This process feels very inconsistent, as if no one is really sure what it takes to get to apply to a cabal other than sheer luck. I'm very interested to hear from players and staff what the current perception and approach is. I've just recently started playing again and my first character back was 50 for 2 hours, no clan quests, no interactions at all really, but got allowed to apply to one of the top 3 cabals in terms of numbers.
I have a few other characters that have been 50 days multiple days, have done clan quests, have sent notes, and can't apply. To cabals not in the top 3 in terms of numbers.
There is a problem here in terms of player enjoyment and engagement in the game. My examples are just a few of countless others, I'm sure. So if it is not a me problem or just some individual perspective, there is something systemic here that should be addressed.
I'm sure this has been brought up in the past, I remember back when I played a lot it was still a big issue, and I am reading now that you can be auto promoted to T - that is a huge thing. But the whole cabal application process still feels very much a mystery and just on a whim, basically. I think repeatable, scalable, consistent systems are a tried and true facet of any game, business, etc.
All that being said - what's everyone's best thoughts on how to make the experience better, without ruining the work, etc that should go into it?
If you don't want to click the link, here's the body of the OP:
Zoichan wrote:
Since there seems to be quite a few people that are unsure, I thought it would be easier to post these here. These are general requirements for the Forsaken Lands Cabals. These are by no means guidelines that ASSURE you entrance into your cabal of choice, but merely the minimum the cabal IMM is wanting.
If you feel like you have completed these requirements and have heard nothing, please post on the prayer forum and bring it politely to our attention.
Please DO NOT complete these requirements and post in prayer immediately after. Give your IMM a few days, in case they are planning something.
NEXUS: 10 Clan Quests. Committed RP fitting the Nexus theme.
KNIGHT: 15 Clan Quests completed, and strong 'Protect the weak and innocent' RP.
SYNDICATE: 1 Bounty collected, or 1 PK on a strong opponent. Don't exhibit 'trashy' PK. 15 Clan Quests. Level 50 not required, but Level 50 PK range is.
MERCHANT: 15 Clan Quests completed. Show that you can sell something and make a profit. Know the rule concerning rare items. Level 30+
HERALD: Note to Herald stating your interest. RP session/assigned task. Are aware of "note copy". Level 30+.
These requirements are subject to change as the cabal IMMs change, so feel free to check back on this post as often as necessary.
Edited Nov 2, 2022
The process is currently inconsistent by design, from the viewpoint of the character, for two main reasons.
First reason is if you don't interact with anyone in your clan or cabal, or do any of the clan quests, you will not be allowed to apply. We ask for five clan quests as a minimum to show activity, though the above thread will request more, cabal depending.
From an imm standpoint, especially those cabals without direct involvement from staff, this is the most important metric. Why should we let you (plural) apply when you've been silent and have completed only one or two clan quests over someone who has done a dozen or more? Or written multiple notes?
Cabals are privileges, not rights. Notes are especially important for cabals that are lacking in mortal or staff leadership. I don't have my eyes everywhere looking at everything. Things slip through and notes are a great way to say "look at me!". Even if you do this, we would still like to see some clan quests under your belt.
The other reason is that cabal Elders and Leaders have the ability to allow you to apply. Though we do ask they try to comply with the above, they do have the trust of the cabal and their own requirements. Yes, those requirements could have very well have been seeing a warm body online who was at 50 when they looked. In short, your first character back could have simply been in the right place at the right time.
Please note that inconsistency != ignored; you get what you put into it. It's rare that people fall through the cracks entirely.
To address some of your other things directly:
Hulkamania wrote:
I have a few other characters that have been 50 days multiple days, have done clan quests, have sent notes, and can't apply. To cabals not in the top 3 in terms of numbers.
There is at least one note in my list from one of your characters, which is great. Thank you. The oldest that's currently there is coming up on 48 hours since posting. Notes stick around for 7 days before they're removed. The dcheck for that character was approved about 24 hours prior.
None of your currently active characters have done more than 5 clan quests.
Hulkamania wrote:
There is a problem here in terms of player enjoyment and engagement in the game. My examples are just a few of countless others, I'm sure.
This is supposition, especially from someone who has only just returned. I won't deny that there have been some people who are quite vocal about this particular topic, cabal inductions, but they are certainly within the minority. Most of their concerns lie elsewhere in the cabal induction process and are being addressed.
Hulkamania wrote:
So if it is not a me problem or just some individual perspective, there is something systemic here that should be addressed.
I feel that this statement conflicts heavily with your previous one about understanding what the current approach is. How do you know it's systemic and not a "me problem" if you don't know what the criteria is?
Hulkamania wrote:
But the whole cabal application process still feels very much a mystery and just on a whim, basically. I think repeatable, scalable, consistent systems are a tried and true facet of any game, business, etc.
Staff has, for the better part of a decade, always been open about what criteria is involved for induction. It's definitely scalable. It's repeatable by necessity. It's not consistent, but again, that's by design as mentioned above. To repeat why, you get what you put in.
