The Older Gamers are proud to present a Q&A with guild leader Vork.  Vork is the guild leader for the Knights of Good.  He was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for us.

TOG: What is your real name?
Vork: My name is Herman Holden but I find it and my online identity, Vork, indistinguishable. 

TOG: How long have you been playing this game?
Vork: My online career started many years ago, in the early 80's as a vocational college student.  I ran a dial-up MUD called "Questing For Justice Always."  It wasn't popular.  Since then I've sampled many realms.  My current career game is just over a year old.

TOG: What Race and Class of character do you play?
Vork: I play a Human Warrior, an absolute reflection of my real life, but I also have an alt. of each gaming class.  Vleric, Vorklock etc.  I find having a consistent theme name for my characters is most productive for guild branding.

TOG: Do you belong to a guild in the game? Is there a common goal that the guild as an organization (and maybe even at the individual member level) try to achieve?
Vork: I am the Guild Leader of the "Knights of Good."  Our mission statement is as follows: "Our mission is to assist, educate and inspire as we quest, kill and loot."  I have a complete press packet available that includes our Guild financial statistics graphed out in Excel.   You'll see our Guild Bank has a diversified portfolio, equally weighed in gems, gold and rare crafting plans.  If you would like a copy, please send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope.  Actually, it costs $3.99 to produce, so include that as well.

TOG: How long have you been a member of the guild?
Vork: The "Knights of Good" is a relatively new guild.   We had an uncomfortable split with another guild due to moral differences earlier this year.  I'd rather not address specifics, but it was clear after the " Bloodflay Spear" incident that, in order to quest in the fashion we wanted to quest, a parting of ways would have to occur.  I served them with the appropriate paperwork, but they still hold a grudge.  We can't keep a website up for any length of time due to their nefarious aggression.  It's irksome.

TOG: How many members do you have?
Vork: We total six now, our seventh was sent to prison in a case of mistaken identity, but we are always looking for new recruits. There's a simple screening process to apply for membership.  We try to streamline the process for maximum efficiency.  A sample of out requirements:

You must have five references from members in good standing with the Guild, a full member sponsor, and one character reference from someone outside the game. In addition, you will be asked to submit your professional resume/school record.  A "C" or above average works in your favor.

You will submit a 500 word essay on your philosophical definition of the words "good" and "game." And "guild." So, three words altogether. That's 166.666.... words per assigned word.  Please double check your word count with the appropriate word processing software.

and

If you DO NOT have a reliable internet connection and/or a computer than can run the game lag-free do not apply, please. We will kick you quickly and justifiably, for every moment you lag is a minute stolen from our souls. Include in your application the exact specs of your computer, including CPU, RAM, graphics card and Internet connection speed.  We WILL ping your IP. You may be required to upgrade as a contingent requirement of acceptance. Be prepared and have a credit card handy.

That's just a start, but nothing a determined person would shrink from.  Please forward any applications resulting from this interview.  I'm sure there will be many.

TOG: What one person from the game would you like to meet and why?
Vork: There's an NPC named Boretha who sells bread in Gartenflag.  She seems like she has a lovely story to tell.  Always pleasant to talk to, and her bread is well priced.

TOG: What do you do for a living?
Vork: I thought we were already talking about that.

TOG: What would be your "dream job"?
Vork: To run and manage an ironworks shop near a lake that would, for the sake of convenience and ease of cost, freeze in winter and be of a warmer temperature during the summer.  The lake   upkeeping would be paid for by the residents of the surrounding villages in appreciation of my services, which do not include discounts.  I would also enjoy selling cheese.  Cheesemongery is becoming a lost art form.

TOG: What do you do for fun outside of the game?
Vork: I'm not sure I follow...

TOG: If you could marry anyone in the world, who would that be and why?
Vork: Allison Janney.  In addition to her obvious thesbian strengths, she appears to have a strong combination of healing and fighting abilities, exhibited by her strong thighs and ankles.  She would also be inclined to go Dutch if the situation presents itself.  No explanation needed really.

TOG: Are you a reader? If so, what book titles would you recommend?
Vork: Since I deal in the magical all day, I stick to non-fiction.  Mostly management and self motivational texts.  I need to keep on top of my game to be at the top of my Guild.

TOG: What are your favorite movies?
Vork: Allison Janney movies.  Can we get back to the game questions?

TOG: What kind of structure do you have setup for your guild? Is it democratic in nature, dictatorial or a combination of the two?
Vork: I like to think of myself as a benevolent dictator, like Scott Baio from "Charles in Charge."

TOG: How does a players' individuality play a part in achieving this goal?
Vork: Individuality is actually a detriment, but I am able to overcome that to focus on goal-oriented initiatives.  Players must think as one.  Groups get respect and discounts and that's smart.  Remember:  Sheep are cheap but venison is expenison.  Haha.  I have a keen wit as well as an organized mind!

TOG: Is your guild a "raid guild" or is it more social in nature where members work towards their own goals using the guild for support when needed?
Vork: As I said, our time online is stringently scheduled for maximum efficiency.   Individual projects are discouraged as they take away from the group goals.  Free time is allotted a few days a week however, if farming quotas are filled.

TOG: How socially active are you and your members with each other?
Vork: We talk over the internet together.  I'm sure that a college thesis will soon prove that voice communication is as effective as face to face meetings for our animal need for socialization.  Also, it makes for a smaller carbon footprint. 

TOG: Based on your own experiences, what "words of wisdom" would you like to pass onto other guild leaders who may be reading this?
Vork: I would urge understanding.  As my hero Tony Robbins says:
"People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals-that is, goals that do not inspire them."

Be the Viagra for your Guildies dreams. 

Thank you for your time. 
Vork

 _ _ _

Special thanks to Jeff Lewis and Felicia Day for making this Q&A happen.

To learn more about Jeff, Felicia and the rest of the cast for The Guild , please visit http://www.watchtheguild.com

The " The Guild" webisodes can also be viewed on YouTube here.