Previous Thread
Expand All
Collapse All
Ignore Author
Reply
I was definitely thinking more in the future for myself. But I was wondering if there had been some sort of mercenary coalition like the empath coalition. I think it would be great if it could work that you contact someone from the site and set up a meeting. Like hiring on someone rather then just meeting someone through a game. That way we could roleplay it as something more official and with a business edge to it. Talking through an agent and coming up with custom contracts would definitely flex my trader muscles.
Valen
Sneaking along the trader route...for now.
I've suggested forming a mercenary company before.. I believe there are one or two in existence in game. I think they are pretty much just for RP and prestige purposes though?
As for having a webpage to arrange contracts, etc.. I'm beginning the think that these things work best if most things are kept in game. Maybe post adverts on IC forums. Arranging and bargaining contracts is probably better done in game. Organize everything out of game, and it leaves you nothing to RP :)
The best inspiration for this kind of stuff is of course history. There's plenty of semi-historical fiction which deals with this. "The House of Niccolo" by Dorothy Dunnett is my favourite, and "Ash" by Mary Gentle is ok too. I like the idea of mercanary companies competing for contracts, and changing sides (in a military situation), etc. This is an idea I have in the back of my mind for my two characters, but I'm wary of asking people to join up since I tend to change my mind every half an hour ;) Still, I'm going to use it for RP.
still, doesn't solve your problem with the trade routes ;) Try walking into the Ranger or Barb guild and hiring a couple of sell swords ;)
Neill
As for having a webpage to arrange contracts, etc.. I'm beginning the think that these things work best if most things are kept in game. Maybe post adverts on IC forums. Arranging and bargaining contracts is probably better done in game. Organize everything out of game, and it leaves you nothing to RP :)
The best inspiration for this kind of stuff is of course history. There's plenty of semi-historical fiction which deals with this. "The House of Niccolo" by Dorothy Dunnett is my favourite, and "Ash" by Mary Gentle is ok too. I like the idea of mercanary companies competing for contracts, and changing sides (in a military situation), etc. This is an idea I have in the back of my mind for my two characters, but I'm wary of asking people to join up since I tend to change my mind every half an hour ;) Still, I'm going to use it for RP.
still, doesn't solve your problem with the trade routes ;) Try walking into the Ranger or Barb guild and hiring a couple of sell swords ;)
Neill
>I was definitely thinking more in the future for myself. But I was wondering if there had been some sort of mercenary coalition like the empath coalition.
That'd be nice. I'm actually looking forward to hiring my own personal guard (anyone interested?), but mercs are great for one-time situations.
-- Jansan
The small man bought a fish. It got the fish to the Earl of the Mammas. Bad Mamma.
That'd be nice. I'm actually looking forward to hiring my own personal guard (anyone interested?), but mercs are great for one-time situations.
-- Jansan
The small man bought a fish. It got the fish to the Earl of the Mammas. Bad Mamma.
I've been playing for many years and never heard of a mercenary troupe of significant repute and size. I won't say that its not possible because I've taken breaks from DR and just from paying attention to the world at large while I play at different times. As someone who has been playing that for a long time though, I do have several friends (and a few apprentices past and current), and of course myself, if you want to contact me and ask about some sort of mercenary RP.
Fascinating conversation and it reminds me of when I was very young. I took a multi-year break and just returned recently. Thieves (guilded or not) don't seem to be as large a problem as they were back in '98 but my pockets get heavy occassionally....
There ARE plenty of ways to protect coin no matter how young or targetted you are, but a guard seems like a fantastic idea for multiple reasons. One being a large bonus, from what I understand, of the actual guarding.
Empaths seem like a good potential guard, of all things, because they could hold excess coin and generally are not a target for thieves. And if caught then the thief may find themselves bleeding for awhile before getting healed ;) Especially since Empaths and traders have some overlapping requirements like teaching and scholarship and foraging it could work nicely for the travels.
On ther other hand, it would of course also be nice to take a skilled warrior along. Nothing like the instant gratification of a thief losing their arm after an unsuccessful grab. Although it's not really trader style, in my opinion. No, I think blood and enemies and the whole combat thing is not nearly as good as either just moving on or avoiding the issue altogether.
Finally, as many have said and I recall a discussion from way in the past, the initial problems are that WHEN you need a guard, you can't afford one. When you can afford one, you don't need one (or the coin thieves can lift isn't even worth the effort).
However, Traders have become much more viable in the recent history and have quite a few abilities that could payback for the appreciation of early help. Many may not want to BE a trader, but almost everyone could USE a trader. So perhaps finding someone interested in helping while your young will find themselves with a lifetime of good fortune when they're looking to sell items through the markets or auctions, sell their gems and hides from the hunt, or maybe even taking a future payment for services rendered when it's needed most.
Timbre
There ARE plenty of ways to protect coin no matter how young or targetted you are, but a guard seems like a fantastic idea for multiple reasons. One being a large bonus, from what I understand, of the actual guarding.
Empaths seem like a good potential guard, of all things, because they could hold excess coin and generally are not a target for thieves. And if caught then the thief may find themselves bleeding for awhile before getting healed ;) Especially since Empaths and traders have some overlapping requirements like teaching and scholarship and foraging it could work nicely for the travels.
On ther other hand, it would of course also be nice to take a skilled warrior along. Nothing like the instant gratification of a thief losing their arm after an unsuccessful grab. Although it's not really trader style, in my opinion. No, I think blood and enemies and the whole combat thing is not nearly as good as either just moving on or avoiding the issue altogether.
Finally, as many have said and I recall a discussion from way in the past, the initial problems are that WHEN you need a guard, you can't afford one. When you can afford one, you don't need one (or the coin thieves can lift isn't even worth the effort).
However, Traders have become much more viable in the recent history and have quite a few abilities that could payback for the appreciation of early help. Many may not want to BE a trader, but almost everyone could USE a trader. So perhaps finding someone interested in helping while your young will find themselves with a lifetime of good fortune when they're looking to sell items through the markets or auctions, sell their gems and hides from the hunt, or maybe even taking a future payment for services rendered when it's needed most.
Timbre
Hm, and here I am on the opposite side of the spectrum.
I ask Traders if they want a guard... on the condition of allowing me to teach them. The problem:
80% give blank, slack-jawed stares... or move so quick they do not even respond.
10% don't believe in my ability
10% decline
Well, if anyone wants a guard, find me.
Bard Sorthak
"Lemme teach ya once, you'll never ask for any other teacher again."
I ask Traders if they want a guard... on the condition of allowing me to teach them. The problem:
80% give blank, slack-jawed stares... or move so quick they do not even respond.
10% don't believe in my ability
10% decline
Well, if anyone wants a guard, find me.
Bard Sorthak
"Lemme teach ya once, you'll never ask for any other teacher again."
