[lonnarin]

Many of these PC rulers/organization heads have also been absent in game for so long that its a detriment to the subordinate followers of their hierarchy who lack guidance and regulation. Key positions of political power should not be enjoyed in absentia. If however, there was a set level of expectation of active participation in the campaign world where their status could be revoked after 2 months, as is stated in our rules to be done for WL status holders, it might stir up some realizable goals for the players who are still playing. One does not lead or rule the world from retirement.

If we want PC-Governing systems to work, the team must resolve to persistantly govern those PCs in government. Otherwise rumor-mongering and egos arise from the active player community who doesn't understand why a person they never met who hasn't logged in for more than half a year has some team-granted power over them. (and if that person was a team member at any point... oh the rumors and ill sentiment that arise there) This solution too poses the problem of infuriorating the former kings, nobles, hierophants, high wizards etc who come back after being stripped of their titles and call farce. The team would have to be very very careful to enforce its expectations to the very exact letter of the law that's written, else there will be accusations of favoritism. "hey, this guy was absent for 4 months and still has his title, while mine got stripped in exactly 2 months... what gives?" or "how come I don't get a quest to be king but he does?" or "How come I can't get wings no matter what, HE got them?" etc. It's a very tricky and volatile tightrope to tread in either scenario... PC vs NPC governments.

I would far prefer removing all kingships, nobility, political positions of power and spiritual leadership from all PCs and having them all regulated and controlled by NPCs under GM control. It's so much of a headache for the team to keep monitering and regulating these systems and the riots that break out from inter-player conflict. Imagine the storm that would ensue if a high priest excommunicated a clergyman for OOC, or that a King's nation was sacked while he was on a summer vacation in Europe. Ugh... I wouldn't want to get involved in that level of conflict... especially when IC political conflict becomes involved which could spill over into OOC political conflict.

I suggest that we have very clear rites of succession, standards of active participation and regulation of political PC leaders if we do go that route. IG politics are a great way to add more incentive to keep playing for a goal beyon levels, but man it can be a headache to maintain that system.