Reppu

Just remember, to everyone adamantly 'striking' for this? There's a line between making your case known, and then there's being insensitive to all parties involved by being overbearing and unreasonable. When you cross the line, you poison what you're fighting for, and what you're fighting for is no longer the pure ideal you were fighting for. Of course, no one has gone to this obvious extreme, yet. And hopefully never will. But for those threatening or will quit because Square Enix is not catering to your ideal? Is the kind of immature browbeating that poisons your argument. Show your support by playing, and put some confidence that the FFXIV developers will deliver what you're asking for when they feel they can. Most of the MMO examples given so far? Did not start with homosexual marriage. Be reasonable, look at what you're comparing, and see that everything takes time, especially with delicate situations like this. As for me? I'm all for it, but I also know it won't ruin my roleplaying experience if it doesn't happen immediately, or ever. But this is just me. I don't tend to always roleplay my matching sexuality. And in the end, love transcends a title. If my female Miqo'te finds a female _____, I'll roleplay a wedding with out the 'official' consent. But, again, that's just me. Me putting a little more faith in FFXIV to deliver. And even if they don't? I still got everything else.

At the end of the day, this is my personal opinion; It's unfortunate, but I understand that society, humanity as a whole, is at least slowly progressing toward this change. Although I think too many people, both 'straight' and 'homosexual', put way, way, way too much value on the word 'marriage', and specifically marriage. While I am aware of the real-world benefits of this word and the status that comes with it, that is there. So, unless FFXIV brings about some kind of marriage bonuses, I am under the firm opinion that I can respect the cautiousness of the FFXIV team, the traditionalism of the Japanese culture, and view it as not a disrespect to homosexuals. If there is some kind of mechanical bonus for it, then sure. Protest as much as you want! But I say wait, for now. Wait and see if they do not allow same-sex marriages further down the line once they have the stability they need for this title. And at the end of the day, if you need a video game to stabilize your real-life homosexual relationship, this is a missed priority, folks. Don't get out the picket lines yet. Give it time, use very light amounts of pressure. Don't let the issue die, but don't attack for it. Respect the decision. It's the only way the issue here will get respect.

I'm going out on a limb here and guessing that... 1) You receive one code upon Pre-Ordering, which is the Pre-Order Bonus Code (AKA Mog Hat and Cait Sith Minion). 2) Later, NA and EU people will receive their Early Access codes, and may register them at the appropriate site. This will also allow us to download the full client, if we already didn't from Phase 4. 3) Finally, we'll receive our actual game registration codes for launch, which I assume will be on the 27th? In short, this is a total of three codes. Is this all correct? Goodness knows information loves to conflict. I may be wrong on is when we receive our final registration codes, seeing as my order had an amazing error and I had to nag Square Enix to get my Pre-Order bonus code. If I should have gotten both the game registration code and the Pre-Order bonus code, I may need to go back to nagging. I also could be wrong on the early-access codes. How will they confirm if we're viable to receive them, seeing as anyone can visit the promotion site regardless of ordering or not? As far as I am concerned, people have received their 18 digit Pre Order code, but not the 20 digit Early Access code? Siiigh. So confusing. So I guess -my- questions are: 1) What codes should pre-order individuals already have?

I wasn't aware asking for opinions for which server I should join, based on my offered criteria or knowledge, was a 'dead horse topic'. At the end of the day, my opinion is this; It's extremely tragic 'Legacy' is why the RP community split, after people worked so hard to unite it. But, in the end, I don't care about that and just want to have fun! In truth, though? Maybe I do already have all the info I need now. But it never hurts to hear how other people came to their decisions, which is why I made this thread. And maybe a tiny bit of me wanted to see both the Balmung folk and the Gilgamesh folk -not- get into a fight.

Yes, yes. I'm aware that not everyone, if most people, have 50's maxed in all categories. They -do- exist as a minority, and I said it wasn't really a 'flaw' so much as something to take note of. In truth, Legacy status isn't much of a flaw. But it can be a little off-putting if only because it'd be a little harder to get something going, if you can't find something you're interested in. Balmung -will- have a smaller population, I think? Hopefully you can find a home! If nothing else, if Balmung ends up being our destination, perhaps we can find one together! Or make one! Still, for now, I remain in the neutral position. But all of this information is helping, and thanks to all so far!

Concerning, if only because as you've mentioned, that has the potential to only get worse. Thank you for sharing your experiences! As I mentioned in the initial post, hiding behind closed doors for RPing is a bad habit that needs to be eliminated. I would hate for public, world-based RP to be dead before it even had a chance to breathe.

This was a lot to comb through, and I am thankful for the clarifications based on your opinions as well! In the end, all we can offer is opinions, neither of us is 'flawed' because neither of us can see the future. This is all I want to stress. Well, I can see the future! It involves an amazing game. That said, thank you for the things to consider, but let's keep in mind your last statement, and remember that roleplayers are not immune to it, either. I'd stress to remind you I even noted that each flaw for Balmung, as applicable to being based on a very short time period, was noted as such. As such, you pointed something out that I already had!

I've seen way too many images of white mages bathed in blood while wielding great axes! But, fair enough! It came off as extremely passionate. That said, it would be unfortunate to not have roleplayers want to roleplay because of perceptions, which is why I am here now; clearing up misconceptions.

But here's the thing, what does it matter what some people are role-playing? It's not like EITHER server is going to be in perfect RP harmony. The fact that we have a server split as is is proof of that. We all know (those that have past RP experience) that there are role-players we can't click with. That's natural. It will happen on Gilgamesh and it will be on Balmung. Sure there are some older players that have their "thing", but they will always have that "thing", JUST like you and your 10 friends have their "thing". That's just how people and groups work. It's the same fear when joining a guild that you might worry that they might not notice your or accept you because they already know each other. That's a micro version of what this server deal is about. But there are already a bunch of new guilds with all new players on Balmung doing their thing whether they mesh with the old or not. Nothing is stopping them. Say you and your 10 friends started an LS, how would you feel if people didn't want to join because you all already know each other? This came off as mildly hostile! I really have no response to this at all, unfortunately. If that's how you wish to state it, so be it.

I think the "safest" response anyone can give at this point is to try them both. As disheartening it is to not give a nice an clear answer, this is the best we can give. At this point it isn't really a good idea for either side to say which one to go with as it sparks too much debate. For me the answer's simple. As with every past MMO I've joined, I go with the server with the highest concentration of role-players. I really don't see this idea that the established role-players on any server will somehow limit any new player or group from gaining a foothold. And, really, what foothold would that be? This isn't a competition. There isn't some kind of limit to how much someone can RP. If someone is bothering your RP, as with anything, go to another corner then, you don't have to go to another server cause you'll find potential resistance anywhere, especially on a server with a lower RP population. There are a LOT of players on these servers. There is plenty of room for everyone and all types of role-players to exist and do their thing. But the best part about being together is, like we are all together on this single site, we CAN mingle and find each other new and old to play with when we want to get our legs more wet. Just keep in mind that the old players are already very much outnumbered, maybe not on this site, but certainly on the server itself. Beside the fact that none of them here have EVER given any inclination to stifle anyone's plans or desires to make their own way, I think there will be plenty of room for everyone and I'm not worried. The only perceived flaw with trying both is wasting Open Beta -and- Early Access time, which can be useful on Balmung. However, if I do this, I may opt to use Open Beta and Early Access on Balmung, just to have the needed levels, and keep an eye on Gilgamesh post these two. Although 'wasting' these is a shame either way. That said, the advice is appreciated! As is everyone's, even if I don't immediately respond to it! I just like to hit priorities as needed.

I did note that the economical 'chaos' will be short-term, and isn't considered a flaw besides an initial barrier. It's hard pressed to deny the early gil influx will not cause a little... hilarity. But it should not have any long-term impacts unless I am VASTLY underestimating the amount of gil on Balmung. The 'wall' you've mentioned, that I may have alluded to (did I?), is simply a case of, in roleplaying? Many people wish to stand out, and this can sometimes mean lording advantages over people. As I noted, this is a 'what if', and is definitely -not- a fact. I obviously am incapable of knowing how many, if any, of Balmung's population will swing their 'hero of light' stick at me. In the end, it's a potential, neutral-minded set I came to post in. If I only posted positives, I'd honestly get no answers.

Edit: Gwuh, did I post this in the wrong section? Apologies in advance! As much as I'd like to make this out into some kind of auction-house styled post, I would much rather get to the point as soon as I am done wasting time on this sentence. Hi! The common moniker is Reppu! But not a sword, or a bag. The reason why I am here today, aside from continuing to observe the "FFXIV Roleplaying Community", is to simply put a question out here my and my odd number of fellows have been asking each other; 'What server should we play on?' While this is a null-and-void question depending on if we ever get an official RP server, I try to avoid banking on 'what ifs'. Thusly, I am here today as a representative of a small (10 or so?) roleplayers of varying degrees of experience (ranging from seven months to fourteen years) trying to find a place to buckle down. Now, I have been silently observing the debate between Balmung (Legacy) and Gilgamesh (2.0), and I have noticed something I think is a common misconception on both sides, that I would like to clear up through some personal research and just actually asking the question as needed; "4chan is joining Gilgamesh!" This is actually not quite true, at least not in the way many people believe. /vg/, specifically, is mostly joining Ultros, with a splinter group joining Cactuar. If anyone from 4chan is joining Gilgamesh, they're not from /vg/, which means they're from /v/. And if they're from /v/, who are adamantly poisoned against FFXIV and would like nothing more than to see it's utter doom? Well... Moving on from that, this is just me wanting to offer a bit of clarification on the subject that I am under knowledge of seeing as a sort of falsehood, at least from public knowledge you can get by simply visiting /vg/. Now, if I'm wrong and there's proof stating /vg/ or, unfortunately, /v/ are going to Gilgamesh? Do correct me! As such, from what I have personally gathered, Balmung was the 'original' Roleplaying Server, a community vote to unite the scattered roleplayers, and then some people decided they wanted a Non-Legacy option. While it's unfortunate the community has split again, I don't really want to be split between it! Thus why we're looking for our 'home', today! To this, I would like to voice my personal concerns, gather clarification from any parties willing to offer it, and then hopefully come to a decision within the next day or two so I know where we're hunkering down. As such... ~Balmung~ As the originally voted roleplaying server, Balmung seems to be poised to boast an overall smaller population, but a larger concentration and server percentage of roleplayers. As a legacy server, Balmung is expected to have some economical chaos until things settled down, as well as having people with higher-level characters right out of the gates. Both are short-term 'issues' and can largely be ignored. Balmung's perks from a roleplaying point of view are a concentration of veterans who can offer much insight on Eorzea, and FFXIV as a whole. These are people who, largely, weathered the storm and are passionate about getting back into things. An established community, composed of people who originally were passionate enough to unite the roleplayers of FFXIV once before. As such, there is no denying the passion of the 1.0 crew here. Balmung's perks from a mechanical point of view are having veterans of FFXIV who are also avid roleplayers, meaning that there's no lack of people who want to play the game, as much as they want to roleplay in the game. There is also a -far- less likely chance of being 'trolled out of immersion'. Balmung's flaws from a mechanical point of view will largely be the level diversity causing a bit of a hiccup at first. It is also worth noting the early-gil influx will make it pretty much hell on Non-Legacy characters if this is abused in any remote way, but this is also still just a minor, short-term issue. More likely is Balmung will have a higher concentration of Arcanists, due to Legacy players no doubt wanting to add three more 50's to their rosters, and thusly there will be a -huge- lack of server diversity for some time. This is probably the biggest 'flaw'. Balmung's flaws from a roleplaying point of view is the 'Veteran Syndrome', as I'm going to coin it. There's the realistic, but not guaranteed, chance of 'heroes of light' using this status as a way to lord over those who were not present for a giant dragon kicking people around. Not only is this an annoying thing to consider, it's toxic. However, this same thing can be taken as a perk if it is not used to lord over people. In the end, due to a 'mighty' 5 year gap between, both sides would be considered the same generation of heroes. Just, one side has a bit more experience and got roasted by a really angry dragon. The 'mentoring' aspect can be a rather charming roleplaying experience, if used responsibly. The potentially 'biggest' flaw for Balmung in both a roleplaying -and- mechanical point of view, is the population size. I, personally, would like to hit the ground running and get my own thing going with my fellows. I tend to be oft thrust into a leadership position, and I do plan on weaving an experience for people to enjoy. As such, I also have no lacking of people wanting to experience the game, from it's casual first steps, to it's 'hardcore' endgame. As such, wanting to establish a 'new brand' on Balmung will likely be a -lot- more difficult. But, roleplayers who just so happen to want to raid is my goal! Of course we'd be willing to tip our hats into a company with a similar mindset. Boy would I be happy not being a pillar of leadership again! In the end, Balmung offers stability, but less opportunity? ~Gilgamesh~ Let's just start this right off... Gilgamesh's roleplaying perks are very obvious; a new beginning, and a chance to firmly root yourself in the community. You will have little to no difficulty getting your 'own thing' going, due to all of the new players and a lack of 'bonds' already formed. Gilgamesh's mechanical perks are being able to grow with the server economy, a much larger diversity of classes due to everyone starting from scratch, and a TON of people making it easier to recruit people and get things going. And now, we bring out the bat. Gilgamesh's roleplaying flaws are the concentrated percentage of roleplayers will (likely?) be significantly lower than Balmung, to the point that 'open world' RP may very well be a dead dream. This is not to suggest that Reddit (who are only guilty of being silly, not really toxic) will 'troll' people out, and the unfounded '4chan is going to come to Gilgamesh!' rumors, have anything to do with this. It's simply a fact there are no lacking number of groups vying to 'claim' Gilgamesh. There will be a 'war', and it's hard to say if it will end peacefully, or settle into a friendly stability. Ultimately, Gilgamesh's biggest flaw in a roleplaying point of view is that roleplaying will be a lot more difficult in a public manner. And roleplaying kept behind the veil, is a bad habit roleplayers desperately need to break from. Gilgamesh's mechanical flaws are mostly focused on the population; Server lockouts need to be considered, and 'fierce competition' to the point of toxic levels is common on the bigger MMO servers. Beyond this, you can't really 'guess' too many mechanical problems for Gilgamesh. If there is one to keep note of, the diverse population will be a bit more dangerous for roleplaying companies with raiding pursuits. You'll likely have to comb your recruits a bit more to ensure you won't have a toxic mishap. In the end, Gilgamesh offers opportunity, but less stability? ~In Conclusion~ Now, all of this is just my formed opinions based off what I've read! So, in conclusion, I will state what we are looking for, and leave those who are willing to offer their two cents, to do so. What we want: To roleplay, and to play the game. To be more specific from such a generic thing to say, we're looking to firmly root ourselves in the roleplaying community, and help push it to be the best it can be, if it's not already at this point. We don't want to be 'lost in the crowd', but we're not vying to steal the spotlight as well. We want to be part of a 'family', as it were. The less resistance, the better. It shouldn't be a chore or a job to make sure roleplaying flourishes, it should be fun! For the gameplay side of things, to experience the story yourself is far better than just watching a video of reading a blurb. As such, be it casually pushed or as hardcore as possible, we want to see what the game has to offer, from the smallest 4 man to the largest 24 man. Content is to be devoured. The more like-minded individuals who also love to roleplay, the better. So, for ten or so individuals, few legacy, most not, what would you suggest? Thank you for your time, and see you in Eorzea!