Faction Size Poll

[erglion]

I was wondering what other players prefer:  a smaller number of large, well-represented factions, or a larger number of minor factions with a few players.  These factions might be DM or player-based, but the main question is about group size vs. number of groups, and what people think leads to the most interesting conflicts, alliances, and intrigue.  Try to pick one extreme for the poll, and then explain whatever view you have below.

Personally, I think the best is both: with large factions driving major plots that are supported or hindered by collaborating or competing with the smaller groups. But if I had to pick one, while I love small groups, I would rather see a few factions with more intra-faction diversity, and near-constant PC representation IG.

[Gippy]

I think that too often good players want to 'create something unique' rather then getting behind others concepts. This leads to a great deal of factions that could form alliances, could merge, but never do. Rather just simply trying to go off and do their own thing in vacuum rather then searching for similarities and hammering out solid alliances. I am almost all for larger factions rather then these scattered disassociated groups. I believe that all people should try to join some sort of faction.

[Random_White_Guy]

Factions as a whole are awesome. The beautiful thing is you can make sub-factions within -existing- factions.

DM Faction PCs should take many steps to absorb other factions for their cause and otherwise.

It really is very cool to see.

I'd much rather have 10 diverse and interesting PCs in DM factions. This allows us to take great lengths to enhance and strengthen the server.

If the Stygians, Order, and House Sharboneth all had 10 active PCs, I bet you 1,000 XP that the Server itself would be infinitely better.

It would allow us to play up the Rankings even more. One PC Sharboneth Lt, 3 sergeants, 6 Armsmen (On serving each sergeant).

Two PC Veterans, 8 PC Infantrymen each divided to different "Units".

The fact of the matter is, in my opinion, DM Factions are the lifeblood of EFU. When they do well, EFU Does well.

PC Factions can be built in and around DM Factions, and it only adds to the awesome of the server when they do.

[Random_White_Guy]

Example!

If there were enough Armsman to make it interesting, YOu could have a PC Subfaction of "Corrupt" and a PC Subfaction of "Corruption Busters".

That sounds awesome to me.

[meow-mix]

This might be an odd idea, but if you really want to see a lot more players in PC factions, take the first official strata of the faction off of the application list, to allow organic IG recruitment without the hassle of thinking up applications.

For promotion out of the first strata, ask players being considered for an OOC application, and an assurance of intent to stick with the PC for the long term.

Personally, I think that 50% of players, at least, should be in or involved with a DM faction to at least a partial extent.  It helps the player base "Take ownership" of the server.  And I don't think that the PC's in the base level of each DM faction should have to be "tailor made" to suit the faction, instead should grow and change from their involvement and increasing or decreasing loyalty to the faction.

my two cents!
Meow-mix

[meow-mix]

And secondly, if you want to see DM factions overtake the allure of a unique and self-created mini PC faction, stop rewarding players who do this!  The more weighted the focus of DM attention is on DM factions, the more people will want to be part of the action.  :)

This isn't to say that I disapprove of mini PC factions that are awesome, but I will say that the amount of grandeur these PC's are able to achieve makes it more desirable to go this route than be melded into a comparatively lacklustre DM faction.

my THREE cents, apparently!
meow-mix!

[Random_White_Guy]

I'm just saying that DM Factions should actively be working towards gaining them as tools of influence/etc. Bribing them, Befriending them, or otherwise sort of thing.

The implementation of the Deputy system has kind of addressed your issue of "Applications for leaving the first strata". PC sharboneths can make other PCs deputies.

[Talir]

I find a few factions with good representation is vastly better than more factions with fewer members. It is easier to achieve things with more people, as well as do things on seperate times as most are spread over different timezones. It springs to life the faction and makes things more fun, overall, than many few factions you rarely know who are or what stand for. Alliances between them and feuds is excellent as well.

Should you not join a faction, you should at least consider getting attached in some way to one which interests your character the most.

[Crod Mondoon]

The three factions I know of DM wise, are lawful, as well as the Druidic faction for obvious reasons. What I see lacking is what the seekers provided, was an outlet for chaotic aligned characters to join DM factions. I am sure there are many, many differences between Armsmen and Stygians, but to the outsde obserever, there is little to none, both are guards, and milita.  The order, too, just seems like a more religious based milita.  I have yet to play a pc that would join any of them, so maybe I am just ignorant of the diverse greatness of each, but from where I sit, they all just look like guard/milita groups to me. Not to say they do not have a ton of impact on the server, just that they do not seem at all diverse from one another, like the Spellguard and the Watch, with obvious diffrence's, and the Seekers seemed to absorb the chaotic classes, the bard, ranger, barbarian and other chaotic alinged players.  The Archeaolgists (sp)Society filled this gap nicely, and was quite amazeing, but it seems to have disappeared. With the intent of the OP, I must say, small unique PC groups have been the only draw for me, so far. Perhaps my next character will be a paladin, or cleric of bane, and these DM factions will make far more sense..

[lovethesuit]

The University is still around and is essentially the Archaeological Society in the witness protection program. Seriously, we're still here. Come hither all ye chaotic-aligned rebellious folk. Have you seen our crystals?

[Nuclear Catastrophe]

Get those faction applications in now, people!

The more the merrier.

[Luke Danger]

I'd prefer factions to be larger TBH, so that a powerful faction has some PC projection of the power.

[Raposa_Fox]

Agreed!

I think that too often good players want to 'create something unique' rather then getting behind others concepts. This leads to a great deal of factions that could form alliances, could merge, but never do. Rather just simply trying to go off and do their own thing in vacuum rather then searching for similarities and hammering out solid alliances. I am almost all for larger factions rather then these scattered disassociated groups. I believe that all people should try to join some sort of faction.

I tottaly aggree with Gippy! We are encouraged all the time to make something that involves many other players, in order to get attention, applications approved and all that. For isntance, I would never be able to play a prestige class that is not of a leader, or someone involving many other players, so when you have everybody wanting attention to get perks, we have all players trying to form factions. Why would I join the Sygians, to look exactly like all the other stygians, with no self style, that stupid blue helmet and cloak, if I want an unique character? Just for the perks? That is what I am talking about ...

[Sternhund]

I tottaly aggree with Gippy! We are encouraged all the time to make something that involves many other players, in order to get attention, applications approved and all that. For isntance, I would never be able to play a prestige class that is not of a leader, or someone involving many other players, so when you have everybody wanting attention to get perks, we have all players trying to form factions. Why would I join the Sygians, to look exactly like all the other stygians, with no self style, that stupid blue helmet and cloak, if I want an unique character? Just for the perks? That is what I am talking about ...

Oddly enough, I think a common misconception is that joining a faction doesn't make you a sheep in the flock. Instead, factions give you both an agenda, and more resources to play with. It gives you connections with powerful PCs and NPCs, and gives you a standing of some form of authority on the colony. All these tools are used to better allow you to thwart influence and make changes in the game.

Although, good player factions are also incredible. Anyone remember The Golden Doubloons?

[Luke Danger]

Does anyone remember Montezzi? They pretty much ruled a good chunk of the main city, Sanctuary, back in old EfU. A peak of a PC faction, they had like, 30+ people in their ranks at one time.