-- Community RP Idea -- The Turks

[Val]

[align=center][/align]

 

 

Hello, everyone! I'm here to discuss with the RP community as a whole something that, quite honestly, started out as a joke. You see, a group of us would get together and do chocobo racing at night for several hours, laughing and cutting up and generally enjoying the evening. Eventually, we discussed formal attire for our group that soon became business/formal attire. We jokingly named ourselves the Turks and stood next to the side of the giant Chocobo in Choco Square while we waited for the races to begin. Some of you may have seen us!

 

As the nights (and days) went on, we soon realized that our little joke could be an actual thing. We would joke about rigging chocobo races in the Saucer, counting cards (since I'm sure Triple Triad isn't the only IC game that could be played with cards), and other nefarious things. 

 

The general idea was to create an IC organization that would emulate something akin to the Turks in FFVII, only they're not a secret agency for the government or anything like that. Instead, what we'd be shooting for is a 1940s-styled gangster organization that is based in the Golden Saucer, using it as sort of their headquarters. Like old mobs, their activities would be suspected but, without proof, law enforcement would be unable to actually do anything to them--for now, at least. 

 

We have some more in-detail notes which I'll list below, but before I do, I wanted to take the time to let everyone know that we want RPC feedback, ideas, and thoughts on this. Ultimately, we want it to be a community-based thing where everyone can have input, participate, and get some RP in/around/out of the Gold Saucer involving this organization. The only downside I see to this is if SE decides to use the Turks in XIV, but considering (to my knowledge) they haven't used it outside of FFVII-based lore, I don't think that will be much of a concern.

 

So, here's the stuff! Everything listed will be a general overview/idea of what we're going for. Feel free to comment and post any ideas you may have and let me know if you're interested! 

 

 

[align=center]The Turks[/align]

 

[align=left]All About the Money -

• Anything without a direct prophet is of no interest, and they do not involve themselves in anything that is traceable back to their organization. Some examples of their interests include: drugs, blackmail, extortion, and rigged casino games. Ultimately, if there is something to be gained from it, they will seek to get their hands on the action and prophet from it. 
  

 

Unknown Leader - 

• The leader of the Turks is extremely revered, but no one has ever seen him. This includes lieutenants and other high-ranking members. We chose this form of "leader" because it would help those that want to be involved, especially entire FCs, do their own thing and not have to worry about being overruled by another PC. What we would like are ideas/rumors of what he might look like and things he's done. 
  
• The overall structure beneath the boss, or the tailor as he's called in public (with Turks themselves being referred to as suits), is that all Lieutenants (also NPCs) are expected to work together for a common goal. This continues to allow FCs that want to be involved, or groups, to have their own NPC-driven Lieutenant, but allow inter-FC RP as everyone will need to work together to get whatever job is presented done. 
  
• There will be a merit system, where PC characters can be known and have a "popular" vibe. This could be a character that has been in the Turks for a while and people look up to or reach out to for some kind of assistance without actually having power over anyone else, which leads me to the next point.
  
• The Turks would have a No-Handholding Policy. The organization is all about the money, as stated above, and leadership is there to be leaders, not life coaches. If leadership's time is wasted over something trivial (basically, anything that isn't directly related to the organization itself or could have been handled on their own), they are known to carry out harsh punishment such as the removal of fingers, teeth, limbs, and other unnecessary body parts. The bottom line is that Turk characters should attempt to handle their problems themselves without needing to go to leadership, or looking to one another for help via a brotherhood-like system.
  

 

Unwritten Rules - [/align]

[align=left]

• This is kind of a lighthearted, fun-based scheme for them. We picture a random book that all Turks carry on them, or have somewhere, or is embedded into their brain through harsh memorizing techniques--something that would allow them to pull these rules out of thin air. It doesn't have to be serious--remember, Turks are supposed to be suave, sophisticated gangsters. An example would be: "Rule 12, Section A: Never step outside without your shades" and "Rule 104, Article 2, Section B: Always be sure your jacket is lint-free." Of course, this could extend to more serious things, but this is why I'm throwing it out to the community!
  

 

Dress Code -

• An organization like this, we feel, should have a dress code of sorts. It consists of white, black, or ink blue "business" attire. They would allow no skimpy clothing (in public, at least). Combs and shades are a must, but certainly not a necessity to be worn/RPed out. If they aren't, it's assumed that the shades would be clipped to the jacket somewhere, and the comb located in the inner pocket.
  

 

If Your Cover is Blown, You're Out - 

• A secretive organization like the Turks would not allow someone to remain a member if someone had proof against them. This means it would be of the utmost importance for players, and characters, to be especially careful with how their business is conducted in public.
  
• An example: Turk A and B are hanging out together. Turk B goes off to deal and gets caught. A Sultansworn (or whatever enforcement) asks Turk A how they knew Turk B, as they'd seen them talking together. Turk A would then tell the Sultansworn that they were surprised to find Turk B in that kind of "dirty deal," or that Turk B was trying to sell them the items in question and he turned them down (if the excuse fit).
  

 

Arms-Length from HoD (or any FC) -

• Jikam, Eilk, and myself are in HoD, but we don't want this organization to necessarily have anything to do with HoD. We don't really want it to be housed under any one FC, as we see this a great opportunity for many people to use however they wish. Some of this has already been addressed in the Unknown Leader section, so I'll keep it relatively brief. The Turks is to be considered as an all-encompassing, open organization for everyone to use as they see fit so long as it is within reason and rules. What reason? What rules? Well, that's why I'm posting this here so we can discuss and agree upon!
  

 

Operates in the Gold Saucer - 

• Their main base and hangout area is the Gold Saucer, and places like that would naturally have individuals dressed in business attire, with the Turk leader rumored to be living in a penthouse above. 
  
• Turks may have activity in other areas, which we haven't fully fleshed out yet and would love more input from the community!
  

 

Loyalty - 

• There is a strict code of loyalty within the Turks. If a character is a member, they are considered family regardless of how much someone may dislike another. As such, no weapons are to be pulled on another member of the "family." Should a weapon be drawn, the drawer of said weapon is no longer considered a member of the Turks and may be handled accordingly. Of course, if no one is around to really bear witness, well...
  
• The organization comes before its members, meaning that a member of the Turks should be loyal and friendly to other Turks and help them however they can, provided whatever they are doing does not endanger the organization as a whole.
  

 

Slang Words - 

• This is another area that everyone can actively help with! Some slang we've already considered includes:
  
• Juicy - Adjective for someone with a lot of exploitable weaknesses.
  
• Suits - The Turks themselves.
  
• Tailor - The Turk leader.
  
• The Long Dive - Being thrown from the top of the Golden Saucer.
  
• Manderville Has a Ride - Law enforcement is nearby.
  
• Pretty Bird - A rigged chocobo in a race.
  
• Stiffneck - Someone that is difficult to exploit; very by-the-book individual.
  
• Ace Man - Someone counting cards/committing criminal acts and is cutting into the Turk's business operations to some extent for their own gain.
  
• Yes Man - Someone who should not be trusted. Someone that the Turks have lost faith with, or someone who has left the Turks.
  
• Calamity Survivor - Someone that's been in the Turks for a long time and has nothing on him.
  
• Suicide Jack - A member that can't stand being in the Turks anymore, doesn't want to go to jail and doesn't want to be killed. So, he tells someone outside the organization that he's a Turk.
   
   
  

 

Gates - 

• The Gates themselves can even work as some sort of RP device, such as the Dancing gate's moves/emotes being undercover sign language used to relay information to others in the area.
  

 

Rumors - 

• Again, we will need some rumors for the organization for people to use IC, both as an RP/plot device and to give a better "feel" to the organization!
  

 

Relation to the Mandervilles - 

• Since they're a syndicate, we've decided it best that they're operating outside of the eyes of the Mandervilles. To put it lightly, they aren't aware they exist.
  

 

Linkshell -

• Interested? Check out our linkshell information here!
  

 

So, that's pretty much the ideas we have for now! Please, comment and let me know how you feel about this with some constructive feedback, if you think it's possible, or if you are interested and would like to participate, either as an FC or a solo member on an alt/character! People participating don't have to be Turks, after all. They'll need someone to extort, get info from, rig races with, etc. 

 

Thanks again for your time, everyone! And here's a cookie for making it this far.[/align]

 

Disclaimer - 

[align=left]

• Credit goes to Eilk Sundown for the logo!
  
• If anyone would like to contact me privately about this, feel free to do so via the RPC or in-game. 
  
• This idea was brought to you primarily by Jikam Constans and Eilk Sundown of HoD, and extrapolated by myself and various other members/individuals keen on it!
  

[/align]

[LiveVoltage]

Welp, im going to make my alt a Turk, lol.

 

Would the Turk's deal in human trafficking? Ul'dah has a reputation for slaves and slavers.

 

Also, idea for a code word you can use:

 

Ace Man: Someone who is counting card's/committing criminal acts and is cutting into the Turk's business operations to some extent for their own gain.

[Val]

Welp, im going to make my alt a Turk, lol.

 

Would the Turk's deal in human trafficking? Ul'dah has a reputation for slaves and slavers.

 

Also, idea for a code word you can use:

 

Ace Man: Someone who is counting card's/committing criminal acts and is cutting into the Turk's business operations to some extent for their own gain.

 

Thank you for your input! I'll add the word to the list shortly! 

 

As for human trafficking, I'd think that would be okay for them. As the post said, anything that can give the organization a profit without being directly traced back to them would be something they're interested in!

[Imo]

Would the Turk's deal in human trafficking? Ul'dah has a reputation for slaves and slavers.

 

That's a bit of a heavy topic for what's supposed to be a light-hearted RP idea, isn't it? At least as light-hearted as a criminal organization can be.

 

Also, citation please. I know Ul'dah uses sending to the arena as punishment for heavy crimes, but I'm pretty damn sure there's no slave markers or slavers.

[Val]

Would the Turk's deal in human trafficking? Ul'dah has a reputation for slaves and slavers.

 

That's a bit of a heavy topic for what's supposed to be a light-hearted RP idea, isn't it? At least as light-hearted as a criminal organization can be.

 

Also, citation please. I know Ul'dah uses sending to the arena as punishment for heavy crimes, but I'm pretty damn sure there's no slave markers or slavers.

 

I don't think it'd be entirely too heavy for them. After all, the Turks themselves--or the characters--could be light-hearted and comedic, or entirely serious. That's up to the PC/FC using the idea. What they do from there is really up to their judgment, I think.

[LiveVoltage]

Would the Turk's deal in human trafficking? Ul'dah has a reputation for slaves and slavers.

 

That's a bit of a heavy topic for what's supposed to be a light-hearted RP idea, isn't it? At least as light-hearted as a criminal organization can be.

 

Also, citation please. I know Ul'dah uses sending to the arena as punishment for heavy crimes, but I'm pretty damn sure there's no slave markers or slavers.

The Flame general Rahubahn was a slave. He fought in the Gladiator rings and won his freedom.

 

While it's not touched on in FFXIV, the lore does state that slavery is going on to some extent.

 

As for slavers, La Noscean pirates are the only ones that actively do it, or a few groups I think. Slavery does exist in the realm of Eorzea, its just that Ul'dah has a history of having slave owners while La Noscean pirates are know for doing the actual slaving.

 

Also, new word:

 

Yes Man - Someone who should not be trusted. Someone that the Turk's have lost faith with or someone who has left the Turks.

[Imo]

The Flame general Rahubahn was a slave. He fought in the Gladiator rings and won his freedom.

 

I figured he was duped into commiting some kind of harsh crime (which, in Ul'dah, might as well be getting into too much debt, because it's Ul'dah) - a newcomer getting taken advantage of is nothing new in Ul'dah. The black mage in the BLM plotline was also sentenced to the bloodsands for his crimes. But actual, legal, slave trade doesn't appear anywhere in the game, so I'd like confirmation that it's canon and not just semi-common edgy headcanon.

 

Sorry for offtopic.

[Faye]

The Flame general Rahubahn was a slave. He fought in the Gladiator rings and won his freedom.

 

I figured he was duped into commiting some kind of harsh crime (which, in Ul'dah, might as well be getting into too much debt, because it's Ul'dah) - a newcomer getting taken advantage of is nothing new in Ul'dah. The black mage in the BLM plotline was also sentenced to the bloodsands for his crimes. But actual, legal, slave trade doesn't appear anywhere in the game, so I'd like confirmation that it's canon and not just semi-common edgy headcanon.

 

Sorry for offtopic.

 

I don't think Inessa meant it was legal. In fact, considering this is a crime syndicate we're bouncing around ideas for, I think it's assumed it's probably illegal.

[Kage]

I could totally see an organization like The Turks operating under a "no bodies unless needed to make a point or real punishment" policy. Keeps any type of authority from taking -too- much of an interest in their activities. So long as they're making money off of adventurers and haps that aren't the wealthy Syndicate.

 

People buying and selling drugs. Leaders' name on no papers whatsoever. Person with a clean slate perhaps working in legitimate business as front (selling chocobo feed and a bar to set up for the race watchers/betters).

 

 

I might have watched too many cop dramas.

[Val]

I could totally see an organization like The Turks operating under a "no bodies unless needed to make a point or real punishment" policy. Keeps any type of authority from taking -too- much of an interest in their activities. So long as they're making money off of adventurers and haps that aren't the wealthy Syndicate.

 

People buying and selling drugs. Leaders' name on no papers whatsoever. Person with a clean slate perhaps working in legitimate business as front (selling chocobo feed and a bar to set up for the race watchers/betters).

 

 

I might have watched too many cop dramas.

 

Thanks for all the input, guys! We really appreciate it! Also, I've made a linkshell called Gold Saucer Turks for those that are interested and want to join/discuss stuff!

 

And yes, Kage. You have exactly the idea we were going for =)

[Havoc Snow]

lol me and some friends a while back when 2.4 first came out had a similar idea to this and started a LS called Turks of Balmung.

[Val]

lol me and some friends a while back when 2.4 first came out had a similar idea to this and started a LS called Turks of Balmung.

 

Well, I hope we're not stepping on any toes

[Dravus]

It sounds like a lot of fun! Since the Gold Saucer is confirmed to be updated over time you'll eventually have plenty of new stuff material to bake into your role-play to help keep things fresh. If you ever need a character to 'shake down' for some easy gil I'll happily offer one of my abandoned alts to fulfill such a role.

[Tiergan]

This is awesome sounding and I wish I had alts that fit this. ;A;

 

Maybe Leilani could be an unofficial Turk.

[Val]

This is awesome sounding and I wish I had alts that fit this. ;A;

 

Maybe Leilani could be an unofficial Turk.

It sounds like a lot of fun! Since the Gold Saucer is confirmed to be updated over time you'll eventually have plenty of new stuff material to bake into your role-play to help keep things fresh. If you ever need a character to 'shake down' for some easy gil I'll happily offer one of my abandoned alts to fulfill such a role.

 

Thank you both! I really appreciate it  Leilani can always be an unofficial turk, and Graeham we'd be happy to facilitate some RP for you!

[Edda]

Ahhhh this is such a neat idea. I totally lost it at "The Long Dive," A++ stuff right there. I'll be keeping an eye out for you guys at the GS now!

[Val]

Ahhhh this is such a neat idea. I totally lost it at "The Long Dive," A++ stuff right there. I'll be keeping an eye out for you guys at the GS now!

 

Thank you, Edda! We're definitely going to be looking to get it going, though it may be a little bit before we start making appearances, depending on how long it takes to gain traction and how things go with that.

 

Also, we've made a linkshell for those that want to get in on the discussion or are interested and want to inquire! The main info has been updated to reflect this!

[Jikam Constans]

 

Yes Man - Someone who should not be trusted. Someone that the Turk's have lost faith with or someone who has left the Turks.

 

 

Just wanted to throw out that I -loved- this suggestion. 

 

And thank you to those of you that have read the post and responded! We sure do appreciate the feed back!

[Vysce the Lad]

This sounds like a super neat idea! It just so happens I've been thinking of redoing an alt of mine, so I might have an available candidate. There's not enough cool shady rp~ 

 

Get it... shades? 8-)

 

 

...c-can I still join? I wont make any more jokes.

 

another cool bit of slang could be Shiny: Would make it clear to the other members that a person or deal has been double and triple checked for counter-cons and rival influence and it's go time to engage without any fear of blowback.

[Vysce the Lad]

I'm sitting here and thought of another possible slang. Its a little silly, but I figured hey- it could  be cool.

 

7's & 9's : Used to describe a situation in which the Turks have members in place to clean up a deal or silence an individual if the deal goes south or an asset decides to squeal. 

 

Turk A: "I dunno Ace, this looks a little risky. What if they contact their lead in the Syndicate?"

 

Turk B: "Tch, 7's and 9's, Jack. They keep quiet, everyone gets rich. They don't, suits are gonna send 'em off the Long Dive, see?"

[Jancis]

Does that make Jancis a stiffneck? :bouncy:

 

This is a fantastic idea for organized crime. I'll surely try to cause good-hearted problems... or get conned in the future.

[Coatleque]

I love the idea as it is put forth. I don't have a character that would join, but I'll definitely keep my ears open for how Crofte could somehow be involved. And it gives me a reason to finally visit the Gold Saucer in-character (off duty, of course. Even Paladins need to schmooze.)

[LiveVoltage]

Inessa will be there definitely, since she is still a off/on investigator for the private sector, she would look into these criminal activity's at the request of the 'House'.

 

Im going to be on my Courier alt in a little while. If you want, send an LS invite that way if you can.

 

Alt's name is 'The Courier.' without the little quotation marks or the period.

 

Ohhh. Speaking of more good Codenames.   The House - Manderville Gold Saucer officials are nearby or reference to the place in general.

[Havoc Snow]

lol me and some friends a while back when 2.4 first came out had a similar idea to this and started a LS called Turks of Balmung.

 

Well, I hope we're not stepping on any toes

 

Not at all, this is a lot more organized and well thought out than what we did. Ours was just a group of friends dressed in dark blue suits and sunglasses walking around talking about being classy and fashionable and snapping our fingers in unison whenever someone zinged someone.

 

It was mostly just meant to be funny, have misadventures, and take screenshots of them.

[YesGood]

I really like this idea and I hope to see it come to fruition.

 

Also, human trafficking via kidnapping and such has happened in the game. With all the refugees and such, people 'going missing' and ending up far from whatever family they have left, if they have any, and being put to work as workers and such isn't unlikely. Likewise, indentured servitude in the sense of borderline slavery is also very highly likely in Ul'dah where if you ever accrued a debt (through mercantile work, opening businesses then having them fail, extortion, etc) with the intention of paying it off with labor, you'd probably never be able to. Debts might even be passed down to children and children's children. The Syndicate couldn't exist without forcing people to obey by using the lure of coin and the threat of death against them.

 

So, if slavery is too strong (and it's doubtlessly illegal in Aldenard, but shipping off kidnapped victims to other City-States likely wouldn't be abnormal, especially with the high demand for exotic dancers in Ul'dah and laborers and sailors in La Noscea) then extortion and indentured servitude of a kind might happen with these Turks. Forcing people to pay off their gambling debts and what not by working or running messages they can't read or otherwise being pawns of the organization so that the actual Turks don't have to risk their identities so often. Just invite your debtee to a shadowy room and give them a task and if they don't fulfill it, pick them off later. At least that's an idea, anyhow, and one that might've been mentioned. If so, apologies.