ArchFaction Loyalty

 

Also called Loyalty, Standing, Reputation or Faction, this subsystem exists to give Player Characters a way to improve their rapport with their own faction and benefit from said association. This measures your relationship to an Archfaction or a Subfaction, specifically how their authorities and leaders perceive your own allegiance to their cause. Low loyalty means that they assume you to be a free agent A high Loyalty means that an Archfaction sees you as a hero or a paragon of their people. 

You may begin at Loyalty 1 (Allied) with a Faction of your choice. If you choose to gain the Distinguished Background Perk at Character Creation, you may instead begin at Loyalty 2 (Operative).

If desired, a Character with the Mental Deduction skill or a similar Inquiry-type Skill or Spell can use it to ask another Character for their Loyalty tier. The inquirer may only ask about the Loyalty to their own Archfaction. 

  • Ascending one’s Loyalty to an Archfaction is a slow and arduous process. Whenever one improves in Loyalty, they do so by Subtier -- which is a portion of a Tier. Some Tiers have 3 Subtiers while others have 5 Subtiers. 

    Tiers and Subtiers are labeled as such: <Loyalty Tier> <Subtier>. For example, someone who is at Tier 2 (Operative) and Subtier 1 (the beginning Subtier) is listed as Operative 1. When they are promoted by a Subtier, they become Operative 2, then Operative 3, etc. Because the Operative Tier only has 5 Subtiers, individuals ascend to Guardian 1 after Operative 5.

    Take note, you may only ascend a maximum of one Subtier per Event. 

    Option 1: Curry Favor -- Donate any 5 Basic Components and perform the “Curry Favor” Interim Action, representing the footwork necessary to correspond with the correct people, co-mingle with the correct officials, etc.

    Option 2: Faction Missions -- Participating and succeeding at an important Faction Mission/Delve. These typically occur every Event

    Option 3: Boon of Adulation -- Two Greater Loyalty Boons (from two different people) used upon one person may increase their Loyalty by one Subtier for that Event. Both parties (Boon users and recipient) must be from the same Archfaction. 

    When any of the above happens, Game Staff will sign off on your Character Card. When it is updated between Events, so too will your Loyalty. You may ascend no more than one Subtier (the portion of a Tier) per Event, simulating the slowness of changing a people’s mind through reputation and hard work. 

  • Unlike Ascending Tiers, Descending is much faster. Whenever you would “lose Loyalty”, you lose one entire Tier instead of a Subtier. This brings you to the beginning of a Tier regardless of your progression in your previous Tier.

    Option 1: Denounce Faction -- At any time, a Player Character may choose to denounce their Archfaction. This may be done during Events or between Events (this does not expend your Interim Action). However, this must be done willfully and without duress. This drops them to Tier 0 (Neutral) but it cannot be retracted. 

    Option 2: Willful Disloyalty -- Whenever a Player Character willfully and knowingly performs an action that is directly detrimental to their Archfaction, they will drop one entire Tier of Loyalty. Indirect or more subtle actions may be subject to review.

    Option 3: Greater Boon of Inquisition -- Three Greater Loyalty Boons (from three different people) or one Exalted Loyalty Boon used upon one person may request an audit of someone’s Loyalty. This summons an NPC auditor or an inquisitor from their Archfaction (such as a Sin-Eater or an Excruciator from the Templars). If something is found amiss, the target may lose one Tier of Loyalty and suffer other consequences. If nothing is found, the auditors may turn their unpleasant scrutiny upon those who called for them. Both parties (Boon user and recipient) must be from the same Archfaction. 

  • Tier 0: NEUTRAL - You are not associated with this Archfaction and regarded with no special distinction.

    Tier 1: ALLIED - You are associated with this Archfaction and may even be a member of it. Player Characters may opt to start with this.

    Tier 2: OPERATIVE - You are an agent of this Archfaction or one of its Subfactions. You may even have a title. Using a Background Perk, a Player Character may start as this.

    Tier 3: GUARDIAN - You are a known defender and champion of this Archfaction or one of its Subfactions.

    Tier 4: EXALTED - The people of your Archfaction look up to you as your reputation and your deeds have raised you above the masses. Even the leadership has taken notice of you.

    Tier 5: PARAGON - You are a hero of the people and an exemplar of their values. When you speak, they listen. Even the leadership considers your wisdom to be of import. 

 

Loyalty Tier Description

Loyalty Tier 0 -- Neutral

This is the default Loyalty a Character has to all Archfactions. This has no requirements, or restrictions. In fact, individuals with no Loyalties to any Archfactions may sometimes be sought out by interested parties for their perspective and lack of ‘liabilities’.

  • Benefit: If sponsored by an Operative (Tier 2) and are Neutral to all Archfactions, you are allowed to join in ArchFaction Missions of your Sponsor. 

  • Requirements: None

  • Promotion to Allied: 3 Subtiers

Loyalty Tier 1 -- Ally to the Archfaction

This marks the first display of Loyalty to an Archfaction, because you come from that Archfaction or because you have become willingly indebted to it. In either case, you represent your alliance and your favor to this Archfaction -- whenever it benefits, so do you. 

  • Special: New Player Characters may choose to begin at this Subtier for no cost. 

  • Benefit: You may join in Faction Missions and Market Hours that involve this Archfaction. Furthermore, you are counted as a member of this Archfaction for the purposes of certain rewards or Bounty tables. 

  • Requirements: An Ally of an Archfaction must wear a “Favor” of that Archfaction at the very minimum (a strip of cloth with the sigil of that Archfaction or one of its Power Groups). More dedicated individuals may wear more distinctive clothing/props, below. Furthermore, you may not have a Loyalty higher than 0 for any other Archfaction.   

    • When submitting Loyalty Boons, a photograph of the required prop needs to be attached to the email and/or emailed separately to Game Staff.

  • Promotion to Operative: 3 Subtiers

Loyalty Tier 2 -- Operative of the Archfaction

Those that possess this Tier of Loyalty are willing and expert agents of their Archfaction. Their Archfaction may be called upon for lesser boons.  

  • Special: New Player Characters may choose to begin at this Tier via the “Distinguished” Background Perk.

  • Benefit: As per above. Furthermore, (1/Event) you may request a Lesser Loyalty Boon to benefit from -- this may be denied if the Archfaction deigns to do so. You may only request one Loyalty Boon per Event. These cost 1 Minor Component (any type) and an Interim Action. 

  • Requirements: You must wear and display a tabard, a cloak/coat/jacket, or a shield (or a similarly distinctive prop/clothing) that reflects your allied Archfaction (or a Subfaction/Power Group within it).  Furthermore, you may not have a Loyalty higher than 0 for any other Archfaction.   

    • When submitting Loyalty Boons, a photograph of the required prop needs to be attached to the email and/or emailed separately to Game Staff.

  • Restriction: Starting at this Loyalty Tier and higher, you are barred from joining in the Guilds of other Archfactions.  

  • Promotion to Guardian: 5 Subtiers

Loyalty Tier 3 -- Guardian of the Archfaction

Time and time again, you have proven yourself as a defender and a champion of your people. They count on you more than you count on them and you can call upon Greater Boons from them. 

  • Benefit: As per Operative above, except that you may instead choose to perform one Greater Loyalty Boon. These cost 1 Basic Component (any type). 

  • Requirements: You must wear and display a tabard, a cloak/coat/jacket, or a shield (or a similarly distinctive prop/clothing) that reflects your allied Archfaction (or a Subfaction within it).  Furthermore, you may not have a Loyalty higher than 0 for any other Archfaction.   

    • When submitting Loyalty Boons, a photograph of the required prop needs to be attached to the email and/or emailed separately to Game Staff.

  • Promotion to Exalted: 5 Subtiers

Loyalty Tier 4 -- Exalted of the Archfaction

The people of your Archfaction look up to you as your reputation and your deeds have raised you above the masses. Even the leadership has taken notice of you.

  • Benefit: As per Guardian above, except that you may instead choose to perform one Exalted Loyalty Boon. These cost 1 Rare Component (any type). 

  • Requirements: You must wear and display a tabard, a cloak/coat/jacket, or a shield (or a similarly distinctive prop/clothing) that reflects your allied Archfaction (or a Subfaction within it).  Furthermore, you may not have a Loyalty higher than 0 for any other Archfaction.   

    • When submitting Loyalty Boons, a photograph of the required prop needs to be attached to the email and/or emailed separately to Game Staff.

  • Promotion to Paragon: 5 Subtiers

Loyalty Tier 5 -- Paragon of the Archfaction

You are a hero of the people and an exemplar of their values. When you speak, they listen. Even the leadership considers your wisdom to be of import. 

  • Benefit 1: As per Exalted above. In addition, you get a bonus Interim action that must be used to Request a Loyalty Boon from your Archfaction. You still cannot Request a Loyalty Boon more than once between Events and this still counts against the three Interim Action limit.  

  • Benefit 2: If the Player chooses to retire this character, they can ascend to an office of power among their people as an NPC under Game Staff control. For some scenarios or modules, Game Staff may request a Player to return as this Character to play a supporting role to the other Player Characters.

  • Requirements: You must wear and display a tabard, a cloak/coat/jacket, or a shield (or a similarly distinctive prop/clothing) that reflects your allied Archfaction (or a Subfaction within it). Similarly, you must have a banner or a flag of your Archfaction (or the Subfaction/Power Group that you serve) at your camp or your sleeping area. Multiple people can claim the same prop, so long as it fits their character’s allegiances. Furthermore, you may not have a Loyalty higher than 0 for any other Archfaction.   

    • When submitting Loyalty Boons, a photograph of the required prop needs to be attached to the email and/or emailed separately to Game Staff.

  • Promotion: Subtiers are still recorded-- every 5 Subtiers, you are awarded a Rare component. 

Boons of Loyalty

Once per Event (as an Interim action), you can send an email to Game Staff and invoke one of the Loyalty Boons below. Higher tiers of Loyalty grant access to different and sometimes better Boons.

  • 1/Event: A Player may only benefit from a Loyalty Boon once per Event, regardless of how many Characters they have.

  • Interim Action: This is usually declared after an Event within the two week deadline as most Interim actions are.

  • Distinguished Perk: Characters attending an Event for the first time and have the Distinguished Perk may declare the use of a Loyalty Boon when they Pre-Register.

  • Cannot be saved up: Loyalty Boons cannot be stored or accrued. They are either declared after an Event (except as per above).

  • When submitting Loyalty Boons, a photograph of the required prop needs to be attached to the email and/or emailed separately to Game Staff.

However, a Player that does not physically attend an Event but paid for it (or bought it back) may have one of their Characters use a Loyalty Boon to get training or send letters, etc. Said Player Character must be able to use Loyalty Boons, have the necessary costs in their Character Bag, and have attended at least one BTF Event. The Loyalty Boon must be declared via email within two weeks after the Event has elapsed.

If a Participant buys an Event back well beyond the 2 week mark, they do not get to use a Boon of Loyalty.

 


Lesser Loyalty Boons

OPERATIVE (Tier 2) or higher: 1 Minor Component (any) 

PARAGONS (Tier 5) do not pay a Component cost.

  • Benefit: Affiliate your Guild to this Archfaction or a Subfaction within it.

    Requirements: You must present a signed document of the Guild’s membership, which must have at least 3 people and none of whom may be an Operative (or higher) to a different Archfaction.

  • Benefit: You or a Player Character within the Archfaction are granted the following - Gain or Upkeep one Basic item from the General Item list.

    Requirements: You must present the necessary prop for this to occur.

  • Benefit: When you perform an NPC shift of at least 3 hours, you may add one additional Basic Component to your total earned.

    Non-Attendance Benefit: For Players who are not physically attending an Event but are paying for it, this instead grants them 1 Basic Component (random).

  • Benefit: Spend your Craft-Ritual action for the Period of your arrival to gain 1 Basic Component or 5 Minor Components (Random). This may only be done at Sign-In.

  • Benefit: Send a 1 page letter (10 font minimum) to a Player Character or a Non-Player Character within this Archfaction.

 

Greater Loyalty Boons

GUARDIAN (Tier 3) or higher: 1 Basic Component

PARAGONS (Tier 5) do not pay a Component cost unless a cost is specified (e.g. Greater Boon of Education)

  • Benefit: You may grant 1 Subtier to an ally of lower Loyalty than you and your helpers. This counts against the Loyalty advancement limit for the Event. However, if this ally ever causes harm to the Archfaction or leaves it, this may reflect badly upon you.

    Requirements: 1 additional Greater Boon from a Player Character of the same Archfaction

  • Benefit: You or a Player Character within the Archfaction are granted the following - Gain or Upkeep up to three Basic items from the General Item List.

    Requirements: You must present the necessary props for this to occur.

  • Benefit: You or a Player Character within the Archfaction are granted one Basic or Expert Elixir of your Choice.

    Requirements: You must present the necessary props (if any) for this to occur.

  • Benefit: You gain Skill Training in one Complex Skill that you have access to. This only grants Training in one Skill for this particular Interim Action.

    Requirements    : This costs 3 Basic components (any) even to Paragons.

  • Benefit: You are temporarily granted the use of the Bond of Oaths skill for this Event. This may not be considered a prerequisite for anything.

    Requirements: You must present the necessary props for this to occur.

  • Benefit: Summon Auditors to assess an NPC or NPC group within the same Archfaction. Failure to find anything may send the Auditors back to you and those who helped you.

    Requirements: 2 additional Greater Boons from Player Characters of the same Archfaction

  • Benefit: You or a Player Character within the Archfaction are granted the following - Upkeep 1 Advanced Item. This replaces the Component Cost and Craft-Ritual action for doing so except for any Pure or Superior Components.

    Requirements: You must present the necessary prop for this to occur.

  • Benefit: Send a 1 page letter (10 font minimum) to a Player Character or a Non-Player Character within another Archfaction. The expected response will be no greater than one page, barring certain special situations.

 

Exalted Loyalty Boons

EXALTED (Tier 4) or higher: 1 Rare Component (any)

  • Benefit: You gain Skill Training in an Erudite Skill that you have access to. This only allows you to learn one Skill for this particular Interim Action.

    Requirements: This costs 3 Rare components instead of only one

  • Benefit: You are temporarily granted the use of the Bond of Oaths and the Bond of Command Skill for this Event. This may not be considered a prerequisite for anything.

    Requirements: You must present the necessary props for this to occur.

  • Benefit: You or a Player Character within the Archfaction are granted a Graft Stigmata if they are allowed to have one. The Illustrados Union has no access to Eidolonic Stigmata and the Temple has no access to Metabionic Stigmata. The Free Tribes have access to both but these cost one additional Rare component.

    Requirements: You must present the necessary props for this to occur. Furthermore, this costs 3 Rare components (any) instead of only one.

    This does not XP, but it only grants the Biology trait of that Stigmata and a subtype (but not a 2nd trait). E.G. It grants Necrotic Biology and Soul Reaver but not any of the Soul Reaver traits.

  • Benefit: As per Greater Boon of Inquisition, except that you do not need assistance from other members of your Archfaction.

  • Benefit: You are considered to have one instance of a Faction-specific Superior Component (e.g. Hyper-Refined Etherite or Flesh of the Empress) for the purposes of ONE Craft-Ritual action that you do or are a part of. This Boon is not available to the Free Tribes.

    Requirements: This costs 5 Pure components instead of only one Rare component.