Private Military Company - Interest Check

[Kae]

I was thinking of having a free company that's a little bit different from most of the others I've seen so far. Rather than being an adventurer's group, it's something a little more structured, something completely neutral that doesn't necessarily lean toward good or bad.

 

It'd be set up on the Balmung server, and I've already got three or so other people that are hoping to see this thing get going, but I wanted to make sure there were others out there who liked the idea. A military that sells itself to settlements, tribes, and encampments, that isn't sided with any of the city-states. A completely independent military whose focus is mercenary work. There'd probably be a little PVP for those who want to spar and strengthen their fighting abilities, dungeon runs and a few planned events, different divisions, and set groups.

 

Completely neutral well-trained soldiers that aren't bound to any government.

Would anyone be interested in this?

 

** To clarify, the idea of the group is that no one can really know what's "best" or "right" for the whole of Eorzea. They keep smaller governments, tribes, and groups from being overtaken, providing they have the money to pay for their services. Whether their way of ruling is "good" or "bad" doesn't matter to them.

[Havoc Snow]

There are actually a few groups on Balmung that fit a lot of what you're describing, so you might want to check them out first and see if they don't fit your needs. My FC, Blades of Nald'thal is one of them, and I suggest also checking out XI:7 as well. If neither of them fit your needs it at least proves that there is an interest for structured military type RP.

[Kae]

From what I've read of both of them, neither is quite what I had in mind. Blades of Nald'thal leans more toward the darker side of good, when I say completely neutral I mean completely neutral. XI:7 isn't quite as structured as I was thinking and also leans toward the "good" side.

 

I'm thinking more "Militaires Sans Frontières" from Metal Gear, for those who know of it.

[Havoc Snow]

Not familiar with the reference sadly, though I'm sure there is some interest for such a thing. The only road block you may run into is that in RP most people fall on either side of the fence, good or bad, very few people walk the middle of the road and don't care about morality.

 

Good luck to you either way!

[Kae]

I've found plenty who walk the middle road. But thanks!

 

edit: Clarification added to first post.

[Jiggy]

That clarification actually cleared things up quite a bit.

 

I like this idea. It'd be easy for them to interact with other FCs too. Is it just for neutral alignment characters or is there more variety?

[Clover]

I am interested in structured military RP-- in fact, I've been wondering if there was such a group out there. However, I don't think my main character would join any neutral group for the sake of it. She might learn how to use a sword and join the Eorzean army, or any army that fights the Garleans. I guess that's not quite what you have in mind?

[Havoc Snow]

I am interested in structured military RP-- in fact, I've been wondering if there was such a group out there. However, I don't think my main character would join any neutral group for the sake of it. She might learn how to use a sword and join the Eorzean army, or any army that fights the Garleans. I guess that's not quite what you have in mind?

There are plenty of structured military groups here on RPC, though most of them are either knights or like my own group "Patriots for Hire," people who fight for Eorzea for a profit. The idea Gercho is proposing seems more like true blue mercenaries, people who would work indiscriminately for Eorzea, Garlemald, or even the Beastmen if the coin was good.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong of course.

[Gideon Aryeh]

I think this is an excellent idea, the true neutral just about the coin merc group is always a great one. Especially because of the internal conflict that can happen due to characters of various alignments joining. I hope this really works well and I know you will get a lot of interest.

 

Not to mention who doesn't love The Band of the Hawk from Beserk, I mean come on now. Those guys epitomize the true neutral soldiers for hire organization.

[Aleister]

This seems rather interesting and really cool RP wise, kinda fits the ideas of my character though I've already joined a FC. Do you should figure out if you focus on any endgame stuff as well.

[O.P.I]

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• 
  I like this idea a lot, and I know my character Crowley would be perfect for this group. I'm glad you posted this idea, because most group haven't been what I've been looking for. Sure maybe some of them were military-structured, but the neutrality really nailed it in the wall. There's too many 'self-righteous' groups along with 'dark' kind of groups, which doesn't fit Crowley who doesn't care for either and just the money. Thanks a lot! So you can count on me to join this group.

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[Kae]

It'd be easy for them to interact with other FCs too. Is it just for neutral alignment characters or is there more variety?

 

Yes and yes. The entire idea of having a neutral military-for-hire is that it allows for all sorts of personalities to mesh together. Heroes who want to help the little guys, the ones who are only there for the money, and people in search of a good fight. Everyone will have a different reason for joining and different goals they want to see fulfilled. It will allow for a really diverse group. That's what's fun about neutral.

 

 

I am interested in structured military RP-- in fact, I've been wondering if there was such a group out there. However, I don't think my main character would join any neutral group for the sake of it. She might learn how to use a sword and join the Eorzean army, or any army that fights the Garleans. I guess that's not quite what you have in mind?

 

Private militaries actually do hire themselves out to other militaries to help in training their soldiers, sometimes. Is that what you mean?

 

You're right, their focus isn't fighting the Garleans. Doesn't mean they won't be fighting them. Their clients typically consist of the little towns you find scattered around the city-states. It's an equally noble goal for some, seeing smaller, less influential governments and cities be able to hold their heads above water. If the Garleans decide to send a group to trample some of the less influential towns of Eorzea, this PMC would be happy to kick their behinds back over the border for a very fancy chunk of change.

 

With everyone so focused on pushing back the Garlean threat, villages, encampments, tribes, and small cities are all at a greater risk. It's the perfect opportunity for looters and rebels to cause trouble, as the city-states aren't in a position to pull men and send them to their aid, and most available soldiers are out there fighting Garlemald. So, there's one plus for the "hero" side that could draw in good aligned characters.

 

Of course, there is the possibility that the rebels could outbid their government, and they'd end up fighting on the opposite side. Being forced to fight for a side you wouldn't typically support, though, can create interesting situations for characters. In a lot of situations, though, neither side is really "bad." They just have different ideals they fight for. Some characters might find themselves sympathizing with the people they normally would have been out to murder.

 

 

There are plenty of structured military groups here on RPC, though most of them are either knights or like my own group "Patriots for Hire," people who fight for Eorzea for a profit. The idea Gercho is proposing seems more like true blue mercenaries, people who would work indiscriminately for Eorzea, Garlemald, or even the Beastmen if the coin was good.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong of course.

 

You're not quite on the mark with that. They aren't much interested in fighting for Garlemald, seeing as they are already doing a fine job of smashing everything in their path and already have a considerable amount of influence. They might sell weaponry, or their silence, but it's doubtful they'd lend any manpower. As I said, they aren't fond of aiding city-states or large governments.

 

Beastmen, too, would be hard to imagine. I can't picture them having much gil, and the group's prices would be pretty steep.

 

True blue mercenaries is a good way to describe it though.

 

Also - I've counted maybe.... eleven? Groups that are calling themselves "adventurers" right now, all of which seem to be doing pretty well. While from what I've read the other "military" groups don't quite seem to be purely militaristic, even if they were, it wouldn't hurt to have another group. Especially with its alignment being so different.

 

Chain of command will be important here, there will be chances to work your way up the ranks and receive a recognition for a job well done, as well as the chance to form your own reputation within the group. That's the kind of structure I'm talking.

 

 

I think this is an excellent idea, the true neutral just about the coin merc group is always a great one. Especially because of the internal conflict that can happen due to characters of various alignments joining. I hope this really works well and I know you will get a lot of interest.

 

Could not have put it better myself. Internal conflict is always fun, right? Hah~ Thank you very much for this. The encouragement is appreciated!

 

This seems rather interesting and really cool RP wise, kinda fits the ideas of my character though I've already joined a FC. Do you should figure out if you focus on any endgame stuff as well.

 

Baaah. 3 I knew I should have put this up a few weeks back. Either way, thanks for the compliment. I am hoping to give a lot of focus to endgame, still working out the kinks in how exactly things will work. Maybe our FCs will be working together sometime in the future? I'm sure we'll bump into each other somewhere along the way.

 

 

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• 
  I like this idea a lot, and I know my character Crowley would be perfect for this group. I'm glad you posted this idea, because most group haven't been what I've been looking for. Sure maybe some of them were military-structured, but the neutrality really nailed it in the wall. There's too many 'self-righteous' groups along with 'dark' kind of groups, which doesn't fit Crowley who doesn't care for either and just the money. Thanks a lot! So you can count on me to join this group.

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Nice~ Neutrality is good, yes. Hoping to draw a lot of different characters in with that. PMCs rake in the dough pretty well, so I'm sure he'll enjoy himself.

 

--

 

Of course, for a military group to function we'll have more than just soldiers. We'll be in need of doctors, researchers, smiths and whatnot. Hoping to have set groups within the combat unit as well, so that for certain missions we have the same people working together. Should allow for some interesting team dynamics.

[Havoc Snow]

Technically the remnants of Garlean influence left in Eorzea or no longer a large government, they're a rogue agency. Gaius lost support from the motherland when political issues arose in the courts back in Garlemald so he's acting entirely on his own now, which would make them a large military force but not a large government. If you're going to pick and choose your clients in that way then you're not really true neutral, you still have a moral ground you're standing on. If you wanted to be truly neutral mercenaries you'd work for anyone, anywhere, doing anything so long as they could pay you.

[O.P.I]

• 
  uhm. you do realize that having a miliarty group NOT CHOOSE their clients, is kind of dumb? they're prolly not gonna choose basely on their moral standards but more of on their: if they can accomplish the goal, if the risks are satisfactory, and if they pay enough for their services. i like the idea of being able to choose which jobs to take rather than just taking any lil job here and there. and i'm pretty sure gercho mentioned that the group could be working for smaller villagers or even the rebel force against that village depending on the pay.
   
  you kind of need to lighten up Ashren, it's not a bad thing if a group is trying to form and try a different approach, is it?
  

[Kae]

Technically the remnants of Garlean influence left in Eorzea or no longer a large government, they're a rogue agency. Gaius lost support from the motherland when political issues arose in the courts back in Garlemald so he's acting entirely on his own now, which would make them a large military force but not a large government. If you're going to pick and choose your clients in that way then you're not really true neutral, you still have a moral ground you're standing on. If you wanted to be truly neutral mercenaries you'd work for anyone, anywhere, doing anything so long as they could pay you.

 

The Garlean empire's goal would run them right out of business. So... no. They'd be killing themselves if they allowed themselves to be hired out to them. They're neutral in that they fight for both "good" or "bad," but they are going to be careful about which jobs they take. Just grabbing whatever money is thrown to you isn't always the best idea, yeah?

 

They aren't so desperate, Ash.

 

 

• 
  ... if they can accomplish the goal, if the risks are satisfactory, and if they pay enough for their services. i like the idea of being able to choose which jobs to take rather than just taking any lil job here and there. and i'm pretty sure gercho mentioned that the group could be working for smaller villages or even the rebel force against that village depending on the pay.
  

 

This, exactly. The risks and their employer's goal are taken into consideration and they'll fight for whichever side side suits them best. They won't be fighting blindly, it just wouldn't make sense.

[Havoc Snow]

• 
  you kind of need to lighten up Ashren, it's not a bad thing if a group is trying to form and try a different approach, is it?

I wasn't aware I was being up tight or anything, I was just making an observation and giving my opinion. No need to be aggressive or defensive about it. Gercho makes a good point, to some degree, about being run out of business if Garlemald took over, though the Garlean Empire has made use of free agents in the past (they did so during the story of 1.0) so it goes without saying they aren't above paying Eorzean mercenaries. If your mercenary group didn't take the job, someone else would which is why I just pointed out that a group that only cared about making profit and not about borders or morality probably wouldn't pass up work even if it was from Garlemald. Still, that's just my opinion and you're welcome to completely disregard it, I just felt I needed to defend my position since the response was so aggressive.

[Kae]

...No need to be aggressive or defensive about it. Gercho makes a good point, to some degree, about being run out of business if Garlemald took over, though the Garlean Empire has made use of free agents in the past (they did so during the story of 1.0) so it goes without saying they aren't above paying Eorzean mercenaries. If your mercenary group didn't take the job, someone else would which is why I just pointed out that a group that only cared about making profit and not about borders or morality probably wouldn't pass up work even if it was from Garlemald....

 

I don't think any aggression was intended there, but yeah. No point in making a profit if you're just going to lose it when you're being stomped by your previous employer later. It did cross my mind that Garlemald would try to hire them on, it just seems like too dangerous a deal for them to take.

[Havoc Snow]

...No need to be aggressive or defensive about it. Gercho makes a good point, to some degree, about being run out of business if Garlemald took over, though the Garlean Empire has made use of free agents in the past (they did so during the story of 1.0) so it goes without saying they aren't above paying Eorzean mercenaries. If your mercenary group didn't take the job, someone else would which is why I just pointed out that a group that only cared about making profit and not about borders or morality probably wouldn't pass up work even if it was from Garlemald....

 

I don't think any aggression was intended there, but yeah. No point in making a profit if you're just going to lose it when you're being stomped by your previous employer later. It did cross my mind that Garlemald would try to hire them on, it just seems like too dangerous a deal for them to take.

Why would you be stomped by them? The Garlean Empire aren't trying to commit genocide or wipe out Eorzea (unless you count Nael), they're ultimately trying to save it even if their methods are incredibly extreme. From what we know so far Garlemald is to some extent aware of the existence of the Ascians, and they are also opposed to the Primals. Both of which are things we the players are directly opposed to, so if they weren't so... tyrannical... they'd actually make fantastic allies.

 

So long as your company didn't directly interfere with them I highly doubt they'd bother with you. For all we know, the people on Othard (the first continent the conquered after their own) are living happy, meaningful lives free of Beastmen and Primals. We just view them as evil because they're a foreign force trying to invade us.

[Jiggy]

I really like the idea of a group that doesn't have one shared goal. They aren't all trying to save the world, but there would still be those wide eyed soldiers who think they can. It'd be really interesting to hear the different goals of all the different members.

 

And about this whole 'would they work for the Garlean Empire' deal, I don't think they would. Working for the Garleans would not only turn everyone around them against them, but burn bridges with many of the smaller local communities that employ them.

[Kae]

Why would you be stomped by them? ...

 

...if they weren't so... tyrannical... they'd actually make fantastic allies.

 

While the input is appreciated, I really think I made my position on this clear. Helping Garlemald would be detrimental to their line of work. It would result in either being forced to submit to their rule along with everyone else or help whatever rebel groups pop up. You're right that "if they weren't so tyrannical they'd make fantastic allies." But they are that tyrannical.

 

Besides that, the idea of the group is to give people something to do outside the main city states and conflict of the game.

 

Garlemald is a no-go for this PMC. They wouldn't mind providing arms or selling their silence on any information they happen to come across, but it's left at that.

 

 

I really like the idea of a group that doesn't have one shared goal. They aren't all trying to save the world, but there would still be those wide eyed soldiers who think they can. It'd be really interesting to hear the different goals of all the different members.

 

And about this whole 'would they work for the Garlean Empire' deal, I don't think they would. Working for the Garleans would not only turn everyone around them against them, but burn bridges with many of the smaller local communities that employ them.

 

This is what I'm hoping to promote. Heroes and self-servers all in the same boat having to adjust to work together. Glad you like.

 

While they're not worried about turning people against them, I get what you mean about burning bridges. They'd run out of clients if the Garlean Empire's push succeeded. Good to see it doesn't just make sense to me.

 

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With the responses I'm getting it's looking like this Free Company will be up and around sometime very soon. We're already working on getting a site and page up, so anyone interested can be on the look out for it. Still looking for members, employers, and allies.

 

If you've got any questions, ideas, or suggestions, post them up or send them directly through PM.