by PalatinusGM, 2 days agoI wanted to take a few minutes and talk about Artifact and how we push to that next level.
The Artifact War Machine. Artifact is a raiding guild and we have to be constantly improving our play. Our focus on progression 25s is as strong as ever, and I want to build on that. This week we are going to try something new.
Tuesday/Wednesday: Progression raiding. Veterans, we've got two raid days, be on time and be prepared to focus on making speedy, efficient kills. To maximize the use of our time we will avoid as much farm content that we can. This means after we down the lower spire bosses we head directly to the wing we are working on. As we wind down on Wednesday, we can consider visiting any farm content left in our dust.
Thursday: "Artifact raiding". Non-vets, here is where you shine. Let's form up and spend the day getting you the experience needed for the next level of raiding. I'd love to see us spending as much time as we can in ICC, but our goal is to be successful by working on content within our means. If we have the team for ICC 10/25, let's make it happen. However, 10/25 ToC or even Ulduar are not out of the picture.
What about 10s?: I think 10s are a great way to learn and grow together, but if the runs are not happening we are not getting that extra bang for our buck. Over the next few days I will be spending some time creating pre-made 10s teams. We can make better use of the weekends and off days without burning ourselves out. I encourage everyone to spend some time and think about your schedule and what would best fit you. These teams will operate with little intervention from myself, but that doesn't mean I am not watching.

Our goal is to get things done, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun doing it.
Everyone has a unique schedule and there are only so many days in the week. It is easy to burn ourselves out and fell overwhelmed to the point where this
game is no longer fun. A raid schedule is a work in progress that never is complete. Let's do what we do best and we can iron out the issues together.
The Artifact Family - come for the raiding, stay for the people! I think we can all agree that the best part of Artifact is the people. After a tough day at work (or for you youngins

school), nothing beats logging in to laugh (and cry) together.
Recruiting. We have more than enough talent and people to continue to be extremely picky in who we recruit. Let's put in that extra effort when a new application comes in. Dig up all the dirt and let's bring in only those who are a perfect fit. We can be impressed by skill, but convinced by personality.
Friends and family. Everyone wants to play with their friends and their family and we are more than happy to invite them. If they are expecting to raid, please explain our system and how it works. If they really want to raid they will have to put in an application.
I'm not your buddy, guy. Artifact talent development. It makes me very proud each and every time our members reach out to each other and I'd love to see that trend continue. Therefore, I think it would be worth while to help our new recruits and even some members become more involved in the guild by setting them up with a veteran/diplomat of the same class. If you are willing to learn, we can teach them the ropes, work on their rotations and gear, setup those "must have" mods and share all those tricks you've learned over the years. Maybe even bring them by Trog's cave

. But remember, please don't feed the troll!
In summary, we've been given the chance to continue the work of a bald Orc who put his heart, soul and free time into that what we have all come to love. Let's do him proud and make it happen. For Artifact!
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Palatinus
by PalatinusGM, 5 days agoFirst order of business is to take a moment to once again thank Nayeli for her
REDONKULOUSLY generous donation to the guild. Nayeli, the insane strikes again!
To complete the night, a very smooth (almost too smooth!) kill of the Professor. We've worked hard and we earned that kill!
Brontes, that one was for you!
We <3 you buddy!
by Brontes-Artifact, 7 days agoI am not leaving the game, or Artifact, but I am stepping down from the GM position. I feel a lot of responsibility for Artifact, and this decision is only made possible by the confidence I have in the strength and potential of the guild.
So. Why? I've been GM for Artifact longer than I can remember. If we've built the guild as well as I think we have, it's time to give other hands a turn at the wheel, and that transition will be smooth. This is something I have always wanted to do, and am now certain that the guild is ready. I admit the decision is selfish also. The old man would like to sit in the rocking chair in the sun and tell stories about when Artifact was just a little thing. I'd like to be able to log on for raids a few times a week, know things are in good hands, and work on my career and other things the rest of the time.
Over the next three weeks I will be scarce, because I think it is better to make the change quickly rather than to draw it out. I could give advice for the transition. But that would be only vanity -- new leadership needs free rein to make decisions without me looking over their shoulders. I have mentioned this possibility to Palatinus and I am certain he will swing into action with any changes or restructuring that needs to be done.
The thing I enjoy most about Artifact is the people. I love the success we've had together, and the friendships that will continue throughout our lives. I absolutely intend to continue to play (and it you'll have me, to raid), although somewhat less frequently.
Good luck, and see you soon.