Question regarding Free Company membership

Disclaimer: I've only ever played XI and XIV! So "guilds" to me have only been linkshells, and you've always been able to be a member of many.

People have referred to Free Companies as "real guilds"; and we will still have Linkshells.

We know a few things:

*FC's will have their own chatlog
We'll have emblems we can put on certain armor
You need 4 people to start one (*and those 4 people have to be from the same Grand Company because the FC is formed at their GC desk?)
You can have FC housing (but you don't have to)

...and possibly the most important detail: you can only join ONE Free* Company.

What if you want to change Free* Companies? There are many reasons this could come up. Maybe it's a dumb question with an obvious answer to some of you, but I don't think I've seen it mentioned.

My question: Will we be able to resign/quit/leave a FC* and join ANOTHER one (right away?)

I remember something about being able to be a guest in a FC while still being a member of one.

I imagine so. The only way it would make sense is if you could immediately be invited to one or leave one, but if you tried taking a second it would be like

-= System Message: B!tch please. =-

Or, you know, whatever the technical jargon is in A Realm Reborn.

If I remember right, Yoshi said that it would not be possible to switch at the beginning, but they intend to allow the ability to change guilds later down the road.

Ok... i know you are using wrong word there... there isn't a GC house, GC are the city-state, main story of Eorzea, for player-run we use FC instead :)

If you are talking about the Grand Companies (Limsa's The Maelstrom, Gridania's Order of the Twin Adders and Ul'Dah's The Immortal Flames) then yes, you are able to make a switch to another Grand Company loosing your progress(maybe can't remember) of your previous pledge Grand Company.
You cannot MAKE a GC, but you can make a FC instead :)

For Free Company which i think is what you really "meant" here. Will be able to buy land for housing from respective GC(? need clarification here lol xD)

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Originally Posted by Anonymoose

-= System Message: B!tch please. =-

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Your censorship skills are astounding. XD

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Originally Posted by Cedri

Your censorship skills are astounding. XD

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I'm always so confused about what to censor and what to not! I generally try to keep it clean in General, but if Baderon can warn me about a seagull that's gonna "shit on my best shirt," then I'm going to keep my discretion fluid by likely popularity of thread, lol. The game rating itself warns of colorful, tone-setting language - if people can take it for tone, they can take it on the forum.

My general rule is just to swear around people and never swear at people. That seems to keep the mods at bay, lol.

You are totally correct, I meant Free Company, not Grand Company, going to edit my OP and thank you so much for point that out!

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Originally Posted by Anonymoose

I'm always so confused about what to censor and what to not! I generally try to keep it clean in General, but if Baderon can warn me about a seagull that's gonna "shit on my best shirt," then I'm going to keep my discretion fluid by likely popularity of thread, lol. The game rating itself warns of colorful, tone-setting language - if people can take it for tone, they can take it on the forum.

My general rule is just to swear around people and never swear at people. That seems to keep the mods at bay, lol.

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It's all good moose, it was just hilarious with the uʍop ǝpısdn 'I' lol

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Originally Posted by Triairy

We're proud to announce that the "Letter from the Producer LIVE Part III" video has been released!

A: First, you'll need a group of four people. Then, you'll all need to join a Grand Company, whichever you prefer. Afterwards, you can form a Free Company under that Grand Company by visiting the Grand Company desk.

Free Companies each have a shared box for storing items and transferring them between members. However, imagine I’m the free company leader. If I want, I can configure it so that only I have the authority to remove items, and that the other three members can only deposit items.

We’ve created a very detailed system of permissions. Free companies will also have a point system that is similar to exp, which will allow Free Companies to grow. By completing quests, defeating monsters, and conquering dungeons together, the company can grow to level two and so forth.

Leveling allows for greater customization of your Free Company. Players will have more options when designing their company crests and decorating company headquarters, and they can even increase the size of their building. There are also special Free Company achievements. Unlike linkshells, which are more relaxed, Free Companies are more like organizations with shared goals.

Also, if you have a solid group of 8 people and there’s another Free Company you’re friends with, since it’d be difficult to merge Free Companies, we’ve designed an alliance system that allows Free Companies to work together. You’ll be able to utilize a shared discussion area on the Lodestone, and company leaders can control who has permission to post. It’s quite a complex system.

If you’re the type of player that doesn’t want to interact with people on a daily basis, but you have some interest in joining, you can join as a guest. Also, by inviting new people and helping them out, you will be rewarded with items that will help your free company grow more easily. We’re still considering how to implement this. We don’t want to make things too strict, but we don’t want to allow unrestricted access—especially since there is item sharing.

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I did find the above official post info about the introduction of Free Companies but nothing in particular about being able to switch.

Notice the first paragraph, it looks as though the 4 starting members have to be members of the same Grand Company as well. I wonder if all (future) members then have to be from that same GC as well?

I just hope we can find out all the details before Beta 4/OB/Launch because if we are unable to switch, it will be a really important decision not to be jumped into lightly.

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Originally Posted by JillyBean

Disclaimer: I've only ever played XI and XIV! So "guilds" to me have only been linkshells, and you've always been able to be a member of many.

People have referred to Free Companies as "real guilds"; and we will still have Linkshells.

We know a few things:

*FC's will have their own chatlog
We'll have emblems we can put on certain armor
You need 4 people to start one (*and those 4 people have to be from the same Grand Company because the FC is formed at their GC desk?)
You can have FC housing (but you don't have to)

...and possibly the most important detail: you can only join ONE Free* Company.

What if you want to change Free* Companies? There are many reasons this could come up. Maybe it's a dumb question with an obvious answer to some of you, but I don't think I've seen it mentioned.

My question: Will we be able to resign/quit/leave a FC* and join ANOTHER one (right away?)

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For a free company you need only 3 ppl, as yoshi-p's example on the live letter, him wada and foxclon making a FC. and they can all be from difrent GCs.

As for been able to switch, think about it from the other perspective. lets say you are a ldr of a FC and you invite someone in, but this person turns out to be a dudge, never helping, always bitching, etc. you'll want to get rid of a person like that, so you should have an option to do so. In the same way you join some a FC and didn't end up been what you spected, so you'll wanna quit. Like an LS there will be options to quit/kick ppl. Now since the FC will have a comun storage unit, where the ldr will grant permition for players of the FC to use, I imagine that for someone to quit a FC will need to "ok" from the ldr, to prevent someone comingand stealling all the FC's shit.

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Originally Posted by Seirra_Lanzce

Ok... i know you are using wrong word there... there isn't a GC house, GC are the city-state, main story of Eorzea, for player-run we use FC instead :)

If you are talking about the Grand Companies (Limsa's The Maelstrom, Gridania's Order of the Twin Adders and Ul'Dah's The Immortal Flames) then yes, you are able to make a switch to another Grand Company loosing your progress(maybe can't remember) of your previous pledge Grand Company.
You cannot MAKE a GC, but you can make a FC instead :)

For Free Company which i think is what you really "meant" here. Will be able to buy land for housing from respective GC(? need clarification here lol xD)

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you can't cvhange GCs, it was VERY stressed when they were introduced, so ppl won't choose at random

Sorry Nayito, but you're wrong on this one :(

19.09.2012

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Originally Posted by Sasunaich

Guten Morgen,
Good morning,

ich habe mehr Informationen zu den freien Gesellschaften für euch. Bitte beachtet aber, dass die Details noch nicht zu 100% feststehen und sich Einzelheiten noch ändern können.
I have more informations regarding free companies (FC) for you. Please note that the details are not 100% confirmed yet, and a few things might change.

Freie Gesellschaften sind - auf einem niedrigeren Level - Zweigstellen der staatlichen Gesellschaften. Sie können unabhängig von der eigenen Zugehörigkeit zu einer staatlichen Gesellschaft gegründet werden, wozu vier Spieler notwendig sind. Das heißt, dass man zum Beispiel eine freie Gesellschaft unter dem Banner des Mahlstroms gründen kann, obwohl man sich selbst der Legion der Unsterblichen verschrieben hat.
FCs are - on a lower level - branches of the Grand Companies. They can, independent of the own affiliation [with the GCs], be founded by four players. This means that a free company can be under the banners of the Maelstrom even though you're pledged to the Immortals.

Eine freie Gesellschaft kann über hundert Mitglieder haben und auch hier gilt, dass man einer freien Gesellschaft beitreten kann, die nicht Teil der eigenen staatlichen Gesellschaft ist. Eine freie Gesellschaft kann sich also aus Mitgliedern der staatlichen Gesellschaft aller drei Städte zusammensetzen.
A free company can have more than a hundred members and therefore too it applies that you can join a free company which is not part of your own grand company.
So a free company can consist of members from all three grand company.

Einige Kontaktkreis-Features werden auf die freien Gesellschaften übertragen, wodurch es zum Beispiel möglich sein wird, einen Leiter zu wählen. Kontaktkreise selbst werden in A Realm Reborn hauptsächlich als Chat-Kanale fungieren.
Some Linkshell-Features will be transferred to the free companies which will allow to choose a leader, for example. Linkshells in a Realm Reborn will primarily function as Chat-Channels.

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aaand this one.

25.09.2012

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Originally Posted by Sasunaich

Guten Nachmittag,
Good afternoon,

ich habe neue Informationen zum Wechsel staatlicher Gesellschaften für euch. Es wird euch möglich sein, eure staatliche Gesellschaft zu wechseln. Natürlich ist das mit einigen Einschränkungen verbunden. Ihr werdet zum Beispiel nur die Gegenstände eurer aktuellen staatlichen Gesellschaft ausrüsten können.
Außerdem wird euer Rang nicht von eurer alten auf eure neue staatliche Gesellschaft übertragen, sondern ihr fangt wieder beim untersten Rang an. Allerdings wird euer alter Rang gespeichert, so dass er nicht verloren geht.
I have new informations regarding the change of a grand company for you. It will be possible to change your grand company. Of course, this is connected to some restrictions. You will only be able to equip items of your current grand company, for example. Furthermore you will not be able to transfer your old rank to a new grand company, which means that you will start from the lowest rank. However your old rank will be saved so it won't be lost.

Einzelheiten können sich natürlich noch ändern aber das oben genannte ist der aktuelle Plan.
Things could change, but what was mentioned above is the current plan.

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I haven't kept up with the devs that much, thanks.

Normaly in every MMO switching the guild is very simple.
1. quit current guild
2. join new guild

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Originally Posted by Felis

Normaly in every MMO switching the guild is very simple.
1. quit current guild
2. join new guild

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Good to know. I wonder, do the plans for Free Companies seem more elaborate than guilds in other MMO's, or pretty similar?

I don't even get the purpose of free companies they seem to be the same thing as linkshells.

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Originally Posted by Zumi

I don't even get the purpose of free companies they seem to be the same thing as linkshells.

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They're not. Linkshells are just chat channels. Free Companies are like guilds in other games, with special benefits and privileges. Linkshell members do not have to be in the same free company and free company members do not have to be in the same linkshell.

Typically guilds have things like a guild storage system where people can put items that any guild member can use, sometimes they have a guild HQ or special meeting place of some sort, and some games have special content that you can only challenge with members of the same guild.

We've all been used to treating linkshells like guilds but linkshells have always offered nothing more than chat capabilities. Free companies aka guilds do much more than that.

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Originally Posted by Nayito

you can't cvhange GCs, it was VERY stressed when they were introduced, so ppl won't choose at random

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They actually said we will be able to change GCs, just not nationalities. They also said GC gear would only work if you were part of that GC atm.

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

They're not. Linkshells are just chat channels. Free Companies are like guilds in other games, with special benefits and privileges. Linkshell members do not have to be in the same free company and free company members do not have to be in the same linkshell.

Typically guilds have things like a guild storage system where people can put items that any guild member can use, sometimes they have a guild HQ or special meeting place of some sort, and some games have special content that you can only challenge with members of the same guild.

We've all been used to treating linkshells like guilds but linkshells have always offered nothing more than chat capabilities. Free companies aka guilds do much more than that.

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yep we can get house for our FC set each member with diff ranks like Noob,member,legacy,leader and when you have a guild bank you can make noob that can't get any item members can only get item from tap 1,2 Legacy can get any items and leader can change the rules.

So only members who you put under noob can only donate items and have to ask other for items. This is a good idea when you have a new member joining and your not sure if they be a good fit or just want to be in your FC to steal all your items lol. "You can change the names of the title as you wish mine are just examples"

Linkshell would just be chat just for casual/social people and FC would be for raids and i can't wait :) it seem like they doing a great job with the system.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

They're not. Linkshells are just chat channels. Free Companies are like guilds in other games, with special benefits and privileges. Linkshell members do not have to be in the same free company and free company members do not have to be in the same linkshell.

Typically guilds have things like a guild storage system where people can put items that any guild member can use, sometimes they have a guild HQ or special meeting place of some sort, and some games have special content that you can only challenge with members of the same guild.

We've all been used to treating linkshells like guilds but linkshells have always offered nothing more than chat capabilities. Free companies aka guilds do much more than that.

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They could just add the same guild features to linkshells and not have to create a new name for it.

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Originally Posted by Zumi

They could just add the same guild features to linkshells and not have to create a new name for it.

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But then people would complain for going from having multiple linkshells to being restricted to just one.

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Originally Posted by Klefth

But then people would complain for going from having multiple linkshells to being restricted to just one.

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Yes. It's better that these are kept as seperate systems- Keeping them independent is advantageous- you can use a linkshelll to communicate easily between a network of friends who don't all belong to the same guild instead of having to use tells. linkshells will still be ideal for that and for looking for group amongst past contacts, while you use your guild for regular events/raids/PvP/whatever.

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Originally Posted by JillyBean

You need 4 people to start one (*and those 4 people have to be from the same Grand Company because the FC is formed at their GC desk?)

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No you do not need to have all 4 starter ppl to have same GC, any random GC pledger can form a FC as long they is 4 and pledge to one of the GC.

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Originally Posted by Seirra_Lanzce

No you do not need to have all 4 starter ppl to have same GC, any random GC pledger can form a FC as long they is 4 and pledge to one of the GC.

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This.

So an Ul'dahnian, Gridanian and 2 La Noscans walk into a bar. The bartender says "is this some kind of joke?"
Ok not quite, but the 4 of you don't need to be from the same GC, or city, or any affiliation.

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Originally Posted by Seirra_Lanzce

No you do not need to have all 4 starter ppl to have same GC, any random GC pledger can form a FC as long they is 4 and pledge to one of the GC.

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Yeah but I wonder how that will work down the line.. Like if your FC is registered to Twin Adder, but you're in the Maelstrom. If they end up doing a ranking system (sorta like how XI ranked each nation every week), you'll be effectively working for an opposing (I know.. not really 'opposing', just different) 'faction'. I'd imagine since they are tying the FC's to the GC's that theres going to be some sorta of ranking system going on?

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Originally Posted by Seirra_Lanzce

No you do not need to have all 4 starter ppl to have same GC, any random GC pledger can form a FC as long they is 4 and pledge to one of the GC.

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It does seem that would be overly restrictive, but it's how I interpreted the first paragraph of the following official translation post of the 3rd Live Letter in September, 2012:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Triairy

We're proud to announce that the "Letter from the Producer LIVE Part III" video has been released! ....

"Can you tell us a little about Free Companies...." (near the bottom of this very long post)

A: First, you'll need a group of four people. Then, you'll all need to join a Grand Company, whichever you prefer. Afterwards, you can form a Free Company under that Grand Company by visiting the Grand Company desk.

Free Companies each have a shared box for storing items and transferring them between members. However, imagine I’m the free company leader. If I want, I can configure it so that only I have the authority to remove items, and that the other three members can only deposit items.

We’ve created a very detailed system of permissions. Free companies will also have a point system that is similar to exp, which will allow Free Companies to grow. By completing quests, defeating monsters, and conquering dungeons together, the company can grow to level two and so forth.

Leveling allows for greater customization of your Free Company. Players will have more options when designing their company crests and decorating company headquarters, and they can even increase the size of their building. There are also special Free Company achievements. Unlike linkshells, which are more relaxed, Free Companies are more like organizations with shared goals.

Also, if you have a solid group of 8 people and there’s another Free Company you’re friends with, since it’d be difficult to merge Free Companies, we’ve designed an alliance system that allows Free Companies to work together. You’ll be able to utilize a shared discussion area on the Lodestone, and company leaders can control who has permission to post. It’s quite a complex system.

If you’re the type of player that doesn’t want to interact with people on a daily basis, but you have some interest in joining, you can join as a guest. Also, by inviting new people and helping them out, you will be rewarded with items that will help your free company grow more easily. We’re still considering how to implement this. We don’t want to make things too strict, but we don’t want to allow unrestricted access—especially since there is item sharing.

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I really look forward to hearing more official details and clarifications regarding the formation and restrictions of Free Companies. Even if we can create our free company under any GC, we will become tied in some way to that GC (while still a member/officer of the GC we originally joined and got our first choco with, etc.) I just wanna know how all this is gunna work, and how easily we can change FC if that's something we decide to do.

Here's an odd question that hopefully the devs can/will answer:

Do the 4 people needed to form a Free Company need to come from 4 separate Square-Enix accounts?

I ask, because, as anti-social as it sounds, my husband and I would like to use our main characters, and one alt each to create a free company. We've always wished we could trade rare/ex items between the two of us, and have many of the features that the Free Companies will have, just because we're married. He's more of a battle class player, and I am mainly interested in crafting, with maybe one or two battle classes available. The ability to have shared storage space, and gear we can trade back and forth is extremely appealing. He can dump all the drops he gets from battle into the FC storage, and I can go pick it up later to make him pretty things :)

The ability to alliance with another Free Company makes this a little less anti-social than it seems :D

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Originally Posted by TrystWildkey

Here's an odd question that hopefully the devs can/will answer:

Do the 4 people needed to form a Free Company need to come from 4 separate Square-Enix accounts?

I ask, because, as anti-social as it sounds, my husband and I would like to use our main characters, and one alt each to create a free company. We've always wished we could trade rare/ex items between the two of us, and have many of the features that the Free Companies will have, just because we're married. He's more of a battle class player, and I am mainly interested in crafting, with maybe one or two battle classes available. The ability to have shared storage space, and gear we can trade back and forth is extremely appealing. He can dump all the drops he gets from battle into the FC storage, and I can go pick it up later to make him pretty things :)

The ability to alliance with another Free Company makes this a little less anti-social than it seems :D

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If not you could always get 2 other people to sign up then you can kick them :) it done a lot in wow also people pay 100gold for that so i don't see a issue with that.

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Originally Posted by TrystWildkey

... my husband and I would like to use our main characters, and one alt each to create a free company.

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If you mean a "mule" character each, I don't see how it would be possible. I think the four people have to be in a party and present themselves to the GC counter as a group. At least that's how I read it. If you can't all be logged in at the same time, I assume you couldn't do that. I could be wrong tho! :)


Edit: If not, Zenaku seems to have a good idea ^^

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Originally Posted by JillyBean

If you mean a "mule" character each, I don't see how it would be possible. I think the four people have to be in a party and present themselves to the GC counter as a group. At least that's how I read it. If you can't all be logged in at the same time, I assume you couldn't do that. I could be wrong tho! :)


Edit: If not, Zenaku seems to have a good idea ^^

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ya just get some random people who don't have a FC and ask them to sign up pay them a small amount of gil for helping they may not even take the money lol.

Usually once a guild is formed, the founding members don't have to stay in it. So if you don't have 4 friends immediately handy, you can just ask some random people for help.