Welcome to The Jungle

If new to the whole mmorpg/rp server “experience” or adjusting to it, this may be helpful. Expect alot of things when you first head out and explore the world.

First of all, don’t panic. Listen to the introduction and get into character. Be patient and get used to things, most role-playing will not happen until you get away from the starter areas. But if there is some role-playing, it could be a good start. Most people really just want to get their first levels and head on, but who knows? Here’s an idea of what to expect in the first couple hours.

What to expect in the “wild”:
Expect the starter area to be a bit “raw”
Expect a lot of non-RP chat and actions
Expect sadly, people being rude, obnoxious
Expect a lot of people who may not understand they are on an rp server
Expect a lot of blind guild invites for no reason
Expect very oddly named guilds (and people)
But - Expect also some good folk and some rp in areas
I really hope you find them.

Here’s what you can do to help with immersion and keep the non-rp stuff out of the way:

Chat Tabs:
One useful thing is to route all non-rp chat to it’s own chat tab (That way it’s there, but not, so you can concentrate) - it keeps some “spamming” away. Note: I personally route combat/skill text to it’s own tab also, so it’s not in the way of my /say, /yell and /party. If I really need to monitor those channels, it’s a click away.

Toggle Guild and Player Names:
Toggle your settings in the Interface for no names to show up on the screen unless clicked. The name tags may be useful, but they distract from the scenery.

Set your macros and action bars:
Set up your action bars and macros to not only rp but function better in game. Remember your “spellbook” for special abilities if not already on your bars. Also, if you want to rekeybind your run/walk keys, you can do it and have it done.

Get “In Character”:
Keep your RP Checklist in mind when you are role-playing. Ease into it and move at your pace, most of all have fun and enjoy the time.

Other Considerations:
Get into areas where rp exists, or find/meet people that are rp friendly. You will come across others that rp and play well, hopefully friendships and community can follow. Just be respectful of the other player’s time and rp style. Some players you will find will be a mixed lot, some very good and helpful, which is great.

Language/Harassment:
In case of harassment, first ask to stop, then if that fails - report and ignore the individual. Foul language can and possibly will show up. Too many people think the chat filter gives them the green light to curse and grief. My take on it is that people should exercise some manners, self control in their actions and speech. There is a difference in cursing verbally in rl and physically typing it in game. Just because you can curse and there is a filter, doesn’t mean you should.

Establish Boundries:
Set up boundries and keep them in mind if an role-playing scene or encounter goes a bit overboard. There is good drama and bad drama - bad drama spills into “real life”, which messes up people. Knowing your limits helps guage these moments and know which ones to stay with or avoid.

Note: If in a bad situation - if that ever happens, attempt to work it out OOCly first. If the person is being rude OOCly or otherwise abusive, warn politely at first - then report if it persists. You will find many people in different mindsets and such - make sure you understand which actions/talk is OOC or IC.

Be Flexible in your Role-Play:
There will be times and places where you may need (or should) break character and talk oocly with people/groups. Be respectful and flexible with people who rp differently or not at all. Hopefully it will be returned and all will work out well. Griefing one way or another causes more issues than it avoids.

Inspire and Encourage Role-Play:
If you can, inspire and encourage others to role-play. At events, make light conversation, or respond ICly if you get tossed into a RP scene or encounter. Don’t panic, go with the flow and just try. RP Bluewalling can have it’s good points. *grin*

Blind Guild Invites:
Guild invites are another issue. You may be flooded with people wanting you to join their guild. My suggestion is to ask questions based on what you want from a guild. I would personally reject all “blind” invites and those that sound like a bad infomercial or sales pitch, including “canned” responses. I would avoid these like the plague, especially if leet/aolspeak is being used.

Ponder the name of the guild, their policies and actions and whether or not they try to get to know you, or just want warrior#23 in their roster. Bottom line, look for a guild that fits for you, don’t rush. Look for maturity, respect and good people.

The main thing is to have a great time, so do your best out there.
Good luck!

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