AMIA ARCHIVE :: View topic - About joining the Federation

You are a trader/crafter with an established businessconcept, who kick back a portion of your profits to the Federation in return for usual franchise services, like PR, distribution etc.

Question though... What's PR?

That, and would the ACTF be opposed to hiring/offering protection services/guides?

Would the ACTF place any value in a sort of "Liabilities Agent" - as in, a member who works to take care of possible problems in trading (such as monopolizations on certain products the Federation sells)?

That, and would the ACTF be opposed to hiring/offering protection services/guides?

Partner LaMont, after a forced career change, became one of the first (if not the first) "securities" Partner in the Federation. So there's definitely room for that.

I think I went with you one time and windy stomped you guys.

SKELETOR FOR THE WIN

Champion of Helm wrote:

Partner LaMont, after a forced career change, became one of the first (if not the first) "securities" Partner in the Federation. So there's definitely room for that.

Liabilities Agent is a good idea, but you would have to put some thought into how to adequately "take care" of trade problems like monopolization. Or breaches of contract. For monopolizations, you're overwatch - you are the guy who watches the auctions, who watches people in the marketplace, who talks to individual vendors, affiliated and unaffiliated with the Federation, to find out what's going on (RP opportunity).

Beyond that, I would leave it to your own brainstorming, if that's a role you would want to try to fill. :wink:

Just note that LG and CE are the two barred alignments.

Disco set it up this way, so I would assume it to be IC. I have always rationalized it the same was as Kjetta - that neither LG nor CE can be truly committed to sensible business without the interference of altruism or bloodshed. I've also always rationalized that the judgment process leaves no room for deception. You may think your own nature and character are a secret to others, but you've never had to deal with a stellar merchant before!

Yossarin wrote:

You're making the mistake of calling the lawful good alignment more goodly than the neutral good or chaotic good alignments. If anything, a chaotic good character would be far worse for business than a lawful good character because not only are they altruistic, but they're also willing to let that get in the way of business. A lawful good character would have the sense of duty to weigh altruism and business sense against each other, a chaotic good character lacks the sense of duty to do that.

Slig wrote:

Yossarin wrote:

I sorta understood that in merchanting you've really got to be able to swindle (not to the point of open lying about an item's qualities or anything, maybe just an understatement here, an overstatement there) and bend the truth. You might not sell much if you tell a person

"Hey, wanna buy this shiny longsword? It's enchanted but chipped here, here and here. The closest smith is twenty miles off and frankly I don't think the sword's worth it. Well?"

A lawful good character would feel this (the truthbending) going against his moral code of telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, wheras a chaotic good character might be fine with this in an "Eh... what the heck *shrug*" way. He figures he's getting this money to do good elsewhere. An LG more sees his conscience as a brick wall rather than something you can maybe maneuver around.

At least... I think so.

The Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation is currently recruiting, and I'd like to say a few words about that.

Now, many of you think that we Amian Traders mainly indulge in rather stiff, boring merchant and crafting RP, and we do, but there's also so much more to the Federation that I want you all to be aware of, in hopes of inspiring some of you to join.

What is the Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation?
The Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation is the local branch of the Greater Trade Federation of Toril, a mysterious organization that seaks to profit and advocate capitalism all over Toril. Unlike most factions, it's unclear whether we're good, evil or just neutral - very much like the EU. Actually, parts of the fun Federation RP is discussing, investigating and choosing sides in this. My character, for instance, firmly belives that trade furthers the causes of peace and freedom - very much like som credit EU with stabilizing Europe. Of cource, he could be terriblty, terribly wrong about this. It could very well be that Federation is all about the money, and if it could get away with it, would spread a disease to sell the cure. There's as many takes on this as there are Amian Traders. The point is that the Amian Trader's and Crafter's Federation is large and a somewhat mysterous faction, which is cool!

And, also, it's important to remember, while the Federtion might have some goals of its own, your character can have entirely different goals with joining the Federation.

What Federation roles are availble for casting?
In the Federation, there are roughly 3 types of roles to play. However, there are almost none who do only one of these exclusively, you are free to mix and match to find your desired blend.

Agent of the Federation
As a politcal lobbyist and gung-ho field agent, you work for the Federation directly, looking into the interests of the Federation as a whole.

Sponsored by the Federation
You are a trader/crafter with an established business concept who kick back a portion of your profits to the Federation in return for usual franchise services, like PR, distribution etc.

Acquisitor for the Federation
You are an adventurer, you do adventure work for the Federation, either exclusively or in additon to freelancing for other employers. This involves various tasks, but mainly you explore dungeons and wastelands for artifacts that is to be sold by the Federation on the free market.

[This latter role is what Sakkran and I are trying to expand upon, see PC Notice. The idea is to make the Acquisitions Branch more or less like a standard Adventurer's Guild. Yay!]

If you are more creative than me, and can think of something else that you want to play within the Federation - then, that's perfectly swell too, of cource.

(oh, and these titles are purely for the sake of this post)

Now, what does the Federation give me?
Mostly, it gives you purpose. No more "hunting", you are out doing legwork for the Federation, foraging for rare and valuable artifacts. Whenever there's a large happening somewhere, like a war, you're not just checking it out because your'e "curious", no, you're looking into the Federation's interests in the area, checking up on the Trade Routes etc. Membership also enables you to very easily take part in politcal RP, if you so desire.
It also give you Freedom, the Federation is large, with many things left to be fleshed out. This means there's plenty of room for imaginative players to take the ball and run with it.

I could say much more, but I'll think I'll leave it with that for now.
The bottom line is: There's much more to the Crafter's and Trader's Federation than crafting and trading!

Questions?

Another concern is whether a LG person would do business with a known evil person. And whether a CE person could respect contract law, especially when it isn't advantageous to them.

Right now, Yossarin is IC'ly toying with the notion of consumer credit - that is, getting the high-end (epic) loot to PCs who want it without forcing them to pay ridiculous sums of money to outbid other rich adventurers by offering payment plans. Sound risky in an environment where all a player has to do to dodge credit collection is not log in while you're logged in, or just refuse to pay? It is. Probably so much so that the item won't be handed over until its paid for in full - but even that being said, Yossarin IC'ly has the money to take a risk on a consumer credit model.

Yossarin wrote:

*long, wordy paragraph that could be summarized to something much shorter*

Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for a new Federation role to be introduced: debt collector.

That's basically what people like Phenwick do though. They secure the Partners. We dont want to oversimplify our positions by making too many.

Speak softly, carry a wonderforged stick.

Speak softly, carry a wonderforged stick.

Anyways, there's certainly room for that kind of Partners in the Federation. And, more of the security-oriented Partners too; Phenwick is just one man.

All sorts of able adventurers and problem-solvers are in demand. Come, come!

All sorts of able adventurers and problem-solvers are in demand. Come, come!

Phenwick and others are too nice. What the Federation needs is some muscle. Muscle that isn't LG. Muscle that's willing to teach you a lesson you won't soon forget! Pay on time, or Don Tustra will make you regret it.

Author:	Kjetta [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 14:35 PM ]
Post subject:	About joining the Federation
The Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation is currently recruiting, and I'd like to say a few words about that. Now, many of you think that we Amian Traders mainly indulge in rather stiff, boring merchant and crafting RP, and we do, but there's also so much more to the Federation that I want you all to be aware of, in hopes of inspiring some of you to join. What is the Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation? The Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation is the local branch of the Greater Trade Federation of Toril, a mysterious organization that seaks to profit and advocate capitalism all over Toril. Unlike most factions, it's unclear whether we're good, evil or just neutral - very much like the EU. Actually, parts of the fun Federation RP is discussing, investigating and choosing sides in this. My character, for instance, firmly belives that trade furthers the causes of peace and freedom - very much like som credit EU with stabilizing Europe. Of cource, he could be terriblty, terribly wrong about this. It could very well be that Federation is all about the money, and if it could get away with it, would spread a disease to sell the cure. There's as many takes on this as there are Amian Traders. The point is that the Amian Trader's and Crafter's Federation is large and a somewhat mysterous faction, which is cool! And, also, it's important to remember, while the Federtion might have some goals of its own, your character can have entirely different goals with joining the Federation. What Federation roles are availble for casting? In the Federation, there are roughly 3 types of roles to play. However, there are almost none who do only one of these exclusively, you are free to mix and match to find your desired blend. Agent of the Federation As a politcal lobbyist and gung-ho field agent, you work for the Federation directly, looking into the interests of the Federation as a whole. Sponsored by the Federation You are a trader/crafter with an established business concept who kick back a portion of your profits to the Federation in return for usual franchise services, like PR, distribution etc. Acquisitor for the Federation You are an adventurer, you do adventure work for the Federation, either exclusively or in additon to freelancing for other employers. This involves various tasks, but mainly you explore dungeons and wastelands for artifacts that is to be sold by the Federation on the free market. [This latter role is what Sakkran and I are trying to expand upon, see PC Notice. The idea is to make the Acquisitions Branch more or less like a standard Adventurer's Guild. Yay!] If you are more creative than me, and can think of something else that you want to play within the Federation - then, that's perfectly swell too, of cource. (oh, and these titles are purely for the sake of this post) Now, what does the Federation give me? Mostly, it gives you purpose. No more "hunting", you are out doing legwork for the Federation, foraging for rare and valuable artifacts. Whenever there's a large happening somewhere, like a war, you're not just checking it out because your'e "curious", no, you're looking into the Federation's interests in the area, checking up on the Trade Routes etc. Membership also enables you to very easily take part in politcal RP, if you so desire. It also give you Freedom, the Federation is large, with many things left to be fleshed out. This means there's plenty of room for imaginative players to take the ball and run with it. I could say much more, but I'll think I'll leave it with that for now. The bottom line is: There's much more to the Crafter's and Trader's Federation than crafting and trading! Questions?

Author:	TheGoddessOfAmazing© [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 14:50 PM ]
Post subject:
This is such a fun faction to be a part of, and the possibilities are endless! Seriously brings new roleplay to simple hunting. I'll post more later.

Author:	Carter [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 15:09 PM ]
Post subject:
Also, keep in mind that you get to blockade entire planets. Naboo for instance. Midichlorians won't help them, this time! But! I've actually always wanted to join in with this faction, I've just never had a character who's really a good match for it! My main is far too massively prejudiced to join such a varied group!

Author:	IronAngel [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 15:19 PM ]
Post subject:
It's cool, I'm there too!

Author:	Swallow the Stars [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 15:42 PM ]
Post subject:
Hrmm... definately looking into this.

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Author:	Rainflake [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 15:53 PM ]
Post subject:
Sounds very interesting and with my range of character ideas coming up I'm definitely going to try my hand at this. Question though... What's PR? Kjetta wrote: You are a trader/crafter with an established businessconcept, who kick back a portion of your profits to the Federation in return for usual franchise services, like PR, distribution etc.

Author:	Yossarin [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 15:56 PM ]
Post subject:
Rainflake wrote: Question though... What's PR? Public Relations.

Author:	IronAngel [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 15:58 PM ]
Post subject:
It means that after Janser's been properly accepted back, you can have him talk your way into every party and business meeting north of Chult. Well, try, at least!

Author:	Rainflake [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 16:06 PM ]
Post subject:
Ah. Well thanks for clearing it up.

Author:	Kjetta [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 17:30 PM ]
Post subject:
From the feedback I've gotten so far, it seems some clarifications are in order: 1) The Amian Traders aren't for Epics only. You can be a full Partner as a lowbie. I'm guessing this confusion stems from the Epic Loot auctions, but this is only a small part of the ACTF. 2) The IC leader is a Ermy Hartman, a NPC; all PC Partners are equal. Otherwise: WOOT!

Author:	IronAngel [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 17:53 PM ]
Post subject:
I'm more into the RP of it, making big money seems too much like a chore for me. Still, I've got a question about crafting: for someone who can't make wands (or other spell stuff), are there any viable crafting options that actually produce something useful or valuable? I already have something semi-rare in mind Janser can sell, but it would be nice to do more than just try to sell the loot everyone can find. Is there actual demand for trap or armor crafting? Janser's main focus will be making contacts and offering to do anything and everything anyhow.

Author:	Kjetta [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 18:05 PM ]
Post subject:
Indeed. The actual trading and crafting is, ironically, a very little part of the actual ACTP RP, which is what we love. Though, people are of cource free to mix and match. Ayways, you have a few options for crafting. 1) Myhtal work, obviously. 2) Potions, always a demand for Greater Restoration Potions. You can do this without the brew potion feat, I think, certain places. 3) If you're really intent on crafting something unique, you can DC request a widget that lets you spawn certain items, that's how Loki brews his ales. 4) Epic Traps you can't craft, you have to retrieve them from dungeons, but there's always demand for them. I assume there's demand for the normal traps by lower level trappers, but still...the cap on it makes it a bit meh. 5) You can do it all in RP, craft nails and horseshoes for Kohlingen etc. I know the dwarves have a crafting system in place, but I don't know much about it.

Author:	Yossarin [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 18:06 PM ]
Post subject:
Armor crafting, there is a demand for, but most people do it on an "I need it now, who is available?" basis. You might try to snag a few loyals with an advertising campaign (a la Bustier Cassanova d'Attentourt style) who seek you out specifically for your armor crafting services. Trap-crafting, though...I've not seen any demand for it, but it might be possible to manufacture some demand, again, with the proper advertising campaign. This is where fitting the Federation becomes a bit more difficult. In the real world, there are zounds of niche markets based upon consumer needs and wants. In Amia, in our little fictional universe, the variety of needs and wants for the consumer are drastically reduced. The trick, I think, is finding (or in some instances, creating) those needs and wants in the consumer playerbase and then making an effort to service them. Kjetta and myself did the whole bossloot/auction thing because there was a consumer want for high-end goods that these PCs couldn't get themselves. It worked fine at first, but then prices got wildly inflated over time, and the auctions ceased to serve their original purpose, and became a money factory instead. Right now, Yossarin is IC'ly toying with the notion of consumer credit - that is, getting the high-end (epic) loot to PCs who want it without forcing them to pay ridiculous sums of money to outbid other rich adventurers by offering payment plans. Sound risky in an environment where all a player has to do to dodge credit collection is not log in while you're logged in, or just refuse to pay? It is. Probably so much so that the item won't be handed over until its paid for in full - but even that being said, Yossarin IC'ly has the money to take a risk on a consumer credit model. The ultimate profit margin would be down because you get more money in public auctions - however, if this idea works, PCs are happier because they finally feel they're getting what they want from the Federation without having to pay out the ass to get it. Of course, this is part of why I cataloged all of the auctions in the Federation forum: standardized pricing. Can't offer reasonable rates on high end goods unless you can average a good dollar amount for it. I explain this only as an example to show you how much thinking might have to go into finding a "niche" with the Federation and running with it. Its taking a genuine, business approach look at the PC/player wants and needs and brainstorming a way to fill their wants and needs.

Author:	IronAngel [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 18:31 PM ]
Post subject:
Champion of Helm wrote: That, and would the ACTF be opposed to hiring/offering protection services/guides? I intend to hire protection services as an individual partner, once Janser gets enough gold to actually pay for it. As for the current members, I'll try to find you next weekend so Janser can introduce himself etc. I doubt anyone remembers him anymore, at least in the Federation.

Author:	FinalSoul [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 3:51 AM ]
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There are also lots of openings in the areas of market research, field reporting, secret shoppers, and news article production. After all, the Craft and Trade quarterly newsletter most assuredly is not written by a single woman churning out page after page of writing just because it reminds her of her previous job at a newspaper. No sir. And it is most assuredly not edited by a flighty editor who gets her feathers all ruffled when deadlines aren't met.

Author:	Dramatic_Prince [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 12:02 PM ]
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Righto then, I'll meet up with a partner in game. I'm currently RPing with one of the partners with regards to my profession, so maybe I'll bring it up when the time is right, or if I happen to meet another partner IG, whichever fate dictates.

Author:	Kjetta [ Sat, Nov 08 2008, 23:24 PM ]
Post subject:
Yup, we're devious bastards... Anyways, to everybody who's sent me PMs, I think I've answered you all. If not, please spank me on MSN (kjetil_magne@hotmail.com). Also, I'm currently pinned down by examns and stuff, but please send me IC letters etc, I'm still maintaigning a half-awareness of Amia. And don't be shy. It could be that joining the Federation marks the beginning of the end of your char, but so what? HAHHAHA! Kjetta!

Author:	Kjetta [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 19:10 PM ]
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Champion of Helm wrote: Would the ACTF place any value in a sort of "Liabilities Agent" - as in, a member who works to take care of possible problems in trading (such as monopolizations on certain products the Federation sells)? That, and would the ACTF be opposed to hiring/offering protection services/guides? Sounds good.

Author:	Yossarin [ Mon, Nov 03 2008, 20:25 PM ]
Post subject:
Champion of Helm wrote: Would the ACTF place any value in a sort of "Liabilities Agent" - as in, a member who works to take care of possible problems in trading (such as monopolizations on certain products the Federation sells)? That, and would the ACTF be opposed to hiring/offering protection services/guides? Partner LaMont, after a forced career change, became one of the first (if not the first) "securities" Partner in the Federation. So there's definitely room for that. Liabilities Agent is a good idea, but you would have to put some thought into how to adequately "take care" of trade problems like monopolization. Or breaches of contract. For monopolizations, you're overwatch - you are the guy who watches the auctions, who watches people in the marketplace, who talks to individual vendors, affiliated and unaffiliated with the Federation, to find out what's going on (RP opportunity). Beyond that, I would leave it to your own brainstorming, if that's a role you would want to try to fill.

Author:	TheGoddessOfAmazing© [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 4:05 AM ]
Post subject:
Yossarin wrote: Partner LaMont, after a forced career change, became one of the first (if not the first) "securities" Partner in the Federation. So there's definitely room for that. Just to give an example of some of the things Phenwick does, when Zae goes to the Abyss. . . "shopping" and "collecting" her wares, he often escorts her for protection. That's how he's looking out for a Trader's best interest, and thus by extension, the Federation's best interest.

Author:	corypx [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 4:07 AM ]
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I think I went with you one time and windy stomped you guys. SKELETOR FOR THE WIN

Author:	oshizo2 [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 4:14 AM ]
Post subject:
ok this is interesting. what about completley "evil" characters? I have a Palemaster that crafts and makes wands. So any money making venture aside from his evilness is good to be a part of. also he is an duergar.

Author:	Yossarin [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 4:35 AM ]
Post subject:
Just note that LG and CE are the two barred alignments.

Author:	Swallow the Stars [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 5:43 AM ]
Post subject:
Yossarin wrote: Champion of Helm wrote: Would the ACTF place any value in a sort of "Liabilities Agent" - as in, a member who works to take care of possible problems in trading (such as monopolizations on certain products the Federation sells)? That, and would the ACTF be opposed to hiring/offering protection services/guides? Partner LaMont, after a forced career change, became one of the first (if not the first) "securities" Partner in the Federation. So there's definitely room for that. Liabilities Agent is a good idea, but you would have to put some thought into how to adequately "take care" of trade problems like monopolization. Or breaches of contract. For monopolizations, you're overwatch - you are the guy who watches the auctions, who watches people in the marketplace, who talks to individual vendors, affiliated and unaffiliated with the Federation, to find out what's going on (RP opportunity). Beyond that, I would leave it to your own brainstorming, if that's a role you would want to try to fill. Darion Ragnarr will be searching out the ACTF, then; he'd obviously be interested in something along these lines. If someone would like to discuss this further, shoot me a PM or a tell in-game (login is Celcius Leonwall).

Author:	Rainflake [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 6:40 AM ]
Post subject:
Yossarin wrote: Just note that LG and CE are the two barred alignments. Question, are these OOCly banned alignments? If a person conceals their chaotic mind for example (the drow blaring number 1 in my list as masters of deception as well as being CE) will they be allowed in? The reason Kjetta gave was that these two alignments were too zealous, but one alignment can really have alot of different takes on it.

Author:	Yossarin [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 6:55 AM ]
Post subject:
Disco set it up this way, so I would assume it to be IC. I have always rationalized it the same was as Kjetta - that neither LG nor CE can be truly committed to sensible business without the interference of altruism or bloodshed. I've also always rationalized that the judgment process leaves no room for deception. You may think your own nature and character are a secret to others, but you've never had to deal with a stellar merchant before!

Author:	Kjetta [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 11:55 AM ]
Post subject:
You need to meet up with a Partner IG, but a PM goes a long way to make this happen.

Author:	Slig [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 12:06 PM ]
Post subject:
Yossarin wrote: Disco set it up this way, so I would assume it to be IC. I have always rationalized it the same was as Kjetta - that neither LG nor CE can be truly committed to sensible business without the interference of altruism or bloodshed. I've also always rationalized that the judgment process leaves no room for deception. You may think your own nature and character are a secret to others, but you've never had to deal with a stellar merchant before! You're making the mistake of calling the lawful good alignment more goodly than the neutral good or chaotic good alignments. If anything, a chaotic good character would be far worse for business than a lawful good character because not only are they altruistic, but they're also willing to let that get in the way of business. A lawful good character would have the sense of duty to weigh altruism and business sense against each other, a chaotic good character lacks the sense of duty to do that.

Author:	Rainflake [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 12:39 PM ]
Post subject:
Slig wrote: Yossarin wrote: Disco set it up this way, so I would assume it to be IC. I have always rationalized it the same was as Kjetta - that neither LG nor CE can be truly committed to sensible business without the interference of altruism or bloodshed. I've also always rationalized that the judgment process leaves no room for deception. You may think your own nature and character are a secret to others, but you've never had to deal with a stellar merchant before! You're making the mistake of calling the lawful good alignment more goodly than the neutral good or chaotic good alignments. If anything, a chaotic good character would be far worse for business than a lawful good character because not only are they altruistic, but they're also willing to let that get in the way of business. A lawful good character would have the sense of duty to weigh altruism and business sense against each other, a chaotic good character lacks the sense of duty to do that. I sorta understood that in merchanting you've really got to be able to swindle (not to the point of open lying about an item's qualities or anything, maybe just an understatement here, an overstatement there) and bend the truth. You might not sell much if you tell a person "Hey, wanna buy this shiny longsword? It's enchanted but chipped here, here and here. The closest smith is twenty miles off and frankly I don't think the sword's worth it. Well?" A lawful good character would feel this (the truthbending) going against his moral code of telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, wheras a chaotic good character might be fine with this in an "Eh... what the heck shrug" way. He figures he's getting this money to do good elsewhere. An LG more sees his conscience as a brick wall rather than something you can maybe maneuver around. At least... I think so.

Author:	Yossarin [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 16:55 PM ]
Post subject:
Rainflake wrote: Slig wrote: Yossarin wrote: Disco set it up this way, so I would assume it to be IC. I have always rationalized it the same was as Kjetta - that neither LG nor CE can be truly committed to sensible business without the interference of altruism or bloodshed. I've also always rationalized that the judgment process leaves no room for deception. You may think your own nature and character are a secret to others, but you've never had to deal with a stellar merchant before! You're making the mistake of calling the lawful good alignment more goodly than the neutral good or chaotic good alignments. If anything, a chaotic good character would be far worse for business than a lawful good character because not only are they altruistic, but they're also willing to let that get in the way of business. A lawful good character would have the sense of duty to weigh altruism and business sense against each other, a chaotic good character lacks the sense of duty to do that. I sorta understood that in merchanting you've really got to be able to swindle (not to the point of open lying about an item's qualities or anything, maybe just an understatement here, an overstatement there) and bend the truth. You might not sell much if you tell a person "Hey, wanna buy this shiny longsword? It's enchanted but chipped here, here and here. The closest smith is twenty miles off and frankly I don't think the sword's worth it. Well?" A lawful good character would feel this (the truthbending) going against his moral code of telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, wheras a chaotic good character might be fine with this in an "Eh... what the heck shrug" way. He figures he's getting this money to do good elsewhere. An LG more sees his conscience as a brick wall rather than something you can maybe maneuver around. At least... I think so. That, I believe, was the original thinking.

Author:	Kai_earthhearth [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 17:00 PM ]
Post subject:	Re: About joining the Federation
Kjetta wrote: The Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation is currently recruiting, and I'd like to say a few words about that. Now, many of you think that we Amian Traders mainly indulge in rather stiff, boring merchant and crafting RP, and we do, but there's also so much more to the Federation that I want you all to be aware of, in hopes of inspiring some of you to join. What is the Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation? The Amian Crafter's and Trader's Federation is the local branch of the Greater Trade Federation of Toril, a mysterious organization that seaks to profit and advocate capitalism all over Toril. Unlike most factions, it's unclear whether we're good, evil or just neutral - very much like the EU. Actually, parts of the fun Federation RP is discussing, investigating and choosing sides in this. My character, for instance, firmly belives that trade furthers the causes of peace and freedom - very much like som credit EU with stabilizing Europe. Of cource, he could be terriblty, terribly wrong about this. It could very well be that Federation is all about the money, and if it could get away with it, would spread a disease to sell the cure. There's as many takes on this as there are Amian Traders. The point is that the Amian Trader's and Crafter's Federation is large and a somewhat mysterous faction, which is cool! And, also, it's important to remember, while the Federtion might have some goals of its own, your character can have entirely different goals with joining the Federation. What Federation roles are availble for casting? In the Federation, there are roughly 3 types of roles to play. However, there are almost none who do only one of these exclusively, you are free to mix and match to find your desired blend. Agent of the Federation As a politcal lobbyist and gung-ho field agent, you work for the Federation directly, looking into the interests of the Federation as a whole. Sponsored by the Federation You are a trader/crafter with an established business concept who kick back a portion of your profits to the Federation in return for usual franchise services, like PR, distribution etc. Acquisitor for the Federation You are an adventurer, you do adventure work for the Federation, either exclusively or in additon to freelancing for other employers. This involves various tasks, but mainly you explore dungeons and wastelands for artifacts that is to be sold by the Federation on the free market. [This latter role is what Sakkran and I are trying to expand upon, see PC Notice. The idea is to make the Acquisitions Branch more or less like a standard Adventurer's Guild. Yay!] If you are more creative than me, and can think of something else that you want to play within the Federation - then, that's perfectly swell too, of cource. (oh, and these titles are purely for the sake of this post) Now, what does the Federation give me? Mostly, it gives you purpose. No more "hunting", you are out doing legwork for the Federation, foraging for rare and valuable artifacts. Whenever there's a large happening somewhere, like a war, you're not just checking it out because your'e "curious", no, you're looking into the Federation's interests in the area, checking up on the Trade Routes etc. Membership also enables you to very easily take part in politcal RP, if you so desire. It also give you Freedom, the Federation is large, with many things left to be fleshed out. This means there's plenty of room for imaginative players to take the ball and run with it. I could say much more, but I'll think I'll leave it with that for now. The bottom line is: There's much more to the Crafter's and Trader's Federation than crafting and trading! Questions? When I first read this, my first thought was "Wow, reminds me of the WWII pamphlets for joining the army or navy. . ." (By the way I own one. ) But I did like its feel and approach, and maybe when I get back online I might join with one of my new chars. Now you just need some posters with catchy sloagans like. "We can do it!" or "Be a SeaBee"

Author:	Cori [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 17:10 PM ]
Post subject:
I don't know if I agree with that line of thought. I've been a retail salesperson for roughly 12 years. I have been quite successful at it, though true, not as successful as the people who are willing to lie cheat and steal to get the sale. But I've operated in a lg sort of sense, and a lot of people can tell that, and respect you more for it, and are willing to trust your recommendations as a result. An example in amian sense would be "Well, I've got this sword here. It's a bit nicked up, but it still has a decent enchantment on it, and with a bit of work, would serve you quite well. It's a bargain at (insert price here). On the other hand, I have this holds up shiny glowing longsword. It's rather more expensive, but look at the keen edge it holds, and surely you can feel the strength of the enchantment on it. Which one shall I package up for you?" With an either/or close, an attempt at upselling without knocking the lower price product, it's a good chance one of them will sell. The only time the lg alignment should really hinder you is if you are outright trying to swindle someone, by making the old nicked sword out to be just as good as the shiny powerful sword. In real life, I have never been able to intentionally mislead someone about what I had to sell. Yet I have awards and prizes, and have received significant monetary bonuses, for high sales and profit. CE on the other hand, seems that it could be a great used car salesperson (no offense if anyone happens to be an honest used car salesperson, but really....most are in no way honest). Example being "Look at this shiny car! Isn't it beautiful? Look at the gleam on that chrome! This baby is a bargain at (three times what it should sell for)." And then the engine falls out 30 feet off the lot, but your muffler didn't even make it that far.

Author:	Yossarin [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 17:26 PM ]
Post subject:
Another concern is whether a LG person would do business with a known evil person. And whether a CE person could respect contract law, especially when it isn't advantageous to them.

Author:	Cori [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 22:30 PM ]
Post subject:
Yossarin wrote: Another concern is whether a LG person would do business with a known evil person. And whether a CE person could respect contract law, especially when it isn't advantageous to them. Ah, now that I can completely agree with. Though, I'd think that could make for some good rp. I mean, one need not be CE to be willing to ignore a contract, after all. I'd think any chaotic would be willing to do that if it suited them. But further, would you know they are chaotic without the rp in the first place? Seems awefully ooc to me. 'Course, it's your faction, and ya'll can pretty much lead it however you like. Just saying, it really seems that by denying these two alignments, you remove the possibility of some good potential rp, like having a complaint levelled against a contract breaker with the leaders of the federation, thus making the leaders have to make up for the contract that was broken, and then having to deal with the unscrupulous contract breaking member. And in the case of an LG person, well, only if they are a paladin would they be bound by code to not deal with known evil people. Lawful just means they won't break a contract, and good means the same thing whether it's LG, NG, or CG. Good is good, and the law/chaos alignment only affects willingness to break the law, or their word, or a contract, or anything of that sort. So unless you are dealing with a paladin, who has an entirely seperate code to follow in addition to their lawful and good standing, there is no reason why a CG person could sell to a known evil person, but a LG couldn't. Don't confuse "LG" with "Paladin". Just not the same thing.

Author:	Yossarin [ Tue, Nov 04 2008, 22:37 PM ]
Post subject:
I don't. We have ways of bending the rules, and we do have Partners who are LG. Its just that those two alignments are mechanically not able to get into the faction. As in, the NPC denies them.

Author:	TheGoddessOfAmazing© [ Sun, Nov 09 2008, 1:11 AM ]
Post subject:
I've gotten a few pm's as well, thanks guys! Anyone else who hasnt contacted someone, I'm still more then happy to help!

Author:	Selvec Darkon [ Sun, Nov 09 2008, 6:58 AM ]
Post subject:
I'd think the Amia Merchant Federation would have a big beef with the Black Flag, being that the Black Flag probably run's the blackmarket. Beating on the Black Flag, sounds like a good reason to join to me.