Third Wheels?

[Kheni'to]

How does everyone feel when you are having a one on one IC conversation with someone and another RPer suddenly joins in?

 

In a few instances, I saw a couple of people talking and wanted to join their conversation because they were arguing a topic my character would be interested in.

 

I could just send them a tell, but who would I send it to? Both? What if one says yes and one says no? It also kind of ruins the spontaneity of the moment to ask first in a tell.

 

Also, my OOC personality is quite different from my IC personality. Aren't first impressions important to an extent?

 

If I approach like "Heya! Can I join your convo?" then become "Greetings.....sun-cats; I could not help but overhear you discussing tribal traditions, and I must interject" then it would be awkward (IMHO at least). I also don't like shifting personality gears so much. My brain starts to get confused. 

 

What would y'all do in that situation?

[Magellan]

Emotes are your friends.

 

If you type: Kheni'to paused, his ears flicked towards the conversation, and he tilted his head in a way to indicate he was listening.

 

This shows the people talking that you are interested in joining. Now if nothing happens, don't get discouraged. Sometimes chat scrolls too fast. Sometimes they want to work you in the scene, but don't know how to do so ICly because their characteers didn't notice you.

 

Me personally, I send tells if I see someone standing nearby emoting or looking interested. Something along the lines of 'please feel free to jump in!' I love OOC communication because I think its the easiest way to avoid confusions.

 

And sometimes people just don't want others to jump into their conversation (though they shouldn't be rping in public if this is the case). Don't get discouraged here either! We are a diverse community, and there are a lot of friendly folks to rp with out there!

[K'nahli]

In my opinion, characters should freely jump in to such scenes if it is of genuine interest to them. Whether or not you get dished to the side afterwards ICly or not is totally legal roleplay but I dislike the idea of people choosing to join in a scene just because there's nothing else going on or your particular conversation seems more interesting.

 

Magellan is right though. Emotes give a great sense of what is going on to all parties involved and is the best approach!

 

 

Actually on a related note, the other day I ran from Gridania to Ul'dah on my level 2 Bandit character. I was hoping to find some open world RP but never expected to. Although! I was surprised to find myself mistaken. I spotted two characters walking towards me from the bar that resides between Ul'dah and Blackbrush. So I drew my lance and yelled at them to stop. They didn't respond immediately and only started showing interest after they passed me(as in, they turned around, no words were spoken). At that point I felt it was too late to continue and mostly I was just really nervous so I continued running towards Ul'dah.

 

Would RP like this be bad? I swear I would love to have random encounters like this were I to roleplay publicly but perhaps its just me. Is it spoiling their scene or anything? The idea is that he is just a lowly bandit who at the very worst will steal some gil from them unless they struggle in which case he could wound them. Obviously I don't want to be some massive sadist that encounters a couple of non-combatants and butchers them while they were on their way to celebrate their new friendship by picking apples for orphans.

[Naunet]

Actually on a related note, the other day I ran from Gridania to Ul'dah on my level 2 Bandit character. I was hoping to find some open world RP but never expected to. Although! I was surprised to find myself mistaken. I spotted two characters walking towards me from the bar that resides between Ul'dah and Blackbrush. So I drew my lance and yelled at them to stop. They didn't respond immediately and only started showing interest after they passed me(as in, they turned around, no words were spoken). At that point I felt it was too late to continue and mostly I was just really nervous so I continued running towards Ul'dah.

 

Twin and I had a couple bandit characters we liked to RP on occasion in TERA. It was really hard to get people to go along with us trying to ambush them on a road or whatever to steal their shit (which is funny, because it's not like we were gonna god mode or whatever - the times we did actually get to banditize someone, our characters were defeated miserably). So, I understand your conflict completely.

 

That said, don't give up. I know it can be kinda nerve wracking trying to initiate a scene like that with random strangers, but be persistent! If your first shout doesn't stop someone, try again, and this time elaborate a bit (they might not have understood what you were trying to do, or even not realized your shout had been directed at them). If they don't react well, don't worry. Just roll with the punches, so to speak, and move on to find your next potential victim.

 

But to answer your question more directly: RP like that is never bad.

[K'nahli]

 

Twin and I had a couple bandit characters we liked to RP on occasion in TERA. It was really hard to get people to go along with us trying to ambush them on a road or whatever to steal their shit (which is funny, because it's not like we were gonna god mode or whatever - the times we did actually get to banditize someone, our characters were defeated miserably). So, I understand your conflict completely.

 

That said, don't give up. I know it can be kinda nerve wracking trying to initiate a scene like that with random strangers, but be persistent! If your first shout doesn't stop someone, try again, and this time elaborate a bit (they might not have understood what you were trying to do, or even not realized your shout had been directed at them). If they don't react well, don't worry. Just roll with the punches, so to speak, and move on to find your next potential victim.

 

But to answer your question more directly: RP like that is never bad.

 

It was very last moment though. I didn't have time to type anything elaborate so literally all I bellowed out was "HALT!" but there was enough time for them to respond albeit they weren't watching I guess so I assumed they were disinterested until they started showing signs of turning around but then I became intimidates -o- ;;

I'll keep trying though, haha.

 

In any case, a short while after that I encountered a more serious scene where people were consoling some woman who was in danger. I began eavesdropping and some really interesting character emoted in such a way that allowed a friend and himself to corner me. It was actually rather funny since I didn't even see the second person come around behind me in site of OOCly knowing it was coming >w<

 

It was a short scene but I enjoyed the interaction nonetheless >w< I'd also like to do something that you and Twin had done. Especially if you grabbed a few high level archers and used flame arrow to block the path of a large group of people or a caravan @@

[Siha]

Personally I don't mind when someone jumps into a conversation that myself and another rper are having, it used to happen all the time when I rped on WoW and even happened when I was rping for my first time on ARR. I think it adds realism and immersion to the roleplay, that's not to say that I don't like when someone OOCly sends me a tell and asks but I also don't mind when someone just jumps in because hey that would happen in real life now wouldn't it? Besides if I'm roleplaying out in the open in say then I really can't complain if someone wants to join in, if I wanted a private thing I'd take things to tells or party chat! ^^

 

If I could I was just going to add my comment on K'nahli's situation. Bandits are hard to roleplay because it's really hard to find people that are receptive to actually either a) being robbed b) losing to anyone or c) having anything spontaneous of that nature happen. Again my personal two cents is bring it on, I don't mind rolling with it, the only time I ever would have qualms is if you were planning to fatally wound or permanently cripple my character because that's something I like to discuss before it happens. Otherwise, bandits do happen, especially in this particular setting!

[shotgunbadger]

I usually do the emote thing too. If I hear something interesting going on I'll most likely stop and do some "Zutoto raises a brow and pauses, looking over at (whoever)" thing and if they wanna engage that's cool, and if not no biggie.

 

As for the bandit character I totes would stop for that, worst case scenario the other person does some annoying godmode stuff and I just go 'nah not doing this' and scoot along away.

[Magellan]

@ K'nahli: I can honestly say I have had one positive experience with combat related RP, and the rest of it has been terrible. I think many are in the same boat, hence a general reticence to engage in confrontational/combat RP.

 

As badger said, I'm willing to keep an open mind, but am not afraid to pull the plug if things get too crazy. In a world where sleep spells and bindings exist, its highly possible even non-combatants could make a hasty escape.

 

I also think criminal activity would realistically happen in isolated areas or back alleys, away from crowds and guards. Unless you got some gang stuff going on =p

 

To clarify, my one good combat experience, my char got the crap kicked out of her and almost died, so winning has nothing to do with it. Its about believability in how you RP the fight, and I find a lack of this :c

[Naunet]

I usually do the emote thing too. If I hear something interesting going on I'll most likely stop and do some "Zutoto raises a brow and pauses, looking over at (whoever)" thing and if they wanna engage that's cool, and if not no biggie.

 

The problem with this is, such a passive emote doesn't give the characters anything to RP off of. They may not react to your character's idle arching of brow and vague look, but that doesn't mean they aren't open to interacting with your character.

 

If you wanna get involved with a scene you see, you've gotta be proactive - especially ICly, but OOCly can help as well.

[S'anhu]

I usually do the emote thing too. If I hear something interesting going on I'll most likely stop and do some "Zutoto raises a brow and pauses, looking over at (whoever)" thing and if they wanna engage that's cool, and if not no biggie.

 

The problem with this is, such a passive emote doesn't give the characters anything to RP off of. They may not react to your character's idle arching of brow and vague look, but that doesn't mean they aren't open to interacting with your character.

 

If you wanna get involved with a scene you see, you've gotta be proactive - especially ICly, but OOCly can help as well.

This exactly. S'anhu's hardly ever a very observant guy. When I do see some with this kind of passing interest I'll try to stretch out a bit and make him glance around and notice or something, but I'm also very bad at knowing how to draw people in. I'm always totally open to anyone waltzing up and joining in or interrupting or any of that, but maybe I'm just horrid at leaving openings.

[shotgunbadger]

That is completely true, I've gotten results with just an emote and all but sometimes more direct interjection was needed.

[Brynhilde]

So far as I'm concerned, if the RP is public, it's fair game. Most of them time if I choose to RP in /say, it's because I'm open to others joining in, or I'm inviting it in an indirect way. If for any reason I want the scene I'm doing to be between my character and only a specific character or group of others, it's best to take it to /l, /t or /p.

 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with sending a /tell to ask if you can join in. If you want to keep it spontaneous, emotes are often the way to go. But, as has been said, if they're too subtle they're difficult to work with. What they do, however, is indicate interest. If I'm RPing in a public place such as The Quicksand and a character emotes nearby that suggests that they may be interested in joining in, it allows me to make a similar emote which acts as an invitation. Just something as simple as "/em regards the newcomer with discreet interest before turning back to her conversation." shows the other RPer that you've acknowledged their presence and interest, and that you're open to their participation.

[Swashbuckler]

I've found that people (at least in Balmung) are generally open to spontaneous RP and I've been on this third wheel thing before. I think most (if not all) of us have. If it's in a public place like The Quicksand, Drowning Wench, etc. and they're talking in /say, then I believe it's fair game.

 

It's also not unusual to approach them and say something like, "I'm sorry but I couldn't help but overhear...." I mean, you're in a tavern after all.

 

I think emoting your character expressing interest in a topic they're talking about is the way to go.

[Poet]

Third wheel is never fun. I've been that third wheel, it's mortifying. 

 

I believe if you keep a concept open, it lets others come in. But, ever have that third wheel turn into a full transport truck? It becomes crowded after a bit and then the role play loses interest.

 

I love large groups to role play in, if it's got a concept that lets others place opinions and such in. 

 

Any who, I swerved off topic for a moment. I found that emoting a nod or an interest in listening always brings the attention back to you so you can get a bit of small feed back. But, it doesn't always work. I could do that for hours; invited into the role play prior too, and have it just be.. me watching them role play. As fun as it is, I prefer to indulge myself into it.

 

But, I can agree with all of you; thus far. If it's private, party or whispers is nice.

[K'nahli]

I must admit, I actually feel a little guilty when I see people emoting alone but don't give anything for others to respond to.. or if the other group simple don't mention it in spite of being totally open to interaction. I keep wondering if perhaps they're hoping for someone else to take the initiative and are in truth disappointed when no-one responds.

 

Does anyone actually feel like that at any point? I can't count the times a lone RP'er has sat down at a table in the quicksand and emotes on on their lonesome ;w; Personally, for the few times I have RP'd there it hasn't really bothered me and I accept that what I am doing is only adding to the setting but whenever its anyone else I assume the worst =w= ;;

[Val]

Faye and I have noticed that when our two characters are talking, people seem to be apprehensive about joining in. Or, they feel bad about joining in because usually Val goes silent and Faye carries on a conversation with the newcomer.

 

This is absolutely okay with us! Val, the character, has been quite informed that he lacks most social graces and in order to avoid getting on Faye's bad side, he generally learns to keep his mouth shut.

 

That being said, she and I both would be MORE than happy for people to walk up and RP with us when the characters are together. We welcome it and, in fact, wish it would happen more often. I understand people's reservations about being afraid of interrupting something but, honestly, if we're RPing in the open then that means there's nothing to interrupt =)

[Magellan]

Faye and I have noticed that when our two characters are talking, people seem to be apprehensive about joining in. Or, they feel bad about joining in because usually Val goes silent and Faye carries on a conversation with the newcomer.

 

This is absolutely okay with us! Val, the character, has been quite informed that he lacks most social graces and in order to avoid getting on Faye's bad side, he generally learns to keep his mouth shut.

 

That being said, she and I both would be MORE than happy for people to walk up and RP with us when the characters are together. We welcome it and, in fact, wish it would happen more often. I understand people's reservations about being afraid of interrupting something but, honestly, if we're RPing in the open then that means there's nothing to interrupt =)

 

This is a perfect example of where a /tell would help alleviate any misgivings or misunderstandings.

 

I know some people don't like to do /tells, they feel it breaks some sort of wall, but there are a lot of shy, new, or otherwise nervous people out there where a little OOC communication can provide a wealth of confidence and help.

 

Should people take IC actions as representing OOC actions? No. Do they? Yes. Especially with new rpers, a little help in separating the OOC from the IC can be needed. It's very easy to take things personally when you are first starting out in the rp world, and it never hurts (imo) to give people some OOC encouragement.

[K'nahli]

there are a lot of shy.... or otherwise nervous people out there where a little OOC communication can provide a wealth of confidence and help.

 

.... >w<

[Kheni'to]

Speaking of random encounters. Days ago I was in an airship landing (The Gridania one I think) and I just happen to be on the phone but still watching my computer screen. Suddenly, I saw you K'nahli! Your character turned around and looked at my character for a while. I was like "[sarcastic] perfect timing" to myself. Would have been a chance to RP, but I didn't know how long I was going to be on the phone and I would not be able to multitask RPing and phone conversation at the same time. In hindsight, I should have set my status to AFK, but didn't think of it at the time.

 

Anywho, I like the idea of trying emotes because I don't like sending tells unless I have to. Not that I can't see how OOC tells can be useful for making things much more clear.

 

I will have to think about it.

[Tobias Nightbringer]

The secret to entering PRIVATE PUBLIC RPs in just ONE easy step!

 

[align=center]Step 1[/align]

 

[align=center][/align]

 

Profit. 

[ansemaru]

I prefer to do it more like this.

 

[Tobias Nightbringer]

[align=center]-snip snip-[/align]

 

 

TOU-FUCKING-CHE GOOD SIR!

[Dat Oni]

Actually on a related note, the other day I ran from Gridania to Ul'dah on my level 2 Bandit character. I was hoping to find some open world RP but never expected to. Although! I was surprised to find myself mistaken. I spotted two characters walking towards me from the bar that resides between Ul'dah and Blackbrush. So I drew my lance and yelled at them to stop. They didn't respond immediately and only started showing interest after they passed me(as in, they turned around, no words were spoken). At that point I felt it was too late to continue and mostly I was just really nervous so I continued running towards Ul'dah.

 

You need to send me a friend invite. I would love rping scenes like that with you. :moogle:

[K'nahli]

Speaking of random encounters. Days ago I was in an airship landing (The Gridania one I think) and I just happen to be on the phone but still watching my computer screen. Suddenly, I saw you K'nahli! Your character turned around and looked at my character for a while. I was like "[sarcastic] perfect timing" to myself. Would have been a chance to RP, but I didn't know how long I was going to be on the phone and I would not be able to multitask RPing and phone conversation at the same time. In hindsight, I should have set my status to AFK, but didn't think of it at the time.

 

Anywho, I like the idea of trying emotes because I don't like sending tells unless I have to. Not that I can't see how OOC tells can be useful for making things much more clear.

 

I will have to think about it.

 

 

Ah, as far as your any inclination towards RP would have went, I have only RP'D K'nahli twice in-game. That how seldom the chance comes around. Add to that four or five forums topics and you have the totality of all her RP experience. She is still stuck in Sagolii. Ul'dah is the furthest she has ever ventured.

[Kheni'to]

Speaking of random encounters. Days ago I was in an airship landing (The Gridania one I think) and I just happen to be on the phone but still watching my computer screen. Suddenly, I saw you K'nahli! Your character turned around and looked at my character for a while. I was like "[sarcastic] perfect timing" to myself. Would have been a chance to RP, but I didn't know how long I was going to be on the phone and I would not be able to multitask RPing and phone conversation at the same time. In hindsight, I should have set my status to AFK, but didn't think of it at the time.

 

Anywho, I like the idea of trying emotes because I don't like sending tells unless I have to. Not that I can't see how OOC tells can be useful for making things much more clear.

 

I will have to think about it.

 

 

Ah, as far as your any inclination towards RP would have went, I have only RP'D K'nahli twice in-game. That how seldom the chance comes around. Add to that four or five forums topics and you have the totality of all her RP experience. She is still stuck in Sagolii. Ul'dah is the furthest she has ever ventured.

 

Are you saying that wasn't you, or you weren't IC? My memory could be wrong; I think I had some whiskey that night. Anywho If it was you, you did stop and turn towards me. Maybe you OOCly saw me as familiar and wanted a double-take?

 

Tobias, Ansemaru, my character is not the Koolaid man, nor is he an armored titan.....

 

 

But I wanna try that! See how it works! Thanks! LOL