The current factions

[Gwydion]

I really like the layout of the new setting.  I just got done playing the spider temple quest for the first time, and it was a huge rush.  The scripted quests are extremely fun here.

The reason I rang is about the DM factions that currently exist. Or more accurately - don't.  

One of the best things about the old setting was the strength and dynamic power struggle between its factions.  Specifically the Watch, Spellguard, Seekers and the long list of Lower Revolutionaries.  There were other factions that blipped nicely from time to time like the Society and others, but the biggies were amazing at times.  Particularly the Tigereye Mercs until their end.

I started playing about a year I think in, so I missed lots of the formative steps that led up to the awesomeness of Sanctuary.  But right now the current factions aren't headed in that direction.  

Right now there are two significant factions on the server, and they are nearly indistinguishable from each other.  Both have some very well-played characters, whose players have worked hard to get some cool things done.  The druids/rangers/treehuggers were the only counterpoint to this situation, and it appears that PvP has virtually eliminated that faction for the most part.

I'll let you all hammer this take if you wish, or whatever.  But what really drove the old setting was the Watch vs. Spellguard vs. Seekers vs. Society vs. Lower gangs.  

I just don't see that happening right now.  Maybe there is tons of stuff going on under the surface, but if it is, I'm not seeing any effect of it.

[Sternhund]

You'll just have to trust me when I say that factions are a top priority and we're actively working on it.

[Gwydion]

Thanks Sternhund.

Obviously I'm not telling you something you guys aren't aware of then.

Just making an observation.  I think once this situation is righted, we'll see the 30+ rabid players Sanctuary used to have CONSISTENTLY when it was in its prime.  

And thanks again for your efforts.  I have so much fun playing this "game" that I do truly appreciate it.  It might seem like arse-kissing, but you guys deserve all the praise that you get.

[Caddies]

I think the superb inter-faction dynamics of Sanctuary can be recreated and even improved up in EFU:A, and from what I have seen that's coming along.

The obvious drawback for EFU:A settlement is that it doesn't have over a hundred years of history from which to develop such things from the get-go. This, however, allows the players to have a more direct hand in it; I fully envisage the actions of current PCs deciding the fate of inter-faction dynamics a year from now.

[tooh]

At begining was a choice: let the players organize self-factions and rules, emerge some organization and hierarquies, maybe barbarian or democratic or dictatorial or anarquie, but will take time and risk the server.
Soon  the trapestry of mysteries in Ymph was disposed, a web of DooMs force and move us to same dinamic history and beliefs.
Nothing new only a new place, by lost the chance for a social experience will grant a consistent world.

[Pup]

Things are definitely progressing, if a bit slowly.  I suppose their are a limited number of chars right now who are involved in the process, so I can understand your sentiments, Gwydion.  But as Caddies said, things are moving and groundwork is being laid.

[p00d33m]

Give it time.

[9lives]

Sometimes, when I read Tooh's posts, I feel like I stand upon the very cusp of enlightenment. Nirvana, just around the corner.

[Kiaring]

Yours, on the other hand, are always on the cusp of being funny.

This has been said by players and confirmed by DMs, but I believe using our current available DM manpower to improve the factional game in EfU:A is a great idea. Factions are great catalysts for action.

[DangerousDan]

Big things are coming.

[Egon the Monkey]

...as the elephant breeder said to the zookeeper ;)

[Cruzel]

Big things are coming.

Wasn't something similar said a few months ago, before the massive DM led completely railroaded series of plots which although amazing, It allowed people to take part, but in the end really didn't allow for players to affect the outcome, only the circumstances, before it's eventual planned destruction. Which coincidentally, happened in the first place partly because people were being powerquesting lamers and ignoring any semblance of a plot that they were not directly getting DM XP and loot from?
 
Seeing as how everyone is still doing that, I am not optimistic about the 'big things' you speak of :(

[DangerousDan]

Wasn't something similar said a few months ago, before the massive DM led completely railroaded series of plots which although amazing, It allowed people to take part, but in the end really didn't allow for players to affect the outcome, only the circumstances, before it's eventual planned destruction. Which coincidentally, happened in the first place partly because people were being powerquesting lamers and ignoring any semblance of a plot that they were not directly getting DM XP and loot from?
 
Seeing as how everyone is still doing that, I am not optimistic about the 'big things' you speak of :(

The series of plots were not railroaded at all. Whilst the end was pretty much set in stone, the shape of events were some of the most modular we've ever had. Simply because certain players overwhelmingly went for what was conventionally 'good', does not mean that the DMs had not planned for another contingency. The sheer fact that the Civil War became as heated as it did was not planned from the outset- in fact, fighting was only meant to break out in the few days before the Appetite awoke. Player actions lead directly to fighting. Additionally, it was quite conceivable that the old order would have won. The fact most big players of that faction got RL, or were killed shortly beforehand was another factor which lead to the Rebellion scoring an overwhelming victory. If players had gone for the Spellguard, more of Sanctuary would have gone to take refuge in the Tower and as a result not so many citizens would have been brutally butchered by the Chosen. Funny, isn't it?

So, no. We will have no railroaded plots, and it is slightly frustrating that you'd suggest something a lot of us put a lot of effort into was. We are just looking to get our mojo back. Mort has been doing a stand-up job pretty much alone for the past few months, but one man cannot make for an excellent server. With more DMs IG, and more plots flying around, I am certain our numbers will fly back up. Less cynicism, and more optimism, pls.

[BoneScreech]

The series of plots were not railroaded at all. Whilst the end was pretty much set in stone, the shape of events were some of the most modular we've ever had. Simply because certain players overwhelmingly went for what was conventionally 'good', does not mean that the DMs had not planned for another contingency. The sheer fact that the Civil War became as heated as it did was not planned from the outset- in fact, fighting was only meant to break out in the few days before the Appetite awoke. Player actions lead directly to fighting. Additionally, it was quite conceivable that the old order would have won. The fact most big players of that faction got RL, or were killed shortly beforehand was another factor which lead to the Rebellion scoring an overwhelming victory. If players had gone for the Spellguard, more of Sanctuary would have gone to take refuge in the Tower and as a result not so many citizens would have been brutally butchered by the Chosen. Funny, isn't it?

So, no. We will have no railroaded plots, and it is slightly frustrating that you'd suggest something a lot of us put a lot of effort into was. We are just looking to get our mojo back. Mort has been doing a stand-up job pretty much alone for the past few months, but one man cannot make for an excellent server. With more DMs IG, and more plots flying around, I am certain our numbers will fly back up. Less cynicism, and more optimism, pls.

Real talk.

[core]

Word.