Most factions, even the Scriveners, have the means to see faction induction done via NPC conversation. The Civil Service isn't a particularly labor intensive faction and while I know it is kind of niche it seems one of those things where it's kind of silly just to harass a DM to possess the Chief Herald for 10 seconds of dialogue, wanding and a key.
This would allow civil service PCs, prefects, Directors, or even DMs to just open the appropriate chamber for someone to see them inducted if they've the appropriate faction recommendations.
A full-bodied, self-serving yes.
As much as I dislike the assocications. I agree if all the other associations are automated why not allow the civil servants?
I can concur. It seems like from my first tenure in the Civil Service to this one that the process has changed and they've added a recommendation system wherein two recommendations from active PCs are necessary to get wanded into the faction. This becomes an issue when the rest of the active PCs die off!
I'm a Prefect, and pretty much the sole PC in the faction, and without bugging a DM to take the time to do interview + accept people they can't get in.
Whoops, wrong account!
My 'secret' is out. Damn.