Beggar's Guild

[buddha]

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?)

[Cha0s]

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!

[Under the moon]

Heh, heh...I can\'t wait to see your \'ranks\'

[Lordbug]

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

Lets see how will this end

[Zan]

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*

[Aiselyn]

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.

Personally, I hope more guilds like this come in the future.

[buddha]

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

[Zan]

*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*

[Aiselyn]

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.

[buddha]

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.

[Robinmagus]

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

[Under the moon]

*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)

[buddha]

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.

[Rothas]

*delete*

[Phinehas]

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.