Author Topic: A confession... (Read 326 times)

Kolskeggr · « **on:** May 06, 2007, 05:49:08 am »

Greetings to you all,

I logged in and played for a while the other night. I had a great time. What I am finding it hard to do, is walk up to people and start a conversation. It's not that I'm shy, I just don't want to interupt what they are doing or I feel they are in a group of people that they know and I would be intruding on a private/group discussion. (Go away boy, your botherin' me...)

Most of the time, it seems I'm standing around staring at people while I try to figure out what to say. I keep thinking to myself, If I keep staring like this, their gonna think i'm some lecherous old elf, drooling over humans and such. O.o

Heck, at one point I almost went up to someone sitting on a bench to ask them if I could join them, when I thought, nah they'll just think i'm hitting on them... you know them elves with their impure thoughts...

Apparently I have issues, no, make that volumes...

So how do I get over this? I haven't played many online games so I'm not as experienced in just going over and saying, Hi how ya doing, want to venture together...

I'm asking because I really want to enjoy the experience of this realm and not offend someone while doing it.

Man, I need a therapist...

Kolskeggr

Stephen_Zuckerman · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2007, 08:40:57 am »

Well, you get used to it. Honestly, if you just sit around doing nothing for long enough, someone will probably come up to you and start talking. *Chuckles.*

Listen in on conversations in public areas. Ask questions if something interests you. Even just standing there quietly will eventually induce someone to ask who you are.

The ladies of Layonara have much worse to worry about than one lecherous elf; at least you're not a bard.

Interia_Discordius · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2007, 10:50:57 am »

I'll add in an OOC note I add for most people starting out, look for a character named Kinai to start talking with

In fact, send me a tell even to say you need some help starting out. I don't break character personality to help others, but I do make sure to roleplay her out in some form of a good mood.

It's hard to get started in any server, really, but do realize everyone here is nice and although some characters can be a pain in the rear end

, most will help you if you ask

hawklen · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2007, 11:28:59 am »

Just watch out for this guy named hawk, you look at kinai funny he tends to implode people

ycleption · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2007, 02:46:19 pm »

First of all, stop worrying about what other people will think of your character. If a few people take offense (which probably won't happen anyway), so what? Even if you get an extreme reaction, making an enemy or two is always fun. It's a game, just have fun with it. If your character is shy, that's one thing, but if it's just that you're worried of behalf of your character, breathe in, breathe out, and just try to keep in mind your separation from your character (I know, easier said than done).

A few more concrete suggestions:
Think about how your character would approach someone. Is it "Hail sir, my name is Joe, what brings you here today" or is in "Um, excuse me, I really hope I'm not intruding here, but I couldn't help overhearing..." Planning ahead a bit can make approching other characters much easier.

Type short lines of text, rather than multiple sentences before hitting the enter key. It's easier not to chicken out when you're just tossing out a few words than a long complex thought.

Most people enjoy helping out new players, (or at least don't mind), and some people, paladins and the like, are practically begging you to ask for their help.
So skip the therapist, talk to strangers, meet some people, and just have fun.

Force_of_Will_ · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2007, 03:15:34 pm »

Just do what I do in real life which carries over to my character.Walk up to a crowd and start talking with them.If what they are doing is a private thing they will tell you to go away.Then wander to the next group or lone person and start talking.

Chongo · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2007, 03:22:06 pm »

Fair concern.

This may seem like an odd suggestion, but a lot of the time it's in the character. The limitations that is. You simply just can't find a way for that particular character to initiate things the way you want to.

When I made my second big character here, I brainstormed on him for quite some time with the thought in mind 'I want this to be the easiest character possible to roleplay with, the most unassuming, the easiest conversation initiating role'. And it worked pretty well. Bold and overcompensating dwarf. A lot of the time creating a solemn and serious hero, paladin charisma or whatever aside, can be limiting in how you actually want to play the game and interact with people.

It helps a lot in dealing with your own insecurities or second guessing if you create a character to kinda potentiate the ability to simply approach or be approachable.

gilshem ironstone · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2007, 04:34:07 pm »

I got one of the best conversation starters ever from Talan, still use it like 8 months later:

"What news?"

Simple, neutral, open to many possibilites and entirely believable for just about everyone to ask as verbal communication is -the- method of information sharing.

Kolskeggr · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2007, 05:45:56 pm »

Wow, thanks a lot you guys.

That is all very good advice. Next time I'm in the game, I'll give it a shot.

I have also noticed the Wild Surge Inn, and will use that to "get the party started", so to speak.

So, next time you see me, I hope to be less wall flower and more interactive.

Thanks again,

Kolskeggr

Lynn1020 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2007, 06:07:35 pm »

I struggled with this a lot when I first started playing Layo and still do at times. But I had one player that really helped me get out of that. Sad to say he doesn't really play anymore

. But I have found out if you just hang around Port Hempstead some one will come to you. Also I have found out most people don't mind you sending them a tell asking for a little help. I know I don't mind.

XBlade · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2007, 02:37:19 pm »

Oi! Taric took you into the sewers! Doesn't ol' Taric count any more? Huh!? HUH!? Is Taric not important enough!?

Nah, just pulling your leg. I have the same situation, that's why I approached you first of all and said "Hello, you new in town?" type thingy-ma-bob.:rolleyes:

XBlade

Kolskeggr · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2007, 06:28:41 am »

I greatly appreciated that Taric.

(Now, if you could only learn my name

)

I have played another session, and wow! What an experience. I want to thank Everyone for the best online session, yet.

I hope it just gets better and better the more I get to know you guys. (Yes, Taric, thank you, too.

You were a great help in Vehl.)

Next time I get on, I'll head to the Stormcrest and hang out.

What I would like to know is, how the heck do you guys type and walk at the same time? O.o I can barely stand and type...

It's like talk.....run to catch up..... talk... run to catch up...Doh!

But seriously, I had a blast the other day... Thanks again

Kolskeggr

Interia_Discordius · « **Reply #12 on:** May 08, 2007, 06:30:54 am »

You can always click on the general direction you're all heading and type as your character moves to that spot

That's what I usually do.
If it's a smaller party, people will understand what you're doing and slow down too.

Heh, glad you got to play with all of us in the end. I had fun. Purple haired elf, imagine that!

And the fact it's actually supposed to be "common" ...

We need more blue and purple haired elves!

**goes to dye hawk's**

Tanman · « **Reply #13 on:** May 08, 2007, 07:09:29 am »

Quote from: "Kolskegger

What I would like to know is, how the heck do you guys type and walk at the same time? I can barely stand and type... It's like talk.....run to catch up..... talk... run to catch up...Doh!

One secret is revealed:
http://www.layonara.com/roleplaying/114411-emote-your-heart-out.html

Kolskeggr · « **Reply #14 on:** May 08, 2007, 07:24:03 am »

Thanks, now To learn how to use it....

Old dog...new tricks...

Kolskeggr

Stephen_Zuckerman · « **Reply #15 on:** May 08, 2007, 07:10:51 pm »

Quote from: Interia_Discordius

You can always click on the general direction you're all heading and type as your character moves to that spot That's what I usually do.
If it's a smaller party, people will understand what you're doing and slow down too.

Heh, glad you got to play with all of us in the end. I had fun. Purple haired elf, imagine that!

And the fact it's actually supposed to be "common" ...

We need more blue and purple haired elves!

**goes to dye hawk's**

Actually, it's not common at all.

Elven hair tends to run in the same colours as human hair, though it's typically finer.

Gunther · « **Reply #16 on:** May 08, 2007, 07:21:39 pm »

You could just do what Ozy did for awhile (No idea if he still does this or not), just randomly lick people. I was never quite sure what that accomplished, but he seemed to like it.

Interia_Discordius · « **Reply #17 on:** May 08, 2007, 07:32:26 pm »

Hey, it was nice!

Tanman · « **Reply #18 on:** May 08, 2007, 07:50:04 pm »

@Gunther: maybe this is what you mean.
http://www.layonara.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=109845

hawklen · « **Reply #19 on:** May 08, 2007, 11:22:58 pm »

*squints* Why is hawks hair purple now?!?