I heard one member describe the fleet as, "a roster of guys playing a single-player game on a PVP server." This is probably a bit unfair, but there is definitely a culture of inward focus, especially among the pirates who have been here the longest. I can see how that might make them all seem indifferent to the community, or even somewhat jerky. This is not my experience as I begin to interact with them, though. They are very social after a clinical fashion. Breakdowns of builds, battles, etc. are sure to garner some replies and spark an analytical discussion as in-depth as any I have ever had in-game.
The Dare Devils, especially with some of the newer members, are actually quite friendly in this succinct way. I wouldn't call them chatty, of course, but they're not jerks. And they are very loyal. I think they're peripherally aware of a certain reputation for arrogance or pomposity, but are genuinely mystified by it. These guys (with a couple of exceptions) spend all their time playing the nuts and bolts of the game experience. They log in, spend a serious chunk of time power-leveling, and log out. The focus of their experience is about basic gameplay. It's not just the primary focus, but possibly the entirety of the experience. For them, something like a war is only interesting as a way to achieve something in-game. I suspect the #1 spot on the ladders is something DEV wants for the search turns and the medals more than the bragging rights.
Wars are a means and not an end in themselves. Compare this to a fleet like the Gizmonics or the 633's, who love the sheer chaos and challenge of war for its own sake and you see some really big differences in approach. This Saturday, we're going to fight in a war with a revised hit point total to test out a proposal for less war points for the higher level fleets. I am looking forward to exploring the culture of war and how it plays out.
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