BlessedSilence

Three bells went by as the party started to dwindle down. Garston was getting tired of the people there, and he just wanted to be alone. Nodding to his guards, he slipped from the room through a pair of double doors and down the hall, taking a deep breath. He entered his chambers, a servant already there to help him out of the silken clothes he wore, then into his night gown and robe. Waving the man away, Garston moved to lay in bed, stifling a yawn. His wine for the night was by his elbow, and he sipped on it while he read a book, the flickering lanterns giving enough light to read by. In time the glass was emptied and his eyes began to close.

He made the rounds slowly, talking to and shaking the hands of those who approached him. He had no fear of anything, he was in his own house. Why should he be scared? Nodding to the many guards that lined the room, he stepped over to the armor that was on display. "My friends, I give to you the armor of the infamous Kayle Delwyn. This man stole what was rightfully my own property, thwarted me at every turn, sent his lackeys to harass me, and even masterminded the death of a dear, dear friend of mine, Ophianne Rillemont." He lets out a sigh, his voice cracking as he told the story. He knew how to act, and those gathered there fell for it. Many women cried into kerchiefs, the men shaking their heads. "But fear not my friends! My brave man, Gaardal Wyght has retaken what was mine, found the name of the one who slew poor Miss Rillemont, and confronted Mister Delwyn. Here is his armor for display, the boy begging for his life after Gaardal brought him to his knees!" Garston smiled as the gathering cheered. "Twelve bless Gaardal!" "That will show the bastard!" "Poor Ophianne!" He raised his hands. "Please, come up and take a look. Know what a traitor and scoundrel looks like for the future. Know the name of the Driftwood Coast and they who dwell within are dogs to be put down!"

Garston stepped out into the largest room of his mansion, dressed in his finest garb, a glass of wine in one hand. He smiled to all those who gathered there, men and women of all ages, for they came to celebrate with him this momentous occasion. Everything went according to plan. He got back his lost property, he got the name of the one who killed Ophianne, he broke Kayle Delwyn, the leader of the Driftwood Company, and took his armor as a trophy. The highlander's eyes moved to land on the armor that sat proudly on display in the room and he smiled. Yes. Everything was going his way perfectly. He nodded to the man near the doorway, and the large highlander swung a hammer to strike a large bell. The crowd's chatter came to silence as they all turned towards Garston. He smiled, moving to step up onto a decorated crate one of his servants brought out. "Greetings and welcome to my humble abode, my friends. Tonight is a glorious celebration! Stolen property has been regained and a blight upon Eorzea has been thrown back into it's dark hole!" A cheer went up among the crowd as he continued. "Please, partake of the food and drink, for tonight we celebrate!"

Whelp, the next part went wonderfully! I first want to apologize if I missed any emotes or actions while I played Gaardal. Ignoring anyone was not my intention. If you feel something you did had impact, PLEASE send me a tell in game on Elli or a message here. I will happily retcon to fit in it! This will be a summary of certain events for those who missed what happened. Enjoy! Gaardal waited in the arranged meeting place. He had shouted to let them know they had a small window of time. He was not a patient man, and there were many things to get done. In time they came, one then another. He watched them with a smirk on his face, showing the letters in his hand. The business was simple ... tell him what he wanted to know and they would get the information they wanted. But they stalled. They ignored his threats. One tried to cast sleep on him and take the letters. The casting bitch was almost successful, but Gaardal fought the magic off him. He lost one letter from it, but he pressed on. He resorted to burning the letters one by one as they laughed. He told them who each of the letters was for, but they did not care. He explained how the one named Asdrellia would possibly be harmed and that struck a nerve with them, especially the boy. Kayle was his name, and Gaardal watched as he ran off to possibly find her. He continued until he got to one in particular. It was the same time Garston appeared, giving more weight to the proceedings. It belonged to Ivory Shield, the one they called Po. Gaardal could tell the roegadyn did not want the information shared with anyone, and a deal was struck. Arry Dresdyn. A simple name. A simple outcome. Gaardal handed over the letter that carried the burden of Po's past, both he and Garston thanking the roe for doing the right thing. Business was over though the company wished to make it not. An arrow was fired at Garston, missing him barely, and Gaardal growled. Sasha. That was her name they called her. He narrowed his eyes. He would give retribution for such an action in time. ~~~~~ Gaardal settled in for a relaxing bit of ale while he worked out the specifics after Asdrellia was taken. Something caught his attention though, and he slipped from the bar to eye the crowd in the street. The boy was on the ground, bloodied and crying. Gaardal smiled as he listened to Kayle describe how he found the woman, Asdrellia one moment, then she was taken the next, the men whome he thought were from the Blades beating him severely. He could not help it. He had to gloat. Stepping out from his place, Gaardal laughed, saying the fools should know by now Garston does not pull punches. He goes through with his threats. This angered them and they turned to him, surging forward but he held his ground. Except for that one, the bitch who tried to put him to sleep before. She struck him in the stomach with what felt like a block of stone covered in ice. Gaardal staggered backward, his demeanor crumbling as pain wracked through him. The miqo'te grabbed his throat, spitting threats in his face. The others readied their weapons. They wanted to take him to the prisons. But that was when Kayle made a mistake. Gaardal saw him limp forward, using his sword for a crutch. Just as the group looked to their weakened leader, Gaardal lunged forward, one large hand grabbing the hyur by the throat and teleported away. ~~~~~ He felt the ground solidify beneath his feet as he appeared in Black Brush Station. He threw Kayle upon the ground and laughed as the man tried to crawl away. "I told you not to underestimate us, boy." Gaardal watched as Kayle staggered to his feet, trying to speak into his pearl at the same time fend him off. It did him no good. Gaardal made a fist and backhanded the boy hard across the jaw, sending him staggering back. Pulling a dagger from his boot, he advanced on the midlander, snarling as he plunged it into his chest. Kayle gurgled as his words into his pearl were silenced, falling forward against Gaardal's chest. The highlander let go of the weapon as the boy crumpled to the ground. He did not have much time now. Quickly, he stripped Kayle down of what he wore, his armor and clothes, as well as his pearl. As he stood, items in hand, the crowd of 'Drifters' came, staring at their fallen leader. "I hope you don't mind me taking these. If you hurry, you might be able to heal him." Gardaal laughed, feeling himself being whisked away back to Ul'Dah. Pain seared through his leg just before he slipped into the aether, and when he set feet to ground, he collapsed. Looking down, two arrows rested in his right leg, one in his thigh and one under his knee. He fought the pain as he carried the trophies back to Garston, limping and trailing blood along the stone roads of Ul'Dah. It was an eventful day, and they will hear from him again. Rest assured.

Gaardal was taking a break, the elezen boy begging for a few minutes to rest himself. The highlander grumbled, waving the boy off. He did show some promise, if he wasn't so damn soft. He strode down the streets of Ul'Dah, not having a particular place to go, stopping when his mind said so. Looking up, he was by the mail moogle, and the creature waved him over, a letter in it's small hands. Walking over, he snatched the letter, giving the moogle a grunt, striding off as he tore it open. "Well well. Looks like one of them actually responded." Folding the letter up, he shoved it into his pocket. It was time to find the boy and get back to work. This new news will hopefully get him motivated.

This is not to start a discussion or a flame war, but I found a thoughtful post made on the main boards about the community and speed runs of the higher dungeons. Please take a took and give your opinions over there about it. Hopefully more Likes will get SE to rethink some things. Community and Speed Runs

Gaardal Wyght frowned slightly, watching his new pupil fail horribly at striking the wooden dummy before him. "No no no! Thal's Balls, boy, if you continue to stand like that, you will fall flat on your ass." Rendafel blushed bright red, turning to his teacher. "I am doing my best, you half wit! But your demonstration of the stance was poor." The highlander sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "More like your comprehension of what I told you is poor." He walked over to the elezen, using his hands to put Rendafel's body into the right stance. "I understand it feels uncomfortable at first, but getting a sword or a beast's claws in your chest will be much worse." Rendafel fought the urge to move, and when he did, Gaardal moved that part of him back into place. "Relax your body, boy. If you wish to learn the basics of a pugulist, you will learn the rule to move swiftly and like water. If you keep yourself stiff, you will move slow and like molasses." Gaardal spoke a bit softer, though Rendafel could still hear the agitation in his voice. For the next few hours that turned into days, highlander and elezen copied each other in the streets of Ul'Dah. Gaardal had a strange way of training, but Rendafel wanted to learn, he needed to learn. There was no other option.

It had been a few days, and Asdrellia's mood had totally changed. She walked lightly through the markets, looking at new garments, fingers testing the softness. He had said he loved her and wanted her to be his wife. He had given her so much of him, she felt the same way back. Her cheeks flushed when her mind went back to that one day ... She still had feelings for Desmond, to be sure. But when her mind settled, and her heart calmed, she realized they were the same as how she feels towards Kayle ... they protected her when no one else would, saving her life. She loves them both dearly as a friend and as a sister would a brother. And she was quite content with that. Her gaze moved to the mythril ring on her finger, a smile on her lips. He was so sincere when he said those words and when he gave her such a precious gift ... the ring one of many he had. She wanted to tell people .. but she was afraid. Part of her felt it was still just a dream, that she truly was asleep in bed after reading some erotic novel she found hidden away. But the sun on her face and the wind in her hair felt real enough. Perhaps ... perhaps in time she can spread the happy news. But for now, her hart swelled and her mind sang, and Asdrellia hummed as she walked down the lane.

Asdrellia sat in the Conjuror's Tower, reading a book by her favorite fountain, when a novice came up to her, letter in hand. "Excuse me, miss. But I was directed to give this to you." Asdrellia lifted her head, one finger holding her place in the book. "Oh? Thank you, dear." The novice smiled before running off. The letter was plain on the outside with a seal of ... Gridania ... on it. She knew them quite well having lived here for so long. Carefully breaking it open, she began to read the contents and gasped. "Oh ... this .. this is for Amaare!" Panic filled her, but she had to calm herself. Quickly she strode down to the library, asking the man behind the counter for a quill and paper. She jotted down a few words and ran quickly to the moogle, passing off her mail.

Barnabaix stood next to the bay window, looking out upon the spacious gardens and lawns of the Rillemont house. He held a small pencil and paper in his hand, and placed two more names upon it Broken Shield and Sasha Jace. He smiled to himself, folding up the paper and placing it in his breast pocket. "So, Master Wyght, you are the best trainer Master Hext could find?" The large highlander laughed, his arms folded across his large chest. "Aye, one of the best in all of Ul'dah. I usually don't waste my time with totally wet behind the ears green whelps, but Garston paid me well." "Hmph! I will show you that I am a fast learner!" Rendafel frowned from his place on his chair, glaring at the large hyur. Barnabaix held up a hand to silence his young ward. "Please calm your self, Master Rendafel. Now, Master Wyght, have you been given your duty? Master Hext wishes the young master to start his training as soon as possible." "Yes, yes. We shall leave for Ul'Dah as soon as we are done flapping our lips." Gaardal grinned, shifting his position to move partway out the door. "I will be waiting in the carriage. Don't take forever." As the highlander walked off, Rendafel huffed, looking to Barnabaix. "What a crass hyur! Some have no manners." "Yes, but he is the best. And Master Hext does not make ties with weaklings or those who do not deliver. Now go, young master. Say goodbye to your sister and parents, and I shall get your luggage on the carriage."

Asdrellia sat in her favorite garden in Gridania, laying upon the one rock she always felt the earth elementals within, and wept. Thankful for the peace and quiet for the moment, the last few days took a great toll on her emotions, and though she got the courage to say what was on her mind, the relief she felt was not as she expected. She got the courage to talk to Desmond about what Brother E-Sumi said, and he seemed to take the news quite well. She was touched how he commented that though she may not be able to bare any children from her body, she did give life through her words and her hands. Of course he also didn't believe she should listen to the pajdali for he has many years to deal with life, while her life was finite. She should begin a search for a way to reverse what happened to her body, yes. But where would one start? She could follow up with Amaare as she did go to him first as he always spoke of the world as a place he has been. Of course, a part of her was scared there would be no cure at all, so her mind wrestled every moment. And then, she told Desmond that she loved him. She had to. After their previous conversation she worried she would never see him again. And it had to be said. But his reaction was one she did not dream of, and he could not reciprocate her same feelings. If one's heart could break and make a sound, hers would have. They parted pleasantly, and now she sits in her favorite garden, tears staining the rock she laid her arms and head upon. Perhaps she would be better off alone? Her mind could barely function to even think about it. But she was sure it would be less painful than how she felt now.

It takes a good amount to offend me. My husband is from New York, so a lot of his friends talk .. uhm .. very colorfully being from the city. The only thing I find offensive is the word 'rape'. I ask nicely that it not be used because ... it is just a negative word. If any of you are on Gilgamesh, and run into a miqo named Sicha, hang around him for a time. He drops more f-bombs ICly in a 5 minutes time than anyone I know. But he's still soooo loveable!

Here's some ideas about how to help with the drama (as people have explained it well enough) 1. COMMUNICATION. I cannot emphasize this enough. Right now, my character has seen and is in little parts of drama RP, but we are totally cool OOCly. Why? Because we talk OOCly. I told them my feelings and concerns, and they explained why their character felt such and such a way. Talking help.s 2. Learn to separate IC/OOC. Many people have problems with this. It is something many still are learning. You might ICly say you don't like highlanders because your character thinks they drink too much and never bathe. And some player might be a highlander and IRL drinks alot. So they can take that IC comment, and OOCly hate you for it. It happens ... 3. Leave. If something bothers you, leave the area. Don't stand and take the punishment and venom. If the follow you? ignore them. If they send you tells? Blacklist them. The game has those options so do use them. Don't think just because you RP you MUST take such abuse. And never, EVER feel bad on reporting a person. I've seen many people do disgusting things to RPers from sitting on them saying they are raping them, to deficating on the table over and over. Blacklisting a person will keep you from seeing anything they type, you're just stuck watching them to motions. Don't let a few people ruin your RP experience or your server. I have heard many times people come to a conclusion as your husband has, and I think it is a 'shoot at the hip' reaction. But hopefully you both find a place you enjoy playing.

Square Enix Support Survey There ya go ....

Pfft, to me they are doing some frigging HARD CORE CRAFTING!!!! I mean who wouldn't with that FATE music!! But yes, alot of time we kinda get stuck as a FATE just -PLOPS- on our head. I don't have all the places memorized or anything, so I usually get caught up in them. And that's why I think gatherers don't get attacked. Well .. actually one can. As I was gathering and an aggro mob killed me. /shrugs And I have crafted out int he wild when my bags were getting full. It is easier to craft by the bell and the like, as things and material are just another click away *misses her crafting hall from EQ2 .... /sighs*

Sorry I'm on Gilgamesh

I read an article like this in a PC Gamer or Game Informer some months ago, but they seemed to be really focused on real-to-life war games, like Call of Duty and the like. I doubt fantasy games cross their vision. That's all I'll say. This brings in subject matter I am not comfortable to discuss on a forum.

I can vouch for Booker as well, as he made me feel comfortable RPing and welcome. And he is more than happy to make schtuff. And yell at me for using a level one hammer at level 17 /cough. And he helped me through the Titan fight when I was near tears. And bought me new gear. So RP with him or I will spank you.

You can find the bio page for Asdrellia below. http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Asdrellia_Pemberton

Just wanted to do a quick update on this. In the weeks I've been playing, I have noticed NPCs in and from Gridania and Ul'Dah to be the ones who say 'anyroad' but I've not noticed any from Limsa (though I have not had quests from there in a while). I have recently come across the words gainsay and wroth in the main story quests. Hope the definitions help people to understand what NPCs are saying. Adding to this post Kith and kin Apropros Once I have time, I will be updating the main post.

OOC INFO Just wanted to give people a heads up. The IC letters might be going out a little slower. Due to the stupidly low LS member count, I had to ask Des to remove Barnabaix from the Driftwood Coast LS. I was having the player of the character use the LS to see who was on, but I also do not want to keep potential members from being able to join. So I am having the player of Barnabaix do it the old fashioned way by using the Search function. Your character may also get a friend request by Barnabaix if they have trouble finding you. Hopefully when more room is made in the LS he can go back in. The story will continue, just a bit slower. Thanks for understanding!

Asdrellia sat in the tower, watching other conjurors walk by about their business. She had sent Brother E-Sumi a letter before her arrival about something important she had on her mind. She was still young, and had thought more than once about starting a family. But she wanted to know if that would happen. The young hyur approached, smiling and holding out his hands. Asdrellia took them in hers as she stood. "It is good to see you, Asdrellia. What can I do for you?" "I m-must ask you to ... I ... " she sighed, taking a deep breath. "I have someone I d-deeply care for, and have thoughts of starting a f-family in the future. But I n-need to know, if I can bare children." Brother E-Sumi raised a brow. "Not a request we get often, but yes. I do know the prayer to speak to the elements on such things. Come, follow me." Turning on his heel, he led Asdrellia through many hallways and past fountains and gardens to a small but spacious room. "Sit, please. I will be right back." She nodded, getting comfortable in the chair she saw, relaxing to the sounds of trickling water nearby. Brother E-Sumi returned with two other conjurors, the two moving to flank her chair, the guildmaster standing behind her head. "Now, we want you to relax. You will feel a great warmth in your abdomen but please try not to move. I will pray to the elements to gain the answer you seek, Asdrellia. Just know it may not work, as they can be quite fickle." "I und-derstand, guildmaster." She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as the sounds of prayer filled her ears, a warmth building up where Brother E-Sumi said it would. She thought of calming waters, graceful mountains, and a gentle breeze as the three worked. She did not know how long it took, but the warmth suddenly dissipated. Opened her eyes, she saw the frowns on the two before her as they left, shaking their heads. Worry clenched at her gut as Brother E-Sumi came into view, a look of sadness on his face. "Asdrellia. I ... remember when you came to us, young and able to talk to nature so easily?" "Y-Yes." "In those years, you did not know how to channel nature correctly, so you used your own life to do so in order to heal sick plants and care for your family's livestock. In doing so ..." Asdrellia gripped the young hyur's arm, her voice breaking, "Please tell me. I c-can take it." "In doing so, you have affected you body. Asdrellia ... you are barren. There is no chance that you will ever bare a child." Her mind seized, and she swore her heart stopped. What he said was true, she did not come to the tower until her early teen years, and she was using her abilities when she was no more than five. "Is there a way t-to change that?" She had to ask. Perhaps there was something she could do. Brother E-Sumi brought a hand to his chin, lost in thought. "I am not certain. My skills can only do so much, but it is like trying to coax flora to grow in the shifting deserts of Thanalan. Perhaps the alchemists in Ul'Dah know something." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry to give you such bad news, child. But the elements were strong in what they said. Pray upon this and please, talk to me if you need anything else." She watched him leave the room, laying her head back and closing her eyes, tears slipping down her face. Would he be upset with her at such news and want nothing to do with her? How does one even breach such a subject? She prayed to Thaliak to give her the patience and knowledge to know what to do.

Barnabaix sat at the small desk in his room, a room designated to his status as a butler. He did not have many things of his own, as everything of importance was given to him from the Rillemonts. He flipped over a few papers on the desk, until he found the small book that belonged to Ophianne. Opening it up, he took a clean sheet of paper and wrote the name 'Desmond Aryll' in a clean script. His gaze scanned the other names when a soft knock came at his door. "A moment." Closing the book, he hid it and the paper in a drawer before standing and opening the door to his room. The twins stood in the hallway, and he quickly ushered them in. "Sorry to come at such a late bell, but Mae would not leave me alone until I came to a decision." Randafel smiled at his sister who lifted her chin, turning her nose up at him, as she smirked. "And what would that be, Master Rendafel?" Barnabaix had been waiting patiently, time running out. It was not an easy decision and he would not rush the young man. "I wish to take up the arms of a martial arte, and I believe a pugilist would fit me well. And I know Anne trained in that for a time." Barnabaix nodded, patting the boy on the shoulder. "Very good, Master Rendafel. I will send a missive to Master Hext posthaste. Now, you both should be in your chambers. Go, and I will take care of the rest." The young mistress gave the butler a tiny peck on the cheek before following her brother from the room. Closing the door behind them, Barnabaix sighed, returning to the seat at his desk, writing the needed letter to Garston and sealing it. He would sent it out in the morning. But for now, he pulled the book and paper from the drawer, opening it once more and ran a finger down the list of names. He chose one, and smiled, ready to play the game once again. OOC INFO I won't have this in a spoiler tag as it is important, so read on! In the next few days I will be sending out OOC notes to those I have in my friends list and in the guild. Right now in the story, letters are being handed out from an unknown person by the name of 'R. Rillemont' to random people. Within are veiled threats and secrets that would be harmful if gotten out to others. There is an ultimatum as well, wanted to know the name of the one who murdered Ophianne (the one Arry killed in the first chapter of the story). So, please send a private message to me here or reply to the moogle mail about something known about your character or perhaps a rumor that could be found out. All I ask it is needs to be true, something that could damage their reputation or endanger someone they care about. If you don't have anything, let me know as well. I really want to get as many people involved as I can, as this chapter will be a lot of working behind the scenes. ADD: I forgot to put that all interaction with this information will be ICly done in a letter. In no way will it be used outside of that, meaning no shouting it or slipping it into other RP. I promise that.

It had been a few days since meeting Garston, and now the elderly butler sat with the twins next to the roaring fire. It was late, stars twinkling in the evening sky outside the large window. "What news, Barnabaix?" "Good news, Master Rendafel. I have spoken to Master Hext, and he will be sending someone to train you in whatever weapon you wish." "That is wonderful news, brother!" The young elezen nodded, chest puffing out. "I will make mother and father proud. And Anne." His eyes glistened as he said those words, his sister patting him on the hand. "Very good, Master Rendafel. Master Hext bids you make a decision within two days as not not waste any time." "Of course. I shall go to my room and think upon this matter. Thank you, Barnabaix." Rendafel stood from his chair, the elderly butler standing as well, bowing as the boy left. "What about me, Barnabaix?" The butler turned to look at the young girl, a soft smile on his face. "Ah, my dear, you are going to help me in planting seeds within the minds of those found within Mistress Ophianne's book." "Oh truly? That is wonderful!" Barnabaix smiled. She showed as much excitement as Ophianne did when she was asked to do her first assignment. "Come now. We shall need quill and paper, as well as other items." The young girl stood, and Barnabaix gently ushered her from the room. Yes, he will flush the killer out. And perhaps bring more power to the Rillemont name.

Isn't this just common sense? Well... there's a variety of points of view on this, I've found. Personally, I don't emote anything about my character's internal state unless it would be obvious to an onlooker from her actual actions ("L'yhta's tail rises, peeking out from behind her shoulder in interest"); I prefer to show, not tell, as much as possible. Since my character's not a mind-reader, like DAISHI, I also don't respond to people's emotes of internal state unless, again, it'd be obvious to my not especially socially perceptive character. Throwing out thoughts and beliefs that characters aren't privy to doesn't really help RP very much, IMO, because they can't be responded to ICly without metagaming. It can come off as needless emote showboating or even trollish if your inner monologue is disparaging of another character, as they can't respond to it ICly and just have to "take it." If you need to let a person in on what's going on with your character to help with RP, an OOC tell is probably the better way to do it as there's no question of etiquette at that point. Glad you mentioned metagaming, that's one of the big principles of the hting. Instead of getting upset, have you tried sending them a tell? Amazing how much OOC communication helps. They could still be learning how to RP or may not know the right way. I admit I fall into doing it sometimes, mainly as I am used to RP on forums for many many years. But I guess I've also taught myself how to "look past" and realize when a person just wants to RP but might not know how to "fit in".