Talk about story of my life. I made the personal mistake of creating a very grumpy, introverted character, as a text-book introvert, and its just never really taken off for me. I realized that RPing became a way for me to safely extrovert, and not feel weird about it, bu of course, I didn't realize this until after I started in FFXIV. Granted, that's a very simplified version of my RP experience in FFXIV, and may not really be what's up with you, but I can certainly appreciate and understand what you're going through.Â
Part of my failings in RPing my character, however, is my own fault for not really getting a feel for the character, or really owning it inside and out. I'm glad that 3.0 will give me a chance to re-create my character and allow me to do something that I am really excited about, instead of feeling 'meh whatever,' about my current character. I realize that your character may be fully realized by this point, and I am in no way advocating changing your character in any way, shape or form. You do you, but do things that play to your strengths, and make playing your character easier for you.Â
The best advice I can give, I guess, is to just go and make some friends on an OOC level first. Get to know people, and then see if that helps launch you into RP once you feel comfortable around them. For me, its all about comfort level. I worry that I am bothering people, making a scene, and I loathe feeling like I'm intruding. So, I make myself ask, as much as I throw an internal fit about it. Â
I found it helpful to send folks tells first, ask if I can approach them or their group for RP. As I've played some very controversial personalities in the past, I make a double-effort to keep other players informed OOCly about my intentions with my character, and that I am happy to be RPing with them, and mean them the utmost respect, even if my character is coming off as less-than-friendly, or too friendly to the point of absurdity. This also allows me to tell a better story with other players, and figure out how I can make their RP experience more enjoyable. I firmly believe that my duty as an RPer is to entertain not just myself, but first and foremost, those around me. The general response I had in TOR was "Damnit, my character _hates_ your character! But OOCly, she/you entertains the hell of me!" Â
It comes down to communication, and that I have to make myself put myself out there if I want to get RP. It can be hard for a super introverted individual like me, but well worth the effort once I've found my groove. Conversely, there may just be some people that won't give me the time of day. It happens. It doesn't mean anything about me. Just keep trying!
Part of my failings in RPing my character, however, is my own fault for not really getting a feel for the character, or really owning it inside and out. I'm glad that 3.0 will give me a chance to re-create my character and allow me to do something that I am really excited about, instead of feeling 'meh whatever,' about my current character. I realize that your character may be fully realized by this point, and I am in no way advocating changing your character in any way, shape or form. You do you, but do things that play to your strengths, and make playing your character easier for you.Â
The best advice I can give, I guess, is to just go and make some friends on an OOC level first. Get to know people, and then see if that helps launch you into RP once you feel comfortable around them. For me, its all about comfort level. I worry that I am bothering people, making a scene, and I loathe feeling like I'm intruding. So, I make myself ask, as much as I throw an internal fit about it. Â
I found it helpful to send folks tells first, ask if I can approach them or their group for RP. As I've played some very controversial personalities in the past, I make a double-effort to keep other players informed OOCly about my intentions with my character, and that I am happy to be RPing with them, and mean them the utmost respect, even if my character is coming off as less-than-friendly, or too friendly to the point of absurdity. This also allows me to tell a better story with other players, and figure out how I can make their RP experience more enjoyable. I firmly believe that my duty as an RPer is to entertain not just myself, but first and foremost, those around me. The general response I had in TOR was "Damnit, my character _hates_ your character! But OOCly, she/you entertains the hell of me!" Â
It comes down to communication, and that I have to make myself put myself out there if I want to get RP. It can be hard for a super introverted individual like me, but well worth the effort once I've found my groove. Conversely, there may just be some people that won't give me the time of day. It happens. It doesn't mean anything about me. Just keep trying!
