Roen

I completely empathize with looking for an RP outlet online after losing your tabletop group. I was in an 5 year long campaign that took over my creative life for that time span, and when that story finished, we lost the group due to moves and real life changes. I had this void to fill suddenly. Then I discovered FFXIV! I find that first thing I had to relearn (I had played through text RP before... 10 years ago) how to describe things in text. Tabletop is SO much easier, DM is describing almost everything and I just had to act out my character. In an MMO, you have to text it out. Some emotes are fitting to use at times, but not all. I mostly /em the descriptions. As for a long arc of a story, COMPLETELY doable, as long as you have a group of trusted players to carry it out with. We have regular OOC discussions on ideas and brainstorms, although never scripted since this is RP after all. I have been surprised more than once in a scenario that *I* planned! And of course I love it when I find my character thrown into a situation that totally catches me by surprise. That's kind of the beauty of RPing in an MMO I find. While I can run an arc with others, there are still PLENTY of room for other players to throw their own twists and surprises that makes it a spontaneous, dynamic, and an evolving story. Everyone can be a mini-GM of sorts for particular scenario, affect the overall arc and maybe even turn it upside down from where it was headed. Wherever you go, I hope you have fun on however you RP in an MMO. That's all that really matters in the end. But from one tabletop RPer to another, I think you will find what you are looking for.

I should be able to make Thursday nights and Friday nights, although I do not see Rae taking part in any combat so I wouldn't take my character's participation into heavy consideration for this. She is definitely a non-combatant. Kind of.

"Roen, are you ready?" Roen felt the cold slap of the shallow stream against her cheek as she hit the pebbled ground hard, her sword clanking loudly against wet stone as she braced herself for the fall. She pushed herself up and rolled to the side, away from the thick pink tongue that shot out at her with the quickness of a snake. She snatched up her sword again from the watery floor, securing her grip around the hilt. Her grey eyes narrowed to meet the green reptilian pupils that flitted this way and that. The massive amphibian's tongue was already retracted back into his giant maw, and she could see it coil within, as if to ready itself for another strike. The giant toad looked hungry. "You sure you want to go through with this?" She could hear Natalie's words in her head even as she raised her shield. The toad's tongue thudded hard against it, rattling her arm. Roen spun as the tongue retracted, water splashing around her feet as she darted forward and slashed at the giant reptile. Her blade found its mark true, and the slick yellow-green skin split easily, but the beast seemed not at all affected by it, even as yellow blubber began to ooze out from where she had struck. It hopped into the air where it stood, although when it landed, the impact of it sent her skidding backwards, her boots scrapping against the rocks below her feet. "Do you think I am not ready?" Roen had answered to Natalie's question with one of her own. This was her final Trial. She had faced against the undead, set against them by Erik, her first mentor and the Sultansworn who would give her the Trial of Faith. Her faith was tested in that she would stand alone against whatever evils and adversaries were set before her, and her faith was answered that she would not face them alone. Erik joined her in her fight that night, smiting undead alongside her. Her second trial was given by Anelia, who ironically was her second mentor, and also Sultansworn. Anelia was as rigid and unforgiving as ever, just as Roen had remembered. She brought Roen and Kage -- the lalafell friend who was also undergoing the trials with her -- to Vesper Bay, to teach them the lesson of politics; the conflicts between Monetarists and Royalists, the authority of Brass Blades, and the obligation and responsibilities of a Sultansworn. There was only a battle of words in her Trial, and Roen was not sure that she had passed when Anelia dismissed them both to return home. But when Natalie led her out into the Western Thalanan, towards the bridge leading to Horizon, she was hopeful that this last trial would finalize her path to becoming Sultansworn. From Natalie's first few questions, Roen wondered if her current and third Sultansworn mentor thought she was not ready for the Trials or the mantle. "Speak your mind, Natalie. I would hear it." Roen said frankly. The miqo'te Sultansworn narrowed her green eyes, looking at her apprentice. "Roen, this is a hard life. You will risk your life tonight, but it will not be the last time," she said, placing her hand on her hip. "You've left your training before, for personal reasons, but should you pass... that will not be an option." Natalie met Roen's gaze and held it. "I just need to make sure you are ready." Roen inhaled deeply, straightening. She had chosen her family over her duties, and it had nearly cost her the chance of becoming a paladin. Ser Jenlyns was not forgiving, but Natalie had been. Perhaps this was her mentor's reminder that one only gets few second chances in life. "I know," Roen said. "But committing to this, becoming Sultansworn... I am doing it because of them. My family inspired me to do this. I want to protect them, as well as all the other people who call this place home. As I do. Is that not worth it?" "I can't make that decision for you." Natalie smiled. "But it was for me. I just need to make sure you're doing it for you, and for no one else." Roen nodded. "As a Sultansworn, I think I can do more good. For my family, and for others." Natalie looked at her for a long moment. "Very well," she said quietly, and led her to the edge of the cliff next to the bridge, overlooking the deep gorge below them. She pointed to the giant amphibian roaming the river bed below. The rotund, hulking toad was big enough for Roen to easily spot from where they stood. "That thing has eaten two patrols of brass blades, and countless caravans." Natalie said cooly. "But a Sultansworn will kill it." She turned to face Roen, crossing her arms. "You spoke of doing good for people. Slay that beast." Roen swallowed, but nodded. This was the Trial of Courage. She now understood why. The beast had to be at least twenty fulms high. Often a group of multiple guards were recruited to take such a thing down. This day, she would face it alone. She ignored the twisting knot in her belly as she turned and trotted across the bridge and down the wooden railing that led down to the river below. Ten yalms away, it had not spotted her yet. Roen unsheathed her sword and gripped her shield. She could see its slimy skin glistening under the Thalanan sun. Its slitted eyes darted this way and that as it roamed the river bed. Her brows bent with determination. She spun her sword once in her hand, and charged. "Ugh!" A grunt escaped her lips as the toad landed hard on the river again, the rippling waves its impact caused finally upsetting her balance and sending her stumbling backwards. The creature's tongue took the opportunity to wrap itself around her leg, yanking her toward it at an alarming speed. Roen's sword slipped from her hand again, clattering against the rocks behind her. She was being dragged on the wet ground by her foot like a rag-doll. Something about the slime of the giant beast's tongue made her skin turn cold, her muscles stiff. She had been fending off most of its strikes, but every time its tongue slid off her shield or gauntlet, it flicked its greenish slime onto her face and neck. She felt the tingling immediately. Without a sword in hand, she saw the beast's jaws open wide. Roen lifted her shield, still bound tight around her arm, and slammed its sharp edge against the tongue that was wrapped around her leg. The fleshy thing split easily, green slime spurting everywhere. The giant toad let out a deep bawling noise as it flailed its head side to side. Roen took the opportunity to skitter back, although her limbs were not moving as fast as her mind told it to. She reached into into her side pouch, drawing out a vial. She continued to skitter back further as she uncorked it with her teeth and pouring the contents into her mouth. She was not sure if it was the effect of the healing potion or the grip of urgency that warmed her limbs, but she scrambled back to her feet. She quickly retreated back, bracing herself against the unsteady waves that came rushing after her, her hand reaching into the water to retrieve her sword. Spinning it once more in her hand, she summoned aetheric energies to her, red and blue lightening cracking around her feet, weaving energy into her feet and arms. She charged forward, shield raised, sword singing its steel song. The giant toad fell limp onto the ground, its eyes lifeless, its massive form oozing yellow substances everywhere she had cut it. It took more than twenty (thirty?) slashes to bring it down finally. The layers of fat it had beneath its skin had armored it well. Roen leaned forward, her hands on her knees, her chest falling rising and falling with heavy breaths. Her red locks were slick with both slime and river water, as was her Sultansworn armor and tabard. "Well..." a familiar voice called from behind her. "I had no idea that would happen." She turned to see Natalie standing there, along with C'kayah and Kage. The miqo'te Sultansworn was grinning from ear to ear. The same expression was on her companions as well as they all looked to her. "I didn't think you could kill it. I thought to teach you courage by giving you a hopeless battle." Natalie said, clearly impressed. "Little did I know." "You'll have to try again, then..." C'kayah chuckled. Roen blinked, her eyes darting between all of them. She had no idea how long they had been in the river bed with her. Then Natalie's words finally sunk in. "That was... you what?" Natalie shrugged, glancing to those behind her. "We were here to help you, should you be overwhelmed." She smiled. "However, I may have underestimated you." "Oh." Roen exhaled finally, a smile emerging at last. "Well, had I known, I would not have been so..." She then paused and shook her head. "But then again, that would not have tested my courage, would it?" "No," Natalie laughed heartily. "It wouldn't have." "We knew early on that you would not need us." Kage beamed at her, glancing back towards Natalie and C'kayah. "Applicants Kiryuu and Deneith." Natalie's tone sobered quickly. "Front and center!" Roen straightened, stepping forward in attention before the miqo'te Sultansworn. Kage stepped up beside her. Natalie looked to them both, her eyes narrowed, her expression intent. "By the reports of the other two knights, and my own observations, I declare you to have passed the trials. You are now for all intent and purposes, acting Sultansworn. You will be contacted within a week on the oath swearing ceremony." Natalie nodded to them both, allowing a slight smile to break her austere countenance. "Congratulations. Both of you." Roen could barely manage to suppress her joy, much less the smile splitting her lips. She looked to Kage who wore an irrepressible grin of his own. "Thank you," Kage said, jubilant. "Aye. Gratitude," Roen added. "I will see you at the ceremony. And then..." Natalie walked up to them both, putting her hand on their shoulders, one in turn. "I look forward to us standing together. Shield to shield." "As do I!" Kage was still grinning ear to ear. "Shield to shield," Roen said quietly, nodding to Natalie. Natalie walked away from them, spun around sharply with a salute. "Sultansworn!" Roen and Kage both answered with a crisp salute. "Dismissed," Natalie declared. Then another smile rose to her lips and she laughed. She stepped forward this time, as a friend, and gave them a warm embrace. Roen returned the embrace, closing her eyes for a moment. "Thank you," she whispered into Natalie's ear. Natalie leaned back. "I should be thanking you. I could not ask for better apprentices." She glanced to both of them, a look of mischief in her green eyes. "Now I should let you two celebrate." She gave them a wave and joined C'kayah who was seated quietly on a rock, watching them all with a delighted smile. Natalie began to walk away with her beau, then glanced back to Roen and Kage over her shoulder. "Just don't get so crazy that I have to pluck you from a Brass Blades jail cell!" Roen and Kage regarded each other. "Let us celebrate," Roen said boldly. "I will buy you a drink!" That statement alone was surprising, being that she herself did not drink, but if any occasion called for an exception, this would be it. "I will do the same!" Kage beamed. The lalafell eyed Roen up and down critically however looking each other over. "Perhaps we should also change." "I should get this cleaned before the ceremony." Roen made a face as she glanced at her Sultansworn armor and tabard. "That thing had a very long tongue." "We should both get cleaned up. Then a drink! At Momodi's!" Kage grinned and waved as he trotted away. Roen went to the gorge and washed away what slime she could in the running water, before she too climbed up the wooden steps, her legs finally starting to grow heavy with the exhaustion earned by the day's trial. She did not see the woman waiting for her on the road from Horizon until she was nearly upon her. It was Ana Deneith, Roen's adoptive mother. And from her distraught expression, something was terribly terribly wrong. "Ana...?" Roen called out, her chest sinking with dread. The story continues in this post.

Aw.. boo. I was looking forward to Roen wearing a dress! Ah well. At least she can come in uniform!

The main wiki link on the bar gets me the page full of symbols. I can still go to specific character's wiki pages.

Ha! It does look like Roen got swallowed up by that Giant Toad! Love it! But I am a sucker for romantic shots like this. ^ *swoon* And I did NOT know you can combine emotes. :bouncy:

I regret not reading this post earlier for the title. Because it is hilarious.

Elysia, you are so cute. Adorable. I just had to say it.

Well, I might have someone I could have pulled in to do this. Because that player LOVES to play NPCs. But if you already have candidates, no worries! I'd only ask the player to do it if you had no one else to fill the role. I think it is a great idea though.

I keep looking for this thread in the Balmung Events folder. >.< Maybe put it up on the calendar as well?

So I read this on the drug thread: .... Rae is going to stop hanging out Gridania now. >.> I am happy to hear the story kicking off! *goes to read the post* Rae has already met a few members... with a fight to start it all off.

I personally think a little laxity and creativity is FINE when it comes to recreational drugs in Eorzea, as long as the source is found in game and seems reasonable (like moko grass). Pharmaceutical companies, and just some creative people, have discovered how to turn seemingly innocent herbs/wildlife into something that has additional/addictive properties in our own history. I'd be happy to use drugs mentioned in this thread IC. I think it's great! And if a criminal element want to spread around and sell some drugs, I'd be happy to play along. (I may have a customer for you as well! ) I've used somnus in RP has having heroin like properties. Dreamweed does pop up here and there as a toxic/dangerous and highly illegal substance as well.

A choke hold. That's what Natalie said to do. A hand over the mouth and an arm around the throat. They both quietly approached the two lookouts from behind, and before Roen could blink, Natalie was dragging off one of them without a sound. But hers was on the wooden stairs, and when Roen stepped onto the plank, it creaked. It was just enough sound to make the sentry turn his head slightly, his eyes going wide in alarm just as she reached him. She felt him struggle as she wrapped her arm around his neck, his feet kicking the wooden ground. It was loud enough to be heard by those below. "The sentries!" came a cry, from where the other four were gathered below. Roen began to drag the man in her arms backwards, and as she did so she slowly felt his struggle lessen from being robbed of air. But her eyes shot to the first figure that charged up the stairs, an older man, armored in chain coif and mail, his blade drawn. "Ruva, wait--!" came a call from below. "ALA MHIGO!!" The first man let out a booming cry, heedless of the protests behind him. "Curses! You cover me now!" Kage yelled, standing up and drawing his staff. Natalie rushed forward with her sword and shield, ready to meet the man they called Ruva, trying to place herself in front of Kage. Roen heard a sharp split in the air as an arrow sailed by, just missing the charging man. She quickly spotted C'kayah down below near the base of the stairs behind another outcropping of large stones; the miqo'te was drawing another arrow. Roen shoved the man she had been holding to the side, and he fell to the dirt landing a few yalms below the wooden planks. She drew her short sword, readying herself for combat as the other figures charged up the stairs. She recognized one of them. The gleam of the dark blue armor and the frighteningly large lance he carried... Roen had seen that armor and lance before. It was her Master of Arms. Her mentor. Gharen Wolfsong was rushing up the stairs to meet them, his lance drawn. She froze. Her spinning thoughts held her limbs hostage. She saw Kage casting with his staff in hand, sending crackling dark aetheric energies towards the lancer. With a sinking feeling, Roen saw Gharen falter for a moment in his ascent, one hand going to the wooden stair to steady himself. But Gharen shook his head and remained upright. Kage muttered something about his spell being resisted. Another sharp whistle broke the air; this time a blunt tipped arrow finding its mark on the third figure rushing up the stairs. Roen could see he was a younger highlander, perhaps eighteen winters by his face. He had no weapon in hand, he was rushing up armed only with his bare hands. C'kayah's arrow sent him stumbling forward on the stairs, a low grunt escaping his lips. He looked dazed, but not down. Past him clambered up a highlander girl who also had no weapon in hand. She looked no older than sixteen, but was charging up the stairs to meet them in full fury nonetheless. "Pa!!! They are shootin'!" the girl yelled, her eyes going to the first man who had charged up. She had nearly reached the top of the stairs when she fell forward. "Kuugh!" She grunted, clutching her side. C'kayah's blunt arrow had found another mark, cracking the girl in the ribs. The miqo'te archer leaped over the rock he had been using for cover, running to the base of the stairs. Natalie met Ruva's charge, ducking low with her shield aimed at his legs. That sent the older man stumbling to the ground, but he quickly recovered with a swing of his sword aimed at her midsection. Natalie leaped back just barely dodging the edge of the blade. Their swords clashed, the metallic ringing echoing into the night. And yet Roen could still not move. "Wait--" She finally managed, holding out her hand towards Kage who was preparing another spell. Things were happening too fast. Natalie glanced back to Roen, and she could see that the Sultansworn seemed confused as well. Clearly their war cries and makeup did not speak of smugglers or profiteers. She swung her sword hard at Ruva's trying to knock it away. She backed up a step and planted her weapon into the wooden planks. "All of you! Stop for a moment!" she shouted. Her calls for a pause did not go heeded. Indeed, things were still happening at a breakneck pace. Ruva took a moment given by Natalie to look to the girl -- his daughter -- coming up behind him. "Flee, girl! The boy too! This deal's done!" He began to circle Natalie, seemingly trying to find an opening or buying his daughter some time. The girl did not stop. "Can't, Pa! They are still shootin'!!" As soon as she was back on her feet, she charged for Natalie, trying to tackle the miqo'te. The girl was quick, and had impressive momentum. But she was still no match for a trained and battle-hardened Sultansworn. Natalie caught the girl in her hands and used her momentum to swing the girl back around, sending her crashing into her father. Roen's eyes widened at what followed. The older man was too close to the edge -- and it looked as though they were both going over the side of the bridge. Ruva kicked back at his daughter, shoving her forward and himself away, trying to get her back to the edge of the bridge as much as possible... before he hurtled out of sight, plummeting to the ground at least twenty yalms below. "Daena?!" came another call, the younger man on the bridge sounding panicked. He had risen after being knocked down by C'kayah's arrow, and leaped down to face off against the archer, who now had a barbed arrow trained on him. The highlander girl twitched for a moment, looking at Natalie. There was retaliation in her eyes and her white knuckled fists shook with anger. But when she glanced to the empty space where her father had been, she froze with horror. "Pa!" With a choked sob, she turned and made a dash down the stairs. "I'm coming," she called out, her voice hoarse. "Please... wait. Stop!" Roen cried out, her hands going up, dropping her sword. Even as she did so she saw Gharen leap over them all with quickness and height that seemed almost supernatural. She saw him swing his lance at Kage's feet, knocking him to the ground. But he paused, his helm turning her way. It was obvious he had recognized her voice despite her mask. That was when she heard that familiar sharp hiss in the wind, another arrow let loose. Except this one was not from C'kayah. It was from behind her. She realized too late that the sentry she had released and pushed off to the side had regained his bearings. That's when the piercing pain from behind robbed her of breath and sent her to the ground. "Damn it!!" She heard Natalie cry out. The Sultansworn's face twisted with rage, and in an instant she spun with the swing of her shield, sending its sharpened tip into the throat of the sentry who had just let loose his arrow. The sickening crunch of the spine churned Roen's stomach as the highlander archer crumpled to the ground, blood spurting from his throat. Gharen let out a low feral growl, his lance spinning and slamming onto Natalie's sword arm, stunning her, then spinning and crashing his haft against her feet, knocking her to the ground. He pointed the tip of his deadly lance at her throat, and let out an ear splitting whistle. "Stand down!" "There has been a mistake..." Roen began to say between gasps, but her words were drowned out by a low rumble behind them that also shook the ground. It was all she could do to steady herself on her hands and knees. Natalie fell on top of her protectively, shielding her with her own form. Roen looked back up towards Natalie and Gharen. They both had their hands up to shield their faces, and were looking over their shoulders towards the mine. From the mine entrance now billowed black, ominous smoke. Tendrils of flames could be seen licking out out from the mouth of the cave. Natalie held up one hand towards Gharen as she curled the other under Roen's, helping her to stand. Gharen lowered his lance just a little, and motioned with it toward the descending stairs. That was when the next explosion boomed, deafening them all.

Trouble at the Nanawa Mines Roen struggled to fight off unconsciousness, her vision blurring as she stared at her hands, spread and braced on the ground. She could feel a sensation of warmth rising from her back, just inside her right shoulder blade. A part of her wondered if someone had poured warm water on her back because it was starting to run down her arm. Then the searing pain hit and jolted her out of her daze, nearly buckling her right arm. It was all she could do to remain on her hands and knees. She blinked to try to clear her thoughts, to get her bearings. What just happened? She had been shot. The piercing ache in her back told her that she had been struck by an arrow from behind. The sentry she had failed to knock unconscious had done it too -- the one she had thrown off the side of the bridge when she saw more people rushing up towards her, weapons drawn. It had not been a far fall, only a few yalms down. She was just trying to get him out of the way, out of the way as more armed people came charging up the wooden stair leading up to the Nanawa Mines. These people -- they were not the terrorists or smugglers she and Natalie had been led to believe. They were-- How did this happen? "Roen, what do you think about laws?" Roen arched her eyebrows at Natalie. It was an odd question to be sure. Was this part of her Sultansworn trial? Her mentor had gathered both she and Kage, a lalafell who was also aspiring to be a paladin that Roen had been helping to train, for a special meeting. And it had started with this cryptic question. "They are what we uphold," Roen answered earnestly, looking to the miqo'te Sultansworn standing under the canvas shade of Ruby Road Exchange. Natalie nodded, regarding them both. "I could use some assistance, and I am hoping both of you can help me. But... it might not be entirely legal." When she was answered with a questioning look from both of them, she shrugged. "Think of it as an undercover operation." Natalie chuckled quietly. "Just one that isn't sanctioned by my superiors. If something goes wrong, it will be mostly on my head." "Well if it is on your head..." Kage grinned. "Alright." Roen agreed, not needing to hear more. Natalie raised a brow. "That was easy, Roen. You agree already?" Roen gave her a shrug and a smile. "I trust you. You ask for help, I say yes." The miqo'te Sultansworn seemed to be at a loss for words for a moment, and that did not happen with Natalie often. "A dangerous thing, that... but thank you." Natalie nodded, then leaned in towards both of them. "A shipment of ceruleum has been stolen. We suspect that the primary purpose is to make explosives." She kept her voice low. "This almost went completely under my notice, but I managed to get hired as a mercenary for the heist. So we will have to go in not as ourselves for this deal." Roen blinked. With a glance she could see that Kage was surprised as well. "If the Flames or the Sultansworn stormed in, they would just scatter and we would never figure out who was ordering this and why." Natalie's green eyes flicked to each of them in turn, making sure they were still with her. "I need to know this explosive is not meant for Ul'dah. We are going to go in disguised, and first prevent casualties. So aim to disable, not to kill. Then we try and figure out what where this is headed. And we will stop it if it will endanger Ul'dah." Roen nodded. Her heart was racing already; this would be her first undercover operation. With disguises. She knew she did not do well with any lying or play acting, she had hoped to just stay silent and follow Natalie's lead. They gathered later that afternoon to meet with their "handler," their disguises in place. Roen could not help but be impressed by how different everyone looked. Kage was wearing a caster robe and a large pointy hat that covered most of his face, and Natalie wore fierce-looking face paint, and had colored her hair. She also wore a long thin lance on her back, her plate armor and breast plate traded for a light leather armor. Roen chose a chainmail shirt with boots, and a mask over her face and hair. She left her shield and longsword in her room, opting for a shortsword at her belt. She thought the disguise was good enough, so long as she did not have to talk. Not talking came easy enough, for she was stunned to silence when she met their "handler." He was a dark skinned Keeper miqo'te, with a dark bob of a hair and a sly smirk that she did not forget. Roen had met him before. Many moons ago, in Gridania. Erik had fallen ill, and she and Siha went to try and cheer him up. The miqo'te, Cicero, had walked up and introduced himself as a poet, joining them at their table without an invitation. And here he was again, under a different guise. "Call me Rose." The miqo'te said, his white grin splitting his features. He wore a light tunic and breeches with leather vest and boots, for easy travel. He gave them a flourishing bow. "Shall we?" The Cicero that she had met spoke of flowers and things of beauty, that first day. And he had made them laugh. It didn't seem as though this was the same man at all. "First, some info." Natalie held up her hand. "Who are we stealing this from?" The Keeper miqo'te arched a brow. "Simple smugglers," he purred. "It should go off without a hitch." "And what will you do with it?" Natalie pressed. "I'm fond of this city. It would be bad for business if you blew a hole in it." "So many questions." Cicero said languidly, peering at Natalie. "For a hired mercenary, you sure do ask a lot. Are there perhaps aphids in the garden?" Roen was glad for the mask that hid most of her expression as she felt herself stiffen. But Natalie seemed unfazed. "I'm a mercenary, not a terrorist. I have no problem fighting or stealing from smugglers. But if you have a problem with my questions, speak plainly." Cicero rolled his eyes. "Well, I can guarantee you that the item in question will not be used for any terrorist plot. I would not be so open about my face were I concerned with being named a terrorist." "I'm fine with terrorism." Natalie laughed. "As long as it's not in my backyard. Hard to get a drink if people are blowing shit up." She looked over the Keeper miqo'te and finally nodded. "We're with you then." "So there is honor amongst the thieves of Thalanan," Cicero drawled. "Who would have known." Quiet footsteps behind him drew his attention as he turned around to spot another miqo'te -- this one a Seeker -- approaching the three. "Ah, the star of the show has arrived," Cicero said. "That must mean it is time to raise the curtain." Roen blinked as she recognized the Seeker, again thankful that her mask hid her expression. It was C'kayah Tia, one she had met some time ago through Siha and Erik -- and a male who had also recently become Natalie's beau. She resisted the urge to glance to her Sultansworn mentor as he joined them. C'kayah had been investigated by Natalie in the past and cleared, although the two shared a ...complicated history. Roen has suspected that C'kayah's connections in Ul'dah were vast, and now here he was, working with them on this undercover case. Things had come a long way, it seemed. The group was led by Cicero to the Nanawa Mines. The sun was setting when they approached, and from a distance the mines looked deserted. Cicero held up his hand up to have them stop just behind a large cropping of rocks. Four figures stood at the bottom of the stairs that led up to the mines, with two sentries as lookouts on the top of the stairs. The two sentries both had bow and arrows. Roen could not see the figures clearly in her quick glance towards the mine, but they were facing east, as if looking or waiting for something. "We can go around to the west, I know a path that leads up to the mines." Natalie squinted at the two sentries up top. "Then even if a fight breaks out, they would have to come to us. We would have the higher ground." "I can get into position at the bottom to cover the sentries." C'kayah added, pulling out his bow. "And you can put them to sleep?" Natalie looked to Kage. "I need to be somewhat close." The lalafell nodded. "And I need to be covered so I can finish the cast. I can put down the most dangerous-looking one first." "We'll cover you." C'kayah nodded to Kage, rising slightly to scan the mines over the rocks. He ducked back down. "Six in total," he confirmed. "I'd like it if we can do this without any fatalities. We don't need that sort of attention. Although they look like smugglers after all." The miqo'te who called himself Rose grinned to them all. "This is where the script ends. I leave the rest to you all." He bowed. "I shall remain here, waiting for the news of your success." Natalie set her lance aside, pulling out her sword and shield. "I did not want to be seen using these, but..." She gave C'kayah a look. "It looks like we might need it." Ckayah answered her back with a nod of his own as he drew a blunt-tipped fowling arrow from his quiver. "What's your take on this?" "Let's sneak around from the west, and take out the sentries first." Natalie poked out her head again from behind the rocks, her sharp miqo'te eyes narrowing. "One of them looks like an Ishgardian with that armor and lance. But why Ishgard would need ceruleum..." She shrugged and glanced to Roen as if to sense her nervousness. "I guess I am about to find out. You ready?" Roen nodded, inhaling sharply to steady her nerves. And then... Then everything happened too quickly.

Roen calls Ul'dah her home because of her story. I like all three cities as a setting, but plotwise, I LOVE the political conflicts and corruption that runs rampant in Ul'dah. Royalists vs Monetarists, Brass Blades known to take bribes, the ranks of Sultansworns and Immortal Flames, who may or may not conflict with each other in their authority. I love the storyline potential of all of that. Just purely based on aesthetics? I LOVE Limsa. The place is beautiful. But that is a respite for my character, an escape, not a home. Gridania is also very beautiful, but never gave me that "this is a city" kind of feeling.

I never had the chance to RP with you..! ; ; Alas. As everyone said, you need to do what is fun for YOU. No one else. And obviously this game was not doing that. But if you ever decide to come back, we will be here!

Yes! Villains with their own motivations, hang ups, and stories are so much more interesting. But playing them out in the open for public consumption is sooo tricky and many times difficult, because everyone wants to thwart/listen in/get the better of you with their heroes. I like for villainous plots to simmer and develop over a period of time and build! I have had *vague* and *somewhat scheming* conversations in public (always emoted to be really quiet or kept low) between the not-good characters because I want them to be existing with the rest of the RP world, but actually doing outright villainous things? Likely that will be in a controlled setting and only with players I trust.

Hope to see you back in game soon, Siha! Miss you!!! :love:

*waves* 99.9% of enjoyment in RP. Playing a regular (but manly) guy. GREAT! You are my type of player! Aaand probably a lot of other folks too. *Points up* HoD is a great FC from what I hear. Night Blades (the FC I am in) also very plot driven. And Equilibrium and Unsung Heroes, from what I read in another thread. There are still great RP driven FCs out there (more than I mentioned), I am sure of it, if that is what you seek. I just like to RP. Regular person, nothing supernaturally strong. An ordinary person thrown into certain extraordinary circumstances. I like those stories. Feel free to contact me if you just need some RP. I am sure we can come up with something. Maybe even a highlander woman for you to ogle at for the 0.1%. (sadly though, my main is a midlander. Alas! )

I am pretty sure you will be drawn into these plots. Oh yes. And... welcome Kage!

^ Yes. This! This is why I didn't plot anything for months! You need that base, to build a foundation of people/characters to care about, before you then delve into some big twist or plots.

YES! This is the enjoyment I get from RP as well, story arcs with love! Tragedy! Fallen heroes and redemption. Families and betrayals and alliances. There are definitely storytellers and RPers out there that crave and thrive on good storytelling. Tavern RP and random encounters are just a way to meet people. Once you find that you gel... then you can PLOT to your heart's content. :thumbsup:

How about who can toss a lala the furthest? ... Or will that go AGAINST that FC who wins... Hmmmm.

Well Kage. You know what Nat and I would say. Maybe even C. But don't listen to C. He's a criminal after all.

Yes? I have been summoned! Ha! Armi (and Kage while I was typing this post...) totally beat me to responding to this post. I am sorry to hear that you had a few bad encounters. They would make me feel unwanted to. I think though that they are exceptions rather than the rule. When I started out, I used to hang out in Quicksand, sometimes even just emoting by myself reading a book or what not. And read the scrolling chat to see if anyone had any interesting conversations going on. Or if there were other RPers that seem to be looking for interaction. Then maybe think of a way to hook them into a conversation, or hook myself into their scene. Sometimes sending a tell to facilitate the process. And it didn't work all the time. But don't give up! I also agree with the previous posters above. Go to the events on the calendar. RPers show up to those things TO socialize! Grindstone happens every Wed and Sat, there are some chocobo races happening too. And I see that you are in the Harbingers of Dawn. What I know of that FC, they are full of helpful and friendly RPers! Don't be shy about approaching them or your FC leader about this too! You could be missing out on some great opportunities there. Lastly, I love random RPs. I would be happy to RP with you. Just send me a tell whenever I am on. If I am not in a preplanned session, we can come up with something on the spot. If I am, we can always think up something in the near future. Or at least, get our names on each other's friend's list!