Final Fantasy XI Discussion

[cris]

Unlock Dancer, the end =3

[Lunay]

Unlock Dancer, the end =3

And did just that. lol The quest is so easy, I wonder what they were thinking..
The CS is awesome though! And the dancing Galka at the beginning was disturbing and hilarious at the same time. When I had first arrived at the Cavernomous Maw, I was expecting something huge, but to my surprise, it is relatively tiny. lol. Again, the CS with "Regal Feline" is awesome!

The first place I have arrived at through the maw is Sauromugue Champaign_S. First thing I have noticed is the music. <3 <3 <3 <3 Second, new types of gobs and Torama roam the area - Lynx (torama) and goblins named Toxophile and Guerrilla. The goblins checked as decent prey at level 75! The others Too Weak. I accidentally aggroed a Goblin Guerrilla, so I was forced to kill it with my sweet Carrie. It didn't drop a thing. There are also now mandragoras in the area called Lycopodium, with a fully blossomed flower on its head. Fought it and Carrie killed it with 2 and a half hits. lol.

But while fighting I notcied something weird.. My jug pet would stop attacking for no reason during battle after I had used Sic. I'm going to have to report this because it is annoying.

Ok, back to the mobs in Sauromugue_S.. I do a widescan and see many unique Yagudo names, but I saw one that stuck out. I think "NM", and hunt him down. When I found him, I realized that these Yagudos have their own grounds with many of them roaming around. These Yagudos also has a new campaign logo next to their name and they don't aggro. I just left them alone for now..

There are so many other things I would like to share since I'm a very curious person and I get sidetracked very easily. lol. This expansion is very exciting so far and I already want to own the soundtrack..

[Lunay]

Cavernous Maw 9/9 Yay~ ^^b I was going to level Dancer but exploring these new areas is pretty addicting for me. ^^;

These areas are already somewhat familiar to us but the the obvious zones are sometimes blocked, which is nice because it adds to the exploration factor. I literally walked all over most of Campaign areas trying to acquire the maws, which reminded me of the old days when I first started playing trying to reach Jeuno with a low level. Brings back good memories.

Just to save some people trouble, you must first go to the present with a Maw in the past before you can use it.

Edit: Meeting some of the familiar NPCs in the past is a wonderful treat. For example Ajido-Marujido from Windy. It's so funny to see a younger version of him. lol

[Prons]

So, how far are you guys in the new classes? :)

[Lunay]

I'm a level 20 Dancer at the moment and I must say, it's a incredibly amazing and fun job! I know I say this with a lot of jobs but using /bst is a match made in heaven. (And I thought Blu/Bst was a match made in heaven, especially after you acquire healing spells like Wild Carrot and Magic Fruit, not to mention the CHR stat bonus you can get from spells such as Wild Oats.) Dancer may be the answer to solo job I was hoping for! And soloing isn't limited to just subbing Beastmaster. You can practically pull off soloing with any sub-job with Dancer. Dancer's capabilities are practically endless and I wouldn't be surprised if SQEX decided to nerf it. ^^; After you acquire Curing Waltz at level 15, Dancer is nearly unstoppable.

[cris]

Killing lots of linx for money while I can milk it

[Bezerker]

So what would you guys say to someone raising a Galka Dancer?

[Lunay]

The quest to unlock Dancer shows a Galka Dancer and it is disturbing and hilarious at the same time. But all joking aside, Dancer is indeed a fun job to play and I don't see why someone wouldn't want to raise it just because of their image.

P.S. although, it will still be hilarious to see because Dancer's ability animation shows a character hop around like a ballerina. Just like a guy ballerina in real life, he will surely be made fun of. ^^;

[Bezerker]

I was just wondering if it'd work well. Not sure what DNC is based on.

I'm getting bored of leveling up my DRK, its half wasted with Galka's low mp (i only have 1 piece of RSE). I need something new. Corsair & Puppetmaster look interesting, but I have no idea how to get to the area where you get the quests.

[Prons]

Play Online sucks, I've been trying to register for like eight years now

[Lunay]

I was just wondering if it'd work well. Not sure what DNC is based on.

I'm getting bored of leveling up my DRK, its half wasted with Galka's low mp (i only have 1 piece of RSE). I need something new. Corsair & Puppetmaster look interesting, but I have no idea how to get to the area where you get the quests.

Aside from low MP, I think a Galka Dark Knight is awesome! They pack a punch compared to say a Tarutaru. ^^; So, don't let the low MP stop you. Plus, if you have a refresher and a Parade Gorget (which isn't until later), the low MP pool shouldn't be much of a problem.

If you truly want to try another job, I guess that will depend on what you like doing - melee, tank, or support. From my experience, I had fun leveling Corsair, simply because I am a fan of marksmanship. One downside is that bullets don't come cheap, so be prepared to literally shoot your gil. I leveled Corsair when it first came out and I had no problem getting an invite, especially after Evoker's Roll (Refresh) came into play. I still don't hesistate to invite them because their buffs are awesome. It's a fun job but can be costly.

I leveled PUP to level 64 when it first came out, so I can't comment on how much it has changed but they are generally looked down upon by many players. If you don't like waiting for an invite, do not play PUP. I heard PUP can solo quite well now, though. But PUP can also be costly with all the automaton equipment you have to buy. Did I have fun playing PUP? Yes. But at the same time, I truly did feel like I was a waste of PT spot. Outside of exp PT though, it's amazing what they can do.

Galka Dancer? I don't see why not since it doesn't require MP. If I had a Galka character, I would probably level Monk and/or Warrior though.

In the end, I don't believe in restricting to certain jobs just because of your race. I have seen some kickass Tarutaru Paladin and I have also seen some kickass Galka mage. Honestly, I admire them more because they are breaking the stereotypical role.

[Prons]

I gave up trying to activate my expanison packs, after like an hour of trying. Right now I'm actually updating\whatever the game, it's taken around 35 minutes.

So far it's been one thing after another. Literally. Hopefully I can get this working soon

[Lunay]

Poor Prons. I know how long it takes to download all the expansions AND all the updates because I did it for my PS3; I was simply curious about FFXI on PS3. When I bought the Vana'diel Collection instead of the standalone Wings of the Goddess expansion, I was saddened by the thought of going through that whole process again, so I went out and bought the standalone just to avoid it. I now have all the standalone expansions for the PS2 and the PC, plus the Vana'diel Collection for the PS2... and I can't sell these games because of the registration code or whatever. It's ok though. I will always be prepared to install FFXI one way or another. ^^;

That is one thing I hate about any MMO.. the fact that it takes hours to download and get started. Hopefully you will get started soon Prons.

Speaking more of FFXI, I felt like PTing with my Dancer tonight so I did a search for level 27. All I saw are 10 Dancers seeking at my level. With like 300 players leveling Dancer on my server, and with too many competition, I almost went back to soloing. But I then thought to myself, "if you can't beat them, join them!" So, I invited 6 Dancers. lol. We went to Yhoator Jungle to kill some Mandragoras. It actually went really good since we don't rely on MP and there is no down time. It's really funny to see DNC/NIN together while raping the mandras. We all hit 30, some 31, and disbanded. It was fun and I would do it again.

[Prons]

I'm started now! Level 1 white mage!

BTW I heard most people couldn't get FFXI Vanadel PS2 to work on the PS3?

[Lunay]

I have FFXI installed on both PS2 and PS3. But the PS3 only has up to Treasures of Aht Urghan and I haven't tried to install Wings of the Goddess on it since I heard there were some issues. I'm not stressing over installing FFXI on the PS3 since I hate how the upscaler somehow manages to make it look worse (on my TV at least). I actually prefer playing it on the PS2 over the PS3.

Prons a White Mage??? I was almost certain you would go for a DD.

[Prons]

This is the third time I've played FFXI. In the 360 Beta I was a BLM but spent most of my time buying furniture and never got to level 10. Last december I was THF and got to level 18 and had a sub job.

Now I want to do WHM. :)

Speaking of, should I go to the dunes right as I'm level 10, or wait until I'm 13ish? Level 7 right now. I'm on Shiva but I don't think anyone else here is.

[Lunay]

Since you are a WHM, you can be on the lower end of the PT, say 10~12 at Dunes mainly killing lizards. For solo at level 10, worms are a nice target since they are pretty weak for their level and you can always (Run Away!) if you need to. There are worms near the Gusgen Mines entrance at Konschat Highlands or at the lake in La Theine Plateau.

You are leveling pretty fast Prons! I hated soloing my White Mage during the low levels because they don't hit hard and can take some time. But you are a White Mage so getting an invite shouldn't be a problem. You may already know this but, one small tip I can give is to always be detailed in your search comment because some people will look for that. Put things like how far until your level (exmple: @2000 tnl) and where your home point is at. It may not seem important especially during the low level but it's always nice to put so they won't have to wonder before someone decides to invite you.

[Prons]

That's great. I'm trying to level as fast as I can because I don't want to miss the Dancer\Scholar people. I know once they're all 75 the dunes will be dead again. :P BTW how do I edit my comments?

[Prons]

Sorry for double post.

Anyway, I'm a white mage, as I said before, but I'm a little confused at exactly what my job is. I know I'm not an attacker, but does that mean all I do is stand behind and cure, and after the battle is over cure people of their effects (poison, etc. etc.). but what else am I supposed to do?

[cris]

WHM is actually a very strong attacker (not compared to melee's mainjob of course), but that only comes after learning the Weapon Skill "Hexastrike". Even then, most people frown upon a melee WHM, although they can prove you wrong (very wrong).

As for what most people would consider, all you need to do is cure people while watching your hate (hard at lowbie levels) and also heal status, especially the tanks ASAP. Once you get HASTE (level 40 I believe), you'll need to use that especially on a NIN tank (don't use it for PLD). Also, if NIN is a tank, make sure you use FLASH when he's having trouble getting shadows up. There's other small things, but only through experience it can be achieved.

[Lunay]

Yeah. I agree about White Mage's damage capability after acquiring Hexa Strike (club weapon skill). They get some attack gears such as the White Hauby, Selbina <-> Mhaura Ship NM, etc etc, sub Ninja, and they can do some nice damage, especially on mobs that are weak against blunt. But that is a topic outside of experience party at a later time.

For PT situation though, as Cris already covered, you simply keep the PT members alive by curing. But a word of advice is don't just spam your highest Cure spell because that will generally get you too much hate, and it can be pretty messy with the mob bouncing back and forth. (I really hate a messy PT). Flash (instant temporary blinding spell) also generates high hate so make sure the tank has enough hate before you decide to assist with it. Same goes for Curaga. It generates a good amount of hate so use it wisely.

Other minor stuff includes: Gathering PT members around you and cast Protectra and Shellra before the battle - it lasts 30 minutes so recast it again after it wears. Dia (slightly lowers the monsters defense and DoT), Paralyze, Slow, etc etc. One other thing to know is that Dia and Bio (Dark spell equivalent to Dia, but instead of lowering Defense, it lowers attack) cancel each other out, so if you have say, a Red Mage or a Black Mage in your PT make sure to decide which is best.

Bar-spells (Barfira, Barwatera, etc) are pretty important also with moves such as Goblin's Bomb Toss (fire based) and Crab's Bubble Shower (water based). Bar-spells lower the damage taken by PT members from these TP moves.

During the low levels, there isn't much for a White Mage to do but cure and enfeeble and stuff like that. But once you get spells like Flash, Regen, Haste, Holy, Banish, you can keep yourself busy by incorporating these spells into your play; like, when I'm in a situation where I have too much MP to spare, I would magic burst with Holy or Banish.

Mages usually eat sweets to enhance their performance. Pies such as Apple, Melon, Pumpkin, are popular with mages who want to boost their MP and INT. Cookies are not bad either since they are cheap, stack up to 99, and help add to your MPh (MP recovered while healing; meaning you regain MP faster while resting). But I don't like cookies because they don't last long and I feel that its a chore eating one every time the effect runs out.

I recommend checking out some job forums at sites like KillingIfrit and Alla. There are "junk" stuff there but some of the people actually post some useful stuff there. Otherwise, you should pickup as you play. White Mage is a good starting job in my opinion because you get to watch the tank and DD perform and learn a few things here and there. Plus, you will learn about hate control really quick.

[cris]

FYI, it's not the tier of cure that generates hate, it's the amount of how much HP you cure with the spell. For example, if you cure 30HP with CUREIV, you're only going to get the same hate as curing with CURE. (Reason why Curaga spells generate so much hate, cause you're doing it for 3-6 people).

The only exception is with CURE V, which generates the same amount of CURE III, although I'm not sure the exact formula for it. I think Flash itself generates hate as strong as Cure IV (meaning it's a lot)


FYI: Not related with WHM, but BLU magics Cure spells generate less hate. DNC cure seems to generate the same amount of hate as a WHM's cure tiers


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In regards of the Enfeeble, you don't need to worry about it on a WHM too much, especially past level 40s when enfeebles on WHM have a hard time lading (starts showing). As for the DIA and BIO thing, it's DIA >> BIO >> DIA II >> BIO II >> DIA III >> BIO III. In other words, the same tier BIO always overwrites DIA. And also, never use Diaga...never ever


Personally for a WHM, I don't really recommend getting any stat boosts except for MP and hMP. So that means I recommend only eating cookies with a WHM. Situations can vary toward end-game, but for EXP PT, all you need it MP to cure and quickly and/or last long to there's no breaks between chains

[Prons]

Is there a concrete way to measure how much hate I'm getting? Or is it just a matter of guessing\experiencing?

[Lunay]

I guess it's more of a observation thing and should come naturally. But you shouldn't worry too much about it with a good tank. Almost everything is situational and there are many different approach on things but a good tank will usually provoke as often as he can, and by the second or third voke, you are probably safe from casting your higher tier Cure if needed. The only thing I can say is to watch your tank and DD's damage and pay attention to who has hate. Most tanks will announce their Provoke timer in PT chat so you can take advantage of that as well. If not, just count the amount of Provokes, the damage they are doing, etc. Otherwise, I think, hate control is something that comes naturally for almost everybody. If there is a logical, precisely accurate way to calculate hate, I am interested in reading it because I am always looking to learn as I love this game.

[cris]

Is there a concrete way to measure how much hate I'm getting? Or is it just a matter of guessing\experiencing?

It's really hard to answer on this and mostly through experiences only. The reason for this is for one, hate control during low levels, mid levels and end game is totally different on how it works. Especially the difference of NIN/WAR, NIN/BLM PLD/WAR and PLD/WAR tank is very big on hate control (there's also DNC, WAR, MNK, SAM, etc tanks at lower levels...but this is when hate control doesn't really exist). It also depends on the tankers gears, merits, and simply how good or bad that person plays...well not just necessairly the tank, can be other members of the pt, but usually its due to tanks hate controlablility.

[Prons]

Finally level 10!

[Lunay]

I predict Prons is a level 13 by now and has gone blind from the brightness of Valkurm Dunes sand..

I myself leveled Dancer to level 40 from 38, but I am saddened because I know I could have gotten more if there were people seeking at my level. I obtained Stutter Step, which lowers magic resistance.. Yay *sarcasm*. Reverse Flourish is awesome though, which converts finishing moves into TP. 5 more levels til' Haste and Stun. Where is my AF weapon SQEX?? ^^;

I'm waiting for my friend to download her expansion so we can explore and do some new quests together. She said she was going to install it tonight so we should have some fun tomorrow. And then I am going on a trip to the Philippines for about a week. I will definitely fiend for FFXI. Nooo.

[Prons]

Shucks. :) I'm level 10 still, soloing in La Thiene until I level up to 13 or get a group invite. Whichever comes first.

Say Lunay, what are you subbing with dancer? I'm going to take a wild guess, White Mage?

[cris]

Dancer has no MP so /whm is not suitable at all. 1-30 MNK is good, but also WAR is good. Nin isn't too sexy, don't know why people use it for DNC. I have a feeling /DRG and /SAM might be good too.

[Prons]

^ Because people want to sub /NIN with EVERYTHING.

Edit: I just looked at how many people are in the dunes levling. =O!! You could easily have two parties of DNC and SCH

P.S. level 12 now, and in the dunes. hoping to be out of the dunes and in quifm with a sub job (that's next, right) soon :P

[Lunay]

I personally use /NIN because of the following reasons:


My dagger is fully merited.
If there is a Ninja tank in the PT, I can support by using Animated Flourish, especially pre-Utsusemi:Ni.
I believe that, Dancer is truly a front-line support, not a true DD, therefore, my damage output is not my main concern, but getting TP is. Don't get me wrong, they can do some decent damage, but I believe they excel best at support.
I can get quite a hate using Dances such as Divine Waltz and Curing Waltz II.


This is my opinion and nothing more:

Like Cris said subbing Monk is not a bad choice, but when you are in a PT fighting IT++ mobs, your D skill becomes more apparent as you get higher. During the low levels the gap is not so much, that is why subbing Monk is accepted. And also, H2H is great during the low levels because of the type mobs you fight. But speaking from experience, dagger is quite awesome even with a lack of strong WS, because you can get some fast TP, especially when Federation Kukri and Dagger come into play.

Warrior sub is awesome too, but again, post-level30, the difference between a Dagger and H2h/Sword skill was becoming more huge with a difference of 9. Double-attack is nice, so is Provoke and Berserk, but again, I must question Dancer's role in a EXP PT.

Subbing DRG is can be awesome, too. That is if you want to act like a DD.

Sam will no doubt make a great sub for Dancer, but that is only at level 60+ when Meditate come into play.

But with Dancer's endless capabilities, anything is possible, and there is probably no 'right answer' at this point. SQEX is known to let the players decide what a certain job's role is, so only time will tell what Dancer will become. I have done everything with Dancer from solo, healer in a PT, semi-DD, support tank, etc etc. Dancer now at level 40, I am still trying to figure out what Dancer exactly is.

[cris]

I personally do DNC/WAR (@45 right now) with a PT setup of 2 melees, 1 tank, 2 mages + me. I try to get the most damage out I can from my job as a DNC so I have basically STR, ATK, ACC stuff while I help cure.

[Lunay]

I just hit level 40 last night and have freshly gotten Reverse Flourish, so I have yet to do some testing in a EXP PT but I can see myself using a WS slightly more often now. I can see how subbing WAR can be beneficial 40+, but I can't comment until I try it today. I really think WAR or NIN as a sub for Dancer at around level 40 will work, though. I will definitely personally experiment myself for the sake of comparison.

Speaking of weapon choices, as I said, last night I was forced to solo from 38 to 40 due to the fact that there weren't people seeking. I soloed in Sea Serpent Grotto as DNC/BST. The mobs I mainly fought were "tough" (not IT++) Ghasts and Crabs. Knowing that using a dagger against skeletons is not a smart idea, I switched to H2H. What I am trying to say is that there is a situation for everything, and as a Dancer, I now carry both H2H and several different daggers with me.

[Prons]

A SCH already hit 75.

[cris]

There's already 75 DNC too. But I can tell you one thing, it's not done by one person, it's either paid to the RMTs to do it or a rotation/clock with other people. There's no way possible dinging 75 right now without screwing up your health.

[Prons]

I'm now WHM19/BLM19 =)

[Lunay]

Glad to see Prons getting the hang of leveling! You must be excited to unlock a few of the advanced jobs when you hit level 30.

It's my last night in the Philippines and I can't wait to get back to playing FFXI. I have completely forgotten about my craving for FFXI until 3 nights ago, when I spotted a Jeepney (http://www.jeepneyland.com/whatisajeepney.htm)* decked out with Final Fantasy XI logos. It would have been priceless to have a picture of it, but unfortunately, it was while on the road in my car. ; ;

* - Jeepney is a mode of transportation in the Philippines. Kind of like a taxi service but in a Jeep type looking vehicle. The destination is stated on the windshield and you just hop on through the back. It's usually packed with people and if you are sitting in the back, you must pass the payment (pesos) to other people and they will rally it to the driver; it's a trust thing. It's really fun.

[Prons]

WHM25\BLM12 in Kazhan now. :)

Aiming for WHM75/BLM37

[cris]

I've been campaign whoring. Allied Noted 120,000 =3

[MirKz]

The controls for this game seem completely whack to me... just installed it today and I'm not sure if I actually like it.... even selecting things in menus etc seems awkward...

[Prons]

It takes a lot of getting used too.

But I'm loving it!
WHM30\BLM21 and just unlocked DANCER!

Best part? I'm only like a week into my free 30 days

Edit: I just did a fight as a dancer, and I killed a wild rabbit hand to hand. I decided I don't want to level dancer =P

[Bezerker]

I got WotG last week and unlocked Dancer. Currently up to lvl 12. It kinda sucks that you only get Drain Samba from 5-15, but i gotta say it does help a lot. I tried to use DNC/PUP but having PUP at half the level of the creatures your fighting is severely off balance. Until 20 i'm gonna do DNC/MNK just for the Martial Arts ability (it helps a ton). When i hit 20 i'll probably grab some nice Daggers and go /NIN.

[MirKz]

played a little more today, found a nice person who gave me a few tips (Corvelle), its not as bad as I had first thought, might be okay when I give it some more time, shame about the pixelated graphics though I think.

Pity I've 2 other RPG's to play through at the same time!
started FFXI, The Witcher and WoW within 2-3 days of each other...urgh!

[Prons]

Yeah it's great when someone helps you. Glad to say people on my server (Shiva) are really helpful so far

[MirKz]

I'm on Ragnarok :P

[Lunay]

It's amazing how many people have dismissed FFXI (even some FF lovers) before they even begin to scratch the surface -- I have seen tons. It is not easily accessible and not user-friendly to new players but once you get the hang of it - along with help from other players - you are in for a treat.

I'm impressed with the progress Prons is making. I know that he has participated in the Xbox360 Beta and had a character before, but what he is currently doing is not easy by any means. He has managed to maintain his sub-job up-to-date with his main job, got access to Kazham by hunting for the 3 keys, unlocked a new job, and probably other tasks he has not mentioned, all within about 1 week? I am glad to see you enjoying this game! /Cheer.

Also /Cheer at Bezerker for starting to raise Dancer and Cris for getting 120k Allied Notes!

Speaking of Allied Notes, I tried Campaign for the first time today since I just got back from the Philippines. I must say, it is fun fun fun. I joined the COBRAS (*snake sound*: "Hsssss") because it reminded me of the Cobra Kai (remember Karate Kid?) and I thought it was hilarious. ;p Anyway, I will try a few Campaign Battles tomorrow for my Blue Mage (level 70) to see how much experience points I can give it while seeking. It might not be faster than PTing, but I think it will be a good alternative while seeking.

And I hope SQEX will add more items to the Allied Notes category because the items you can purchase now is pretty useless (with an exception of the shield and Sprinter's Shoes, maybe). At least the Allied Notes come easy and I can continue to purchase Sprinter's Shoes.

P.S. I think they will nerf Djinn's Nocturnal Combustion move because it just makes them too easy to level on for pet based jobs.

[Prons]

This is the first time I've really gotten anywhere in the game though, the more time you invest into it the more engrossing it gets. It helps if you can get into a helpful linkshell (which isn't too hard, I don't think so. I like my LS the best, they helped me get the Kazham keys.)

I'm so glad I only have a half of a level left till 32, and then I can leave Kazham. What I did like about the jungles is that there was none of that power leveling crap. In the dunes more than half the parties invite their LS friends to PL them, and I didn't like it much, I didn't even think it helped that much in terms of experience.

I want to level dancer, but I don't want to get distracted too much. The coolest part of this game is that there's so many interesting classes and roles, but that means it's really easy to level up a lot of jobs instead of getting one really high.

I've had my Linkshell friends help me with some of the harder tasks, like getting the Seer's armor and the Kazham keys, but those two tasks are hard for a white mage, because we really can't solo anything or farm money.

While we're talking about people not keeping their subjobs up, someone got really uppity with me because I refused him to join our party. He was WHM 29\BLM6. Later I saw him at WHM32\BLM6.

Speaking of level 32, how's the Citadel? Is it going to be more enjoyable than the jungles, or the bane of my existance? I just got a party invite, hoping to KO kazham.

[Ketaru]

Glad to hear you are enjoying the game. It does get engrossing if given the chance.

People are weird when it comes to subjobs. I once ended up in a party with a WHM who didn't have Barfira. We were fighting goblins so that kind of would've helped...like a lot. He said he wasn't concerned with learning all of the spells because WHM was just his subjob for BLM.

As for Garlaige Citadel, it used to be hated by people. But there was an update that made it so monsters disappear if they aren't attacking anyone, and they were out of their spawning radius. So rather than people hating how people would train mobs to the entrance, halting all party activity for like half an hour or something. Long story short, Garlaige Citadel isn't half as much grief as it used to be.

[Prons]

I myself don't have Barfira, that's mainly my fault though, by the time I found out I needed it, I didn't have a chance to go back to Jeuno. You learn real quick how important it is though. In particular when a goblin drops a bomb and the entire party drops into the yellow. ^_^

[Ketaru]

One time, I was in a party in Cape Terrigen fighting goblins. The THF then decided he would be funny and says, "I'm gonna Sneak Attack/Trick Attack on you the next fight." I'm was a RDM, so that's something you shouldn't be doing to your RDM (I was meleeing though, it was a static party that was together for the 50s).

So, with those things in mind, I started putting up Stoneskin and Blink so he didn't outright kill me just to be funny. The goblin comes in, and not 10 seconds into the fight, it uses a suicide bomb (you know, the really strong ones that are based on the goblin's current HP). Basically, the THF and NIN were almost dead, the WAR was all dead, and I barely took a scratch because of Stoneskin. It was interesting.

[Prons]

Not sure if this is for us to worry about, but Scary stuff about accounts being stolen. (http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/forum.html?forum=10;mid=1197206351273423 89;num=245;page=1)

Sure am glad Shiva isn't on that list. Also glad I'm a 360 user and have 0 reasons to enter my Play Online password on the computer.

BTW I'm WHM33 now, but I really gotta buy more spells before partying again.

[cris]

Had a very strange PT setup for a high level (60), but man oh man, the exp was great

DNC/NIN, DNC/NIN, SAM/NIN, RNG/NIN, BLU/NIN, SCH/BLM
Aydewa 10k/hr


He said he wasn't concerned with learning all of the spells because WHM was just his subjob for BLM.
Uh, what? Subjob still needs all the spells >.>

He said he wasn't concerned with learning all of the spells because WHM was just his subjob for BLM.
This is only a concern on PC and on top of that you don't use the store password function. How it gets stolen = keylogger

[Ketaru]

http://xs322.xs.to/xs322/07502/DudeLookLikeALady3-1.gif

[Lunay]

I lol'ed @ the Meow-Mix.

I don't think that's a strange setup at all Cris. Two Dancers can do a decent job at tanking, I think. Glad to see you hit 60, and I'm sure you are looking forward to Dancing Edge (if you already don't have it that is.)

So, I hit 71 on my BLU tonight with Campaign Battles. I can't wait to use my Perdu Hanger at 73!

[Prons]

Leveling BLM right now, hoping to get past Qufim Island. BLM 21 now.

On the bright side, WHM is 36! =D

[Lunay]

/sh (Teleport-Mea)(Can I have it?)(Reward:)2000G

[cris]

(You can have this.)(Warp II)

[Bezerker]

Man, i had a great party in Valkurm yesterday. We had two level 55's healing us the entire time. I went from 12 to 19 in a matter of hours. We were chaining IT's with literally no downtime. I know the harsh leveling is supposed to be part of the experience, but i'll take any ez exp i can get.

Is there something extra you have to do to turn auto-disconnect off for the PC version? I went into my config and turned 'auto-disconnect' off, but it still kicks me off after a certain period of time. I've been trying to set up shop in Jeuno, but i'd rather not leave my 360 on for that long.

[cris]

PoL and FFXI are two separate applications. What you do in Play Online settings doesn't reflect FFXI.

In order to turn off Auto Disconnect, open your menu while playing FFXI, go to Config. and it's the very bottom one...I think it was called Global but not sure.

[Lunay]

Could it also be that it has something to do with his PC rather then the game? Maybe the power management, ISP, screensaver, a program or something? Since there was no mention of PoL in his post, I was under the impression that he did it through his Menu > Config > Global.

On the other note:

Final Fantasy XI Update (Dec. 12) -An issue wherein "Djinn" type monsters would use the ability "Nocturnal Combustion" whenever they were attacked with an element matching the day has been addressed.

[cris]

man....no more easy exp

[Prons]

Please go to this thread: http://animenation.net/forums/showthread.php?t=210591

and nominate Prons from Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess as character of the year! :)

[Lunay]

I don't know if it's a mistake but my friend is able to skill-up his Guard skill during Campaign Battle when it states "no skill-up"; or is there an exception for skills such as Parrying and Guard?

Other thing during Campaign Battle is that you can drain MP from the beastmen regardless of their job; at least from the Yagudos. I'm not complaining though because I need all the MP I can get for my BLU.

My BLU is 74 now and I hope to finally reach 75 by either tomorrow. And then it's merit time. But before meritting, I want to raise my club skill so I can add another trial WS to my collection -- Black Halo. I can't wait to see what new BLU spells will be added (possibly) next month. I know I am hoping for a 6-hit spell (Gnole?) just like every other BLU out there.

[Prons]

One of our blokes in the LS is having a real tough time learning BLU magic. I'd love to help him out, but I'm only level 39 WHM. I took a day off from partying to hit San 'Doria Rank 3.

Anyone else here think it's hard to get gil, or am I just failing?

[cris]

It's hard to get gil until end-game, period >.>

[Prons]

Do you guys reckon the Limit Break (quests that raise the level cap) are hard? I'm a white mage, so the people in my LS said the 5th wouldn't be so hard, but how about the first 4?

[Lunay]

Do you guys reckon the Limit Break (quests that raise the level cap) are hard? I'm a white mage, so the people in my LS said the 5th wouldn't be so hard, but how about the first 4?

If I remember correctly, it goes as follows:

50 cap- you need 3 items from really easy mobs: Exoray Mold from shrooms in Crawler's Nest; something Coal from a Bomb in Garlaige Citadel; and Papyrus from Lichs in Eldime Necropolis. The mobs aren't challenging at all but the drop rate is another story; minus the Coal, which I think drops several of them at 100% drop rate from one mob. Getting past the Gate in Garlaige Citadel may be a problem, too, but there is usually a PT leveling near at the first gate.

55 cap- You need to kill 3 NM tigers in Xarcabard. If remember correctly, SE made these tigers even easier about a year ago. But they also added a Rage mode on these tigers when in battle for 30 minutes or more, which shouldn't be a problem because they are easy. I use to solo them all the time for people, and it was somewhat challenging back then, but I am not sure about now. (Note: make sure to click on the ??? fast after their death since they respawn fast).

60 cap- You just need to click on 3 points. Those points are found in Beaudeaux, Davoi, and Castle Oztroja. The points are found near where HNM spawn and its corresponding true-sight NMs roam the area. It is relatively easy if you are careful and use stealth.

The one is Castle Oztroja requires you to enter a password which opens up a path leading to the HNM area. It asks you to enter 3 passwords. They are names of several Yagudo NMs that exist in Vana'diel. You can look it up online for a list of these names and randomly put them in order OR you can go around the Castle and acquire these passwords yourself. (Note: the passwords reset every Vana'diel day).

The White Mage Yagudo NM is literally standing over the ??? platform, so make sure to bring someone who can 'hold these mobs' while you click on the ??? and warp out right away. (I personally like to send in my pet and while the pet has all of the Yagudo's attention, let the person needing the key item click on it, and everyone warp out afterwards.)

The one in Davoi requires you to open a force-field type wall which leads into Monastic Cavern. To be able to do this, you need to do a quest which is started in Davoi. This quest simply requires you to click on the ponds spread throughout Davoi. It's easy.

The one in Beaudeaux is just straightforward. Get past true-sight mobs and warp out.

65 cap- You just need to speak to NPCs. Simple as that.

70 cap- You fight Mr. Maat. I hear it is really easy as a White Mage and i am sure you can accomplish this even at 66. All you need to do is to either survive his attacks and heal yourself for certain amount OR you can defeat him in battle, which I don't see how since your sub-job will be disabled. Although, now that I think about it, it may be possible now thanks to Repose. But don't ask me because my White Mage is only level 65. (Off-topic: I may raise WHM next because I hit BLU 75 tonight! Yay!). Edit: I forgot to mention that, every time you are to face Maat, you need a Testimony. Every job has it's own Testimony (minus the two new jobs, of course) and drop from beastmen found in different areas.

um, sorry for the wall-of-text? ^^;

[Bezerker]

One of our blokes in the LS is having a real tough time learning BLU magic. I'd love to help him out, but I'm only level 39 WHM. I took a day off from partying to hit San 'Doria Rank 3.

Anyone else here think it's hard to get gil, or am I just failing?

Crane Fly's in Meriphataud (sp?) are the best at the first half of leveling. I think theyre a level 28-30 mob so they shouldn't be too tough. They drop gausebit grasses which sell very fast & very well in Jeuno. In an hour I can pull about 30k's worth.

[Prons]

WHM41. Now I'm in Qufim trying to get BLM up. I don't like Qufim, because it's all PLing and not much learning going on. I liked the jungle in one aspect, there was no PLing when I was there, and from then on the game started to get more serious. Know what I mean?

[Ketaru]

WHM41. Now I'm in Qufim trying to get BLM up. I don't like Qufim, because it's all PLing and not much learning going on. I liked the jungle in one aspect, there was no PLing when I was there, and from then on the game started to get more serious. Know what I mean?

Yep, that's something I noticed. It has it's bad side that it ends at the jungle. When I started leveling RNG to 37 (as a subjob for RDM...Ballista...don't ask), things typically went smoothly from Valkurm to Qufim, because of powerleveling or otherwise. The moment I get to the jungles:

- WHM/BLM who didn't have Barfira (which is...kind of important against goblins), it's the same one I mentioned earlier.

- PLD who didn't tank with a shield.

- RDM/WAR. Normally, this wouldn't really be all that alarming at level 30. But considering he was the only mage in the party, it couldn't have been more off the mark. Especially when he tried to start out by meleeing. Then when the leader wouldn't let him do that, he said he wanted to pull with archery. When the party leader told him to stay back and heal, he started nuking a lot. Basically...he did everything but main heal.

Basically, it was as if all reason went out the door when I went to the jungle.

[Prons]

Yes I was about to say that. As you all I started as white mage, and when I got to the Jungle I realized right away I was missing a lot of spells. I geniuenly didn't know I need barfira (had to learn that the hard way). These days I try and be very cautious of what spells people are going to want me to have\use. Another problem, though it's not really the games fault, is people often assume I'm more experienced then I am. Because I'm a white mage (which isn't the class most people go for right away) and because I'm well equiped (Seer's armor, thanks for my LS mates) it's easy for people to overasume how experienced in the game I am.

On that subject, when should I haste? It has a 3 minute timer on it, but should I cast it at the start of every battle just to be safe? Or what?

Also, what bar spells will I need in the future (I.E. next 20 levels)? Level 41 right now, I mainly use BarPoisonRa, because the crawler workers and stuff often poison my party. Also, what level do I need crawlers nest?

I really wanna plan ahead and so I don't get caught off gaurd

By the way as I am posting this, I dinged BLM 23

[Ketaru]

On that subject, when should I haste? It has a 3 minute timer on it, but should I cast it at the start of every battle just to be safe? Or what?

All meleers, with the exception of BLU, and the ranged people like RNG or COR, probably expect Haste at all times. It's a ruthless system and repetitive system and there is no glory involved.

As for the barspells, you don't really "need" all of them, Barfira is the most useful. But the others have their situational uses you will want them for, as well as Barspells being considered on the cheaper side as far as a lot of spells go these days.

[Prons]

All meleers, with the exception of BLU, and the ranged people like RNG or COR, probably expect Haste at all times. It's a ruthless system and repetitive system and there is no glory involved.


Oh, well, guess I'm gonna have to find a way to keep ontop of everyone's Haste cycles. :)

As for my previous question, when do I get out of Crawler's nest?

[cris]

Jagidbod's Warmachine = automatic death x 50 before it dies lol

[Lunay]

I hate the Warmachine.. >.> Blastbomb and his other move does so much, its not even funny. I usually hit and run, hit and run to try avoiding (Death).

Prons, Crawler's Nest is popular for many levels, but there are alternatives. It's just that some people don't have access to certain areas like Teleport-Altep or something, where it's good to level 40+ -- Western Altepa Beetles 40~43; Quicksand Caves 43 and up to 53. It's sad they don't have all of the telepoints at that level, but it's not uncommon.

[Prons]

So if I don't have any teleportation, I can just Cralwers nest until 50?

[Ketaru]

I hate the Warmachine.. >.> Blastbomb and his other move does so much, its not even funny. I usually hit and run, hit and run to try avoiding (Death).

Prons, Crawler's Nest is popular for many levels, but there are alternatives. It's just that some people don't have access to certain areas like Teleport-Altep or something, where it's good to level 40+ -- Western Altepa Beetles 40~43; Quicksand Caves 43 and up to 53. It's sad they don't have all of the telepoints at that level, but it's not uncommon.

Actually, there was once an instance of a LS member of mine partied with a 70 JP DRG who didn't have Teleport-Mea crystal. Proof that the JP are not infallible as we once thought...

[Lunay]

Crawler's Nest if I remember correctly:

34~38 - Leveling on the Crawler found in the first part of CN.

38~43 (barely) on Beetles near Caveberry.

42~47 or 48 on Soldier(?) Crawler, Fly, Shroom (the one that drops Exoray Mold. It's a bit risky since their Dark Spore and Silence Gas can do some high damage. I think it's related to how much HP they have left) and the higher tier Beetles.

47/48 ~51 or 53 on Rumble(?) Crawler and even higher tier Beetles. These mobs drop the Coffer Key.

So, as you can see, there are 3 different level sets of Crawler and Beetle. I just wish I can remember their names but you can just take a look at the mobs found in Crawler's Nest to see which ones I am referring to at one of the FFXI sites.

Once you hit 53 or 54, you can start leveling in ToAU, starting with Lesser Colibri. The EXP will roll in quick and you will level fast like you have never before.

Actually, there was once an instance of a LS member of mine partied with a 70 JP DRG who didn't have Teleport-Mea crystal. Proof that the JP are not infallible as we once thought...

I use to have this mentality that majority of the JP players are superior, but not anymore. No Tele-Mea key item at 70? That is shocking, JP or not. >< Tele-Mea is like only two zone away from Jeuno! There is no excuse for that person to not have it.

[Bezerker]

I was quite amazed when i saw how many lvl 75's there were with only Rank 1. Sure they probably have some kind of teleport method, but you'd think they could easily get to rank 5 for airship.

[cris]

A lot of JPs purposely change themselves to Rank 1 for many reasons (meainly avoiding people)

Also, keep in mind that they can be RMTs as well

[Lunay]

While on the topic of questionable high level players, there is a character on my server named Darkness (JP) who has several 75 jobs and is infamous for.. having no support-job! That's right. He is on permanent Maat restriction and I haven't got the courage to ask him why. I know there was a glitch where if you change your jobs really quickly in your Mog House, it would display your character as sub-less, but I could have sworn they fixed that a long time ago. If he truly lacks support job ability, I really don't know what to think because it's brave, yet, odd at the same time. ^^;

[Ketaru]

Huh, are all of you on the same server or something? I'm on Siren, but I've considered changing servers, since it seems to be the hot new trend these days. And if there are a lot of people on AN on the same server, seems like it would the logical thing to do. <_<

[Prons]

I'm on Shiva. I'm pretty sure Lunay is on a different server.

I'm leveling THF\WAR so I can farm gil more efficently. I'm buttersheeping WAR\WHM to level 10, and then going to bring THF to 10 and through Valkurm Dunes.

The reason I'm taking this break from WHM is because frankly, spells get pretty expensive at higher levels. It seems more often then ever I get shouted at for not having all the spells.

Speaking of, let's say in theory I don't want to level monk right now. If I do WAR\THF will be I laughed out of XP parties?

Edit: What's with all the JP players standing in town and shouting about their race, level, and gender? Does this have something to do with the Starlight Celebration?

[cris]

It seems more often then ever I get shouted at for not having all the spells.
It's because they are stupid and expects you to have everything, appearantly they forgot how it was when they had no money and just starting the game. I didn't have erase for like 2 years

If I do WAR\THF will be I laughed out of XP parties?
WAR/THF are extremely useless for exp pts, especially before WAR30. Best subjob for WAR is MNK at lower levels then NIN later on

If I do WAR\THF will be I laughed out of XP parties?
Don't know details, but most likely yeah

[Lunay]

I'm on Alexander.

Yes, they are shouting for a specific race, level and job for the Starlight Celebration event. They actually have a new item this year - Dream Boots/+1 (the +1 gives an Enchanment of enhances Sneak. Useless as usual. >.>). I still want it, though. There are also Snowman from 3 nations but I don't know if it's from this event.

I think THF/WAR is rather good and is on par with /nin, but again it is situational and depend on what you are fighting and doing, etc. Popular subs for THF in my opinion are: NIN, WAR, RNG, and MNK.

WAR/THF has always been accepted, but became even more popular after the two-hand update. But again, it is situational on what mob, place, and level. The two most 'common' subs for WAR are: THF and NIN. But there is no right or wrong and I admire people who like to experiment rather then going with the trend. It is more loose below level 30 because most useful job abilities through your sub-job don't become available until then.

[cris]

even after the update, i don't see WAR/THF being good unless if you're fighting mobs with high defense, but you usually don't do that. I see more damage spamming Rampage than other ws's for war on exp.

[Lunay]

That is why I always use the word 'situational'. Great Axe is highly recommended for the lower levels because of Stormwind. After War gets Rampage, things are wide open with more options. But I usually don't laugh at /thf because a good WAR will use Great Axe also. /NIN is popular because they can get so much hate. Also, If you have a good tank, and like you said, mobs with high HP, /thf is not bad. But /nin is definitely more useful because of how fast mobs die, especially in Merits and ToAU areas. Again, that is not until later.

In the end, one might laugh at WAR/THF for merit PT or post Rampage, but it's a different story beforehand. I say GA all the way.

P.S. I think our problem is that Cris always refers to END GAME, while I look at things as a whole. And like I said, there is no right or wrong. Ask some high level Warriors on your server and see what he has to say.

[Prons]

Well the thing is, my "main" will be THF. So in the long run I'd do THF\WAR. But the thing is, I don't know if WAR\THF would be good for EXP parties or not.

[Lunay]

Coincidentally, there is a similar thread on Alla regarding WAR subbing /THF. I agree with almost everybody who has posted on it, but I would have to say I like what EvlSmily wrote best:

http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/db/jobs.html?fjob=4;mid=119778905032430132; num=19;page=1

The beauty about this game is you can sub anything you have available. MNK, NIN, RNG, SAM, DRG and so on...It is all situational IMO. Remember if it is XP party you want to pick up a role. Otherwise, play the way you enjoy the game. Knowing that the sub can do for you to help the party is where it should start. But again know your role. Having the most dmg and party dying will just make the xp slow so find your role in a party as it deals with team work. If you are solo, your choice and have fun.

Sentence in bold is my favorite part of this person's post. Instead of trying to say "oh, NIN is the best sub", why not try to determine which is the most effective sub-job AFTER compling all the information-- such as what mobs you are fighting, which jobs are in a PT, which weapon skills are available at your current level, what gear, etc etc? I like to remain open-minded and personally like this approach the best.

Almost everyone who has posted in that thread has a valid point. Again, I have to stress that it's not a matter of 'right or wrong' since leveling a job and which job to sub is totally situational. (Are you getting tired of the word "situational", yet?) ^^;

[Prons]

So today I logged out, and went out for a few hours, came back, logged in, and now the Final Fantasy XI logo is burnt into my LCD monitor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphor_burn-in),

[cris]

lol, bad monitor >.>?

[Prons]

Valkurm Dunes has not been wonderful today.

First I had an all german party that had some really strange job\subjob settings. I forgot what exactly they had. But now I'm in a party, and this newbie Galka showed up, and even though he was a tank he still had his level 1 RSE armor on. The shocker is, even though he was "new" he apparently had 12k gil. I lectured him on it, and he got angry and stormed out because I was "busting my chops" and "had no life."

This is why I don't 100%, support PLing through Qufim and Valkurm Dunes, because I can imagine a level 27 Galka with level 1 RSE armor

[Bezerker]

Ive been in a party with a WAR/WHM Galka as main healer, needless to say, i didnt stick around for long.

Got my DNC up to 25. Divine Waltz & Spectral Jig are helpful. Unfortunately i fell behind my friend and his PL. One minute they are in Qufim with me, i log off for a few hours, theyre in Yuhtunga, another hour and theyre in Yhoator.

I'm sure he's almost out of Garliage by now... While PL's dont do newbs much good as far as learning the basics, I sure as hell wouldnt mind having one...

Damn this Starlight festival. While I was on my 360, I logged my mule on the PC to try and get the +1 boots. Unfortunately my main character had to find a 38+ Elvaan Female Corsair (only 7 corsairs on Cerberus, and none were close to a town.) My mule has completed the quest twice, and now has the +1 boots & +1 robe to tease my main character with. I did however max out my fame for giving out presents, so i should have a nice gingerbread cookie dispensing item tomorrow (whoopie...)

[Lunay]

Hehe. My LCD screen has been burned in with the FFXI chatbox for about a year now. But it has recovered recovered when I want on a vacation. This is what happens when you play one game for so long! ^^; lol@the people wearing lvl.1 RSE gear past 10+. People do some remarkable things when getting PL'ed.

Getting a pair of Dream Boots +1 is really easy. You just need to be a match of someone else and turn in the cards. I know I said "another useless event item" in my previous post, but what I didn't see is the 2 hour recast and unlimited usage. Free sneak every 2 hours isn't too bad, especially, since it's a level 1 gear and may be useful for say "getting past the Weapons in Qufim Island" since Sneak is not available until 20+ if I remember correctly.

[Prons]

Going to the dunes is always an experience because whenever I go there I can't help but say "I managed to get through this TWICE?!" It's just insanity.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

its pretty easy now, you can outpost warp there at lvl 10 now.

[Prons]

Getting there is easy.

It's the partying that's the killer :P

For example, this monk decided it'd be a great idea to form a party, and add me (I'm level 13 THF now), a level 18 BLM, and a level 16 blm. This is why I'm eating dirt at the gate to Selbania right now.

It's woodland critter christmas dude, it sucks ***

[ZeroRyoko1974]

I got an invite like that once. I was a lvl 13 smn, and he was a little 18 nin, and wanted to fight lizards (T-VT to me, probably ep-dec to him) and expect to get exp. I left. I get such a laugh at the antics now that I am not a tank. I just sit back and laugh as the thf and sam are tanking because our war tank is using a one handed sword with no shield, and half of his armor slots empty and no subjob yet. Let them eat sand, I will hide behind carby:lol: I was in a party the other day in the Mire with my PLD. I thought the party was pulling to slowly (we were barely making chain 4's) so I started pulling. After that, we got up to chain 8, well, until I aggrod two imps and they both hit me with Fire III before I could get back to the healer.

[Lunay]

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/1338/xol11vc3.jpg

Ok. It's not Tiamat but I am after Perseus's Harpe, so, me and my BST friends spotted Xolotl on our widescan while farming Iolite and decided to take it on. We asked our RDM (to kite his pets) and THF (also, to kite and for Treasure Hunter) to come have some fun with us. As you can see, the dagger didn't drop.. but the Kote did, and we now have one happy person tonight!

I have fought Xolotl many times before - outside of LS - and have only seen the dagger drop once. This is the first time I have seen a Kote just amongst friends.

[cris]

H.Harpe drop rate is about 10% with th4 -.-

[Lunay]

Yeah.. we didn't even think the Kote will drop for us but it did. Let's see what happens today, though. Even if the dagger drops, my two other friends are also Thief, so, with a combination of low drop rate and me out lotting them are very slim. >.> Surprisingly, only one more person out of our current group needs the Kote, so, if it drops again today it is his.

Coincidentally, Tiamat is up as I type this. Other LS, Finale, has it down to 25%...

[cris]

What's the average kill time of Tiamat on your server and how many people are usually in the killing?

8 man to 18 man for us,with 18, can do it in 30minutes, 8 man, maybe 50 or little more? Sorry if it sounds like showing off, but I just want to compare

[Lunay]

If I had to guess, our average time can range probably range anywhere from hour plus, and that is with good amount of people. I'm not sure what our server's fastest kill time is, but I have read that the fastest kill time on most servers are somewhere around 35 minutes. (I have never witnessed this personally and won't believe it until I see it with my own eyes.) What I am really curious about though is your mention of taking Tiamat with 8 members. I am even more curious on how to pull that off in "50"+ minutes with such a low number of players.

So, we went after Xolotl again, but things didn't go as smoothly as it did last night. This time we did it with 3 BSTs, 1 SMN and 1 THF. I won't say any negative things about them but all I will say is that I guess some people weren't focused enough on the first claim and we had to let it despawn.

The second time around, we were a bit more focused but still a little rocky. I was getting so frustrated and ordering people what to do because Xolotl is such an easy fight. In the end, nothing dropped. Not even a single crystal! I wish I can get him again tomorrow, but I'm going out tomorrow. :/

[Prons]

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/5964/pro071228171723ajo5.jpg

Yeah ain't Prons and his Seer's armor sexy?

BTW, say I'm level 16 THF, what's the fastest way to farm gil? I really wanna know, because when I get to Qufim I wanna get around 10k so I can get all the songs I need for the next 10 levels

[Lunay]

At level 16, there isn't much you can kill. You can't even do BCNM20, yet. But you can try a few BCNM on your White Mage if you have any seals. With BCNM, you can get some fast gil if you're lucky. Or, if you can't manage to find people to do it with you -and if you have too many by a chance and feel like wasting 50 whopping seals - you can try your luck on BCNM50 called Treasure and Tribulations:

All you do is use any level 1 job, buy a few Silent Oil and Prism Powder, and head to the beastmen circle in Giddeus. Once you trade your corrsponding Orb and inside, you get to pick from a Small Chest, Medium, and Large. If you pick the right chest, you win! You pick the wrong chest, you get killed by a Mimic.

One bad thing about this is that there was an update not too long ago that reduced the amount of items found in a treasure if you first correctly pick the right chest -- it is now one ring and one synth material. The big prizes from this BCNM are: Astral Ring (180k on Shiva); Minstrel's Ring (280~290k Shiva); and Sorcerer's Ring (1 million +). I personally don't recommend trying this for people who have higher jobs. But for new players with not many high level jobs, this can be an alternative. I say 'alternative' because, I truly believe that saving your seals for other BCNM is the smartest way to go. This BC is mainly for people who have too many seals, and are bored, feeling lucky, etc and whatever. I have done this one solo about two months ago, since I was up to 3 stacks of Seals and it was taking up my inventory space. I chose the Large Chest and got a Astral Ring (200k at the time on my server) and a Darksteel Ingot. I was happy.

As for farming with your level 16 Thief, you can try farming for Silk Thread (10k a stack on Shiva) in West Sarutabarta. You can camp Spiny Spipi, a Crawler NM, at the same time, which drops a Mist Silk Cape (29k on Shiva). Or you can go to Yughott Grotto and try to get a Lantern Shield and Strike Baghnakhs by killing Orcish Wallbreacher and the other one. These two spawn in a circular dead-end area every hour or so.

Other methods of making gil: farm sheep skin and craft them into sheep leather to make it stack. It's a beginners leathercraft receipe, so, you will raise your skill doing this.

Bee Chips. You can craft these into Beewax. It's also a beginner's receipe but this time for Alchemy. You don't have to craft these since these already stack, but why not raise your craft and make gil at the same time?

There are tons more ways of making gil but I don't want to make my post longer than it already is.. Sorry.

[cris]

All you do is use any level 1 job, buy a few Silent Oil and Prism Powder, and head to the beastmen circle in Giddeus

Unless if they changed something, Sneak / Invis doesn't work with Level 1 char. Soon as you use it, it dies out (with the 3 warning messages before it does). If they didn't change anything, I think this was true until you're level 5 or 10

[Prons]

Thanks a lot, but how about fishing? IS that as good as sheep and bees wax?

[Lunay]

Unless if they changed something, Sneak / Invis doesn't work with Level 1 char. Soon as you use it, it dies out (with the 3 warning messages before it does). If they didn't change anything, I think this was true until you're level 5 or 10

What??? I clearly stated Silent Oil and Prism Powder, not the spell. I don't know about casting the actual magic spell, Sneak and Invisible, on a level 1 character, but I know that Silent Oil and Prism Powder works on a level 1 character. Are you saying it doesn't last as long or it doesn't work at all? Because from reading your post, it sounds like it doesn't work at all.

Edit: Umm so yeah.. I picked the middle chest and it was a Mimic. >.> I knew I should have went for the Large Chest! No, wait the Small.. Either way, 50 Seals.. poof, gone. Surprisingly, 1 Oil and 1 Powder lasted for 3 and a half minutes (time it takes from the the beginning of Giddeus until I zoned into Balga's Dais (Beastmen Circle area); I usually use two of each in Giddeus. I'm not sure if it was this way all the time, but it does work.

[Prons]

Yeah, magic spells vary depending on level and skill. For example, if you have Proectra IV cast on you when you are level 1, it will go out in a minute.

[cris]

the items too, i'm pretty sure they only lasted a few seconds

[Prons]

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/2944/pro071231161909aue3.jpg

Level 8 Bard Prons infront of the statues he got from the New Year's event.

[Lunay]

I just got my Snowman, too. :D Have yet to out it in my MH, though.

Back to the topic of Silent Oil/Prism Powder.. The magic spell Sneak/Invisible may rely on Enhancing Magic Skill and/or stats such as MND/INT, but as far as I can tell from using the items, the duration is totally random regardless of level. As stated earlier, it lasted a little over "3 and a half minutes" on my level 1 character while in Giddeus. Today, while wondering around Vana'diel on my 75 BST, I used Silent Oil several times. The effect was also random ranging anywhere from 10 seconds to 3 minutes +. Have yet to test the spells on a level 1 character, but I can see how that won't last long, just like casting higher tier Protect/Shell on a low level.

P.S. - There is also an item called Rainbow Powder, which almost guarantees up to 3 minutes of Invisible effect, but is a higher Alchemy recipe.

[Bezerker]

I saw the lucky rats running around in Valkurm but didnt know that i should trade crystals to them til after they were gone.

Any good Moghancements or anything with the snowman?

[Prons]

http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Mouse

I think the mouses will be around until January 14th. BTW you're supposed to trade crystlas to the lucky mouse, the lucky rats are just his running crew

[Bezerker]

3 sets of 4 storage, not too shabby. Though its gonna suck if the Fishing moghancement overrides my EXP one.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

I agree on the sneak/invis thing. The spells and the items are pretty random.

[cris]

@1080 for DNC75 =3

[Lunay]

Gratz Cris! How does it feel to be a lvl.75 Dancer? I haven't touched my Dancer (lvl.41) ever since I returned from my vacation last month. As much as I'd love to acquire Chocobo Jig, I also want to wait for the AF weapon and armor, so that I can use it during EXP. (Although, I'll be doubtful about its stats and don't think it will be useful, especially, as you get 60+ since I'm sure there are many better armors available.) Hopefully, they will add more new weapons and armors for all jobs soon.

Have you subbed Dancer for any job yet? What do you think? SAM/DNC seems to be quite popular for activities such as farming and Campaign Battles.

I have to log now because I have to wake up early to help kill Carmine Dobsonfly.. /sigh. We are on day 3 and we have not seen a single Voyager's Sallet drop. What's worse is that Carmine Dobsonfly seems to be quite popular nowadays and there are too many competitors. Add the fact that 5 people need the Helmet.. Double /sigh.. We will be camping this for 2 more weeks if this keeps up. I wouldn't mind if the ToD isn't so early in the morning. >.>

[cris]

Although I like the job, I'm not going to get much use out of it besides soloing things. I haven't subbed it for anything yet.


Carmine Dobsonfly...at least there's 10 of them and although they all link at the same time, it's almost impossible to GA them at once until after gathering...so you can at least jack some if they pull.

DNC EQP Normal:
Main: Jambiya or w/e
Sub: Behemoth Knife+1 or Joyeuse
Range: Nothing
Ammo: RSE Sachet
Head: W.Turban
Neck: Love Torque
Ear 1: Brutal Earring
Ear 2: Suppanomimi
Body: Assault Jerkin
Hands: Dusk Gloves
Ring 1: Flame Ring
Ring 2: Rajas Ring
Back: Amemet Mantle +1
Waist: Warwolf Belt
Legs: Dusk Leggings
Feet: Dusk ____




DNC EQP WS:
Head: Voyager
Ear 1: Triumph
Ear 2: Triumph
Hands:Tarrasque(?) Mittens +1
Feet: Rutter Sabatons

DNC don't really have much gear and although both WS and EVI don't use STR on the count...well STR is still better than stacking DEX for high levels =-/

[Lunay]

Nice setup Cris! I personally would love a Love Torque but I don't think any time soon. I would definitely go for STR myself as well if my Dancer was that high. I practically use the same gears as yours for most of my DD jobs at 75 but with a lot of swapping; depending on the job, of course.

And yes, we have done Carmine Dobsonfly before, quite easy - Paladin + 3 Summoner Astral Flow combo. Dropped 1 Sallet and 1 Ring today, and only 7 more Sallets to go! Woo hoo! (Sarcasm). I hate waking up early and our ToD still remain early in the morning. >.> It's amazing how this game can be your second life (or first >.< ).

[Ketaru]

'ello all. I'm back. That means I'm back in college and far, far away from Final Fantasy XI.

Used my winter vacation to get SCH to level 61. Good stuff so far...

[Lunay]

Wb! I can't wait until the next update. When is it? I bet you guys can't wait to see the AF.

I'm hoping for more new items in the next patch. I can't wait to see what the higher rank Campaign items will offer; those that are available now are so "meh."

[Prons]

I can kind of guess what the sch and dnc af looks like.

Nearing BARD 30 :)

[ZeroRyoko1974]

I stopped leveling nin at 36. Now working on geting the Ni scroll. Tried the lvl 30 bcnm petrifying pair. we wiped once, and won the 2nd time going war/nin war/nin rdm. Only decent drop was an avatar belt. Going to move up and probably try some lvl 40 ones with my bst.

[Bezerker]

Partied with my first corsair yesterday. That XP boost roll is really nice, along with the Accuracy & attack + ones. Today I unlocked Corsair and am up to lvl 4. Kinda sucks that they dont get their first gun until 15, but i think i'll enjoy the dice rolls til then.

*EDIT*

Up to lvl 12. I gotta say, rolls are a lot of fun, and extremely helpful. Empress, combined with Corsair's roll, I was pulling 100xp on DC's, I know i got up to 200 on a 2nd EM chain.

[Lunay]

I did "Brothers D'Auph-something" BCNM 60 tonight. Two highly prized drops from this BCNM are Cross-Counters (1M on my server) and Euryto's Bow (2M). It also guarantees one of the lvl60+ RSE feet. A very simple BCNM as long as you have good mages to sleep, bind, and gravity. My drops were horrible but one of my friends got a Cross-Counters to drop. Congrats to her. I really wanted a gil drop because I recently splurged on a Blau Dolch, a 2M dagger for my Thief.

Ryoko, have you tried "Under Observation"? Since you are after Utsusemi: Ni, you might as well take a chance at Peacock Charm at the same time. The Charm has a low drop rate but I've gotten it twice now, so anything is possible. Since it's such a wonderful neck piece, I kept the first one until I got myself a Peacock 'Amulet', the rare/ex version. I still remember how I camped Argus religiously. It's so wonderful to never have to camp him again. ^^;

[Ketaru]

Wb! I can't wait until the next update. When is it? I bet you guys can't wait to see the AF.

I'm hoping for more new items in the next patch. I can't wait to see what the higher rank Campaign items will offer; those that are available now are so "meh."

I'm awaiting my AF, but won't be able to get it until March. Hopefully by then, people will be done exploiting it for gil (or if it's still expensive to get, I can armstrong some people into helping me get it the hard way).

On the subject of the expansion, anybody else enjoying Campaign? I feel like it's one of the best thing ever done to the game. Especially since my mains are RDM and BST, Campaign seems especially geared towards people's ability to solo. There's just too many damn NPCs sometimes.

[Bezerker]

I've been reading up on campaign, but i cant find anything that suggests what level you should be.

[Ketaru]

I've been reading up on campaign, but i cant find anything that suggests what level you should be.

I'm pretty sure that, depending on your level, your EXP gained is cut by a certain percentage. Once you reach level 61, I believe, your EXP is no longer reduced by virtue of only your level.

[Lunay]

I personally love campaign because it allows you to get a few EXP while seeking instead of anxiously waiting in town doing nothing. I went on a campaign binge these past few weeks and have gotten over 200k limit points. It doesn't compare to the speed of 15k+ an hour you can get in a PT, but it sure is nice being able to go AFK any time and play on your own terms.

It's also nice because you get to play however you want to play. You can try all sorts of job combination and have a blast without any rule.

It's just too bad I have all these points and all that I seem to purchase is Sprinter's Shoes. I'm hoping for some nice Campaign gear in the next update. I just recently reached the Emblem rank.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

I did "Brothers D'Auph-something" BCNM 60 tonight. Two highly prized drops from this BCNM are Cross-Counters (1M on my server) and Euryto's Bow (2M). It also guarantees one of the lvl60+ RSE feet. A very simple BCNM as long as you have good mages to sleep, bind, and gravity. My drops were horrible but one of my friends got a Cross-Counters to drop. Congrats to her. I really wanted a gil drop because I recently splurged on a Blau Dolch, a 2M dagger for my Thief.

Ryoko, have you tried "Under Observation"? Since you are after Utsusemi: Ni, you might as well take a chance at Peacock Charm at the same time. The Charm has a low drop rate but I've gotten it twice now, so anything is possible. Since it's such a wonderful neck piece, I kept the first one until I got myself a Peacock 'Amulet', the rare/ex version. I still remember how I camped Argus religiously. It's so wonderful to never have to camp him again. ^^;

Haven't tried that one yet, I plan on doing it soon. Bioshock has taken quite a bit of time away from FFXI. I did the petrifying pair one, and we got avatar belt as the only decent drop. Also joined a random group and did a few of that KSNM Scorpion one. Nothing but junk drops from that as well. They must have done about 10 runs at least before I left and no V Claw.

[cris]

I did CPB as low as level 22, still not sure if there's exp cuts though. can't really tell.

[Ketaru]

It's also nice because you get to play however you want to play. You can try all sorts of job combination and have a blast without any rule.

RDM/RNG {power} ( '-')b

[Bezerker]

The Valentines day event starts tomorrow. Heres hoping they do something better than Charm/Miracle wands.

Lets see, in the past two weeks ive gotten Corsair up to 25, Ranger to 19, Paladin to 17, and Dragoon to 14; and Smithing from 3 to 26. I'm having a hell of a time getting past 26 though. All the guides say to do Light + Rusty Cap or Picks, but the most the AH ever has is 3 a day. The only other thing that is somewhat cheap is Lightning + Claymores. I guess i could fish the caps/picks, but the whole aspect of fishing does not sound fun at all.

[Prons]

Prons is now like, bard 36-37ish :)

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Only thing I have been doing recently is trying to make gil, and then blowing it on shiny objects like a manacotti+1 sword a walmart turban. That and I have gotten in on some sky runs and making plans to advance in COP missions. My nin is still 36, but its good enough to use as a Campaign sub. I did use /war in a east ronfroe campaign and tanked poisonhand while all the npcs hammered him down. I finished with like 47hp :D Got my biggest lvl 75 buffer now. 4500exp

[Lunay]

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/339/skaja6.th.jpg (http://img86.imageshack.us/my.php?image=skaja6.jpg)

Well, after doing Salvage every single day for the past month or so, I finally got my 35 piece for Skadi Jambeaux!! I was about to give up since the 35 pieces have a low drop rate.. My leader, Ellexia, decided to take the Soulflayer route instead of the usual - and easier - route of Qutrub and I really think this had something to do with it. Previously, I only saw Elil's hand piece drop from Archaic Chariot from the Qutrub route and this was the first time taking the Soulflayer route. I am soo happy!!

Now, all I need is the 15 Njord's Ledelsens, which is a 100% drop from Dekka, Imp NM in Silver Sea Remnants! I am just one step away from obtaining what I have always wanted for my COR/RNG/THF/BST. I am truly overwhelmed with joy! : DDDD

[Prons]

Lunay is into salvage? I remember hearing the drop rates in Salvage are enough to drive grown men into fits of crying and rage.

[cris]

Not much any different than Dynamis or Einherjar

[Prons]

I'm not sure if I want to bring Bard to the end-game, because I have a notion it gets really balls to the wall post 75. :) It's already pretty busy here at the lowly level 38. Keeping ballad up, keeping madrigal and minuete up, keeping requium up, making sure to Magic Finale as needed, trying to tell the Japanese players to move back or no ballad. :P

[Ketaru]

Version update in March...I'm sad.

I'm not playing the game right now, but I always had in mind "February is going to have a version update. That means, when I come back for Spring Break in March, all the competition for AFs and stuff is going to be over. Yay!"

...Now it looks like I'll actually going to have to compete and buy items and high prices for SCH AF.

[Prons]

/Prons pats Ketaru consolingly.

[Lunay]

Lunay is into salvage? I remember hearing the drop rates in Salvage are enough to drive grown men into fits of crying and rage.

I love Salvage!! Yes, it's very similar to Dynamis/Einherjar but I believe it's closer to Limbus. Dynamis always make me feel sleepy, and I have only done less than a handful of Einherjar, and I believe they are more similar to each other compared to Salvage. I love Salvage so much the 100 minute timer goes so fast! The 15 pieces literally drop like candy and I have many Anu's and Njord's. 25 pieces isn't too hard either since the boss will always drop two pieces. 35's can be very frustrating as you mentioned - I did close to 11 Arrapago Remnants run before I got mine, and I consider myself lucky.

I finally got Njord's Ledelsens last night and turned in all 3 pieces this morning - along with 12 Marid Leather and 10 Imperial Gold Pieces - at 8AM PST (1AM JP), so I can't pick it up until come JP midnight. ; ;

Returning to the topic of Bard, I highly recommend taking it to 75 since it will be your ticket to getting merits. ;p It's quite fun going as BRD/NIN pulling and working for nonstop chain. It's easy to be a lazy BRD but a good BRD will always find a way to stay busy. I remember when I was leveling my BRD, I use to constantly tell people to separate or they will not get a song. I think, SE is thinking about adding some sort of ability to Bard which will allow us to isolate our songs in the upcoming version update. We shall see. ^^

[cris]

How to kill AV:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dZlaCyDkEm8

[ZeroRyoko1974]

the theory it seems that they are trying to get across is to keep people in melee range, and when AV uses a 2hr, the coresponding job should do the same, and anyone else within melee range can also do it, and then their 2hr timer will be reset. Course its hard to say for sure, since we can't see any timers, and the video could just be looped. Someone on another board noted this vid must be old because the drg 2hr was still call wyvern

[cris]

AV uses a 2hr, the coresponding job should do the same
Look at it again, it's not corresponding

[ZeroRyoko1974]

That does seem to be the case. I couldn't tell if they went by some AV animation, but it looks like some where doing their 2hr just before AV. I wonder if that works as well. I am sure that melee have used 2hrs before on AV, you would think someone would have noticed (its possible, since everyone relies on macros and looks at timers that they didn't) that it reset when AV 2hrs. Surely even by conicidence someone used their 2hr at the same time. I think the real secret is Taru /panic

[cris]

well these points are for sure
1)They didn't explain anything about the Meteo
2)When AV used 2 hours, someone else always used 2 hours, sometimes multiple people
3)There were no Aerns around, even during Jailer of Love battle.
4)People were always clumped...this is most likely for Aeroga4 that it does

[cris]

I say this is far fetched, but someone said there's possibly some hints in the song itself....going to post the lyrics but I doubt it....but posting in case.

Seas invite in the evening sun
to light the somber abyss.
Clouds dance up with the heavens' stars,
chanting an air of joyous bliss.

Water fades back from blue to jade,
guiding young rainbows high.
Flowers bloom into red and whites,
quenching our hearts when they run dry.

Angels chained by a beast locked in slumber.
Sin washed away by the swift flow of time.

I may know the answers.
Journeys over snow and sand.
What twist in fate has brought us
to tread upon this land?

Blessed by light and the burden of shadow.
Souls abide to an endless desire.

I may know the answers,
though one question I still hear.
What twist in fate has brought us
to roads that run so near?

Distant worlds together.
Miracles from realms beyond.
The lifelight burns inside me
to sing to you this song.
To sing with you this song.
To sing to you your song.

[cris]

This is what FFXI would look like without the PS2

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/lilwhitemage/serf11.jpg

Upper Left: Lower Jeuno
Upper Right: Sanctum
Lower Left: Aquaducts
Lower Right: Fafhog

[ZeroRyoko1974]

and imagine the lag with the prettier graphics?

[cris]

pretty graphics does not equal to more lag. it doesn't have any relations with the online connectivity.

If it lags, it's your PC specs or they just coded things badly.

[Porco Rosso]

After many a year with a crappy computer and no PS2 HDD, I finally got the game. I got a laptop a couple weeks ago and thought, hey, I should get FFXI. So I did, and I'm having a blast. Also, it's great to have all the numbered games in my collection!

I'm still getting the hang of it, but it's a lot of fun so far. My character is a level 6 male Hume Warrior from Bastok on the Odin server named Fyrinn. I've just been doing all the quests that I can handle for now, but I think I'm going to level up to 10 and do a few missions pretty soon. I haven't played many other MMORPGs, but I have to say that this game seems pretty solid right now. My only wish is that I bought it sooner, because it seems hard to find many fellow n00bs these days.

[Prons]

Is that a fan art or something, cris?

[cris]

It's SquareEnix picture, at least from what I'm told of

[Lunay]

That graphics is just XD. It's like FFXII mixed with Everquest. Lol @ Galka with thin waist line. The Tarutaru look like Washu from Tenchi Muyo. Hume wearing a blue skirt fighting Faf/Nid. I don't exactly know what to think of that screenshot but all I know is I'm completely satisfied with the way FFXI looks right now.

[Ketaru]

Wow, it took too long, but SE is finally going to make some changes to the Adventuring Fellow NPC. Although the update list they have is not exhaustive, I hope they add other things like:

- Raised level cap.
- Use in more zones.
- Changes to further distinguish the Fierce Attacker style. It seems like the only things that really set it apart are Double Attack and better TP reports. Those kind of seem a little bland compared to Provoke and Cures...

[Lunay]

It would rock so hard if you can call your NPC in Sea, I would start leveling my NPC again.

[Ketaru]

It would rock so hard if you can call your NPC in Sea, I would start leveling my NPC again.

It would rock so hard if you can call your NPC anywhere it would actually matter (during Campaign to help you on on mobs, outside Al Zahbi to help you skill up near a town, in level capped areas for when you just want to do stuff)

For now, the only true practical use for the NPC is window dressing and maybe helping you unlock weapon latents.

...Though I gotta admit the window dressing part is pretty cool. Mine has a scorpion harness and a mean Great Katana. When I'm on my RDM using Dagger, I can make Darkness with him. :)

[Lunay]

It's hard to understand why there is a restriction on where the Fellow NPC can be summoned. I can clearly understand why it's not allowed in BCNM/KSNM, Campaign Battle and such, but why not in dungeons such as Monastic Cavern and Horutoto Ruins which are part of the normal areas? But we know better to not look for a logical explanation from SE and it's pointless to try to figure out why.

The NPC is basically a time limited power leveler/farming aid/skill-up buddy. Some people enjoy watching it grow. Some use it as a healing aid to their non-healing job. Some like to play dress up. For me, it use to be a combination of all of these, but I got tired of waiting for the update since I maxed out the level on it when the cap was only 60. Plus, I started to realize that I had too many other things to do in this game besides watching my NPC level.

The only reason I would summon my NPC now is if I'm about to face a tough mob and could use some healing.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

scratched and clawed and sold stuff for several weeks to come up with about 300k and I got a utsu Ni scroll. Despite not having ubber hast gear, I used it in sky pretty effectively. Tanked Byakko the shadow eater for a bit, and managed to live (something I wasn't able to do with /war). Its very weird not being able to voke. The same night, I won bid on a V Claw drop off of Genbu, so that will replenish my funds, and allow me to lvl up cooking and other crafts. Now, if I could just sell that claw (I don't have the gil left to sell it on ah :lol:)

[Naraku]

Am I doomed to be low level forever? I've had this game for about 4 years now, and I've never been over level 40. Though I've never played hardcore before, I just can't stay dedicated to one job when I do play. Plus, I've just made a new character. My first character was a hume, but I wanted to play something a little more powerful melee wise, so I picked Elvaan. Now, I've just made a new Elvaan.

I'm thinking about just doing DRK/THF to 75. I'm going to force myself to not change jobs until I hit 75. Though.. I might level DRG a bit along the way.

[Ketaru]

People play at different rates. I hear some people like to do things like, rather than taking one job to a high level, take a whole bunch of jobs to level 50 or something.

[Jia]

I played a little bit of it but I didn't really like it.

[Ketaru]

Ah the timing is worse than ever. I really thought, by the time I was back to the game for Spring Break (beginning today), I would get to at least get my SCH AF and look cool in my intellectuals gown, but there is no set date for the update yet, so it likely won't happen over my break.

I weep.

[Porco Rosso]

I know it's still way too early to really be asking this since I just started, but can anyone recommend a good job/subjob combo? My main job is a Warrior, and I was thinking of making the subjob a Monk. Is this a good idea?

I just kind of want to plan ahead. I don't have an insane amount of time to put into the game, and since getting one job to level 75 is inevitably going to take ages, I don't think I'll switch around much, or at all. But since there are extra jobs that can be unlocked via quests and expansions, I was wondering if there were any "upgrades" to previous ones. Like if I'm going to level up the Warrior job for a while, and then I end up unlocking some other one later on, is there a specific similar one I should switch to? Or is staying a Warrior until level 75 perfectly fine?

Sorry if these are dumb questions. I'm still a noob.

[cris]

Wars best sjob is NIN. MNK isn't a good sjob, probably only at very early in the game.

[Lunay]

I remember when Warrior use to sub Monk back in the day, but this was before Zilart and the level cap was 50. The old school players know what I'm talking about.

The question of "which sub-job is the best?" can cause more debate before coming to a conclusion. When somebody asks "which sub-job is the best?", it's natural for me to follow up with a question of my own before I can answer: "For what situation? Experience party? Killing Gods? Timed mission BC fight? etc..".

Since you are talking about leveling up in general, I would assume it's for when you are in a experience party. If so, I would have to go with the majority and say Ninja is your safest bet. The reason being, you get utsusemi (shadows which absorb certain moves and attacks, usually non-AoE) and Dual-Wield. (And who doesn't like dual-wield? ;p ) Just don't be surprised when you see a majority of the front-line jobs sub /Ninja. Hehe.

Other viable sub-jobs for a Warrior in my opinion - whether it be during a EXP PT or outside - which I won't get too deep into, are: /THF; /SAM; /DRG; /MNK; /DNC; /DRK. As you can see, FFXI will allow you to experiment with all of these job combinations. My advice would be to do some research on all of the jobs in FFXI. Find out their abilities/traits/spells and try to figure out how your main job can benefit from it.

@Ketaru - Isn't the update on this monday?

[cris]

I think /SAM would only be good if you're using gaxe, which won't really happen because by the time you get that job ability that enhanced two-handed weapon, you'll have rampage and rampage >> gaxe ws's unless if you're /thf, but with /thf you loose stats which makes a difference in exp pt.

/dnc are usually only good for solo. never tried /drk, but don't see it being useful.

my opinion.

[Lunay]

Exactly. As stated earlier, /NIN will be the safest and most obvious choice during a 'exp pt'. But my point was that a question like "which is the best sub-job" should be narrowed down with "for what situation?". Warrior is a extremely versatile job and can even make a dual-wield Sword work in a merit PT with high percentage in DoT.

The reason why people who are serious about this game level multiple jobs is because it is highly situational and a certain sub-job will shine more than the other at times. I have a friend who is currently a level 72 Red Mage, and the only sub-job he has access for it is Black Mage. Now, you can either say "it's ok! Black Mage is the BESTEST sub-job in the whole wide world, anyway!" OR he can have White Mage, Summoner, and Dark Knight leveled and be more versatile to fit the need of whatever situation that may arise. I don't know about anyone else but I personally think having access to multiple sub-jobs is the way to go.

So, in summary: (I really didn't want to type out my fully detailed opinion on each sub-job, but guess I have no choice :/ ).

/SAM - Sure, G-Axe may not be "OMG dmg" compared to when /THF. But don't forget you get Hasso, Store TP, Zanshin and Meditate. Your single WS may not be higher, but you may do more WSs over time. One bad thing about /SAM is, as Cris noted, a weaker WS.

/THF - Sneak Attack to deal some nice damage with a G-Axe. Trick Attack when 60+, which you can use along with Sneak Attack to deal damage and transfer hate onto your tank so you don't become a MP sponge. One bad thing about /THF might be that you may need cooperation from your fellow PT members to fully utilize SATA/fuidama.

/NIN - Dual-Wield at level 20, Utsusemi:Ichi at level 24. At level 55 (without merit), you get access to Rampage which does awesome damage and is usually Warrior's WS of choice. With Utsusemi, you can avoid becoming a MP sponge compared to other sub-jobs. /NIN is so versatile that is why it is the most popular. One minor con about /NIN is that Utsusemi:Ni isn't available until 74.

/MNK - I think /MNK is not a bad choice (again, depending on your role) until you have Rampage. Focus to raise acc, Boost to increase damage, Dodge to raise evasion, Counter, Max HP Boost, etc.

Other jobs I won't even get into since it's primarily used outside of EXP PT.

And I'm also curious about what stats you lose as a /THF. And is the difference even worth mentioning? O.o

[Naraku]

On the topic of using Ninja, I was also interested in doing Warrior/ninja for the long run. However, I do hear that Ninja is one of the more expensive jobs to use, since you have to buy the tools to cast the Ninjutsu. I'm curious to know from someone who has done ninja just how expensive though. I don't have any jobs over level 40, but I wanted to know how fast you end up going through Shisei for Utsesumi.

I might just end up making Monk my first main, then find some better ways to farm for gil than my current methods. Then, do the ninja later. But I'd still like to know a good estimate of about how much gil I'll be burning on the ninja tools.

[Ketaru]

They didn't update RDM. Damnit...

They did update SCH majorly though.

And they updated BST in a way that I think could've have been improved any further.

But seriously, I want my melee RDM update.

[cris]

East Ronf:
Skogs Fru

Battalia:
La Velue

Grauberg:
Migratory Hippogryph

North Gustaburg:
Gloomanita

Pashow:
Moor Hound
Kinepikwa (very beginning of campaign list could be campaign)

Rollanberry:
Horrid Fluke (maybe fished up listed near fished mobs)
Dyinyinga

Fort K.N.:
Kirtimukha

East Sarutabaruta:
Jeduah

Meriphitaud:
Bloodlapper (at start of campaign list, maybe campaign)

La Vaule:
Hawkeyed Dnatbat
Ashmaker Gotblut
Shatterskull Mippdapp

Beaudeux:
Ea'Tho Cruelheart
Ba'Tho Mercifulheart
Da'Dha Hundredmask

Oztroja:
Odontotyrannus
Duu Masa the Onecut
Zhuu Buxu the Silent
Aa Xalmo the Savage

[cris]

A real manthra

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l162/redshiftofpandy/img_20080312_114027.png

[Lunay]

I went on a hunt for some of the new NMs with much success:

My first Skogs Fru kill dropped both Ladybug Wing and a Ecphoria Ring, which I sold for 200k. But am now 1/6. >.< This NM is getting popular with each passing day.

I am now 3/3 on Kirtimukha, which drops a lvl. 62 Katana called Kogitsunemaru. I sold two of them for 100k each and one currently in the AH. There is literally no competition for this NM. ;p

I'm 0/5 on Jeduah, which is the lowest level out of the new NM list. He drops a lvl.25 Anthos Xiphos.

And tonight, before logging, I decided to see if La Velue was up. I've heard he is possibly a 24+ hr spawn with no PH. Low and behold, he was up and I easily killed him with my lvl.75 Thief, and a lvl.57 Great Katana named Amakura dropped. I'm not sure of the price I should sell my Amakura since none have been placed for sale on my server, so, I sold it to myself on the AH to allow people to send me a tell if they are interested.

Planning on getting a pair of Vicious Mufflers for my BLM friends since it's dropped from a popped NM.

Haven't fought any NMs in the newest areas (La Velue, Beaudeuax, and Castle Oztroja) since tough mobs roam the area and I'm pretty sure I can't solo them.

Campaign is now even more fun than ever, and Retrace rocks!

[ZeroRyoko1974]

On the topic of using Ninja, I was also interested in doing Warrior/ninja for the long run. However, I do hear that Ninja is one of the more expensive jobs to use, since you have to buy the tools to cast the Ninjutsu. I'm curious to know from someone who has done ninja just how expensive though. I don't have any jobs over level 40, but I wanted to know how fast you end up going through Shisei for Utsesumi.

I might just end up making Monk my first main, then find some better ways to farm for gil than my current methods. Then, do the ninja later. But I'd still like to know a good estimate of about how much gil I'll be burning on the ninja tools.

You can quest all the ichi nin spells, Utsu Ni runs about 300k on my server, but it does drop (not often) from a lot of different BCNM). Shihei is running right around 3000 a stack. Pre level 37, if you are sharing hate with another tank, you can probably get away with around a stack or so a level. I don't know about after that, as I have never used Nin since hitting 37. The other tools can vary (I know one, runs about 10k a stack). I really only ever used the blind one, because most fights don't really last long enough to go through all your ichi enfeebles. I want that Shield that drops from Pallas in the past. I been lvling bst mostly lately. Up to 49, going to try and do a 4-3/swift belt run today with LS. Also got a Koenig Shield, and Koenig Schaller for my 75PLD. Did a campaign last night, with Mamapwnsjuu Savages. They had this hydra type mob. No matter how much people beat the thing down, I don't think I ever saw it get below 99%.

[Ketaru]

I'm back from Spring Break! When everybody else was soaking up sun light on the beach, or skiing in Vermont, I was running up and down Pashhow Marshlands [S] trying to beat pretentious like-minded folk like myself to the Indescript Markings or whatever to get my SCH AF.

They buffed Campaign battle. Why? Actually, after seeing the results of the first week, where the players have about 3/4s of the map the beastmen have about 1/4, I actually consider the update a success. We should lose areas sometimes. Yeah, during the first few days, things were rough, people were dying, but it seems that has all turned around in the last 3 days. I've also seen a rise in people working together, but conforming to their own style as they do so. After all, they are soloing. But mages are tossing cures to whoever is tanking the NM and people that can solo are grabbing mobs from the fortification to hold them off until people are down killing the current main target. People won't agree with me, but I actually like the new campaign more, although to be honest, it took a few days getting used to.

By the way, don't lose all of yours areas. As it turns out, cities CAN be attacked if you lose them all (...nation specific I mean).

I bear less gifts than usual. However, I still have a few pictures, not all related to my time at home.

First for "lawls":
http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08121/cunningplanrw3129.jpg

Look at it from far away:
http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08121/pm_shantotto367.jpg

What I've longed for since I left for school again in January...I don't mean the snowmen by the way, but 12 instant storage spaces was awesome too. When I got SCH to 61 and realized one of my friends was wrong when he called it "a gimped BLM", I just died to get my AF, because I'm weird like that. I didn't consider BST a "main job" until I at least got the AF, and I refused to call SCH a "main job" until I got the AF.
http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08121/snowmen116.png

More "lawls":
http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08121/served125.png

http://xs225.xs.to/xs225/08121/intimidated233.png

[Lunay]

Grats on your AF! I really like the way they adjusted Campaign but I guess we have some work to do since most areas are controlled by Beastman now. ;p

I really like the Shantoto mosaics, but I am not getting the screenshot of Sorcerer's Ring.

Yeah, I want a Pallas Shield for my Beastmaster, too, but I would rather try to get it from the actual NM. I am now around 2/12 on Skogs Fru, 5/5 on Kirtimukha, 0/8 on Jeduah, and I recently soloed Dyinyinga twice for Mahant Sandal (2/2). Dyinyinga is quite fun to fight, especially, the first time because he does weird things which can make soloing hard for most DDs. Anyway, I love being Thief and hunting these NMs because I made enough spare gil to finally get me a Boxer's Mantle. Woot!

[cris]

had nothing better to do so started sch yesterday....now i'm 36 and very tired...no more level grinding like back in 2002 again -.-

[Ketaru]

I really like the Shantoto mosaics, but I am not getting the screenshot of Sorcerer's Ring.

Somebody bid 1 gil for it and won.

[cris]

PUPS officially the strongest job now, but will most likely get nerfed soon. Skill chain damage of 7500....

14 PUPS doing WS/SC one by one brought JoL all way from 92% to 19%
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h94/Zz10143478/MandyMM2.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/Psionphoenix/img_20080315_214117.png
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/Darkdoom/03-15-08_2101.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/Psionphoenix/img_20080315_034223.png

[ZeroRyoko1974]

wow, damn.

[Ketaru]

Jeez....

To PUP's "defense" (that is to say, it has a weak point, and I'm saying it shouldn't be nerfed), PUP is still an expensive job to play and, I've heard, quite possibly the job in the game with the most complexities. That and, supposedly, the ability to do that much damage only comes around every 20 minutes.

[Lunay]

Yeah, I saw that first screenshot on one of the threads on Alla, and I immediately thought "nerf". But as I began to understand how they got those e-peen numbers, I began to question whether they can constantly provide those numbers against tougher mobs. Those numbers are put up by 300%TP and your automatons having really low HP. What if you are fighting against a mob with AoE? The Puppet will die.

Regardless, I'm curious to see how effective a Puppetmaster is now, in say a EXP PT, because I'm sure they can still put out some good numbers even if the automaton's HP is say at around 50% HP. I leveled Puppetmaster when it first came out, to level 64, in less than two weeks, and I have always said it had potential to be great while everybody else was saying "lolpup". I'm not sure of the expenses of maintaining the automatons now, but it may just be the right time to try PUP again.

[cris]

Currently, it doesn't get resisted and always pulls 100%. So it will get nerfed by adding / giving it magic resistance formula and won't be able to pull of numbers like these with things like JoL

[Ketaru]

You guys post on Allakhazam? I'm sad to say I do it whenever I'm on break from the game, like now. Almost a sad indicator that, even when I'm not playing, I have to participate somehow.

[cris]

no, i don't go to any ffxi boards.

[Lunay]

Really, Cris? O.o I thought you copy and pasted most of your info from several different forums - like the NM list you posted looked very similar to this (http://www.bluegartrls.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=30936&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30) from BG, and I could've sworn some of those PUP screenshots originated from Alla. I apologize if I'm wrong or if you are being sarcastic, though.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

rawr, got my gaudy harness
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/442/zer080320215455aaj1.jpg

[cris]

I only go to my linkshell forum

[Ketaru]

Congratulations on your Gaudy Harness. One day, I will make the trip to get my own...but for now...

EDIT: On another note, anybody know any other semi popular forums besides Allakhazam or KillingIfrit? I'd post on KillingIfrit because people there seem to be less edgy, but the pages takes 2 years to load. And people on Allakhazam are beginning to piss me off a lot.

[Lunay]

Haha. Sorry about that Cris. I just thought that you frequent some of these forums because you seem to be excited about FFXI news just like we are.

I actually prefer Blue Gartr (http://www.bluegartrls.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=42) over KI or Alla because the people there seem to be more civil (less arguments and less immature comments) and I find most of the stuff quite useful; such as the Wings of the Goddess NM location thread, which I used to capitalize on several NMs before it's popular. (/points at Skogs Fru.)

I liked KI when lots of my peers would post on the Alexander section, but now its dead since there is another site for our drama. And as you mentioned, the loading time. XD

Alla is a mixed bag since there are some interesting discussions there, but you will have to work hard to find it. XD People seem to argue a lot and stray off-topic and whine about why they got rated down.

And grats on your Gaudy Harness, Zero. That body piece is just amazing for BST and you will never leave your Mog House without it. :D Your Beast is looking good. You must be level 50 now because you are still carrying a Monster Signa (and wearing Gaudy). Aren't you glad you'll get to use Light/Apollo's Staff at 51?

[Ketaru]

I actually prefer Blue Gartr over KI or Alla because the people there seem to be more civil (less arguments and less immature comments) and I find most of the stuff quite useful; such as the Wings of the Goddess NM location thread, which I used to capitalize on several NMs before it's popular. (/points at Skogs Fru.)

Actually, I should consider BG. It has a sort of reputation, and I feel like it is mostly for endgame content that has little to do with me. But when I was camping my SCH AF, I actually knew BG was the first place to look if I wanted information on how to get the non-quest portion of the AF. Before I went there, I was killing slugs in Pashhow Marshlands [S] for 2 hours looking for Slug Mucus...only to read BG and find out it's a Key Item.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Just hit 51 this weekend leveling in CN. The lizards were conning mostly EM with a few T and Dec. Also did promivion ENM's. Our group beat dem, wiped on mea, and had problems on holla due to wiping on the 3rd floor. We did take out Cerberator, with a few deaths (one of them being the whm, meh). He has some nasty AOE, so I just stayed back and let my trusty crab familier fight. Also did some Campaign fights, and used the merit point gained to unlock Chivalry. I tried it once, and it seems to give back about 1.5 times tp.

[cris]

what are the blue magics that got updated/added? I only see a complete list, not ones that are new as of last update. Don't want to check through the entire list =-X

[Lunay]

Asuran Claws (Gnole) - 6 hit spell
Spiral Spin (Ladybug) - Lowers acc
Regurgitation (Peiste) - Water damage that binds
Seedspray (Rafflesia) - 3 hit spell that lowers acc and defense
Corrosive Ooze (Slug) - Lowers defense

There is one more spell, I think, which I can't remember right now since I haven't used it much. Plus, I've had several Barleywine beer tonight. XD

[ZeroRyoko1974]

I did a random Nyzul Isle assault last night, and encountered frog song for the first time when we ran into a blm frog who had me and most of the party charmed, slept, and turned into frogs.

[cris]

thanks for the info, and those frogs are also in Mamook...you also see them in West Sarutabaruta [S]

[Lunay]

Poroggo Gents can be pesky. I have done Nyzul Isle several times and I still don't have a single armor from it. Every time it drops a piece I want, I get out lotted. It's still fun seeing familiar NMs roaming around, though.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

I saw a frog prince and his little court of soldiers in a battalia downs campaign. They were npcs.

[Lunay]

If they are anything like the regular Poroggo's, they should kick *** with their magic spells such as Breakga and -gas. It truly sucks to face them in Nyzul Isle floor 80+ because they are such a time killer. It wasn't fun trying to learn Magic Hammer from them, too.

[cris]

Don't forget Death!

[Lunay]

They cast Death too? O.o All of the Poroggos or just Campaign ones?

Wings of the Goddess soundtrack is due out on April 23, supposedly, along with bonus tracks such as the battle music for Alexander.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Alexander? It would be cool, if for those that have beaten Odin, if he would randomly show up like in previous FF and kill a mob for you.

[cris]

regular frog's cast death, not sure of the Salvage ones.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

OMG, Alla has gone beyond ludicrous speed, they have gone Hello Kitty http://ffxi.allakhazam.com

[Lunay]

I wouldn't mind the Hello Kitty theme so much if the colors weren't bright pink, which clashes with certain font colors.

Did you guys see the screenshots of SE's next MMO featured at Alla? It's cuurently going by the name of Project Rapture and features what looks to be Vieras. I'm down for another FF MMO. ＾＾ｂ

[Ketaru]

Allakhazam's color scheme offends the visual sense.

As for the viera screenshots, maybe the game will take place in an Ivalice setting?

Speaking of Ivalice, I'm listening to the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates soundtrack right now. It's composed by Kumi Tanioka, who also composed "Gustaberg" and "Ru'Lude Gardens", and some other stuff I can't remember. Think we'll ever see Hitoshi Sakimoto make any music for Final Fantasy XI? I would really like to see how his style meshes with it. (if you don't know how that relates to Ivalice, Hitoshi Sakimoto composes all the music for the Ivalice-based games, I believe)

[ZeroRyoko1974]

I hope we can migrate characters from FFXI to this new "Rapture" assuming its not a joke.

[cris]

I want WoG to have an ending song like CoP =(

[Naraku]

I've seen some of you guys post screen shots. I play on PC, how do I take a screen shot?

[cris]

Hit....I think HOME then Print Screen, or use Windower

[Naraku]

I know that, but what do I do after that?

[cris]

it saves into the Screenshot folder somewhere in the Playonline folder, I think. Windower one would be int he Windower folder

[Naraku]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Tried for about the fourth time to do COP 4-3 last night. I got so mixed up in that place I don't know which direction I am going (I am very directionally challenged, I constantly lose my car in large parking lots like the airport). Bad things always seem to happen like a stego faking one way and turning the other just as you step out in front, or sneak dropping right in front of a fomor and you have lvl 4 hate. Sneak dropping on the person with one of the keys just as you insert the key that breaks. Your whm rr and a rng taking him out with a popshot from behind after you wipe to an elvaan fomor war who aparently wandered in front of the door we were fighting and with high levels of fomor hate aggrod. I am close to having enough hate for an attempt at the Elvaan NM for swift belt

[Ketaru]

I've seen some of you guys post screen shots. I play on PC, how do I take a screen shot?

http://www.howiesfunware.com/SideBarMiscSoftware.html

I use Howie's Quick Screen Capture Tool.

[cris]

That church place is easier to take off sneak and put sneak on...there aren't a lot of mobs and there are a lot of safe zones (way enough for sneak waring out message, anywhere) to sneak up. Before crossing over any door, stop and move your camera so you can see if the Taurus is there or not. Also , if you don't know directions, just keep going LEFT or RIGHT for every turn, that way you'll eventually end up where you want too with less time.

[Lunay]

Just to add to what Cris already pointed out, Sacrarium maze changes each Vana'diel day, as you can see on this map (http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Sacrarium/Maps) taken from FFXIclopedia.

As for Stego, the weaker ones near the entrance are easy to kill as they are decent challenge. There is also one other weaker Stego in the maze, which will spawn at either I-7 or I-10 (first map). The tougher, incredibly tough ones, which spawn at the two intersections on the second map, are actually easy to avoid, as long you "wait for a fresh turn". But it's easier said than done when traveling as a large group.

The room with Keremet (PM4-3 Sealion Key) has two Stegos also, but are easy to avoid since the room is huge. I have soloed the NM many times with my Beastmaster using decent challenge bats in the room. It's quite easy as long as you recycle the pets. So, you may want to try it if you still need the key.

Nothing to say to someone getting fomor aggro while trading the key since the same thing happened to my teammate last week, as we were helping with PM4-3. But as Cris said, there are plenty of safe spots to reapply sneak.

As for the Swift Belt NM, a couple of Beastmasters should be able to duo it (trio to be safe since its an Elvaan). If you have a hume friend, that one is easily duoable for sure since I have done it many times. Good luck with the belt. I personally went near 1/9 and I've cried and whined many times before it finally dropped for me.

[Ketaru]

Yeah, because banning all those mule accounts bought for $3 and then inflating the numbers because they're not held accountable for accuracy is having a huge effect, right? You're probably one of those brainwashed into thinking inflation = bad, right?

The RMT countermeasures have been SO EFFECTIVE:
RMT are fishing rusty caps, bothering absolutely no one -> remove rusty cap profitability.
Rusty caps no longer profitable -> RMT start botting stroper chymes, serket, etc.
RMT MPK players and players MPK RMT -> remove MPK so RMT can bot their NMs more peacefully
Remove NM profitability -> RMT bot different NMs and start farming
Put 1M cap on delivery box -> RMT aren't affected at all, normal players inconvenienced
Ban RMT banks -> economy crashes
Ban RMT farmers -> RMT start using keyloggers to steal accounts
Do absolutely nothing about stolen accounts -> ??? -> Profit!

There you have it. Every time SE makes a pathetic attempt at "stopping" RMT, they force it to evolve into a more malicious form. Each and every time, legitimate players are affected worse than RMT are.

I happen to think the person who posted this is pretentious and snobbish most of the time. But I thought he made an interesting point about all of SE's so-called countermeasures to the RMT. RMT are inconvenienced for maybe a week, whereas everybody else feels the effects for the rest of time.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

that is pretty interesting. They must be making enough money to keep trying to come back. You would think they would just move on to another game.

[cris]

"Ban RMT banks -> economy crashes
Ban RMT farmers -> RMT start using keyloggers to steal accounts"


Economy didn't crash, it went back to normal
Keyloggers aren't done by RMT, it's done by people who has grudge against you

[Bezerker]

Every account they ban means they're losing out on $12. In the last year they've banned around 67,000 accounts meaning that they lost out on up to $804,000.

If they want to be really smart, they'll sell items that let you gain levels, level your skills, and gil through a storefront. POL & the RMT's would keep competing back and forth for lower prices until the entire service is flooded with cheap gil, making everyone happy, unless you dont have real $ to spend on an online game, lol.

[cris]

I like the Gil situation at is, don't need another inflation

[Lunay]

When will people realize that RMT would not exist if it weren't for players who can't figure out how to make gil (or are too lazy, don't have time, insert excuse here). Then again, like with all other MMO, there will always be people who purchase gil which is very unfortunate.

Berzerker's idea of competing with RMT by SE selling official gil through their store would probably work, but the economy will be a huge mess. The meaning of earning for your gil and items will really be gone then.

Another solution is to make the game less AH oriented, but it's kind of too late for that now. This is why I love events such as Salvage, Nyzul Isle, Dynamis, etc. I'm all for more rare/ex items, but as we all know, inventory space is also an issue.

SE needs to crank up their RMT strictness a notch because its policy is light compared to games such as WoW and Lineage. Although, I am happy of the fact that they have it more under controlled now compared to the past; I haven't had a problem with RMT for a while now. But let's face it. RMT will always be around.

[Ketaru]

Another solution is to make the game less AH oriented, but it's kind of too late for that now. This is why I love events such as Salvage, Nyzul Isle, Dynamis, etc. I'm all for more rare/ex items, but as we all know, inventory space is also an issue.

I for one am a fan of Assault gear. Some of it is really good gear, and they're some examples of gear that anybody can get through time devotion (but not the sort that is luck-oriented). The sad part is that not every job has a set for them (Hi, BLU! Even RDM can use the Pahluwan set.) I think the game, overall, would be a happier game if more gear can be gotten in such a manner.

[Naraku]

I for one am a fan of Assault gear. Some of it is really good gear, and they're some examples of gear that anybody can get through time devotion (but not the sort that is luck-oriented). The sad part is that not every job has a set for them (Hi, BLU! Even RDM can use the Pahluwan set.) I think the game, overall, would be a happier game if more gear can be gotten in such a manner.

You're saying that having a super low drop rate on some 'godly' items is a good thing? I'd have to disagree. All that does is cause more pain, and more time than the current system that Final Fantasy XI has.

[Ketaru]

You're saying that having a super low drop rate on some 'godly' items is a good thing? I'd have to disagree. All that does is cause more pain, and more time than the current system that Final Fantasy XI has.

...What are you talking about? Are we even playing the same game? Yigit? Pahluwan? Amir? Do these sound familiar to you?

[Lunay]

I think, Naraku was trying to quote my comment of "I love Salvage/Nyzul Isle" because "the super low drop rate on some 'godly' items" is a perfect fit. (>.<)

I can't believe I forgot to mention Assault because, as when it first came out, and even now, I believe that SE is onto something good with that sort of system. No competition, free tag(s), earned points and items. Not much to complain about! (Besides the fact that BLU cannot wear Pahluwan, which has crossed my mind, also. But they do get Homam, at least.. Limbus.. that is another topic. And the First Lieutenant items are somewhat dissapointing, maybe, because I'm not a fan of enchantment items. But still.)

[Prons]

So after like a month of saying "Im gonna play tonight" I actually loaded up ffxi and killed a couple monsters, waiting for a new tank.

I love how bard can hear the battle music now.

I also notice it takes a month for me to forget what every single song does. XD

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Tried to do ENM sheep in antlions clothing. Kept falling off the damn mountain trying to get miasma filter. Got fed up so I used a warp scroll and signed off for the night. I really hate that stupid mountain.

[cris]

Just walk towards the wall as your directing the character

basically if the wall (the mountain) is on the West and yo uwant to head North, put your walking direction North West, so you're not only walking north but you're also pushing yourself into the wall

[Prons]

I'm do close to bard level 42 it's threatening to call the cops

[Lunay]

Haha! I hate that mountain myself just because it can be time consuming to go up. But the ENM in Boneyard Gully for Blau Dolch is too sexy to pass up. We even had 2 Blau Dolchs drop from one run once. We were shocked.

Glad to see you back playing FFXI again, Prons.

[Prons]

Japanese guy: Hey I gotta go make dinner
Prons: WTF you're japanese, why not just have your mom leave dinner at your door like that book world war z?
Japanese guy: I make my own food
Prons: Oh great why'd I chose to play with the only Japanese guy who doesn't live with his parents?!
Bandwagoner: Hey I wanna go too
Prons: NO I ONLY HAVE TWO THOUSAND EXPERIENCE LEFT TILL LEVEL 43.
tarutaru: Don't worry Prons, we can duo that last 900.
Prons: o okay.

Later Prons and Taru Taru are lying dead near the entrence, and the TAruTaru says "I don't know what wrong."

That said it was actually a great party, even though it took a long time to get together the experience was super fast. It was just such a pity to see it end.

[Ketaru]

Later Prons and Taru Taru are lying dead near the entrence, and the TAruTaru says "I don't know what wrong."

BRD is awesome in a 6 person party. Not such a great duo partner, honestly. ^_^

[Lunay]

Maybe not during the low levels for EXP. Many of you might be aware of this, but the combination of NIN+BRD/THF+BRD can go a long way when hunting certain NMs. Add a RDM to the mix and you have a fantastic trio!

I really liked your story, Prons. :lol: Even though I felt that was directed at me since I am part Japanese and I do have spelling/grammar/punctuation problems. It's all good because your humor is always appreciated. (^.^)

The scary part of that story is the fact that Parasite Single (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_single) is probably still common in Japan. Although, as the article states, it is not only in Japan but also in Europe. I have a hikikomori friend in FFXI, also. But that's another topic.

[cris]

NIN/BRD still works well? i thought they took out the enmity from mazurka

[Lunay]

I was referring to Ninja & Bard or Thief & Bard as a duo; add a Red Mage for a trio. (Can you say Chary?). I brought it up because they were discussing duoing (two jobs). But yeah, Mazurka tanking as a Bard/nin was quite an experience!

[Ketaru]

I was referring to Ninja & Bard or Thief & Bard as a duo; add a Red Mage for a trio. (Can you say Chary?). I brought it up because they were discussing duoing (two jobs). But yeah, Mazurka tanking as a Bard/nin was quite an experience!

Ah right, evasion tanking...I was thinking for low-man EXP party.

[Prons]

I really liked your story, Prons. :lol: Even though I felt that was directed at me since I am part Japanese and I do have spelling/grammar/punctuation problems. It's all good because your humor is always appreciated. (^.^)


IN fact it was a little bit of the opposite, it was them in perfect Japanese and me in broken Japanese :elvis:.

Say Lunay, do you reckon the Japanese people on FFXI understand romaji? Because I keep trying to make polite conversation with the Japanese in FFXI but they don't seem to be interested in Pronsifictaions. :(

We had an interesting party day before yesterday, it was two bards, a blm, and the rest were like tanks and damage dealers. It went really sweet.

Also I got a new link shell, I gott admit one of the reasons I took that month off was because my link shell evaporated and nothing feels more claustrophobic than an MMO without other people.

Did I mention the game is a million times better now that bards can hear the music? Like I'm sitting here, and then the theme music starts piping up and I know it's time for Bard VS Exoray in hand to hand combat. ;)

[Lunay]

Of course they know romaji.. but some, if not most, are not interested in romaji and prefer actual Japanese. But if you explain to them that you can understand and read Japanese, I'm sure they will be glad to open up to you. (^.^) Sadly, some are just stubborn, JP or NA or whatever and there is nothing you can do. :/ Sad but true.

[Prons]

So while we're talking about that, these last two days I haven't been able to level becuase I've been waking up at strange times. It's about 3 am right now and I notice it's sort of a waste of effort to be standing around for hours waiting for party.

So any suggestions of what a level 42ish bard can do? Sing songs for money? Fish in Port Jeuno? It's not like I can really solo or anything at this level

[cris]

Not every Japanese understands Romanji actually... and some prefer not to read it cause it is...well annoying (as mentioned earlier)

[Prons]

Hey it's prons and he's level forty five. :D

[Naraku]

Hey it's prons and he's level forty five. :D

Nice, I just got level 45 a few days ago. Haven't leveled since then, I've been trying to make money for the Luisant set. I've got the body and hands, only need like 30k more for the feet then I'd be satisfied.

[Prons]

So guys, right now I'm in the altepa desert, any idea where I'll be going to party post 50? and post limit break which I'm really dreading.

It's cool that I'm now higher level then my white mage (WHM 44)

[Lunay]

I sometimes use Campsitarus (http://campsitarus.blogspot.com/) as a reference for camps. But without looking at it, I can tell you that Garlaige Citadel bats (basement) is probably good at 50 and Beetles/Anticans at Quicksand Caves. At 52 or 53 though, you can probably do Lesser Colibri in Wajma-callit Woodlands or Bhaflet Thickets. I'm going by memory so take it lightly.

The first genkai (romaji! haha) is really easy. As you may already know, 3 items are needed: Mold in Crawler's Nest which is dropped from Exoray; Coal in Garlaige Citadel which is dropped from Bombs behind the first gate; and a Papyrus which is dropped from Lich in the Eldieme Necropolis.

Roaming around Garlaige Citadel 'was' such a pain in the you know what since you need 4 people to open the gates. But that isn't a problem anymore ever since WoG was released, since you can easily get behind the first gate by going through Garlaige Citadel [S] or using the "flower trick", which can warp you up stairs by trading flowers.

The Lichs in the Eldieme Necropolis can be found on the regular floor, but there are more underground near the ??? you click on for one of the WHM Teleport-scroll quest.

The Exorays are found around the donut area map (the area with the ever so popular so-called hidden path which leads to the Strange Apparatus).

Trying to earn gil as a Bard? Maybe try farming Silk Threads? Bee Chips? Tree Cuttings?

[Prons]

Well but when can I do the limit break quest?

And the thing about farming is... I'm kind of... well my highest jobs are level 46 (Oorah) bard, and 44 white mage. It's not like I can kill monsters. How can a bard kill monsters on it's own? Sing jimmy buffet until they kill themselves?

Maybe I should consider leveling thf up again so I can get the monez?

[Naraku]

Well but when can I do the limit break quest?

And the thing about farming is... I'm kind of... well my highest jobs are level 46 (Oorah) bard, and 44 white mage. It's not like I can kill monsters. How can a bard kill monsters on it's own? Sing jimmy buffet until they kill themselves?

Maybe I should consider leveling thf up again so I can get the monez?

You should get thief to at least level 15 for treasure hunter, increases drop rates on items. I don't know about your server, but Honey, Beehive Chips and Silk threads sell for pretty decent gil per stack. I just go to East Sarutabaruta, and I kill Crawlers for the Silk, and Giant Bees for beehive chips and honey. Also, a notorious Crawler named Spiny Spipi spawns in this area which drops an item called Mist Silk Cape, which can sell for good gil. That's what I do.