Interview with $eth
Q: What first inspired you to play this game?
A: I had recently just stopped playing VMK, for it had closed in May of 2008, and was looking for a new game to play. One of my old friends suggested I check out Wizard101, so I signed up and was INSTANLY hooked. I got a membership a week later, and have been playing for over 4 years, and have loved every moment of it, whether it be Mercing it up, or helping people with PvP issues.
Q: Did anything in particular attract you to PvP, or did it just kind of end up that you liked it?
A: This was the first game that I played that offered a PvP option, so I was automatically interested into it. Being as my first character was life, it certainly wasn't the easiest when the max level cap was 50. But, that didn't stop me! I took on the challenge and found that it was a blast trying to outsmart your opponent, get one step in front of him/her. As PvP progressed, with new worlds, spells, gear, etc., I found that I had to adapt to the new strategies people could use, and by then I had more than my life to PvP with. I also am a BIG team PvPer. I like to grab some friends and hit it up in the arena once in a while for fun, or get some pals and enter in a tournament.
Q: What was the road that you had to travel to become a tournament master? Was it easy or difficult to you?
A: Ohhh my, the road to TM. Hmm.. I suppose you could say it started about a year or so ago, as I was getting known on Central more, and in-game. I started helping in the PvP forums more, because I knew more than I did when I first joined or in my first few years of being on Wizards. Then, one boring ol' day, Mr. Morgrim Stormblood came on by and left me a PM asking to begin an interview process to become one of the first Tournament Officials. I was so happy, and I filled out all the proper information, and I just so happened to get Tournament Official in February of 2012. It was CelestialMoon (who is also a TM now! woo), Nikkynova, and myself as the first three tournament officials. We had a ton of fun, and there have been many TOs that have come and gone since then. Then, in late October of 2012, I was running around on test, Azteca was here! So, I'm questing, trying to speed quest on life (which does not work as a tip to everyone), and Zane comes up to me and tells me to check PvPC asap. I was confused, but I went over to PvPCentral to check it out, and I was shocked to see my name had changed from the colors of TO to a TM. I had a little mini heart attack, and then I checked Wizard101Central to make sure it was actually intended, and it was. As to if it was difficult or not.. I'd say no because I loved being TO everyday that I was, and it just felt as a honor to be selected as a Tournament Master, and I am thankful for this chance every day.
Q: What are your opinions on the current PvP system?
A: My opinions of the current PvP system is that it has its flaws and that it could be better. Matchups aren’t fair at all at this time, with level 90s facing mid-level wizards, and that some of the additions to PvP have made it harder to kill in the higher level battles, with May Cast Fairy, and access to more resist, and making heals stronger with Primodorial. Overall, I do believe PvP is okay, but it has room to improve to make it fairer to all levels.
Q: How would you fix it if you could?
A: I feel that I would make the pairups fairer, and I would make Sharpen Blade and Potent Trap no PvP. I would also introduce new arena gear to low levels with critical block, so they can actually have a chance if they were to get paired up versus an opponent with critical without having to always rely on conviction.
Thanks for the interview!