About a year ago, an offhand comment in an immortal discussion lead to a discussion on whether we should "reveal" secret clans. The general feeling was that in a game with a smaller playerbase, it would quickly become obvious who was in a secret clan, especially because of certain coded characteristics that point out their status. This has lead to some people metagaming and doing things like "omg, you used a clanned weave, I'm going to report you!".
Some other projects were worked on first, but we had re-opened discussion with members of secret clans in August. After taking player feedback upstairs again, we decided that we would leave the decision on whether a clan wants to reveal themselves should be up to the players in the clan in question.
This means that in the near future, you may see some secret clan members remove their incognito status. If this happens, there is no need to report this to Staff. Please note that these secret clan members are under no obligation to reveal themselves to anyone, it is the clans' choice and depending on the clan's rules sometimes individual members' choice. Please do not see this as an opportunity to go "I know you're in a secret clan, you have to reveal yourself!".
View clan "secretclanname" will still not reveal anything, as that is a coding change. It would also mean this would be a forced reveal, while some will prefer to stay hidden, which is something Staff finds perfectly acceptable.
Lastly, these clans will still have their own clanning procedures and will likely not publicly post about recruitment. Sending their members tells badgering them about clanning you may not put you in good stead with them.
Brought to you by:
Athnaina, Itesh, Tlaloc (original discussion)
Cerys, Cynthiel, Elodin, Elysia, Feneon, Vivienne
WoTmud Staff