Exploring The Kweh: A Valuable Resource for New Final Fantasy 14 Roleplayers

In Final Fantasy 14, there are countless activities to enjoy. The game offers an extensive range of content that can provide players with hours of entertainment, including raiding, the main story, and various mini-games. Additionally, the vibrant community frequently organizes large-scale events and engages in creative projects.

One of the most interactive ways for communities to connect in online games is through roleplaying. Combining creative writing, improvisational acting, and game design, roleplaying can be a thrilling and fulfilling experience for players. Games like GTA Online have experienced great success with roleplaying, and it has also become a beloved aspect within the Final Fantasy 14 player community. However, for new players, learning the customs and unspoken rules of roleplay in Eorzea can be quite daunting.

Q: Can you please introduce yourself?

Hi there! I'm Legaia, the creator of The Kweh. Since its inception late last year, The Kweh has undergone significant changes and has become a valuable resource for those interested in learning how to roleplay. The number of people using the site continues to surprise me, and for that, I am truly grateful. I've been an avid MMORPG player since my early childhood, starting with Final Fantasy 11 on the Playstation 2. In Final Fantasy 14, I engage in various activities such as savage raiding, roleplaying, managing housing and venues, creating glamours, and exploring maps. Unfortunately, due to my involvement in a recent project, I haven't had much time to actually play the game. However, I'm looking forward to changing that now.

When it comes to roleplaying, it's interesting how I unknowingly stumbled into it, reflecting the Japanese perspective on the world of Eorzea. My first encounter with roleplaying happened around 2004 or 2005 when I was just 13 years old and playing World of Warcraft. I was a member of a guild, and one day, they announced a guild meeting in Stormwind City. Everyone shared how their day had been, and we took turns discussing our experiences.

However, they were discussing their experiences in Azeroth, completely detached from the real world. The narrative was narrated through the lens of their in-game characters, and when it came to my turn, I followed suit. This unique perspective of viewing the game world, particularly in Japan, can be considered a form of roleplaying, although this will be further elaborated on later. Hence, one could argue that I was unintentionally roleplaying at that time, and interestingly, many individuals who were interviewed this year also admitted to starting off in a similar manner, without initially realizing that they were engaging in "roleplaying."

Q: How did you become involved in the roleplaying community in Final Fantasy 14, and what initially drew you to the game itself?

A: I first started playing Final Fantasy 14 towards the end of Heavensward, during the Stormblood pre-order/pre-launch phase in 2017. My intention was to play as a samurai, and I was actually introduced to the game by a group of friends who were also avid players of World of Warcraft, which was my primary MMORPG at the time. Initially, I held off on purchasing Final Fantasy 14 because I had heard that it had a similar feel to Final Fantasy 11, a game I had already experienced. However, after witnessing the significant improvements made to the game, I felt compelled to give it a try. I progressed through most of the main scenario questline, reaching Kugane, but ultimately stopped playing when my friends ceased their involvement with the game.

I returned to Final Fantasy 14 towards the end of Shadowbringers, as my enjoyment of World of Warcraft had declined. This was a few months before a wave of players switched from World of Warcraft to Final Fantasy 14. Initially, I joined the game with the sole intention of participating in Savage and Ultimate raids. If someone had told me back then that I would eventually create a roleplaying guide, I would have found it amusing! It's incredible how our goals can change unexpectedly. Since my return to Final Fantasy 14, I have been thoroughly enjoying the game.

Regarding my introduction to RP in Final Fantasy 14: During my initial playthrough of Stormblood in 2017, the FC (Free Company, the equivalent of a guild in Final Fantasy 14) I belonged to at that time took me to various locations. We would visit cafes, clubs, or izakayas. I vividly remember how everyone would dress up in fabulous outfits that suited their character's story and fully embody their roles. It was a fantastic experience filled with enjoyment and immersion.

When I came back to the game in 2021, I was aware of the existence of venues, so I decided to explore what was available in Party Finder. I found a variety of places such as cafes, clubs, and spas, all serving as gateways to the world of roleplaying in Final Fantasy 14. The concept of "roleplaying" can have different meanings depending on language, culture, and personal perspectives of each player. These venues piqued my curiosity about what else was out there. I came across spaces that followed the unwritten rules derived from text-based roleplaying in chat rooms and forums, as well as those influenced by tabletop role-playing games, adapted and passed down through various mediums and games. Eventually, I developed a multi-page backstory for my original character, who was raised in Ishgard and had a childhood focused on studying music against her will, resulting in a complex love/hate relationship with it as an art form.

Q: Are you one of the World of Warcraft refugees that people have been talking about? How does Eorzea’s roleplaying community compare to Azeroth’s?

A: The roleplaying community in Final Fantasy 14 is more vibrant and diverse. This is partly due to the in-game housing system, which allows for more creativity, as well as the various ways to advertise events and communities both in and outside of the game, such as Party Finder, Fellowships, and Community Finder via The Lodestone. Additionally, the lore of Final Fantasy 14 offers a richer foundation for roleplaying compared to World of Warcraft. Roleplaying is also more popular in Final Fantasy 14 than in World of Warcraft. While themed roleplaying can be found in World of Warcraft, such as those related to the Argent Dawn, it tends to be more insular. Both games have their own subcommunities for roleplaying, each with different levels of inclusiveness. Personally, I wasn't heavily involved in roleplaying in World of Warcraft, except during the vanilla era.

In my opinion, there is an intriguing distinction between the two games. In the narrative of World of Warcraft, you simply embody an adventurer. However, in Final Fantasy 14, you naturally assume the role of the Warrior of Light in the main story. As a result, when engaging in role-playing, the community has developed a convention of adopting a more adventurer-like persona for the Warrior of Light, who is regarded as a celebrity-like figure within the game's universe. Nevertheless, you are free to choose your own style of role-playing, and there are people who are accepting of individuals role-playing as the Warrior of Light, although it may require finding those who are comfortable with it.

Q: Tell me one of your favorite stories of roleplaying in Final Fantasy 14!

A: This particular experience holds great significance in my journey towards the roleplay aspect of Final Fantasy 14 that I currently enjoy.

While I was working on a project in Photoshop at a cafe, I would occasionally switch back and forth between the game to ensure I didn't miss anything important and to indulge in reading the engaging conversations taking place in the chat log. Positioned in the center of a three-seater sofa, with no one seated beside me, I continued my work, periodically tabbing out of the game. Upon returning to the game, I was surprised to find a male Au Ra and a female Au Ra, both occupying the same sofa on either side of me.

I wondered, "What do these two want?" and "How should I proceed?" It turned out to be a humorous evening, and I ended up spending the rest of the night with them. Surprisingly, one of the Au Ra individuals was bubgoat, the original artist for The Kweh's Beginner's Guide to RP! That night reignited a long-forgotten passion within me. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed creative writing and improvisation. We decided to go to a different location, and in that moment, I felt inspired to bring mischief and create laughter, ensuring everyone had a fantastic time. As a result, my character ended up knocked out behind the venue, suffering from temporary amnesia and forgetting all about that evening's events.

The combination of my writing style, improvisation, and my ability to react in real-time fascinated me, encouraging me to delve deeper into RP. This was only the beginning. That day, I discovered something important about myself - I genuinely cared about crafting exceptional experiences and stories for others. From that day forward, it became my mission to continue on this path.

Through a previous interview regarding the foundation guide for RP, a participant disclosed their experience at a restaurant where an individual amusingly portrayed a Garlean's encounter with ketchup. It is these minute nuances that contribute to the creation of captivating narratives and exceptional writing in Final Fantasy 14.

Q: Why did you make The Kweh?

A: Ah there are so many reasons. I will try to go into all of them.

RP has had a profound impact on my mental well-being. It allows me to temporarily escape from the demands of daily life and the associated stress. During a challenging period, RP became a valuable tool in managing my stress levels. The benefits of roleplaying vary from person to person, and if I can potentially provide that same experience to someone else, I consider it a win.

Interestingly, The Kweh's original purpose had nothing to do with teaching RP. I stumbled upon it one day when I was feeling exhausted and burnt out from work and streaming. The venue, randomly chosen through Party Finder, included a bar and a Nordic spa among other amenities. The interactions with staff were delightful, but what struck me was the lack of people. It puzzled me that such a beautifully designed space with wonderful staff had so few visitors.

While lost in thought at the bar, an idea occurred to me. I pondered on the possibility of creating a website that offers comical and anecdotal reviews of RP events and venues. These reviews would provide insights into my personal experiences, concluding with interviews featuring the owners to give readers a better understanding of the inspirations behind these spaces. Intrigued by this concept, I decided to act on it. Leaving the venue briefly, I uttered to myself, "[Expletive] it, I'm going for it." Without hesitation, I returned and presented my idea. From then on, my blog posts revolved around my visits to different venues, sharing their stories through interviews with the owners. Once I set my mind on something, it is difficult to deter me (laughs). However, due to my current commitments with The Kweh, I no longer write these posts. The RP Guide component of The Kweh was inspired by one of my shower thoughts. I often come up with ideas while showering, contemplating with a simple "huh, what if..." I have a tendency to explore most of these "what if" scenarios to see where they lead. My streaming approach and other innovative creations also stem from these explorations.

The main reason behind this shower thought was my constant observation of people and players expressing their confusion about the RP tag. Many of them were interested in trying RP but didn't know how to begin. I witnessed players discussing this in-game, as well as streamers mentioning it, with their chat offering unhelpful responses.

I wanted to assist those who felt lost by guiding them towards a basic understanding of RP so they could give it a try and determine if it's something they enjoy. Whether they end up liking it or not, it is valuable for them to have enough information to feel confident in giving it a shot.

The RP section in the Kweh was created in response to player feedback about wanting to try RP but dealing with anxiety. Many players expressed this to me after I initially created the base guide in March. This led me to realize the need to expand and create a new section for the site. However, I underestimated the amount of work involved. I want to give a shoutout to my friends who listened to me ramble about philosophical questions related to RP at 3 am! It was a challenging six months, and it turned out to be one of the most difficult projects I have ever undertaken, not because of the logistical challenges of conducting 80 interviews across different time zones or missing morning meetings for work, but because it was emotionally draining.

I was feeling creatively frustrated and stagnant. In my previous job, I had gained various skills in music production, video and picture editing, photography, art museum work, scripting, and development. However, circumstances had changed, and I had all this pent-up energy that needed an outlet. The creation of The Kweh became a way for me to channel that energy, utilizing my skills and combining them with my desire to assist others in learning new things. Ultimately, I hoped that people would find value in what I had created.

Q: Tell me about the social anxiety interview project that you published recently? What inspired it and what did you learn?

The Social Anxiety in RP section of our website, published in mid-October, pays tribute to a remarkable friend I encountered in World of Warcraft. She graciously invited me to join her guild, and we would frequently meet up in person with the rest of the guild since we all resided in NYC. She played a significant role in helping me secure a job after college, and we worked alongside a few other guild members at an art museum. During a difficult period in my life, she provided invaluable support in managing my anxiety. Her unwavering dedication to helping me through panic attacks and lending an empathetic ear meant the world to me. In many ways, she became like a second mother, and I am immeasurably grateful for her presence in my life. I had the privilege of attending her wedding as well as her daughter's second birthday celebration, and she took pride in her little one's initials, NPC. Sadly, four years ago, I also had to bid farewell to her at her funeral.

She was genuinely an extraordinary person, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had someone like her by my side. It is not always easy to find such a supportive and nurturing figure to guide us through life's challenges. Following her passing, I have made it my mission to carry forward the kindness and assistance she bestowed upon me, striving to help others in any way I can.

The Kweh represents my passionate expression of frustration and the culmination of my creative abilities, all while honoring my authentic self. Recognizing this revelation, I persisted in my efforts to complete the latest release. Interviewing a diverse group of 80 individuals from various regions, I ensured that their voices were heard and aimed to create a comprehensive resource reflecting perspectives from around the globe. It is not merely a resource for me, but a collaborative endeavor, offering players an opportunity to contribute to something greater than themselves.

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It's a combination of my personal experience with anxiety, people seeking my guidance and assistance, and my passion for creating collaborative projects.

During that period of self-reflection, I gained valuable insights into my personality and discovered why I was driven to turn this endeavor into something beneficial for others. It is ingrained in my nature to produce things that can be of assistance, even if it positively impacts just one individual. I recall someone expressing admiration for The Kweh's comprehensive RP guide but admitting their reluctance to try it due to overwhelming anxiety.

I view RP as a type of content that is created by the community and can be enjoyed by others. My goal is to make it more accessible, providing players with everything they need to simply give it a try. There's nothing more or less to it.

Did you come across any unexpected patterns during your interviews with roleplayers, both in general and specifically about social anxiety? Were there any things that many people mentioned or experiences that caught you off guard, and that you hadn't anticipated?

I was not expecting this, but it didn't come as a complete surprise as I usually avoid emotionally heavy scenes in roleplaying. However, there were several players who experienced anxiety in these situations, despite everyone agreeing to roleplay something intense. Thoughts like "I hope they are okay after that interaction" demonstrated a genuine concern for the other player on the opposite side of the screen, and many players expressed this.

It was surprising to discover that in Japan, many roleplayers keep their hobby to themselves for fear of being bullied due to the negative perception of otaku in the past. A recent in-person interview in Tokyo confirmed what a few players had mentioned, which is that the view of otaku is slowly becoming more accepted in Japanese culture in an effort to embrace different perspectives and diversity. However, the anonymity of playing an online game still leads to bullying, even on social media.

English-speaking communities worldwide face similar issues and experience anxiety in similar ways, including individuals who speak English as a second language. The "Player Statements" diagram highlights numerous recurring patterns. Additionally, it was intriguing to discover the perspectives of players who have ghosted others and their associated anxieties, despite their anonymity.

The Discord community, along with The Kweh, is a platform specifically created for RP in Final Fantasy 14. It serves as a central hub, resembling a museum map, which guides you to various galleries and art styles. However, it does not dictate how you should craft your own story. That is entirely left to your own creativity and individual choices.

The Discord offers a resources section which features a range of discord servers available in different regions, as well as more specific offerings such as mentorship, listings for RP events, lore resources, and more. These resources are community-driven, and The Kweh serves as a central hub for getting started. In addition, we have a help desk where you can ask basic questions to help you get started.

A: Final Fantasy 14 is a great platform for roleplay due to its various features such as glamour, extensive character customization options, the ability to use emotes and interact in a three-dimensional space. In addition, the captivating lore and the dedicated team behind the game add to its appeal. The game also offers player housing, allowing players to showcase their creativity by creating impressive spaces and engaging in compelling storytelling. The developers have put in place a solid framework, including features like Party Finder and Fellowships, empowering players to define and explore their own roleplay experiences.

During my recent interviews, I found myself completely immersed in the world of RP, exploring different aspects and diving deep into various topics. However, what may work well for me as a suitable medium for RP may not be the same for everyone else. Ultimately, it all comes down to our individual reasons for enjoying RP in the first place.

Interestingly, many players I interviewed had a background in text-based RP, specifically in chat rooms and Discord servers. When these players shifted to RP in Final Fantasy 14, the responses were varied. While some loved the visual aspect of seeing their characters come to life and interact with others in a housing environment, others found it to be too demanding and preferred the simplicity of storytelling in chat-based settings, as it required less effort.

It is important to consider what aspects of RP appeal to you in order to determine its quality. In my opinion, implementing a better chat log system would significantly enhance the RP experience.

Q: The subject of various regional approaches to roleplay has been mentioned several times. Could you provide a sneak peek into your initial thoughts on this idea?

When looking at RP from a broader perspective across regions, the key difference that stands out to me is language and culture. English-speaking communities in various regions, such as NA, EU, JP, and Oceania, generally share similar viewpoints on RP. However, in Japanese-speaking communities, only a small percentage of roleplayers are aware of the implied rules and origins that we commonly understand today.

Japanese culture has a unique approach to character creation and immersion in a game world. What we refer to as "RP Lite" is essentially a constant mindset for players. In English-speaking servers, it is not uncommon to overhear players in Limsa discussing real-life events. However, such conversations are relatively rare in Japanese gaming communities. When approached about RP, Japanese-speaking individuals often inquire about the meaning or concept of roleplaying.

The definitions of the RP tag in the English and Japanese game manuals differ. At first, I considered this to be a mere translation nuance. However, after conducting interviews with the Japanese-speaking community in-game, on Twitter, Discord, and even during my trip to Tokyo, I am beginning to suspect that this distinction is deliberate.

In North America, the definition is in line with our understanding. When the tag is activated, we perceive the person as engaging in roleplay. Conversely, when it is deactivated, we assume they are not roleplaying. It is akin to an on/off switch for distinguishing between in-character and out-of-character.

If players in Japan completely immerse themselves in the game and experience the world through their characters, what would the RP tag signify in that scenario? The RP tag signifies their enjoyment of role-playing, and many interviews have suggested that players who use the tag are enthusiasts.

While at a whiskey bar in Shinjuku, Tokyo, I conversed with a fellow Final Fantasy 14 player who also plays on Gaia. Our discussion covered topics such as savage raiding, RP, the marketboard economy, housing, and more. He expressed his anticipation for the day when we can all join forces and battle together in Eorzea.

Q: Despite being a longtime roleplayer in this game, I still face a recurring issue that also tends to unsettle new roleplayers. Could you please share any tips on how to handle chat scroll during a major event?

A: It's quite challenging. Hopefully chat bubbles will be available soon!

Usually, we can only rely on chat log filters. The main guide contains a video explaining this, but you can filter the chat log and create a tab that displays the necessary information. In English-speaking communities, this usually includes emotes, custom emotes, say, party, and linkshells. Customize this according to your personal preferences. Additionally, assign different colors to effectively distinguish between different elements in your log.

Feel free to invite people to join a party if you're struggling to keep up with a conversation. However, it's advisable to be cautious when adding individuals to your friends list, as it still requires some improvements. Nevertheless, if you're roleplaying with your in-game friends in a bustling environment, be sure to group them together and assign a symbol next to their name, such as a circle or a star, so that you can easily identify them in chat.

Interestingly, this issue is only present in English-speaking communities. In Japan, it is considered disapproved to use /say, and most roleplaying and messaging takes place in DMs, Parties, or Linkshells. In fact, there is even a venue where interactions are roleplayed using message books hidden within furniture!

In the recent blog post about the requested features by players, there are ideas for chat enhancements that were shared by the players and their corresponding expectations.

Q: Regarding the highly requested features, I am intrigued to know if anything from the London FanFest has specifically grabbed your attention?

A: Did you hear about the chat bubbles? Apparently, Preach asked Yoshi-P if they were coming, and he gave a vague response like "we're working on it." I'm not exactly sure of the details, but maybe they'll be available in Dawntrail? Possibly?

I'm really excited to see the connection between Final Fantasy 11 and Final Fantasy 14. As a former player, I can't wait to see how Vana'diel fits into the story. The game already has a lot of references to Final Fantasy 11, like calling Hyurs Humes in The First. And you won't believe it, but there are Ancient Lizards in Amh Araeng on The First too! When I discovered them in Shadowbringers, it gave me a nostalgic feeling of camping out for "Leaping Lizzy" boots in Final Fantasy 11.

Q: From what we've seen so far of Dawntrail, is it going to be a good expansion for roleplayers to sink their teeth into?

A: I believe so, although it's difficult to be certain. As long as we don't allow a majority of content to be easily accessible, I think we'll be successful in managing it.

I'm eagerly looking forward to witnessing the narratives of the new tribes and the manner in which they will be presented. It can be challenging for roleplayers to connect with content that is solely focused on the World of Light. Naturally, new expansions bring about fresh stories, items, fashions, and more. I hope individuals with tales linked to the New World can share them in the manner they have envisioned.

A: I'm quite exhausted! [laughs] Considering the immense number of interviews I've conducted this year, I'm not entirely certain if I'll immediately undertake another 100+ interviews. This recent endeavor has drained me significantly, but I do have one project in mind.

I've been extensively discussing cross-region travel and conceptualizing how it could be executed, taking into account my understanding of the various cultures and players from different regions. Yabi Yabi and I have contemplated the possibility of hosting a podcast or mini-stream series on the topic of cross-region travel and exploring the disparities, as we have engaged in lengthy conversations on the subject. For those unaware, Yabi Yabi creates videos highlighting the contrasting methods employed on JP servers and EU servers with regards to raiding and related activities, while I approach it from the perspective of role-playing. This collaboration promises to yield a delightful blend of perspectives!

Regarding the forthcoming round of interviews, it remains to be seen what will ignite my inspiration next.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

Finally, if after reading one of these articles from the interview, you find yourself contemplating giving roleplaying a try, what advice do you have besides seeking guidance from The Kweh?

Inform others about your new status, and you'll discover that the majority of people are willing to assist you in your journey. However, it all begins with you. If you have anxiety, be open about it. Access Party Finder and initiate conversations with venue owners to seek guidance. Remember, you are not alone in your emotions, and there are numerous individuals prepared to lend a helping hand.

Final Fantasy 14

Upon its initial release, Final Fantasy XIV faced criticism from fans due to numerous problems. In response, the developers decided to halt the MMO and rebuild it as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Following this revamp, the game experienced a remarkable resurgence, solidifying its position as one of the greatest MMOs ever created. Presently, it boasts a substantial player base with hundreds of thousands of subscribers active at any given moment.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have a few thoughts on the article "Exploring The Kweh: A Valuable Resource for New Final Fantasy 14 Roleplayers".

First, I think it's great that there are resources available to help new players learn how to roleplay in Final Fantasy 14. Roleplaying can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting for those who are new to it. Having a resource like The Kweh can help players get started by providing them with information on the customs and unspoken rules of roleplay in Eorzea.

Second, I think it's interesting to hear about the different ways that people get into roleplaying. Some people, like Legaia, the creator of The Kweh, stumble into it unintentionally. Others, like myself, are drawn to it because it provides a way to express our creativity and connect with other players in a meaningful way.