Overcoming All Odds

Gustin's very own Dwarven Maestro, MiniNitro, took a break from his quest to become a Hero in Lineage II to share his inspiring story with us. Read on to find out why nothing can keep this little Dwarf and his inspirational player down!

1. How long have you been playing Lineage II?

I have been playing [the] Lineage [series] since the first game. Hardly anyone spoke English. When I saw Lineage II advertised for open beta I immediately signed up. So I am a Lineage II veteran I guess you can say.

2. What are your character names and server? Which class do you play?

My character name is "MiniNitro," and I am from the Gustin server. He is a level 76 Maestro with a level 74 Phantom Ranger subclass. I will be 75 on my subclass by the middle of October. I will then be competing in the Olympiad. So look out Gustin, you may be seeing the next Maestro Hero!

3. Your amazing story has become an inspiration to those in the Lineage II Community who have had the opportunity to hear it. Would you share a little about what happened to you, and how your life changed?

When I was 11 years old I fell from a 5-foot platform jumping in leaves and landed on my head breaking my neck. That fall instantly paralyzed me from the neck down. From that moment on, I was classified by people that I would spend the rest of my life confined to a wheelchair.

I have never listened to what people say about me (negatively and stereotypically). Ever since I heard that I was not going to let them tarnish my destiny. I have been working very hard to get to where I am in this point in my life. I have been doing a lot of exercises and learning techniques to strengthen my body and my mind. If I can help it I am not going to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. However, if my destiny sees that I have to be in order to make a difference, I have no problem with that.

After my accident I had to make a lot of adjustments in order to proceed with a prosperous life. When I returned back to school there were a lot of hardships that I had to fix. The biggest one was the other children, who used to be my friend’s were afraid to play or even talk to me. There was a lot of talk behind my back. I got upset and I knew there was something I had to do in order to make this stop. So I went to every school and taught every child about my disability, respect, and consequences. I started that when I was in sixth grade, and I do it now that I am out of college (people of all ages I lecture now).

If all of you are interested in reading the full story that I submitted to my official server forum [post] here is a link. After you all read it, I want you all to feel free to ask me any questions. There is no need to be shy, nor be afraid that you would upset or offend me.

4. Can you tell us a little about how you learned to play Lineage II despite your injuries, what challenges you faced, and how you overcame them?

For years I have been using many systems in order to operate a computer. When it came to playing Lineage II I had to muster all of my techniques and figure a way to be very accurate, quick, and increase my reflexes. It took a lot of patience, intelligence, and an extreme amount of motivation not to give up!

The first class that I had chosen to be was a dark elf one. Everyone knows dark elves do not have much hit points. So I was dying around 12 [times] an hour. So I realized that I needed a character with a lot of health so he can take a beating so that I can implement my techniques in order to play the game. It took me a while to get it down-pat. But poor MiniNitro died hundreds of times for the greater good (I guess that’s why he has over 50Mil SP. Haha).

5. Are you in a clan? If so, what is your position in the clan?

Yes, I am in a clan. As a matter of fact, I started it and we are named ARTinSIN. We are working very hard to build our clan up into something spectacular. All we need is quite a bit more fun and mature people to join in on the festivities. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed! We are very civil up until we are attacked.

I have been in many clans since open beta (i.e. Malevolence, Fury, SilentWizards, SilentForce and FallenApostles) and they all ended the same. They either died off or I was unhappy with the leadership. This is the reason that I started up my own clan. I have learned a lot [about] being a clan leader by stepping up to help my clannies and not to do what my clan leaders were doing. But the biggest thing I learned was to keep my clan members interested.

I think I’m a good leader. I’m a very easy going guy. I do not start things unless I have a good reason. Plus, I am very honest, and a lot of fun to be around.

6. What are your favorite activities in Lineage II?

I have quite a few, but if I have to pick three things they would be:

1. Partying with my clan members, and good friends in new places or in the very difficult areas.

2. Rifts/Raid Bosses/Castle sieges/PVP with my clan members and alliances/friend’s. Anything that involves a massive amount of people to participate.

3. Crafting and over enchanting items and gear. It can be very relaxing and a rush all in one.

7. Do you have any advice or comments you’d like to pass along to your fellow Lineage II players?

Out of games: Don’t let anyone say you cannot do something. You can do anything you are willing to work for. The definition of "handicapped" in my opinion only justifies when someone tells themself "I can’t do something."

In game: Try not to take anything to the heart. There is no reason to start wars for no reason. This would be an even better game, if people did not take things too seriously. Plus always be aware. "Fear the silent enemy for he has yet to show his ultimate power!" But all-in-all, have fun and be safe out there!

P.S. Feel free to message me any time about anything!

Thank you to MiniNitro of the Gustin server for answering our questions! You're an inspiration to us all!