#jamesxilberd

[chocoboyjames]

Gonna ask you 7, 10 and 15 for the relationship ask :3

HAYOOO! <3 THANK YOU FOR ASKIiiiing! Brrr xD (Hehe I am just always so giddy when it comes to sharing the love for the same NPC)

7. How Important is other people's investment (or enthusiasm) in your character's relationship? was there a consideration when you were planning it? Have you ever changed a character's relationship(s) due to other people's response to it?

I actually have had more bad than good experiences with the ship than I realise. (lately more leaning to good) Thinking back on it, I always make ships that make me happy. Which James x Ilberd does. It was the first time in my life I actually dedicated myself to shipping so hard with a lesser loved NPC. People would exploit it, make fun of it, or just simply hate on Ilberd to see me rage (cause I could easily fall for things like that) and then point at me saying; see I told you. So those actions made me realise that other people's enthusiasm for the ship/NPC doesn't matter as long as I enjoy it. Of course the positive outcomes about it, such as you now also seeing the fics and oh man- *Blush* Let's just say the POSITIVE side, now that's a treat! And I am very thankful that my 'sloppy' writing has been entertaining so far! <3

-

10. Is it important to include tension or outright areas of conflict in a relationship? If so, how do you explore these? Or does it not appeal to you?

Ilberd's literally seeping with lore that can add so much tension to a relationship. I never realised how much until I started daydreaming about it. James is the complete polar opposite of what Ilberd is and does in ARR - HW. But the love makes him blind to manipulation and other things.

But then Ilberd realises James as always been trying and has been legit and then realises he exploited him- just... Yes. xD (Maybe one day I will redo the entire storyline with a revisited mindset)

-

15. Did you build up to your OC being in their relationship? Or did you put them into it quite quickly and then filled the background in retrospect?

WELL- *Ahem* Now listen up here's a story about a lil' yellow guy- No but. James had been the "WoL" ever since the narrative of the game wished him to be. That was until the absolute end of Stormblood/Shadwbringers. I had already written some parts here and there on how it would work between a WoL/Ilberd and in the end I just shook my head and went; "WELL this isn't it."

So I made James into the position I have put him in. Just to see if the ship would work more like that, and it all sounded so much more involved. I wanted more angst, I wanted more 'screentime' with Ilberd. I needed more scenarios other than what the game had given us. And with a WoL, 50% of what I wrote between them, would not have happened or could not have happened. I know writing is what you make it to be, but I am a very picky person when it comes to filling in gaps on an actual story. Timelines etc... As an example, I could never seem to figure out how my James as WoL would not figure out or catch Ilberd planning the act of end post ARR, for example. I would never see James being THAT naïve. That and he would want to pursue Ilberd more than going to Ishgard in HW lmao. And stand with freeing Ala Mhigo rather than solving a 1000 year old war he barely knows stuff about xD Since Ala Mhigo is is homeland and all... ...

SO YEAH- before I ramble on- That's why James became the OC I know and love, and he's a happy (and stinky ;P) chocobo caretaker that has seen some shit and is now retired after Stormblood (Unless Square gives me more Ala Mhigo lore... Which I doubt kekw)

[chocoboyjames]

Were there any barriers to you establishing your OCs relationship? Perhaps social or cultural stigma? Or a concern that "ships" with that character were already overdone? Or simply a fear of being seen as "cringe"? If so then how did you overcome this?

There were some barriers... One was; Oh man Ilberd is so hated in this community. Why am I always the one finding minor and tragic characters who are in the background attractive?

I also am a total fan of the 'tsundere' aspect of things, and imo, Ilberd befits that like a glove when it comes to James x Ilberd. Cultural I had to shift slightly. But I always knew, from the moment Ilberd was passionate about Ala Mhigo, that this would be one of the many cornerstones that would make their relationship work.

As for ships of this character being overdone. Back then (seven years ago, mind you...) I think I was one of the minorities. Lately, thanks to more people playing FFXIV and me also seeing JP twitters, it seems I never was as alone as I thought. Ilberd's not as hated as I always have had experienced in the first 5-6 years, and the past year has been a delight to see more shippers come about. It gives me a feeling of; "So this is what it feels like to see more people like the same NPC as you."

And fear of being cringe? Nah. I have experienced friends who enabled me, friends who overdid it FOR me, then blamed me for being cringe about it and always bringing the ship up, I've been everywhere the past years. I have felt all sides. It was hard, it was tough, but it never wavered my love towards holding on to Ilberd. who was/is an underrated misunderstood character that not many tolerate. I felt that, if I would be swayed over by the haters, I would eventually loose what I stand for. And Ilberd deserves fans too, as much as any (overrated) villains in FFXIV =3

So right now I just chill with my boyos on their well deserved hiatus, because nothing happens to their narrative anymore. (James is not a WoL so there's nothing to write on him when it comes to the past 3 expansions.)

Or I must find a work around- =3

For now, enjoy them enjoying Valentione!