Real Life First Name: Rodrick

Forum Handle: ArkonPhoenix

Main Character Name: Arkon

Server: Chilastra

Player Association: Phoenix Rising - PxR

Where in the real life world do you live? Ironically, Phoenix. I was living in Los Angeles when I started playing this game, but I was born in Phoenix as why I take to the name so easily.

How long have you played Star Wars Galaxies? Pretty much everyday since game launch day of June 26, 2003.

What other MMOs have you played? I played a couple other MMOs prior to SWG, only to get a feel for Star Wars entering the MMO universe. Have since tried the typical World of Warcraft, Lord of the Rings Online, EverQuest II, etc. I keep coming back to SWG for that tried and true feeling of the Force.

What type of work do you do? Currently a Graphic Designer, but my main focus is in Film and Television Production, and some gaming production experience as well.

How long is your typical gaming session when playing Star Wars Galaxies? I usually play about three hours.

What does a typical Star Wars Galaxies day consist of for you? Grinding alts, testing things I read about on the forums, chatting with friends and meeting new players.

What was the race and profession of your very first character? Human female (and yes, I am a male in real life). Arkon is a toon I created back on the Pencil and Paper days of Star Wars gaming. I then made characters with all the available slots given to us at the time, 8 total, and made them all unique.

What got you into gaming and what sort of games do you like the most? Playing Pac-Man and Marble Madness as kid got me hocked on games early on. Then I received an NES for my birthday, and I was glued.

What other hobbies or activities do you take part in, other then playing Star Wars Galaxies? My latest hobby would have to be my 7 month old son, as we hang out a lot. Then there is my ginormous Lego collection I have, where I have a tub for each color, and have many sets still in boxes as I don’t have time (or room) to build them all.

What is your highest character level in Star Wars Galaxies? CL 90 Elder Jedi.

What race and profession is your main character? Human, Elder Jedi, kind of obvious by this point.

What do you like the most about the profession you have chosen for your main character? I like having a 3D visual representation of my old pencil and paper Jedi character, as it makes me feel like the story continues on. And what’s not to like about Jedi? They are what make Star Wars, well, Star Wars.

What faction is your main character? Currently Imperial, but that may change over time if I decide to go badge collecting again.

What is your favorite player owned ship? Would have to say the Jedi Starfighter, maybe because it has the word Jedi in its name.

What is your favorite ground vehicle? Swoop Bike, as it was the first ground vehicle I rode when they were first was introduced in game.

How did you choose your main character’s name? As stated previously, I used to play a pencil and paper version of Star Wars back in the day and this game gave me the opportunity to place that character into a 3D environment.

Which current professions in Star Wars Galaxies have you NOT played? I have tried them all, but I cannot say that I have played them all.

What is your favorite expansion? Jump to Lightspeed, as it added a whole new element to the game.

What is your favorite planet? Tatooine, since it reminds me so much of the original Star Wars film. Sometime I go to locations that are from the movies and take screenshots.

What is your favorite NPC? Jawas, but you got to be careful so they don’t steal you speeder.

Which expansion do you like the least? Battle of Restuss (would that be considered an expansion?), mainly because it took away a lot of PvP that was happening across all the planets, and turned the now Restuss Starport into a queuing area to enter the PvP zone. I also might be biased here as my Jedi Trainer was located in the Medical Facility in Restuss.

Which planet do you like the least? Yavin, as there is so much content there that could be used and is not.

Which NPC do you like the least? Feral Wookies, as told by the death count I have placed on them.

What is the most credits you have ever spent on purchasing a single item for one of your characters? 100 million credits.

Do you have an item you no longer use but keep around for nostalgic reasons? There are too many items to list here. With over 4 years of playing this game, you tend to become somewhat of a pack rat.

What do you like best about Star Wars Galaxies? Easy, having a virtual community that shares the same amount (if not more) passion for Star Wars.

What do you get out of playing Star Wars Galaxies? A time to relax and take a break from the grind of real life and a sense of accomplishment when you reach your goals, even if it just a video game after all.

Describe your best experience playing Star Wars Galaxies. The pinnacle would have to be when I became a full 250 point Jedi in the old system, which was Master Powers, Master Defender 0404 Lightsaber. I had so much fun with the template, even if I wasn’t the strongest Jedi, at least I know I had the most fun.