ExAtomos

We've paddled this boat before! I am firmly in the camp of "if you RP in a public area, the public can overhear". Same as if you were in Walmart and talking out loud about robbing the place. Someone will go alert the security guard. I also sincerely wish we had another chat channel that was a smaller zone than /say, but not as private as /tell. A true whisper that could only be heard if you are right next to the speakers. If someone eavesdrops on a convo of mine without my knowledge and uses it against me, I'll be more annoyed than anything... cause I've been caught. My bad for yakking in public. If someone sends a /tell that they are dropping some eaves, I reflexively change how I rp. I legit can't help it. Either I think that the watcher deserves to be entertained or I go into defensive mode and hide more than I would if I thought I wasn't being watched. I do hedge things a lot when rping in public by using emotes like /em pitches his voice low enough to only be heard by . If someone is icly listening in, it is much harder for them to not godmode by saying they heard everything later on (magitek devices notwithstanding of course. lol.) Can they oocly see it and maybe use the info for an unrelated ic hook later on? Sure! In the open world, far from the crowds, it's also a hell of a lot harder to actually hide your spying character. Good luck in the Azim Steppes, for example.

Yep, it depends. Monster of the week style, as in one-shots, are easiest since people show up for that or they don't, everyone kills the thing and then goes out for beers to celebrate their win. Simple and done. My personal preference is for on-going. Something people can join and drop out of as their own character's interaction with the plot grows and diminishes. I've been running the (aptly named) Long Plot in XIV for 4 years now. Various players have been involved at different times. I usually run scenes with some sort of cliffhanger or tense ending and the ship keeps sailing along. I have discovered that people who may have limited time free for RP in game tend to prefer plot lines that run only a week or two with a few sessions. If running a plot for a group, you'll probably run into folks like this and I would suggest keeping things limited to only a few sessions. Scheduling is always a nightmare. If there are only a couple/few sessions, people may be more likely to adjust their schedule to show up. If it goes on for several weeks, they either have to or may be more likely to be okay with not showing up.

(full disclosure, I scanned the previous comments.) I use gil prices in the same format as the yen. Therefore 4800 gil = 48 bucks. I feel this is in line with in game prices. You didn't think you were paying 5 bucks for one boiled egg, did you? More like 5 cents. X) This is just my logic at least and why the Pizzeria prices are set accordingly. (ie: We have 900 gil specials on some days. 9 buck pizza is a pretty good deal.) We have gil coins in different denominations too, so this cuts down on weight. My characters carry between a lot to not much, depending on how wealthy and/or paranoid they are. :moogle:

ERP = erotic RP MRP = mature RP. All ERP is MRP, but not all MRP is ERP. Covers darker themes such as violence, drugs, sex, etc. Can also be called dark RP. Usually if you see something along the lines of E/M/RP, it means they'll RP whatever. WU = walk ups, as in they're open to people randomly RPing with them. Some people appreciate a tell being sent first.

I'm laughing cause I run the Pizzeria in game and was fearing competition. x'D :cactuar: eta: Always good to see more Ul'dah centric characters. /thumbsup

This kinda boggles me. I've really yet to see an FC publicly open to recruitment with some ridiculous standards for entry. Not saying it's not out there! I just haven't seen it in a good long while. Yeah, maybe there's an app. And your character has to meet people ICly. But if that's all a little much then I'd question whether the person has found the right hobby. Whether or not any single person feels it's right, the years and years of posts on this very forum have proven that there are a lot of rpers who wish to write but have a hard time overcoming the initial round of communication. Whether they are shy, or anxious, or simply going about things in ways that do not work: they exist, they want to rp, and they can't find their people. RP and online interaction can be a way to overcome some of those social difficulties, but it also stands that sometimes giving people an outstretched hand can avail you a broader spectrum of people for rp. Do you have to reach out to such people? Of course not. But it remains that they are there, and they tend to be the ones currently transferring to Mateus because for whatever reason they haven't been able to find their jam here. I think part of the issue is the insinuation here that the FC lead(s) has to do all the work of outreach, RP interaction, and somehow convincing the individual that their group is a good place. It does need to be a balance, a meeting in the middle, where the FC leader does their part and the player reaches out to them with suggestions, ideas, and concepts that they are RPing. As FC lead, I am only one person and can only do so much for the other players. If they won't communicate back, no matter how I try to include them, not much I can do at that point. I have had my share of bad apples in the group and wariness from these experiences is to be expected. Therefore, yeah... I get a feel for the player first before allowing them to join the FC. What group doesn't? And obviously, this happens more with established groups like we see on Balmung than new groups with leaders that are new to leading that just want to increase membership and sort things out later. (An extreme example of this is when I was on Atomos. One of my officers invited EVERYONE on the server that had EN highlighted. This meant we got a lot of bots. I had to take away their invite power cause they wouldn't stop inviting randomly. And no, they weren't a bot themselves, just VERY VERY FRIENDLY AND HAPPY AND EVERYONE IS GREAT. )

Ok I've gone through the entire list and pulled out groups that have dead websites, mass exodus of contacts to other FCs, or contacts that seem to have fallen off the planet. If you are part of one of these groups or can confirm that the groups are no more, please leave a comment or send a pm. If you have any updates to send in, please do so! If you recognize names from this list, please elbow your friends and let them know updates are needed! Thanks! :moogle:

Thread title has been updated to reflect that we are both FC and LS inclusive! Don't hesitate to include your linkshell if you've been unsure. :moogle:

I knew you'd get back to me fast. I've updated y'all's listings and taken you off the danger list! Thanks! :moogle:

I have you added in! Could you clarify whether you mean Magic Research or Magitek Research? Thanks. (I can also add in Academic Research under the Schools listing if you wish.) :moogle: Whoops! Hm, our researchers dabble in Magic / Alchemical / Medical research, mainly! Ok, I've added you in under Magic Research. I've also added a new category of Science / Alchemy. Please let me know if you wish to be removed from this category. :moogle:

I have you added in! Could you clarify whether you mean Magic Research or Magitek Research? Thanks. (I can also add in Academic Research under the Schools listing if you wish.) :moogle:

This is actually why I maintain the FC/LS Themes thread. For example, there are a lot of hunt focused groups out there... but we may not realize the others exist. Same with Imperials or other focus groups. I love cross-FC/LS RP (share the burden lol) and actively encourage it when I can. But it does seem that many folks shy away from outreach.

Spent some time on Mateus Friday evening and the feel is very similar to Balmung (with added RMT of course.) Something I encourage FC leaders to consider is, instead of panicking over FC membership, consider focusing on Linkshells instead. This allows RPers to still get involved in your events and plots, but does not require they leave their current home FC. Like many groups, my FC is wee bitty and we aren't actively seeking to grow in number. I actively work with other groups via their linkshells instead and this works out great. I feel it takes some self-confidence to be okay with sharing people amongst different groups. (I go through phases of "Oh god, we need more people in here" and fret that other, bigger groups may lure away people, but I'll learn to be okay with it at some point. ) eta: This is very true! We tend to move around in certain social circles, seeing the same people. Often though, our circles do not overlap with others'! It may give the appearance of a smaller population when that is far from the truth. I'm always discovering new to me, well known to others RPers that I never encounter in game just due to moving in different circles. (If you're outside Ul'dah, I'll never see you, for example )

Hi Everyone! It is cleaning time again! I'm going through each listing and checking for signs that the group is dissolved. I will remove any contact names or housing if I see these are no longer associated with the FC on Lodestone. Any major changes that I find such as, defunct website, FC no longer in existence, most/all contacts changed, etc. will get you listed in this post. PLEASE send in any updates that you have to help me out. If you know of a group that is no longer around in the form listed on this thread, please let me know. Thanks! :moogle: The following groups will be removed January 5th if no updates are sent in: Crimson Corsairs Contacts: Kailani Malia, Ivar Bloodfury. Crimson Coin Tavern: Goblet, Ward 6, Plot 50. Gilded Rose Contacts: Mayu Clouldwalker, Angeal Vespyn, Aeirra Rhua, Brimcon Sak. Academy & Dorm: Mists Ward 8, Plot 7 Outriders Contacts: N'aomi Kett, Grey Hound. Housing: Mist Ward 1, Plot 60 The Tama-ha Contacts: Tai Aubade, Yuuko Akagane, R'ihqa Nunh, Athrun Coeur Verdant Enclave <-V-> Contacts: Lihli Nherusa (Luminary/leader), Isaac Levinstrike (Captain/co-leader). Haven: Lavender Beds, Ward 2, Plot 59. Night Blades Contacts: Ile Kha (Guild leader), Armi Muramasa (Storyteller) , Tayri Skyflare (RP officer), Brinoix Alrhine (Raid officer), Gilles Leverauex (PR/HR Officer) Housing: Night Blades HQ, Lavender Beds Ward 5, plot 6 - first floor open to anyone. The Blacksteel Contacts: U'khoa Ohhbi, Button Elakhl. The Gin Mill (Brawl Pub): Mist Ward 12, Plot 34. [Mateus] The Crimson Lanners Contacts: Vinuvious Ziroix, Kidaka Shiroko and Yuuki Sakurai. Yakuza-styled Casino/Bar: Mist, Ward 12, Plot 44. Vector Contacts: Teirra Lihzeh, Khloe Fashonti & Mikah'l Polaali. Exotic Wares and Furniture Repairs: Lavender Beds, Ward 8, plot 27. Rose Garden Contacts: U'Vera Rahz, Ashe Zahra, Kali Kyte, Suyin Morningway. (Adult Entertainment) The Velvet Rose: Goblet Ward 8, Plot 3 Company of Heroes Contacts: Liam Connor, Krys'a Lyrabhe, or anyone in the FC Crystalline Contacts: Alex Windfist (also John Spiegel) [Leader], Yashaix Ki'lari [Leader], Eva Zelorius (also Rizumo Ridgestrider), or anyone with the FC tag. Housing: Crystalline Sanctum, Lavender Beds, Ward 1, Plot 15 Machina & Magitek Contacts: R'das Sahazrh, Fenix Darkfire Nytesong Sanctuary Contacts: Aurora Jhin, X'laqa Tia, Galvadan Edgecrusher, Sara Kharnes, K'mori Kario, Kh'vett Nunh. Housing: Lavender beds Ward 6 plot 38 Turuk Bairon Contacts: Algun Bairon, Tentan Bairon, Maral Oronir, Natigai Bairon. Turuk Bairlasan (an encampent ICly located in Southern Thanalan near an oasis): Goblet Ward 2 Plot 52. Cat of Fortune (in character LS also available) Contacts: Asahara Bajihri, Xha'to Bajihri. The Black Cat Café: Goblet 11th ward, plot 39. Wanderer's Respite Contacts: Lamia Vuinuet. Wanderer's Respite: Goblet, Ward 1, Plot 25. Always Open :arrow: Since this is a recurring problem, I strongly suggest that groups use a free website such as their listing on the RPC (though I will remove groups whose RPC listing has been moved to Chronicles), tumblr blog, etc. as their reference url, unless you are sure you will keep the payments going on your group's website. I only list one website per group, choose wisely.

I have added in a couple more groups. New category added: Paranormal. Please let me know if you wish for your group to be added to this! Also a reminder! This list is for both FCs and Linkshells, so please don't hesitate to send me your group's info if you have an RP LS! :moogle:

Yes, very good way of putting it.

I think this is sign of the difference between a mature RP community and one newly established. I had a similar thing happen on Atomos. At the time, nearly all of the EN speakers on the server were in one FC. The only commonality we had was our language and this kept us together as a relatively functional group because there were no other viable options on the server. If you left that one FC, you were in essence left out in the cold. On servers outside Balmung, the commonality is just that folks like RP. There aren't enough people (and I know this will change over time) to have self-sufficient groups that can cater to a specific type of RP. Obviously, the RP population on Mateus is growing and developing to where they can start offering specializations, be it lore-strict RP, plot driven RP, performance RP, mature RP, crime... etc. On Atomos, there were two RPers and a few others casually interested in it. I was one of the two. The other person's RP style did not mesh well with mine, but each other was all we had available, so we found ways to make it work. I'm not saying one is better than the other, just merely pointing out a potential reason why casual RP is more readily available on other servers.

Balmung, Goblet ward 11 plot 27. Centurio Building (office and meeting space to let). Home of Stellazzio Pizzeria. This is the Of the Desert FC house.

We are still around and open for anyone looking for a chill, quiet place to hang out!

I've always been amazed by the amount of work y'all have done on that thing. Grats on making it this far and a big THANKS! :moogle:

I wouldn't say it -can-, I would say it is because it has too. There wouldn't be a lock in the first place if it could do it comfortably. We aren't having any mass server crashes or even the "can't enter congested area" error messages like we were during SB. Those were signs the ship was too full and ready to tip over.

Same here. I didn't lose all that many from my friends list or LS, but the ones that did leave were all unhappy with Balmung for one reason or another. In other words, I don't know anyone that chose to leave that was HAPPY being on Balmung. So, some bitterness and gossip mongering is to be expected. I am personally okay with only encountering brand new players in the DF, but this is because I got burnt out on supporting new players (specifically the type who expected everything be handed to them and were vocally outraged when their 'needs' weren't met) and transferred to Balmung in part for the RP and in part because the only ones who could even get into Balmung were those that were willing to put forth effort to do so. I don't see a server split happening. Balmung's population may slough off a few here and there from now on, but I don't see any great reduction happening again. SE's servers can apparently hold up with the numbers we have, so why complicate things by forcing a split? (I agree too that the infrastructure we have with housing makes it impossible anyways.)

Yeah, I haven't even met 1% of the active players on the server yet. There are tons of events going on (there were 11 listed on the discord RP calendar bot for last night. This obviously doesn't include any small group RP going on or groups that don't use the calendar bot). I'm constantly updating the RP Themes thread as people move around and create new groups. Plus, people are always bringing in new characters with fantasias. Right now, imo there is no problem. Ask again in two years if we're still locked down. re: the burn out problem. Now, that IS a problem. What we can hope for is that people who weren't content-providers in the past find their courage and start, so they can take over for anyone who needs a break. eta: Ok, I'm kinda wondering if those who are most sore at the prolonged closure are those with friends who can't be with them on Balmung. This is a non-issue for me, so I don't have to endure that specific pain.

Got into tabletop roleplaying just after high school, then did some forum and chatplanet rp online (I'm old lol.), found a good MUD (Lensmoor), got into larps and the SCA (if they say they're not roleplaying, they're lying). Didn't really get into mmos (besides dabbling a bit here and there with EQ and the like) until XIV since it's on console and I've rarely had a decent pc (still don't) much less a regular place to live til recently. I just love being able to write (it's like art with words) and share stories with others as well as play as different people. :moogle:

My $.02 If you began the event with only the winner receiving rewards, keep it that way. If people try to bully you into giving out more gil than you planned (even if it's the same amount but split differently), don't let them make you change. As long as the rewards were announced in advance, participants know what they're in for. It just sounds like a sore loser imo.