As I mentioned with the officers already: Imo, the faction system is fine in theory. People just need to get used to how it works and play it along, however. I'm fine with some IC rivalry as long as it doesn't spread OOC (if you're at least an avid enough roleplayer, you should know that IC doesn't reflect on OOC). We thought up a means to 'punish' misbehaving factions by making sure their voice isn't listened to as often as the other factions would by the officers. This may not be enough, however. If an individual shows inappopriate orcish behaviour, they should live with the consequences. Some simply rivalry is fine, but it should, imo, remain at a level that would make sense IC.
I'm all in for the faction system, but what we might just need is a clear way to show orcs how it shouldn't be done by setting examples. I'll be honest with you and tell you my share of thoughts on today's event.
Originally, Koz was supposed to come back at the beginning of the tournament and state he'd be willing to come back if Vlog were to accept his 'punishment' by not participating in the tournament and only leaving two Sythegores to fight against three of the other factions. He turned out to have other priorities however, and the plan was changed. Leaving me blank with a clear way on how to have Koz return.
I don't know what happened in the meantime, but I take it everything still went somewhat well. When I arrived to have a peek however, Griesh attacked the Sythegore team without warning since Akesha didn't give the signal to fight yet. Some orcs including Koz found it dishonourable and started attacking Griesh, who in turn got defended by the Darkwolves, resulting in some orcs getting killed and turning very grumpy. Arguements followed and both the Sythegore and Darkwolves were disqualified. IC, this made sense. However, Griesh and the Darkwolves who protected her could've at least accepted their loss. Instead, they decided to keep on behaving disrespectful to not only Koz (who got used to it anyway, even though it doesn't make his plans to return any better) but Akesha as well.
What we learned out of that is that orcs should know where the boundaries are imo. And if they don't, suffer the consequences IC and accept it as a good sport OOC.
But that's just me. Not that it matters being a non-Blade anyway.