lady2beetle

As someone who loves to plan out plots ahead of time, I suppose I should weigh in here. I'll try to keep it short, but I may not succeed. First, scenes are, as the others have said, just ways that we describe an interaction between characters, like chapters in your character's story. You can imagine characters as actors in a play but it's an impromptu play, with no script. You decide the setting and the characters and maybe a prompt or topic and then just let things happen. But the phrase "all the world's a stage"? It totally applies to RP. Now, when it comes to designing plots, there are different kinds. Let me give you a few examples. 1. A Group event. A festival. A birthday party. A Story Circle. These things are often scripted in that a group organizes them. They can be more or less structured, but there's definitely some OOC behind the scenes planning to make it work. Once the event starts, however, the characters that come will make it unique. Think of it like a Murder Mystery Dinner that you might host at your house. You set up the game, invite the attendees, design the rules, even prepare the meal. But every person brings their own flare to the event and in the end you never know quite how it will turn out. 2. A Group Plot. A lot of times, groups such as Free Companies and Linkshells may organize plots. This also can require a fair bit of OOC planning, but you should think of it as more of a framework. You build the framework of the house, then let everyone else paint the walls. Let me give you an example. I spoke with Teardrop in an earlier thread in which she said her character sometimes works with large businesses on behalf of her employer. One of my characters is a member of a merchant LS, so I suggested to her that we arrange a plot where her character comes to 'investigate' our merchant company for some reason. No further discussion has yet happened, but if something like that were to happen, we'd probably want to plan out a few landmark mileposts for the plot to follow (if any), and if there is going to be a conflict, I prefer to know the result of the conflict - it minimizes the temptation to godmod. If this were an RP between two large groups (say, if Teardrop and I both were members of large LS's and everyone was encouraged to participate in the interaction between them), then we might not share all of our OOC plans ahead of time. But those plans would be there. It drives the plot. 3. Character Development Plot. Personally, this is my favorite type of plot. I'm a writer at my core, and I believe 100% that whatever doesn't kill (or maim) my character will make her stronger. So, if I don't have a plot going to help my character grow, I feel listless. That said, these plots can have a variable amount of structure depending. Typically, if it is a plot based on interactions between characters, I usually minimize the structure and let the characters be free to interact naturally, so long as I have an open line of communciation with the other player or players. I've found that OOC communication is important in instilling trust in other players. For example: If there is a physical altercation, I will almost always ask before doing something. Yes, I could just say "Runa would give Josette a pat on the shoulder if Josette allows it," or and some people do that. But I prefer to communicate with Josette's player instead, so that I understand what Josette would allow Runa to do, and explaining what Runa has in mind. This way, Josette's player a) knows what my intentions are, b) is assured that I have no intention of powerplaying against her character, and c) is knows that she can ask me to tweak a post if I do something she doesn't like. Meanwhile we both have the freedom to post in a way that the scene reads more smoothly. In a conversation, my characters can often be abrasive, sarcastic and generally smart asses. I like to toss a quick OOC comment of appology every once in a while so the players are reassured that I am not as mean as my character is. I find it opens them up and gives them the freedom to RP without worrying that I am attacking them OOCly. I also let them know that any reaction on their part is perfectly acceptable and I will not take it personally. When I am interacting with the player OOCly, there is less of a risk that we will confuse the line betwen IC and OOC. When a possible plot has arisen ICly, I will often take the time to chat with the other player (or players) OOCly. If it is a relationship, for example, I want to make sure that it's okay with them and get a feel for where they see it going. There's nothing as frustrating as having two people with different outcomes in mind for the same event. That said, I don't write it all down in stone or anything. It's usually enough to have an idea as to where our characters will end up and then let them get there on their own. Finally, I said that I like less structure when a plot is interaction-focused, but sometimes there is a plot that has more action to it. Someone is kidnapped and we have to rescue them. Someone else (NPC or PC) tortures and interrogates my character. Stuff like that may come up. In those cases, I'll often try to plan it out with a little more structure (similar to the milestones in the group plot example). *This* happens, then *this* happens, then *this*. HOW they happen can very well change, andwhat is said and done along the way is still free for interpretation. But, basically if it has any sort of physical conflict, I prefer to have some idea of what will happen to prevent people from just saying, "I'm so invisible, I just sneak in and free the captive." Okay. I babbled. Sorry! Did that answer any of your questions?

". . . until one day a man clad in all black showed up at her doorstep, saying he was a representative from Garlond Ironworks, wanting to make a few inquiries or some-such. Haven't seen Runa since then, come to think of it... can't say I'm suprised with the stories she used to tell." ~ conversation overheard on Pearl Lane. Yea, might wanna keep that tidbit to yourself Hahahahahaha!

So.... I should probably keep quiet about the fact that Runa would have been one of those people designing advanced stealth airships for the empire? >.> *hides*

I was all excited about the fact that the females are almost 50% of the results... then I remembered that was character gender, not player gender... QQ

OMG it's perfect! Thank you so so so so so much! I'm putting it up on her wiki RIGHT NOA!

Since our move to Balmung, we are looking for lots of new people! Are you an elezen looking for a family? Contact us! Or are you a craftsman who would like to join up with like minded individuals? As the youngest of the Marchand children (so far), Adriel is determined to build up her family's business. That means we need crafters and gatherers! And only the best! Maybe you are a soldier down on your luck? We need body guards and caravan guards! Or are you a traveling trader? We're based in Gridania, so we're going to need help getting our products all over Eorzea. Whatever your talents, we can use them. So, come and join us! Since House Marchand will be a linkshell (not a free company), there's no reason for you not to join us! See? You have no excuse now.

((Sorry to possibly derail this thread, but I think it's so awesome that it might be something we should consider adding to our wiki pages. Does anyone else think so?))

Personally, my Runa came from the Garlean empire, so I assumed she would have gone to a technical university to learn how to design and build magitek. But that was just an assumption on my part.

As someone with a large merchant business, we might need to coordinate some plots between your employers and House Marchand!

You might know Adriel from... *wandering the markets of Gridania and bartering with the merchants there. You might know Runa from... *(up until a year ago) wandering the alleys of Ul'dah and picking fights with the gangs of bullies there, *haunting the pugilist's training rooms, always ready to duel somebody, or *(starting a year ago) working long hours at the goldsmith's guild in Limsa Lominsa, making high quality trinkets

I feel, given that we have some new people, this topic deserves another pointing to. I'm relatively new myself, but everyone should consider hopping into skype and, even more importantly, getting into mumble with us. I was surprised how busy mumble is and how absolutely friendly the entire group is. If you are worried about being included (like I was), you need to come check this place out!

I. Basic Info Characters:Adriel Marchand & Runa Dawning Primary character:Haven't decided yet! Linkshells:Corvus Cinis (Runa) & House Marchand (Adriel) Primary RP linkshell:I have to pick?! II. RP Style Amount of RP (light, medium, heavy): Medium – heavy. Heavy mostly, but sometimes I like zoning out and doing my own thing. I also really enjoy working on plots with people OOCly, so I encourage you to contact me to come up with a plot together, then play through it. As you'll see in the following questions, I often look at RP as collaborative story writing. Collaborative means that there needs to always be good communication and equal sharing of concepts, impressions and plot ideas. Story writing means that I am very plot-focused. I can get bored sitting around the tavern for too long, and I don't feel inspired unless my characters are caught in some major plot that will drive their character development. Views on RP combat and injuries: I'm okay with combat so long as both sides are communicating together and have agreed on an outcome. My characters won't often get into combat with other PCs, though. Still, I've been known to get my characters kidnapped and sometimes tortured. With my permission, it's fair game. Just message me OOCly if you have a plot that would involve that. I have a good grasp on what my characters can handle without being damaged permanently, so I'll tell you if I think something may go too far. Views on IC romance: I love getting my characters into romantic situations, but I tend to thrive on very specific relationships. A boyfriend needs to be someone who has a sharp wit to keep up with my character's own sarcastic sense of humor. And he needs to have a thick skin, because my characters won't be docile little princesses. Players should be (OOCly) people I've RPed with at least a little (to decide if I like their style before I get into anything), and once there's a little attraction, I prefer to talk it over with the other person OOCly to make sure we are both on the same page. After that, the romance becomes a plot and like any plot, it should be a combination of IC surprises and OOC communication, with as many plot twists as possible! That said – I am looking for a boyfriend or fiancé for my elezen, Adriel. With Runa, I am more content to let it happen naturally. Views on non-romantic RP (family ties, etc): Anything that gives me a tie to other characters is a big plus in my opinion. The stronger the tie, the better, but those ties don't have to be positive. It wouldn't be a good story without some conflict, so I'm always looking for an arch enemy of sorts. Ironically, it is just as important to communicate OOCly with someone who is playing an enemy as it is to communication with the person who is RPing my romantic interest! Views on lore: I'm definitely a big supporter of following lower as much as possible, but there is so much of it that I am still learning it all. I also tend to think outside the box a lot so sometimes I have to consider what would be realistic or feasible, because it likely hasn't been directly addressed by the "lore gods" (aka, the game devs). Views on chat functions (/say, /linkshell, etc): /say should be IC whenever possible. I've seen a lot of people use it also as an OOC outlet, even with brackets, but it just wigs me out that way. Keep /say IC whenever possible. Other than that, things are flexible. I'm definitely very big on keeping OOC communications, like /linkshell, open between people during RP. The more you communicate, the better your bond will be, OOCly and thus ICly. III. Other Info Country:US Timezone:CDT (Central) Contact info:[email protected] [align=center][glow=blue]~Special announcements can be found in the posts below~[/glow][/align] Update: Currently, Runa's wiki is well on its way to being complete. I'm looking for people willing to draw her for me, though, so shoot me a line if you are interested! I'm also looking for anyone willing to show hostility to Runa for being an ex-imperial and/or someone willing to start rumors about her. I am also working on a plot with Adriel that involves a secret identity. If you are interested in tracking down this mysterious ranger who is stalking the forests around Gridania, let me know! Adriel is also an heir to House Marchand, a FC that will be a combination house-RP and merchant company. As such, she is a middle class merchant with an eye for anything commerce. If you are a trader looking to get your foot in the door in Gridania (or if you are a suiter looking for a cute and wealthy elezen heiress), look her up!

I found that actual images helped me best, so here you guys go.

For Runa: [table] [tr] [td]Item Name[/td] [td]Drop Chance[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]50-75 gil[/td] [td]100%[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Iron ore[/td] [td]75%[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Large ruby[/td] [td]20%[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Technical Manual[/td] [td]35%[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Diamond-tipped pickaxe[/td] [td]60%[/td] [/tr] [/table] Gil: Not exact rich, but this girl apparently had enough to set her up for the night at the inn. Now you can do the same. Iron ore: This is a decently sized hunk of ore, and not bad quality, either. If you aren't a weaponsmith or armorsmith, you should sell it to someone who is. Large ruby: Wow! Not only is this gem super large for a ruby, but it's clearly been polished and worked to give off the most shine! A goldsmith would probably pay a pretty penny for a gem like this. Technical manual: This old tome is filled with diagrams and calculations that make very little sense to the average person. To someone who knows schematics and a decent amount of arcane lore, this manual could very well teach you how to build your own magitek golem! Or... it could just be junk. Diamond-tipped pickaxe: Who in their right mind would waste diamonds on a pick-axe? Sure it makes the pick-axe so strong it can break through any ore or mineral, but still! What a waste of a perfectly good diamond!

I did not know the details, but I think this is perfect. It gives us a place for us to RP. We can just crash at the actually in-game hall. I mean, the real purpose is to network RPers, so why not utilize the game concepts when possible? I guess my point is that this doesn't have to be anything new or different. We can develop the guild halls ICly and use them to increase RP.

Adriel chuckled and shook her head. "We'd better see if they taste as well as they smell," she decided and pulled out a few gil from her coinpouch. "Which one is your favorite, miss?"

Disclaimer: I have neither played FFXI nor FFXIV v.1, so there is likely lore that I am not an expert with. Feel free to correct any false assumptions on my part. The Adventurer's Guild At first glance, the great hall of the Eorzea Adventure's Guild looks more like a specialized tavern than a guild hall. A bar stands at one end of the hall, connected to the kitchens in the back. Along the edge of each wall, small tables are set up, designed for small groups and private discussions. In the center of the room, however, the tables are cleared away to make room for several giant wooden boards. Each board is covered with notices, announcements and advertisements. At the opposite end of the hall, various large tables and even a few carts are gathered for merchants sales and trade negotiations. All in all, the adventurer's guild hall is built to be a one stop shop for anything and everything a Hydaelyn adventurer could want. (More coming soon!) So, my idea for the adventurer's guild is, OOCly, to be a networking event for anyone who might be looking for RP opportunities. At the start, it would be a weekly event where everyone is welcome to come and RP. In addition, the RP opportunities would be abundant for PCs. Looking for an odd job to earn a few gil? Have a few pieces of armor you'd like to sell to enterprising adventurers? Want to share stories of your latest adventures with other battle hardened warriors like yourself? Or maybe you have a problem that you need help solving? Whatever your need, the adventurer's guild would be the place to come! And the best part is it is an event that can start simple and small. All it would take is a single person running it each night it is open. That person would be a combination barkeep and networking agent and would have the freedom to pull out NPCs that might stumble in, looking for an adventurer that can save their farm from rampaging chocobos, or whatever your creativity can invent! In the long run, this adventurer's guild hall would also stand as a place for RP announcements and the beginning of server-wide plots that we want to develop. After several months when most of us are max level and ready to focus on RPing, it can become a nightly thing rather than just once a week, so the options for development and growth are sky-high! So... that's my idea. Thoughts? Suggestions? Flames? Please note: It is not my intention that this will in any way replace Soliloquy, but rather supplement it as more of a networking site for RPers.

Awake in Ul'Dah I woke to find myself lying in a cot in a grand hall made of stone. All around me were more cots and piles of blankets, impromptu beds numbering in the hundreds. Most of those cots were occupied with men and women of every race. Around the beds, more men and women wandered, checking on the occupants, murmuring soothing words in comforting tones or checking on bandages or testing for fevers. It was easily the largest infirmary I had ever seen, but it was clear that this room was not built to treat the sick and injured - it was a makeshift setup necessitated by... what? Slowly, I sat up and found my body stiff and aching. How long had I been out? What had happened? Where was I? As I stared around me in confusion, a miqo'te conjurer noticed me and began heading in my direction. Her dark fur stood out against her white robes and her eyes were ice blue, just like the Siamese cat that I'd had as a kid. Where had that memory come from? Instantly, my head began to pound and I let out a groan, pressing the heels of my palms into my eyes as if I could push the pain out of my skull. "Careful, now," the miqo'te murmured as she reached me. "Take it easy. You've been unconscious for over a week, ever since the battle." "What battle?" The confusion tore through the pounding in my head and I blinked up at the miqo'te. She looked momentarily surprised, as if my words had caught her off guard. No, not my words, I realized. My accent. An instant later, she had recovered her composure with an easy smile. "The battle of Carteneau. You were one of the injured who survived. You're in Ul'dah now. You are safe." I stared at her, my expression no doubt a reflection of the confusion I felt. I had understood maybe half of what she said. Maybe. One of the other injured cried out several cots down and the conjurer hurried over to help them, leaving me to my thoughts. There had been a battle? I'd been injured? If so, why didn't I feel any injuries? My body felt stiff and sore, but there were no bandages nor indication that I had been wounded. So, what had left me unconscious for so long? And, more importantly, why didn't I remember this battle? For that matter, why couldn't I remember my own name? Alley Imp I stayed in the Ul'dah infirmary for another week because I had nowhere else to go. The healers didn't wish to toss out a woman with no name and no home, but in the end, they had no choice. The great beast Bahamut was still tearing up the countryside and refugees were flooding into the city every day. So, after a week of rest, I made my way out into the city proper with nothing more than the clothes on my back. "Hey! Imp!" The words didn't register for me, until a rough pair of hands caught me by the shoulders and spun me around, slamming me against one of the stone walls of the city alleyway. "I'm talking to you, Imperial scum!" I stared up at a large Hyur boy and cruel eyes and lips that were bent into an eternal sneer. Behind him, a Roegadyn towered a good fuln above him, his large hands in fists. Several feet back, I could spot several other bullies gathered to watch the show. I may not have known my own name, but not hard to recognize a pack of bullies intent on making trouble. And they were staring at me. "Well?" The Hyur leader shoved me back again. "What do you have to say for yourself! I can't believe you actually have the galls to come here. What do you say we teach this wench what we do to imperial scum?" The roegadyn grunted - or maybe he was laughing, and smashed one fist into his other palm. I glanced around at the group, then did the only thing I could do. I ran. I got two feet before someone caught my arm. Instinctively, I whirled and my fist swung out. Apparently they weren't expecting a small female like me to fight back because I caught the leader's nose in a solid pound of my fist. There was a crack, and my fist came away red - the blood wasn't mine. For a moment, the leader looked surprised. Then, his gaze turned murderous. I barely had a chance to blink before his hands were on my shoulders and his knee came up into my gut. Instantly, I was on the ground, gasping for air. From behind me, the roegadyn jerked at my hair, yanking my head up so that the hyur could aim his knee for my nose. This time the blood was mine. Raising my Fists The blows continued for several minutes, but I think I blanked out for a good part of it. The next thing I knew, a pair of large hands slipped under my arms and lifted me to my feet. I couldn't see through the haze of pain, nor could I hear through the ringing in my ears, but I think the owner of the hands said something. I stumbled a little and the hands caught me just as I blacked out again. I faded in and out as I was half-guided, half-carried down the Ul'dah streets. I expected to find myself back in the infirmary, but instead, I ended up in a small room with a small wooden table and two chairs. I leaned back, letting my head rest against the wall and focused on the only thing I could do - staying conscious and pushing aside the pain. A cloth appeared at my face, wiping away the blood, then a cup was pressed into my hands. I sipped carefully, then managed to open my eyes and peer up at my benefactor. The roegadyn man who stared down at me was certainly no healer despite the bandages he was preparing. He wore dark trousers and a lose vest, with a headband that wrapped around his forehead and bandages around his hands as if to protect them while he repeatedly punched things. He grunted when he saw me watching him, "You aren't going to throw up on me, are you?" "I... don't think so?" I replied and was surprised at how weak my voice sounded. If the man noticed, he didn't comment. He only grunted again. "Good. You've got spine, I'll give you that. Saw you sock 'em before they took you down. But just having the guts ain't enough. You're weak and uncoordinated." He fell silent, then as he yanked my shirt up. My eyes widened, but I was too shocked, and too hurt, to protest. The roegadyn just grunted again, then began to wrap the bandages over the bright purple bruises that were already appearing on my stomach and chest. "You broke a few ribs, but they'll heal. Your nose'll heal, too." When I didn't answer, he continued, his attention on his work and not bothering to look up at me. "Once you've healed, we'll start on your training." Now I did speak. "Training?" The big man looked up to pierce me with a gaze that was sharper than his huge form would suggest was possible. "Yeah. Yer training. Yer not leaving the compound until I know you'll be able to hold yer own against those bullies. Got that?" I didn't know what to say, so I simply nodded. And on that day, I started down the path of the pugilist.

"I'm Adriel," the elezen replied as she led the miqo'te towards the sweets cart. "Adriel Marchand." There was no time for further introductions, though, as they reached the cart and Adriel dipped her head in greeting to Yaein. "Good morning, ma'am. The scent of your cart is intoxicating."

Adriel followed the miqo'te's glance to the sweetbooth and she smiled. "Ah. Yes. No one else can make a sweetberry pie like the Wild Heart Bakery." She closed her eyes and breathed in the scent, then chuckled. "Sometimes I see the kids stealing cookies from the bakery windows while they are cooling. The kids think they are getting away with highway robbery, but I've seen her grinning at their backs as they escape - she puts the cookies out there on purpose. Come on, my treat."

Such a sexy man! I love your art!

Your stuff is amazing!!!! I'll definitely get a comission, but I haven't figured out what my characters look like yet! So it might have to wait until P4 when I can actually create them.

Adriel Marchand stiffened as the miqo'te bumped into her and a truly discerning eye might see her one hand drop down to where some adventurer types might keep a dagger or knife. The movement was only reflex, though, and she immediately relaxed upon deciding the bump was harmless. "It's quite alright," she replied with a smile. "It's a lot to take in. Are you looking for something in particular?"

"You're only as think as you drunk you are," the hyur woman spoke up in a serious, deadpan voice. If she was joking - she had to be joking, right? - her expression showed none of it. She continued to sip her water and watched Aegon with a single arched eyebrow.

For the past 3 days, a summer squall has stubbornly hung over the forest city of Gridania, dropping heavy rains and keeping most of the residents inside. So, when the skies finally cleared on the fourth day, it was no surprise that the market came alive instantly. Merchants hocked their wares from stalls they had been forced to close up during the rains, and men, women and children wandered the streets, shopping, socializing and stretching their legs after being cooped up for so long. One of those shoppers was a young elezen woman with white hair that hung braided down her back, and a pair of intense ice blue eyes. She wore a white long sleeve tunic under a blue corset and a skirt of matching blue. The material and the cut were both of a high quality, as were the half a dozen gold dangles she wore as bracelets around each wrist. The ring on her right hand was clearly a house insignia, but it would take a very close observer to recognize the crest of House Marchand. The elezen woman moved briskly through the streets, but not so fast as to disuage conversation. In fact, a few people stopped to bid her good morning and she nodded a polite greeting in return. Most of her attention was devoted to the merchants, many of whom she appeared to know by name.