exploration The Explorers' League

[Deleted Userr 3]

Edited: 20th of April, 2017.

Introduction and Mission Statement:

---

Spoiler

First Glance at The Explorers' League:

The Explorers' League, also known as Explorers' Guild, League of Explorer’s or simply the League, is an up-and-coming globe-trotting, adventure-seeking, treasure-hunting organization dedicated to plumbing the secrets of the ancient world and aiding in any and all expeditions. The League's main base of operations is to be located in the Hall of Explorers in Kal’Omith, location to be decided upon. The League is directed and created by High Explorer Tonya Hildebrandt and under mandate from King Bastion Ireheart.

The first expeditions were led by hardy Dwarven prospectors accustomed to long treks in unforgiving territory. As they taught their skills to the new generation of journeymen, a new breed of Dwarven traveler emerged. These travelers appointed themselves the task of gathering as much information as possible about the world, its history, and its cultures in hopes of cataloging the truth for the posterity of their race. Though they often still called themselves “prospectors”, they gathered together under the banner of their true calling: explorers. The Explorers’ League seeks to proceed the failed Adventurer’s Guild, leading the currently scattered prospectors, adventurers, historians and brave mercenaries of the North in a unified organization. In addition to the cultural and geographic intelligence it gathers, information provided by the Guild may assist in both military operation and locating resources to fund government operations. Unlike the Dwarven prospectors of old, the Explorers’ League accepts members of all races and cultures with a passion for wanderlust into their ranks, viewing diversity as a positive aspect to a guild so rooted in exploring the vast world.

 

(The Explorers' League is a work in progress, awaiting approval from King Bastion Ireheart, leaving this page liable to future changes and amendments. If it seems to be lacking in detail or substance, such will be corrected upon acceptance and establishment of a guild hall within Kal'Omith.)

---

                                 

---

Organization:

---

Spoiler

Overview:
New members of the Explorers' Guild spend their early days honing their skills close to home, guiding travelers through the peaks and passes of Tahn and leading supply expeditions for the Dwarven kingdoms. Once they’ve proved themselves, these “prospectors” are upgraded to “journeyman” status and given their first field missions by the Guild. Often, these missions involve traveling to remote but previously visited locales in order to update the Guild’s library with news of current events in the area. Eventually, the journeymen are upgraded to full Explorer status and given carte blanche to travel where they will with full Guild support, provided that they produce regular reports on their excursions.

The Dwarven king is the official master of the Explorer’s Guild, though the title is mostly honorary — it is incredibly unlikely any king would file a report in the Archives. The daily operation of the Guild is overseen by the Excursion Council, made up of quite a few of the oldest and most experienced members of the Guild. The younger members of the Guild have nicknamed this group the “Excuse Me Council,” as many of the Council are constantly leaving behind their duties to set off on their own self-assigned journeys. Yet so long as a small fraction of the Council remains in Kal’Omith to coordinate outgoing and incoming Guild expeditions, the organization continues to run smoothly.

Location:
Though the official Hall of Explorers is yet to be designated to a specific area, the base of operations will be located within the Dwarven capital of Kal’Omith. Smaller guildhalls, called “way stations”, are to be established in far-flung corners of Tahn, likely in the back rooms of inns or taverns along well-traveled routes to distant parts of the continent. Though they will still vary in the level of service they can offer, some way stations may provide detailed maps of the local area while others stockpile supplies of dried foods and basic traveling necessities that can be drawn upon by Guild members (who are expected to pay for their withdrawals of Guild property whenever possible).

Membership:

It is anticipated that the overwhelming majority of members in the Explorer’s Guild are Dwarves, simply because of the Hall of Explorers location. That being said, the Guild is open to any and all members of other races, particularly after providing exemplary service to the Guild on several official expeditions. A red torch burning at the entrance to the Guildhall in Kal’Omith marks the rare occasions when the Guild is accepting new applicants, a call that may be answered by any who can demonstrate the requisite skill with languages and a broad base of geographic and historical knowledge. For each opening, a maximum of twenty top potentials are selected and taken into the mountains of northern Tahn by one of the Excursion Council. What follows is an intensive three-week trial that tests not only the potentials’ physical ability and stamina but also a wide range of skills from map making and tracking to herbalism and mineral location. At the end of the test period, the applicants who come out on top are inducted into the Guild and officially allowed to call themselves prospectors.

 

Membership in the Guild is selective, as the Guild stores will completely outfit any official expedition with supplies and equipment — though the quartermasters are notoriously stingy when arguing the definition of “completely outfit”. Guild members may also receive a monetary reward from the Guild for exemplary service, particularly when on a sanctioned expedition. All Guild members can also make their home at the Guildhall in Kal’Omith, though when all the private quarters are taken up by higher ranking members of the Guild (as during the annual Convocation, when the Guild gathers to share stories and plan expeditions for the coming year), even full-fledged explorers can find themselves sleeping in the fifth slot up in the bunkhouse. Guild members come from all walks of life, their skills contributing to the goals of the Guild and the Dwarven people. For some, however, exploration becomes more than a profession — it becomes an avocation and a passion. The members of the Explorers' League are not expected to remain at the Hall of Explorers, and may be dispatched to various key digsites and expeditions.

Ranks, Jobs and Titles:

The following League ranks are marked from lowest to highest, with the exclusion of profession ranks and titles for those outside of 'official' Guild jurisdiction.

  Official Guild Ranks

• Prospector: Prospector is the ranking that recruits earn immediately upon an completion of the probationary period. As mentioned throughout the reading, those of Prospector rank are only to perform Guild duties within relatively close proximity to the Hall of Explorers while honing their skills, until graduating to Journeyman rank after approval from the Excursion Council. Prospectors function as Guild trainees, and are a vital part of Guild function, serving as apprentice guides, rangers, and expeditionary staff around the Kal'Omith mountain range, working under the command of higher ranking Guild members; without the constant hard work from Guild hopefuls such as Prospectors, very little would be accomplished. Prospectors are often assigned more safe and supervised orders, such as leading a supply caravan, guiding local travelers or studying relevant skills.

 

• Journeyman: Journeyman ranking allows a Guild member to given official field missions to lands outside of Kal'Omith's mountain range, under the supervision and order of a higher ranking Guild official. Often times, these expeditions are to locations previously visited by Guild explorers in order to update archives, check on the local ecology or to establish a camp for reasons such a archaeological digsite. Journeymen are allowed to enjoy the pleasures of an expedition without the responsibility of leading it, acting as an Explorer's loyal crew and apprentice while in the field. Those of Journeymen rank are encouraged to begin pursuing a specialized field of work to prepare for evaluation from the Excursion Council.

 

• Explorer: Subsequent to graduating from Journeyman rank, a Guild member will be offered the ranking of Explorer, as well as the opportunity to specialize their Guild title according to their profession skill. A member of the Explorer rank will be granted full capabilities as a Guild member, including permissions to travel freely with Guild support, request supplies from Supply Quartermasters, and arrange expeditions of their own under acceptance by the Excursion Council (given they produce regular reports of their excursions to be delivered to the Hall of Explorers). Any Guild member should be proud to obtain Explorer rank, as it's what they've been striving towards since joining as Prospectors; that being said, an Explorer may take on any other number of responsibilities (such as profession ranks and archive duties) if they crave more. Those of Explorer rank are encouraged to continue honing their skills to remain in peak condition.

 

• High Explorer (Excursion Council): The Excursion Council are the designated Guild leaders of the Explorers' League, overseeing any and all operations and having complete jurisdiction over all other members, (except the Dwarven King, of course). The Council may consist of a maximum of ten Guild members of High Explorer ranking, held only by founders and Guild veterans or those who have exceeded Guild expectations and deserve unique recognition. High Explorers and members of the Excursion Council act as complete overseers of the Guild, capable of arranging events, dispatching Guild personnel to way stations or expeditions, as well as any other number of tasks the Guild may require. The Excursion Council has a reputation for occasionally neglecting their duties to pursue field work, but so long as some members remain in Kal'Omith, Guild functions are capable of being made as usual. During large or significant decision or council, the Excursion Council will discuss and vote upon decisions.

 

  Archive and Records 

• Librarian/Scribe/Archivist: Explorers bring back extensive documents of research, cartography and reports; without the tireless work of Librarians, Scribes and Archivists, the cataloging and preserving of information that the League of Explorers is known for would be an absolute disaster. Members of these ranks are the backbone of the Guild, keeping the organization a tightly run machine that allows swift referencing and the safety of texts, artifacts and knowledge that would otherwise be destroyed by the tests of time. Though members of this rank are often located within the Hall of Explorers in Kal'Omith, it is not unusual for them to accompany an expedition to sites such as archaeological digs or research camps, where their documentation skills are vital.

 

• Historian/Cartographer/Linguists: Though Librarians, Scribes and Archivists organize the texts and catalog what the Explorers return from their expeditions, Historians, Cartographers and Linguists hold these acquired knowledge within their intellectual capabilities. Brilliant minds and experienced in their fields, these rankings are able to provide Guild members with knowledge relevant to their skill set (perhaps a Linguist may help translate Orcish or ancient text), as well as accompanying expeditions to lend their textbook know-how in the thick of it. Members of these titles can save vast amounts of time that would normally be spent on research and can provide imperative analysis that may uncover hidden clues and information.
   

  Quartermaster and Supplies

• Ration Chef (Chef/Fisher): Any expedition that doesn't want their crew emaciated at the bottom of some canyon requires rations. Ration Chefs are the League's answer to Explorer's hunger, providing Guild missions with the fuel they need to survive in the field. Members of this ranking are expected to cook, prepare and safely store rations for Guild expeditions, way stations or just general feeding of the troops. Ration Chefs should work closely with a Supply Quartermaster to acquire ingredients they may not have, as well as to allow the Quartermaster to catalog ration inventory. Ration Chefs may sell their goods on the side, but should not use Guild materials to do so. 

(Requires rank of Apprentice or higher in one or more of the listed professions to apply.)

 

• Guild Armorer (Blacksmith/Leatherworker): Every competent Explorer knows the dangers of expedition. Whether it be the armed traps of an ancient temple or the crude arrow of an Orcish bandit, it is imperative to any and all Guild work that the. Guild Armorers are expected to assist Supply Quartermasters by constructing both heavy and light armors to keep League members in one singular, non-perforated piece. Guild Armorers may sell their goods on the side, but should not use Guild materials to do so. 

(Requires rank of Apprentice or higher in one or more of the listed professions to apply.)

 

• Guild Engineer (Tinker/Enchanter): Survival gear such as rope, nets and compasses are a recommended part of any Explorers' utility belt. Guild Engineers assist in supplying the gadgets, devices and various survival equipment that the Guild requires for expedition missions. Guild Engineers are expected to construct necessary equipment for Supply Quartermasters, as well as assist in designing new equipment that may aid expedition teams while working in dangerous environments. Guild Engineers may sell their goods on the side, but should not use Guild materials to do so. 

(Requires rank of Apprentice or higher in one or more of the listed professions to apply.)

 

• Supply Quartermaster (Miner/Farmer/Lumberjack): Guild inventory is perhaps one of the most important aspects of preparing for an excursion, making Supply Quartermasters a invaluable asset to the team. Supply Quartermasters are expected to keep their designated inventory stocked, organized and safe while supplying Guild members with the supplies they need (while remaining modest in what they supply). Often times, all other profession rankings will be reporting to the Quartermaster for stock deliveries or requests, which the Supply Quartermaster should document at all times with receipt booklets. Only those with high integrity and a serious attitude towards their profession should apply. Supply Quartermasters may sell their goods on the side, but should not use Guild materials to do so.  

(Requires rank of Apprentice or higher in one or more of the listed professions to apply.)

 

• Field Medic/Alchemist (Alchemy): Unfortunately, injuries do occur while scouring ruins and wandering the wilderness. In the case of a Guild member receiving harm or a Guild member requests a specific drought, a Field Medic or Alchemist should be trained and capable to provide treatment of wounds to ensure the safety of their patients. Field Medics and Alchemists are expected to always be on call in case of emergency, and should always keep medical and alchemical inventory stocked for themselves and the Supply Quartermaster. Field Medics and Alchemists may sell their goods on the side, but should not use Guild materials to do so.   

(Requires rank of Apprentice or higher in one or more of the listed professions or in-character Medical skills to apply.)

 

• Guild Architect / Camp Foreman (Stonemason/Woodworker): Construction may not seem like something the Explorers' League should concern itself with, but it's in fact a very important aspect of Guild life. Guild Architects and Camp Foreman may assist in the construction, repair and design of Guild way stations and operations, up to and including the Hall of Explorers. Camp Foremans specifically may attend expeditions to establish camps or digsites, and should work in direct contact with a Supply Quartermaster to arrange a supply line. That being said, Guild Architects and Camp Foreman may only be needed to arrange construction supplies in some situations where construction is overseen by the Excursion Council. Guild Architects and Camp Foreman may sell their goods on the side, but should not use Guild materials to do so.  

(Requires rank of Apprentice or higher in one or more of the listed professions or proven building capabilities to apply.)

 

• Field Ranger (Breeder): Field Rangers are survival specialists tasked with preserving the ecology of an area, guiding travelers and protecting wildlife populations from unjust endangerment. Members of this rank may be trained in animal care or are simply Explorers who prefer extensive work in the wilderness. Though a ranger might make a living as a hunter, a guide, or a tracker, a ranger’s true calling is to defend and preserve the outskirts of civilization from those who would intend harm, by protecting ruins and ancient holdings the Guild is unable to catalog in its Hall of Explorers. Since Field Rangers may gather game or wild herbs, they should report these items back to a Supply Quartermaster. Field Rangers may sell their goods on the side, but should not use Guild materials to do so.  

(Requires rank of Apprentice or higher in one or more of the listed professions or Explorer rank to apply.)

 

Membership Application and Recruitment:

Spoiler

The Explorers' League is currently recruiting, and offering special priority for those who apply early.
(Please fill out this application and either post it in this thread or message me personally. I will get back to you as soon as possible, my other responsibilities allowing.)
Alternatively, you may write an letter to the Excursion Council, answering the questions below and submitting it as listed above.

Basic IC Information
Name:
Age:
Race:

Desired Rank: (Specify if you are wishing to apply to any profession-specific rank, otherwise you will be a designated Journeyman rank.)
Reason for Applying: (Explain reasons you are applying to the Guild. Perhaps you have a passion for history, or simply wish to see the world? Elaborate.)
Relevant Qualifications: (Detail your skills, history and feats here; this is to determine your personal fit within the Guild's ranks.)

Past Experience: (Add any work or volunteer experience that may back up your relevant qualifications. Not mandatory if you have none.)
Comments or Final Words: (Add anything that you feel may not have been covered, but is relevant to this Guild application.):

OOC Information
Age:
Discord Name: (Used for updates, news and information. Members will be given access to the Discord channel. Skype is not used.)
Reason for Applying: (I ask  this simply to acquire feedback to improve upon the Guild.)
First time to the Explorers' League?: (Have any previous characters been members of the Guild?)
Are you applying with a main character?:

---

Current Guild Members:

High Explorer (Excursion Council)

• Name: Tonya "Blitzkrieg" Hildebrandt || IGN: Grizzlowe || Title: Original Founder || Link to Profile: (TO BE ADDED)

Prospector

• Name: Henrick Releford || IGN: Its_El_Doggo || Title: Mercenary/Monster Hunter || Link to Profile: (TO BE ADDED)
• Name: Mark Languish || IGN: ItsPassive || Title: League Prospector || Link to Profile: (TO BE ADDED)

 

[Sky 0]

The Bull druid's eye twitches as someone takes his trademarked group, after grumbling and whinging a little, he walks off and begins throwing around more copies of his work.

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/159338-the-explorers-league-volume-0-big-berthas-beauty/

 

"I should meet this... 'Tonya' person...." 

 

[MisterTiddles 6]

*Mark Languish walks towards the Guild Hall of The Explorer's League and slips a paper under the door. The paper is titled, "Mark Languish, Application to Explore"

 

Basic IC Information
Name: Mark Languish
Age: 22
Race: Human

Desired Rank: Prospector, although I would not be objected to a leader rank in the future.
Reason for Applying: I am a newcomer to these lands and would love to take this opportunity to see the world. I also have a passion for meeting new people. I would also like to be able to provide assistance to people in need at the places that we travel. Overall, I would like to be a part of this guild to travel, but have a place to call home at the end of the day.
Relevant Qualifications: None at this moment, aside from being a quick learner.

Past Experience: (N/A)
Comments or Final Words:

OOC Information
Age: 18
Discord Name: Passive#7460
Reason for Applying: I'm applying because I would like to be involved with exploration. This map is unfamiliar to me, and I would like to be able to explore it with a dedicated group.
First time to the Explorers' League?: Yes
Are you applying with a main character?: Yes

[gandalfo 1413]

This current Guild has been deemed inactive and has hereby been moved. If you wish to appeal this decision you must present evidence to myself proving the guild is still active.