Of Linkshells And Family
23 Feb 2010 3 Comments
in final fantasy xi Tags: final fantasy xi, linkshell
Good day to you, jolly peeps of Vana’diel!
I’ve been sitting here on the porch of my Mog House, sipping some Moogle Ale (I swear, my Moogle laced this with something, but I can’t put my finger on it. It’s like he melted a package of Gummi Chocos, blended it with Orange Juice and called it a day! O.o But, I digress), when I reached into my pocket and pulled out a nice, sparkly ball. Thought it was my missing Lucky Marble, but turns out it was only one of my linkpearls.
That got me to thinking: what’s in a Linkshell, besides a pearl and a chewy, meaty centre?
I’ve mentioned a couple of linkpearls in the past, but to be honest, I haven’t used them in a while. Mainly because they’re always empty. It’s rather sad, especially since these are “Family Shells” (ya know, where everyone acts like a big ol’ family), but when the patriarch and/or matriarch forgets about the shell… well… 
These are the kinds of shells that feel like home to me, where I don’t feel afraid to jazz it up with the members, so to see them shrivel up and becoming a shell of their former existence (no pun intended there, kids!) it’s kinda depressing. It’s like the ‘Family’ decided to jump ship or something. <.<’
Then there’s the other type of more social shells that I find myself wandering into where the atmosphere is more lively, but I don’t feel like I fit in any. Don’t get me wrong; the folks are really nice and all. More often than not, they talk about things that are Endgame related (interesting to hear, but seems like all they talk about), or there’s some inside joke of some sorts that completely flies over my head, etc. etc. So I never really know what to say, and I shy away from it all. At this point, it seems like I have the pearl equipped for the sake of having it on. O.o’
So, what’s a kitty to do? Right now I feel like ‘The Littlest Hobo‘:
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There’s a voice that keeps on calling me,
Down the road, that’s where I’ll always be.
Every stop I make, I make a new friend,
Can’t stay for long, just turn around and I’m gone again.
Maybe tomorrow, I’ll want to settle down,
Until tomorrow, I’ll just keep moving on.
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It would be nice to feel like a part of a shell again. To be able to have idle chit chat with folks and joke around; and be able to do the events that they plan for the shell. But I have a feeling that won’t happen >.>’
Perhaps this is a bizarre revelation shining the light on my social awkwardness and my desire to stick with people whom I already know rather than make the effort to meet new people. However, those whom I consider a friend are never around anymore or not around as much. Such is life. People come and go.
Maybe I should just be a Kitty-for-Hire instead of being associated with any one ‘Shell’. Or maybe I should quit adventuring altogether and open up a Moogle Ale Brewery. :3 Seriously, this stuff is doing crazy things to my mind! I could make a fortune on this stuff…
*has vision of Pandemondium Warden and Absolute Virtue playing ‘Duck, Duck, Goose’ with Kirin, Odin, Bahamut, and Alexander*
O.o
Maybe I should reconsider selling this stuff…
*ahem* So as this installment of Minee’s Philosophy Corner comes to an end, I’m left to ponder my next move. Should I jettison my pearls and forget about joining a linkshell for the rest of my days? Should I hold onto the hope of finding a new home for myself in these times where less people are venturing forth in Vana’diel?
Whichever way the wind blows, I will follow. Me and my Moogle Ale.
Feb 23, 2010 @ 14:53:41
I’ve found I played FFXI for my linkshell. When me and a few of my irl friends started we created one called Suicide Moogles, we met a group of people that also knew each other irl from another country. They joined and we had a good base of people that were always on and knew one another well.
Time passed and we got to about 20 members, all knowing each other which i liked. The problem with larger social shells is that while people may chat – theyre chatting to someone they know as a name and a player rather then a person.
About a two years ago my shell fell apart, our real lives becoming more busy meaning the shell was empty more and more – yet we didnt want to invite too many more people in fear of loosing that intimate feeling where everyone knew everyone well. Eventually we all split to different shells and I find now that many of my former linkshell friends have quit or are not as happy with playing. Same for me.
I really think having a linkshell your happy with is a vital part of FFXI. For me it gives me a reason to play. I seem to be in the same boat as you, moving between shells but never getting the same feeling as my first one. I often now run around without a shell on. I dont particularly want to make new friends as the ones I had/have are or were so good. I’ve built my friendships and played FFXI through with those people, they cant be replaced – so im left in limbo.
I know my story isnt very helpful, but I just wanted to let you know your not alone in your situation and feeling like ya do. Seems to just be a symptom of playing the game for a long time and having friends quit or grow apart.
hope you find a shell soon!
Feb 23, 2010 @ 20:30:21
Your insightful post is more helpful than you know.
It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way ^_^ Thank you!