Cloud Nine (Guild)

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Cloud Nine
GuildLogo-Cloud Nine.png

"a caelo usque ad centrum"

("from heaven all the way to the center of the earth")

Guild Founder: Ashiram
Approx. Population: 95
Guild Master(s):
  • Ashiram
Guild Officer(s):
  • Lapper
  • 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. We are open to casual and hardcore players alike. Rank advancement in the guild is based entirely on good character, teamworks in the Clockworks, and superior skill. 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."

History

Though recent in formation and not as distinguished as other marque guilds of Spiral Knights, <Cloud Nine> retains a unique pedigree inherited through Ashiram, our Guild Master.

Act I: Inception Glory – Tales of Ashiram

In the beginning there was nothing but the endless void. On the fateful day of June 14, 2011, Ashiram was brought forth into the land of the Cradle. It was a time where wearing full Vog Cub Gear to be admired and price for 100 CE cost 3,000 crowns. Armed with his Proto gear, Ashiram struggled for several months scrapping just enough for his first 5-star weapon: Divine Avenger. Using Heavy Demo Gear as his default loadout, Ashiram toiled away painstakingly for weeks. A guild-less wanderer of humble origins, Ashiram happened upon a chance encounter that would forever alter his destiny...

Act II: Ascension Fire – Joining <Timeless>

On that fateful FSC run in September 2011, Ashiram met with the GMs of <Timeless>, Sg-Hotsauce and Electricmessiah. Out of all the players Ashiram had met up to that time, these players were on a class of their own in terms of skill and knowledge of the game. Ashiram's Shivermist Buster quickly won him the friendship of Sg-Hotsauce and Electricmessiah. While Ashiram did not immediately join <Timeless> (for he did not see the need for a guild), after a succession of FSC runs with the duo, Ashiram joined <Timeless>. And so began the humble rise of Ashiram...

Act III: Critical Mass – The Rise of <Timeless>

Ashiram upon joining <Timeless> improved his gear literally overnight through the countless FSC runs. Impressed by Ashiram's growth and potential, his rank fast-tracked its way to Officer. Upon becoming Officer, a new Triumvirate emerged – Ashiram, Sg-Hotsauce, and Electricmessiah as the true leaders of <Timeless>. With strong leaders at the helm, <Timeless> membership swells to maximum capacity. <Timeless> PvP players became feared in guild Lockdown. Our top PvE players regularly conquered Shadow Lair with no CE revives. This was truly a Golden Age for <Timeless>. For a time, it was good. But all good things in time...

Act IV: Genesis Light – The Exodus of <Timeless>

To onlookers, <Timeless> achieved greatness and prestige of a top Spiral Knight guild. Internally, the guild was failing apart. The magnificence that was gained on behalf of <Timeless> came from Ashiram and only a handful of the dedicated guild members. The problems that plagued the guild from beginning of Ashiram's arrival were never mended. While Sg-Hotsauce and Electricmessiah were GMs, there were several GMs that out ranked them in terms in seniority. Normally this would not be a problem... unless they were regularly absent from the game, promoting their friends to Guild Master for no reason and generally being irresponsible altogether. On top of that, there were no rules/guidelines for behavior (several instances where members of Ashiram's own guild disrespected him, even as an Officer), no process on promotion/rank system (people were promoted out the blue, favoritism, etc.), recruiting strategy (there was none), guild events (again nothing), overall vision (take a guess). Ashiram and Electricmessiah decided to take matters into their own hands. And thus came to the decision to form a new guild...

Act V: New Hope – The Founding of <Cloud Nine>

Like Aleksandr Kerensky who led the Exodus from the Inner Sphere, Ashiram led loyal followers to a new paradise christened <Cloud Nine>, founded on the hallowed date of November 14, 2011, exactly 5 months when Ashiram first entered the game. Seeking to purge the elements that corrupted <Timeless>, the new co-Guild Masters of <Cloud Nine> - Ashiram and Electricmessiah laid down the framework on which a new guild structure was formed. Over 50% of <Timeless> core members came with them, excited at the new possibilities and promise. It was a time of great celebration and the beginning of a new dawn of our guild... or was it?

Act VI: Forged Sky – The Early Days of <Cloud Nine>

It seems that peace and prosperity was finally secured for our guild members. And for a time, all was well. However, the fledgling guild was still fragile and several ex-Timeless members quickly grew disgruntled at the new guild system and began seeking opportunities elsewhere. The greatest loss was the Co-Guild Master, Electricmessish who declared that <Cloud Nine> to be unworthy of his attention and abandoned the guild. New recruits were few and far between. Overall morale was weak. <Cloud Nine> could have ended then and there...

Act VII: Triumphant Reign – <Cloud Nine> Today

Legends speak little of the Knight who rescued <Cloud Nine>. But this much is known: Out of the chaos and despair, Ashiram the sole remaining Guild Master of <Cloud Nine> came forth. A visionary and leader, Ashiram decreed that <Cloud Nine> is worthy of its true heritage upon which it was founded upon and he promised to continue to stay true to that overall vision. To that end, Ashiram ushered a new era for <Cloud Nine>, quickly consolidated the guild structure with sweeping reforms and aggressively recruiting new members into the fold. In one months time, <Cloud Nine> had risen to top-tier guild status.

News & Ongoing Events

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

News

Ongoing Events

Past Events

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.
  • A community of mature and friendly players working together under a relaxed environment. There is no pressure to do anything you do not want to.
  • 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

  • CLOSED (as of 1/17/11)

Requirements

  • 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.
  • 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 will carry guild benefits as well. Ranks are achieved through taking and passing our "Rank Tests".

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

Ranks Descriptions & Benefits

Promotions - Rank Tests

  • All guild players are eligible for promotion up to the rank of Officer at any time by taking a "Rank Test".
  • Requests for "Rank Test" must be made to an online Officer/GM or set an appointment via in-game mail.
  • Guild member actions in following Rules & Guidelines will be taken in consideration for promotion as well.
  • Rank candidate may request server closest to their location to ensure best latency for "Rank Test".
  • Rank candidate may ask any questions pertaining to the "Rank Test" before the test. After the start, rank candidate may not ask for assistance or hints.
  • If rank candidate fail to properly lock the party and someone joins, rank candidate will IMMEDIATELY fail the test.
  • Extra pills and vials will be retained by the Officers and participating members to be distributed as needed.
  • After every room, rank candidate will be given a pill(s) to restore health in preparation for the next room after rezing one of the Test administrators (if need be).
  • "Rank Tests" will be graded upon the entirety of the run (solo sections & non-solo sections) to assess both skill (solo) and teamwork (non-solo).
  • All promotions/invites by Officers require in-game mail to GM for tracking (unless a GM is present).
  • 2-day waiting period before retaking any test.

In-Guild Trade - Recipes & Materials

  • We have a Google Document that lists recipes and materials that guild members needs. This is for in-guild trading to help each other ONLY (if you seek profit, look elsewhere).
  • If you wish to participate, please contact Suprvoo or Cheshireccat for access.

Rules & Guidelines

As with most guilds, we have general 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.
  • If you plan on taking a break or vacation, please inform the GM.
  • By some chance you feel lost, go to Haven 9. That's our "home" Haven.
  • Guild chat will be spoken in English. If you wish to use a different language, use /tell or carry your conversation elsewhere.
  • <Cloud Nine> members are allowed one character to be guild tagged. Alts are not allowed without GM approval. Alts will be the first to be removed in the event of population cap.
  • Former <Cloud Nine> members are allowed to be re-invited back to the guild ONCE with the rank of Recruit and ONLY with GM approval. Consideration of factors will be taken in account. Future re-invitations will NOT be considered except in exceptional circumstances.
  • <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.

Activity Requirements

  • Due to our guild size and membership cap at 100 players, the success of <Cloud Nine> rests on the activity of the guild. Inactive guild members do not contribute to the guild and take up a valuable slot which may be otherwise used for new members. Guild members unable to provide a minimum activity level as stated below will may be REMOVED from the guild if a slot is required for a new recruit. Audits will take place monthly by the GM.
    • Guild members will be required to have "Last Log-in Date" no greater than the following per rank:
      • Recruit: 1 week
      • Member: 2 weeks
      • Veteran: 3 weeks
      • Officer: 1 month
    • Guild members that need to take a break from the game for whatever reason or go on vacation may request a leave-of-absence from the GM. The GM will approve leave-of-absences brought to his attention. Guild member will be granted 1 month protection. Guild member must renew leave-of-absence at the end of the month. If guild member feels extended leave is necessary or will be in the future, please send an email to Ashiram. Considerations will be made based on request.

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. Guild members with grievances with another guild member will be dealt with accordingly. 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, applying to another guild without notice, etc.) 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 and mature environment for Spiral Knight players who strive to improve themselves on a daily basis. Our guild rules and rank system seeks to eliminate all negative traits of a "incompetent guild" by rewarding those who demonstrate the skills needed to survive in the Clockworks, promoting a mature environment on which to grow, and most importantly have a great time with things to do!"
  • 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. 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. I am always learning something new everyday. I'm not the best by any means. I keep an open mind and absorb information. 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. Keep in mind that during "Rank Tests", the non-solo sections (i.e. Teamwork) are taken into consideration as well. In the end though, 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 and hold your hand. 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 individually and 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."
  • Q: "Oh no! I just failed a Rank test. I'm going to cry now and leave the guild. Why did you let me do the test when I asked you?"
  • A: "Really? Are you serious? You ASKED for a Rank test. We are here to learn and improve. The point is to learn from your mistakes and get better. You think everyone passes their first Driver's test or scores a touchdown the first time they play football? Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves back up. If you have that attitude where you give up on the first try, you will never get anywhere in life. I'm not perfect. No one is. Keep your head up, and handle it."

<Cloud Nine> Guild Roster

  • Only Member rank and above are honored by being named on our guild roster. Order based on seniority at time of promotion.

Guild Screenshots

Coming Soon!

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