Devin Gaughan

Call me... Snow.

2013-11-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

Ifrit's Blade, Ifrit Attempt No. 999

2013-11-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

Darklight and Valor

2013-11-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

So I Herd U Leik Charmanderz

2013-10-22T02:05:00.001-07:00

Pokémon Adventures in Kalos!

2013-10-16T20:07:00.001-07:00

Final Fantasy XIV - Is It Making Progress?

2011-04-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

Final Fantasy XIV has been out for quite some time now, and with its unfortunately underwhelming state at launch, few people seem interested in playing it as a serious MMO. With all of the recent additions and improvements, however, it seems the potential is slowly coming back into view. But is the game playable yet? Or does it still have a long way to go? Which of the many improvements do you find most beneficial to the game, and which changes are you most looking forward to in the future?

An Important Announcement for Final Fantasy XIV Fans

2010-12-09T23:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of FINAL FANTASY XIV.

While more than two months have passed since the official launch of FINAL FANTASY XIV service, we deeply regret that the game has yet to achieve the level of enjoyability that FINAL FANTASY fans have come to expect from the franchise, and for this we offer our sincerest of apologies.

After thorough deliberation on how to meet those expectations, it was decided that the most viable step was to approach improvements under new leadership and with a restructured team.

To realize this vision, and in doing so, provide our customers with a better game experience, we have assembled our company's top talent and resources. Taking over the role of producer and director is Naoki Yoshida, a passionate individual for whom customer satisfaction has always taken top priority. Not only is he one of our Group's most accomplished and experienced members, Naoki Yoshida is also a charismatic leader possessing the skill to bring together and effectively helm a team which encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. We also welcome several new leaders handpicked from other projects to work with the existing talent on FINAL FANTASY XIV.

We realize time is of the essence and are fully determined to provide our customers with quality service. It is because of this that we ask our customers to be patient until we are able to confidently present them with a concrete plan outlining FINAL FANTASY XIV's new direction. The free trial period will be extended until that time.

Regarding the PlayStation 3, it is not our wish to release a simple conversion of the Windows version in its current state, but rather an update that includes all the improvements we have planned. For that reason, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of the PlayStation 3 version beyond the originally announced date of March 2011.

The FINAL FANTASY XIV team is working hard to bring our customers an unparalleled adventure, and we ask for your continued understanding and support as we march ever diligently towards that goal.

President and CEO, Yoichi Wada

The development and management teams would like to make an announcement regarding personnel changes.

[Organizational Changes to the Development Team]
To improve the service of FINAL FANTASY XIV, Square Enix has made the following changes to the development team:

Managerial Changes

Producer/Director
Naoki Yoshida

Section Leader Changes

Assistant Director
Shintaro Tamai (FINAL FANTASY X, Front Mission 5: Scars of the War)

Lead Game Designer
Nobuaki Komoto (FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY XI)

Lead Combat System Designer
Akihiko Matsui (FINAL FANTASY XI)

Technical Advisor
Yoshihisa Hashimoto (Next Generation Game Engine Development)

Lead Programmer
Hideyuki Kasuga (FINAL FANTASY XI, DIRGE OF CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)

Senior Concept Artist
Akihiko Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)

Lead Artist
Hiroshi Takai (FINAL FANTASY XI, THE LAST REMNANT)

Lead UI Designer/Lead Web Designer
Hiroshi Minagawa (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)

These members will make up the development team's new core-a core dedicated to ensuring we achieve a level of enjoyability that will more than satisfy our customers. Under a schedule of more frequent version updates, the new leaders and their respective sections will strive for continued improvements to FINAL FANTASY XIV service operation and development.

[Extension of the Free Trial Period]
As stated above, the newly restructured team's top priority is to bring about improvements to the game's enjoyability, and therefore we have decided to extend the free trial period until we can provide a plan that outlines a level of enjoyment that will satisfy both us and our customers. When we are confident that we have reached that goal, we will notify our customers immediately.

[Future Version Updates]
At present, the development team is putting the finishing touches on the previously announced version update, which is still slated for release in mid-December. In addition, there is one more version update scheduled for release before year's end. Details on the content and dates of these updates will be released in the near future.

[Delay of the PlayStation 3 Version Release]
Although the release date for the PlayStation 3 version of the game was previously announced as late March of 2011, we regret to inform that this date has been changed.

The PlayStation 3 release will be delayed until we are confident that the game has reached the level of enjoyability and service befitting the FINAL FANTASY name for users on all supported platforms. We offer our sincerest apologies to any fans anticipating the PlayStation 3 release, and humbly ask for your continued patience and understanding as both the development team and Square Enix as a whole strive towards making FINAL FANTASY XIV a truly enjoyable and unforgettable adventure.

[New Development Team Policy]
I would like to take this opportunity to greet all of you—those currently playing FINAL FANTASY XIV, those who have taken a respite from playing, and those awaiting the PlayStation 3 release—and offer a brief word by way of an introduction.

No doubt there are very few, if any, among you who have ever heard the name Naoki Yoshida. To be sure, I have never been in the fore on any of the titles I have worked on in the past. I am, however, honored and privileged to work alongside many talented and inspiring colleagues, and with their support have enjoyed making games for a number of years. I am aware that a great many people will think the responsibility of leading FINAL FANTASY XIV is far too large a task for someone so unknown. After all, even my very best may seem no more than a drop in the bucket when considering the sheer scope of FINAL FANTASY XIV. But working together with me are the very talented and very capable development and management teams, whose dedication and motivation are unwavering. I would like to ask you to please put to rest uncertainties that you may have.

Now, more than ever, myself, the development team, and Square Enix as a whole, are committed to furthering our efforts to provide a quality service.

Everything we do will be for our players and customers.

FINAL FANTASY XIV Producer/Director, Naoki Yoshida

First of all, I would like to apologize for our inability to fully satisfy our users with the initial release of FINAL FANTASY XIV. I take full responsibility for the game's current situation, and have therefore made the decision to step down from my role as producer. A number of concerns that have been voiced by users, such as the design of the user interface, availability of tutorials and game content, and battle system functionality, represent key issues that must be addressed. While improvements are already well underway in many areas, we were unfortunately not able to incorporate player feedback as quickly as we would have liked. We are aware, however, that in many cases, addressing these issues will call for a reworking of game elements. As these changes are our first priority, they will be commanding our full attention and efforts. It is to that end that we have put a new organizational structure into place for the development team. Under this new system, FINAL FANTASY XIV will see changes and additions in line with the desires and expectations of players. Though no longer producer, I will be continuing to support the development team in other capacities, and personally hope that you will continue your adventures in the realm of Eorzea.

Hiromichi Tanaka

Original source can be found here.

Notorious Monsters - Drake's Misfortune - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Zanig'oh

An alchemically enhanced biological weapon prototype spawned deep within the bowels of the Amalj'aa stronghold of Pagl'than, Zanig'oh is far more dangerous than its scalekin cousins in the wild, or even those drakes trained for war by the beast tribe, and therefore has been deemed an imminent threat to the royal sultanate of Ul'dah. Spikes affixed to its four legs keep the creature in constant pain, multiplying its ferocity on the battlefield, while powerful wards branded into its already-thick scales serve to further increase its resistance to even the most potent of magicks.

Operation: Bloody Scales The past moons have seen a significant rise in the number of armored caravans being laid to waste by some terrible, unidentified foe. According to intelligence gathered by agents of the Horn and Hand, most of the bodies found among the wreckage have been inflicted with a profuse number of bites, cuts, and burns akin to those found on victims of drake attacks. Some of the victims, however, exhibit bane-sores of a differing variety—these coming from what appear to be swords or spears. This has led the Brotherhood of the Broken Blade to believe that these unfortunate incidents are not merely random attacks by wild creatures, but precisely orchestrated assaults by the Amalj'aa to disrupt the flow of goods into Ul'dah. Brave volunteers are sought to embark on a mission to prove once and for all that the desert tribe is behind the attacks.
Levequest Location Broken Water

Those who are successful in slaying Zanig'oh will be rewarded with a special item known as an Allagan runestone. There are a dozen in all, each representing one of the twelve deities who watch over the peoples of Eorzea. Rumor has that in Ul'dah resides a young trader named Rowena who seeks these rare stones and is offering pieces of finely crafted equipment in exchange.

The following is an example of some of the items available for barter:

Buccaneer Attire

These fashionable accouterments crafted from lightweight, water-resistant materials are the perfect accent to the active lifestyle of today's modern swashbuckler.

Favors: Disciples of War Optimal Rank: 47		Runestone Required
	Buccaneer's Tricorne Defense 53 Magic Defense 68 Evasion 18 Resilience 61 HP: +24 INT: +3 Elemental Resistances: +24	Allagan Runestone - Azeyma
	Buccaneer's Shirt Defense 85 Magic Defense 80 Evasion 35 Resilience 50 MND: +1 PIE: +2 Gathering: +18 Craftsmanship: +20 Elemental Resistances: +33	Allagan Runestone - Althyk
	Buccaneer's Boots Defense 36 Magic Defense 59 Evasion 36 Resilience 47 DEX: +1 Elemental Resistances: +15 Defense 36 Magic Defense 59 Evasion 36 Resilience 47 DEX: +1 Elemental Resistances: +15	Allagan Runestone - Menphina
	Buccaneer's Sash Defense 17 Magic Defense 17 Evasion 8 Resilience 17 Perception: +14 Elemental Resistances: +6	Allagan Runestone - Thaliak

* The aforementioned items are still under development and may change before the time of their release.

Mini Q&A

So far you have only mentioned NMs featured in levequests. Will there be any notorious monsters freely roaming the fields and forests of Eorzea?

Most definitely! And a topics post covering these new NMs is on its way.

Original source can be viewed here.

Notorious Monsters - Where the Buffalo Roam - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-12-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

Tarbh Uisge

One of the last great buffalo of Vylbrand, Tarbh Uisge was captured while still a calf by an ambitious mummer and trained to entertain audiences around Eorzea. Repeated application of stimulatory and suppressive magicks, however, have slowly eaten away at the beast's sanity, rendering it violent and unpredictable. After its capture nearly a decade ago, Tarbh Uisge was imprisoned on a remote island in the Rhotano Sea and soon forgotten by all...

Wanted: Tarbh Uisge Not long ago, Mathistien of the Cloven Hoof and his traveling grotesquery was one of the realm's most popular exhibitions. People would flock from all around the countryside to see such spectacles as the two-headed nannygoat, the hairless phurble, and the show's main attraction—the colossal Tarbh Uisge. However, it was not until after the giant creature broke loose from its fetters and trampled through Limsa Lominsa, starting a fire that destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed countless innocent citizens, including two high-ranking thalassocratic officials, that it was revealed that Mathistien was actually an assassin for the Zer'maat Five. Needless to say, the mummer was promptly arrested and exiled to a lonely island prison in the Cieldalaes, where he has remained in solitude for the past ten years...or so we thought, for lately there have been rumors that the assassin has fled his island prison and is not only back on Vylbrand, but has brought with him his loyal pet, Tarbh Uisge. Azeyma's Shields is certain that this is the work of the Zer'maat Five, and will stop at nothing to recapture this dangerous criminal and bring him back to justice.
Levequest Location Bloodshore

Those who are successful in slaying Tarbh Uisge will be rewarded with a special item known as an Allagan runestone. There are a dozen in all, each representing one of the twelve deities who watch over the peoples of Eorzea. Rumor has that in Ul'dah resides a young trader named Rowena who seeks these rare stones and is offering pieces of finely crafted equipment in exchange.

The following is an example of some of the items available for barter:

Templar Armor

Worn by Ishgardian temple knights who have pledged their lives in service of the Fury, this suit of stunning silver plate and chain is an breathtaking display of master craftsmanship.

Favors: GLA MRD LNC ARM MIN Optimal Rank: 49		Runestone Required
	Templar's Chain Coif Defense 67 Magic Defense 56 Evasion 12 Resilience 63 HP: +30 DEX: +3 Elemental Resistances: +18	Allagan Runestone - Byregot
	Templar's Haubergeon Defense 130 Magic Defense 78 Evasion 28 Resilience 63 STR: +8 DEX: +4 Elemental Resistances: +23	Allagan Runestone - Rhalgr
	Templar's Sollerets Defense 50 Magic Defense 50 Evasion 20 Resilience 52 STR: +1 Elemental Resistances: +12	Allagan Runestone - Llymlaen
	Templar's Tassets Defense 17 Magic Defense 16 Evasion 7 Resilience 16 HP: +14 MP: +6 Elemental Resistances: +7	Allagan Runestone - Halone

* The aforementioned items are still under development and may change before the time of their release.

Original source can be found here.

A Beginner's Guide to Eorzea - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-12-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

A Beginner's Guide to Eorzea (12/06/2010)

This week's Q&A session seeks to assist newcomers to Eorzea by covering the basics of setting actions to the action bar.

Read the Q&A.

The Version Update Is Here! - Final Fantasy XI

2010-12-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

The Version Update Is Here! (12/06/2010)

We are proud to announce the arrival of the December version update, featuring "Heroes of Abyssea," the third installment in the Abyssea series of battle area add-ons. Not to be outdone, the Wings of the Goddess expansion also takes center stage with the concluding missions to its emotion-charged storyline.

Other notable additions include the raising of the level cap to 90, a plethora of new job abilities and spells to accompany this increase, additional storage features, charming job emotions, and the list goes on.

Read on to peruse the list of changes in its entirety.

Additions and Adjustments Galore! - Final Fantasy XI

2010-12-06T12:01:00.001-08:00

Additions and Adjustments Galore! (12/06/2010)

Along with the wealth of other new features previewed in this space, the soon-to-be-released version update will usher in a host of additions and adjustments to existing content such as Trial of the Magians, Walk of Echoes, and Abyssea areas. Even old favorites like Dynamis and Einherjar will see drop rate adjustments and other refinements designed to make them more rewarding than ever!

Read on for the details.

Ask the Devs! - Faction Leves - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-12-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

The development and management teams continue to address the questions and concerns of the community in an ongoing FAQ. The topic addressed this time around is faction leves.

Faction Leves

What are faction leves?

Faction leves are special types of guildleves that are obtained in exchange for a currency known as faction credits. Faction levequests are typically more difficult than their regional levequest counterparts, but offer greater rewards.

How do I earn faction credits?

Faction credits are awarded upon successful completion of regional levequests. Players can learn which of the factions credits will be awarded by viewing a guildleve's details before accepting it.

What are the prerequisite conditions for undertaking a faction leve?

A rank 20 faction leve, for example, can be purchased by a rank 10 player with at least 100 credits with any faction. Players should keep in mind, however, that faction leves are counted together with regional leves. This means that a player who has already ordered the maximum of 8 regional leves cannot obtain a faction leve until the next guildleve reset.

I thirst for more faction leves. They will be mine, or I will see this Eorzea turned to ash! What must I do?

When ranks 10, 20, and 30 are attained, the number of faction leves recommended for ranks 20, 30, and 40 that are available to a player will increase, respectively. In addition, completion of these levequests serves to unlock still more faction leves.

November Version Update

My regional levequest ended all of a sudden while I was in transit. Why did this happen to me?

In order to improve server load-balancing and alleviate lag, the November version update introduced a system that splits existing areas into several sub-areas. As a result, the effective "ranges" of regional guildleves have become smaller, and some players may be exiting a levequest's area without intending to do so. We apologize for any inconvenience this change has caused.
* Click on the map to enlarge it.
* The portions outlined in red are the borders of the area.

Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks

Limsa Lominsa Upper Deckss

Lower La Noscea

Eastern La Noscea

Western La Noscea

Gridania

Central Forest

North Forest

West Forest

Ul'dah

Central Thanalan

Eastern Thanalan

Western Thanalan

Original source can be found here.

Job Adjustments - Final Fantasy XI

2010-12-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Job Adjustments (12/03/2010)

In addition to the copious new abilities and spells previously announced on this space, the fast-approaching version update will usher in a host of job adjustments.

The following adjustments will be made to job abilities:

- The effectiveness of the THF job trait "Treasure Hunter" will occasionally increase with each melee attack landed. Further, damage dealt with either the "Sneak Attack" or "Trick Attack" ability will have a greater likelihood of enhancing this trait.
*Effect active only when main job is set to THF.

- Thieves will learn the job trait "Treasure Hunter III" upon attaining level 90.

- The beastmaster ability "Call Beast" will receive the following new jugs:
Razor Brain Broth / Mellow Bird Broth / Savage Mole Broth

- The beastmaster ability "Reward" will receive the following new pet food:
Pet Food Eta

- Elemental ninjutsu damage will increase based on ninjutsu skill.
*Effect active only when main job is set to NIN.

- The following ninja tools will be added:
Inoshishinofuda: Used to cast any elemental ninjutsu
Shikanofuda: Used to cast any self-enhancing ninjutsu
Chonofuda: Used to cast any foe-damaging ninjutsu
*These universal tools will be usable only when main job is set to NIN.
*Ninjutsu-specific tools will be expended first for those who possess them.
*The table below outlines tool usage when under the effect of the ninja ability "Futae." The numbers indicate the amount of an applicable tool currently in possession.

		Ninjutsu-specific Tool
		0	1	2 or more
Universal Tool	0	-	x	S
	1	x	x	S
	2 or more	U	x	S

S: Two ninjutsu-specific tools will be expended.
U: Two universal tools will be expended.
x: Futae will fail to activate and its effect will be canceled.

- The "Trump Card" item, imbued with the energies of all elements, will be added for the corsair ability "Quick Draw."
*This card will be usable only when main job is set to COR.
*Element-specific cards will be expended first for those who possess them.

- The level at which the dancer ability "Curing Waltz III" is acquired will be lowered from 50 to 45.

- Scholars will become able to store an extra Stratagem charge (for a maximum of five) upon attaining level 90.

- The effectiveness of the scholar ability "Sublimation" in converting HP to MP will increase based on level.
Lv.35: 2HP => 2MP
Lv.45: 2HP => 3MP
Lv.55: 2HP => 4MP
Lv.65: 2HP => 5MP
Lv.75: 2HP => 6MP
Lv.85: 2HP => 7MP

The following abilities will be subject to restrictions when used in the capacity of support job:

- The thief ability "Hide" will not break the attention of enemies already targeting the user.
- The ranger ability "Velocity Shot" will be unavailable.

Original source can be found here.

Update to the Lodestone - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-12-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

The FINAL FANTASY XIV Lodestone will be undergoing an update that will usher in a number of new changes. Among these will be the introduction of linkshell pages—areas that allow linkshell members to easily communicate and share information with one another. There will also be significant improvements made to the blog search function.

Linkshell Pages

Linkshell pages have been designed to put fellow linkshell members in close contact and provide them with the means to share with one another whatever information they so choose. To this end, two of the primary features that will be made available for use are a complete list of linkshell members, and a private forum that can be used for anything from scheduling in-game events to RPing a forbidden Roegadyn and Lalafell romance.

* Administrative privileges of forums will be given to the linkshell master and leaders.

Example of a linkshell page

Member List

Searching Blogs

Lodestone blog searches can now be tailored using World and language variables. The New Posts portion of a user's My Site page can also be set to display entries using these same World and language settings.

* Users must be logged into the Lodestone to access My Site. Select Log In in the upper left portion of the screen to do so.

Together with the implementation of today's update, the Lodestone will also be undergoing routine maintenance. The exact times of this maintenance will be announced shortly in an Information post.

Original source can be viewed here.

Notorious Monsters - First Blood - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-12-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

Deadeyes

Deep within the shadows of the Black Shroud lurks a wolf so fearsome, so terrifying, so unnatural, that local villagers have little choice but to cower in their homes, lest they become his next victim. Legends call the beast Deadeyes, and he is unlike any creature the forest has ever seen. As alpha male, he exhibits the cunning and composure of an army general while leading his pack of slavering minions through the region, showing mo mercy to those unfortunate enough to fall in their path. There has been many a proud hunter boast he will be the one to finally capture Deadeyes, but as of yet, none have survived to fulfill that claim...

Operation: Wolfsbane Recently, there have been numerous reports of a pack of bloodthirsty wolves attacking farmsteads deep within in the Black Shroud. According to eyewitness accounts, the pack is led by a ferocious alpha male with glowing red eyes, and the attacks have been conducted with a military-like precision unlike anything ever seen in the wild. The Brotherhood of the Broken Blade is calling upon its loyal brothers and sisters to join in the patrolling of frequently attacked areas, not only in order to protect the lives of those living there, but also to determine once and for all who is truly behind these assaults.
Levequest Location Treespeak

Those who are successful in slaying Deadeyes will be rewarded with a special item known as an Allagan runestone. There are a dozen in all, each representing one of the twelve deities who watch over the peoples of Eorzea. Rumor has that in Ul'dah resides a young trader who seeks these rare stones and is offering pieces of finely crafted equipment in exchange.

The following is an example of some of the items available for barter:

Harlequin Attire

Crafted for use by jongleurs, magicians, and other performing artists, this lightweight armor provides protection while still allowing the wearer freedom of movement. An extra layer of arcane wards woven into the cloth not only gives a boost to defense against maleficent enchantments, but also improves versatility with magic.

Favors: Discipline of Magic Optimal Rank: 50		Runestone Required
	Harlequin's Cap Defense 42 Magic Defense 89 Evasion 16 Resilience 64 MND: +4 PIE: +4 Elemental Resistances: +31	Allagan Runestone - Nophica
	Harlequin's Acton Defense 116 Magic Defense 90 Evasion 33 Resilience 63 HP: +54 MP: +54 Elemental Resistances: +34	Allagan Runestone - Nald'thal
	Harlequin's Tights Defense 66 Magic Defense 52 Evasion 33 Resilience 63 INT: +2 MND: +2 Craftsmanship: +12 Elemental Resistances: +36	Allagan Runestone - Nymeia
	Harlequin's Belt Defense 18 Magic Defense 16 Evasion 8 Resilience 17 Elemental Resistances: +7	Allagan Runestone - Oschon

*The aforementioned items are still under development and may change before the time of their release.

More exciting information on notorious monsters is will be made available in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Original source can be seen here.

The Mercury Keeps Rising - Level Cap to Be Increase - Final Fantasy XI

2010-12-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Mercury Keeps Rising: Level Cap to Be Increased! (12/01/2010)

The mercury is set to climb to flesh-searing heights with the further lifting of the level cap in the impending version update. Maximum character level will rise from 85 to 90, and this change will be accompanied by a host of new abilities, traits, and spells to complement the existing arsenal. Furthermore, to ensure that it won't be lonely for adventurers who reach these newfound heights, certain Wings of the Goddess areas will also undergo adjustments in monster level and distribution.

The following new job abilities will be added:

Blood Rage (WAR Lv.87 Ability Delay: 5 min. Effect Duration: 30 sec.)
Enhances critical hit rate and critical hit damage for party members within area of effect.

Impetus (MNK Lv.88 Ability Delay: 5 min. Effect Duration: 3 min.)
Enhances attack and critical hit rate with each successive melee attack you land.

Enmity Douse (BLM Lv.87 Ability Delay: 10 min.)
Reduces the target's enmity towards you.

Conspirator (THF Lv.87 Ability Delay: 5 min. Effect Duration: 1 min.)
Enhances accuracy and "Subtle Blow" effect for party members within area of effect. Does not affect the party member being targeted by the enemy.

Sepulcher (PLD Lv.87 Ability Delay: 10 min. Effect Duration: 3 min.)
Lowers accuracy, evasion, magic accuracy, magic evasion, and TP gain for undead.

Arcane Crest (DRK Lv.87 Ability Delay: 10 min. Effect Duration: 3 min.)
Lowers accuracy, evasion, magic accuracy, magic evasion, and TP gain for arcana.

Bounty Shot (RNG Lv.87 Ability Delay: 5 min.)
Increases the rate at which the target yields treasure.

Hamanoha (SAM Lv.87 Ability Delay: 10 min. Effect Duration: 3 min.)
Lowers accuracy, evasion, magic accuracy, magic evasion, and TP gain for demons.

Dragon Breaker (DRG Lv.87 Ability Delay: 10 min. Effect Duration: 3 min.)
Lowers accuracy, evasion, magic accuracy, magic evasion, and TP gain for dragons.

Smiting Breath (DRG Lv.90 Ability Delay: 1 min.)
Orders the wyvern to attack with its breath.

Restoring Breath (DRG Lv.90 Ability Delay: 1 min.)
Orders the wyvern to heal with its breath.

Mana Cede (SMN Lv.87 Ability Delay: 5 min.)
Channels your MP into TP for avatars and elementals.

Blood Pact: Ward "Fleet Wind" (SMN Lv.86 Ability Delay: 1 min. Effect Duration: 2 min.)
Increases movement speed for party members within area of effect.

Blood Pact: Ward "Inferno Howl" (SMN Lv.88 Ability Delay: 1 min. Effect Duration: 1 min.)
Grants the effect of "Enfire" to party members within area of effect.

Blood Pact: Ward "Diamond Storm" (SMN Lv.90 Ability Delay: 1 min. Effect Duration: 3 min.)
Reduces evasion for enemies within area of effect.

Triple Shot (COR Lv.87 Ability Delay: 3 min. Effect Duration: 90 sec.)
Occasionally uses three units of ammunition to deal extra damage.

Tactician's Roll (COR Lv.86)
Grants a Regain effect to party members within area of effect. Lucky Number: 5. Unlucky Number: 8.

Allies' Roll (COR Lv.89)
Enhances skillchain damage and skillchain accuracy for party members within area of effect. Lucky Number: 3. Unlucky Number: 10.

Curing Waltz V (DNC Lv.87 Ability Delay: 23 sec.)
Restores target's HP.

Striking Flourish (DNC Lv.89 Ability Delay: 2 min. Effect Duration: 1 min.)
Allows you to deliver a twofold attack. Requires at least one finishing move.

Stratagem: Perpetuance (SCH Lv.87)
Increases the enhancement effect duration of your next white magic spell.

Stratagem: Immanence (SCH Lv.87)
Makes it possible for your next elemental magic spell to be used in a skillchain, but not a magic burst.

The jobs listed below will each welcome an existing trait to their arsenal upon reaching the specified level, beyond which the degree of mastery will increase in stages.

Job	Level	Job Trait	Effect
Black Mage	Lv.50	Elemental Celerity	Quickens elemental magic spellcasting.
Red Mage	Lv.87	Shield Mastery	Grants bonus TP when blocking an attack with a shield.
Dark Knight	Lv.88	Tactical Parry	Grants bonus TP when parrying an attack.

The following new spells will be added:

- White Magic
Regen IV WHM Lv.86
Boost-CHR WHM Lv.87
Boost-AGI WHM Lv.90
Gain-CHR RDM Lv.87
Gain-AGI RDM Lv.90
Adloquium SCH Lv.88

- Black Magic
Fire V BLM Lv.86
Aeroja BLM Lv.87
Blizzard V BLM Lv.89
Firaja BLM Lv.90

- Songs
Valor Minuet V BRD Lv.87
Wind Carol II BRD Lv.87
Fire Carol II BRD Lv.90

- Ninjutsu
Migawari: Ichi NIN Lv.88
*Uses the ninja tool, "mokujin."

More jobs will be able to learn the following spells:

- White Magic
Protect V PLD Lv.90
Aquaveil SCH Lv.13
Blink SCH Lv.29
Stoneskin SCH Lv.44
Shell V RDM Lv.87 / SCH Lv.90

- Black Magic
Fire IV RDM Lv.86
Blizzard IV RDM Lv.89
Fire III DRK Lv.88
Blaze Spikes SCH Lv.30
Ice Spikes SCH Lv.50
Shock Spikes SCH Lv.70
Aero V SCH Lv.87 (Addendum: Black)
Break RDM Lv.87 / SCH Lv.90 (Addendum: Black)

Several new blue magic spells will be added.

In addition to the above, performance-enhancing tweaks will be introduced for a host of existing job abilities. The exciting details will be announced in the very near future, so stay tuned!

Original source can be found here.

Final Fantasy XI Discount for Final Fantasy XIV Players Extended

2010-11-30T13:21:00.000-08:00

FINAL FANTASY XI Discount for FINAL FANTASY XIV Players Extended! (11/29/2010)

The special discount on FINAL FANTASY XI monthly service fees available to players of FINAL FANTASY XIV, originally scheduled to conclude with the January 2011 billing period, has been extended to March!

Review the details of this special offer.

A Beginner's Guide to Eorzea - Bazaars - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-11-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

This week's Q&A session seeks to assist newcomers to Eorzea by covering the basics of the bazaar system and how to go about selling and purchasing items.

I'd like to try my hand at one of these so-called "bazaars." What are they, and how do I set one up?

Bazaars are small-scale, personal, mercantile endeavors that allow players to sell items in their inventory (Sell Item), offer payment to buy items they desire (Purchase Item), and seek out talented Disciples of the Hand to repair their damaged gear (Seek Repairs). In addition to those maintained by players, bazaars may also be set up and entrusted to retainer NPCs. Below we outline the step-by-step process of establishing a bazaar, covering each of the aforementioned three options. Further details on purchasing an item directly from another bazaar, as well as how to set up a retainer bazaar, will be covered in a future Topics post.

Sell Item

Step 1
First, navigate to main menu » Inventory. From here, select the item to be sold, and then the Sell Item command.
Step 2
Select the quantity of the item to be sold.
Step 3
Select the manner in which the item is to be sold—in single units or in a set.

Unit Price: individual price for each item
Set Price: lump price for the all items together
* Set Price cannot be selected when the item quantity is one.
Step 4
Set the sale price.

If Set Price was selected, the price input is the total cost for all of the items.

The tax levied on the sale of an item is determined when the price is set, and is automatically deducted when the item is sold. This means the final incoming gil amount will be the set sale prices minus the tax.
* Rates of taxation are reduced within market wards compared to other areas.
Step 5
Once the quantity, method of sale, and price are decided, select Accept.

Items placed up for sale in this manner will be moved from a player's inventory to their bazaar. A bazaar may contain up to ten items at a time.

Selling by the Unit

Selling by the Set

Putting an item up for sale in a bazaar will cause the bazaar icon to be displayed next to a player's display name.

Purchase Item

Step 1
First, navigate to main menu » Inventory. From here, select the item to be purchased, and then the Purchase Item command.
* Only items already in a player's possession can be sought for purchase.
Step 2
Set the quantity of the item to be purchased.
* The sought quantity cannot exceed the quantity currently possessed by the player.
Step 3
Set the gil price or item reward to offer for the selected item and select Accept.

Seeking to purchase an item via the bazaar will move the offered gil or items from a player's inventory to their bazaar. The Purchase Item option requires two of a bazaar's ten slots.

Seek Repairs

Step 1
First, navigate to main menu » Inventory. From here, select the item to be repaired, and then the Seek Repairs command.
* The Seek Repairs option cannot be selected for equipped or undamaged items.
Step 2
Set the gil price or item reward to offer to repair the selected item and select Accept.

Seeking to repair an item via the bazaar will move the offered gil or items from a player's inventory to their bazaar. The Seek Repairsoption requires two of a bazaar's ten slots.

View original source here.

Synergistic Splendors Await! - Final Fantasy XI

2010-11-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

Synergistic Splendors Await! (11/29/2010)

Synergists of Vana'diel, start firing up your furnaces! The upcoming version update will see the upper limit of Synergy skill raised to level 80 (Artisan), and with a host of recipes—featuring lavish new furnishings and much, much more—there's sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!

Headlining the recipe book are the guild stalls first announced at VanaFest 2010. These opulent items are prime examples of the perfect marriage between form and function, as they will proudly display your passion for your chosen craft, while giving you a significant crafting skill increase to boot!

And why stop there? You can decorate your stall further with yet more stylish items depicting the finest wares each guild has to offer. Certain items can be crafted via synergy, while others can be obtained in exchange for the guild points acquired through certain guild quests.

Fishermen's Guild

Carpenters' Guild

Blacksmiths' Guild

Goldsmiths' Guild

Weavers' Guild

Tanners' Guild

Boneworkers' Guild

Alchemists' Guild

Culinarians' Guild

These furnishings are just the tip of a massive iceberg of items that no synergist worth his or her fewell will want to miss!

View original source here.

Ask the Devs! - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-11-27T00:22:00.000-08:00

The development and management teams continue to address the questions and concerns of the community in an ongoing FAQ. The topic addressed this time around is gear.

Gear

What happens if I equip a piece of gear, but am not the favored class or rank listed in the item details?

Equipping a piece of gear as anything other than the favored class or optimal rank effectively lowers the item's stats. The larger the gap between an item's optimal rank and the player's current rank, the greater this reduction will be. There are instances, therefore, when equipping a high-rank item will grant lower stats than a low-rank item that is closer to the player's rank.

What is this "slot cost" malarkey that I see in the stats for accessory items?

The slot cost of an accessory is the cost required to equip it. An accessory cannot be equipped if doing so would place the combined slot cost total of all equipped accessories above the maximum available to the player. A player's current used and remaining slot cost values can be viewed in the Gear window.

Ex.) Three accessories with slot costs of 4 each may be simultaneously equipped by a player with 12 available points. After doing so, that player can equip no further accessories, as the 12-point capacity has been reached.

Do the conjurer's Spirit Dart and thaumaturge's Phantom Dart actions qualify as physical or magical attacks?

This property is determined by the weapon being wielded. As nearly all conjurer and thaumaturge primary arms are magical in nature, Spirit Dart and Phantom Dart are, more often than not, magical attacks.

Original source can be found here.

Comprehensive Version Update Details - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-11-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

Quests

Several additional tutorial messages have been implemented in the main scenario quests.

The following features have been added to the main scenario quest "Fade to White," available upon completing all preceding quests and reaching a class rank of 20:

Information on individual personalities will be now available when selecting a Path Companion.

A Yes/No confirmation prompt will now appear when selecting a Path Companion.

During main scenario quests, when players approach a door that leads in or out of an instanced area, they are now given a prompt asking whether or not they wish to proceed.

Several new regional guildleves for Disciples of the Land have been added.

The following changes have been made to the guildleve system:

When a levequest target is situated at a significantly different elevation than the player, the minimap indicator now remains and becomes semi-transparent.

In the event that all party members participating in a levequest are KO'd, the remaining targets will no longer be visible by PCs outside the party.

The difficulty setting for certain guildleves can now be lowered after they have been activated.
* Completion bonuses are adjusted in accordance with the newly selected difficulty level.
* Difficulty can be lowered multiple times until reaching one star.
* Difficulty cannot be lowered while party members are in combat.

Treasure chests appearing in the field during levequests are now opened simply by targeting and selecting them rather than via the Interactions menu.

When leve linking is available, a prompt will now appear allowing players the option to accept or refuse a link. The following conditions must be met when leve linking:
* Players must be in a party.
* Players must possess the same (uncompleted) guildleve as the one being activated.

Leve linking players will now receive experience and skill point bonuses.

The following adjustments have been made to levequest targets:

* Physical/magical accuracy and evasion rates have been lowered.
* Maximum HP has been increasd.

The number of crystals earned on local levequests has been adjusted.

Guild marks can now be earned from lower-level local levequests.

The difficulty for the faction levequest "Collecting Sea Shells" has been adjusted.

Experience and skill point bonuses are now awarded by behests.

Battle

The amount of skill points required to attain ranks 11 through 31 has been reduced.
Excess skill points resulting from version update changes are retained and applied towards the next rank.

Ex.) A player at rank 17 with 13,000 skill points prior to the version update.
As the amount of skill points required to attain rank 18 has been lowered from 15,000 to 12,000, this player will immediately attain rank 18 the next time skill points are earned, and will also retain the surplus 1,000 skill points.

* In the above example, the player's skill points will be displayed as 12,000/12,000 until new skill points are first earned following the version update.

Rank	Prior to Version Update	After Version Update
11	5,700	5,000
12	7,300	5,900
13	8,500	6,800
14	9,600	7,700
15	11,000	8,700
16	12,000	9,700
17	14,000	11,000
18	15,000	12,000
19	17,000	13,000
20	18,000	15,000
21	20,000	16,000
22	22,000	20,000
23	24,000	22,000
24	26,000	23,000
25	28,000	25,000
26	30,000	27,000
27	32,000	29,000
28	35,000	31,000
29	37,000	33,000
30	39,000	35,000
31	42,000	38,000

The manner in which skill points are awarded through combat has been changed and now operates in the same manner as experience points.

The rank range that allows for bonus skill and experience point within a party has been expanded from ±5 to +5/-10.
Ex. In a party of three players, ranks 10, 15, and 20, the rank 10 player receives bonuses equivalent to that of a two-person party, as only one of the other players is within the rank range. From the perspectives of the rank 15 and 20 players, however, both of the other two party members fall within the rank range. They will therefore both receive bonuses equivalent to a three-person party.

Physical and magic accuracy calculations have been adjusted. Attacks are now easier to land and more difficult to resist.

The influence of the VIT attribute on HP and the MND attribute on MP has been adjusted.

The attack range of conjurers and thaumaturges has been adjusted.

The parry rate for Marauder's Arms has been increased.

A bonus to accuracy has been granted to Archer's Arms based on distance to the target.

The following actions and statuses have been adjusted.

Class	Action	Details
Pugilist	Taunt	Affinity value for other classes adjusted.
	Featherfoot	Stamina cost reduced from 5 to 3.5. Effect duration increased from 15 to 30 seconds. Evasion rate increased.
	Blindside	Effect now also applies to attacks made with throwing weapons.
	Discerning Eye	Effect now also applies to attacks made with throwing weapons.
	Seismic Shock II	MP cost reduced from 20 to 15.
	Light Strike	Evasion rate increased.
Gladiator	Provoke	Affinity value for other classes has been adjusted.
	Howling Vortex	Effect duration increased from 30 to 15 seconds.
	Obsess	Enmity generation of target increased.
	Luminous Spire	MP cost reduced from 20 to 10.
	Riot Blade	Amount of damage dealt increased.
Marauder	Bloodbath	Stamina cost reduced from 6 to 3.5.
	Defender	Reduces magic potency and increases magic defense as well. Cancels effect if used while Defender is already active. Effect duration increased from 15 to 30 minutes. Effect ends if class is changed.
	Foresight	Stamina cost reduced from 5 to 3.5. Effect duration increased from 15 to 30 seconds. Parry rate increased.
	Disorient	Enmity generation of target increased.
	Warmonger	Enmity generation rate adjusted. Length of effect duration adjusted.
	Maim	Reduction in directional defense adjusted.
	Steadfast	Parry rate increased.
Archer	Raging Strike	Effect applies to attacks made with throwing weapons.
	Hawk's Eye	Effect applies to attacks made with throwing weapons.
	Trifurcate	MP cost reduced from 30 to 15.
Lancer	Ferocity	No longer has a stamina cost. Effect applies to attacks made with throwing weapons.
	Speed Surge	Effect duration increased from 2 to 3 minutes. Effect ends if class is changed.
	Comrade in Arms	Enmity generation rate adjusted.
	Feint	TP cost increased from 250 to 500.
	Life Surge	Effect duration increased from 120 to 180 seconds. Effect ends if class is changed.
Conjurer	Tranquility	Changing classes incurs a full recast timer.
	Repose	Enmity generation rate adjusted.
	Cure, Cure II, Cure III	Enmity generation rate adjusted.
	Shock Spikes, Shock Spikes II	Stun durations determined by affinity.
	Protect, Protect II	Amount of defense granted increased.
	Shell, Shell II	Amount of magic defense granted increased.
	Purge, Purge II	Enmity generation of target increased.
	Sleep	Enmity generation rate adjusted.
Thaumaturge	Exaltation	Changing classes incurs a full recast timer.
	Scourge, Scourge II	Cast time reduced from 3 to 2 seconds. Amount of damage dealt increased.
	Banish, Banish II	Cast time reduced from 3 to 2 seconds. Amount of damage dealt increased.
	Sacrifice, Sacrifice II, Sacrifice III	Enmity generation rate adjusted. Amount of HP healed increased.
	Slow, Gravity, Bind, Silence, Paralyze, Blind	Enmity generation of target increased.
	Punishing Barbs	Effect duration reduced from 60 seconds to 20 seconds. Stamina cost reduced from 6 to 3. Damage dealt by spikes cannot exceed player's current HP. Affinity value for other classes adjusted.
	Absorb ATK, Absorb DEF, Absorb ACC, Absorb EVA	Amount of attribute absorbed increased. Effect duration increased by 50% for caster.
	Emulate	Enmity generation of target increased.
	Contagion	Enmity generation of target increased.

Facing a target to attack is now automated when an action is selected.

New enemy types have been added.

Enemy populations in all areas have been increased and reorganized.

[ Before ]		[ After ]

The following changes have been made to enemy territories.*
* A territory is the area where an enemy spawns and roams while not engaged.

Enemy territories have been expanded.

A log message appears when an enemy returns to its territory.

Enemies that return to their territory will not recover HP for a certain period of time.

The following adjustments have been made to loot.

High quality +1 and +2 materials can no longer be obtained through combat. The frequency of drops will remain the same, though all items will now be either normal quality or high quality +3.

Prior to Version Update		After Version Update
Normal Quality	→	Normal Quality
High Quality +1	→	Normal Quality
High Quality +2	→	High Quality +3
High Quality +3	→	High Quality +3

Items

Player inventory capacity has been increased from 80 to 100 slots.

Smallclothes no longer suffer wear, and therefore no longer require repairs.
Smallclothes which suffered wear prior to the version update have been restored to pristine condition, and all unsightly stains removed. This includes smallclothes within bazaars marked as "seeking repairs," which can be equipped as normal after they are removed from the bazaar.

The following changes have been made to a number of items.

Optimal ranks have been adujusted.

Item stats have been adjusted.

The materials required to repair the following items have been changed.

Item	Before	After
Leather Himantes	Buffalo Leather Spetch	Canvas Fent
Cotton Doublet Vest (Yellow)	Sheep Leather Spetch	Cotton Fent

Stack capacity for the following items has been increased from 99 to 999:
Bronze Arrow, Iron Arrow, Silver Arrow, Fang Arrow, Shell Arrow, White Coral Arrow, Obsidian Arrow, Warped Arrow, Flint Arrow, Blue Coral Arrow, Red Coral Arrow, Bronze Swallowtail Arrow, Iron Swallowtail Arrow.

The following ashkin (undead) no longer drop equipment:
Rotting Corpses, Fallen Soldiers, Fallen Pikemen, Fallen Captains, Fallen Mages, Fallen Wizards, Skeleton Soldiers, Wight Warriors, Wendigo

The following adjustments have been made to synthesis recipes.

The number of steps required to initiate synthesis have been reduced.

The effects of each synthesis type (normal, bold, rapid) have been adjusted.

New synthesis recipes have been added.

Several existing recipes have been adjusted.

The degree of difficulty for several recipes have been adjusted.

Synthesis of the following items no longer requires a subskill.
Mudstone Grinding Wheel, Bronze Mortar

The relevant treatise for the following items has been changed.

Item	Before	After
Bone Sword Grip	Bonecarving Training	--
Hempen Singlet	--	Tailoring Training
Hempen Pagne	--	Tailoring Training
Hempen Breastcloth	--	Tailoring Training

The number of crystals required for nearly all existing recipes has been reduced by 20%.

The following adjustments have been made to gathering:

The chances of obtaining specific items has been increased when a "sweet spot" is found during the targeting phase.*
* This refers to the phase of gathering in which a portion of the exposed ore to strike, the section of a tree to notch, or the depth at which to fish is selected.

Hints are now provided in the log during the targeting phase.

The relation between tackle and fish has been adjusted. Wait times may be reduced for hits from fish with a high attraction to the tackle being used.

The following Disciple of the Land actions have been changed to search only for gathering points of the specified grade:

Class	Action
Miner	Lay of the Land	Survey the landscape to locate grade 1 mineral deposits.
	Lay of the Land II	Survey the landscape to locate grade 2 mineral deposits.
	Lay of the Land III	Survey the landscape to locate grade 3 mineral deposits.
	Lay of the Land IV	Survey the landscape to locate grade 4 mineral deposits.
Botanist	Arbor Call	Survey the landscape to locate grade 1 mature trees.
	Arbor Call II	Survey the landscape to locate grade 2 mature trees.
	Arbor Call III	Survey the landscape to locate grade 3 mature trees.
	Arbor Call IV	Survey the landscape to locate grade 4 mature trees.
Fisher	Gulleye	Survey the landscape to locate grade 1 schools of fish.
	Gulleye II	Survey the landscape to locate grade 2 schools of fish.
	Gulleye III	Survey the landscape to locate grade 3 schools of fish.
	Gulleye IV	Survey the landscape to locate grade 4 schools of fish.

System

Main Menu

Reponse time of the user interface (UI) has been improved.

Skill and experience bars have been added to the main screen.

Attributes & Gear has been split into two options on the main menu, Attributes and Gear.

The profile displayed when examining another player has been changed. Item details can now be viewed without selecting a slot. Active linkshell details are now displayed in the log.

When playing solo, loot now automatically enters a player's inventory. If a player's inventory is full, the loot will be placed in the loot list.

A Loot option appears in the Interactions menu whenever one or more items occupy the loot list.

The display of inactive UI widgets has been altered.

The gamepad can now toggle auto-run on and off, even when a UI widget is active.

Cursor positions are now saved independently for the Ctrl and Alt macro palettes.

Menu Option	Details
Attributes	Displays attribute, skill, and key item data via tabs. Tabs can be cycled through using Tab and Shift+Tab on the keyboard, or the Open Macro (Ctrl)and Open Macro (Alt) buttons on a gamepad. Key Items has been moved from the Inventory window to the Attributes window. The general layout has been rearranged, and off hand weapon and tool data is no longer displayed. The display of element values has been unified with that of the Point Allotment window.
Gear	Mousing over gear now displays item details. Selecting a slot now displays only gear that may be equipped in that slot. The Wear value can be viewed by clicking on the arrow icon in the lower right of the item window. It may also be accessed by pressing left or right on the directional pad of a gamepad, or the left or right arrow keys on a keyboard while the item window is open. * In the December version update, the Wear value will be incorporated into the main item window.
Actions & Traits	The main hand/off hand selection box that appeared when setting an action to the action bar has been removed.
Inventory	The upper portion of the Inventory window now displays a list of items in a player's possession. Highlighting an item displays its icon, statistics, and other details below. A menu containing Sell Item, Purchase Item, Seek Repairs, Repair, Discard, and Toggle Sortoptions has been added. A sort feature has been added. * Enabling the sort feature organizes an inventory by item type. Disabling it will list items in the order in which they entered the inventory.
Journal	Area names are displayed on the journal map screen. Player's current location is shown on the journal map screen when in the area being displayed. A history of completed quests has been added.
Party	World population and nearby player counts are no longer displayed.
Social Lists	A party invite feature has been added to the Friend List. The Tab key can now be used to navigate between the given name and surname fields when registering a player in the Friend List or Blacklist.
Linkshell	Active linkshells are now denoted by an icon on the linkshell list. The active linkshell crest icon now appears next to linkshell messages in the log. A linkshell's log and number are now displayed next to it on the linkshell list.
Map	Player coordinates are now displayed in the upper left portion of the map. The text command can be used to display a player's current coordinates. Scrolling on the map can now be performed by dragging the mouse. The Page Up and Page Down keys can now be used to zoom in and out on the map. Locations of the player and other party members are now displayed on the map in real-time. The log now remains visible while the map screen is open.
Configuration
Audio Settings	Volume has been changed to Audio Settings.
Camera	A Vertical Camera Position option has been added. A NPC Camera Lock in Events option has been added. Enabling this feature causes the camera to lock onto NPCs when they are spoken to.
Chat Filters	Two customizable tabs with toggle functionality have been added. A Log Transparency option has been added. Enabling these tabs will cause them to display in the log. * Text input is available on the default General and Battle tabs only. * Log tabs can be cycled through by using Ctrl+← or Ctrl+→. The last selected log tab will now remain active at all times. Synthesis- and gathering-related chat filters have been added.
Text Coloration	A Text Coloration option has been added. Font colors for chat modes may now be changed.
Log Transparency	The transparency of the log while inactive may now be changed.
Chat-specific Keyboard	A Chat-specific Keyboard option has been added. Enabling this feature will allow direct chat input without first opening the chat prompt. * Key mapping is not possible while the Chat-specific Keyboard is enabled.
Keyboard Settings	New commands that can now be mapped to the keyboard are listed below. [Target Settings] ・Party Member 1 ・Party Member 2 ・Party Member 3 ・Party Member 4 ・Target Nearest PC ・Target Nearest NPC [Other] ・Open Attributes window ・Open Gear window ・Open Actions & Traits window ・Open Point Allotment window ・Open Inventory ・Open Loot window ・Open Journal ・Examine target ・Open Bazaar ・Begin synthesis action ・Begin gathering action * Newly added commands are not included in the default keyboard settings. In the default keyboard settings, Target Self has been reassigned to the F1 key, and Target Nearby Party Members to the F6 key. The U key now uses an item. The Z key now toggles between single-target and area of effect modes for spells. * Enabling these new key assignments requires that default keyboard settings be restored.
User Macros	Whole macros can now be copy and pasted. Copy and pasting individual lines within a macro can still be done by selecting text with the mouse and then using the Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V commands.

Others

The following changes have been made to anima-based transportation:

The amount of anima required by the Return command has been reduced from 2 to 1.

The amount of anima required by the Teleport command in when traveling to a city-state's aetheryte plaza has been reduced by half.

By paying a small fee of gil to an aetheryte camp's gatewarden, players can now register the location as one of their Favored Destinations. Up to three locations can be registered in this way.
Teleportation to a favored aetheryte requires only half the anima of normal teleportation.

A player's current anima total will now be displayed when selecting a teleportation destination.
* City-state aetheryte plazas cannot be registered as Favored Destinations.

The following adjustments have been made to the chat system:

The log window chat prompt will now remain displayed at all times.

Players can now use the button directly above the chat prompt to select chat modes, adjust log settings, and more.

Changing chat modes while typing a message will no longer delete the text in the chat prompt.

Changing pages in the auto-translate dictionary can now be done by using left and right directional arrows.

Emotes used by PCs included on a player's Blacklist will no longer appear in that player's log.

Players can now use the subcommand motion in conjunction with an emote text command to display the emote's motion without the accompanying text.

　Example:
　 /wave - Both PC motion and log text are displayed
　 /wave motion - Only PC motion is displayed

Ctrl+R can now be used to open a /tell chat prompt automatically addressed to the last player from whom a /tell was received.
Pressing Ctrl+R repeatedly scrolls through the names of the last 20 players from whom /tells were received.

Chat modes can now be changed using the following methods:

	Temporary Switch	Permanent Switch
Say	Ctrl+S	/s
Tell	--	/t
Shout	Ctrl+H	--
Party	Ctrl+P	/p
Linkshell	Ctrl+L	/l

When used while not in chat mode, the aforementioned Ctrl commands will open the chat prompt in the selected mode.
* In the December version update, the function of Ctrl+T will be changed to open a /tell chat prompt addressed to the last player to whom you sent a /tell.

The text command /equip will now work to equip multiple items of the same name to multiple slots.

The subcommands main and sub are no longer necessary when using the text commands /action and /equipaction.

The method of accessing market wards has been changed.

The following changes have been made to retainers:

The number of inventory slots available to retainers has been increased from 80 to 100.

Retainers can now be made to "model" their wares by equipping items in their bazaars.

The screen used to transfer items between player and retainer has been overhauled. Now players can exchange items (other than those stacked) simply by selecting them.

The screen once accessed via the gil button has been replaced by a tab. Transferring gil to and from a retainer can now be done directly from this tab.

Prices will now be displayed next to individual items in retainer and player bazaars.

Bazaar text for Seeking, Selling, Damaged, etc. has been replaced with icons.
The font color for a bazaar item's quantity and price now changes depending on the item's status. Items sold in stacks now have parentheses around the stack quantity.

	Selling (by unit)
	Selling (by set)
	Seeking
	Damaged

The action bar can now be moved from its default location.

The Battle Regimen toggle can no longer be reached by pressing the directional arrows on the keyboard or left/right on a controller's D-pad.

When cycling through targets with the Tab key, priority is now given to those targets located in front of the player.

When engaging multiple enemies, a player now automatically targets the next enemy when one has been defeated.

If a player with no target is targeted by an attack or spell, that player now automatically targets the attacker or caster.

Players can now target themselves or other party members by clicking on their HP/MP bar.

A party member's HP/MP bar will now glow when targeting that member.

Guest NPCs can now be sub-targeted.

PCs and NPCs will now perform motions while engaged in Parley.

The door to the Adventurers' Guild in Ul'dah is now always open.

The character creation screen will now indicate Worlds where character creation is temporarily not available.

Server load issues have been addressed.

Individual areas are now processed across multiple servers.
Due to this change, the names of some players in the same area may be displayed in a semi-transparent font.

The "Word to Our Players" message that appears upon game start-up now requires players to answer Yes or No before entering the game.

The following changes have been made to the FINAL FANTASY XIV Config program:

The Drawing Quality option located on the Video Settings tab (under General) has been split into two new options: General Drawing Quality and Background Drawing Quality.
* Depending on their PC environment, some players may experience better performance by lowering these settings.

The tab Font Settings has been added under General.
Players can use this option to change the in-game font to any Windows system font.
Please note, using Windows system fonts may cause in-game text to be displayed incorrectly or result in awkward UI layouts.

Bug Fixes

The following issues have been addressed:

An issue where aetherial nodes would dematerialize prematurely.

An issue where the following aetheryte camps were not paired with the correct aetherial gates:

Before		After
Camp Brittlebark <-> The Fogfens	→	Camp Brittlebark <-> Singing Shards
Camp Revenant's Toll <-> Singing Shards	→	Camp Revenant's Toll <-> The Fogfens

An issue regarding incorrect information for the following levequest:

Before		After
Mining Horizon's Edge In an attempt to document locations in Thanalan housing veins of precious ore, the Miners' Guild in Ul'dah is petitioning adventurers to journey to Horizon's Edge and search for viable mineral deposits.	→	Mining Nophica's Wells In an attempt to document locations in Thanalan housing veins of precious ore, the Miners' Guild in Ul'dah is petitioning adventurers to journey to Nophica's Wells and search for viable mineral deposits.

An issue where the marauder weapon skills Skull Sunder and Brutal Swing would always strike multiple targets.

An issue where the marauder action Defender would always increase enmity.

An issue where Warmonger would not grant the correct status effect.

An issue where the actions Speed Surge and Life Surge would not properly inflict the status effect Speed Sap and Life Sap when attacking with a weapon skill.

An issue where Disciple of Magic arms would not properly drain HP when used in conjunction with the lancer action Speed Surge.

An issue where the lancer ability Fleet of Foot would remain active while in passive mode.

An issue where the area of effect for the thaumaturge action Nature's Fury was not accurate.

An issue where the area of effect for thaumaturge spells such as Flare, Freeze, and Quake would be centered on the caster.

An issue where high-quality (+1, +2, +3) items were not being properly equipped when using text commands.

An issue where when viewing a player's bazaar, the previous item's name was being displayed.

An issue where in-game volume would increase dramatically during certain cutscenes.

Several synthesis recipes posted on the The Lodestone showing incorrect information have been fixed.
Darksilver Square (Armorcraft, Rank 21-30 → Armorcraft, Rank 11-20)
Dodoskin Leggings (Grey) (general → Clothcraft, Rank 1-10)

Known Issues

Players possessing 100 items may sometimes receive an error message when attempting to exchange items with a retainer, preventing the trade. Should this problem arise, players should reduce their inventory to 99 items before opening trade with the retainer again.

Auto-targeting of engaged enemies after one is defeated may not function correctly.

Original post can be found here.

Alliteratively Announcing Additions Adjustments and Alterations - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-11-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

This Topics post will introduce some of the balancing adjustments coming to in-game movement and the guildleve system in the November 24 version update.

Anima Costs

The anima cost incurred by the Return and Teleport commands has been halved.

This reduction applies to teleportation to the aetheryte plaza within any of the three city-states, as well as to any aetheryte camp set as one of a player's Favored Destinations. Up to three camps may be saved as Favored Destinations.

The cost of the Return command has also been halved, and now requires only one anima.

* Aetheryte plazas within cities cannot be set as Favored Destinations.

Guildleves

The November version update will introduce an option that allows players to change the difficulty setting for levequests that are currently underway. This option will be available only with those levequests for which players were able to assign a difficulty level at the onset, and can only be used to lower the setting. Balancing adjustments have also been made to the strength of enemies targeted by levequests, and the minimap has been reworked to continue to display these enemies regardless of differences in elevation in relation to the player. Furthermore, changes to leve linking will result in larger skill and experience point awards, and give individual party members the option to participate in the link.

With the December version update will come a number of new guildleves, including those that will provide players with the opportunity to face off against notorious monsters.

Still more changes are in store for behests and the loot system. Details will be released in future Topics posts.

View original post here.

New! Final Fantasy XI Job Specific Emotes

2010-11-22T03:02:00.000-08:00

Video originally posted here.

A Beginner's Guide to Eorzea (Gathering) - Final Fantasy XIV

2010-11-22T02:53:00.000-08:00

This week's Q&A session seeks to assist newcomers to Eorzea by covering the differences between gathering activities when using primary tools and secondary tools. We will also the outline the basic flow of a gathering attempt.

Q. What is the difference between primary and secondary tools for a Disciple of the Land?

A. The nature of the location at which a gathering activity is being performed determines whether it is the primary tool or the secondary tool which is employed. This difference can be seen in the name of the options that are displayed in the Interactions menu. For example, in the case of miners, approaching a mineral deposit will yield the Mine command, which is associated with a primary tool. Approaching a rocky outcrop, however, will cause the Quarry command to be appear, and require use of a secondary tool.
Whenever a player draws near a gathering point, an icon representing the availability of a gathering command in the Interactions menu will be appear in the upper potion of the screen.

The types of gathering points of their associated commands as they appear in the Interactions menu are listed below.

Miner

Interactions Menu	Mine	Quarry
Tool Type	Primary (Main Hand)	Secondary (Off Hand)
Gathering Point*

* Though capable of appearing in similar rocks and crags, mineral deposits and rocky outcrops are distinguishable by the color of the shining light representing them.

Botanist

Interactions Menu	Log	Harvest
Tool Type	Primary (Main Hand)	Secondary (Off Hand)
Gathering Point*

* When a shining light is located on a tree, the Log command will appear. When the light is found amongst grasses on the ground, however, the Harvest command becomes available.

Fisher

Interactions Menu	Fish	Spearfish
Tool Type	Primary (Main Hand)	Secondary (Off Hand)
Gathering Point*

* The Fish command becomes available near any fishable water source. There are some bodies of water, however, that cannot be fished, for which no Interactions menu icon will appear. The Spearfish command can be used only at those locations where a shining light is visible in the water. As a testament to the gig's versatility, it may even be wielded effectively under seemingly impossible circumstances, such as in puddles of rainwater completely obscured from view by pesky shrubs, within the shallows of which aquatic life has taken a precarious and baffling foothold.

Q. How do I find gathering points?

A. Gathering points can be searched for by equipping a primary tool in the main hand and using the Disciple of the Land searching abilities that subsequently become available, such as Lay of the Land or Arbor Call. This will provide information such as the distance and direction to the nearest gathering point in the log. With a recast time of fifteen seconds, these search abilities can be used frequently to help determine the exact location of gathering points.
There are no search abilities that specifically target gathering points for secondary gathering activities. Finding them requires keeping an eye out when running about in the wild or in dungeon depths. Below is a list of gathering points that can be found in proximity to each of the major cities.

Secondary gathering points near Limsa Lominsa
		●Rocky Outcrop ●Lush Vegetation ●Shallow Waters

Secondary gathering points near Gridania
		●Rocky Outcrop ●Lush Vegetation ●Shallow Waters

Secondary gathering points near Ul'dah
		●Rocky Outcrop ●Lush Vegetation ●Shallow Waters

* Gathering points may also be located within caves.

Q. I'm not sure how to best go about the primary gathering actions of mining, logging, and fishing. What should I be doing?

A. When engaging in primary gathering, individual commands are repeated through use of various dynamic gauges, such as the circle for mining, or the arrow for logging. By stopping the oscillations of these gauges with the Select/Confirm button, a player determines which "part" of the gathering point they target. Discovering the "sweet" spots within a gathering point will yield varying rewards of items, experience points, and skill points. Though luck always plays a factor, the experienced Disciple of the Land knows that there are no substitutes for the ability to quickly locate gathering points, and a sure and steady hand to work them.

Below is a detailed step-by-step description of a typical gathering attempt.

■ Step 1: The Interactions Menu
The first step is to approach a either a mineral deposit, mature tree, or fishable waters, and select the gathering command that appears in the Interactions menu. For primary gathering actions, the option will be either Mine, Log, or Fish.

Mine	Log	Fish

Once the gathering command is selected from the Interactions menu, a window will appear such as the one pictured below. Relevant information, such as details of available commands and gathering results, is displayed within.

Mine	Log	Fish

■ Step 2：Taking Aim
Use the directional arrows on the keyboard to adjust the sliding gauges. The positioning of a slider represents what portion of the deposit, tree, or water is being targeted. This determines what items a player will be capable of obtaining. In the case of fishing, the Waitcommand is used following this step. Not until a player feels a bite on their line will they move on to Step 3.

Mine	Log	Fish

■Step 3：Finding the "Sweet Spot"
Pictured below from left to right are the three dynamic gauges used for mining, logging, and fishing. To determine an area of the gathering point on which to focus, press the Select/Confirm to stop the gauges' oscillations. If the area selected maps up with a "sweet spot" contained within the point, a player will be awarded with varying items, as well as experience and skill points. Should a sweet spot be missed, however, a hint will be given in the to improve a player's chances on the next attempt. Each time one of the below gauges is used to make a gathering attempt, the point's Remainder bar will decrease. When this bar is completely depleted, the point can no longer be the target of a gathering attempt. Even if no items are obtained by the time a point is depleted, skill points will still be awarded.

Mine	Log	Fish

■ Step 4: Success or Failure
When mining or logging, the number of attempts remaining before a resource is depleted are shown on-screen. When this figure reaches 0, the point can temporarily no longer be the target of a gathering action. In rare cases, inexplicable natural occurrences will cause a point to collapse or deteriorate, also resulting in an inability to gather from them. In such instances, the wise Disciple of the Land seeks out another point.

Mine	Log	Fish

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