Military organizations

[Pen N Popper]

I'd like to begin fleshing out an idea for a guild-like organization.  Here's what I'm thinking:

1st Mountain Division:  Strict military discipline followed, with order expected to be RP followed.  This would be for those wishing to RP a professional soldier.

2nd Desert Division:  RP by leader left open, but followers are more of the disobedient type when it comes to all things except getting the job done.  A lot of bravado, boasting, etc.

They are under a common commander (perhaps NPC, perhaps PC).

There would be roles for all the PCs as they grow in tenure.

Captain - Responsible for all matters and has final say on discipline, etc.
2nd in command
Cook
Quartermaster
Scribe
Scout
etc.

So, the captain might issue orders that everyone be outfitted with a supply of projectiles of their choice (arrows, bolts, shurikens, whatever).  The quartermaster would have to fulfill this order, perhaps tasking the members with gathering a list of resources (kind of like collecting for the war effort).  The crafters of the unit (or perhaps contract the order out to another group) would assemble the components.

Cooks would be required to prepare meals for the next expedition (whiskey, filling meals, whiskey, juices, whiskey, pies).

You get the point.

Now, since many of the spawns are known, they would be the "expeditions."  For example, a high-RP attack on a group of ogres down a certain mine.  Could even involve getting needed quests for members (bugbear, grey peak, etc.).  The point of this, though, would primarily to be to RP your PC in such an organization.  Is he a quiet and efficient scout?  A bumbling leader?  A cleric with a lack of faith?

The two divisions would have a friendly rivalry.  They're on the same team, just always trying to outdo the other.  That sort of thing.

These would be inclusive guilds; any can RP their way in.  However, there could be in-character contracts involved.  Are there dues?  Is gear to be returned when you unenlist?  What happens when orders are disobeyed?

I'm still searching for a purpose for my PC and really would like to join an organization.  Not having seen even a hint of any in my time on Layonara, I'll have to go with the saying:  "If it's going to be, it's up to me."

Thoughts?

[EdTheKet]

http://www.layonaraonline.com/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=13760&posts=1&start=1

[Pen N Popper]

That requires a CDQ to join, is restricted to lawful alignments, and is in Pranzis (which at 9th level I have never made it to yet).  But yes, my expressed interest in that group some time ago is the impetus to starting something that I can actually join. :-)

[EdTheKet]

Then maybe a player run guild, because if it had an NPC commander, you'd not see him often due to CDQ restrictions of once every two months.

[darkwulf365]

Should be noted that I am running an upcoming CDQ for somebody who wants to join the Corps.  I did have plans for it to be solo (due to supposed lack of interest), but I think I could handle two of you at the same time

[Milo]

A Mistone army already exists under the command of the Mistone Alliance Ministry of War.  If you are looking for a mercenary guild there's already some present as well.

[Talan Va'lash]

"Must be Lawful Good or Lawful Neutral." - From Pranzis Army Officer Corps description


I'm wondering if its appropriate to limit those who can try to join an IC group by alignment.  Class alignment resirictions are more of an OOC "this class would create or require this alignement character."

However, if an NG or CG character or even LE walks into the pranzis army headquarters and asks to join, since there is no IC way to determine an alignment built into this setting (no detect alignment spells barring paladin detect evil), how would they be rejected IC?  There could be an application or interviews that try to get at such issues, but the character could lie, or answer the questions according to how they see themselves (which is not  necessarily accurate.)

A CG character might change after seeing the positive influence of discipline and rules, or they might chaff under the restrictions and rebel eventually failing.  Or they might find ways to work within the group that suit them.  Or they may just prove so usefull to the armys agenda that some of their indiscretions can be overlooked.

Anyway, I was just reading over it and thinking that any such IC requirement should be based on something that can be quantified IC.

-TV

[Pen N Popper]

I do not mind joining an existing organization.  As I said, though, I have not seen nor heard of any.  Is there a Mistone army recruiting table set up at the Arms?  Do PCs approach new PCs based upon their char submissions?  How do these things work?

As an example, I was approached to be in the "giant" army.  After a few minutes of RP that's the last I ever heard of it.  Perhaps just mismatched play times or what-not, but I'm looking for something a bit more comitting.  A calling, if you will, for my PC.

Perhaps the CDQ for the one joining might lead to them being a leader tasked with forming a squad on Mistone.  Perhaps the corp is getting a bit thin due to attrition in the war and they must revert to scraping the bottom of the barrel for new blood.  Perhaps the new leader-in-training just needs a crop of meat to throw at the enemy (sort of a learning on the fly how to lead).  

Just thinking out loud here, but the point is that I seek purpose.  Perhaps others do as well.  Frankly a CDQ is a bit intimidating in many regards and I won't likely be asking for one any time soon.

[miltonyorkcastle]

*chuckles*  As someone who vaguely attempted a loose mercenary organization, I can tell you, the main issue is regularity.  Due to players and interest coming and going, maintaining a consistent group is a very difficult thing to do.  It's easier if you have a group of RL friends that help, but if you just want it open, as I had the Dread Blade, it is supremely inconsistent and loose.  And for my character, that was just as well, with his chaotic nature.

I encourage you to ask around in-game and see what sort of character interest and information exists, and maybe you'll find what you are looking for.

[Milo]

Unfortunately, due to the amount of effort required to include PCs in the Mistone Army (or the Mistone Alliance), these two organizations have been kept as NPC-only (other than the Mistone Alliance Scout PrC).  It's easier on the GMs dealing with MA Scout characters because they are trustworthy undercover agents that doesn't require regular and intensive contact with the commands as a soldier would be required to do (live in a barrack and such).