by Karen Hertzberg on Feb 27, 2006
Dwarves, Weapons and More: A Tour of Vanguard Fighters
By Kathleen "Lady Sirse" Spink
It's that time again. It's time to continue our tour of the
Affiliated Fan Sites in the Vanguard: Saga of Heroes community. Last month
we got comfy in the Druid's Grove with Jtoast taking a bit of a break from
the holiday snows. This month, we will travel not too far to the site of Vanguard
Fighters. I had a wonderful time during a break in the action at Fanguard
on January 28th to sit down and learn what I could about The Drunken Dwarf.
So, as his name invites, grab a drink and join me as we look at this wonderful
site.
Drunken Dwarves, sharp pointy weapons, stacks of armor, and
a healthy growing community of those that love to tank could make you think
twice before entering. That is until you take a look around. Rob, also know
as TheDrunkenDwarf himself, is a bit taller than one would expect. Hard as
I looked, I failed to see a tankard dangling off his belt or a warhammer on
his back. What I did find was a very friendly and passionate gamer who stepped
up to the plate when he couldn't find a site dedicated to the Fighters of
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes.
Vanguard Fighters was launched in October 2005. Very quickly
they began to gather a community of all of those that have interest in the
tanking classes. This includes the Warrior, Paladin, Inquisitor, and the Dread
Knight. Rob made it very clear that while these are the classes that they
dedicate the site to, that all classes are welcome to join in the fun on the
site. He said that all points of view are welcome and even those that just
like to try out one of these classes as an alt might have something to share
or learn.
The holidays began early for the team over at Vanguard Fighters.
On December 5 2005, they were welcomed into the Affiliate Program by Sigil
Games Online. This status is happily displayed in the left corner of the site
with the official seal that Sigil Games Online gives to their Affiliates.
This status has allowed them to receive two wonderful exclusive screenshots
on January 14, 2006.
I asked Rob what he would say that the mission or goal is for
Vanguard Fighters as a whole. His response was without hesitation, "I
wanted to find information on the fighters of Vanguard. I looked and looked
and when I couldn't find one I became determined to fill that lack in the
community. The site will be a resource for information, mechanics, skill lists,
spell lists and anything else that is needed to give the Warrior, Paladin,
Dread Knight and Inquisitors of Vanguard what they need to be the best they
can be at their roles in the game." He was surprised when he went to
Steel Warrior and couldn't find anything at that time about the game. So with
his Lady's help and support they set out to achieve the success we now all
benefit from.
How can you benefit from this site? By becoming a member of
their community of course! There are several different areas of the site that
one can become involved in. Of course they have a very active forum that is
certain to spark thought and conversation. They have though, something not
found on all the sites. They have a member
blog area. This is an area that lets the members of site to share their
thoughts, feelings, and after launch their adventures as well. It is a wonderful
place to get to know those who are out there and their thoughts on this exciting
group of classes. Not only can you have your own blog, but you can comment
on others as well!
Rob seemed very excited about this area of the site but added
a simple caution, "We do try to keep things civil, and at a PG-13 language
tolerance. Also we are very strict about keeping with the NDA and will act
to make sure that nothing is put up that shouldn't be." The link to the
member blogs can easily be found near the top of the navigation frame near
the link to the forums.
If you really want to get involved, there is something more
you can do at Vanguard Fighters. You can join their team! That's right, they
are looking for class specialists. So if you have a desire to give your time
in a bit more unusual way, head over to their Help
Wanted posting in the forums and find out more.
Is it any surprise that Rob would pick the Fighter and all it
includes when asked our favorite question? To be honest, I was a bit sheepish
as I said, "So, I think I can guess what your response to this will be,
but can you tell me what your favorite class is?" Rob chuckled with me
and then he added a bit of his hopes for the Fighters of Vanguard: Saga of
Heroes. He said, "I am really looking forward to Vanguard. I hope that
each of the fighters will have viable roles in raids. I want to see them have
a purpose to exist even if they aren't the current main tank. It seems as
if we will finally see a game with engaging combat and all I can say is that
I can't wait!"
All too soon our time was ending as the many events of Fanguard
were calling us back to attend them. I asked Rob if he would like to add anything
to wrap up the interview, "I just want to say thank you to all the Affiliates
that have helped me. I was overwhelmed by the instant welcome I was given
by the community of Affiliate Administrators and staff." I am sure I
am not alone in wishing Rob and Vanguard Fighters all the best of luck and
success as they continue to grow and bring a wonderful resource more and more
into the Vanguard: Saga of Heroes community.
Join us in March as we continue our journey with Vanguard
Spheres!