*A note on getting people involved to help build the rp foundation of the server.
I'll put this up with some tips that I've used in the past when it came to trying to get people involved in roleplay, especially new roleplayers.
1. Be inclusive, we know we are starting on a new server, we know that there are going to be people breaking lore so we don't have the ease of Balmung's currently larger rp community who is heading to the server mainly for the purpose of roleplaying. Yes the word is getting out there, but there will still be plenty that don't know that there is a roleplaying community on Gilgamesh. I suggest getting the word out there. Advertise your Linkshells and Free Companies during open beta, early access and launch.
2. Never doubt the power of a get together. Get togethers or mini events really can make the difference or not when it comes to attracting roleplayers. They can be anything you want from a tavern event to running quests together. For many you who prefer quest/adventure roleplay I am begging you to start up roleplay that revolves around your preference for questing and adventure roleplay. Easy simple storylines that can be something as little as "Organization X is needs adventurers to assist in dealing with the rabid sheep problem at location Y, send a tell if you are interested". Something as easy and as simple as this can really be a fun first time roleplay whether its a new roleplayer or an rper who may potentially be a part of your group. This can easily be modified to crafting rp "The Silver Anvil is hiring goldsmith freelancers to help in the creation of a large order of various jewelry, compensation will be discussed upon level of skill". Something like this is a great way to conduct the sometimes standard interview that many medium to heavy rp guilds like to conduct. Its an easy way to suck someone into roleplay while at the same time giving a home to a potential new recruit. Free Companies/Linkshells trust me you guys have incredible potential in helping Gilgamesh gain its legs through these various methods to spur rp.
3. You're a solo player who wants to find roleplay and quest at the same time: Invite roleplayers to your dungeon runs, make an announcement on shout or yell telling people that you are seeking others to do an IC quest run with. You'd be surprised this can work. Many roleplayers find it hard to make friends even when they are experienced roleplayers many people are just well...shy, its sometimes hard just to break the ice and engage a stranger in conversation. By being proactive the roleplayer who is seeking to roleplay is giving rpers a chance to start a friendship. You are being inviting and making it easier for those who have a hard time making friends to break the ice. Do the entire quest/dungeon/etc in character, and invite, invite, invite others to join you. If anything it will just make for a fun memory, at the best voila you have new roleplay friends! Again be inclusive, even to the guy/gal who is giving it a try but doesn't have the most lore friendly of names. Its alright trust me. In time if they like it enough they may reroll to something more appropriate. One last thing, last phase I found a large amount of those who named their characters following proper lore guidelines (certainly better than me, lol) but weren't roleplayers. But you know what? Such a thing means there is potential for roleplay there. Those folk are perfect for trying to get involved in some rp. Again just start off with something simple. Anybody can rp getting a drink, getting handed some flowers, or a plate of food. Hence the Beach Party Festival event.
And please if anyone else has any tips share them! Good advice should always be shared!
I'll put this up with some tips that I've used in the past when it came to trying to get people involved in roleplay, especially new roleplayers.
1. Be inclusive, we know we are starting on a new server, we know that there are going to be people breaking lore so we don't have the ease of Balmung's currently larger rp community who is heading to the server mainly for the purpose of roleplaying. Yes the word is getting out there, but there will still be plenty that don't know that there is a roleplaying community on Gilgamesh. I suggest getting the word out there. Advertise your Linkshells and Free Companies during open beta, early access and launch.
2. Never doubt the power of a get together. Get togethers or mini events really can make the difference or not when it comes to attracting roleplayers. They can be anything you want from a tavern event to running quests together. For many you who prefer quest/adventure roleplay I am begging you to start up roleplay that revolves around your preference for questing and adventure roleplay. Easy simple storylines that can be something as little as "Organization X is needs adventurers to assist in dealing with the rabid sheep problem at location Y, send a tell if you are interested". Something as easy and as simple as this can really be a fun first time roleplay whether its a new roleplayer or an rper who may potentially be a part of your group. This can easily be modified to crafting rp "The Silver Anvil is hiring goldsmith freelancers to help in the creation of a large order of various jewelry, compensation will be discussed upon level of skill". Something like this is a great way to conduct the sometimes standard interview that many medium to heavy rp guilds like to conduct. Its an easy way to suck someone into roleplay while at the same time giving a home to a potential new recruit. Free Companies/Linkshells trust me you guys have incredible potential in helping Gilgamesh gain its legs through these various methods to spur rp.
3. You're a solo player who wants to find roleplay and quest at the same time: Invite roleplayers to your dungeon runs, make an announcement on shout or yell telling people that you are seeking others to do an IC quest run with. You'd be surprised this can work. Many roleplayers find it hard to make friends even when they are experienced roleplayers many people are just well...shy, its sometimes hard just to break the ice and engage a stranger in conversation. By being proactive the roleplayer who is seeking to roleplay is giving rpers a chance to start a friendship. You are being inviting and making it easier for those who have a hard time making friends to break the ice. Do the entire quest/dungeon/etc in character, and invite, invite, invite others to join you. If anything it will just make for a fun memory, at the best voila you have new roleplay friends! Again be inclusive, even to the guy/gal who is giving it a try but doesn't have the most lore friendly of names. Its alright trust me. In time if they like it enough they may reroll to something more appropriate. One last thing, last phase I found a large amount of those who named their characters following proper lore guidelines (certainly better than me, lol) but weren't roleplayers. But you know what? Such a thing means there is potential for roleplay there. Those folk are perfect for trying to get involved in some rp. Again just start off with something simple. Anybody can rp getting a drink, getting handed some flowers, or a plate of food. Hence the Beach Party Festival event.
And please if anyone else has any tips share them! Good advice should always be shared!
A good FFXIV lore site: http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Eorzea
