A Juggernaut is a literal or metaphorical force regarded as mercilessly destructive and unstoppable. And the competitive guild, Team Juggernauts, are battling to live up to their name!

As the guild scene started to grow in the early days of Shadow Era, BlueJet24 formed Team Juggernauts (TJ) to rival A1, the only competitive guild at the time. With his own Shadow Crystals as prizes, BlueJet started "Crown Tournaments" as a way to promote and scout for potential guild members. These were popular tournaments that needed to be split into two 64 play event signups, 12 hours apart, so that everyone could have the chance to participate. Later BlueJet ran the highly entertaining Gauntlet tournament, which is still referenced in the Shadow Era forum (see here for a Youtube video that captures some of the action). These early tournaments helped to establish the competitive play scene in Shadow Era and showcased the skills of top players. Hand picking the proven elite from these tournaments, TJ grew as a force to be reckoned with. Members strived to compete at a high level in tournaments and see their guild rise to the top of the Quick Match ladder.

Using a democratic system, TJ relies on the guidance of Guild Elders (Chanson311, NaharPT, Rayzie, SamuelJ, PaleStich, and most recently WrathofCroft) and a team of Commanders. They work together to maintain guild order and most importantly guide new members to their full potential. Rayzie explains that the TJ's focus "has always been around competitive play with a view of being a dominant force in the tournament scene and to learn from every event." SamuelJ is quick to point out that TJ members "have a good time while being as competitive as possible." Though good natured debate and light-hearted commentary they critic guild members play and assist with strategy and deck building questions. "Juggernauts should be willing to take criticism and understand that it is not coming from a point of say 'hating' or 'poking fun' or 'discouragement' but it is an effort to allow newer players to progress in a way that will allow them to learn their own play styles, their own personal tendencies, and advancing their problem solving skills," says BetrayalFender.

Recruitment policies may not be as strict as they were in the early days, but new guild members still need to illustrate that they are striving to get better and willing to learn. TJ has their eye out for up-and-coming players, as Chanson 311 explains. "We don’t want to miss an opportunity to groom someone who shows potential." And while they are often found poking fun at each other and making jokes in Shadow Era's official forum, being disrespectful is no laughing matter. One of the TJ qualifications to membership is "always be respectful to the community and to your peers. We have a very strong ethic code and we won't tolerate any misbehaviour in this matter."

"Between Ray's crazy comments, Tomm and I's impromptu trips down memory lane, Sam's random winning streaks that we all try to beat, and the constant trash talking towards each other, we understand that everyone in this guild comes in with an immediate respect for each other," says BretrayalFender. Using their internal forum and Skype chats, TJ members strive to pass on their knowledge to new members and elevate the guild the as a whole. "Being in Team Juggernauts gave me a chance to learn to play the game from the best," says SamuelJ, citing player such as Portgaz D’ Ace, Bluehet, Rayzie and others.

Since they've shown their competitive edge in digital tournament play, will they dominate the physical tournament scene as it emerges? Although some of the non-automated functions of gameplay (like gaining shadow energy each turn) takes some getting used to, TJ players are willing to try out physical card play if there is a local tournament. In fact, SamuelJ won a Meltdown tournament at Gen Con 2013. He's looking forward to seeing your reaction at Gen Con 2014 when he plays Tidal Wave or the game changing Mind Control!

To see if you got what it takes to make it in Team Juggernaut's guild, check their thread in the forum or their new Facebook page.

Have a Shadow Era story to tell? Interested in having your guild highlighted? Email muriah@wulven.com