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◆ Character Summary ◆[/h2][p]
Alias[/p][p]
Warlock (both on Live and NEO)[/p][p]
NA – Taywong -> Yura (Live); Heaven’s Reach (NEO)[/p][p]
Blade & Soul NEO[/p][p]
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◆ The Road to Blade & Soul ◆[/h2][p]
“The combat is one-of-a-kind, fluid, and immersive. Understandably, it attracts a lot of attention for players who enjoy PvP, but even for PvE, it truly stands out for a MMORPG. I also find the aesthetics of the game to be rather eye-catching.”[/p][p]
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Give us a brief overview of what your gaming life was like before B&S. What games did you play?[/p][p]When I was younger, I used to play games like Gunbound and MaplestorySEA (I am from Singapore). I also used to play AuditionSEA, a music-dancing game. I also casually play League of Legends till today. There’s too many games I’ve tried, but these were the more notable ones.[/p][p][/p][p]
How did you first discover Blade & Soul? What initially caught your interest?[/p][p]I was asked and introduced by a gaming friend from PSO2 SEA (Phantasy Star Online 2). I thought the game was interesting combat-wise and started getting hooked. Unfortunately, my friend quit shortly after, but I continued my journey.[/p][p]
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How long have you been playing Blade & Soul?[/p][p]I have been playing Blade & Soul since 2016, when Warlock was new. Basically almost since it was released.[/p][p]
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Have you always been the same class? If not, why did you change?[/p][p]I have always been a Warlock main. I do have every class on Live and others on NEO, but they are mainly alts. On NEO, I played Force Master as my main prior to Warlock’s release.[/p][p]
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What do you like most about your current class?[/p][p]I find the class thematically interesting (Dragoncall looks cool). It’s more getting used to it after so many years of playing it, despite its flaws and it being not the most ideal class with high ping. In Live, providing Soul Flare/Blackwing for the party was also very useful. Unfortunately, in NEO, Warlock is still rather weak compared to others and its iconic Soulburn is a self-buff only.[/p][p][/p][p]
Are/were you in a clan? If so, which clan?[/p][p]I was in just a few clans in Live, some that I remember include Bounty Hunters and its “alt” clan, Condor. I played with players from many various other clans such as Broken Oath, Epochal Reign, Homra, etc. (been almost a decade, I can’t remember everything). On NEO, I am the current clan leader of Mapo Tofu, a casual clan that has many high ping players. I personally did not join ‘big’ clans per se (just stayed in an inactive clan in Live) because I felt it did not matter. I could just play with anyone regardless and it made no real difference. I think the same applies to NEO, except that my clan does have active players still.[/p][p][/p][p]
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◆ Blade & Soul Through The Years ◆[/h2][p][/p][p]
After getting familiar with the game, what kept you coming back?[/p][p]I found the raid content to be extremely alluring and fun at the time. A sense of thrill and challenge, despite the enormous amount of effort into organizing/getting into raids overall (at least when it was new content).[/p][p][/p][p]
What makes Blade & Soul stand out compared to other games you’ve played?[/p][p]The combat is one-of-a-kind, fluid, and immersive. Understandably, it attracts a lot of attention for players who enjoy PvP, but even for PvE, it truly stands out for a MMORPG. I also find the aesthetics of the game to be rather eye-catching.[/p][p]
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Why do you like the game type you’re currently playing (LIVE or NEO)?[/p][p]I did enjoy playing Live when I was still active and did not intend to try NEO. However, I got sucked into it once I tried again. I enjoy NEO for its more simplistic dungeon mechanics because it takes less time and effort, in a way. Now that I’m busier, I prefer to do things efficiently.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]
♥︎ Favorite Memories & Stories ♥︎[/h2][p]
“I truly am grateful for those who have been a part of my journey then.”[/p][p][/p][p]
Tell us some of your favorite memories from B&S.[/p][p]There is an incident that I can never forget, which is that during a raid, I told my team to go “anti-clockwise” and I was greeted with mass confusion. Turns out, they did not understand as North Americans mainly understood the term “counter-clockwise” (?).[/p][p][/p][p]There are some snippets of my journey raiding on my Twitch ([dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]). Running dungeons with friends and also with my raid teams. I cannot recall everything now, but I truly am grateful for those who have been a part of my journey then.[/p][p][/p][p]I remember raiding with Dreamslayer and Papi Salad during VT, joining their raid on my Destroyer. I think that’s when I started to get called “Jash” instead of Josh (my real name), I suppose as a form of endearment and a nickname. I did use Jash subsequently in my time on Live, but most in NEO just know as me as Codename.[/p][p][/p][p]I also got to meet and know many other fellow high ping players throughout my time. There was a High Ping Warrior Discord for such players even, which many people may not have known. Shout out to Alice Lyndell, Luminaire, Xynabelle and Chizuru (IGNs from Live), who are still my friends today, though they’ve long quit the game. Generally, it’s also nice to see old friends who may come back in-game after a long time/break and they still remember me and say hi.[/p][p]
[/p][p]One of my old raiders, Ice, also did some artwork of my character from Live, as a gift. I did not expect it or ask for it, but I thought it was a very nice gesture.[/p][p][/p][p]
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Artwork from Ice of my Live character)[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]NipFlicker from NEO did a video for my character as well, as he requested for one (I believe it’s his passion project/hobby)[/p][p]The choice of song (Where the wind sleeps, probably my favourite one from B&S) was my request, and likewise the location.[/p][p]This was the part of the story where it was played.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
What was your biggest “I finally did it” moment?[/p][p]Actually, among all the raids I’ve done, the greatest achievement was probably clearing first BT (Skybreak Spire) with my clan. It was the start of my journey and I was working with casual players mostly. The success of leading BT gave me the realization that I was capable to lead the latter raids.[/p][p]
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What’s the hardest you’ve laughed while playing?[/p][p]It’s likely while joking around with friends as we talk and play. I can’t recall an exact moment, but I’ve surely had my laughs at times.[/p][p]
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Have you ever stayed up way too late because of B&S?[/p][p]I don’t think this even needs to be a question… for sure. I’ve stayed up for many reasons and often. The amount of time it takes to raid or grind… yea…[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]
🏞 World, Zones & Content 🏞
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What is your favorite zone in the game and why?[/p][p]My favourite zone is likely Silverfrost Mountains as it felt like a new experience on its release in Live. Aside from being scenic, I did feel like an adventure to explore the content as a whole.[/p][p][/p][p]
Where do you have some of your best memories?[/p][p]My best memory is at Summer Song Cafe, where I celebrated New Years with my loved one a couple of years back. I have an art commission to commemorate that moment as well, which was a Valentine’s Day present the following year. She made an edit after the completed work too, which makes it a bit more special with a personal touch.[/p][p][/p][p]
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[/p][p](The rough sketch by the artist I commissioned)[/p][p][/p][p]
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[/p][p](Some pictures used for reference for the artist)[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
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[/p][p](The final product after touch-ups)[/p][p]
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Was there a specific update, patch, or era that felt like the “golden age” for you?[/p][p]In terms of fun, I think Silverfrost Mountains really brought some progression for the game. As a Warlock main, it was basically essential to attain the SK amulet item (iirc) to get Blackwing, which was an improved Soulburn buff for the party. This was massive for boosting the raid/parties, to the point that people were particular about non-blackwing users to not use their buffs over those who did.[/p][p][/p][p]The update for HM points was also a good update, mainly because being able to spec threat was very useful. For those who were ranged tanks in VT (Temple of Eluvium) Boss 1 (Asura), you would recall the pain of trying to maintain aggro and using pot buffs for threat. Vice versa for melees trying to tank over strong ranged DPS. This is a problem in NEO, save for threat mantra. I hope NEO has an update for tank players to be able to spec threat more easily.[/p][p][/p][h2]
◆ Clan and Community ◆[/h2][p]
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🎊 Events & Community Moments 🎊
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Has B&S ever crossed into your real life?[/p][p]It certainly has.
One was actually meeting my favourite person. Basically, while I was in F8, this person kept calling out to me, asking if I played League of Legends (I did not know them at all). After it happened several times, I caved in and decided to play League with them and we became friends, and subsequently, she became my romantic interest. I later learned that she had found out about me through a Reddit post I made back then regarding the state of high ping players and the Demonsbane system in Live.[/p][p][/p][p]
https://www.reddit.com/r/bladeandsoul/comments/rappxa/competitive_high_ping_gamers_time_to_throw_in/[/p][p][/p][p]My other fond memories include meeting some Australian B&S players in Melbourne for a meet-up (I was based in Melbourne at the time). Funnily enough, I told them I had a raid to lead past midnight that day… (I often had to adjust my schedule to fit NA timezones). I do have old photos, but I shall refrain from sharing to protect the privacy of said persons (just in case). I have also met players in Singapore, who have quit the game, but we still keep in touch and meet-up once in awhile.[/p][p][/p][p]Generally, I also get to know a little whenever I play with friends, about their lives. It’s a good way to keep connected, rather than just simply talking solely about in-game matters.[/p][p]
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[/p][p](Mapo Tofu in Lunar – was a male character at the time)[/p][p][/p][p]
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[/p][p](First clear of BSH2 by Mapo Tofu – played my summoner alt)[/p][p]
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What’s your favorite B&S meme, joke, or community inside-joke?[/p][p]I recently told my clan in NEO that, you can never lose if you don’t quit (in reference to gambling). As we all know, RNG upgrades form a large part of the B&S experience. I am largely just meme-ing because almost everything is a RNG upgrade.[/p][p][/p][p]
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🧑🤝🧑 Character, Role & Clan Identity🧑🤝🧑
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What makes your character special or unique?[/p][p]I think my signature or iconic theme is the naming convention of my characters, which is Codename XXX.[/p][p]
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What impact do you think your character has had on your server or community?[/p][p]I cannot be sure, but I would like to think I did help many players with their dailies, dungeons or raid runs overall, whether by choice or just by virtue of playing the game, quite literally.[/p][p][/p][p]Currently in NEO, I am one of the few geared Warlocks that are actively playing. I suppose it can be memorable in a way to others. I do get asked quite a fair bit for advice from other aspiring Warlock players, who may have questions on the class or tips on upgrading.[/p][p]
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What makes your clan special?[/p][p]My current clan in NEO is special in that we do not really have a gear requirement in mind, unlike many of the active clans. We also have numerous players from Asia, so our members’ active times are different. It is hard to recruit new players, since many eventually quit, and those who are established in-game already have clans, but we make-do with whoever is active.[/p][p]
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Any favorite or legendary clan stories?[/p][p]Not really, except that the former NEO clan leader of Mapo Tofu once ate a cockroach unknowingly…[/p][p]
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🏆 Pride & Accomplishments 🏆
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What achievement are you proudest during your time in B&S?[/p][p]I am glad that I was able to clear all the raid tiers in Live, given my high ping (200ms+). It was not a smooth journey; I was initially in the earlier days, rejected by some raid teams even though I was geared, but because my DPS was not enough in their opinion. Raiding back then felt like a job application – you not only provide your profile, but also a parse and many questions. As a brief summary, I initially started off doing BT with the Bounty Hunters and subsequently, VT with Broken Oath. Later on, I was invited to join Maul’s raid during TT as their former WL was unable to continue with the raid, and stayed on there until we cleared BM (Blackmoon, the final raid tier in Live) and disbanded after everyone was done with the raid/game.[/p][p][/p][p]I think as my reputation eventually grew (if any), I would get asked to help out other raids, whether as a simple fill or to even figure out how that raid should clear. I was the one who was handicapped in my gameplay, but I am also the one giving instructions, planning sheets, managing people from the other side of the world and doing mechanics. I did not stream for the masses, but mainly for internal review or for people who might have been curious about my PoV while raiding.[/p][p][/p][p]The raid that I led (separately on my Warden or other characters), I did not specifically look for high damage players solely, so it was about nailing the mechanics. My team would likely remember that I was more of the “no-nonsense” type of person and would not hesitate to take action as necessary for the raid, while trying to keep a friendly atmosphere. My personal DPS may have been lackluster depending on which character I used, but I was considerably very geared generally on my main and later, on my Warden as well. I greatly appreciate the core team that stayed for most tiers, as they usually took to my directions very well and performed excellently during raids. It’s the kind of thing where if I say one thing, they’ll know what to do next without further instruction.[/p][p][/p][p]As of current date, I am just glad I got the chance to try out BT Boss 1 and clear it in NEO.[/p][p]
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Is there something in-game that feels like your “signature move”?[/p][p]Not exactly. Well, in Live, I used to run weekly trains on all my characters, to the point that people would ask me if I’m going on another etc. This was known as the Codename Weekly Train, if memory serves me right.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
💬 Opinions & Hot Takes 💬
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Do you have any hot takes that other players might disagree with?[/p][p]Hmm. I suppose some players in NEO might find the dungeons to be too easy or simplistic. My take is that, it is intended. Given the skillbook system, players have lesser iframes and CCs than they would in Live. Therefore, the dungeons reflect less stringent mechanics to suit this.[/p][p][/p][p]This is still good as it allows newer players to jump into content more easily without causing dungeon wipes/to learn the mechanics. As someone who played Live for a very long time, I suppose I might be biased as I had my fill of doing mechanics in-game and prefer a more chill experience in NEO. That being said, the HP inflation of content in NEO is still much, with it becoming increasingly onerous for the average player to keep up.[/p][p][/p][p]
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♥︎ Personal Connection ♥︎[/h2][p]
“Again, I appreciate everyone that I have played with in my time on Live and now in NEO. Particularly the players who personally raided or played with me, a huge thank you for making it fun back then.”[/p][p][/p][p]
Has Blade & Soul ever helped you through a difficult time?[/p][p]Not really, but it has been an overall fun experience and memory.[/p][p]
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Did B&S introduce you to friends or people who are still in your life today?[/p][p]For sure, as mentioned, I still speak with some friends I met from the game.[/p][p][/p][p]
Was there ever a moment in-game that genuinely moved you emotionally?[/p][p]Hahaha. I do not think so, but I have definitely seen people be kind to others and go an extra mile to help others.[/p][p]
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◆ Looking Ahead ◆[/h2][p]
“Be kind to others, you never know if a simple act will make someone’s day.”[/p][p][/p][p]
If you still play B&S, what keeps you coming back?[/p][p]I still enjoy the game, that’s just it. Only time will tell when my time is over.[/p][p][/p][p]
What hopes do you have for the future of the game?[/p][p]I hope that the content will be more accessible for the average player, for less P2W events/content. It’s hard to expect much, but one gets used to it.[/p][p][/p][p]
If you could send a message to your younger B&S self, what would it be?[/p][p]It would be, to take the game less seriously and be more chill. I was really too hardcore on raids at times. To spend less money on B&S too. Sometimes, taking a break from the game is more productive than endlessly grinding or thinking about it.[/p][p][/p][p]
Is there anything you’d like to say to the Blade & Soul community?[/p][p]Whether you hate or love the game, just take what was/is good that you can from it, especially the friendships or relationships made. Again, I appreciate everyone that I have played with in my time on Live and now in NEO. Particularly the players who personally raided or played with me, a huge thank you for making it fun back then. I know many of you also made sacrifices for it, such as the tank players who would have to stay back for extra practice, or those who were given extra roles to fill at times. Some, who wanted to quit the game already, but may have stayed on or came on just to make the raids happen as I tried to find a replacement.[/p][p][/p][p]I may not have been the most impressionable player in the sense of helping others at large like doing guides or becoming a B&S streamer, or being the most recognised in something, but I was an enduring player. Everyone plays a role in a community, and sometimes we don’t get recognition or credit for whatever we do, but it doesn’t change that it still may have impacted the experience for others, hopefully for good. There are actually many other high ping players like myself, who like the game despite the extra difficulties we face.[/p][p][/p][p]For the active players, I would caution to play at a pace you are comfortable with and do not blame whales for playing the way they do. Being burnt out from the grind is real. If players have the means to spend, that is their choice. Be kind to others, you never know if a simple act will make someone’s day. We can’t change how NC decides to manage the game, but we can decide how we play the game. Just enjoy what you can![/p][p][/p][p]
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