ROCK

http://users.evtek.fi/~jussiava/pa/wiki/the_rock.jpg

The origin of Rock dates back to the end of round 2 as a partnership known as Stryke. Stryke was a rapid reaction force working via email and ICQ. During Furgion's total dominance of Round 3. Stryke's memberbase of 50 semi-active players did their very best to repel wave after wave of attacks. A tough decision was made to disband the alliance after both partners decided to go their separate ways. One partner made a sensible decision to join a "large" alliance in which he still prospers to this day.

In Round 4 TGO (founder of stryke and p19) made the decision to launch a parallel alliance called [p19]. The original goal of this alliance was to be a small, secretive, tight-nit and covert collection of hard-core players specialising in infiltration and prevention, rather than outright defence.

Unfortunately, harsh rivalry from x19th and pax19 made this largely ineffective and it became apparent that the only way forward was to open up the floodgates of random recruitment. It was at this point that the TGO began to seek officers who might aid him in this mammoth task. HC's were appointed: Druid, Tarik and The Infiltrator. A public structure was formed, and [p19] began to grow.

Shortly afterwards [p19] was blessed with the timely and unexpected arrival of an enthusiastic and charismatic young officer named Defgha, who's hardworking a friendly manner helped to swell [p19]'s memberbase to over 100. At this point, many of Rock's present officers and veterans began to arrive, setting off a craze of nick changes to adopt the T#O style (in the style of the great TGO, great nicks came about such as TFO, TDO, etc.), which created much confusion but helped to add unity and direction to an arguably Newbie alliance that so desperately needed such things. Due to the arrival of officers such as TFO, Lothar, Chilled, Seran, Neo114 and many others, [p19] began to appear on the alliance rankings - staying for the larger part of the round near position 100.

Defgha's hard work and the rl-duties of 2 HC's lead to the TGO's reshuffle to include some above mentioned names within the officers' ranks, and promoting Defgha directly to the alliance high command, in which he continued to excell.

As the end of round 4 approached, [p19]'s position versus the other two main parallel alliances improved greatly, eventually leading them to overtake pax19, and to finish the round just 20 places behind the almighty x19th.

It was around this time that [p19] were lucky to acquire Judder (x19th's "Angel") who quickly shot up the ranks showing a maturity and ability to command and motivate which impressed her peers greatly.

During these last few weeks, it was decided that the spirit of [p19] was something which nobody wanted to lose and the floodgates were once again thrown open, but this time as Rock.

The motive behind naming the alliance Rock has been forgotten - a few theories include the Rock-like solidarity of the alliance's members, the alliance's ability to "rock" the universe, or even the alliance Commander's taste in music. The most likely however, is that the name delves deeply into the very roots of Planetarion - after all, isn't that what this game is about - just a load of mineral enriched Rocks?

During a sickeningly long havoc period whilst the creators decided the fate of PA, Rock's structure was refined and improved. This did however include the loss of a valued member: Defgha (aka TDO) who due to real life difficulties was unable to continue with his previous duties.

Since then, Rock's mammoth leap into round 5 has provided success after success with it's memberbase swelling to over 300 actives including some very proficient officers, slamming this now well-known and respected alliance up to an average of 4th in the PA tagged rankings, and approximately 13th overall.

At the very pinacle of it's greatness, Rock's new re-vamped image and style for round 6, coupled with an increased propaganda team, Rock looked set to share in domination AND certainly to be considered one of PA's most improved alliances.

Unfortunately after Round 7 Rock seemed to go down hill. Whilst Rock was still a very big player in the political affairs of the Planetarion Universe, inactivity set into many players accounts - for many varying reasons. This pattern could be seen in many alliances, not just Rock, however. Around this time Rock also began playing other games, such as Starsphere. It has been debated by many that this may not have been the best decision.

Rock's current (and future) goal and vision statement remains the same: Rock members have priority every step of the way. Officers and high commanders are there to serve the needs and wishes of these members in any way possible. They are our life, our blood, the very makeup of Rock (and planetarion) and we shall continue to strive to make sure they get as much defence as we can arrange for them, and that their attacks as remain fruitful and fun as possible, never forgetting that FUN is what this is all about.