The Sweatweaver

desg90 · 01-20-2008, 01:16

After almost two months of unwilling absence,
I thought I would mark my come back with an inspirational article.

On Alienna Alien Xartia's (a.k.a. Matt) request,
I'm publishing the article on E.F. as well.

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The Sweatweaver

“Almost nothing is impossible here if you work for it!”
Alienna Xartia

Alienna "Alien" Xartia, a Sergeant from the Calypso Rescue Team, is a player like any other. He likes to talk with his “soc mates”, he hunts as an Entropian profession and he sweats from time to time. What makes him so special? It’s not his female avatar. It’s his story as a sweater.

That’s right. It is with this substance that he accomplished what many thought impossible:
He bought a Master Coat by… gathering sweat.

He doesn’t work as a sweat gatherer. Nor does he lack a proper life. Then, why didn’t he just deposit and buy the coat? To start with, he usually spends most of his time “just standing around and talking”. He figured that that time standing would be better spent sweating while he talked. And, it was difficult to justify ₤35 on virtual clothing.

To formalize his quest, he made it public on this EF thread. He could then write comments and keep his supporters informed on his quest’s development. At first, some thought he was crazy, whereas others were inspired. Alien admits he was very happy to inspire people; like his friend Freja, who intended to buy a full Nemesis armor by the same ways.

“I started out at Nea’s, but the atmosphere there is somewhat hostile, with sweaters complaining at hunters for killing wet mobs, and people ordering sweaters around. I came here because it has a much more relaxed, friendly atmosphere. And I have made some good friends from chatting here.”

Even with the good atmosphere at Atlas Island North, he got discouraged quite a few times. His worst moment being when he unknowingly sold 3,000 sweat bottles to the Trade Terminal. Imagine his dismay when MA revealed that a whole weekend was lost in the blink of an eye! But he didn’t only gather courage from violent mobs, but from supporters on Entropia Forum, society members and fellow sweaters, as well.

After sweating 60,000 sweat bottles, people in his society and in Entropia Forum bought many pints almost immediately. Other people like Luke, Coachman, Lena and Freyr helped buying large quantities of the product. But, he didn’t stop there. He continued sweating to almost 100,000 sweat bottles which gave him enough money to buy a Female Master Coat with a value of 700 PED.

To buy the coat, he tried contacting Etopia, but must have forgotten to add RSVP (Repondez S’il Vous Plaît / "Answer Please") for he didn’t answer his message. However, he was contacted by Freyr who offered to craft the coat and gave Alien a discount to support his quest.

When he finally put his coat on, he felt very proud of himself for following the quest to the end. But the coat wasn’t the only reward. He believes that meeting all kinds of foreign personalities while sweating has helped him become a better person. He learned to be patient and feels free to talk with more confidence.

“The people are the best feature of the game. […]
I don’t think the community could get much better they already are.”
Alienna Xartia

He knew it would be a hard quest, but not as hard nor as long. It took him exactly 5 months from the time he started the post on EF to the time when he finally put his coat on. He had to sweat for 3-5 hours daily to finish his quest. In fact, he has spent so much time on Atlas Island North that you could easily call him the local guru. He doesn’t only know the mobs of the area, but he also knows the people who frequent it.

When asked to share a bit of advice to fellow sweaters, he eagerly answered:

“Don’t give up! If you’re finding it hard going, sweat and talk. If you want to talk, sweat, and have fun, come here with us, at Atlas Island North. We “accept” everyone! Nobody is “pushed out of the group”. We love to meet new people and sweat! Just don’t let the bad loot or various nerfs get you down. Always stay happy.”

He now wears his Master Coat wherever he goes. Why wouldn’t he? He practically weaved it with sweat (hence the “Sweatweaver” nickname). Everyone who knows him doesn’t regard the coat as any other expensive accessory. It’s a symbol of long and tireless work. It’s proof of what people can achieve without depositing.

“If you don’t sweat, MA sweats you!”
Alienna Xartia
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Peron · 01-20-2008, 02:25

very nice reading

+rep

Alien · 01-20-2008, 10:22

The Sweatweaver, great title and great article!

I think a new subname is finally in order..

\Edit... Can't find where we can change subnames now :S

desg90 · 01-20-2008, 17:34

I'm glad you liked it!

I think you can purchase that feature on the EFD store.
But most of it is down, so...

You might want to talk with 711 about it.
Make an informal purchase or something...?

snake_eyes · 01-20-2008, 17:40

very nice article well written and a very inspirational achievement to many new players I am sure. I remember reading about this many moons ago and am pleased to hear it being finally achieved.

desg90 · 01-20-2008, 18:39

Hmm... now I'm getting inspired to sweat until I can repair my clothes...

I might, after I get some projects done...
I have too many appointments for this weekend as it is!

Alien, you're an inspiration for us sweaters.

It's people like you (and the legendary trader who paid his sibling's college) that inspire people! Others make the game look like another Halo version.