Okay, I have a quick sketch up of a Roman inspired (with heavy artistic liscense) rank structure, trying to take in both Glitch’s and Noppy’s input. This sticks to the 4 levels of seniority we have now and uses 10 titles. I’ll include a couple extra titles that could be used instead of others. This is all very much a suggestion, or something to start more specific ideas flowing. Revisions/suggestions/etc. are very much encouraged.
Roles associated with the ranks are intended to be very loose, and more of a guideline than anything. Everyone will of course be able to take part in all aspects of Union.
I’ve included the structure to have a representative for each server. If this isn’t something we want, frees up a little more room to play with the ranks.
Largest potential downside I see to this is the admin load of getting people to the right rank, although most may not care if there is no privlege associated with it (e.g. the level 4 ranks).
Level 1
Founders (or Legatus) – Glitch mentioned this already. (Legatus or Legate was the rank of the legion commander in Rome)
Tribune – Glitch mentioned this as well. (Politically appointed officers to the Legion. Nominally second in command for senior tribune, though this was often conceeded to the much more experience Praefectus in actual battle. Alternatively, leave Founders and make Tribue to Legatus)
Level 2
Praefectus – Guild officers. (Praefectus or Praefect were the third in command of the legion and typically a long-serving legion veteran)
Primus Pilus – Lead of the server representatives. (Primus Pilus was the first centurion of the first cohort, so the most senior centurion, and effectively ran the legion).
Level 3
Centurion – One for each server, to represent the membership there. (Centurions were the commanders of the centuries that made up each cohort in the legion. Could also use Pilus Priori for this one, which were the centurions of the first centuries in each cohort).
Triarri or Evocati – Veteran guild members with some extra priveleges/responsibility. (Triarri were veteran legionnaires used in the back line with long spears and fought in a phalanx. Evocati were veteran soldiers who chose to re-enlist after serving their full term with the legion)
Level 4
Eques – People with a focus on WvW, PvP and general combat type stuff. Like to play with a highly mobile style in combat. (Equites were the Roman cavalry order, “knights” if you will. They were all wealthy and often minor nobility, but for our purposes, they will well-equipped cavalry).
Principes – Leans towards PvE and dungeon running, but also takes part in pvp/WvW combat. (Principes were the main legionnaires, heavy infantry in their fighting prime but with enough experience to carry a battle)
Quaestor – Focuses on crafting, TPing and economics. (Quaestors were actually public officials/magistrates overseering financial matters)
Legionnaire – New members here, but not a lesser rank than any other. No particular focus or gameplay style. The mainstay of the guild.
Other Considerations
Legionnaire could also be moved down to a Level 5 “new member” rank. Kind of like a probation or trial rank. I’ve seen this work well other places, but since this is a social guild rather than a military, not sure if I like the idea. (Could also rename Auxilia in this case).
I like the idea of the rank Immunes (Roman specialists like engineers, artillerymen, instructors etc.) but can’t see how it would fit any better than the 10 above.
I do have all the SM dungeons still to do. shudders at the thought :|
have a birthday party here so i really should start cooking lol! Tomorrow will be on :-) looking forward to it!
