Once again...Michelle Butler

If any of you knew Michelle Butler (otherwise known as Elionia) in Norrath, you know that this gal works just as hard as anyone else at SigilGames! Never one to stand in the wings and let the others do the dirty work, Michelle is busy putting together a crack team of GMs and filling a hole in lore that includes the group known as the Crimson Fellowship who will work closely with the GMs to support the people of Telon.

I "chased" Michelle around a bit to get the chance to speak to her as a closing interview to our first GM series. Glip tried to trip me up, but finally called off his garden gnome and let me get close enough to do this. Quickly, then, let's see what we can get....

Q: So, Michelle...It's been a while now. Is there anything new you can tell us about the Customer Support that will be such a strong focal point in Vanguard?

Customer Support will have many new creative tools available to us both for player support and for events. We have some exciting ideas on how to keep the players involved with GM Events.

Q: Are you still enjoying putting this together, or are you ready to head for the hills? /grin

Customer Support will always be my favorite aspect of game development. While I enjoy creating NPCs as a designer I prefer the ability to assist a player who is in need. The interaction with the players is very rewarding to me. The team is stabilizing now and we will be ready to participate more in the community very soon.


Q: There has been a turn over in the Pit, with Aruspex, Elaisu and Fessius moving on to other things. You must be inundated with applications for the coveted job of GM! What are you looking for now?

We have received over 500 applications at last count. Many people from different walks of live consider giving it all up for a GM position. As we move forward to launch CS will be ramping up and training will go into high gear. We continue to look for individuals who are fit for our needs. I look everywhere, restaurants, movie theaters, grocery stores, even while I am shopping. I am always on the look out for our next GM. =)


Q: Is there any new word on the Crimson Fellowship?

The Fellowship is growing each day. They are creating the documents that will lead them through the journey of Telon. I could not find a better group of people if I hand selected them all. They are accepting applications from individuals in beta and are multiplying at a good rate. The Fellowship will always be one of my favorite aspects of working at Sigil Games. I have had the opportunity to meet up with old friends and have made many new ones through the Fellowship.

Q: I have to know...working with your other half, then going home to the same space...How do you deal with that much "togetherness"?

We have always spent a great deal of time together. It may sound odd but we spend less time together now than we did before we joined the gaming industry. We spent 12 hours a day in the same room for 7 years before coming to CA. It is not difficult to spend so much time with your best friend.

*sees Jeff poking his head around the corner, giving a wink before running off again*

Q: I know you're busy, so we'll let you off easy this time! Anything else you want the Community to know?

I would like to thank the community for being so supportive and for assisting us by reporting anyone who is in violation of the NDA. We truly appreciate the time an individual takes to email a violation. Please know we investigate every single one and take action when necessary.

*crosses the last 'T' and dots the final 'i', putting down her pencil*

Michelle, thank you, again. This has a two-fold meaning: Thank you for the interview, but also, thank you for bringing back a true Customer Support team who will actually interact with the players. It can't be easy with all the new laws and such from past experiences in MMORPGs now.

Our thanks to Sigil for all of their support, as well! Lady D, Djembe, Aughos, Verityn, Keejay and Tage.../salute And dear Glip...you're doing a great job for the Community! Thank you, as well!

I can't wait for the next round of GM interviews, when once again, I'll hear Glip say....

You want...WHAT????