Lineage Update - Revision history

Matt at 12:54, 28 September 2022

2022-09-28T12:54:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 28 September 2022
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	~~<!--~~
	==Lineage and Species Prejudice==		==Lineage and Species Prejudice==
	We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.		We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.
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	Our goal is to look at that feedback and then finalise changes to the lineage and species pages as quickly as possible. Such changes may take time, depending on the number of conversations that we are able to have with players about these issues. We want to make sure that we have heard from as many people as possible before we go ahead and change the setting.		Our goal is to look at that feedback and then finalise changes to the lineage and species pages as quickly as possible. Such changes may take time, depending on the number of conversations that we are able to have with players about these issues. We want to make sure that we have heard from as many people as possible before we go ahead and change the setting.
	~~-->~~

Matt at 08:27, 17 April 2022

2022-04-17T08:27:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:27, 17 April 2022
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			<!--
	==Lineage and Species Prejudice==		==Lineage and Species Prejudice==
	We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.		We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.
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	Our goal is to look at that feedback and then finalise changes to the lineage and species pages as quickly as possible. Such changes may take time, depending on the number of conversations that we are able to have with players about these issues. We want to make sure that we have heard from as many people as possible before we go ahead and change the setting.		Our goal is to look at that feedback and then finalise changes to the lineage and species pages as quickly as possible. Such changes may take time, depending on the number of conversations that we are able to have with players about these issues. We want to make sure that we have heard from as many people as possible before we go ahead and change the setting.
			-->

Matt at 12:50, 10 April 2022

2022-04-10T12:50:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:50, 10 April 2022
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	--


	==Lineage and Species Prejudice==		==Lineage and Species Prejudice==
	We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.		We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.

Matt at 12:10, 10 April 2022

2022-04-10T12:10:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:10, 10 April 2022
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	~~Hi Beth,~~		--

	I'm sorry to contact you again, but I just wanted to follow up my last email with a personal apology. I've made a mistake by attempting to draft changes to the game and then review those changes with a small number of POC participants. That has put us in a situation where we don't now have any text that meets with general approval.

	What I should have done was reach out to the players affected by this issue and had the conversation with them before I attempted to draft anything. That was what we did with the changes to cultural appropriate in Urizen, as well as with the conduct and accessibility updates. I didn't do that - I attempted to rush the process and I'm conscious that I've let you down by doing that. For that I really do want to apologize.

	In terms of going forwards this remains the next major challenge that PD want to address to improve Empire. We desperately want to have a conversation with POC participants - and only with them - and we want to set that up after the first event. Then we can draft some changes to the game based on what is said in those conversations and implement it.

	Obviously I would love you to be involved in that process - the feedback you have given me on this issue has been really important to us. But I do understand if you feel you don't want to be any part of that, given the situation.

	~~Matt Pennington,~~
	~~PD.~~

	---

Matt at 12:10, 10 April 2022

2022-04-10T12:10:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:10, 10 April 2022
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			Hi Beth,

			I'm sorry to contact you again, but I just wanted to follow up my last email with a personal apology. I've made a mistake by attempting to draft changes to the game and then review those changes with a small number of POC participants. That has put us in a situation where we don't now have any text that meets with general approval.

			What I should have done was reach out to the players affected by this issue and had the conversation with them before I attempted to draft anything. That was what we did with the changes to cultural appropriate in Urizen, as well as with the conduct and accessibility updates. I didn't do that - I attempted to rush the process and I'm conscious that I've let you down by doing that. For that I really do want to apologize.

			In terms of going forwards this remains the next major challenge that PD want to address to improve Empire. We desperately want to have a conversation with POC participants - and only with them - and we want to set that up after the first event. Then we can draft some changes to the game based on what is said in those conversations and implement it.

			Obviously I would love you to be involved in that process - the feedback you have given me on this issue has been really important to us. But I do understand if you feel you don't want to be any part of that, given the situation.

			Matt Pennington,
			PD.

			---


	==Lineage and Species Prejudice==		==Lineage and Species Prejudice==
	We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.		We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.

Matt: /* Key Changes */

2022-04-10T11:27:25Z

Key Changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:27, 10 April 2022
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	We've shifted the focus with a number of plots we've identified that had elements where the parallels with real world racism were a problem. Some of those plots will continue with a different tone, approach and direction going forwards. With others, we will quickly conclude whatever story was playing out and create something new from there. Some plots, like the one involving flowers growing from briar bark, will continue, but we've taken steps to clear up confusion on what was happening in that plot. Going forward, we will make more effort to be aware of the potential impact that these plots can have and try to ensure that we stay further away from expressions of conflict that too closely parallel recent experiences with racism.		We've shifted the focus with a number of plots we've identified that had elements where the parallels with real world racism were a problem. Some of those plots will continue with a different tone, approach and direction going forwards. With others, we will quickly conclude whatever story was playing out and create something new from there. Some plots, like the one involving flowers growing from briar bark, will continue, but we've taken steps to clear up confusion on what was happening in that plot. Going forward, we will make more effort to be aware of the potential impact that these plots can have and try to ensure that we stay further away from expressions of conflict that too closely parallel recent experiences with racism.

	We've updated the language section of the wiki to make explicit that players must not use phrases that echo real world racism, like "a briar in the woodpile", ~~nor use the word "racist" to describe other characters in the setting or their actions.~~ Neither briars nor orcs are meant to be exact parallels of real world race~~. Some characters are prejudiced against briars or orcs - so you can call someone prejudiced if~~ it ~~makes sense~~ in-character~~. But using the word racist~~ to ~~describe another character heightens the comparison with real world experience and more importantly risks trivialising something that is profoundly important in real life by using it~~ in the game.		We've updated the language section of the wiki to make explicit that players must not use phrases that echo real world racism, like "a briar in the woodpile", Neither briars nor orcs are meant to be exact parallels of real world race and it's not a appropriate to create in-character equivalents to those phrases in the game.

	The next step we are going to take is to update each of the lineage and species pages for the nations. The current pages are often clumsily written and in a few cases contain sweeping requirements to be prejudiced in-character. We are going to review these pages and make changes to the material as well as the way it is presented. All these pages have now been stubbed, to show that the page is under review. The pages currently represent what many characters from that setting believe, but such views are being contested and characters are free to make their own choices.		The next step we are going to take is to update each of the lineage and species pages for the nations. The current pages are often clumsily written and in a few cases contain sweeping requirements to be prejudiced in-character. We are going to review these pages and make changes to the material as well as the way it is presented. All these pages have now been stubbed, to show that the page is under review. The pages currently represent what many characters from that setting believe, but such views are being contested and characters are free to make their own choices.

Mimtron: /* Feedback */

2022-04-10T11:26:41Z

Feedback

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:26, 10 April 2022
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	===Feedback===		===Feedback===
	We have stopped short of making major changes to the lineage and species pages precisely because we want to get feedback and input from as many ~~POC~~ players as possible before we take the final step to enact definitive changes to the game. We are also keen to hear from LGBTQ+ and ~~neuro-divergent~~ players because we know that elements of lineage in particular have resonance for real life experiences they have. We want to hear from any player whose real life identity is relevant to the way they have ~~experiences~~ lineage and species in Empire, whether that experience has been positive or negative.		We have stopped short of making major changes to the lineage and species pages precisely because we want to get feedback and input from as many PoC players as possible before we take the final step to enact definitive changes to the game. We are also keen to hear from LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse players, because we know that elements of lineage in particular have resonance for real life experiences they have. We want to hear from any player whose real life identity is relevant to the way they have experienced lineage and species in Empire, whether that experience has been positive or negative.

	Our goal is to look at that feedback and then ~~finalize~~ changes to the lineage and species pages as quickly as possible. Such changes may take time, depending on the number of conversations that are able to have with players about these issues. We want to make sure that we have heard from as many people as possible before go ahead and change the setting.		Our goal is to look at that feedback and then finalise changes to the lineage and species pages as quickly as possible. Such changes may take time, depending on the number of conversations that we are able to have with players about these issues. We want to make sure that we have heard from as many people as possible before we go ahead and change the setting.

Mimtron: /* IC Reasoning */

2022-04-10T11:25:29Z

IC Reasoning

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:25, 10 April 2022
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	The in-character reason that the setting is changing is an Empire-wide response to a number of important statements of principle passed at the last event by the Imperial Synod. As a consequence of that, many inhabitants of the Empire are re-examining old prejudices, and reconsidering previous views. We would encourage any player who wants their character to have been part of this response to adapt their characterisation accordingly.		The in-character reason that the setting is changing is an Empire-wide response to a number of important statements of principle passed at the last event by the Imperial Synod. As a consequence of that, many inhabitants of the Empire are re-examining old prejudices, and reconsidering previous views. We would encourage any player who wants their character to have been part of this response to adapt their characterisation accordingly.

	Normally we would respond to a statement in the general assembly that achieved a greater majority with a ~~wind~~ of ~~fortune~~, some plot and some possible mandates. On this occasion we've skipped those steps and gone straight to the in-character consequences. ~~Obviously this~~ should be understood to be an out-of-character decision that Profound Decisions have taken, it's not appropriate to criticise the characters involved for starting these changes in ~~anyway~~. Nor is this something that could be reversed by in-character action.		Normally we would respond to a statement in the general assembly that achieved a greater majority with a Wind of Fortune, some plot and some possible mandates. On this occasion we've skipped those steps and gone straight to the in-character consequences. This should be understood to be an out-of-character decision that Profound Decisions have taken - it's not appropriate to criticise the characters involved for starting these changes in any way. Nor is this something that could be reversed by in-character action.

	Because this is an out-of-character change to the game, it is not acceptable for players to ~~deliberate~~ push an agenda to preserve prejudice against orcs or briars. We're not requiring anyone to change their character at this stage, but we do not want an "increase in conflict" around these issues in the game - that would violate the spirit of these changes to the game. The appropriate in-character response is to allow these issues to become less prominent as the Empire embraces wider perspectives.		Because this is an out-of-character change to the game, it is not acceptable for players to deliberately push an agenda to preserve prejudice against orcs or briars. We're not requiring anyone to change their character at this stage, but we do not want an "increase in conflict" around these issues in the game - that would violate the spirit of these changes to the game. The appropriate in-character response is to allow these issues to become less prominent as the Empire embraces wider perspectives.

	===Feedback===		===Feedback===

Mimtron: /* Key Changes */

2022-04-10T11:20:08Z

Key Changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:20, 10 April 2022
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	===Key Changes===		===Key Changes===
	We've shifted the focus with a number of plots ~~that~~ we've identified that had elements where the parallels with real world racism were a problem. Some of those plots will continue with a different tone, approach and direction going forwards. With others we will quickly conclude whatever story was playing out and create something new from there. Some plots, like the one involving flowers growing from briar bark will continue, but we've taken steps to clear up confusion on what was happening in that plot. Going ~~forwards~~ we will make more effort to be aware of the potential impact that these plots can have and try to ensure that we stay further away from expressions of conflict that too closely parallel recent experiences with racism.		We've shifted the focus with a number of plots we've identified that had elements where the parallels with real world racism were a problem. Some of those plots will continue with a different tone, approach and direction going forwards. With others, we will quickly conclude whatever story was playing out and create something new from there. Some plots, like the one involving flowers growing from briar bark, will continue, but we've taken steps to clear up confusion on what was happening in that plot. Going forward, we will make more effort to be aware of the potential impact that these plots can have and try to ensure that we stay further away from expressions of conflict that too closely parallel recent experiences with racism.

	We've updated the language section of the wiki to make explicit that players must not use phrases that echo real world racism, like "a briar in the woodpile", nor use the word "racist" to describe other characters in the setting or their actions. Neither briars nor orcs are meant to be exact parallels of real world race. Some characters are prejudiced against briars or orcs so you can call someone prejudiced if it makes sense in-character. But using the word racist to describe another character heightens the comparison with real world experience and more importantly risks trivialising something that is profoundly important in real life by using it in the game.		We've updated the language section of the wiki to make explicit that players must not use phrases that echo real world racism, like "a briar in the woodpile", nor use the word "racist" to describe other characters in the setting or their actions. Neither briars nor orcs are meant to be exact parallels of real world race. Some characters are prejudiced against briars or orcs - so you can call someone prejudiced if it makes sense in-character. But using the word racist to describe another character heightens the comparison with real world experience and more importantly risks trivialising something that is profoundly important in real life by using it in the game.

	The step ~~that~~ we are going to take ~~next~~ is to update each of the lineage and species pages for the nations. The current pages are often clumsily written and in a few cases contain sweeping requirements to be prejudiced in-character. We are going to review these pages and make changes to the material as well as the way it is presented. All these pages have now been stubbed, to show that the page is under review. The pages currently represent what many characters from that setting believe, but such views are being contested and characters are free to make their own choices.		The next step we are going to take is to update each of the lineage and species pages for the nations. The current pages are often clumsily written and in a few cases contain sweeping requirements to be prejudiced in-character. We are going to review these pages and make changes to the material as well as the way it is presented. All these pages have now been stubbed, to show that the page is under review. The pages currently represent what many characters from that setting believe, but such views are being contested and characters are free to make their own choices.

	===IC Reasoning===		===IC Reasoning===

Mimtron: /* Lineage and Species Prejudice */

2022-04-10T11:16:58Z

Lineage and Species Prejudice

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 10 April 2022
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	==Lineage and Species Prejudice==		==Lineage and Species Prejudice==
	We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.		We are going to update the setting and the rules to try to reduce the unwanted parallels between prejudice and discrimination in the setting and real world racism. We have implemented changes to ongoing plot lines and to the rules for language use in the game. In the coming months, we are going to carry out a full review of all the lineage and species pages on the wiki, with the goal of reducing direct parallels with harmful experiences in the real world.

	===Reasoning===		===Reasoning===