Looking for RP+ Server I Enhanced I
Hi all! Does anyone have any recommendations for a solid RP server that isn't too RP constricted and preferably focuses on vanilla lore? I am in America (CST) but open to servers elsewhere that are English based and low enough ping. TL;DR at the end.
3 of my console friends and I were experimenting with the game again, last time we all played was pre-covid, but they don't want to dive as deep into RP as I do. On top of that, low and behold Enhanced was JUST released! Perfect excuse to branch off on my own and find a RP server I can mesh with. I am super excited as it's quite the visual upgrade, and I'm looking to invest a lot of hours within the world, creating stories with other players. I have been looking for a new game to scratch my roleplay itch and I have a feeling this is it.
I am an avid detailed roleplayer, on and off since I was 13 (started with Warriors, I could've been Erin Hunter if you ask me haha, even admined for a group on FH for a couple years) so I have over 10 years familiarity across many different kinds of games. From a variety of forum based RPs, to voice RP in ESO and Dune, to short form RP in GW2 and FFXIV; multi-genre roleplayer here. That said, I do find some of the rules on certain Conan RP servers to be a little... nonsensical? 'Profession' restrictions are common on console currently, which is actually what led to me looking towards PC. If my character is an alchemist by trade, but also wants to experiment with furniture making and animal taming, why ever not? A system where IC character growth is required to make and trade skilled items (fancy furniture, more than basic potions and simple bandages, learning to tame more exotic beasts than horses etc) is interesting to me - I just hate the idea of "you can't own X bench because you're Y, and there's no way to be X and Y at the same time". Ultimately rules that impede gameplay significantly without sufficient reasoning or flexibility is what I am hoping to avoid; I want to play the game and roleplay in it. Important to mention I don't mind write-ups being required; I am asking for roleplay, after all.
No-build or heavily restricted servers are an absolutely not for me. A server that allows limited outposts or alt bases is a plus.
PvP activity is a big appeal; but more PvE-C flavored where there are guidelines, with focus on politicking/interesting dynamics instead of anarchist griefing. I see a lot of no-raid RP servers and that also limits creative RP situations and gameplay imo, characters should be able to break down one of my walls and thieve... just not wipe my entire base for fun. Similarly I would find it fun to freelance my nomadic archer and help others get revenge if the cause is worthy to her. Raiding would preferably happen within a designated timeframe OR have offline base destruction disabled.
Along PvP lines - the hyborian age is violent, I am 100% interested in RP that allows for CNC topics like slavery or capture. Consent being the first letter. Adult RP in an adult game is something I find realistic; it is not a main focus or must-have but if those themes would come up in the RP whether antagonistically or romantically it's nice to have the option to pursue that plotline. All the servers that allow those themes seem to be ENTIRELY focused on those themes.. for me they are an expansive aspect to roleplay if the situation is right. I get that opening up that option for players is probably an admin nightmare, and likely can draw the wrong crowd, but seeing a lot of servers ban those topics entirely - even when consent is established between players - is disheartening.
Last note - I LOVE servers that extend the day/night cycle at least somewhat, which thankfully is most RP servers.
TL;DR
My main focus is finding somewhere that allows immersive PvP, encourages roleplay, has realistic rules that fit well with the vanilla gameplay, and allows adult themes with some modding preferred. Since Enhanced is so new, I am open to servers that plan to add mods in the future when things are more stable/more options are available. For now, I'm picking the best server I found that checks most of these boxes. If I find one that checks them all I will be a very involved, and hopefully, community enriching player.
Thanks for reading, and I'll appreciate any suggestions of servers that you enjoy. Even if they don't check all the boxes I listed, I'll check them out. Also, feel free to suggest servers that have not yet migrated to Enhanced due to waiting on mod differences but plan to migrate in the future. Bonus points for longevity.
Cheers exiles!