Sapphire: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name            = sapphire
| name            = '''sapphire'''
| logo            = [[File:Gem.png|75px]] [[File:S6.png]]
| logo            = [[File:Gem.png|75px|center]]
| caption          =
| caption          = The original Sapphire gem logo, based on the Minecraft diamond.
| trading_name    = <!-- d/b/a/, doing business as - if different from legal name above -->
| trading_name    = <!-- d/b/a/, doing business as - if different from legal name above -->
| native_name      = <!-- Company's name in home country language -->
| native_name      = <!-- Company's name in home country language -->
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| rival            =  
| rival            =  
| successor        =  
| successor        =  
| foundation      = Hollywood, FL, United States<!-- City, Country ({{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}}) -->
| foundation      = 2011<!-- City, Country ({{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}}) -->
| founder          =  
| founder          = [[Sapphire#Demographics|Founders/Co-Founders]]
*[[Bryan]]
*[[Emanuel]]
*[[Funky]]
*[[Mike]]
*[[Caleb]]
*[[Ole Martin]] (Co-Founders: [[Sarim]], [[Sindre]])
*[[Jerry]] (Honorary Founder)
| defunct          = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| defunct          = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| location        =  
| location        =  
| locations        = <!-- Number of locations, stores, offices &c. -->
| locations        = <!-- Number of locations, stores, offices &c. -->
| area_served      =  
| area_served      =  
| key_people      =
| key_people      =  
| products        =
| products        =
| production      =  
| production      =  
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| equity          =  
| equity          =  
| owner            =  
| owner            =  
| num_employees    = See [[Sapphire_Development#Demographics|Demographics]]
| num_employees    =  
| highest          = [[File:ChallengerLeague.png|20px]] Challenger I ([[Jimmy]])
| highest          = [[File:ChallengerLeague.png|20px]] Challenger I ([[Jimmy]])
| csgo            = [[File:Globalelite.png|35px]] Global Elite ([[t3sla]])  
| csgo            = [[File:Globalelite.png|35px]] Global Elite ([[t3sla]])  
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| homepage        = {{URL|http://sapphiredev.org}} <!-- {{URL|examplesite.com}} -->
| homepage        = {{URL|http://sapphiredev.org}} <!-- {{URL|examplesite.com}} -->
| footnotes        =  
| footnotes        =  
| aka              = *Sapphire
| aka              = *Sapph
*"[[Sapphire Development#Members of Sapphire|the group]]"
*"[[the Circle]]"
*"[[the Circle]]"
*[[Sapphire#Dark_Ages|Void]]
*Sapphire Development
| intl            =
| intl            =
| bodystyle        =
| bodystyle        =
}}
}}


'''Sapphire''' (originally '''Sapphire Development'''; occasionally shortened to "'''Sapph'''") is an Internet-based group that formed when a certain [[Sapphire Development#The Backstory and the Founding|duo]] joined with other players from the '''ArmiTunes''' Minecraft server.
'''Sapphire''' refers to the friend group that originated as a [[Sapphire Development#Backstory|a group of players from the ArmiTunes Minecraft server in 2011]]. The name was coined haphazardly by [[Bryan]] after he saw a commercial for [https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire Chase Sapphire credit cards].
 


== History ==
== History ==
 
=== Backstory ===
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">
=== The Backstory and the Founding ===
'''October 2010 {{en dash}} December 2011'''
'''October 2010 - August 2011'''  
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Seaport.png|375px|thumb|Seaport, the capital city created by bry4n2378 and t3sla on ArmiTunes.]]


[[File:Seaport.png|375px|thumb|Seaport, the capital city made by Bryan and t3sla on ArmiTunes.]]
===== ArmiTunes =====


The history of Sapphire began with '''[[Bryan]]''' and '''[[Emanuel]]''' (also known as '''[[t3sla]]''') playing ''Minecraft'' for the first time in October 2010, after having discovered it through SeaNanners' Minecraft series. In one video, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtvIKHt2Ysw he gave a tour of the "Sexy Town" server]. Bryan and Emanuel became intrigued and sought out the server, although, in a very Columbian fashion, they instead came up with a server called '''ArmiTunes Freebuild''', which was in fact not Sexy Town.  
In October 2010, two kids, '''[[Bryan]]''' ('''bry4n2378''') and '''[[Emanuel]]''' ('''[[t3sla]]'''), played ''{{wiki|Minecraft|Minecraft}}'' for the first time after having discovered it via YouTuber '''SeaNanners'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ''Minecraft'' series. In a video, SeaNanners gave a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtvIKHt2Ysw tour of a certain multiplayer Minecraft base, "Sexy Town"], which intrigued [https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/4sh32w/comment/d596v0f/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button many viewers], including Bryan and Emanuel, who sought out the server. However, in [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Columbian#English Columbian fashion], the server they landed on was not the Sexy Town server, but rather [https://web.archive.org/web/20101216200945/http://www.armitunes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?showtopic=50933 '''ArmiTunes Freebuild'''], an open freebuild server. Despite realizing their mistake, Bryan and Emanuel continued to play on ArmiTunes for months, working on building projects, one of which was "Seaport", a union of cities scattered throughout the server. Through this project, the two managed to gain friends and notability.


ArmiTunes was an open freebuild server, which was the same type of server as Sexy Town. Despite clearing their misconception, Bryan and Emanuel proceeded to play on ArmiTunes.
During this time, both Bryan and Emanuel gained interest in Minecraft modding and programming in general. They worked on projects under the meme name [https://www.minecraftforum.net/forums/mapping-and-modding-java-edition/resource-packs/1224224-16x-1-7-3-team-cakes-reskinnage-pack-wip '''Team Cake''']. There was an incident where [https://www.minecraftforum.net/forums/mapping-and-modding-java-edition/minecraft-mods/1272592-v1-3_01-bryans-mods-v1-1 Bryan asked Emanuel to make a mod for him, and then released it under his own name].


Months passed as the two logged on to the server daily, working on building projects. One of the biggest projects was Seaport, a union of cities scattered throughout the server. Through this project, the two managed to gain friends and notability.
Tragedy struck the ''ArmiTunes'' server when unknown [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/grief#Verb ''griefers''] took advantage of the "open freebuild" server policy and destroyed many players' builds. This caused the server administration to shift towards a "proving grounds" policy that implemented a soft whitelist, requiring prospective players to be approved before building in the main world. Bryan and Emanuel, now moderators of ''ArmiTunes'', held the responsibility of scouting the Proving Grounds and reporting notable talent to the administrator, '''armitage64'''.  


For a while, Bryan had dreamed of starting a group of like-minded individuals. Then, in January 2011, both Bryan and Emanuel gained interest in Minecraft modding and programming in general. Bryan handled branding and marketing while Emanuel worked on the technical end. They briefly worked under the gag names '''''Team Cake''''' and '''''Team Redemption'''''. The team only released a few mods during these days.
During their time on ''ArmiTunes'', Bryan and Emanuel befriended players such as '''JJhawk152''', '''Skapke''', '''MugenMasamune''', '''[[Cydax]]''', '''[[Sarim]]''', '''[[Sindre]]''', '''[[Funky]]''', '''[[Caleb]]''' ('''Slar3xSpr33'''), '''[[Mike]]''', '''[[Jack]]''', and '''[[James]]'''.


One day, the ArmiTunes server fell victim to ''griefing'', the intentional destruction of other players' buildings. As a result, the server administrator restricted building privileges to those willing to prove their building skills on the "Proving Grounds".
In August 2011, the Minecraft griefing sensation [https://www.youtube.com/@teamavolition '''Team Avolition'''] became a fashionable topic between Bryan and Emanuel. Feeling inspired, Emanuel began working on the '''''[[SapphClient]]''''', which would become the debut project of the emerging group. It was first released on August 22, 2011.


[[File:Retro.png|225px|thumb|The original logo of Sapphire (2011 - 2013).]]
===== Keldagrim =====


Bryan and t3sla, now moderators of ArmiTunes, held the responsibility of scouting the Proving Grounds and reporting talent back to the administrator. While patrolling, Bryan and Emanuel befriended '''[[Funky]]''', '''[[Caleb]]''' (known at the time by his handle '''Slar3xSpr33'''), '''[[Cydax]]''', and '''[[Mike]]''' (the original six leaders of the Founding of Sapphire) and also '''[[Sarim]]''', '''[[Sindre]]''', '''[[Jack]]''', and '''[[James]]''', most of whom were worthy candidates from the Proving Grounds. This pack blended with the modding team and formed the early incarnation of '''Sapphire Development''', a group rooted in gaming, creative work, and Internet culture.
Later that month, Mojang released a significant update for Minecraft, breaking ''ArmiTunes''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s plugins and configurations. As a result, the server was switched into survival mode on a temporary world, which was a common practice at the time while awaiting plugin updates. By this time, Bryan and Emanuel had established voice communications with Caleb, Funky, and Mike using ''{{wiki|Skype|Skype}}''. Meanwhile, Cydax had done the same with his friends Sarim and Sindre (the Norwegian faction). According to Cydax, Sarim petitioned for the merger between Skype calls, which led to the formation of a supergroup that also included Jack, James, and Funky's friends '''[[lilfizzhead]]''' and '''[[Alexander]]'''. The supergroup initiated a collaborative building project, '''Keldagrim''' (named for the [https://runescape.wiki/w/Keldagrim dwarf settlement] in RuneScape), a complex underground fortress located beneath a mountain valley range that had been developed into a decoy fortress. The decoy fortress comprised of false shops, farms, and a large gate equipped with a "defense mechanism" (designed by Jack and James, the English faction). Underground, the real Keldagrim had been excavated from two intersecting ravines, containing both water and lava rivers.  


In August 2011, the Minecraft griefing team '''Team Avolition''' (AVO) became popular within Sapphire upon the discovery of the AVO YouTube channel. Feeling inspired, t3sla began working on the ''[[SapphClient]]'', which became Sapphire's first major project. The first release was on August 22, 2011.
Beyond the Keldagrim project, members of the emerging group undertook the "hobby" of griefing random Minecraft servers with the newly released ''SapphClient'', uniting under the banner of '''Sapphire Development'''. It was initially agreed upon that ''ArmiTunes'' itself would never be targeted, however, one day, armitage64 replaced the world containing the Keldagrim project with a new temporary world, which enraged members of the call, feeling as if their work had been discarded. In an event infamously known as the ''Punishment'', members turned their wrath towards their home server and griefed the spawn area of the new temporary world. Following this incident, for reasons unrelated, ''ArmiTunes'' went offline and never resurfaced.
</div></div>
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">


=== The Early Minecraft Era ===
==== Sapphire Minecraft Server ====
'''August 2011 - December 2011'''
[[File:Sappserver.jpg|350px|thumb|The spawn area of the original Sapphire Minecraft server.]]
[[File:Retro.png|225px|thumb|The original logo of Sapphire (2011 {{en dash}} 2013).]]


Just around late August 2011, Mojang had released a significant update for Minecraft, breaking ArmiTunes' freebuild plugins and configurations. As a result, the server had to be put into survival mode temporarily. At this time, Sapphire did not yet have a central gathering place for voice communications. Bryan and Emanuel huddled with Caleb, Funky, and Mike in a Skype call while Cydax stayed with his friends Sarim and Sindre (the Sapphire Norwiggas) in another call. A third call also ran, which consisted of Jack and James. Sarim was the one who initiated the motion for a merger between the calls, in order to improve communication. One day, his efforts paid off as the Norwegians' call merged with the main call. The third group eventually merged as well.
In the time after the fall of ''ArmiTunes'', Bryan established the Sapphire website and forums (initially at the URL [https://sapphire.t15.org sapphire.t15.org]) to promote unity of the newly formed group. After taking time to reflect, in November of 2011, the group decided to open the Sapphire Minecraft Server, in honor of ''ArmiTunes'', as well as a [https://www.youtube.com/@SapphireMovies YouTube channel] to advertise the server. Initially hosted by Bryan, the server world ownership was transferred to Cydax and Sindre, in a strategy change that aspired to attract new players via the use of a dedicated server infrastructure.


Together, the members of Sapphire collaborated in order to construct Keldagrim, a complex underground fortress protected by a fake fortress on the surface. Keldagrim became Sapphire's first Minecraft building project. In order to boost manpower, Funky introduced his friends '''[[lilfizzhead]]''' and '''[[Alexander]]''' into the group.  
The server was predominantly populated by Sapphire members, only occasionally gaining public players, such as '''[[JokarGirl]]''', who randomly joined the server and was nearly instantly given the rank of server moderator. Interest in the server declined after a few weeks, which led Alex and Ethan to become inactive. The Sapphire server remained online for a while longer, however, interest ultimately died out.  


Keldagrim's fake base was intricate. It had shops, farms, and a large wall. The front gate was equipped with a defense mechanism designed by Jack and James. The real Keldagrim was excavated from two intersecting ravines, which contained a half-water, half-lava river.  
It was still common practice at the time for Sapphire members to grief other servers for amusement. After a series of successful griefing campaigns, some members stumbled upon the so-called "ungriefable" server, [https://www.planetminecraft.com/server/darkholm-factions-pvp/ '''Darkholm'''], a hardcore PvP server, which captured the group's interest.


Aside from the Keldagrim project, members would often assemble teams to grief random Minecraft servers with the newly developed SapphClient. The one server safe from these raids was ArmiTunes, the home server of early Sapphire. One day, however, the administrator of ArmiTunes deleted the world containing Keldagrim. Out of spite, a few members bitterly griefed the new world that had replaced it (this is known as the Punishment). For unrelated reasons, the ArmiTunes server shut down and never came online again.
</div></div>
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">


[[File:Sappserver.jpg|350px|thumb|The original Sapphire Minecraft server.]]
=== Dark Ages ===
'''December 2011 {{en dash}} May 2012'''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
===== Void Faction =====
Upon joining the ''Darkholm'' server, Sapphire members created a [https://mcserversminigames.fandom.com/wiki/Factions faction] called [https://starcraft.fandom.com/wiki/Void '''Void'''] consisting of Bryan, Caleb, Cydax, Sindre, and Sarim. Emanuel, Mike, and Funky became inactive at the time, while Jack and James played briefly before also becoming inactive. Cydax earned his position as the leader of the faction by becoming the first player in the group to attain VIP status on the server, by donating real life money to the administrator of Darkholm, '''astidonius'''. Void briskly expanded its power, often by engaging in player-versus-player (PvP) combat or base hunting, consequently gaining notoriety and adversity. Void initially employed a nomadic playstyle, but eventually established its first territorial base.


Sapphire's members experienced confusion, anger, anxiety, and remorse. After taking time to reflect upon their time on ArmiTunes, in November of 2011, they decided to start the first Sapphire Minecraft Server, in order to commemorate ArmiTunes. They also started a YouTube channel project, using it to advertise the server. Initially hosted by Bryan, the server responsibility was reallocated to Cydax and Sindre, who split the cost of a dedicated server in hopes of increasing traffic.
The PvP meta of Darkholm centered around the PvP-designated zone on the perimeter of spawn, making it difficult for new players to set out. Experienced players would often go there, equipped with disposable PvP gear. One day, Void PvPers met the attention of a PvPer known as '''[[Creasingwolf]]''' ([[Nick]]), who had begun to engage them in combat frequently.


The server was often predominantly populated by the members of Sapphire and rarely gained public players. When '''[[JokarGirl]]''' randomly joined the server, she was, nearly on the spot, given the rank of Moderator on the server. Interest in the server eventually declined after a few weeks, which ultimately led Alex and Ethan to stray away from Sapphire. The Sapphire server remained online for quite a while longer, however, interest eventually completely died out. During these times, members would often resort to griefing other servers for amusement.
Void began a campaign to destroy opposing factions and impose its will on the server world. It annexed other factions, recruiting displaced players such as '''Tybljo''', a talented base hunter. Meanwhile, in real life, Bryan recruited a classmate, '''[[Jerry Plasker]]''', into the Void cause.


After a series of successful griefing raids, the group eventually stumbled upon the seemingly "ungriefable" server: '''Darkholm PvP''', considered "ungriefable" because its format was hardcore survival, which incorporated griefing itself. Darkholm naturally became the new home server for Sapphire.
===== Void Divided =====
Following an armed conflict, Void was forced to re-settle on a remote island. Cydax transferred faction ownership to Caleb, who shifted the faction's strategy. To evade attention drawn to the "Void" name, the faction was covertly renamed to '''RedStoners'''. Due to disagreements, the Sapphire Norwegian arm (Cydax, Sarim, and Sindre) separated from RedStoners and created a second Void faction. '''[[Kenan|SpecialK]]''', a spy from Creasingwolf's faction, uncovered the true identity of "RedStoners", leading to the destruction of the island base. The leader of Creasingwolf's faction was revealed to be a player named '''[[Dakota|hyprman33]]'''.


=== The Dark Ages ===
[[File:league.png|250px|thumb|"Playing" League of Legends.]]
'''December 2011 - May 2012'''


When members of Sapphire initially began playing on Darkholm, they created a ''faction'' (a team that can own land and invade other factions), composed of Bryan, Caleb, Cydax, Sindre, and Sarim. Emanuel spent some time away from the group while Mike and Funky were dealing with real life issues. Jack and James rarely played on Darkholm.
After the destruction of RedStoners, Darkholm's VIP system was restructured by astidonius. The original three-tier rank system was replaced with a five-tier system (ranging from "Squire" for $5, to "King" for $100) that gave donors privileged abilities. A ten year old known as '''741852963358''', son of a real life ambassador, became infamous for gifting money to players, many of whom took advantage of his gratuity, including Void members.


The faction's first leader was Cydax, the first to obtain the rank of VIP by donating a certain amount of real money to the administrator of Darkholm. The faction was named ''Void'', as suggested by Bryan. Void quickly grew in power and reigned fiercely, consequently gaining notoriety and adversity. After many relocations, Void had finally found a temporary sanctuary for its Headquarters.
Caleb stepped down from his position as faction leader, left the faction, and created a new faction called '''Onyx'''. Beyond ''Minecraft'', Caleb took a hiatus from Sapphire in response to intense criticisms he received over Skype. Cydax reached out to Bryan to reunite the original Void faction. Upon reaching an agreement, they merged RedStoners back into Void. In the process, Tybljo and Jerry defected to Onyx, leading to frequent feuds between the factions. After some time, Caleb allied Onyx with hyprman33, whom he would later begin playing ''League of Legends'' with. The hyprman33-Onyx alliance led a successful campaign to destroy the united Void.


Darkholm was known for its Player-versus-Player (PvP) combat. Darkholm had a PvP-designated zone just outside of its Spawn location, making it difficult even for new players to set out. Often, experienced players would go there equipped with disposable PvP gear. One day, Void PvPers attracted the attention of a devout warrior known by the  '''[[Creasingwolf]]''' ([[Nick]]), who became an enemy of the Void faction and brawled with its members to no end.
===== Void Empire =====


Making enemies with Creasingwolf only brought more trouble onto the Void faction, as Creasingwolf was backed by a faction of glory-seeking PvPers. As a result, Void began fiercely destroying opposing factions in order to send a message to its rivals. On its conquest, Void picked up displaced individuals from annexed factions whom were considered valuable assets. Tybljo, a player with the ability to pinpoint enemy bases, was one of these additions. Meanwhile, in real life, Bryan had recruited a classmate, '''[[Jerry Plasker]]''', into Void and brought him into Sapphire.
In the reconstruction of Void, it recruited notorious PvPers Creasingwolf, Specialk, '''[[Woods]]''', and '''[[weyrt]]''' to create the server's first "superfaction", the ''Void Empire'', anointing Bryan as Emperor.


Following that, Void had been forced to re-settle on a remote island. The faction, now led by Caleb, as apart of his plan, strategically renamed to ''RedStoners'' in order to create a diversion against enemies. At this point, Cydax, Sarim, and Sindre forked off their own small faction from RedStoners in order to restore the true Void faction separately.  
[[File:xd.jpg|250px|thumb|The final Void base.]]


Shortly after, the true identity of "RedStoners" had been discovered by a spy from Creasingwolf's faction known as SpecialK ('''[[Kenan]]'''). RedStoners' base was subsequently raided and destroyed. An individual, '''[[Dakota]]''' (known as hyprman33 in-game), was revealed to be the one pulling the strings behind both Creasingwolf and SpecialK. These events marked the decline of RedStoners.
The Void Empire required new members to possess at least Baron status ($50 VIP rank), but preferably King status ($100 VIP rank). Void's new strategy relied on its members' patronage, via their VIP ability to spawn armor and items. This gave Void the resources and manpower to build its final fortress, a massive obsidian fortress located directly outside of spawn. It was surrounded by a lava moat, and the interior contained a smaller obsidian structure with Void's principal stashes and reserves.


[[File:league.png|250px|thumb|"Playing" League of Legends.]]
====== Void Wars ======


Afterwards, Darkholm's VIP system was revised by its administrator. The original three-tier donor rank system was replaced with a five-tier system that gave donors several game-breaking abilities. Ranging from the Squire rank (5 dollars), to the King rank (100 dollars), they were extremely over-powered and were in high demand. A ten year old rich kid known as 741 became infamous for lending money to everyone he knew. He was used by all, even RedStoners, to gain power.
A legion of anti-Void forces began to gather, led by a player known as '''Glen''', a rebel who was tired of the Empire's oppression. One night, the anti-Voiders marched towards the walls of the Void Empire determined to bring them down. During the battle, Bryan defended fortress. But suddenly, hyprman33 appeared inside the base, having entered via ''illegitimate'' means. Due to this compromise, Bryan initiated a self-destruction sequence to keep Void's arsenal out of the "wrong hands". These events triggered the decline of the superfaction Void.


After countless trials and tribulations, the RedStoners faction eventually succumbed to the enemies' pressure. Caleb stepped down from his position as leader and started a new faction called ''Onyx''. In parallel with this, Caleb took a hiatus from Sapphire due to criticisms he received from fellow members over Skype.  
Beyond ''Minecraft'', [[Nick]] ([[Creasingwolf]]), [[Weyrt]], [[hyprman33]], [[Specialk]] and [[Woods]] joined the ''Sapphire'' call, the latter three of which did not remain active for long. Once the dust settled, Caleb became active in Sapphire again. Some members continued playing on Darkholm with the intent to become server moderators, which Caleb and Cydax both attained, however, due to server's mismanagement, Sapphire decided to cease relations with the server.  


Cydax reached out to Bryan in order to reunite the original Void faction. He agreed, merging RedStoners back into Void, while Tybljo and Jerry followed Caleb into Onyx. There were often feuds between Void and Onyx, which was reflected in Sapphire's out-of-game interactions. This went on for months until the tension eventually reached a breaking point: Caleb allied Onyx with Dakota's faction, the former faction of Creasingwolf, and annihilated Void once more.
During this time, the group made a transition from ''Skype'' to [https://web.archive.org/web/20120503074353/http://raidcall.com/ '''Raidcall'''], an early iteration of Voice-over-IP (VoIP) apps specifically for gaming. Caleb and Dakota succeeded in persuading the other members to play ''League of Legends'', which piqued the the interest of the previously-inactive Emanuel. Because of the convergence on ''League of Legends'', Jerry introduced two of his friends into Sapphire: '''[[Jimmy]]''' and '''[[Jessenia]]'''.


Outside of Minecraft, Caleb and Dakota (hyprman33) began playing League of Legends together. While they were away from Minecraft, Void seized the opportunity to rebuild its faction. Void recruited legendary mercenaries Creasingwolf, Specialk, '''[[Woods]]''', and '''[[weyrt]]''' to help create the first superfaction, the Void Empire, appointing Bryan as its Emperor.
</div></div>
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">


[[File:xd.jpg|250px|thumb|The final Void base.]]
=== Golden Age ===
 
'''May 2012 {{en dash}} May 2013'''
The Void Empire required its members to at least have the Baron rank ($50 VIP rank) or preferably King ($100 VIP rank) so that their VIP care packages could be pooled together. The Empire's Headquarters were located just outside of Spawn, in a massive obsidian box that contained all of Void's resources and valuables. The Headquarters were surrounded by a lava moat. HQ and its moat were both contained within yet another obsidian box.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 
The primary anti-Void forces were the followers of Glen, a rebel who was tired of being oppressed by the Void Empire. One night, the anti-Voiders aligned and marched towards the walls of the Void Empire determined to bring them down. When the battle began, Bryan went to HQ to hold the fort. But suddenly, hyprman33 appeared inside the base, having entered via ''illegitimate'' means. From here, Bryan made a difficult decision to initiate a self-destruct sequence in order to ensure that Void's resources would not fall into the wrong hands. Thus, the Great Void Wars ended and the Void Empire began to decline.
 
After all of these events had transpired, [[Nick]] ([[Creasingwolf]]), [[Weyrt]], [[hyprman33]], [[Specialk]] and [[Woods]] became members of Sapphire, the latter two of which did not remain active for long. Furthermore, Caleb made his return to Sapphire. Some members continued playing on Darkholm, focusing now on getting staff positions. Caleb and Cydax both became moderators, however, due to the corruption in the server's management, Sapphire decided to cease relations with the server. During this time, the group made a transition from Skype to Raidcall, an early iteration of voice-over-IP for gamers. Caleb and Dakota persuaded the other members to play League of Legends, which eventually caught the interest of the long-missing Emanuel. Finally, Jerry introduced two of his friends into Sapphire: '''[[Jimmy]]''' and '''[[Jessenia]]''', whom he had already played League of Legends with previously.
 
=== The Golden Age ===
'''May 2012 - May 2013'''


[[File:dayzz.png|275px|thumb|DayZ.]]
[[File:dayzz.png|275px|thumb|DayZ.]]
In May 2012, League of Legends became one of Sapphire's staple games. Caleb spent more time away from Sapphire, [[second time|again]], but eventually came back. As soon as June came around, many members left on holiday trips.  
===== DayZ =====
In May 2012, League of Legends became one of Sapphire's staple games. Caleb spent more time away from Sapphire, [[second time|again]], but eventually came back. In June, many members left on holiday trips.  


In July, when everyone had returned, the group began playing a new game called DayZ, a zombie survival mod for ARMA 2, marking the start of the Golden Age of Sapphire.
In July, when everyone had returned, the group began playing a new game called '''DayZ''', a zombie survival mod for ARMA 2.


In DayZ, Bryan and a few others encountered '''[[El Saviour]]''', an armed rescue ranger vehicle that appeared all over the DayZ map, saving many members of Sapphire from certain doom. El Saviour became a mythological and legendary figure to the group.
In DayZ, Bryan and a few others encountered '''[[El Saviour]]''', an armed rescue ranger vehicle that would appear to save many a Sapphire member from certain doom, becoming a venerated figure in the group.


With the start of August, grade school began again and everyone went back to playing League of Legends. Throughout the school year, Jimmy began to establish himself in Sapphire. He brought in his younger brother, '''[[Johnnie]]''', sometime in late 2012. Around this time is when Caleb made his [[third leave|third hiatus]].
At the start of August, when school began again, most members returned to playing ''League of Legends'', the new staple of the group. Due to his ''League'' skill, Jimmy began to assert himself within Sapphire. He introduced his younger brother, '''[[Johnnie]]''', in late 2012. Around this time, Caleb made his [[third leave|third hiatus]].


[[File:Retro2.png|200px|thumb|The second logo of Sapphire (2013 - 2020).]]
[[File:Retro2.png|200px|thumb|The second logo of Sapphire (2013 {{en dash}} 2020).]]


As 2013 approached, Bryan opened the first Sapphire TeamSpeak server. During this time, Jimmy brought in a new friend from school named '''Ryan''' who only talked but did not play games with the group.  
As 2013 approached, Bryan sponsored the opening of the first ''Sapphire'' '''[[Sapphire's TeamSpeak|TeamSpeak]]''' server. Jimmy also introduced a school friend named '''[[Ryan (New York)|Ryan]]''' who talked in the call but did not play games.  


Jimmy began playing League of Legends ''professionally'' and by this time most of the members of Sapphire had also developed decent skill. During the months of March and April 2013, Sapphire started its own eSports program, '''[[Sapphire Gaming]]''', organized a League of Legends team to play in tournaments. Members of the team enjoyed practicing together, however it became painfully obvious that the team was dysfunctional, and it eventually declined.
Jimmy debuted in "''professional''" ''League'' and during the months of March and April, Sapphire started its own eSports program, '''[[Sapphire Gaming]]''', led by Jimmy, to play in ''League'' tournaments. Members of the team enjoyed practicing together, but the team was dysfunctional and declined.


=== Callisto Raid ===
===== Callisto Raid =====
'''April 2013'''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Happening.png|300px|thumb|The Callisto raid, including the other team.]]
[[File:Happening.png|300px|thumb|The Callisto raid, including the other team.]]
''See [[Callistostarianism]] and [[Callistover]] for the full articles.''
''See [[Callistostarianism]] and [[Callistover]].''


On April 20th 2013, the Sapphire Gaming League of Legends team finished a practice match against an amusing opponent team, whom they had subsequently invited to speak on the [[Sapphire's TeamSpeak|TeamSpeak server]] and play some casual ARAM matches together.  
On April 20, the Sapphire Gaming ''League'' team finished a practice match against an amusing opponent team, whom they had subsequently invited to chat with on the [[Sapphire's TeamSpeak|TeamSpeak server]] and play casual ARAM matches together.  


Out of nowhere, a figure named '''[[Callisto]]''', whose voice can only be described as ''angelic'', joined the TeamSpeak server for an hour and held a Q&A session. These events led to the establishment of [[Callistostarianism]], and from then on, every 20th of April was known as the [[Callistover]], because Sapphire had been visited by the great philosopher Callisto.
Unexpectedly, an unknown figure named '''[[Callisto]]''', whose voice could only be described as ''angelic'', [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8923uHn3Xk joined the TeamSpeak server for an hour and held a Q&A session]. These events led to the development of '''[[Callistostarianism]]''', a way of life that celebrates the 20th of April as the '''[[Callistover]]''', the day of the visitation by the great teacher Callisto.


At the request of Callisto, the server became ceremonially known as '''''the People's Republic of Callisto (of Sapphire)'''''. A few members were not present during the first Callistover, and refused to accept Callisto's teachings.  
At the request of Callisto, the server became christened the '''People's Republic of Callisto'''. The members not present during the first Callistover became "Callisto doubters".


After the day ended, all of the members of the opponent team left TeamSpeak, except for one member stuck around for a bit: '''[[Brandon]]'''. He was interested in playing League of Legend with Sapphire's team, however, Sapphire itself began to lose interest in League of Legends.
At the end of the first Callistover, all of the members of the visiting team had disconnected from TeamSpeak, except for one person who stayed behind for a while: '''[[Brandon]]'''. He was interested in playing ''League'' with Sapphire's team, however, Sapphire's interest in ''League'' declined, and he became inactive.


=== A New Age ===
</div></div>
'''May 2013 - December 2013'''  
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">
 
=== Jimmy Saga ===
'''May 2013 {{en dash}} December 2013'''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">


[[File:happeningofjimmy.png|290px|thumb|The Happening of Jimmy.]]
[[File:happeningofjimmy.png|290px|thumb|The Happening of Jimmy.]]
The ''Sapphire Gaming'' League of Legends team, led by [[Jimmy]], was disbanded when [[Jimmy and co]] got into a big argument with the rest of the group. Afterwards, Jimmy, Johnnie, Jessenia, and Ryan all left due to differences. With the fall of [[Jimmy and co]], some room was cleared for new members. During this time, Sapphire experienced a meme drought, which forced new memes to appear, such as [[Dis Dik]].  
The Sapphire Gaming ''League'' team was disbanded when [[Jimmy and co]] had a significant argument with the group, leading to Jimmy, Johnnie, Jessenia, and Ryan all leaving. The departure of [[Jimmy and co]] caused a meme vacuum, which forced new memes to manifest, such as '''[[Dis Dik]]''', which became Bryan's best-known catchphrase.  


During this time, [[Funky]] brought a new member, '''Usama''', while Caleb introduced his friend, '''[[Chase]]'''. Chase quickly passed his initiation, which involved a lot of [[DIK]]. Over the Summer of 2013, the group took interest to online Poker as well as an MMORPG called Haven and Hearth. After the summer holiday trips occurred, the miraculous resurrection of [[Nick]] and [[Weyrt]] followed (at this point, weyrt became a ''cool kid [[420]]'').
During this time, [[Funky]] introduced his friend, '''Usama''' and Caleb introduced his friend, '''[[Chase]]'''. By this time, Sapphire developed a hazing ritual called the '''Sapphire initiation'''. Chase vigorously passed his initiation, overcoming the massive amounts of [[DIK]] by counter-imposing his will. Over the summer, the group took interest to online '''Poker''' as well as an MMORPG called '''Haven and Hearth'''. After the summer holiday trips occurred, the miraculous resurrection of [[Nick]] and [[Weyrt]] followed (at this point, weyrt had become a ''cool kid [[420]]'').


During Fall 2013, all of Jimmy and co, except for Ryan, returned. Furthermore, they resumed playing with the Sapphire Gaming crew to warm up for Season 4. The TeamSpeak server, at the time provided by GameServers, crashed frequently, and many exploits were found. Jimmy took over the server, with everyone else's help, and trashed it. These events are known as the '''Happening of Jimmy'''. This prompted Bryan to seek out a new host, MainVoice.
During Fall 2013, Jimmy and co, excluding Ryan, returned. Furthermore, they resumed playing with the Sapphire Gaming crew to warm up for Season 4. The TeamSpeak server, at the time provided by '''GameServers''', crashed frequently, and many exploits were found, one of which was used by Jimmy to compromise the server. These events became known as the '''Happening of Jimmy''', prompting Bryan to seek out a new host, '''MainVoice'''.


During a fateful One For All match in League of Legends, Bryan, Jimmy, t3sla, and Johnnie met [[Blood1310017]]. Half of the lobby wanted to play Fiddlesticks, and the other wanted Leona. Yet, Blood, a ''randy'', picked Malphite and won over the other two suggestions. From watching him play, the group came to the conclusion that he was the ''best player, ever''. An [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khT50E09ENk episode of ''THE BEST RIGHT NOW''], '''MALPHITE IS THE BEST RIGHT NOW''', also known as '''The Life of Blood1310017''', was dedicated to the events that occurred with Blood.
During a fateful One For All match in ''League'', Bryan, Jimmy, t3sla, and Johnnie met [[Blood1310017]]. Although half of the lobby wanted to play Fiddlesticks, and the other wanted Leona, Blood, a ''randy'', picked Malphite and won over the other two suggestions. From watching him play, the group came to the conclusion that he was the ''best player ever''. An [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khT50E09ENk episode of ''THE BEST RIGHT NOW''] was dedicated to the events that occurred with Blood.


Sometime late during this year, Sapphire started a rivalry against '''[[TitanClan]]''', previously known as Mantis Clan. Members of Sapphire used to go on Titan's Counter-Strike servers, but intolerance for Titan's memes grew and a few shots were fired. This turned into a back-and-forth from one TeamSpeak server to the other, until a ceasefire occurred. Ever since these events, Sapphire held a negative view of Titan, with exceptions such as Jerry (because he was a member of both communities).
Later during the year, Sapphire started a rivalry against '''[[TitanClan]]''', previously known as Mantis Clan. Members of Sapphire used to connect to Titan's ''Counter-Strike'' servers, but intolerance for Titan's memes grew and a back-and-forth feud between TeamSpeak servers broke out until a ceasefire was reached. Ever since this '''TitanClan incident''', Sapphire members held a negative view of their rival clan, with the exception of Jerry (due to being a member of both).


During the Winter of 2013, the group briefly played Dota 2. [[Mike]] and [[Emanuel]] played Dota 2 exclusively, while the rest of the active group members either juggled playing both games or exclusively League of Legends. Around this time, [[Bryan]] invented a new hit meme,''thumping''. The usage of thumping was over exaggerated and the meme eventually died out.
During Winter 2013, the group briefly played '''Dota 2''', with [[Mike]] and [[Emanuel]] played it exclusively, while the rest of the active group members either juggled playing both games or only ''League''. Around this time, [[Bryan]] invented a new hit meme: ''thumping''. The usage of thumping was over exaggerated and the meme eventually died out.
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<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">


=== New Members ===
=== Changes and Growth ===
'''January 2014 - May 2015'''
'''January 2014 {{en dash}} February 2016'''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">


Over the new year, the group began to diversify its gaming interests. t3sla harnessed his old Counter-Strike skills and focused on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, re-entering [[Sapphire Development#t3sla mode|t3sla mode]] in the process. He single-handedly initiated Sapphire's interest in CS:GO.
Over the new year, the group began to diversify its gaming interests. t3sla harnessed his old ''Counter-Strike'' skills and focused on ''Counter-Strike: Global Offensive'', re-entering [[Sapphire Development#t3sla mode|t3sla mode]] in the process. He single-handedly kickstarted Sapphire's interest in CS:GO.


Jerry began to frequent [[TitanClan]]'s TeamSpeak, although he often split his time between the servers. Meanwhile, the Norwiggas (Cydax, Sindre, and Sarim) reserved a channel on TeamSpeak to hangout with their real-life friends, and less with Sapphire's core members. Mike and Funky brought their real-life friends, the '''[[DirtyChinx]]''', into the TeamSpeak server, also reserving their own channel.  
Jerry began to frequent [[TitanClan]]'s TeamSpeak, although he often split his time between the groups. Meanwhile, the Norwegians (Cydax, Sindre, and Sarim) reserved a channel on TeamSpeak to bring their real-life friends online. Mike and Funky brought their real-life friends, the '''[[DirtyChinx]]''', into the TeamSpeak server, also reserving their own channel.  


Caleb and Chase went on to introduce some friends into the group: '''[[Ben]]''', '''[[Ryan]]''', '''[[Greg]]''', and '''[[Garrett]]''' (the latter three also being Tennessee boys). The active members of Sapphire at this time were Bryan, Caleb, Chase, Funky & Mike (with the DirtyChinx), Ben, Greg, Garrett, Creasingwolf & Jimmy (semi-active), Ryan, and Emanuel (occasionally).
Caleb and Chase went on to introduce some friends into the group: '''[[Ben]]''', '''[[Ryan]]''', '''[[Greg]]''', and '''[[Garrett]]''' (the latter three also being Tennessee boys). The active members of Sapphire at this time were Bryan, Caleb, Chase, Funky & Mike (with the DirtyChinx), Ben, Greg, Garrett, Creasingwolf & Jimmy (semi-active), Ryan, and Emanuel (occasionally).
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On March 10, 2014, Ben was publicly executed and died (in other words, he was votekicked from a CS:GO game and went on hiatus from Sapphire) by [[Bryan]], [[Caleb]], and [[Ryan|Pasta]]. On the third day, Ben was resurrected from the dead (he came back).
On March 10, 2014, Ben was publicly executed and died (in other words, he was votekicked from a CS:GO game and went on hiatus from Sapphire) by [[Bryan]], [[Caleb]], and [[Ryan|Pasta]]. On the third day, Ben was resurrected from the dead (he came back).


It was around this time that Caleb became an active member of '''[[Andy's Fan Club|Andy's Twitch Group]]''', meeting people such as '''[[Andy]]''', '''[[Adam]]''', '''[[Aerius]]''', and eventually '''[[Anna]]'''. Caleb also introduced this group into Sapphire sometime later.
It was around this time that Caleb became an active member of '''[[Andy#Andy's Stream|Andy's Stream]]''', meeting people such as '''[[Andy]]''', '''[[Adam]]''', '''[[Aerius]]''', and eventually '''[[Anna]]'''. Caleb also introduced this group into Sapphire sometime later.


The Summer had begun and once again it was a summer of inactivity. However, '''[[Jose]]''' '''([[check0ut]])''' randomly joined the TeamSpeak and befriended members, despite him seeking people that played League of Legends (which at the time, Sapphire did not have).  
The Summer had begun and once again it was a summer of inactivity. However, '''[[Jose]]''' '''([[check0ut]])''' randomly joined the TeamSpeak and befriended members, despite him seeking people that played League of Legends (which at the time, Sapphire did not have).  
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At this time, Caleb brought [[Brad]] into the TeamSpeak, which revived Sapphire's interest in playing RuneScape (lasting only a few weeks, after which Brad became inactive). Emanuel had once again returned from hiatus in ''t3sla mode'' and became more active in the TeamSpeak. Jimmy also turned up every now and then.  
At this time, Caleb brought [[Brad]] into the TeamSpeak, which revived Sapphire's interest in playing RuneScape (lasting only a few weeks, after which Brad became inactive). Emanuel had once again returned from hiatus in ''t3sla mode'' and became more active in the TeamSpeak. Jimmy also turned up every now and then.  


Later, Funky took Bryan's old meme, '''''xDieselfuel''''', and blew it up, eclipsing its previous success. Over the summer, Sapphire became a Meme Factory and the overwhelming amount of memes caused the average life span of a meme to drop to five minutes.
Later, Funky took Bryan's old meme, '''xDieselfuel''', and blew it up, eclipsing its previous success. Over the summer, Sapphire became a Meme Factory and the overwhelming amount of memes caused the average life span of a meme to drop to five minutes.


Nearing the beginning of school, Cydax left for college and as a result the Sapphire Norwiggas became less active. Garrett and Jose also both began/resumed college around this time. Ryan, ever since graduating high school, went straight into the work grind. The rest of the members were now beginning high school.
Nearing the beginning of school, Cydax left for college and as a result the Sapphire Norwiggas became less active. Garrett and Jose also both began/resumed college around this time. Ryan, ever since graduating high school, went straight into the work grind. The rest of the members were now beginning high school.


As the school year continued, most members became inactive for at least some time. Caleb and Bryan were always in TeamSpeak, except, Bryan was AFK all the time. By the end of the school year in May 2015, Chase had graduated and also began working.
As the school year continued, most members became inactive for at least some time. Caleb and Bryan were always in TeamSpeak, except, Bryan was AFK all the time. By the end of the school year in May 2015, Chase had graduated and also began working.
=== An Intermediary Age ===
'''June 2015 - February 2016'''


About this time, [[TitanClan]] was reorganized into an uptight community, '''[[RGN Community]]''', which eventually shut down, causing Jerry to become more active in Sapphire. At the same time, Jimmy made a miraculous return to the TeamSpeak server, and began frequenting it. Funky also returned to the TeamSpeak server, although briefly.  
About this time, [[TitanClan]] was reorganized into an uptight community, '''[[RGN Community]]''', which eventually shut down, causing Jerry to become more active in Sapphire. At the same time, Jimmy made a miraculous return to the TeamSpeak server, and began frequenting it. Funky also returned to the TeamSpeak server, although briefly.  
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It was a relatively successful time period; a fair amount of TeamSpeak activity was maintained. Furthermore, this was when Chase first began playing League of Legends and when Jimmy first tried CS:GO, improving the gaming dynamic in Sapphire.
It was a relatively successful time period; a fair amount of TeamSpeak activity was maintained. Furthermore, this was when Chase first began playing League of Legends and when Jimmy first tried CS:GO, improving the gaming dynamic in Sapphire.
</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">


=== The Dank Age ===
=== Advent of Sapphire Trips ===
'''February 2016 - December 2017'''
'''February 2016 {{en dash}} December 2020'''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Pax.jpg|200px|thumb|The Sapphire PAX East 2017 Crew]]
[[File:Pax.jpg|200px|thumb|The Sapphire PAX East 2017 Crew]]


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In the Fall of the same year, many of the lads began their first official semesters in college. Emanuel and Komal moved in together in Orlando and both began joining TeamSpeak more frequently than they previously had. They also invited '''[[Vincent]]''' into the TeamSpeak to play CS:GO. Overall, at this point, the TeamSpeak's traffic had reached its prime in terms of consistency. Furthermore, the next Sapphire Trip was confirmed for PAX East 2018.
In the Fall of the same year, many of the lads began their first official semesters in college. Emanuel and Komal moved in together in Orlando and both began joining TeamSpeak more frequently than they previously had. They also invited '''[[Vincent]]''' into the TeamSpeak to play CS:GO. Overall, at this point, the TeamSpeak's traffic had reached its prime in terms of consistency. Furthermore, the next Sapphire Trip was confirmed for PAX East 2018.
=== The Transitional Age ===
'''January 2018 - January 2019'''


[[File:SBreak18.jpg|150px|thumb|Sapphire Spring Break 2018]]
[[File:SBreak18.jpg|150px|thumb|Sapphire Spring Break 2018]]
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In January 2019, [[Sapphire_Trip_Committee#Chase x Florida Boys 2019|Chase flew into Florida to meet up with Bryan, Jerry, and Emanuel]].
In January 2019, [[Sapphire_Trip_Committee#Chase x Florida Boys 2019|Chase flew into Florida to meet up with Bryan, Jerry, and Emanuel]].


=== The Renaissance Age ===
'''February 2019 - December 2020'''
[[File:PAXEast19.jpg|200px|thumb|PAX East 2019]]
[[File:PAXEast19.jpg|200px|thumb|PAX East 2019]]


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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, any potential Sapphire Meet-up trips for 2020 were scrapped. Halfway into August 2020, which is now considered [[Sapphire Development#Zen Month|Zen Month]] (declared by Andy), Bryan declared he would be undergoing a three week session of creativity, the "Creative Boom". Bryan unwillingly unleashed destruction upon the Wiki when Sapphire's cloud vendor announced its dissolution in late 2020.  
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, any potential Sapphire Meet-up trips for 2020 were scrapped. Halfway into August 2020, which is now considered [[Sapphire Development#Zen Month|Zen Month]] (declared by Andy), Bryan declared he would be undergoing a three week session of creativity, the "Creative Boom". Bryan unwillingly unleashed destruction upon the Wiki when Sapphire's cloud vendor announced its dissolution in late 2020.  
</div></div>
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">


=== Unnamed Era ===
=== Post-Pandemic ===
'''January 2021 - present'''
'''January 2021 {{en dash}} present'''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">


[[File:Boston22.jpg|200px|thumb|Oktoberfest in Boston 2022]]
[[File:Boston22.jpg|200px|thumb|Oktoberfest in Boston 2022]]


This era is marked by simultaneous "coming of ages" in which members started to figure things out in the adult world. While this detracted from online togetherness, it also laid the foundation for future Sapphire meet-ups.
This era is marked by many "coming of ages" in which members started to figure things out in the adult world. While this detracted from online togetherness, it also laid the foundation for future Sapphire meet-ups.


The Florida boys visited the Tennessee boys for New Years 2021. In the summer of 2021, Bryan more or less restored the Wiki. During this time, Bryan and Jerry visited the Tennessee boys. Immediately after, Bryan started working and graduated from university. In August 2021, Bryan and Chase visited Emanuel in Boston.
The Florida boys visited the Tennessee boys for New Years 2021. In the summer of 2021, Bryan more or less restored the Wiki. During this time, Bryan and Jerry visited the Tennessee boys. Immediately after, Bryan started working and graduated from university. In August 2021, Bryan and Chase visited Emanuel in Boston.


In February 2022, Jerry moved in with Caleb, joining the Tennessee boys, and thus starting the first gamer house comprised of Sapphire members. In June 2022, [[Sapphire Trip Committee|there was a Sapphire meet-up at the Tennessee gamer house]]. Eventually, the gamer house arrangement unfortunately began to break down.
In February 2022, Jerry moved in with Caleb, joining the Tennessee boys, and thus starting the first gamer house comprised of Sapphire members. In June 2022, [[Sapphire Trip Committee|there was a Sapphire meet-up at the Tennessee gamer house]]. Eventually, the gamer house arrangement began to break down, culminating in the "Gamer-housegate".
 
In September 2022, [[Sapphire Trip Committee#Boston 2022|Emanuel hosted 6 other members]] at his place in Boston. He did the same for [[Sapphire Trip Committee#New Years 2023 in Boston|New Year's 2023]] although with 4 guests at the time.
 
In March 2023, Bryan visited Europe and used the opportunity to meet [[Cydax]] for the first time, becoming the first member of Sapphire to meet all other core founding members. In May 2023, Bryan and Caleb made a controversial visit to Las Vegas.
 
In the second half of 2023, [[Andrei]] began streaming and became known in the Old School RuneScape Hardcore Ironman section of Twitch. In December, Bryan and Emanuel visited Japan for the first time.
 
[[File:Toronto24.jpg|200px|thumb|Park in Ontario 2024]]


In September 2022, [[Sapphire Trip Committee#Boston 2022|Emanuel hosted 6 other members]] at his place in Boston. He did the same for [[Sapphire Trip Committee#New Years 2023 in Boston|New Year's 2023]] although with 4 guests this time.
In March 2024, there was a [[Sapphire_Trip_Committee#Toronto_2024|meet-up in Toronto]]. In August, Caleb reached out to hyprman33 and reconnected him with the group via Discord. Later in 2024, there was a misunderstanding between Andrei and other members which came to be known by some as the "Monkeygate".


</div>
</div></div>


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
[[File:Sapphire2.png|300px|thumb|All-time geography of Sapphire members (c. 2019). Members that live in the United States are clustered near the East Coast. [[Ben]] broke this barrier by being the first member from the West Coast. Furthermore, there are also European members from the UK, Denmark, and Norway.]]
[[File:Sapphire2.png|300px|thumb|All-time geography of Sapphire members (c. 2019). Members that live in the United States are clustered near the East Coast. [[Ben]] broke this barrier by being the first member from the West Coast. Furthermore, there are also European members from the UK, Denmark, and Norway.]]


=== Members of Sapphire ===
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="width:33%;"
 
|+ Members & associated individuals
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|+ All time list of known members of Sapphire
!colspan="1"|Name
!colspan="1"|Name
!colspan="1"|First joined
!colspan="1"|First acquainted
|-
|-
|[[Bryan]]  
|[[Bryan]]  
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|-
|-
|[[Sindre]]
|[[Sindre]]
|2011 (Co-Founder)
|Co-Founder
|-  
|-  
|[[Sarim]]
|[[Sarim]]
|2011 (Co-Founder)
|Co-Founder
|-
|-
|[[Jack]]
|[[Jack]]
|2011
|Co-Founder
|-
|-
|[[James]]
|[[James]]
|2011
|Co-Founder
|-
|-
|[[Ethan]]
|[[Ethan]]
Line 347: Line 358:
|2011
|2011
|-
|-
|[[Ellen]]
|[[JokarGirl]]
|2012
|2012
|-
|-
|[[Jerry]]
|[[Jerry]]
|2012 (Pseudo-Founder)
|2012 (Honorary Co-Founder)
|-
|-
|[[Nick]]
|[[Nick]]
|2012
|2012 (Honorary Co-Founder)
|-
|-
|[[Weyrt]]
|[[Weyrt]]
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|-
|-
|[[Johnnie]]
|[[Johnnie]]
|2013
|-
|[[Ryan (New York)]]
|2013
|-
|[[Brandon]]
|2013
|2013
|-
|-
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|}
|}


=== Subunits and Related Groups ===
=== Subgroups ===
'''Committees'''
==== Committees ====
*[[Sapphire Trip Committee]]
*[[Sapphire Trip Committee]]
*Sapphire Fair Play Committee
*''Sapphire Fair Play Committee'' (defunct)


'''Programs'''
==== Programs ====
*[[Sapphire Records]]
*[[Sapphire Records]]
*[[Sapphire Gaming]]
*''[[Sapphire Movies]]'' (defunct)
*[[Sapphire Cyberarmy]]
*''[[Sapphire Gaming]]'' (defunct)
*''[[Sapphire Cyberarmy]]'' (defunct)


'''Clubs'''
==== Clubs ====
*[[Sapphire Movie Night]]
*[[Sapphire Movie Night]]
*[[Sapphire Anime Club]]
*[[Sapphire Anime Club]]
*[[Sapphire K-pop Club]]
*''[[Sapphire K-pop Club]]'' (defunct)
*[[Sapphire X-Fit Club]]
*''[[Sapphire X-Fit Club]]'' (defunct)
*Sapphire Fiendship
*''Sapphire Fiend Club'' (defunct)


'''Geographical and Cultural Units'''
==== Geo-cultural units ====
*Sapphire Florida Boys
*Sapphire Florida Boys
*Sapphire Tennessee Boys
*Sapphire Tennessee Boys
*Sapphire DC Area Boys
*Sapphire DMV Boys (Maryland-Virginia)
*Sapphire Romanians
*Sapphire Romanians
*Sapphire Norwiggas
*Sapphire Vikings (Norwegians)
*Sapphire Gentlemen
*Sapphire Gentlemen (Englishmen)
*Sapphire Canadian Boys
*Sapphire Leaf Boys (Canadians)
*Sapphire West Coast Boys
*Sapphire West Coast Boys


'''Related Groups'''
=== Associated groups ===
*[[Red Lotus]]
*[[Red Lotus]]
*[[DirtyChinx]]
*[[DirtyChinx]]
*[[Hong Bros Holdings]]
*[[Hong Bros Holdings]]
*[[Jerry Boosting Inc. Corp.]]
*[[Jerry Boosting Inc. Corp.]]
*[[Andy's Crew]]
*[[Andy#Andy's Stream|Andy's Stream]]
*[[L Gang|L Gang (Bryan's Romanian Friends)]]
*[[Bryan's Romanian Friends]]
 
=== Politics ===
Political correctness exists in varying degrees within Sapphire, depending on which members are interacting; the general rule of thumb involves the understanding of each individual's personal boundaries and standards of respect.
 
=== Ethnicity ===
Having formed in the Internet age, Sapphire is ethnically diverse, being composed of Europeans and European-Americans, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian-Americans.


== Culture ==
== Culture ==
<br />
<br />
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">


{{Message_box
{{Message_box
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}}
}}


<div class="mw-collapsible" style="overflow:auto;">


Sapphire has a [[Sapphire's TeamSpeak3|dedicated TeamSpeak server]], although communications have since been diversified in its latter times. '''Sapphire culture''' (also: ''Circle culture'') developed as a microcosm of early 2010s Internet culture and is internally renowned for consistently having been "ahead of the curve".  
'''Sapphire culture''' (also "''[[The Circle|Circle culture]]''") traces back to the group's tradition of [[Sapphire's TeamSpeak|online voice chatting]], where it developed as a microcosm of early 2010s Internet culture while also being influenced by the various cultural backgrounds of members. It has been described as [[Edginess|edgy]], quirky, autistic, [[Sapphire#Swag|ignant]], ''fast'', ''fun'', and ''easy''. There is an tendency by some members to laud the culture as being "ahead of the curve". The culture comes with its own folklore (see [[Sapphire mythology]]) and unique speech patterns ([[Sapphire Development#Language|Sapphire lingo]]).


It is a cultural melting pot with sources from far corners of the Internet as well as various real life cultures, adapted to fit Sapphire's edgy and quirky vibe.  Sapphire culture has three basic tenets: it's ''fast'', ''fun'', and ''easy''. It has the ability (and tendency) to generate its own folklore (see [[Sapphire mythology]]). The unique patterns of speech used in conjunction with Sapphire culture is known as '''Sapphire-speak''' or '''[[Sapphire Development#Sapphire lingo|Sapphire lingo]]'''.
Memes in Sapphire culture generally follow the typical cycle of irony. For example, "troll" is an older term that fell out of fashion, was substituted as "le bait", and then looped back into popular usage.


The following are notable examples of Sapphire culture:
=== Language ===
'''Sapphire lingo''' is the distinct flavor of language spoken within the group, emerging from the clashing of various backgrounds. The exchange of speech patterns resulted in a unique vernacular that continues to grow in nuance.


=== Bad manner ===
Within Sapphire lingo, there is an ''ignant'' substratum comprising colorful speech patterns broadly related to the Internet trend of incorporating vernacular language.
 
=== Sapphire trip ===
''See [[Sapphire Trip Committee]]''
 
The '''Sapphire trip''' is an event characterized by the gathering of significant amount of members in real life. It had been the subject of speculation since the formation of Sapphire and was romanticized by early members.
 
In 2012, Cydax planned a campaign to visit the Florida Boys, although it was never executed. In 2016, the '''[[Sapphire Trip Committee]]''' emerged as a body that attempts to organize Sapphire meet-ups, sometimes coinciding with larger conventions such as PAX East and later TwitchCon.
 
=== Mythology ===
'''Sapphire mythology''' depicts a hierarchy of figures each renowned for their unique aspects. The mythology is primarily canonized in the [[Book of Diesel]], the [[Callisto Dialogues]], and in some YouTube videos.
 
==== Deities ====
*The [[Sapphire Development#The Void|Void]] (primeval deity)
*[[Gat Almighty]] and [[the Masters]]
*[[Callisto]]
 
==== Saints ====
*[[El Saviour]]
*[[Bobo]]
*[[Blood1310017]]
*Singed420
*Jeff
 
==== Priests ====
*[[Bryan]]
 
==== Ghouls ====
*Princess Moona
*Edna
*[[Birdnose]]
*[[Nolan]]
 
=== Calendar ===
{| class="wikitable" width="65%"
!colspan="1"|Name
!colspan="1"|Date
!colspan="1"|Description
|-
|Black History / Homie Month
|February
|Observing Black American culture & history.<br>Homie Month, in which it is customary for homies to "renew their contracts" and display affectionate homiesexual acts.
|-
|4/20
|April 20
|[[Callistover|Commemorates Callisto's first visit to Sapphire]].
|-
|Pride Month
|June
|Continuation of Homie Month
|-
|No Nut November / New Technique November
|November
|Honing "non-ningen" skills and pride in oneself.
|-
|Norwegian Day
|Fourth Thursday of November
|Thanksgiving substitute created for Cydax and the Norwegians.
|-
|}
 
=== Notable memes ===
 
==== Bad manner ====
Within Sapphire, a concept of wrongness exists: it's called "'''bad manner'''" (shortened: BM). It is a term [[Emanuel]] introduced to Sapphire long before it became mainstream. Sapphire defines BM as actions that are annoying, harassing, making fun of, flaming, pestering, etc. BMing is usually punishable by roast session.
Within Sapphire, a concept of wrongness exists: it's called "'''bad manner'''" (shortened: BM). It is a term [[Emanuel]] introduced to Sapphire long before it became mainstream. Sapphire defines BM as actions that are annoying, harassing, making fun of, flaming, pestering, etc. BMing is usually punishable by roast session.


==== "It's not BM if it's true" ====
===== "It's not BM if it's true" =====
''It's not BM if it's true'' is a justification of BM which states, quite literally, that something is not BM if it is true.
''It's not BM if it's true'' is a justification of BM which states, quite literally, that something is not BM if it is true.


==== t3sla exception ====
===== t3sla exception =====
Credited to [[Emanuel]] (t3sla), the ''t3sla exception'' is an exception to the ''It's not BM if it's true'' justification. It states that sometimes it is BM even if it is true.
Credited to [[Emanuel]] (t3sla), the ''t3sla exception'' is an exception to the ''It's not BM if it's true'' justification. It states that sometimes it is BM even if it is true.


=== Caleb's trifecta ===
==== Caleb's trifecta ====
Caleb's trifecta consists of:
Caleb's trifecta consists of:
*"nam jeFf" (a second-hand bastardized meme)  
*"nam jeFf" (a second-hand bastardized meme)  
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Later additions:
Later additions:
*"Damn son"
*"Damn son"
*Fart noises
*(in fake gay British accent) "Oh God"


=== Callistostarianism ===
==== Callistostarianism ====
''See [[Callistostarianism]] for the full article.''
''See [[Callistostarianism]] for the full article.''


[[Callistostarianism]] is a philosophy and worldview based on the teachings of [[Callisto]]. A man named Callisto stumbled upon [[Sapphire's TeamSpeak3|the TeamSpeak server]] [[Callistover|one day]] and began to answer questions, which are recorded in the [[Callisto Dialogues]] and in [[Sapphire Development#Sapphire Related Series | an episode of the Circle Podcast]]. During the Q&A session, Callisto recited his epic poem '''''[[I'm not Callisto]]'''''.
[[Callistostarianism]] is a philosophy and worldview based on the teachings of [[Callisto]]. A man named Callisto stumbled upon [[Sapphire's TeamSpeak3|the TeamSpeak server]] [[Callistover|one day]] and began to answer questions, which are recorded in the [[Callisto Dialogues]] and in [[Sapphire Development#Sapphire Related Series | an episode of the Circle Podcast]]. During the Q&A session, Callisto recited his epic poem '''''[[I'm not Callisto]]'''''.


=== Coke vs. Pepsi ===
==== Coke vs. Pepsi ====
[[File:pepsobm.png|200px|thumb|[[t3sla]] bming Pepsi.]]
[[File:pepsobm.png|200px|thumb|[[t3sla]] bming Pepsi.]]
One of the most renowned arguments in the world is whether Coke or Pepsi is better. Well, Sapphire is largely undecided on ''Cok'' or ''Lelsi'' (meme terms), but some can agree that ''Dr. Pooper'' is ''master race''. Other popular beverages in Sapphire include tea, water, and others.
One of the most renowned arguments in the world is whether Coke or Pepsi is better. Well, Sapphire is largely undecided on ''Cok'' or ''Lelsi'' (meme terms), but some can agree that ''Dr. Pooper'' is ''master race''. Other popular beverages in Sapphire include tea, water, and others.
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In the latter years, there has been a movement against soda that caught traction even within Sapphire.
In the latter years, there has been a movement against soda that caught traction even within Sapphire.


=== Dank memes ===
==== Dank memes ====
Weed memes are some of the greatest in Sapphire's history. The most important components these memes are ''420'' and ''Blaze it'' which can manipulated at an insane rate. The most popular variations were ''420 blaze it'' or ''x20, blaze it'' (replace x with your desired number). Bryan was a big propagator of weed memes due to his fondness for That 70s' Show.
Weed memes are some of the greatest in Sapphire's history. The most important components these memes are ''420'' and ''Blaze it'' which can manipulated at an insane rate. The most popular variations were ''420 blaze it'' or ''x20, blaze it'' (replace x with your desired number). Bryan was a big propagator of weed memes due to his fondness for That 70s' Show.


=== "Death" & Mike's Grandfather's Funeral ===
==== "Death" & Mike's Grandfather's Funeral ====
When a member is away for significant time (announced/unannounced) they are said to "''die''". [[Nick]] and [[Weyrt]] were two people who often "''died''" and "''returned to life''" months later. [[Mike]] and [[Funky]] have also "died" before, but have since been "resurrected".
When a member is away for significant time (announced/unannounced) they are said to "''die''". [[Nick]] and [[Weyrt]] were two people who often "''died''" and "''returned to life''" months later. [[Mike]] and [[Funky]] have also "died" before, but have since been "resurrected".


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The meme was effectively concluded with the start of Sapphire's Transitional Age, when communications became increasingly more decentralized. However, just like a phoenix, the meme was reincarnated by Andy who dubbed it as the '''myth''' phenomenon. According to Andy, Mike and Cydax, among others, are mythological Sapphire members.
The meme was effectively concluded with the start of Sapphire's Transitional Age, when communications became increasingly more decentralized. However, just like a phoenix, the meme was reincarnated by Andy who dubbed it as the '''myth''' phenomenon. According to Andy, Mike and Cydax, among others, are mythological Sapphire members.


=== DIS DIK ===
==== DIS DIK ====
During one of Sapphire's [[Sapphire Development#A New Age|meme droughts]], [[Bryan]] propagated a new meme, "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac4jcStXKlc&t=1m47s DIS DIK]", which was the "''real answer''" to the mathematical equation 1x/1. Furthermore, a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9O7bEINwhY&t=0m5s similar solution] was proposed also by Bryan back in 2011. The DIS DIK meme began to expand, as most memes do in Sapphire. Its derivatives include: DEEZ NUTZ, DIESENUHTZ, DIESELFUUL, , eventually xDIESELFUEL, etc. DIS DIK is also used as a response to most sentences. For example:  
During one of Sapphire's [[Sapphire Development#A New Age|meme droughts]], [[Bryan]] propagated a new meme, "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac4jcStXKlc&t=1m47s DIS DIK]", which was the "''real answer''" to the mathematical equation 1x/1. Furthermore, a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9O7bEINwhY&t=0m5s similar meme] was propagated by Bryan back in 2011. The DIS DIK meme began to expand and included derivations such as: DEEZ NUTZ, DIESENUHTZ, DIESELFUUL, xDIESELFUEL, etc. DIS DIK is also used as a response to arbitrary sentences. For example:  


*''What is the time?''  
*A: ''What is the time?''  
 
*B: ''It's, uh... DIS DIK!''
*''It's, uh... DIS DIK!''
*Everyone: <nowiki>*hahahahaha*</nowiki>
 
*<nowiki>*haha*</nowiki>


"DIS DIK" has become one of the most renowned memes in the history of Sapphire. So great, that [[Chase]] was subject to unholy amounts of it during his initiation. The meme is also designed to be sampled in audio tracks creating what is known as a ''DIK remix'' (also: ''DIKmix'').
"DIS DIK" has become one of the most renowned memes in the history of Sapphire. So great, that [[Chase]] was subject to unholy amounts of it during his initiation. The meme is also designed to be sampled in audio tracks creating what is known as a ''DIK remix'' (also: ''DIKmix'').


==== DIS DIK: THE FRANCHISE ====
===== DIS DIK: THE FRANCHISE =====
Bryan sought to capitalize on "DIS DIK" and launched a franchise, including a planned game, movie, novel, TV show, and album.
Bryan sought to capitalize on "DIS DIK" and launched a franchise, including a planned game, movie, novel, TV show, and album.


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|}
|}


=== Fake Timezone ===
==== Fake Timezone ====
Due to the time zone difference between members, Bryan started referring to the non-Eastern timezones as "fake timezones". Although he is not sure why they are fake, his running hypothesis is that timezones become more real the further east one goes.
Due to the time zone difference between members, Bryan started referring to the non-Eastern timezones as "fake timezones". Although he is not sure why they are fake, his running hypothesis is that timezones become more real the further east one goes.


=== Funky's Law ===
==== Funky Conventions ====
The ''Funky Conventions'' are the tendencies of members to show affectionate kindness towards other members who can "do no wrong" in their perception.
 
The Funky Conventions emerged as an unwritten rule in voice chat during tumultuous times, when flaming one another was commonplace. It was agreed upon that Funky, and to some extent Mike, would never deserve to be flamed. It has since evolved into a more decentralized sentiment among members.
 
==== Funky's Law ====
[[Funky]]'s Law of League of Legends states clearly that:
[[Funky]]'s Law of League of Legends states clearly that:


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This law has caused conflict and unleashed massive amounts of BM within Sapphire due to the fact that it is encourage a meme build that, ''most'' of the time, would fail.
This law has caused conflict and unleashed massive amounts of BM within Sapphire due to the fact that it is encourage a meme build that, ''most'' of the time, would fail.


=== Hall of Memes ===
==== Initiation ====
Some of the greatest visual memes in Sapphire's history.
The '''initiation''' into Sapphire is the tradition of hazing new members. It typically involves bombardments of memes that are meant to get an initiate acquainted with Sapphire lore.


{{Gallery
==== Jerry's Law ====
|width=170 |height=170 |lines=5
|align=center
|File:plasker.png
|'''[[Jerry Plasker]]''', c. 2012; G.O.A.T.
|File:starecat.jpg
|'''Stare Cat''', c. 2013; Lives on in the TeamSpeak rank icons
|File:stonercat.jpg
|'''Panda Cat with Bong''', c. 2013; Traditionally on the TeamSpeak banner on 4/20
|File:millhouse.jpg
|'''Milhouse Van Houten''', c. 2014; He really is a meme
|File:steel.png
|'''Joshua Nissan''', c. 2014; Notorious for his Jewish nose
}}
 
=== Holidays ===
Sapphire observes a set of cultural holidays:
 
==== Black History / Homie Month ====
The month of February is used for observing African American culture & history as well as homiesexuality.
 
==== Sangatsu ====
March is Sangatsu.
 
==== 4/20 ====
Callisto visited the Sapphire TeamSpeak for the first time on April 20th.
 
==== Pride Month ====
The month of June is basically Homie Month #2.
 
==== Fiend Month ====
The month of July is the Fiend Month.
 
==== Zen Month ====
August is the nominal anniversary month of Sapphire. It is also Zen Month.
 
==== Homie History Month ====
October is Homie History Month.
 
==== No Nut November ====
A month dedicated to honing non-ningen skills and pride. Also known as New Technique November.
 
==== Norwegian Day ====
The fourth Thursday of November is a Thanksgiving substitute holiday for Cydax and all Norwegians.
 
=== Jerry's Law ===
Jerry's law states that two gays can cancel each other out, however, this theorem lacks a proof.
Jerry's law states that two gays can cancel each other out, however, this theorem lacks a proof.


=== Jimmy's microphone ===
==== Jimmy's microphone ====


[[Jimmy]] often eats things loudly, and it often sounds like either soup or something very crunchy.
[[Jimmy]] often eats things loudly, and it often sounds like either soup or something very crunchy.


=== Kyle challenge ===
==== Kyle challenge ====


The '''Kyle challenge''' is a thought experiment and philosophy developed by [[Kyle]]. He began by inquiring:
The '''Kyle challenge''' is a thought experiment and philosophy developed by [[Kyle]]. He began by inquiring:
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Kyle's initial best record for consecutive wakefulness was 74 hours. During this time, he experienced some hallucination, but also a good amount of clarity. He used this time frame to grind the living shit out of RuneScape (the EoC version). He concluded that, due to this unprecedented level of productivity, sleep was "literally" unnecessary.
Kyle's initial best record for consecutive wakefulness was 74 hours. During this time, he experienced some hallucination, but also a good amount of clarity. He used this time frame to grind the living shit out of RuneScape (the EoC version). He concluded that, due to this unprecedented level of productivity, sleep was "literally" unnecessary.


=== Necking ===
==== Necking ====
In real life common practice, an individual who is confronted with an idiotic statement or situation is obliged to respond with "That's a neck!" and  proceed to get the neck of the offender. When calling a neck, or getting necked, people have the option to:
In real life common practice, an individual who is confronted with an idiotic statement or situation is obliged to respond with "That's a neck!" and  proceed to get the neck of the offender. When calling a neck, or getting necked, people have the option to:


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*claim "false neck" when a neck is truly unjustifiable. This results in a counter-neck.
*claim "false neck" when a neck is truly unjustifiable. This results in a counter-neck.


=== Normies ===
==== Normies ====
In the history of Sapphire, the ''struggle against Normies'' had been a dominant sentiment amongst members, especially for Bryan, who identified in essence as an '''anti-normie'''.
In the history of Sapphire, the ''struggle against Normies'' had been a dominant sentiment amongst members, especially for Bryan, who identified in essence as an '''anti-normie'''.


However, the trajectory of history was that of a shift towards awareness of the '''Sigma''' grindset. Bryan in particular, views the Sigma ideal as a post-anti-normie integration of normie customs within a Sigma grindset.
However, the trajectory of history took a turn that led to many cultural convergences via the Internet. Bryan in particular, views the Sigma ideal as a post-anti-normie integration of normie customs within a Sigma grindset.


=== Plasker syndrome ===
==== Plasker syndrome ====
''See [[Plasker syndrome]] for the full article.''
''See [[Plasker syndrome]] for the full article.''


For the longest time, Jerry could not play games because they would always crash on him. That was the first known symptom of Plasker syndrome (PS), also known as Black voodoo syndrome (BVS). It was possibly contracted from when a magical technician had worked on Jerry's PC, hence "black voodoo syndrome". Besides Jerry, Caleb and Emanuel have also had computers infected Plasker syndrome.
For the longest time, Jerry could not play games because they would always crash on him. That was the first known symptom of Plasker syndrome (PS), also known as Black voodoo syndrome (BVS). It was possibly contracted from when a magical technician had worked on Jerry's PC, hence "black voodoo syndrome". Besides Jerry, Caleb and Emanuel have also had computers infected Plasker syndrome.


=== Sapphire lingo ===
==== Snapchat ====
'''Sapphire lingo''' is the distinct flavor of language spoken within the group. It began to develop in the early days of Sapphire when the dialects of many different types of people clashed; members exchanged speech patterns, eventually resulting in a unique vernacular, becoming increasingly more nuanced as new members joined.
 
In real life, Bryan and Andy each independently began to speak '''ignant''' ('''''cursive''''') at some point in their lives. Starting in 2019, they derived a contemporary form of '''''ignantry''''' and began to spread it into the mainstream of Sapphire. This resulted in many new colorful words and phrases being found in Sapphire lingo.
 
=== Sapphire mythology ===
'''Sapphire mythology''' depicts a hierarchy of figures each renowned for their unique aspects. The mythology comprises an entire stratum within Sapphire culture. The mythology is canonized in the [[Book of Diesel]], the [[Callisto Dialogues]], and in various YouTube videos.
 
==== Primeval ====
*The [[Sapphire Development#The Void|Void]]
 
==== Deities ====
*[[Gat Almighty]] and [[the Masters]]
*[[Callisto]]
 
==== Heroes & Saints ====
*[[El Saviour]]
*[[Bobo]]
*[[Blood1310017]]
*Singed420
*Jeff
 
==== Priest ====
*[[Bryan]]
 
==== Ghouls ====
*Princess Moona
*Edna
*[[Birdnose]]
*[[Nolan]]
 
=== Sapphire trip ===
The '''Sapphire trip''' is a rare event where a large amount of active members of Sapphire gather in real life. Throughout the history of Sapphire, the idea of a Sapphire meeting was frequently discussed; in the past, the plausibility of such an event was debated heavily. In 2012, Cydax planned a campaign to South Florida, although it was never executed. In 2016, the '''[[Sapphire Trip Committee]]''' was created in order to attempt to organize Sapphire meetings at events such as PAX East and later TwitchCon. Check the aforementioned article to read up on the details of Sapphire trips that have occurred.
 
=== Sapphirization ===
'''Sapphirization''' refers to the natural adaptation process of memes and material in order to align with the established culture of Sapphire. Sapphirized memes along with original content are the two main sources of Sapphire's culture.
 
When a meme is somewhat ''cancerous'' but still salvageable, it is sapphirized so that it can become a greater meme. An example of this scenario is the word "''troll''", which became a cancerous term, but was sapphirized to "''le bait''" for more optimized memeage (although, in post-ironic fashion, the term ''troll'' once again became the most widely used).
 
=== Snapchat ===
[[File:frogs.jpg|200px|thumb|Frogs ''playing'' ''StarCraft II'', a quality Snapchat meme taken by Bryan in early 2013.]]
[[File:frogs.jpg|200px|thumb|Frogs ''playing'' ''StarCraft II'', a quality Snapchat meme taken by Bryan in early 2013.]]
Snapchat is a mobile application in which users can take ''snaps'' (called ''snappers'' by [[Bryan]]), pictures, and send them to another person or group of people for a limited amount of time. The receiver can screenshot, if they're fast enough. Members of Sapphire tend to use Snapchat as a platform in order to create and share original memes. They take bizarre pictures and usually exploit any opportunity they have to get a kek out of something. In an incident, Cydax got mad at everyone for screenshotting his snaps and sending him "retarded" snaps, and therefore blocked Bryan. It has since turned into a meme, for example: Playing CSGO: ''Don't shoot Cydax, he might block you on Steam.''
Snapchat is a mobile application in which users can take ''snaps'' (called ''snappers'' by [[Bryan]]), pictures, and send them to another person or group of people for a limited amount of time. The receiver can screenshot, if they're fast enough. Members of Sapphire tend to use Snapchat as a platform in order to create and share original memes. They take bizarre pictures and usually exploit any opportunity they have to get a kek out of something. In an incident, Cydax got mad at everyone for screenshotting his snaps and sending him "retarded" snaps, and therefore blocked Bryan. It has since turned into a meme, for example: Playing CSGO: ''Don't shoot Cydax, he might block you on Steam.''


=== Swag ===
==== Swag ====


'''Swag''' is the act of having and displaying large amounts of swag. Swag has been integrated into Circle culture due to its comedic value. It is one of the key points taught in the [[Sapphire Development#Initiation|Initiation into Sapphire]]. Swag is demonstrated by the behavior displayed by the individuals in [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac4jcStXKlc this video].
'''Swag''' is the act of having and displaying large amounts of swag. Swag has been integrated into Circle culture due to its comedic value. It is one of the key points taught in the [[Sapphire#Initiation|Initiation into Sapphire]]. Swag is demonstrated by the behavior displayed by the individuals in [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac4jcStXKlc this video].


Characteristics of a swag are:
Characteristics of a swag are:
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*acting and talking like like dis fam
*acting and talking like like dis fam


=== t3sla mode ===
==== t3sla mode ====
From the founding of Sapphire, until the Summer of 2012, [[Emanuel]] (t3sla) never spoke a word over the microphone; he was in ''t3sla mode''. It was considered massive BM and therefore he was forced to start using his microphone. Jimmy once entered t3sla mode for a brief period of time due to [[Sapphire Development#Jimmy's microphone|eating his microphone too much and breaking it]].
From the founding of Sapphire, until the Summer of 2012, [[Emanuel]] (t3sla) never spoke a word over the microphone; he was in ''t3sla mode''. It was considered massive BM and therefore he was forced to start using his microphone. Jimmy once entered t3sla mode for a brief period of time due to [[Sapphire Development#Jimmy's microphone|eating his microphone too much and breaking it]].


=== Terraria playthroughs ===
==== Terraria playthroughs ====
Although at some point the members of Sapphire were able to complete a full multiplayer playthrough of Terraria, they eventually lost the ability to do so. Particularly, this began to occur after Moon Lord was added to the game. This has become especially frustrating to certain members, such as Andy, who are very interested in experiencing the endgame of Terraria.
Although at some point members were able to complete a full multiplayer playthrough of Terraria, but they eventually lost the ability to do so, notably after Moon Lord was added to the game. This has become especially frustrating to certain individuals, such as Andy, who are very interested in experiencing the endgame of Terraria. Jerry is typically the player that gets the furthest, which resulted in the meme about his "''speedruns''".


=== Times Caleb has taken hiatus ===
==== Times Caleb has taken hiatus ====
''See [[three times]] for the full article.''
''See [[three times]] for the full article.''


[[Caleb]], a founding member of Sapphire, has taken hiatus from Sapphire more than [[three times]]. Initially, he made his first departure hoping to fool the whole group. It was such a lengthy vacation that it was considered an actual leave. He returned, but left a second time to start [[Dirty Players Gaming]]. Caleb, at this point, transitioned his online handle from '''Slar3xSpr33''' to '''DirtySpr33''' or just ''Dirty''. Dirty Players Gaming disbanded, and Caleb returned due to the fact that he was bored. His third departure saw him focus on making videos on YouTube and streaming on Twitch. He befriended the [[Solioz Stream Group]] and brought them into Sapphire upon his third return. Ever since these incidents, he occasionally took breaks to recollect himself when overly stressed out. In 2018, he took more space in order to rebrand his Twitch as [[Red Lotus]].
[[Caleb]], a founding member of Sapphire, has taken hiatus from Sapphire more than [[three times]]. Initially, he made his first departure hoping to fool the whole group. It was such a lengthy vacation that it was considered an actual leave. He returned, but left a second time to start [[Dirty Players Gaming]]. Caleb, at this point, transitioned his online handle from '''Slar3xSpr33''' to '''DirtySpr33''' or just ''Dirty''. Dirty Players Gaming disbanded, and Caleb returned due to the fact that he was bored. His third departure saw him focus on making videos on YouTube and streaming on Twitch. He befriended the [[Solioz Stream Group]] and brought them into Sapphire upon his third return. Ever since these incidents, he occasionally took breaks to recollect himself when overly stressed out. In 2018, he took more space in order to rebrand his Twitch as [[Red Lotus]].


=== "Truth" ===
==== "Truth" ====
'''"Truth"''' is an idea developed by Bryan and Adam which proposes that:
'''"Truth"''' is an idea developed by Bryan and Adam which proposes that:
*"Truth" exists on an individual basis, informed by one's subjective experiences
*"Truth" exists on an individual basis, informed by one's subjective experiences
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A popular phrase from this development is used as an acknowledgement of other people's bizarre opinions: "Well, if that's your truth!..."
A popular phrase from this development is used as an acknowledgement of other people's bizarre opinions: "Well, if that's your truth!..."


=== The Void ===
==== The Void ====
The '''Void''' is the primeval nothingness. It is often referenced within Sapphire culture in various ways, such as the Darkholm-era faction Void led by Bryan.
The '''Void''' is the primeval nothingness. It is often referenced within Sapphire culture in various ways, such as the Darkholm-era faction Void led by Bryan.


The Void, as an idea, entered Sapphire thought via references in StarCraft II, which was played by Emanuel and to a lesser extent by Bryan.
The Void, as an idea, entered Sapphire thought via references in StarCraft II, which was played by Emanuel and to a much lesser extent by Bryan.


=== The Sapphire Dictionary ===
==== Gallery ====
Some of the greatest visual memes in Sapphire's history.
 
{{Gallery
|width=170 |height=170 |lines=5
|align=center
|File:plasker.png
|'''[[Jerry Plasker]]''', c. 2012; G.O.A.T.
|File:starecat.jpg
|'''Stare Cat''', c. 2013; Lives on in the TeamSpeak rank icons
|File:stonercat.jpg
|'''Panda Cat with Bong''', c. 2013; Traditionally on the TeamSpeak banner on 4/20
|File:millhouse.jpg
|'''Milhouse Van Houten''', c. 2014; He really is a meme
|File:steel.png
|'''Joshua Nissan''', c. 2014; Notorious Jewish gamer
}}
 
=== Dictionary ===
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="65%"
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="65%"
|+ List of terms and phrases that appear in Sapphire culture
|+ List of terms and phrases that appear in Sapphire culture
Line 847: Line 862:
|-
|-
|gat (n.)
|gat (n.)
|"god" or "gun", depends on context
|"god" or "gun", depending on context<br>Exited before the Internet term "[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gyatt#English gyatt]" but has a similar meaning
|-
|-
|gay (adj. n. v.)
|gay (adj. n. v.)
Line 899: Line 914:
|mining (v.)
|mining (v.)
|to mine bitcoins, litecoins, dogecoins
|to mine bitcoins, litecoins, dogecoins
|-
|neckhurt (n. v.)
|a stiffness in the neck, particularly one that emerges after a night of sleep
|-
|-
|ningen (n.)
|ningen (n.)
Line 955: Line 973:
|-
|-
|sapphirization (n.)
|sapphirization (n.)
|process of adapting something into Sapphire's style or according to its needs<br />See [[Sapphirization]]
|process of adapting something into Sapphire's style or according to its needs
|-
|-
|scale (n.)
|scale (n.)
Line 1,022: Line 1,040:


== Game Timeline ==
== Game Timeline ==
The timeline of most games played within Sapphire.


{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" width="45%"
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="45%"
|+ All-time list of games played in Sapphire
|+ All-time list of games played in Sapphire
!colspan="1"|Game
!colspan="1"|Game
Line 1,097: Line 1,114:
|July 2013 - August 2013,
|July 2013 - August 2013,
December 2013
December 2013
|-
|-
|Haven and Hearth
|Haven and Hearth
Line 1,206: Line 1,224:


== Media ==  
== Media ==  
Sapphire produces massive amounts of media. Some members of Sapphire each have solo or partnered projects on YouTube.


=== Social Networks ===
=== Social Networks ===
Sapphire has a [http://facebook.com/sapphiredev Facebook] and a [http://twitter.com/sapphiredev Twitter].
*[http://facebook.com/sapphiredev Facebook]
*[http://twitter.com/sapphiredev Twitter]


=== YouTube ===
=== YouTube ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ Channels
|+ YouTube Channels
!colspan="1"|Channel
!colspan="1"|Channel
!colspan="1"|Link
!colspan="1"|Link
Line 1,247: Line 1,265:


=== Twitch ===
=== Twitch ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ Channels
|+ Twitch Channels
!colspan="1"|Channel
!colspan="1"|Channel
!colspan="1"|Link
!colspan="1"|Link
Line 1,286: Line 1,304:
|-
|-
|[[Andy]]'s Channel
|[[Andy]]'s Channel
|[http://twitch.tv/andyoclock andyoclock]
|[http://twitch.tv/KohiBlend KohiBlend]
|-
|-
|[[Adam]]'s Channel
|[[Adam]]'s Channel
Line 1,293: Line 1,311:
|[[Kyle]]'s Channel
|[[Kyle]]'s Channel
|[https://www.twitch.tv/cerebralguy69 Kyle]
|[https://www.twitch.tv/cerebralguy69 Kyle]
|-
|[[Andrei]]'s Channel
|[https://www.twitch.tv/rocky_af Rocky_AF]
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 1,300: Line 1,321:
Series created by Sapphire members, which might involve other members or might make references to Circle culture.
Series created by Sapphire members, which might involve other members or might make references to Circle culture.


{| class="wikitable" width="65%"
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="65%"
!colspan="1"|Series
!colspan="1"|Series
!colspan="1"|Creator
!colspan="1"|Creator
Line 1,337: Line 1,358:
=== Bibliography ===
=== Bibliography ===


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
!colspan="1"|Title
!colspan="1"|Title
!colspan="1"|Author
!colspan="1"|Author
Line 1,358: Line 1,379:


=== Bryan's Server ===
=== Bryan's Server ===
This server runs anything at any time, per request.


{| class="wikitable" width="50%"
* '''[https://mcstatus.io/status/java/mc.sapphiredev.org mc.sapphiredev.org]''' Vanilla Minecraft
|+ Sapphire's Multi Game Server
The '''Jit''' is a server box owned and maintained by Bryan. He uses it to host services such as the Minecraft server and this Wiki.
!colspan="1"|IP Address
!colspan="1"|Availability
!colspan="1"|Location
!colspan="1"|Operator
!colspan="1"|Running
|-
|Check TeamSpeak for IP
|Per request
|Ft. Lauderdale, FL
|[[Bryan]]
|Check in TeamSpeak to see what game is being hosted
|-
|}


=== TeamSpeak3 ===
=== Discord ===
''See [[Sapphire's TeamSpeak3]] for the full article.''


TeamSpeak3 is a voice communication program that allows members of Sapphire to communicate daily, however, anyone is welcome to join.
* '''https://discord.sapphiredev.org/'''
The '''Sapphire Server''' (formerly known as the ''Red Lotus Discord'' server) is the currently group-endorsed VoIP solution. It is owned by Caleb.


{| class="wikitable" width="50%"
=== League of Legends Club ===
|+ Sapphire's TeamSpeak3
The group's club is called "'''Sapphire Dev'''" and is owned by Caleb.
!colspan="1"|IP Address
!colspan="1"|Availability
!colspan="1"|Location
!colspan="1"|Operator
!colspan="1"|Running
|-
|ts.sapphiredev.org
|24/7/365
|Dallas, TX
|[[Bryan]]
|32 Slots
|-
|}


=== Discord ===
=== Old School RuneScape Clan ===
Jerry's Discord and the Red Lotus viewer Discord server are available as backup for any unanticipated TeamSpeak connection instability.
The group's original clan is called '''ATOLL''' (formerly ''BlueSapphire'') and is owned by [[Andrei]], who is transitioning it towards his personal brand.


=== League of Legends Club ===
=== Smurf Accounts ===
The group's club is called "Sapphire Dev", and it is operated by Caleb.
Members with access to the private channel on Discord can find the link to the communal [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/smurf_account#English smurf] list.


=== Group Smurf Accounts ===
== Projects ==
Members of Sapphire can check TeamSpeak to find the link to the communal smurf list (donated by various members)
''See [[Projects]] for the full article.''


== Tournaments ==
== Tournaments ==
Sapphire hosts tournaments, though, not all for a prize pool. Some are purely for fun and/or recognition.
Sapphire hosts tournaments, though, not all for a prize pool. Some are purely for fun and/or recognition.


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float:left;">
=== League of Legends ===
=== League of Legends ===
{| class="wikitable" width="20%"
{| class="wikitable" width="20%"
Line 1,476: Line 1,471:
=== Fantasy Basketball ===
=== Fantasy Basketball ===
Starting with the 2016-17 NBA season, Sapphire started a [http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/4584 fantasy basketball league for its members].
Starting with the 2016-17 NBA season, Sapphire started a [http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/4584 fantasy basketball league for its members].
 
</div>
{{NOINDEX}}
{{NOINDEX}}

Latest revision as of 23:03, 7 November 2024

sapphire
Founded2011
Founder(s)Founders/Co-Founders
Other names
Websitesapphiredev.org

Sapphire refers to the friend group that originated as a a group of players from the ArmiTunes Minecraft server in 2011. The name was coined haphazardly by Bryan after he saw a commercial for Chase Sapphire credit cards.


History

Backstory

October 2010 – December 2011

Seaport, the capital city created by bry4n2378 and t3sla on ArmiTunes.
ArmiTunes

In October 2010, two kids, Bryan (bry4n2378) and Emanuel (t3sla), played Minecraft Wikipedia for the first time after having discovered it via YouTuber SeaNanners's Minecraft series. In a video, SeaNanners gave a tour of a certain multiplayer Minecraft base, "Sexy Town", which intrigued many viewers, including Bryan and Emanuel, who sought out the server. However, in Columbian fashion, the server they landed on was not the Sexy Town server, but rather ArmiTunes Freebuild, an open freebuild server. Despite realizing their mistake, Bryan and Emanuel continued to play on ArmiTunes for months, working on building projects, one of which was "Seaport", a union of cities scattered throughout the server. Through this project, the two managed to gain friends and notability.

During this time, both Bryan and Emanuel gained interest in Minecraft modding and programming in general. They worked on projects under the meme name Team Cake. There was an incident where Bryan asked Emanuel to make a mod for him, and then released it under his own name.

Tragedy struck the ArmiTunes server when unknown griefers took advantage of the "open freebuild" server policy and destroyed many players' builds. This caused the server administration to shift towards a "proving grounds" policy that implemented a soft whitelist, requiring prospective players to be approved before building in the main world. Bryan and Emanuel, now moderators of ArmiTunes, held the responsibility of scouting the Proving Grounds and reporting notable talent to the administrator, armitage64.

During their time on ArmiTunes, Bryan and Emanuel befriended players such as JJhawk152, Skapke, MugenMasamune, Cydax, Sarim, Sindre, Funky, Caleb (Slar3xSpr33), Mike, Jack, and James.

In August 2011, the Minecraft griefing sensation Team Avolition became a fashionable topic between Bryan and Emanuel. Feeling inspired, Emanuel began working on the SapphClient, which would become the debut project of the emerging group. It was first released on August 22, 2011.

Keldagrim

Later that month, Mojang released a significant update for Minecraft, breaking ArmiTunes's plugins and configurations. As a result, the server was switched into survival mode on a temporary world, which was a common practice at the time while awaiting plugin updates. By this time, Bryan and Emanuel had established voice communications with Caleb, Funky, and Mike using Skype Wikipedia. Meanwhile, Cydax had done the same with his friends Sarim and Sindre (the Norwegian faction). According to Cydax, Sarim petitioned for the merger between Skype calls, which led to the formation of a supergroup that also included Jack, James, and Funky's friends lilfizzhead and Alexander. The supergroup initiated a collaborative building project, Keldagrim (named for the dwarf settlement in RuneScape), a complex underground fortress located beneath a mountain valley range that had been developed into a decoy fortress. The decoy fortress comprised of false shops, farms, and a large gate equipped with a "defense mechanism" (designed by Jack and James, the English faction). Underground, the real Keldagrim had been excavated from two intersecting ravines, containing both water and lava rivers.

Beyond the Keldagrim project, members of the emerging group undertook the "hobby" of griefing random Minecraft servers with the newly released SapphClient, uniting under the banner of Sapphire Development. It was initially agreed upon that ArmiTunes itself would never be targeted, however, one day, armitage64 replaced the world containing the Keldagrim project with a new temporary world, which enraged members of the call, feeling as if their work had been discarded. In an event infamously known as the Punishment, members turned their wrath towards their home server and griefed the spawn area of the new temporary world. Following this incident, for reasons unrelated, ArmiTunes went offline and never resurfaced.

Sapphire Minecraft Server

The spawn area of the original Sapphire Minecraft server.
The original logo of Sapphire (2011 – 2013).

In the time after the fall of ArmiTunes, Bryan established the Sapphire website and forums (initially at the URL sapphire.t15.org) to promote unity of the newly formed group. After taking time to reflect, in November of 2011, the group decided to open the Sapphire Minecraft Server, in honor of ArmiTunes, as well as a YouTube channel to advertise the server. Initially hosted by Bryan, the server world ownership was transferred to Cydax and Sindre, in a strategy change that aspired to attract new players via the use of a dedicated server infrastructure.

The server was predominantly populated by Sapphire members, only occasionally gaining public players, such as JokarGirl, who randomly joined the server and was nearly instantly given the rank of server moderator. Interest in the server declined after a few weeks, which led Alex and Ethan to become inactive. The Sapphire server remained online for a while longer, however, interest ultimately died out.

It was still common practice at the time for Sapphire members to grief other servers for amusement. After a series of successful griefing campaigns, some members stumbled upon the so-called "ungriefable" server, Darkholm, a hardcore PvP server, which captured the group's interest.

Dark Ages

December 2011 – May 2012

Void Faction

Upon joining the Darkholm server, Sapphire members created a faction called Void consisting of Bryan, Caleb, Cydax, Sindre, and Sarim. Emanuel, Mike, and Funky became inactive at the time, while Jack and James played briefly before also becoming inactive. Cydax earned his position as the leader of the faction by becoming the first player in the group to attain VIP status on the server, by donating real life money to the administrator of Darkholm, astidonius. Void briskly expanded its power, often by engaging in player-versus-player (PvP) combat or base hunting, consequently gaining notoriety and adversity. Void initially employed a nomadic playstyle, but eventually established its first territorial base.

The PvP meta of Darkholm centered around the PvP-designated zone on the perimeter of spawn, making it difficult for new players to set out. Experienced players would often go there, equipped with disposable PvP gear. One day, Void PvPers met the attention of a PvPer known as Creasingwolf (Nick), who had begun to engage them in combat frequently.

Void began a campaign to destroy opposing factions and impose its will on the server world. It annexed other factions, recruiting displaced players such as Tybljo, a talented base hunter. Meanwhile, in real life, Bryan recruited a classmate, Jerry Plasker, into the Void cause.

Void Divided

Following an armed conflict, Void was forced to re-settle on a remote island. Cydax transferred faction ownership to Caleb, who shifted the faction's strategy. To evade attention drawn to the "Void" name, the faction was covertly renamed to RedStoners. Due to disagreements, the Sapphire Norwegian arm (Cydax, Sarim, and Sindre) separated from RedStoners and created a second Void faction. SpecialK, a spy from Creasingwolf's faction, uncovered the true identity of "RedStoners", leading to the destruction of the island base. The leader of Creasingwolf's faction was revealed to be a player named hyprman33.

"Playing" League of Legends.

After the destruction of RedStoners, Darkholm's VIP system was restructured by astidonius. The original three-tier rank system was replaced with a five-tier system (ranging from "Squire" for $5, to "King" for $100) that gave donors privileged abilities. A ten year old known as 741852963358, son of a real life ambassador, became infamous for gifting money to players, many of whom took advantage of his gratuity, including Void members.

Caleb stepped down from his position as faction leader, left the faction, and created a new faction called Onyx. Beyond Minecraft, Caleb took a hiatus from Sapphire in response to intense criticisms he received over Skype. Cydax reached out to Bryan to reunite the original Void faction. Upon reaching an agreement, they merged RedStoners back into Void. In the process, Tybljo and Jerry defected to Onyx, leading to frequent feuds between the factions. After some time, Caleb allied Onyx with hyprman33, whom he would later begin playing League of Legends with. The hyprman33-Onyx alliance led a successful campaign to destroy the united Void.

Void Empire

In the reconstruction of Void, it recruited notorious PvPers Creasingwolf, Specialk, Woods, and weyrt to create the server's first "superfaction", the Void Empire, anointing Bryan as Emperor.

The final Void base.

The Void Empire required new members to possess at least Baron status ($50 VIP rank), but preferably King status ($100 VIP rank). Void's new strategy relied on its members' patronage, via their VIP ability to spawn armor and items. This gave Void the resources and manpower to build its final fortress, a massive obsidian fortress located directly outside of spawn. It was surrounded by a lava moat, and the interior contained a smaller obsidian structure with Void's principal stashes and reserves.

Void Wars

A legion of anti-Void forces began to gather, led by a player known as Glen, a rebel who was tired of the Empire's oppression. One night, the anti-Voiders marched towards the walls of the Void Empire determined to bring them down. During the battle, Bryan defended fortress. But suddenly, hyprman33 appeared inside the base, having entered via illegitimate means. Due to this compromise, Bryan initiated a self-destruction sequence to keep Void's arsenal out of the "wrong hands". These events triggered the decline of the superfaction Void.

Beyond Minecraft, Nick (Creasingwolf), Weyrt, hyprman33, Specialk and Woods joined the Sapphire call, the latter three of which did not remain active for long. Once the dust settled, Caleb became active in Sapphire again. Some members continued playing on Darkholm with the intent to become server moderators, which Caleb and Cydax both attained, however, due to server's mismanagement, Sapphire decided to cease relations with the server.

During this time, the group made a transition from Skype to Raidcall, an early iteration of Voice-over-IP (VoIP) apps specifically for gaming. Caleb and Dakota succeeded in persuading the other members to play League of Legends, which piqued the the interest of the previously-inactive Emanuel. Because of the convergence on League of Legends, Jerry introduced two of his friends into Sapphire: Jimmy and Jessenia.

Golden Age

May 2012 – May 2013

DayZ.
DayZ

In May 2012, League of Legends became one of Sapphire's staple games. Caleb spent more time away from Sapphire, again, but eventually came back. In June, many members left on holiday trips.

In July, when everyone had returned, the group began playing a new game called DayZ, a zombie survival mod for ARMA 2.

In DayZ, Bryan and a few others encountered El Saviour, an armed rescue ranger vehicle that would appear to save many a Sapphire member from certain doom, becoming a venerated figure in the group.

At the start of August, when school began again, most members returned to playing League of Legends, the new staple of the group. Due to his League skill, Jimmy began to assert himself within Sapphire. He introduced his younger brother, Johnnie, in late 2012. Around this time, Caleb made his third hiatus.

The second logo of Sapphire (2013 – 2020).

As 2013 approached, Bryan sponsored the opening of the first Sapphire TeamSpeak server. Jimmy also introduced a school friend named Ryan who talked in the call but did not play games.

Jimmy debuted in "professional" League and during the months of March and April, Sapphire started its own eSports program, Sapphire Gaming, led by Jimmy, to play in League tournaments. Members of the team enjoyed practicing together, but the team was dysfunctional and declined.

Callisto Raid
The Callisto raid, including the other team.

See Callistostarianism and Callistover.

On April 20, the Sapphire Gaming League team finished a practice match against an amusing opponent team, whom they had subsequently invited to chat with on the TeamSpeak server and play casual ARAM matches together.

Unexpectedly, an unknown figure named Callisto, whose voice could only be described as angelic, joined the TeamSpeak server for an hour and held a Q&A session. These events led to the development of Callistostarianism, a way of life that celebrates the 20th of April as the Callistover, the day of the visitation by the great teacher Callisto.

At the request of Callisto, the server became christened the People's Republic of Callisto. The members not present during the first Callistover became "Callisto doubters".

At the end of the first Callistover, all of the members of the visiting team had disconnected from TeamSpeak, except for one person who stayed behind for a while: Brandon. He was interested in playing League with Sapphire's team, however, Sapphire's interest in League declined, and he became inactive.

Jimmy Saga

May 2013 – December 2013

The Happening of Jimmy.

The Sapphire Gaming League team was disbanded when Jimmy and co had a significant argument with the group, leading to Jimmy, Johnnie, Jessenia, and Ryan all leaving. The departure of Jimmy and co caused a meme vacuum, which forced new memes to manifest, such as Dis Dik, which became Bryan's best-known catchphrase.

During this time, Funky introduced his friend, Usama and Caleb introduced his friend, Chase. By this time, Sapphire developed a hazing ritual called the Sapphire initiation. Chase vigorously passed his initiation, overcoming the massive amounts of DIK by counter-imposing his will. Over the summer, the group took interest to online Poker as well as an MMORPG called Haven and Hearth. After the summer holiday trips occurred, the miraculous resurrection of Nick and Weyrt followed (at this point, weyrt had become a cool kid 420).

During Fall 2013, Jimmy and co, excluding Ryan, returned. Furthermore, they resumed playing with the Sapphire Gaming crew to warm up for Season 4. The TeamSpeak server, at the time provided by GameServers, crashed frequently, and many exploits were found, one of which was used by Jimmy to compromise the server. These events became known as the Happening of Jimmy, prompting Bryan to seek out a new host, MainVoice.

During a fateful One For All match in League, Bryan, Jimmy, t3sla, and Johnnie met Blood1310017. Although half of the lobby wanted to play Fiddlesticks, and the other wanted Leona, Blood, a randy, picked Malphite and won over the other two suggestions. From watching him play, the group came to the conclusion that he was the best player ever. An episode of THE BEST RIGHT NOW was dedicated to the events that occurred with Blood.

Later during the year, Sapphire started a rivalry against TitanClan, previously known as Mantis Clan. Members of Sapphire used to connect to Titan's Counter-Strike servers, but intolerance for Titan's memes grew and a back-and-forth feud between TeamSpeak servers broke out until a ceasefire was reached. Ever since this TitanClan incident, Sapphire members held a negative view of their rival clan, with the exception of Jerry (due to being a member of both).

During Winter 2013, the group briefly played Dota 2, with Mike and Emanuel played it exclusively, while the rest of the active group members either juggled playing both games or only League. Around this time, Bryan invented a new hit meme: thumping. The usage of thumping was over exaggerated and the meme eventually died out.

Changes and Growth

January 2014 – February 2016

Over the new year, the group began to diversify its gaming interests. t3sla harnessed his old Counter-Strike skills and focused on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, re-entering t3sla mode in the process. He single-handedly kickstarted Sapphire's interest in CS:GO.

Jerry began to frequent TitanClan's TeamSpeak, although he often split his time between the groups. Meanwhile, the Norwegians (Cydax, Sindre, and Sarim) reserved a channel on TeamSpeak to bring their real-life friends online. Mike and Funky brought their real-life friends, the DirtyChinx, into the TeamSpeak server, also reserving their own channel.

Caleb and Chase went on to introduce some friends into the group: Ben, Ryan, Greg, and Garrett (the latter three also being Tennessee boys). The active members of Sapphire at this time were Bryan, Caleb, Chase, Funky & Mike (with the DirtyChinx), Ben, Greg, Garrett, Creasingwolf & Jimmy (semi-active), Ryan, and Emanuel (occasionally).

Ben was one of the most controversial members to join the group. He was the first member from the west coast; a pioneer, even. Another problem was that everyone in California blazed. Yet, Ben claimed he was "clean" of drugs.

With this new phase, an opportunity to start new memes has opened, especially since DIK had slowly died off. Nick (Creasingwolf) was a major force in the revival of necking. He was extremely dedicated to the game and spread it everywhere he went, including school.

Meanwhile, Bryan and Caleb took the jinxing game to the next level. A jinx, as referred to by the cool kids (and fifth graders), is when two people say the same thing at the same time without having prior knowledge of the fact that the other party would say the same thing as them. However, in Caleb and Bryan's version of this, they would say "Get out of my mind/head!"

On top of these, many other memes have spread throughout the group, shifting the culture slightly. Among these was swag, bought in by Jimmy and Funky. Sapphire began incorporating teachings from resources such as this video, which essentially became a textbook for Sapphire culture at the time. Not only does it cover swag, it also covers DIK and many other fundamental topics to a certain extent.

On March 10, 2014, Ben was publicly executed and died (in other words, he was votekicked from a CS:GO game and went on hiatus from Sapphire) by Bryan, Caleb, and Pasta. On the third day, Ben was resurrected from the dead (he came back).

It was around this time that Caleb became an active member of Andy's Stream, meeting people such as Andy, Adam, Aerius, and eventually Anna. Caleb also introduced this group into Sapphire sometime later.

The Summer had begun and once again it was a summer of inactivity. However, Jose (check0ut) randomly joined the TeamSpeak and befriended members, despite him seeking people that played League of Legends (which at the time, Sapphire did not have).

At this time, Caleb brought Brad into the TeamSpeak, which revived Sapphire's interest in playing RuneScape (lasting only a few weeks, after which Brad became inactive). Emanuel had once again returned from hiatus in t3sla mode and became more active in the TeamSpeak. Jimmy also turned up every now and then.

Later, Funky took Bryan's old meme, xDieselfuel, and blew it up, eclipsing its previous success. Over the summer, Sapphire became a Meme Factory and the overwhelming amount of memes caused the average life span of a meme to drop to five minutes.

Nearing the beginning of school, Cydax left for college and as a result the Sapphire Norwiggas became less active. Garrett and Jose also both began/resumed college around this time. Ryan, ever since graduating high school, went straight into the work grind. The rest of the members were now beginning high school.

As the school year continued, most members became inactive for at least some time. Caleb and Bryan were always in TeamSpeak, except, Bryan was AFK all the time. By the end of the school year in May 2015, Chase had graduated and also began working.

About this time, TitanClan was reorganized into an uptight community, RGN Community, which eventually shut down, causing Jerry to become more active in Sapphire. At the same time, Jimmy made a miraculous return to the TeamSpeak server, and began frequenting it. Funky also returned to the TeamSpeak server, although briefly.

Bryan, Caleb, Jerry, and Jimmy briefly brought League of Legends back, even getting Emanuel to play, which was yet another miracle. Simultaneously, Jimmy also led Sapphire into playing Battle Royale on H1Z1. At the same time, CS:GO and League of Legends were still strong second-choice games.

It was a relatively successful time period; a fair amount of TeamSpeak activity was maintained. Furthermore, this was when Chase first began playing League of Legends and when Jimmy first tried CS:GO, improving the gaming dynamic in Sapphire.

Advent of Sapphire Trips

February 2016 – December 2020

The Sapphire PAX East 2017 Crew

Beginning with 2016, many members of Sapphire had decided that CS:GO has reached a point where it is simply not playable anymore. However, the TeamSpeak server saw record-high numbers of activity with many Sapphire members, old and new, uniting to play video games together, namely League of Legends.

With the introduction of dynamic queue, playing ranked games together was only made easier, and was therefore done several times nearly every day. The group also began playing Black Desert and Stardew Valley as side games.

By Spring time, League of Legends was once again declared a cancer game by the active members of Sapphire. The group sought new games to play, and as a result ended up playing a bit of Minecraft - Feed the Beast: Infinity Evolved.

Later, when Overwatch came out, nearly every active member of Sapphire began playing it, anxiously waiting for the release of the ranked gamemode. Around July, a quintet composed of Bryan, Emanuel, Jerry, Caleb, and Jimmy began unironically playing World of Warcraft. By the time Fall 2016 came around, League of Legends was declared tolerable once more.

In late 2016, TeamSpeak activity boomed again, with the addition of George along with his friends into TeamSpeak. Meanwhile, the Sapphire Trip Committee was established in order to organize a Sapphire trip to PAX East 2017 and future events, although it was extremely difficult for the details to be ironed out.

In March 2017, a group of members of Sapphire took a trip to PAX East 2017. This was the first large-scale interaction between Sapphire's geographical subunits. Through the first quarter of 2017, the TeamSpeak server maintained usual activity in both early and late hours. By this point, Sapphire lingo had become very colorful due to the changing dynamic between new and old members.

Sapphire South Florida Meet Graduation 2017

In June 2017, Caleb and Chase drove down from Tennessee to South Florida to attend the graduation of Bryan, Emanuel, Jerry, and Komal. This was the first time Emanuel & Komal physically met Caleb & Chase. They hung out and made many memes together. Shortly after Caleb and Chase returned to Tennessee, the Sapphire Trip Committee continued planning more trips.

On June 11, 2017, Andy recycled his garbage in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber and revived his Prime (ain't talkin' Amazon). Upon finishing his plop, he was enlightened, and he revealed his experience to the Fiendship of Sapphire. Shortly after, Bryan departed for Romania to begin a month-and-a-half-long trip. During his hiatus, Kyle was initiated into Sapphire and was taken under Caleb's wing.

In the Fall of the same year, many of the lads began their first official semesters in college. Emanuel and Komal moved in together in Orlando and both began joining TeamSpeak more frequently than they previously had. They also invited Vincent into the TeamSpeak to play CS:GO. Overall, at this point, the TeamSpeak's traffic had reached its prime in terms of consistency. Furthermore, the next Sapphire Trip was confirmed for PAX East 2018.

Sapphire Spring Break 2018

Over the course of the years, the group experienced fragmentation, occasionally needing to put some space between members, and 2018 was no exception. Nevertheless, the beginning of this year seemed to be promising as it started off with fairly spicy memes. Fortnite briefly became a popular game in the group, lasting quite a few months.

In February, as proposed by Bryan, the group observed Black History Month and Homie Month. During this time, Caleb perfected his trifecta.

On the creative end, many members of Sapphire either began or resumed streaming on Twitch. Andy blessed the Andy Fan Club by bringing back his stream and then briefly rebranding as BestWithCoffee. Among others, Caleb, Adam, Jimmy, Jerry, Ryan, and Kyle also streamed during this time.

Sapphire Tennessee Summer Break 2018

During Spring Break 2018, Nick came down to visit the Florida Boys. Shortly following that trip, the events of the Sapphire PAX East 2018 Trip happened, which are detailed in its respective article. At PAX, talks of more trips in 2018 were brought up, which included visiting Andy, the Tennessee boys, and Kyle & Jon.

Sometime later, Sapphire began using Discord in parallel to TeamSpeak, some creating servers to complement their respective stream brands, such as Caleb's Red Lotus Discord.

In July 2018, Andy went to Comic Con San Diego. After that, Bryan, Jerry and Anna made their way to visit the Tennessee boys. Needless to say, afterwards, many suffered from Sapphire Post-Meetup Depression.

Through 2019, the members of Sapphire continued congregating between the Sapphire TeamSpeak as well as the Discord servers. Despite this diversification in gathering places, active members still manage to communicate effectively, using means such as the Sapphire Snapchat group.

In January 2019, Chase flew into Florida to meet up with Bryan, Jerry, and Emanuel.

PAX East 2019

Another Sapphire Trip occurred in Boston in 2019, once again for PAX East. This time the trip was done by Bryan, Jerry, Ryan, Chase and his brother Tristan. At the end of April, Bryan and Jerry traveled up to see the Tennessee boys once more. In July 2019, Andy made his annual pilgrimage to Comic Con. During 2019, Bryan began hosting Minecraft servers for his Romanian friends, thus leading to some affiliation with Sapphire.

Washington DC Meetup 2019

During August 2019, Bryan enacted his plan to travel on the Sapphire Grand Road Trip, making stops in Tennessee and Washington DC (where Emanuel joined him), where he notoriously destroyed Mike's mailbox and then proceeded to back into a car. During this time, Jerry also moved into Orlando to attend the same school as Emanuel, leaving Bryan to become the last Florida Boy in South Florida.

In Fall 2019, the stars aligned, and a few members gathered in TeamSpeak to reminisce. A few minutes later, a person named Edna comes in invoking the name of the deity Ligma (Legba) and cursed Garrett (he fell asleep on the spot). Edna claims to have been a member of Sapphire that joined in recent times. Chase and Bryan attempted to chat Edna up, but the conversation reached turning point when the two worked together to reveal Edna's location, provoking Edna to disconnect.

Heading into the year 2020, many members made big plans to enact. Bryan announced in February that the Sapphire homepage will be brought back and refocused to being more productive all around. Jerry moved to Georgia. Between the releases of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Valorant, and the final update of Terraria (among other games), the group became very active and members assembled nearly daily in Discord (and in smaller amounts on TeamSpeak). During the summer, many members began grinding OldSchool Runescape in order to prevent XP wasting.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, any potential Sapphire Meet-up trips for 2020 were scrapped. Halfway into August 2020, which is now considered Zen Month (declared by Andy), Bryan declared he would be undergoing a three week session of creativity, the "Creative Boom". Bryan unwillingly unleashed destruction upon the Wiki when Sapphire's cloud vendor announced its dissolution in late 2020.

Post-Pandemic

January 2021 – present

Oktoberfest in Boston 2022

This era is marked by many "coming of ages" in which members started to figure things out in the adult world. While this detracted from online togetherness, it also laid the foundation for future Sapphire meet-ups.

The Florida boys visited the Tennessee boys for New Years 2021. In the summer of 2021, Bryan more or less restored the Wiki. During this time, Bryan and Jerry visited the Tennessee boys. Immediately after, Bryan started working and graduated from university. In August 2021, Bryan and Chase visited Emanuel in Boston.

In February 2022, Jerry moved in with Caleb, joining the Tennessee boys, and thus starting the first gamer house comprised of Sapphire members. In June 2022, there was a Sapphire meet-up at the Tennessee gamer house. Eventually, the gamer house arrangement began to break down, culminating in the "Gamer-housegate".

In September 2022, Emanuel hosted 6 other members at his place in Boston. He did the same for New Year's 2023 although with 4 guests at the time.

In March 2023, Bryan visited Europe and used the opportunity to meet Cydax for the first time, becoming the first member of Sapphire to meet all other core founding members. In May 2023, Bryan and Caleb made a controversial visit to Las Vegas.

In the second half of 2023, Andrei began streaming and became known in the Old School RuneScape Hardcore Ironman section of Twitch. In December, Bryan and Emanuel visited Japan for the first time.

Park in Ontario 2024

In March 2024, there was a meet-up in Toronto. In August, Caleb reached out to hyprman33 and reconnected him with the group via Discord. Later in 2024, there was a misunderstanding between Andrei and other members which came to be known by some as the "Monkeygate".

Demographics

All-time geography of Sapphire members (c. 2019). Members that live in the United States are clustered near the East Coast. Ben broke this barrier by being the first member from the West Coast. Furthermore, there are also European members from the UK, Denmark, and Norway.
Members & associated individuals
Name First acquainted
Bryan Founder
Emanuel Founder
Ole Martin Founder
Caleb Founder
Funky Founder
Michael Founder
Sindre Co-Founder
Sarim Co-Founder
Jack Co-Founder
James Co-Founder
Ethan 2011
Alexander 2011
JokarGirl 2012
Jerry 2012 (Honorary Co-Founder)
Nick 2012 (Honorary Co-Founder)
Weyrt 2012
Dakota 2012
Jimmy 2012
CobraStrike 2012
Jessenia 2012
Johnnie 2013
Ryan (New York) 2013
Brandon 2013
Chase 2013
Usama 2013
Ben 2014
Ryan (Tennessee) 2014
Greg 2014
Garrett 2014
Brad 2014
Jose 2014
Swydo 2014
Adam 2014
Aerius 2014
Andy 2014
Andrei 2014
Anna 2015
Jason 2015
Trees 2015
George 2015
Tafari 2016
Komal 2016
Kyle 2017
Vincent 2017
Tristan 2019
Paxton 2019

Subgroups

Committees

Programs

Clubs

Geo-cultural units

  • Sapphire Florida Boys
  • Sapphire Tennessee Boys
  • Sapphire DMV Boys (Maryland-Virginia)
  • Sapphire Romanians
  • Sapphire Vikings (Norwegians)
  • Sapphire Gentlemen (Englishmen)
  • Sapphire Leaf Boys (Canadians)
  • Sapphire West Coast Boys

Associated groups

Culture


Sapphire culture (also "Circle culture") traces back to the group's tradition of online voice chatting, where it developed as a microcosm of early 2010s Internet culture while also being influenced by the various cultural backgrounds of members. It has been described as edgy, quirky, autistic, ignant, fast, fun, and easy. There is an tendency by some members to laud the culture as being "ahead of the curve". The culture comes with its own folklore (see Sapphire mythology) and unique speech patterns (Sapphire lingo).

Memes in Sapphire culture generally follow the typical cycle of irony. For example, "troll" is an older term that fell out of fashion, was substituted as "le bait", and then looped back into popular usage.

Language

Sapphire lingo is the distinct flavor of language spoken within the group, emerging from the clashing of various backgrounds. The exchange of speech patterns resulted in a unique vernacular that continues to grow in nuance.

Within Sapphire lingo, there is an ignant substratum comprising colorful speech patterns broadly related to the Internet trend of incorporating vernacular language.

Sapphire trip

See Sapphire Trip Committee

The Sapphire trip is an event characterized by the gathering of significant amount of members in real life. It had been the subject of speculation since the formation of Sapphire and was romanticized by early members.

In 2012, Cydax planned a campaign to visit the Florida Boys, although it was never executed. In 2016, the Sapphire Trip Committee emerged as a body that attempts to organize Sapphire meet-ups, sometimes coinciding with larger conventions such as PAX East and later TwitchCon.

Mythology

Sapphire mythology depicts a hierarchy of figures each renowned for their unique aspects. The mythology is primarily canonized in the Book of Diesel, the Callisto Dialogues, and in some YouTube videos.

Deities

Saints

Priests

Ghouls

Calendar

Name Date Description
Black History / Homie Month February Observing Black American culture & history.
Homie Month, in which it is customary for homies to "renew their contracts" and display affectionate homiesexual acts.
4/20 April 20 Commemorates Callisto's first visit to Sapphire.
Pride Month June Continuation of Homie Month
No Nut November / New Technique November November Honing "non-ningen" skills and pride in oneself.
Norwegian Day Fourth Thursday of November Thanksgiving substitute created for Cydax and the Norwegians.

Notable memes

Bad manner

Within Sapphire, a concept of wrongness exists: it's called "bad manner" (shortened: BM). It is a term Emanuel introduced to Sapphire long before it became mainstream. Sapphire defines BM as actions that are annoying, harassing, making fun of, flaming, pestering, etc. BMing is usually punishable by roast session.

"It's not BM if it's true"

It's not BM if it's true is a justification of BM which states, quite literally, that something is not BM if it is true.

t3sla exception

Credited to Emanuel (t3sla), the t3sla exception is an exception to the It's not BM if it's true justification. It states that sometimes it is BM even if it is true.

Caleb's trifecta

Caleb's trifecta consists of:

  • "nam jeFf" (a second-hand bastardized meme)
  • "you tryna buss"
  • whistling all "s" through your teeth

Later additions:

  • "Damn son"
  • Fart noises
  • (in fake gay British accent) "Oh God"

Callistostarianism

See Callistostarianism for the full article.

Callistostarianism is a philosophy and worldview based on the teachings of Callisto. A man named Callisto stumbled upon the TeamSpeak server one day and began to answer questions, which are recorded in the Callisto Dialogues and in an episode of the Circle Podcast. During the Q&A session, Callisto recited his epic poem I'm not Callisto.

Coke vs. Pepsi

t3sla bming Pepsi.

One of the most renowned arguments in the world is whether Coke or Pepsi is better. Well, Sapphire is largely undecided on Cok or Lelsi (meme terms), but some can agree that Dr. Pooper is master race. Other popular beverages in Sapphire include tea, water, and others.

In the latter years, there has been a movement against soda that caught traction even within Sapphire.

Dank memes

Weed memes are some of the greatest in Sapphire's history. The most important components these memes are 420 and Blaze it which can manipulated at an insane rate. The most popular variations were 420 blaze it or x20, blaze it (replace x with your desired number). Bryan was a big propagator of weed memes due to his fondness for That 70s' Show.

"Death" & Mike's Grandfather's Funeral

When a member is away for significant time (announced/unannounced) they are said to "die". Nick and Weyrt were two people who often "died" and "returned to life" months later. Mike and Funky have also "died" before, but have since been "resurrected".

"Death" was expanded as a meme in late 2013 when Mike, after a long time of being active in TeamSpeak, had to go to his late grandfather's funeral (may he Rest in Peace Grandpa McGloin). Mike, known for his rugged record of activity in TeamSpeak fluctuating from very active to sometimes off the grid for months, set himself up for a running gag that would run until this very day. After going to his grandfather's funeral, he would rarely show up in TeamSpeak. Whenever he would show up, he would be asked "Mike, are you still at your grandfather's funeral? It's been x amount of weeks!"

The meme was effectively concluded with the start of Sapphire's Transitional Age, when communications became increasingly more decentralized. However, just like a phoenix, the meme was reincarnated by Andy who dubbed it as the myth phenomenon. According to Andy, Mike and Cydax, among others, are mythological Sapphire members.

DIS DIK

During one of Sapphire's meme droughts, Bryan propagated a new meme, "DIS DIK", which was the "real answer" to the mathematical equation 1x/1. Furthermore, a similar meme was propagated by Bryan back in 2011. The DIS DIK meme began to expand and included derivations such as: DEEZ NUTZ, DIESENUHTZ, DIESELFUUL, xDIESELFUEL, etc. DIS DIK is also used as a response to arbitrary sentences. For example:

  • A: What is the time?
  • B: It's, uh... DIS DIK!
  • Everyone: *hahahahaha*

"DIS DIK" has become one of the most renowned memes in the history of Sapphire. So great, that Chase was subject to unholy amounts of it during his initiation. The meme is also designed to be sampled in audio tracks creating what is known as a DIK remix (also: DIKmix).

DIS DIK: THE FRANCHISE

Bryan sought to capitalize on "DIS DIK" and launched a franchise, including a planned game, movie, novel, TV show, and album.

Product About
DIS DIK: THE GAME Before Bryan went on vacation during the summer of 2013, he mentioned making a game about DIK, DIS DIK: THE GAME. It was supposed to be released in a day after its confirmation, but rather it was scheduled to be released in waves. The alpha will be released in "8 months", the beta in "16 months", and the full game in "24 years" (all the timeframes being relative to an unspecified date).
DIS DIK: THE NOVEL On September 21, 2013, Bryan announced a new product of the DIK franchise called DIS DIK: THE NOVEL. It was later scrapped due to poor planning.
DIS DIK: THE MOVIE Has not been announced.
DIS DIK: THE SHOW Has not been announced.
DIS DIK (mixtape) On Hallowe'en of 2013, Bryan published his first mixtape in spirit of the meme.

Fake Timezone

Due to the time zone difference between members, Bryan started referring to the non-Eastern timezones as "fake timezones". Although he is not sure why they are fake, his running hypothesis is that timezones become more real the further east one goes.

Funky Conventions

The Funky Conventions are the tendencies of members to show affectionate kindness towards other members who can "do no wrong" in their perception.

The Funky Conventions emerged as an unwritten rule in voice chat during tumultuous times, when flaming one another was commonplace. It was agreed upon that Funky, and to some extent Mike, would never deserve to be flamed. It has since evolved into a more decentralized sentiment among members.

Funky's Law

Funky's Law of League of Legends states clearly that:

  • To play an AP character, you must build AD.

This law has caused conflict and unleashed massive amounts of BM within Sapphire due to the fact that it is encourage a meme build that, most of the time, would fail.

Initiation

The initiation into Sapphire is the tradition of hazing new members. It typically involves bombardments of memes that are meant to get an initiate acquainted with Sapphire lore.

Jerry's Law

Jerry's law states that two gays can cancel each other out, however, this theorem lacks a proof.

Jimmy's microphone

Jimmy often eats things loudly, and it often sounds like either soup or something very crunchy.

Kyle challenge

The Kyle challenge is a thought experiment and philosophy developed by Kyle. He began by inquiring:

  • What if you just didn't sleep?

Kyle's initial best record for consecutive wakefulness was 74 hours. During this time, he experienced some hallucination, but also a good amount of clarity. He used this time frame to grind the living shit out of RuneScape (the EoC version). He concluded that, due to this unprecedented level of productivity, sleep was "literally" unnecessary.

Necking

In real life common practice, an individual who is confronted with an idiotic statement or situation is obliged to respond with "That's a neck!" and proceed to get the neck of the offender. When calling a neck, or getting necked, people have the option to:

  • call "no nothing", which nullifies ALL other calls
  • call "self-serve", where a person necks themselves in order to avoid an otherwise worse neck
  • call "teleport/time travel" in order to call self-serve, which is only overruled by "no nothing"
  • call "my big toe". Don't touch it.
  • claim "false neck" when a neck is truly unjustifiable. This results in a counter-neck.

Normies

In the history of Sapphire, the struggle against Normies had been a dominant sentiment amongst members, especially for Bryan, who identified in essence as an anti-normie.

However, the trajectory of history took a turn that led to many cultural convergences via the Internet. Bryan in particular, views the Sigma ideal as a post-anti-normie integration of normie customs within a Sigma grindset.

Plasker syndrome

See Plasker syndrome for the full article.

For the longest time, Jerry could not play games because they would always crash on him. That was the first known symptom of Plasker syndrome (PS), also known as Black voodoo syndrome (BVS). It was possibly contracted from when a magical technician had worked on Jerry's PC, hence "black voodoo syndrome". Besides Jerry, Caleb and Emanuel have also had computers infected Plasker syndrome.

Snapchat

Frogs playing StarCraft II, a quality Snapchat meme taken by Bryan in early 2013.

Snapchat is a mobile application in which users can take snaps (called snappers by Bryan), pictures, and send them to another person or group of people for a limited amount of time. The receiver can screenshot, if they're fast enough. Members of Sapphire tend to use Snapchat as a platform in order to create and share original memes. They take bizarre pictures and usually exploit any opportunity they have to get a kek out of something. In an incident, Cydax got mad at everyone for screenshotting his snaps and sending him "retarded" snaps, and therefore blocked Bryan. It has since turned into a meme, for example: Playing CSGO: Don't shoot Cydax, he might block you on Steam.

Swag

Swag is the act of having and displaying large amounts of swag. Swag has been integrated into Circle culture due to its comedic value. It is one of the key points taught in the Initiation into Sapphire. Swag is demonstrated by the behavior displayed by the individuals in this video.

Characteristics of a swag are:

  • collecting sneakers/shoes/kicks
  • using instagram, kik, vine, and/or worldstar
  • listening to rap and hip hop
  • acting and talking like like dis fam

t3sla mode

From the founding of Sapphire, until the Summer of 2012, Emanuel (t3sla) never spoke a word over the microphone; he was in t3sla mode. It was considered massive BM and therefore he was forced to start using his microphone. Jimmy once entered t3sla mode for a brief period of time due to eating his microphone too much and breaking it.

Terraria playthroughs

Although at some point members were able to complete a full multiplayer playthrough of Terraria, but they eventually lost the ability to do so, notably after Moon Lord was added to the game. This has become especially frustrating to certain individuals, such as Andy, who are very interested in experiencing the endgame of Terraria. Jerry is typically the player that gets the furthest, which resulted in the meme about his "speedruns".

Times Caleb has taken hiatus

See three times for the full article.

Caleb, a founding member of Sapphire, has taken hiatus from Sapphire more than three times. Initially, he made his first departure hoping to fool the whole group. It was such a lengthy vacation that it was considered an actual leave. He returned, but left a second time to start Dirty Players Gaming. Caleb, at this point, transitioned his online handle from Slar3xSpr33 to DirtySpr33 or just Dirty. Dirty Players Gaming disbanded, and Caleb returned due to the fact that he was bored. His third departure saw him focus on making videos on YouTube and streaming on Twitch. He befriended the Solioz Stream Group and brought them into Sapphire upon his third return. Ever since these incidents, he occasionally took breaks to recollect himself when overly stressed out. In 2018, he took more space in order to rebrand his Twitch as Red Lotus.

"Truth"

"Truth" is an idea developed by Bryan and Adam which proposes that:

  • "Truth" exists on an individual basis, informed by one's subjective experiences

A popular phrase from this development is used as an acknowledgement of other people's bizarre opinions: "Well, if that's your truth!..."

The Void

The Void is the primeval nothingness. It is often referenced within Sapphire culture in various ways, such as the Darkholm-era faction Void led by Bryan.

The Void, as an idea, entered Sapphire thought via references in StarCraft II, which was played by Emanuel and to a much lesser extent by Bryan.

Gallery

Some of the greatest visual memes in Sapphire's history.

Jerry Plasker, c. 2012; G.O.A.T.
Jerry Plasker, c. 2012; G.O.A.T. 
Stare Cat, c. 2013; Lives on in the TeamSpeak rank icons
Stare Cat, c. 2013; Lives on in the TeamSpeak rank icons 
Panda Cat with Bong, c. 2013; Traditionally on the TeamSpeak banner on 4/20
Panda Cat with Bong, c. 2013; Traditionally on the TeamSpeak banner on 4/20 
Milhouse Van Houten, c. 2014; He really is a meme
Milhouse Van Houten, c. 2014; He really is a meme 
Joshua Nissan, c. 2014; Notorious Jewish gamer
Joshua Nissan, c. 2014; Notorious Jewish gamer 

Dictionary

List of terms and phrases that appear in Sapphire culture
Term(s) or Phrase(s) Actual Meaning
acquiesce (v.) Kyle says this
ahp, ehp, nahp Clicc here
anime (adj.) "Japanese"
autism, autistic, acoustic, artistic (adj.) silly
bad manner, bm (n. v.) to annoy, harass, make fun of, flame, pester, etc. or something that causes annoyance, harassment, etc.
bent (adj.) banned
banana (adj. n.) see meme
black (adj. n. v.) an "abstract word" coined by Andy and Bryan
book club (n.) church
broken (adj.) something that is overpowered, underpowered, or dysfunctional
bryan (n.) hill
bus (v.) see plop
cancer (adj. n.) something that is unbearable
cancer build (n.) a build on League of Legends that is unconventional (which is usually bad, "unless you're Jimmy")
clown (n. v.) a dick, or to dick around
cok, pepso, and dr. pooper (n.) soft drinks
cuck (n. v.)

cucker (n.) to cuck, to be cucked (v.)

someone who gets screwed over, or to get screwed over
dinaut, D-naut someone who explores other dimensions other than the three-dimensional paradigm of human society
dingus (n.) silly or <censored>
dis dik, deez nuts, etc. (n.) See Dis Dik
default (adj.)

default computer (n.)

office/prebuilt computers
dimagglio (n.) damage
doge (n.) See shibe and
down's syndrome, left's syndrome, etc. (n.) See autism
ecksdee, xD (exp.) a very funny ironic meme
edginess (n.) a lifestyle that manifests as edgy tendencies and edgy music
fiber (n.) One day Bryan got into an argument with others in TeamSpeak over whether or not fiber has an effect on constipation.
fiending (v.) to exert intense passion
flip, fast, frick, eff, frank (exp.) meme alternatives for swear words
gag (adj.) See cancer
gat (n.) "god" or "gun", depending on context
Exited before the Internet term "gyatt" but has a similar meaning
gay (adj. n. v.) to be heterosexual
grātās (exp.) congratulations; thank you
hella (adv.) something Ben says (see gay)
hella noise (adv.) Illinois
homie (adj. n.) a really good friend
homiesexuality, homiesexual (n.) the love for one's homies
hue, huehuehue, kek, kekeke (exp.) chuckles
inb4 (exp.) in before
-ino, -ito, -ado, -oonie, etc. (suff.) makes a word cancerous
(nam) jeF (exp.) an Emanuel-Caleb meme
jimmies (n.) the gland in the jimmeological nervous system that is "rustled"
kyle challenge staying awake for very long times
le (artic.) comes before a noun or verb
le baited, to le bait (v.) See meme
meme, memeing, memer (v. n.) you should know what a meme is
mfw, tfw (exp.) mfw, tfw
mining (v.) to mine bitcoins, litecoins, dogecoins
neckhurt (n. v.) a stiffness in the neck, particularly one that emerges after a night of sleep
ningen (n.) 人間, A Japanese word roughly meaning "human", propagated by Bryan
ninja (n.) a homie
Norwegian Day (n.) One Thanksgiving, Cydax was sad that only Americans get to celebrate. Bryan saw this and decided to declare Norwegian Day a holiday for all Norwegians to celebrate alongside Americans and their Thanksgiving.
ooo kill'em (exp.) See swag or this
pedonia (n.) <censored>
plop (adj. n. v.) an "abstract word", created by Andy
pride, proud (adj. n.) abstinence
pulling a bryan (v.) dropping from Bronze I to Bronze V
pulling a jerry (v.) performing a sigh that Jerry does and claims to have obtained from a Dunkey video
pulling a jimmy (v.) verb. coming back from 3-17 in League of Legends.
pulling a pasta (v.) verb. wrapping around/flanking the longest way possible in a CS:GO map, named after Ryan (Tennessee) (Pasta) who is notorious for doing the pasta
randy (n.) a random person among a bunch of premades
rap game (exp.) a transition used to drop mad rhymes
rekt (exp. adj.) destroyed
See also bent
riot runes (n.) secret runes in League given to players by Riot
run that back (exp. v.) to restart something
ruse (n. v.) a good meme, or to meme good
rustle (n. v.) the act of upsetting the jimmies
See jimmies
sapphirization (n.) process of adapting something into Sapphire's style or according to its needs
scale (n.) noun. a scale is used to measure something
Example: the rage scale, ranging from one to Caleb, etc.
shibe, so shibe (adj.)
shots fired (exp.) phrase indicating that shots have been fired, used literally or metaphorically
smol (adj. n.) small
snap, snapper (n.) an image on snapchat
stoop (v.) to be posted up somewhere
succ (adj. n. v.) another term that lies within the realm of "abstract words"
sumat (pron.) something
t3sla mode (n.) phase where a person strictly communicates through typing, and not via voice chat
technique (n.) a method or style of doing something, usually a particular one
thiccc, thicque, thinn (adj.) an ironic meme in reference to the thicc meme
thumb (n.) only Caleb and Andy know the true meaning and origin
TRIGGERED!!!!!!!!! (exp. adj.) Jerry yells this when Bryan upsets him
unironically (adv.) as opposed to ironically
weyrt dinner (n.) when someone goes AFK in teamspeak for dinner, but comes back in two minutes
worth, el wortho (adj.) the positive value in a recently performed action
2D (n.) Any realm that is two-dimensional, even if it contains three-dimensional models. Some examples include anime, cartoons, and video games.
3-2-1 (v.) watching a video at the same time as someone else in order to gain a more dynamic experience
420 blaze it, x20 blaze it (exp.) Dank memes
9GAG (adj. n.) something that is vile, disgusting, and/or cringe-inducing

Game Timeline

All-time list of games played in Sapphire
Game Introduced to Sapphire by Importance Time span (or earliest date played)
Minecraft Most early members of Sapphire Monumental since 2011, since 2012 (with mods)
Runescape Most members Major since 2011, since 2013 (OSRS)
Terraria Many members Seasonal since 2011
League of Legends Jerry Plasker, hyprman33, Slar Monumental since February 2012
ARMA 2 t3sla, Cydax Major June 2012 - 2013 (DayZ mod included)
Smite Funky, then later Garrett Minor August 2012, September 2014
OMGPOP Funky Minor ? 2012 - April 2013
Counter-Strike:Source Many people Minor November 2013
GMOD Many people Minor Various times
Dota 2 Mike Minor November 2012,

December 2013

ARMA 3 t3sla, Cydax Minor March 2013 - ?2013
Grand Theft Auto IV Slar, Chase Minor July 2013 - August 2013
Full Tilt Poker t3sla Minor July 2013 - August 2013,

December 2013

Haven and Hearth Cydax, Sarim, t3sla Minor August 2013 - November 2013
Battlefield 3 & 4 Several members Minor November 2013
Solstice Arena Slar Minor November 2013
Starbound Slar Minor December 2013
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: Many people Major since November 2013
Rust Cydax, Slar Minor December 2013,
April 2014
DayZ Standalone Almost everyone Minor December 2013
ArcheAge Slar Minor 2014
Clash of Clans Slar Minor March 2014 - early 2015
H1Z1 Jimmy, Chase Minor June 2015 - November 2015
Black Desert Slar March 2016
Stardew Valley March 2016
Overwatch May 2016
World of Warcraft Caleb, Jerry, Jimmy July 2016
Castle Clash Adam and Caleb since 2017
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Caleb, Emanuel, some others March 2017
Kritika Online Andy May 2017
Mortal Kombat X Caleb, Adam, others June 2017
Fortnite Caleb Major September 2017
Divinity Original Sin 2 Garrett 2018
VALORANT Caleb, andy Major Spring 2020

Media

Social Networks

YouTube

YouTube Channels
Channel Link
Sapphire Main Channel SapphireMovies
Bryan's Channel The Notorious B.R.Y.A.N.
Funky's Channel MZAAO
Jimmy's Channel Jimmy Hong
Cydax's Channel Cydax
Mike's Channel Compare To Advil
Caleb's Channel SlaresProduction
Ryan's Channel OfficiallyBeastly
Andy's channel andyoclock

Twitch

Twitch Channels
Channel Link
Sapphire Main Channel Sapphire
Bryan's Channel amBryan
t3sla's Channel thestreamscribe
Caleb's Channel Red Lotus
Jimmy's Channel Jimmyooo
Funky's Channel funkykong245
Cydax's Channel ShinyPaperClip
Mike's Channel xICExFROZEN
Chase's Channel OMGitsMorganHD
PASTA's Channel OfficiallyBeastly
check0ut's Channel check0ut
Andy's Channel KohiBlend
Adam's Channel Okuda
Kyle's Channel Kyle
Andrei's Channel Rocky_AF

Popular series

The Sapphire banner of 4/20, created the day of the Callisto raid. It is typically used on the Circle Podcast episodes.

Series created by Sapphire members, which might involve other members or might make references to Circle culture.

Series Creator About Link
THE BEST RIGHT NOW Bryan THE BEST RIGHT NOW is a series of films created by Bryan from the perspective of t3sla,

called Draven Knoxville in the videos. They are about the meta-games of League of Legends.

Playlist
Animation Adventures Funky A series of random recordings by Funky

that are accompanied by animations of sorts. Similar to the Circle Podcast.

Playlist
The Circle Podcast Bryan The Circle Podcast is a series of random recordings by Bryan. It is focused on capturing great moments in TeamSpeak (see Culture of Sapphire). Playlist
Cooking with Slar3xSpr33 Bryan, Slar3xSpr33 Comedic cooking show starring Slar3xSpr33. Playlist

Discography

Sapphire Records

Sapphire has its own record label, Sapphire Records.

Bibliography

Title Author About
Callisto Dialogues Bryan The dialogue that occurred on the very first Callistover.
I'm not Callisto Callisto An epic poem on fraud and egoism.
Poetry t3sla A short poem about Ole Martin.

Services

Bryan's Server

The Jit is a server box owned and maintained by Bryan. He uses it to host services such as the Minecraft server and this Wiki.

Discord

The Sapphire Server (formerly known as the Red Lotus Discord server) is the currently group-endorsed VoIP solution. It is owned by Caleb.

League of Legends Club

The group's club is called "Sapphire Dev" and is owned by Caleb.

Old School RuneScape Clan

The group's original clan is called ATOLL (formerly BlueSapphire) and is owned by Andrei, who is transitioning it towards his personal brand.

Smurf Accounts

Members with access to the private channel on Discord can find the link to the communal smurf list.

Projects

See Projects for the full article.

Tournaments

Sapphire hosts tournaments, though, not all for a prize pool. Some are purely for fun and/or recognition.

League of Legends

Tournaments
Tournament Winner
Best Jayce SA Never occurred.
Hallowe'en 2013 1v1s Never finished.

Pool Tournamenets

Pool Tournaments are hosted once per month, and the current Prize is an award-recognition. Actual prizes might be sponsored soon. Pool is played on famous mini-game network OMGPOP.

Winners
Name Date

Dakota

1st Place February 2013

Caleb 1st Place March 2013
Never occured 1st Place April 2013

Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournaments

Dueling Network tournaments will now be hosted aswell, for similar prizes as to the Pool tournament. It will NOT be on a strict schedule.

Winners
Name Date

Never occured

-

Poker Tournaments

During the Summer of 2013, the group began to play online Poker on programs such as Full Tilt and Carbon Poker.

Winners
Name Date

Never occurred

-

Fantasy Basketball

Starting with the 2016-17 NBA season, Sapphire started a fantasy basketball league for its members.