<body><div data-contents-type="text"><div class="fr-image" contenteditable="false" data-contents-json="{"src":"https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/bladensoul/download/19bb9969193-f5980982-3174-41e7-8a02-c19130d27147","width":null,"height":null}" data-contents-type="image"><div class="fe-image-inner"><img src="https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/bladensoul/download/19bb9969193-f5980982-3174-41e7-8a02-c19130d27147" alt="bns_10th_anniversary_player_spotlight_Eckogen.png" class="fe-image"></div></div></div><div data-contents-type="text"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><u><strong></strong></u></span></div><h2 id="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><strong>◆ Character Summary ◆</strong></span></h2><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(23, 23, 45);"><u><strong></strong></u></span><u><strong>Eckogen</strong></u></div><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Venegful</strong></div><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Blade & Soul</strong></div><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mushin —>  Zulia Server</strong></div><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><br class="ProseMirror-trailingBreak"></div><h2 id="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><strong>◆The Road to Blade & Soul◆</strong></span></h2><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><strong>“…</strong><em>there is something satisfying about punching and kicking enemies to death.”</em></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Give us a brief overview of what your gaming life was like before B&S. What games did you play?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I was all over the place. Some examples would be RTS (Command & Conquer, Total War), RPG (Mass Effect), FPS (CoD, BF and random battle royale games), random mobile gachas.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>How did you first discover Blade & Soul?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Someone in my Discord linked me the trailer.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What initially caught your interest? What makes Blade & Soul stand out compared to other games you’ve played?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">The action combat.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><h2 id="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><strong>◆Blade & Soul Through The Years◆</strong></span></h2><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>How long have you been playing Blade & Soul?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I started day 1 of the NA release and quit around Aug 2020.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Why do you like the game type you’re currently playing (LIVE or NEO)?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Unfortunately, I do not play Live or NEO currently. Adult life-ing makes it difficult to sink time into an MMO.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Have you always been the same class? If not, why did you change?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I started out as KFM and mained it. I did try out other classes; however, I stuck with KFM.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What do you like most about your current class?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Two reasons. One - there is something satisfying about punching and kicking enemies to death. Two - I studied martial arts in real life and committed a lot of my youth to Karate so KFM felt close to me.</div><div data-contents-type="text"><em></em></div><div data-contents-type="text"><div class="fr-image" contenteditable="false" data-contents-json="{"src":"https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/bladensoul/download/19bb9999260-f8d17abf-8c7d-4d8c-a251-0a903ef74c7c","width":null,"height":null}" data-contents-type="image"><div class="fe-image-inner"><img src="https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/bladensoul/download/19bb9999260-f8d17abf-8c7d-4d8c-a251-0a903ef74c7c" alt="maxresdefault1.jpg" class="fe-image"></div></div></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><h2 id="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><strong>♥︎ Favorite Memories & Stories ♥︎</strong></span></h2><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><strong>“</strong><em>Hearing the title music for the first time was such an ear-gasm.”</em></div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Do you remember your first time launching B&S? What stands out?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Hearing the title music for the first time was such an ear-gasm. I can still hear it in my mind till this day.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What’s the hardest you’ve laughed while playing?</strong></em><strong><br></strong>Foul-mouthed Granny. Best NPC hands down.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Have you ever stayed up way too late because of B&S?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Mostly for learning raid mechanics. The time I put into that was insanity. Pretty sure I still have trauma from all that.</div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><h2 id="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><strong>◆World, Zones, & Content◆</strong></span></h2><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><em>“… a mutual understanding and respect, and we ended up sitting down and just talking. From enemies to friends.”</em></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What is your favorite zone in the game and why?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Moonwater is easily my favorite zone. I enjoyed fighting in that area, especially when it involved Blackwyrm. Bring on all the chaos!</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Where do you have some of your best memories?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I hosted public parties for Throne of Oblivion and tanked the boss. Players appreciated the smooth, efficient runs having a proper tank, and I was grateful to be of service.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text">An earlier memory would be during the peak Moonwater era. A Crimson Summoner and I fought each other for at least an hour, constantly respawning and going at it nonstop. At one point, he whispered me in anger, and I responded calmly, asking why there was so much hostility. That led to a mutual understanding and respect, and we ended up sitting down and just talking. From enemies to friends.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Was there a specific update, patch, or era that felt like the “golden age” for you?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Definitely the level 45 patch. PvP felt clean yet intricate enough to be deeply satisfying, and the gear system was straightforward.</div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><h2 id="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><strong>◆Clan and Community◆</strong></span></h2><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><em>“There’s something special about world bosses when a massive number of players gather in one area and completely lag out your PC. You really can’t beat that feeling.”</em></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><h3 id="" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>🎊 Events & Community moments🎊</strong></em><em><strong><br></strong></em></h3><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What’s your favorite B&S meme, joke, or community inside-joke?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text"><div class="fr-image" contenteditable="false" data-contents-json="{"src":"https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/bladensoul/download/19bb99bb33a-925f58ee-2a3c-4901-bc1b-db1d85ddda0b","width":null,"height":null}" data-contents-type="image"><div class="fe-image-inner"><img src="https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/bladensoul/download/19bb99bb33a-925f58ee-2a3c-4901-bc1b-db1d85ddda0b" class="fe-image"></div></div></div><div data-contents-type="text">Babbletr0n (Jonathan Lien)</div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What are some of your past favorite events?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">The Golden Harvest Festival also stands out. There’s something special about world bosses when a massive number of players gather in one area and completely lag out your PC. You really can’t beat that feeling.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Has B&S ever crossed into your real life? (meetups, conventions, friendships, or relationships)</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Yes to friendships. Some of those are still maintained to this day. Outside of that, I haven't done any meetups or conventions related to B&S because I don't touch grass.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Do you have any unforgettable clan moments?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">When we cleared the last boss in Scarlet Conservatory. We all cheered and celebrated for the rest of the night.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Do you have any funny stories involving rival clans or players?</strong></em><br>I’m still haunted by the memory of a player named Engine, who was absolutely blood-thirsty for me. I had to watch my back whenever I was in open PvP zones. Good times. I hope you're doing well bro.</div><div data-contents-type="text"><br class="ProseMirror-trailingBreak"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em></em><em><div class="fr-image" contenteditable="false" data-contents-json="{"src":"https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/BladeNSoul/download/19bb99cf4b2-6868cc5e-ffef-42e1-b67a-3412c9709da2","width":null,"height":null}" data-contents-type="image"><div class="fe-image-inner"><img src="https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/BladeNSoul/download/19bb99cf4b2-6868cc5e-ffef-42e1-b67a-3412c9709da2" alt="maxresdefault2.jpg" class="fe-image"></div></div></em></div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><h3 id="" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>🧑🤝🧑 Character, Role & Clan Identity 🧑🤝🧑 </strong></em><em><strong><br></strong></em></h3><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What makes your character special or unique?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I think my character's looks were unique enough to be discernible from others because whenever I would put on my Cerulean Mask to pvp - people knew it was me.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What makes your clan special?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Everyone shared a similar mindset and drive, and that collective passion is what kept the clan alive for so long. I believe Vengeful was one of the longest-running active clans in the game.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>How has B&S and its community changed over the years?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I’d say it evolved from a large, casual global player base into a smaller, more dedicated community. The original raid mechanics became a hurdle for players who couldn’t commit large amounts of time. Not everyone could put in 8-16+ hours per week just to learn raid mechanics. We all come from different walks of life, and for some of us, gaming is simply a way to turn off our brains and that is how I am nowadays</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Have you ever quit and come back? What brought you back?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I quit around August 2020. It was extremely difficult for me to do so, as I found it hard to walk away from everything I had invested in the game. I tend to form a strong sense of attachment, so when I quit, it’s permanent.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><div class="fr-image" contenteditable="false" data-contents-json="{"src":"https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/BladeNSoul/download/19bb99615f0-338f0074-94d2-4ea4-8053-59e0c717c940","width":null,"height":null}" data-contents-type="image"><div class="fe-image-inner"><img src="https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/BladeNSoul/download/19bb99615f0-338f0074-94d2-4ea4-8053-59e0c717c940" class="fe-image"></div></div></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><h3 id="" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>💬 Opinions & Hot Takes💬 </strong></em><em><strong><br></strong></em></h3><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Do you have any hot takes that other players might disagree with?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I thought the Blade & Soul anime was pretty good. It's not in my top 100 MAL or anything, but the anime was a decent watch.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><h3 id="" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>🏆 Pride & Accomplishments🏆</strong></em><em><strong><br></strong></em></h3><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What achievement are you proudest of your time in B&S?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Solo-wise, that would be Mushin’s Tower. Clearing it for the speed achievement felt like a massive W after countless attempts. For group content, I breathed a huge sigh of relief after we finally cleared Scarlet Conservatory.</div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><h2 id="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><strong>♥︎ Personal Connection ♥︎</strong></span></h2><div data-contents-type="text"><br class="ProseMirror-trailingBreak"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Has Blade & Soul ever helped you through a difficult time?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Not particularly; however, it did provide a way to escape reality for a bit and enjoy time with my clan mates and friends.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Did B&S introduce you to friends or people who are still in your life today?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Yes, a few still remain in my life today. Because of the distance, we don’t see each other often, but we always make an effort to plan lunch or dinner and catch up whenever I’m in their city.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Was there ever a moment in-game that genuinely moved you emotionally?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">R I P Master Hong!</div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><h2 id="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"><strong>◆Looking Ahead◆</strong></span></h2><div data-contents-type="text" style="text-align: center;"><em>“…touched that the community still remembers me.”</em></div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>What hopes do you have for the future of the game?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">A brand-new game with B&S inspired action combat style. The combat is what really makes the game so appealing. Any form of monetization in the game should be purely cosmetic rather than pay-to-win. Players’ time and effort should be respected, and progression should come from gameplay, not spending. Developers have to earn the right to monetize their games. That means you shouldn’t force players into spending money. Instead, the game should be fun and fair first, and players will support you because they actually enjoy it. This creates a healthier, more enjoyable community and a game that people actually want to stick with.</div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>If you could send a message to your younger B&S self, what would it be?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">Bro, get a better mic.</div><div data-contents-type="text"></div><div data-contents-type="text"><em><strong>Is there anything you’d like to say to the Blade & Soul community?</strong></em></div><div data-contents-type="text">I’m incredibly honored and humbled to have been selected for an interview, and even more touched that the community still remembers me. A heartfelt thank you to everyone, and a special shoutout to those who supported my channel. I hope I left a positive impact on the B&S community.</div><div data-contents-type="text"><strong></strong></div><div data-contents-type="text"><div class="fr-image" contenteditable="false" data-contents-json="{"src":"https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/BladeNSoul/download/19bb9961ab1-e8adeb5d-e23b-4f58-92fa-0dda4740384a","width":null,"height":null}" data-contents-type="image"><div class="fe-image-inner"><img src="https://fizz-download.playnccdn.com/lg/file/BladeNSoul/download/19bb9961ab1-e8adeb5d-e23b-4f58-92fa-0dda4740384a" class="fe-image"></div></div></div><div data-contents-type="text"><br class="ProseMirror-trailingBreak"></div></body>