SHADOW ØRDER

SHADOW ØRDER (seen also as Shadow Ørder, SØ, -=-) was a basejka clan that originated in the PC version of Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy. Its primary purpose was to host a casual community experience in the base community, complete with a ranking system, events, trials, and training.

At the time, there were no casual groups in basejka, and Shadow Order championed the role of a place where any fans of the pure basejka game can hang out without a focus on competitive PUGs or tournaments as the focus. The clan did host a series of competitive events, such as ladders, clan matches, etc. but the main focus was casual play.

Members used the tag -=- to indicate their membership. Trial members (Jedi Trainee rank) used the tag -=/=- to indicate their trial status before they were granted membership. Later, the main tag was changed to -I|I- to match what was used in games outside of Jedi Academy.

Shadow Order was formed by Circa aka "Valen" in 2016. The first members to apply and join were Scorpion, Daedalus/Blackout, swegmaster, 527th, and Rooxon. The clan grew fast, reaching around 35 members at its peak. They recruited from various communities, basejka and JA+ servers. Many members stuck around for a long time and became central to keeping the clan active, fun, and structured such as Wolfeye, Artemis, Frost, NineOne, Haloex, and Dzon (and many more). After a couple years, keeping up with the clan grew difficult while balancing real life and other games, dealing with clan drama, and lack of interest from members, according to Circa.

On July 8th, 2018 the clan was officially disbanded. Valen wrote a goodbye letter to the clan and community. The server remained up for awhile, was shut down and come back occasionally. The members still keep in touch on Discord from time to time.

Though it was short lived, Shadow Order meant a lot to the members. The clan was used as an escape or a home away from home for many members going through a hard time or needing some friends. Below are some kind words left by a few members.

This clan became my little family during a very lonely time in my life. I can't begin to express the gratitude I have for the members I led and people I befriended during this time. I learned a lot about leading and cultivating a friendly and safe space for people to thrive in. We had some bumps along the way but I think everyone can look back fondly on Shadow Ørder and what we accomplished in so little time.

• Valen, Shadow Leader

We all came out as friends and that's the purpose of a clan. For ragamuffins to find comrades in a place where they once had none. SØ will always have a special place in my heart.

• Frost, Shadow Council

SØ was fun while it lasted. You all got me into JKA’s gameplay more than I thought I ever would just a few years ago. You all gave me a great time with events and just generally being a great group of likable individuals playing a game that we all share a passion for. I always appreciate being able to experience something again, but with a little extra fun and you all have given that to me. Rest In Peace Shadow Order clan. You will be missed and you will not be forgotten.

• Kwiat, Jedi

SØ was the second clan for me I ever joined but the first one I truly dedicated myself to and trained to get better at playing the game. I had great teachers and was always surrounded by great people. I will always cherish these memories I have from SO and I hope that we re-unite in the future somewhere, somehow!

• Rooxon, Jedi Consular

SØ was the first clan I ever put real time into, in any game. I still remember the day Valen/Circa recruited me. Back then I was a JA+ lurker noob just trying to get better at sabering. But while I came for that, I stayed for the community. And while I wouldn't exactly call myself a master duelist now, I've found something I wanted even more. For the first time I actually felt like I was a part of something. Overall, my time spent in the clan didn't feel like a waste, in fact I'm glad I joined, because of the friends I've made during my time in it. While my future in JKA is uncertain, I will most definitely stay here and keep in touch.

• Rayce, Jedi Knight

SØ was the first clan I ever joined and it was awesome because I always felt like I had tons of fun, I remember always trying to learn the game on my own and never truly getting the hang of it, but you guys never gave up on me. Thanks to you guys, I was able to improve my skill enough so that I could consider myself somewhat decent and actually be able to duel people from other clans competently and even win some duels here and there against some of the tougher opponents. The Shadow Cups and tag team events, hosting my own tournament, this clan, and every single one of you helped me realize at least a bit of my full potential, not to mention having tons of fun along the way, making some good friends. Even though I wasn't around for a lot of it, I've always missed you guys. You were all awesome, and Circa was probably one of the best leaders of any clan, I've never seen someone dedicate themselves so hard to being a leader but also a friend. Not once when I talked to him did I ever feel talked down to. I always felt like we were talking on an equal level, and thats something thats damn good to see in any leader. He could also be stern and let you know when you were wrong, but at the same time, never making you feel like garbage for it, like a lot of leader's could do. He was fair. Nine, 527th, Rayce, Xanadus, Art, Frost, everyone, all of you were awesome friends, and great clanmates. RIP Shadow Order, gone but never forgotten.

• Lord of Hate, Jedi Consular

While Shadow Order as an entity is coming to a close, nothing will subtract from the fact that I have made good friends and good memories while a part of it. I regret to see it end, but I don't regret all the new people I can call my friends or all the laughs I have had over the years. Some of my best memories have been made while I was a part of SØ, and for that reason it will always stay with me as the pinnacle of what a good clan should be. Friends who enjoy each others company on a game we all love. It will rest easy at the very apex of my gaming experience, remembered in favorable light for as long as I'm around. Thank you Shadow Order, and thank you everyone that was part of it. I love you all.

• NineOne, Jedi Knight