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BattleMaster => Locals => Far East Island => Topic started by: Revan on July 12, 2011, 12:25:55 AM

Title: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Revan on July 12, 2011, 12:25:55 AM
So, I quite fancy starting a character in FEI somewhere. Shamefully however, I've never played Far East before. Could anyone point me in the direction of a good realm with a decent mix of life and action? That or tell me which places to avoid? I figure if I'm going to have an FE baptism of fire, it might as well be an interesting baptism of fire >.<
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: De-Legro on July 12, 2011, 12:57:56 AM
Arcachon, Arcaea and Zonasa are all active, seem to have good realm councils and are fighting wars currently. Cathay, C'thonia, Kindara and OW are all involved in wars, but I couldn't say how good the realm atmosphere is. I know Cathay has a new King and seems to be shaking things up a bit.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Huntsmaster on July 12, 2011, 01:30:25 AM
Add Greater Aenilia to the list of active realms with a war on. For some reason no one seems to like them though.   ::)
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Bedwyr on July 12, 2011, 01:35:01 AM
OW is not in a good situation right now, and neither is C'thonia.  Kindara and to a lesser extent Zonasa are marching a fair ways to fight, while C'thonia, Cathay, Arcaea, GA, Arcachon, and OW are fighting neighbors.

I, of course, would love to see you come join us in Arcaea.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: De-Legro on July 12, 2011, 01:35:33 AM
Add Greater Aenilia to the list of active realms with a war on. For some reason no one seems to like them though.   ::)

Endless RP's about cookies, a mostly elite ruling group that seems to difficult to break into etc. Things look like they are changing now, but when a single player is Ruler, General and has one of his other characters as Duchess in the Capital, well from the outside it doesn't exactly look like a fun place.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Perth on July 12, 2011, 02:43:56 AM
If you're looking for a good place to be a solider and/or get involved in a small but growing new religion, Zonasa is the place to go.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Sacha on July 12, 2011, 02:48:47 AM
Endless RP's about cookies, a mostly elite ruling group that seems to difficult to break into etc. Things look like they are changing now, but when a single player is Ruler, General and has one of his other characters as Duchess in the Capital, well from the outside it doesn't exactly look like a fun place.

Don't forget cat-eared anime lesbians.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Huntsmaster on July 12, 2011, 02:59:00 AM
Don't forget cat-eared anime lesbians.

How could you forget?
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: De-Legro on July 12, 2011, 04:14:18 AM
And the giant intelligent wolf that doubles as a mount.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Shenron on July 12, 2011, 04:57:15 AM
Endless RP's about cookies, a mostly elite ruling group that seems to difficult to break into etc. Things look like they are changing now, but when a single player is Ruler, General and has one of his other characters as Duchess in the Capital, well from the outside it doesn't exactly look like a fun place.

GA was once a fun place.... ALAS!  :'(
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: De-Legro on July 12, 2011, 05:14:38 AM
I'm sure some players still find it fun. Its a bit too "silly" for me but obviously that is just my opinion.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Indirik on July 12, 2011, 05:26:53 AM
Don't forget cat-eared anime lesbians.
Who would want to forget something like that? ;)
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Heq on July 12, 2011, 06:33:46 AM
I love my Arcachon, but it's very chaotic.  If I was just starting out I'd be looking at Zonasa or Cathay, as even if they get into trouble they're in no danger.  All four of the Northern Realms are either taking a beating (Aenelia or Ohnar West) or in serious danger if they lose the war (Arcaea or Arcachon).

It's the mix of fire and baptism you're looking for, really, as well as what kind of character.

I like to think of the realms as quasi-historical themes:
Arcachon is Celt, the realm has very much a "horde" feel.  If you liked the Urak-Hai in LotR, you'll like Arcachon.
Arcaea is Charlemange's empire, The Darker Arthurian stories fit there, as would Game of Thrones.
Ohnar West is a republic, and that's sort of their thing.  Trading and Internal politics are big themes there.
Cathay is rebranding and I'm no expert, but I have it on good authority that it's a place for telling pennants and banners stories.
Aenelia south I'm not an expert on.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Kai on July 12, 2011, 08:09:10 AM
Don't forget dukes suiciding their huge units on raids. Aenilesbians.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Iltaran on July 12, 2011, 09:02:10 AM
Don't forget cat-eared anime lesbians.

Ok... I'm going to regret asking, but whats the story here?
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Bedwyr on July 12, 2011, 09:12:30 AM
Ok... I'm going to regret asking, but whats the story here?

The Duchesses of Nahad and Idapur are essentially schoolgirl anime lesbians.  One of them rides on a sentient giant wolf, and there are a couple of other bits which could probably push them into magical schoolgirl anime lesbians.

I don't personally recall the cat-ears, but I stopped reading those RP's a long while ago.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Perth on July 12, 2011, 09:36:37 AM
The Duchesses of Nahad and Idapur are essentially schoolgirl anime lesbians.  One of them rides on a sentient giant wolf, and there are a couple of other bits which could probably push them into magical schoolgirl anime lesbians.

I don't personally recall the cat-ears, but I stopped reading those RP's a long while ago.

Dear Lord, I think that might be worse than Norland's stupid RP's about their leader being a beaver or chipmunk or something.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: vonGenf on July 12, 2011, 11:35:23 AM
If you like some internal politics, Ohnar West is basically empty now. There is always room for active new nobles; you may get promoted fast.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Kai on July 12, 2011, 01:57:07 PM
It started out with cookies and girly stuff which was harmless enough but then they started making !@#$ty romance and yeah, anime catgirl stuff.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: egamma on July 12, 2011, 02:41:25 PM
It started out with cookies and girly stuff which was harmless enough but then they started making !@#$ty romance and yeah, anime catgirl stuff.

Makes me wonder--are they both played by men?
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Indirik on July 12, 2011, 03:04:44 PM
Makes me wonder--are they both played by men?
Is this really a serious question?
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: songqu88@gmail.com on July 12, 2011, 07:52:24 PM
There's a Ryo Ohki (Seriously that's the character's name. For those who don't know, that would be the cabbit spaceship from Tenchi <Whatever>) in Arcaea who uses Japanese honorifics...

Well, I mean, we gave up on strict RP form for FEI a long time ago, and it's hardly SMA so...I guess we could just throw up our hands and say "Screw it, they made Spice and Wolf into an anime for two seasons, and that's 'Medieval' enough. Let's just do something like that lol."

And so a wolfgirl appears as a pagan goddess avatar and people act greedy over gold. Well, actually that would make sense even in BM's context, as long as the pagan goddess avatar isn't actually a character but this referenced NPC entity...
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: egamma on July 12, 2011, 07:56:34 PM
Is this really a serious question?

Just an idle musing. You know on the internet, the 'young hot lesbian' you're flirting with is probably an man in his 40's.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Bedwyr on July 12, 2011, 08:12:27 PM
Makes me wonder--are they both played by men?

So far as I know, yes.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Indirik on July 12, 2011, 10:07:23 PM
You know on the internet, the 'young hot lesbian' you're flirting with is probably an man in his 40's.
That was kinda my point. :P
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Bael on July 12, 2011, 11:03:00 PM
I have an adventurer in Zonasa. While the nobles who I have contacted about Unique Items have been very good at RP (realm council, dukes, lords), which generally speak well of a realm, do be aware that they have the tax set to tax anything over 150 gold. While this generally isn't that important to a Knight, what it means is that any gold that you have which is above 150 gold is taxed.  And 150 gold tax limit is very low (=bad).
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: songqu88@gmail.com on July 12, 2011, 11:07:13 PM
Haha, no it's not. It's pretty manageable no matter what position you play. If you're a military knight, then 150 gold limit only means that by tax day you must have less than 300 total in gold and bonds, preferably split 150 (+150) (I think that still works.) And honestly, if you're carrying around that much gold, you either are fielding hundreds of special forces, or aren't using your resources properly for unit and paraphernalia. Like any strategy game, resources mean nothing if they don't translate to strength.

If you're a duke or in some other position where you'd swim in gold, then you should have a secret safehouse to keep your treasure in. If you don't, you might want to reconsider how fit you are to be a greedy noble.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: J-Duds on July 12, 2011, 11:38:58 PM
The Duchesses of Nahad and Idapur are essentially schoolgirl anime lesbians.

 :'(  Where did it all go so wrong?  Back in my day all we had was the king/prophet alluding to some private sermons once in a blue moon.  If you wanted dirty medieval gaming you played Evony. 

On topic:  I've always heard positive things about Arcaea and Zonasa has become more active since I last followed them. 
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Chenier on July 13, 2011, 01:34:35 AM
The Duchesses of Nahad and Idapur are essentially schoolgirl anime lesbians.  One of them rides on a sentient giant wolf, and there are a couple of other bits which could probably push them into magical schoolgirl anime lesbians.

I don't personally recall the cat-ears, but I stopped reading those RP's a long while ago.

And to think of how the FEI started, to end up like this...
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: songqu88@gmail.com on July 13, 2011, 04:00:19 AM
I wonder if they've gotten to saying stuff like "Desu" and "Kawaii" and "Baka inu" and "Uso da" and "Ganbatte onee-chan" and that kind of stuff.

Man, I like manga and anime as much as...well, people who really like it. Even sharpening my drawing and inking skills to do some manga of my own someday. But...I will pass on seeing it in BM.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Velax on July 13, 2011, 05:38:16 AM
Meh. While I don't like seeing it, playing a schoolgirl lesbian is one of less offensive things one of those players has done. I still remember when he was wounded in battle and the noble that caused the wound (not me) wrote an entertaining RP about how it happened and sent it to the region. This Aenilian player then wrote a roleplay that basically said, "Nuh-uh! I didn't get wounded!" Ugh. And the "giving your characters five positions including two council positions and a dukeship in one realm" thing that was already mentioned.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: songqu88@gmail.com on July 13, 2011, 05:52:16 AM
If my current FEI character wasn't modeled after the strict, proper, aloof noble, then I'd totally make fun of them by saying I can play guitar better than them, have more fans who follow my song and dance performances, that I'm a world-renowned mangaka who is also the star pitcher on the national baseball team, CEO of an international corporation, have superpowers to never age and be indestructible, have beautiful women fawning over me constantly, one of the last dozen true wizards in the world who can cast actual magic beyond human understanding, travel through infinite parallel worlds, have the power to collapse entire planes of reality with a single thought, create my own planes of reality from a single thought that can temporarily overwrite the current reality, possess a magical artifact that allows me to fire a huge freaking beam of light that looks like Ryu's Shinku Hadouken crossed with Goku's Kamehameha wave, be feared by demons of Hell and angels of Heaven, a prince of a long-lost race of sentient beings that preceded humanity by many millions of years, ate puffer fish and survived, and own a Toyota Corolla that was promoted by a scary-looking Miku Hatsune.

Yes, such would be an absolutely awesome character that would be so much cooler than those two anime lesbian schoolgirls. My character would be the protagonist of a successful shounen series that will sell millions of copies per volume, much better than the paltry sales of a wannabe Lucky Star rip-off about anime schoolgirl lesbians and their talking wolf. (Lucky Star doesn't have a talking wolf, but there is a white dog. The green short-haired girl voiced by Minori Chihara has that as her pet.)

And now I have a good laugh at my post....lol
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Jinsyn on July 13, 2011, 08:36:55 AM
Meh. While I don't like seeing it, playing a schoolgirl lesbian is one of less offensive things one of those players has done. I still remember when he was wounded in battle and the noble that caused the wound (not me) wrote an entertaining RP about how it happened and sent it to the region. This Aenilian player then wrote a roleplay that basically said, "Nuh-uh! I didn't get wounded!" Ugh. And the "giving your characters five positions including two council positions and a dukeship in one realm" thing that was already mentioned.

The Arcaean noble swung a goblet on a string/rope to hit the Aenilian noble on the head, causing a dent in addition to lodging the goblet in place. First of all, is that even possible? We're talking about what is essentially a hollow metal cup striking a thick metal helmet with enough force to get itself stuck. Shouldn't it, in reality, simply strike a glancing blow and just rebound off?

Regardless, the responding RP in no way refuted this event, nor did it suggest that he was not wounded. It allowed for the suspension of disbelief and politely accepted what was already written. The wound was not a serious wound, nor was it a critical wound, and indeed could have been likened to simply banging one's head against the wall. Thus, the Aenilian was not rendered unconscious and had the presence of mind to wittily respond by removing said goblet, downing the remaining dregs of wine, and then saluting the Arcaean for the drink.

Perhaps it would have been much more realistic for him to black out, topple off his horse, and then start bleeding from the nose, since that sturdy, little goblet clearly had more mass than that flimsy, paper-thin helmet?

-----
About the five positions part, which I will take as referring to King, General, Duchess, Marshal, and Marshal. Do not assume that there was no IC reason for such to happen, that it was nothing more than a desire to hoard power.

Xarnelf has spent his entire life in Aenilia, completely devoted to the realm. After being elected king, he gave his city to his cousin because he knew he could trust her above anyone else. The duchess named herself Marshal of her private, three-noble bureaucratic army in order to direct bureaucratic efforts because her character came to prefer such work over fighting, after a RP'd incident in the Soliferite War where she became stranded behind enemy lines. The king named himself Marshal of the smaller of the two remaining armies because he was an experienced, proud, and stubborn hero. The remaining and largest army has always been overseen by others.

He appointed himself General after the previous one suddenly stepped down, abruptly changed into an infiltrator with no RP, started stabbing people left and right with no warning, and then got himself executed. The war with Arcaea was in its initial stage then, so of course he was not going to appoint some random noble as General, especially when nobody even expressed an interest in the vacated position! Again, the experienced, proud, and stubborn hero kicked in, so yes, he assumed command because he knew he could do the job well.

But you can thank Cathay for pressuring him to relinquish his council positions since nearly a month ago. IC, he put his realm above his pride and stepped down, so please don't suggest that keeping all these positions was some sort of power-gaming that should offend everyone's sensibilities.

-----
The problem with Aenilia is that at least 75% of her nobles simply do not contribute vocally to the realm, ever. Barely four nobles ever talk in two public councils of eight and twelve, where anyone who is interested may have a spot. Either they don't care enough to bother, or they are spies for other realms. This is what I believe to be the primary reason for why people may think Aenilia is governed by a ruling elite, when in actuality, it's just being run by those who care enough to be active.

-----
What I find amusing about all these hate messages towards the duchesses' storyline is that if one had been a man instead, then it would have all been fine and acceptable. They never do anything explicit (just the occasional hug, kiss, holding hands), nor do they use Japanese words. There has been definite character development for those who have bothered to read past the silly fluff, which was always placed with the intent to make light of serious situations. They share their worries and concerns with one another like any two people who have grown close. Their storyline was never planned or discussed, but just happened one day and evolved over time as a cooperative effort in the spirit of RP-tag.

Continue to denounce them if it makes you happy, yet note that it has been a memorable experience. I would add that Aenilia would have been an even more quiet place without their antics, but I'm sure there are those who would rather read zero RPs for months than have to suffer through 'schoolgirl anime lesbians'.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Perth on July 13, 2011, 08:51:30 AM
What I find amusing about all these hate messages towards the duchesses' storyline is that if one had been a man instead, then it would have all been fine and acceptable.

If they had cat ears, rode mystical wolf steads, and were in any way playing into "anime" or "manga" themes, then no it would not be all "fine and acceptable."

When the old Norland ruler and several of his followers came to Eston after Norland was destoryed they RPed about him being a giant squirrel. It was dumb. It was out of place. It was not fine and acceptable.

But, meh, we chased them out of the realm. If those people in the realm with them seem to have no problem, and obviously don't act on that problem, then whatever. Just saying I would either voice objection or leave if that was in my realm. *shrug*
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Jinsyn on July 13, 2011, 09:09:44 AM
If they had cat ears, rode mystical wolf steads, and were in any way playing into "anime" or "manga" themes, then no it would not be all "fine and acceptable."

They don't have cat ears, the wolf steed is not mystical but instead is akin to a very smart, intuitive dog, and I have not watched enough anime to be able to comment accurately on whether their actions fit some sort of theme. One enjoys baking cookies and surrounding herself with pillows, while the other one enjoys training with staff, sword, and daggers. The only recurring event that I recall which might resemble a theme is that the latter used to enjoy sneaking up on the former to surprise-greet her with flying tackle-hugs.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Revan on July 13, 2011, 01:31:27 PM
Cheers for all the advice gang. Given me a lot to think about. Also, FEI sounds far more interesting than I ever gave it credit for >.<

I also think that the RP in Aenillia? sounds bloody marvellous. I'm from an age when slightly less than serious RP was the way forward and managed to engage everybody. Now everyone's dull, mute and boring. I'm glad that there are still people/places like that in BattleMaster. Though sure, what Norland was doing sounds 'bat!@#$ crazy', if you'll excuse the term.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Kai on July 13, 2011, 01:48:05 PM
Cheers for all the advice gang. Given me a lot to think about. Also, FEI sounds far more interesting than I ever gave it credit for >.<

I also think that the RP in Aenillia? sounds bloody marvellous. I'm from an age when slightly less than serious RP was the way forward and managed to engage everybody. Now everyone's dull, mute and boring. I'm glad that there are still people/places like that in BattleMaster. Though sure, what Norland was doing sounds 'bat!@#$ crazy', if you'll excuse the term.
[/quote
I enjoyed the drunk rp we have before but anything even remotely inspired by pop culture makes me want to throw up.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: songqu88@gmail.com on July 13, 2011, 01:56:47 PM
lol, I played a wannabe film noir style detective in Outer Tilog. He kept a monologue about how Giblot killed his non-existent wife, and how he was out to find her killers and make them pay in hard gold cash.

And then I didn't have enough time anyway to dedicate to that stuff so I didn't.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Velax on July 13, 2011, 05:07:16 PM
Regardless, the responding RP in no way refuted this event, nor did it suggest that blah blah blah.

Your RP in no way acknowledged that your character had been wounded, and the "salute" came off as a mocking move to say "Ha ha, I'm not really hurt".

About the five positions part, which I will take as referring to King, General, Duchess, Marshal, and Marshal. Do not assume that there was no IC reason for such to happen, that it was nothing more than a desire to hoard power, blah, blah, blah.

What a complete and utter load of bull!@#$. You can come up with IC reasons to justify anything, but the simple fact is you wanted your characters to have more power, you were in a position to give your characters more power, so you gave your characters more power. That simple. Having all the power in a realm may be fun for you, but you're making a conscious decision that your fun is more important than that of everyone else in the realm. Arcaea had a general step down too during this war, but you don't see Jenred as general right now, do you. And there's a reason giving your own character a dukeship is specifically noted in your user data page - because it's bloody selfish thing to do.

He appointed himself General after the previous one suddenly stepped down especially... when nobody even expressed an interest in the vacated position!

Borna stepped down on the 17th of May. You appointed yourself General on the 17th of May. Didn't exactly give anyone much time to step forward, did you, Mr Xarnelf.

What I find amusing about all these hate messages towards the duchesses' storyline is that if one had been a man instead, then it would have all been fine and acceptable, blah, blah, blah

I doubt anyone aside from homophobes cares about your lesbianism. The fact two woman in a relationship is being RPed by two men gives the strong impression you're doing it mainly for titillation value, which does leave a bad taste in the mouth.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Adriddae on July 13, 2011, 06:14:09 PM
I joined on FEI once, but that was way back in Soliferum. It seems a little more exciting now that Soliferum is gone. With all this talk it sounds pretty exciting. I think I've just been inspired to pause my Beluaterran character for FEI. :)
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Jinsyn on July 13, 2011, 09:40:02 PM
What a complete and utter load of bull!@#$. You can come up with IC reasons to justify anything, but the simple fact is you wanted your characters to have more power, you were in a position to give your characters more power, so you gave your characters more power. That simple. Having all the power in a realm may be fun for you, but you're making a conscious decision that your fun is more important than that of everyone else in the realm. Arcaea had a general step down too during this war, but you don't see Jenred as general right now, do you. And there's a reason giving your own character a dukeship is specifically noted in your user data page - because it's bloody selfish thing to do.

Why didn't I appoint Xarnelf as General at the first chance I could, then? I appointed Borna at that time because Borna was actively contributing to the realm, had experience, and was willing to do the job. After Borna went away, there were no such qualified candidates, and the situation was critical with Arcaea incoming to beat us up. Xarnelf made himself General with the intent to only keep the position for as long as the realm was in danger from Arcaea. In his mind, he was the only one who could do the job of General well at the time, and he had every IC reason to take temporary control of the military; he knew what needed to be done to protect the realm that he loved, so he did it.

What you're suggesting is that I should have shared the responsibilities and fun with others, which is a matter with which I agree, both OOC and IC, but why should I have given positions to people who just simply never talk? Or worse yet, give positions to people who suddenly talk when the positions open up? If you're a dedicated and active noble, making yourself heard consistently over time by sharing your opinions and insights, then the positions will come to you, and that's the way it should be. Nobles shouldn't be awarded for not contributing.

I get the feeling that you're attacking me as a player for the choices that my characters made. I make every effort to separate IC from OOC, placing myself in the minds of my characters and acting accordingly to their preset and evolving personalities. But I suppose you're just going to call it bull!@#$ again, so I'm probably wasting my time responding. It just hurts that you're singling me out, when others have certainly done the same with multiple positions. For example, Thain in C'thonia was simultaneously Ruler and General, and Ruler and Banker before, but I don't see you railing at him. Erandi in Zonasa was also Ruler and General at one point in time. Whether they had IC reason is not my place to say, but I maintain that I had IC reason for the multiple positions of my characters.

I've always been willing share the responsibility, and by extension the fun, but as I have said before, I don't approve of throwing positions out left and right to nobles who haven't shown that they care enough to deserve them.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Indirik on July 13, 2011, 10:19:51 PM
What you're suggesting is that I should have shared the responsibilities and fun with others, which is a matter with which I agree, both OOC and IC, but why should I have given positions to people who just simply never talk? Or worse yet, give positions to people who suddenly talk when the positions open up? If you're a dedicated and active noble, making yourself heard consistently over time by sharing your opinions and insights, then the positions will come to you, and that's the way it should be. Nobles shouldn't be awarded for not contributing.

Regardless of the merit of the various roleplays or accusations of hoarding power (neither of of which I know anything about in this case) I do have to agree with these statements. If you want a position, especially something as important as a council level position, then you had really better be contributing to the realm long before that position opens up.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Chenier on July 13, 2011, 10:23:34 PM
And there's a reason giving your own character a dukeship is specifically noted in your user data page - because it's bloody selfish thing to do.

I'd appoint myself as duke any time I could afford to, personally. I find people who bicker for 1 title per player to be rather extremists.

That being said, I try not to hog more than 2 council positions (including duke), and will not take more than 3 unless I really have a strong opinion against all the other candidates. But hey, sometimes you are just meant to rule. And if nobody around cares or is worth leading the armies, then that can easily make you general and marshal. Maybe you intend these titles to just be temporary as you teach the trade to another, so you may as well grab the dukeship when it frees up so that when you step down, you maintain a good power base. Etc.

Concentration of power is, imo, more often because people don't bother properly campaigning than because some people are evil power mongers.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: songqu88@gmail.com on July 13, 2011, 10:43:53 PM
...I'm an evil power monger!

No, seriously, if I actually could have my way, I'd take Ruler, Judge, Banker, Duke of Capital, and just sit in the capital with a hugeass unit to prevent rebellion. Then have all the other nobles field units because I can in fact order them to recruit a unit, even if I can't tell them what kind to recruit. If they're priests, well...they can't ALL be priests now, can they?

And then we make sure the capital is in a good position. Align all non-city non-strongholds to the capital. Forget all other cities. Keep strongholds as their own duchies. Then march!!! Who gives a damn about taking over regions, we probably won't ever have enough players to achieve what I would attempt! Just loot all that !@#$ to the ground!!! And use the harshest one, meaning the KRB one! Then we shall stand alone on the continent, our enemies smoldering ashes. And the only regions to fly a realm's banner will be our own. We will take what we can, and all else will be thrown to the ashes as rogue regions.

And then hopefully some power would consider sinking the continent.

Of course, this is done mostly in jest, since such a case happening is highly unlikely, nor do I think I would ever get the opportunity or, most importantly, the players willing to go along with it.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Chenier on July 13, 2011, 11:17:22 PM
Of course, this is done mostly in jest, since such a case happening is highly unlikely, nor do I think I would ever get the opportunity or, most importantly, the players willing to go along with it.

Hence why I don't take seriously those who throw a hissy fit about these kinds of things. People who *do* pull it off obviously have players willing to go along with it.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Velax on July 14, 2011, 01:58:36 AM
I find it very hard to believe that out of 25+ nobles in Aenilia, every other noble "never talked" and you were the only one who was "active and dedicated" enough to award positions to. Seems pretty damn arrogant, if you ask me, that you think your characters were the only ones good enough to handle the positions. Pure, undiluted selfishness.

As far as I'm concerned there's absolutely no justification for giving yourself five positions unless your realm is a ghost town. Yeah, yeah, 75% of your nobles don't talk, but every realm is like that. Arcaea is the most active realm I've ever been in, yet the large majority of nobles don't talk either. Your job as ruler is to get people talking and try to promote talent in other nobles, not hoard all the positions for yourself. If you couldn't think of a single other noble in a realm with 25 people who'd make a competent duke, general or even marshal, then Aenilia must be a pretty piss-poor realm.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: De-Legro on July 14, 2011, 02:16:07 AM
From what I hear, there are days where the only in realm messages are RP's from the two Duchesses. The few characters I've managed to talk to in GA express the opinion that it is a waste of time being visible and active, as it feels like the realm is controlled by an elite 4-5 players and no one else can advance. The real question is which came first, the lack of activity that lead to a few dedicated players dominating the realm, or the few players dominating leading to a quiet realm. I wasn't on the continent when it all appeared to be established so I have no real idea.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Perth on July 14, 2011, 06:49:40 AM
They don't have cat ears, the wolf steed is not mystical but instead is akin to a very smart, intuitive dog, and I have not watched enough anime to be able to comment accurately on whether their actions fit some sort of theme. One enjoys baking cookies and surrounding herself with pillows, while the other one enjoys training with staff, sword, and daggers. The only recurring event that I recall which might resemble a theme is that the latter used to enjoy sneaking up on the former to surprise-greet her with flying tackle-hugs.

.......... (>_>)

Was this honestly a defense?
           
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Revan on July 15, 2011, 01:07:44 AM
What you're suggesting is that I should have shared the responsibilities and fun with others, which is a matter with which I agree, both OOC and IC, but why should I have given positions to people who just simply never talk? Or worse yet, give positions to people who suddenly talk when the positions open up? If you're a dedicated and active noble, making yourself heard consistently over time by sharing your opinions and insights, then the positions will come to you, and that's the way it should be. Nobles shouldn't be awarded for not contributing.

100% always been behind this school of thought. It's bad enough when lordships end up in the hands of silent players who refuse to engage with the realm or general team play. Why would anyone want to throw council & duchy keys to those types as well?
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Sacha on July 15, 2011, 01:11:29 AM
Because position hoarding only adds to the sentiments that the realm is ruled by a small clique and that everyone else is obsolete and/or expendable. One complaint I've heard once too often is 'Why would I bother trying to get promoted, the top spots are always passed around between the same people anyway?'
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Chenier on July 15, 2011, 03:15:23 AM
Because position hoarding only adds to the sentiments that the realm is ruled by a small clique and that everyone else is obsolete and/or expendable. One complaint I've heard once too often is 'Why would I bother trying to get promoted, the top spots are always passed around between the same people anyway?'

Because these people might just be hogging the titles while waiting for someone who gives a damn to show up. I've taken titles on many occasions without really wanting them but because the only people who campaigned, if any, were either completely incompetent or had obvious seditious ambitions. I usually later stepped down whenever a worthy candidate presented itself.

Another thing might be that one *wants* some of the titles while at the same time not finding anyone for the rest. For example, I might want to be ruler and/or duke in order to be "the man" in the realm, without any ambition for the other title, but if the only candidate for the banker position is from a family known to repeatedly steal gold from the realm or the only general candidate a person who was marshal for a long period but never bothered giving orders (or gave really bad ones), then you may be inclined to take these extra positions in addition to your favored positions.

There are so many realms in BM that work so differently... If you don't like how power is spread in your realm, nothing is stopping you from joining one of these realms that don't allow more than 1 title per person.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Phellan on July 15, 2011, 03:33:40 AM
There's a Ryo Ohki (Seriously that's the character's name. For those who don't know, that would be the cabbit spaceship from Tenchi <Whatever>) in Arcaea who uses Japanese honorifics...

Well, I mean, we gave up on strict RP form for FEI a long time ago, and it's hardly SMA so...I guess we could just throw up our hands and say "Screw it, they made Spice and Wolf into an anime for two seasons, and that's 'Medieval' enough. Let's just do something like that lol."

And so a wolfgirl appears as a pagan goddess avatar and people act greedy over gold. Well, actually that would make sense even in BM's context, as long as the pagan goddess avatar isn't actually a character but this referenced NPC entity...

I'm pretty sure Spice and Wolf is getting a third season ;)   And lets face it, that series is more medieval than 90% of the RP from any realm I've ever played in for the last 5 years.

I think FEI is probably the most fun island for RP's I've ever played on - weird, quirky, and sometimes downright strange but at least it keeps people playing and interested.   The mass RP's that use to go on between Nighthelm and Soliferum alone kept me playing for a long time.    I rarely hand out RP medals outside of the FEI - most people dont' bother to put in any effort or time, with the exception of Dwilight on occasion.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Perth on July 15, 2011, 06:37:46 AM
I rarely hand out RP medals outside of the FEI - most people dont' bother to put in any effort or time, with the exception of Dwilight on occasion.

Maybe it's time to bring back a heavy RP island? I think SMA accomplishes this somewhat, it keeps an RP atmosphere but doesn't oft result in a ton of actual RP's.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Phellan on July 16, 2011, 02:35:45 AM
Maybe it's time to bring back a heavy RP island? I think SMA accomplishes this somewhat, it keeps an RP atmosphere but doesn't oft result in a ton of actual RP's.

FEI is fine the way it is, as is Dwilight. 

Either a new island, or sink some of the boring old ones. . . *coughs*  :D  Or both.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Indirik on July 16, 2011, 04:34:31 PM
There are no boring islands. If you're bored on an island, then you're not a good fit for the island. Move to another one.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Stabbity on July 18, 2011, 05:22:56 PM
There are times where Islands have been BORING. No one can use the excuse "you just have to get involved" when there is NOTHING to get involved in. Fronen, for example. Dull. Talked to people who play there, same opinion. Not a whole island, but a sample.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Indirik on July 18, 2011, 05:43:37 PM
So, pick one of your former enemies that you still don't like, and a party in one of their lord's wine cellars. Make it a surprise party. And make sure he provides the wine.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Revan on July 18, 2011, 06:58:42 PM
Fronen, for example. Dull.

Tru dat.
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Heq on July 18, 2011, 07:59:53 PM
If you've got religion on your side they don't even have to be old enemies.  "I'm sorry I had to butcher your household staff, but we were afraid they would risk thier immortal souls by rejecting the baptism we gave them this morning when we were sacking your wine cellar.  They're in heaven now, hoping for you to see the light."
Title: Re: FEI Newb seeks counsel
Post by: Chenier on July 20, 2011, 04:49:08 AM
There are times where Islands have been BORING. No one can use the excuse "you just have to get involved" when there is NOTHING to get involved in. Fronen, for example. Dull. Talked to people who play there, same opinion. Not a whole island, but a sample.

Stuff is happening in Fronen, but I suspect it's decided by very few players, who either don't care enough or have the time to share it with everyone else. It's not the same since the Blood Cult left, but I doubt the public scene was ever all that exciting.

Try other realms. I, for one, am actively trying to get people involved. To my dismay, most newcomers I attract later don't really care for replying to any of my letters to them. They set their estates and follow the army, but can't seem to be arsed for anything more than that... I'd love some competent and active knights, just stop by whenever.