The Cipher Clan
The Cipher Clan is a group of gamers,
particularly Halo gamers, and others interested in science-fiction
stories, movies or games. Currently the clan is thirty five members
strong, and is showing few signs of slowing down. It discusses a
broad range of topics, from Halo to current events, on its Bungie’s
7th Column forum,
http://www.bungie.net/fanclub/cipher/Group/GroupHome.aspx.
History
Cipher Clan was founded by two gamers, Willgirzim and
Zarts (gamertags on Xbox Live and also forum usernames). At first,
it was not seen as a serious venture, but more of a novelty. As
more members joined the clan, Cipher began to take
off.
<p>
Some of the clan members have contributed
ambitious plans and ideas to improve the clan. It was Fishtank133
who inspired the clan’s imagination by suggesting a video of
Cipher’s achievements be created to attract potential members.
After this proposal, Tony360 announced his plan to create a website
to promote the clan further, and Frozen Fire began writing a
Wikipedia page with important information about the clan and its
members.
</p>
Since then, the clan’s forums have been a
bustling source of conversations, as well as the odd debate. Many
threads are devoted to the discussion of wacky ideas, incredible
feats of gaming and even jokes. All the clan members enjoy the
friendly, yet competitive, atmosphere the clan has to
offer.
Members
There are a broad array of members in
the Cipher Clan, ranging from talented gamers and militaristic
would-be dictators, to outright lunatics and, of course, computer
geeks. Some of the clan officers are listed
below:
<p>
Willgirzim, Administrator: Co-founder of the
clan, keeper of the peace on the forum and fearless leader of the
clan.
<p>
Zarts, Warleader: Co-founder of the clan,
Willgirzim’s closest ally and an ambitious, exceptional
gamer.
</p>
Tony360, Top Dog: The most gifted when it comes
to technology, often teaching others about advanced computer
techniques, and bestowed with the ability to create his own
games!
<p>
Fishtank133, Clan Chaplain: Militaristic, proud
and usually argumentative, he is always suggesting grand plans to
turn the clan into a feared, elite military force. However, he has
no idea how to write an e-mail and often throws the keyboard into
the computer screen while yelling “colourful metaphors” at the top
of his voice.
</p>
FrozenFire, Heroic Member: Assisting in
the propaganda campaign launched by Fishtank133, he is a valued
officer when it comes to computers and not going
insane.
<p>
Dubbledudez, Squad Leader: A gamer with a
substantial amount of raw talent, he is an esteemed ally in team
games, but a feared rival in free for all.
</p>
Clan
Organisation
The Cipher Clan follows a chain of command similar
to modern military organisation, however the names of ranks vary
from army standard. The clan also prides itself on its democracy
policies. Usually respect is shown to senior officers, but more
often members don’t particularly care about ranks and instead voice
their opinions freely, even if they directly defy an officer’s
command. Some members oppose the current organisation of the clan
and appeal against the so-called “rowdiness” and “lack of respect”,
but these members are often told to hold their tongue by the
majority of members who value left-wing ideals.
<p>
The
Cipher Clan is organised into smaller sub-sections, called Fire
Teams. These Fire Teams consist of four members each, with a Squad
Leader at its head. Each Squad Leader is responsible for their Fire
Team’s discipline and uniform. Fire Teams also exist for the
purpose of organisation for intra-clan team games of
Halo.
</p>
Present Day
The Cipher Clan is yet to
reach its zenith. Many members are applying to join the ranks of
one of the most elite gaming groups. Ideas are constantly flowing
into the forums, and many are being implemented. For Cipher Clan,
this is just the beginning.
THE BUNGIE CLAN WANTS YOU! JOIN
TODAY! http://www.bungie.net/Fanclub/cipher/Group/GroupHome.aspx