The Souls In Exile Online Gaming Clan
Need A Game Server?
Check These Guys Out!


May 2008 The Souls In Exile Clan Newsletter Issue #7
In This Issue....
  1. Clan News
  2. Changes to Clan Policies
  3. Council/Grand Council Discussions
  4. Recent and Upcoming Events
  5. New Members
  6. Recent Donations
  7. Article Submissions
* Clan News *

We've been making some pretty big changes this month that we think you're all going to enjoy.

First up is the decomissioning of HL2DM server 3. We provisioned this server for private event and member use before Team Fortress 2 was released. While HL2DM still remains a very popular game among our members, and one which we will continue to support as long as there is an interest, the dilution of interest between that and TF2 has changed clan priorities such that the private HL2DM server was seeing very little if any use, and it was decided that the money was better saved or spent elsewhere.

Then what happened with the money saved, you ask? Well that small amount, combined with continued donation reliability, has enabled us to expand, once more, in to a new game type. So, for all you Counter Strike: Source fans, why not go check out our brand new CS:S server? Just connect to: css1.SoulsInExile.com The map rotation is very simple for the moment, but more will be added soon.

Despite working for "The Man" Mr Grey has managed to win over the hearts of the clan and been promoted to a Council position. On a completely unrelated note, Mr Grey has very graciously granted tax-exempt status to all members of the Grand Council (Just kidding, of course). Congratulations Grey!

In addition to all this, the clan has also started offering clan gear from CafePress. There have been many requests for T-Shirts and other clothing with a clan logo on it, so head on over for clan branded shirts, jerseys and thongs (Yes, thongs. Several sold already. And just in case you aren't "in" on the joke, the message on the thongs and boxers is clan member Mr. Grey's celebratory catch phrase, which he says after most TF2 matches). Prices are as low as possible aside from a small $2.00 per item markup which will either go towards server fees (if needed), prizes for intra-clan events, or maybe something else entirely. It will all go back in to the clan, however. So go grab some gear! You'll look great & be helping the clan raise money at the same time.

Back To Table Of Contents...


* Changes to Clan Policies *

In the past, it has un-officially been the case that clan applicants were given access to several otherwise member-only SourceOp commands on the HL2DM build/fun server. This pratice has been stopped. Existing applicants will be allowed to keep their privileges (only if they already have them) until their application has run its course.

Back To Table Of Contents...


* Council/Grand Council Discussions *

Topics which the Council has been discussing this past month include: stability issues on HL2DM server 2, an attempt to bypass a forum ban, instruction on revoking freeze/unfreeze abilities on HL2DM server 2, the number of trouble makers on HL2DM server 2 and how to deal with them, perceived member "privileges", the unveiling of the new CS:S server, an enquiry into the recent strange change in behaviour of a forum member, the creation of a tutorial for the clan's administration website, and the removal of special SourceOp privileges for clan applicants.

Topics which the Grand Council has been discussing this past month include: the removal of a disruptive clan member, possible reserve slots for server 2, COPPA compliance issues, changes to application handling, the arrogant behaviour of a member, the usual ongoing Council promotions, a disrespectful clan applicant and the removal of clan applicant SourceOp privileges.

Back To Table Of Contents...


* Recent and Upcoming Events *

In the month of April Sodo & Steell (MaX) teamed up in an HL2DM 7v2 event on 3 maps! The maps we're Spookface, Busa, & KBH2. The players chosen were basically a mix of =s!x= & {MaX} members. The team work that was displayed was just absolutely amazing! Sodo & Steell we're basically tied together by waist in the first two large maps covering eachother and blowing peoples heads off that dared to face them!! The most challenging map however was KBH2 since it's very up front with no sniping spots, but they still won on all 3 maps!

The release of new achievements in TF2 (some of them very hard to attain with normal game play) which unlock new weapons for the medic class has given rise to a lot of people playing medic selfishly to gain the achievements rather than to help their own team. To help deter to this among our own members, we will be offering several 1-2 hour long sessions focusing on attaining specific achievements. These events will be led by Grand Council member RiscIt and have short notice, but we will try to provide 24 hours advance warning where possible. Please know that if you attend one of these clan-only events that you are expected to hold your fire unless asked to shoot someone, to join the classes and teams you are asked to, and to stay for the entire event so that everyone in attendance has a chance to get their achievement for that night. The first event will most likely focus on the "Medical Breakthrough" achievement. Keep an eye on the clan battles/event forum section for notice of these events.

The other currently scheduled TF2 events have been delayed due to clan member availability and have been re-scheduled for later dates in May.

There are currently 4 events scheduled:
  • HL2DM: eXs| vs. =s!x= - Clan Battle 4v4 - TBD
  • HL2DM: .::TTK::. v =s!x= - Scrimmage - TBD
  • TF2: Assigned Char's per Map 8v8 - (Intra-Clan) TBD
  • TF2: Engineers Versus Spys 5v5 - (Intra-Clan) 5/11/08
  • TF2: Can you take out the 6 Engi's ? 6v8 - (Intra-Clan) 5/4/08
Please see the battle section and SIGN UP! Please ensure you read the rules located at the top of the section before applying!

Back To Table Of Contents...


* New Members In The Month Of April *

Please welcome our newest clan members! In order of application acceptance:
  • Loves to Spooge - A musician from Toronto, CA.
  • Granny Grabbing Gentleman - An avid gamer with his own internet radio show.
  • Stiener - A great TF2 sniper enlisted in the navy and residing in Washington.
  • McWrath - An insurance professional from New York state (and a damn good TF2 medic).
  • Wilko - A technology enthusiast and student from New Jersey.
For more information about these folks, just check out their application threads in the "How To Join" section of the forums.

Back To Table Of Contents...


* Recent Donations For The Month Of April *

This past month saw some great donations from our usual benefactors as well as from a few new names. As always, every contribution is greatly appreciated and goes directly towards the server costs. If you see these folks in game or on the forums be sure to thank them! In alphabetical order they are:
  • Bane
  • Chuck
  • FXWaldo
  • Gamebrain
  • Justible
  • Kilgore
  • Mr. Grey
  • P. Houser
  • Rathe
  • SilverMink
We encourage you to donate as you are able. It currently costs the clan $93.30 per month to maintain our game servers. We can only add more servers when the donation pool rises to a level which provides the confidence we need to be sure that the next month's bills will be paid.

A recommended donation amount is $10, though we would encourage you to donate as much or as little as your personal financial situation allows. You may also consider how much you get back from the clan in terms of play time and overall fun. If you play an average of 1 hour per day, then a $10/month (not even pizza money!) donation works out to just ~$0.32/hour.

Every little bit helps!

For financial privacy concerns, we do not release the amounts which people have chosen to donate.

Back To Table Of Contents...


* Article Submissions *

Do you have a well written informational piece on the subjects of clan culture or computer gaming you would like to share with the rest of the clan? If you do, simply find a Grand Council member in the forums and send your idea or your completed piece to them via a private message. Please be aware that not all articles can be included, and that all works are subject to editorial review.

See ya next month!

Back To Table Of Contents...


 < Issue #6 - April 2008 Issue #8 - June 2008
Copyright © 2008 - Souls In Exile