1. Organization Name
The Nautical Shipping Association (NSA)
2. Objective
To gain ever increasing wealth and power through a monopoly of all overseas shipping and trade.
3. Who may join?
Pretty much anyone. The NSA reaches across the globe and is not too picky as to who it hires. From retired Navy sailors to thugs off the street.
4. Organization Location
The main HQ for the NSA is located on the coast of Serendipity. Serendipity's lack of a standing navy makes it ideal for the shady business to operate from as it does not have to compete for control of the water with any kind of naval forces. Serendipity itself does not mind the NSA's presence as the NSA will defend it's assets, and thus Serendipity, should it come under attack.
5. Current Members and Ranks
The owner and head of the NSA currently is Drake Depraysie. (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=18570.new#new) who took on the humble title of Grand Admiral.
Below the Grand Admiral are Fleet Commanders who oversee the different fleets stationed at the various ports and harbors across the world.
Next in line are Captains who are in charge of their own individual ships.
Finally, there are the ranks on board each ship itself such as quartermaster, cabin boy, etc.
The NSA also has privateers in its employ. The job of these fellows is to attack any ship that does not belong to the NSA. There are also pirates that do not work for the NSA, but are paid off by them to not attack NSA ships. This makes the NSA the safest and most reliable to travel or ship goods overseas. It also encourages the NSA's clients to pay the extra money for the warship escort that the NSA offers.
Note that any new captains or fleet commanders from outside the organization must have a personal interview with the Grand Admiral before joining.
6. Additional Information
In addition to cargo ships, the NSA maintains warships to escort their cargo vessels. However, the client must pay extra in order to have their shipment escorted by NSA warships. This happens quite often considering the pirates and privateers that are in league with the NSA.
There is nothing the NSA won't ship for the right price. This in combination with their 'no questions asked' policy means that they are very popular with criminal organizations. They are also favored by those who wish to avoid taxes or skip going through customs officials.
The NSA is virtually in complete control of the sea. All NSA ships combined would be a force to rival any Navy of any organized state. This control is absolutely relished by its leader, and he will do whatever it takes to retain it. To mess with the NSA is a death sentence for even the most wealthy and powerful of individuals.
My character Opus Dey (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=18237.msg219720#msg219720) and his associates (Khanna Dey- leader of the mountain cats- whoms profile I know you've already seen) and Zantaric associate, merchant lord Dao'bachpa Barrocisto (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=18609.msg235355#msg235355)-
They could all be in cahoots with one another in a very intricate criminal network.
Or, if want, they could be rivals :P
or 'frenemies'.
Just a thought!
What did you have in mind? Does Opus see potential in a secure overseas network? Or is Drake interfering with his business due to NSA privateers attacking his vampire ally's ships?
It could go either way, really, hence why I suggested it :)
We'd have to figure out which makes sense- though it could be BOTH. The two groups could work together at times but stab each other in the back other times.
Also, not sure if this would make sense, but your Guild could get involved with this mini-event here (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=18549.0).
Perhaps Drake would provide some additional funding or other resources to build this 'super ship'. It would be a good way to increase NSA's reputation and attract more business.
As for Drake and Opus relations, I suppose it would be more of a frenemies type deal? Like they get into each other's way, but they don't go out and try to sabotage and/or kill each other. Perhaps they would sometimes even conduct business together.
Oh, I like that idea. And Duchess Melora could deal with Drake directly.
AAAAANNNNNNNNNNNDDDDD....
perhaps Drake and Opus could meet each other for the first time while on the ship. ::)
That's definitely possible! Could be interesting to have both Khanna and Opus on board for sure!
But just remember, the ship is intended to sink so keep that in mind (not that the characters know, unless they're planning on making it sink, that is XD )
That's why they meet before it sinks.
Besides, Drake is a good swimmer. He'll be fine. :P
But the ship is going to sink in the middle of the ocean where it's cold >_>
like, freezing cold :T
and far far far away from any land
I'm sure there are life boats.
Besides, NSA ship could pass by and see all the stranded survivors and rescue them.
The idea is not to make survival easy for them, but I'll keep that in mind and you should post your ideas on the mini-events plotting page so the other members interested in participating can also add input to yours/our ideas :D