As promised, Elysani and I have reviewed your prize closet concerns with both SGM Galene and PM Wyrom, as they were an integral component to the MHO redesign. The general consensus is that prize closets are not functioning as designed and are well beyond the original intent. We've come up with a short-term compromise, giving everyone a bit more notice to deal with this change. The new process is outlined below. While prize closets were meant to hold prizes to hand out at events, they were not intended to be the only, nor even the main means of prizes. Reducing the prize closets to something more reasonable and less prone to potential abuse does not mean an MHO won't have prizes for events; it means they will have to return to previous means of doing so (which several MHOs have always continued to do) -- that is by purchasing items, getting donations, etc.
Also, these changes are not meant to be a slap in the face to anyone, although I can understand how it can feel that way. We recognize you have done a lot for the lands and the community, and we appreciate it greatly. Fixing something that is broken is just that...fixing something. It's not a judgment on anyone.
Prize Closets: 2021 and Beyond:
* Prominent Tier -- will receive a prize closet with access to 1 insignia item
* Renowned Tier -- will receive a prize closet with access to 5 items. 4 can be any non-scripted, non-combat item (such as commemorative pieces for annual events or items from the new prize closet list (still in process). The fifth is reserved for insignia items. You can have more than 1 insignia item, but it will count toward your 5. As soon as the new list is designed, we will announce it.
* Grandfathering: Twenty-five (25) items will be allowed to be grandfathered. These can only be non-combat, non-scripted items or pre-existing items in your closet that are non-combat and scripted and also are included on the new allowable prize closet list. This will give you up to a total of 30 items in your grandfathered closet (25 grandfathered + the new 5)
* 2020 Lists: Elysani and I will honor this year's list submissions that are still in process. If you had not submitted, submit yours prior to October 1, 2020 to gs4-mho@play.net. We will get these in your closet ASAP, but bear in mind, we're hitting Ebon Gate season, so we'll work as hard as we can to get them done by December 1.
* Implementation: On April 1, 2021, prize closets will be temporarily closed. I will go through each MHO's closet, get it to standards, and re-open as quickly as possible. We're giving you the entire first quarter of 2021 to use your new 2020 items as well as items built up over the years. They should still be used according to the requirements laid out in the MHO Guide, of course, and not stockpiled, etc. I will work with each MHO on choosing their grandfathered items.
* Demotions: Any MHO that is demoted under the new system will lose their grandfathered prize closet as well
* Future: We are going to avoid future feature creep as much as possible, but after we get this system in place and fully functioning from a 'behind-the-scenes' standpoint, we can and will look at other opportunities that can add in incentives to maintain Renowned Tier and activities without being GM time intensive or going beyond the scope and intent of MHOs.
Again, I want to emphasize how much we appreciate all of you. It is no easy task to run an MHO, and we understand that. What you bring to Elanthia is wonderful, and we're grateful for you.
--Xynwen--
World Team, MHO GM
>Emails for MHO business should go to GS4-MHO@PLAY.NET
"My real name is Mephistopheles, but you can call me baby"
