User:GulliverBFG

SK quote by GulliverBFG

• "All beggars are newbies, but not all newbies are beggars." -- GulliverBFG
• "I do not judge other people by how strong they are. I judge them by their character." -- GulliverBFG
• "An error, does not become a mistake, until you fail to correct it." -- Source unknown
• "If at first you don't succeed, try try again." -- Source unknown

Bio

I started playing Spiral Knights on July 31, 2011. I have many hundreds of hours in game and I play regularly. GulliverBFG is my first knight to reach Rescue Camp, and them cross the Chasm to Haven about a half hour later. I have learned to play more slowly since then.

I played solo for most of the year, soling everything up to but not including Vanaduke.

I like helping younger knights, when they want to learn. If they just want to treat my time like a thing to be used and discarded, then I let them go on their way. I like to learn from other knights as well. For such a simple game, there is much to know about tactics and strategy.

More About Me

• I have been gaming much longer than most players have been alive.
• I prefer genuine coop, which is why I like SK so much.
• I like games that allow me to contain my gaming time into manageable chunks. Another reason I like SK.
• I want to find a posse to run with who knows how to work together, and still relax and have fun. It would be nice to find a regular group.
• I have 59/60 achievements. My final Steam Achievement is Dauntless Delver, which is a 29 level dive with no revives.
• I carry a Valiance just about everywhere, then tailor the other armor and weapons to match where I am going. Most people under rate the Valiance because they only value the faster kill. But the combination of accuracy, push back and high normal damage makes the Valiance a go to gun anytime I am in a tough spot.
• I usually wear a mining hat as costume armor, so that is one way you will know me when you see me.
• I have soloed my way through every level in the regular game now, except the final battle with Vanaduke.
• I also have not yet done a Shadow Lairs, and I debate the return on investment of these levels. I may try one someday just to see what all the fuss is about, but especially as a player who does pay to play by purchasing an El Passes and sometimes energy, I am not pleased at all with the very high cost of Shadow Lair keys.
• I own, but have not yet completed, Operation Crimson Hammer.
• I am still looking for an Extra Tall Modifier, because in real life, I am seven feet tall.

Introduction

Spiral Knights is a community, and I enjoy meeting new people. The opportunity exists in here to meet people from all over the world. Google Translate is my helpful companion on such occasions.

Oh yeah, I like playing the game too. :P

This page is where I will work out my ideas and observations about this game. It is as much a codex as a simple user page. If I write something that seems "overly passionate", then it could be I was inspired by an experience in game to add new material. Try coming back later to see the edited version.

Playing Style

I am primarily a gunner, but consider myself a mixed style player because I do not wish to allow myself to be exceptionally weak in any play style. In order of preference, I am a gunslinger, a bomber, and a sword basher.

Despite this, you will see me carrying a wide assortment of armors and weapons. I like to try different combinations. Sometimes to test effectiveness, sometimes just for the challenge, and sometimes, just on a whim. It is a game, and I like to play around.

Most of my strategies are conservative, because I spent more time playing solo and conserving health is very important when there is nobody else to revive you. I am appalled by the wasted health in most party missions.

I am also learning that I can adapt to a more factory style of play during those times when getting the tokens quickly is a priority.

BOSS RUNS

• In Snarby runs, I am a good switcher because I am very patient.

• In Jelly King runs, I like to apply the poison bomb.

• In Roarmulus Twins, I am still getting the hang of anticipating phase two and three where you have to predict the errant twin and aim ahead of schedule.

• In Vanaduke, I have been told when there is a shiver, I should go to the charged Blitz. This "factory style" of play is new to me, but I can accept making one run like that every so often. I share the sentiment that it is perhaps not worthy of a truly good gamer, and so I aspire to notch my gun belt with solo Vana runs. My abilities are such now that this could happen any day now.

Personal Code of Conduct

This is the bottom line of what you can expect from me, and what I expect in return. The expanded version is given below in Expectations.

• I will treat people like human beings.
• I will adhere to The Core Rules of Netiquette. See below.
• I will revive my party members... Until they prove they are not worth reviving.
• If you say hello, I will say hello back. That is just how I am.
• I will RSVP to join offers, unless I am in the middle of a danger room, or AFK, etc.
• I will respond to direct messages, unless I am in the middle of a danger room, or AFK, etc.
• My allegiances in SK are, in order... To my family, to my friends, to my guild, to myself.

THE CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE

The Core Rules of Netiquette are excerpted from the book Netiquette by Virginia Shea. I will list the rules below. Those of you who want to know more, go to the website and click on each rule for elaboration. [1] These rules have been online since at least 1990, and before that they were sent around by Email. It is the definitive guide for how NOT to be a jerk online.

• Rule 1: Remember the Human
• Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life
• Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace
• Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth
• Rule 5: Make yourself look good online
• Rule 6: Share expert knowledge
• Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control
• Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy
• Rule 9: Don't abuse your power
• Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

My Expectations

Of Random Players

• I assume most players in this game are immature and do not yet know how to be human beings. I will ignore all inexperience, most immaturity, and some stupidity. I will not ignore rude behavior, or behavior that is hostile towards other players. That is just trash talk and it has no place here.

Of Friends

• My expectations of people on my friends list varies widely.
• I have friends are are very young, and to them I am more patient according to their ability and age.
• I have friends who are older, and to them I extend more respect, and accordingly, higher expectations. They usually deliver.
• I have friends who are purely social, and with them, my game play expectations are lower, but I enjoy their company on a different level.
• I have friends who I consider "good quality players", and with them, I know I can depend on a good game. I try to live up to the mutual expectations shared by such true gamers. More on this concept of a "good quality player" in a moment.
• Sometimes, my guild mates will make it on my friends list and stay. Sometimes not. My friends list is essentially MY PERSONAL GUILD and I get to choose who stays and who goes.

Of Guild Mates

• My guild mates are my team mates. We do not get to choose our team mates, but we do owe our loyalty to the team. That expectation goes both ways.
• I hope, but do not expect, that all of my guild mates aspire to become good quality players.
• I hope, but do not expect, that all of my guild mates will follow the leadership of their officers and guild masters.
• I hope, but do not expect, that some of my guid mates will be worthy of staying on my friends list.

Of Guild Officers

• Guild Officers are given the trust and authority of the Guild Masters. I view their actions, and judge the guild by them. Good officers, good guild.
• I expect guild officers to behave like random players, until they show me their are truly officers. Once I know the quality of their character, I will follow good officers. Bad officers are to be avoided or ignored until they get demoted. I will tell the Guild Master when I think someone is a bad officer.

Of Guild Masters

• I expect guild masters to have a guiding vision, a mission that informs and guides their leadership of the guild.
• If the actions and decisions of the guild master(s) seem random, or overly driven by emotion, then I will judge the guild by their behavior.
• I assume, but do not trust, that the guild master(s) will be good quality players.
• If the Guild Master(s) is(are) not good quality players, or do not show me they aspire to be, then I may not stay in that guild. The quality of their character is the minimum requirement for my continued participation.

Party Leaders

• The party leader is the highest ranking player in this game. They started the party, and they have the power to invite or kick, so that means it is their game.
• In random pick up games, my expectations are identical to my expectations of any random player. I hope, but do not expect, that I will be fortunate enough to meet good quality players leading random matches.
• My expectations escalate rapidly if the person is a friend or guild mate, and my expectations are very high if the person is a guild officer or a guild master.
• When I am the party leader, it is MY GAME. Regardless of guild, regardless of friendship, and regardless of how strong you are or may think you are.
• I will not lead guild parties until I know the character and qualities of the players I want to invite.
• I don't like kicking people, so if I have to kick you it is not a good day for me. I would rather let them stay dead and drag them along.
• If I am the party leader, I will always warn a player before kicking them.
• After the warning, I sometimes count to three before kicking a player. Usually this is after they refuse to get on the lift, or if they start begging to be tabbed or whatever. I may kick a player for insulting other party members. I will usually tell them why they are being kicked. If they will listen, and apologize, then I may not kick them.
• Refuse to pick up crystal, crowns or mats, and you will be kicked. These items are shared by all members of the party. You will get one warning.
• If you are leaching health from the party, then I will instruct the party not to revive you. You may continue on your own energy, or you may leave. But if you cannot stay alive, then you are in over your head, or playing recklessly.

Of Myself

• I expect myself to always strive to demonstrate the qualities of a good quality player.
• I know I will make errors, so I expect to forgive myself, correct the error, and keep trying.
• No mission is better than a bad mission. If I am very unhappy with the way a party is going, I may just leave, or perhaps even warn or kick the offender if I am the party leader.
• I do not judge other people by how strong they are, I judge them by their character.
• I expect my party members to stay alive. I will revive anybody once, but if you die repeatedly, then I will not ruin my game just to keep you alive. Normal players get unlimited revives, as I anticipate I will need them to revive me too. Selfish or incompetent players get none. Why would I want to give you half my health if you are just going to squander it?

Good Quality Players

What are the qualities of a good qualty player, and therefore, what are the qualites I aspire to deomonstrate when I play?

• Good Quality Players are not perfect. They are works in progress. What defines them, is not where they are today, but what they aspire to become. Accordingly, they demonstrate a few characteristics that I recognize universally.

• Come prepared to play.
• Have the correct gear for the mission, or ask a more experienced player for advice.
• Be patient.
• Be polite.
• Be unselfish.
• Be courteous.
• Be self-aware.
• Communicate.
• Be a team player.
• Do not engage in bad bahaviors

Patient Time is a commodity in the game. We all have a certain amount of time we can afford to play, or that we are allowed to play. Nobody wants their time wasted. having said that, it is also true that there is also no point to rushing the experience. A good quality gaming day consists of a balance of some accomplishments in game, along with some social time with friends. Both require patience.

Successful completion of a difficult mission requires team work, and planning. Planning takes communication, and communication takes time. With a unit of players you have gamed with before, the groundwork is laid and you can often go straight to slaying. But with a new group, or with a new member, you have to take some time to develop that teamwork, share what you know, and share your expectations. All that requires patience.

This game is not a race to see who can make more crowns the fastest. Time spent well is well spent time. Do not waste my time by begging or demanding to rush through levels.

Polite People do not like rudeness. they do not like being talked down to, even when they are less experienced. More experienced players really do not like being treated rudely be junior players.

Observe the fundamentals of online netiquette. Review this site: [2] You get no allowance for having a bad day and just being a jerk. Overdo politeness, because we do not get to second guess your rudeness online by checking your facial expressions.

Unselfish

• Share health with your party.
• Point out health, materials, or any other interesting artifacts.
• Consistently pick up all crystal, crowns, and mats. These items are shared by the party.
• Take turns. Don't just grab treasure, crystal or materials from right in front of other players, when they just spent their time bashing a crystal or a box.
• Back up your party. In a strong party, some independent action is expected, but don't run off from the group if your party may need your sword, your gun, or your bomb.

Courteous

• Treat people like human beings. Behind the keyboards, we are all real people.
• Give people the benefit of the doubt.
• Instead of making a negative declarative statement, phrase your concerns as a question. E.g. Not, "You Idiot! Do X," but instead, "Were you aware that if you do X, then you may get a better result?"
• Do not assume other people know what you know. Be willing to share the knowledge you have gained.
• Don't act like a jerk. Calling other people names makes you a jerk.

Self-Aware Good players are aware of their strengths and limitations. They can be confident without being cocky. They can be self-critical without being self-abusive. Being able to self assess, and make adjustments in game play to improve your success in game is a hallmark of a good quality person in online games, and in real life.

• Confidence is good. Believe in yourself. True confidence is knowing you can do better next time.
• Criticism is essential to growth. Good criticism does not destroy, it builds.

Communicate Communication requires that you apply several of the other qualities of a good quality gamer. Good communication in game requires that you be polite, courteous, and patient.

• Greet others when they come online.
• Reply when other greet you.
• Reply when spoken to.
• Answer when asked a question.
• Use polite forms of address, even when in informal terms.
• Always remember you are talking with another human being.

Team player My expectation is this is a COOP game. That means to be played well, it requires some teamwork. Good teams requires communication, time and practice to get really good. I am looking for such team players. Four good quality players, acting as a unit, not just random acts of violence. I expect a lot from party leaders, and more from guild officers, guild masters, and my friends. I am willing to work it out, but you must communicate politely and well, if you want a successful team.

Bad Behaviors Perform these bad behaviors consistently, and you will get kicked from my friends list, from any party I am leading, and if you keep it up, I will also advocate to get you kicked from any guild I am in.

• Begging.
• Casting Epithets. (Name calling)
• Talking down to other players is just as bad as name calling. If you are a strong player, then your standard should be prepared to empower others, not demean them.
• Join spamming. Ask before you invite.
• Failure to communicate, before, during or after a mission.
• Failure to follow the party leaders instructions. Assuming they are giving any.
• Playing recklessly. If you charge in, die foolishly and repeatedly, and then expect to be revived, do not expect me to do it.
• Abandoning your party. We all have to go sometimes. We all get DCed sometimes. This is not that.

The worst case is to join, play a little, maybe even get revived, then leave suddenly cause you think something else might be more interesting. Just like any sport, finish the game. Or in this case FINISH THE LEVEL, before you move on. if you join and leave, you are effectively stealing heat and mats from the other players in that party.

• Stupidity. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a common yardstick for this? In most cases, stupidity refers to failure to learn the basics, or perhaps intentional deficiency. Do you really not understand, or are you just being difficult? The former is confusion, the latter is either rudeness or stupidity. Teenagers are often guilty of the latter, and I hope to encourage them to become more and better.

Friends and Guilds

Friend

• Getting on my friend list is easy. Just talk to me, or play with me. If you are on my friends list, then you start out with my full trust and respect. If you abuse that trust, or do not earn that respect, then I may choose to remove you from my list.
• My friends list is MY PERSONAL GUILD. I get to decide who stays and who goes.
• If you are in my guild, you may or may not get to stay on my friends list. You still have to earn that privilege. Please don't have a sissy fit if I do not deem you worthy of friendship, I will still get your back in guild missions.

Guild

• If we are in the same guild, then you will get special consideration. You get more rope, cause we are teammates. However, the amount of rope I have to give is finite. If you are selfish, incompetent, immature, or especially if you show poor character, then I may refuse to play with you. Guild or no guild.

Guild History

I played solo for nearly a year, before I joined my first real guild in late June or early July 2012.

Im With Stupid I was invited to Im With Stupid, by then Guild Master Elixeroflife. IWS was a friendly guild made up of social players, some of whom were good quality players, and many who aspired to become good quality players. I made friends quickly, and experienced comraderie. IWS self-destructed after a falling out between GMs over differing expectations and perceptions concerning a Shadow Lair mission gone wrong. The GMs are/were friends IRL, so that issue expanded into the personal more than is usual online.

Vindictam The second GM, Sashibear, founded a new guild, Vindictam, but I did not agree with the bitter circumstances of its founding. I was prepared to be part of that founding leadership, but the fit no longer felt right. Most especially, there were very young players, teenagers and preteen, who were dominating the guild, and I grew tired of the emotional subcurrents and lack of leadership. I was not in a position to be able to demonstrate my own leadership effectively, so I left the guild. it was a hard decision. I still play with my friends who belong to Vindictam and I consider myself to be on good terms with the current and former leaders of these former guilds.

Precious Light I contacted a few other guild masters, and the first to invite me was Precious Light in mid to late August 2012. In the previous incarnation, Precious Time, it was a highly organized guild, so I have high hopes the new guild may also bear the fruit of friendships with good friends and good quality players.

As of September 1, 2012, my experience during the first week with Precious Light has been mixed. This guild has strong players, and I feel I have something to learn from them. There are some strong leaders, but also some very uncertain leaders. So my self-imposed probation period continues while they continue to form what is effectively a young guild, reformed from the ashes of another guild. Guild reforming after a time seems to be a trend in this game.

Philosophy

Philosophy? You may ask what philosophy has to do with gaming. I would counter, How can you truly be a gamer without a philosophy about gaming? What kind of gamer are you?

Maturity does not always follow age, but usually it does. It would be great to meet some older gamers. I joined a forum called The Older Gamers (TOG), but not much has come from that yet. I doubt it is realistic to find anyone my age in SK, but if there are other older gamers in here, say at least 25 or so, then I am looking for you people. People who speak in sentences, and not textese.

I was born in 1966, three years before man landed on the moon, and three years before the launch of ARPA net, the predescessor to the Internet. I got access to one of the first PCs when I was a teenager. I have played many games since then.

Coop is the best game mode. That is what I think. Even a tough sprite plays by certain rules, and thus can be beaten, and then beaten consistently. Human players adapt and cheat, so while they are more more challenging, playing deathmatch is not really an escape from real life. Human opponents do not always play honorably, and to me things like spawn kills, etc, are unforgivable sins. Just as I would not pick on a child, I would also not disrespect a weaker opponent.

Like any team sport, it goes better if the team is organized, and has a game plan. That means talking... What a tall order in this world of sound byte children.

Random and malicious violence can get the job done, but when it comes time to beat a serious boss, come up with a game plan, and share your knowledge. I enjoy playing more with a group that works well together, than just a bunch of indie slayers. Good teams can have teamwork in any game, but coop games encourage it. Spiral Knights is one of the best "simple" coop games ever devised.