Chapter 4 Tips, Tricks & Templates
Sometimes we don’t know what causes our anxiety so here’s a list of tips and best practices that may work for you. The FINAL FANTASY XIV community supports you in your journey to learn to roleplay and manage your anxiety.
📒 Planning Ahead
Start Small: Daunting tasks can be broken up into smaller bite-sized pieces. Go at your own pace and be patient with yourself!
Create Objectives: Instead of visiting a roleplaying venue to see what’s there, create a reason for going. Ex. Visit an apothecary to stock up on some goods before your next adventure! This gives you a reason to leave once you’re finished.
What’s in Your Toolbox?: Create a handy document with your RP Hooks, message templates, favorite venues, custom emotes, and more so you’re prepared!
💬 Communication
Set Expectations Early: Let others know your roleplaying preferences and what you hope to achieve with your session or story.
Listen Actively: Your character doesn’t need to have dialogue to participate in a scene. Observe and “notice” certain discussion topics around you.
Everyone Makes Mistakes: Given the different languages spoken in the FFXIV community, most people are forgiving of spelling, grammar, and phrasing errors.
This is Thancred: If you need to exit a roleplay scene abruptly, use an urgent linkpearl call to end your participation in a scene. Review some examples at the bottom of the page.
We’re all Storytellers: Instead of focusing on your character in a scene, focus on helping the other roleplayers tell their story. This removes the focus from yourself and your fellow roleplayers will appreciate you. A strong group helps each other tell their stories in a collaborative effort.
Working at a Venue: Multiple roleplayers stated they became comfortable with RP by working at a venue as a bartender. Bartenders listen to their patrons as part of their occupation and offer some light banter to start.
🕹️ System Related
Filtering your Chat Log: You can customize your chat log to display specific types of messages per individual tab. Check out the video in Chapter 1 of the Beginner’s Guide for a demonstration of how to set this up.
Party Chat + Linkshells: In busy environments, you can ask others to join your party to see a different color assignment for messages in your chat log.
Friends List Groupings: If you’re roleplaying with your friends in a busy environment, use the Friends List Grouping system to add a symbol next to their name in the chat log.
🖋️ Character Design
Bleed: Determine how much of yourself you wish to put into your character. If you’re unsure, it’s recommended to make a character very different from yourself to start.
It’s Not Set in Stone: As you roleplay you’ll get new ideas for your character’s backstory. You can always go back and make changes. It’s your story.
🔧 Templates
These are some sample messages you can use to make your own toolbox. Adjust them to fit your character and use them sparingly. Overuse can make your RP interactions feel a bit mechanical.
Entering a Scene
/emote approaches the group and clears their throat. “Sorry to disturb you but I couldn’t help but overhear your discussion about [Topic you found interesting in their conversation].”
/emote looks up from their book and turns to face the [race of character] beside them. “Pardon my nosiness, but I’m interested in the subject matter you’re discussing. Do you mind if I join you?”
/say “Hi, it’s my first time here. Can you tell me about your [type of RP Event]?”
/tell [Venue Staff]: ((Hi I’m new to RP and a bit shy. What should I do?))
Note: Some RP Events have prompts such as potions with mysterious effects, artifacts with powers, etc. Interacting with these prompts is a great way to become part of a scene!
Leaving a Scene
/emote raises a hand to their ear, responding to the chime of their linkpearl. “Something’s come up, unfortunately. I hate to depart earlier than I intended but I don’t think this one can wait.”
/emote lets out a nervous laugh as their linkpearl sounds. “[Your chocobo’s name], my lovely chocobo, is causing our Free Company some issues. They do this sometimes when I’m away for too long. My apologies for needing to depart so soon.”
/say “I need to take off here but it was really nice to meet you! I enjoyed hearing about [subject matter from the conversation]. Perhaps we can pick up where we left off another time!” (Optional: include an action of your character’s movement or body language)
/tell [Player]: ((Something urgent just came up and I have to depart here!))