xelliexell Posted March 30, 2014 Share #1 Posted March 30, 2014 Hello! I know it may seem strange that this is my first post, but I've been playing the game since launch and have generally been around for a while. I've had an idea for a cross-FC RP linkshell for a couple of months now, and I wanted to poke around and see if anyone else would be drawn to it. It's a somewhat ambitious project, but I'm not someone who likes doing things halfway. I think that FFXIV has an incredible and potentially immersive world to play in. I'd need a couple of people to help me with setting it up, although I've gotten pretty far on my own already. Eh, before babbling any more, I'll just post a couple of the tidbits I have written for it: [align=center] [/align] As you look up at the lonely darkness of the nighttime sky, a scarcity of stars twinkle down to offer comfort. Yet one such star catches your gaze, glimmering its distant hope onto the sleeping earth. In that moment, you are strangely reassured that you are not alone - but, rather, connected to all the other sparkling lights that hang above. Soon you discover a symbol: a stylized mark on your skin that certainly wasn't there before. It is a character in an unfamiliar language, and no amount of scrubbing or magic seems to remove it. Staring at the design for long periods of time gives you the same feeling as that fated night, despite its enigmatic origin. As you walk through the busy marketplace, a sudden spike of recognition bombards you as you pass an individual. You feel as though you've just stepped past someone you've always known, though when you look, they are a stranger to your eyes. Continuing your gait, the sensation nags at you, feeling as though the two of you were intended to meet. Then come the dreams. You walk amongst a landscape that is not your own, glimpsing the experiences of an unknown personage. You witness memories both joyous and dark, from a wedding in a glade to the death of that same love. Slowly and surely, whether by fortune's blessing or an afflicted curse, you know that you are not alone. [align=center]゚・:*:・。☆。・:*:・゚[/align] ((The purpose of this linkshell is to provide a cross-FC RP concept that can bring our characters together, regardless of alignment or occupation. Anyone who wishes to be involved in this 'entwined fate' plot chooses a star to represent their character, which coincides with their mark. (There will be a "Stars" link on the website for more info on which are taken, and which are available.) After the experience above happens to a character, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to their fellows. While strong, this supernatural allure is purely platonic in nature, and does not denote romantic involvement. The odd paradox of the curse is that these people are drawn together by a firm strand of fate, but it does not control their personal opinions toward the individual in question. As such, someone may be reflexively compelled to defend someone from their undoing, while possessing nothing but the greatest ire toward them. Feel free to explore how your character might react to this sudden occurrence happening to them. So as not to arouse suspicion, the denizens afflicted by the mark gather under the guise of a functional Host Club, which opens twice a month to the public. More specifically, the establishment is titled "The Eorzean Society's High-Etiquette Host (and Hostess) Club." Details and layout of the club will be determined ICly by the first few members, as this whole plotline begins and evolves.)) Soooo, there you have it. You may have noticed some inspiration from a couple of different things (Suikoden and OHSHC), but I'm wanting to make it our own concept as opposed to a carbon copy of either thing. I'd like for it to morph and grow by our whims, and nestle within the lovely landscape that FFXIV:ARR has provided for us. If you're interested in helping, please send me a PM and we can collaborate on Skype and such. I'd be happy to answer any questions as well. We're working on a website, but I may also need some help with that, heh. (As in, I can do graphics, as shown above, but I just don't know how to lay it all out in a pretty and cohesive way.) Even still, before moving forward, I just wanted to peek in and see if there was any general interest in a concept like this. No harm if not, but it also doesn't hurt to check? Link to comment
TheLastCandle Posted March 30, 2014 Share #2 Posted March 30, 2014 Dibs on Ten'i Star! /GeorgPrimeGeekery (On a more serious note, it's an interesting idea, and obviously one you feel passionate about if you devoted your first post to it. Consider me a potentially interested party, though I'd have to roll a different character to fit the "host club" theme. ^^) Link to comment
Siha Posted March 30, 2014 Share #3 Posted March 30, 2014 I would certainly mark myself as an interested party, I've found myself wandering alone lately so this could be great. I'll have an alt for it of that I'm sure, ha ha. Both parts of the story sound like they would be tons of fun! Link to comment
xelliexell Posted March 30, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted March 30, 2014 Yay, interested parties! :moogle: Always great to meet fellow Suikoden fans as well! If you think it would be more fun to make an alt for this concept, I certainly won't stop you! But I should also mention that a character doesn't have to be involved in both the Stars of Destiny plot and the running of the Host Club. For example, someone who has a mark of destiny could just use the Host Club building as a general place of gathering with the others who are connected, and leave the running of the club to the others. (Depending on IC motivations.) Conversely, if someone only wants to be a staffer of the Host Club but they don't want their characters to have a mark and be involved in the 'connected by fate' aspect, that's fine, too. There is an IC reason that D'ranmaia owns a Host Club building (not officially opened yet), and she will also happen to be a Star of Destiny. As such, she would gladly offer the building toward the purpose of gathering the Stars, though she is also ICly motivated to open the club for [recent backstory reasons.] So basically, it can be a combination of however you want your character to fit into the setting, along with how your character would react to this scenario. (I think it would also be funny to have some people working at the Host Club who are just really bad at it, for comedy's sake.) At the end of the day, the main idea is to break down the FC silos and have fun RPing together under a cohesive and all-inclusive plot/setting. I know there are inevitably other linkshells who serve this purpose as well, but I feel that I could tell an interesting story and set up some pretty entertaining character scenes with this one. ^^ Link to comment
Candor Posted March 31, 2014 Share #5 Posted March 31, 2014 This sounds different. I'll admit, when I first read this, I thought, "This sounds like an anime." And as one of the few players here that doesn't consider that a good thing, I was discouraged. But after some thought it also struck me as innovative, and you're certainly enthusiastic about it, Maia. As a fellow player recently engaged in a large RP project, I think I would like to lend you my support. So please consider me an interested party. For now I'll follow this thread and see what you have to say, but should you wish to discuss anything, please feel free to contact me. Link to comment
xelliexell Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted April 1, 2014 Thank you for your consideration! I'm not sure if it's any consolation whatsoever, but I've done a bit of research into each concept to try and solidify my OoC knowledge of both. While I'll definitely be leaving some of the "RL" Host Club nuances at the door, I unearthed a few interesting ideas that could be fun to pitch and develop ICly. Also, while I do hold a love for Suikoden, the 108 Stars of Destiny concept dates back to the 14th century Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan/"Water Margins." Again, not going to use every aspect of the story/legend (as in, no demons), but still finding some inspiration from that as well. I know that anyone with a functional internet and the ability to type into the Google search box can have this knowledge, but I just wanted to give a mention that I'm pulling from several sources for this construct. ^^ Mind you, no one else really needs to know about these things, since I'm really just grabbing ideas and keeping the majority of it malleable for fresh creative ideas. I know this concept may not be of interest to many, but I'm not particularly aiming for an extremely large group. Just knowing that there's interest at all... Well, I'll go ahead and push forward with this project. So far I have: Created a "ghost" FC for the ability to have a physical Club that I can lay out appropriately. Gotten to Rank 3 on said non-FC (through power questing alts on it.) Saved up 1.4 million toward a small house. Registered a domain on shivtr for the website and started image editing for the layout. Still to do: Get the FC to Rank 6! (If anyone would like to contribute some quests on an alt, please let me know! It would be very helpful!) Earn 1 million gil. Earn enough extra to build the house and provide basic furnishings. Finish website layout & forums. Start RPing! I know it may not seem like much, but I have a full-time job and can't play as often as I'd like. Still, it's a start, and I'm optimistic that I can make it happen! I've gotten this far, after all! Link to comment
xelliexell Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted April 1, 2014 Eh, sure! *tosses hat into ring* Link to comment
Siha Posted April 1, 2014 Share #8 Posted April 1, 2014 I have quite a few alts that are without an FC, I haven't actively been looking for one on them either, so if you want someone to drop XP in for quests I certainly wouldn't mind. I'm not sure when you're usually on but I'll try /telling you in game when I'm alted and you can add me just for the free XP at least. ^^ Link to comment
xelliexell Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share #9 Posted April 1, 2014 I have quite a few alts that are without an FC, I haven't actively been looking for one on them either, so if you want someone to drop XP in for quests I certainly wouldn't mind. I'm not sure when you're usually on but I'll try /telling you in game when I'm alted and you can add me just for the free XP at least. ^^ That would be extremely helpful, Siha! Thank you! I've found that quest spamming nets way more FC rank than gathering, so it'd be appreciated! Link to comment
Siha Posted April 1, 2014 Share #10 Posted April 1, 2014 No problem, I'm an altoholic so I might as well make it useful! Right now my lowest I'm leveling is Taiga Jakkya so feel free to add her as I'll be on with her until at least four or so. ^^ Link to comment
xelliexell Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share #11 Posted April 1, 2014 No problem, I'm an altoholic so I might as well make it useful! Right now my lowest I'm leveling is Taiga Jakkya so feel free to add her as I'll be on with her until at least four or so. ^^ Ack! I'm sorry that I missed you! I usually don't get home until about 5:30 PM on weekdays. I sent you my Skype info though - or, if nothing else, I could try to catch you on the weekend or Thursday! ^^ Link to comment
xelliexell Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share #12 Posted April 14, 2014 Hello, again! I just wanted to add a general update to my progress, and perhaps enlist some extra help, if possible. The exciting news is that after a lot of hard work, I've finally earned enough to buy a small plot of land for the Host Club! Additionally, the Linkshell website is fully up and functional, and will be ready for public view after I do just one more write-up on the forums there! The only thing left to do is get the "ghost" FC to rank 6 so that I can purchase the land for the Club. Even if you aren't necessarily interested in this concept, I would certainly appreciate any and all help with getting the FC to rank. So, if anyone would be able and willing to throw an alt into the FC and devour some quests there, even if just temporarily, I would be very, very grateful. Whenever we hit Rank 6, I'll be opening the LS and starting the RP in earnest. I will continue to work hard toward this goal personally, and I am more than willing to put in the effort, even if I have to level two more alts to 50 via quests. Rwar! Thank you all again for your help and support! Looking forward to getting the ball rolling! Link to comment
Raelas Posted April 23, 2014 Share #13 Posted April 23, 2014 Bumpity bump bump! Joined a few days ago, can't wait to get this on the road! *pads off to punch more fates and leves!* Link to comment
xelliexell Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share #14 Posted April 23, 2014 Aww, thankye, Yangh! We're getting there, slowly but surely! I'll be able to help with it for at least a couple of hours this evening. ^^ As a more general update, here is our progress so far: I have enough saved to buy the housing plot and the housing permit, thanks to a LOT of spiritbonding, and some kind donations from interested parties. I figure that furniture costs can be worried about later, heh. The website is done and I'm allowing anyone who wants to see it a sneak peak. It's not compatible with IE, unfortunately. I've been working on it with a programmer friend of mine, but he's assured me that there's just nothing more we can do since we don't have Premium membership with Shivtr. Apologies in advance! On the bright side, we've managed to hit Rank 4! Just two more Ranks to go and I'll be opening the Linkshell for members officially! In short, all we need to do is get the FC to Rank 6 and we'll be good! I'm certainly excited that we've come this far, and I'm looking forward to getting there! Link to comment
Kelzan Rhiad Posted April 26, 2014 Share #15 Posted April 26, 2014 This is an awesome idea and something that I think would be great! I'd like to also get involved if at all possible. Link to comment
xelliexell Posted April 27, 2014 Author Share #16 Posted April 27, 2014 This is an awesome idea and something that I think would be great! I'd like to also get involved if at all possible. Thank you, and absolutely! I'm very excited to say that we hit Rank 5 this weekend, and are slowly climbing toward Rank 6! That's all that's left that needs doing, actually. Whenever we hit Rank 6, we'll be officially open for business. :moogle: If you'd like to help us get to that Rank, any help is appreciated (although certainly not mandatory.) Link to comment
xelliexell Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share #17 Posted May 2, 2014 It is with excessive happiness and excitement that I hereby announce this linkshell as OPEN! We've reached Rank 6 and have secured our plot of land, and introductory RPs have started! Thank you yet again to everyone who helped out! I certainly couldn't have done it alone! I will be posting the LS to the official list on the RPC this weekend. Before anyone joins officially, I'll be asking them five questions OoC to make sure everyone is on the same page. After that point, they can join in on the website/forums and a Star can be claimed for their character. Then, I'll do an intro RP with them so that Maia can give them a linkpearl ICly. The website is at http://hostingstars.shivtr.com (not IE compatible, sorry!) Also, since some people have expressed confusion over what a Host Club is, I'll offer brief explanation here. Guests who arrive at a Host Club select a Host/Hostess, who will serve them food and drinks, much like a waiter or waitress. The difference between a Host Club and a tavern, however, is that the Host/Hostess then sits with the guests and offers pleasant (?) conversation, or light entertainment, or even just a sympathetic ear throughout their stay. It is somewhat like how a good host would behave while entertaining guests in their home. We also have a small but friendly FC to offer alongside the LS, although joining it is not mandatory for participating in the concept. Feel free to get with me here, in game, or Skype if you'd like to become involved! Thank you! 1 Link to comment
Raelas Posted May 2, 2014 Share #18 Posted May 2, 2014 Bumpity bump bump buuuummppppp! I'm still excited! I love the house... the garden... and the garden... did I mention the garden?! I LOVE THE GARDEN!!!! I love the FC / LS too! Everyone should join! Host / Hostess club and GARDEN!!! @_@ Link to comment
Paradox Reality Posted May 2, 2014 Share #19 Posted May 2, 2014 ... I find myself being immensely interested and intruiged. This idea... I like it. It gives us more of a reason to meet those we might've never met, certainly. Are there still spaces? Odds are against my main getting in on this, but I DO have a lowbie alt, Rosalie Mondeux, a wanderer with a personal quest that drives her. Lemme know what's up, I'll be on fairly soon today. Link to comment
xelliexell Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share #20 Posted May 2, 2014 Hahaha, Yangh. <3 What Yangh is actually trying to say is that she unlocked the lesser-known job class referred to as Gardenmancer. Clearly she's having a lot of fun with it. Rosalie: Certainly! I'll send you a PM with the five questions that I'm asking everyone prior to all of the other things. If you take a peek at the website, under the "Stars" header, there are still many left unclaimed! Link to comment
Raelas Posted May 3, 2014 Share #21 Posted May 3, 2014 Hahaha, Yangh. <3 What Yangh is actually trying to say is that she unlocked the lesser-known job class referred to as Gardenmancer. Clearly she's having a lot of fun with it. Yangh! Gardenmancer, at your service! *bows* I love it so much! I can't wait to make millions and get a bigger house! Link to comment
xelliexell Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share #22 Posted May 3, 2014 Hahaha, Yangh. <3 What Yangh is actually trying to say is that she unlocked the lesser-known job class referred to as Gardenmancer. Clearly she's having a lot of fun with it. Yangh! Gardenmancer, at your service! *bows* I love it so much! I can't wait to make millions and get a bigger house! Yay! Can't wait until you get your Gardenmancy up to level 50! Also, as a more general statement, I've put up an official post for our LS/FC. Kindly direct all future inquiries and discussion there, please! Thank you! :love: Link to comment
Gwen Posted May 3, 2014 Share #23 Posted May 3, 2014 I love the new world that has been opened up to me. Before, I didn't think standing around all day would be exciting at all, but now working as a scarecrow for Yangh's garden is the most thrilling time of my life, it's a wonder I don't just become a real life scarecrow either! Link to comment
xelliexell Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share #24 Posted May 3, 2014 I love the new world that has been opened up to me. Before, I didn't think standing around all day would be exciting at all, but now working as a scarecrow for Yangh's garden is the most thrilling time of my life, it's a wonder I don't just become a real life scarecrow either! One of the Gardenmancers high-level abilities is to summon Gwencrow-Egi. The Gwencrow-Egi's only ability is Stand There, and it has a duration and cooldown of five hours. *sagenod* Link to comment
Pumpkinweed Posted May 3, 2014 Share #25 Posted May 3, 2014 The concept itself sounds very interesting. I am however, worried whether it can resonate given the large scope of it. Typically, storylines on an MMO have to be at times, guided OOCly (via DMing events). I can see a lot of excellent stories coming from this but can also see a great deal of issues playing out, mainly the 'mary sue' complex. There are a lot of players who unfortunately think that they are very much like Cloud Strife or Squall Leonhart (practically invincible, bad ass with a chip on their shoulder). They may not want to coincide with the idea that another star aligns with theirs and as such, will move to hog the spotlight. I personally, would think it's hilarious if Gus, my character, had such a symbol show up on him. He's not much of a fighter despite his tenaciously narcissistic attitude and as such, all he'd really be able to provide is perhaps insight, information and a will to uncover the secrets behind this association. The sky is the limit with the concept, as I said. But will people play along with ALL the ideas people will have when interpreting the ideal? And should Maia's personal goal conflict with someone's interpretation, will they agree and go with it? Count me interested! Perhaps the stars have folks aligned to buy pumpkin goods from the eccentric Gus? :thumbsup: 1 Link to comment
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