June 1, 2017 - 4:02am — Makoza
Yo. I'm sorta new around here, though I've been a member for a few months now. I wanted to ask how I join this community as a whole, but do I go about starting... Well everything basically, how do I make a character, how do I start to interact in game, how do I know how to interact in game? How do I get started here and become a part is basically what I'm asking, because I'm sorta lost in this whole thing. I think it's awesome and I'd love to join in on the fun, but I'm not really sure how. XP So, if somehow could give me the run down and show me the ropes that would be awesome! I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but I just have to ask as like I said I'm a little lost as to where to begin. XD
Not a dumb question at all!
You may find this page useful for some basic things like in-game tricks and sources for character biography templates, etc, if you want to go that route.
A lot of joining the community is just throwing yourself out there, though, and learning as you go. That's one of the best parts of the one month fawn period everyone goes through when they first join; most players will recognize that a fawn player may be new, and are more likely to be lenient with them as far as etiquette goes.
It's also a little of whether or not you want to play the game In Character (IC) or Out of Character (OOC). There's nothing wrong with either, they just come with different expectations for what you get and give in the game. For example, most OOC deer won't account for damage/etc. because they're just for fun or relaxation, while IC deer are essentially characters in a play that 'think' and react like someone in that given situation would. Some IC and OOC deer will play with each other while some will stay separate and decline to interact.
If you want to create a character, I'd recommend putting together a basic design you like (or even just a set combination from the game) and set some basic personality traits ('likes to play', 'shy', 'likes the pond', etc.) and try to put yourself in the character's shoes whenever you have the deer in the Forest. Try to imagine how they would react, and gradually flesh them out from there. You don't necessarily need to start with a fancy design or a super elaborate backstory - those things often come with time and years of character development, and it's part of the fun! Experiment and see what you like.
Communicating and interacting in the game is like learning a new language, and the fastest and easiest way to learn is through total immersion. Watch what deer do and try to take in the context of different situations. Is Sally rearing because she's playing with Jack, or because she's mad at him? Well, is Jack jumping around and playing too, or is he being rude and getting in her way, pushing her around, etc? After a while, you can read into actions and reactions pretty readily.
If you're having trouble, many people will write updates/journals for their deer and you can read the journals of the deer you interact with to see what was going on more clearly.