Early Access or Launch Kick Off Event?

Hello Echoes! echoes..echoes..

I know we are all on a different page when it comes to FF14:ARR progress and general know-how of the game. Can there be some sort of kick off "event" via raidcall where an experienced player can briefly guide new players (even if they're already lvl20) to or through different features of the game? Maybe a

gathering run or a

single-file line to grab every DoL, DoW, DoM through the world or a

step by step all together start of a craft or a

map clear or a 

hunting log expedition or

having folks with a level 1 of a specific class meet up and just get on the exact same quests so they can progress together as a semi-static party... 

and maybe we can advertise the FC as we go along!

etc etc...

I know all this can be done solo but I'm just brainstorming. Not that there was a need to brainstorm any of this. 

Cya Saturday morning! 

One of the things we decided when forming Echoes was that we are not going to be the same as GSCH and be running community events as an officer team.  Many of us are very busy with real life, and do not have the time to commit to that scale of in game activity.  FFXIV is more based around smaller group content. 

We figured players would just do their own thing, and organise stuff as they feel like it.

For example, I will be organising an end game raid group, but that is a little way off at this stage :)

If you want to organise any of what you have mentioned Momo, feel free to do so.

(One final thing to note is that we will be recruiting by way of "friends of friends", so do not plan on any advertising of the FC via general chat. We would rather just let our community evolve naturally rather than advertise.)

That said, Momo, if you have questions about how parts of the game work, or are confused about mechanics, or can't find a location/NPC/quest... the people in raidcall will happily help you (believe me, I asked!). So while the FC isn't going to be quite like Gaiscioch in other games, it's still full of friendly and helpful people.

Sweet. Gotcha. I just wanted to make sure. I'll work on thinking of those small group content things...if I'm not immediately wrapped up in the game and forget

If you view the chart at http://www.gaiscioch.com/saighdear/structure.html then you'll see that the normal Saighdears are not intended to have the GSCH Chapter structure, anyway.  The only branches that share a similar structure to a full chapter like GW2, will be former Chapters that Fog no longer plays, such as RIFT (which falls under the Former Chapter Saighdear column).

So Echoes is exactly like a normal Saighdear in every structural way... other than that its founders chose to not become official, unlike Neverwinter.  Well, also Echoes won't have a branch roster, I guess, but that's not a big deal.  It is a bit puzzling and confusing for the some of us, but its what the Echo founders wanted, so have to respect their choice.

In the end, it doesn't matter, because Fog created the Saighdear program to allow family members to meet in one game, and find each other in other games, so everything works out regardless of any "official" GSCH affiliations and what not.

I think it is a good idea to try to meet in raidcall on Saturday and try to see if people want to do something together. 

I am getting a little worried that Echoes was formed specifically so that the leaders have a place to play where they don't have any responsibilities.  I think that is great for the leaders, but most guilds are formed because someone wants to lead activities and organize things.  My friend (Darken who joined Echoes during the Beta 4) and I left the other server we were on specifically to join Gaiscioch.  If this group isn't really part of Gaiscioch, then we could have stayed on our other server. 

I don't expect anything from anyone, but I just didn't understand what it meant when we didn't become a Saighdear.  I, personally, want to be in a group with active leadership.

Feel free to discuss your concerns with any of us in raidcall :) I am usually around late night Pacific.

What I meant was we do not organise "community" type evnts like Telara Saga in GW2 as this game does not fit that play mechanic. This was made clear in our initial guild statement found in this sticky:

http://www.gaiscioch.com/tavern/ffxiv_discussion/post_62498.html

Where you play is completely up to you, and if you need a more "hardcore" guild where there is an event every night then I completely understand if you need to join one.

We have posted about why Echoes is not a Saighdear so many times, but I will say it again to clarify.  Echoes is not a Saighdear because Coonor does not have the rank you need to make a Saighdear. That is it!!!!!! No other reason!!!!

You also seem to be a little misinformed as to what a Saighdear is.  A Saighdear does not necessarily have regular events either.  Neverwinter and Rift both do not have any events run by leaders.  So I am not sure what you mean when you express concern that this is not a Saighdear because with regard to events it would not make any difference:

http://www.gaiscioch.com/saighdear/structure.html

If anything Echoes sits between a Sighdear (no events) and GW2 (7 days a week events). We will have some events, but not in a heavily structured way.  You are able to organise anything you like Fym, as is every other member. There is no restriction by rank or anything.

I will be organising an event around raiding, as will other people in the guild. In fact most of the FFXIV content is based around small dungeon groups and then leads on to 8 person content, and 24 person raids at end game.

At this stage, the game has not even released so I do not see how we could have done more than we have, unless we were hardcore!!!! We have organised a server, forum space, voice comms and a little community.  We have posted detailed info and stickies, and answered a truck load of questions and helped people get to grips with the game mechanics. I kinda flinched when I read the part about "active leadership" as we have been very active as these forums reflect. Have a look at the other Saighdear game forums - i think this one is actually 100 times more active than any of them!!!

Not sure if you realise the time and effort that has gone into what we have created so far, and the commitment we have already put in.  Bottom line is we have families, careers and lives and this was never going to be a guild where there was an event every night like GW2.

Also not sure if you saw this post here regarding release night:

http://www.gaiscioch.com/tavern/ffxiv_discussion/post_63709.html

As the game evolves, so will the need for events and organised stuff.  I really am at a loss as to what you expect?  Have a read of Fog's description of what a Saighdear is perhaps to make it a bit more clear.

I am not trying to be adversarial here, I am just really stunned by the "active leadership" comment and would love to be able to discuss your concerns and figure out exactly what you think we should have done differently?

We were very very very specific and upfront about the nature of the free company.  I apologise if you got the wrong impression and thought we were another Gaiscioch official chapter.  Sorry to let you down on the leadership front.

*Edited to include links*

Since it seems to be a concern, I'll put in a word here to hopefully clarify :D

So! There's a major difference between voluntarily active leadership and obligatory active leadership..we are the former! A lot of people don't understand how daunting and time consuming obligatory leadership can be for the person, while an officer, is also a player. Look at Ben, he sacrifices with every game we have ever played as a family..he is usually the LAST person to get to play, and the LAST person to level his character and get gear and experience event's he likes until AFTER everyone else is taken care of, it's who he is and its admirable! It's part of the reason we as officer's\elder's in gaiscioch are apart of the eldership board and remain inplace to this day!

I work 50-60 hours a week, I have 3 children and a beautiful wife, a nice big house and a LOT of bills...much like many people here, gaming is and will always be secondary. That said, the time I do have is dedicated to enjoying the time I have free, BECAUSE I have made the choice to run Echoes to provide a stomping ground for like minded players to come and enjoy company, hang out, raid, dungeon run, craft and meet new members, does NOT obligate me to actively take care of each and every player as they arrive, officer's are here to help out! to answer questions and to generally be a source of knowledge and friendship when you're having difficulties or just need a hand.

That does not mean we hand hold - each person playing is an adult and has the capability and power to create their own experience inside of FFXIV! and we are here to help you build that experience, we just aren't going to spend all of our free time building it for you. 

Simply put, you want an awesome launch event?!?!?!? do it up! I'll come along! get it started and hosted! run it all week if you want even!! but...don't expect ME to host it because of title or rank, no one is obligated to events or forced to participate in activities they don't want. And if that upsets you, think about why..is it because you feel we aren't active? or would it be because you see the work..

The effort..

The coordination..

The sacrifice of your personal play time to set it up..

And ensure everyone is taken care of..

To ensure no one is left behind..

To answer all of the pending questions..

To guide each player during the event.

The piece that upsets me is when people are quick to point the finger, but reluctant to turn it on themselves (not implying this applies to ANYONE in this thread at all) - gets back to the old gaiscioch motto "Play when you want...how you want...for as long as you want" I think you will see MORE thing's happening here in Echoes as time passes BECAUSE the obligation is no longer there..the event will be more fun when they aren't forced or mandatory.

Bottom Line, just because we aren't obligated to these type of events - does not mean we aren't incredibly excited and willing to host and participate in them. I just want to make clear EVERYONE's playtime is special and relevant. Not just the members..but the officers as well..

There will be events, there will be help where needed and there will be lot's of awesome memories made and shared with our members! only difference is, the hand isnt forced for our leadership..it's voluntary...which is....ya know...better... :)

Please feel free to ask any questions! Would love to hear thought's or concerns BEFORE we hit launch :D

** Additionally, When I became a Draio I stopped claiming events because I wanted others to experience leadership opp's so when I thought about applying, I realized I never claimed enough rank after the increase was made to form a saighdear, additionally, it is MANDATORY the guild be called "Saighdear" in game..and that was unacceptable to me - 90% of people dont say it right (Sigh-Jurr) they pronounce it (Sag Dear) and the other 10% have no freakin clue what it means. This isnt a norse mythology game nor does it have anything to do with irish\celtic\scottish lore. It just didnt fit....

*** Another edit add! If you dont think were ALLLLL going to be in raidcall on saturday counting down the clock and answering questions and whatnot your insane..just because we didnt formally label it (yet) doesnt mean it wont happen (Be there MOMO! Ill be looking for you!)

umm, I did formally label it...in pink!!!!! Maybe it was not obvious enough.......my bad :P

http://www.gaiscioch.com/tavern/ffxiv_discussion/post_63709.html

We have posted about why Echoes is not a Saighdear so many times, but I will say it again to clarify.  Echoes is not a Saighdear because Coonor does not have the rank you need to make a Saighdear. That is it!!!!!! No other reason!!!!

I can not remember reading that, so I apologize for missing it.  Thank you for your PM, finding out that Connor did not have the Create button available to him, explained it all.  One would assume that Elders would have access to those tools, but ... I better stop there so I don't get yelled at again.  >.>

** Additionally, When I became a Draio I stopped claiming events because I wanted others to experience leadership opp's so when I thought about applying, I realized I never claimed enough rank after the increase was made to form a saighdear, additionally, it is MANDATORY the guild be called "Saighdear" in game..and that was unacceptable to me - 90% of people dont say it right (Sigh-Jurr) they pronounce it (Sag Dear) and the other 10% have no freakin clue what it means. This isnt a norse mythology game nor does it have anything to do with irish\celtic\scottish lore. It just didnt fit....

Thank you for the explanation, Connor.  I always wondered why you'd say "find me in Raidcall and I'll explain" whenever anyone asked about this subject, but I understand that now.  Interesting about the mandatory name, I wasn't a fan of "Echoes" at first, but then I saw references to the "Echo" in one of the story segments and love the name now.

I apologize if I stirred anything up or made anyone uncomfortable and I want to make it clear that Echoes not being a Saighdear is not an issue for me.  Its just been a curiosity, a mystery so to speak, and unfortunately, to my crazy OCD brain, a mystery is like catnip.  No matter how hard I try to resist, no matter how many feathers it will ruffle or toes will be stepped on... I must solve the mystery and have understanding.

Not even a problem Sekkerhund!

It will be asked over and over and over again as more new people get on board that aren't up to speed in all of the forum posts (there is a LOT of them). And I will explain it all with a smile on my face :D

I know it's difficult for some people to understand initially, but over time they will come to see this is actually a good thing! If it were underhanded, backwards or "seedy" ben wouldn't have given us his complete and total approval. And I respect Ben enough to seek out his approval while operating within the family, but outside of the normal guidelines.

There's a fear that people have when it's "outside" of normal gaiscioch protocol, and I get that. But we are all the same people! we aren't going to turn into goblins at midnight and start kidnapping and consuming children. But after 3 years of officer duty, hard work, coordination, dedication and sacrifice, I want the chance to do things because I am passionate about them, because i'm excited about them! NOT because I have a sense of obligation (which in some cases I do even still because I want echoes to be successful) But my officer's are also mostly Draio's and deserve a break too- thats break from obligation, not responsibility (looking at you Samion! slacker...:P). Hope that further clarifies!!

I may be an Elder of Gaiscioch for some time now, but I am not a leader in Echoes.  What I am in Echoes is a player who wants to have fun and help others.  If I know how to do something and I'm not in the middle of something, I'll take the time to explain and help.  I'll even group up and pop my character to where you are if need be.

There will be plenty of stuff going on, but a lot of it is also going to be impromptu.  Say you are up to doing the quests for the dungeons and you want to do it with family - ask and you might find others on who can do it with you.  Even if you don't get the four man required, you can still make a group and apply to the dungeon in the duty finder together.

Like Hex said, she will definitely work to doing raiding groups.  That's one of her passions and she is volunteering to make sure it happens.  Anyone who wants to do the work of making up an event can do so.

This is definitely a play as you want, when you want set up.  

And you WILL BE with family members.  The atmosphere is pretty much the same friendly bantering with lots of great help.  Like them telling you there is a scroll bar to find things and you utterly MISSED it!  Or anything else more serious.  ;)  By the way I still keep forgetting at times to check if the window will scroll or not.  Like where are my L10 crafting recipes?  AHHHH!

Thank you for the clarification.  I can appreciate the difference between voluntary active leadership and obligatory active leadership.  I thought it was weird that people who were tired of leadership responsibility would form a guild / Free Company.  You are correct that I didn't understand the difference between a Saighdear and a chapter.  Now I understand.  I'm sure everything will work out fine.

Fym 

Well Connor, I can say with much certainty that Ben thinks very highly of you.  I'm not sure if you folks know this, but he covered FFXIV a little during the August Guild Summit.  He had nothing but glowing praise and recommendations for family members to talk to Connor or Hex if they were interested in playing FFXIV and wanted to play with family.  (paraphrased, there's supposed to be a podcast, somewhere, if anyone wants to find it and listen to it, he also mentioned a couple of other things about FFXIV and Wildstar, so would be well worth listening to those, too)

Dudes, so it looks like tomorrow I try to roll a character on Excalibur.  Is there a process for applying to Echoes, or do I just ask in Raid call once I get settled?  The game is totally new to me.  I may have a few questions, but mostly I like to immerse myself and try to figure things out for myself at first.  Going to try a tank and totally willing to help folks along the way when asked.   Might even hang out in voice chat for once ;)  There's some folks here I barely know but would like to.

You just need to whisper any officer or maybe it's any Echoes member and we can throw you an invite!

Word :)

Hop into RC, holler at someone and paste your toon name into RC chat.  Everyone has invite privs.  The paste is needed because you have to use the player search feature to send guild invites, or something like that, IIRC.