The Guild, Episode 2: "Zaboo'd"

Welcome to our continuing coverage of The Guild, my new online favorite, and winner of the Yahoo 2007 Best Web Series Award, the YouTube Best Series Award for 2007, and the ON Networks/SXSW Greenlight Award for Best Original Production.

In the very first episode, we are introduced to Cyd Sherman, who goes around online in a massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) as a healer by the name of Codex. Our series of webisodes takes a peek into her life (as though they were vlogs), and how she relates with her colleagues from "The Knights of Good"- her online playing companions.

We meet them all in Episode 1. Cyd/Codex is having a rather challenging time dealing with her MMORPG addiction. From their Facebook page, we read:

Quirky and a bit socially awkward, Codex was a violin prodigy as a child but then ... she grew up. She's at a major crossroads in her life, but it's much easier to play video games than make any life decisions. She's a healer in-game as well as in-life, always helping other people with their problems while ignoring her own.

Of course, we also meet the rest of her guildies:

Vork - The guild's resident "tank", or warrior. His real-life name is Herman Holden, and is also the guild leader. We see how his life revolves around gaming; his toaster, mini-fridge and indoor skillet is all within arm's reach of his PC.

Hmm, maybe I should set my room up that way too... Anyway, here's the blurb on Vork from Facebook:

Vork is the Guild leader of the "Knights of Good." He focuses all his energy on the Guild and rarely leaves his house because, "doing things costs money." Everything he needs to sustain himself is within arms reach of his computer, so he never has to get up from his desk. Serious but well-intentioned, it's easy to push his buttons, which his Guildies do frequently.

Tinkerballa- or just "Tink"- is the guild's hunter/ranger. She may look sweet, but she can be rather direct if she has to be (which is most of the time). She's one of the younger members of "The Knights of Good", probably in high school or college. Apparently has a constant need for gaming; we see her playing a Nintendo DS even while the rest of the guild is just talking.

This is what she has on Facebook:

Tinkerballa has a sweet-as-pie face with a mouth that will bust your balls. She plays a ranger class, so keeps herself distant from the group physically and emotionally. The Guild doesn't know a lot about her personal life. She acts apathetic but she's defensive of her Guildies when they need help.

Bladezz - is the guild's rogue. Also one of the younger members of "The Knights of Good". He has a tendency to hit on all the female guildmates. Also seems to be quite handy with cards.

Here's what we find out about Bladezz' character on Facebook:

Bladezz is the youngest Guild member and a bit of a loot whore. He's always creating drama, but it's "never his fault." He loves to push people's buttons, especially Vork's. Bailing him out of trouble is a full time job for the members of the Knights of Good.

Clara - is the guild's resident heavy-damage-dealing gnome mage, which incidentally also uses her real name as her online name. Clara is a stay-at-home mom of three, cheerful and nice and all, but not exactly a model parent. You'll see :)

This is what we have on Clara on Facebook:

Clara is the mother of three children, but her real parenting skills come into play online. She is always full of buoyant enthusiasm regardless of logic and acts as a mediator during any crisis. On another note, she likes to giggle when she kills mobs. It's a little creepy over the mic.

Finally, we meet Zaboo - who plays a gnome warlock online. Apparently he thinks that he and Cyd/Codex have a "relationship" online, misinterpreting her normal smiley faces on chat as a genuine display of affection towards him. His real name is Sujan Balakrishnan Goldberg, and is HinJew, a combination of Hindu and Jew. Also pretty handy with Photoshop.

This is what we have on his character on Facebook:

Zaboo is overly enthusiastic about everything and is always willing to help out a Guildie, whether they like it or not. He gives 100% to everything, and his trusting nature frequently gets him into trouble. He's a whiz online, and can find out anything about anyone: And he does. Grouping with him is always fun, his enthusiasm can put anyone in a good mood.

Now that we got to know the guys a little better, let's move on to Episode Two now, shall we? This little bit is entitled, "Zaboo'd". Enjoy!

Read more about The Guild as I feature the rest of the other episodes on this blog, "Renzie On Gaming". In the meantime, you can check out their official website for lots of great insider stuff and exclusive video, or you could check them out on Facebook and MySpace.

'Til next episode! Cheers, everyone!