Southern Armada is an Australian time-zone primarily PvE guild with a long history. The guild formed in EQ and has adventured on many worlds since then (including WoW pre-TBC on Proudmoore server). Quite a few of the members have been with the guild since its origin so we have a fairly mature playerbase and gaming tends to take place in the evening after work. The guild has recently restarted its WoW chapter and is looking to grow its numbers.
Hopefully we're looking for the same thing as you are, good capable people to game with in all the non-solo content WoW has to offer. We like the challenge of working together to defeat content but we don't consider it a race and respect the fact many of our members have real life commitments that restrict how much time they can devote to a game.
- requirements
We don't care about what character you are playing, your level, or your gear. We're recruiting the person behind the keyboard. We realise the character and gear (maybe even game) will change over time but a good gamer is a constant asset. Conversely no amount of epics will make up for someone no one can stand. We've played in enough games to know that in the end the character will just get left behind and what you keep are the good memories and people to group up with again in the next game.
What we expect is someone mature and sociable enough to contribute to a guild / group / raid and skilled enough (or capable of learning) that we can meet and defeat the challenges the game offers. If you're looking for people to run you through instances or make your character l33t in the shortest possible time then you've missed the point. We play because we enjoy the gaming. We also believe that gaming is much more fun with people you know well and can trust. So real life friends (or partners) of members will have a much easier time of recruitment.
It will probably work better if you are 21+ years of age. Partly because this better matches the guilds average age and attitude but also because we can't match how much time students can devote to the game and rarely have many members on during working hours.
We don't tolerate a person putting the game ahead of other people in general and guild members in particular.
- raids
Southern Armada has run raid groups in all of the games we've played.
While most of the members have taken the opportunity to start afresh we have every intention of doing so in WoW. In order to be more flexible, reduce drama and support casual gameplay the guild supports raiders forming independant groups within the guild. Each of the raid groups will have their own leaders dedicated to that raid, their own requirements on members and their own assets (tabs in guild bank). This means joining the guild is only the first step towards forming / joining a raid group, but also that the raid groups do not dictate guild policy. If you don't like how one raid group is run then feel free to join / form a different one amongst the guild members. Hardcore gamers may be a member of multiple raid groups, while more casual gamers may be a member of only one or available to fill gaps in raid groups.
At the current point in time the guild is too small, and many people are levelling up new characters, to field a raid group.
- Games
Southern Armada has some presence in quite a number of other MMORPG's. We realise no one game lasts forever and everyone needs a change sometimes. This means if you need a break from WoW to try another game we're fine with it and you can probably find other SA people already there to game with. If / when you come back to WoW we'll be happy to see you return. Likewise if you are a member of another chapter of SA come game with us if you visit / move to WoW.
SA:WoW does not require exclusive membership. If you want to play other games (ideally with SA) we don't mind. Your game-time, your choice. However the raid leaders in the various chapters are likely to expect a more specific level of commitment / attendance.
- Process
Southern Armada is always happy to find more good people to game with. Preferably you'll see us in game, group with us, and like what you see enough to join us. Feel free to chat with any Southern Armada member and see if you think the guild would suit you. They may be busy in which case try another member or later. If they offer to recommend you then you'll need to speak with the GuildLeader Hiiru (alt. Shinrai) for a short chat and probably guilding as an initiate.
Being an initiate isn't meant to be demeaning. Its intended so the guild knows you're a new member and can have the chance to introduce themselves and get to know you. It also lets you make sure this is a guild you want to be a part of. If all goes well you'll be a full member generally after about a month.
We do reserve the right to be picky. To us joining a guild is like being invited into a circle of friends. We'd rather stay small, or grow slowly, than add someone who makes it harder to enjoy the game.
- Forums
You are encouraged to register for the forum (southernarmada.org) and write a post introducing yourself, your character(s) and why you think SA is a good match for what you want from your gaming. This is helpful for recruitment into SA:WoW, but it is also part of becoming a member of the wider Southern Armada community who all share the forums.
If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to contact Hiiru/Shinrai in game or on the forums.
