Sorry if this is a silly idea, but..... Couriers?

[K'nahli]

Maybe this is really silly but I was thinking that maybe some people(including myself) could make use out of this. One of my characters would often be receiving quests via courier as well as returning his reply or occasionally sending updates. I thought it might be silly were he to go out of his way to travel all around Eorzea just to tell someone something that would normally be done via mail.

 

Anyways, I figured we could pay people a small fee to people offering a courier service to deliver messages for us. I'm pretty sure there's no way to do this other than physically telling the courier but you need to compromise I guess ^^" Naturally, anyone could come along and tell us they'll deliver our message and then just make off with our money so for a more secure service we could use a particular code word from this topic, which if said in-game would be the equivalent of showing credentials or proving yourself to be a legitimate courier(in other words, you must deliver the message. You can't say the code word and then say "nahh, I was scamming you"). If you can't find anyone with the password nearby, well then it's up to you whether you want to trust a stranger or not.

 

 

Not sure, I just thought it'd be nice to seek out couriers in taverns or wherever and see it as though my message were on the way. Not only is it more immersive, but anyone who overheard it or is familiar with a courier could intercept it if they felt up to it. Obviously I'd only encourage such behaviour if you genuinely had a reason to ^^

 

 

Sorry if this is a really silly idea but I thought I'd mentioned just in case..

[Gideon Aryeh]

Maybe this is really silly but I was thinking that maybe some people(including myself) could make use out of this. One of my characters would often be receiving quests via courier as well as returning his reply or occasionally sending updates. I thought it might be silly were he to go out of his way to travel all around Eorzea just to tell someone something that would normally be done via mail.

 

Anyways, I figured we could pay people a small fee to people offering a courier service to deliver messages for us. I'm pretty sure there's no way to do this other than physically telling the courier but you need to compromise I guess ^^" Naturally, anyone could come along and tell us they'll deliver our message and then just make off with our money so for a more secure service we could use a particular code word from this topic, which if said in-game would be the equivalent of showing credentials or proving yourself to be a legitimate courier(in other words, you must deliver the message. You can't say the code word and then say "nahh, I was scamming you"). If you can't find anyone with the password nearby, well then it's up to you whether you want to trust a stranger or not.

 

 

Not sure, I just thought it'd be nice to seek out couriers in taverns or wherever and see it as though my message were on the way. Not only is it more immersive, but anyone who overheard it or is familiar with a courier could intercept it if they felt up to it. Obviously I'd only encourage such behaviour if you genuinely had a reason to ^^

 

 

Sorry if this is a really silly idea but I thought I'd mentioned just in case..

 Its an excellent idea, there have been courier groups in mmos before. Its so good that why don't you consider it as something to do yourself? I'm sure you can easily find help doing it on Balmung if you ask, trust me. You're around a pretty good bunch.

 

Maybe even make an alt that does that as a job?

 

Its a great idea. I think you would get a lot of interest doing it too! A job like that is also a great icebreaker for a new roleplayer and makes it easier to meet people. Consider it. One thing to know about roleplaying, the most mundane seemingly boring concepts can turn into great rp. They are easy to start up are usually based on things in real life so its easy to roleplay them because there is plenty of reference material.

 

Besides in this case rping a courier can really be fun. I've done it before in other games! Trust me you will get a kick out of it and before you know it you will know a lot of fun people and your rp skill will naturally grow!

[FreelanceWizard]

A courier linkshell/FC would be a pretty cool idea, I think. (An LS might be better, because then it could be cross-FC.) You'd obviously face competition from, well, linkshells, since linkpearls seem to be relatively common, but not everyone has a linkpearl connected to someone with which they want to send a message. For instance, two FC leaders might want to communicate, but might not want to meet in person for various reasons (for example, the Blades of Nald'thal and the Knights of the Twelve probably wouldn't want to ever have any possible association with each other in public ), and might not have a connected linkpearl.

 

Have you seen the anime, Last Exile? Couriers play a major role in that series. They have their own guild with traditions on how to acquire and complete deliveries, a code of honor with regards to completing them, and even a system of star ratings for the difficulty of the delivery. You could draw some inspiration on the LS's lore from there.

[K'nahli]

A courier linkshell/FC would be a pretty cool idea, I think. (An LS might be better, because then it could be cross-FC.) You'd obviously face competition from, well, linkshells, since linkpearls seem to be relatively common, but not everyone has a linkpearl connected to someone with which they want to send a message.

 

Have you seen the anime, Last Exile? Couriers play a major role in that series. They have their own guild with traditions on how to acquire and complete deliveries, a code of honor with regards to completing them, and even a system of star ratings for the difficulty of the delivery. You could draw some inspiration on the LS's lore from there.

 

It crossed my mind but I was feeling doubtful that anyone would actually want to make a wholes establishment out of it. Although, when you think about it... if people started using it quite regularly and they had couriers lurking throughout many different areas then it could prove quite profitable. Hell, they could even have different prices for regular and express mail.

 

Regular = Guaranteed delivery within the hour

Express = Immediate departure and prompt delivery.

 

Hm... if anyone actually feels up to this then I'd love to make use of your services TwT

 

(And thank you for your reply, Wizard ^^)

[Vashies Rosada]

hahaha love this idea! Who wouldn't! I mean i love to get message from some one telling me they need my aid. What is silly that no one has thought of this be for. I think we should do it or start thinking about how it can be done. Singing telegrams?

[K'nahli]

@Sandbourne

 

Ah I would but one of my characters would likely be using it a lot assuming I can find business =w= It wouldn't seem as fun were I to have an alt deliver my own messages for me ^^" That aside, I don't think I'd do well managing a whole group like that.

[FreelanceWizard]

The thing that'd make it very workable as a cross-FC LS would be that you could have people who do it as a side job, and those who are really committed; it could also work as an FC. Plus, if it's an established group in the world, that'd help characters feel more comfortable about using it in their RP; "oh, the Couriers' Union? Yeah, they're trustworthy, a totally neutral party." It could then also be used in people's backstories or as part of their RP. Someone could hire a courier to deliver a message to their family in, say, Ala Mhigo or the Empire. While the "bad guys" probably wouldn't see the couriers as a neutral party (and so these would be "9 star missions" in Last Exile parlance), others might do so (they wouldn't want people trying to interfere with their messages), and you'd thus have a lot of RP potential.

 

As you can see, I'm really digging this idea you've presented here.

[Havoc Snow]

Well linkpearls as I understand (if it's anything like in FFXI) are physical objects that would theoretically have some kind of distinguishable markings on them or something (otherwise how could you tell them all apart). So with that in mind if this were done through an LS you wouldn't need to have a code word or anything like that (since code words are easy to obtain if you know how, or have the money to bribe/extort). Bearing a linkpearl from a reputable courier service would be enough in most cases, sort of like a badge or an ID card that says "this guy is trustworthy" especially since the people who control the Linkshell can create and destroy Linkpearls, which means if one were lost or stolen it could be destroyed and a new one created. That was how I understood the way they worked anyways, correct me if I'm wrong.

 

On a side note, aren't Moogles technically the canon courier service in the game via Mog Mail? I mean you can send letters, packages, and gil through them. The only downside is you can't use them to contact people you don't know, so I guess this could be where a freelance courier service would come in handy.

[Gideon Aryeh]

@Sandbourne

 

Ah I would but one of my characters would likely be using it a lot assuming I can find business =w= It wouldn't seem as fun were I to have an alt deliver my own messages for me ^^" That aside, I don't think I'd do well managing a whole group like that.

 Ask for help with it, you'll get it trust me.

 

And as far as your character using it, well there is nothing at all wrong with that. Besides I'm sure the people who own UPS use their own service all the time *winks*

[FreelanceWizard]

On a side note, aren't Moogles technically the canon courier service in the game via Mog Mail? I mean you can send letters, packages, and gil through them. The only downside is you can't use them to contact people you don't know, so I guess this could be where a freelance courier service would come in handy.

 

Yep, moogles do provide the canonical mail service, but of course, they only deliver in places where moogles are -- so, major settlements, largely, and of course there's probably limits on what they can or will transport (no "sapient cargo," for instance). You also have to pick up your mail from the moogles. I can imagine the freelance courier service specializing in deliveries to places where the moogles don't go, direct deliveries of sensitive cargo (read: people), or more ill-defined courier services ("take this and bring it to the guy in charge of that Free Company").

[K'nahli]

Well linkpearls as I understand (if it's anything like in FFXI) are physical objects that would theoretically have some kind of distinguishable markings on them or something (otherwise how could you tell them all apart). So with that in mind if this were done through an LS you wouldn't need to have a code word or anything like that (since code words are easy to obtain if you know how, or have the money to bribe/extort). Bearing a linkpearl from a reputable courier service would be enough in most cases, sort of like a badge or an ID card that says "this guy is trustworthy" especially since the people who control the Linkshell can create and destroy Linkpearls, which means if one were lost or stolen it could be destroyed and a new one created. That was how I understood the way they worked anyways, correct me if I'm wrong.

 

On a side note, aren't Moogles technically the canon courier service in the game via Mog Mail? I mean you can send letters, packages, and gil through them. The only downside is you can't use them to contact people you don't know, so I guess this could be where a freelance courier service would come in handy.

 

I wasn't expecting anyone to actually take interest in being part of an actual fully-fledged courier service so it was really a matter of; If someone says the codeword then it is the IC equivalent of proving their identity as an official courier and that they have read this topic. The word wouldn't need to be a secret or anything ^^" It's just putting it down to people honouring the procedure and not thinking:

"Nah I can scam this because I am a professional"

 

That was just my humble suggestion though, I'm sure there are much better methods that can be thought up, particularly from people who have actually played the game and can think of existing features that can be used for such cases.

 

 

Miii... what I mean is that I have no real interest in participating or running the service myself. It doesn't suit any of my characters unless it is a friendly request, in which case it's a free and platonic favour.

[FreelanceWizard]

I didn't mean to walk all over your original idea with my brainstorming; I suppose I misread your post as a request for ideas.

 

At any rate, I think it's a fantastic idea regardless of implementation (informal, LS, FC, or whatever).

[K'nahli]

I didn't mean to walk all over your original idea with my brainstorming; I suppose I misread your post as a request for ideas.

 

At any rate, I think it's a fantastic idea regardless of implementation (informal, LS, FC, or whatever).

 

Nonono! You weren't at all ^^ I just think you misunderstood where my interests were in such a service. I just want to pay people to do it for me, I don't see any of my characters ever playing a courier role. Anyways, it doesn't need to be me who runs or takes part in the service ^^" Whoever is interested is free to do as they please.

[Teardrop]

That's actually kind of an interesting concept...hmmmm 8-)

[Yoshi]

I think courier characters are a great idea, and I'd love to join up with an organized group of messengers! As well as use them! Still haven't decided if Cima is tolerant of Moogles - and if she's not, she'd really prefer not to use their little post service! (Though IG I obviously have no choice.) Cool idea relative to the linkpearls too!

[K'nahli]

I'm sorry, what are Moogles?

[Yoshi]

I'm sorry, what are Moogles?

http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Moogle_%28Race%29

 

Cute little fury guys, best known for their trademark "Kupo"! :moogle:

Believe they're considered a Beastmen, which my character - among many others - aren't too into! Though Moogles and Sylph seem to be cool enough doods anyways. Kids love them and in 1.0 (I didn't follow the storyline quests too much) they were all spirit-y and couldn't be seen/understood by just anyone. Resided in the Shroud at that time. Supposedly mailmen now? *Terrible at explaining: Moogles in a nutshell!*

[Ildur]

This sounds like a good and intereting idea. What I'd like to point out, though (look at me, I've become the killjoy) is that couriers are highly dependant on the community. If the RP community doesn't involve itself (as in, actually hiring them for the messages), then it won't really work.

 

Another thing is that using in-game gil as payment isn't a good idea, in my opinion. People tend to do things efficiently, and the in-game postal service is just much more efficient than any courier. For that reason, I think the implementation should be purely disengaged from the game's mechanics. Unless there's an -actual- item to be sent. Then the best way would be for the sender to call the roleplaying couriers and tell them about the package, then send the actual item via the in-game system with a small OOC note saying "I hired the couriers to send this ICly. Don't open until you receive it ICly!". Using actual in-game gil will just bring problems.

 

Of course, if someone feels like actually paying the couriers...well, who are we to stop them, eh?

[K'nahli]

If the RP community doesn't involve itself (as in, actually hiring them for the messages), then it won't really work.

 

Another thing is that using in-game gil as payment isn't a good idea, in my opinion. People tend to do things efficiently, and the in-game postal service is just much more efficient than any courier. For that reason, I think the implementation should be purely disengaged from the game's mechanics. Unless there's an -actual- item to be sent. Then the best way would be for the sender to call the roleplaying couriers and tell them about the package, then send the actual item via the in-game system with a small OOC note saying "I hired the couriers to send this ICly. Don't open until you receive it ICly!". Using actual in-game gil will just bring problems.

 

 

I am still worrying about this myself, I fear that people may not indulge themselves in the service so believe me I know ^^"

 

I suppose you could be right about the payment thing. I just felt it might give some incentive to people to actually take up the service but now I don't know @-@

[Spiritual Machine]

I hate to contribute to the more pessimistic viewpoint, but Ildur is right. A payment system will only discourage people from using what is already a very fragile and community-dependent idea.

 

And yeah, you're going to need heavy support from other guilds on the server just to get this off the ground. With the convenience and privacy of Moogle Mail, both IC and OOC, most roleplayers will opt for sending messages in that fashion rather than chancing relying on a third-party to further their RP.

 

 

In the previous communities I've been in, people have either played to have mail drop-off points within locations that can receive mail, or if they've fallen off the grid then they receive messages through friends and contacts who haven't.

 

I have seen what it takes to get a Courier Guild to work, and I've seen one fall through. Folks from Guild Wars 2 may remember the player-run Pan-Tyrian Courier Service. My guild was one of their allies, of which they sadly had few. We were working with them at one point to expand their influence.

 

Because people tend to trust their messages with friends and RP partners and seek more unusual ways to deliver messages only at pertinent points in their RP arcs and stories, you run into the trouble of having to be close partners with every one of the guilds that would ever use your service.

 

And you have to be partners with every one, because they will only rarely utilize your service, so consistent RP will come from having many guilds on your contact list.

 

This RP may be too slow for some folks, as well. Part of PTCS's problem was that they couldn't find many people interested in playing a courier. You will have these problem, as well as the problem that every one of a Courier Guild's members have to be dedicated enough to the idea to help out with making and maintaining connections, and reminding people that you exist.

 

So it's a two-way street of needing proactive and patient member and many, many interested customers in order to keep the operation flowing. And it's a lot of work, which is why PTCS was eventually forced to close shop.

 

I am not discouraging the idea, which sounds interesting and has potential, but I've seen what it takes. It will not work if your way of thinking is, "well, it seems simple enough, so I'll give it a shot."

 

Courier Guilds require more active participation and work than Medical Guilds do, and you need to be dedicated to the idea, and you need to pounce on all the interested guilds in this thread and cling to their support, or frankly you'll just be wasting your free time being frustrated.

 

 

One idea I can offer for someone interested in providing the RP community with a courier service is to make it a small part of a larger guild. The larger guild's officers and members can focus on drumming up general allies and support, and all of the members can pitch in to do deliveries while also being able to engage in other guild content. Believe me, not many people want to join a guild just to be a courier, cool as that sounds on paper.

 

 

Whatever you do, good luck.

[FreelanceWizard]

Yeah, that was my thought about going the cross-FC LS route (or just a forum post, similar to a bounty board), because then people are largely part-time and it becomes more of a service available from a set of characters for the community and their plots. Upon thinking on it further and reading your experience, a full FC might be a bit tough to do without a fair amount of internal plot and NPCs to keep things rolling.

 

I didn't even notice the in game gil payment thing the first time around. That does get problematic, because people don't usually want to give up their hard-earned game mechanics advantage. You could still charge gil, but it'd have to be handwaved as an IC payment with no actual "real" gil changing hands.

 

Now that I think about it, an alternative approach might be to work this as a service of favors. If I carry a message for you, your "payment" is an agreement to carry a message for me or someone else at some point in the future. That'd be nearly impossible to actually enforce, but if you had players interested in the concept, it might be workable. This is sort of similar to the way the Corellian Merchant's Guild in the old WEG Star Wars tabletop game worked -- if the guild passed on a message for you via its other members, you'd be expected to do the same at some point in the future.

[K'nahli]

In that case, a guild of sorts seems it would take too much work. So perhaps it's best to revert to the original idea? Everyone who is familiar with this topic can easily be a free-lance courier. If you hear someone looking for one and you're up for it then feel free to take part. I myself will likely try to pay actual gil but I'll see how it goes ^^

[Havoc Snow]

I may pick this up in some small fashion. One of the ideas I was considering for the Blades' front company was a shipping company, imports and exports around Eorzea especially with Ul'dah being the center of commerce and smack in the middle of Gridania and Limsa Lominsa. If I end up going this route, maybe I'll have a small subsidiary division that handles courier services... after all what better way to collect intelligence is there than to have people just give it to you. :tonberry:

[C'io Behkt]

I was actually wanting to have C'io be a freelance courier also (to complete a personal list of mine), but paused when I remembered that Moogle Mail existed and that the moogles were probably a better network than C'io could manage on her own. However, moogles might be good for official routes, but since some people are outside of the network, I can also see Couriers as effective in those cases wherein someone is difficult to find, out on the fringes, or just doesn't want to be found. Party bounty hunter, part mail delivery!

[K'nahli]

Haha, yes my character is a bounty hunter so.... >w<

 

On a mildly related note, I was hoping to find some neutral party that I could have any courier messages addressed to me delivered to. Since my character will always be on the move, it'd have been handy to have some area I can return to consistently where someone could pass on the messages to me. Shame people can't own taverns or such TwT

 

That's likely too complicated though so I guess I will use this in-game mailing system people are mentioning ^^