(05-27-2013, 01:08 AM)Xenedra Wrote: If I'm getting your meaning, I think most of us here already swing toward the "open-world" style of RP. When I RP I generally do it in say/normal channels, aka everyone hears me whether they're an RPer or not. Is that what you were getting at?
Yes pretty much rping out in the open at all times unless its conversations that are meant to be private or intimate.
I pretty much am in character 100 percent of the time and with this character I plan on being constantly on the move as he is on his quest to find out what happened to Bahamut (so he can destroy him, no matter how futile that may be). Regain his memory that he lost during Bahamut's attack (this is my ic excuse about not knowing much). I also am a ardent believer in the use of the /ignore button. I don't really pay much mind to the trolls and harassers because I'm there to entertain the rpers and non rpers who like to watch.
So this is basically like a callsign for those who would be interested in constant rp. I am also open for any storylines anyone has that may be interested in Reese's situation, same goes for any Grand Companies/Linkshells. (Though I know he is going to be a member of the Immortal Flames if possible)
(05-27-2013, 06:31 PM)Kylin Wrote: First, I'll say that I'm 100% in favor of public RP. I'll agree that it became rare in 1.0 (though to be fair, there were only really 2 active RP shells truly still going strong at the end when the rest of the population had mostly vanished...).
That being said, we also have to realize that random RPing in front of a huge crowd of non-RPers can seem very daunting to a number of RPers (myself included even). I personally don't feel comfortable Rping in /say when there's a large non-RP crowd about (then again, I also avoid OOC chatter in /say in crowded areas xD ). One can justify it all they want by saying "well, non RPers spam /say all the time with their random chatter, so why can't we?!" That's fine and dandy, but not everyone shares that view. I personally will not RP in /say in overly crowded areas (like the adventurer's guild, etc) or in areas where there are important quest npcs people may need to talk to. That's a personal thing that I have no intention of ever changing, and I know others share that viewpoint. Though I have nothing against others who choose the opposite, so long as they don't try to force me to follow their stance on things.
RP communities tend to very naturally segregate themselves over time. There's no real avoidance of that in any larger community. At the start of any new MMO, the RP community tends to be very open and there's tons of public RP everywhere. Over time though, public RP does start to wane as many RPers start to hop over to new shiny MMOs or focus more strongly on endgame over RP. It's just the nature of the beast, like it or not. This is why many freelancers tend to get the short end of the stick by the time the community starts to 'settle.' True "open world RP" starts to become isolated primarily to pre-scheduled events.
In regards to the city onry RP, I do agree that some people limit themselves way too much. But I'll play devil's advocate again on this. One has to realize that most people spend the majority of their time in cities (listening to shouts, talking to quest npcs, crafting, etc). And it makes sense IC for most characters to spend more time in town than outside the city walls. Take Kylin for instance. I can't just take him out into the desert IC anytime randomly without explanation. It's just not in his character. It's the same for many characters. I can, however, justify him going for an IC stroll within the city quite easily. Thus, a lot of the RP outside cities tends to be limited to linkshell/public events moreso than random RP. This is a cross-MMO thing though, and not at all limited to just FFXIV.
Don't get me wrong. I hope to see lots of public RP. And with all the many hamlets and little spots filled with life, such a thing may come with more ease than in the past. But I also think people need to remain realistic. I'm only saying these things to try to prevent future disappointment. I want the RP community to retain as many of you guys as possible after all. So I'd rather not see some people get their hopes up and get utterly disappointed several months after launch when the nature of the beast takes hold, then jump ship for some new MMO hoping that the grass is greener on the other side (it's not by the way).
I have a few MMO buddies that keep hopping from MMO to MMO, looking for that golden game/RP experience that they'll never truly find. I sometimes want to ask them "dude, do you EVER get resolutions/closure for any of the things your character does?" or "do you ever see any of your storylines to completion?" xD
Again, not trying to be a debbie downer. Nothing wrong with having high hopes. I just want people to go into things with realistic expectations. MMO communities have kind of been on the decline as of late due to community members hopping from one to the next to the next, thinking the new community will have what it seeks. So the overall MMO RP community kind of needs to realize that the grass isn't any greener anywhere else when it comes to public RP. This is a common issue across the board, and the chances of it being eliminated entirely is next to non-existent >.>
*nods* I definitely get everything that you are saying but I think honestly this time things may/can be different it just requires the community to stick together.
1. Never doubt the power of rping in front of those who don't. In Beta 2 I sparked some interest in those that always wanted to try but for some reason didn't. People want to make sure that they won't look silly doing things first usually (not me usually lol I'm a fool by nature when it comes to rp hell I rped out in the open during last beta test and nobody joined it. Buuut I got some interested to try)
2. Organization organization organization. Organized events, hubs, etc helps everything along. Yes I know we all don't like tavern rp, but tavern rp a lot of times leads to adventure rp. Also open world rp does not happen if YOU don't initiate it. Like I said I'm a fool so I will initiate it all the time. Otherwise it will never happen. If YOU don't make it happen it won't. If you want to see it, take charge of it and make it so, people will follow after a while when they realize that they don't have to be the first ones to get their feet wet. We are experienced rpers if we are on a site like this. There is no longer a need for us to be apprehensive in doing these things.
3. Those who are starting open world based Linkshells and Free Companies, put this into your bylines when recruiting, let people know that this is what we do, you'd be surprised in who you attract.
4. Always keep your eyes out for potential new rpers. If there is someone who constantly follows  events around but never participates, I am willing to bet that is someone who is interested but maybe too nervous to start. Drag them in, nicely of course. Most people tend to find it easy to start with social rp (which is why hubs/taverns and cities are so popular). I have gotten soo many new rpers by just being observant. I notice you lurking around an event , I start sending whispers and lead into conversations about rp. You seem open minded? Guess what? My character is going to start talking to you today. Now of course we don't want to be too aggressive, but anybody can rp their character receiving a glass of juice or a piece of candy from said event (Made by a cooking crafter of course, who is there giving out free samples!)
5. Crafters will be the most important facilitators of open world rp. Ever see the show Sword Art Online? Say I make swords and I tell Warrior1 that I can create this crazy sword from this special metal and gems that can only be found in the Pit of Fire. I recommend that he bring a party with him and I also decide to get my gear so I can go with him so I can identify the proper materials. Bingo instant world rp quest, and its set up by who? The Crafter. Be imaginative and be smart with it. Crafters should be the kings of initiating world rp. Use it to your and the community's advantage!. Also nobody will be able to pull in new folk to the fun of rp like the Crafter doing "quests for rare materials" like this. Think of the possibilities!
Either way though my character Reese Robinson will be very approachable so please speak to me whenever you see him out and about in the world. While he may be driven about his particular quest, he wants to know people because they can help him remember the world more and they may be someone he has known prior to his amnesia *winks*, *hint, hint*
A good FFXIV lore site: http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Eorzea
