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abraxasmods) wrote2021-11-13 04:23 pm
abraxasmods) wrote2021-11-13 04:23 pm
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INFLUENCE ◎
Influence
Influence represents how well your character is known, as well as how developed an opinion people have of them based on their actions in their neighbourhood, city, territory and even beyond, if they make big enough waves. This system is designed to help both you and the mods gauge how NPCs are likely to respond to your character.
Influence is defined by the role characters play in the world (and/or the role you're hoping to have them play as you develop their story.) It is not a level-up system, and should not be treated as one. In fact, you can apply to reduce your influence if you wish, should that be something that factors into your character's plans.
Events and plots will rely on characters with influence on both ends of the scale. Having a low influence is not necessarily negative, and can even be beneficial. Low influence characters might have a higher chance at succeeding in espionage while characters with higher influence would be too recognizable. Conversely, higher influence characters might be able to open doors based on their reputation that would otherwise be closed.
Influence is defined by the role characters play in the world (and/or the role you're hoping to have them play as you develop their story.) It is not a level-up system, and should not be treated as one. In fact, you can apply to reduce your influence if you wish, should that be something that factors into your character's plans.
Events and plots will rely on characters with influence on both ends of the scale. Having a low influence is not necessarily negative, and can even be beneficial. Low influence characters might have a higher chance at succeeding in espionage while characters with higher influence would be too recognizable. Conversely, higher influence characters might be able to open doors based on their reputation that would otherwise be closed.
Understanding Influence
What Influence Measures
Influence measures how your character is perceived among the NPCs and local population, for good or ill. Characters who earn enough influence might have their name spread to nearby city, while those who keep a lower profile might only be known around their neighborhood.
Gaining influence with a territory can mean things like the locals having a positive opinion of your character, shopkeepers offering discounts, or the local authorities trusting them more. Negative influence can land your character in hot water! It is currently not possible to play a character with largely negative influence above Rank 5, as they'll be deemed dangerous enough to be detained indefinitely. (A neutral or mostly positive Rank 5 with a few negative incidents is fine.)
Influence does not measure your character's reputation among fellow player characters. It's unlikely the natives of Abraxas will hear of what goes on between the Summoned. It also doesn't indicate how "well" you've been playing the game. Characters can engage deeply with the game's plot without gaining any influence, and influence won't guarantee success or failure with plots and NPC interactions - though it can sway outcomes depending on circumstance.
Gaining influence with a territory can mean things like the locals having a positive opinion of your character, shopkeepers offering discounts, or the local authorities trusting them more. Negative influence can land your character in hot water! It is currently not possible to play a character with largely negative influence above Rank 5, as they'll be deemed dangerous enough to be detained indefinitely. (A neutral or mostly positive Rank 5 with a few negative incidents is fine.)
Influence does not measure your character's reputation among fellow player characters. It's unlikely the natives of Abraxas will hear of what goes on between the Summoned. It also doesn't indicate how "well" you've been playing the game. Characters can engage deeply with the game's plot without gaining any influence, and influence won't guarantee success or failure with plots and NPC interactions - though it can sway outcomes depending on circumstance.
How to Gain Influence
Anything characters do that would get noticed by natives such as: interacting with NPCs, helping (or hindering!) during events, taking a job, committing crime or causing problems will increase your character’s influence - though it may not be considered positive.
Influence is typically gained for actions that are relatively public and noticed by the Abraxan natives. Characters who operate in secret may not gain much influence due to the nature of their actions even if they may have impacted the setting quite a bit from the shadows. Characters are also unlikely to gain influence for actions taken out of sight of the NPCs. Anything that occurs in the Horizon will likely go unheard of. Actions that occur outside of the character's chosen territory can spread home to their neighborhood, but whether it does and to what degree will depend on the action.
As influence increases, gaining additional rank will require more noticeable actions. Continuing to take on the standard quests or duties they're already known for will serve to maintain their reputation rather than adding to it. For example, characters at rank 6 will need to go out of their way to attract attention - intentionally or otherwise - outside their local area or city in order to attain rank 7.
Influence is typically gained for actions that are relatively public and noticed by the Abraxan natives. Characters who operate in secret may not gain much influence due to the nature of their actions even if they may have impacted the setting quite a bit from the shadows. Characters are also unlikely to gain influence for actions taken out of sight of the NPCs. Anything that occurs in the Horizon will likely go unheard of. Actions that occur outside of the character's chosen territory can spread home to their neighborhood, but whether it does and to what degree will depend on the action.
As influence increases, gaining additional rank will require more noticeable actions. Continuing to take on the standard quests or duties they're already known for will serve to maintain their reputation rather than adding to it. For example, characters at rank 6 will need to go out of their way to attract attention - intentionally or otherwise - outside their local area or city in order to attain rank 7.
How to Reduce Influence
Reducing influence is as possible as gaining it! Much like reputation in the real world, characters can fade somewhat from people's memories by keeping a lower profile for an extended period. This is useful for characters who gained a reputation they didn't mean to.
This also allows players more flexibility. Players who ranked their character up, but would now prefer to participate in opportunities that are largely open to lower rank characters, can apply to reduce their influence.
Rank gained will also play a role in how much a character's influence can be reduced. Characters who have reached the higher end of the scale (Rank 6-10) may need to wait longer to reduce their influence - and likely won't ever go back down to anything lower than a 3-5, unless a very long time passes.
This also allows players more flexibility. Players who ranked their character up, but would now prefer to participate in opportunities that are largely open to lower rank characters, can apply to reduce their influence.
Rank gained will also play a role in how much a character's influence can be reduced. Characters who have reached the higher end of the scale (Rank 6-10) may need to wait longer to reduce their influence - and likely won't ever go back down to anything lower than a 3-5, unless a very long time passes.
What Negative Influence Involves
If your character is the sort to cause problems or maybe just wants to watch the world burn, that'll be noticed, as well. The influence system can also measure how much a character is disliked within their territory. Rocking the boat too much can lead to your character being imprisoned or worse.
Not to worry, though. While negative Influence will make an affected territory disinclined or even hostile towards your character, opposing territories are likely to take a different view. For example, causing trouble in Thorne is likely to get a seal of approval from the Free Cities, and a character with negative influence there may find they have positive influence in their new residence, if they are able to relocate.
Further, influence as a whole can include a combination of positive and negative actions - and may tip towards one end or the other as the game progresses. Players should keep track of their character's reasons for having the reputation they do.
Mods will also keep track of any negative attention characters gain, whether officially submitted or not. While we will not be formally recording if a character's influence is negative or positive on the tracker, keep in mind it is noted and will be applied accordingly where circumstances call for it.
Not to worry, though. While negative Influence will make an affected territory disinclined or even hostile towards your character, opposing territories are likely to take a different view. For example, causing trouble in Thorne is likely to get a seal of approval from the Free Cities, and a character with negative influence there may find they have positive influence in their new residence, if they are able to relocate.
Further, influence as a whole can include a combination of positive and negative actions - and may tip towards one end or the other as the game progresses. Players should keep track of their character's reasons for having the reputation they do.
Mods will also keep track of any negative attention characters gain, whether officially submitted or not. While we will not be formally recording if a character's influence is negative or positive on the tracker, keep in mind it is noted and will be applied accordingly where circumstances call for it.
What Each Influence Rank Means
- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
- Level 0: Everyone starts at this level. While the officials involved with bringing you into the world might recognize you, the average citizen on the street has no idea who you are. You keep your head down and your nose clean. In exchange, you can exist in this world unnoticed and unbothered.
- ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
- Level 1: Very easily achieved, even by accident! You're not from around here, and people can tell. Local authorities would've "seen you around," even if they don’t know anything about you. They'll probably give you a few minutes of time if asked. Expect curious looks from citizens who work or live close to where you were Summoned in, but not much reaction the farther out you go. You can still go about your life freely, with a blank slate.
- ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
- Level 2: You've started putting yourself out there and making a little noise! Local authorities are looking at you a bit more closely and, if you've made a good impression, might be more inclined to meet with you and listen to what you have to say. Citizens in your neighborhood may know you as "the guy who did that thing." One or two locals might have enough familiarity with you to put in a good word if asked, such as recommending you to their neighbor as a reliable handyman or a baker of excellent cookies.
- ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
- Level 3: Maybe you've been helping out the folks who brought you here. Maybe you've just been out in public and meeting as many locals as you can. Maybe you’re that weird hobo that people have started pointing out to each other on the street. Whatever you've done, more people are starting to notice you. Your local authorities not only know your face, they have a sense of what sort of person you are and what you do around the city. If they like what they see, they may start reaching out to you now and again. If they don't, you might find yourself given the occasional warning. At this level, you can apply for citizenship where you live (but you don't have to).
- ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
- Level 4: You're really starting to make a name for yourself, for good or ill! The local authorities call you by your first name, and maybe even respect your opinion and what you have to say. Whether or not they agree, they're at least inclined to give actual consideration to your point of view. If you've been causing trouble, you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law. In either case, stories of whatever you’ve done to make you well known may start floating around your local haunts. Among the local citizens, your reputation's enough that folks might recommend your services or expertise to each other on their own (or warn one another about you, if you've been behaving poorly).
- ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
- Level 5: You're pretty well known in your immediate area! You have a local reputation, and even if it doesn't extend across an entire kingdom, being known by your whole city neighborhood or small town is still pretty neat... unless you've achieved infamy. Individuals behaving badly this obviously and consistently will almost certainly find themselves imprisoned or worse. At this level, local citizens sometimes chat about you unprompted, and might vaguely recognize your name.
- ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
- Level 6: When you go out, you get noticed! You've probably done enough daring deeds and heroics for shopkeepers to be willing to offer discounts and special little perks. Strangers might buy you drinks. Your local authorities trust your opinion and likely expect your help when it's needed. There might even be some gossip about you around the neighborhood.
- ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- Level 7: You're a local celebrity at this point! Expect to be recognized as "that guy" when you go about your day. People know your face and name, and might stop on the street to point you out. Even folks in other cities or the far end of your territory have an idea of who you are and what you’ve done...though it may not be entirely accurate the further away you get. Chances are high you'll be granted a meeting if you reach out to officials - or they'll even reach out to you first.
- ★★★★★★★★☆☆
- Level 8: Not only are you a local celebrity, stories and rumors about you are reaching beyond your territory. The world is starting to watch! And it’s well known that you have an "in" with local authorities. They value your opinion and aid, and you may be entrusted with important secrets and positions of leadership. You might even earn a title or public commendation.
- ★★★★★★★★★☆
- Level 9: You’re practically a household name by now across the territory! You've definitely earned yourself a title. You're recognized and respected across your territory. People are writing songs about you and the local authorities rely on you. It's not all peaches and cream, though. Citizens of opposing territories now recognize you as an enemy, and free travel throughout enemy terrain is much more difficult when your face is so well-known.
- ★★★★★★★★★★
- Level 10: You now have such a notable reputation that you are second only to the most influential figures in the world in terms of notoriety. You may be followed, worshipped, revered, feared, and actively targeted by your enemies. At this level, you have the freedom and power to achieve almost any goal you set your mind to.
Applying for Influence
You can request an update to your character's influence level at any time. Your character’s Influence level will be adjusted and recorded in the Influence Roster accordingly. How you approach the form depends on whether you're requesting to increase or reduce your influence level.
For Influence Gains
While minor supplmentary events can be handwaved, we typically want to see in-game examples of your character performing the action you're using for influence. For high ranks in particular, the threads should be somewhat substantial. Threads don't need to play out the act itself. Events can be referenced within another thread instead. For example, rather than writing a thread of your character literally selling a flashy invention to some local NPCs, you can submit a thread of your character revealing their new invention to a friend or telling them about it.
Both quantity and the action itself is important. A single noticeable action can rank your character up as much as a handful of smaller actions. In some cases, we may make a decision to incorporate events not included that'll help boost you to a rank you're requesting if what you've submitted isn't enough. We'll let you know if that happens. In other cases, we might simply ask you to try again. Don't worry if so! There are no consequences to not reaching the rank up threshold, nor is it a reflection of your activity or participation - it just means you need more actions that suit the rank you're requesting.
Both quantity and the action itself is important. A single noticeable action can rank your character up as much as a handful of smaller actions. In some cases, we may make a decision to incorporate events not included that'll help boost you to a rank you're requesting if what you've submitted isn't enough. We'll let you know if that happens. In other cases, we might simply ask you to try again. Don't worry if so! There are no consequences to not reaching the rank up threshold, nor is it a reflection of your activity or participation - it just means you need more actions that suit the rank you're requesting.
For Influence Reductions
Because reducing influence is about inaction, you do not need to link thread proofs, though you can do so if your character has done anything that'd help them rank down, such as cutting their hair, taking on a new disguise, or even moving to a new city. Time passing without any incidents (positive or negative) will be weighed most heavily.
When applying to reduce influence, please note how much in-game time has gone by since your character's last noticeable act. This includes acts that you may not have submitted for influence directly, but which would likely be noticed by the general public.
When applying to reduce influence, please note how much in-game time has gone by since your character's last noticeable act. This includes acts that you may not have submitted for influence directly, but which would likely be noticed by the general public.
Each character in the game starts at Rank 0. To request an increase or decrease, fill out the form below and reply to the comments section.
Influence Roster
Below is the list of characters added to the Influence Roster, arranged by territory. You can also add your character's influence rank to their info sheet if you have one.
Kingdom of Thorne
| Character | Rank | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Istredd | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Kyle | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Lucifer | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Stephen Strange | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | Venerable |
| Yennefer of Vengerberg | ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ | Venerable |
| Jon Snow | ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Thancred Waters | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Wilhelm | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Jack Townsend | ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Carmy Berzatto | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Cassian Andor | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Dion Lesage | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Mat Cauthon | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| River Tam | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Sansa Stark | ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
The Free Cities
| Character | Rank | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Jaskier | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | The Gem of the Phoenix |
| Viktor | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | The Doctor of Illumination |
| Alucard | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Claude von Riegan | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Nadine Cross | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Sam Wilson | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | Vanguard |
| Geralt of Rivia | ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Hilda Goneril | ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Jesper Fahey | ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Cidolfus Telamon | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Cirilla of Cintra | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Dean Winchester | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | Vanguard |
| Diana Prince | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Jane Shepard | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Jonathan Crane | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Steve Rogers | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Astarion Ancunín | ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Castiel | ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Sylvain Gautier | ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Matt Murdock | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
Solvunn Commune
| Character | Rank | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Wanda Maximoff | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Himeka Sui | ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ | Vassal |
| Nanaue | ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Julia Wicker | ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Rocket | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Steve Harrington | ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Claire Fraser | ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Eddie Munson | ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Aloy | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Haelva Lueltar | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Henry Creel | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Jack Frost | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Tifa Lockhart | ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
| Teddy Roberts | ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | N/A |
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no subject
Faction: Thorne
Requested Rank: minimum 3, maybe 4 if you think it's plausible. 3 is definitely good though.
Reasons for Request: For right now, I am mainly looking for Sword Guy to be allowed to carry his sword everywhere in Thorne (I wrote almost all of this up before he got Sword Power, obvs) and also to take the higher level quests. Eventually, getting him to slightly higher influence levels where he can have potential NPC opportunities, possibly diplomatic ones (his priorities would make him a decent fit for those) -- he is the kind of character who is of slightly more use to people around him when he's a little more important than not. But he'll never actually seek to be seen as important, only useful.
Some of these threads are quite old. I wanted to be sure I was submitting something substantial and well-documented. On the IC end, I'd probably cover my OOC inaction by assuming this stuff actually went up over time in the background and he's only just taking advantage of any of it now. It's also likely that not all of these are significant enough to weigh in at all, or that some of the threads are too stubby to count, but that is for you to decide.
I also realize that the regime change may somewhat affect some of this! Only you can decide what Sidwell will think. However, based on the post-Overthrow write up, I feel comfortable at least positing that Sidwell might see Jon as a Summoned who can be relied upon to support and protect the kingdom: many of these threads depict him doing just that.
If you would like to save some time checking the quest threads, he has done every Tier One quest available since May of 2022, and only the May 2022 quest was submitted last time. Sometimes there's other relevant info in those threads, but I've usually noted when that's the case.
no subject