The Space Between the Lines

Anthony “Minus” Guidi, Ben “Kilsin” Walters, Benonai

Even in its infancy, the world of Terminus lives through it’s lore. However, with anything written staging the history of any world, our minds can often run wild about what isn’t written. That’s where the amazing fan fiction writers of Pantheon come in, and none have ventured between the lines of lore like community member, Benonai.

While the Keepers of Terminus paint a history of the lands, Benonai is not so ready to trust that everything recorded is accurate. Are stories told to protect the truth? Are they written in a way to ensure power is kept by those telling the story? If fan fiction tales of conspiracy or dark secrets are your cup of tea, then Benonai has you covered. Learn more about him as he joins us for this week’s community spotlight.

Hi Benonai, why don’t you go ahead and tell us a bit about yourself?

Well, I’m afraid to divulge much. The Thronefastian government doesn’t much care for my anti-establishment activism! But I can tell you that despite being a boring finance manager for the government, I really like playing sports, flipping houses, doing leatherwork, playing the drums, and destroying in Final Fantasy games.

When did you start writing and creating art?

I grew up doing construction so working with my hands was always something I did even before I liked it. I grew to love all sorts of mediums to make things whether house additions or refinishing a desk. But I always loved writing all the way through school. It wasn’t until I decided to write a fanfiction story on the EQ1 forums during their SOE days (my character’s story through the rogue epic quest) that I started writing short stories as an adult.

Have you been playing games for long?

All my life. We had an Atari 1600 before I knew how to work it. And we always had the newest computer tech even when it was 5-inch floppy’s. But I’ve always been a hardcore casual gamer; by that I mean I can casually game harder than anyone has ever casually gamed before.

How did you end up hearing about Pantheon?

A random group member told me about it while playing EQ in P99. That was 2016. I checked out the game, looked cool, Brad McQuaid and all that. I stayed because as I studied the Keepers, I noticed a pattern of preference for the dynasty on the throne of Men, how the Keepers were in the pockets of Avendyr’s Council, and the treacherous Istuulamae deviously guiding the Keepers to gloss over the evils of the kings of Men. I knew it was my place to rise up against it.

What was the first Pantheon piece you wrote about?

So, as a follow on to the previous question, I decided to research my heritage, write the tale of my first ancestor in Terminus. His name was Honnai. I chose that as a kind of play on words from my alias Benonai. Bin – Honnai or Son of Honnai. I had such a great time writing it, I decided to write a follow up to see what happened to him. Turned out to be quite tragic. The stories began unfolding themselves as I took more license with the space between Istuulamae’s lines so I just kept going. By the end of the first set of stories, I had over 200 pages, the most I had ever written on any project.

Have you got any plans for your next writing piece or artwork?

Absolutely. I’m in the middle of a new story following the grandson of Honnai during the expansion of power by the race of Men after the Deicide War. It’s about him but also the political and societal relationships with the North Tusk Orcs, giving them a voice. The lore has enough material to have good boundaries but also enough space to really allow some of the community’s writers to dive into individual stories and make them seem like part of the lore Canon. From all those writing in the fanfiction section, there is a great deal of study that goes into what we write to make sure we are staying true to the accounts. It’s a wonderful community.

Will you be playing Pantheon with anyone or going it solo?

I will definitely be playing some with my daughter, who will only read my stories after I put them in a leather-bound book for her. But I look forward to playing with all the great people I’ve met in the forums and the discord channels that make the Pantheon community so energetic and fun, even after the long road to launch.

Do you have a favourite Pantheon class and race yet?

I will definitely be playing a human rogue ’cause that’s my jam. I usually have one alt that’s more of a slightly lesser main. That’s the one I’m having issues with. There are so many great options. If I had to pick today, I would say Dwarven Paladin. Get my righteous indignation on!

What are you most looking forward to in Pantheon?

Launch! Jk… Perception system, exploration, and more than anything I want to live out the character I have created through my stories and gain faction with North Tusk and BRK against Thronefast. I’m so hoping that there is content that goes in that direction. I believe I’ve already seen some hints that point in that direction and I’m stoked!

Is there anything you would like to say to the Pantheon community?

Against your training, don’t rush to chew through content. Spend some time enjoying the world. It’s being made rich with life and story beyond just stabbing things and I can’t wait to enjoy it with you all. And to Istuulamae: Amanthiel can’t hide from her sins forever! Viva RACHA!

We would like to thank Benonai for sharing their musings and excitement with us. We look forward to reading his next journey into the secrets between the lines of lore, which you can find on the fan fiction forums of PantheonMMO.com.

We are thankful for the amazing stories our community has shared thus far with us. Do you have a story about how MMORPGs have made a difference in your life? Has it driven your creative urges? Has it made you a better leader? Has it helped you overcome difficulties in your life? We’d love to hear your tale, and show why community truly matters. Drop us a line in the forums.

Producers’ Letter	Monthly Recap	Heads Down with Kyle and Rob	The Space Between the Lines