While being a cultivator is not always the most exciting role to play (That is why many characters combine this role with other skills to create a multifaceted character), it is a very important role to play. Once again, the other characters are reliant upon the cultivator’s skill in order for their own game to succeed. This opens many doors for the individual with the skill of a cultivator. Actually, if the person playing the role of a cultivator wishes to make the role more interesting, he/she can play it with a decidedly harder edge. In other words, just because other players have need of your cultivation skills does not mean you need to be selfless and present an air of altruism with them. Seriously, this skill can make a character in great demand.

So, when can a character’s cultivation skills grow in demand? Does someone need their intelligence boosted? Do they need to develop more powerful ballistics to defeat an adversary? Has a character suffered a serious injury and needs healing? If so, they will need the services of an apothecary but such a player is of no use without someone to provide cultivation skills. Considering that most players in need of cultivation services are wanting, the door is open for the cultivator to achieve his goals and needs through bargaining with those in need. Really, if the cultivator always gave people what they wanted just because they asked the game would be somewhat dull would it not?

Now, does this mean the cultivator is mean-spirited or a villain? Well, in some cases, that might very well be true. However, the real answer will lie in the motivations of the cultivator. Of course, it is the player himself that devises his own motivations. So, the door is open for you to do whatever it is you want with the character. That can make for very engaging play.

When you read the official description of the Empire at Mythic Entertainment’s Warhammer website, you receive a description that is anything but sugar coated. Specifically, the description refers to the Empire as a realm that is not only under constant threats from external forces, it is “rotting” from within. While such a description would seem morose to some, it is actually a good thing. After all, whoever can set right what is wrong will certainly become a legendary hero for the ages. So, why not let that hero be you?

At the root of all good adventures, there is conflict. Specifically, conflict refers to the impediments that can make achieving a goal difficult. In the dysfunctional world of Warhammer Online’s Empire, conflicts abound. This is clearly a good thing because it makes for thoroughly engaging game play.

The most overt conflicts are that of the external forces which seek to destroy the Empire. For example, the Chaos Marauders would like nothing more than to conquer the empire and bring it to its knees. Many player characters are involved in preserving the Empire and defeating the external threats. Then, there are those that enjoy more earthen adventures. That is, there are characters that have no true connection to the primary conflicts facing the Empire. However, such conflicts have ripple effects that can “hammer” other characters that are seeking to achieve their own goals. In short, there are many unique spins a game can take for a player.

For example, let say you essay the role of a character with partial amnesia. You have knowledge of a limited set of goals you must accomplish but you do not know why. It is your hope that you will discover who you truly are while in the process of completing the mission. But, can you complete the mission if you lack a true understanding of who you are? Oh, and by the way, the whole process is about to become even more complicated. It would seem that you have been targeted by Witch Hunters, the rampaging characters that seek to root out subversives working for the Chaos Army. But, are you truly a member of the Chaos Army or are you something else? Yes, a game of Warhammer Online can be truly engaging particularly when the shadow of the conflicts of the Empire fall on new characters. Then again, even those that are veterans of the game can enjoy such intrigue and conflict. After all, it has much to offer!