Re: Merc Guild

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Laserlight <laserlight@quixnet.net>
To: <gzg-l@csua.berkeley.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2001 8:17 PM
Subject: Merc Guild

> What are the main provisions made by the Mercenaries Guild?
> 
> I'll suggest:
> The Mercenary Guild acts as a sort of mutual insurance company for
> merc units.  A unit posts funds as a bond with the Guild and agrees to
> abide by the code of conduct.  In return, the Guild pays, if needed,
> for ransom (based on the higher of claimed or functional rank),
> repatriation, or burial.
> 
>    The Guild does not investigate transgressions (eg killing
> prisoners) by units not under bond at the time, but will post
> allegations and their source.
>    It does investigate violations by a unit under bond at the time, if
> the opposing side (or anyone else) pays for travel and expenses (which
> are so minor in comparison to the expenses of fighting a war that this
> is almost never an issue).  If a unit is found to have violated the
> Mercenary's Code, the bond is forfeited.  There is no other penalty
> and the unit may post another bond then or later if it wishes (and may
> lose it again, too).
> 
>   In addition, the Guild may act as arbitrator in contract disputes,
> clearinghouse for new contracts, etc.
> 
> Suggestions, additions, amplifications?
> 
> 
This is what Brian Bilderback have been kicking around over the last
month.
Mercenary Groups 
In the realm of human controlled space that is more often then not, at
war with it's self. It is not hard to find soldiers of fortune willing
to
fight for someone who can pay their fee. Even at peace, the galaxy is
vast enough that someone somewhere will require the services of
mercenaries to achieve their ends.

The number of mercenary groups abroad in known space is enormous.
Ranging from the most motley collections of social misfits to large
well organized and equipped units of superior training and discipline.
These units are further colored by the areas where they were raised
and recruited or have been stationed.In fact many units that have been
hired on long term by some colonies have over time merged with the
local populations to the point of being considered that planet's
standing army. In some cases this has served to degrade the
effectiveness of these units but, in a few this has strengthened them
into truly powerful forces. Many mercenary groups pattern their MTOs
on one of the major powers in order to better integrate themselves into
the command structure when they are hired. Many other units use what
ever is at hand or they can obtain from what ever source. The few that
are well established enough and successful enough might even have
the means to manufacture their own designs.

The one thing that all these bands of warriors have in common is the
use of insignia. A group that has a long and illustrious record wants
to advertise itself, and wears it's emblem proudly (or perhaps
arrogantly). Another group could be a band of vicious cutthroats,
and revel in it. Their insignia serves as a warning to those they fight,
and as a means of intimidation. But whatever their status, if the
mercs are organized, they will have an emblem or insignia . This
symbol will be displayed prominently on their uniforms, equipment
and vehicles.

Mercenary Charter
	   
	 All (Recognized) units have their charters filed and recorded
with the UN. This states that all actions taken by said unit under
contract to any planet/power will be considered the action of that 
planet/power's military and no repercussion or indemnity will be 
incurred by the recruiting / merc company and or it's home world.
All crimes and misdemeanors will be the sole action of the perpetrators
unless proven to be the commanded action of the said plant/power.

Well this is somewhat crude but it has potential would make an
interesting web page.