Election QA Transcript Summary - 12.06.2018

Election QA Transcript Summary - June 12, 2018

The following is an offline discussion modeled after the live chat Q&A.

Candidates

Gnarph

Hi! I'm Gnarph, a thirty-something software engineer Swede who is new to the game with this tale. Many of you may recognize me, as I've been trying to stay active in faction chat and other forums. I've been enjoying the game immensely since I started playing, and I'm trying to learn as many new things as possible, while getting to know some of the lovely people playing it!

Spatulus

Hello, I'm Spatulus. Though I don't seem particularly useful right now, as your skills improve, you may find a use for me! I first arrived in the game in T3, and although I've been away for a while, I'm greatly enjoying my return. And this time, I've introduced my wife, KayGee, to the wonders of Egypt. I'm pleased to see so many familiar players still immersed in the game after all these years, and I'm delighted to meet all you new players as well.

First Question

As experience from the rounds of Elder elections shows, becoming an Elder requires an idea and a belief that people can support and get behind.
What made you want to become an Elder in the first place, what brought you onto this path?

Gnarph

I think for me it's a natural step forward, as I've already taken on a bit of responsibility for things like tributes by creating the Meshwesh Tributeers guild. I also enjoy the aspects of diplomacy that the Elder role brings, as it's a natural contact point for other factions (while of course not having the only say on important matters!).

Spatulus

My primary motivation in running for Elder is to ensure that the Meshwesh — and all Egyptians — have good representation as the game evolves. Particularly in light of the faction system, it's important that the game remain fun and engaging for all play styles, whether competitive or cooperative. 

Second Question

The position of Elder brings power to both ban 8 people from our faction, and invite 8 people to our faction.
Under what circumstances would you use an Elder Ban to ban someone from the faction?

Gnarph

The decision would have to have the support of a clear majority of the Meshwesh populace, and I would want very clear proof that the person had done something very hurtful to the faction. Banning someone is not something to be taken lightly, as it shuts them out from some very major aspects of the game.

Spatulus

The nature of a ban has shifted with the introduction of the faction system, but as Gnarph says, the decision to ban a player is not a trivial one. I would not consider a ban unless the majority of Meshwesh citizens supported it, and only in cases where the subject of the ban has done something egregiously damaging to the health of our faction or the game. 

Third Question

With this in mind.
Under what circumstances would you use an Elder Invite to invite someone to the faction?

Gnarph

Now this is something else entirely. Meshwesh has proven itself to be a very open and welcoming faction. I would be inclined to invite any main character (for now) who wished to join, after first checking with the rest of the faction what their thoughts are.

Spatulus

The Meshwesh have consistently welcomed newcomers and have profited from their addition to our family. If a player wishes to find a new home with us, and they have demonstrated the spirit of play that's essential to the game, then we should happily assimilate them into our faction, and add their biological and technological distinctiveness to our own.

Fourth Question

There are different views and ideas on what an Elder is in relation to a faction and its people.
Be it as a servant, a mediator, a conflict solver, a diplomat, a leader.
What do you picture yourself as in the role of an Elder?

Gnarph

I don't think my role would be very different. The primary difference I think would be that other factions would be more inclined to use me as their primary point of contact, alongside the other elders. However, as the role is more fleshed out with functionality, there may be more responsibilities.

Spatulus

We are fortunate to have a diverse slate of Elders in this Tale, players with unique strengths that complement one another. My own strength lies in my natural tendency is to be a harmonizer, one who smooths over disagreements and works towards solutions that benefit everyone involved. As such, I'm a good fit for the role of Elder as mediator or diplomat. 

Fifth Question

Granting someone the position of Elder would entail a requirement of some kind.
As an Elder, what would you be able to offer MeshWesh as a faction, community and as a people?

Gnarph

This is a somewhat tricky question, as I don't think the role makes that much of a day-to-day difference; the main thing I would offer in addition to what I already am doing would be a (hopefully) more official role as a communicator with the other factions and the devs. This would include discussing agreements with the other factions, and helping bring issues of Meshwesh citizens to the attention of the devs.

Spatulus

The Elders often serve as liaisons between the players, other factions, and the devs. My extensive experience as a player, a game designer, a software developer, and a consumer dispute mediator render me highly qualified for that position. 

Sixth Question

When researching blacksmithing, we produced and donated 37 more of both clay steeped canvas and wool cloth than we needed when it was finally unlocked.
These are resources that could have gone towards casting.
Do you have any ideas how MeshWesh can maximize our efficiency and minimize waste to get the most from our research efforts?

Gnarph

This is tricky to find an easy solution for. The obvious answer is to try to increase the coordination between those who want to do research. This is often tricky, since people want to do their own thing and are often not very up-to-date with what others are doing. I don't think the answer is to restrict people to doing whatever is the most important for research at the moment, as that takes away a lot of the fun, but rather to focus on more communication: Announcing what research you're working on, what you need and what others can help out with will often motivate others to help out.

Spatulus

Efficiency is secondary to fun! We've seen great strides by Silver, Tortellini, Gnarph, and other prominent members of the faction in directing research so as to avoid waste, but at the same time, they have preserved the fun and spontaneity of those projects that ignite the passions of the players. That will be crucial in the coming months. Wool and canvas are easily replaced; burned out players are not. 

Seventh Question

With the new faction system in place this tale.
How do you think being an elder will be different from being DP in previous tales?

Gnarph

Being a new player to the tale, I cannot really answer this one. However, I can imagine that the inter-faction diplomacy aspect is very different compared to what a DP had to deal with.

Spatulus

The faction system has greatly transformed the role of the Elder/Demi-Pharaoh. Although I'm not a fan of the faction system as it was implemented, it does present fascinating challenges that require greater diplomacy and coordination than in past tales. That's shaping the leadership of our factions in wonderful ways, and I think we're seeing our Elders rise to meet those challenges.

Eighth Question

Keeping in mind the powers that an Elder is given.
Do you let other people log in as you?

Gnarph

Only my in-game spouse, Ki-Nala, who I trust completely.

Spatulus

Only KayGee, my adorable wife, has access to my account, and only through the spouse tools. It's my understanding that a delegate (either spouse or GM) does not have access to special powers, but even if they did, Egypt would be as safe in KayGee's hands as in my own.