howyadoin [2031433] —
Original article
In the latest edition of Faction Focus, we sit down with Subversive Alliance leader Midknight to discuss the past, present and future of the faction.
In this week’s Faction Focus, Subversive Alliance leader Midknight emerges from the shadows to speak about the Top 10 Hall of Fame faction, including its growth, goals and what’s in store for the future.
Pictured: Shrouded in his classic hoodie, Midknight speaks to TCT from the subversive shadows.
Subversive Alliance was created in 2008 when the Viking Legacy and CBB factions merged, with the new outfit being formed as a sister faction to HT. Current SA leader Midknight says that this allegiance was crucial, as given the hostile nature of the HoF at the time, it allowed SA to become strong enough to fend off the wolves when HT finally fell.
Today, Subversive Alliance are sixth in the Hall of Fame table for respect. With a score of 6,132,969 as of the 18th of August 2019, you could be forgiven for thinking that this exalted position is the result of grinding - but that could not be further from the truth. Subversive Alliance respects the time of its members far too much to turn their Torn time into a chore, and this is just one of the reasons why they've remained successful many years after their establishment.
“We treat chaining as a tool to keep members motivated. We don't do much ‘farm’ chaining because we don't believe in reducing Torn into Farmville. So, our guys really let loose and use chains as a chance to really bash up their blacklists while gaining the faction some extra respect.”
By avoiding such bland activities and keeping their members active and feeling useful, Subversive Alliance has managed to stay relevant and powerful for a long time. Midknight suggests that both of these adjectives are equally important, describing SA as having "competitive longevity", rather than being one of those factions that hang around for years trading on past glories.
"Only one other faction has maintained the level of competitiveness SA has, for as long as SA has (JFK). Also being the number one Xanax usage faction shows how dedicated we are to member growth.”
Pictured: Competition is fierce, even when it comes to graffiti.
SA didn’t start out as the powerhouse it is today, though, and like every successful faction, they've had their fair share of drama along the way.
"No faction has ever posed a threat to SA's existence as far as I know and we've been fighting the best factions in Torn since before I ever joined 8 years ago. We were however the first faction to be bombed to 0 respect by Misch3vo! in an attempt to wipe us out after 3 DBs back to back to back but we survived thanks to the drive of the members to keep gaining alarming amounts of respect even when radiated to death."
Events like this often prove crucial to the development of the best HoF factions, and Subversive Alliance has proved as much by clawing its way up through the ranks, having learned greatly from the harsh lessons delivered by challenge and adversity.
“I think every faction goes thru growing pains. For us, from losing our second faction abruptly, to having key members jump ship, you learn to focus on your goals and keep the drive alive. I used to take things really personally - but it's a game. If you know the grass is not greener on the other side, then what is there to worry about? Create a place where awesome people will want to come and stay and they will come and they will stay.”
Pictured: If you build it, they will come and they will stay.
SA has a fine reputation when it comes to helping their members improve themselves, and this is why many stick around for the long term - players who wish to be pushed to become the best they can be could certainly do worse than here. Choosing the right faction is key to both growth and enjoyment in Torn, and Midknight offered up the following advice to those seeking a faction in the crime-infested city of Torn.
“Be prepared to contribute, no matter how small. Start earning the respect of players around you. It will go a long way. Also, pick one that suits your play style... It’s a family, and like all families, none are perfect, but some are better than others. So, choose wisely.”
But this choice works both ways, and like most factions, Subversive Alliance has a certain set of standards which has to be met before you'll be allowed in. Midknight dedicates himself to maintaining the quality of the faction, going so far as to speak personally to almost every recruit before adding them to the Subversive Alliance roster.
“We knew we wanted to be the best we could be and tried to recruit and maintain a strict group of players dedicated to the same goal. Stat development to us is a key indicator as to how active a player is and not just everyone can get into SA. We've never had a recruitment thread. I mean, I've literally spoken to almost every member to join SA in the last 8 years.”
Though Subversive Alliance may not be the right fit for all players, Midknight tries to ensure that all players who join are right for Subversive Alliance, stating that in the world of ice cream, the faction is a well-established flavor with a solid customer base outside the norm.
"We play the game our own way and really could careless about what people think or expect of us. After all Torn is a video game and the goal of games are to be fun. If it's not fun, count us out."
“Rum and raisin. We're not for everyone.”
Pictured: SA, not for everyone, but whether in a bowl or a cone, definitely subversive.
One of the most important factors in deciding which faction is right for you is their choice of upgrades. Individual players have their own ambitions and requirements, and these often determine which upgrades they seek in a potential host faction. For faction leaders, choosing and changing these upgrades is a tough task, as they know that whatever decision they make, it will have a massive effect on the daily lives of your members.
Midknight alluded to the difficulty in resolving such issues, but maintains that the needs of the faction are the priority, while also stressing the importance of making these needs clear when hard decisions are made.
“When the branches first came out, it was tough to choose a path. But most factions know who they are by now, so we focus on anything that gains us stats or saves us money.”
On the flip side, a more pleasurable experience for the leaders of Subversive Alliance is the organisation of intra-faction activities. SA members are frequently encouraged to take part in faction-only competitive events, with a creative approach towards chaining having the end result of encouraging healthy competition within their ranks.
“Ohadik handles chain incentives and has had some great ideas lately to make chaining a little more fun. Hosping comps or alphabet chains help mix things up from the norm, with prizes, of course.”
And speaking of competition, the upcoming annual Elimination event is a special time of year for SA's members. Unlike other factions who are busy trying to game the system and flood their members into one particular team, Subversive Alliance are just eager to spill some blood in September, having endured a period of planned inactivity over the past few months.
“We take off most of the summer, and Elimination is usually our wake up and test out your new stats roll call. So, most members are amped to bash some skulls.”
Elimination is not the only upcoming feature in Torn that SA is looking forward to. Midknight said the possibilities opened up by the new Territory Rackets are intriguing and signal an age of competitive cooperation. As every Torn citizen who reads the newsletter is aware, Territory Rackets are arriving this quarter, with this feature set to offer factions the chance to gain supplies from the territories that they own.
"It will force factions to once again need to work together to accomplish goals. If what you gain can not be removed or sold, then that might spice things up a bit. Like passive upgrades or benefits. If what's gained can be removed, sold or shared, alliances will 100% be formed. Movement in territories is not easy, even for bigger factions. So, friends will be important and lots of friends."
Subversive Alliance's respect for the art of diplomacy is perhaps best demonstrated by the changing of its motto from “Born to fight, trained to kill,” to “All kinds of gains.” Midknight seems acutely aware of the need for major factions to cooperate, and this trait was evident when SA played a major role within the Insurgency Alliance during their victorious campaign over Torn United Nations.
Midknight admits he does not know what the future holds for the faction, but like some end-of-the-world prepper with a basement full of ammunition and tinned peaches, the faction will be ready whatever happens.
“I really don't know what the future holds, but SA will be up to the challenge with open arms when that time comes.”
Drop a Dime
Got a hot tip? Care to share? Know of a faction you’d like to see in Focus? Chat howyadoin when you see he’s online and talk about that story idea of yours. Or shoot an email his way. You should still continue to use the Tell Your Story link on the Torn City Times front page and contact sugarvalves or any reporter/s you are already comfortable speaking with. But feel free to drop howyadoin a line.
Pictured: Shrouded in his classic hoodie, Midknight speaks to TCT from the subversive shadows.
Subversive Alliance was created in 2008 when the Viking Legacy and CBB factions merged, with the new outfit being formed as a sister faction to HT. Current SA leader Midknight says that this allegiance was crucial, as given the hostile nature of the HoF at the time, it allowed SA to become strong enough to fend off the wolves when HT finally fell.
Today, Subversive Alliance are sixth in the Hall of Fame table for respect. With a score of 6,132,969 as of the 18th of August 2019, you could be forgiven for thinking that this exalted position is the result of grinding - but that could not be further from the truth. Subversive Alliance respects the time of its members far too much to turn their Torn time into a chore, and this is just one of the reasons why they've remained successful many years after their establishment.
“We treat chaining as a tool to keep members motivated. We don't do much ‘farm’ chaining because we don't believe in reducing Torn into Farmville. So, our guys really let loose and use chains as a chance to really bash up their blacklists while gaining the faction some extra respect.”
By avoiding such bland activities and keeping their members active and feeling useful, Subversive Alliance has managed to stay relevant and powerful for a long time. Midknight suggests that both of these adjectives are equally important, describing SA as having "competitive longevity", rather than being one of those factions that hang around for years trading on past glories.
"Only one other faction has maintained the level of competitiveness SA has, for as long as SA has (JFK). Also being the number one Xanax usage faction shows how dedicated we are to member growth.”
Pictured: Competition is fierce, even when it comes to graffiti.
SA didn’t start out as the powerhouse it is today, though, and like every successful faction, they've had their fair share of drama along the way.
"No faction has ever posed a threat to SA's existence as far as I know and we've been fighting the best factions in Torn since before I ever joined 8 years ago. We were however the first faction to be bombed to 0 respect by Misch3vo! in an attempt to wipe us out after 3 DBs back to back to back but we survived thanks to the drive of the members to keep gaining alarming amounts of respect even when radiated to death."
Events like this often prove crucial to the development of the best HoF factions, and Subversive Alliance has proved as much by clawing its way up through the ranks, having learned greatly from the harsh lessons delivered by challenge and adversity.
“I think every faction goes thru growing pains. For us, from losing our second faction abruptly, to having key members jump ship, you learn to focus on your goals and keep the drive alive. I used to take things really personally - but it's a game. If you know the grass is not greener on the other side, then what is there to worry about? Create a place where awesome people will want to come and stay and they will come and they will stay.”
Pictured: If you build it, they will come and they will stay.
SA has a fine reputation when it comes to helping their members improve themselves, and this is why many stick around for the long term - players who wish to be pushed to become the best they can be could certainly do worse than here. Choosing the right faction is key to both growth and enjoyment in Torn, and Midknight offered up the following advice to those seeking a faction in the crime-infested city of Torn.
“Be prepared to contribute, no matter how small. Start earning the respect of players around you. It will go a long way. Also, pick one that suits your play style... It’s a family, and like all families, none are perfect, but some are better than others. So, choose wisely.”
But this choice works both ways, and like most factions, Subversive Alliance has a certain set of standards which has to be met before you'll be allowed in. Midknight dedicates himself to maintaining the quality of the faction, going so far as to speak personally to almost every recruit before adding them to the Subversive Alliance roster.
“We knew we wanted to be the best we could be and tried to recruit and maintain a strict group of players dedicated to the same goal. Stat development to us is a key indicator as to how active a player is and not just everyone can get into SA. We've never had a recruitment thread. I mean, I've literally spoken to almost every member to join SA in the last 8 years.”
Though Subversive Alliance may not be the right fit for all players, Midknight tries to ensure that all players who join are right for Subversive Alliance, stating that in the world of ice cream, the faction is a well-established flavor with a solid customer base outside the norm.
"We play the game our own way and really could careless about what people think or expect of us. After all Torn is a video game and the goal of games are to be fun. If it's not fun, count us out."
“Rum and raisin. We're not for everyone.”
Pictured: SA, not for everyone, but whether in a bowl or a cone, definitely subversive.
One of the most important factors in deciding which faction is right for you is their choice of upgrades. Individual players have their own ambitions and requirements, and these often determine which upgrades they seek in a potential host faction. For faction leaders, choosing and changing these upgrades is a tough task, as they know that whatever decision they make, it will have a massive effect on the daily lives of your members.
Midknight alluded to the difficulty in resolving such issues, but maintains that the needs of the faction are the priority, while also stressing the importance of making these needs clear when hard decisions are made.
“When the branches first came out, it was tough to choose a path. But most factions know who they are by now, so we focus on anything that gains us stats or saves us money.”
On the flip side, a more pleasurable experience for the leaders of Subversive Alliance is the organisation of intra-faction activities. SA members are frequently encouraged to take part in faction-only competitive events, with a creative approach towards chaining having the end result of encouraging healthy competition within their ranks.
“Ohadik handles chain incentives and has had some great ideas lately to make chaining a little more fun. Hosping comps or alphabet chains help mix things up from the norm, with prizes, of course.”
And speaking of competition, the upcoming annual Elimination event is a special time of year for SA's members. Unlike other factions who are busy trying to game the system and flood their members into one particular team, Subversive Alliance are just eager to spill some blood in September, having endured a period of planned inactivity over the past few months.
“We take off most of the summer, and Elimination is usually our wake up and test out your new stats roll call. So, most members are amped to bash some skulls.”
Elimination is not the only upcoming feature in Torn that SA is looking forward to. Midknight said the possibilities opened up by the new Territory Rackets are intriguing and signal an age of competitive cooperation. As every Torn citizen who reads the newsletter is aware, Territory Rackets are arriving this quarter, with this feature set to offer factions the chance to gain supplies from the territories that they own.
"It will force factions to once again need to work together to accomplish goals. If what you gain can not be removed or sold, then that might spice things up a bit. Like passive upgrades or benefits. If what's gained can be removed, sold or shared, alliances will 100% be formed. Movement in territories is not easy, even for bigger factions. So, friends will be important and lots of friends."
Subversive Alliance's respect for the art of diplomacy is perhaps best demonstrated by the changing of its motto from “Born to fight, trained to kill,” to “All kinds of gains.” Midknight seems acutely aware of the need for major factions to cooperate, and this trait was evident when SA played a major role within the Insurgency Alliance during their victorious campaign over Torn United Nations.
Midknight admits he does not know what the future holds for the faction, but like some end-of-the-world prepper with a basement full of ammunition and tinned peaches, the faction will be ready whatever happens.
“I really don't know what the future holds, but SA will be up to the challenge with open arms when that time comes.”
Drop a Dime
Got a hot tip? Care to share? Know of a faction you’d like to see in Focus? Chat howyadoin when you see he’s online and talk about that story idea of yours. Or shoot an email his way. You should still continue to use the Tell Your Story link on the Torn City Times front page and contact sugarvalves or any reporter/s you are already comfortable speaking with. But feel free to drop howyadoin a line.
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