Hello, Hyperion. I posted a recruiting thread a long, long time ago... and I believe this is my second one. I'd like to start off by saying I am sorry about the length of this post, but I figured I should be as detailed as possible so that people looking for a FC will truly know if this is the right fit for them.
The Free Company "Eorzean Defense System" is currently restructuring, and looking for more members in an effort to allow full FC events. If you would like to join, please speak to me ingame, or someone else from the FC. I don't allow submitting ingame applications because I was sick of getting fake ones from people trying to join and clear out the FC chest. However, I'm more than happy to invite someone after speaking with them directly.
I have always tried really hard to foster the kind of community spirit I fondly remember from FFXI. That is, people who are happy and willing to help those who need it... people who are happy and willing to participate in 'just for fun' events... and people who are happy and willing to work together for a common goal, even if they don't necessarily love everyone they are working with.
The reason the FC is restructuring is complicated, but I feel this is a trend many FCs have experienced; there was a steady mass exodus as a result of several coil statics breaking. I am mentioning this because anyone who wants to join may notice this in the history. This time around, I would like to stress that I am looking for people who want to foster friendships and work together -- NOT just people who are going to hop from FC to FC in search of a functional coil static.
That said, the FC is perfectly willing and able to support people who wish to form a coil static. We have a website where you can post news and loot, and will be hosting a new voicechat server (I'm leaning toward TS3).
Here is a little bit more about our FC:
1) The FC was founded on 11/12/13 (a date I love mentioning at every turn) as a play on "Allagan Defense System." We used an orb charge on our crest to symbolize this, partially because the founding members of the FC were working on Turn 2 when it was founded. I have recently changed the crest to symbolize a phoenix rising from the ashes, a testament to the rebirth of the FC.
2) History of the FC: When housing was announced, all members were eager to secure a house. Although some people wanted a large, the majority wanted a medium. We held a democratic, weighted vote (dependent on how much people contributed) and chose the Lavender Beds. The house was bought and assembled at the launch of 2.3, and all items were contributed by one member or another. It was important that everyone feel included, which is why we hosted weekly 'treasure maps' fundraiser events, so even people without a lot of money could help raise money for the house. It was an amazing accomplishment, and something I don't think anyone will forget. Whether or not you wish to join the FC, I do encourage you to visit. I love how it looks.
3) The FC is currently home to people of all skill levels, from those who have been conquering turns in FCoB to those who have recently hit 50. Many people are somewhere in between, with several working on SCoB and certain Extreme fights. It is my belief that anyone can conquer any fight if only they put the time and research in -- and have a patient group, of course. I find joy in helping people learn, and have been known to explain fights over voicechat in real time to help people get to where they need to be. That said, please be receptive to feedback and advice!
4) Most of the people left in the FC are long-time friends (including RL friends) and former linkshell-mates from FFXI. Some of us are from the FFXI Linkshell, Ilterendi, on Diabolos server. The people left in the FC are very friendly and happy to help you with anything from mechanics and rotation advice to assistance in battle, which is why I am looking for people who have the same mentality. If you are looking to join, people will treat you like family, teach you fights, and help you out. That is why I am asking that if you join, you are looking for the same thing. That way, we are all on the same page, and everyone knows exactly what they are looking for.
5) As for time zones... The people left in the FC are all NA, if I am not mistaken. Some are on the east coast, others on the west coast. Some are latenight players while others play during the day. If we are going to have events, it will likely be between the early evening and after midnight, depending on your time zone. Which brings me to my next point...
6) Previously, I hosted and ran events many nights of the week. I worked freelance, and could afford to accommodate anyone's schedule because of how easy it was for me to be around. Now, I have a normal 9-5 job, as do many people in the FC... we are all working adults. So, I will most likely host events on the weekends. Anyone wishing to join should be go-getters... aka, willing to say in FC chat, "Hey, does anyone want to do [event]?" And, the ideal people to join would want to... if they are free, of course.
7) I feel like this point is important to make, especially since I specifically said I wanted this FC to have a FFXI feel: events are not required, nor is DKP or any similar point system used. You will never be pressured to join an event, but I hope that you are the type of person who will want to help out if you are feeling up to it.
8) Please be patient. I was hesitant about restructuring at first because we lost so many people, so the FC will seem a little light at first. Those willing to stick around as our numbers grow may have found a wonderful home.
9) Benefits: I do my best to make sure members are getting the most out of a FC. Chocobo stables and private rooms are available to you... as are ingredients for food and pots. I personally do my best to keep the FC chest stocked with potions for people to use if they need, and others in the past have done the same with food. The funds the FC currently has are being saved in anticipation of further additions to the game, such as making an airship.
Please let me know if you have any questions!