It's Official, tSC is *not*

See the updated banner? Notice anything different? Let's discuss.

After KingsIsle's recent opening of the proverbial floodgates for Official Fansites, I have made the conscious decision *not* to apply, and I'd like to address it here and now.

In NO way whatsoever should this be considered any kind of 'slight' to KingsIsle. Quite the contrary, having been graced previously with "Official" status with HiaG, (now rescinded), it seems inappropriate for me to take any spotlight once again. I believe *new* voices should stand up, and be heard, not "the usual suspects". I've had my time, and I gracefully expect (nay, demand) that my "dandelions" step up, and take my place. It's the Circle of Life. (Que Lion King theme)

I had my time, now it's YOUR turn.

I have stated before, as have several other fine bloggers, that the motivations for being "Official" must, by nature, be darn-near 100% "Pure". We who blog, from the heart, do not do it for "fame", nor "prizes". I want people who read tSC to be here because they share a certain affinity for my views or writing style, not because I'm "Official", or "Likely to give stuff away", or even "famous".  My blog here is for the love, and for the friends I make that share it with me. Nothing more. Nothing less.

If you're going for the "Official" nod from KI, I wish you well. Understand that you are pledging yourself for the future. Hold your blog as a committed promise, and  do it with joyful love. Sail proudly in the Kings(Isle) Fleet. Know that you represent something greater than all of us, and that is the family-friendly magic that is Our Spir@l. I salute you, and your honor to be able to hoist the KI colors. Serve those colors, and what they represent, to the very best of your abilities.

I am a Pirate, and I am free to live or die by my words. And so it shall remain. Are *you* "Simba enough" to carry the KI banner high? Let's see what you got.

tSC, your Fast Lane to the "X"..or "O"

Well, Good ol' Captain Avery ( @Pirate101_Avery ) just tweeted the following:

Seems simple enough, doesn't it? "No big deal", even...If you think that, you'd be "dead" WRONG.


An astute observer, who diligently seeks, shall find something grand, indeed:

Forget "X", "O" marks the spot on this treasure hunt.

Sure, I *could* show you more, but it's "all about the hunt", isn't it?


Fan Sites. That is all.


Happy hunting, Captains. ;)

Pirattitude

Pirattitude: (pronounced pie-rat-i-tood)
Pirattitude is that natural attitude that comes from being like a pirate. Pirattitude is not always something that can be learned, and some people who are not pirates have pirattitude. These people have yet to embrace their inner pirate.

Well, pirates, gonna get a bit edgy, here. Risk-taking is not my forte. Apologies, in advance.

What can we expect from Pirate 101? Wow, that's a lot to ask. It's from KingsIsle, so we know it's a quality, kid-friendly title. But it's also about pirates, which were notably *not* kid-friendly, nor having much in the way of redeeming social graces, at all.

How will these two (seemingly) disparate qualities be combined? Pirates, in both a historical context, or in a romanticized media portrayal, are marauding sea-robbers. At the *minimum*, they are  thieves, highwaymen, preyers-upon-the-weak. And that's just the *minimum*. "Pirate 101 is the Han Solo story", as it quoted, but to what extent does that apply? Han was a smuggler, he shot first, and he did the right thing (initially) "for the money". No gleaming plate armor, here. Less "Shining Knight", and more "Dark Knight"

However, in this post-"Grand Theft Auto" generation, perhaps the sliding scale of "acceptable fantasy behavior" has shifted. Maybe, just *maybe*, I'm just a bit out of touch..or just overthinking it. In this day and age, where the area between "G" and "NC-17" is anything *but* distinct, and seems subject to the perceptions of the moment, rather than concrete rule, I fret. Like watching a metronome, the center/balance is always fleeting, and probably will always be so, considering the very broad range of the KingsIsle player demographics.

Not that I'm all "Pollyanna" about it, nor do I think that kids still live in the "Full House" timeframe,  but unlike the more "Good vs. Evil" simplicity of W101, P101 seems set to explore the many shades of gray in between, and therein lies the latch to Pandora's Box.
Hit my thumb with a hammer? Sure, I can curse like a sailor, and sometimes do, but not around younger, impressionable ears. That's part of what being "grown up" is about... appropriateness. It is a social context, something learned, not instinctual, and not exclusive to any one demographic.

I trust KingsIsle. They have a proven track record. I have no concerns for P101 from their perspective. However, having spent altogether too much time watching the shenanigans in the Commons of W101, I can only *imagine* the "artistic license" that may be "common" with the older of our younger players. Of Parents and Younglings, I have no worries. It's those who are "learning to be grown up" that I see problematic. ( I submit the very pirate-y, and ultimately mis-uable term "booty", as an example). The fiery dynamic those who are neither "Youngling", nor "Adult", and can mercurially morph between those states, where the younger look to for role-models, and the older watch over to guide the younger.

Or, like I've said "Maybe it's just me". Having been a long-run "kid-friendly" blogger, maybe it's just that natural default to "keep it appropriate", like with HiaG. Should things get a bit "keener" with tSC?
P101, however, is a new game. It's already stated it will be "Han Solo", so cartoony graphics aside, "How dark is dark?" on this new spectrum of appropriateness? How far is too far? What will we, as a collective community, decide the boundaries for our behavior (other than those specifically outlined by any ToS ) be?

This, like almost every Pirate 101 question, will be answered, in time, and I have faith (in both KI and the vast majority of Our Spir@l), that we can find an appropriate "middle ground", where it can be (and stay) fun for most. (it's never "all", because some people, you just can't reach").

So, what will be the "attitude" of our "Pirattitude", Spir@l? Please let me hear your thoughts.

Naughty-Call video time

Video selection (16+, for suggestive themes). Please exercise discretion.

"They see me sailing...they hatin'...I know they all see my Jolly Roger all unfurl-ey"

The makings of our own Fleet

Fleet : (n) the largest organized unit of naval ships grouped for tactical or other purposes.

"Ready to sail, at your word, Admiral"

Avast, there, me 'earties. Taking a moment out to survey our local blogging waters. It never ceases to impress how dedicated the KingsIsle blogging community can rally 'round, and work to maintain and prepare for the eventual release of Pirate 101. The mere fact that several blogs are now well-established, and ready-to-sail, (under the flag of "Admiral Friendly".), from the initial announcement on April 25th, to date, speaks volumes for the interest and passion that KingsIsle generates in it's player communities.




Removing tSC, for modesty's sake, from this survey, I'd like to highlight several blogs that have consistently caught my eye. These be "tha' ones t'watch", in my less-than-humble opinion, for their consistent efforts to prepare their fellow captains for the Skyways of Our Spir@l. 


Now, by no means is this list exhaustive, and we're always keeping a weather eye on the horizon for new sails, (and if you're a Blog Captain, and you're not seen here, notify me, an' I'll be correcting that), but the blogs listed below have truly sailed to the fore of our Blog Fleet, and have rigorously striven to maintain the momentum and excitement of the announcement of P101 from it's start to the foggy horizon of eventual Beta. Blogs mentioned below (in alphabetic order) are chosen for their creative ability to consistently create and educate the future P101 community, despite the (relatively) limited resources we can bring to bear, atm. This is not to take away from *any* of our Captains on the Blogroll, for all are faithful before the mast, but certain hard-chargers are feverishly chomping at the bit, waiting on KingsIsle's pleasure.


So, without further ado, let's look at our most motivated of Captains:

A Deadly Pirate's Blog

Pirates of the Spiral

Stars of the Spiral

So, fellow Captain's I "doff me hat" to ye, in recognition of your contributions, already.

Which brings me to a related subject, the future of Our Pirate Spir@l. Yes, I know, it's still exceptionally early, but if I've learned anything while doing HiaG, it's to "look forward". Already, we've seen the seed of Community take root, have we not? Knowing "Admiral Friendly" is at the helm makes it so much easier to mentally define.

Community, escpecially n the KingsIsle's waters, it a precious thing. Having sailed many a MMO community, there is none like the W101 Community (believe me, I've looked), and I expect it t'be no different for P101.

We stand at the dawn of a new Era for Our Spir@l, and we should all be looking forward. There's an old saying "When the avalanche starts, it's too late for the snowflakes to vote". In the interest of being pirat-ey, I'm inclined to replace "avalanche" with "floodgates", and "snowflakes" with...um I didn't think that far ahead.

Back on course, it is upon us, the earliest of adopters of Our Spir@l's new facet, to generally agree upon "The Code" of how our Spir@l will be, A "Brethren's Court", as it were. One where all who would stand at the table share a vote. (That means all of us "Blog Captains"). One where, as is proper, Admiral Friendly and KI have the the first (and final) word, but where we who choose to speak loudly all agree on "guidelines". Now these, of course, are mostly common sense, and these promises I make are purely me own, but one's that I believe should be considered, at the very least.

"they're more like guidelines than actual rules.."

"I will treat my fellow captains with the same respect I'd expect from others for myself"
"I shall keep my personal quarrels with other Captains out of the public eye"
"I shall always remember that we all start out knowing nothing, and only learn by asking"
"I shall view the needs of our community to be paramount to my own"
"I shall embrace views, opposing my own, to be a valid right of my fellow Captains"
"I realize that 'Fun is fun', but not when it's at another Captain's expense."
"The Skyways are big enough for all of us"
"When a Captain is overboard in their actions, it affects all of us" 


I'm sure there are many more that can be added, (and will be), over time, but no book is written in a day, and the chronicles of our eventual adventures is only now just beginning. We, collectively, are the authors of a Greater Epic than any of our individual chapters can convey. I, for one, am the Captain of *my* chapter, and I'll not have it tarnished by behavior that can, over time, be looked back upon with disdain or regret. So, as I stand, with quill to ink, I do so undertake these guidelines as my own, lest my own honor be impuned.


"Sail as you will" O Captains, My Captains, and ...
Be Thee Well
 EDIT: Feel free to copy/distribute the "Oath" logo, and it's ideals (credit not required), as a Community Ideal that you Captains endorse!

Is the war over?

"So, there I was...", poring over possible courses to chart on Our Spir@l's skyways, when a nervous representative of my ship's future contingent approached me, followed by a less-than-enthusiastic crew.

"Beggin' yer pardon, Cap'n, but with Friendly now recruited by the Kings(Isle) Navy, might'n this mean that the ongoing war with Ol' Tom be over, with nary a shot fired?"

*Thwak* sang my blade, as it flew from my scabbard.

*thunk* went my ex-minion's head, as it began it's newly-liberated journey from it's mooring at the shoulders.

"An excellent question, lad" I thoughtfully replied, "Ever so glad you asked. Gather up the Crew, and we shall discuss. Also, someone make a note of that minion's bravery..and bring a mop."

Ah, Old Tom. Not to be confused with Dead Tom, Necromancer extraordinaire, Cornerstone of the W101 community, now not just privateer for KingsIsle, but outright Major General. Of course, this scuttlebutt is not 'new', by the convention of "Internet Time", but must needs be addressed, regardless. I've been mulling over this development, and am now ready broach the subject.

Our little war, composed of skirmishes spaced over time measured in years, is *far* from over. Quite the contrary, one might surmise we are only now seeing the full and glorious clash just now coming over the horizon.

There is no glory to be gained by conquering lesser opponents, such is only a form of carrion feeding. Jostling with one's own peers is slightly better, but no more than wolves struggling for "Alpha" position...
True Glory, however , is found in the Epic Battles. it's about Davids and Goliaths. What sweeter victory than that of overcoming supposedly insurmountable odds?'Ol Tom's ascension has provided us with unexpected opportunity! Dodge the thunder, and seek the silver lining, lads! And when you find that silver lining, loot it!

True enough, Ol' Tom may now have the very  powers of Triton Himself, but therein lies our inevitable victory, lads! True and well, he may have Phenomenal Cosmic Powers, but , and this is the best part of it, me 'earties, is he's all but handed us the keys to (eventual) victory! Sure, he got powers, but he's also now beholden to many a binding chain of rules, regulations, and procedure, muah-ha-ha! While we here are free to fire at will, 'Ol Tom has a Chain of Command, wrapped like an Albatross 'round 'is neck.

Now, that's not to say we can simply sail up "as we please", for there be dragons, but, should we manage the perils with strategy and deftness, not even The Armada itself shall stand against us.
Ol' Tom has well and justly deserved the riches heaped upon upon him, but uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. We most certainly wish him well, and take nothing from him for his accomplishments, far-flung and storied as they are.

So, Ol' Tom, we hereby doff our hats to 'ye, "Major General", in deference to your title, and position, as we respect only the most worthy of opponents.

"Gratz", Friendly, and Thank You!

Salutin' all ye Pirate Mom's

"All of us" at tSC wishing all the(future) Pirate Moms, (and yeah, you Wizard Moms, too), a Happy Mother's Day. Go rouse your crew, have 'em sing you songs, about how much their own "Captain NoBeard" does for them all 365 days a year.

And thank you to KingsIsle, for games that Moms, Dads, and little scallywags can all enjoy together!

A "Friendly" Letter

What is it that makes a pirate a "pirate"? In Pirate101, well, we'll *all* be pirates, in one fashion or another, true. Some may even choose the Privateer class. However, we're not, atm, talking about what's coming up, instead, we're delineating what has already past.

License to plunder.

What's the (historical) difference between a pirate, and a privateer? Only 2 things: Paper and Perspective.

Let's start with the "Paper". In the Fighting Age of Sail, when wars were fought among Nations at Sea, a privately-owned (non-military) ship could be enticed to attack the enemy for profit. Of course, Nations being the bureaucracies that they are, one had to have a license, known as a Letter of Marque and Reprisal. Say that "Nation Evil" was at war with "Nation Friendly". Of course, each nation would bring it's military Fleets out to beat each other up. However, back in those days, strategy and tactics also demanded stopping the opponent's supply lines, as well, and a Military can be *everywhere, all the time*. So, we'll say there's a third Nation involved, "Nation Neutral", not involved in the war.

"Seems Legit."

Now, say a private citizen, Captain Duskhunter, of Nation Evil, wanted to get in on the action. In exchange for a License, Cap'n D would have to (usually) agree to split the profits with Nation Evil. Fair enough, I guess.
So, with Letter of Marque in hand, Cap'n D could now go out actively hunting down ships of Nation Friendly, but *not* Nation Neutral. Cap'n D is now a Privateer for Nation Evil.

This is where "Perspective" comes in. Although Nation Evil is A-O-K with Cap'n D's actions. Nation Friendly isn't very likely to acknowledge Cap'nD's "license". To Nation Friendly, Cap'n D is just a non-uniformed combatant performing robbery on the High Seas, a.k.a. a "pirate", and will likely deal with Cap'n D in a manner most unpleasant.(Probably denying episodes of "MyLittle Pony:FIM ...it has unicorns.) ;)

And let's say that Cap'n D just so happens to plunder a Nation Neutral Ship. Why, even Nation Evil itself may (attempt) arrest of Cap'n D for piracy, because attacking Nation Neutral ships was outside the parameters of the Letter of Marque. A wise privateer *always* confirms the target's national flag before beginning an attack. This is also why many a pirate carried, in their holds, more than one Nation's Flag. 

When you're a Professional #Twirate

...you don't have to wear a suit!

As the excitement builds, and our self-ascribed titles and hashtags develop, I'd like to offer a pseudo-theme song for all my fellow #Twirates  of #P101 on the Twitter:

It's a song I used to (constantly) tease Ashley Duskhunter with (because my singing voice will never land me on American Idol. it's a fun song, relatively "safe" (it *is* the Muppets, after all), and hey, I think it pretty well illustrates the sense of fun and adventure we all share.

Take it, or leave it, that's my vote. Of course, YOU, the Community at large, may have other opinions, and I'd love to hear them! What's *Your* favorite piratey-themed song? Is it a traditional sea shanty, or a more modern movie-based interpretation? Or, is it something altogether unrelated? Please, do tell!



May your sails be full, and your bilges empty.
Be Well!

Calling all Captains!

Well, it's well known that the KingsIsle Fan Community is, without doubt, THE best in any gaming spiral. The explosive growth of fanblogging for games like Wizard101 is a technological leap forward.

I do believe that Pirate101 will be no exception to this, and I'm sending out a Call to all blog-legged Captains that plan of plying the skyways of Our Spir@l.

Simply put, I'm asking for blogroll submissions. I know that *some* people are restricted by NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), and I'm not looking for blogs that aren't ready for publication. What I'm looking for are those digital scallywags that are unbound by legal constraints, and have set their blogs afloat in the here-and-now.

Why so early? Let Wizard101 answer that for you. We'll all soon be awash in blogs, but for that to happen, we have to know where to look, so I say "Hoist The Colors", and let the (blog)Roll Call begin! Simply comment your blog's URL, and away we go!

Be Well, and may your sails be full!