Revision as of 19:42, 11 December 2011

Cloud Nine

"a caelo usque ad centrum" ("from heaven all the way to the center of the earth")
Guild Founder:	Ashiram
Approx. Population:	55
Guild Master(s): Ashiram
Guild Officer(s): Lapper Khamsin Nozip

Cloud Nine

About Us

<Cloud Nine> is a rising premier guild of Spiral Knights. Founded on November 14, 2011 - Our mission is to be at the forefront and leader of accomplishing Spiral Knight end-game content. We strive to master the Clockworks through improving ourselves continuously by learning and playing. Our rank structure enforces our purpose. Rank advancement in the guild is based entirely on good ability and character. Our members are self-sufficient and strong. We help each other out to reach goals and most importantly we have fun!

Cloud Nine means "bliss or a state of extreme happiness."

News & Ongoing Events

Keep up to date with all the latest on what is happening with <Cloud Nine> !

News

12-11-11

Greetings,

I hope you are having a great holiday season. We are growing faster than ever! It was amazing just a month ago when we first started with just a handful of players. Now we are over half of the Max cap for a guild! Some very important announcements:

Promotions!
- Congratulations to Nozip for attaining the rank of Officer! His is our first Officer to be produced through our modernized Rank system. His friendliness and abilities are a testament to his what we look for in our next generation of Officers. Carry on Nozip!
- Congratulations to Bithetoy & Korh for achieving Member rank. We look forward to see both of you rise to greater levels!
  - All guild members who wish to be promoted, please see Rank System for more info!
Trading between guild members
- I have noticed trading and loaning between guild members. This is good to help out your fellow guild members. However keep in mind that <Cloud Nine> is NOT responsible for any deal/loan you make between each other. Personally I don't like owing people money or loaning for more than I have too. And if I do, I make good on my payment immediately when possible. I find that a lot of quarrels happen because of deals not honored. We ask that if you do decide to loan/deal with another guild member that you HONOR your agreement as soon as possible. I have noted that in our Rules & Guidelines. If you ask me to enforce, I will decline. Trust me, you do NOT want me arbitrate in your dispute. Just keep that in mind.
In-Guild Recipe & Material Trade
- Suprvoo & Cheshireccat have created a Google Document SK:C9 Trading Post. This is for in-guild trading of Materials & Recipes to help each other. If you wish to participate please contact Suprvoo & Cheshireccat. Please visit Cloud Nine Trading Post for more info.
New Requirement for Guild Invites
- Communication – Able to speak English fluently. Bilingual speakers are welcome! (This is a given but we want to make sure. Plus we love Latin and Euro girls too!)

The end of the year is soon! I wish you all a good holiday season!

- Ashiram, GM of <Cloud Nine>

11-28-11

Hi all.

Major, major changes to our Rank Tests and Promotion Requirements. See below for more information under Rank System. As always, our requirements are in keeping with the highest traditions of this guild.
The holiday season is beginning and we are planning a "Make a Wish" drive for low-geared players of the Spiral Knight community. Look at Ongoing Events for more info.
Our recruitment requirements have changed. In the spirit of the holiday season, exceptional 4-star geared players are open to join <Cloud Nine> as of right now. Please see Recruitment for more info.
Also a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Nozip for earning Veteran rank, our guild first!
I hope you have all your Cyber Monday shopping done! See you in the Clockworks!
- Ashiram, GM of <Cloud Nine>

11-22-11

Hello fellow guildies and lurkers. This page is still a work in progress. I've been very busy lately. See below for more information about our guild policy and events. Also, a formal guild website with forums is in the works as well. I would like to share with you a bit of my reason for starting this guild. My dream is to build a guild that players can gather, hone their skills, become better players over time. Through organization and personal determination, I will make this dream fulfilled. If you are a member of <Cloud Nine> already, thank you for all you do. I hope everyone has a safe Thanksgiving (if you celebrate it) and stay tuned for more to come!

- Ashiram, GM of <Cloud Nine>

Ongoing Events

Make-A-Wish Drive

<Cloud Nine> will doing charity Jelly King runs for low-gear players of the Spiral Knight Community as a part of our way to give back to the less fortunate. Please contact Ashiram to arrange date & times.

Want a FREE Fang of Vog? Read below!

The first <Cloud Nine> guild member that recruits 8 players will receive a Fang of Vog with random UV from Ashiram. Send all applicants to Ashiram. Must pass inspection. All 8 players must be in the guild at the same time to qualify. Ashiram will keep track. Good luck!

Win Ash's Cash!

Earn a chance to win 1,500 crowns daily! Whenever Ashiram logs in, ALL ONLINE members of <Cloud Nine> will be automatically entered into a lottery. Each member is assigned a number (based on online order). Ashiram will use a random number generator to select a number. The winning number gets 1,500 crowns! Minimum payout is 1,500 crowns. There is no maximum. Event can happen more than once in a day."
Total Prize Payout (as of 12/11/11): 23,000 crowns !

One-On-One Soloing Lessons

Learn how to beat Snarby, JK, Twins, Vana, even Tier 3 Danger Rooms all by yourself! Ashiram is offering one-on-one soloing lessons to teach you what you need to survive in the Clockworks alone. Hands-on training and constructive analysis on the spot. Lessons are by appointment only. Contact Ashiram for more information.

Shadow Runs

Any guild member wishing to participate in a Shadow Run, please contact an Officer or GM to arrange one. Guild members that need to craft gear from the Sanctuary Alchemy Machine are encouraged to apply.
Guild members are required to prep for the Shadow Lair they wish to run by selecting and reading the below information:

Shadow Glooming Wildwoods (UGW)

Gear Requirements
- Weapon Damage
  - Elemental
  - Piercing
- Damage Reduction
  - Shadow
  - Piercing
- Status Resistance
  - Poison

Reading Requirements

Shadow Royal Jelly Palace (URJP)

Gear Requirements
- Weapon Damage
  - Shadow
- Damage Reduction
  - Piercing
- Status Resistance
  - Freeze

Reading Requirements

Shadow Ironclaw Munitions Factory (UIMF)

Gear Requirements
- Weapon Damage
  - Elemental
  - Shadow
- Damage Reduction
  - Elemental
- Status Resistance
  - Shock
  - Fire

Reading Requirements

Shadow Firestorm Citadel (UFSC)

Gear Requirements
- Weapon Damage
  - Elemental
- Damage Reduction
  - Shadow
  - Elemental
- Status Resistance
  - Fire
  - Curse

Reading Requirements

Recruitment

Spiral Knight players who wish to join our guild, please read below for more information.

Why Join <Cloud Nine> ?

Dedicated GMs/Officers who work to advance our guild and its membership on a daily basis.
Skilled guild members you can trust to run with you on your missions into the Clockworks.
Rank advancement within the guild based entirely on skill and character. YOU decide how far you want to go!
Ongoing guild events, member benefits, and much more!

Recruiting Status

OPEN (as of 12/11/11)

Types of Status

OPEN – We are accepting ALL applicants that meet our requirements.
LIMITED – We are ONLY accepting EXCEPTIONAL applicants that surpass our requirements.
CLOSED – We are NOT accepting any applicants at this time.

Requirements

List of Prerequisites

Communication – Able to speak English fluently. Bilingual speakers are welcome!
Proficiency – Having skill at Spiral Knights i.e. good at the game (decent enough to contribute meaningfully to a Tier 2 or higher run).
Character – A friendly person who is helpful to others and advances the cause of our guild and in part all of the Spiral Knight community. Beggars and bad attitudes need not apply.
Armaments – 5-Star Gear (subjective: At least 1 Set of 5-Star Helm, Shield, Armor, Sword and Gun). Exceptional 4-Star Gear Players are open to join <Cloud Nine> (as of 11/28/11)

Applicants meeting the above requirements will be offered an invitation to join the guild with the rank of Recruit.
- Exceptional applicants NOT meeting gear requirements are still encouraged to apply. A "Member Test" will be required immediately. Upon successful completion of "Member Test", applicant will be offered an invitation to join the guild with the rank of Member.
- All recruits are subject to a FULL inspection by an Officer/GM.

How to Apply

Fill out an application on our guild recruiting post on the Official Spiral Knights forums. Click here to apply.

<Cloud Nine> Guild Recruit Application - Example

1. Character name and current/previous guild(s):

Ashiram of <Cloud Nine>
Previously, I was in <Timeless>. I left because of ineffective leadership on the part of the GMs.

2. List your main default loadout:

Helm: Vog Cub Cap / Skolver Cap / Snarbolax Cap
Armor: Vog Cub Coat / Skolver Coat / Snarbolax Coat
Shield: Barbarous Thorn Shield / Crest of Almire / Grey Owlite Shield

Weapon Slot 1: Divine Avenger (Med. CTR) / Fang of Vog (Very High ASI)
Weapon Slot 2: Archeon (Med. ASI)
Weapon Slot 3: Barbarous Thorn Blade (Low. CTR)
Weapon Slot 4: Polaris (Bad UV - I don’t want to talk about it)

Trinket Slot 1: Elite Slash Module / Elite Quick Strike Module
Trinket Slot 2: Elite Slash Module / Elite Quick Strike Module

3. Provide a brief explanation for your default loadout:

My equipment allows me to tackle any and all that Clockworks can dish out. I have Elemental/Piercing/Shadow damage reduction depending on the level. My swords deal all three damage types as well to cover any enemy out there. My favorite sword is the Archeon for looks and use. Polaris is there because it’s OP and everything can be solved by Polaris spamming a mob into a corner. Knockback + Shock = awesome. If you don’t see me wearing those items, I’m probably heating something or doing a Shadow Run. I have custom build gear for each Shadow Run type. If I listed them, you would be blinded by teh awesome.

4. Previous Clockwork Experience (and a brief explanation):

Snarbolax: Completed as a team, Solo’ed
Roarmulus Twins: Completed as a team, Solo’ed
Royal Jelly: Completed as a team, Solo’ed
Lord Vanaduke: Completed as a team, Solo’ed

Rabid Snarbolax: Completed
Roarmulus Twins: Completed
Ice Queen: Completed
Darkfire Vanaduke: Completed

I focus on surviving and teamwork. I try to have the fewest deaths so I don’t hurt the team. If need be, I can hold my own: I’ve solo’ed Tier 3 Danger Rooms, Tier 3 Fiend levels, and everything under the Clockworks. A proper demonstration can be arranged if need be. Funny story, one time I heat’ed my Miracle Hood in a No CE revive UFSC run. That was kinda cool I guess.

5. Who in <Cloud Nine> do you know?, if any, that can vouch for you (not necessarily a requirement but helpful) and how did you hear about us?

I know Ashiram from his AWESOME guild page. He can vouch for me.

6. Any other details about yourself personally IRL, why you want to be in <Cloud Nine>, what you think you can bring (in terms of personality, skills, etc.) and any other final comments?

My name is Ash. I bring you fun and good times. I also like long walks on the beach.

Contact an Officer or GM of <Cloud Nine> and request an audience for a short interview.

Rank System

Cloud Nine's rank system is structured with rigorous tests to ensure that the BEST of our guild have the opportunity and chance to be promoted in a FAIR and EQUAL method. Each rank will denote your experience and skill within the guild. Ranks are achieved through taking and passing our "Rank Tests" (see Promotion Requirements).

Please note that you are NOT required to take ANY sort of test if you do not wish to.

Ranks Descriptions & Benefits

Guild Masters

Ashiram, the Guild Master, is founder of <Cloud Nine>. His burden is to create guild policy and ensure the direction of the guild through his Officers. There is only one Guild Master. The GM has final say on all guild matters.

Guild Master ~~Benefits~~
- A whole lot of work!

Officers

Officers are the leaders of our guild. They consult the GM on guild matters, enforces guild policy, and work on guild membership development. They have mastered all content and our ambassadors to the Spiral Knight community.

* Officer positions are limited to 10% of the current guild population.

Officers Benefits
- Officer chat
- Can invite new Recruits into the guild
- Able to administrate "Rank Tests"
- Ability to vote on "Rank Tests" (Officer or lower)
- Officer's name honored on our guild roster
- Exclusive guild chat
- Our prestigious guild tag

Veterans

Veterans are the elite warriors of our guild. They have completely mastered Tier 2 content and acquired experience in Tier 3 content.

* Veteran positions are limited to 20% of the current guild population.

Veteran Benefits
- Able to vote on "Rank Tests" (Member or lower)
- Able to witness "Rank Tests" (Veteran or lower)
- Veterans's name honored on our guild roster
- Exclusive guild chat
- Our prestigious guild tag

Members

Members are the soldiers of our guild. They those who have acquired experience of Tier 2 content.

Member Benefits
- Able to witness "Rank Tests" (Member or lower)
- Member's name honored on our guild roster
- Exclusive guild chat
- Our prestigious guild tag

Recruits

Recruits are initiates of our guild.

Recruit Benefits
- Exclusive guild chat
- Our prestigious guild tag

Promotion Requirements

All guild players are eligible for promotion up to the rank of Officer at any time by taking a "Rank Test".
Guild member actions in following Rules & Guidelines will be taken in consideration for promotion as well.
Before beginning each "Rank Test", a brief explanation is required for chosen loadout.
Tester may ask any questions pertaining to the "Rank Test" or the run before the test. During the test, you are not allowed to ask for assistance or hints.
All promotions/invites by Officers require in-game mail to GM for final approval (unless a GM is present).
7-day waiting period before retaking any test.

Rank Tests

Officer Rank Test

Must be a guild Veteran.
7-Day guild membership waiting period minimum before attempting "Officer Rank Test".
Must be able to complete the following:
- Solo (3-man or greater) Lord Vanaduke
  - Maximum 6 Pills allowed for the Vanaduke. No more than 3 Pills can be used for the 1st 3 Phases.
- Any Firestorm Citadel room, at any time at the Officer/GM’s discretion. (Max. 8 rooms. Exception: d27's room - last wave)
  - Officer candidate must lead group successfully through Firestorm Citadel with minimal deaths.
- 1 x Shadow Lair (Player's choice)
  - Officer candidate must lead group successfully through the entire Shadow run with minimal deaths.
  - Officer candidate will be graded upon demonstration of superior leadership, skill, and teamwork.
    - Officer candidate must provide for Shadow Key. Officers/GMs will pay for their portion of the key cost.
    - Officer candidate will be evaluated the ENTIRE run on overall skill and teamwork.
2 x Officers/GM are required to administrate the "Officer Rank Test" (the GM must be present).
Unanimous decision for promotion by current Officers/GMs. Votes must be in-person or mailed to current GM.

Veteran Rank Test

Must be a guild Member.
Must be able to complete the following (with NO deaths):
- Solo (3-man or greater) Jelly King
- Solo (3-man or greater) Roarmulus Twins
  - Maximum 3 Pills allowed for each Boss.
- Veteran candidate must lead group successfully through Royal Jelly Palace & Ironclaw Munitions Factory with minimal deaths.
2 x Veteran/Officers/GM are required to administrate "Veteran Rank Test" (at least 1 Officer/GM must be present)

Member Rank Test

Must be a guild Recruit.
Must have at least 1 Set of 5-Star Gear (Helm, Shield, Armor, Sword and Gun)
Must be able to complete the following (with NO deaths):
- Solo 4 x Royal Jelly Palace Rooms (3 Pills allowed for the entire run):
  - d15 - Last Room
  - d16 - Top Left Room
  - d16 - Top Right Room
  - d16 - Last Room
- Jelly King as a team.
2 x Member/Veteran/Officer/GM are required to administrate "Member Rank Test" (at least 1 Officer/GM must be present)

Guild Diplomacy

<Cloud Nine> welcomes all other guilds to join us in cooperation and commerce. There are two levels of treaties that can be made: "Guild Alliance Treaty" & "Guild Friendship Treaty." Treaties must be affirmed by the GMs of both guilds. Incidents between guild members of two guilds must be notified to the Officers/GMs of both guilds. Appropriate action will be assessed and taken as deemed necessary. Failure to maintain treaty may result in the dissolution of treaty.

Guild Alliance Treaty

The "Guild Alliance Treaty" affirms that both guilds pledge to the following:

May request each other for assistance on runs and jumps
Treat other guild members with honor as if they are members of their own guild
High level of communication and cooperation between guilds

Guild Alliance Treaties

There are no guilds that have signed the "Guild Alliance Treaty" at this time.

Guild Friendship Treaty

The "Guild Friendship Treaty" affirms that both guilds pledge to the following:

May request each other for assistance on runs and jumps

Guild Friendship Treaties

Order Of Venus (Guild)

Rules & Guidelines

We have rules and guidelines:

Do not spam the guild chat.
Do not beg (mock begging however is allowed).
Contribute meaningfully to the guild chat by offering jumps, runs, and recipes. We are here to help each other!
Treat all other players with respect and honor. Don't start shit. Only finish it.
<Cloud Nine> is not responsible for any trades/loans between guild members. We do however ask that you honor your agreements.
Rank structure will be adhered to. Continually disrespecting a guild member of a higher rank will not be tolerated.

Demotions/Removal from the Guild

Demotions/Removals will be handled on a case-by-case basis due to behavior, activity, and proficiency of a member. At least 1 Officer/GM is required to put forth motion for demotion/removal. Consultation of ALL current Officers/GM and parties involved are required for demotion/removal with GM approval required except in severe cases (i.e. spamming guild chat over and over) which require immediate action. In an event of a removal/demotion, an in-game email will be required to be sent to all Officers/GMs informing of situation.

Suggestions

As a current member of <Cloud Nine>, we are open to any and all suggestions to improve the guild. Please forward your suggestions to your nearest Officer/GM with an in-game mail. The guild is created for you. We will work hard for you to make it as great an experience for you as possible!

Please note that the terms and conditions above are subject to change at any time with/without notice for the betterment of the guild and its members.

Q&A with the GM Ashiram

Q: "Why did you create <Cloud Nine>?"
A: "I founded <Cloud Nine> with the purpose of providing a high-quality experience for Spiral Knight players who strive to improve themselves on a daily basis. Our guild rank system enforces that by rewarding those who demonstrate the skills needed to survive in the Clockworks from Tier 1 all the way to Shadow Lair."

Q: "OMG, Your tests are too hard... why do we have to solo things? This game is about teamworks too! Omg I am so noob. Like OMG!"
A: "You are under no obligation to take ANY of our Rank tests. Recruits can always ask Veterans and above for tips. But most people like to think they know everything or they can do everything. The Rank tests are designed to push our members to become better players and to demonstrate they have what it takes to EARN a rank. You think these tests are hard? Shadow runs are several times harder than what we put our members through. A good player can beat the odds, not hide behind them. If you can't cut it or won't cut it, then don't join."

Q: "Why is <X> Officer so mean to me?!"
A: "You must have misunderstood. If your feelings get hurt easily because we tell you something you don't like to hear but really it happens to be important such as gear Loadouts for Shadow runs, then don't join. We are not here to "carry" you. We are here to help you learn to become a better player. Do your own homework. If you can't handle a few words about how you need to gear properly for runs or defend your noob gear selection then join another guild."

Q: "Hi Ash! Remember me? I am your best friend/brother/wife/insert x! Can I be an Officer? Oh btw, I have friends can they join too?"
A: "All Spiral Knight players who wish to join the guild must go through our process. We do not do "guild merges" or "package deals". Each and every person will be evaluated equally. In extremely RARE cases will exceptions can be made with GM approval. Those are few and very far between. In other words, do not expect any special treatment."

<Cloud Nine> Guild Roster

Only Member rank and above are honored by being named on our guild roster.