The Mhaldor Thread.

Lodi

I suggested awhile-ago that each city should get its own subforum. The idea was rejected for a variety of reasons (most of which I agree with), but it was suggested instead that city specific threads could be started up. So here's one for Mhaldor.

This thread is an open discussion that everyone (not just Mhaldorian players) can voice their opinions on. It may be a success, it may not, but I thought it could be helpful none the less.

To my fellow Mhaldorians, please don't post sensitive material up here. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but I thought it best to put it in righting anyway.

So, to get the ball rolling, here's my personal opinion on Mhaldor at the moment.

Mhaldor has a very special place within my heart. Always has done, always will. At the moment I think we are doing an absolutely blinding job, all things considered. We are in a much stronger position than we have been for a long time.

The mass exodus of more established 'leaders' has opened up avenues for a host of new faces to show their worth, which can only be a good thing. I have so much respect for everyone that didn't leave. Your loyalty proves you to be far, far more valuable than those that did. Your not in it to be part of the 'cool crowd', but are instead genuinely interested in RPing Evil. You want to make Mhaldor strong, not just bath in glories earnt by previous generations. Big kudos for that!

We need an active Divine. Its that simple. With our re-built internal dynamic as good as it is at the moment, now is the perfect time for an active Sartan to take us to the next level. I, like all the rest of you, was filled with massive excitement when Sartan 'returned'. However, his activity has not really been... well... 'active' since then.

I'm sure things are going to improve. Perhaps the Sartan role has not been fully occupied yet (see Celani callout), but will be sometime over the coming months. I doubt the Garden would have taken away Mhaldor's only active Divine and replaced her with a semi-active one. They have our interests at heart (as they do the entire playerbase) and they wouldn't betray us like that.

So here's to Lord @Sartan! We need you at the moment mate Your a fundamental element to Mhaldor's equation that we can't really do without.

Beya

Doing well:

• Novice retention.
• Roleplay.
• Knowing your roles within the city.

Could improve on:

• Interaction with the outside world.
• Better shop stocking.
• More trade within the city.

That said, Mhaldor is still one of the top three cities at the moment.

Arador

When hostilities started I thought we were in big trouble. Then, funnily enough Mhaldorians took it on the chin, and became better and better. What most would have thought would be a slaughter ended with Mhaldor standing up and doing very well, considering it was all against Mhaldor.

Hayte

Arador said:

When hostilities started I thought we were in big trouble. Then, funnily enough Mhaldorians took it on the chin, and became better and better. What most would have thought would be a slaughter ended with Mhaldor standing up and doing very well, considering it was all against Mhaldor.

I do have to say part of that was player restraint. Honestly if all the various factions -had- dogpiled, we (or anyone) would have buckled but most faction leaders kept it on an even keel.
We still did well though. Well I say we, even though I only randomly log in to defend >.>

Lodi

@Hayte: You make it sound as if the rest of Sapience gave us an easy ride. There was restraint (which shows a much appreciated level of maturity from the other leaderships) but we were still being pummeled harder than most other cities could handle.

The way we responded to the pressure was amazing imo. It showed me that at Mhaldor's heart still beats the very same thing that made us so awsome in the past. Like no other city does Mhaldor come up trumps when facing overwhelming odds. Its impressive.

@Mhaldor: I should have probably included a question in my opening post to better stimulate conversation. So here's one to get things going. Better late than never.

What do you want to see happen in Mhaldor over the coming year and how do you propose to achieve it?

Jiraishin

You know, it's weird. I started typing out things I wanted, but almost everything I want to see beyond the individual level is for my House.

I want to see more Mhaldorian culture/design things that don't conform to the usual daemons/blood/stygian black theme. The scroll @Jurixe raved about is a good example of what I'd like to see more of. To this end, I need to get over my burnout with Mhaldorian design and design work in general and start writing things, I guess.

I want to see cool city-level Divine interaction, like Keresis did somewhat. I also want individual Divine interaction, but I've sort of given up hope on that one. I have no idea what I can do to facilitate this.

I want Iaeum to tell me where the bloody library went and how I can get back into the Temple. He talks to Jurixe, apparently, but he never ever responds to me.

Most of the rest of what I want is too general or too silly to bother posting. Basically I want Mhaldor to be an awesome place I can brag about being part of.

Nellaundra

Honestly, I'd like the fraternization rules to laxen a bit.  I absolutely -love- enemy RP but it's rare that it ever happens.  This isn't something that can be fixed by Mhaldor, but it's something that would be inductive to interaction beyond raids with it.

Beyond that, I'd like to see more public sermons or debates.  That one debating Evil vs Good (and how Good were following the Truths) was pretty bloody interesting, if a bit too focused on one particular thing.

Lodi

@Jiraishin: This thread isn't just about city specific topics. Our Houses are just as much apart of Mhaldor as anything else. I'd love to hear what your plans for Naga are. Fully functioning houses are key to our continued success. Though, if you don't feel this is the correct medium to express your wishes over, then thats cool.

@Beya: 'Interaction with the outside world.' Totally agree that this is something that needs to be improved on. A lessening of Mhaldor's current isolationist stance would help us greatly. More public sermons/talks/prayer sessions/combat tournaments/events wouldn't hurt either. Edit: Nellaundra ninjad me a bit on this one. Good to see I'm not alone in feeling this. @Nellaundra There's a little project of mine in the works that's awaiting clearance from Tecton and Sartan. If it is accepted, then there will be more debates coming (I hope).

Jiraishin

I want the Naga to be ascendant. I can't tell you my plans for it here because people would start hiring bodyguards.

Trilliana

I honestly loved Mhaldor on my alt. I'd do the same thing all over again if I had the chance, but actually split my time with Trilli and her more. And I agree with @Nellaundra, more fraternization! I honestly loved my interactions with @Nizaris and @Vadimuses- I still love the interactions in the family clan, it's always a good day when there's banter and such on that clan. 

The only other problem I had was (something I think that's changed since my character was purged) lack of population. Darn having to have a mentor to do interviews! *shakefist*

Ruth

You should find more reasons to hit me up then, @Nellaundra! I don't give a crap about fraternization laws. I enjoy speaking with people of a different faction a lot (and far too much sometimes). I see no point in restricting it save for the possibility of conversion and it is to the point where Ebon Fist requirements include sections where they are encouraged to seek out these interactions.

Also. Mhaldor thrives on adversity, applied properly.

Lodi

Fraternization laws? What are they!

Cahin

I just speak Mhaldorian 95% of the time.

Jurixe

Any who know me will know that I have far too much to say on this topic than is healthy, so I'll try to restrict it to just the bare essentials.

Need an active Divine presence. Mhaldor has been sorely lacking in a real Divine presence, someone really active on both a micro and macro level whose presence made a tangible difference, for a long, long time now. I realise we had Keresis, and a huge thank you for everything she did for us, but unfortunately the way she was incorporated into the city was just such a huge mess that people were turned off both ICly and OOCly, which is a genuine shame. 

Now we do have Sartan, but I'll be completely honest in saying that his presence largely leaves a lot to be desired. It's difficult to keep morale up in a city that is all about worship of their Divine and adherence to their teachings, yet almost never sees any tangible proof that their faith is rewarded. Having a highly visible, involved patron does wonders for morale and retention, as already said - especially in a city that is largely touted as one of the most difficult environments to play in in Achaea. Every little incentive counts, and as @Babel mentioned in another thread, an active, involved Patron goes a long, long way in that respect. I understand that this may be beyond admin control in that maybe there isn't anyone to play Sartan at the moment and we'll just have to be patient, but I guess it's just hard some days.

Whoever is controlling Iaeum is awesome, though, and I love you. Thank you for making me believe that things aren't impossible again!

Lack of player retention. I'm sure this happens in all the cities, but Mhaldor being as small as it is really feels the pinch when seemingly promising young people just drop off the radar because 95% of them are alts that want to come in and poke around Mhaldor a while, but never actually commit to it. It's a vicious cycle because there really aren't enough of us to be around to cater individually to everyone that joins, and the majority of people seem not to really like to talk to newbies anyway, while those that do are usually tied up with other things/burnt out. This leads to new players getting bored and quitting, which in turn means our staffing issue is never really resolved.

Seeming lack of incentive to advance. The same few people have been in leadership for decades now, even though most of them don't even want it any more, for the sole reason that there is no one to take over from them. I don't know if our requirements are too hard, or people just don't find things to do, or what, but for some reason most people just seem content with being an obedient slave and doing their own thing. Mhaldor is more hard work than most other cities, I realise that (believe me), but nobody wanting to step up or at least making the effort to be noticed doesn't help the situation at all, and the leadership just ends up getting burnt out.

I've made every effort I possibly can in trying to give people chances to get involved in contributing to the city, going so far as to create new positions and roles, but people for the most part just don't seem responsive. Admittedly, cultural events and projects also aren't for everyone, but the near-complete lack of response can be quite greatly disheartening some days. Raids and such do seem to generate interest, but, well. I'll let someone else talk about raids that don't have @Tirac in them - and a city that does nothing but raid isn't going to be interesting for too long. It wouldn't keep me here, anyway.

This is already longer than I meant it to be, but I do just have to insert a note regarding @Lodi's original post about the players that quit. I used to feel that way until I started to get more and more burnt out recently, and then it just became an issue about how much responsibility I felt I had to take at the cost of my enjoyment. The recurring question for Mhaldorian leadership is, "If I don't do it, who will?" It's not even a question, really; it's been proven time and time again that the answer, generally, is nobody. That's not a shot at anyone, simply truth. If you want something done, it's generally best to do it yourself.

Nobody enjoys logging in to spend their hours doing admin work and having to deal with ridiculous little conflict spats that can have larger repercussions in the city because of the people involved, but that's the majority of what people have had to do. It's not fun. I genuinely cannot blame people for leaving for places they will enjoy if they simply aren't having fun any more, as I myself have given more thought to it than I care to admit.

I will say, though, that despite all this Mhaldor and its involved players have been one of the best experiences I have had in Achaea, so thank you. It really has been just us, most of the time, and somehow we still manage to make Mhaldor one of the most interesting places to RP in Achaea, so here's a shoutout to you. It's appreciated!

Tarkanian

I'd really wish Mhaldor would open up its shops to people more. I found some really cool items that I wanted to buy again, but I was told to leave and was threatened with, in order, enemying, theft and death. I've no idea if it was due to the recent events, but almost every time I try, there's always a mhaldorian telling me to leave the city. I appreciate the RP, but I just want to tick off something in my grocery list!

Arador

The Ladies of Sapience have spoken and they want more fraternisation. Maldaathi and Tvistor, prepare to move out.

Remember after stunning her with a "Hail m'Lady" and hand kiss, and after breaking her resolve with a mysterious, dark smile to wait for the swoon before moving in for the kill.

On the topic of advancement, keep in mind that most do not step up because they do not want to lead. Honestly, most people play Achaea without the urge to take on responsibility. Most do not even consider it. This is not a bad thing. People who like doing that can achieve it. Those who do not like administration would probably suck at it or go dormant.

Cahin

Tarkanian said:

I'd really wish Mhaldor would open up its shops to people more. I found some really cool items that I wanted to buy again, but I was told to leave and was threatened with, in order, enemying, theft and death. I've no idea if it was due to the recent events, but almost every time I try, there's always a mhaldorian telling me to leave the city. I appreciate the RP, but I just want to tick off something in my grocery list!

If you have any specific reason to be in the city and aren't an enemy, find someone who will act as your escort.

Achilles

Need to point out Hashan thread has double the posts Mhaldor's

Arador

Double the complaints, you mean.

Nizaris

On the subject of Divine, which I really believe to be a rather large problem, I will point out the following:

Ashtan: @Babel

Hashan: @Ourania (with rumours of @Twilight returning?)

Refugees: @Deucalion and @Aurora

Eleusis: I'm not sure if they do have any active divine at the moment?

Cyrene: @Phaestus and @Scarlatti.

Mhaldor: No active divine.

The names of the gods listed above have all garnered a decent measure of respect for the role play, and continued interest that they drive. I read, all the time, on the forums the following comment, "I am spoiled by <insert god here>". When I look, especially, to HOUSE INFLUENCE (albeit a rather fickle measurement that swings widely from day to day, or at least gets reset every Achaean year), I notice the powerhouse that is the Occultists at or near the top of the list, and I can't help but think that this is due, in no small measure, to Babel. Though, the player characters have also had a large impact on this to be sure, I just can't help but feel a little left out.

EDIT: Fixed for Trilli.

Trilliana

Add @Scarlatti to Cyrene >.>

Lodi

@Jurixe I can hear the burnout in your words. You are without doubt one of top three greatest Mhaldorians around. All the hard work you do is very much appreciated. And you do it with such style. I know how hard it is to motivate people. Getting people to participate in design contests and the like has always been like getting blood from a stone. If its any help, I know I need to prove consistent activity, but I am very much interested in taking a bigger share of the administrative burden.

Trey

Arador said:

The Ladies of Sapience have spoken and they want more fraternisation. Maldaathi and Tvistor, prepare to move out.

Remember after stunning her with a "Hail m'Lady" and hand kiss, and after breaking her resolve with a mysterious, dark smile to wait for the swoon before moving in for the kill.

@Arador has clearly never interacted with Trey. I need no instructions in this department.

/suavemotherfucker

Arador

Trey said:

Arador said:

The Ladies of Sapience have spoken and they want more fraternisation. Maldaathi and Tvistor, prepare to move out.

Remember after stunning her with a "Hail m'Lady" and hand kiss, and after breaking her resolve with a mysterious, dark smile to wait for the swoon before moving in for the kill.

@Arador has clearly never interacted with Trey. I need no instructions in this department.

/suavemotherfucker

With those handsome baby blues, you have it easy. When you can get refugee girls to swoon while looking like ME, then you will truly know the power of the Dark Side.

/sithlordtoapprentice

Synbios

Arador said:

The Ladies of Sapience have spoken and they want more fraternisation. Maldaathi and Tvistor, prepare to move out. Remember after stunning her with a "Hail m'Lady" and hand kiss, and after breaking her resolve with a mysterious, dark smile to wait for the swoon before moving in for the kill.

@Arador has clearly never interacted with Trey. I need no instructions in this department. /suavemotherfucker

With those handsome baby blues, you have it easy. When you can get refugee girls to swoon while looking like ME, then you will truly know the power of the Dark Side. /sithlordtoapprentice

Trey said:

The Ladies of Sapience have spoken and they want more fraternisation. Maldaathi and Tvistor, prepare to move out. Remember after stunning her with a "Hail m'Lady" and hand kiss, and after breaking her resolve with a mysterious, dark smile to wait for the swoon before moving in for the kill.

@Arador has clearly never interacted with Trey. I need no instructions in this department. /suavemotherfucker

You dark and edgy boys are small time. 

Jiraishin

The recurring question for Mhaldorian leadership is, "If I don't do it, who will?" It's not even a question, really; it's been proven time and time again that the answer, generally, is nobody. That's not a shot at anyone, simply truth. If you want something done, it's generally best to do it yourself.

Nobody enjoys logging in to spend their hours doing admin work and having to deal with ridiculous little conflict spats that can have larger repercussions in the city because of the people involved, but that's the majority of what people have had to do. It's not fun. I genuinely cannot blame people for leaving for places they will enjoy if they simply aren't having fun any more, as I myself have given more thought to it than I care to admit.

QFT.
I can and do blame people, but that's mostly just bitterness on my part; their leaving and having fun tends to make my game even less fun, but it is always my choice to keep playing.

There have been (thankfully brief) points where the only thing that kept me from quitting Mhaldor and/or the game was knowing how destructive it would be and that I wouldn't be able to live with myself after. Forcing yourself to work under those circumstances because you know it will continue getting worse if you don't isn't fun at all. But someone has to work or it won't get better. Thankfully, it has, and continues to.

Silas

Mhaldorian culture IC seems cool, but sometimes the Mhaldorian culture on the forums (Mhaldor is the BEST EVAH!!! EVERYBODY IN MHALDOR IS AMAZING I ILY U ALL!!!!!!) kinda creeps me out.

Just sayin'.

Jiraishin

I think people reserve most of the name-calling, accusations, and similar unpleasantness for OOC clans. This is a lot of the reason why I quit being in OOC clans.

Putting your propaganda out there best face forward in public seems like a good strategy to me, anyway.

Ruth

We just trying to stay positive, yo. That said, I hate to post drama rants on the forums (i.e Cain's four-hour long rant fest about me).

Silas

But that's what people want to see.

Lodi

I think its just a testament to the sense of fraternity which underpins Mhaldor.