Vonak, fellow battle mages, Praetorians, and Splinterlands believers!My name is Joseph John (IGN breakingbenjamin), and I'm running for your SPS Validator Network vote!I’m the only Narrative Designer on the Splinterlands Team, but more importantly, I’m a dedicated player, investor, and advocate for the long-term success of Splinterlands. My work goes beyond my day job—I'm committed to strengthening our ecosystem through governance, engagement, and bringing new players into our world.

This is the writing sample of my work in progress I sent to @nateaguila that got me hired as a narrative designer at Splinterlands. three-and-a-half years later, it's still a work in progress, but oh what a ride it's been!

I am breakingbenjamin (AKA Joseph John), Narrative Lead for the Splinterlands Team. I hope you consider me for a treasurer position. Why?I love Splinterlands... not only playing it on a daily basis, but writing lore, website copy, creating concepts for new cards, helping to build-out new features and designs, etc.I love Splinterlands... not only playing it on a daily basis, but writing lore, website copy, creating concepts for new cards, helping to build-out new features and designs, etc.I was an officer in the US Army and dedicated 23 years of my life in service to others; I'd like to continue my service to the Splinterlands community.I was an officer in the US Army and dedicated 23 years of my life in service to others; I'd like to continue my service to the Splinterlands community.I am responsible and responsive.I am responsible and responsive.I have a significant stake in Splinterlands (over 1 million SPS, a tract of land, ~$30K in cards, 3 validator nodes).I have a significant stake in Splinterlands (over 1 million SPS, a tract of land, ~$30K in cards, 3 validator nodes).I am financial independent, having made most of my wealth through real estate, the stock market, and crypto; the US government also pays me six figures a year in retirement/disability (two decades of Armying puts a lot of stress on the body!).I am financial independent, having made most of my wealth through real estate, the stock market, and crypto; the US government also pays me six figures a year in retirement/disability (two decades of Armying puts a lot of stress on the body!).

I'm peeling back another layer, sharing my thoughts on the military, narrative design, reading, and some philosophy and life hacks I picked up along the way.Why I loved the Army:Uncle Sam paid for my college degree—no student loans.Uncle Sam paid for my college degree—no student loans.I traveled and lived all over the world.I traveled and lived all over the world.Every two or three years, I moved and changed jobs; it never got old.Every two or three years, I moved and changed jobs; it never got old.How many jobs have a pension plan that lets you retire at age 43 and not have to work another day of your life?How many jobs have a pension plan that lets you retire at age 43 and not have to work another day of your life?

After 23 years as an officer in the military, two self-published novels, and 2.5 years as a narrative designer for a kick-ass video game, I’ve learned some stuff:Retired at the ripe old age of 46.Retired at the ripe old age of 46.Award-winning and bestselling author.Award-winning and bestselling author.Life is short; focus on what matters.Life is short; focus on what matters.