ did : add mobs on maps and make some events for community. But ... one thing I do not like at GM's : they don't punish much the bug abusers, nuker spot abusers and macro users. They should enter a lot in game, because people called "VGM" are volunteers and they can only report players. VGM's are not very active also, so 9Dragons should be visited every day by a GM, or even once every 2 days.

A.I. : What do you think of Games Managers?

Heroine : From the 2 games managers (TheHistorian and BluFlash), I think BluFlash don't do anything, just announce shameless promotions on weekends and he TheHistorian .... is too busy with other games, eg. 2moons, Dance! Online, and the rest of Acclaim Games.

A.I. : How you characterize your main character?

Heroine : The main character is the one that I play offen, not the higher level, and I would say, I like to help the community with advices, help with dungeons, gold, items, and my character is very loyal to my league.

A.I. : What do you think 9Dragons has the best ?

Heroine : Dungeons (love graphics in Tower Beast), many bosses, but most importantly the community.

A.I. : If you were for one day Historian what you would do for 9Dragons?

Heroine :I would monitor 9Dragons with invisible mode, spammers, nuker spot exploiters. I would permanently ban the characters and IP (Internet Protocol).I would organize events, to please the community, for those of low level, not just for higher levels. Everything just to make happy the community.

A.I. : Do you play something else besides 9D?

Heroine : FPS(First Person Shooters), in general.

A.I. : Finally, share some personal thoughts with us.

Heroine :Think twice before making a mistake , threating a friend or scamming. Also think wise , because you never know what can you lose. Be nice to the community and try to help as much as you can.

Think twice before making a mistake , threating a friend or scamming. Also think wise , because you never know what can you lose.

Be nice to the community, try to help as much as you can , and the most important : "BluFlash sucks" =D

Heroine ss :

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx36Bqr

YOINK, acid storm, part 2

2009-08-29T11:58:00.002+03:00

A.I. : Tell something about the real person behind Yoink.

Yoink : Not much is know about the real person . I keep my seperate lives seperate : work, home, play nowadays, a child is often diagnosed with such disorders as ADHD. When i was growing up, i was just referred to as naughty. My life as such, has often been a struggle to fit in and learn to live under societies rules.A bright mind without direction is a terrible thing .

A.I. : Do you belive in virtual love?

Yoink : I believe in virtual love, it kinda reminds me of waaaay back when letters were the rule of the day and the automobile was not a commonplace thing people "corresponded" to get to know each other. They knew each other from an indistinct picture, maybe even a drawing and more often than not you can say things in a letter, that you may struggle to put into words face to face, so we are seeing amongst the virtuals communities, true love stories in a world of divorce and single parents, where people have come to love the personality, not the face. When you fall for someone this way, possibly find your soulmate , the picture may come second because you get to see what is inside a person.

A.I. : What about the boys who plays woman characters and vice-versa?

Yoink : I've yet to decide about some of them for some it seems a simple matter of personal gratification. They would rather look at the back of a woman , than a man.Others, take it a little furthur, for fun or potentially, they are confused in a world where genders are often blurred mmoland is a perfect place to live out those fantasies.

A.I. Talking about love and characters my mind made some connection on a story. So, what you think about 9Dragons story? The line of the narration suits the game content?

Yoink : I love the game, I love the story, as do many others it will forever be seen by me, as I move on soon, with a deep sadness for what Acclaim has done with their version.

A.I. : The return of TheHermit will change something?

Yoink : The game holds so much potential. I hope so. I've seen a real change in attitudes, but is it too late, a month before the big killer "AION" is unleashed upon us.Everywhere I go, communities are discussing their plans for it.

A.I. : You was on at the last webinar? The problems debated there were resolve ? You think webinar has a good feed-back?

Yoink : Nothing happened. We talked and talked, and I don't think they listened. It was important that they publish the webinar, for all to hear and people need to hear the community managers passing the buck onto Indy21.

A.I. : Why do you think they didn't published it?

Yoink : Because if it turns out, that it is Acclaims decisions with this version, and not Indy21 all along. Then we have discovered the real killer behind 9D Acclaim. We have yet to hear, from the horses mouth, Indy21's version of events.

A.I. : Now you play AION and littel 9D ? In september what you will choose?

Yoink : In september I choose AION and 9Dragons will remain on the back shelf until I am fully committed to AION. I miss the community, but after returning for this last month before AION release, I realised that it is just grind grind, grind with the current unbalanced pvp end game, I am not grinding for a purpose anymore.

A.I. : You see any difference in the community of those two games?

Yoink : It's too early to say, but the AION community has been growing for 2 years now, even before anyone could play the game the content is there, to keep us all happy and content for a long time yetour only waiting game, is to see how the community managers handle any issues that arise over balance, etc.

A.I. : In 9Dragons community how you think you are seen by others?

Yoink : By my friends......a man of his word who can be trusted with anything. By my enemies...a grudging respect, they know not to underestimate my commitment to a cause.

A.I. : You are in charge for SR external relation. How did you find the others hero leagues BM's and leaders?

Yoink : On the whole, fine I have been able to deal with most leaders. But now and then, I will come up against someone with the same stubborn resolve as myself.

A.I. : What was the hardest task?

Yoink : The leader of NP is my hardest task: trying to persuade him to work with people and not just his own alliance.This has even caused problems within his alliance. As some members have seen the wisdom in my proposals, he does not like being told what to think, or do and he sees my suggestions as orders.

A.I. : What advices would you give to a new leader?

Yoink : Do not take up the position, unless you have the time to devote to your members even if this cuts short your own game time. When a reasonable request comes your way, drop what you're doing and help out a leader leads by example, whether they like it or not. If your band/guild begins to displease you, then it's something "YOU" are doing wrong, not your band/guild and above everything else, whenever your decision affects someone else ask yourself the question"how would i feel on the other side of this". I live my life by this rule.

A.I. : As the last question, how you see 9Dragons future?

Yoink : I dare not think of it's future, because many friends remain there and I don't want to think of their dissapointment. If 9D has a future, it's how Acclaim chooses to fulfil this.

A.I. : Thank you for your time.

Yoink ' special collage :

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx1Ukuw0

YOINK, acid storm, part 1

2009-08-29T11:57:00.003+03:00

A.I. : Say something about your 9Dragons history.

Yoink : I came to 9D from Silkroad Online. After 2 years of playing there, I came to realise they were only in it for the money and didn't care at all about their western audience.

A.I. : Being so long in 9D you are a member of PAB. What is your opinion on PAB?

Yoink : I initially refused the offer as I was suspicious of Acclaim already by this point. Their motives seemed to be cash, cash, cash, much like SRO and a total ignorance of what their community was screaming at them, but we had the "big patch" coming , 2nd role and I decided I had to play a part in shaping this. Unfortunately, our advice on PAB is largely ignored. The only ideas I have seen taken up, are those that can be implemented into item mall, the extra bag for example, is item mall, but we asked for a storage expansion at the same time to cope with 2 characters on 1 account and stop the need for the "storage character". We tested the ad-bar and told Acclaim that it would drive many veterans, and new players from the game, but our advice was ignored. We were even used as scapegoats at one point. A GM revealed on forum that we players shouldn't be complaining about ad-bar , as it had been tested by PAB. All of this should not detract from the work warda tries to do. She has been a gift to Acclaim and the community, much misused by Acclaim unfortunately. So... really, from the start PAB didn't do what we asked of it, which was to bring together the staff and veterans willing to spend their time to help advance the game, instead we found ourselves in another "waiting room" for Acclaim.

A.I. : Players call you "the fox", why? Your character reflects that?

Yoink : The "fox" is renowed in culture as a wily character. Always another trick up his sleeve. In game, I try to role play a little. The Shaolin are advisers to the Emperor as such, I try to play along this route. A lot of people will see the BvW element and stick with it, I like to think outside these contraints war is something we must strive to end . A lot of my decisions in game, and my actions, are those of a peacemaker.

A.I. : Talking about war, how you would characterise the war between blacks and whites in Bardo?

Yoink : Currently, it's fairly Black V White. There are times when the power balance sways back and forth, but on the whole, one side is never favoured too much. There have been times in the past, when black and white leagues have been allied in the bloody plains, but this caused too much confusion and many problems. As one of the peacemakers of Bardo, I decided it was best for everyone that we remove these agreements from BP and use them simply for issues such as boss camping and possibly SVS.

A.I. : You was the Submaster of STORM RIDERS, how did you feel ? Describe the experience.

Yoink : Immensely proud .Over the 2 years in the build up to the SR everyone knows today, owners of SVS for 11 months, we gathered together a loyal group of players under the core principals of shareing and caring and showing your enemy an equal respect.

A.I. : What do you think changed in 9Dragons when you started playing till now ?

Yoink : Acclaim seems to have no advance plan of where this game is headed. I was most impressed when I started, at the GM participation online, the communication on forums.It was something new to me, having come from SRO where we lived in a GM free wasteland and topics of criticism were routinely locked and deleted without word. Unfortunately, this seems to be the common downfall of mmo's. Acclaim to me, are showing signs of SRO.

A.I. : Speaking about the management of Acclaim for 9Dragons, how you found the official team?

Yoink : I don't think they take our welfare seriously enough.

A.I. : What about the forum? You was an active poster. Why you quited to post?

Yoink : I no longer wish to give my time to help Acclaim. Everytime they promise to take us seriously, and instigate communication, they let us down.

A.I. : How would you describe the moderator team on forum?

Yoink : haphazard. As a forum moderator myself, on non-9D forums, my locking and deleting power is only exercised after repeat warnings. I would much rather clean up posts, issue warnings, and keep people in line, locking and deleting without warning only serves to fan the "flames". The mod's team has an agenda, one set by Acclaim and that is to remove all mention to criticism of the running of the game, however justified it is.

A.I. : How old do you think they are? Has the age something to do with the way they act?

Yoink : They are taking on volunteers far too young I feel. I am even surprised at the 'childlike' attitude of BluFlash sometimes. Maturity is an ongoing process, and at almost 32 years of age myself, I find some of their attitudes and reactions very childish, but at the same time, I am reminded of myself not so long ago. I don not however, believe maturity is an age related thing. To ban people under a certain age is to deny natural talent.

A.I. : Seems you are not a big fan of BluFlash.Any reasons?

Yoink : BluFlash was taken at random, from some prize draw, totally unrelated to the 9Dragons product. He is a puppet and nothing more in my eyes. Above the GM team, we have the "suits", in every line of work we have these people, they take a big wage and do very little real work, making decisions based on purely profit driven motives often at the detriment of all other factors, it's these men BluFlash takes his orders from.

Sifu of beggars : tran1234

2009-08-29T11:52:00.002+03:00

A.I. : When you started to play 9Dragons?

tran1234 : April 2007.

A.I. : What made you play 9Dragons for 2.5 years?

tran1234 : I really like that old China Kung Fu style which combines the true China history.

A.I. : You lead a beggar band, and you are the Submaster of STORM RIDERS Hero League. What SR means to you ?

tran1234 : Yup, I am. SR is my virtual family. We spend together so much time so I feel them like my family and won't find any people like them in other games.

A.I.: How would you describe tran1234 as 9D character?

tran1234 : Hmm... a helpful character , likes to answer others questions.

A.I. : Speaking of helping others, how you find 9Dragons the community of players on Bardo server?

tran1234 : Well, most of them are good , if you ask their help you' ll most likely get it without them asking anything as reward.

A.I. : What about the official team of VGM's?

tran1234 : They are trying their best , some of them they do it pretty well I could say but if they could be more often online would be great.

A.I.: What is your opinion about 9Dragons forum? Helps players? What about moderators?

tran1234 : It does help players. You can find so valuable information there....about Mod's I think they doing their job good but the lack of the game at the moment and the repeatable posts by players which actually is useless and they have to lock it makes them look bad to community.Not all of them. Some of them just lock the topics and piss off the community more.

A.I. : If you would be BluFlash what would be the first thing you would do for 9Dragons?

tran1234 : Give the players what they want : information about top issues in the game.Since solution is still under development by Indy the only thing we can give to community is the information.

A.I. : You are a 'beggar" leader, what you think a band master should have as qualities?

tran1234 : Responsibility , consider every possible solution before making a decision and talk with the rest of leaders. Helpful.

A.I. : How would you describe yourself in real life? You are like your character or no?

tran1234 : Yes, I am . Personally I find it unusual... act diffrent from what you are in real and in an online game like RPG's, since you actually communicate as you do in real life, but you just do it via the keyboard or microphone.

A.I. : Playing on Bardo on white side, what you think are the difference between the whites and the blacks? Would a peace be possible in game?

tran1234 : The side doesn't make up the person , we are just happen to be enemies in game, we can't have peace , thats the storyline if we could have peace what's storyline for?

A.I. : What about the ambitions of both sides?

tran1234 : Well, everyone like to be the winner .Same is happening here every side trying to win .We all like being in a higher stage than others. Only way to proove this is by defeat him, talking for the game part, ofc.

A.I. : You play AION too. What you think are the difference between AION and 9Dragons?

tran1234 : There is no way someone could compare the two games . You got a f2p vs p2p.You have a fantasy vs old material.

A.I. : Many of SR members left to AION . Why ?

tran1234 : Better gameplay , less real money is needed, fewer bugs, much more better service and much more to do in game.

A.I. : What was your favorite day in 9Dragons?

tran1234 : The day I took my TGW killer epithet. I was just yelling : I GOT IT ! I GOT! So nice ! Back then was so hard to get it.

A.I. : You have a PS beggar warrior, what you think about this role? Is hard to level ? What about pvp?

tran1234 : It was hard to level , many new skills and items has been added last year and made the grind very easy. About PvP, a grind build warrior hardly can PvP, with all those new items a nuker 24+lvls lower can still kill him.

A.I. : What you doing now, since you reach level cap?

tran1234 : Looting in the dungeons. helping lower lelevs to get their epithets and TRYING to PvP as much this is possible.

A.I. : Tell me some words about the human behind tran character.

tran1234 : A low profile guy which obvious likes to spend much of his free time in front of his PC but also going out.

A.I. : What about girls? Do you belive in virtual relations? Do you have any vitual relation in 9Dragons?

tran1234 : Nah , you might get closer with someone in game, but actually to start a virtualy relation don't think so , it's bad, you can't really express how you feel. I would try this kind of relation, in case, there is a chance too meet her in real life.

A.I. : What about the boys who plays girls characters? What you think are their motivations?

tran1234 : Some might want to hide their real ID behind the female character , others just like to play a cute female character like they would like a real woman who knows... we can't jugde.

A.I. : From your experience, what would you share with the others players?

tran1234 : I'll tell you about my league mates, we all share the same thoughs, help the rest, respect the rest if you want them to respect you. They all are so kind and helpful, hardly you can say something bad about them. When you need something, they will be there.

A.I. : What you wish for the future of 9Dragons?

tran1234 : A fixed gameplay out of bugs and with a balanced PvP.

A.I. : This is all. Thank you.

tran1234, favourite screens :

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVxo5yJ

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVxpho0

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1rTsfr

Clan Feature : The Wu-Tang Clan (2)

2009-04-27T12:30:00.004+03:00

Lay down your sword at the foot of The Imperial Emperor. Learn your lessons in Tai Chi and utilize them to master your Kung Fu and sword techniques. Then come to full realization that you yourself are the sword and pledge your allegiance to The Imperial Emperor, whom The Land itself has selected as its voice.

Take back the Art when it violates The Tao. If you encounter a martial artist who uses their art to selfish purpose that violates The Tao, you must allow your sword to disable or retire their ability to do so.

Since disciples of Wu-Tang believe that “The sword kills not the disciple” or that the pupil has surrendered himself and his steel to the judgment of The Way, they do not believe themselves responsible for the bad karma brought about by killing. Whereas a Shaolin monk must focus his energy on disarming his opponents to avoid unnecessary killing, the disciple of Wu-Tang is free to defend the weak and powerless with greater aggression and to greater effect.

Wu-Tang’s Kung Fu begins and ends with Tai Chi, the infinite contrast and harmony of Yin and Yang which creates a balanced system of offensive and defensive skills. The ultimate skill of their hand-to-hand combat system is called “Boundless Fist” and their ultimate Sword Art is called, ironically, “No-Sword.” Their training emphasizes that one learn to strike automatically, or mindlessly, according to the natural flow of universal energy or Chi, which seamlessly resides within both the disciple, and all other things.

Sound a bit like Star Wars? Well, now you know where George Lucas copped “The Force” from.

Wu-Tang’s role in The Land is one of enlightened governing force. It acts in defense of that which is righteous, and its disciples carry their honor as if it were a religious code. Whether or not the current Imperial Emperor or his Court, whom they have sworn to defend, are perceived as fair, Wu-Tang has always been revered by the commoners as a pillar of strength and as an arbiter for justice. Wu-Tang views Shaolin, the clan from which it sprang, as a brother and both Heavenly Demon and Sacred Flower clans as their mortal enemies.

Wu-Tang clan members are also perhaps the most dedicated of all disciples to their training, and the proudest clan. So it’s easy to understand why they are also the most difficult clan to join. While you can join The League of Beggars or Sacred Flower at Level Four, you’ll find yourself at Level Twenty before the master swordsman who guard Wu-Tang’s stronghold will do more than eye you with contempt.

- Ken Johnston and Steven Elliot-Altman, Acclaim
(based on The Lore created by Steven-Elliot Altman)

Clan Feature: Wu-Tang Clan (1)

2009-04-27T12:27:00.005+03:00

Wu-Tang is a discipleship of Tai Chi practitioners who strive to become living instruments of divine justice. Their entire way of life, as well as their Kung Fu, is governed by the philosophy and teachings of The Tao, or The Way, which reveals secret truths governing the great universal balance. It follows naturally that the clan symbol is the harmonious Yin and Yang.

The clan is also referred to as the “Clan of Divine Sword” because their disciples hone their noble minds, hearts and bodies to become as one with their swords. Its disciples are typically proud, and above all else, noble. A disciple would lose a limb to save a fellow disciple, duel at the slightest provocation, or bloody a commoner who dared belittle the name of the clan.

Unlike Shaolin, which try to reform the evil through Buddha’s mercy and compassion, Wu-Tang believes that a balanced cosmos demands justice through retribution against evil. Therefore, the Black Clans and evildoers throughout The Land are especially wary of merciless Wu-Tang disciples. Their hand-to-hand combat system is known as Boundless Fists and their legendary sword techniques are unmatched throughout The Land.

When a person joins Wu-Tang they are renouncing their own worldly will to the higher purposes of The Tao. Remember The Tao is a philosophy, not a religion. It is a noble path to align oneself with the law of The Land from the natural balance of Yin and Yang, as illustrated through the following three rules each disciple must swear to live by …

Seek to comprehend The Tao in all things. Through meditation on the writings of the book called Tao Te Ching, your master’s teachings, and your own observations of the world, come to know The Tao and your rightful place within it.

- Ken Johnston and Steven Elliot-Altman, Acclaim
(based on The Lore created by Steven-Elliot Altman)

Combat in 9 Dragons by Ken Johnston (3)

2009-04-27T12:14:00.007+03:00

Once you have been taught several combos you can start to string them together. So you can get combos of almost unlimited length (provided that either the monster is still alive or that you have not run out of energy to deliver the blows!).

The same is true of weapon skills. You can master, say a sword, or a staff, or an axe, and then link together many combos into a true duel of masters. Choosing what you are going to do before you attack your enemy becomes a cerebral challenge. It is not enough to just wade in and start clicking buttons! You need to anticipate what combos a monster will be vulnerable to and then be prepared to unleash them at the correct time.

Once you have joined a clan you will learn even more devastating moves that are unique to that clan. Beggars, for example, can learn Drunken Monkey Kung Fu. Shaolin monks learn Praying Mantis style. Wu-Tang Clansman study harder than any other clan to join the lineage of ancient swordsman, know the Tao and master Tai Chi. And disciples of Heavenly Demon Clan study Bloody Hands technique, the most deadly unarmed combat system ever devised.

While your Kung Fu style means life or death against monsters in The Land, combat gets particularly interesting in clan style versus clan style combat in the PvP duel arenas, where you can go head to head against other players. Choosing your battle tactics there will be the difference between claiming victory or sitting in the sand wondering what you did wrong!

All of the graphics for the moves have been captured using full motion capture techniques so that each move is truly authentic. 9Dragons gives you the whole of ancient China to explore. Perfecting your fighting techniques is perhaps the only way you will survive it!

Combat in 9 Dragons by Ken Johnston (2)

2009-04-27T12:09:00.006+03:00

You will find that each martial arts school has a small training ground equipped with wooden target training dummies and practice equipment. This is where it gets interesting. Let's say that you are learning an unarmed routine of say a punch, kick, round-house kick combination. You step up to the target training dummy and a "mini-game" begins...

You punch and you miss, and you punch and miss again and then KA-CHUNG! You strike true! Trust us, it's a very satisfying, almost Pavlovian sound. You continue swinging away and then after you've done it just right several times, a second move, your kick, is unlocked. You punch and connect and then a kick on the return, your first combination! Get that right enough times and then a third move is unlocked, a return round-house kick, and you find yourself skilfully moving like a Tasmanian Devil through an intricate three-strike maneuver. KA-CHUNG! KA-CHUNG! KA-CHUNG! The first time you see and hear yourself make a successful combo you will glimpse the true nature of the game's addiction.

Know also that should you fail this training you will have to go back to the Sifu in shame to get him to explain it to you again. But once you complete the training successfully, you now have the basic knowledge of how to perform this combination. But can you do it during actual combat? Nope! Not at first. Just like in real combat, practice in the training area is never the same as using a move in a real fight. To unlock your moves during combat, you've got to practice, practice, practice.

Fortunately, there are hundreds of quests in 9Dragons, so you are never short of an opportunity to go and practice your moves. At the bottom of your action bar you get a number that indicates how far in the combo you have progressed. So you practice your punch and when you are competent with it you then add the kick. When you have mastered those two moves you can then add the second round-house kick. You now have mastered a three-move combo! Just like during your training, you've begun with the first punch (or the first sword stroke, or staff strike), and then after levelling up your Kung Fu through actual combat you've unlocked each additional move.

Well done! A three-move combo does much more damage to a monster than just a punch or a kick because the first moves have already got the monster on the defensive and now the follow up moves in the combo will force him back and damage him more. Some monsters can be taken out entirely with one well-timed heavy combo.

However in 9Dragons, once you have mastered the move it means that you can use as much or as little of it as you wish. Different monsters will have different weaknesses. Some will require quick repeated jabs to wear them down because they move so fast. Some will require really heavy combos to break down their defences. If you have learned to use a three-step combo you can choose to use just the first step, or the first two, or all three (It's a simple selection off your quickslot menu). Using just the punch is quickest, but using all three does the most damage. It's your choice.

Combat in 9 Dragons by Ken Johnston (1)

2009-04-27T12:06:00.005+03:00

9Dragons has a background story we haven't heard a hundred times, 9Dragons has period authenticity that was clearly painstaking to compile, 9Dragons has beautifully rendered artwork that likely took time off the lives of their artists ... but what those who have entered The Land (and survived) will tell you, is that the real perk of 9Dragons... is the combat system. 9Dragons combat was designed to be different than that of any other MMO from the seed stage. The designers had played the early MMO's like Everquest (where you could just click on a monster and let the stats package do the rest) and knew they wanted more, more, more. They wanted more interaction, more skill sets and to make combat more... well... more better.

Here's a glimpse of what the designers came up with...

When you first start the game you have no fighting ability at all. You could maybe punch out a stray dog. If you happened to come across a staff or a saber... you'd be so inept that you wouldn't be able to use it, or it would break pretty quickly. You, grasshopper, need to learn some Kung Fu before you'll get to wield that sword or those razor wheels.

Each of the starter clans (Shaolin, Wu-Tang, League of Beggars, Heavenly Demon, Sacred Flower and The Brotherhood of Thieves) has its own unique form of Kung Fu, each one compiled of several hundred individual moves you can choose from and use to build your own unique attack and defense combinations.

But you're not ready to join a clan yet, peasant, so what you need is someone to teach you some simple survival moves first. Well, you're in luck. There are Sifu's (teachers) who run independent martial arts schools in many of the villages. They will teach vagabonds like you some basic moves in return for a few coins. But know that the Kung Fu you learn from a Sifu is puny compared to the master training you will receive from a Master after joining a clan. Still, it should keep you alive for a while. So, after you've learned some basic chi-breathing techniques... What? I have to learn to breathe, you ask? Of course. One cannot learn Kung Fu if one does not learn correct breathing and meditation skills first!

Items in 9 Dragons by Ken Johnston (3)

2009-04-27T11:58:00.004+03:00

In 9Dragons there are countless items for you to encounter, scattered throughout The Land. Even the clothes you wear will make a difference. Some of them have hidden pockets into which you can place magical artifacts that enhance your stats. There are books to be read that can automatically teach you some Kung Fu, herbs that can heal your wounds, antidotes for poisons, and special elixirs that once consumed can permanently raise your stats... or lower them, so beware. Many special treasures can be found in hidden chests that must be opened with special keys. Use the wrong key and you could destroy what lies inside. Use the right keys and you are granted items of the rarest sort.

You will discover in 9Dragons that many items can enhance your life and abilities, but the real value is to be found in the rare, the precious and the masterpiece items. These are what give a master his enhancements that make the difference between winning and losing... between living and dying. We promise that adventure will come to surround and fill up your Life in The Land, but it's up to you to decide if your character holds Life like a bowl... or like a bowl made of emerald jade.

Items in 9 Dragons by Ken Johnston (2)

2009-04-27T11:52:00.004+03:00

You are like the jade before it became the bowl, and your training relies on the quality of your raw material and a master's craftsmanship applied to bringing the best out of you. A true master will show you that a great martial artist is so much more than just a master of techniques and moves. For you see, not only must you learn how to craft, enhance and balance yourself and your weapons... you must also become an expert on all manner of additional items you can use to enhance your abilities and aid you on your quests.

Yes, that's right, you guessed it. The items you find and carry will change your stats, and some of their effects are temporary, while others are permanent. A precious ring that raises your dexterity, an amulet that triples your strength, a blessed sword that cannot be damaged, or a cursed saber with an effect you must deduce...

Items can give you an edge in battle, right down to a strand of prayer beads a Shaolin monk might carry that raises his dodge rate, or a blessed hairpin that a Sacred Flower assassin might wear that raises her chance for divine intervention toward a critical hit.

If you are to become such a master, then you too must be prepared to pay attention to these details. You may have honed your Kung Fu through training, but if you have not researched your items then you may find out the hard way how much more there is to learn. If you come up against an opponent with a masterpiece sword (one that belonged to a hero of old) then your Kung Fu skills will likely not be enough. Worse still, you could meet someone with an inherited artifact. Items so rare that they confer tremendous power to their wielders (though the price in Vital Energy to wield them may be equally high). If you are prepared to travel and search, that wielder could be you. The items are there waiting, calling out to those who seek them.

Items in 9 Dragons by Ken Johnston (1)

2009-04-27T11:33:00.005+03:00

Emerald Jade... rare, beautiful, translucent. The most precious material that could be found in ancient China. A perfectly crafted jade item would pit trader against trader, warrior against warrior and thief against thief... could even spark the imagination of The Imperial Emperor himself. For to own such a treasure may offer one a certain power... and makes that one a target for all those who would seize it...

The best way to describe the game is to visualise the world of House of Flying Daggers and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and then imagine that you are Kwai Chang Caine (aka "Grasshopper") from TV's Kung Fu series. You enter The Land (which the Korean design team has rendered in a visually breathtaking style) as a wandering vagabond, and you become immersed in the sights and sounds of ancient China. Cities, buildings, wardrobe, weapons...the game prides itself on attention to historical authenticity. You are prompted to interact with several villagers, like a blacksmith who can craft you a sword or some razor wheels, or a doctor who can heal your wounds, and they tell a little about the current situation in the Middle Kingdom, and of course about all the fabulous riches that can be found... like the bowl made of emerald jade.

Ah... the history of such an item. Of course, hardly anyone has ever seen such a rarity. You, wandering vagabond that you are, have hardly ever seen anything! Paupers such as you are nothing to begin with... but you have a wealth equal to emerald jade. You have... potential.

Shaolin, Wu-Tang Clan, Heavenly Demon, Sacred Flower, League of Beggars, or Brotherhood of Thieves... there are six starter clans you may join to find your true master and learn Kung Fu in The Land. That is, if a master from one of these clans sees in you the basic material to craft a great martial artist.

Growing up togheter

2009-04-12T15:34:00.003+03:00

As we look back on all that's happened..growing up, growing together, changing ... there were times when we dreamed together, when we laughed and cried together. The past may be gone forever..and whatever the future holds, our todays make the memories of tomorrow.

Coordination (shao-lin mind)

2009-04-12T15:30:00.003+03:00

They are dragon-seekers, bent on improbable rescues.

SR bank

2009-04-12T15:21:00.006+03:00

Hit it 1 bilion ! “So you think that money is the root of all evil. Have you ever asked what is the root of all money?” (quote)

The Masters

2009-03-19T15:23:00.005+02:00

Spirit-Fists/Orisi - Band Master of StorM_RiderS, wu tang

tran1234 - Band Master of HONDA-RIDERS, beggar

Yoink - Band Master of EnLighTenD, shao-lin

[Bones] - Band Master of Lotka_Voltera, wu tang

Xiriu - Band Master of Noble-Eightfold-Path, shao-lin

In peace or war, to be the dragon is Heaven or Hell.

Tame the dragon and his gift will belong to you!

StorMerS

2009-03-19T10:20:00.010+02:00

The purpose of this hero league is to create a strong foundation upon whites to be more stronger. We work together as an effective team, take responsibility for our own actions and help others.

Rules :

-Members must have good manners and treat other members, players and bands with respect.

- Everyone is imposed to help each other - either if it is with a quest, item or other important matters.

- Any complaints will move upwards in the hierarchy.

- All members have the same rights as the MASTER.

- All members have equal rights to state their opinion and can contribute with everything they want to.

- On Hero League events, all members who are online at the given time are encouraged to participate.

- Everyone can come with suggestions about internal improvements in the Hero League. These shall be approved and made clear democratic.

- Don't pk neutrals bands or ks bosses.

- Violation of SR rules will result in a warning. If the situation doesn’t improve, the person in concern will be be kick.

Don't tickle the dragon

2009-03-18T09:25:00.003+02:00

New dragons in 2009.

The Eight Trigrams of Wu Tang by sword

2009-03-05T19:21:00.002+02:00

The Eight Trigrams (8 leaders) of Wu Tang

1. Heaven = Skilful Action

2. Wind = Skilful Livelihood

3. Water = Skilful Effort

4. Mountain = Skilful Mindfulness

5. Earth = Skilful Concentration

6. Thunder = Skilful Understanding

7. Fire = Skilful Thinking

8. Valley = Skilful Speech

It is with this skills that we shall keep the spirit of StorM_RiderS alive.

StorM RiderS

2009-03-05T12:57:00.001+02:00

Battering the gates of bloody plain, footsteping in the 9dragons realm,riding upon the thunder, too high for the daring of mortals, we storm heaven itself.