Another nomination from the community, this month we get to know Myr as our Player Spotlight. A big thank you to those who sent in nominations, and to Myr everything that she brings to the Illyriad community. Learn more about the Player Spotlight program at our website and nominate players by sending an email to community@illyriad.co.uk.
What brought you to Illyriad and how long have you been playing?
It was boring in my cell at the Cook County Prison. I was doing time for possession with the intent to sell again and my cellmate showed it to me on May 25, 2011. Actually after years of competitive figure skating my daughter hung up her blades. I suddenly had an extra 20 hours a week and no idea what to do with myself. I could have done something productive, instead I started playing Illy.
Have you played many other online games or been active in other online communities?
I tried lots of the games that showed up on the FB side bar, including Farmville, but none kept my interest for more than a few weeks. I didn’t expect Illy to be any different and I’m still a little surprised that it’s been over 2 years. I just started playing Medieval Europe with someone I fought against in the Big War, we’re making an empire but the communication system there isn’t great.
Any hidden talents or interesting hobbies outside of gaming?
I have no talents but I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I love roller coasters, zip lining, white water rafting, canoeing, and hiking. I can’t travel as much as I would like to so I read a lot.
What keeps you playing Illyriad?
I keep finding new things to keep me challenged and occupied. There are so many different facets of the game that I think it will be awhile before I run out of new things to try.
What’s your favorite aspect of the game?
You meet people from all over the world and I appreciate the fact that it’s so easy to communicate with your alliance in AC while you’re doing other things.
What’s your proudest achievement in game so far?
My training alliance, The Night Squires. I never imagined it would be this much fun teaching newbs how to attack and defend effectively.
What are you most looking forward to for the future of Illyriad?
Whatever you guys dream up! I don’t play the game for any releases that might come sometime; I play with what is available right now. In fact, I’d rather not know what’s in the pipeline.
What area of the game do you think needs the most improvement?
Battle mechanics. The way things are set up there is no way to damage your enemy without sieging and destroying cities. If I send my troops at a city my opponent just needs to move their troops out of the city and nothing happens. I think troops hitting a defenseless city should burn, loot, and kill, doing damage to a city without completely destroying it. There should be resources stolen, buildings de-leveled, and a corresponding loss in pop. The way to stop the intruders would be to defend. I think it would take a lot of bitterness about war out of the game.
What advice would you give a new player in Illyriad?
Listen to all the advice, then try things your own way and have fun! That’s why we’re all here, isn’t it?