PlaneShift

Gameplay => Guilds Forum => Topic started by: buddha on April 29, 2005, 11:53:50 pm

Title: Beggar's Guild
Post by: buddha on April 29, 2005, 11:53:50 pm
Let me talk to the street urchins for a bit, if any exist in a fantasy rpg.

Is anyone interested in a guild dedicated to those poor in both morals and tria?  You know, gypsies, travelling musicians, bards, pickpockets, beggars and small time con artists?

This guild would not be dedicated to anything grand like saving and/or destroying the world, or fighting evil or gaining any sort of power.  This would be a build of people who would share good pickpocketing tips, would have the scoop on which members of society are loose with their coin, would know which guild is just about sick of which other guild and who would know the guy who knows the guy...

The outright evil guy--probably not interested.  The power-hungry guy: probably not interested.  The guy who doesn\'t have much money but wants a network of associates--he\'s interested.

At first, we\'ll mostly leech off the altruists.  I know of a few people who actually pay tria to hear stories, for instance.  Then we\'ll move on to being the street informants.

There is as of yet no structure, because I\'m the only person I know who is interested in this type of game.  With enough interest, we could get something up and running.  Post here or PM me, please.

(Yes, I know there will be tons of people telling me (a) I\'ll never get anyone or (b) it will never work or (c) this is stupid idea.  Thank you in advance for your input.  You\'re very helpful, aren\'t you?)
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Post by: Cha0s on April 30, 2005, 03:52:42 am
Brilliant idea! This has the potential to be one of the greatest guilds: it\'s unique and it has a lot of room to expand.

Only suggestions (which I seem to be a common issue with new guilds) are to flesh out your story and get a website. Also develop some sort of hierarchy so that information flows better. It\'s a great idea, though!
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Post by: Under the moon on April 30, 2005, 08:20:40 am
Heh, heh...I can\'t wait to see your \'ranks\' :D
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Post by: Lordbug on April 30, 2005, 03:07:39 pm
first of all: ROFL

OMG! Can\'t beliave in this! I thought no one would ever thought in this! this is... a briliant, annoying (for some people), and crazy idea :D

Lets see how will this end :P
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Post by: Zan on April 30, 2005, 04:07:23 pm
Hmmm .. interesting .. very interesting

Though I do suggest you maybe come up with a name that is a bit more original.

*glances around for a minute and moves on*
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Post by: Aiselyn on April 30, 2005, 07:45:01 pm
I don\'t know about the name not being original. I mean, the whole idea is original, and I kind of like the name as it is :) Personally, I\'d say if you want to change something in the name, change the \'guild\' part of it to \'club\' or \'society\' or \'organization\' or something along those lines. You could even change it around and call it something like \'Society of Beggers\'. Just a thought anyway.

I think this game is in desperate need for guilds like this. So many guilds these days (and I\'m not trying to blame any guild for this, so I hope no one takes this the wrong way) seem to want to blown things beyond realism and say something like \"they want to save the world\" or \"they want armageddon\" (horray you armageddon guys succeeded with the wipe ;)). You, on the other hand. have come up with something more down to earth. I could imagine something like this happening, even in the real world, so, overall, I give two thumbs up to your idea and wish you the best of luck. :D

Personally, I hope more guilds like this come in the future.
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Post by: buddha on April 30, 2005, 08:47:07 pm
Hey, cool, people seem to like the idea, at least.  Not sure how many members I\'d get.

So, you are all right, the name is kind of lame.  However, this will be rather Dickens-esque.  So simple as simple as \"The Beggars\" may suffice.  As for ranks, it\'s hard to determine and ordering for

wretch
The only title that is certain is King of the Beggars, obviously.  Now, this won\'t be a monarchy.  In fact, I imagine almost all power in guild will have to be fought for.  Once you have publically disgraced, out-done or simply charmed the guy above you, you get to raise a rank.  The natural leaders will lead in a semi-anarchic fashion.  It will be the golden rule : He with the gold rules.  I\'m really enjoying your feedback.  What do you guys think of this temporary ranking from lowest to highest.

1. beggar
2. wretch
3. urchin
4. dreg
5. citizen
6. captain
7. master
8. gypsy
9. King

The names should get more grandiose, as the those of little influence tend to agrandise themselves.

As for story, it would be pretty simple.  \"Mulla Nasrudin walked into Hydlaa one day and saw an appalling lack of street crime.  He then proceeded to befriend the lost and the confused, in a hope to win their later favour.  Obsequious and colorful, he began to collect the broken and the hopeless around him.  He taught the young to do whatever it took to survive, seeking out the dark alleyways for refuge. He taught his children to remember every name, as that name may have weight some day.

The only thing a beggar asks for is compassion, and maybe the remembrance of kindness offered.  Don\'t forget the poor unwashed soul that first showed you the sewers, let kindly on the wretch that once told you how to purify a glyph.  Maybe, when you have conquered the world, you will toss a coin our direction...\"

Clearly, most members will only be members temporarily, joining and leaving as their fortunes changed.  Just remember: You meet the same people on the way up that you are going to meet on the way down.  You will probably meet us at the first AND last rung.  Be kind to us.  And please, let your purse hang freely!

I await your feedback. Thanks for indulging me.
-Mulla Nasrudin
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Post by: Zan on April 30, 2005, 11:02:19 pm
*checks his purse and makes sure it is safely attached and inside his pocket*

This is getting more and more interesting. But what I \'m curious about most of all is your relations with other guilds. Now I am sure that many of the good and wealthy guilds will look down on you at best and try to hunt you to extinction in the worst case. However I can imagine a band of unscrupulous lowlifes, thieves and informants be quite useful at times. Especially since they are easily controlled with some money.

Of course only a fool would trust your kind and plan to have any long term affiliations .. nonetheless I do see potential here. Chances for mutually beneficial arrangements .. of course not so beneficial for the victim.

*walks off lost in thought .. but with his hand still on his pocket to protect his purse*
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Post by: Aiselyn on May 01, 2005, 12:07:45 am
You know, it\'s too bad that it\'s probably not feasible to be in two guilds, otherwise I\'d make a more scruffy looking character just for this.

What if you had your ranks based more on something like the mafia idea. You could have something like \'The Godfather\' and then have some of the lower ranks being like something you would see in a street gang of sorts: Your lower ranks could be \'Watcher\' or even \'Informant\'. The higher ranks could be something like \'Overseer\' or \'Master Thief\'.

In addition you could have the ranks based on what that character is best at. So if the character is good at being an exilent eavesdropper, then he could be an Overseer. If he\'s good at pick pocketing he could be Master Thief.

Just a thought anyway. I just think if you had things too complex with the ranks it might get confusing and take away from the whole aura that makes this such a good idea. :)
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Post by: buddha on May 01, 2005, 01:06:18 am
Well, I got excited and went ahead and created a web page.

http://www.geocities.com/kingofthebeggars/beggars_guild_home.html

The full text of which is below.  I am still very open to suggestions, please feel free to comment, if you are so inclined.

***** text of page *********

The Beggar\'s Guild is a Planeshift Guild loosely headed by Mulla Nasrudin.

Mission: Well, we all need to get by.  You scratch my back and I will scratch yours.  The only thing a Beggar asks for is compassion, and the remembrance of compassion offered.

Why join the Beggar\'s?  You are lonely and poor.   This is a brutal town.  We know how it feels.  While you\'re looking around for fame and fortune, we can give you tips on survival.  We know all the good places to eat and sleep.

Rules: Help your friends. Kick your enemies.

Alignment:  Ah, yes.  We are opportunists.  In layman\'s terms, we are chaotic neutral.  Your actions are, of course, entirely up to you.

Membership:  You are immediately accepted as a member upon asking.  You are expected to leave the guild the moment your fortunes and ambitions increase. All we ask is that you remember the humbler folk on your journey to greatness.

Ranks:  Currently the ranks are as follows
1. Beggar
2. Gypsy
3. Thesbian
4. Family Member
Me: King

There are no ranks, just branches. You are as powerful as your personality and talent allows you to be. Some structure will come as our numbers increase, but that will follow a natural path.

Thesbians:  Artists, poets, entertainers and bards are often cast out and harassed by the more gentrified.  We love you!  We appreciate the value of art.  Let us help you start your career.

Gypsies: This class of folk are peddlers and soothsayers.  Often misunderstood as thieves or witches, the Beggars know better.  You are hard working and industrious.  Come to a place where you will be appreciated.

Family:  Some people after having a taste of fame, come back to their roots.  The Family are the people who stick around because they like the stench of the streets.  The Family is the helpful branch of the Beggars, the ones the Thesbians and the Gypsies often call when things are tough.

We look forward to hearing from you.  Remember, you meet the same people on the way up that you do on the way down.  You will meet the Beggars at the first AND last rung of the ladder.
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Post by: Robinmagus on May 01, 2005, 03:54:28 am
Im against begging. Im against pickpocketing. Im against your guild. I beleive Yliakum does not have a need for lazy people lokking for others tria
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Post by: Under the moon on May 01, 2005, 08:13:53 am
*watches as Robin loses his purse*

Perhaps \'Cutpurse\' would be a good rank to have, since it doesn\'t seem to fit in any other.

(don\'t try to rob me, i\'m broke) :P
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Post by: buddha on May 01, 2005, 08:45:18 am
UTM:  That\'s a good idea.  I was thinking of folding the thievery into the Family.  It could be a low-level mafia, without the heavy, organized undertones.


RobinMagus, Your objections have been duly noted and entered into the record. All you have to do is sign below and we will instantly cease and desist.  There will be no more begging in Yliakum if yo completely fill out this document.  I know it\'s important to you, so please be prompt.


X*                                              Date
_______________________   _____________________



Credit Card Number _____________________________

Banking Institution ______________________________

Account Number    ______________________________


Thanks for your help, I\'ll get right on this whole begging thing. You\'re right, it should be eliminated.


Mulla














*I the above signed hereby relinquish command of all funds to Mulla Nasrudin and The Beggars to be used in any fashion Mulla Nasrudin sees fit.  I waive any and all tort rights for the use of said funds.
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Post by: Rothas on May 01, 2005, 08:47:01 am
*delete*
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Post by: Phinehas on May 01, 2005, 04:36:35 pm
Well, I didn\'t read all the posts, but all I have to say is: Keep your members away from me, unless you want charred fingers.
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Post by: Kwip on May 01, 2005, 04:59:38 pm
Hehe, yes this is what I was hoping for when I commented before  when people complained about begars.  This should prove to be a very intresting guild that I will watch very closely (specially since being poor and all I have no purse to look after ;) ).
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Post by: Kiramon on May 01, 2005, 05:10:01 pm
Here I go teaching others not to beg - and what do you do?.... you make a beggar\'s guild -.-

alright it is a good idea, not sure how many members you will get - but just one thing... keep you filthy hands off my purse scum! X(
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Post by: snow_RAveN on May 01, 2005, 05:17:19 pm
Not to rain on your parade or anything but there\'s the moonlight guild thingy which has nearly the same goals and stuff  but i dont know if its still around or something ...

And honestly it sounds like a nice guild, i mean no goals like blowing up the cave, or saveing it form people who are planing to/ about to blow up the cave. But i guess the best you can do atm is loitier around outside the tav with the intent of helping your fellow cave dellewers lighten the burden of carrying in large ammounts tira.

[IC]
GET A JOB YOU BUM !
[/IC]
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Post by: buddha on May 01, 2005, 08:10:23 pm
I am so delighted by the response.  I\'m sill sort of forming the guild.  I don\'t expect many members, since we\'re not as glamorous as, say, the Diablo Monsters....

It occured to me that I need 9 ranks, so I\'m going to have an intro beggar rank, a king rank and then two of each Thesbian, Gypsy and Family.

Thanks for the heads up on Moonlight! A brief search indicates that they are pretty inactive, so I\'m gold.

Now I have another question for you guys.  What is the ideal interaction The Beggars would have with your guild and/or yourself?  I mean, if Phinehas wants to constantly run us out of the tavern, I\'m game.  Are there ways you can think of to create a richer environment?

Thanks for your time!
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Post by: Phinehas on May 01, 2005, 08:18:28 pm
Happy to oblige, as always. :D
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Post by: Cyl on May 01, 2005, 08:20:58 pm
Well, if I wouldnt be in with ashes, I would have considered joining.

About interaction. Well sometimes I could get pretty mean if some of you interrupt me while sleeping in a side-street, or knock me of a roof or something.
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Post by: buddha on May 02, 2005, 05:26:18 pm
Cyl, which roofs do you typically stand on?  Do you have a chimney sweeping business?  That\'s good work, when you can get it.

EDIT:  The proper forms have not yet been submitted, so the beggings will continue...
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Post by: Zan on May 02, 2005, 07:37:26 pm
Quote
Originally posted by buddha
Now I have another question for you guys.  What is the ideal interaction The Beggars would have with your guild and/or yourself?  I mean, if Phinehas wants to constantly run us out of the tavern, I\'m game.  Are there ways you can think of to create a richer environment?

Thanks for your time!


Well powerful people throughout history (both the game\'s and real life\'s I bet) have tried to keep their own hands clean by hiring lowlifes to do their dirty work for them. Your guild members would be the perfect candidates for the kind of work you never want to publically admit you \'re doing as a respectable member or leader of a guild. Of course it would require some type of professionalism from your side in the way that you don\'t normally mention the people you do business with to others .. that is unless you see a chance to blackmail some more money out of them or take revenge on them for not paying you. I don\'t expect a guild of scum to be honorable and trustworthy but if I could count on some discretion I can see people wandering in a dark alley hoping to contact your kind.

After all if a poor bum tries to kill or rob someone and fails everyone will think he was after your money .. and if he should succeed they will think the same. While the one who hired that bum knows better.

Enormous potential for a guild like this.
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Post by: DepthBlade on May 02, 2005, 08:22:19 pm
Good luck to you nice to hear of variety entering the game once again :)
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Post by: Leiraine on May 04, 2005, 07:43:02 am
I love the idea! Great guild, and I hope very much you will succeed!

About the interractions, I think there is a well to explore about how the members will be fetching info in the first place. Listenning at the doors? Arranging some sort of deals with \'natural\' gatherers of information, like inn keepers and maids? Setting up some kind of posts at the crowded places and events? I know I might be going slightly out of Yliakum\'s setting in its current state, but hey, isn\'t there no limit to rp? ;)
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Post by: Jadd on May 04, 2005, 02:14:08 pm
Nice, we needed a guild for all the scum....ehhh, I mean \"less fortunate\" people of Yliakum  ;)

Hehe, this is like in the Tamuli saga where all lowlifes bands together and creates a structurated society. Is there a handbook for begging by the way? You could make one and name it \"beg for mercy\"  :D

No, but really, nice idea Buddha. Good luck :)
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Post by: Zeful on May 05, 2005, 06:34:20 pm
*Zeful apperes from the darkness, a happy smile on his face*

       it\'s great that your doing this. I salute you

*stands at attention, saluting*

         keep up the dishonesty!!!

*waves politley, and melds into the darkness*
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Post by: Aiselyn on May 06, 2005, 04:54:43 am
Quote
Originally posted by buddha

Now I have another question for you guys.  What is the ideal interaction The Beggars would have with your guild and/or yourself?  I mean, if Phinehas wants to constantly run us out of the tavern, I\'m game.  Are there ways you can think of to create a richer environment?


Well, I was actually roleplying with you the other day under a newly made (I was that Klyros that didn\'t talk much ;)). I think you\'re a great roleplayer personally. That will be a plus in my opinion. I say experiment with different things. See people\'s reactions to different kinds of begging, to doing deeds that people want as well as deeds that you do qithout asking, like putting a coat down in a puddle for a lady or something along those lines (maybe try a medeival version of a squeegee kid somehow... have fun thinking of how).

It\'s not out of character to try and come up with something creative when you\'re a begger, and sometimes you need that creative edge to make it through the world. ;)

I\'m sure you\'ll think of something, just give it time. :)
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Post by: Cha0s on May 06, 2005, 05:02:19 am
So, how\'re you doing on members? I\'m waiting for the posts of people all pledging to sign up... *looks around*

Seriously, this guild has so much potential. You just need the right people to see it. You might also want to start screening newbies in-game. Pick out the good RPers and invite them in. Newbies are also just the type to join a beggars guild: they have no money! ;)
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Post by: buddha on May 06, 2005, 06:26:51 am
/me mumbles under his breath \"We have one member besides me, and he\'s an old friend...\"

I expect recruitment will rise with the general game population.  Right now, I don\'t think anyone is doing well in that arena.

Many people in game and here have said they like the idea, but few have come forth to participate.  That\'s okay, I expected it to be a bit slow...

However,  I will say that I believe The Beggars are the only guild that have an actual plan for power.  We (well, mostly me, but that\'s enough at the moment) are laying the groundwork for future endeavours.  Of course, I can\'t share it, but let me put it this way: My guild idea was pretty different and fairly practical, so goes my plan for power--unusual and yet fairly practical.  That is, if we stay the course, The Beggars and those affiliated will achieve their goal. Join the project if you want to hear more.

I\'m really glad the idea is so welcomed, though.  Ultimately, I\'m hoping the presence of the guild and its members will up the level of RP in the game.  In conjunction with UTM\'s elections, Zan\'s rotary club thing and Provisionist1\'s cult, we are laying a pretty solid foundation for the post-wipe era.  I wish I could run into those guys in game!

EDIT: Hey!  Aisleyn is Rakal?  You were awesome.  I have to look for you again!  That was a truly cool, Western movie moment!
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Post by: Under the moon on May 06, 2005, 07:02:36 am
You could improve your standing by being the first Beggar Octarch. :D

Truely, I wish I could go in-game and RP, but even with all the tricks I have found on the forums (ya, tried the cam thing a long time ago), my \'weight\' is still too severe. That is why I\'m running the elections. Something I can do for the game, out side the game.

Well, I will at least be able to take votes, when the time comes. No movement needed. ;)
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Post by: kariloy on May 06, 2005, 10:23:42 pm
Hmm nice idea for a guild, just be warned that my char has a set of sharp blades with him :P Even so if the guild is successeful i can already imagine my character being able to interact RPwise with that guild... in what concerns information searching :P But nothing more than those kind of business!
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Post by: Uloim on May 13, 2005, 12:45:12 am
Whenever you\'re ingame, Buddha, look for Uloim Oakenshade around town.  He\'ll probably be at the tavern and he wants to speak with Mulla.