Image Courtesy NCsoft

Ok soldiers we made it through the beta and now it is time to go for the big time - the Orion servers.

Our essential clan information is listed below:

1) We are a PvP clan (player vs player)

But we are doing this for FUN - not for profit. We are more of a rag tag unit - not one that highly organized. We don't have assigned roles and responsibilities like some of the other clans. We don't all paint our armor same the color of lemon-lime green.

We will not get over our heads by challenging every single clan on the face of a planet. So if you join our team you don't have to worry about getting killed everytime you turn around and transport to a new location.

We will however come to your rescue in you alert us on the clan channel that you are under attack.

2) Role Playing

We are not a role playing clan for our communications on the clan chat channel but we are a role playing clan within our blog postings (which you are now reading).

But if you would like to assume a role in the game - hey go for it - it takes all kinds to be an AFS Scavenger.

3) Time zones

Our clan has an international membership so someone should always be playing from our clan 24x7.

4) Rules of clan admission

No rules at this point - it is still too early after the initial game release.

This may be subject to change in the future as the game clans stabilize and the clan wars become better defined.

5) Clan officers and hiearchy

You can read more at this posting:

BULLETIN: AFSS Master Control Center (MCC) Releases New Clan Ranks


6) Clan language

English

You can read more at this posting:

AFS Scavengers receive their "wings" on the TR community clans military roster

7) How to join our clan

You can sign up by following the instructions at this posting:

How to sign-up for the AFS Scavengers Clan

IMPORTANT NOTE - If you create a clone while you are in the game and start using the clone, you will have to be reinvited to the clan to get the clone registered (your original character remains registered as well).

Make sure to whisper "/w" to another clan member from your new clone to get the reinvite!

We want you in our clan - send an email for more information or for an invite.

- Scavenger

Starr Long, TR Producer, and Richard Garriott, TR Director & Executive Producer
(Image courtesy AFS Scavengers Clan)


Long and Garriott sign game boxes, posters, hats, and shirts
(Image courtesy AFS Scavengers Clan)


Darkstarr, Scavenger, and General British at TR "Launch Day"
(Image courtesy AFS Scavengers Clan)

Austin, Texas - November 2, 2007

After working for over six years on Tabula Rasa, Destination Games and NCsoft made it to "Launch Day" -- the day the game was officially released to the general public.

Tabula Rasa is a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game which is far more advanced than Richard Garriott (General British) and Starr Long (Darkstarr) developed in the past for another well known gaming giant. That masterpiece, "Ultima Online" still has players and fans to this day.

Both celebrated the "Launch Day" milestone by signing copies of Tabula Rasa at the local Austin GameStop for several hours.

Fans, beta testers, developers, and new game buyers all showed up to recognize the incredible effort put in by everyone involved to bring the game to life.

Technically, Tabula Rasa is one of the most advanced worldwide game environments to hit the market to date. MMO servers have deployed on the US east coast, the US west coast, and in Europe, each of which can individually handle up to 5,000 players. Servers are planned for Asia sometime next year.

Some of the game's beta testers and clan leaders who had spent hours extensively pouring over the game over the last few months (including Scavenger - pictured above) all stopped by to relate their experiences and thoughts about the current features and gameplay.

Garriott mentioned that he personally played the game often, and that during the final "beta end event" he staked out a "control point" and deployed a platoon of mini-me's (mini General British) to defend the position. He then announced his location on the general chat channel and challenged experienced beta players to try and take back the point.

Little did he know that a particularly well organized clan had been waiting for this opportunity. Utilizing organized attacks, they rapidly flooded the area with their members and wrestled the control point away from General British. Surprising both themselves and Garriot, they absolutely turned the tables on the General. Rather than defending the point as he had planned, Garriott was forced to try and retake the point for the rest of the beta ending event.

The former "Lord British" now "General British" was even killed several times during the pitched fighting, something which is very difficult since he wears the strongest armor and has the highest attributes in the game.

Both Garriott and Long also mentioned that even more spectacular improvements, landscapes, and features are still in the works for the ongoing evolution of Tabula Rasa. If the game enjoys the same success as their past work, many of us will undoubtedly be playing Tabula Rasa for many years to come.

Image courtesy NCsoft


Image courtesy NCsoft

To: AFSS-MCC

From: Hell Scavenger

Subject: Pre Go Live - Operation Halloween

Today I started fresh on the new servers without any clan members and one of the first critical missions given by the Master Control Center (MCC) was for me to hand out halloween candy to key personnel around the Fores and Irendas Colony bases.

As a reward I received two halloween masks (pictured above).

I guess these could come in handy later to disguise myself when scouting enemy forces - but don't we have more important work to do? Like maybe saving the planet?

(Unfortunatey, I was never able to procure the coveted "toaster head".)

- Scav

Image courtesy NCsoft

To: AFSS-MCC

From: Hell Scavenger

Subject: Final Beta Battle

On October 22 from 2200 until 2400 hours AFSS forces battled multitudes of mini General British clones which registered at level 50. Our forces suffered many casualties but managed to keep up the pace.

Then General Britfist appeared and engaged our forces for over an hour at Valvede Howling Maw. This was a high intensity battle which was almost impossible to win.

Several of us got down and did "/pushups" which for some reason immediately took us to level 50.

But despite our best efforts, General British managed to get the best of us, and he terminated the entire beta clan by simply wiping out the servers at 2400 hours.

It was a great pleasure to serve with the 40 members of the beta AFS Scavengers clan, and I wish them well in their new roles on the live servers.

That is all ... roger and out.

- Scav

afss-clan wings courtesy NCSoft

Listen up soldiers and quit spray painting your armor for a few minutes because I've got another important announcement to make.

This one is straight from the top. I'm not talking about AFSS-MCC command either. I'm talking about direct from NCSoft HQ.

After starting as a bunch of level 4 grunts we have finally made it into the big time. We have received our official notification that we have received our TR "wings".

That's right - we are are now listed on the TR community clans roster.

This is a big responsibility soldiers. It means that our clan will have to stay focused on our primary battleground (the US based servers). We will have to rise to the challenge of both Player vs Player (PvP) as well as "/invite" grouping for Player vs Enemy (PvE).

But I'll tell you one thing, we are not going for is any of that "real world" role playing (RP) nonsense. Nope, we're NOT going to be posting on this blog about our jobs, our friends, the weather, our kids, our parents, our favorite songs, our pets, local taverns (that one is OK), Dr. Laura, Oprah, or global warming (the Bane already crispy fried our planet - remember soldier?).

Nope, this blog is all about "relationships". Your relationship with a level 486 rocket launcher, or a big-ass sonic shootgun, or a red skull floating above a dead fithik, or a nose diving predator. That's the kind of RP this clan is all about.

Another thing we are also all about is yapping into our microphones (if you have one). This army doesn't issue mikes as standard equipment - so you have to go out and find one for yourself, especially if you don't want to try to "type" with your trigger finger while 20 enemy creatures are trying to frag your behind.

Another requirement is that you have to be able to use our clan's "official" language.

Now I know a lot of you recruits would rather /beg, /cheer, /moonwalk, or /wave rather than have to speak - but we still have to have a little communication from time to time.

That is why this clan will be using either UK / European English (not to be confused with the simplified AUSTEX English dialect used by General British), US English (duh), Indian English, Canadian English (eh), Japanese English (eh-san), Chinese English, or any other form you may already know or want to invent.

If you sign-up, make sure you visit this blog often for important announcements, tips, information, and events.

OK soldiers,thats about it - so light off a few "/fireworks" to celebrate our new "wings"... and then get back out there on the battlefield (duh).

MOPAC 360 image courtesy NCSoft

Another tidbit of news for all you car-less joggers and jumpers out there (why can't we be on a planet with friggin automobiles and traffic jams?).

AFSS-MCC has rolled out the new Multiple Operations Planning and Communications (MOPAC) System for working with all the natives. This new technology can scan a full 360 degrees for mission assistance.

The MOPAC 360 system serves as your GPS and communications tool for mission pick-up and guidance.

Be careful - leaving an instance while the floating cell phones are still glowing can cause what we call in the military a "do over". That's correct soldier - you have to go straight back to square one.

Logo image courtesy NCSoft

Our soldiers speak and the AFSS-MCC listens.

Our field operatives tell us that being a "receptive" isn't really all it's cracked up to be (especially after a big night at the tavern). Sometimes those Eloh brain injections can be downright painful.

Fortunately for our recruits, we have yet another bonus recipe available only to AFSS-CLAN members.


Courtesy NCSoft

Bonus Recipe: Logos Pain Relief

Ingredients:

1 Thrax Skull (2 or 3 is even better)
1 Machina Control Chip (crushed)
1 Standard Pharma

Logos required:

Enlighten

Put all ingredients into a crafting machine and zap it for 2 full minutes. A small red gumball should pop out.

Chew the gumball until the pain is gone.

Warning: Do not chew while in an especially intense instance or you may end up needing the bonus tongue healer which has not been crafted yet.

Gumballs can not be traded or sold.

OK troopers here is another important bit of noise for your delicate ears. So quit firing those sonic shotguns and listen up...

AFSS-MCC has finally gotten around to announcing the Rank system for this rag tag clan of ours.

To me the system looks pretty simple and effective - a sure sign it will probably change after this Beta Battle is over.

Here are the Ranks as they have been entered into the system:


AFSS-MCC Ranks courtesy NCSoft

Now as we already explained in an earlier posting, Scavenski AKA Scavenger will lead the recruiting effort for this bunch of Bane bashers so he is named "Clan Leader", but but we all know that he is a bit of a numb nut so the other ranks are even more important.

The "Advanced Attack Strategists" are the recruits that seem to know what the Bane will do even before they know it themselves. These are the folks that flip through character levels like numbers on a gas pump. They have cloned themselves so many times they even go out on their own double dates.

Even more important, they will plan our strategy when another clan decides to "declare war".

The "Attack Leaders" are the recruits that know how to fight and win. They are packing the big armor and the big guns as well as a few surprises. They also are specialists in sapper and biological matters. Just when you brace for a gunshot they turn around and dissolve you or blow you up. They may also be spies.

Even more important is the "Corporal" - this is the rank and file of the clan, and they are out there in the instances doing all the dirty work. They will also be running around with crossed swords over their heads when war is declared. Without good corporals the clan is nothing, nada, zip, poof, gone, and asta-la-vista. Leaders and Stategists are promoted from Corporal based on both level and special talents using foolproof, one size fits all military logic (the same stuff we used to pick Scavenski) .

OK troops give yourself a "/salute" and hit the nearest transporter...

Image of mechanized robots courtesy NCSoft

OK, we have a few of our soldiers asking "who the heck is driving those massive mechanized robots around our fortifications"? In fact some of you have gone so far as to claim that it looks like "a little blue Mickey Mouse".

Believe me that's no rodent up there driving those babies. You're looking at former AFS Scavengers who are too old to be pounding the ground --- but who still want to be in the fight.

So the next time you pass one of these guys guarding an outpost, give them a "/shake fist".

Image courtesy NCSoft showing the AFSS-MCC mission monitoring consoles

This bit of news comes straight from HQ...

The clan communications system has been less than perfect the last few days with long periods of radio silence. In addition the enemy search function has still not come online. Our recruiting tool has been shut down as well.

But the word has come down the chain that 75% functionality has been restored, and that it's again safe to communicate through the green encrypted channels.

Now get out there and buy yourself a new armor paint job to celebrate...

Scavenger image courtesy NCSoft

OK troops this is REALLY BIG NEWS so listen close...

Hellman Scavenski has been named the new leader of the AFS Scavengers clan.

This was a really tough selection process for the folks over at the Mission Control Center (MCC) because we have so many qualified candidates in the AFS forces from which to choose.

Pretty much the selection process came down to these key items which made soldier Hellman the final choice:

1. His family makes a damn fine jar of mayonnaise

2. He was willing to cough up the 10,000 credits needed to get the registar to write the clan name into their official notebook

3. He loans out his iPod quite a bit

4. His last name "Scavenski" sorta rhymes with "Scavenger"

5. Those vermin Bane have managed to kill off our 1st choice all the way down to our 267th choice on the leader candidate list.

6. Scavenski was number 268 on the leader candidate list.

So after careful analysis, and after the use of our mistake proof, one size fits all military logic, Scavenski got the job.

Start nodding your head soldier because you really like this decision.

AFSS-MCC had one one issue with the selection - they hated his name. Can you imagine this situation from the bane viewpoint? "Oh I'm soooo afraid, Hellman Scavenski is attacking me!' This was a big issue from a military psychology perspective.

So after running hundreds of ideas up and down the AFSS-MCC command chain a solution was proposed - give Scavenski a new name.

Hellman Scavenski

AKA

Hell Scavenger

Ok enough blabber mouthing... get out there and kill something... and while you are at it... bring back a few new recruits for the clan.

Eloh artifact image courtesy NCSoft

While most of our AFSS-CLAN soldiers are pretty sharp pencils, we do get a recruit from time to time who needs a REALLY BIG HINT.

These humming, glowing purple lights are a REALLY BIG HINT.

Something important is probably nearby. Slow down soldier and take a really good look around. Also don't be afraid to get on the CLAN Channel and ask questions. It's a royal pain in the rear to have to shag youself all the way back to pick up something you might have missed...

AFSS Founder image courtesy NCSoft

Any soldier humping down the hill from the Divide Portal to Nidu Dav has probably noticed the impressive statue overlooking the Forean village.

Probably their first thought is "who the heck is that?".

While no villager will tell you the secret, the statue is the original Spiritual Founder of the AFS Scavengers. It kinda makes you all weepy doesn't it?

Make sure to give the statue a bonus emote "/logosfist" from the middle of the village and then keep on moving ... there is a war to fight soldier!

Boargar image courtesy NCSoft

Alright people - we have a special bonus for all of our AFS Scavenger members.

While the other clans are busy painting their armor bright, "teddy bear" pink, the members of the AFS Scavengers will instead be dining on tender roasted Boargar.

You heard me correctly, as an AFSS-CLAN member today is your payday.

Take this recipe to a crafting station and in no time you will be munching on the best food on the planet.


Courtesy NCSoft

Bonus Recipe: Tender Roasted Boargar

Ingredients Required:

1 Boargar
3 Pinches of Salt
1 Pinch of Pepper

Logos required:

Secret

Skin the boargar but don't remove the tusks (they have much of the flavor). Put the whole boarger in a crafting machine and cook to taste:

5 seconds = rare
10 seconds = medium
15 seconds = well done

Enjoy!

Tavern image courtesy NCSoft

As soldiers we all know the importance of a little R&R (rest and relaxation). Our AFSS-CLAN scouts are on the constant lookout for any opportunities.

We are in luck - the Foreas Base has a perfect AFSS hangout. It is the SIXTH STREET down from the prison.

Here is a picture of a few of AFSS clanies kicked back, listening to some good ole' Texas twangy music thinking about their next big plate of chicken-fried Warnet.


Tavern image courtesy NCSoft

This place gets a five star rating from AFSS-MCC Central Command. Go there and talk to the fella in the back with a cell phone floating above his head...

OK, listen up soldiers because this is critical information.

Now that you are a part of the AFS Scavengers you need to know who are your fellow clan mates and where they are located. The AFSS-MCC has released a new communications tool which indicates everyone in the clan (including their current level and location).

To activate this new control hit your "N" key and click on the Clan tab. You should get something like this:


Image courtesy of NCSoft of the new Clan Control Panel

Use it to keep up with our progress.

Oh, and if you want to invite someone to become part of our clan (everyone is welcome during the beta), just push the "Add Member" button and they will get an invitation.


Another important control is the crossed swords tab and the right side of the panel. Use this to search out the other clans actively operating in the game.


Courtesy NCSoft

Watch out for that other button soldier. Yep that's the BIG ONE, the "Declare War" button. Use it to stir up a skirmish with another clan.


Image courtesy of NCSoft of the new Declare War Panel

Memorize this information and you'll always be prepared out there on the battlefield. That is all.

A quick tip from AFSS-CLAN Central Command:

Take a look inside those massive camera monitors you are running past from time to time soldier. They may show you an important combat situation (before you rush blindly into a enemy stronghold shortly followed by a respawn in a far away hospital).

Also those cameras may contain IMPORTANT CLUES.

In the world of TR we don't need some panzy square shapped, flat-panel, million color, HD monitor hung on some tree in the battlefield somewhere. No soldier - you are going to find monitor technology that is bigger than your car and shapped like a boulder with a small round green screen.

Fred Flintstone would kill for one of those babies in his living room - so make sure you stop and take a look from time to time and use the information wisely.


Image courtesy of NCSoft of a boulder sized Tabula Rasa Camera Monitor

As a part of the AFSS-CLAN it's important for our soldiers to know exactly where to take his or her hands off the keyboard if some of life's other priorities begin to interrupt you out there in the real world.

Bio breaks, snacks, job responsibilities, eating, and sleep in the real world can mean instant death in Concordia Divide if a soldier is not careful.

Memorize these sixteen locations and if you have to leave your computer without logging out you can rest asssured that a fluffy white clock will soon appear above your head to alert your fellow clan members that all is well.


Image courtesy of NCSoft of the 16 best places to snooze in Concordia Wilderness

DO NOT PRINT - EYES ONLY

The AFSS Command is please to release the first sub-mission statement as an amendment to the AFSS-CLAN Primary Mission Statement.

NCSoft technicians will be monitoring all CLAN activity and ranking each according to key performance indicators. The AFSS-CLAN central command has set the first sub-mission objective as:

REMAIN IN THE RANKING OF THE TOP 50 CLANS

This will be determined by externally available NCSoft data pages which will be made available to the general public.


Image courtesy of NCSoft of external CLAN ranking page

The AFS Scavengers are proud to announce that deep below HQ2187 the new AFSS Master Control Center (MCC) has been established. These CLASSIFIED photos show some of the key features of the new MCC.


Image courtesy NCSoft showing HQ2187


Image courtesy NCSoft showing the AFSS-MCC overall monitoring room


Image courtesy NCSoft showing the AFSS-MCC mission monitoring consoles


Image courtesy NCSoft showing the AFSS-MCC CLAN communications center

These new faclities (still in beta test) will be used to manage and support all AFS Scavenger members in the field. All CLAN communications will be through an encrypted channel (512 bit) which will display green letters when working properly.

DO NOT PRINT - EYES ONLY

Image courtesy NCSoft

After we registered the AFS Scavengers several days ago we have begun to sign-up our new clan recuits!

During the beta test the is an "open enrollment" - anyone who applies will be accepted - even if you are fresh out of boot camp.

If you have the courage to be a beta tester you have what it takes to be an AFS Scavenger!

After the product launch we may raise our entry requirements to a higher level so go ahead and sign-up now.

You can easily leave using the "/clanleave" command if you change your mind later.

See you on the Tabula Rasa "clan" channel soldier.

We want you in our clan!!

We have three ways to get you an invitation:

1. Request one while you are playing (will work only if scavenger is on-line):

Use this command (in game):

/w scavenger send me a clan invitation

2. Send an email (easy option):

Click here to send the email

3. Reply on the TR beta forum to this posting (cut & paste):

http://boards.playtr.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=118978&an=0&page=0#Post118978

The Clan has three primary missions. The first is to provide support and help to fellow clan members by answering questions, giving tips, and working in groups. The second is to participate in PvP actions and activities in the spirit of fun and action. The third is to be one of the larger, more active, and most social clans in the game.

You can always leave our clan with this command:

/clanleave

The AFS Scavengers are a Clan of Richard Gariott's Tabula Rasa online game. The Clan has three primary missions. The first is to provide support and help to fellow clan members by answering questions, giving tips, and working in groups. The second is to participate in PvP actions and activities in the spirit of fun and action. The third is to be one of the larger, more active, and most social clans in the game.