Dear Someone/OOO,

Some time last week, I reflected on how great an effect different armor had on a knight's play style, ability to survive, and progress through the game's main campaign.

When I looked back on my own experience, I trudged through a similar campaign with the use of the Azure Set's earlier molds, great support/teachers/company/friends, and time. Because of that and the fact that I wanted to pace my progress through the game, I am able to handle most of what the game throws my way (with the exception of lag; never lag). The pay to play items that I am certain that I want eventually become available over time. And because I have that unwritten to-do list, there is enough to keep me occupied within the game to not have to worry over when which update will be available. However, I can only speak for myself.

Understandably so, other people will expect different things from the game. Some may feel pressured by the apparent expenses of choice equipment or costumes and chose a more expedient manner of acquiring them independent of another's direct aid. Some may seek support from their community to gain access to items, spaces, or other amenities. Some may find themselves too preoccupied with life beyond the game to spend x amount of hours to acquire y. Some may see themselves to be content with the trials within the middle of their own campaign. Some might feel pressured by everything there is to achieve and acquire within the game and speak distastefully to the obstacles before them in relation to the game. And so on.

While there are things that I still wish to achieve within the game, such as learning how to become an efficient merchant, an effective guild leader, or one who can rally players to orchestrate community events of my own (guild or no guild), I think I am proud of the little I have accomplished so far within the game and content with both my pacing and equipment. Yet, I do have my regrets.

One of which is tempering a Glacius for use. I have a small list of five star equipment that I want to acquire, it is almost full, that is not one of them, and it feels like it is merely excess in my inventory. However, it does come in handy for the need of others when I use it at times so I cannot be too upset about its ownership. The strike needle is another item of which I feel similar toward. Joining sooner, instead of postponing the opportunity to play due to not being able to access the beta, would have helped as I would have actually liked to experience the harder version of certain bosses.

I guess what I wanted to get around to saying was that, while I would rather have some of the refined skills and knowledge base some better known and older players, I am just glad that the equipment I have does not suggest that I am a strong or great player. More importantly, I am glad that I do not require the preferred equipment to endure and conquer what I can because of my trudge through some of the earlier game play mechanics. A part of my discretion is due to pride; if others can do Proto runs, why can't I? Another part of it is how some items can be best put to use; a Triglav's charge attack is a risk against Lumbers head on because the chance of freezing them in place may leave you open for their attack... as I have learned the hard way.

Additionally, what I have gathered from Spiral Knights (as I have not played too many MMO's in my lifetime thus far) is that character progression is only fixed in regarding what you have access to; your stats are not in a means of fixed progression where at one point nothing can kill you; everything CAN kill you. However, your choice of equipment along with the new difficulty settings (and party dynamics) can adjust

In closing, I believe that great equipment does not make the victor without the experience, skills, and support to make the best use of it. And for what challenges there are, overcoming all without death is a challenge. To OOO and others, for the added difficulties in game. It makes it that much more eventful.

Sincerely,

Arelic.

(PS. I think I derailed too many times to hold a solid point here. But just saying, X=/=Y. Thanks for your attention. And sorry for any waste of time.)