Chapter 2 Communication
The Power of Words
The key to having a safe and enjoyable roleplay experience is communication. Interacting with other players, both out-of-character (OOC) and in-character (IC), can ease anxiety for us and those we roleplay with. In this section, we'll discuss how to set expectations with others and offer guidance on entering and exiting roleplay interactions.
Setting Expectations
Sharing your roleplaying preferences can help avoid confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page. Whether you're socializing at a bar with friends or plotting an extended storyline with multiple RP partners, it’s beneficial in any scenario. There are a few ways to achieve this.
1. Adventure Plates and Search Comments: These in-game features combined act as a business card for your character. Many roleplayers list a variety of acronyms that can be found in our Glossary. Occasionally, you may also encounter links to external websites containing backstories, preferences, and more. You may even see social media handles like @TheKweh.
Please be careful when accessing links to external websites!
2. Send a /tell: Direct messages (out-of-character) can help set the tone before and during RP. Share your roleplaying interests, preferences, and any boundaries you may have. If you're dealing with anxiety, it can be beneficial to openly discuss it so that fellow roleplayers can be mindful of specific subjects and themes.
3. Inform your patrons: If you own an establishment or run RP events, the rules you create serve as a way to set expectations. Make sure these rules are easily accessible and be ready to assist in case participants have questions.
Did You Know?
Table-top RPG (TTRPG) players encourage a Session 0. This is where roleplayers and their Dungeon Master take time to prepare for their campaign by setting the tone, rules, and expectations, and discussing safety tools. In the MMORPG space, it is recommended to set expectations with your fellow roleplaying partners using the methods in this section!
Joining a Scene
Understanding your character's interests or connections to specific topics can serve as a gateway to ongoing conversations around you. Sometimes these are referred to as RP Hooks (plot points or traits that invite interaction). You don’t need to come up with these right away if you’re new to RP but give it some thought!
Think about how your character interacts with others. If they are shy they would not typically approach others right away. Instead, you can notice them. This alerts nearby roleplayers that you are interested in their scene or conversation.
Review the scenario in this section!
Scenario
In a tavern, your character is peacefully enjoying their meal when they overhear nearby patrons discussing the use of magic, a subject your character is well-versed in.
Popin: /say “You wouldn’t believe the inferno that feller conjured. Nearly set the kitchen ablaze!”
Karra: /emote lets out a belly laugh. “At least yer brows are still hanging on fer their dear lives and the kegs are full!” She gives Popin a toothed grin in hopes of lightening his mood.
[Your Character]: /emote tilts their head upon overhearing the mention of magic. Their interest is piqued, and they continue to listen to the conversation while sipping spiced wine.
Your action of overhearing something through a custom emote has now made the players of Popin and Karra aware of your interest and you are now part of the scene without using dialogue. You can find many windows of opportunity like this!
The Waiting Game
After participating in a scene you wait for your roleplaying partners to respond. Sometimes this can lead to intrusive thoughts like, "Did I mess up?" or "Are they still interested in our scene?". Remember, delayed responses often result from real-life interruptions, not a lack of interest. In busy environments, our messages can also get lost so don’t be afraid to ask if the other roleplayers had seen your message. This is very common.
Leaving a Scene
Ending interactions with other roleplayers in a natural way takes a little practice. How do you conclude a story or a conversation in a way that feels right for the characters and the scenario? Let's explore some tips and ideas to smoothly wrap up your roleplay interactions. A list of examples can be found in Chapter 4: Tools.
In-Character Communication: Use in-character dialogue to communicate your character's other obligations, especially if they relate to your backstory. You may also express gratitude by thanking the group for the enjoyable time or highlighting a specific topic you enjoyed. This signals the conclusion of the interaction smoothly.
Out-of-Character Communication: A simple, ((Hey, I have to go in 5 minutes to take care of something!)) goes a long way. We all have our real lives to take care of and understand when it’s time to go!
Linkpearl Call: A handy tool you can use to facilitate a quick exit canon to the FFXIV universe is the linkpearl system. Review the example in this section!
Linkpearl Example
[Your Character]: /emote lifts his hand to his linkpearl. A few moments later he breaks the connection with a sigh. "That was customs, I've got to get up there. I have no idea what he was trying to ship this time... but they're pissed."
[Your Character]: /tell ((I actually need to go take care of something! I’ll use my link pearl to transition to a conclusion here.))
Popin: /tell ((Sounds good. Thanks for the heads up!))
Breakdown:
It’s a thoughtful gesture to send an out-of-character (OOC) message to roleplayers in your scene when you do this. This allows the group to wrap up ongoing topics and keep the scene's continuity intact. In this particular case, the linkpearl message aligns with the character's backstory of working as a courier.
Try coming up with a message that fits your backstory and keep it handy!
Endings & New Beginnings
A valuable part of your interactions with other FINAL FANTASY XIV players involves assessing how much you've enjoyed your time together. As you prepare to bid farewell, why not consider asking if they'd like to become friends? This could lead to exciting opportunities for more enjoyable future roleplay sessions.
Ghosting
Ghosting in roleplaying is when your RP partner abruptly stops participating in your ongoing story or community without any explanation. In FINAL FANTASY XIV, this can be in the form of leaving a Linkshell, Free Company, or just simply being offline. Ghosting is frustrating to deal with as it leaves storylines unresolved.
Why does this happen?
Personal Reasons: Sometimes real-life responsibilities can be overwhelming and the player is unable to reach out or doesn’t wish to share specific details.
Loss of Interest or Burnout: The player may simply be tired of roleplaying and need a break from RP or the game itself.
Conflicting RP Styles: Several styles of RP exist and setting expectations is important as discussed earlier. However, rather than confronting issues, some players may choose to take a break without saying anything.
Many more reasons could be at play; however, players who have ghosted others may experience guilt and a fear of being misunderstood.
Want to Reconnect?
If you've experienced ghosting and wish to contact the other roleplayer to gain a better understanding the following guidelines can assist you. Afterward, try your best to move on. There are many other roleplayers who would like to create stories with you.
Open Communication: If you like, send a brief message to gauge their interest in keeping the lines of communication open.
Reassurance: Let them know it's okay to take their time in responding.
Positive Approach: If they do respond, stay positive and avoid being judgmental, as you may not know their reasons for ghosting.
Respect Boundaries: Always be mindful of personal boundaries. If frequent ghosting makes you uncomfortable, have an open discussion and consider the future of the relationship.
Did I Do Something Wrong?
Remember, ghosting is not necessarily a reflection of your roleplaying abilities. It often stems from the other player’s personal issues or fears.
Post RP Discussions: Debriefs
Debriefs are incredibly helpful to all roleplayers whether you have anxiety or not. They provide a supportive space to recap your session, get helpful feedback, and bond with other players. It's also a chance to chat about character development and plan for your next session.
Debriefs don’t have to be formal or heavily structured. Try starting with an open conversation first and see where it takes you!
Short-term RP / Casual RP: Debriefs in these cases can be a quick message to other roleplayers after your session.
“This was fun! I really liked your character and would love to RP again sometime.”
“Thanks for helping me get started. Do you have any constructive feedback so I can improve?”
These discussions help create a more friendly and inviting roleplaying community in FINAL FANTASY XIV. If you’ve found a great group, consider starting a Linkshell or a Fellowship to find like-minded roleplayers.
Tip:
Some players shared that in debriefs with others, they only received positive feedback without anything to truly work on. Try to be more specific!
Ex: “Thank you for your kind words! Please don't hesitate to share your recommendations as I'm trying to improve my RP skills!”