Nothing's more fun than beating on your enemies as well as your friends, and that’s why we have roleplay combat! In this episode, we discuss numerous different combat and sparring systems used in scenarios or at fight nights, from the simplest /random rolls to tabletop-inspired character sheets and modifier calculations. Whether you’re just getting…

There’s a whole great big world out there in Eorzea — so why not get out of your house (or apartment) and roleplay in it? As it turns out, sharing public spaces isn’t always as easy as just avoiding Shout chat. In our discussion of open-world RP events, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks versus housing areas, popular event locations, the etiqu…

Ever get the feeling you’re being watched? Even in our fictional lives, all of us participating in RP value a certain level of privacy when it comes to in-character interactions, and feel hurt when that privacy is violated, unintentionally or not. Join us as we discuss the roles of the various out-of-game platforms for sharing, the pros and cons of…

We interrupt your usual serious business RP discussion to bring you a very special treat! MuseCast XIV host Remix Sakura and our friend Ryssrael perform an all-original, voice-acted audio play, in the roles of Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn and Raubahn Aldynn. Operation Archon was a momentous — and stressful — event in history for the Eorzean Alliance. So str…

In our third episode of the series, we bring you three more beast tribes from the faraway lands of Stormblood: the Kojin, Ananta and Namazu. We discuss the advantages and drawbacks of beast race RP, and hear from more listeners who have made it work for them. If you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, share, and follow us! iTunes / …

In this episode, we continue our exploration of Eorzea's non-Spoken-race peoples and cultures, and feature the beast tribes of Heavensward: the dancing Vanu Vanu, the hive-minded Gnath, the mischevious moogles, and even the enigmatic and powerful dragons. If you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, share, and follow us! iTunes / Stit…

In this episode, we look beyond the RP possibilities of the character creator to the non-playable races that inhabit Eorzea: the beast tribes. Hear about the lore, culture and society of the Kobolds, Amalj'aa, Sahagin, Ixal, and Sylphs, and hear perspectives from roleplayers who have chosen to inhabit a beast race character. If you've enjoyed this …

The 2018 Final Fantasy Fan Festival in Las Vegas brought us momentous new game announcements, a myriad of entertaining activities, and best of all, the chance to meet many of our fellow Eorzeans in person. In this episode, we bring you six different interviews from more than a dozen roleplayers we met throughout the convention. Hear first hand abou…

In this episode, we have the privilege to talk with theatrical visionary and long-time roleplayer Wanderer Sabaku, founder of A Stage Reborn. Join us as we discuss the relationship between theater and roleplay as creative media, ASR’s origin story as well as their recent expansions to Balmung and Gilgamesh, his thoughts on lore-bending, and how he …

Wrapping up our series on the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, we rile up the discourse as we discuss Minfilia, her story, and all of her associated fandom controversy. We explore why exactly the leader of the Scions became the fans’ least favorite character, what unfortunate tropes and biases surround female characters (even “strong” ones), what makes …

Welcome back, adventurers! The months of 2018 have seemingly vanished in a flash, and with them they take away MuseCast’s hiatus! Before we jump back into our usual discussion, we take some time to recap all that was going on when episode recording was not: the massive growth of RP communities on Gilgamesh and Lich; the Great Lockening, Unlockening…

For the second year in a row, we are proud to bring our listeners a very special year-end treat! MuseCast XIV hosts Emi and Remix Sakura perform an all-original, voice-acted audio play, in the roles of Nanamo ul Namo and Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn. At the conclusion of the Level 50 Culinarian quest "Revenge of the Chefsbane," Lolorito has been thoroughly …

In the third and final part of the series, we squeeze all the Scions we can into one last jam-packed episode. Join us as we discuss Y’shtola’s unconventional education, the many professions of Tataru, Krile’s special talent for trolling, how Thancred never ages, why Papalymo’s a cranky old man, ship-teasing, and unresolved red herrings. We also rec…

Last time we met with Ryssrael Klynbahrwyn of Gilgamesh, we helped him to begin his journey into the wondrous world of in-game roleplay. Now it’s time to follow up and recap the results! Join us as we compare the habits of the different server RP communities we’ve tried so far, point out what mature content you’re actually most likely to run into (…

The members of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn are some of the most familiar and important people in the Warrior of Light's life -- and there are so many of them to boot! In this episode, we get started down the list with the legendary founder of the Circle of Knowing, Louisoux; compare and contrast the wonder twins, Alphinaud and Alisaie; and find …

In this episode, we’re taking our listeners to school as we study up on the undisputed center of knowledge on Hydaelyn – the nation of Sharlayan. On the surface, it seems like an enlightened utopia of learned citizens in the tradition of the Ancient Greeks. However, in a society that values information and education above all else, what becomes of …

Ever wondered how a roleplay-curious FFXIV player can actually get started, even with nothing more than an idea? In this episode, we’ll be breaking in Ryssrael Klynbahrwyn of Gilgamesh to the weird and wonderful world of RP. We sit down with Ryss and guide him, ELI5 style, through his first steps into serious character development, such as origins,…

We continue our journey to the eastern lands of Hydaelyn introduced in Stormblood, diving in to the people and cultures of the Ruby Sea as well as the ever-popular Xaela Au Ra of the Azim Steppe. We also discuss why now more than ever, roleplayers should be aware of the concept of cultural appropriation, how to avoid it when creating original chara…

Venture with us out of Eorzea, to the other end of Hydaelyn, and into a new world of roleplay possibilities — the Far East! What do these various regions have and not have in common? What sort of circumstances could bring someone from this region to Eorzea? We begin by covering Doma and Hingashi, including the cultural exchanges and tensions of Kug…

Though the Stormblood hype train was derailed by technical setbacks, it’s finally taken us all the way to Ala Mhigo — and what a ride it was! This episode features special guests and Ala Mhigan roleplayers Sounsyy Mirke and Avelyn Firestone of Balmung. We sit down to discuss whether Lyse is the real main character of Stormblood, the lives and world…

Jump aboard the Stormblood hype train as we head to the fifth and final nation of Eorzea: Ala Mhigo. Join us and our special guest, "Lore Mom" Sounsyy Mirke, as we explore the historical context that led Ala Mhigo and its people to where they are today, the cultural values it actually shares with its invader Garlemald, and the many troubles and tri…

Muses are like potato chips — you can never have just one! The addiction to alternate characters, or alts, has spread across the entire FFXIV player base, affecting roleplayers worst of all. Creating a second (or third, or fourth…) original character, and starting the game again from scratch, can be a fun and fulfilling experience — except for the …

Want to get your character out of the dungeons, and out for a night on the town instead? Wondering how to get some roleplay going on your server? There’s no better place to start than with in-game RP events! In this episode, we discuss how to get the most of your experience as an attendee, including etiquette pro-tips to help things run smoothly. C…

After exploring what it’s like on the big bad Balmung server, in this episode, we’re downsizing! Find out what it’s like to roleplay on servers where you might have never expected it to be. Hear from RPers from Adamantoise, Diabolos, and Famfrit as they share experiences both positive and negative, their successes and struggles with growing communi…

Join us for the second part of our in-depth discussion of the infamous hub of FFXIV RP: the Balmung server. We brought the sugar, and now it’s time to bring the salt! Having extolled the server’s virtues and advantages in our previous episode, hosts and guests now let loose their rants on what annoys, infuriates, disappoints and saddens them about …

What's the first thing that pops into your head when you hear "Balmung?" Whatever it is, you're probably wrong! Join us and our Balmungian guests for part one of our revealing exposé on the infamous hub of FFXIV RP. Hear true stores of nights in Ul'dah's Quicksand, some of the server’s countless in-jokes, and the magic that happens when everyone ar…

In this episode, we begin covering more meta-RP topics, touching on some of the crucial issues players experience when participating in FFXIV roleplay. Choosing an NPC as your muse comes with many unique joys and challenges, especially when it comes to in-game interactions. We discuss the issue of “godmodding,” why it’s a pet peeve of so many, and …

Our first episode of 2017 marks our final episode covering the nations of Eorzea — and who do we leave for last but the big bad Garlean Empire! We become the devils' advocates as we discuss how and why Garlemald became so imperial in the first place, what to do (and not to do) when creating a Garlean RP character, why we’re fond of even the empire’…

As a special new year's treat for our listeners, we are proud to bring you two very special audio performances based on the “Tales from the Calamity” collection of short stories. MuseCast XIV host Emi performs “The Sultana’s Seven” in the role of Nanamo Ul Namo, with additional voices performed by Ethys Asher. It’s our way of bringing roleplay to t…

As a special year-end treat for our listeners, we are proud to bring you two very special audio performances based on the “Tales from the Calamity” collection of short stories. MuseCast XIV host Remix Sakura performs “Where Victory and Glory Lead” in the role of Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn. It's our way of bringing roleplay to the next level. Happy Starlig…

In our final episode covering the city-states of Eorzea, we delve into the deep and mysterious undergrowth of Gridania, and the complex society that lives beneath its lush green forest canopy. Join us, along with our special guest Yhrea Lasiri of Balmung, as we discuss why the elementals are like disgruntled landlords, explore the origins of anti-D…

In our final interview from this year’s FanFest Las Vegas, we talk with arguably the best-known loremonger in the fandom: Ethys Asher. His unique literary and philosophical perspective on FFXIV lore has made his YouTube videos an invaluable source of information and entertainment for everyone fascinated with the world of Eorzea. Tune in to find out…

In our next interview from FanFest Las Vegas, we sat down with someone to whom every FFXIV lore nut owes a great deal, from his work at Gamer Escape and Aetheryte Radio, to his endless theorizing on the official SE Lore Forum. Despite all this, you may not know who he is — and he prefers it that way! In this very special episode, AnonyMoose becomes…

The whirlwind rollercoaster ride that was FanFest Las Vegas has come and gone, and left your hosts feeling simply overjoyed to be part of the Final Fantasy XIV fanbase, fulfilled to have met so many of this community's amazing content creators, and more motivated than ever to keep bringing you an awesome show that shines light on the wonderful worl…

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE PATCH 3.4 MAIN SCENARIO. It’s been a wild and crazy ride all through Heavensward, and on our ninth episode, we discuss as many of the compelling cast of characters hailing from Ishgard as we can fit into a single episode. Tune in as we discuss the dangers of taking a shower in dragon blood, the struggles of ma…

Join us as we look back on the complex and fascinating nation of Ishgard and its impact on the world of Eorzea from 2.0 to 3.3. We dive deep into the important questions: What has preceded the great crisis of faith and identity brought on by the end of the Dragonsong War? What does the future hold for the new secular, democratic government? And wha…

You read that right — we’re STILL talking about Ul’dah, because there’s still more to talk about! In this episode, we cover all the other good guys and bad guys of the desert city-state (who all just happen to be Lalafell), speculate about what’s in store for the future of the plotline, and debate what exactly might be going on with Ul’dah’s favori…

Who better for our first guest interview than Luna Vox, a kindred spirit RPer and podcaster. The co-host of Phoenix Down Radio visits MuseCast to talk about why roleplayers have more fun! Tune in for the story of how Role Hyperion changed the server’s RP scene, growing to 100+ members in only a month. We share stories of how RP helps us get through…

Can you believe we set out to record our second episode on Ul’dahn society, and we ran out of time before we even finished talking about Nanamo and Raubahn? If not, you’ve clearly underestimated our love for these characters! Tune in for some super in-depth commentary on Ul’dah’s dynamic duo, that also involves royal babysitters, Reaganomics, and t…

Next up in our analysis of the Eorzean city-states is none other than “Cash Rules Everything Around Me” Ul’dah – voted “Most Messed Up City” by a panel of … your two hosts. Tune in as we go in-depth into the politics, economics, religion, history, and lore of this vibrant, cultured, dirty, corrupt, and intensely fascinating place. If you've enjoyed…

Yarr, mateys! This week is all about the fascinating pirates (and former pirates) that help make Limsa Lominsa such an... "interesting" city. Join us as we discuss the histories of some of these colorful characters. Like how Eynzahr went from Pirate King to Storm Marshall, and that time Merlwyb made Hyllfyr her bitch, and how Rhoswen and Carvallain…

Ever wondered how a place that is overridden with pirates and pillagers, wenches and wastrels, manages to stand as one of the great city-states of Eorzea? Or how the Garlean Empire was instrumental in uniting their factions? Or their bizarre ritual for appointing a new Admiral? Our second episode discusses the socio-political fabric of Limsa Lomins…

Ever been curious about roleplaying with your FFXIV character? Not sure how to get started? Wondering if it’s really just all naked catgirls? (spoiler: it’s not!) Our first episode talks about what the RP community is like, how to develop your character, what sorts of options there are for format and medium, how to break the ice, and how to have th…