Ranger Archive
Thread: Results of First Ranger Conference: Regarding Ranger PA (warning: VERY long)
Greetings fellow Rangers!!
Last night marked a historical moment in SWG with the first Ranger Conference being held on Ahazi!! The conference was held outside Coronet just south of the starport for easy access. Considering the fact that our profession is pretty unique and there aren’t more than about 20 names on Ahazi that I know about, I think it was pretty remarkable that 13 of us were there!! It was an awesome sight seeing all the Rangers and especially all the Master Rangers in one spot.
I would like to thank Ray, Eldest Master Ranger and Darkmatter, second eldest Master Ranger of Ahazi for making it. With their presence and mine (shameless plug), we had the first three Master Rangers of Ahazi present to start this historic meeting!
Amazingly, this conference lasted over 3.5 hours and although some were forced to leave due to rl issues, most stayed until we finally realized how long we had been there. Personally, I feel this was some of the best hours I have spent on SWG. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and considering the many different opinions that were expressed, no insults were traded and everyone was on their best behavior – which as I have seen on these forums, seems to be the norm for this profession.
The purpose of this meeting was to start the process of forming the basis for the Ranger PA. There are lots of issues and concerns from everyone, and there is still a lot of work to be done. I will recap the issues that were discussed and interject my opinions as I see fit. Those of you on the other galaxies working on getting things started, these items might help get you going.
Here we go:
1) Conference Location:
Although being just outside Coronet was easy access for everyone, it soon became apparent that we were attracting many lookie-loos. Heh heh, how could you not stop and look when you see our HTFB with a dozen rangers sitting around!! However, that became quite an annoyance as we tried to conduct business. “Wow! Nice Camp!”, “What is this place?”, ”Can I have some money?”, “Anybody here need some training?”, “Can someone teach me Scout basics 101?”, and on and on it went. And although we didn’t want to be rude and not talk to anyone, we really needed a better environment for meeting in peace. A motion was passed to have the next conference in a more remote location. Keep that in mind folks!
2) The issue of being in other PAs:
This one has been a major concern and possible hindrance for many. We agreed on the following: You can be a member of another PA. However, there will be an actual PA for the Ranger Force with a firm set of ranger rules, a governing body and basically all the perks of a PA, including a hall which will be the governing center or whatever you wish to refer to it as. Those that want to, can carry the Ranger Force tag until they join something else. Personally, I am dedicated to this group and want to have a tag.
Some related questions were asked:
Can we belong to more than one PA and switch tags as desired?
Not sure, but we don’t think so. Perhaps something the devs could think about in the future if enough people really want that option.
Could we wear something to distinguish ourselves?
This one was never addressed, but perhaps a badge, medallion, or uniform come to mind. But this is something left for later.
3)Organization Name:
This one was a humdinger. Lots of suggestions were presented and rejected for one reason or another. We all agreed that we would like a 3 or 4 letter tag and soon the suggestions went flying. Some examples and comments made:
Ranger Elite Force (REF)- Some thought it might sound to lEEt, but on the average, many felt pretty good about this one. After all, we are an elite profession.
Ranger Strike Force (RSF) - there is a thug faction already with this tag – was thrown out.
Ranger Special Forces (RSF)- see above
Ranger Unified Force (RUF) - sounds too much like the dog charity called RUFF
Ranger Alliance Force (RAF) - Started out good but was discarded for sounding too British (not that it is a bad thing) Ranger Task Force (RTF)- this was a favorite for a long time until someone mentioned it sounded like a drug or crime task force. All of a sudden that turned me off of it and as well as most others.
Ranger Special Ops (RSO) - not bad, but might sound like all we do is military stuff.
The Trackers Union (TTU)
The Brotherhood Rangers (TBR)
Circle Of Rangers (COR)
Galactic Ranger Brotherhood (GRB)
Hidden in a Bush (HIAB) - this one was just plain funny, heh heh.
Circle of Ranger Elite (CORE) - This one was well accepted, but we aren’t sure if the tag has already been taken.
Because of the importance of this topic as well as the various opinions expressed, we decided to table this for a while. My own favorites include REF or CORE. We do need to settle this soon, so please post your opinions.
4) What are the membership requirements?
Oh man!!! This one went on for quite a while. There were quite a few differences of opinions here. Some wanted it to be Masters only, while others wanted it open to anyone without any restrictions. Someone suggested Scouts also, but that was quickly discarded.
Basically we all agreed not to limit ourselves to just Masters.
Related Comments:
Officers should be Masters.
Everyone basically agreed with this. One person commented that although he is a Ranger, he has no plans on being a Master but still feels he would be a major asset to the group and should be able to take a position if so desired. Personally, I feel the governing body of a Ranger guild that will be determine the direction and goals for Rangers should consist of Masters. But I also think that if we get to do all the things we want to with this guild, there will be plenty of positions/titles for folks that aren’t masters.
Will there be a test or initiation type thing required?
Again, most felt ok with that as long as the tests aren’t stupid, but instead, fun and challenging – enough to prove yourself. Some didn’t want a test, but I think if all you have to say is I want in, there is no ‘specialness’ to being in the group. Knowing that members passed a challenging trial gives them a bit more respect in being part of the guild. Also, once we start providing all the benefits to members that we hope to, do we really just want to give them out to anyone who can come and leave as they want? No, I feel there should be some kind of trial that shows a players commitment to not just the profession, but to the group also. Besides, it will keep out the other professions that just so happen to have a few extra points around but aren’t really committed to the cause, just the benies.
What type of trial or tests?
Again, lots to consider, but must be interesting and sufficiently challenging for a novice Ranger. Some suggested one test for each tier, a soloing test, a treasure hunt type quest, and others. This will require a bit of thought and trial and error, so we decided to wait on this until things are more formalized.
5) What about folks from different factions or enemy guilds?
We all agreed that we will be all inclusive, but any faction or guild differences are left outside the group and its meetings.
6) Goals of the PA
This is a tuff one to finalize since everyone has different thoughts on this. I wanted to know what goals and benefits we will provide members.
Helping other Rangers reach Master:
No dissent on that.
Provide Free Training:
Everyone agreed we should provide free training to all Rangers – not just members of our group. However, that said, every non-member we train receives a leaflet like e-mail about our organization, explaining who we are and what we can do (once we figure that out, heh heh). For guild members, we go out of our way to provide the required training. (This was, I think, the only topic everyone agreed on. Lol)
Up to date information base for loot drops, tourist attractions, secret places, high quality resources:
This will be the core value of our group. Being able to ask for specific information on where the current best wooly hide or herbivore meat is, is in my opinion, invaluable in this particular game environment. Other SWG sites keep track of resource names, but don’t tell what animal provides it. How the heck am I supposed to know which beastie AmiPohai hide comes from? Many of us are already keeping a list of this info, but having a central file for this would be perfect. Other options include a password protected forum. Members would report in with their findings and any other member would have access to this info. As to how this info will be accessed, we decided on e-mail initially until such time that we can provide a web site with a db. Several of us work on web sites so it shouldn’t be too bad once we are ready for one.
Promote and Organize Hunting/Tracking/Military excursions:
Once we get the /conceal command and our fancy traps, I imagine this will be a great money-maker and/or fun activity.
Eventual goal – Web site and db:
Self-evident. However, I feel that SOE should provide guilds with some small web space since they encourage PAs. After all, we are all paying customers, but I digress……
Eventual Space Force:
Hopefully, the space expansion will include space combat (it would have to in order to be interesting). If so, I imagine this group as an elite space-fighting, exploring and hunting group.
Central Chat Channel:
Until we actually form the PA and have a guild chat box, we will keep an open chat channel. It will be under the ‘Guild’ category and is called Rangers. (To join a chat channel, right-click on the chat tab and choose the ‘join chat’ option. You will get a list of topics, find the ‘Guild’ topic and open it up. For some reason there are tons of numeric ones, which I assume are current PAs but with borked names in the list? Anyway, at the bottom of all this you will find the Ranger channel. Select it and click the ‘join’ button.)
Whew!! Well, there you have it!! A lot of ideas and yet still a lot to do. I apologize for the length, but as you can see, there are a lot of questions and topics that have to be discussed and resolved in order to make this a success and not just some overnight concept. I’m sure there will be more questions and issues, and I welcome them all. If all goes well, we (Rangers) will be a strong unified force within this universe – regardless of which galaxy you may be on. Please let me know your opinions.
Very nice too see you're really geting started on this. From the looks of it the PA seems to be a very serious and well founded Guild - i wish you the best of luck!
I wish i had my Ranger on Ahazi, this looks like a whole new game to me.
/D
Well done meeting, looking forward to the next one. Not much to comment on Zkull, you nailed it all to the wall there.
Ray.
Well done on the notes of the meeting. i was just thinking i wish i coulda went, then realized i'm a moron cuz i could have just created a character.
All sounds good to me, and i'm chomping at the bit to get started. only have one or two solids on Bloodfin so far.
couple quick thoughts:
-i like (CORE)
-i would like to see to it that at our pa halls doctors, BH's,Chefs, and others know they can find the exact bone/hide/meat they want from the entire galaxy. income would be fenominal. who else can gather those orgs better?
-if we get a pa hall up in each galaxy, then the meetings could be held there for privacy.
and if no one else is standing up, i'd like to put in the effort to organize the Bloodfin server.
that's all i have for now..
laterness...
in regards to the PA hall, i think i have founda perfect spot. it's on a mountain just outside a city on a one-way in and out planet. steepest and highest i think i've seen since playing. if you're not a ranger, you'd only climb it once at the most...
Great summation there Zkull. It was a good meeting. Someof thefolks had some great opinions and suggestions and I just mainly sat there and listened to them all
I didn't have spatial on so I guess I missed the passerby comments.
The PA name is a tricky one. I did like RTF but I agree it does have a bit too much of a real world connotation so my new preference would be CORE, although I have to say having elite in the name might send out the wrong message to those wishing to join and make us seem like we're a bit elitist and aloof (which couldn't be further from the truth)
The test tobe acceptedis also a good idea, just have to make sure it's fun and relys on ranger skills at leat partly. With the new changes having to /track down a particular critter on Lok and bring 50 of it's hide would be good I think.
The database of resources is also good and definately something I'd be into and been part of excusrions to other planets. A Ranger and Squad leader with a group could be a potent combination once the changes are in.
Great job so far anyway Zkull onmaking this a reality
Congratulations!
I just wish someone had the motivation to do this on Corbantis as well, as I am sort of a Lone Wolf and have no intrest in joining a Formal P.A.
Once you guys get set up on Ahazi maybe we could band together intergalacticly and start the same guild/swapmeetacross all servers?..
If any Corbantis Rangers are interested in trying to get this off the ground on our own server, feel free to send me an email ingame. I will start a list of all interested and maybe we can get organized like this as well.
Oh yeah! Personally, I think CORE sounds like a cool PA tag.
Excellent idea...wish I was there to take part in the conference. I am very interested in this. Please keep us updated on future meetings and developements....I will be joining the ranks of Master Ranger by the end of this week. (Frontiering III/IV and Trapping III/IV to go)
Stiehl Vasith
Ahazi
Well I must say I am very sorry for missing this "ground breaking" meeting. I am very interested in jining a Ranger PA. The fre traing and assistance to members and non-members are a particularly good idea. I am also glad that the formatiuon of this PA has relit the spark of some of our more veteran members. I hope to be guild mates with you all very soon.
Aside from this I had a simple inquiry. Approxamatly how many Rangers are there on Ahazi. I would simply like to know in order to get to know some or all of them. I must say that out of all the examples of each proffesion I have talked to Rangers are generally the nicest and respectable. I actually spoke with an Imperial Ranger for a good 15 minutes about several things before we both proceeded to kill each other in tue 17th century Paris fashion.
WHich brings up my last point. As I was once speaking with my Friend Ray we both realized (actually mostly Ray realized) that there is a problem with a Ranger PA and faction. Will there be only Rebels or only Imperials allowed in the PA or perhaps a code saying we may not kill fellow PA members without prior consent. This is a semi-troubling problem that I hope there is an easy answer for.
Other than that I can't wait tto see you all at our first guild hall meeting. I personally have 25k set aside as a donation for its construction and matienence. Also Zkull I will start checking my in game E-mail.
Sincerely,
Riydaha Soth'Mugotten
(P.S. Thank you Ray for showing me how truly awesome a High Tech Field Base can be at the cost of Metal and Polymer to yourself. And also I enjoyed the tour of the Fishing Village.)