Community Spotlight: The SotA Travel Guide

As we gear up for Release 7, I couldn’t help but think that a Community Spotlight featuring a very cool site whose sole purpose is to help our community learn about the sights and sounds of New Britannia would be a perfect choice!  So, without further delay, I present to you, The SotA Travel Guide!   The SotA Travel Guide is designed to give visitors advice on what towns to visit, sites to see, and even has some insider tips on where one might find a few hidden gems. The SotA Travel Guide  also explores player run content including towns, shops, festivals, and more.

I had a chance to chat with Joseph Drasin (Unseen Dragon), the creator of the SotA Travel guide, and here is what he had to say.

 
FireLotus: If you were an NPC in Shroud of the Avatar, how would describe yourself?

Joseph:  Some who know me well might say otherwise, but I’m a pretty reserved person in general. But it’s more like I like to listen a lot before speaking out. Most of my job involves that, listening and then giving advice and providing council. As an NPC, I would likely be a businessman or city administrator of some type; settling disputes and such.  Someone at work recently asked me what it is that drives me and I said ‘I like to solve people’s problems’.

FireLotus: Why a Travel Guide?  What do you think sets your contribution to Shroud apart from the rest? (this is your chance to brag about the Travel Guide and any other cool stuff you’re doing!)

Joseph: The travel guide actually came up while I was working on the story of a couple Lego buildings I made (SotABricks.com). As I was writing about The Hearth of Britannia and the Tortoise and Hare Bed & Breakfast, I realized the writing sounded more like something you’d find in a travel guide or brochure. The more I wrote, I realized it could be really fun to write such content for more of the game. While there are some great SotA sites out there already, most of them focus on the mechanics of the game such as crafting guides, NPC lists, and so forth. Yet, what I think is special about SotA is that there is so much player run content which is outside the mechanics. So I thought a site that you could stay immersed in, not have spoilers, and also highlight player-run content was just a perfect combination. The answer was SotATravelGuide.com. We plan to have entries for as much of the game as we can, and again the focus really is on the player run content. Not just the shops and taverns, but all the amazing fun stuff people are doing already. Just like a real travel guide, beautiful homes, interesting landmarks, and festivals and events; all with a touch of history when possible. I think this helps the game feel more alive while instead of hindering the adventure and discovery, actually enhancing it.

FireLotus:  What are YOU as a player most looking forward to in Shroud of the Avatar?

Joseph: Of course the story and setting of a game Richard and Tracy are collaborating on is exciting. But, to be honest, I think what I’m most curious to see is the stuff that hasn’t even been thought of yet. Just seeing the amazing stuff the community will come up with is really compelling to me.

Do you know someone who is doing amazing things in our community? Then drop me a line at community@portalarium.com and introduce us. Who know, maybe they’ll be featured in our next Community Spotlight!