◆ Character Summary ◆
Arionell
Wind Style Kung Fu Master
Blade & Soul
◆ The Road to Blade & Soul ◆
“Kung Fu Master just feels right. Being able to equip smaller weapons is also a massive plus for my fashion game!”
How long have you been playing Blade & Soul?
For about 11 years. I played on the Western Live servers until the release of the Warden class, after which I continued much more casually on and off for several years. NEO brought my full attention back to Blade & Soul.
What server do you or did you play on?
I started playing Live back in 2016 on the Windrest EU server and am currently playing on NEO EU. I’ve also played on the Korean and Chinese servers prior to that.
Are/were you in a clan? If so, which clan?
I’m currently an Advisor for PleaseBeGentle Cuties, the Cerulean Order side of our larger PleaseBeGentle clan network in NEO. Back in Live, I was a member of Chaos Ascend, and I’m also currently a member of Crash Warped.
Have you always been the same class? If not, why did you change?
I started out as a Blade Master because I’ve always had a thing for single-handed sword classes in video games. Even before that, I was always envious of Kung Fu Master’s fluid and addictive animations. Over time, my preference shifted toward either punchy classes or supportive/healer archetypes—but if I’m allowed to punch, then by default, I’ll punch things!
What do you like most about your current class?
An amazing playstyle supported by the best combo loop the game has to offer, both gameplay- and visuals-wise. Kung Fu Master just feels right. Being able to equip smaller weapons is also a massive plus for my fashion game!
◆ Blade & Soul Through The Years ◆
“I love collecting pretty things in games, and Blade & Soul scratches that itch very nicely.”
Give us a brief overview of what your gaming life was like before B&S. What games did you play?
Aside from the usual single-player games, I am a complete MMO nerd. I’ve played pretty much every MMO under the sun at some point—and then some. My favorite MMO is ArcheAge, but the Aion franchise holds a special place in my heart. I also tend to prefer Korean MMOs over those from other regions. Even today, I mostly play legacy MMOs such as FFXIV, Cabal Online, Black Desert, and Vindictus over more recent releases.
How did you first discover Blade & Soul? What initially caught your interest?
I first discovered Blade & Soul through the G-Star trailers back in the day, and the combat demos immediately captivated me. At the time, MMOs rarely featured fast-paced combat with fluid animations, aside from a select few. That, combined with the unique art style, amazing character models, and very unique outfits, solidified Blade & Soul as a must-play for me.
After getting familiar with the game, what kept you coming back?
The continuation of the storyline and expanding my outfit collection always kept pulling me back into Blade & Soul.
What makes Blade & Soul stand out compared to other games you’ve played?
Superior combat pacing, cosmetics, and art style. I love collecting pretty things in games, and Blade & Soul scratches that itch very nicely.
Why do you like the version of the game you’re currently playing (LIVE or NEO)?
I prefer NEO for its pre-Awakening combat style and its different approach to the economy. As a fully free-to-play player, having access to the entire store is a huge plus. It allows me to obtain all store-exclusive items and virtually all cosmetics simply by playing the game.
Have you always played this version, or did you switch? Why?
I didn’t like the Awakening patch in Live or the increased focus on raids. I’m not much of a raiding person, and I strongly prefer content designed for smaller party sizes. The sheer amount of interface-related content also started to wear me down.
♥︎ Favorite Memories & Stories ♥︎
“I stayed awake for about 35 hours straight during NEO’s launch with my friends! All the junk food and drinks were consumed—and I loved every second of it.”
What is the most ridiculous or unexpected thing that ever happened to you in-game?
My very first purple card fusion in NEO during Moonwater Part 1 resulted in a Legendary Mushin card.
Do you remember your first time launching B&S? What stands out?
The legendary dragon background paired with the classic wuxia flute soundtrack.
What was your biggest “I finally did it” moment?
Looting Junghado’s samurai hat on the Live servers. It took a very long time…
What’s the hardest you’ve laughed while playing?
Hitting the 1% legendary book drop from the recent Queen’s Boxes event in NEO definitely takes the cake. The shock turned into about 45 seconds of uncontrollable laughter and pacing around my room at four in the morning. My cat did not like that at all…
Have you ever stayed up way too late because of B&S?
I stayed awake for about 35 hours straight during NEO’s launch with my friends! All the junk food and drinks were consumed—and I loved every second of it.
◆World, Zones, & Content◆
What is your favorite zone in the game and why?
NEO’s Silverfrost Mountains—specifically Jiwan Peak. The mountain scenery viewed from Jiwan Peak is simply unmatched.
Where do you have some of your best memories?
On the Live servers, farming Poharan and Hae Mujin—and later Asura and Yeti—with my friends created some of the most treasured memories I’ve ever had in video games.
Was there a specific update, patch, or era that felt like the “golden age” for you?
I would consider the Silverfrost expansion to be the golden era of Blade & Soul. From the overall visual theme and endgame dungeons to Jamie Christopherson’s soundtracks, it was an amazing experience—and I’m glad to be able to relive it once again through NEO.
◆Clan and Community◆
🎊 Events & Community moments🎊
What are some of your past favorite events?
Queen’s Boxes, my beloved… please come back! Aside from that, pretty much every NCA stream. They’re dearly missed.
Do you have any unforgettable clan moments?
My old clan once held an outfit design competition. It’s safe to say it got quite… competitive—but in a fun way! Sadly, I lost the competition, and we all ended up becoming pimps, so uh… yeah!
What’s your favorite B&S meme, joke, or community inside-joke?
Let’s just say NC really needs to implement golfing in NEO!
🧑🤝🧑 Character, Role & Clan Identity 🧑🤝🧑
What makes your character special or unique?
I consider my character to be quite photogenic. She also looks great in just about every outfit she wears—and she seems to be incredibly lucky whenever she feels like it…?
What impact do you think your character has had on your server or community?
We organized boost runs for carry events during NEO’s Moonwater era, and I’d like to believe I made meaningful contributions to overall progression. Maybe not as many as people like Wubble—but I was there too!
What makes your clan special?
We have two clans for each faction, totaling four clans overall, so we’re quite large. Both our Cerulean Order and Crimson Legion clans are Rank 10, achieved without any mandatory donation system. Our strong sense of community is, I believe, what truly sets us apart.
What is your clan’s reputation on your server?
I believe we’re currently the largest clan in EU. As far as I’m aware, most players have a positive outlook on us. We’re doing our best to spread good vibes!
Any favorite or legendary clan stories?
Reaching Rank 10 with the Cuties clan. I honestly never thought we’d make it.
🏆 Pride & Accomplishments🏆
What achievement are you proudest of during your time in B&S?
I’m very proud of the size of my wardrobe! I tackle every piece of content purely for cosmetics, no matter what it is—and I’ll continue doing so until the end of time. My drive to collect every piece of clothing is nearly unmatched.
Is there something in-game that feels like your “signature move”?
I change my outfit every few hours so consistently that people actually notice and comment on it!
💬 Opinions & Hot Takes💬
Do you have any hot takes that other players might disagree with?
I love the economy being based on Divine Gems. It allows me to buy anything and everything from the store simply by playing the game. While it has some shortcomings compared to traditional systems, it works perfectly for my needs.
Have you ever quit and come back? What brought you back?
I soft-quit after the release of the Raven King raid. While the raid itself was fun and fresh, the lack of content variety started to wear on me. I enjoy doing things beyond endless combat—such as lifeskilling and housing—and Blade & Soul unfortunately falls short in that regard. After a long cooldown period, I became more active again around the Nightfall Sanctuary patch.
♥︎ Personal Connection ♥︎
Has Blade & Soul ever helped you through a difficult time?
It’s helping me right now. I’m going through a rough period, and NEO provides much-needed escapism.
Did B&S introduce you to friends or people who are still in your life today?
Shoutout to Rayjii, who is still lurking in my Discord friend list! You were this close to playing NEO—but alas… I still have hope!
◆Looking Ahead◆
“It doesn’t matter how bored you get. It doesn’t matter if your butt becomes one with the chair. Just don’t stop!”
If you still play B&S, what keeps you coming back?
Blade & Soul is still unmatched when it comes to combat pacing and cosmetic collection. I don’t think I’ll ever truly escape this game!
What hopes do you have for the future of the game?
I hope that one day our struggles will be heard and that non-Korean servers will receive some autonomy in areas that better suit our communities.
If you could send a message to your younger B&S self, what would it be?
DO NOT stop farming the field bosses during NEO’s Level 36 Cinderlands patch—and sell all your gold!!
It doesn’t matter how bored you get. It doesn’t matter if your butt becomes one with the chair. Just don’t stop!
Is there anything you’d like to say to the Blade & Soul community?
Please stop spamming GIFs in the NEO general channel—and stop fighting in the Live PvP channel! T_T