If you're a fan of Battletech lore, you already know where I'm about to go with this.

I would like to propose the creation of a planet/organization for independent merc companies free of the complicated and convoluted politics of alliances and the like. In the universe of Battletech, Outreach is a planet that is (de facto) owned by a mercenary company known as the Wolf's Dragoons. This planet became their base of operations as well as an oasis for other mercenary companies. Different factions from across the galaxy would travel to Outreach to find a mercenary company to take their contract, ranging from planetary governments needing an experienced force to bolster their militia to Soveriegn States wishing to contract large merc companies to help in their latest war against their rivals.

I want to create something of the sort here in Dust. A planet whose districts are completely owned by independent merc companies. The mercs of this planet would have a non-aggression pack and the top 10 merc companies of this organization would each have at least one district. On the metagame side of things, we would create an organization that would bring together all the independent merc companies into one place, making it easier for prospective employers to find a company to fit their needs. This would facilitate relations with the Eve mega-corps that will be employing us as well as those Dust corps that will need ringers for their on planetary battles.

We can create a website with profiles on each affiliated merc company as well as links to their own websites. We can create the standards by which merc's are contracted in our universe, through trial and error. By sharing this resource together, we will be able to pass through the rough birthing phase of Dust/Eve interaction with far more ease than if we each tried to feel it out alone.

What do ya'll think?

Just one planet, so that (once it's ours) it can remain neutral. If attacked by an outside party or if a landholder goes rogue, the rest of the planet attacks them. No aggression beyond the planet will be sponsored, but individual corps are allowed to do whatever they like.

I see this as a loose affiliation. Like how a bunch of professionals get together and create an organization and then give other professionals seals of approval. Like a guild. Or a how colleges get accredited. We will set the standards, the bar that other corps must surpass. If a corp plays by our rules, we vouch for them, and accept liability for them, in return for a small commission on contracts (5%?) and a tax on property(5%?). If a company can't complete a contract to the employers satisfaction, the larger organization steps in, and either ensures it's completion or offers a full refund (on it's own dime). The merc company then receives a red flag and drops in standing.

We could probably create a system of rating for corporations from F to AAA, and as your rating goes up, your contract cost goes up. Want to spend a minimum amount of isk? Contract the D rated merc company. Want guaranteed success? Contract the AAA merc company. Your rating will be calculated based on some formula with variables that include your average SP per combat merc, gear rating, whether or not you can field a full 16 and for what % of the day you can do so, and your employment history.