“Yahooo!”, “Whoopee”, and “Yessss” are the shouts that greet me as I come up over the hill to meet my next interviewee, Master Carter. The day is a gorgeous and sunny one in Kingdoms Live. I look out over the scene of recruits, happily participating in sack races, digging trenches, and tossing eggs to their sparring partners.
At the head of the class, so to speak, stands Master Carter. He is wearing a resplendent orange and brown robe, and is walking back and forth in front of a simple, fabric tent. The tent reminds me of one I might have used as a young warrior scout, learning how to tie knots and such. I do a double take when I see an actual scouting kerchief around his neck.
Master Carter lets out the first of many laughs. He leads me to a grove of trees where I set up my things. As soon as I am seated I notice the sun is staring directly in my face. As I move my chair slightly I start: “Tell me when you first started KL.”
Carter chuckles: “I have been playing since some random day in July, 2009. I play usually once a day for about 30 minutes.”
I wonder why he’s chuckling, but continue: “How would you rate KL compared with other games you’ve played?”
He says through a grin, “Interesting you should ask. I do indeed play Runescape—the best role playing multi-player game ever! I think KL is not far behind it but I definitely enjoy meeting new people in KL.”
“Many that I have interviewed see posting on profile’s as a key attraction to this game.” I state seriously.
He smiles and titters: “Of course I have posted on other player’s walls! I normally post events and chat with people that contact me. I post at random, anytime I feel like talking I guess. Normally I wait for others to converse with me as I do not play all day long like some people…”
I ask him, “What is your position on clans?”
“In fact I have started my own clan within the game called ‘the guild.’ We like to keep powers balanced in order to maintain balance for decisions. Sort of like voting I guess.” Master Carter pauses and with a loud giggle says: “I like my group a lot, it means a lot to me in KL to log on and help someone who needs it. I have been in a clan before and made my own but my former clan went to war once and I honestly didn’t like it. The thing that keeps me leading my clan is just because it is so laid back and barely anything threatening happens.”
“Tell me about your player name choice,” I direct.
Carter laughs, “My name means a lot to me in KL. I have been MC, King Carter, Carter, (No name of course) and many more I cannot name off the top of my head. A lot of people notice name changes very quickly. They usually act surprised but Master Carter has been a great fit for me for a long time. I don’t have plans to change it.”
The sun is pretty hot now, so I adjust my helmet and ask, “Since you do make frequent posts on player walls, do you use any messaging services?"
With a smile he notes, “I have joined Palringo just for a chat room but I barely use it.”
I’m sweating now in the sun, and moving my chair once more, I ask, “Is keeping your personal identity a secret important? What is completely off limits for you?” I’m really uncomfortable in this interview and I’m trying to figure it out.
As expected, he chortles, “The only thing that is off limits for me is my house number and maybe my street number too. To make this clear, I live in–*city deleted for his protection*—Minnesota . I deal with a few everyday problems but there is nothing I need to hide. I think living a double life in my own life (not in kingdoms) is way too hard and causes a lot of stress. Life should be normal and you shouldn’t have anything to hide.”
It occurs to me that with all the laughter, I’m hoping he’ll hide at least a few things from me. I ask quickly, “How many enemies have you made in KL? What happened?”
He gives a mischievous grin and says, “Countless. In the very start of KL I was trying to gain land and I got a farmer in a clan with some sort of green shield. I don’t remember the name of it. Usually if I make enemies these days I just give in. A few bounties don’t mean very much, I make plenty of income with 20+ bounties an hour.”
“Have you reached out to others in the game to get advice? Are people honest in their advice to you, or is there ever trickery?” I ask.
“At the very start of this game, the first person who helped my arm grow was Sir Maggot. I sadly do not keep in touch with him anymore, and if his name changed- I don’t know his new one. He is a very trusting person in this game. I look up to a few people in this game, if you ever need any help I am here to help you. I know a lot of helpful people. Could you let people know my army code is MSQZ1R?”
“I think you just did.” I realize that time has flown, and I must wrap up this interview. I close up my notebook and begin to gather my things. As I offer a handshake, I ask Master Carter, “Would you try other similar Storm 8 games?”
He gives me a tee-hee: “I play all Storm8 games except for Pets Live. I don’t have any plans in quitting KL, and I can say I will be playing tomorrow for sure!”
“Thank you for letting me interview you Master Carter,” I offer.
With a mirthful look he says, “Oh no. The pleasure is all mine!”
And honestly, I think it probably was!
With this my nineteenth post, I want to remind you that I’m always looking for more interviewees. If you’ve been following me, you know that I’m looking for people to tell their KL story. I’m curious why people play, and what they discover about themselves and others along the way.
You can start the interview process by reading through my questions written in blog post #3, “Story Salt.” Simply send me your answers to generalcandel@gmail.com. Or, you can log into my survey monkey account and complete the questions that way. Follow this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XWP83FV Or, add me in KL, R2N3SM. Happy Playing! Just don't be toooo happy about, alright?
I enjoyed reading this article about Master Carter. I learned some new things about him. I am disappointed that he didnt mention how many times he completed the first quest. Im sure he is the only person in KL who has maxed out number 1 :-D
Posted by: Dutchess Arana | 03/09/2010 at 10:11 AM