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- Sep 25, 2020
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- #1
This is going to be a fairly basic suggestion as far as layout goes. Despite its base characteristics, I still think its something that should be heavily considered by not only the CCR leads, but the general creative elements of the server as a whole.
TLDR: Make the CCR serve as a conduit for citizen players to participate in Expeditions/events in a more proactive manner. Grant CCR relevance through this angle.
The problem:
As of current, the CCR can only charitably be considered a true 'faction.' Even the smallest main server factions have more impact and relevance to the cities activities/narrative than the CCR can hope to. On RARE occasions, it may have a temporary posting in an event or expedition. Though, not even these assure relevance. In the last event where the CCR was a 'major' player, it suffered from a pretty surprising player shortage. With only about four veteran, full-time faction members getting on with even remote regularity.
It lacks impact. It lacks character. Reduced to a scenic backdrop despite its potential being quite a bit higher than such a fate would imply.
The solution:
Abandon the CCR's 'exclusive' roster setup. Convert the faction into a body dedicated to giving normal, average citizens and players the option to engage in events that are otherwise, and forever, unavailable to them.
1. While this is a flexible step, I would propose this; Split the CCR into two distinct groups
Officers/Command: The only true, full-time members of the CCR. Maintained for purposes of faction maintenance, leadership and quality control of players during events. Consisting of faction leads and a few trusted and invested CCR regulars. In character, they will act as the leaders and disciplinaries of the 'conscripted' (Will explain below) portion of the CCR's ranks.
Conscripts: Living up to the name, conscripts are those who sign up for any expedition or event including the CCR. Out of Character, a player needs to apply for the event as if it were any other. From an In character perspective, acceptance of an application simply implies that citizen was selected for service - and thus - conscripted for this singular expedition/event. This will also compose any characters who are assigned to the CCR as a punishment.
Ranks below officer *can* be considered still, but I'd personally suggest keeping the structure entirely binary below that threshold. There are officers who lead. Conscripts who follow. Simple and easy.
2. Allow all conscripts to play their characters entirely, as normal, within the city. I'd even extend this to officers, who would In character, remain the only true members of the faction. Perhaps, for those characters who enjoy bragging about getting the chance to shoot things, the option of spinning service as voluntary could be made. But, this is beyond the larger point.
Some may not like this as it makes the CCR appear very small, in universe. However, I think not only does this make a greater degree of sense. Rather than trusting a whole bunch of mentally questionable people, the Combine only now trust a limited handful of reliable people. Moreover, it is preferable for the CCR to be a smaller faction in universe, with greater impact, than what it is now. A supposedly mighty old-world style army...which has essentially zero impact or purpose outside of occasionally being played as GM NPC's to get shot at.
Collars could also be used, but I will not lie, I have always viewed those as excessive and a bit hard to take seriously. Use them as a last resort if no family members can be threatened, but otherwise, more mileage is gained from subtly than a over-the-top script. Rewards or incentives can also be established, to add further main server impact and attraction.
Closing remarks
I play a character who has been forcefully conscripted twice (lol)
Despite flaws in the faction in both instances, It really is a good RP opportunity that encourages some pretty hefty growth regardless of what kind of character you play. A haughty loyalist having to get mud on their boots for once. An insane psycho just wanting to kill things. A rebel sympathizer turned against their own cause. A meeker personality getting thrown against an anvil of battle. The potential for RP this faction represents, is far outweighed by the absolute lack of true opportunity currently available.
This setup will, for the first time, enable GM's and staff to provide Expeditions to citizens. Not just CWU and CMU either, but simple, average people who otherwise arealmost entirely ignored by any and all event opportunities. Even for those who could attend before, its no secret that being able to legally *arm* these citizens provides them with a greater array of potential scenarios, and the ability to engage in them without having to defer to the nearest script holder.
I don't believe any issues of the general populace being too 'militant' will crop up. As expeditions are staggered as is, and those featuring the CCR are even more rare. Not to mention, typically on the smaller side.
If you need proof, simply look to VET. Essentially, its just a smaller, hamstrung version of the CCR and has seen success. This could provide both relevance to the CCR and to the citizens in the event sphere. Details could be hashed out by relevant parties.
TLDR: Make the CCR serve as a conduit for citizen players to participate in Expeditions/events in a more proactive manner. Grant CCR relevance through this angle.
The problem:
As of current, the CCR can only charitably be considered a true 'faction.' Even the smallest main server factions have more impact and relevance to the cities activities/narrative than the CCR can hope to. On RARE occasions, it may have a temporary posting in an event or expedition. Though, not even these assure relevance. In the last event where the CCR was a 'major' player, it suffered from a pretty surprising player shortage. With only about four veteran, full-time faction members getting on with even remote regularity.
It lacks impact. It lacks character. Reduced to a scenic backdrop despite its potential being quite a bit higher than such a fate would imply.
The solution:
Abandon the CCR's 'exclusive' roster setup. Convert the faction into a body dedicated to giving normal, average citizens and players the option to engage in events that are otherwise, and forever, unavailable to them.
1. While this is a flexible step, I would propose this; Split the CCR into two distinct groups
Officers/Command: The only true, full-time members of the CCR. Maintained for purposes of faction maintenance, leadership and quality control of players during events. Consisting of faction leads and a few trusted and invested CCR regulars. In character, they will act as the leaders and disciplinaries of the 'conscripted' (Will explain below) portion of the CCR's ranks.
Conscripts: Living up to the name, conscripts are those who sign up for any expedition or event including the CCR. Out of Character, a player needs to apply for the event as if it were any other. From an In character perspective, acceptance of an application simply implies that citizen was selected for service - and thus - conscripted for this singular expedition/event. This will also compose any characters who are assigned to the CCR as a punishment.
Ranks below officer *can* be considered still, but I'd personally suggest keeping the structure entirely binary below that threshold. There are officers who lead. Conscripts who follow. Simple and easy.
2. Allow all conscripts to play their characters entirely, as normal, within the city. I'd even extend this to officers, who would In character, remain the only true members of the faction. Perhaps, for those characters who enjoy bragging about getting the chance to shoot things, the option of spinning service as voluntary could be made. But, this is beyond the larger point.
Some may not like this as it makes the CCR appear very small, in universe. However, I think not only does this make a greater degree of sense. Rather than trusting a whole bunch of mentally questionable people, the Combine only now trust a limited handful of reliable people. Moreover, it is preferable for the CCR to be a smaller faction in universe, with greater impact, than what it is now. A supposedly mighty old-world style army...which has essentially zero impact or purpose outside of occasionally being played as GM NPC's to get shot at.
Collars could also be used, but I will not lie, I have always viewed those as excessive and a bit hard to take seriously. Use them as a last resort if no family members can be threatened, but otherwise, more mileage is gained from subtly than a over-the-top script. Rewards or incentives can also be established, to add further main server impact and attraction.
Closing remarks
I play a character who has been forcefully conscripted twice (lol)
Despite flaws in the faction in both instances, It really is a good RP opportunity that encourages some pretty hefty growth regardless of what kind of character you play. A haughty loyalist having to get mud on their boots for once. An insane psycho just wanting to kill things. A rebel sympathizer turned against their own cause. A meeker personality getting thrown against an anvil of battle. The potential for RP this faction represents, is far outweighed by the absolute lack of true opportunity currently available.
This setup will, for the first time, enable GM's and staff to provide Expeditions to citizens. Not just CWU and CMU either, but simple, average people who otherwise are
I don't believe any issues of the general populace being too 'militant' will crop up. As expeditions are staggered as is, and those featuring the CCR are even more rare. Not to mention, typically on the smaller side.
If you need proof, simply look to VET. Essentially, its just a smaller, hamstrung version of the CCR and has seen success. This could provide both relevance to the CCR and to the citizens in the event sphere. Details could be hashed out by relevant parties.
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