(01-25-2017, 10:44 AM)Shimizu no Koichi Wrote: For those few of us that do know that RP can be done and done well in an MMO setting, it's disheartening when you try to get something going only to realize that all of the servers and free companies etc. are all inaccessible to you.
Well that's why there are servers like Balmung, which is the unofficial RP server. You cannot move for bumping into a roleplayer here and it's very difficult not to find a home for you and your character. Although, that is not to say there aren't people who like roleplay on other servers. You just have to work hard and reach out to find them!
(01-25-2017, 10:44 AM)Shimizu no Koichi Wrote: Despite this, I notice that when I'm on my RP specific character and do a mild form of half in character half out of character RP in small settings like duty finder, people seem to really enjoy it (and for some inexplicable reason I get commendations where is I don't on my main). Â So the enjoyment and want for RP is there but people just have no clue how to go about it.Â
I started out in a similar way, just casually messing about with the idea of having this character and busting out some funny dialogue in dungeons with a buddy of mine on my old PvE server. When I made an alt on Balmung and began doing it more seriously, that's when my friends on the PvE server started lightly teasing me about being a 'dirty ERPer' or simply being a nerd that likes to play fantasy and have imaginary boyfriends. >_>;; They simply saw it as something funny, whilst they could appreciate the ideas and the stories I came up with, they just weren't interested in writing with me. They wanted to raid and PvP, which is primarily what the game is designed for at the end of the day.Â
Roleplayers on PvE servers are hard to find, but usually they are there because: a) their friends play on that server, b) bad experiences on Balmung, c) they prefer roleplaying on forums or google docs etc. than in game or d) a first-time RPer. So this might make it difficult to coax them out or get them to commit to anything too serious.Â
(01-25-2017, 10:44 AM)Shimizu no Koichi Wrote: What tips tricks and suggestions do you have for people like me who are on non-RP servers that want to either start Something up or just create a small link shell to get the RP spirit going?
If there are roleplayers on your server, they're probably like you - struggling to find that group of similarly minded people that they can roleplay with a little more seriously. If you're serious about meeting other RPers on a non-RP server, I recommend starting your own linkshell or searching for an already existing one. Maybe even create your own FC! It's hard work but with effort, you can possibly create a little RP community on your server. Many have tried, some have been more successful than others but it's down to determination and luck.Â
Being active by setting up regular roleplay events like tavern nights, tournaments etc. might be a good idea. You will probably end up being the main instigator for most scenes as RPers are usually timid little things. The RPC is a good resource for inspiration of what kind of things you can create in terms of plots or FC/LS ideas, perhaps an adventurer guild or network, or a bakery/tavern - things that are easily accessible to the casual or first-time roleplayer. Hope this helps!
