Howdy! I'm just returning to the game and it's great, but I'm feeling pretty lonely again which is what led to me leaving before. I've created characters on different servers and see that there are players but the chat on each remains silent. I just feel as if I'm in the game alone despite seeing other players plainly.

Is this silence by design or do I need to activate some sort of setting somewhere? I've a vague understanding of Link Shells and Free Companies but it's far from comprehensive. Is all chat facilitated through these Link Shells? I've found it easier to meet people in other games I've played through some sort of general chat channel where guilds often post descriptive ads. I've browsed the Free Company section of the site but the offerings are hugely numerous and descriptions are brief - it's overwhelming and akin to searching for a needle in a stack of hay. Haha.

I'd really appreciate a bit of instruction.