Can anybody enlighten me why we have 2 different Ferengi factions?

FEwe2

I was just wondering the other day. I've just finished re-watching the entire of DS9 and while the ongoing schism in the Ferengi culture was dealt with there in a few episodes, I really don't remember it being such a big deal.

Maybe I'm missing something, but it just seems a little odd that STT has decided that this is important enough that the Ferengi deserve two separate factions.... all the while while we are still missing a Borg faction. I even think there's probably a lot more justification of why a separate 'Vulcan' faction could exist rather than two for the Ferengi.

Anyway, it only bothers me a little... but still. Thoughts?

For Cardassia

It was a pretty big deal. Once Rom became Nagus and announced the changes he was making, it was pretty clear that a lot of Ferengi (including Quark with his Picard speech) were unhappy with what he did.

So yeah, by the end of DS9 there was a big schism in Ferengi culture. STT could have ignored that and I doubt anyone would complain, but this allowed for different kinds of stories, other characters to be associated to one or the other, and I don't see a problem with it.

Speckles the Destroyer of Worlds

The factions are just a mechanic to slow down leveling and increase the possibility of a player paying real money to try to speed it up. That explains why so many characters have such a baffling variety and quantity of faction items that have nothing to do with anything based in canon.

When everything else fails, blame the evils of the game on everything revolving around loot boxes and rng.

Travis S McClain

At the time of launch, this was actually one of the more interesting story ideas in the game, even setting up the plot for Episode 4. I liked that it looked at where we left off in the 24th Century and extrapolated from that what could have come next, not unlike that messy period where there were two Popes (one in France, one in Rome). Plus, it gave the Kazon something mildly worthwhile to do for a change.

The significance of the splitting of the Ferengi has been undermined, however, by a few things:

1. Though there are two Factions, all Ferengi simply have the Ferengi Trait, meaning the affiliation of any Ferengi in your crew is irrelevant. In effect, they're a default monolithic group. Contrast with, say, Klingons and Cardassians, who are Klingons and Cardassians biologically, but some are in the Klingon Empire or Cardassian Union and others are in the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance, because that's where their political/legal status is.

Solution: Add Ferengi Alliance and Ferengi Traditionalist traits, and then do something with them!

2. The event "Rule 125" directly addressed the matter, telling us that a lot of Ferengi, like a lot of players, felt the civil war was stupid and asked us to resolve it. I can't remember what the end result was and the Wiki doesn't seem to have made note of it, either, but even if it was a draw, that was an awfully explicit acknowledgment that the fracture has run its shelf life...and that event ran last January.

Solution: Either declare a final winner and consolidate the two factions, or resurrect the schism in a stronger capacity. Personally, I think it's way past time that the militarized Ferengi from TNG (you know, all those DaiMons with their uniformed crews and energy whips) were brought into the game. They'd be SEC heavier than the Alliance Ferengi, and would help establish a recognizable identity to the Traditionalists.

Gogus

Thank you for these insights. I had not considered these perspectives.

Pallidyne

Travis S McClain wrote: »

At the time of launch, this was actually one of the more interesting story ideas in the game, even setting up the plot for Episode 4. I liked that it looked at where we left off in the 24th Century and extrapolated from that what could have come next, not unlike that messy period where there were two Popes (one in France, one in Rome). Plus, it gave the Kazon something mildly worthwhile to do for a change.

The significance of the splitting of the Ferengi has been undermined, however, by a few things:

1. Though there are two Factions, all Ferengi simply have the Ferengi Trait, meaning the affiliation of any Ferengi in your crew is irrelevant. In effect, they're a default monolithic group. Contrast with, say, Klingons and Cardassians, who are Klingons and Cardassians biologically, but some are in the Klingon Empire or Cardassian Union and others are in the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance, because that's where their political/legal status is.

Solution: Add Ferengi Alliance and Ferengi Traditionalist traits, and then do something with them!

2. The event "Rule 125" directly addressed the matter, telling us that a lot of Ferengi, like a lot of players, felt the civil war was stupid and asked us to resolve it. I can't remember what the end result was and the Wiki doesn't seem to have made note of it, either, but even if it was a draw, that was an awfully explicit acknowledgment that the fracture has run its shelf life...and that event ran last January.

Solution: Either declare a final winner and consolidate the two factions, or resurrect the schism in a stronger capacity. Personally, I think it's way past time that the militarized Ferengi from TNG (you know, all those DaiMons with their uniformed crews and energy whips) were brought into the game. They'd be SEC heavier than the Alliance Ferengi, and would help establish a recognizable identity to the Traditionalists.

The Alliance beat the Traditionalists in Rule 125 and though not completely disbanded they were significantly less powerful. They tried get some good publicity despite this lack of power in a later event where they sponsored Dancing Uhura in the Isthmian Games. After that it feels like DB forgot that Rule 125 ever happened.

Travis S McClain

Pallidyne wrote: »

Travis S McClain wrote: »

At the time of launch, this was actually one of the more interesting story ideas in the game, even setting up the plot for Episode 4. I liked that it looked at where we left off in the 24th Century and extrapolated from that what could have come next, not unlike that messy period where there were two Popes (one in France, one in Rome). Plus, it gave the Kazon something mildly worthwhile to do for a change.

The significance of the splitting of the Ferengi has been undermined, however, by a few things:

1. Though there are two Factions, all Ferengi simply have the Ferengi Trait, meaning the affiliation of any Ferengi in your crew is irrelevant. In effect, they're a default monolithic group. Contrast with, say, Klingons and Cardassians, who are Klingons and Cardassians biologically, but some are in the Klingon Empire or Cardassian Union and others are in the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance, because that's where their political/legal status is.

Solution: Add Ferengi Alliance and Ferengi Traditionalist traits, and then do something with them!

2. The event "Rule 125" directly addressed the matter, telling us that a lot of Ferengi, like a lot of players, felt the civil war was stupid and asked us to resolve it. I can't remember what the end result was and the Wiki doesn't seem to have made note of it, either, but even if it was a draw, that was an awfully explicit acknowledgment that the fracture has run its shelf life...and that event ran last January.

Solution: Either declare a final winner and consolidate the two factions, or resurrect the schism in a stronger capacity. Personally, I think it's way past time that the militarized Ferengi from TNG (you know, all those DaiMons with their uniformed crews and energy whips) were brought into the game. They'd be SEC heavier than the Alliance Ferengi, and would help establish a recognizable identity to the Traditionalists.

The Alliance beat the Traditionalists in Rule 125 and though not completely disbanded they were significantly less powerful. They tried get some good publicity despite this lack of power in a later event where they sponsored Dancing Uhura in the Isthmian Games. After that it feels like DB forgot that Rule 125 ever happened.

Interestingly, "Rule 125" is the next Faction Event in line to be replayed, unless they go back to "Dictators, Unite!", which they skipped to move on to "War Interrupted 2" two weeks ago. They could also, of course, go back and do another replay of anything else first, so it's hard to guess along with any confidence.

Hungry Dog DDM

This reminds me of another question. Why isn't an in game achievement to reach "Honored" status among the given factions? That seems like an easy one to give us.

[FF] Vice Admiral Nairne

I thought it was more than a little bizarre that Rule 125 didn't end with the two factions becoming one, thus opening up a slot for a Unimatrix Zero faction. Might be a fun topic for a Ferengi-themed mega-event at some point in the future.

For Cardassia

[FF] Vice Admiral Nairne wrote: »

I thought it was more than a little bizarre that Rule 125 didn't end with the two factions becoming one, thus opening up a slot for a Unimatrix Zero faction. Might be a fun topic for a Ferengi-themed mega-event at some point in the future.

I'd love a Ferengi Mega. We need more Brunt, and all the Magnificent Ferengi. Not to mention Moogie!

Althea Biermont

Hungry Dog wrote: »

This reminds me of another question. Why isn't an in game achievement to reach "Honored" status among the given factions? That seems like an easy one to give us.

Agreed. There could be 15 levels to the Achievement. One for each Faction and then a final one if you do all 14 factions.

Hungry Dog DDM

Althea Biermont wrote: »

Hungry Dog wrote: »

This reminds me of another question. Why isn't an in game achievement to reach "Honored" status among the given factions? That seems like an easy one to give us.

Agreed. There could be 15 levels to the Achievement. One for each Faction and then a final one if you do all 14 factions.

Yes, exactly that.

Travis S McClain

For Cardassia wrote: »

[FF] Vice Admiral Nairne wrote: »

I thought it was more than a little bizarre that Rule 125 didn't end with the two factions becoming one, thus opening up a slot for a Unimatrix Zero faction. Might be a fun topic for a Ferengi-themed mega-event at some point in the future.

I'd love a Ferengi Mega. We need more Brunt, and all the Magnificent Ferengi. Not to mention Moogie!

I'm down! Plenty of prolific DS9 Ferengi left to add, and as I mentioned earlier, we presently have no TNG Ferengi. Surely those two knuckleheads who ended up in the Delta Quadrant ought to be added eventually.

I do draw the line at the three Ferengi from that ridiculous episode of ENT, though. That was one of the most misguided attempts at fan service in the franchise. It's bad enough that episode is represented by Rescuer Tucker.

For Cardassia

Travis S McClain wrote: »

For Cardassia wrote: »

[FF] Vice Admiral Nairne wrote: »

I thought it was more than a little bizarre that Rule 125 didn't end with the two factions becoming one, thus opening up a slot for a Unimatrix Zero faction. Might be a fun topic for a Ferengi-themed mega-event at some point in the future.

I'd love a Ferengi Mega. We need more Brunt, and all the Magnificent Ferengi. Not to mention Moogie!

I'm down! Plenty of prolific DS9 Ferengi left to add, and as I mentioned earlier, we presently have no TNG Ferengi. Surely those two knuckleheads who ended up in the Delta Quadrant ought to be added eventually.

I do draw the line at the three Ferengi from that ridiculous episode of ENT, though. That was one of the most misguided attempts at fan service in the franchise. It's bad enough that episode is represented by Rescuer Tucker.

I simply can't complain about underwear Tucker. But yeah, that episode was really contrived, and fairly annoying.

We do have Reyga for TNG Ferengi, but we need more Dai'mons and such.

The two DQ Ferengi would also be good, since we already have GP Neelix.

Admiral_Morak

The most significant issue I see with changing up the factions is the work required to shake up the faction components.

Seriously, we haven't seen a time portal update in how long? I can't imagine them investing the man hours they'd need to rework the shuttle drop tables.

Average Guy

Althea Biermont wrote: »

Hungry Dog wrote: »

This reminds me of another question. Why isn't an in game achievement to reach "Honored" status among the given factions? That seems like an easy one to give us.

Agreed. There could be 15 levels to the Achievement. One for each Faction and then a final one if you do all 14 factions.

It would be good to get a reward but I have logged in on numerous occasions and found DB playing with a new blank faction on my faction page. Even tried to load it once but got timed out. They could make it a collection so that way could add more factions at any time.

Travis S McClain

Admiral_Morak wrote: »

The most significant issue I see with changing up the factions is the work required to shake up the faction components.

Seriously, we haven't seen a time portal update in how long? I can't imagine them investing the man hours they'd need to rework the shuttle drop tables.

Three words: "Ferengi Distress Calls".

Zann Calcore (ISA)

There could be three Ferengi factions for all I care, just so long as they include a Borg faction as well. Seriously though, I don’t have any kind of problem with there being two Ferengi factions. After all, it lets us have stories with Rom on both sides and ends up mirroring the show in that way. There’s the Rom that tries to kill his brother and take over the bar, and then there’s the Rom that likes root beer, the Federation, and equality for females.

I’d love to see a few more factions installed in the game, but most especially the Borg, as I think they’re one of the only major groups from the show that isn’t represented as its own faction in the game.

Jim Steele

Average Guy wrote: »

It would be good to get a reward but I have logged in on numerous occasions and found DB playing with a new blank faction on my faction page. Even tried to load it once but got timed out. They could make it a collection so that way could add more factions at any time.

That just occurs after an event. A blank faction is created in order to keep track of VP difficulty and the like.

al103

Zann Calcore wrote: »

There could be three Ferengi factions for all I care, just so long as they include a Borg faction as well.

Borg Faction do not make sense as what we have a factions is people who are at least theoretically can be dealt with. Borgs... Borgs are not faction that does diplomacy, so they always be enemy on the background, but not potential ally. It's much harder justify faction like that than to justify crew.

So we will never get Borg faction. And that's a good thing because "Borg Faction Store" is such **tsk tsk**...

PS. Borg-themed Episode though would've been awesome. Would you join Federation and Deprogramm drones? Would you join Cardassians in attempt to control and enslave them? Would you join Augments and use them as research subjects on long term man-machine interfacing? Or would you joing Klingons and Hirogen to destroy those pests? That would've been nice.

K Han Solo Ng & Thank4 All Dtea

Althea Biermont wrote: »

Hungry Dog wrote: »

This reminds me of another question. Why isn't an in game achievement to reach "Honored" status among the given factions? That seems like an easy one to give us.

Agreed. There could be 15 levels to the Achievement. One for each Faction and then a final one if you do all 14 factions.

Same could apply to rewards for two star four star and five star ships completely leveled.

Average Guy

Jim Steele wrote: »

Average Guy wrote: »

It would be good to get a reward but I have logged in on numerous occasions and found DB playing with a new blank faction on my faction page. Even tried to load it once but got timed out. They could make it a collection so that way could add more factions at any time.

That just occurs after an event. A blank faction is created in order to keep track of VP difficulty and the like.

Thanks for clarifying that for me. I will stop getting too exited whenever I see it so I don't get my hopes too high.

(HGH)Apollo

Cause ferengi are awesome!

Zann Calcore (ISA)

al103 wrote: »

Zann Calcore wrote: »

There could be three Ferengi factions for all I care, just so long as they include a Borg faction as well.

Borg Faction do not make sense as what we have a factions is people who are at least theoretically can be dealt with. Borgs... Borgs are not faction that does diplomacy, so they always be enemy on the background, but not potential ally. It's much harder justify faction like that than to justify crew.

So we will never get Borg faction. And that's a good thing because "Borg Faction Store" is such *chocolate cronut*...

PS. Borg-themed Episode though would've been awesome. Would you join Federation and Deprogramm drones? Would you join Cardassians in attempt to control and enslave them? Would you join Augments and use them as research subjects on long term man-machine interfacing? Or would you joing Klingons and Hirogen to destroy those pests? That would've been nice.

Actually I and at least a few other players disagree with you. They’re perfectly capable of being a faction and there are plenty of Borg characters and components to fill such a faction store. This is off-topic though as there’s another thread somewhere that about exactly this.

I agree with @(HGH)Apollo that the Ferengi are awesome.

al103

Zann Calcore wrote: »

Actually I and at least a few other players disagree with you. They’re perfectly capable of being a faction and there are plenty of Borg characters and components to fill such a faction store. This is off-topic though as there’s another thread somewhere that about exactly this.

If you consider game mechanical component and crew generator? Yes. If you care about story at least a little bit? No. Because diplomacy with Borg don't make any sense. "YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED!" (C)

Well, maybe Free Borg faction or something - but I await "NOT CANON!!!!!!!111111" whine about that if it will happen.

Magisse

al103 wrote: »

If you consider game mechanical component and crew generator? Yes. If you care about story at least a little bit? No. Because diplomacy with Borg don't make any sense. "YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED!" (C)

As I've said before, they're all ready to run a store with these slogans!

-Assimilate these bargains!
-Add our technological distinctiveness to your own, for less!
-Can’t beat our selection, it’s futile!
-Lower your shields, and surrender to these deals!
-Non-haggle pricing; negotiation is irrelevant.
-Countless millions served.

Data1001

al103 wrote: »

Zann Calcore wrote: »

Actually I and at least a few other players disagree with you. They’re perfectly capable of being a faction and there are plenty of Borg characters and components to fill such a faction store. This is off-topic though as there’s another thread somewhere that about exactly this.

If you consider game mechanical component and crew generator? Yes. If you care about story at least a little bit? No. Because diplomacy with Borg don't make any sense. "YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED!" (C)

Well, maybe Free Borg faction or something - but I await "NOT CANON!!!!!!!111111" whine about that if it will happen.

Unimatrix Zero and the resulting Borg resistance led by a former drone (the Klingon Korok), is very much canon.

Zann Calcore (ISA)

al103 wrote: »

Zann Calcore wrote: »

Actually I and at least a few other players disagree with you. They’re perfectly capable of being a faction and there are plenty of Borg characters and components to fill such a faction store. This is off-topic though as there’s another thread somewhere that about exactly this.

If you consider game mechanical component and crew generator? Yes. If you care about story at least a little bit? No. Because diplomacy with Borg don't make any sense. "YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED!" (C)

Well, maybe Free Borg faction or something - but I await "NOT CANON!!!!!!!111111" whine about that if it will happen.

I’m just going to assume from now on that you’ve never watched any of Voyager.

@Data1001 makes a valid point as well. It’s also info from Voyager though.

@Magisse I love the slogans. The Borg Dollar Store needs more though. Maybe something like “We assimilate the competition!”.

Emcam

Data1001 wrote: »

al103 wrote: »

Zann Calcore wrote: »

Actually I and at least a few other players disagree with you. They’re perfectly capable of being a faction and there are plenty of Borg characters and components to fill such a faction store. This is off-topic though as there’s another thread somewhere that about exactly this.

If you consider game mechanical component and crew generator? Yes. If you care about story at least a little bit? No. Because diplomacy with Borg don't make any sense. "YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED!" (C)

Well, maybe Free Borg faction or something - but I await "NOT CANON!!!!!!!111111" whine about that if it will happen.

Unimatrix Zero and the resulting Borg resistance led by a former drone (the Klingon Korok), is very much canon.

This.

I'd be all for a ferengi mega event resulting with the unification of the ferengi factions, followed by the creation of a Borg event and creation of a Unimatrix Zero faction.

Ok, I've got both ferengi factions starred by now, but as there's no achievement for that - fuse away!

Oh and, I want my Moogie

Travis S McClain

In summation, I'm all in favor of either consolidating the two Ferengi factions or further developing the rift between them.

I'm largely indifferent to a Borg faction center, but I suppose if it came down to taking votes from us, I'd go along with it. Hell, I'm already sending my Starfleet officers to torture people for the Terran Empire and convincing people that my Borg Queen means them no harm, unlike the allasomorph Borg Queen that just looted their base. Why not help the Borg assimilate a planet or two? If the right items drop from those missions, I'll sacrifice a few billion people. I may not be proud of it, but I'll do it!

Dirk Gunderson

Travis S McClain wrote: »

In summation, I'm all in favor of either consolidating the two Ferengi factions or further developing the rift between them.

I'm largely indifferent to a Borg faction center, but I suppose if it came down to taking votes from us, I'd go along with it. Hell, I'm already sending my Starfleet officers to torture people for the Terran Empire and convincing people that my Borg Queen means them no harm, unlike the allasomorph Borg Queen that just looted their base. Why not help the Borg assimilate a planet or two? If the right items drop from those missions, I'll sacrifice a few billion people. I may not be proud of it, but I'll do it!

This post reminds me of some comments I saw on a Facebook post for some Wild West-themed game: