Anyone who's paid even the slightest bit of attention to the US political fiasco leading up to the 2012 elections (and how could you possibly miss it?) knows that running for office isn't for the faint of heart. Announce your candidacy, and the next thing you know your marital indiscretions will be a subject of public discourse, or someone will bring up the fact that you once went on a family vacation with your dog strapped to the roof of your car.

So yeah, the political game is rough. But if you want to test your leadership skills (or just your raw power), you can become a Vanarch through TERA's innovative political system. We talked TERA Producer Chris Hager, of En Masse Entertainment, into becoming your political strategist. Here are his top tips for rising to power in Arborea.

#1 – Get a good guild behind you

If you don’t have a guild that’s willing to support you, campaign for you, and work to get you elected, you won’t make it in an election. If you do win, but your guild isn’t supportive, you won’t be able to earn enough policy points to keep your promises. In TERA, that actually matters.

#2 – Have a good platform

Players in the game want to know you have a plan for their province. What’s important to them? Make sure you know what that is and make sure that the hot topics for your server are a part of that plan. You don't elect you, the people do.

#3 – Get out amongst the people

Like real politics, people want to see you out and leveling/helping in the community. Make yourself and your guild a presence in the province where you’re running for Vanarch, and let people see you’re there to help. Remember, nothing says integrity like helping a group take down a BAM.

Whether we like it or not, sometimes might makes right.

#4 – Know how to play TERA

Players want someone running their province who knows what they’re doing in-game. You need to offer to help people and give pro tips to newbies and vets alike!

#5 – Follow what you say you’ll do

Campaigns are all about promises—what you’ll do when you get into office, and how you’ll help players in your province. If you don’t follow through with those promises, you’re likely to get ganked in your own province. Seriously, the best way to make a good name for you and your guild (and set up for a successful re-election) is to follow through on promises and work hard at being a good Vanarch.