Post by blahblahblah on Apr 5, 2023 11:56:28 GMT -5
So...
I think it's pretty obvious that I have an issue with how staff resolve issues. The new whistleblower rule seems good on paper, but I have no faith that they can keep their own "interpretation" of the rules from the rules actually being followed. I'm going to go ahead and post my first (and only) Player Complaint here.
I had back and forths with my staff in the request tool.
I submitted a formal complaint (which will be posted here).
I also explained the complaint on the GDB when feedback for non-returning players was requested, and noticed that staff responded to other people in the tread on their complaints, but there was silence on mine... save from other players who responded with WTF?
This is going to be long, because when I submitted the complaint against the player, I was trying to be reasonable and thorough. All emphasis here is what I emphasized in the past, so that those parts would not be skimmed over.
Hello,
I am writing this in complaint to the character of Lady Templar Akaria Tor. I know this may seem strange in light of the fact that I JUST sent a kudos in reference to the character, but please allow me to explain. I know you are not looking for critique of play, but I want to explain exactly why I am even considering this.
I have expressed concern in a previous character report about negative IC attention that I was receiving from this templar and stated confusion as to why my character seemed to be the only one - that I could see - that was being repeatedly and brutally maimed. I don't mind playing along and taking blows or 'losing' in any situation and trying to bounce back or just plain play a victim if the story is compelling enough, but I am beginning to be bewildered by the situation and wondering if a sponsored role should be making people just not want to even play the game.
The first incident, which I believe from my logs was on July 6th, was when Paxter's finger was removed. At that time, in my report labeled #76553, my tone was upbeat and even though I was confused about the nature of the AOD and why a Templar and Private doing that to me, I was willing to continue on. I figured.. well.. okay. There are other options. I didn't know all the mechanics. Maybe I could get help and not play where I was. I have a log of the torture scene, consent was asked and happily given. I noticed she didn't let me defend myself ICly, but that's RP.
The second time was July 20th, I THINK. I autolog everything, but notepad ++ does date format weird. Anyhow, this also was consented to and my character's eye was removed. Again, not allowed to defend myself ICly and it's AOD folks abusing my character. I was ecstatically happy to have received a scar for it, but I was annoyed that like the first time, the Templar that ordered and let it happen walked off with barely any RP, left my character bleeding and barely followed up. And so I stated in a character report ##76999 that if I was carved up again, that I would simply deny consent when asked and request instead to be killed instead of maimed. I was really distraught and talking to other characters since then, THIS is NOT normal behavior for a Templar or the AOD toward a gemmed. I did try to leave the city to just get away from her and while I think I might have the capability now, then I simply didn't have the know how.
I ended up giving her a Kudos though, because for a while she did stop. She began speaking to my character and we had interactions and while they wouldn't be friendly by any means, I started thinking we could build a story where he was just terrified of her and beaten down and defeated, someone who would kill her if he could, but likely never would get the chance. So I tried to just.. say hey.. You're doing alright and I could keep playing with you. I gave Zanarik a Kudos of the same sort almost and I sincerely ADORE playing with him.
THIS IS THE PROBLEM:
Last night (October 23rd) I Wayed Lady Templar Akaria asking if it was possible to train with the AOD people. She said that wasn't allowed and I accepted that, I've just been looking for people to help me out and the AOD are decent enough folks. The other templars don't seem that bad either the brief moments I've talked to them and one even called a scene to an OOC halt to clarify something that was being implied by Akaria and so didn't get mad at me ICly for something I didn't do, which I greatly appreciated because it was a coded issue I couldn't defend and she made it difficult for me to really speak up.
That said, she took me to the lockers in the gemmed temple, asking which was mine. I told her that I didn't have one there (my character lives in an apartment near the Krathi Temple). I told her that Rabiah claims the second locker and that Ter sorta had claim to the first, but I doubt he used it ever and that before that, there was another gemmed who I think was named Faro, but he wasn't around long either. I showed her two drawings that I had made to try and show ownership of the lockers, but told her someone had moved them around and that it was pointless to try and say who owned what. That and the fact that we didn't clean them out, really and that most of the stuff in there was stuff from gemmed long past.
She pulled out a massive tube of spice and said it had been in one of the lockers. I knew it had been in there, but I didn't see a reason to go messing with it. It had nothing to do with me. But I got punished for it being there, which is fair enough, because nothing is fair. So she made me take two hits of the tube back to back and then stamped it out on my character's face. Then she wracked my character with the gem and placed her boot on his chest, telling him to report any contraband in the temple before she walked off.
I acted in this scene because I was surprised at what was going on and just.. being IC at the time. It didn't occur to me to call a halt to it. I was so ANGRY though. I was told to shut up AGAIN in the middle of it, and when I left the temple afterwards and went to the Gaj, I listened to her talking up another teen from the Rinth while I sat in the roasting pits.
And that's when it hit me, out of the blue: SHE HADN'T ASKED CONSENT FOR THAT SCENE. I definitely would have said no if it had come up, I just didn't think of it.
Hell if I'm going to let her do this to another player. That other teen rinthi may roll with it, yes. And yes, they may enjoy playing that type of thing out more than I do. But unless this Templar has a background of sadistically liking to torture teens and getting away with it by mauling ones she picks from the Rinth, I felt a need to say something. Because.. okay. Yeah. This character is a Rinthi. Maybe that was dumb of me to play, but people said the Rinth could be fun and I wanted to explore. I WAS was having fun in the Rinth until she rolled in. I guess I shouldn't have played a Rinth mage, but it's actually not all bad most of the time.
I have wanted to call bullshit on this for a while and have been getting more and more frustrated. I have been getting the odd, vague feeling that there is ooc chatter about the situation or my character, but there is just no way to prove it and I've just felt it's not worth the trouble it would be to tumble down that rabbit hole. (You're so vain, you probably think this post is about you, and all) Mostly, I just stopped talking as much on Discord, but this shouldn't be the feeling a person gets from playing this game.
This may not be quite the right venue and it's my speculation, but we're here now, so I'll bring it up even though it's more IC than anything. My character has been trying to get the lease for the Tavern in the Gemmed Quarter for a bit. I sorta believe Zanarik Oash when he says that Nenyuk has it and that he might possibly be able to procure it and I'm NOT asking you to spoil this storyline for me because if I get it or don't, (or don't store) I'd like that to be a surprise. But when I was asking Akaria for the key, she said not to ask or hint about it anymore and that the information had been relayed and that the Ministry didn't think that Gemmed were a priority. That is an aside to this complaint, but that sorta makes YOU guys seem really mean and she is representing you. Instead of getting mad, I got confused though, because I couldn't figure why staff would say it like that. It could be IC blocking, but one player ever deciding to bottle-neck like that makes your whole system of Player-Built houses not work. This is just saying that a statement from someone staff put in charge (a Templar) implying that a group of players (gemmed) is of lower priority to staff than other players, it's not a good feeling. Especially since the gemmed and Templar are BOTH clanned AOD. That Templar would supposedly be enjoying PLENTY of support.
I'm going to stop, but just writing this has calmed me down. Look guys, I'm not going for a big thing here. I know the actions you choose to take on the situation are your decision. Mostly, I'm asking that you look into and keep an eye on it. I honestly don't know what I might choose to do. What I plan to do NOW is log in, talk to Zanarik and some others if I can, and just.. see what comes from that. I don't know how to play around a scene that didn't have a consented consequence and my character has a burn on his face that I can either retcon or go along with. I already walked around with it, so I'll go forward for now. I'm not taking on any sort of implied burn scar on my face because that will just piss me off too much right now. I was trying to be tough and be a better Arm player, but I don't feel I have a choice in the matter anymore. I have to ask you to help.
I am writing this in complaint to the character of Lady Templar Akaria Tor. I know this may seem strange in light of the fact that I JUST sent a kudos in reference to the character, but please allow me to explain. I know you are not looking for critique of play, but I want to explain exactly why I am even considering this.
I have expressed concern in a previous character report about negative IC attention that I was receiving from this templar and stated confusion as to why my character seemed to be the only one - that I could see - that was being repeatedly and brutally maimed. I don't mind playing along and taking blows or 'losing' in any situation and trying to bounce back or just plain play a victim if the story is compelling enough, but I am beginning to be bewildered by the situation and wondering if a sponsored role should be making people just not want to even play the game.
The first incident, which I believe from my logs was on July 6th, was when Paxter's finger was removed. At that time, in my report labeled #76553, my tone was upbeat and even though I was confused about the nature of the AOD and why a Templar and Private doing that to me, I was willing to continue on. I figured.. well.. okay. There are other options. I didn't know all the mechanics. Maybe I could get help and not play where I was. I have a log of the torture scene, consent was asked and happily given. I noticed she didn't let me defend myself ICly, but that's RP.
The second time was July 20th, I THINK. I autolog everything, but notepad ++ does date format weird. Anyhow, this also was consented to and my character's eye was removed. Again, not allowed to defend myself ICly and it's AOD folks abusing my character. I was ecstatically happy to have received a scar for it, but I was annoyed that like the first time, the Templar that ordered and let it happen walked off with barely any RP, left my character bleeding and barely followed up. And so I stated in a character report ##76999 that if I was carved up again, that I would simply deny consent when asked and request instead to be killed instead of maimed. I was really distraught and talking to other characters since then, THIS is NOT normal behavior for a Templar or the AOD toward a gemmed. I did try to leave the city to just get away from her and while I think I might have the capability now, then I simply didn't have the know how.
I ended up giving her a Kudos though, because for a while she did stop. She began speaking to my character and we had interactions and while they wouldn't be friendly by any means, I started thinking we could build a story where he was just terrified of her and beaten down and defeated, someone who would kill her if he could, but likely never would get the chance. So I tried to just.. say hey.. You're doing alright and I could keep playing with you. I gave Zanarik a Kudos of the same sort almost and I sincerely ADORE playing with him.
THIS IS THE PROBLEM:
Last night (October 23rd) I Wayed Lady Templar Akaria asking if it was possible to train with the AOD people. She said that wasn't allowed and I accepted that, I've just been looking for people to help me out and the AOD are decent enough folks. The other templars don't seem that bad either the brief moments I've talked to them and one even called a scene to an OOC halt to clarify something that was being implied by Akaria and so didn't get mad at me ICly for something I didn't do, which I greatly appreciated because it was a coded issue I couldn't defend and she made it difficult for me to really speak up.
That said, she took me to the lockers in the gemmed temple, asking which was mine. I told her that I didn't have one there (my character lives in an apartment near the Krathi Temple). I told her that Rabiah claims the second locker and that Ter sorta had claim to the first, but I doubt he used it ever and that before that, there was another gemmed who I think was named Faro, but he wasn't around long either. I showed her two drawings that I had made to try and show ownership of the lockers, but told her someone had moved them around and that it was pointless to try and say who owned what. That and the fact that we didn't clean them out, really and that most of the stuff in there was stuff from gemmed long past.
She pulled out a massive tube of spice and said it had been in one of the lockers. I knew it had been in there, but I didn't see a reason to go messing with it. It had nothing to do with me. But I got punished for it being there, which is fair enough, because nothing is fair. So she made me take two hits of the tube back to back and then stamped it out on my character's face. Then she wracked my character with the gem and placed her boot on his chest, telling him to report any contraband in the temple before she walked off.
I acted in this scene because I was surprised at what was going on and just.. being IC at the time. It didn't occur to me to call a halt to it. I was so ANGRY though. I was told to shut up AGAIN in the middle of it, and when I left the temple afterwards and went to the Gaj, I listened to her talking up another teen from the Rinth while I sat in the roasting pits.
And that's when it hit me, out of the blue: SHE HADN'T ASKED CONSENT FOR THAT SCENE. I definitely would have said no if it had come up, I just didn't think of it.
Hell if I'm going to let her do this to another player. That other teen rinthi may roll with it, yes. And yes, they may enjoy playing that type of thing out more than I do. But unless this Templar has a background of sadistically liking to torture teens and getting away with it by mauling ones she picks from the Rinth, I felt a need to say something. Because.. okay. Yeah. This character is a Rinthi. Maybe that was dumb of me to play, but people said the Rinth could be fun and I wanted to explore. I WAS was having fun in the Rinth until she rolled in. I guess I shouldn't have played a Rinth mage, but it's actually not all bad most of the time.
I have wanted to call bullshit on this for a while and have been getting more and more frustrated. I have been getting the odd, vague feeling that there is ooc chatter about the situation or my character, but there is just no way to prove it and I've just felt it's not worth the trouble it would be to tumble down that rabbit hole. (You're so vain, you probably think this post is about you, and all) Mostly, I just stopped talking as much on Discord, but this shouldn't be the feeling a person gets from playing this game.
This may not be quite the right venue and it's my speculation, but we're here now, so I'll bring it up even though it's more IC than anything. My character has been trying to get the lease for the Tavern in the Gemmed Quarter for a bit. I sorta believe Zanarik Oash when he says that Nenyuk has it and that he might possibly be able to procure it and I'm NOT asking you to spoil this storyline for me because if I get it or don't, (or don't store) I'd like that to be a surprise. But when I was asking Akaria for the key, she said not to ask or hint about it anymore and that the information had been relayed and that the Ministry didn't think that Gemmed were a priority. That is an aside to this complaint, but that sorta makes YOU guys seem really mean and she is representing you. Instead of getting mad, I got confused though, because I couldn't figure why staff would say it like that. It could be IC blocking, but one player ever deciding to bottle-neck like that makes your whole system of Player-Built houses not work. This is just saying that a statement from someone staff put in charge (a Templar) implying that a group of players (gemmed) is of lower priority to staff than other players, it's not a good feeling. Especially since the gemmed and Templar are BOTH clanned AOD. That Templar would supposedly be enjoying PLENTY of support.
I'm going to stop, but just writing this has calmed me down. Look guys, I'm not going for a big thing here. I know the actions you choose to take on the situation are your decision. Mostly, I'm asking that you look into and keep an eye on it. I honestly don't know what I might choose to do. What I plan to do NOW is log in, talk to Zanarik and some others if I can, and just.. see what comes from that. I don't know how to play around a scene that didn't have a consented consequence and my character has a burn on his face that I can either retcon or go along with. I already walked around with it, so I'll go forward for now. I'm not taking on any sort of implied burn scar on my face because that will just piss me off too much right now. I was trying to be tough and be a better Arm player, but I don't feel I have a choice in the matter anymore. I have to ask you to help.
It took a MONTH for a reply to come, and it's funny because I was about to cancel it because I had since stored the character (because it was becoming impossible to play because Akaria started trying to force my character to run events for her with no sid, and no help). However, when I got this reply, I took a long break and quit being a builder:
Staff have talked this over and the general consensus is that Akaria didn't do anything that was OOC or requiring consent in this scene. If she had taken out a torch and tried to melt your entire face, yes, that would require consent - but putting out a cig on someone is considerably less severe than that. You can't really call it "torture" which is where consent comes into play. Your character will heal fully from the event (not maimed, missing any body parts, horribly disfigured, etc) and it's up to you whether they even need to be scarred from this physically. That's your choice, as you seem to realize yourself in your complaint.
I can't really get into the other player's background or motivations because that is theirs to divulge or not, but we do find her actions consistent with her background and other IC play. If you really don't enjoy being around them (we're reading between the lines here and that seems to be the case), then maybe try to avoid this PC as best as you can. Templars are kind of supposed to be cruel and scary. I know there have been a couple in recent memory who were not, but that's the exception rather than the rule.
With regard to Akaria saying that other stuff, even though a character is playing a sponsored role, that doesn't make them the mouthpiece of staff - even a templar. Their words are their own. They may just be trying to blow you off. Staff don't even exist in the IC world. In general, we find it cringe-worthy when players refer to staff through vague IC mechanisms like "the seniors" or whatever else. I don't think Akaria is really trying to do that here though, see above.
One other thing... gemmed are not clanned as AoD - that's for the militia. You're supposed to send your reports in to AoD via the request tool because as a gemmed you are essentially a "thrall of the templarate" - a tool, but you are still unclanned (or in Oash). Sending character reports to AoD is purely an OOC construct. There is no IC parallel to this. Please do not confuse this as being part of the same clan as templars or soldiers. If you don't want to be considered a freak who deserves only contempt, playing a gemmed may not be for you?
If you want to pursue the tavern stuff the proper avenue is via the process indicated in the helpfiles for 'player-created clans'. Please do note that nowhere does it say that a character can simply take up a clan that was previously established by another character. There is a warning at the bottom that says:
"Clans developed through this process are not immune to the results
of their members' machinations. In other words, player and staff
investment into a clan do not necessarily mean that the clan will be
durable or extend beyond the life of the PC. IC and even OOC factors
can lead to setbacks or even clan dissolution."
Your Player Complaint request has been resolved.
Seidhr
Administrator
Armageddon Staff
I can't really get into the other player's background or motivations because that is theirs to divulge or not, but we do find her actions consistent with her background and other IC play. If you really don't enjoy being around them (we're reading between the lines here and that seems to be the case), then maybe try to avoid this PC as best as you can. Templars are kind of supposed to be cruel and scary. I know there have been a couple in recent memory who were not, but that's the exception rather than the rule.
With regard to Akaria saying that other stuff, even though a character is playing a sponsored role, that doesn't make them the mouthpiece of staff - even a templar. Their words are their own. They may just be trying to blow you off. Staff don't even exist in the IC world. In general, we find it cringe-worthy when players refer to staff through vague IC mechanisms like "the seniors" or whatever else. I don't think Akaria is really trying to do that here though, see above.
One other thing... gemmed are not clanned as AoD - that's for the militia. You're supposed to send your reports in to AoD via the request tool because as a gemmed you are essentially a "thrall of the templarate" - a tool, but you are still unclanned (or in Oash). Sending character reports to AoD is purely an OOC construct. There is no IC parallel to this. Please do not confuse this as being part of the same clan as templars or soldiers. If you don't want to be considered a freak who deserves only contempt, playing a gemmed may not be for you?
If you want to pursue the tavern stuff the proper avenue is via the process indicated in the helpfiles for 'player-created clans'. Please do note that nowhere does it say that a character can simply take up a clan that was previously established by another character. There is a warning at the bottom that says:
"Clans developed through this process are not immune to the results
of their members' machinations. In other words, player and staff
investment into a clan do not necessarily mean that the clan will be
durable or extend beyond the life of the PC. IC and even OOC factors
can lead to setbacks or even clan dissolution."
Your Player Complaint request has been resolved.
Seidhr
Administrator
Armageddon Staff
Now, I can also post the conversation I had with my clan staffer before this if anyone wants, but that would also be pretty long. I tried very hard to be understanding and accomodating until I was so unhappy that I had to stop playing the game. As we all know, we have to store and app a whole new character, which can take a while to resolve. PLUS, it's just giving up and walking away through circumstances not your own fault, but losing a character YOU like, because another player/character needs a punching bag for their story. When you invest in, and like your characters, being practically bullied out of playing sucks.
I ALSO have a request where I asked a certain question be asked in the Player-Staff Discord meeting:
Hello,
In regards to the upcoming meeting on Discord being had on March 24th, I have a question to submit, but I don't know how to pose it without seeming leading or irritating anyone due to events in the past, so I'd appreciate staff's assistance in posing it properly.
I understand that when a sponsored role steps out of line with the documentation, they can be disciplined OOCly, ICly or stored. However is there any oversight paid beyond that to how that role is affecting the world and people around them and if other players are drawn to an area or bailing from it or the game due to someone's influence?
I ask this question NOT to be antagonistic in any way, but because, if anyone on staff recalls, in past months, I had problems with a sponsored role. This was a Templar and I was on my third 'real' character. I'm going to open another request on that topic in a moment, because I would actually like a brief dialog about why I left and clear the air before I come back, if that's okay. I can do that more calmly now and I see where misunderstandings added to my frustration and not quite being settled yet into the game culture. I'll link that request here when I'm done.
I will not likely be joining the Discord again, so I will read the log of the discussion. I've only recently started glancing at the boards again and I will likely not be posting there anymore either unless I decide to post in a clan board.
I never did stop caring about this game, but the break has been so good. I know now why people take a step back. Seeing this topic caught my attention, though. Thank you for having it!
Maybe it was just my complete newbness, and how much support I had from you guys as staff and the other players, but when I worked my way up to sponsored role level, I loved it and it was a breeze. You can ignore this next part, but you know how I babble:
I had ZERO issues enjoying politics AND filling orders in Kadius. It gave me LIFE! Filling those orders even gained me political sway. The detailed reports kept me organized and let me know when I hit 1 million silvers in sales. I an obscene amount in my banking account (which I heard was difficult for a GMH member for some reason) and started shelling out sids to my people so they had good quality of life. I stored MOSTLY because I hate absentee leaders. So I stepped aside to let someone else lead. It was a blast though. I wish Mari had made a high ranking Agent (or Agent), but maybe his son will snag that silver ring. My point being.. I guess you have to have a certain mindset to like the GMH role. I adored helping folks get their goodies and swag, so long as they didn't mess with my employees. Designing things? Yes, please. The mirror-like red shoes, people. My gawd. Those shoes.
Forever Fly the Blue and Purple
Kadian Strong
In regards to the upcoming meeting on Discord being had on March 24th, I have a question to submit, but I don't know how to pose it without seeming leading or irritating anyone due to events in the past, so I'd appreciate staff's assistance in posing it properly.
I understand that when a sponsored role steps out of line with the documentation, they can be disciplined OOCly, ICly or stored. However is there any oversight paid beyond that to how that role is affecting the world and people around them and if other players are drawn to an area or bailing from it or the game due to someone's influence?
I ask this question NOT to be antagonistic in any way, but because, if anyone on staff recalls, in past months, I had problems with a sponsored role. This was a Templar and I was on my third 'real' character. I'm going to open another request on that topic in a moment, because I would actually like a brief dialog about why I left and clear the air before I come back, if that's okay. I can do that more calmly now and I see where misunderstandings added to my frustration and not quite being settled yet into the game culture. I'll link that request here when I'm done.
I will not likely be joining the Discord again, so I will read the log of the discussion. I've only recently started glancing at the boards again and I will likely not be posting there anymore either unless I decide to post in a clan board.
I never did stop caring about this game, but the break has been so good. I know now why people take a step back. Seeing this topic caught my attention, though. Thank you for having it!
Maybe it was just my complete newbness, and how much support I had from you guys as staff and the other players, but when I worked my way up to sponsored role level, I loved it and it was a breeze. You can ignore this next part, but you know how I babble:
I had ZERO issues enjoying politics AND filling orders in Kadius. It gave me LIFE! Filling those orders even gained me political sway. The detailed reports kept me organized and let me know when I hit 1 million silvers in sales. I an obscene amount in my banking account (which I heard was difficult for a GMH member for some reason) and started shelling out sids to my people so they had good quality of life. I stored MOSTLY because I hate absentee leaders. So I stepped aside to let someone else lead. It was a blast though. I wish Mari had made a high ranking Agent (or Agent), but maybe his son will snag that silver ring. My point being.. I guess you have to have a certain mindset to like the GMH role. I adored helping folks get their goodies and swag, so long as they didn't mess with my employees. Designing things? Yes, please. The mirror-like red shoes, people. My gawd. Those shoes.
Forever Fly the Blue and Purple
Kadian Strong
(Yes, I am an optomistic dork, and I LOVED Kadius.)
The response:
We'll try to include your question if there's time. I don't think it's especially leading, given that people complain about this-or-that that sponsored roles (and non-sponsored roles) do all the time. There's nothing in there that would tie your question to that particular templar.
To mostly answer your question here though, IC punishment is when someone does something that is ICly against the rules and their superiors would have a problem with it. Sponsored roles can screw up all they want ICly, as long as it's IC for them to do so. Like a Byn sergeant who was notorious for getting his entire unit killed and running away, sacrificing them for his own survival - totally legit and he might get ICly punished but from the staff perspective that's fantastic!
On the other hand, If someone does something like violating the consent rule, that's an OOC construct, so they would be punished OOCly. Talked to by staff, stored, karma dock, ban - whatever else. Strictly speaking, there's nothing specific to sponsored or leadership roles with that either. It could happen to anyone. Sponsored roles are probably scrutinized closer though, yes.
If someone is acting IC and it's acting as a deterrent for players to play in that area, would we step in? Probably not. That should act as an incentive for players to band together and take care of that problem, and MCB them out of the picture. A decent-ish example of this is the fact that, for a long time, the desert elves (and not just one of them, the whole bunch) were notorious for killing anyone who came into the Tablelands. This is at least somewhat IC, so staff allowed it to happen. It absolutely did have an effect on whether players chose to go to that area, and so it was quite rare to see people venture into the Tablelands unless they didn't know any better, were lost, or were intentionally looking for trouble.
Specifically to the templar you had the problem with, I don't think she was even remotely on that level. You had what you consider a bad experience with them, but it's not like she went around and constantly maimed people, at least no more than any other decent templar has done, historically.
If you're interested in the Discord chat, encourage you to join, I think that questions posed by live participants are more likely to get airtime. We usually have more questions than time, based on past experience.
Your Suggestion or Idea request has been resolved.
Seidhr
Administrator
Armageddon Staff
To mostly answer your question here though, IC punishment is when someone does something that is ICly against the rules and their superiors would have a problem with it. Sponsored roles can screw up all they want ICly, as long as it's IC for them to do so. Like a Byn sergeant who was notorious for getting his entire unit killed and running away, sacrificing them for his own survival - totally legit and he might get ICly punished but from the staff perspective that's fantastic!
On the other hand, If someone does something like violating the consent rule, that's an OOC construct, so they would be punished OOCly. Talked to by staff, stored, karma dock, ban - whatever else. Strictly speaking, there's nothing specific to sponsored or leadership roles with that either. It could happen to anyone. Sponsored roles are probably scrutinized closer though, yes.
If someone is acting IC and it's acting as a deterrent for players to play in that area, would we step in? Probably not. That should act as an incentive for players to band together and take care of that problem, and MCB them out of the picture. A decent-ish example of this is the fact that, for a long time, the desert elves (and not just one of them, the whole bunch) were notorious for killing anyone who came into the Tablelands. This is at least somewhat IC, so staff allowed it to happen. It absolutely did have an effect on whether players chose to go to that area, and so it was quite rare to see people venture into the Tablelands unless they didn't know any better, were lost, or were intentionally looking for trouble.
Specifically to the templar you had the problem with, I don't think she was even remotely on that level. You had what you consider a bad experience with them, but it's not like she went around and constantly maimed people, at least no more than any other decent templar has done, historically.
If you're interested in the Discord chat, encourage you to join, I think that questions posed by live participants are more likely to get airtime. We usually have more questions than time, based on past experience.
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Seidhr
Administrator
Armageddon Staff
I have been on staff, and I have been a builder, and I have SEEN what the favoritism and bullshit is like. I didn't go digging through everyone's player records (but MANY new staff seem to do that, and discuss it). I was trying hard to stay positive, and maybe work toward better, but the fact that compliants were handled like this makes me want to put in JUST as much effort to make certain that people know what they might be stepping in to, as much as I wanted to try to help. I don't care if that makes me "holier than thou" in some people's eyes, because I put in a consistent, honest effort to remain respectful and positive to no avail.
My point in posting all this is that the staff don't apply rules evenly and have twisted themselves into knots to justify bad behavior. I have no faith in them anymore, and it would take an honest and sincere apology for their lack of fairness and consistency (and definitely a guaruntee that players are SAFE playing IRL), before I'd stop telling people to play elsewhere.
-WithSprinkles