So here's the issues we discussed, and a few I want to talk about:
-The big one: FEBI's cast size and story don't really go together, at least from what we've seen. We might need a limit on how many people can be in a chapter? Maybe have a post for character interaction?
-There's been some major drama on forced shipping.
-Popularity/lack thereof has been used as an excuse for people's actions.
-There are artists who are afraid to post FEBI drawings because of the reactions/comments/responses people have given them. Myself included.

Can I suggest something? You know how in the games, there's a limit on how many characters can be in a chapter? I think something like that should be implemented. Or, here's an idea, how about each lord uploads their own version of a chapter, so we can have multiple versions of the same chapter going at once, so whoever you align with, you can join their chapter. Also, about the tournament, and I speak from experience here, no one likes to lose. I think we should decide, right from the start, who's going to lose, so we don't needlessly prolong the fight with a bunch of impractical dodging and making attacks hit. But hey, that's just my thoughts.

Also, as far as shipping goes, obviously you shouldn't forcibly make your character go out with anyone else's, especially without their permission. I've never tried to ship Pac with anyone, I try to make fun of romance by having Pac fail to hit on random girls that I drew myself.

Re: of course! I'll put you in party one. 0w0
And regarding your concerns, I'll try to move the story more smoothly rather than leaving all in the hands of the players <w<"

Well I haven't been too active in the group :1 I actually don't feel too attached to my characters that I made for the group anymore. Yuuki is too violent and/or emo....I barely ever use Efina. Eltenir.....Well...he was Final Fantasy inspired. So I thought he wouldn't fit well...but I was wrong...quite a few people like him....but I don't use him much.

So I'm not really sure. Honestly I was thinking about leaving the group because I don't feel like my characters fit in. Or at least get rid of them & just have one character instead.

But it depends on what the Forever team decides.... after you all come to a conclusion then I'll decide wheather to stay or leave.

Honestly, I'm scared too, Ms. Brush; shipping's on the fritz, we've got character overload, some C.O.C. breaks here and there, and I don't feel comfortable giving my honest opinion to anyone. Heck, I don't even feel like my F.T. jobs are the right thing to do anymore!
I don't know Ms. Brush, this was really fun for awhile, but it isn't the same anymore. If you want to try and save it, go ahead, but as for me, I think it's time to begin laying the poor thing to rest; it's time to move on, find a new venue, and the sort. I know that's probably the last thing anyone wants to hear, but everything dies someday, and hey, F.E.B.I had a good run when all is said and done.
Well, that's my opinion anyway, and probably the last time you'll hear it from me on the topic, as I'm probably going to get raged at again for having a different mindset, and I am done with that.

To clarify: I like F.E.B.I. as much as the next guy, but it's become too big for its britches. Limiting the community's activity level may make it easier to handle, but will ultimately cause dissatisfaction and disarray, leaving those unfortunate enough to be excluded from the RP due to number constraints feeling left out and unfairly treated.
We've reached a level that's very hard to contend with: unpleasable fanbase. No matter the action taken, we can't please everybody. Again, if you think I'm out of my mind and way off the map, feel free to ignore me. I'm just giving you my two cents like you asked, and you don't need to get all wound up about what I have to say.

^^^ She's right
These are all problems that can be worked around
Y'all need to chill

I agree completely with tiff. It's not anything we can't work around.
Also, the reason I'm so harsh on forced ships is because, from experience, the one forcing the ship makes the other person feel uncomfortable, helpless, and it's an all around toxic thing to do to the person they're trying to ship with who does not seem to agree to the ship. It's common courtsey to first respect and ask about the person's thoughts and feelings towards it. . It is not okay to make a person uncomfortable over something they should have the right to be in control of. And shipping is supposed to be for fun??? There is a difference between happy, friendly, and fun interactions vs forced shipping. That is probably the only issue I have regarding febi.

I typed an entire heartfelt agreement/response to y'all but it got erased. Heck.

@Mr. Productions:
I see where you're coming from on certain points, but I think this is too much. The ships are for fun- they always have been. They aren't a problem, so long as they are agreed upon and/or not forced upon people.

Now, the rest of it:
Tiff; I'm trying, I really am. I just want to clarify: I didn't want this post to be preachy or scary, I only wanted to talk. I wanted to hear what everyone has to say about what I've been hearing. And I'm glad I did: I needed to hear all this. I've been really overdramatic over all these issues. (not to say that they're irrelevant, just not as huge as I made them out to be) I don't think that drastic action needs to be taken, and I don't think that this was the right way to get my message across. I'm sorry. Thanks for all the comments so far, and the comments to come- I needed to see different perspectives on FEBI as a community. I'm gonna wait a bit and see how this plays out.

Also, I never said that forced shipping was ok! I don't like it either. It makes me and others uncomfortable and I don't want people to have to waste their time dealing with it. Sorry for being so vague on what I thought about it.

I have two suggestions.

One: The team has a limited number of people going into each chapter. So there's the first RP. THEN, another RP is put up called say, Chapter 7: Barracks, and that can be everyone else back at the barracks doing anything else.

However, that option has certain problems. You have to pick and choose the people wgo go in, that makes introducing new characters more challenging unless someone were to schedule the chapter as an opening, and it can lead to some people feeling cheated. It might help, but it adds a whole new mechanic which could lead to a whole new level of stress.

Which is where option 2 comes in...nothing. Honestly, I think the way the RPs are now is just fine. Everyone gets a shot to enter, and nobody feelsleft out. The only reason the RPs have been a problem is because of the tournament, where tons of people just did their own thing because there was no control. If we just keep going along with the story I think it will work fine. (cont.)

WITZKE
MY BOY
I COULD NOT AGREE MORE WITH OPTION 2

It's ok, inks. It was just an issue that needed to be addressed because it really has a negative affect on the person being pressured.

And witzke I agree. Option 2 is fine because there was nothing wrong with the rp's to begin with :/ everyone should feel welcome in the febi community.

the tournament is the source of all our troubles
And yeah, character limit definitely has problems! Option 2 sound pretty freaking great so far

(cont.) And not every single member is always on anyways. So I think, personally, that it should stay the way it is, that way newcomers have an easy way to join.

Anyways, that's my two cents about it. But, I would like to give you some words. I think I know how you feel right now, you're really worrying about the story, and you want it to be the absolute perfect best it can be. You feel like it's no good right now and you have to figure it out. I know that feeling for sure. This past week, I've been worrying my head over my own series. I felt like the story was no good, it was terrible, I was just so stressed. So I asked my bro, I talked to him, kind of told him my problems. He said that he liked my story, but it was hard for me to agree. But then, later, I when I managed to relax, I took a good look at what I had, and I noticed that, it wasn't really as bad as I thought. Yeah there were a few knicks here and there but it was nothing like I had worried. (cont.)

"everyone should feel welcome in the FEBI community"
-Birdleaf
Thank you
Thank you very much this needed to be said

Shipping problem is solved easily
Just make rules about shipping with consent
And then enforce them
Boom
Done

Sure it practice it may be complicated but it's still a simple and effective solution

(cont.) And, I really really like my story/characters. I don't want them to fail, and I want my series to be the best it can. I want to use my series as a tool to make people help me, but I don't want it to be used as a tool of stress against me. I hope what I'm saying helps, even a little. And hopefully I'm not reading the situation wrong. But I hope you guys will feel better, and then you'll be able to figure out the right thing to do! ^u^

Oh and inky
Ace, Sora, Gills, and a bunch of Instagram friends have this new febi plot for the second ark since the parallel universe was scrapped.
And it's not just gonna involve the royals and army

Ace will tell you about it in a sec

Or well gills was informed
He wasn't apart of making it

The only problem with prohibiting the character limit is that some characters who feel aren't necessarily essential to the plot, carry on random conversations with others and sometimes themselves, which fills up the painting extremely fast. The only time this occurred was when the tournament happened and that whole situation was finicky in of itself. And when new characters enter it's awkward because many people just go like: "lol my character stumbled upon a starfish... hey look at all those people over there that are really important, lets be friends!"

Also, @Roselynn, I don't appreciate the way you responded to Jon's comment, calling it nonsense, acting like he's insane. Inky asked for everyone's oppinion, and Jon spoke his oppinion. You have your own oppinions and he has his. YOU yourself said once that if people did something you didn't like, just leave them alone. You're not being a very good example.

Again I'm really sorry I haven't been active. I hope you all can forgive me!

(I'll try to finish the trade once life permits me to get on my DS ahhh)

Please don't turn this into a flame war aaaa

I want to start off with a thank you.Everyone here for the most part has been polite to each other.That helps out a lot.
While Gills hasn't really been involved in this,he has been informed.Sora and I have helped with this however.
The new main threat will be a cult.They're not really "evil" so they kinda think they're going to "save the world" by making it "better".
They are going to have three commanders and their leader is "the Voice" who will have a role kind of like Tiki's.But instead of Naga,the Voice is a sword's voice.The sword could probably have some connections to the legendary weapons of Ajernica..The Sword is actually a prison to an evil spirit that uses the cult,tricks the Voice and the cult into doing things that are supposedly "cleansing" the world.

@ witzke and @jon
The issue with the comment is that he's causing panic within the community with constantly saying the tft members aren't active anymore or that febi is dead. When in reality, people are just busy. Some of us don't have the luxury to constantly be on here. It was not an attack, it was in consideration to others who may feel worry.

@Ace
That's really hecking interesting! Nice job!

Hey inky
Can we talk about something else?
It's less important so we can talk about it later

Thanks Inky but thank Birdleaf,Andy,Reuben,Paladin,Awesomeboy,Kik,Rose,and Sora.
We just need your approval,and Amby's.

It's just I've had an issue with the whole "rivalry" thing with Yuudai and Micah
It kind of seems forced imo

@ inky
We would have informed you sooner about the new plot but we wanted to get it all sorted out so it makes sense when presented completely. I'm glad you like it ;w;

@Ace would it be possible if you invited me to the FT chat possibly?

@Jakobii Sure

@Birdleaf
Don't worry about it! It's really clever and fits better with FEBI being Fire Emblem based. Thanks for coming up with a replacement!

@Awesome
I'm fine with trying to write around/come up with a way to end it if you are, because it is pretty forced tbh

I don't want to start a flame war, but, I want to stand up for my brother. Honestly, to an outsider, FEBI does seem dead. It doesn't mean it is, and I know that people do get busy, but I kind of thought that the leaders had left. But, my main problem really is, the fact behind the shipping. Please hear me out. Now, I don't have too much of a problem with shipping, as long as both people are fine with it, but the problem isn't shipping. I've talked with Jon about this a lot, and from what I can tell, the two things he doesn't like is that A: Shipping has seemed to have taken over the FEBI tag. Pretty much half of the drawings posted in the FEBI tag nowadays are related to shipping, and they get a bunch of attention. Whereas the ones that aren't about shipping get a lot less attention and seem to get overshadowed. And not just Jon's paintings, but other small creators. He's not being greedy, he just wants to look out for the little people.

And B: Whenever he tries to say something, he gets pummeled for it. NOT because of being a downer, but because he doesn't like shipping. Jon gets attacked by people because of his own opinions, and it makes him feel unwelcome in this community. I mean, really, it's sad. He gets attacked just becuase of his opinions. It's like saying I like the Star Wars prequels (which I do) and then I get attacked because that's not the "accepted" opinion. That's why Jon doesn't like it.

Anyway, that's an interesting story that you and your friends have come up with Ace! Personally I like it more than the parrallels. Kind of reminds me of like with Team Aqua and Magma, they thought that it would make the world better but then they realised they were doing a bad thing.

Hi Amby! Uh, I think everyone disappeared for a bit...

It's something you can't control though. People will like what they like and and it is not an issue. You cant force people to interact, as I've said before, it will cause negative effects to the community. I understand where you two aren't coming from but it's not something we can lay a rule upon and enforce because it will take the fun out of one of the features of febi. And a common feature to many role play groups. You can not do that to its people as it is just as unfair and unjust to them

Understand that... it is not something the coordinators can control. Let people enjoy what they'd like.

Ace posted a short description of the new idea for the second ark and he wants your approval.

Amby? Where?
Uh, now we're just talking about shipping honestly.

@ Witzke: Thank you!
I just hope this all gets resolved peacefully.

@Birdleaf That's not the point. I get let people like what they like, of course, but what I'm saying is people are attacking Jon for his opinion. People aren't letting Jon like what he likes.

@Sorakh That's some interesting insight you've got there. I don't know man, Jon's had a tough life. Being the oldest, he went through a lot of firsts, first. And he also got it a lot harder from our dad. Jon gets yelled at the most, and ir really took a toll on him when he was younger. He's been hurt a lot in his life (emotionally) and he just wants to feel appreciated. And it doesn't help that I have almost 7OO followers and he has 3O. And he tries to do stuff in FEBI and nobody cares about him. He feels like nobody cares and that he's not important, when he is really a great artist, and person, he just gets it the hardest of my bros.

@Inky
Guess Ill add it to the list of things that need to be written around since I basically rebooted Yuudai's character XD
Thanks so much tho

I don't wanna hate on anyone here, but I think, Mr. productions, that you should should give FEBI a chance. It is far from dead. Like people said, it was probably the tournament that caused the main issues. I think that deciding who loses earlier, maybe through some kind of random pick a number type thing, might make it a little easier. Or we could just scrap the tournament altogether.

@bababanana
Scrap the tournament
It was a horrible idea to begin with

Yeah. I guess it did just cause friction. All people did was try way to hard to win by dodging easy to much, or making attacks land. I liked the concept though, but there's no good way of executing it.

It's not that no one cares, Because. Believe me. We do read every word he says. But others do have feelings and when he states an opinion that may offend someone, there's nothing that can be done since the damage is done.
Just. Jon, please relax? I know you want to do everything correctly and want to help out as much as you can but you can not pressure everyone to your bidding and can not bend the community to what you'd ideally like. You don't have to like me (and I'm sure you don't cause you consider me part of the shipping "problem") but the people have varying opinions on how things should work and the best thing to do as a tft member is to work with them to the best you can. Everyone here matters, that's what I like to believe the febi community is. We have all faced many things online and in real life, what I'd like is for everyone to feel welcome at the end of the day.

@bababanana
ok Can you please stop being salty about Yuudai
I got rid of his high avoid anyways and gave him better defense and resistance since it fitted his character better
So please
PLEASE
stop freaking out about yuudai

*fitted his class better not his character

@BBB Yeah, the tournament was a good idea storywise, but in an RP, it's not easy to do. Though, that makes me wonder how it could work. Like, judges? Idk. I think the best thing, both for FEBI, and the community, is for FEBI to move on. Seeing as ark 2 is going underway, I think the dark cloud is starting to pass.

Woah Awesomeboy... sorry. I wasn't calling you out, I promise. I did it too. Hell, i probably prolonged fights worse than anyone. No one likes to lose. You have to admit, we were all trying to win a bit more than we should've.

@bababanana alright alright
I'll take your word for it

Didn't mean it harshly

@Birdleaf Jon's actually not here right now xD Jon just wants to do what's best for FEBI. Jon is a VERY organized person. Jon wants to become a game designer, and Jon is in college and has done a lot of group projects. I do think Jon is looking at FEBI as a project more than just a goof off, for fun thing.

I have no doubt that Jon will look at this chat. I just ask two things from everyone. That people be a bit more open to Jon's opinion and try to hear him out and not lash out, and that no one holds this against him. He's a very, organized person, and he just tries his best to do his job of assistant C.O.C. enforcer. He feels like he's been given a responsibilty, and he really doesn't want to fail, because he felt like that a lot. I ask that, IF anyone has any grudge against Jon at all, just to try and let it go, he just tried to do his job. Forgive and forget, and we can all move on. As a community that supports one another. That's all.

Hey, I got nothing against Jon. He seems like a nice guy, he even complemented my comics. I'm in college too. It gets stressful.

Well. I adore febi to bits. It feels so much like home compared to other rp groups I have been in. He has told me that when he likes something, he tries to organize it to the best he can but he can not do that with febi :c it's a group effort, my dude. And he can not organize it on it's own.
And I'm aware i just left it there so he can read over it when he can. I don't mean any harm but it needs to be said.

I'm just saying. For him. To rely and communicate with others in febi. Especially those with different opinions from his. It's how we all learn.

@Birdleaf Good comment. Jon really likes FEBI too, that's why he tries so hard. It feels like a home to him and he really doesn't want to see it fall apart. Heck, I haven't gotten to get involved at all RP wise, but I still enjoy FEBI, and I really want to enjoy it more too! I'll show Jon this stuff later, but I think this can be a lesson for all of us. There's been a lot of stress in FEBI lately, from the admins to the staff to the community, but let's all try to come together and treat one another equally, cause we're all a part of this great community, and let's get along and have fun! ^ ^

I appreciate you defending me Witzke, even when no one else would; you are a true friend, my brother, but you can stop now.
Y'know, I've been thinking lately; perhaps I have been trying too hard and being a tad too closed-minded. I really thought F.E.B.I. was on its way out, but I guess it turns out you guys were just running it somewhere else. For future reference, could someone please tell me if you're going to plan F.E.B.I. stuff on other social media sites? Here I've been thinking everyone dropped everything and left, but what actually happened was you've just been planning stuff elsewhere. Please don't forget to communicate with me just because this is my only site, it'll just make things easier.

Thanks bro, that means a lot to me. ^ ^ Actually, a few updates here and there would be appreciated, not just for Jon but for the entire FEBI community. Just let us all know here on Colors what's up! It doesn't have to be major, just little updates so we know what's up with you guys, and that things are fine.

Okay, so are we cool with Witzke's suggestion of "forgive and forget" so we can leave all this mess behind and look towards the future? I know it's been hard lately, but I don't want harbored hostilities between fellow community members; this place is real nice, and I really don't want to lose that nice feeling due to feeling unwelcome or even hated.
So what I'm asking is, can we start over? New setting, new story, and a fresh start. So what do you say, shall we put down this feuding with a virtual handshake of peace (virtually extends hand)?

We have said that we just presented the idea right now. And have only done it now cause we needed it rounded out to actually present it formally. We have not made a decision that it's final and we really didn't mean to exclude you or anyone. That's why we brought it up here now. For the idea to get discussed :V

We're all open to any ideas that may improve it, if you'd like to add something in but this has all been a team effort from many artists and people in febi so everything really is from the heart of the many creators involved . And so. Every decision, agreed or disagreed to an idea, is made as a team.

As for starting over sure. I'd like to. If you'll allow me to.

I gladly do, 'wave! (Virtual handshake initiated) Sorry about all this mess, and I hope we can be buds from now on!

ye

@Ms. Brush
Well, I didn't mean like, go back to the beginning start over, I just meant like we all just met, are buddies, and collaborating together to make positive changes.

Ah. That makes so much more sense. I'm up for that!

@Souler Phase
Okay, I see. Communication is key, yet has been quite the problem for me lately. Even small notices would help greatly, as I feel like I've been left in the dark on a lot of recent issues.

This ended on a happy note.
Thankfully

I love happy endings, don't you?

I must thank you, Ms. Brush for putting this up. It may have started out rough, but it managed to bring out some deep things and help us to better understand each other and begin being buddies whereas I doubt that would have happened otherwise. Again, thank you!

One of the reasons I backed off a bit from FEBI was because after awhile it became a project that took way more time than it should have, when at first it was just a fun thing I got to be a part of in creating. I want it to be lax. This is why I do not care about how many ships there are, because I want to have fun as much as the next person. The story became work for me, and tbh I have work already, I don't need my past time to be work too. If people think the leaders have backed off, maybe think how we are peopke that want to have fun too. It's not like we are making a living from this (in which case if we were, we'd be at Ch29 by now)

Anywho, I just want to have fun with everyone as a group, too. No stress, fighting, control-freaks, etc.