Just bought the game, unable to create a character on friend's realm.

[Marzipan]

Yeah I've been spam refreshing that link ever since I found out about the realms being locked. Guess there is nothing for me to do other than keep refreshing it. Very frustrating

[Dark_Legacy]

Yeah I've been spam refreshing that link ever since I found out about the realms being locked. Guess there is nothing for me to do other than keep refreshing it. Very frustrating

that list is only updated at those specific intervals. from the lodestone.

Regarding Character Creation Restrictions
This information will be updated at the following intervals:
4:00 a.m./ 8:00 a.m./ 1:00 p.m./ 6:00 p.m./ 11:00 p.m. (PDT)

the client itself is the one that updates frequently, so it's best to actually log in and see if you can make a character. the best times for heavy servers are late at night or the early morning. best of luck to you.