Illira

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Or... A nice compromise could be, that if a player has unlocked content in one characters its unlocked for all of them. So that there is still that "sense of progression" that SE wants in the design, but it doesn't bog down and annoy those who are alt-aholics. That is my primary issue, that and that they are tied to the combat-based story quest.

Why yes... yes there was. On the beta forums at least. There was a monster of a thread, hundred of pages by the time it finally died out. It was... a volatile thread to say the least... There was a lot of white knighting and involved in defense of the blanketed 90 min dungeon timer. Another common theme was a refusal to understand/acknowledge that there is more than one way to enjoy/use dungeons. That there are some players, such as roleplayers, who may have valid reasons for wanting to stay in dungeons longer, and that no, it really doesn't affect the population at large. And if it did, well... that points to much bigger issues surrounding the design of the game as well as its server architecture. Unfortunately, it appears that the beta forums aren't even just locked/archived for reference/viewing and but are unaccessible at all to users. I just did a quick search on the official forums as they are now, and I don't see anything super relevant, except for a couple of 2012 threads concerning them. http://tinyurl.com/lyynhlg http://tinyurl.com/ofn7yl9 They don't seem to hit the same sweet spot that the Beta one did, and are out of date now that ARR is actually around.

Me? Yeah. I capped a while back. I was just offering my own set of advice and opinions on the matter of design and FATEs. As I wrote, I don't think that they are useless. Their xp the first time you run them is good, and they do explicitly teach mechanics. All I'm saying is that, I've never run into folk that swear by their necessity, much less think about them after they initially run into them in the early game.

Sweet, I'll see if I can find it under actions when I'm next on. I was looking for it under journal, maps, etc. but never saw anything. Actions seems like kind of a strange place for it. Haha, I loved that about EQ. It encouraged caution and thought in travel, because the world was legitimately dangerous and held consequences for stupid, weak, and underprepared (xp loss and corpse running /hurt/ man [... I almost lost my corpse in an ocean one time...]). I also recall making a low level wood-elf rogue to go sneak around mistmoor to explore. It was quite a lot of fun to do that, lol. Some of the folk who were around would help me out with environment triggers so I didn't get locked in a closet Nope, stopped doing those around... 20s? They were never something on my mind, and most other folk ignored them as well. Not saying they maybe shouldn't be done for the xp, but a big issue with them is that they are maybe more explicit in their teaching of dungeon mechanics, but they don't really add much to the game as a whole.

.... You wouldn't happen to want to spread that knowledge of how to get the recommendations list back up on screen would you? I actually did play EQ1 back in the day, lol. I know it all to well... But its really pretty hard to compare EQ1 with ARR in this instance, at least not as being very similar studies in this case. EQ1 was /far-and-away/ more of a sandbox world in its design right from the get go. While ARR depends on a lot of back and forth fetch questing to lead you around. Both approaches are valid. The problem is that ARR suddenly keeps all the bread crumbs in its pocket during the last stretch, breaking the previously established game flow. Which isn't great. As a side note: I spent most of my time in EQ working to become the most awesome chef ever.

Seconded, never touched FATEs on my WHM, which was the first one I leveled that wasn't at 50 from 1.0. I made a point of stopping by pretty much every high level zone and snagging the 3-4 quests that had to do with the Beast tribes in each area. http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Category:Sidequest/26-50 Sorted by level and look at the size of the 45-50 group, while spread out, and hardly as numerous as lower level, I don't get how people seem to think FATEs are the only option. (most efficient cost/effort yes, even with the Dark Devices nerf) Even if those quests do get you through to 50, I know for me, I ran out of quests in Mor Dhona around 44/45 and then just gave up and FATE grinded. I think a big issue, as I've expressed, is the way in which SE does quest threading, which is exacerbated after Mor Dhona. It gets sporadic in its spread, with no real indication of where the player needs to be to continue questing. If there is a thread that does so... its obviously not a strong/highly visible one, because a large % of people don't see it, and just FATE grind. And believe me, I was probably the last player to /want/ to FATE my way through the last few levels. Even after I got to the point where I could pick the main quest back up (lvl restrictions had kept me from so), it just wasn't worth it to try to scrape the bottom of the barrel for quests, as I know that I would have found that much more frustrating than just continue on the path that I was on. And having an outside list of quests doesn't excuse bad quest thread design. Its helpful if you happen to have it, but that isn't an answer to the problem, which there obviously is one, when a large percentage of the player population finds themselves without quests. The recommendation list they have added helps, but its only good at picking up quests when you are in that particular area, and if you happen to exit it on login its not easy to get back on screen (can you even? I haven't found a button/key to bring it back up >.>).

Apl speaks the truth. As does... pretty much everyone else here. I know that when I got to this point with my main, I was pretty annoyed that the quests just dropped off and that I pretty much had to suck it up and just run FATEs. Its actually not so bad (though I still very much disagree with that design decision, but... in general I have an issue with their quest threading, etc...). Anyway, just be sure to join a FATE group. Its actually pretty easy up there. Just keep an eye on the /shout looking for member spams and send out a few of your own. Don't be shy about whispering the ad shouter for spots, everyone is doing it, just jump in! Its a bit mindnumbing, but it helps to listen to awesome music or watch TV while doing the FATE grind. Its also a plus if your group ends up being chill and fun to talk to and having a guild to chat with to pass the time. Do make sure your rested as can be and eat the foods for the extra xp % gain. Every little bit counts! It is a lot faster and less frustrating in the long run to just FATE it, otherwise you'll likely be running a bit aimlessly around trying to figure out where to go next. And its more time/xp efficient than just dungeon spamming, especially because of the queue time in between those.

We will do so! Alot of us tend to be alt-hoppers, so that might be why you've had trouble getting a hold of us in game

If there were such a thing as frequent flyer miles for mistells, I would probably have earned enough to last me a lifetime. Seriously. I'd probably be one of the worst offenders except that none of mine have been of particular note, except perhaps, for dualbox RP when I would use the wrong character for the wrong action and then completely not realize that I did so. I /have/ said things in party chat about said PUG parties. Luckily, nothing insulting -yet-! But I still felt pretty mortified because it could have been bad. But yeah... my mts have gotten astronomically worse since ARR (*curses terrible chat interface*). And surely there will be more in the future!

Heya Torvhan! Naunet mentioned to me that you'd posted this here trying to get some communication going in our little 'group' I keep forgetting to actually replay here. I know that the CRA specifically had some communication/awareness issues going on around the first linkshell leaders meeting here on the forums, which is why none of us were there D: But that's past. There is definitely some cross-over between some of the linkshells though. I know Naunet, Twinflame, and Ildur from the CRA are all involved in the Hipparion tribe for instance. We have slowly been trying to build up some inner working plots involving *cough* Garleanexpansion *cough*. But we all love collaboration with other RPers and would be happy to talk plot ideas *is totally speaking for other even though they aren't here*. As for me personally? My main is Illira Carceri. I've got several other alts, but they aren't tied in with anything specific at the moment, and a few of them are still in conceptual formation. Anyway, yay! Communication and collaboration.

Just going to point out that while people may argue over exact definitions of words, this one: is rather commonly used version, and is what many refer to, when they say "elitist". Of course, depending on one's perspective. The one that Theo seems to be referring to is: The latter is really closer to being an "elite RPer" versus an "elitist RPer". While the two are not mutually exculsive, the difference between the two really has to do more with the perception of ones own abilities and how one interacts with 'peers'.

This is an important distinguishment to make, although I would argue that on its face, being for the "'good' of all peoples in the long run" isn't not (hate to use a double negative here...) "not good". Its simply a difference of perspective and action, but the intention is there. Its just simply not a black and white matter. Though I understand what you are trying to say. But its the classic difference between for the good of the "majority/all" or for the "few". Do you choose to save your close companions? Or save the unnamed masses? And even then the method used to achieve the goal may be cross over that moral lines for the greater good. In which case, its an interesting study between whether that character truly has crossed over that moral boundary and lost sight of their original goal? They sacrificed their own 'soul' for the sake of the greater good? Or is it simply a difference of perspective? In most cases morality is a question, not a definition. And events and experiences can change individuals to shift their viewpoint. Was it that he was being pushed aside for OOC reasons? Or IC reasons? The former really isn't excusable, but the later is well... IC, and shouldn't be a problem. Though its kind of... fishy if characters are all to paranoid to be able to trust anyone. Not in ARR, but one of my primary RP characters was a pretty genuinely /nice-guy/. I never had the sort of issue that you were describing. Occasionally, yes, a character might be wary of him, or question his motives for getting involved. It might also be prudent to discuss that being /completely/ selfless isn't necessarily either a good or achievable thing to be. Its simply a matter of degrees. Everyone has internal motivations for doing something, and deep down how that action affects themselves. Another character of mine, outwardly is incredibly selfless, simply spending her life offering mercy and what peace she can to others. But ultimately, she does it for entirely selfish reasons. She does it because she clings to that purpouse to keep herself sane and functioning. She needs her charity cases as much as they need her. Such is an example of someone who does -good- in the world, but whom I would not consider to be a -good- person. I've probably gone a wee bit off topic... but it does sound like the OP has a pretty defined idea of what sort of RP they are looking and I would second the suggestion that they may want to consider trying to start up their own LS organizational RP. Elsewise... good-luck in finding one! When looking around it'll be important to keep dig below the surface advertisement to see the reality of the RP group's motivations, ICly and OOCly.

But quantity and quality aren't mutually exclusive things. As an altaholic, I always find RPing multiple characters as helping me to better shape an understanding of the world lore, as you have to approach situations in different manners, and that they have more variety. RPing alts also helps to relieve burnout, if that is an issue for any folk (I know that it can be for me). I find that I have to switch it up and play different characters to keep things fresh. Playing many characters doesn't mean that they don't/can't be developed to deep extents, but it does keep your options to explore themes of a much greater depth and breadth.

While I do agree that much RP shouldn't and doesn't necessarily interact directly with the "official main storyline", it is important, especially in scenarios such the RP of Garlean Supporters to know where your character, and micro-canon reside in context to it. As it effects the atmosphere and general lore used within the RP. I haven't finished through to cap yet, so I don't know the what happens and what the state of the world is at "end-game" yet. Spoilers are fine, honestly 80% of the storyline is pretty bland, but RPing a Garlean supporter when the Empire is being pushed back is potentially a very different thing than win they are the overbearing aggressors. That goes beyond, just not 'bringing it up during RP'. Because its not about your character at every given moment. Its about the state of the world at large and the subsequent fallout of that. Anyway, Theodric, like the my compatriots, Ildur and Naunet, I''d be happy to work on Pro-Garlean RP with you. My main, Illira, is a staunch supporter of the Empire.

Uhh... I totally just saw/found out this was a thing. I happen to have an RP-only Elezen named Yanick Marchand. He is a Duskwright, currently based out of Limsa. While your family appears to be entirely Wildwood, I figured I'd reach out in case y'all had interest in building RP connections, even if in distance, since I'm still working on his character/history/etc. and the naming happenstance seems too perfect to simply pass by. In game I'm usually found on my main, Illira Carceri, hope to chat about possibilities sometime!

I've had many animals and pets throughout my life, as I grew up on a farm. But as now I only have one, though I don't know that I would call her a pet as much as a partner. My horse Jaima and I used to compete very intensively, but 10 years later, we primarily trail ride and do dressage. In her fancy fly bonnet! All tacked up and ready to go! Rolling in the snow! All warm in her blanket. And finally... All sandy! Jaima loves to roll. Almost a little too much...

I would say that limiting your characters IC main history and/or actions to the 'official ARR story' is severely limiting as to the kind of character that can be created and RPed. Not saying that it can't work for a lot of RP characters, but in a lot of cases, it should be taken with a grain of salt. While the events/characters seen and in the 'official story' factor in the world and its lore. Using them as a primary baseline for characters to be created from really limits the scope and extent to which Eorzea may be fleshed out. Not to mention that it kind of whacks out timelines and character interaction to rely on it for RP purpouses. Personally, I've always taken MMOs official stories as lore/current events. Its PvE and backdrop for me. My RP characters rarely, if at all interact with it on a immediate/personal basis. Yeah... this is an issue. But it shouldn't be a roadblock. Imagination is a good thing! I say to use it!

I would be careful here, because old(er) certainly does not necessitate grumpy, or even wise. That's true. And age really doesn't equate to much except that with age, there are usually some inescapable physical changes. Slower or faster for some than others. So you two are right, I concede that point, but I still stand by my statement that older people usually have a highly developed personality, view, and history compared to their younger counterparts. It's not only how a player chooses to portray their character but also how other characters view that character. If you're going the route of Gandalf or Saurfang, your mentality is fairly set from everything you've seen and your knowledge, compared to the younger characters, is usually considerably more advanced for a reason. Those two also happen to be unique in their worlds, as I'm sure more 'senior' Eorzean characters would have to be if they're still running around swinging battle axes and getting involved in the drama and rivalries of younger folk, no? If young 'teenage' adventurers who are highly skilled have an issue with perhaps seeming a little too prevalent then wouldn't advanced-aged characters who know a lot and can still manage extraordinary feats of strength, courage, and/or magic also sour somewhat if there are too many of them? But who says that ICly the older characters have to/are running around with axes in the thick of battle? There may be a some like that, even in the real world my old dance teacher who was in her late 60s was far more nimble and athletic than a vast majority of the populace because she has done it all her life and taken good care of her body. That aside though, simply because their body/minds/power may not be at prime, doesn't mean that they don't still have new challenges and change in their life to make RPing with interesting and fun. And even if the character is set in their ways, all the change in the Eorzea over the past years is more than to fuel RP of their being confronted with such and their being forced to adapt or break. One of my primary RP characters is an ex-sailor in his 50s, who has recently had to come to terms with his body no longer being able to take the toils of constant seafaring due to his age, and having to semi-'retire' onto the land. He has very few connections there but for his son, with whom has never been around for long. And yet he is a pretty gregarious personality. There is plenty of room for development, in all pretty much all areas. Just because someone isn't young and spry, doesn't meant they stop living. They don't need to act as an fountain of information, i.e. an NPC. In fact, relegating them to that singular role seems rather disrespectful to them as characters.

+1 to the Amazon specific info. They do not include the actual product key in their email to you notifying you of the product's availability. You have to go find it in your Amazon account, like lady2beetle just described. You don't need to actually use the Amazon download link that is supplied unless you, well, need the client! If you've been in early access you already have everything downloaded and just need the key to activate your account :thumbsup:

Hmm... I think I'm going give both of these a 6/10. I like the first names well enough, strong names. My issue is more with the surnames. My understanding is that the surnames are passed down, but that it is responsibly common for warriors to adopt a new name given feats/notoriety in battle. Even given that, and that the brothers could/did adopt different names, they seem overwrought in use to me. And not necessarily in a good way as a name adopted as such should strive to be a distinguishing feature. As for my own I'm offering up two of mine, might post a couple more later!: Illira Carceri - Wildwood Elezen - Yes, I know that its not ~French~, its actually rooted in Italian, at least the surname is: See http://exhibits.slpl.org/steedman/data/Steedman240092845.asp I could have frenchified it, but I see the Elezen as having a lot in common with both the French and Italian cultures. So I kept it, giving her close family a mixture of French and Italian names, as the parental sides would have come from perhaps differently Wildwood subcultures. Burned Cypress - Hellsguard Roegadyn - Past incarnations of this character have been known as Immolata [Veritas]. I could go into depth explaining the reasoning behind this one but... I shall let it be judged at face value!

I've got a fem!Roe alt. I love her to pieces, even more so once I saw her ingame! The colors were just the right vibrancy once there! Burned Cypress