Proposal - The Silver Coalition

[Eugen Aker]

In light of a recent string of attacks, I think it's a good idea to reorganize our security forces to better respond to threats. IC, I'd like us to have a more unified force that can respond to crises across the Silver Space while robbing our adversaries of the talking point that we're just Jedi Lords running a theocracy, when that isn't the case at all. So, I propose the Silver Coalition, which would be an intergovernmental security collective jointly ran by members of the Silver Jedi and military officials (NPCs mostly) from planets across Silver Space. Funding is covered by contributions from (willing) individual systems based off of a percentage of their GDP, something like 2-4%. None of this funding goes to the Silver Order, which I assume itself runs off donations/endowments and personal funds of its members and associates. SJO groups like the Guardians and Shadows continue to do their own thing outside of the Coalition.

These funds are primarily used to finance the Silver Navy and the Ranger Corps. These two bodies exist to act as a quick reaction force (at least one hub per hex), and as a supplement to local security forces and militas. Speaking IC, I have ethical issues with the use of clones, so I also propose cycling out the clones of the current iteration of the Rangers for volunteers and biots/droids.

Other uses for the fund include making sure local forces are properly equipped and trained, and for compensating approved contractors and private groups like the Directorate and Correllian Digital.

Protectors would be rolled into the Coalition system, gaining the additional responsibility of overseeing Coalition units within their jurisdiction.

I'd like the Silver Coalition and Silver Jedi to remain separate entities, but qualified Jedi can take command of units even if they aren't formally integrated into the command structure of the Rangers or Navy, not unlike the way that certain clandestine organizations in the real world use military units as extra muscle. As a writer, I'd say I'd to leave it up to each person individually to determine whether or not they're qualified to handle commanding NPCs IC like we do right now.

So in short, we basically make Space NATO. Gives us a comprehensive IC mechanism to respond to threats while adhering to our preference for not running an intergalactic government as Jedi Lords. The Silver Coalition also gives our NFU writers (myself included) a space where they can enjoy themselves while still working alongside their Jedi homies.

This is just an outline to gauge interest, so I plan to make a more detailed writeup if the SJO staff gives me the greenlight.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]
[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]
[member="Matsu Ike"]
[member="Connor Harrison"]
[member="Aria Vale"]

 

[Micah tol Powl]

I'd like the Silver Coalition and Silver Jedi to remain separate entities, but qualified Jedi can take command of units even if they aren't formally integrated into the command structure of the Rangers or Navy,

I'd be interested in some clarification here.

Our faction identity is the Order of Silver Jedi. We have a predominantly Jedi Player Character base, and our military forces have always been reflective of that (e.g. both the Antarian Rangers and the Silver Fleet have always worked alongside the Jedi... being led by the Jedi the same as the Commanders (Padawan) and Generals (Knight/Master) we see in the Clone Wars.

Creating more space for NFUs to contribute to the faction I can understand. Creating artificial divisions that would isolate the Jedi away from the military aspect of roleplay, given our demographics, wouldn't seem prudent.

 

[Matsu Ike]

one of the other things to remember and look for is... well one side not really being there. It would be great to see more non force users and soldiers with a place.

One of the large things that happened within the Republic was 98% jedi base for the writers and secondary alts might be in other positions.

We've had other groups before and the Ranger's the Corps, the Sanctum. There was activity but not enough to generally merit keeping it as big.

 

[Eugen Aker]

[member="Kiriko"]

Creating more space for NFUs to contribute to the faction I can understand. Creating artificial divisions that would isolate the Jedi away from the military aspect of roleplay, given our demographics, wouldn't seem prudent.

Here's what I said after the line you quoted.

As a writer, I'd say I'd to leave it up to each person individually to determine whether or not they're qualified to handle commanding NPCs IC like we do right now.

Jedi would still be able to lead units as they've been doing in the past. I trust other writers to know whether or not they're comfortable writing for it without being monitored, even after the mess Charzon pulled.

I acknowledge that this is a Jedi-centric faction, but I think we would do well to build up our own base of NFU writers who are interested in the military aspect. I see the potential for us to attract a new pool of writers who wouldn't otherwise be interested in the SJO. Honestly, we need them.

 

[Micah tol Powl]

[member="Matsu Ike"]

I concur. I support the notion of giving our NFUs the ability to take more active roles in the faction, and if the Space NATO would give them a government aspect that they would enjoy, I say go for it.

But I'd offer that it should work alongside the Jedi, and not be artificially separated from it. Our Silver Fleet and Antarian Rangers are similar, as any Jedi or NFU could easily step into those roles.

The key is that NFUs and Jedi be viewed as peers, not one superior to the other. So, having a Space NATO that is an NFU counterpart to the FU Jedi Council might be a good thing for balance, though I fear it could take us down the road of having a senate.

But that's just my thoughts.

[member="Kiriko"]

I acknowledge that this is a Jedi-centric faction, but I think we would do well to build up our own base of NFU writers who are interested in the military aspect. I see the potential for us to attract a new pool of writers who wouldn't otherwise be interested in the SJO. Honestly, we need them.

Which is a valid concern, but I'd caution against potentially alienating the players you have now because you hope to attract a different demographic from your central theme/mission later.

 

[Eugen Aker]

[member="Kiriko"]

To be clear, all I'm proposing is a military alliance. It exists solely to maintain the security of our systems. Most NFU writers don't actually care about the civilian aspect of governance or administration, which is partly why authoritarian regimes are the norm on the board. Even the GA, the "New Republic", is a military junta, a fact they're very proud of. I don't see a Senate springing up from this.

Which is a valid concern, but I'd caution against potentially alienating the players you have now because you hope to attract a different demographic from your central theme/mission later.

From what I've seen, we kind of already do our own thing according to our interests, then come together for faction threads. I don't see that changing bringing in more NFU writers. It would actually be nice if some more of our masters got more involved with our NFU/military types from time to time. They sort of leave us hanging. I've been working on making threads that involve both our NFU and FU writers, such as in Ranger's Assemble. Since my time in the GR, I've strived to have both FU and NFU work together, myself playing FU who are usually integrated into normal society.

 

[Arrbi Betna]

Or, y'know, you could hire Mandos to fight your wars. IC'ly, y'all have done it before (on large and small cases) and we generally outclass your ground troops on a one to one basis. Toss in that we have one of the most powerful fleets, if not the most powerful fleet, on the board...

That said, we do operate on a clan basis. You could legitimately hire on a clan or two to help out here and there rather than try and hire on the whole faction.

As for an OOC standpoint on including more NFU folks... Any time there's a mix of Space Wizards and regular soldiery, you need something really neat for the soldiery to keep them interested. Its why the Mandos are pretty popular as a NFU faction in most cases. The culture and history and the fact that generally in canon Mandos can go toe to toe with Jedi/Sith/Space Wizards and come out on top makes them appealing in a Space Wizard dominated genre.

Essentially, rather than coming up with divisions of new NFU groups and grand armies and super secret special warfare seal ranger airborne parajumper teams, you might look more at recreating that appeal. Antarian rangers were a neat attempt, but they're really and ultimately just sort of the Jedi's sidekicks, honestly. Personal guards, private armies, etc. At least, that's how I'm viewing when comparing them to things IRL.

TLR - Find something unique that gives the same appeal as popular canon NFU groups to include them. Otherwise... focus on swish-swish clang-clang Jedi stuff. A NATO coalition doesn't work too much, especially because you could easily find a Keldabe Warsaw Pact somewhere real quick in that regard.

o7

~Popo

PS: I know, late response is late as late.

 

[Eugen Aker]

[member="Arrbi Betna"]

At least since the TSO rebellion in the Caldera, SJO/Mando relations have been poor, leading to a rather distasteful "raiding" thread from the Clans in particular, blessed by your current FO. Before that, there have been other Jedi related incidents at Illum and Yavin - where your character was at the center of the former. So what's going on?

Essentially, rather than coming up with divisions of new NFU groups and grand armies and super secret special warfare seal ranger airborne parajumper teams, you might look more at recreating that appeal. Antarian rangers were a neat attempt, but they're really and ultimately just sort of the Jedi's sidekicks, honestly. Personal guards, private armies, etc. At least, that's how I'm viewing when comparing them to things IRL.

If you ask people that talk with me about this issue, then they'll tell you that I've been saying the same thing, and have been working on making threads where NFU and FU work together. There's nothing that says that tools can't be developed while also working on outreach at the same time. Both efforts feed into each other. Repeating what I said in an earlier comment in this topic, it would help a lot if the Masters/Staff got more involved IC to encourage NFU participation and recruit new members to the fold. Anyway, with no feedback from the staff, I already tabled this proposal two weeks ago.

 

[Arrbi Betna]

At least since the TSO rebellion in the Caldera, SJO/Mando relations have been poor, leading to a rather distasteful "raiding" thread from the Clans in particular, blessed by your current FO. Before that, there have been other Jedi related incidents at Illum and Yavin - where your character was at the center of the former. So what's going on?

News to me, honestly. Yeah, the Ilum thing went south real fast, but the SJO never sent any emails, inquiries, or envoys that I'm aware of and all parties involved and responsible, including their commander (raises hand) were punished for it IC'ly.

Yavin I'm unaware of, you'll have to name whatever happened there. I wasn't involved and don't know what happened at all, if anything. As for the TSO rebellion, not sure what the issue is. If Mandos participated, then they were probably mercenaries, in which case they were paid to be there more than likely. That's an issue with mercenaries, not an issue with Mandos. It's akin to, say, Russia going to war with France and being upset at America that there's Americans in the Foreign Legion rather than realizing that's not America's issue, fault, or problem at all.

As for the pushing of things... Gonna be honest: Nope, haven't seen any work towards that sort of thing, just this thread here, but that's less a visibility thing and more a "Popo's been a little busy lately" type of thing. I don't generally talk to the folks you talk to regularly because there's a difference in social circles primarily. If you're working towards that sort of stuff, cool beans. Hope it works out for you. Just pointing out what I'm seeing and what I know works/doesn't work from my time running factions, fighting wars, and doing the usual on the board.