Last weekend, Claire officially retired as a Water Vikings leader, concluding nearly four years of service. In this post, we reflect on her journey, the reasons behind her departure, and what lies ahead for the Vikings.
Designed by Dino
CLAIRE’S BEGINNINGS
Claire began her journey with the Water Vikings when she enlisted in the army in September 2020. Initially a very quiet but loyal member, she grew close to the Viking community and began interacting with them more and more, eventually growing a fondness for WV. After climbing up the troop ranks, Claire achieved the rank of Staff in Training just 2 months later in November 2020.
Upon learning the ropes of the army community with the help of former leader and Viking Legend Guncotton, Claire worked and officially achieved a moderator rank in 2021. From then on, she continued to put her best efforts forward in the army, which led to her promotion to third-in-command in just four months. A month later, Claire was promoted to Second-In-Command, further showcasing her dedication and commitment to the army.
Claire leading an event as a third-in-command
On June 2, 2023, the Water Vikings, alongside their allies in the Blue Sunset Alliance, declared war on the Army of Club Penguin, marking the beginning of World War IX. Just two days later, on June 4, the army took an unprecedented step by temporarily promoting Claire to Viking Commander, alongside Mogi4, Jojo Teri, and Crazyflame. This move aimed to strengthen leadership and steer the army through the challenges of a major war. Eleven days later, the war concluded with a treaty, and Claire returned to her role as Leader-in-Training. However, this was far from the end of Claire’s journey.
Dino and Mabel inducting Claire as a temporary leader
Claire’s Leadership
On July 8, 2023, the Water Vikings permanently promoted Claire to Viking Commander alongside Jojo Teri, following concerns raised by then-leader Dino about the army’s future. This promotion came just ahead of the Legends Cup XIII tournament. Although the Vikings lost to the Rebel Penguin Federation, Claire and Jojo’s leadership showcased the early strength and potential of the new WV leaders.
Claire and Jojo Teri being inducted as Viking Commanders
Under the leadership of Claire and her fellow co-leaders, the Water Vikings implemented several innovative initiatives, including Project Tsunami, a multi-week effort designed to prepare and strengthen the army ahead of that year’s Christmas Chaos tournament. Following Jojo’s departure and Cabin’s induction as a new leader in November, Claire played a key role in guiding the Vikings to victory in the tournament, bringing home the trophy alongside long-standing co-leaders Dino and Mabel, showing her strength as a new leader.
Room 3 of the Christmas Chaos XIII tournament with WV facing EGCP
As 2024 began, Claire and the rest of the Viking leadership continued to propel the army to new heights. Following the departure of co-leader Mabel and with the March Madness IX tournament on the horizon, the Viking Commanders took decisive action to preserve the army’s stability and momentum. Their efforts were instrumental in the Vikings’ commanding performance, ultimately leading to a second consecutive major tournament victory.
In the months that followed, Claire, alongside her co-leaders, guided the army through multiple conflicts. Despite a loss in the Sluttpådawn War against the Templars in April, the war efforts contributed to stabilizing the army. Later that same month, the Vikings launched a successful campaign against the ACP in the Forlosning War, securing a resounding victory with a final war score of 12–1–1.
ACP vs WV in the Forlosning War
Continued achievements and Retirement
In June, after Dino’s departure, Claire led the Water Vikings with Cabin and Mei in a brief war against the Elite Guardians of Club Penguin, ending in a peace deal. She navigated leadership changes, bringing in Rye and parting with Mei while keeping the army steady through tough times, including a drop to small/medium and periods of lockdown. This set the stage for their Beach Brawl IV win. In November, after Raven’s promotion, the Vikings defeated the Special Weapons and Tactics and regained major status. Claire also helped form new alliances, including one with the Aliens. More recently, the Vikings won the small/medium trophy in the Candy Crusher Brawl and took part in March Madness X. Her four years of service were honored with the title of Viking Legend at the army’s 14th anniversary.
Revan announcing Claire as Viking Legend. Click to enlarge
It’s no secret that Claire has had quite the journey within the Water Vikings, one of glory and one of perseverance through adversity. Her leadership tenure officially came to a close on May 17, 2025, when she hosted her retirement event. In this event, Claire reflected on her time in the army and expressed gratitude to those she had worked with for the opportunity to lead for such a significant period. Following her retirement, Viking Legend Aaronstone announced her induction into the High Council of Vikings, marking a new chapter in Claire’s journey beyond leadership.
Claire’s retirement event
To hear more regarding her retirement and future endeavors, Club Penguin Armies reached out to Claire to learn more.
Looking back at your tenure in WV, what moments are the most memorable to you?
Connections means the most to me, I don’t have a particular moment like a war or a tournament or something bigger that was a core memory. What I mean is that of course I cherish our victories and that means a lot but the whole point is being earning those victories with the others and how all this army stuff make you bond with people. Besides that I’d say when I got promoted to leader and now while I am HCOV in WV will be always be memorable moments,I love this army and I work towards it, having recognition for what I’ve done feels good too
How do you think your time in WV has shaped you as a person both in and out of the community?
As incredible as it may seem, armies and especially WV helped me a lot on communication and leadership and that goes for in and out of the community. I am very introvert IRL and hardly ever fill up roles of being a leader, neither I am someone who talks a lot or have huge communication skills, but as I ranked up and had a more outstanding role in the army I had to learn how to behave, communicate and inspire others which was not something I learn at all, even IRL and that helps me in both.
What advice do you have for the current and future leaders of WV?
Right now, considering our next generation, I would definitely talk to them about connections (again), yes it’s cliche but it what makes armies alive in my opinion and WV is not out of that. Recruiting, welcoming, maxing high numbers, winning tournaments, wars, of course that’s really important and I would have a lot of advice to give on that, but in the end what matters the most is the bond you have with the others, no one stays in CPA if you don’t have a reason why and if you are a leader yourself you should be enjoying it while having your responsibility as a leader as well.
What will you miss most about leading and being a part of WV’s community?
I will always be a part of WV’s community, even if I’m leader anymore I will definitely be around, they won’t get rid of me so easily LOL. I will be around in a different way and with a different role, also for being HCOV now and everything, but maybe what I’ll miss the most will be leading battles during wars or tournaments, it’s thrilling to lead and win those, it feels amazing to lead the army and the people you love so much to victory and the sense of accomplishment is very rewarding, but I’m sure there will be other feeling i didn’t experience yet that will be great as well.
Claire has had quite the journey within the Water Vikings. It was indeed one marked by perseverance and unwavering loyalty in the face of setbacks. From leading the army through moments of triumph to providing steady guidance during its most challenging times, her legacy has become an integral part of Water Vikings’ history. Her journey, both beginning and concluding with the Vikings, stands as a testament to her dedication, with her lasting commitment reflecting the leadership qualities that defined her time at the helm. As the Water Vikings enter a new era, all eyes will be on the emerging leaders who will step up and shape the future of the army. How do you think Claire’s legacy has impacted the Water Vikings? What do you expect to see in this new era for WV following her retirement?
Kira
Senior Reporter
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