User:Sheba/Elder

Q1. For those who have never had the opportunity to interact with you before can you share a little about yourself, what you enjoy about ATITD as well as how long you have been playing?

Hello Everyone! I am Sheba. I began playing ATITD mid T6. When I began, I often spent time by myself and not partaking in many things. I am not into cliques or being one of the popular players. I do not stick to social norms which allows me to think outside of the box when it comes to finding a solution. I believe there is always a solution to a problem, even if it is agreeing to disagree. Although some may believe that because I have not played ATITD since it began is a disadvantage, I deem it an advantage because I am not stuck in the way 'things use to be'. When T8 started, I was more willing and able to adapt to the way the game is played. When I saw Hyksos starting to faulter, I made the decision to do something about it. Devise a plan to bring us back together and keep us, as a Faction moving forward.

Q2. Factions, which Malard introduced in T8 are quite divisive, we have seen players complaining about them and even quitting. What are your thoughts regarding factions?

I find the game being split into Faction refreshing, intriguing and more strategic. I believe the transition from the original ATITD to this kind of play did in fact cause a lot of dissension; however, I also understand that this kind of game play is not for everyone. Encouraging teamwork, helping those that are struggling to adapt is a big key to the success of not only the game, but our Faction as well

Q3. Elder is one of the Leadership Tests, do you want to just past the Test or you are running to help Hyksos faction prosper and grow?

I would like to be Elder to help Hyksos prosper and grow. Anyone can play a game and obtain levels; however, to take the opportunity to truly immerse oneself in the culture of Egypt and speaking up for those who feel they don't have a voice or say in something is far more important to me. This is part of the reason I chose to run for Elder now instead of waiting toward the end of the tale like I have in the past. I saw that there was a need for leadership a few weeks into the game. I did not like the fact that research cost were going up and while other Factions were thriving, Hyksos was starting to fall apart due to players leaving for other factions, quitting or simply rebelling against the Tributes. It was then that I decided, I wanted to make a change and become more involved in things, helping with Tributes, donating to research and encouraging the people of Hyksos to work together. I want us, as a Faction, to thrive and continue moving forward.

Q4. One of the Elder's powers is a power to Banish Apostates of Hyksos - people with negative stance/ red bar toward faction. At this time players can get negative stance only by teaching other factions. Would you consider using this power on people that teach other factions and if not, when hypothetically would you consider using Banish?

My first reaction is NOT to banish anyone. I am a firm believer in talking to people, hearing them out, obtaining a compromise and working with the people of Hyksos to the best of my ability. For me to Banish someone from our Faction would mean that I or other Elders have spoke to them many times, made attempts to work with them AND we, as Elders, came to the conclusion that banishing them is the only option WE have left.

Q5. Developers hinted that once factions have 3 Elders we will be able to make a decisions which will apply to whole faction. What is your opinion on: a. Cross faction teaching b. At which rank Hyksos citizens can build faction buildings like Banners or Chancery. c. Rewarding with faction points citizens which are not donating to Tribute Post or Research but helping us by for example organizing Events like Acro, Dig or Vigil.

A. Although we are a Faction and compete for land, it does not mean that players should not speak to or help out their friends in other Factions. While some may deem this as a person being a traitor or going against the faction, I do not. I understand that many people have played together for years and choose to live in different territories. I, myself, in the beginning of the game am guilty of teaching a friend in another Faction a tech, therefore, I cannot and will not punish someone for something I, myself, have been guilty of doing. B. I believe Banners and Chancery shall be built at any level because we all reside here and are part of the same Faction. I do not believe they should only be for those of high rank within the Faction. This causes separation within the Faction and makes it appear that those of higher rank are better than those of a lower rank. Truly, all it is, is a title and means we have more responsibility, not a status. C. I believe that those who do digs, acro, vigil etc. and do not partake in Tributes and/or Research, should be rewarded. Just as I believe that those who choose not to partake in those things should not be punished. This being based on a reward/punishment system is forcing people to do things they may not want to do which will and is causing dissension within our Faction. I believe people do and should have a choice.

Q6. Beside Banish and Forgive what other powers, in your opinion, Elder should have?

We do have the power to banish and invite; however, I believe an Elder should have the power to promote someone such as those that help in the Faction that does not include Tribute/Research. Having the Elders meet in a timely fashion to discuss who may need to recognized for things they have done within the Faction, such as help make things needed for Tribute, Research, or do events. This is will allow those who work hard under the radar to be recognized and rewarded for their hard work.

Q7. You are running for the Elder of the Hyksos Faction, please tell us what is your current faction rank and how you are helping with Hyksos research and weekly Tribute Post competition.

I am currently a Kinsman in Hyksos. I donate to research when I can and each week, I am active in doing Tributes. I help to prepare mats when I am able, check tributes throughout the week, help organize during Tribute time, ferry donations where they need to go and if I am not stationed at a Tribute, I will run mats, check other Tributes and maintain communication with those who are stationed at Tributes.

Q8. As Elder you will have powers to banish people, do you share your account with others?

The only person who has access to my avatar is my husband, Zamun. He and I do not utilize each other unless it is pertaining to a test or a skill that one may have and the other does not.

Q9. In other tales elected leaders (DP) at the beginning of the tale leave before the game end. This leaves a vacuum at the end game when they are needed the most. What is your commitment to the game and how will you manage to last the entire tale?

I was one of the few and brave who stuck it out to the end of T6 and T7, not out of obligation or because I had to; I did it because I wanted to. I paid for the full telling and like to finish what I started, as well as, do not believe in abandoning or negating a responsibility/commitment I made by choice. I will be here until the end of the tale.

Q10. What question would you like to be asked, and why?

I'd like to be asked about Elder being a popularity contest. The reason behind this is because in the past, this test was not about who was qualified, it was about who was popular or well liked due to either knowing them for years or being a Game Master. This in turn, often discounted those who truly would be an effective leader. This is the reason I have avoided this test in the past. I am not popular and could care less if I am like or not. I am a firm believer in earning my position and being placed in a position because people are confidant I can achieve the goals that are required of the position and fulfill my duties to the best of my ability.

Q11. Closing statement.

In closing, I want to thank all those in the previous rounds that had the confidence to choose me to move forward and believed that I had the ability to fulfill the duties of being and Elder. I also want to thank Augir and Manon for taking the time to put together these question. While I answered these questions, I got the chance to really think my decision to run for Elder through on a deeper level, which entailed me asking myself, "Am I up for this committment? Am I willing to make the hard decisons? Do I have the time and ability to serve the people of Hyksos the way the deserve to be served? The answer to these questions was "Yes, I am up for this, I do have the time and believe that I have the ability to be an Elder". I am not going to brag about my achievements because it is not about what I have achieved personally; it is about what I can achieve as an Elder. To me, being an Elder is more than personal gratification, it is having the ability to represent the people of Hyksos, the culture of Egypt, leading by example, the willingness to work with the people of Hyksos to come to a compromise, mostly, the willingness to listen to concerns, being open to suggestions and work with the other Elders to find a solution.