Lately I've been trying to think of a way to make my general roleplay a more memorable and fun experience. My main idea is to start up a group, or faction amongst other players. The faction would primarily be made to resemble or relate to a single unit that could function well together, as a group of soldiers might, or how typical DND groups would work together. My main goals are to solidify some in game relationships, and to build up lasting friendships amongst other players, where we can all work together and associate with one another freely, while also having the safety of being in a group. My main intent is to try to have as many different classes in a group as possible, or at least differently skilled people, so that almost every member will have their own specific duty that they can be known for amongst the group. Im mostly curious as to what other players would think about this, and as you can likely tell I'm still in the brainstorming process, but I have quite a few ideas brewing. If you're interested in more information, or would like to toss an idea or thought my way feel free to reply right here or shoot me a pm on IRC!

p.s: I would primarily be looking to recruit already existing characters, though if anyone wanted to I don't see why making a character specifically for this couldn't be done.

Sounds awesome. This is pretty much what most requested preludes are supposed to be, the players just don't always keep in touch with each other afterwards.

Yeah! This sounds really fun. Making an adventuring party of ducky pals off for adventure and fortune. Count me in.

If only I could still play :( Damn college net.

Good luck!

From the request of this "grouping of individuals", sounds very similar to most mercenary groups. The most colourful portrayal of a mercenary group that allowed characters of all sorts is one from a series of books referencing "The Black Company". Where in this "brotherhood" your past is forgotten and you're loyalty is with the Company. The company is ranked much like the watch and are loyal to themselves and who ever hires them. If a band can be made or there is one currently, I would love to be a part. Makes for great role-playing and allows part time players to find others easier for quests and role-playing scenarios.

I've been giving this even more thought lately, and things are starting to come together more. Yes, this would primarily be called a Mercenary Group. I'm still trying to come up with a good name for the gathering, but nearly everything else is thought out, and I will be recruiting over the next week or two, or three. So keep your eyes open for more info icly!

there's a merc group in game currently that could support this.

I don't think it even has to be a mercenary group. And on that same note, there's enough room in the pond for two.

I used to play in a game a lot of you may remember called Thardferr, DM's ran small groups in a semi-persistent text based (irc-like) world.

Now the relevance of this, is that each of these groups was an adventuring company, full with it's own insignia, name, and reputation for flaire, adventure, and risk taking. I think a company of adventurers fits a lot more with what MSD is aiming at, than does the mercenary company. But it sounds like he's already got the merc idea rolling.

Just tossing out ideas.

It would be more of an idea based around adventuring , but there seems to be a thin line between what is an adventurer and what is a mercenary, I guess because in a place like efu, both use their swords to earn coin. With that being said, the main focus and goals I would be shooting for is more exploration based, to show the citizens of Sanctuary that they shouldn't fear the underdark and can traverse it freely, if prepared with the right tools. I mainly want to see more of the newer players exploring, and leaving the city more frequently, because it would surely have some RP potential. I also want to create a group where each individual member has a purpose and specific use, that way no one is left out, and we can all rely on one another. I don't want to go and write out all of my goals or plans because they very-well could change, nor do I want to spoil anything.

As for already existing Mercenary groups, who cares? It's not like a single city would ever be run by one mercenary group, or one adventuring group. I think people should go where their ic goals lead them- if it is to a different group, then so be it, but this group will still be made.

This idea got my brain going, it sounds great. I probably won't be joining you, but here's an answer to a question you posed a moment ago.

The difference between a Merc and an adventurer? Adventurer's are Mercs, really, but they're independant and hold no contract. Other Mercs could be simple warriors that supplement a Lord's troops during war times. The Mercs we tend to think of when we hear the word, are Companied Mercenaries, who hold a contract with a certain mercenary company, ie the Golden Doubloons, the Tigereyes, the Magenta Blades... we've had a few more but I can't quite remember their names.

Anyways, have fun with the concept!

i wasnt saying 'there is other merc groups and you should use those' what i was trying to say was 'this has been done, is being done, and works well, go for it'

my bad