The EQ2BattleMage website is holding a contest to determine just who amongst the many players who favor the mage classes holds the most influence over their peers. This contest is a unique chance for players to highlight the people they respect the most from the mage community.
To get more details and information about the contest, Grimwell asked Aranieq some questions about the contest.
Grimwell:
Is this a 'contest' or is it being done out of a sense of respect for fellow players, and fun?
Aranieq:
So many strong and outspoken mages have come and gone over the years not knowing what they meant to their peers. We want to praise those who have kept our community strong and interactive over the years. This is an event to highlight those seldom thanked mages, who give their personal time to share what they have learned over the years.
Grimwell:
What made you think of doing it?
Aranieq:
In the wake of the much praised SOE "Player of the Year" nominations, EQ2BattleMage wanted to show our respect and appreciation for all those mages who have been there through the thick and thin of it all. We understand not everyone can be player of the year but for Mages, at least, those pillars of our community have made this game so much more than a game, and we thank them from the bottom of our little arcane hearts.
Grimwell:
What criteria do you think makes a mage influential?
Aranieq:
Some classes have come so far and changed so much from where they began; it's amazing the resolve of the ones who have been there since the beginning. The hardcore for simple love of their class have evolved with every single evolution and revolution of the archetype. We understand that the Mage community is made by multiple shinning stars that pass on their knowledge, experience, and in many, many cases, their very distinct mage sense of humor.
Nominate a Mage who has been something more than just a silk wearing player to you. Nominate a caster who has changed the way you see this game. Nominate a Mage who has made you feel more confident, prepared, in your class. Nominate a Mage who has made the game more enjoyable for you. Nominate your role model, your nemesis, your guild leader, your raid leader if they have driven you to be a better player.
Tell us how they have made the difference. You don't have to be a mage to have been impressed and moved by one. Show them their time spent on the multiple forum communities, and in-game channels was noticed and appreciated.
Grimwell:
How long will the nomination period be open?
Aranieq:
On Friday July 13 we will take the nominations and begin a week of voting for the final "Most Influential Mages of all Time". The voting will be 3-6 class polls (depending on number of nominations) and 1 special Grand Mage poll.
Grimwell:
When will the final results be available?
Aranieq:
The weekend of July 22 we hope to honor the most Influential Mages of our community.
Grimwell:
How many nominations are you hoping to get?
Aranieq:
I truly hope that we receive a minimum of 3 mages per parent class. I'd be overjoyed with 10 or more of each parent class because that means people are seeing a little more than just that pesky dress-wearing caster. There are so many who do so much for our community I found it terribly difficult to narrow it down when deciding on my nomination, I can't imagine others would find it any easier.
Grimwell:
Is there a prize?!!
Aranieq:
All mages who receive a nomination will be placed in our grand hall's historic book as a Mage of influence as part of our appreciation to those who go a step further than the rest for our community. All Class winners and their runners up will be considered esteemed elders in our community. The single Mage who has received the most votes of ALL the nominees will be the "Most Influential Mage of our time", a title to hold until challenged next year.
Custom personalized Signatures, icons and EQ2BattleMage forum titles are awarded to all Class winners and the title of The Grand Mage to the finalist who wins the full, undisputed, respect of our entire mage community. All class winners will be extended the offer of a seat on EQ2BattleMage's High Council, a seat that comes with editing rights to our website class guides. I wish I could give more to those who have made this game so much to me, but a platform and recognition is what is within my grasp.
We encourage everyone who has a mage friend to visit the EQ2BattleMage website and create a nomination! Special thanks to Aranieq for putting this together, and taking the time out for a few questions.
Discuss this contest, and view nominations in EQ2BattleMage forums!