Interview with Rarius

By: Donut Juice

Today I sat down and discussed some questions with the man famous for his helpful personality and spectacular amount of Barrows experience - Rarius! For those of you living under a rock, Rarius is a new Forum Moderator, a helping, mature person, and a father to boot. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!

How did you hear about RuneVillage? Why did you join?
I got into playing RuneScape when I saw my daughters boyfriend (at the time) playing the game. Once I started playing and found I enjoyed the game, I decided to see what kind of support the internet provided for it. I found several sites with forums that I started visiting regularly. RuneHQ, Tip.it, Sal’s Realm, a few others, and of course RuneVillage. The constant flaming of innocent questions on some boards ruled them out fairly quickly. Some of the other forums just felt like a bunch of stuff thrown together, and you could not feel a sense of pride or ownership at all. All of this led me to appreciate the way RuneVillage was being managed and moderated. Something that I still very much appreciate to this day.

How long have you been at RuneVillage? Have you enjoyed it?
I joined RuneVillage in August of 2005, although I browsed the forums as a guest starting in May of 2005. And I truly enjoy RuneVillage, it is unfortunate that my work has recently blocked the site since I would use my breaks and lunch to read and respond to various topics. I just have to find a way to indulge myself again.

Your son Tornado Lava has an account here, what's that like?
It’s been an interesting experience. He was too young to play when I first started playing the game, but from the first he would sit next to me and watch as I played. He would ask me “Can I play sometime?” and of course I would tell him “When you're older” Obviously because of the whole internet security issue. But he has shown good judgment in using the computer and the internet with other sites over the years, so last year we let him create an RS and RV account. The interaction on these forums and in game with RV members has actually helped him develop his social skills since there are not many kids in our neighborhood. Both his mother and I appreciate the kindness and help that you yourself Donut, as well as many other Villagers have offered Tornado since he has joined.

Are you ever frightened your son may become the better RuneScaper?
Gosh no, I would love to see him listed higher in every skill and be more accomplished than I am. I do not play to be the best, I play because I like the game and I hope that he continues to play for the same reason.

You were quite recently promoted to the rank of Moderator (congratulations if I haven't already said!). What was your initial reaction upon receiving the PM? Did you expect it?
It came as a total surprise and I have to admit my first thought was one of stupefaction. I figured I might get Elder someday, but Moderator? And while I do appreciate the opportunity, I am just as mystified by it today as when it happened. And thank you.

Are you enjoying Moderating? Is it everything you expected?
Hmmm, that’s a difficult question to answer. Honestly, I can’t say that I get enjoyment out of moderating, but I do enjoy helping people out with issues and questions. I get the same fulfillment from that as I did before I was a Moderator so from that standpoint, then yes, I do enjoy it. As for it being what I expected. - I didn’t expect it, so I had never really considered the function as something I might be doing someday. Unfortunately, there are days when I only have time to get on and check some of the forums to I am assigned, and not enough time to delve into some of the RVA issues that I should be checking. I am very fortunate that Judge and Tokuman and so accomplished. They do an excellent job of running the RVA no matter my involvement.

Are you still a frequent barrower? Did you lose your mind from those many runs? If not, how do you maintain your sanity?
No, unfortunately I do not Barrow like I used to, although I still have it as one of my goals to complete 4000 runs. It’s just that I am concentrating on getting 99 Slayer first and since I do not play every day, it is taking me awhile to get it. I think I am about 200k from 94 so I will be at it for a while. The runs themselves were not that difficult, I have the good fortune to be able to focus on a goal and go after it with single-minded determination. (My wife says I am stubborn as a mule. She is of course right, as wives always are ) You would have to ask my kids about the sanity thing. From my perspective I am just as sane as Tooooon.

How did you come up with your RuneVillage and RuneScape name, Rarius?
I purloined it from John Norman’s GOR books. It is a term he uses to identify a Warrior. I am a Melee player at heart so the name really fits my personality. I only train Range and Mage to take advantage of some aspects of the game that I could not do as a pure Melee player.

You're a General of the RVA as well. What's that like?
It’s been a great experience so far. If you look back through the history of the RVA, where it has come from and how it has evolved (and is continuing to evolve), it is very humbling when I think about the fact that I am wearing the same mantle of leadership of some truly outstanding individuals. Some of the past and present members of the RVA were and are truly technical experts at the game. The fact that I have had the pleasure of hanging out with them is something I am proud of. And as you well know, those Generals (past and present) are all cool guys.

You were formerly the Squad Leader of the RVA Zulu Squad. Did you prefer that, or your current position as General?
They each have their own unique challenges, opportunities, and rewards. I was lucky that when I became Captain of Zulu, it was very active and the members engaged in a lot of events. The good thing about being a Captain is that you are a lot closer to the active members, so on one hand it’s actually more fun to be a Captain because you feel more connected to the group. On the other hand, being a General has it’s advantages too, in that you get to help shape the future of the Army. I guess I would have to say I prefer to be a General at this time, I do not think I could devote the time to a Squad that a Captain needs to. I am amazed at Dr Henry, he is doing a great job with Zulu and still has time for his other responsibilities. He is a great example of someone who is very community involved. I tip my hat off to him.

What forum do you frequent the most on RuneVillage?
Not the one I should be, lol. Mostly RuneScape Questions and General Discussion. When I get time, it’s normally only about 20-30 minutes to get on RV (hopefully work will slow down soon and I will get to spend more time at home, which means more time on RV). I really would like to spend more time in the RVA and Squad Leaders forums, although I do not worry about them because I know that between you, Henry, Tokuman, and Judge, those forums are in really good hands.

If you were able to change one thing at RuneVillage, what would it be?
Not sure I would change anything. I suppose there are days when I wish RuneVillage was as fancy as RuneHQ or Tip.it or Zybez from a graphical interface standpoint, but at the same time I think that would hurt what RuneVillage is at it’s core, a great community where the focus is on helping those that ask for it, encouraging those that deserve it, and lending our support and prayers to those who need it.

Sum up RuneVillage in one word.
Home.

A genie lamp falls at your feet What are your three wishes? (No infinite wishes!)
Well right now today, and you need to understand that I think fluidly so tomorrow this might be answered a totally different way, so good health for those that I care about would be #1. #2 would be to ask for religious tolerance around the world. It seems to me to be absurd that people can spew hate and claim that it is expected and or accepted by their religious believes and culture. #3 would be that the political and economic leaders of all the nations of the world would consider the global ramifications of any policies or doctrines that they endorse. Either that or a lifetime supply of pie.

What aspect of RuneVillage do you enjoy the most?
It’s a low key environment where you can be yourself, where you do not have to one-up anybody, and where people enjoy themselves for the sake of it.

In your eyes, who is the best overall Villager?
Wow, that’s hard. There are so many great Villagers that we see day in and day out, and then there are those Villagers that work so hard behind the scenes that you never even see, that a lot of members do not even know truly exist. There are a lot of people that excel in different areas, and I hope I do not offend anybody when I say this, but from my perspective the single best Villager overall is A5chow. When an issue arises or an opportunity to correct a problem comes up, knowing that Jenny is involved and helping to determine a solution…. well that brings a certain peace of mind to me that makes no sense but exists all the same. Go figure.

One day, you notice RV is having a mascot competition. What animal do you think would best reflect RuneVillage?
There is no single best animal. RuneVillage is a blend of so many good traits that it would have to be something that we created ourselves, a Mythical beast of unique abilities and skills. Maybe something related to a Sneep. (Zulu Squad Joke )

What is your single greatest achievement in life?
Lol, I would have to say my single greatest achievement is one shared with the mother of my children. I am proud of both my children. I share that thought with them on those rare occasions that I am not strangling them for driving me nuts.

Do you ever plan on climbing Mt. Everest?
Nah, I have had my adventures in life. Someone else can have that one.

"Unique New York," are you able to say this five times fast? It's tricky!
Three times without tripping over my own tongue. By the 5th I’ve stumbled, my tongue has lost it's traction and there is no recovering.

Thanks for the interview, Rarius. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I would like to thank Hiker for his foresight in laying down the groundwork that has made RuneVillage such a wonderful place to call my online home. But more importantly, I'd like to thank him for his ability to identify and place in positions of responsibility those persons that he has, who have willingly taken the burden upon themselves to effectively manage and maintain the site in such a warm and unique fashion. I would also like to thank you for the interview Donut. I enjoyed the questions and hope that sharing my thoughts with you and your readers does not have a negative impact on the circulation of the Villager. And last I would like to say that RuneVillage is a great community, and like all communities, it is made of small neighborhoods with great neighbors. One of the best neighborhoods is the RuneVillage Army. If any of your readers have never wandered through out part of the community (and any of you that have but have forgotten what it’s about), please feel free to join us for a glass of Juice and a slice of Pie. You might find yourself enjoying an experience like none other. Thanks once again and happy Villaging.