Critical Mass

**beep** · 06-25-2008, 11:41 AM

I have some concerns that our Tactical Gamer presence in AOC is fragmented and lacks critical mass to enable convenient grouping and mutual support.

It's relatively common that Ars Tactika has only 2 or 3 members on-line at any one time. Four or more is a cause for celebration!

I also notice that 10+ players will be on TS...but they are in separate groups/channels...and little if any interaction occurs cross-group. While I support the concept of being able to form a group and run with your buddies, I have concerns that our many small guild groupings are interfering with finding like-minded players to tackle the group instances without pugging it.

Is there a possibility of somehow combining/merging? I would think all would benefit from the ability to more easily find some others on-line with whom to group.

**Atomic Dog** · 06-25-2008, 11:46 AM

I can speak on behalf of Syndicus here...

We'd love to group with you guys at any time. Merging our guilds, however, might not be in anyone's best interest. The concept behind Syndicus is a lot more sinister and dark than that of Ars Tactika. But as both our groups are lead by, and made up primarily of, TG members there is a natural alliance here. I just don't think AT would do well to inherit our reputation.

**TheFatKidDeath** · 06-25-2008, 12:38 PM

Excellent points Beep. We need to get players playing together and there is too much of this “we have a different play style” which is fragmenting the player base. At this point in the game we don’t have enough players to support this situation. As a moderator I can’t prevent players from forming their own Guilds or creating of using different TS channels but that doesn’t mean I’m happy about the situation.

I tried to create some order on the TS channels by dividing them into various levels so players can find level appropriate parties. Some players are using this (thank you) and some are not. I’ve noticed that some TS channels have been added which is adding to the fragmentation.

What needs to be done to get everyone playing together?

Do I need to become the TS Nazi and get everyone partying up?

**Atomic Dog** · 06-25-2008, 12:46 PM

It's not that our playstyle is different (even though it is), but Ars Tactika and Syndicus are so radically different in concept that neither would benefit from any form of "merge." For instance, you guys don't need us staking out an entrance to some popular grinding area and extorting every player that comes by to farm that area. It wouldn't bode well for AT at all. But as this is part of our "criminal" concept we've taken to at Syndicus, it's something we can't conform in any way to fit the concept of Ars Tactika. Mind you, we're only 10 members strong...but we still enjoy doing what we do.

**UnDeaD** · 06-25-2008, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by Atomic Dog

It's not that our playstyle is different (even though it is), but Ars Tactika and Syndicus are so radically different in concept that neither would benefit from any form of "merge." For instance, you guys don't need us staking out an entrance to some popular grinding area and extorting every player that comes by to farm that area. It wouldn't bode well for AT at all. But as this is part of our "criminal" concept we've taken to at Syndicus, it's something we can't conform in any way to fit the concept of Ars Tactika. Mind you, we're only 10 members strong...but we still enjoy doing what we do.

I'll gank all of you.

**Atomic Dog** · 06-25-2008, 12:57 PM

Bring it!

And to clarify, we aren't simply "gankers"... we like to employ a lot of RP into our murder and mayhem.

**TheFatKidDeath** · 06-25-2008, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Atomic Dog

It's not that our playstyle is different (even though it is), but Ars Tactika and Syndicus are so radically different in concept that neither would benefit from any form of "merge." For instance, you guys don't need us staking out an entrance to some popular grinding area and extorting every player that comes by to farm that area. It wouldn't bode well for AT at all. But as this is part of our "criminal" concept we've taken to at Syndicus, it's something we can't conform in any way to fit the concept of Ars Tactika. Mind you, we're only 10 members strong...but we still enjoy doing what we do.

I'm not advocating merging Guilds. I want players to play together. When you sit in a Syndicus TS channel (or for that matter any other name specific channel - Ars Tactika included) players, from my perspective, may be less inclined to join the party.

For now, and as a trial, I'm proposing that Guild channels be eliminated and players use the Level appropriate TS channels. This will allow players to find parties and not feel excluded because they are not part of a particular Guild.

Thoughts?

**Atomic Dog** · 06-25-2008, 01:22 PM

I'm not sure eliminating the guild channels entirely is the answer. I do see where you're coming from and do agree that perhaps more use of the party channels is in order.

**TheFatKidDeath** · 06-25-2008, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Atomic Dog

I'm not sure eliminating the guild channels entirely is the answer. I do see where you're coming from and do agree that perhaps more use of the party channels is in order.

What is the answer then?

**Scattershot** · 06-25-2008, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by TheFatKidDeath

What is the answer then?

Perhaps it is for the seperate guilds to encourage their membership to use the party/level channels instead of just staying in the guild specific channels?

**saik0** · 06-25-2008, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by TheFatKidDeath

What is the answer then?

I propose we keep the guild channels but use the general channel pretty much for anything besides:

1: A Raid
2: A Group
3: Specific guild chat

The third meaning members of the syndicus discussing things that deal specifically with syndicus, guild meetings or otherwise.

I cant really think of a reason why we should separate into level specific channels unless people are actually playing together. I dont want to sit in a level 50-60 channel by myself, and I dont want there to be a couple of 50-53s grouped together in FoTD talking about what adds are coming and when they need heals if I'm just soloing some villa quests or am group with non-guildmates who are my level (58).

The party channels are for partys, the general channel should be for organizing a group, or general banter and questions.

**Gambit7** · 06-25-2008, 08:40 PM

I propose we axe the guild channels and turn them into "Guild Admin: ***" channels. Each guild will get one admin channel.

I also propose we axe the lvl channels and just make them standard Party channels. People should not be sitting in level channels waiting for someone to show up... they should be in gen. chat talking, bantering, and waiting to form a group... THEN move to a party channel for whatever purpose (sordid or otherwise) behooves them. Remember also, it's somewhat a moot point since there's an Apprentice system in the game. Technically, there are no levels.

Also, there should be one "interguild" Gen. Chat total for all guilds (just like in every other TG FPS game). And all guilds should use it 1st and foremost unless they're doing guild functions, etc.

Most importantly-----> As we level, it's becoming apparent we're missing Endgame content due to lack of numbers to form a raid. Not only that, many of the standard quests are grouped and it's difficult to do-so with everyone so spread out. Getting everyone to play nice together will open up this content. There's no reason why we shouldnt be running Imiriam, Frost Swamp, and the other higher level Raid instances on a daily basis. This, my friends, is where the fun is at IMO... whether ur gankhappy, a merc, or an RPer.

Lastly, there are plenty of other channels to fit everyone's needs (such as PvP, Raid, etc.) These should be utilized. I'm finding many folk just sitting in their guild channels not really using these or even the party channels. Consolidating everyone into one Gen. Chat will help get people to use these in an organized way.

In closing... we look a lot more imposing to recruits if they can pop into TS and immediately have people to talk to.

**joeyjojo74** · 06-25-2008, 09:51 PM

i propose a inter guild mixer where all alcholic beverages are on the guild leaders.

that'll get relations going!!

seriously though, i personally will hang out on the ars tactic teamspeak line but uually not say much if anything , only because i really dont have much to say. just not really used to it ,, i will however type back almost instantainiously. but either way i have no quams. i have just actually been trying to get used to my character ,, nothing like haveing the excessive deaths of your breathren on your hands. even though that is a fun aspect of adventureing . i for one, from hence forth, conciously and actively make all efforts possible to integrate myself into speaking up more and becomeing a more active being inside the guild.

that being said , wheres my drinking cape!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Atomic Dog** · 06-25-2008, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by joeyjojo74

i propose a inter guild mixer where all alcholic beverages are on the guild leaders.

that'll get relations going!!

Here! Here! Syndicus supports this motion fully.

However, until we can bring each other together in a way we function, I'm highly resistant to the nixing of our guild channels completely. You can rename them to "admin" channels, but ultimately you'll just have more of the same groupings in these "admin" channels and nothing will be achieved.

I say we coordinate a time for us all to raid and group together and let the socializing occur. Many of us come from many different games and IHS's here at TG and have naturally grouped together in the case of the 4th lead Syndicus and the 3rd of Lion of Tybor. Until we come together on some natural, not forced, level...I don't see how we're going to achieve the desired goal of our Trifecta of Doom.

**Xen** · 06-26-2008, 12:04 AM

I have seen a total of maybe 3 Ars Tactika in game ever. Even fewer of the Lions of Tybor. Of all those times, I think, Nikitis was the only one that actually stopped and interacted with us. This is a RP server, and some seem to forget that. It's not just a matter of hopping on TS and getting things orginized. What motivation does a thief or killer have, to join a random group even, if they are allies? It usually is going to cost something, be of some benefit or immediate gain. To set that up takes RPing not just chatting on TS. We setup this guild to be thieves, dark mystics and killers. Syndicus is loyal to Syndicus first and for most. We work for who can give us the price we ask, or offer a benefit we don't have. Having TS, to me, is like having that mystical item that connects those you know together, mainly your guildmates. Any other action needs to be addressed in game first then brought to TS. Basicly the item needs to be given in-character/in-game before talking on TS. We need to remember, RPing is part of the game, not something to do just to justify killing someone.