sforze

There's a consistent theme I see brought up here, and I think it needs to be addressed outright so we can hopefully move on from it. "Cliques are only natural, it's pointless to try to banish them" This sentiment is really not the point of this thread. If that's the message you're taking from all of this, that was not my intent. Cliques and friend-groups are obviously going to exist forever and nobody is trying to shut down groups of friends hanging out and preferring each other's company. That's crazy -- seriously, seriously crazy. Totally not what's going on here. The request here is that in as much as I'm trying my best to be an active, communicative, and interesting roleplayer, there has to be some effort made on behalf of both sides to make it work. All the PMs and friendliness and understanding in the world doesn't make a difference if you can't get those who are pre-established to un-tunnel-vision a bit more. That's really it! You can keep your groups, you can keep preferring people you know and all that. I mean, I can't FORCE you to -- people who have robust connections and all that really don't have anything to lose if they don't feel like being a bit more inclusive, but I'm saying that from the perspective of someone still working to get their foot in the door...might be kinda nice, you know? I'm not new to the game, nor am I new to RPing -- but I think Graeham hit it on the head that it's been some culture shock coming from the RP that I'm used to to a server of this size with this many pre-established groups and all that. I think Presidio also makes a good point in that I've seen a lot of people taking a dump on the Quicksand in the same hand that it's also trotted out as being one of the most active places to get RP for newbies. Just some food for thought.

Yeeees do this! I've also got some plot bits up and coming with regards to alchemy that I'm pretty excited about, so there's much to speak of!

Yep! Newly married this week~ Currently enjoying the privileges of dropping in on each other with ring-teleportation unannounced. I do agree that cliques and friend groups aren't inherently bad things -- I hope I haven't given that impression, because...well, obviously they're inevitable and it's bananas to tell people not to hang out with people they like on a regular basis and give them your attention. That'd be nuts~ I just think it's important not to rest into a 'got mine' state of mind and forget that other people exist outside the circle. Whatever the case, this thread has been plenty helpful and has given me a lot to think about, so I appreciate all the responses that have come from it. Ahhh, hahaha. I was eavesdropping on his RP in the Quicksand for the past while and I noticed that you had the same (first) name that he mentioned. He's still there with three other people if you are interested and you don't know already. Although, at least two of them -may- be leaving soon. They sounded as though they were wrapping up until the fourth person came along. Alothia was here too but it seems she left. I don't typically RP in-game, but even should Trenton intend on leaving soon then I could try and set something up for you if I use a random character to perhaps act rudely to you... hopefully to garner the attention(and intervention) of onlookers? (I'll try and think of a softer means too, haha ;; ) Yaaaas, everyone who's offered to write with me should consider inundating his grumpy old man character, as well 8) Especially if you want a heartfelt lecture on 'young men these days'. I'mma toss some friend invites out -- I'm taking a bit of a break at the moment to get up the enthusiasm to write again, but I'd loooove to get some things going then, even if you just wanna be a lil shit to Fina IC...which is probably the easiest thing you'll do all week because she is VERY easily rustled. <3

Yep! Newly married this week~ Currently enjoying the privileges of dropping in on each other with ring-teleportation unannounced. I do agree that cliques and friend groups aren't inherently bad things -- I hope I haven't given that impression, because...well, obviously they're inevitable and it's bananas to tell people not to hang out with people they like on a regular basis and give them your attention. That'd be nuts~ I just think it's important not to rest into a 'got mine' state of mind and forget that other people exist outside the circle. Whatever the case, this thread has been plenty helpful and has given me a lot to think about, so I appreciate all the responses that have come from it.

I emote, I introduce myself, I ask if I can sit, I give very large margins for response...I really do feel like I've done pretty much everything by the book, with a few exceptional things that I can try going forward (PMing people, etc.) I RP in the Quicksand, in the Drowning Wench, the Bismarck, in housing districts, at planned events -- I write with my usual partner fairly openly out in the world at random, as well. Honestly, even if people would emote ignoring my attempts to say hi, I would feel a bit better about the whole situation if it really is a case of "being approached on the bus"...but nope. ;( Like I said, I'm mindful of chatspam, and these are incidences typically happening during periods of lower activity in the log. At any rate, I'm glad I'm not a lone ranger in encountering this kind of thing. I've been in other RP communities and I know that it's easy to rest on the groups you're comfortable with, but hopefully if nothing else, this is a helpful reminder to occasionally look outside your circles, too? I am super-pumped about how big the Balmung community is (honestly the biggest RP community in an MMO I've encountered so far, so good work everyone), now I'm just trying to get a foothold!

Hey, thanks for the responses! Lots to go through here, so I'll try to keep it short and sweet... I've actually been in fairly regular attendance to a lot of events that have gone on, but started to taper off when...well, I started running into the problem of being ignored or feeling kind of shut out by people who are in kind of established groups. I think I'll try to pick up attendance again soon and get back into it fully. The PM idea isn't a bad one -- I think I'll try that in the future when I'm not getting responses and see if that helps. I've actually also tossed up Connections posts, as well, which have...drumroll!...stayed pretty silent. I enjoyed NPCing in other people's plots in the past and would do it again if given the opportunity, but I've had a hell of a time for myself. Incidentally, if anyone has suggestions for more mature-themed linkshells that are pretty active, I'd like to hear of them.

Chalk it up to a rough week of RP attempts, but I've been struggling lately to interact with others in character and actually get responses. I've approached a lot of people, asked them questions, and tried to generate conversation but it seems there are a lot of cliques and groups that kind of stick together and are difficult to breach that goes beyond just IC reasoning (which I totally understand - clearly some people have good reasons to be cold). Aside from that, in worst cases, my emotes and text get ignored all together by other roleplayers (even when they're directed at someone by name) and I'm left feeling awkward and unwelcome. This has happened quite a bit in the last few days, as well -- they're not AFK, there's no chatspam making it difficult to follow, they just...don't...respond. I guess I'm not sure what I hope to accomplish by posting this except maybe there's someone else who's having a similar trouble who can relate? Or maybe I'm a weird, freak occurrence and I'm giving off bad vibes or something, idk! I'm not looking for any kind of 'boohoo, poor me', just hoping for a bit of insight or camaraderie or something. In any case, I'm still trying and putting myself out there, I just hope things take a turn for the better soon.

Just posted this yesterday if your guy's the type that needs some work on the side :>

Archer Alchemical is looking for individuals of all ages, sizes, and ability to assist with basic tasks in preparation for the coming war in Ishgard. Work is suitable for most levels of skill. All individuals will be fairly compensated for their time and efforts, as well as the pride of knowing they are lending a hand in securing Eorzea against a common threat. Job opportunity is currently on a part-time basis so individuals may still pursue other jobs and adventuring. Those with a criminal record are welcome to apply with the knowledge that there will be no unsavory business conducted on the job. [ Casual RP opportunity open to just about anyone who is looking to make some gil; payment is intended to be IC, but if you'd like actual gil for your time, please let me know and we can see what can be arranged! ]

Hah -- I think I can see the resemblance! Still gotta work on my SUPER MANLY FACES, but...I'm p. satisfied :> btw if anyone is interested, my side project making gifs and posting screen edits can be found on tumblr here!

Did a warm-up today of Fina's sweet highlander manly man lover, Trenton~

Let me know if you're at all interested in a partnership Archer Alchemical lab would be happy to exchange RP.

Went through a bunch of transitions tonight and I'm starting to like the direction more.

Now to not get lazy and keep the habit going~~~

MANLIEST MIQO'TE NA 2015, KIR'ROS "LITTLE SHIT" ELAKAH~~~

Hahahaha. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Haaaaa. Hah. *laughter echoes from the top of her mountain of bills*

Thanks guys :> I really appreciate the feedback! I am just picking up the pen after a hugelong absence from illustration so I'm still not quite comfortable taking money for my work until I've got my chops built back, but once I'm happy with my reattunement (heh), so to speak, I'd like to open up slots at some point in the future.

I think I caught this a bit late. If you're around, let me know :] My character is probably in the area for one reason or another.

I am a faithful adherent to the church of SAI. I use the watercolor texture overlays and the brush/acrylic settings. I really hate fiddling with the individual settings (lol lazy artist lol), so mostly I change the blending/dilution sliders only and keep the density high/persistence fairly low. I rarely ever change those two. I hope that helps! It's been a long time since I've used OC, so I'm afraid I can't give you any advice for that.

D'aww. Thanks for a warm reception, y'all. I haven't picked up the ol' tablet pen in like...a year or something seriously, so I'm trying to get back into the habit consistently and get goin' on this art stuff again. <3

Been playing tons of Inquisition lately, which led to me drawing Fina in that style. It's a work in progress, colors are shite, etc etc., but DAI card style is too good not to try for myself. PERHAPS I WILL NEVER UPDATE AGAIN...but I'd like to.

Currently looking for an IC apprentice/assistant - IC classified thread is here! Also updated some info in the main section. Please come make me super awkward and uncomfortable IC at your leisure.

Fina moves her index finger along the page as she reads the details, brows furrowing as she reaches the end. For a moment, an unlikely worry strikes -- That description sounds unnervingly like me... -- But is immediately replaced by a far more characteristic thought. But I wonder what that poison was -- there's a fair chance I've seen it in my laboratory before...

I'll be there with a story in hand

Master-trained, professional iatrochemical alchemist seeking assistant/apprentice for immediate employment. Duties include assisting head alchemist with gathering of supplies, research, merchant duties, fulfilling orders, and any other minor tasks related to running a laboratory and business. Students welcome to apply; education available in concordance with academic pursuits, so learning is encouraged. Applicants must have basic working knowledge of the twelve alchemical processes in order to succeed at the work required. Strong work ethic, critical thought, curiosity, and attention to detail will go far. Please sent a note of interest by post to Fina Archer. Position based out of Limsa Lominsa with much business conducted in Ul'dah.