Can I do it?

[Xos]

A question popped into my mind the other night, and I thought I'd ask it since I can't stop obsessing over it.

If I created a PG whose aim and focus was the creation of new items, a PG made up of blacksmiths, enchanters, and the like, could it also compete legitimately with the Bazaar forum and sell it's products at everyday low prices?

[Visla Eraclaire]

There was a PG that did this before (the Red Hand with Ithy, as I recall), and they did in fact compete with the Bazaar, but it was extraordinarily complicated, required an intense amount of RPing and dedication on the part of the members.

It was neat back then, but with how few people use the bazaar anyway, I'm not sure it would be worth all the trouble to actually compete. I think it's a cool roleplaying idea, but in terms of actual rules and mechanics, probably not so cool.

[Saxon]

Go for it. I'm sure there's a way you can run a PG as a business and make some cash off of it, and personally, I'd encourage it. Too many people try the warring angle, it'd be nice to see a trading clan that makes something of itself, stays active, and becomes a force to be reckoned with. My only tip would be to try and save up and start buying resources with that money like your own mines, forests, etc. that way you don't have to deduct most of your profit into buying pre-made resources and shit you could just make yourself and pretty much have it pay for itself and end up selling resources to OTHER people. What a novel idea, eh?

But, the only thing I'd tell you is that your better off selling this stuff outside the bazaar. As much attention as it might attract, you're running through another organization to do it. It's entirely possible for you to make threads in other regions that have you set up trade deals with other people and less bullshit you have to run into.

Or, probably more depending on whose running the Bazaar and how they take to some healthy competition.

[Visla Eraclaire]

also, inb4redhand.

Failed!

Also, the Red Hand not only competed with the bazaar at one point, but they also did a quest series to own it. They actually drew profits from the gold people spent there based on a formula Ithermoss had. It was a hell of a long time ago, so how he pulled it off is still pretty hazy. I think largely because he was Ithy and he could do whatever he wanted, and he was a fanatically intense and skilled writer.

[Xos]

Hmm, it's certainly nice to know it's possible. Now, it's a question of if it's feasible. One man does not a PG make. If there aren't enough interested PC's, it's not worth making.

Though, they don't have to come in with skills, The Conclave could have a set of NPC's capable of producing high quality stuff, and train interested PC's, but PC's would definitely have to make stuff.

I think I'll go make a post in the proper forum...

EDIT: provided I can remember which one it is.

[Max Dirks]

The Red Hand wasn't even the first merchant clan. It was the Ice Reavers and they put Ithermoss, Ranger and Sorahn to shame ;)

[Visla Eraclaire]

Unhelpful nostalgia aside, I actually have some interest in this based on some future character plans, Xos, so send me a PM if it amounts to anything.

[Lathienas Miraq]

I would also be interested in this. This character already does some carving etc so expanding his skills on leveling up to include item-making would be a nice little twist for his skills.

As above, PM or email me if you're interested in having me on board!

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Anything to upset the economy has Lorenor's name written all over it. If history is involved, I will be as will. I could play some sort of support role in this due to the fact that Lorenor is one of the counsel members of the current incarnation of the Red Hand. I believe I'd have to ask permission if I were to join such an endeavor directly. Let me get in contact with Sorahn and I will let you know. An allegiance between Red Hand and your group could prove interesting in the long run...hit me up with an IM as soon as you can Xos. I'm willing to help out as much as possible.

[Yari Rafanas]

Ithy launched the plan to war against the Bazaar and offer goods/trading/services to Althanas at better prices. To do this, The Red Hand and the Bandit Brotherhood joined forces to start the Bazaar war. It was essentially those two PGs versus anybody in Althanas who wanted to side with the Bazaar. I think it spanned maybe 4 different threads and was a lot of work to get done, but it was worth it. In the end, the RH and BB won and the RH's store lasted for a good while.

I think, as it stands now, the PG rules are too complicated to really pull something like this off.

More unhelpful nostalgia: I pwn'd the Ice Reavers. Ashiakin and Trezlin were nubs.

[Viola Conda]

If you honestly want something like this to fly, you are more than welcome to discuss this with me through PM or AIM. As the head of the bazaar I can help you find a way to make this work