Anything other than Ul'Dah

[Kellach Woods]

And I personally see it less of a "defensive stance" than providing my opinion to what sounded originally like a generally broad statement that Ul'dah and the areas around it are categorically the worst places to have RP in Eorzea. I feel that it is not. Is that being super-defense about Ul'dah? :?

 

Generally if you say one bad thing about Ul'dah around here you're lucky if it doesn't end in "shut your whore mouth."

 

I'm kinda tired of that.

[Aduu Avagnar]

And I personally see it less of a "defensive stance" than providing my opinion to what sounded originally like a generally broad statement that Ul'dah and the areas around it are categorically the worst places to have RP in Eorzea. I feel that it is not. Is that being super-defense about Ul'dah? :?

 

Generally if you say one bad thing about Ul'dah around here you're lucky if it doesn't end in "shut your whore mouth."

 

I'm kinda tired of that.

Shut your whore mouth! /jk

 

in all seriousness, I like the sights, I like the feel, and I like the setting for Ul'dah, which is why I made it my home.

 

no regrets!

[Seriphyn]

And I personally see it less of a "defensive stance" than providing my opinion to what sounded originally like a generally broad statement that Ul'dah and the areas around it are categorically the worst places to have RP in Eorzea. I feel that it is not. Is that being super-defense about Ul'dah? :?

 

Generally if you say one bad thing about Ul'dah around here you're lucky if it doesn't end in "shut your whore mouth."

 

I'm kinda tired of that.

 

But you're well aware you post about how Ul'dah is objectively OOC terrible at any opportunity? Most of us argue in favour of shades of grey re: Ul'dah, rather than how it outright sucks.

[Dravus]

Ul'dah may be interesting but ultimately it's popular because it is. To state something potentially controversial...the average role-player isn't all that great at taking the initiative and so in MMO's we end up with places like Divinity's Reach, Silvermoon and Stormwind becoming the main 'to go' places for random role-play.

 

Luckily there's role-play to be found elsewhere...albeit to a lesser extent. Ishgard in particular seems to have quite a bit of activity which is pretty great.

[Aya]

I understood you right until this part.  I'm not really sure what you were getting at, but I don't think that was well done of you at all.  It's coming across as rather snide, but I'm going to assume that I'm just magically misreading it.

Gridania can handle a little teasing now and then!

[Siha]

I did not read everything, though I tried! And I'm not sure if this is super helpful BUT...also I'm spoilering because I'm not sure what is considered spoilers technically, it comes from the AST quests.

 

 

 

There is definitely evidence that Limsa is a rough place. In the AST quests, I think 45 or so, you have to go through the city and talk to some NPC's to find Leveva. And one of them at once point says something to the effect of 'Kidnappings and murders (?) happen in broad daylight here, mostly folks just try to duck their heads so they don't get pulled in themselves'. So clearly, the city isn't all that safe, even with the Rogues Guild accounted for. I just wanted to toss that in since I've always felt that Limsa is indeed rather a rough city to live in, even with the Rogues!

 

 

 

Edit: I found the actual game text and SS'd it for everyone! Just so you know I'm not pulling it out of nowhere.

[Grott]

To say that Ul'dah is dangerous while the other cities are not, or whatever, is just incorrect.

 

The setting of Eorzea is not all flowers and clouds, like its pretty models and insane hair options want us to believe. It's pretty rough just about everywhere for just about everyone, even if the aesthetics don't lend themselves to that kind of grit. I mean, really, even the homeless people have bowflex bodies...

 

That aside, and back on topic with the issue of RPing elsewhere. There's been a lot of talk on this forum for a long time of "We need to move out of the Quicksand."

 

No one's leaving the Quicksand in mass herds. I try to not RP there because it's crowded, out-of-character for what my dude is interested in, and I once saw two lalafells emoting an extremely detailed make-out session against a column there. Seriously, like detailed down to the motion of their saliva. Gross. But the Quicksand is very popular because it has just ended up that way. It's in a convenient location, it's got seating, it's got poor people and rich people and merchants and soldiers just by virtue of being the biggest Ul'dahn tavern. It's generally a decent hub for RP, and people are always going to meet there, even if there are better places to roleplay eating a sandwich and getting hammered. RP is not spreading out any time soon in mass quantities. Like it or hate it.

 

I find Limsa to be more convenient for RP, personally, because of the insane amounts of empty chairs and tables in the upper deck. Gridania is just a nightmare. Seriously, there's a single tavern in the whole town and it's in an awkward spot imo. I agree that Ul'dah is not the ultimate RP location, but it's not going to change. Especially not from this thread.

 

I appreciate the rant on how Ul'dah is garbage though. I don't agree with everything you said, but it beats the usual "What's your character's favorite color?" threads that seem to spawn endlessly from the bad idea void that lurks and waits at the bottom of this forum and all other forums. Seems more human, and sparks an interesting conversation.

 

Good on you, bud.

[Gegenji]

I don't agree with everything you said, but it beats the usual "What's your character's favorite color?" threads that seem to spawn endlessly from the bad idea void that lurks and waits at the bottom of this forum and all other forums. Seems more human, and sparks an interesting conversation.

 

Good on you, bud.

 

Again, can we keep the discussion on the pros and cons of the various cities and the RP that could be had there, rather than making snipes at the forum populace? It strikes me as unnecessarily mean at best and intentional baiting for flames at worst. Just like those who would like RP elsewhere than Ul'dah, if there's topics of character discussion beyond things like "favorite color" as you suggested, I would recommend making them yourself and inspire the deeper thoughts and discussion you'd like.

 

That all said, I have to ask - do the housing areas count for this sort of thing, too? Because I notice a lot of active RP areas are also in places like the Goblet and Mist. Some of it may be more insular due to FCs running FC-only RP, but there's also the tavern nights and other open events that are held at peoples' estates in the housing districts.

[DeletedUser]

My FC almost exclusively RPs in La Noscea since we're based there. We meet up every Monday at the Missing Member and the general public is welcome to join us! We also host a bar night every two weeks just outside Costa del Sol. Might not be at very convenient times for NA players but just pointing out that there is RP outside of Ul'dah already. If you want to see more of it, put yourself out there or get in touch with people who advertise themselves as RPing in other areas.

[K'nahli]

I've been wondering how many people would be willing to participate if we all threw together some sort of weekly planner where certain days are dedicated to certain regions/maps and basically everyone tries to meet up at the likes of Bentbranch Meadows, Buscarron's, Moraby Drydocks, Wineport, Vesper Bay and Heavensward maps etc etc(basically whatever areas are deemed popular via a poll) just for a change of scenery and to encourage a more regulated migration out from Ul'dah where people can expect to have better chances of running into others.

 

People could contribute ideas, reasons, justifications and even ideas for mini events that could give other people more reason to go along and help them and decide what they could do differently there that they perhaps couldn't being locked up in the same, old Quicksand.

 

 

No? No...

Naive thinking I guesssss!

[Ashe]

Hmmm My FC RP's open world all the time. You'll rarely find our members in cities ICly said for advertising.  I'll usually take IC interviews in the Bismarck or locations in Ishgard now that that's open but honestly, I don't see the appeal of talking about your adventures in Ul'Dah vs. actually going out and DOING what you're talking about ICly. 

A lot of people use the QS to talk about all sorts of things--whether it's pick up ERP, plot evil plots, or talk about their adventures.  It's a weird place because people will just openly plot the end of the world there sometimes and it's like...okay? How do I take this ICly...

If you don't want to RP in Ul'Dah, don't. Make connections and have them meet you somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Make plots that have you go DO something. Right now my FC is ICly heading into the Hinterlands to go do an IC dungeon run because a few of us are scholars interested in lost technologies/magic. 

It's easier to complain about something like this and do nothing about it rather than trying to change current RP habits. Seriously though, just try it. Ask your usual contacts to meet you somewhere in the middle of nowhere and go on an adventure. It's really fun!

 

Quick Edit: I also think that there are a lot of groups who RP in open-world spaces who do it in closed channels. My group did this for the climb to the hinterlands because we didn't want to spoil stuff for people still going through Heavensward, etc. So it's there but a lot of people don't do it in open channels. If it doesn't spoil stuff, I'll do it in /em because it doesn't really matter too much to me...

[Eddard]

I've been wondering how many people would be willing to participate if we all threw together some sort of weekly planner where certain days are dedicated to certain regions/maps and basically everyone tries to meet up at the likes of Bentbranch Meadows, Buscarron's, Moraby Drydocks, Wineport, Vesper Bay and Heavensward maps etc etc(basically whatever areas are deemed popular via a poll) just for a change of scenery and to encourage a more regulated migration out from Ul'dah where people can expect to have better chances of running into others.

 

People could contribute ideas, reasons, justifications and even ideas for mini events that could give other people more reason to go along and help them and decide what they could do differently there that they perhaps couldn't being locked up in the same, old Quicksand.

 

 

No? No...

Naive thinking I guesssss!

 

Over on Gilgamesh, there's a weekly event called "The Minstrel's Ballad." It's a lovely event where a number of characters gather to watch performances of others (anyone is able to participate on a whim), whether that performance be a song, story, poem, what have you. It's easily one of the highlights of the server. One of the best parts about it is that the location changes every week, heavily encouraging RP around all of Eorzea instead of one typical place. Not only did it allow for change of scenery, it allowed for different characters attend should the player not be able to justify their character being in certain locations (IE: A character of mine avoided the Shroud for a time).

 

Acknowledging that reference, I agree that a weekly event used to get us out and about would be very beneficial. Whether it be a consistently themed event like the Ballad that's just in different locations or a set time every week that has a variation of events in differing locations (though there's no reason to say certain events can't be reoccurring if popular enough), it's a good and fun incentive to have our characters travel. I think it's worth some brainstorming and I'd lend my mind to the process happily.

 

Is there anything inherently wrong with Ul'dah being a large base for a lot of RP? Not really, I suppose; people make the decision and stick with it and apparently continue to have fun, which is what it's all about. But, it is extremely limiting to do it there too much, which needs be acknowledged regardless of how much people actually mind. There are a lot of marvelous spots that deserve to be utilized. There are so many bars that aren't the Quicksand. Outside of the bar scene, locations like Bronze Lake are a good go to in terms of settlements. But, there are plenty of spots that might not even have a label on the map and are just bits of scenery that lend themselves easily (IE: The campfire under the train tracks in Central Thanalan. Yes, still in Thanalan, but it's not Ul'dah). Although open RP may not be feasible there, answering the "Who wants RP?" calls on our linkshells are great opportunities to use these more obscure but still lovely locations.

[Maral]

"As they say, one man's marlin is another man's mudskipper."

[Caspar]

There has been an increase in activity in Limsa and the Drowning wench lately

[Masaki Moui]

I've been wondering how many people would be willing to participate if we all threw together some sort of weekly planner where certain days are dedicated to certain regions/maps...

 

Helping to organize something like this would be of interest to me. I'd actually enjoy keeping a public calendar of rotating locations used to encourage new roleplay venues to shake up the scene just to encourage the Muse. Nor should this be perceived as preferring one venue over another. Please feel free to contact me in PM or in a thread if something gets off the ground. I'm a poor event coordinator but I can keep one mean lean At-A-Glance Day Planner.

[Kaiz]

I want people to RP at the Bismarck. It's such a trendy place to eat. All the cool kids eat at the Bismarck.

[Kellach Woods]

I want people to RP at the Bismarck. It's such a trendy place to eat. All the cool kids eat at the Bismarck.

 

Couple of us often ended up there after doing things.

 

It's kinda fallen out of favor due to HW dropping.

[Kaiz]

Does everyone hang out in a HW area now? I haven't done any HW stuff yet.

[Unnamed Mercenary]

Does everyone hang out in a HW area now? I haven't done any HW stuff yet.

 

If seen a decent collection of people (and trolls) in the Forgotten Knight recently, with some more RP happening around the city.

[K'nahli]

Over on Gilgamesh, there's a weekly event called "The Minstrel's Ballad." It's a lovely event where a number of characters gather to watch performances of others (anyone is able to participate on a whim), whether that performance be a song, story, poem, what have you. It's easily one of the highlights of the server. One of the best parts about it is that the location changes every week, heavily encouraging RP around all of Eorzea instead of one typical place. Not only did it allow for change of scenery, it allowed for different characters attend should the player not be able to justify their character being in certain locations (IE: A character of mine avoided the Shroud for a time).

 

Acknowledging that reference, I agree that a weekly event used to get us out and about would be very beneficial. Whether it be a consistently themed event like the Ballad that's just in different locations or a set time every week that has a variation of events in differing locations (though there's no reason to say certain events can't be reoccurring if popular enough), it's a good and fun incentive to have our characters travel. I think it's worth some brainstorming and I'd lend my mind to the process happily.

 

 

Ohhhhh, that's a really nice idea! It's not quite what I had in mind since it's limited to an actual event as opposed to helping promote random roleplay in other areas, but I think something like that would have a much better chance of working more effectively, especially if it were possible to organise more than one such events - all of which rotate. Granted, there's no reason you couldn't do both but the event idea certainly sounds like an ideal place to at least start in my opinion.

[Eddard]

Over on Gilgamesh, there's a weekly event called "The Minstrel's Ballad." It's a lovely event where a number of characters gather to watch performances of others (anyone is able to participate on a whim), whether that performance be a song, story, poem, what have you. It's easily one of the highlights of the server. One of the best parts about it is that the location changes every week, heavily encouraging RP around all of Eorzea instead of one typical place. Not only did it allow for change of scenery, it allowed for different characters attend should the player not be able to justify their character being in certain locations (IE: A character of mine avoided the Shroud for a time).

 

Acknowledging that reference, I agree that a weekly event used to get us out and about would be very beneficial. Whether it be a consistently themed event like the Ballad that's just in different locations or a set time every week that has a variation of events in differing locations (though there's no reason to say certain events can't be reoccurring if popular enough), it's a good and fun incentive to have our characters travel. I think it's worth some brainstorming and I'd lend my mind to the process happily.

 

 

Ohhhhh, that's a really nice idea! It's not quite what I had in mind since it's limited to an actual event as opposed to helping promote random roleplay in other areas, but I think something like that would have a much better chance of working more effectively, especially if it were possible to organise more than one such events - all of which rotate. Granted, there's no reason you couldn't do both but the event idea certainly sounds like an ideal place to at least start in my opinion.

 

The RP that happens may not exactly be considered "random" but it still fills the purpose of building bridges. For example, I saw one character ask another out on a date once after the one that asked was particularly impressed by the woman's story. The event itself wasn't random but that particular connection wasn't exactly planned. Between performances (or during if characters are a tad rude  ) people mingle and make merry and all that. The central premise entertains but doesn't take up everyone's focus entirely.

 

In any case, starting with an event is a clearer start. Shoot me a PM if you want some help brainstorming possibilities. This is something I'm really behind since I've seen the wonders the Ballad works.

[Melkire]

To those not aware, we actually do have weekly and monthly events on Balmung. The big weekly event is the Grindstone, a martial fighting tournament that takes place every Saturday evening. There are also the monthly Pilgrimmage events run by Jancis, in which large crowds of people journey to distinct landmarks to praise and worship the Twelve.

 

There are also other regular events, such as the Bacchus Drinking Competition, though I'm not familiar with their schedules or frequency.

 

It's entirely possible that these events might not be someone's cup of tea, in which case there is clearly a want or need to be filled... but these events do exist, and I want to call attention to them for those not familiar with organized Balmung roleplay.

[Tali]

To those not aware, we actually do have weekly and monthly events on Balmung. The big weekly event is the Grindstone, a martial fighting tournament that takes place every Saturday evening. There are also the monthly Pilgrimmage events run by Jancis, in which large crowds of people journey to distinct landmarks to praise and worship the Twelve.

 

There are also other regular events, such as the Bacchus Drinking Competition, though I'm not familiar with their schedules or frequency.

 

It's entirely possible that these events might not be someone's cup of tea, in which case there is clearly a want or need to be filled... but these events do exist, and I want to call attention to them for those not familiar with organized Balmung roleplay.

 

And every fortnight, in Costa del Sol, there's the Sunny Seaside Bar. We've been running this thing every two weeks for the past six months, and intend to do so for as long for as long as people continue to come. Maybe a little longer, we rather enjoy it.

 

It's right there on the calendar, if you're adamant about breaking away from Ul'dah RP, or just wanting a change of scenery, it's worth stopping by. We try to make it fun for folks.

 

There's also the Missing Member every Monday (EU) night, although that's not RPC calendar-worthy, it's still something that happens.

[Eddard]

To those not aware, we actually do have weekly and monthly events on Balmung. The big weekly event is the Grindstone, a martial fighting tournament that takes place every Saturday evening. There are also the monthly Pilgrimmage events run by Jancis, in which large crowds of people journey to distinct landmarks to praise and worship the Twelve.

 

There are also other regular events, such as the Bacchus Drinking Competition, though I'm not familiar with their schedules or frequency.

 

It's entirely possible that these events might not be someone's cup of tea, in which case there is clearly a want or need to be filled... but these events do exist, and I want to call attention to them for those not familiar with organized Balmung roleplay.

 

I'm aware and appreciate the efforts behind these, knowing events are a big way to get out. The only event I've attended myself is the Costa event Kilid mentioned and it was very nice. What I'm encouraging id some kind of event that moves about every week as opposed to being in one spot to encourage exploration of the huge map that is Eorzea. A player may end up loving one of the spots and look to RP there more, breaking the Ul'dah trend outside of events.That children aged (Edit: Come on, Google Voice. Don't make this hard) Pilgrimage * event that you just mentioned it sounds exactly what I mean, I just wasn't aware. I would have cited it if I did. Thank you for pointing it out.

 

 

As you said, though,  not every event is everyone's cup of tea; as cool of an idea it may be, Eddard would never go to that event. It's one of the reasons why I think a cyclic sort of thing could be useful. If one week's thing isn't enough motive to leave, maybe the next one will be. 

[Berrod Armstrong]

To those not aware, we actually do have weekly and monthly events on Balmung. The big weekly event is the Grindstone, a martial fighting tournament that takes place every Saturday evening. There are also the monthly Pilgrimmage events run by Jancis, in which large crowds of people journey to distinct landmarks to praise and worship the Twelve.

 

There are also other regular events, such as the Bacchus Drinking Competition, though I'm not familiar with their schedules or frequency.

 

It's entirely possible that these events might not be someone's cup of tea, in which case there is clearly a want or need to be filled... but these events do exist, and I want to call attention to them for those not familiar with organized Balmung roleplay.

 

I'm aware and appreciate the efforts behind these, knowing events are a big way to get out. The only event I've attended myself is the Costa event Kilid mentioned and it was very nice. What I'm encouraging id some kind of event that moves about every week as opposed to being in one spot to encourage exploration of the huge map that is Eorzea. that children aged event that you just mentioned it sounds exactly what I mean, I just wasn't aware. I would have cited it if I did. Thank you for pointing it out.

 

 

As you said, though,  not every event is everyone's cup of tea; as cool of an idea it may be, Eddard would never go to that event. It's one of the reasons why I think a cyclic sort of thing could be useful. If one week's thing isn't enough motive to leave, maybe the next one will be. 

It's good that you're encouraging it.

 

But nothing's going to happen until you do it!

 

Go do it! Plan it, start it, run it. You have the idea, you know exactly what you want, you're in a position to craft it just the way you like it.

 

So do it!

 

Otherwise, people will continue to stir their own cup of tea, and you can't really fault them for that.