Tyriont

That's where I'll be flying into Once I get some concrete dates set, we'll have to arrange to meet up for a pint or ten before I head up to Norwich.

They do when they're the ones who insist on going "I've not heard of this 'weapon skill' of which you speak" or insist on writing macros which throw "Altana deliver us!" in party chat every time they hit cure (both examples I've personally witnessed). It's those types that people mostly complain about - and the problem is, since most of us are respectful of those who don't wish to be involved in RP and don't force it upon them, that type of player is the one they have most experience with - leading them to assume we're all like that. I think we can all agree that especially once you hit endgame in an MMO, RP can get in the way of accomplishing certain events. I think back to the CoP static I was a part of in FFXI, which contained several current RPC members. We were in character for the most part, but we certainly dropped out to discuss strategy and focus on the fights, especially once we approached the end of the storyline. There are people out there who refuse to do even that much and a number of the commenters (several of which seem to have revised their opinion, so kudos there) seem to have the belief that all RPers do that. Again, it's because that tends to be the type they've had most exposure to. Fortunately things like this interview, the incorporation of the RPC podcast into a setting with a larger audience and various other initiatives undertaken by RPC members give us a golden opportunity to change that viewpoint.

I'm probably gonna be returning to the UK for a visit this winter I shall also second Texas, since there's a chance I can actually get there reasonably cheaply Nothing big really tends to happen in Oklahoma >.>

The term "vocal minority" springs to mind. Those commenting aren't the people we're wanting to attract anyway and the crew running Zam have been in the game long enough to realize that way more people read articles than comment on them. If a bunch of people who don't take the time to look into what we're about instead of going "Hurr RP lol" and slapping their dicks against each other don't like us then that's no real loss to us. However, in looking over the comments I don't see anything to worry about. I really haven't seen anything truly mean-spirited in the whole 8 replies thus far. As far as responses go, I'd advise caution. As I said, I really don't think that there's much negativity at all, just a little light prodding...and hell, we poke fun at ourselves in worse ways than I've seen in what's there. If we get a bunch of RPC members posting essentially the same information (and I think Brin did a good job in his post, with little that needs expanding on) it just makes us look like we're all butt-hurt over some fairly innocuous comments. The interview was good for what we're needing at this point. Frankly, I think the lack of the truly vitirolic comments is a very positive change given some of the responses I've seen to RP posts on the Zam boards in the past. At the end of the day, there's really not much to comment on in relation to the article. I think most who would read it who would be interested in it won't post. They'll read it, go "oh, cool" and move on, possibly making a mental note to watch for an announcement when we do settle on a server. Pageviews are the true measure of an article's success, which we don't have access to.

...my computer blowed up and I might not have the parts replaced under warranty for up to 2 weeks. So naturally, this would be an option now. FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

You invite a friend over to your house for the afternoon. Describe what your friend would see upon entering your home. Well, first they'd probably notice that it's not a house. It's a ship. See, while we've got a couple safehouses knocking around the only place I really call home is the Flame itself. So we'll go with "upon stepping off the gangplank" instead. In which case, they'd likely see some of the crew taking care of the day to day maintenance of the ship - checking the rigging, things like that. Depending on the time of day you'll probably find ol' WL passed out drunk on the deck somewhere. Heading down the steps below deck you'll find a few side rooms, two of which lead to large bunk areas for the crew to sleep. Should we make the way over to my cabin, you'd see a relatively simple bed large enough for two people. There's a window that looks out over the ocean and next to that there's a chess board with some strangely carved pieces. There's a writing desk too, as well as a "wine" rack filled with bottles of rum. A banner with the emblem of the Phoenix Pirates is hanging over the bed. During the casual small-talk that ensues, your friend asks you if you have read any good books lately. How do you respond? Lately I've been spending a lot of time reading through this book I picked up from a troupe of travelling performers. It's all about the art of improvisation, getting locked into a character and coming up with things on the fly. Piracy isn't all about raiding and pillaging...at least, not the way we do it. I'll often run into situations that call for a more...subtle touch and I'm always looking for ways to improve the skills I need. It doesn't help that I find the whole subject fascinating either...can thank Dad for that one. Your friend eventually leaves, and you're still bored. Restless, you leave the house and set out for a walk. Describe the neighborhood you live in. Well, depending on where we're docked that'll affect what kind of port it is. But for argument's sake, let's say we're docked in the place we most consider home - Limsa Lominsa. Granted, most of you are pretty familiar with it already so I don't need to go into too much detail there. I love the town, more than any of the other large cities we spend time in. There's just something more...real about it, y'know? The people are honest. Well, for pirates and brigands, but you know what I mean. Sure, half of 'em will shank you and steal your shoes soon as look at you...but they're honest about it. You wnid up in a place around a bunch of nobles and business types, you never know what they're really after. Someone talks to you there, you have to constantly watch yourself, make sure you don' slip up and give them some bit of information they're gonna use against you. Here, you know exactly what they're after. Especially if you're wearing nice shoes. The smell of the sea air, the fish being offloaded, the yells of the sailors turning the air as blue as the sea...it's comforting. Well, to me. Oh no! An orphan is in trouble! Down the street from where you stand, a small street urchin is being bullied by three larger youths. What do you do about it? Ah, now it might seem a little wierd to you but ol' Cap'n Ty doesn't like to see injustice done. It's just that my sense of injustice might be a little...different than some. Mainly those who want to try and arrest me. But I digress! In this case, I'd casually walk over to them while twirling my favorite gun. This one, ain't she a beauty? But anyway, you' be amazed that the effect an impressive firearm has on the kids. After getting their attention, they might turn on me...especially if we're talking about a back alley in the Limsa port. So I'd whap one of them upside the head with the butt of the gun. That normally shows them I mean business. Most of those kids, they rely on fear to get what they want. Soon as you stand up to them, they run off with their tails between their legs. I'd probably toss the kid a few gil and send him off to grab a bite to eat, subtle-like so they don't realize he's got money now. I'm just that kind. I know, I know...but I can't help it, it's in my nature to be fantastic. Adventure time! The next day, still restless, you decide that what you need is a good change of pace. How do you pack for your four-day road trip to Ishgard? Hmmm...well, let's say for argument's sake I've decided to go on foot as opposed to taking the Flame. You did say a change of pace, after all. First off, there's the obvious sundries - grab the sword, the gun and enough bullets to last. Supplies to maintain both of them as well, naturally. A good supply of bread and cheese - those tend to last out just in case hunting down something to cook doesn't pan out. Of course...you said four days, right? No less than four bottles of rum, then. Other than that, just the basic essentials that anyone travelling should have...flint and kindling to start a fire, a good sharp hunting knife and a few bottles for water. I'll normally have my wood-carving knife with me as well. It's a good way to whittle away a few hours by a campfire. Get it? Whittle away a few hours? Carving wood? No? Ah well. Along your journey, you spot some bandits waiting at a bridge across a wide but slow moving river up ahead of you. They haven't seen you yet. You need to cross the bridge to get to where you're going. How do you handle the situation? Depends on what you mean by some, really. Let's say for argument's sake, there's three. I'd load my gun and sneak into range, hopefully without being spotted. Again, to keep things simple let's say I pull that off. I'll fire off three shots and try to kneecap each of 'em. Croix could pull it off much quieter and from a longer distance, but he's a hell of a better shot than I am. So let's say I manage to cap two of them, the third comes at me. I'll have the sword ready and try to take him down as well. Not kill him, just...hurt him a bit. Once he's incapacitated, I'll take any gil I can find from the two I kneecapped and toss them into the river. It's slow, they'll be fine. Then I'll threaten the third with the same treatment unless he shows me where their stash is. Once he does, I'll take that too. Then toss him into the river as well. Don't look at me like that, pirates and bandits are different. Well, my lot are. Bandits like that, they don't discriminate with who they target. They'll happily take the shirt off a poor old man's back without a second thought. You have just arrived for the first time in a new big city. Where do you go first? The pub. Not just for the booze either, although that's for sure a major concern. No, the best way to get the feel for a city is to find a busy pub and just talk to people for a bit. You'll learn more that way than any other about what's going on, who to avoid and who can be trusted. Plus, booze. For being the 1,000th tourist to the city, you have been given a 6,000 gil voucher to spend as you like at the Ishgard Department Store (think FFXIV version of Macy's). What do you spend it on? 6,000 gil? Alright, free rum! I'd stock up as much of that as I can reasonably carry - again, assuming the Flame is left back in Limsa. After that, I'd use the rest to repair and replace the gear I used getting there in the first place. All of that shopping has made you deliriously hungry. What sort of food establishment do you seek out for lunch? Back to the pub! I love good pub food. It's real cooking, not that fancy crap you get at upscale places where they'll make you pay a few thousand for a sodding apple. No, give me a thick, juicy steak pie with a pint of the house ale. Five months later and safely back at home, you realize the Winter Festival is approaching! What sort of present do you pick out for your mother (or nearest living relative, or closest friend)? Mum likes the magical arts a lot, so some sort of talisman she can use in her research, I reckon. For Dad, I'd try and track down some sheet music that I don't think he's found yet. That's getting harder and harder, though...

Yeah, I'm avoiding the other boards and deliberately NOT reading the information posted. Screenshots, yes. Opinions, no. I remember the FFXI community. I was part of the Warhammer Online beta. I remember those communities. I have therefore installed a mental filter that exchanges the text of anyone involved with the beta who I don't already trust the opinion of (i.e. the members of the RPC) with this: I wouldn't worry too much at this point. Even if they do push things not totally ready and give us patches up the arse in the first few weeks, it could be a lot worse. I point to the example of Warhammer Online. We were promised independent cities for each faction, we were promised massive, world-spanning events...we got two cities. The other four got cut with the promise of "we'll add them in later". They didn't. Ever. SE are going to leave in some stuff that pisses us the hell off. The linkshell thing will probably remain. I see them taking an "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality here and from all the FFXI feedback I saw developers get through Q&A sessions I don't remember it ever coming up. So they probably didn't rate it as a high priority to change. For better or worse, SE seem to be ignoring what a lot of other MMOs have done in favor of learning from their own past experiences with FFXI. How effective that strategy is remains to be seen. I also don't think it's fair to evaluate everything as a package. Granted, I've not been in the beta myself but the few snippets I've picked up as well as some of the earlier comments in this thread make it sound like SE tested one area, then shut it back down in order to test another. This makes sense to me. Evaluate the different pieces separately in closed beta, work on the issues then test them as a more complete package in open beta. Arma's point about the difference in Guildleve cooldown between Alpha and Beta is a good example of this. Bottom line, don't get disheartened. Because at the end of the day, all the other stuff is just gravy. We're not like most of the people who will be playing this game. How many of us would have stuck out FFXI as long as we did without the RP communities we were parts of? There will be aggravations within FFXIV, but all I've seen thus far indicates it's by and large significantly improved over FFXI. And thanks to the efforts here (and largely thanks to Castiel), we've managed to vastly improve the one thing in FFXI that really kept most of us coming back. The RP community. That's there and rocking. Who's awesome? You're awesome. I'm awesome. We're all awesome.

Looking at these Roegadyn names: Smydhaemr Syngsmyd Waekbyrt Aergwynt There is only one conclusion that can be made. I'm sorry, Roegadyn players. You're WELSH.

My plan is simple. I live in a redneck state and am a member of a medieval society. This gives me easy access to three things - guns, swords and horses. My plan varies depending on survivors. In the event that somehow I am the only one left alive, I will retrieve the largest of our horses (I'm thinking Tex, he seems to be the most likely to do what I intend). I will load up with a shotgun, as many bullets as I can carry, molotov cocktails and two swords. I shall then find a large group of zombies. Toss the cocktails, empty the shotgun into them and then take a sword in each hand and ride the horse through, taking out as many as I can. Because in the event that I'm the last survivor I'm screwed anyway. If I'm going to go out, I'm going to do it in the most badass way possible. Should I not be the only survivor, I gather up as many of my fellows as possible and we arm ourselves to the teeth based upon whatever an individual's specialty happens to be. We then go and hunt out other survivors, making sure to track down anyone who fills in a "dies first in a horror movie" cliche so that we increase our own odds of surviving. As the foreign jerk, I'm in quite a lot of danger myself so I will pointedly seek out jive-talking black men and grizzled old military veterans, doing everything I can to help them reconcile with their estranged child as soon as possible so their death is ensured before mine. Bonus points if I can locate an old cop who is one day from retirement.

I used to play MTG, but the only people I can find around here are competetive players and frankly, I lack the desire to drop that much money just to keep up.

pyoo-juh-list http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pugilist So your second option would be the closest one.

The hooded man's contact took a bag of gil that had been placed on the table and left the satchel in place, quickly moving out of the tavern. Slipping the vials inside his robe, the hooded man carefully placed the satchel over his shoulder and stood to leave, scanning the room one last time as he left. His gaze lingered momentarily on the red-headed Elezen by the card table. He was certain the man matched a description he had heard some time ago and it vexed him that he was unable to place it. Ensuring his hood was firmly in place, he turned and pushed the door open to leave. There was no time to dwell on odd feelings, much work needed to be done.

Pretty much. Not to sound overly-cynical, but it's just another selling point to put on the ad in order to make the list of "cool crap we're giving you!" a little longer.

Aye, when I originally suggested the idea it was meant less as a radio play and more as a "book on tape" type of deal. While I certainly see the appeal of getting guildies to act out the various parts, I think one person narrating it lends a greater air of professionalism and ensures consistent quality. If it were remaining RPC-exclusive then I'd be all for the other way, but given that we're going to be reaching out to a larger audience I think consistency is key.

Good stuff as always. I have a thought on the in-character segment proposal, assuming the discussions are still open in this regard. I completely agree with you in relation to an "in-character" segment not being that great of an idea. That type of thing came up during the thread on voice communication and most people agreed it just lead to increased problems. But there is a way I can think of to hit something similar. Pretty much everyone is familiar with the concept of books on tape. What if the various guilds were encouraged to submit either a thread from their forums or a story style write-up of an event they held that could be read in that regard? It would give a feel for the type of RP the guild in question uses and might help bring in new members as well as maybe going some ways towards achieving the goal of having an in-character statement that was requested. There would need to be a minimum and maximum length of course, as well as possibly some restrictions on content. Submissions could be evaluated and selected by those running the podcast (as putting it to a public vote runs the risk of the larger guilds running roughshod over the smaller ones simply due to the likelihood of people voting for the story that came from their own guild). Of course *cough* someone would be needed to fulfil the role of narrator *cough* and in the event *cough* someone from the guild in question either isn't available or doesn't want to play that role should their piece be selected *cough* I woud be happy to offer my smooth, soothing English tones for the task. Cough.

While Wednesdays don't ever work for me, next time you record on a Tuesday I'd love to get in on this as a potential guest host. Sadly I wasn't able to get my system up and running in time to be more involved from the offset of the podcast, but I should be in good shape now. Skype - Tyriont

The man calling himself Marneus rolled his eyes and returned to his original seat, replacing his hood properly along the way. The young fool had driven the old woman off and he was unlikely to learn more now. No matter, it would have likely been a fruitless line of inquiry anyway. Almost as soon as he settled himself again, the bone reappeared from inside his sleeve and resumed the dance between his fingers. A few moments later, the door swung open and a cheery blonde Hyur Midlander man entered, spying the table and hopping into the seat opposite the hooded man. A satchel clanked noisily at his side as he grinned in greeting. "Evening D...sorry, "Marneus" he said with a wink. "Got your stuff right 'ere. I'm assuming you're gonna want to inspect it before paying like always, but I gotta insist you do it right 'ere. 'ad some try and run out on me without payment." He pulled the satchel into his lap and unlatched it, passing three small vials across the table. "Just some small samples. Got the rest in the bag if they're to your liking. Tak your time." The hooded man set the three vials in front of him and uncorked each one in turn. The first contained a white, powdery substance which he dipped his finger into and tasted with a nod. The second was filled with a deep red liquid, this one he examined with a quick sniff. The third and final vial was home to a viscous green goo. He held it up to the light and peered through it, checking for translucency. "They appear to be...acceptable. The quality on this" he said, holding up the third vial "is somewhat lacking. It shall be sufficient for current needs, but I would suggest that you take care to improve the quality of your goods should you wish to continue our business arrangement."

It shows up oddly if you don't have the right language pack installed, or are using IE. In which case you fail anyway. But under other, not crap browsers, it looks like a little pirate guy.

Marneus' interest was piqued. A device such as that could have powerful uses...if it truly communicated the old woman's thoughts, it was not beyond the realm of possibility that it could be harnessed for other purposes...perhaps her expressed difficulty at controlling which thoughts it revealed could be turned outwards. An item to read the thoughts of others...such a tool would be useful indeed. He glanced at the red-headed Elezen as he spoke, rolling his eyes at what came out of the man's mouth. Surprisingly, he mused, the dim-witted fool may be onto something. Not that it was too difficult to figure out, of course...there were only so many reasons the woman would be unable to talk for herself. Nevertheless, she had indicated it was hard to control and the cretin was obviously trying to bait her...perhaps if he riled her up enough, something would slip. Either way, it was certainly easier than trying to coax information out himself. He took a seat and listened curiously. He would learn more of the item before the night was out, that much was certain. His contact could wait.

Yeah, I'm waiting to give Az a chance to respond since that would seem to follow the natural conversation flow. It's been a while since I engaged in forum RP myself, but it's all good. We're all figuring it out as we go for the most part

Sending out tickets now! I'm there as - surprise, surprise - Tyriont.

The hooded man did not look up at Cassondra's inquiry, his gaze still scanning the room. "Leave me be." He greatly disliked being in an exposed area like this and was growing increasingly certain his contact had chosen the meeting place specifically to put him off guard. There were matters needing his attention and he once again cursed the necessity of obtaining supplies in this manner, but what he sought was not something found on a typical market stall. An irritated grunt passed his lips as a Miqo'te he found obnoxiously loud stood up and tried to cheer the barmaid. The bone passing between his fingers gathered speed. He observed as the old woman approached and his interest was piqued as he realized she was speaking...yet not speaking. His sight fell upon the amulet around her neck and noticed the mild glow as she "spoke". He had heard of such items before, but had not seen one in person. Certainly, he had not expected to see such a rarity in this wretched establishment. He glanced around the room once more, debating a gamble. As their conversation progressed, it became even more obvious than at first glance that the woman would not easily part with the item. No, he rather had the feeling her death would be a requirement for that and he was not willing to risk it. Regardless, he knew enough of curses not to assume any enchantment upon the amulet would not be lost with the current bearer's death. Certainly, he would have placed such a clause himself had he been the creator...it was simple foolishness to allow one's secrets to be studied so easily. Nevertheless...another glance around and he decided a small measure of exposure was worth the risk. Besides, he had seen the boy's lackeys on the docks earlier while conducting a transaction of his own and presumed that they would likely be tied up with whatever business of the noble's they had apparently gotten involved with. The bone between his fingers vanished inside his robes. Standing from his table he moved over to the group, taking a moment on the way to compose himself and get into character. It would not benefit him to allow his disgust for the wretched gathering to show through. No, his..."public face" would be needed here, no matter how distateful the requirement was to him. Sacrifices must be made in the pursuit of knowledge. As he arrived at the table, he reached up and pulled his hood back slightly to reveal his gaunt face, white hair pulled back tightly. He kept the hood around his head however, so that only those close by could get a clear look at him. His face was smoothed into a neutral expression - warmth was beyond him, the best he could do was disguise his contempt. "Good day. Pray forgive the interruption but I could not help but overhear your conversation. I know something of curses and your amulet is intriguing. If you would be so kind as to indulge it I would hear of how it came into your care, as well as what the curse you speak of might be." He paused a moment, trying to recall the meaningless pleasantries that would be expected. Normally he had more preparation time when gathering information in such a manner. A memory sparked. "Of course, one should introduce oneself. I am a scholar in the field of such...rare items. My name is Marneus Lanviade."

I would, but busy Wednesdays. Sometime I'll find a way on, however! Then nothing will ever be the same again. Bwahahahahaaa.