After being asked this question three times in a single session, I thought it might be a common quandry for folks now that the server's public.

If you've read up on Info for New Players, you've made good inroads, but, of course, you still have questions.

The following list isn't complete + isn't necessarily accurate. I'm not a DM, after all :wink: I do hope others will be so kind as to add their thoughts.

:?: 1) How can I find others to RP with?

Consider this: you've just arrived in a small town. You don't know anybody or anything about the town. You don't happen to see anybody on the street. If you're craving interaction, does it make sense to go to the diner?

Well, it does to most of the playerbase from Beta, because that's where we usually seem to wind up between questing / exploring / getting our rumps handed to us by the Underdark's numerous + varied inhabitants.

:idea: Can't find any PCs in the streets? Check the diner / inn / tavern.

:?: 2) How do I approach another PC?

Remember that small town / diner example I just told you about? It still holds true.

:idea: Try introducing yourself as a newcomer. Ask for directions. Ask about finding some quick + pain-free work. This sort of introduction works in your favour. Sanctuary is a town of newcomers. With a few rare exceptions, every single PC comes from has been in exactly your situation.

We're excited to see the server grow + the last thing we want is to keep the player base small by acting repulsive. Our company manners will last long enough to meet you + send you on a simple fetch quest.

That said, please do not impart your life's story within two minutes of meeting a new character. I know, you feel it's important for my character to know that your character's parents were killed by the goblins that raided + enslaved your village + your character grew up with an unreasonable fear of both goblins + the dark, but let's leave that for somewhere down the line, okay?

:?: 3) I have to tell the DMs something. How to I phrase it? I don't want to piss them off.

:idea: The DM team* are a pretty approachable bunch. Be polite. Be adult. Be brief.

* With the notable exception of the Ever-Wrathful Thrawn. He's a bastard. I now step aside + open the thread to discussion. Keep it on-topic, kiddies.

Also, worst-case-scenario I heard someone mention you can ask DMs for a hint of where people are.

Howland I also want to state that if you're in a position of not being able to find players after checking around town (good spots are the two inns and the Town Hall), you're welcome to check the DM channel for an OOC hint as to where your character might find some things to get involved with as a last resort.

Source: https://efupw.com/efu1-forum/topic/11/1183/biggest-thing-to-help/index.html

I've recieved tells from other players asking for help finding people, and to tell the truth, I don't mind at all saying "show up here, or show up there". At least until the server base gets established.

Know keep in mind the tells should come as a list ditch effort to find someone, after you've spent the 10-15 min trying to find someone. And please do not use this as you run out from rat hunting in order to find the next thing to do quickly. I offer this only as an alternative to having the dm channel spammed with the same questions.

The Beggar I've recieved tells from other players asking for help finding people, and to tell the truth, I don't mind at all saying "show up here, or show up there". At least until the server base gets established.

Know keep in mind the tells should come as a list ditch effort to find someone, after you've spent the 10-15 min trying to find someone. And please do not use this as you run out from rat hunting in order to find the next thing to do quickly. I offer this only as an alternative to having the dm channel spammed with the same questions.

Yeah, totally man.

I don't see what's so bad about asking people where everyone is at if you can't find anyone.

Isn't this all about having fun? What's fun about having to walk around on your own for an hour because you simply can't find anyone?

The only times it's not too good to be asking someone OOC where the party is at is when you're trying to corner someone for PvP, etc.

Ladocicea I don't see what's so bad about asking people where everyone is at if you can't find anyone.

Isn't this all about having fun? What's fun about having to walk around on your own for an hour because you simply can't find anyone?

I don't mind being asked where I am. After all, I do it enough to other players.

If I'm able to type a reply, I don't mind being asked stuff OOCly while I'm questing. (If I'm unable to type a reply, I'm annoyed because I look like an uncaring prick. While I am a prick, I'm not a completely uncaring one.)

Unfortunately, sometimes Where the Party's At precludes including a new player: "C'mon down to Building X! We've just started fighting the Jabberwock! He's waaay outta your league, but if you survive, the XP should be sweet!" <-- I've been the new guy in that situation on other servers + it only ever ends in frustration + Fugue. When that's the case, I try to hunt down the newcomers after I've been evicerated by the Jabberwock.

Agree with everything said. That said -

That said, please do not impart your life's story within two minutes of meeting a new character. I know, you feel it's important for my character to know that your character's parents were killed by the goblins that raided + enslaved your village + your character grew up with an unreasonable fear of both goblins + the dark, but let's leave that for somewhere down the line, okay?

Depending on the character, I think discussing one's origins is actually an excellent idea. Most PCs (not all, but most) escaped somehow from trying circumstances and sharing these stories can often be an excellent way for new PCs to get to know each other.

I agree with Howland, but I think the intention behind that quote is to keep some mystery about your character, and something to be discovered. Not to have little to say for yourself when meeting someone. It keeps your character interesting and everyone guessing.

I'd say the alpha/beta players are all good folk and more than willing to help. Just remember that their character might not be :twisted:

(Yeah, it musta sounded harsh, but I was talking about keeping a bit of mystery. Good stories have secrets that are slowly revealed.)

But all that said, now is the time to go here!