| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
|---|---|
| Guildlords10-13-06, 08:31 PM | Please post your concept for the new guild that will replace The Watchful EYE here. Guidelines: The new guild will have a primary trait of Politics and a secondary trait of Leisure. Other than that, your proposed guild can be anything you like. You must include the following elements in your proposal: The name of the guild The 3-letter abbreviation for the guild A description of the motives for the guild. Try to avoid describing the membership (i.e. "consists of rogues and other ne'er-do-wells"), because the membership will be determined by the characters who join. Focus instead on the reason why the guild came together, what their motives are, and possibly even how they feel about the other guilds and/or the Council of Gladius. An explicit rationale as to why the Politics and Leisure traits would be associated with this guild. Any other pitch you want to make. You may submit a proposal even if you would not actually join or participate in the guild you describe--others may want to, and they'll have the opportunity to say so later. You can make multiple submissions if you like. The deadline is tentatively a week from now (October 20), however, please try to get your submissions up ASAP. The earlier you get them in, the more people will read it and get stoked about your idea! After the deadline, we'll have a vote based on who would actually have a character join the proposed guilds, and who would be willing to be the guildmaster--it won't be a strict popularity contest of who gets the most votes, but I will discuss with Cat, and maybe the other Elders, which guild looks like it will be most viable after the voting. |
| NiQil10-13-06, 09:07 PM | Name: The Freedom League Abbreviation: TFL Motives: Members of this guild believe in everyone's right to do as they choose. They tend to be activists in the political forum, doing what they can to undermine the current ruling body of Gladius in an attempt to bring about an anarchic revolution. They also work from the opposite end, using small businesses such as taverns, brothels, carnivals and the like to show the "little people" of Gladius what life can be like without "big brother" looking over your shoulder. Members of this guild tend to frown on any show of authority (even their own), but have come to realize that the best way to undermine the system is to work from within as well as without. The ruling body of this guild is therefore a council, rather than an individual, though the council does have an appointed spokesman. POL/LEI explanation: Politics would relate to this guild in their attempts to undermine the ruling body of Gladius from both within and without to bring about a form of pure anarchy. Leisure is the tool they use to show both the common man and the heads of state what "life would be like in a perfect world"...the perfect world being one without rules. I think this is one of the few areas the guilds do not already cover. My idea could probably use some tweaking, but there is the rough draft. Note that I have no interest in running or participating in this (or any) guild, but figured I would throw out the idea for others to pick apart. Let the shredding begin :) |
| MindWandererB10-13-06, 10:48 PM | The Anarchists' Council (TAC) For many years, Gladiosan dissidents have been without a place to turn. Oppressed by the Council of Gladius on one side, and the domineering Celestial Expeditionary Forces and East Habari Trading Company on the other, these free spirits have found their "rights" stifled wherever they turn. They have had enough. The Anarchists' Council was formed by a coalition of individuals with the wisdom to see the strength in organization, but on the principle of allowing individual freedom at all costs. They work towards the abolition of laws that restrict the people's ability to do whatever they want, barring universal "human" rights. Wherever their influence holds, only the most heinous of crimes--murder, arson, rape, and the theft of someone's livelihood--are prohibited. Drugs, gambling, and whoring are acceptable to them, and possession is synonymous with ownership (i.e. there is no such thing as theft). POL: TAC has very strong about authority, in that it should be completely laissez-faire. They're actually very knowledgeable about politics, so that they can apply it minimally and still have a society that doesn't fall apart. That's the idea, anyway--many people don't think they can pull it off. LEI: More a side effect than a goal. TAC simply doesn't believe that leisure activities that do no direct harm should be restricted, so sponsorship of the highly-profitable leisure industry comes naturally to them. Edit: I wrote this after NiQil's suggestion, above. Obviously there's a lot of overlap. Good thing the vote will be a "choose all" rather than a "choose one." If both concepts end up being popular, we could combine elements of both. |
| Gonbow10-14-06, 02:30 AM | Gladosian Monarchist Assembly (GMA) In brief: The GMA champions the cause of Royalty and Nobility as their name suggests, a cause which until recently did not need any championing. In not so brief: "Thank you good gentleman, for coming to this meeting. I am here to speak with you about one thing, something of the greatest importance. It is no war that brings me so urgently to speak with you, no great crime, no miracle from the temples, no wondrous creation the tower of wizards or the laboratories of the consortium. No, what I am here to speak to you about is older than the stones of Gladius itself! Monarchy. Yes, Monarchy. Look at our city and then look to our neighbors. If a king dies and his son succeeds him... his realm is the same. A new face, perhaps new knights... but the blood remains. Here, if a councilman dies... the replacement is different indeed. From graybeard to undying elf our positions go! And they squabble amongst each-other, passing law upon law that contradicts the first and then another to undo the first two if you pay a fine, until the whole morass is understandable only to those people that call themselves lawyers.. How many laws does a city need? No, it is not the council of fools that we need, but a strong hand and vision that shapes a dynasty to guide us! How many of you too are from beyond our borders? You know well the advantages of a strong ruler. How their kingdoms blossom and prosper for generations rather than give way to internal strife as guilds vie for power in bloody brawls in our very street. A king or queen would have none of this, no. How many of you, good sirs, bear the blood of a noble family as I do? You know what it means to uphold honor and tradition. To serve your vassals and protect them as they serve you. To inspire your fellows to greatness in your wake! That is our destiny... and it shall be realized. Monarchy my friends... Monarchy." The guild has come together as a unseen opposition to the ruling republic in Gladius. The weight of ages is on their side and they know it, nor are they afraid to utilize it. Vast contacts in 'the family' and those who have been serving 'the family' for generations are spread in a heavy web over Gladius and beyond in any place with nobility and/or royalty. The primacy thrust of the guild is to appoint a Lord in gladius who works in tandem with the Council and then to slowly move the powers of state from the council to the lord, until said lord can be truly named King or Queen, depending on who it is at the time. Pol/Lei rationale: Politics is the blood of GMA, for it is what they care about with a passion and what binds most of them together. Leisure is only slightly less important as it isn't sheer wealth that makes you noble, but rather how you live your life. One can tell between a noble pauper and a poor beggar from their attitude and how they go about simple things alone; namely, in a very relaxed manner with the assumption that someone else will do all the uninteresting parts for them. That kind of lifestyle is supported of course, by the people that are paid to do the uninteresting parts or to make the whole venture interesting, giving the GMA a strong tie to any kind of business, legal or not that their elite might be interested in. |
| Caterane10-14-06, 05:13 AM | I support the Monarchists suggestion although I think the name "The Loyalists" (LOY) fits much better. This is the name history gave the group of monarchy supporters after the french revolution. As for the story, Gladius once had a Monarchy, about 50 years ago, and many wish the king back. And the reason is based on a long tradition of past centuries and a god-given right to rule, not on convincing arguments that monarchy is better than other forms. |
| Papapeperoni10-14-06, 07:27 AM | Name: The Higher Society Abbreviation: SOC Originally founded by a small group of wealthy aristocrats, The Higer Society has now grown as one of the most influential political parties in Gladius. They wish to see the city ruled by the rich and intellectual, leaving the commoners for what they are, laborers. When SOC was founded, it wasn't originally a guild. Just a group of people coming together. When the Council of Gladius was founded, SOC greedily took its chances and joined, hoping this would draw more people to their superior organization. At the moment, there have been rumors of friendship and trade between the EHTC and SOC, but this would heftily damage their reputation if it would seem to be true. All of SOCs members live in large, lavish houses, served by countless amounts of butlers and maids. "This is a call to all who belong to rule. We have been suppressed by the common folk for too long now. It is time the reach take the matter in their own hands!" You could say that the guild is lenient towards LE, but if only good members join, their methods can and will change accordingly, although the chances seem slim, noting the guilds eventual goals. My first attempt at doing something productive for the CoCo. A few questions: What happens to EYE members? Who will become the Guildmaster of the new guild? When will the switch happen? Greetings, --Papapeperoni |
| MindWandererB10-15-06, 03:37 AM | They have branches in every nation in Talas: the Kingdom of Achos, the United Sultanate of Habari, the Theocracy of Dys, even the Undead Nation of Tor-Rimazot. They have ignored Gladius until now because of its small sphere of influence, but that influence is growing, and now their policy must change. The Illumination Order seeks nothing less than domination over the entire continent. They seek to accomplish this not through armies, not through power, but by placing key members in sensitive positions throughout the continent. No one knows how much influence they really have, not even their own members, except their own Radiant Council, and no one knows who is on that Council (or where, or how many there are). Rumors abound--some believe them to be celestials or fiends, dragons or liches, or perhaps something even more exotic. No two theories are alike. The TIS is based on absolute loyalty, over all other leaders (although, having a healthy respect for gods, they do not object to members being clerics or paladins). Although they would rather their influence become commonly known, they are considering setting up a "front" organization, behind which they will instruct their members and command their armies. They recognise the strength of the other guilds, and are prepared not to "beat" them in the race to overt rulership of Gladius... but they hope to secure enough influence along the way to be able to manipulate the victors from behind the scenes. POL: Nothing is more important to the TIS than the game of politics, except for the loyalty and secrecy that are their modus operandi. Intrigue is second-nature to them. LEI: Leisure serves two purposes to the TIS. One is as front organizations: nothing is better for concealing the flow of information and money than casinos, taverns, and brothels. They also realize the power of manipulation through entertainment, "bread and circuses" as the Romans would have put it. Public displays can be used to control the masses just as well as bribery can control one politician. Just another idea I was tossing around. I originally had a similar concept headed by the secret masters of the Inevitables, but I decided that guilds controlled by LG, LE and LN outsiders would be a bit too much (of course, the Radiant Council could still be Inevitables...). This version is obviously influenced by both the Bavarian Illuminati and the Illumians from Races of Destiny (who were probably based on the Illuminati themselves). |
| Zelck10-15-06, 09:31 PM | Got a problem? The People's Party of Gladius can help! Whether you require a permit to build a new hospital to cure the sick, need the police to "overlook" your sacrificial altar to the evil gods, or simply desire more gold by way of government contracts, simply contact a representative of the People's Party. They'll be glad to help out for your support and perhaps a small donation of time or gold, and before you know it, your desires will be granted! The People's Party of Gladius is a wheeling and dealing political party that wants to control the Council by building up popular support. They cater to all sides with political favors. A politician may pledge to eradicate an evil cult, only to subtly make sure the police will leave plenty of places for them to run and hide in return for the cultists' political support. It's not uncommon to see many enemies together in one of the PPG's annual grand party for supporters held in their lavish mansion. While members may tend to be more neutral, The People's Party attracts people of all alignments. Both evil and good beings have joined, hoping to use the party as a means to achieving their end. A spirit of compromise holds the party together and is the most cherished value held by this party. Recently, the PPG has begun recruiting gladiators to spread their message. The famous gladiators bring a celebrity appeal to the party, and some gladiators have expressed interest in politics. Of course, it's speculated that this could drag the party into the guild conflict, but the party will probably do what it's always done: play to all sides, and reap the benefits. POL: It's a political party that seeks political influence. Come on ;). LEI: Not only is throwing parties a great way of rewarding faithful supporters, government-sponsored public entertainment helps keep the population happy and loyal to those who put it into place; and the PPR are very careful to let the populace know just who was responsible. |
| SauroGrenom10-15-06, 09:51 PM | Free Autonomy Council (FAC) (The name is immaterial, but any good suggestion could be used.) Founded on the ideals of the total right of self determination that was described by the Duergar Philosopher Cleric Thrain BlackStone over two hundred years ago, this society of politically powerful individuals advocates for the individual in all cases. The council is looking for a new grander guildhall to accommodate permanent residence of their membership and provide suitable grandiose space for frequent social gatherings. The Autonomy Council arises at a unique juncture in the history of Gladius. As the city rebuilds after the Time of Troubles, the individuals who enjoyed freedom from societies shackles during the Time of Troubles find themselves restrained again, and they resent it. It is these chains the Autonomy Council strives to break. The Autonomy Council's members are a contentious and eclectic group of powerful personalities that are united only by their various vices and socially unacceptable practices that are a part of their pleasures and pursuits. They certainly have prejudices amongst themselves, but they are united in their desire to prevent government or society in general from infringing on their rights to do as they please. With this common goal, they exercise concerted political pressure on various government bodies in an effort to decriminalize actions and to defend what is called "undesirable" or "criminal" actions against concerted governmental or societal persecution. Leisure: The members of this organization have only two things in common with each other. One of those is the pursuit of their own agenda above all else. This is typically manifest as the chosen leisure activates of each member. One Necromancer may delight in animating corpses and toying with life its self. While a young noble may enjoy elicit and "torturous" relations with various "ladies of the night". If nothing else bonds the members of the Free Autonomy Council, at least they all have their own vices that they desire to practice without being hampered by society or government. Politics: The other thing that all members of this organization have in common is an agreement on methods used to protect their vices. An undead army will certainly not bring decriminalization of necromantic studies. Nor will a mountain of dead tortured prostitutes lead to continued freedom for the murderer. Clearly only subtle, persistent and cunning political pressure will erode the prejudices of society that infringe on the right of a person to do what they please and is within their power. (Metagame: Obviously the guild is chaotic and evil themed. I think that is something we are missing among the other guilds. Also I contend that it is not creeping into the territory of EHTC. The EHTC is not (or should not be) overt evil. They are organized and sneaky spy/thief evil. They are secret society evil. This guild is intended to be overt flaunt in your face evil. This is where blackguards and evil clerics and CE ogre barbarians and social deviants can gather and work together to end societies and governments resistance to their own evil sinister pleasures. This is the difference between devils and demons. EHTC is more like a Devil. This guild is more like a Demon. They try to use political influence to protect themselves from the authorities. Sure they all hate each other, but they also know that as a group they may be able to defeat a greater enemy… The government and all do-gooders.) |
| Macbrea10-17-06, 08:44 AM | Order Draconis Supreme (ODS) It has come to the opinion of the dragons of gladius that the servants of gladius aren't holding proper respect to them. They wish to manipulate their pawns in such a method that they are treated as a feared entity. TAO has taken it upon themselves to assault members of ODS and for those actions find they may have opened a variable pandora's box. The Dragons rarely agree on anything but when they form a single mindset they are devistating. |