RoadTrip!

Everything you wanted to know about this Linkshell...
and probably stuff you didn't care about too.

Rules of the Linkshell

  • Do not ask for help with game objectives over the linkshell.
  • Limit the number of questions you ask about the game over the linkshell.
    If you start to get answers like "Look it up on somepage", that's usually an indication that you're asking too many questions.
  • Avoid using swear words over the linkshell.
    Different people have different ideas over what language is acceptable. In general, if you think people might be offended by something, then don't say it. A word that gets censored even on Adult Swim definitely should be avoided!
    If you feel you have to apologize ahead of time for what you're about to say, that's a good sign that you just shouldn't say it.
    And please don't self-censor swear words by changing some or all of the letters to asterisks and such. I can tell what word you're trying to hide. It only serves to insult my intelligence.
  • Don't use racial slurs.
    I suppose calling Taru-tarus "oompa-loompas" is ok. But avoid racial slurs with relation to real world races, ethnicities, cultures, etc.
  • Don't engage in "naughty", abusive, or harrassing talk.
    Act like your mother is listening in on the LS chat. Or better yet, act like my mother is listening in. I really don't know how you talk around your mother...
Note: remember that these rules apply to what you say over the {/linkshell} chat channel. You can do anything you like via {/tell}, {/party}, or {/say} (within reason and still abiding with the game's ToS).


Aren't those rules kind of strict? Why don't you guys want to help people?

These rules might seem harsh and unusual (to say the least). Hopefully you will get a better understanding of why I put these rules in place, and how everyone can still enjoy this game while abiding by these rules.

Philosophies of the Linkshell

  • Be an adventurer.
  • Focus on being a giver, not on being a receiver.
  • Develop friendships with the other members.

A (not so?) brief explanation:

Be an adventurer.

Adventuring requires work. It might require a great deal of traveling to do the things you want to do. It might take a lot of time to search on your own for the answers to your questions. Adventuring also requires risk. You will often find yourself having to travel through areas with aggresive mobs that can kill you in a matter of seconds. It's not surprising that many players try to avoid the work and eliminate risk. But if everything is simply handed to you without ever challenging you, what is the point of playing?

That's why this Linkshell was named RoadTrip. This game is an adventure. It's not simply a leveling treadmill, or a glorified chat room. We want you to embrace the adventure, and enjoy it.

Focus on being a giver, not on being a receiver.

Too often, 95% of the work is done by 5% of the people. The linkshell is not here to give instant assistance to everyone. I don't want a linkshell where the higher level members feel obligated to assist every time someone voices a plea for help. I don't want a linkshell where the lower level members feel like they're entitled to help immediately, right when they want it.

While there's a rule against asking for help, there's no rule against offering to help someone. You don't have to wait until you're level 75 to help others. Think back to the road blocks that you encountered 10 levels ago. Chances are, you can help someone accomplish those milestones. Even if you can't lend a hand, you can always share some of your own experiences and offer advice. Never underestimate the power of a friendly /tell offering help and encouragement!

Develop friendships with other members.

I don't mind helping out people who are my friends, regardless of whether or not they are in my linkshell. In fact, I feel a little depressed if they don't come to me for help. In contrast, I have seen heard many requests for help over the linkshell from people I don't even know. I don't feel obligated to help them simply because they have the same colored circle next to their name.

This game is far more enjoyable when you have close friends to share the good news of your latest accomplishments with. And it's quite exciting to hear from a friend that they've been able to accomplish an important milestone. Higher level members can form mentoring relationships with lower level members. And members at similar stages in the game can enjoy the comradarie that comes from knowing that they are going through the same experiences.

Roles of Pearlsack holders

Anyone who's willing to spend time to help and teach newer players can act as a mentor (and I'm not referring to the game's silly little mentor system where you can hit level 30 and toss up an M icon.) However, I expect pearlsack holders to exemplify the spirit of a mentor. Pearlsack holders don't need to know every aspect of the game. I also don't expect (or even want) them to always give out easy answers. If I give you a fish, I feed you for a day. If I teach you to fish, I feed you for a lifetime. I expect pearlsack holders to be teach others "how to fish".

This has great impact on how people are invited to the linkshell. Pearlsack holders shouldn't give out pearls to players they don't even know. I want the pearlsack holders to get to know someone at least a little bit, to see what kind of person they are. Even just being in an experience party with them is a good start. A really bad experience party tends to bring out the true character of a person.

If an established player is invited into the linkshell, they probably don't need any mentoring. But if a newer player is invited into the linkshell, they will no doubt need some mentoring. And I expect the pearlsack holder that invited the newer player to be that mentor.

At the very least, before joining this linkshell, prospective members should be notified of the rules we operate by, to make sure they can abide by them.


I'm not a pearlsack holder, but I have a friend who I want in this linkshell. Could you give him a pearl?

We will consider these requests on a case-by-case basis. If we do decide to fulfill your request, you (the requester) will be expected to fill the role of mentor (as necessary) to your friend. You are not being elevated to the status of a pearlsack holder, but you will have to fill some of the responsibilites of a pearlsack holder in relation to your friend.