Desmond Aryll

I haven't posted here in some time but I felt this warranted a comment. Having never RP'd in an MMO, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was always aware that Gilgamesh had an uphill battle to make something happen as well as always being compared to Balmung (even subconsciously) by the RP population at large. Inevitably, the server would be perceived as lacking. After having been around for some time, since early access last summer I have come to figure something out. Overall population of any server isn't as meaningful as the relationships you forge. Will there be more opportunity to find these people you click with in a more active or numerous server? Absolutely, without a doubt. But those connections happen with only a select few people/characters. In short, it doesn't matter whether you live in a little town or a megacity. What matters are the deep, personal connections you make with others and its the same for your characters. Gilgamesh is what those of us who play there make it, separate from any comparisons to Balmung.

There is definitely a stigma on ERP. I am new to the whole RP in a game thing. I'd really only done RP on paper (written word only) and it is very apparent that ERP in all it's shapes and forms is frowned upon. I believe being tasteless is bad and what is "bad" is subjective to each person. Personally I think jumping into a thread on a topic you don't care for specifically to say you don't like it is not polite at all. I would consider that more "bad" than R'mah's tongue in cheek post. I use that post as an example since it was the impetus for this thread. Notice that the disagreement on the worthiness if the thread's existence/implications was really between only a handful of people altogether. Last I checked, the thread had over 1600 views in a handful of days. That means that topic itself IS interesting to many people on the RPC. C'kayah's idea of having a reasoned discussion on ERP is valid. To those that don't care for ERP, that's perfectly alright and you do not need validation from those that do. The vice versa is also true. There's no need to worry about RP's "reputation" amongst other players. We all know how eminently mature the internet is. They will find something to rail against and make fun of. Let's not worsen the problem by acting similarly. Respect and tolerance.

There is another side-effect to the exorbitant prices. Considering how much housing costs, small or new FC's (Rp or otherwise) will simply not be able to compare to the giant, faceless FC's out there. Why would the average player want to save up for conceivably months with his dozen or so FC mates to buy a house when when they can just join an existing FC with 150-350 members already? The difference in money raising potential is way too unbalanced. This is going to promote less and less new growth for FC's not associated with pre-existing groups. Bad show.

Heyo welcome to Gilgamesh, Star! I'll be sure to say hello if I make it to the event on Saturday. There's more than a few oddly named Rp'ers out there, heheh. The more the merrier.

Welcome Nev! Glad you came over and want to RP on Gilgamesh! Please feel free to send a tell to any Drifter or simply walk up. We would love to make a new friend at the very least. If you see me around, please say hello! I'll try and do the same!

I'm tossing around ideas for an alt that might be criminally inclined. I would love to contact you and yours when I go that route. Sounds like fun.

Driftwood Coast is active and growing everyday.

That was a great reply by Zope. I don't think I could say it any better. I would only add that the length of your typed emotes can also add another layer to your character. What I mean in short, direct emotes (and dialogue) can convey a certain kind of tone and feeling, regardless of whether it's an extroverted or introverted personality. It's a way to set the mood. The same goes for longer descriptions and dialogue. It's another method to paint your picture. In the end I wouldn't mind so much about Rp'ing within a set of rules as much as just doing what feels right for your character.

Desmond slid the dagger into Garston's belly. There was just the barest resistance before the skin broke. The man seized up, his eyes going wide. He made a face, as if trying to listen to something Garston was saying, "Shhh, hush now. We agreed dramatics were futile, yes? ...Excellent." Desmond put his face very close to the other's. His fingers slipped from around Garston's throat and patted his cheek in a comforting manner. He whispered, "this is just. You know it."

"I have come to settle our debts. We owe you so much," he said seriously. "Three are repaid." He gestured to Garston's face and chest. "But there is so much more. Extortion," he punched the prone man in the face with the fist holding the dagger. "Slavery," he punched him once more. "Kidnapping." Again. "Blackmail." Again. "Emotional torment." Harder this time. "And now, Delwyn is injured grievously, almost dead. On your order," Desmond palmed Garston's jaw and shook it once. "Asdrellia is once again missing." He sighed and shook his own head slowly. "We can not continue playing this game. You know that. I'm afraid this has to end, Mr. Hext."

"Maeva taught me how to sew," he said conversationally as he pulled a fist-sized copper bell from his pocket, "I admit it is not the most masculine of pursuits but I spent much time with her. She was my caretaker as a child." He rung the bell a few times before tossing it aside. "She is also your washerwoman," his voice carried a pleasant tone. "She was so happy to see me, and I her. Truly. She gave me a pastry when I entered your house." Desmond put one hand on Garston's forehead and pushed him down onto his back roughly. "I didn't think it would be so easy to pay you a visit," he added, tracing a line with the dagger's point across Garston's chest as he held him in place. Desmond furrowed his brow as a thought occurred to him, "Where are my manners, I haven't told you why I am here. Would you like to know?"

"Y-Yes ... no .. no more dramatics." He gave a nervous chuckle. "You are ... good to have gotten past my guards." Desmond made no reply, he watched the man rub his cheek absentmindedly. Garston was smiling his conniving smile. Even now, with blood running down one side of his face and the other showing the beginnings of a welt, his first instinct was to posture with words. It made the anger come bubbling up from inside again but it didn't reach Desmond's face. His face was blank and staring. "Do you know Maeva, Garston?" he asked, keeping the dagger at eye level to the bleeding man.

He waited patiently for Garston to get over the shock. Guards! Guards! Intruder, there's an intruder! Guards! "Garston, please, there is no need for that-" How dare you enter my chambers! Guards- Desmond dispassionately drew his arm across his chest and whipped the pommel of the dagger into the yelling man's right cheek, just below his eye. Garston reeled back, his head hitting the pillows. He stopped yelling, scowling at the figure over him, indignation flaring. "Do you think calling for your guards would help? I wouldn't be seated here if it did. Please don't lower yourself any further," Desmond said, waggling the dagger at the man like he was scolding a child. "Can we agree there is no use in being so dramatic?" he added, raising his eyebrows in question.

Desmond studied the sleeping Highlander for some time. He slept quite soundly for someone who caused as much harm as he did. He got up from the stool at the changing table and quietly strode over to the bed, he poured himself a drink from the flagon and took a sip. 'Too strong,' he thought with a grimace. Easing himself down on the side of the bed, by Garston's right, he watched his chest rise and fall as he casually slipped a long, thin dagger from his sleeve. He tested it's weight and balance, seeming to forget where he was. He flipped the dagger once, end over end and catching it in his right hand drew it across Garston's left cheek in one fluid motion.

Listening to the words spilling from Garston's mouth, Desmond maintained the smile on his face. Careful to frown sympathetically when he was supposed to. Seeing Delwyn's armor on display was difficult. He could feel the heat budding in his chest, spreading to his face and arms. The knuckles on the hand holding the wineglass whitened as he exerted pressure. Slowly he eased up, the tension never reaching his expression. "Please, come up and take a look. Know what a traitor and scoundrel looks like for the future. Know the name of the Driftwood Coast and they who dwell within are dogs to be put down!" Garston said. Desmond stayed where he was. He watched the guests as they formed a bunch, making a show of clamoring around the armor. He stayed in his position. Watching from the corner, waiting for the inevitable ebb of the party.

"Thank you," he said politely, smiling as he took a glass. The server never looked at his face. It was usual. The help never looked at the faces of their betters. Desmond knew the act well. He had witnessed it countless times before, had been expected to follow suit. And he did. He never looked the help in the face, in public. He put his glass of wine up to his nose, smelt a bit, a fine vintage. Garston spared no expense. It was the custom. The fete was for no reason other than to celebrate himself. 'We are all here for you, Mr. Hext.' He raised his glass as everyone else did. Setting it down on an end-table to clap at the appropriate time.

The thread is now up! I probably will do some more tweaking to it, but there ya have it! Also! P.S. I changed up the last part of story so I HOPE it is much more of a clear transition and flow Nice job. The change in your word choices to something more grounded also "break the spell" of the dream we just read. The imagery breaks for the reader like it breaks for the poor soul in the infirmary. Great stuff.

Welcome to the RPC and also to Gilgamesh, Glimmer! I def will say hello if I see you, please don't hesitate to walk up and do the same with any Rp'ers. We try to be an inclusive bunch. ^^

"Excellent," He said with a nod, his grin widening. He met the barkeep's eyes and motioned in front of both of them, followed by two upheld fingers. "I don't disagree with your assessment of our company tonight," he shrugged. "But You shouldn't judge our city by this one place alone. Besides, is not Limsa founded and home to every manner of pirate? Even today?" Nodding his thanks to the barkeep, he gestured for her to take her drink. "Please, with my compliments." He tipped his glass in her direction before taking a shallow drink.

He studied the female as she frowned at her drink morosely for a time. "I can not help but feel somewhat abashed on behalf of Ul'Dah, miss. It is true we don't have sparkling waters and bleached white rock here, but there is some appeal," he said to her as he turned to face her directly. "Would you allow me to buy your next drink? Perhaps I can change your mind about our Jewel of the Desert." He waited for her response with a gracious smile.

Chuckling to himself and nodding to his drink, he replied "Oh there are gentleman here. They prefer the stools as opposed to the hard packed earth for sitting." He glanced at her momentarily, tilting his head sideways in greeting as he smiled with his eyes. "Not all men share his lack of education. In the same fashion, not all females are as fiery." He said the last part as he faced forward again, grinning as he drank.

Good luck with this. Sounds like a great effort for an immensely worthy cause. Keep us posted!

I look forward to reading the Song Challenge thread when its up. You really did a great job on the imagery. Can't wait to read more.

"I thought audacity was a trait the Seekers valued," he said, almost to himself, "his approach was foolish of course.I imagine it must be hard to break certain tribal habits." The Hyur made no inclination to face the female as he spoke. He sat only a couple of stools away from her. He smiled a little to himself as he put his mug on the counter, making it plain the comment was addressed to her.

Hello Loptr, Happy to see you taking the plunge into our little world. There a several FC's moving along now on Gilgamesh. Since it's already been suggested for you to visit the Linkshell page I would suggest you do a little lurking as well. The city of Limsa is a hotbed of RP, stuff happens at both the Drowning Wench and the Bismarck (two spots easily found by using the map). In Thanalan, the Quicksand in Ul'Dah and the Coffer and Coin in Central Thanalan see RP too. Sadly I don't go to Gridania too much so I can't point you on the right direction there. :blush: One last thing I would say is that the community is pretty sociable. RP FC's don't really draw lines in the sand. It is as likely your soon-to-be friends will belong to another FC as it is they will be from your own. So be friendly and hope to see you face to face soon.