[WaifuApple]

When I first joined the community I was kept intentionally isolated from it by a group of people who'd brought me with them but had no interest - negative interest, even, in the community and the game's environment. Instead it was used more as a tool to tell their own stories to their own lore and headcanons, in private or seldom used spaces. It was not a very happy beginning, and one I rarely talk about to this day because there was a lot of bad actors and a whole lot of emotional manipulation stuff, but much of that has been and gone, now.

The first opportunity I was given to break away from this was a valentine's event - a shot in the dark where I could put myself forward as someone nobody even knew and take part in whatever main event was being put forward. I think it was, like, a blind date at the time - but that's not the important part. When it comes to getting involved and invested in the community, all it takes is one good foothold. It may be difficult to get invested in the community through standard RP, appearing one day when nothing substantial is happening and people are just going about their days. There's very little opportunity on those days to stand out from the crowd, and it's through finding an opportunity in which you cannot be ignored that you find a place with the people who took notice of you.

My suggestion to any new player that comes by is to seize the opportunity. If you find your way into the world and hear of a festival or an upcoming event of any kind that is open season, put your name in. You don't need to be competent - heck, not knowing what you're doing might get you a foothold with the people who jump in to try their utmost to help guide you. That gets you and people talking! Take a chance to make the most of any opportunity that puts you above the standard crowd of people. Eyes will be on people who sign up to be part of some competition, or to contribute a stall to a festival, etc. rather than standing on the sidelines.

This suggestion isn't saying this community is the most accessible out there, but there will be opportunities to pole vault. Just don't be afraid to be a little selfish and take an offered spotlight, and then if someone interfaces with you on that spotlight, check for a discord and get talking. Ask them how you were. Create that link, that bond, and you might find them introducing you to others, and things spiral from there.

People - many of us in this community - are shy, rather than intentionally wanting to ignore people. But once you get us talking, and you find someone who meshes, you'll go far.