TD - DaMonarchy

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Monarch: Danier
Level: 117
Members: 2435
Home Base: Mansion between Cragstone & Glenden Wood
(Former home base: the "Mule House" -- above the Bowyer in GW)
Web Site: http://adoguy.com/damonarchy

About DaMonarchy

DaMonarchy kicks off the new Monarchies of Dereth section! Danier filled me in on a bit of the background of the origins of DaMonarchy and how his earlier experiences as a vassal and grand-vassal taught him valuable lessons about how he wanted to lead. How he went from a level 34 to level 45 in less than a week (back in the days before BSD!), killing the White Rabbit with ferocious intensity. How after weeks of struggle and research, he cracked the spell formula on his own. Then he adds, "Of course, Splitpea came out roughly 2 weeks later, had a rational user interface, and was instantly adopted by the public at large, but that's a mere detail! <g>" How he eventually broke to become a monarch, and how over time, his little group has grown from a handful of players to over 2000 people, not so much from active recruiting (with a few notable exceptions, such as Doogen), but through the attractive atmosphere of friendship and fun surrounding them.

Some of his insights follow:

"I learned that the primary relationship in the game was between patron and vassal, not follower and monarch."

"Specifically, I became convinced that the ROLE of a group was to BE a group. Yes, that might sound odd or strange, but I came to the conclusion that the job of a group was to simply be a community."

"But... back to the story... <But this IS the story Maggie... the relationships, the community, the feeling safe enough within a group to HELP people.. this IS the story.> "

"We made some mistakes, by which I really mean that I made some mistakes. Due to my distaste for the Aerlinthe Orgy of Ugliness, I kept the group far away from that quest until perhaps 4-5 months ago, when Doog replaced my hate-hate relationship with it with a love-hate. damn him! <g> I have been slow a time or two to eject a person.. and slow a time or two to actively recruit specific people who could add so much, but in the end that is all a wash really.

What we have done, and I want to be careful in how I express this sentiment, is to assemble a group where people can be relaxed and be free to simply be nice, to play the game, and to have someone with which to share themselves. Not that the members of DaMonarchy wouldn't be nice without the group, but that a large part of the intent I have with the group is to establish a culture and social setting where acting nice isn't something one does to get ahead, or to obtain something, and where being nice isn't rewarded with a bat to the face, or by use or abuse. The goal in many ways is simply to be able to have a place to play and a support group where people can have fun, can be as open and friendly as they care to be, and can be safe from being used in doing so.

Most of this is a mood / culture thing, and such things are very delicate and fragile. What makes it work isn't me spending vast amounts of time being accessible, or being willing to break off hunting to answer questions, or sacrificing my firstborn to Asheron or anything dramatic like that. Yes, I do spend a lot of time in /tells, and I do spend a very great deal of time leading, planning, running, organizing, scouting, and generally thinking about quests which are run for the benefit of other people rather than myself. I genuinely enjoy helping out by doing that sort of thing, and can have a great deal of fun running across the Dires to get some funky portal tie for a quest.

But what makes it work is that there is a large group out there who want this thing, this Monarchy, and who are willing to pay for it with their time, energy, emotion, and caring. While we sometimes have fights, misunderstandings, and disagreements, we all find there to be something special in what we have built, something worth trying to keep. How does it start? How DID it start? I have related the events above, but they really aren't of particular relevance when it comes right down to it.

It starts when one person heals another, tosses an armour spell, and says have a nice day, and when the person being healed decides that he would like to be in a group where people can just do that. Not for each other, just in general. That really is the long and the short of DaMonarchy, the group of which I am pleased and proud to be at the head."

Danier,
DaMonarch
DaMonarchy
Thistledown

Instead of these features being all about the Monarch, I wanted to hear from members of the allegiance about what made their monarchy special to them. I've included a bit about Sugardaddy's efforts to get a Focusing Stone, an adventure that epitomizes the DaMonarchy spirit to me (an honorary hanger-on-er). And I asked the group a simple question: Why do you like DaMonarchy? Their answers are below.

Sugardaddy, Danier's sad mule of Doom (6 health points!), equipped with a Baron's Amulet of Life Giving, all the buffs in the world, an enormous bodyguard contingent, and a sack full of Gold Wasp Wings and Acolyte Skulls for emergency vitae removal, gets his Focusing Stone! Yay!
 

DaMonarchy Speaks

Maggie, what a great idea. Here is a story about how Galfrida became a DaMonarchian. Gal had a friend (Ayn Rand) who kept telling her about this awesome clan she belonged to. She kept inviting Gal to come over and meet all the folks. Well, I kept putting it off until one day the Clan Gal was in started breaking up. Well, Gal went on her own to the DaMonarchy clan house and the first thing she heard what this level 90ish mage-type guy in tangerine telling these people he was the best kisser in Dereth. Don't you know that perked Gal's ears. lol Next thing I know this guy is the Monarch. welllllllll... now I'm interested. Besides, Gal's liked the look of tangerine (not orange) on this guy.

Ayn introduced Galfrida around to those who were there and told them she was looking to join the Dan Clan. Everyone was polite, talked to me and offered me help if needed but not one offered to be her new patron. Just to clarify something. Gal at that point had not seen her patron for several months and was on her own and not liking it. So back to the "old clan" she went and found a new patron. That did not last long. they did not see eye to eye on what a patron should be. and what a vassal should be. So after a several weeks of trying to stay there, Gal once again went looking for a home for her and her 40+ vassals. They needed a good home.

Gal's next visit to the Danier clan house found Ayn with Thunar and Valen Thornduval there. Ayn once again introduced me and told them again I was looking for a patron. This time, thank God, Valen offered to take Galfrida as a vassal. Well, that has been a long time ago. I've never been happier than being in the Danier Clan, They are the Best of the Best. But because of all the hassle I had gone through previously, I was still apprehensive until my second meeting with Dan. It was at a clan meeting. I have never met anyone so impressive. I was truly impressed with the way he handled the meeting with authority and humor. I honestly believe it was the humor that won me over totally. And the Clan ability to take huge numbers of toons on a quest and finish it. That simply is awesome. Dan, you are awesome.. truly.

Now Gal is the self appointed president of the Dan Clan Fanclub. lol Ask anyone who hears me talk to others about the clan. I can't say enough good things about them. I've found a home thanks to Ayn persistent urgings and Valen's willingness to take on a lost soul called Galfrida.

Galfrida- level 84 archer
Galfriala - level 34 mage
Gal's-Rms - the clan composite mule
Gal's sister - alchemist/cook level 22
Beajae - level 18 archer/mage (but mostly mule, lol)

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Danier has got the be the best Monarch on the server. Even as large as this monarchy is he finds the time to help anyone that needs it and is very "hands on" with his followers. Having an exceptional leader, makes for having exceptional clan members.

Of course it also helps having the best Patron on the server also.

Latte Level 75 Archer/Sheetara Level 59 Archer
Patron Galfrida

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I have been playing this game for 2 years now and have met many people, but none with the willingness to help anyone no matter what (monarchy or not) like Galfrida. Great job Gal, you really help make this the best monarchy in the game. Ok and yes can't forget to say a special thx to our man Dan. Doesn't mater what it is--armor, buffs, quests, advice, he is always there to do what he can and doesn't say go ask your patron :) thx Dan. You're the best.

Rovie 53 archie

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 What a bunch of nuts!! The clan celebrates Danier's B-day by throwing him a surprise party! Everyone dresses like Danier, in tangerine pyjamas--Danier's original starter outfit!

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Well,
These are my reasons why DaMonarchy rocks TD. I have gotten to hang and hunt with some of the most decent toons on this server. Calli/Zonata gives you the shirt and armor off her back. Sanouske/Solero best patron ever, helped me learn the game and one of the few mages I trust to hunt with. Sharpie always there to guide or help out a noob. Le Stat dropping goodies and buffs on you without asking for them. Danier, Doogen always up for body recovery, when they are not saving everyone else or questing. Death wish/D w to the Point, just fun to watch him die trying to bite off more than he can chew and still go back for more. He truly plays the game his way. Galfrida and her sisters, well, who has a bad thing to say about her? Dacia/Katrial same boat as Calli, quick to donate a Quest item, even when she is above the level to get it again. Buf, well he is just too cool for this server. He is fun to hunt with. Hey Morph and Miss Trinity thanks for the quick help with the Diamond lord. Gotta love peeps that come quick to help out. These peeps give without expecting reward or return of favor. There is no other Clan I would ever want to be a part of. 

Logan Ryu (lvl 64 Sho Duelist)

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Maggie,

Galfrida, Sin li, Angel Kisses, Acutenurse, Bowgirl and Ayn Rand are the people that not only make a great monarchy, but are the only reason I still play this game after two years. These people have become very good friends to me. I wish I had enough money to go meet them all in real life. Dacia is a great patron and I couldn't imagine a better Monarch than Danier.

I think the reason the DaMonarchy Clan is such a good one has mostly to do with the way Doog and Dan keep the moral standards high. If we do get a bad apple then they are given an appropriate number of chances, if they don't shape up, they get the boot. Fortunately it is the good of heart that get attracted to the monarchy.

Thank you every one,
Kil al-Eavill

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Hi Maggie, I'll try to keep this short but you are talking about something I feel very strongly about. I have personally have been with Danier for about three years now. And from my own experience, DaMonarchy just keeps getting better and better. Dan himself must have the patience of Job, leading quest after quest, and recovering body after body. Repeating directions and information at least 50 times a day. Then with the addition of Doogen, and Quietfire, there is no limit to the amount of information am I supplied with, not to mention the plethora of excellent hunting partners.

And as the DaMonarchy grows larger every day, I keep running into more good people all the time. For example just recently I started a mage, and all I had to do was mention that I needed help, and I had more help and information than I had ever imagined. What is even better is a person I really did not know went out of his way to help me get through the first few tough levels. Even after that was always there with support and advice. I must give Hyro Isho tons of recognition here. Without him, I would have never gotten as far as I have. (Level 58 Battle Mage) Everyone says starting a mage is tough? Not in this monarchy!!! Everything is easy! Which brings me to the most important thing about Da Monarchy. We are all here for each other!!

I just cannot say enough good about Da Monarchy; however, I must say I must be the luckiest man in the world to keep company with the likes of Danier, Doogen, Dacia, Hyro Isho, Quietfire, Calli, Zonata, Drakkenov, Silent Prey and all the others too numerous to mention here. Rest assured I am certainly not the best at anything, but fortunate enough to be a part of the BEST Monarchy!

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My char J-man is a level 46 sword swinger who owes everything to the monarchy. Doogens mage and Danier, who never have said no to me, are really great examples of what DaMonarchy stands for. I hope you don't mind but here a story I wrote of just one of the examples of the kindness Doogen has shown me.

Some of you may know that about a month and a half ago, I attempted the Singularity weapon quest. Upon nearing the final dungeon where the weapon becomes non drop/destroy on death, I ran into an unfortunate accident. A chaos wisp shot me down with a couple fire spells and the weapon was destroyed.

Not only did Doogen get my corpse, but he agreed to help me again when my timer expired. Well a few nights ago, I was able to get the weapon and head for the upgrade. Doogen buffed me like crazy and we made it safely. Once inside I was amazed to see that with Doogen's buffs and banes and him drawing most of the baddied away I was hit for very minimal damage. Armored tuskers averaged about 2-5 points of damage on me and crit me from behind for around 25 points! I was quite amazed and we were nearing the end of the dungeon when tons and tons of hollows and tuskers showed up.

Being the brave man he is, Doog took them all on which was unbelievable. I didn't think anyone could last more than a second or two with all those BIG baddies on them. Doog sent me to the end to turn in my sword and I did. Unfortunately, I took a few seconds too much to get the sword and, well, the masses and masses of baddies finally were too much for Doog. Within a short period of time he had cleared and was safe outside with me with all his stuff. I was amazed at how fast he had cleared the inside!

I had done it, gotten my sing sword, and it was all thanks to Doogen. I just wanted to let everyone know how great Doogen is and he is one of the toughest guys in the monarchy (of course there is always Dan). Thank you Doogen for all your help. I owe you everything. In short, Doog is amazing.

I owe the monarchy everything and am always willing to help anyone out. If you ever need anything please please feel free to ask it of me.

J-man level 46 sword

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Hey all,
I have played for about 2 years now and I have been fortunate enough to be a part of DaMonarchy since my very first day. One thing I really like about it is if I ID someone and see that their monarch is Danier, I know I can trust them and that they are a good moral person. Danier and Doogen are great leaders and know how to control a large group of quest hungry followers -- I believe I would go absolutely crazy if I had to attempt it. They keep the quest schedule full and make sure everyone gets the items they want.

Le Stat has been a great patron helping me with things I need here and there and being there just to chat. Xiodan has been a really good friend since I first started. We re-rolled a few months ago and have really helped each other just roll through the levels. Calli is just great, she is everywhere and is willing to help me with whatever I need. I remember Zero getting his GSA stolen a while ago and everyone had replaced it by the next day without telling him. It was a great surprise!

I have a few great vassals in Kenten, Joshy's Mage, and Hagy. I believe they've helped me out more times than I've helped them. Jamer has been a great friend also, helping me out with various items and quest info. If I need help getting a body (I rarely do anymore since I'm a pro at dying) I can easily have at least 5 of DaMonarchy there to help me out, just like I will drop anything to go help someone else out. Thanks for being in Damonarchy everyone. You are all wonderful.

BOOSKIN
Level 69 Archer
Patron Le Stat

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Well it is simple, good people. I left the game for about 6 or 8 months, and decided to return when things in my life evened out. I started 2 accounts and tied them together. I returned to my patron of old, the often mentioned, the popular, the kind and generous Calli/Zonata. I was almost immediately loaded down (298 burden) with enough armor, jewelry and weapons by Elizabeth the conquer, Jo's, and Logan Ryu to suit up 6 of my toons. I was then aided by Elizabeth and jo's and Xiodan and some of their friends in power leveling, and even given financial aid from them. I now have my sword and mage up to level 34 and 35, with other toons in their teens and twenties. Even Doog and Dan have bestowed a few gifts upon me during quests, and I rarely, if ever, see them. So all of that is the main reason I like DaMonarchy

Rofler Ennis
Roper Magnus

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I was one of the 40+ characters to come over to Damonarchy with Galfrida. My patron is Drew Mikelson and his patron is Gal. While I was just following Gal and trusting her judgments in these matters as always, I found myself pleasantly surprised at the first clan meeting we attended. My god the leader of the clan really talked to me!!!!! (a shock since in our last monarchy the monarch disregarded anyone under level 60 or so) And the kicker was he was actually a nice guy.

But I digress, the reasons I like Damonachy are: I can mule in absolute safety. I don't usually talk much, but if I have a question, I get a reliable and prompt answer. The people are very friendly and willing to help. I'm not much of a quester, but when I do go on a quest, I feel very included. In short it's because I don't feel I belong to Damonarchy, I feel I'm part of Damonarchy.

Capt. Flint lvl 46 hacker
Patron Drew Mikelson
Patrons Patron Galfrida

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DaMonarchy is a very active questing group with the week's schedule set up in advance on the Yahoo Groups calendar.

 Above, milgan, Dacia, Galfrida, Sheetara, Maggie, Danier, Leslieo, Richelu, and Kevlar the Bold show off their Quiddity Weapons!

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In Asheron's Call, By Doogen of Rithwic
----------------------------------------------------------
In Asheron's Call, you may make a friend.
Sometimes friends wear Tangerine.
Friend might share a vision with you, of sharing, giving, teaching, and having fun.
Or he may just buff you when you've decided that 40% would end your call.
Sometimes the call is about leadership and growth through giving yourself away, and learning that in return you become more of a person when you give yourself away.

Or you may learn that even small archers can use a life wand.
You could run by a stranger in Glendon Wood, a little girl hunting rabbits and drudges.
And instead of saying hello, you can heal her, because we all are mages Zonata,
Some of us just deal with it better than others, right?
Then others become powerhouse archers dealing in life and magics easily as an archer nocks a bow.
Healing others with a laugh, a smile, and a giggle or watching a sunset.
In this call, you can find a new friend.

Or you can meet a friend who was there before you
And watch her fight as hard as someone can fight,
Despite not having the fastest connection to the 'net.
Congrats on the level Quietfire, I'm proud of you.
Sometimes the call is pure persistence and sticking to a goal

And some days you'll learn that someone is your friend already,
Even if you haven't met her yet.
Simply because Dacia is a friend - was your friend already,
the moment you joined the allegiance.
In the call you're simply accepted and embraced.

And a child can be your fellow-mate.
And a teenager can teach you something about yourself.
And you can have fun.
And learning the game can be a game.
And teaching the game within the game can be a game.
And dealing with others outside your group can be the game that you teach others to game.
And you can trade. And you lose. And you earn. And you give. And you laugh. Out loud. Rolling on the floor. Because the call IS tangible. It's a game-shaped experience that will never be stolen or grieved.

Because in Asheron's call you can decide in an October to learn a quest.
In the call you can learn how to lead a four-hour Adventure.
And you can talk a wisp killer they call Leslieo, a Milgan-shaped tank, and something they call a Wei...
Into learning that adventure with you.
Oh sure, they might think you know what you're doing.
Then six months later you can look back and see just how much fun you experienced.
Learning how to kill a Lady and an Ejan-shaped Smith.

Because Dereth is a world, and for part of my day, all the doogs are in it.
We don't know what a doog is, but we know... that Doogs ARE everywhere.
And Doogs are a collective
And Damonarchy is an allegiance of collectives, some of which are doog-shaped, whatever that is.

In Asheron's call you can join a thing when it's 110 big.
And you can become a leader when it hits 500 small.
And you can try to influence it with a thing like a chain at 1,500 wide.
And you can realize it's not built out of chains.
That it doesn't rely on lines or weak links.
Rather it's a mesh of people and things and events and doing quests every week for 100 weeks. It's not about exp, it's what happens while exp magically appears out of thin air. And it's big and small and tall and wide. It's a call.

It's a person and a collective and an allegiance and a quest and a trade and a loss and a friend and a buff and a guy named Buf. It's a Dumble who dores, a Way who showers, a talking-thing made of Shon, a house with twenty golden gromnie-cornerstones. It's a fellow and a shout to a Jack shaped cat. It's a hi and a hi ho, it's a sub-shaped hub. It's a journey to a pit that is ninety minutes to run or a bot that gets you there in a Roila shaped call. It's the Ender you all never met, the Griff who came back, an Exodus-shaped Andy, and a Furby hunting Kil Ho Gal gal drooling on a J-made acid quest that never really ends.

In my Asheron's Call, Damonarchy is the family in the game that's the pastime that is the call.

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Dear Fellow clan members, Monarch and my closest friends,
The reason why I (Dark Blood Knight and Spirit Fire) like Damonarchy is because I have never met such finer people in my life.... I was level 25 when my patron's patron swore to Danier. I had my doubts about Danier at first cause I was a Wren the Blurry fan.... I am glad to say all the people of Damonarchy, including Danier himself, have helped me on many occasions. For that I am VERY grateful. I plan on being in Damonarchy for a very long time and plan to be high level so I may one day help the ones that helped me... Thank you Guys!

Dark Blood Knight Sword/Item
Spirit Fire-4 school mage

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Well, where do I begin? I have tons of friends in AC and tons of friends in this clan. And I've lost a few good ones along the way.

I've been playing AC for over 3 years now and I've been in a total of 5 clans. Each had their own distinct personality and each had their strengths and their downsides. I can often be heard telling other people that this clan is great, but I don't often sit down and try to distill my feelings into a few words. I think it comes down to one word, really: community. DaMonarchy is a large community chock full of people that make you want to come back to the Call again and again.

Danier leads this group with an equable hand and a steady head. If you wonder where all the exp goes that we send his way, he has to be pouring it all into patience. Yet, he greets us each and every day with a hearty Hi Ho and a <g> and is always ready for the next quest, the next recovery or simply to give some great advice.

I hate to start mentioning names for fear I'll miss someone, because each of us makes this the best clan in AC, period, every day. From my cherished patron, Galfrida, who has already received more accolades from others than I can match, to the irrepressible Pet; everyone gives of themselves in the most positive way and the clan just keeps getting better.

To borrow from a couple of other posts the clan is a mesh of people who are having so much fun they barely notice all the quests and all the experience pouring in. It's about everyone not forgetting they are still human and humor is really the best therapy for all of us.

I'm more than proud, I'm honored, to have my name associated with this clan, with Danier as Monarch and all the happy DaMonarchians.

<with his tail wrapped around the whole clan>

-Tyger
level 75 Life/Archer

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Why I like DaMonarchy...

I've been playing this game for a long time now, and I've been in more then one Guild. Large ones, small ones. I once took a break from AC, and when I came back after roughly 6 months, I joined Damonarchy.

I've been impressed by the morals of all the people I have met, the kindness, honor and all around willingness to help out. Also I'm impressed by the leadership of Danier and Doog. I cannot for the life of me understand how they do it, but they do! Kudos to them!

Up till now it has been a real pleasure to be a part of this clan, and I'm here to stay ;)

Special shout out to: Fingerbob, Mogwai, Ayn Rand, Danier, Doog, Buf, Solero, Calli, Joshy's Mage, Uril-Galith and Poliwrath.

Immortus - Level 56 Og.

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Well it is about time for me to ring in my thoughts about Damonarchy. First let me explain how I came to meet Danier and the bunch I am proud to call my friends in family on Dereth. I started Playing AC shortly after retail. A RL friend and I decided to make a run for a fort northwest of Zaikhal where we met this nice guy named Saturos. Bayud swore to Saturos.I hadn't actually met him yet so I had doubts, but I trusted Bayud's judgment on this. After actually meeting Saturos, I came to like him. At the time I joined, Danier had not actually taken on the role of Monarch yet. At that time Axident was monarch. Saturos told us to go see Danier in GW he would be able to give us advice about where to hunt for pyrerals. That is how I came to know Dan and to join Damonarchy.

My time here has been long and I enjoy the company of every member of Damonarchy each and every day I log in. If I could escape reality, I would like it to be in AC where my new found friends and family are. Dan has helped me a lot and through some rough times when I was ready to call it quits. Doog, who is always there to help, has also helped me in a few pinches. In turn, I try to repay them by helping as many others in Damonarchy as I can. In fact I have made it my personal mission to log on each and every patch day to brave the bad things that will happen and the bugs to learn the new quests and to get Information on the new items or special lore so I can share it with the Monarchy.

I'd like to make a few special mentions:
Calli -- A loving patron (I wonder how many times I get on her nerves). Love ya Calli.
Doogens Mage -- I know he has to be tired of my endless ramblings and all my questions.
Danier -- An all around great guy. Wouldn't trade in his Monarchy if I was paid to.
Bladen -- what can I say. We think alike at times.
Joshy's Mage -- My RL cousin(*peeks over to make sure Joshy isn't seeing him type this*).
Dacia -- A sweet sweet friend and good woman in my book.
Buf -- He's always making me bust a gut while trying to type.
Hyro Isho -- a very very good friend who has helped me out so much and dang near refuses to accept things in return.
Booskin -- A great friend. We discuss a lot of things in and out of Dereth.
Logan Ryu -- well. he is just Logan.
Tyrion the Swift -- good chap and great friend.

And a shocker to most of y'all who prolly don't know
Trishia -- My mother. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't even be here to play this game (yes, my mother plays AC thanks to me).

I would like to express my thanks to each and every person in the Monarchy. Without you showing Dereth that we are a monarchy that cares, we would not be as well known as a good monarchy .

Jamer (level 68 Archer/3 school)
Patron: Calli

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Hi Maggie,
Here is a little story about how I met and eventually joined the clan of Danier.

My interest first peaked about AC while I was playing Spades and Eukere on the zone around February of 2000. I kept seeing over 12,000 people logged into Asheron's Call. Well, I couldn't resist temptation and bought AC.

After experimenting with a template or two, I created Dacia and have been playing her ever since. I have to admit, the first month I played was a bit boring and I contemplated giving up (no monarchy or patron, no one to ask advise from).

I bless the day I wound up in Holt and met Southern. We kept running into each other at the Holt dungeon and eventually just started hunting together. Southern swore to me and had his RL son Hinoth swear to me too. One day we got brave and decided to run to GW. We were both around level 9 or 10 at the time and the run was brutal. So, there we were in GW, looking for something to do. The next thing I remember is having a couple bodies in Daiklos dungeon and wondering how I was going to get them back. Enter Validen (I am ashamed to admit I can not remember the rest of his name). Well, Validen helped me and Southern with the bodies and spent a short time talking about his monarchy. I have to admit I was intrigued. Southern and I talked it over (we kept running into Validen <g>) and decided to meet some of the members.

At this time Danier was the monarch and had about 150 followers. After meeting some of the clan, Validen talked to Om, and Om generously agreed let me swear, placing me under AJ-Heart. And I must say, once I joined the clan, I was thoroughly addicted.

Om and Aj were wonderful. They would take me all over the place, listening to me beg to go along, telling them that I would be ok, when they knew the area would be certain death for me. They would try to discourage me, but I persisted, and when I died, they camped my body because I couldn't make the run back to where it was without leaving a breadcrumb trail of bodies in my wake.

So for me, I would have to say the People of the Clan are what I love most about Damonarchy. The range and diversity of experience both in game and in RL is just amazing.

One of the other things I love is the patience I encountered. I didn't have item magic until I was level 32. Let me tell you, that made questing interesting. I honestly think that someone was appointed my portal keeper until I trained Item magic!! (finding myself at Teth BSD more than once after a failed jump ensured that I got to Level 32 ASAP)

Getting to know Danier, Doogens mage, Calli/Zonata, Om, Aj-heart, Validen, Peanut, Quietfire, Dulinar, Furby, Galfrida, Tyger, Jamer, Buf, Joshy, Hogann, Le Stat, Dumbledore........the list could go on forever....has just made my experience here that much richer. I honestly think that if I had to give up Damonarchy, I would give up AC.

Dacia of Lytelthorpe
Level 89 Swordswinger
Patron: Doogens Mage

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In DaMonarchy:

I have never felt the need to do anything except have fun and respect others.

I have never felt the need to be anyone but myself.

I have never felt the need to act in any way except true to my values.

I have never felt the need to compete with others for we are a family.

I choose to be a Danierian.

Feyn Slowblade
-the slowest sword in Dereth

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Where to start?
I'm sure I could fill an entire page full of one word reasons why I truly love and appreciate this group. The comraderie, family atmosphere, group hunts, weekend quests, generosity, and most importantly, the excellent leadership.
I for one, have never played with another monarchy in the game. I've met a quite a few members of other clans and interact regularly with many; some more pleasant than others. For this reason, I will not stake a claim that we are the best monarchy on the server or get into any sort of debate over the matter. What I will say is that I have yet to see a monarchy that rivals our leadership roles.

Danier and Doogens Mage set a great example for how DaMonarchy is perceived around Dereth. When a conflict arises, they propose competent solutions. When someone needs help, they assist in any way they can. Over the past 2 years, I've watched these actions overflow to everyone that follows them. We are all generous to a certain extent, but with role-models such as these two, it is so much easier to "give the shirt off of your back". Many a times I have witnessed vassals helping out their patrons, players stopping just to say hello to another unknown member of the clan, and just outright going out of their way to make a fellow DaMonarchian have a better gaming experience. Even in responses that have been posted about this topic, I witness people thanking others just because they have another opportunity. Most would capitalize on the opportunity to be a part of Maggie's wonderful site, yet they take more time to graciously thank and praise fellow members. The closest trait that comes to mind is Humility, and that is why I like Damonarchy.

I'd like to share one of my many experiences with DaMonarchy. About a month ago, I was honored to host a PK Tournament called King of DaMansion. It was open to all members of the monarchy and took place within the confines of our mansion, the basement to be exact. We had around 25-30 participants ranging from level 50-110, from mage to melee, and most importantly, older and younger members. I was so happy to see everyone gather and lightheartedly tease each other as to the final outcome. There were some secret alliances and deceitful tactics utilized by most, and in the end, Danier and Doogens Mage let us all experience the consequences of doubting their supremacy as King and Right-Hand Man. I like to think that this experience served as a great example of our compassion for one another as we then fellowed, young and old, mage and melee, to rid ourselves of the vitae. Thanks again for all the wonderful times of the past, present, and future.

Humbly yours,
Solero
level 57 mage
vassal of Logan Ryu
DaMonarchy of Danier
2332 Followers and growing

**********

The people!!! The Joy!! The frustration, the rush, the comraderie, the fun, the anticipation, the quest, the laughter, the craziness, the love, the kindness, the smiles <g>, the jokes, the being there for each other, the dying together, the running like girls into the night together, the US of Damonarchy!!

There is no better place to be in this world than here!!! Thank you all for the joy and happiness you have brought into my world.

Dooger, Danier, Logan, Solero, LeStat, Ommie, Dacia, Galfrida, Bladen, Latte, Buf, Wei, Evil Wei, Bobberbutt, Mogwai, Tyrion the Swift, Silente Vengence, Hyro Isho, Quietfire, Drakkenov, Silent Prey, Rombus the Proud, Saturos, Milgan, Leslieo, Vitae God, Valen Thorduval, Thunar, Joshy's Mage, Jamer, Furby Hunter, good gravy I could go on for over 2,000 names, THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING MY DAY EVERYTIME I COME HERE.

What do I love about DaMonarchy - The Peeps!!!!

Zonata
 

Ned Cleversun Adds His 2 Cents

Hi Maggie! Why do I love Damonarchy? Well, probably because it's just the best monarchy in the whole game, that's why. Ok, WAIT ...I realize that was not a good way to put it, I mis-spoke, forgive me. Damonarchy is, er, a very good monarchy! They have organized hunts and quests, literally thousands of members, and there's always someone around to help retrieve a corpse or two in a nasty situation. Does that sound too enthusiastic? Let's just say, then, that they are not bad folks, ok?

I'm kidding, of course. I know you are a big fan of Damonarchy. After all, you were the one who introduced me to Danier, Damonarchy's monarch.

Actually, I suppose should mention that I am not formally a member of Damonarchy. I mean I'm not a member at all! As you know, I belong to YOUR monarchy, which is a very excellent one. I like your monarchy and always have liked it. You are a fine monarch. As your only vassal, may I say that things couldn't be better!

Damonarchy is a pretty good runner-up, however. They have been kind enough to make me a sort of Honorary Hanger-On, and I've had many fun and stimulating experiences with them over the years. Innumerable Dead Neds have been reclaimed through the force of Damonarchy arms and combat resources. They have school spirit.

In fact, as a total outsider, I really think I'm well qualified to recommend this monarchy. Here are their strengths:

* They spend an amazingly large amount of time PLAYING THE GAME, rather than standing around the lifestone talking trash. This characteristic is often overlooked when weighting the pros and cons of an allegiance, IMO. They play a lot, and they seem to LIKE IT. Enjoyable play beats the buggerbits out of tedious bad-tempered play.

* They have relatively few MEETINGS. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized.

* They have little interest in ASSIGNING BLAME, and not much skill in doing it, either. Such small blame as there might be is usually casually assigned to the leadership, who seem to accept it as the unavoidable consequence of competence and integrity. We could all learn from them. (The leadership, that is.)

* In situations where good preparation matters, such as dangerous quests, they are well-prepared. They understand that there is a knack to managing 30 players in a dungeon. Practice makes proficient.

* There are no Damonarchy members with serious unresolved psychological issues that impair game play! This is wonderful news. No bossy fussbudget know-it-alls, no mean-minded back stabbers, no pissy-ass peeps trying to compensate for the flawed parenting they endured as children. They may be a tad weird, but they show up at the dungeon ready for work and unburdened by dig-me baggage.

* Finally, their hearts are pretty much pure, and stout, and lion-like. They are valiant warriors, imbued with courage. They are tenacious, never giving up. They are loyal and true. They seem to care about one another. They are crafty, ingenious and generally wicked-smart. They have high quality equipment and frightening stats. In fact, Damonarchy may have the game's only level 100+ mule. With a 400 cooking stat, I believe.

That wraps it up, I think. Doogens Mage is a fine executive officer, always ready to pretend that my errors are normal and the sort of thing that could happen to anyone. Danier, the Monarch, is not quite able to go that far, but he is nice enough! He is also a fine military strategist, a knowledgable student of history, and he has 1839 Ned Cleversun corpses to his credit. That's got to count for a lot. Er, I think he may have picked up a few Jackcat corpses too!

GAME NAME: Ned Cleversun
LEVEL: 83
TYPE OF PLAYER: Archer/Mage (Life, Item, Creature)
SERVER: Thistledown
PATRON: Maggie the Jackcat
MONARCH: Maggie the Jackcat
 

DaMonarchy Speaks Again

Dear Mr Cleverson,

I resemble that remark. I take great pride in my unresolved psychological issues.

Capt Flint
 

Danier has previously been featured on the Runway and in the Where Are They Now sections.