The Interest and Event Moderator Programs
Contents
The Interest and Event Moderator Programs
The Interest Program
Each branch of Electronic Arts had its own separate Interest Program, so the Japanese shards, the Korean shards, and the rest of the shards were run by three different teams.
Each Interest Program was run by an Interest Manager. On the Japanese and Korean shards, the Interest Program staff then consisted of a team of Interest Game Masters.
Western Shards
On the western shards, there were generally between two and four Interest Game Masters (IGMs) at any given time while the program was active. The IGMs were the link between the Interest Manager and the Seer Program. When Seers wanted to create items, the IGMs were the ones who approved creating those items. The IGMs also developed and ran the global storylines, such as the Trinsic invasion, as well as coordinating with player establishments to help with decorations (known as 'blessings') and player events. In many respects, the closest current analogue to a western IGM today would be the Player Event Coordinator (PEC), though the PEC does not have the ability to grant permanent blessings nor does the PEC create or manage quests. IGMs were paid employees of OSI/Electronic Arts.
Under the western IGMs was the Seer Program. There were 6 levels of roles within that program, all of them unpaid volunteer positions:
- Lead Seer
- Ancient Seer
- Seer
- Arch Elder Seer
- Elder Seer
- Troubador
Lead Seers were added on September 9, 2001. The shards were divided into four groups. A Lead Seer managed the Ancient Seers for his assigned shards.
- West Coast Shards (Baja, Napa Valley, Pacific, and Sonoma)
- Central Shards (AOL Legends, Great Lakes, Lake Superior, and Siege Perilous)
- East Coast Shards (Atlantic, Catskills, and Chesapeake)
- Remaining Shards (Drachenfels, Europa, and Oceania)
Ancient Seers were responsible for managing the events, Seers, Arch Elders, Elders, and Troubadors for a given shard.
Lead Seers, Ancient Seers and Seers conducted medium to advanced level quests and events directed at mid level to advanced level characters. All three roles wore green robes with gold trim.
Arch Elder Seers were responsible for managing teams of Elder Seers and Troubadors. Not every shard had Arch Elder Seers.
Both Arch Elder Seers and Elder Seers conducted low level to medium level quests and events directed at beginner to mid level characters. Generally, each shard had zero or one Arch Elder Seer and one to two Elder Seers. Both roles originally wore black robes, though this was later changed to dark brown robes.
Troubadors various necessary roles needed during events. These roles ranged from single-event characters to characters that were persistent throughout an entire plot line. They were whatever clothing was appropriate for the role. Not every shard had Troubadors.
The official breakdown of responsibilities was stated in this manner: [1]
- Troubador Tasks: Your job is simple. At times you will be contacted to play a certain role at a certain time -- you can then either accept of decline the offer. If more than one person accepts, then one will be chosen. This may or may not be based on whether or not the person has participated recently in an event. We hope to give everyone a chance to participate as much as they are able.
- Seer Tasks: Seers are very flexible in their roles. The first task is to become acquainted with your home shard. This means that you should visit player-run towns, attempt to talk with community leaders, and find out what the general shard populous would like to see in the way of fiction. Every shard will have their own Lead Shard Seer, be sure to stay in constant contact with him/her. He/She will likely have various task for you to choose from. You may be asked to assist a local guild with their quest, you may have the opportunity to help another seer with a quest, or you may have the opportunity to design your own quest. You should regularly let your Lead Shard Seer know what you have been doing and what your plans are.
- Elder Seer Tasks: Your tasks are identical to those Seer Tasks above; however, your mission is to concentrate more on the community interaction aspect of the quests. You will actively seek out guilds, rendering assistance when necessary. Keep in mind that you are not there to be a guild "lackey" though. You should advise guilds in their own quests and you should be willing to help play roles. You should not give resources, help collect resources, or be party to a guild war.
- Ancient Seer Tasks: Your tasks are identical to those of the Seer Tasks above; however, your mission is to concentrate more on unique quest creation. It is likely that you have much experience in running quests and so you should have little problem coming up with interesting and exciting plotlines. Your task is also to advise and guide the Seers in the creation of their own events. You should encourage them and mentor them. By doing this we can create a talented and able team which should improve efficiency and allow everyone to have fun. Be sure to stay in contact with the Lead Shard Seer.
- Lead Seer Tasks: The Lead Shard Seers need to overseer and handle situations related specifically to their shard. The others seers will come to you seeking both help, and clarification. The Lead Shard Seers are the structural keystones of the operation. They need to be able to divide up tasks among the volunteers. They need to keep track of everyone's status. They need to handle problems and issues that will constantly be being raised. You should submit bi-weekly status reports to the head of the "UO Seers" Program, but you should also keep in contact with the head of the "UO Seers" Program. If you feel at any time that you are above your head then feel free to seek assistance. All seers of the shard should also report to you regularly as to their progress.
Japanese Shards
On the Japanese shards, the IGMs managed their own events separately from the western shards. Their team structure was designed to be the same as the western shards, though that IGM team appears to have handled all responsibilities without using the Lead Seer, Ancient Seer, Seer, Arch Elder, Elder, & Troubador hierarchy.
Korean Shards
On the Korean shards, the IGMs managed their own events via the "Korean IGM Team". Little detail is known about how those events were specifically managed.
Transition Period
Following a lawsuit by some western Interest Program staff filed on September 20, 2000, the western Interest Program discontinued all volunteer positions, which included Lead Seers, Ancient Seers, Seers, Arch Elder Seers, Elder Seers, and Troubadors, though Interest Game Masters remained. Those Interest Game Masters managed the early scenario events such as the orc/savage war.
Event Moderator Program
For the western shards, Event Moderators were introduced in August of 2003 to replace the Interest Program and Interest Game Masters. Unlike the Seers of the Interest Program, Event Moderators are paid contract employees.
In Korea, the Korean Interest Program continued until 2007, when it switched to the Event Moderator Program.
In Japan, the Japanese Interest Program continued until 2010 or 2012, depending on the shard. The Japanese Interest Program for Sakura and Yamato ended in 2010, to be replaced by the Event Moderator program, while Asuka, Hokuto, Izumo, Mizuho, Mugen, and Yamato did not switch from the Interest Program to the Event Moderator Program untiil 2012.
Initially Event Moderators had near-IGM powers to create locations, decorations, and items. However, due to abuse of power by a small number of EMs, the powers of EMs have been greatly reduced over the years.
Current Event Moderators
| Shard | Event Moderator(s) |
|---|---|
| Arirang | Takako |
| Asuka | |
| Atlantic | Mayhem and EM Mischief |
| Baja | Echo |
| Balhae | Nihil |
| Catskills | Obsidian |
| Chesapeake | Jewels |
| Drachenfels | Lyraa |
| Europa | Sarah |
| Formosa | Takako |
| Great Lakes | |
| Hokuto | Riccia |
| Izumo | Nekomata |
| Lake Austin | Roenick |
| Lake Superior | Petrichor |
| Legends | Kalima |
| Mizuho | Mercury |
| Mugen | |
| Napa Valley | Hendrix |
| Oceania | Hezekiah |
| Origin | Rainstormer |
| Pacific | Ashmedai |
| Sakura | Nekomata |
| Siege Perilous | Kincaid |
| Sonoma | Rawiya |
| Wakoku | Mercury |
| Yamato | Riccia |
All Event Moderators
| EM Acies | Lake Austin |
| EM Adris | Europa |
| EM Aeon | Oceania |
| EM Alcor | Siege Perilous |
| EM Amairgen | Sonoma |
| EM Amaris | Atlantic |
| EM Aname | Lake Superior |
| EM Anderson | Oceania |
| EM Annendora | Floater |
| EM Ariadne | Siege Perilous |
| EM Arilem | Europa |
| EM Ashmedai | Pacific |
| EM Asiantam | Yamato, Asuka, Izumo |
| EM Augustus | Lake Austin |
| EM Aumakua | Origin |
| EM Aurora / EM AuroraSkye | Siege Perilous |
| EM Autolycus | Lake Superior |
| EM Avalon | Legends |
| EM Azaire | Great Lakes |
| EM Balthazar | Oceania |
| EM Barnaby | Catskills |
| EM Bennu | Atlantic Siege Perilous |
| EM Borbarad | Drachenfels |
| EM Cecil | Siege Perilous |
| EM Celestria | Chesapeake |
| EM Cernunnos | Floater Catskills |
| EM Cerulean | Oceania |
| EM Challenger | Chesapeake |
| EM Chance | Lake Superior |
| EM Chaotica | Origin |
| EM Chimaera | Sonoma |
| EM Chobi | Izumo |
| EM Cirillia | Legends |
| EM Claudius | Origin |
| EM Corathan | Pacific |
| EM Crysania | Baja |
| EM Cyno Razik | Pacific |
| EM Daeron | ? |
| EM DeAngelo | Formosa |
| EM Dedalus | Asuka |
| EM Delang | Oceania |
| EM Delnar | ? |
| EM Dexter | Oceania Lake Austin |
| EM Dramnar | Catskills Chesapeake |
| EM Dris | Lake Austin |
| EM Drosselmeyer | Chesapeake |
| EM Dudley | Floater Chesapeake |
| EM Ealia Tiefwasser | Drachenfels |
| EM Echo | Baja |
| EM Eira | Sonoma |
| EM Elendrik | Europa |
| EM Elizabella | Great Lakes |
| EM Emile Layne | Europa |
| EM Erebus | Legends |
| EM Eris | Atlantic |
| EM Faine Morgan | Floater Origin |
| EM Falcon | Lake Superior |
| EM Feawen | Sonoma |
| EM Fiorella | Napa Valley Origin |
| EM Glamdring | EM Lead Floater/Trainer Lake Superior |
| EM Godiva | Baja |
| EM Gotan | Europa |
| EM Gustus | Catskills |
| EM Hanarin | Arirang |
| EM Hawker | Siege Perilous |
| EM Hazel | Sonoma |
| EM Helios | Legends |
| EM Iatu | Great Lakes |
| EM Ikaris | Legends |
| EM Immortal | Drachenfels |
| EM Infinity | Oceania |
| EM Iphitus | Pacific |
| EM Isabelle | Pacific |
| EM Janae | Floater |
| EM Jyrra | Pacific |
| EM Kaen | Floater Napa Valley |
| EM Kalag | EM Lead |
| EM Kalima | Legends |
| EM Kanata | Wakoku |
| EM Kanmare | Atlantic |
| EM Kasaven | Catskills |
| EM Kaz | Pacific |
| EM Kestral | ? |
| EM Kimmie | Europa |
| EM Kincaid | Siege Perilous |
| EM Laurana | Origin |
| EM Leonidas | Catskills |
| EM Leto | Great Lakes |
| EM Lillimu | Pacific |
| EM Lyraa | Drachenfels |
| EM Malachi | Great Lakes |
| EM Masara | Siege Perilous Sonoma |
| EM Mayhem | Atlantic |
| EM Mayu | Legends |
| EM Mephisto | Europa Oceania |
| EM Mercury | Mizuho Asuka |
| EM Miko | Legends |
| EM Minette | Asuka |
| EM Minilion | Yamato |
| EM Misaki | Asuka |
| EM Molly O'Malley | Origin |
| EM Montagne | Pacific |
| EM MunKey | Balhae |
| EM Mystique | Napa Valley |
| EM Nao | Izumo |
| EM Nathael | Catskills |
| EM Nekomata | Sakura, Izumo |
| EM Nestor | Atlantic |
| EM Nikademus | Atlantic |
| EM Nina | Chesapeake |
| EM Nyrogie | Pacific |
| EM Nyssa | Lake Austin |
| EM Obsidian | Baja |
| EM Orix | Pacific |
| EM Pallando | Floater Lake Austin |
| EM Petrichor | Atlantic Lake Superior |
| EM Promethium | Atlantic |
| EM Quantum | Lake Superior Siege Perilous |
| EM Rawiya | Sonoma |
| EM Requiem | Atlantic |
| EM Riccia | Hokuto, Mugen |
| EM Roenick | Atlantic Lake Austin |
| EM Samara | Siege Perilous Sonoma |
| EM Sameerah | Baja |
| EM Sangria | Origin Pacific |
| EM Sarah | Europa |
| EM Sarakan | Europa |
| EM Sarthus | Lake Austin |
| EM Seppo | Baja |
| EM Sezja | Napa Valley |
| EM ShanyraFrye | Oceania Chesapeake |
| EM Shiel | Oceania |
| EM Sienna | Oceania |
| EM Sirius | Drachenfels |
| EM Spriggan | Atlantic |
| EM Stardancer | Sonoma |
| EM Stone | Catskills |
| EM SykoBri | Atlantic |
| EM Tailspin | Chesapeake |
| EM Takako | Balhae Formosa |
| EM Tashik | Legends Sonoma |
| EM Taweret | Atlantic |
| EM Tazzy | Pacific |
| EM Telnam | Origin |
| EM Telnarn | ? |
| EM Tempest | Lake Austin Napa Valley |
| EM Theowulf | Napa Valley |
| EM Thomas Pyewacket | Atlantic |
| EM Tiberias | Atlantic Legends |
| EM Topaz | Lake Austin |
| EM Troubadour | Siege Perilous |
| EM Tulkas | Atlantic |
| EM Ulric | Chesapeake |
| EM Uno | Wakoku |
| EM Veli | Europa |
| EM Vereor | Napa Valley |
| EM Vespera | Floater |
| EM Vikktor | Baja |
| EM Vincent | Baja |
| EM Vladimere | Chesapeake |
| EM Vytacca | Atlantic |
| EM Willow | Sonoma |
| EM Xanthus | Origin, Sonoma |
| EM Xena | Drachenfels |
| EM Yoshi | Atlantic |
| EM Zilo | EM Lead |
| EM Ziv | Formosa |
Former Interest Program Staff
Manager of Interest Specialists
- Richard Dell
Interest Game Masters
European Shards
- GM Talos
Japanese Shards
- GM Anplex
- GM Coolio
- GM Duckbill
- GM Excrom
- GM Galess
- GM Inoia
- GM Jawbra
- GM Runna
- GM Towein
- GM Yarbrield
- GM Zoer
Korean Shards
- GM Blue
- GM Garam
- GM Ragnarok
- GM Zeus
Western Shards
- Greg "Lead IGM Eidolon, GM Ghostpig" Chapman
- Aron "IGM Riptide" Stern
- Charles "IGM kieron" Dane
- David "IGM Goatboy/Orbeus" Abelt
- Jamie "IGM Curunir" Caesar
- "Owen McNemar"
- Scott "IGM Nikademus" Clark
Lead Seers
| Lead Seer Krohon | Atlantic, Catskills, Chesapeake |
| Lead Seer Krosis | Drachenfels, Europa, Oceania |
| Lead Seer Radnor | Baja, Napa Valley, Pacific, Sonoma |
| Lead Seer Stheno | AOL Legends, Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Siege Perilous |
| Lead Seer Tzeen | ? |
Ancient Seers
| Ancient Seer Adamantyr | Pacific |
| Ancient Seer Aria/Aurora | Napa Valley |
Seers
Arch Elder Seers
Elder Seers
Troubadors
| Troubador Bolaron | Catskills |
| Troubador Cattboy | Great Lakes |
| Troubador Cuthulu | Lake Superior |
| Troubador David | Oceania |
| Troubador Freeze | Chesapeake |
| Troubador Genoah | AOL Legends |
| Troubador Gram Reaper | Chesapeake |
| Troubador GreenFrog | Great Lakes |
| Troubador Harabec | Baja |
| Troubador Hexus8 | Siege Perilous |
| Troubador Kaltes | Atlantic |
| Troubador Lady Marmalade | Catskills |
| Troubador Lightning | Catskills |
| Troubador Neowolf | Atlantic |
| Troubador Shanatha | Oceania |
| Troubador Shawn | Sonoma |
| Troubador Sir Galactis | Siege Perilous |
| Troubador Tavis | Sonoma |
| Troubador Tidalias | Drachenfels |
| Troubador Trasaria | Pacific |
| Troubador Tristan | Catskills |
References:
