Chapter 3 Support
A Helping Hand
Sometimes we could use a little support to help us along the way. Let's discuss who you can turn to for assistance. We'll also cover behaviors and patterns to be mindful of when interacting not just within FFXIV but in any online community.
Please note: Roleplaying can be a great outlet for most individuals. However, please remember that Final Fantasy XIV players are not a replacement for seeking professional medical advice.
An Eorzean Alliance
Friends
If you're anxious about anything related to RP and need some support, reach out to any friends or acquaintances you've made while playing Final Fantasy XIV and let them know about your interest in trying RP. They can accompany you to an RP venue or event, simply to observe and be there with you!
Venue Owners/RP Organizers
Venue owners or RP organizers who list their events as beginner-friendly want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and those feeling anxious. Even if a venue doesn't explicitly mention this, use the Party Finder tool and message some listings. Inform them about your anxiety and ask if you can observe or engage in RP with one of their staff members. It's important to note that you're not inconveniencing them, and if they extend a helping hand, they're likely more than willing to assist!
Remember:
Venue staff must attend to other roleplayers so expect short waits while they help others too especially if it’s busy!
Free Companies
You don't need to join a roleplay-focused Free Company to find the support you're seeking. Members of any FC have different interests, so it's worth asking around. You might even find someone who also experiences anxiety and would love someone to RP with. Roleplay-focused Free Companies and communities can be found via the Fellowship Finder, Party Finder, and the FFXIV Community Finder on The Lodestone. Tip: Use the tag #Roleplay Enthusiasts.
Fellowships
Using the Fellowship Finder, you can discover cross-world communities within your data center. Each fellowship contains tags including one for RP. Review their descriptions and see if anything interests you. Some RP fellowships are created by venue/shop owners to advertise their establishment and community.
Online Safety
When you're active in online communities including MMORPGs, chat rooms, or other platforms, it's important to follow certain safety tips and practices that we'll highlight for you. Being mindful of others' behaviors is important for managing your anxiety and maintaining your mental health.
Behaviors to be mindful of
Receiving non-constructive criticism.
Encountering people who consistently create drama, often to combat their own boredom or seek excitement.
Feeling frequently guilt-tripped, such as spending time with others or missing events due to other obligations.
Beware of those who gossip often; they may speak about you similarly behind your back.
Feeling purposefully excluded from events. This is separate from receiving general group invitations.
Experiencing attempts by individuals or groups to isolate you, or being told you're only liked by them.
Witnessing disproportionate anger or misdirected frustrations over minor issues.
Love bombing is overwhelming someone with intense affection early on to manipulate them.
Tip:
If you feel like a player is negatively impacting your experience in FINAL FANTASY XIV, you can blacklist them. Please review the Prohibited Activities list highlighted in the Terms of Service for rules regarding consent and harassment! Consent and RP Etiquette are discussed here too.
We need You!
FFXIV has a large community passionate about roleplaying, yet many are held back by anxiety or specific challenges. That's where mentors come in!
Being a mentor might sound like a hefty title, but it's really just a fun way to give back to the community. If you've received good feedback from fellow roleplayers, why not consider giving it a try? You don't need years of experience, just a heart to help and knowledge of the following guidelines.
Mentor Guidelines
The “Correct” Way: Roleplaying is a celebration of creativity and imagination. While understanding the basic etiquette of RP and the social norms of Final Fantasy XIV is helpful, it's essential for mentors to remember that there's no single "correct" way to approach it. The mutual understanding between roleplaying partners is what truly counts.
Patience: Patience with others is essential in creating a safe space* for RP. Give roleplayers the time they need to create their responses and allow for mistakes.
Feedback: Provide supportive and constructive feedback, when it’s welcomed by the other roleplayer. is open to receiving it.
These are the keys to creating a positive environment for growth and learning in the FFXIV RP community.
Safe Spaces:
Some might think that a safe “space” is a venue or an RP event, but in reality, safe spaces are the connections and relationships you build with others where mistakes are accepted and learning is celebrated.
Building a Home: Tips for RP Event Organizers
During multiple interviews, participants shared their cherished memories from their initial visits to venues and shops. In this section, you can review some tips to enhance your venue or shop, making it more welcoming to newcomers and those dealing with anxiety.
Building Bridges
As an event organizer, you can serve as the bridge connecting your longtime patrons with new ones. Believe it or not, you have the ability to create new friendships, stories, and RP partners.
Think about this example, but check with your regular patrons first to see if they are open to doing this.
Chat with your patrons be they newcomers or long-term roleplayers. and get to know their character a little bit. You can take that further by creating something fun and light-hearted for them. A "free drink", or a "quest", introducing them to other patrons can start things off to break the ice.
In Chapter 2, we discussed how to join a conversation from the perspective of a patron. As a venue owner, you can help open that door as well. Show them a good time, and they will come back!
Dedicated Symbols & Spaces
Some establishments have adopted a player status symbol to indicate that the roleplayer is observing only. This symbol can be the /busy command, as used in some spaces in NA DC. Alternatively, venues created by the Asia-Pacific RP community use the Looking to Meld icon since /busy blocks trade requests and /tell messages. Choose the one that suits your event best.
You also have the option to designate specific areas within your venue for observation only. For instance, one organizer shared how she created a private loft where roleplayers could comfortably view the main floor from a distance. This thoughtful addition proved useful in alleviating beginners' concerns about accidentally disrupting active RP scenarios!
Consider Your Event’s Purpose
Places grow over time. Event organizers sometimes see their regulars leave their establishment or visit much less frequently as a result of a change in capacity even after you’ve recruited additional staff.
Keep in mind that, often, a player's first sense of safety and belonging comes from the connection they've established with the venue owner. However, when the owner is busy attending to a growing number of patrons, this connection can sometimes feel strained.
On the other hand, some players naturally feel at ease when there are only 3 to 5 other roleplayers in a space. As an event gains more popularity, they may try to seek out a quieter venue to roleplay.
Remember: You can’t please everyone. Think about the experience you’re trying to create and understand your values. The appearance, food, and features of a venue do not weigh as much as you think. It’s the people.
Checking-In
Observing body language is just as relevant for player characters in FFXIV! Keep a watchful eye on the following behaviors within your venue:
Players who enter the space and remain at the entrance for an extended period.
Quick glances around the room and standing to the side instead of taking a seat.
Individuals who choose to sit alone, somewhat apart from the main group.
A simple direct message is all it takes. Sometimes, roleplayers may be trying to get a feel for the environment or simply prefer a moment of relaxation by themselves. Either way, they will let you know!
No One Left Behind
While not as common, some RP event organizers invite friends to visit and oversee the venue to create a welcoming atmosphere. These individuals blend into their surroundings, engaging with roleplayers who are by themselves. Their main goal is to ensure no roleplayer is left behind and that everyone has the opportunity to RP.
It's good to remind yourself that everyone you meet is also putting themselves out there and hoping you don't judge them too. We're all doing the same thing.
- Arkana G. (Light)
Be as flexible and kind as you can be and at the same time be intolerant of abusive behavior.
- Huntar S. (Elemental)
私が今所属しているロールプレイコミュニティに出会わなかったら、私はすでにFF14をプレイすることをやめていたと思います。無限のコンテンツを提供してくれるロールプレイを、これからも楽しみたいです。
If I hadn't come across the roleplay community I'm in now, I think I would have already stopped playing FF14. I want to continue to enjoy roleplaying since it provides me with endless content.