Before I can address the definition of a clan, I must first explain what RuneScape is. RuneScape is a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) created by a British company named Jagex (Java Gaming Experts). Andrew Gower and his brother Paul created the game on January 4, 2001 for anyone to play through the internet. On February 27, 2002, Jagex offered optional membership ($5/month), which would give the player access to members’ only worlds where there were more areas to explore, more quests to complete, more items to use, and more skills to train. On March 29, 2004, Jagex released a new version of RuneScape, and the original game was renamed “RuneScape Classic.” RuneScape became instantly popular after its release because of its free-playing abilities, simple interface, and accessibility on most web browsers. Because no tangible software is necessary to play, the entire game is online at www.runescape.com in two formats (RuneScape and the new fullscreen RuneScape High Detail, released July 01, 2008), hosted by more than 150 servers (more commonly called RuneScape “worlds,”) located in various countries all across the globe.
RuneScape, which takes place in the fantasy-themed environment called Gielinor, is an evolving, 3D world of remarkable depth and flexibility. A person can design and customize their own character, and create their own journey to follow. And that journey is not a linear path; what a player does in RuneScape is entirely their own decision. Thus, with such a large and explorable environment, possibilities are endless; whether wandering across the world, meeting characters and admiring scenery, seeking treasure, engaging in combat, working and "leveling up" the many available skills, completing quests, or merely having fun interacting with other players (through trading, chatting, or playing combative or cooperative mini-games,) there's always something to do. But the real treasure of the game is its community... which takes us to the definition of a clan.
What is a RuneScape Clan?
RuneScape is built around interaction, and teamwork is essential. From ferocious monsters that are too powerful to overcome alone, to quests involving difficult puzzles that require problem solving skills, many friends will gather together as clans and band together on their adventures.
A clan can be as small as a few friends helping each other out, or as large as a hundred players joining together to achieve strength through numbers. Some clans are very organized, in that they schedule RuneScape meetings and events ahead of time, while others merely meet when people happen to be online at the same time. In the case of our clan, Shining Knights Force had a website which made organizing events easier.
What is Shining Knights Force?
Some might criticize for dedicating a website to a game. However much fun RuneScape was, it was the community that made the experience what it was for me. This website is in commemoration of that community--the Shining Knights Force clan. Although we started the clan at the wrong time, before Jagex implemented clan features like Lootshare and Coinshare, Offer Assistance, Clan Chat, Clan Wars, etc., we managed to make things work and have fun, regardless. This story is in tribute to the friendships and fun we had.