Before there was 200 cards in Shadow Era. Before there was even the Call of the Crystals set... there was ROK.

South Korean Shadow Era players established the guild Republic of Korea (ROK) in the very early days of Shadow Era. Discussing Shadow Era strategy and gameplay in Korean was popular on Hungryapp, so player Gregae established an official Korean guild. Over the years, English speaking Shadow Era players would see ROK in front of player's names in Quick Match but many didn't know what it stood for or if it was a formal guild. With a recent new guild leader, ROK Bluehell (NewINIMoon in the forum), who can communicate in English and Korean, this guild has come into the spotlight and gotten recognition by the larger Shadow Era community.

Members of ROK frequent the Shadow Era Hungryapp page or the Shadow Era Community page on Naver, which provide Shadow Era content all in Korean. Being able to discuss the game in their native language has brought together a close community. ROK Conscript points out that the best part is that ROK "members help each other by translating and sharing strategies freely". Strategic decks are frequently shared to help boost win rates and all the cards in every set have also been translated into Korean and officially posted. These forums and the guild combine to make "a friendly community were everyone can get along together", says ROK Kun and adds, "We’ve never met in person because our members live apart across the globe. But it would be great to have a guild meeting with everyone though, if chances arises."

ROK members are a friendly and helpful bunch. They invite all Korean Shadow Era players to come and make use of these chat and forum areas. Those wanting to be more formal in their involvement are welcome to join the guild. "Be competitive if you want, be casual if you want, lose a million games if you feel like it," explains ROK Bluehell. "We really just have one guiding principle, which is 'manner-based game play'. Respect the opponent and watch what you say; our guild members are banned from swearing in game chat to anyone." Those joining the group are not required to take on the ROK tag but there is an active group of 20 Korean members who already have.

Tournaments are not popular for ROK members due to time differences, instead their game of choice is Quick Match. "I don’t feel hardcore play is required to enter the top rankings," ROK Gregae says. Combining their skills and working on their strategies together, ROK players have frequently been in the rankings ever since the game creation. Next time you’re paired against ROK player in Quick Match, bring your A-Game as you know they’ve got a helpful community behind them which has helped gotten them to where they are now!

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


쉐도우 에라 스팟라이트: ROK 길드