Meal`n`Real — Episode 20
Introduction
On August 21, 2022, during the launch of the Bronze Age II Test, the first episode of Meal’n’Real was published. In addition to providing general information about the start of this event and what was happening during it, the end of the episode featured our first interviews in the one-on-one section with two leaders.
The first guest in our experimental section at that time was Egor, the leader of Metaguild. Today’s digest episode is a milestone — the 20th episode. Like the previous and the following episodes, it will include an interview with one of the guild leaders.
As you may have already understood, the interview will be with Metaguild today.
Metaguild
Metaguild is a well-known team in the crypto world, and their story began with their leader Egor’s passion for games. He gathered a team of involved friends around him, and from that moment, the organization has been on its journey. Initially, they created a website about crypto games, one of the first.
During the Axie Infinity boom, the team was able to significantly increase their capital by participating in the lending of in-game assets for players during the bull market and hype surrounding the game. Many key members of the team joined during this period.
Later, Metaverse Agency was created, consisting of graphic designers, developers, and other involved people who can turn any idea into reality in the Sandbox world (company offices, galleries, guild castles, etc.). They also have a separate division that can organize esports events and tournaments. They successfully hosted such events for Axie and Parallel.
As for their journey in Mithraeum, this team, like our previous guest — Degen Guild, is the second guild that has participated in all our public events.
From the team’s side, they have always been deeply involved in the game and provided valuable feedback to us as developers.
The first event was good for them, despite internal team misunderstandings, which led to a fragment forming within their guild. This fragment represented a separate military unit at the next event, eager for war against Metaguild. However, thanks to their active gameplay and battles, they finished the Bronze Age I Test with good results.
Bronze Age II was not so successful for the guild, as wars and the execution of plans started rapidly, catching them off guard. This swift turn of events led to the end of their game in just a few weeks, with TombStone being the culprit. It is worth noting that they always handled unfavorable in-game situations with dignity, learned from their mistakes, and returned stronger in the following events.
As for Bronze Age III, one of the guild members shared his thoughts with us. With only six players in the game and the previous mechanics emphasizing the scaling of settlements, they found themselves doing 4-hour shifts to keep our seven settlements active 24/7. It was quite challenging, but thanks to the hard work of all the players — Kono Dio Da, Pequeno, Ratchaw, ItSAAD, BlackSky, and Amininano — they made significant progress in the tournament. In the end, their dedication paid off, and they earned 2.5 times more than their initial investment. This amounted to a solid 8.9% of the reward pool, showcasing just how committed the players were to achieving positive results with only seven settlements.
Regarding the Iron Age I Tournament, which recently ended, a notable change was the leadership within their ranks for managing players in this event (but, in fact, he began to take on this role from the first tournament). An experienced player, Amininano, took on the role of leader. If we fast forward a bit, he successfully coped with this role, and alliance leaders spoke positively about him, describing dealing with him as a pleasure.
Metaguild allied with a coalition that included the guild, which caused them to stop their participation a year before. However, in the game, principles did not stand in the way, and there was no talk of any fundamental rivalry.
Here is an interesting comment we received from their allies (those they fought alongside):
As allies, they behaved honorably and did not make a deal with the Ordengg guild, even though it promised them more money. Even when most of their settlements were besieged, they still continued to help allies and keep their word. I want to say a few words separately about Amininano — he is a very responsive person and a good organizer. It was a pleasure to play with him.
Other guilds were also satisfied with their collaboration. Unfortunately, their active participation in battles and maneuvers finished in the tournament’s first half, which can be read in detail in Amininano’s article.
Also, an interesting trend is that someone always takes on leadership in the media space at each of our events. In the Bronze Age II test, TombStone created podcasts, TikToks, wrote articles, and showed activity in chats on Twitter and the map. In the Bronze Age III Tournament, this initiative was taken over by the Chamomile guild. And in the recent event, it was Metaguild. Despite the low community activity this time in content creation, there were enough participants from Metaguild in preseason competitions and during the tournament. They created several high-quality content materials. One is Amininano’s article, and the other is the gameplay video created by Amininano and Kartoha, their Growth Lead.
Let’s now move on to the interview.
One-on-One in the TAVERN
The player and new Metaguild leader in Mithraeum, who hasn’t missed any of our events — Amininano!
Hello! You are the Metaguild leader of this tournament. How do you feel about this experience? Have you had a similar management experience in other games on behalf of Metaguild and separately from it?
I participated in Mithraeum Bronze Age I & II as a player, but my first experience as a leader was in Bronze Age III. Despite the 72-day duration, it was a valuable challenge that allowed me to improve my leadership skills alongside my teammates. Metaguild entrusted me with the leadership role again in the Iron Age I Tournament, indicating their confidence in my abilities. The overall experience was fantastic, particularly due to the new interface changes and mechanics. The game became even more exciting, encouraging me to delve deeper into its intricacies. Facing formidable opponents made it both thrilling and challenging.
Are you satisfied with the number of players participating from your guild? Or would you like more involvement?
In Bronze Age III, we had only 6 players participating, but our numbers significantly increased in Iron Age I, with 15 players joining our ranks. We had even more interested players, but unfortunately, we reached the maximum capacity, preventing us from recruiting additional members.
What were the preparations for the tournament? How were the negotiations held? What options did you have?
Initially, we maintained communication with the Chamomile Guild from our previous experience in Bronze Age III. As the start of Iron Age I approached, we reconnected and confirmed our joint participation in the upcoming tournament. Just days before the tournament commenced, UkrBot contacted us, initiating negotiations regarding the terms of our potential alliance.
It was surprising to see you allied with the TombStone guild, with whom it seemed there could be no alliances after Bronze Age II. Was the decision about the alliance easy, or were there doubts?
To be honest, as a leader, I couldn’t base the decision about an alliance solely on past experiences. I was fully prepared to give the alliance a chance and evaluate it based on our current interactions. Ultimately, I wasn’t disappointed with the outcome.
How much time did the game require in the beginning? Are there any funny stories about how it didn’t let you live your real life?
During the initial month, I aimed to excel despite our limited number of settlements compared to other guilds. We were determined to showcase our potential and make an impact, even with just 15 settlements. Consequently, I devoted 8 to 12 hours daily to ensure our plans were executed seamlessly. There were amusing instances when I had to rush home for military actions, precisely timed, as I was responsible for all actions. It added a humorous aspect to the experience.
What can you say about your alliance after 3 months of playing together? Did everyone meet your expectations, or are there any questions? Are TombStone scammers, or do they deserve trust?
Reflecting on our alliance after 3 months of playing together, it’s essential to emphasize that a definitive assessment of any guild necessitates direct engagement and interaction. In our experience with the TombStone alliance, I can affirm that it met and even exceeded my expectations as a leader. The alliance demonstrated unwavering trustworthiness and reliability, validating my initial belief in their integrity. The cohesive teamwork and genuine trust among members reinforced my conviction in the power of authentic collaboration within the gaming community.
What moments from the tournament do you remember the most?
I vividly recall our first Attack Day, a momentous occasion that not only symbolized the beginning of the big war but also showcased our combined strength. Coordinating attacks with all our settlements alongside our allies from TombStone and Degens, it marked a significant milestone in our journey, defining the intensity of the conflict that unfolded.
What can you say about the Ordengg guild as an opponent? Were there times when it seemed that the alliance could not stand up to the enemy? When was the turning point for the leadership of the tournament?
Ordengg proved to be formidable opponents, displaying exceptional gameplay with well-thought-out plans and strategies. Despite their strength, I never felt there was a turning point where our alliance couldn’t stand up to the challenge. From the outset, I had confidence in our alliance with Tombstone, Degens and Chamomile . This conviction remained unshaken, and together, we navigated the tournament with resilience and determination, always mindful of the respect we hold for honoring our commitments and promises.
How would you evaluate the new tournament? What do you like and what don’t? Share your fud or love here.
I value the relatively short duration, around 40 days, for revealing the tournament’s outcome. The timely resolution, even though the tournament hasn’t concluded, is gratifying, especially considering the significant engagements with opponents. The substantial prize pool, totaling 81,000 xDai, adds a significant incentive and excitement to the competition, which I appreciate. However, my main concern lies with the auction system for buying settlements. It appeared to limit opportunities for small players with a modest budget to participate fully. I believe addressing this issue would make the tournament more accessible and inclusive for players with varying resources.
If you want to convey something to the developers, don’t hesitate in your expressions.
I suggest implementing a more interactive communication approach during bug resolution in the tournament. Critical issues, such as the hex capturing bugs we encountered in this tournament, can severely disrupt gameplay and cause significant progress loss. Timely resolution is crucial, and having a direct line of communication with developers during these instances would expedite the bug-fixing process. This proactive approach would not only minimize the impact on players but also enhance the overall gaming experience. Clear and swift communication during such situations can make a substantial difference for the players and their engagement with the game.
Is there anything to say to your allies or enemies?
Not particularly. I extend my regards with good games (GGs) and wish everyone the best of luck in the upcoming tournament.
What advice would you give to newcomers who want to play Mithraeum?
I would recommend newcomers to consider playing in small groups rather than going solo. Alternatively, joining a guild can significantly enhance survival chances during tournaments. Understanding the game mechanics thoroughly is crucial; you might be surprised by the impact you can have with in-depth knowledge of the game.
Do you already know how you will distribute the prizes in case of victory? Is it a fair distribution?
We have already established terms for prize distribution with our allies Tombstone & Degens, and everything seems to be fair and well-organized.
Did you play manually or automate processes? If so, what exactly?
We managed the game manually. However, our allies assisted us by providing tools to simplify the process of tracking hex capturing. These tools included a frequently updated list on a website, eliminating the need to check them manually on the map.
What are your relationships with the Chamomile guild after the drama? You were in an alliance with them in the last tournament.
Initially, the issue didn’t involve our main group; it arose within the Chamomile guild. I became aware of the situation when Bond007 mentioned it in the Mithraeum Discord chat. I proactively engaged, asking questions and striving to find a resolution. Given our positive past experience with Chamomile in the previous tournament, we were committed to resolving the conflict and maintaining our alliance. Despite my efforts, attempting to facilitate discussions between Bond007 & UkrBot, the resolution proved elusive. However, as Metaguild, we still regard Chamomile as our ally, standing by our commitment despite the challenges.
Were there accusations and claims from the Chamomile guild towards you?
Were you worried that you might also become the next victim?
As a leader, did you try to resolve this situation between your allies?
What do you think about the fact that, most likely, the Chamomile guild united with Ordengg and fought against your alliance as a result?
It is very logical, and I have no comments about it. However, despite the circumstances, we continue to consider Chamomile as allies. Circumstances in the game often lead to unexpected alliances and strategies, and we respect the choices made by other guilds, even if they are in opposition to us in the current tournament.
Was there a temptation/offer to join the Ordengg guild together with Chamomile?
Indeed, during the first week of the tournament, Ordengg made an offer. Initially, they proposed purchasing weapons from us, an offer we declined out of respect for our alliance. We were steadfast in not providing even the slightest advantage to our opponent. Subsequently, there was another offer to acquire all our settlements. Once again, we declined. Our commitment to our alliance and our word remained paramount; we could not break our promises, even in the face of tempting offers.
How do you evaluate your performance now? Would you change anything or not?
I am proud of the exceptional effort put forth by both myself and my teammates from Metaguild. One substantial testament to our dedication is the detailed article I wrote, outlining my meticulous tracking of actions throughout the entire tournament. This extensive data collection served as a foundation for in-depth analysis and valuable insights, contributing to my growth as a leader. Although we encountered a few minor mistakes along the way, they have provided valuable lessons. We are committed to learning from these experiences, ensuring that we continue to improve and perform even better in the next tournament.
How tired are you from the tournament?
During the first month, exhaustion set in as I aimed for peak performance. Despite our limited number of settlements compared to other guilds, we were determined to make a significant impact with our 15 settlements. As a result, I dedicated 8 to 12 hours daily to ensure our plans were executed flawlessly.
Regarding the strength of our alliance, it stemmed from our positive and trustworthy communication. We meticulously followed our plans, creating a unified front. There were no discernible weak points within our alliance.
Regarding the reward pool, it came as a pleasant surprise, serving as a significant motivation for all of us. Its unexpected size was truly appreciated, adding an extra layer of excitement to our efforts.
What is the strong point of the alliance and its opponent?
What is the weak point of the alliance and its opponent?
What do you think about the reward pool? Did you expect it to be like this?
In this season, and probably from all 4 public events over 1.5 years, you became the author of 2 of the highest quality content materials from our participants. I’m talking about your article and your video with Kartoha. We want to thank you once again and ask, of course, should we, together with the viewers, expect more content from you and your guild in this format?
Certainly, that would be our pleasure. Please stay tuned for the final episode about the Iron Age 1 tournament, where we will be sharing some intriguing and exclusive insights. We appreciate the support from viewers and are excited to continue providing high-quality content in this format.
Who do you most often keep in touch with among allies, and who was the most pleasant to communicate with?
Personally, I’ve had excellent interactions with everyone, particularly Mike Dreams, Minty Boy,Hope to the moon & Bond007. As a new leader, I had numerous inquiries for other leaders, and their willingness to answer and provide explanations greatly contributed to my improvement. I am sincerely thankful to them for their support. Among them, UkrBot stood out as particularly pleasant to communicate with.
You are among the few players who participated in all our events. What can you say about this? Aren’t you tired? Do you like the growth and direction of the product, or do you disagree with some aspects?
I just wanted to give props to the Mithraeum team for the awesome work on the game. The Bronze Age III guaranteed reward pool started at 5000 and ended up around 11,000, and for Iron Age I, it went from 25,000 to 98,000. It’s clear Mithraeum is not just fun but has serious earning potential.
The constant updates with new interfaces, concepts, and mechanics show the dedication to keeping things fresh and fair for all players. One thing I’ve been thinking about is the Dutch auction during tournaments. It feels like smaller guilds and solo players don’t get a fair shake against the big spenders.
Big thanks to the Mithraeum team for their hard work and for keeping the community buzzing with events like video contests, banner contests, and writing contests. It’s cool how you guys keep surprising us with NFTs like the Invictus Maneo from the Bronze Age III tournament and the recent Warlord NFT.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks to Amininano for the interview, feedback, and pleasant communication throughout all the tournaments. We appreciate it 💚
