+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+ |F|F|X|I| |O|n|l|i|n|e| |N|e|w|b|i|e| |F|A|Q| +-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+ Newbie and Returning players guide By Shadowneko Email: catgrove@yahoo.com Version 4.0 last update 12/12/09 So you decided to play FFXI and if you're not careful you'll probably get yourself into a whole mess of trouble. The thing about playing an online game like this is that you either have good manners or the other players will start to resent you. These are things that I learned from playing the beta under the nick of "Shadowcat" (no relation to any comic book characters) and hanging around the retail PC players. I've also learned that some of this has occurred on the North American launch as the Japanese players came to resent the total idiocy of a large group of American newbies. This ensued in something I term as "Stupid Newbie syndrome" where a block of established players clashes with a large group of newbies that has just come into the game. To prevent more of this upon the North American PS2 launch I wrote this FAQ just for you. You can always find the latest version of this FAQ by emailing me or going to http://maryadavies.vze.com. Part 1: getting started- First off you have to choose your system. Having the PC edition or the Xbox 360 does not necessarily mean the game will look better or play any different. (Actually the sky looked a bit washed out on my PC beta but I'm not too sure if it is the same now as there's been a lot of updates.) There is virtually no difference between the three versions and PS2, Xbox 360 and PC players play on the same servers. Also around are the Japanese players, and they can be a bit hard to communicate with so be nice. 1.1 System Requirements- 1.1.1 PS2 edition: 1.An older model fatboy PS2.[the thin ones will not play FFXI as there's no place for the HDD] 2. Sony's Network Adapter 3.USB Keyboard (this is required for chatting on the PS2[no USB headsets here!], and personally I recommend you get something cheap. Pay $50 for a KB just to use on a game console is really silly. I currently use a really cheap logitech but any straight up USB keyboard will work. 4.USB mouse (optional as I've found this is only useful if you plan on playing lots of Tetra Master on POL) Software editions for the PS2: Main installs(these will allow you to play the game but you may not have access to certain areas): 1.FFXI + The Rise of Zilart with the HDD(you can find this used if you just want it to install the game) 2.FFXI Vana'diel Collection 2008(includes all expansion packs execpt the mini-expansion quests) Expansion Packs(these are not standalone installs and will not work without one of the main installs): 1. FFXI: Chains of Promathia 2. FFXI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan 3. FFXI: Wings of the Goddess 1.1.1.a Installing the PS2 edition on a PS3: It is possible to install the PS2 edition on a Playstation 3 but you first need one of the three backwards compatible models of that system. No current model of the PS3 will play PS2 games so to get one of these you will have to resort to going to a used game shop such as Gamestop or using online auction sites such as Ebay. I will list the model numbers here and briefly describe each one: 1. Model#CECHB01- this model came with an 20 gig Hard Disk Drive, no Wi-Fi and four USB ports on the front 2. Model#CECHA01- This model came with an 60 gig Hard Disk Drive and four USB ports on the front 3. Model#CECHE01- This model came with an 80 gig Hard Disk Drive and four USB ports on the front. I guess you can see the pattern here as all backwards compatible models of the PS3 have four USB ports on the front. Once you're sure that you have one of these models you will need to download the “PS2 system file” from the Playstation store (it's free). This will make a 10 gig partition on your Hard Drive and allow you to install FFXI. 1.1.2 PC Edition: *Note- I'm putting Square Enix's stats down here. I'm also adding an accessory I feel most of you will need. 1.1.2a Software and accessories- The PC edition comes in several flavors(old and new), but we warned the new ones require a DVD-Rom Drive Software Editions for the PC: Main Installs(you will need one of these to make the game run)- 1. FFXI Online + The Rise of Zilart (1st expansion included in USA edition) [medium=CD-Rom] 2. FFXI: The Vana'diel Collection (Includes the "Chains of Promathia" expansion + what was in #1)[medium=DVD-ROM] 3. FFXI: Vana'diel Collection 2007(includes FFXI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan.)[medium=DVD-ROM] 4. FFXI Vana'diel Collection 2008(has all the expansions minus the mini-expansion quests)[medium=DVD-ROM] 5. Final Fantasy XI: Ultimate Collection(includes free keys for the three mini-expansion quests. (Basically the complete edition) [medium=DVD-ROM] [Expansion Packs] *note: one of the main game installs is required for expansion packs 1. The Rise of Zilart (included with all NA an EU editions) 2. FFXI: Chains of Promathia [medium=CD-ROM] 3. FFXI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan [medium=DVD-ROM] 4. FFXI: Wings of the Goddess [medium=DVD-ROM] *note:(Recommended Accessories) Dual Shock 2 style gamepad- $10-$30 Or Playstation to USB adapter- $10(useful if you have PS2 systems about as you can borrow those controllers) *Note- the reason I recommend these is that the Keyboard and mouse controls aren't really ideal for the game. It was mostly designed with the Dual Shock 2 in mind and has some lousy controls without one IMHO. 1.1.2b Minimum System requirements- Windows 98/Windows 98 SE/Me/2000/XP Intel 800Mhz or faster processor 128 megs of ram Nvidia GeForce series with 32 megs of ram or an ATI Radeon 9000 series DirectX 8.1 compatible sound 6 Gigs of free Hard Drive Space,4x CD-ROM (for install only) 1.1.2c Recommended System requirements- Windows XP Intel Pentium 4 processor 256 megs of RAM Nvidia GeForce FX with 64 megs of ram DirectX 8.1 compatible sound 6 Gigs of free Hard Drive Space 32x CD-ROM (for install only) Broadband Internet connection 1.1.3 Xbox 360 edition: First off I will say that you DO NOT need Xbox Live Gold to play FFXI online as you only need a Xbox Live Silver(free). This is similar to the PS2 edition in that you need a USB keyboard for chatting. I don't recommend the Xbox360 chatpad as it's gonna be hard to type fast and execute macros. Also an Xbox 360 with a Hard Disk Drive is required to install FFXI. None of the arcade editions will work without first buying the Hard Drive accessory. 1.1.3a Versions: Main installs: 1. Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia, Rise Of The Zilart, Treasures of Aht Urhgan(everything but Wings of the Goddess and the mini-expansion quests) 2. Vana'diel Collection 2008(includes everything but the mini-expansion quests) 3. Final Fantasy XI: Ultimate Collection (has free keys for the mini-expansion quests) Expansion Packs(these require one of the main installs to work): 1. Wings of the Goddess 1.2 Making a Character: First you should know that your job is not set in stone as you can change it at any time during play by talking to the moogle in your mog house. You also have a starter weapon in your inventory when you get into the game(related to the job you just picked). However the race you choose to be can affect the stats of certain jobs and make them better or worse depending on which one you pick. Secondly you should have a basic understanding of the Worldpass system which I will explain later in this section of the FAQ. I am going to go over the various races, starter jobs, and areas now as that's the standard fare. 1.2.1 Races: Hume- these guys are basically the jack of all trades. They are good at any job you care to pick from warrior to White mage… Mithra (female only)- These crazy cat girls have high dexterity which makes them great thieves and rangers. They can have slightly reduced MP in the mage department though and when they do get hit, they get hit for more. Galka (male only)- These big bear like guys are dead tough and they make great Monks and warrior types. They generally have high HP but very low on the MP department. TaruTaru- these are smart little guys who can get lots of MP on mage jobs and their intelligence makes them great spell casters. They can be decent at melee jobs, but it's more in the area of Advanced jobs. They don't have a lot of HP and this can make playing warrior hard, but it is workable. Elvaan- these elves are great at melee jobs from what I hear. They also make pretty good healers because of their high mind stat; however they're lacking in the MP department. 1.2.2 Starting Jobs: (note: FFXI is a game with many jobs that you can change your character into if you want. You are not tied to a single class progression when you start the game.) Warrior (Standard weapon types: short swords, axes, scythes, spears and two-handed swords)-this job is adept at all forms of combat and its secondary purpose is to protect the other players. (Esp. the mages) The ability "Provoke" learned on level 5 is used to keep the monsters focused on you and for luring them to you so your party can attack. This is really the first tank job most of us try to play but at higher levels it's now seen as a damage dealer. Thief (Standard weapon types: Daggers, a few claws and short swords) - my personal favorite job, this job can net you tons of battlefield treasure to put to various uses. (Such as crafting, but I'll get into it later) Steal is learned on level 5 and is about as effective as in previous games in the series, but the latent abilities such as Gilfinder and treasure hunter more than pick up the slack. Also later the Thief learns great attack abilities like Sneak Attack and Trick Attack that greatly increase the amount of damage you can do. This is basically a dealer of spike damage and also seen as someone who can pull monsters for XP parties. Monk (Standard weapon type: claws)- these guys can basically beat up the monsters. They make for one of the best attacking jobs in the game and usually have no problems soloing at certain points. Red Mage (Standard weapon type: short swords)- these guys can use both white and black magic, plus they don't make bad attackers either. Early in the game this job works but later it can get to be a total pain or so I hear. Mostly on this job they've regulated to being healers which is kinda a crying shame because they are good at casting status aliments and they have decent sword skills. Black Mage (Standard weapon types: Clubs, some daggers, and Staves)- The biggest drawback to playing Black Mage is that you don't get a lot of HP very fast. On the flipside you get a ton of MP and some great attack spells! White Mage(Standard weapon types: Clubs, and Staves)- You're gonna be spending a lot of time using cure spells, but then again you've got friends everywhere. (It can be hard to level up at the start) This job is in high demand thanks to the high cost of potions so if you decide to go here everyone will want you to join them. (If you want a ton of friends…go this way!) 1.3 Worldpass system: Square Enix basically made this system somewhat useless since now you can select any world by default. Gold worldpasses are still sold for the purpose of inviting your friends to play with you and to get some fun goodies. 1.4 Starting Areas: Note: You get a slight bonus for starting at the home for you race, but maybe you want some cooler scenery…. Bastok- This place is all about machines and mining. It's also the home of the Humes and the Galka. Most of the area around this place is wasteland with a few hills. It's also home to the Alchemy, Blacksmith and Goldsmith guilds. San d'Oria- This castle-like town is home to the Elvaans. It's basically all medieval/renaissance but many of the NPCs can be big snobs. The notable craft guild that are located here are the Tanning and Woodworking guilds. The surrounding area is some rather pretty forest. Windhurst- Probably the prettiest town but sometimes getting around can be confusing. This place is home to the TaruTarus and the Mithra. It's a place very steeped in magic and the guilds here are Cooking, Boneworking, and Clothcraft. The surrounding area is pretty fields and mountains. 1.5 Linkshells: I thought I should add this here as sometime during play you will probably be asked if you want to join one. This is basically a chat group, and the members of this can hear you anywhere in the current world you're playing in when you chat on it. Joining one of these is a good way to get help or find party members. You can also set up your own Linkshell if you have a couple thousand gil to pay to certain NPCs. 1.6 Return to Vana'diel Campaign- Had a character before and wanna get back in? If you remember your Playonline account information you can get Square Enix to restore your characters provided that you(personally) did not delete your characters when you quit. If you forgot you account info a tech support rep might be able to get it back for you if you remember your old address and credit card info. Just go to http://www.playonline.com to try to get back in. 1.7 Experience Point bonuses- I dually note that most jobs in FFXI can't solo much past lvl 20 but there are some instances where you can get bonus XP and I will list those here. Some of these do not require an XP party: 1. XP bonus rings- When you have enough Conquest points(see Signet, Sanction and Sigil below) you can use these to buy a ring that has consumable charges. They are the Chariot Band, Empress Band and the Emperor Band. These allow for you to have a certain max bonus per real life day with the worst being the Chariot Band. The best deal if you think you're gonna try to XP a lot is the Empress Band because if you use all the charges you'll get the most experience points. If you only plan on gaining experience points three time a week or less the Emperor band would be a better choice for you. All of these are rechargeable for conquest points(original FFXI areas), Imperial standing points and Allied notes(trade to the guards). There is also a fourth ring call the “Anniversary Ring” that you can use the charges on every hour but this is only available through special events and is not rechargeable. 2. Fields of Valor- This was added recently and it's a system that allows you to gain bonus experience points by killing certain monsters . You can even do this if the monsters are a lot weaker than your character as long as you get some experience points for killing them. You also earn points/notes that can be exchanged for buffs or transport back to your home nation. When you first wander outside look for a “field manual”(hey it's a book!) in it there are options for “individual training” and “elite training”. I suggest you look at individual training first and pick a page. Each one of these pages contains what I call a “monster bounty list” and for the newbie areas it's mostly stuff you would kill anyway. I will list “Individual training” on the pages for each of the starting areas: North Gustaberg (I-6),(L-8),(D-10)&(J-6) page 1 Target level: 1~6 monsters to fight: 6 Worms page 2 Target level: 3~6 monsters to fight: 6 Maneating Hornets page 3 Target level: 3~7 monsters to fight: 5 Vultures,1 Walking Sapling page 4 Target level: 3~8 monsters to fight: 4 Quadav,2 Rock Lizards page 5 Target level: 3~8 monsters to fight: 3 Quadav,4 Ornery Sheep South Gustaberg (K-8) & (H-9) page 1 Target level: 1~6 monsters to fight: 6 Bees page 2 Target level: 2~5 monsters to fight: 7 Stone Eaters page 3 Target level: 3~6 monsters to fight: 3 Vultures,3 Walking Saplings page 4 Target level: 3~6 monsters to fight: 7 Goblins page 5 Target level: 4~8 monsters to fight: 5 Rock Lizards, 2 Crabs West Ronfaure (I-6) & (G-9) page 1 Target level: 1~6 monsters to fight: 6 Worms page 2 Target level: 2~6 monsters to fight: 6 Forest Hares page 3 Target level: 4~7 monsters to fight: 5 Scarab Beetles,1 Forest Funguar page 4 Target level: 4~8 monsters to fight: 4 Orcs, 2 Scarab Beetles page 5 Target level: 4~8 monsters to fight: 6 Wild Sheep, 1 Goblin East Ronfaure (G-6) & (H-9) page 1 Target level: 1~5 monsters to fight: 6 Pugil(fish) page 2 Target level: 2~5 monsters to fight: 6 Carrion Worms page 3 Target level: 2~6 monsters to fight: 7 Forest Hares page 4 Target level: 3~6 monsters to fight: 4 Orcs,2 Forest Funguars page 5 Target level: 4~8 monsters to fight: 4 Wild Sheep,2 Scarab Beetles West Sarutabaruta (J-8) & (H-6) & (I-10) page 1 Target level: 1~5 monsters to fight: 6 Mandragoras page 2 Target level: 2~5 monsters to fight: 6 Savanna Rarabs page 3 Target level: 3~8 monsters to fight: 5 Crawlers,1 Carrion Crow page 4 Target level: 4~8 monsters to fight: 4 Yagudo, 2 Crawlers page 5 Target level: 4~8 monsters to fight: 4 Yagudo, 2 Bees East Sarutabaruta (F-4), (G-11) & (J-7) page 1 Target level: 1~6 monsters to fight: 6 Mandragora page 2 Target level: 1~8 monsters to fight: 6 Bees page 3 Target level: 2~6 monsters to fight: 6 Savanna Rarabs page 4 Target level: 3~6 monsters to fight: 4 River Crabs, 2 Crawlers page 5 Target level: 3~6 monsters to fight: 4 Carrion Crows, 3 Crawlers 3. Besieged- Every so often Al Zahbi(the offshoot of the Aht Urhgan Whitegate town zone and the first town in the "Treasures of Aht Urhgan" expansion) will come under attack. It's not very predictable but you can usually see them coming by selecting “Besieged” from “region info” on the main FFXI menu. You can gain points by healing and helping to kill monsters and if you survive until the end you get a nice experience point bonus. However you do not get the full bonus from this until lvl 65. 4. Campaign Ops(Wings of the Goddess Required)- Anyone can do these little short quests that gain you some experience points. They are in the past versions of the starting cities: Bastok[s], San d'Oria[s] and Windhurst[s] as the starting places. Usually the quests are simple enough that even a newbie can do them but getting to the past is something best left to people who've been to the central city of Jueno. 5. Campaign(Wings of the Goddess Required)- similar to besieged except the whole world is under attack randomly. You can usually pick a zone to defend or attack depending on the current state of things and if you survive the battle you get bonus experience points. However you do not get the full bonus from this until lvl 65. 1.8 Newbie quests- This was added last year but going into the gory details is very very long. Basically they teach you a bit about the game while giving you some items and some little bonus XP. I suggest you look at this in addition to my guide: http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Tutorial_NPC 1.9 Level sync- This system was added a few updates ago. It lets high level players join any party if they want to. The gear these players are wearing caps down to a “Fair amount” which often makes wearing level appropriate gear better. You can try to ask whatever players you wish to cap down to lvl 10 but don't get mad if you're rejected. Part 2: Crafts and making money- Every newbie asks, "How do I make money?"; well you're in luck because I'm gonna give you some hints. Whether or not you've played an MMORPG before you should know that one way to make money is just to sell many of the items that the monsters drop and this does work but it's only short term. To get rich in the big game you're gonna have to use what you just found in crafts and/or do hundreds of quests and this can take a while. Crafts work by using crystals which monsters will drop if you have signet cast on you. You can get signet cast on you by any gate guard, but I'll go more into it when I summarize the conquest. I'm gonna have a summary of the basic crafts here, but if you want formulas you need to check another FAQ. Things that are made can be sold at the auction house or by using the Bazaar system. 2.1 Signet,Sanction, and Sigil: These are spells that allow you to get Crystals and earn conquest points(FFXI/Rise of Zilart/Chains of Promathia areas) or Imperial Standing points(Treasures of Aht Urhgan areas) depending on what area you are in(note: Sigil does not allow you to earn Allied Notes from Wings of the Goddess areas). As a newbie you should really only worry about Signet as those are the areas you will be visiting for quite awhile. Signet also has a new added effect of allowing you to use the rest command without losing any TP(I'll go over this in “Weapon Skills”.) You can use these conquest points and imperial standing points for cool items down the line or just sell them. The more points gotten by a nation in an original area the more likely that nation will own it. Rank is important in FFXI(original) and WOTG as the number one ranked nation will have access to the best items. Any of the guards with initials next to their name (I.M., ETC.) can cast Signet on you and if you are visiting another nation you can visit consulate of you nation to have it recast as well. Please try to keep it on at all times! 2.2 Casting lots: This goes along with joining parties and the treasure distribution system. In a party you can choose to pool your treasure or have a designated quartermaster. (Personally I prefer to pool my treasure, but that's just me.) When treasure is pooled anyone in the party can cast a lot for it and this picks a random number between 1 and 999(Dice Roll!! 999!!). The higher the number the more likely the item will be yours. The treasure does not auto distribute very well and many people will be cheated if no one casts lots. If you really need the item in question you can ask your party members nicely to pass. Passing means that you don't take a spin on the item and give everyone else a chance at it. Lotting in XP parties is considered rude so most players don't do it. I really think it's silly but that's the way it is. 2.3 Crafts: This can make you money but you can also lose some gil as well. Sometimes supplies aren't easily gotten from the monsters so you must buy them. Eventually what you make can be worth lots of gil, but high levels of certain crafts are required. Alchemy- this is one I wish I'd figured out how to try this one. You can make potions, Ethers and other such useful things, but you can also profit by adding certain elemental properties to weapons and armor. This can really got you some $$$! Blacksmith- With this craft you can make some great weapons and armor, but it can run up a tab since the monsters don't always drop what you need. You can also do some mining but the ore you get is totally random, and you might just break a lot of pickaxes! Goldsmith- Worms drop a lot of the raw material to get started in this craft, but it does end up being abit expensive. The accessories you make can sell high, but you have to work your way up. Clothcraft- this one allows you to make cloth armor, beds and other things and it's actually pretty good. You can combine it with other crafts such as blacksmith and alchemy to make different types of cool armor. Oh if you go harvesting for material expect to break a few sickles! Bonecraft- you can end up making some way cool armor with this. You can also make some good ornaments. Culinarian- food can have a great effect on your stats. Cooking can make things that have really cool effects…like MP regen! Leathercraft – Want to make armor? Or you like to farm tigers or something that drops skins that don't stack? This is the craft for you ^^ Woodworking- ever wanted to make shields, arrows, bows and furniture? This might be just for you. Expect to go through a few axes at the logging points though! Fishing- this kinda goes with cooking as you usually eat what you catch. Plan on breaking a few fishing poles and losing bait before you get good. Also due to new rules new players can no longer fish right at the start and must wait until lvl 20. This was a measure to curtail gillsellers/RMT. It can actually make money for you right out of the gate and rods and bait are cheap. Synergy- this was just added and it's mainly to be used to make custom weapons and armor. As the system has only just barely been fully released I can only tell you what is known about it at this time. According to SE this can even require multiple crafters with the mess-ups sometimes rebounding and causing physical damage to the crafters involved(On a 75 is isn't much but it could be devastating to a low level). 2.4 The Auction house and The Bazaar system 2.4.1 The Auction House- This may be the biggest place to buy and sell things. It's a big building that's marked on most of the town maps and there's at least one in each major town. Putting junk up for auction is pretty easy as you just walk up to the counter and select it. A menu will appear that will let you buy or sell and you select sell and them item. This does cost a small amount of gil and the selling prices are determined by the old economic law of Supply and Demand. 2.4.1a Reselling things at Auction House- This is how I made alot of my early gil and it still works. Alot of people are too lazy to find the NPC sellers for armor and spells so if the NPC has it for cheaper you can sell it on the AH for more money. This can also go the other way as some stuff sells to NPCs for more than the Auction House price. 2.4.2 The Bazaar system- Using this you can set prices for anything in your inventory, and basically turn your character into a walking shop. Open the main menu and go over to the second list and select "Bazaar". Then when it lets you go to your inventory you can set the prices on things…oh and don't set them too high or you won't sell a blasted thing! Part 3: Things not to do (manners and monsters) - Every newbie should know what not to attack and what not to do as not to make the other players mad. This is what I'm gonna go over right here as nobody likes dying…esp. when it hurts the conquest and you loose exeperence points. The other players will be so mad at you if all of your friends (plus you) go off and do a mass suicide. (Lemmings anyone?) Also use the Check command a lot on the lower levels, as it will help you. Mage jobs are a bit weaker when it comes to combat so be super careful there as my estimates are based mostly on the melee jobs. 3.1 Basic types of Monsters to avoid (lvl 1-lvl 10)- You shouldn't mess with these guys because you could wind up dead. Dying is never fun since you lose experience points every time you die (you might even level down if it goes too far!). Goblins- these guys really aren't any fun…although warrior types can take out some lower end ones on lvl 5- lvl 7 Quadav- on the lower levels these turtle like guys will destroy you and use you for weapon grease! You might try some lower end ones solo about lvl 6-lvl 7…but use the check command first! Orcs- the quadav of San d'Oria these guys also have no sense of humor. You might try some lower end ones around lvl 6- lvl 7, but be careful Yagudos- these dumb birds hang around the Windhurst area and you really should not play with them much. You can try them at lvl 6- lvl 7 but be careful! Dhalmels- Some fun idiots thought trying to kill these guys on lvl 6- lvl 7 was a good idea! Although they are worth a moderate amount of gil I wouldn't try these guys with anything but a lvl 10 party. Sheep- You might be able to take mad sheep or it's weaker cousin (demented sheep) on lvl 6- lvl 7, but be totally careful! Crawlers- these worms are nasty becase they use poision. They should be ok by lvl 6-7 but if you want insurnce and can't use White Magic you might want to afford some antidotes. 3.2 Manners- This is mostly gonna have to do with annoying things that people with certain jobs do or have done. First off in general be polite and don't insult people…after all if you do that where are you gonna get party members from? Secondly try not to spam too much (like typing a whole mess…especially in shout mode), don't kick people just because they are casting lots and thirdly look at these other fun things you shouldn't do: Warriors- do not provoke every monster in sight! First off you'll probably wind up dead and secondly many people around you will probably die. This will really make a lot of people mad at you! White Mage- this is just what I consider to be the White mage's oath: I will help anyone and everyone no matter who they are. I'll cure them, use protect spells…anything just to help out! I will not charge money for my services, as I am the one who just wants to help! General tip 1- Respect the White mage as if you get them mad they may leave. Also watch their MP and believe them when they say they are low. If your WHM runs out of MP you're basically dead! Protect them at all costs! General tip 2- Black Mages have low HP but they also draw the monsters to them with their spells. They also require protection…especially in the lower levels…. General tip 3- White Mages sometimes like to help lone players by curing, and using protect and Shell as they run by. Don't yell at them for it as they are just trying to help you out! Just thank them kindly and let them go on their way... General tip 4- Patience is a virtue...please don't get too mad if you have to wait around quite a while for a party! Part 4: Notable quests- These are things ever newbie asks about, but I'm not going full on into how to find certain NPCs and stuff. I'm just going into the basic quests that everyone wants to know about: 4.1 How to get a chocobo: You need at least one job on level 20 and you need 4 Gausebit grass. You can get the grass from Wadi hares in Dangruf Wadi(a swampy area near Bastok), off flies in Meriphataud Mountains, or you can just buy them. Once you have the grass head for Jueno and talk to the guy in the chocobo stables in Upper Jueno. You'll need to feed the grass to an "injured" chocobo over a period of 5 game days. You don't have to do it on consecutive game days though…you can log out and continue later. 4.2 How to get a Subjob- There are two quests there(note: either quest will do, but only one is required): One in Selbina (located in the Valkurm Dunes) and one in Mhaura (located across the ocean form Selbina…near Windhurst). For the Selbina quest you need to fight certain monsters to get 3 items: A Magicked Skull (Ghouls), a Damselfly Worm (Damselfly) and a Crab Apron (crabs on the beach in Valkurm). When you get these items talk to the guy near the water and give him the items one at a time using the trade feature (Isaicao). For the Mhaura sub job quest you need 3 different items: Wild Rarab Tail (Mighty Rarabs), Dhalmel saliva (Bull Dhalmel) and Bloody Robe (Bogys). Give these one at a time to the old lady at the end of the pier (Vera). 4.3 How do I get an Advanced Job such as bard, paladin, dark knight, ETC.? - First off you need one of your starter jobs to be on level 30. Then you must do quests specifically for each advanced job you want to unlock. Getting Bard- First go speak to Mertaire in the Merry Minstrel in Lower Jeuno and then the rest of the NPCs in the inn. Go anywhere that parchment is sold(usually the Jueno auction house for 1,000 gil) and buy one then travel to the Buburimu Peninsula here you'll find a secret path(at map coordinate G-9) then find and touch the Song Runes. After a cutscene, trade a Parchment to the song runes. You'll get the Poetic Parchment as a reward. Then go to Lower Jeuno Trade the Poetic Parchment to Mertaire. You'll get a lot of gil from this! Then head to the Valkurm Dunes and touch the Song Runes at map coordinate (B-7) in the Valkurm Dunes. You now have the bard class available to you. Getting Beastmaster- Talk to Dietmund in Lower Jeuno to get this quest. He'll ask you to cure his son's sickness and to do so you must touch the 'Nightflowers" on Qufim island when they begin to glow (approximately 22:00). To reach the flowers, you must get around the Kraken without getting yourself killed. The Kraken hears sounds so sneak or Silent Oil will help out or you can just swap to a level 1 job and make a suicide run! After that talk to Brutus in the Chocobo stables in Upper Jeuno and he'll give you the class. Getting Dark Knight- Talk to Gumbah (House 2nd Floor)[Map Coordinate: (J-7)] in Bastok mines district until you see a cut scene with Werei, then go to Palborough Mines 3rd Floor and take the boat at (G-8). After getting the Chaosbringer, kill 100 enemies with it and then enter Beadeaux to complete the quest. The Chaosbringer must deal the final blow in every battle. If a magic spell causes the enemy to die, or if the enemy suicides, or if you use a weapon skill to finish the battle, the death doesn't count towards your killing spree. You do not need to have the sword equipped when you go to Beadeaux, but you do have to have it on you somewhere. Getting Dragoon- In North San d'Oria talk to Oiheaurese. Then go to Port San O'rdia and go into Cargo room then talk to Arminibit and Ceraulian, then go to the prison under Chateau d'Oraguille where you need to talk to Novalmauge. Go back to North San d'Oria and talk to Morjean. Then make sure you have a few pickaxes as you're now headed to the Shakhrami Maze. Go into the maze and look for the excavation point at map coordinates or and start digging until you find a dragon Egg. Then go back to Morjean and he will send you to Yachemidot. Then go to the Meriphataud Mountians to the east edge of Doragora's Spine where you should find a "???". Trade the egg to it as to trigger the event and then go to Ghelsba Outpost. In a hut there(located at map coordinate , Open the door and a Dragon will appear, beat him to get the Dragoon Job. Getting Ninja- Talk to Kaede in a house that you find at map coordinate in Port Bastok. Then go talk to Kagetora in the warehouse also located in Port Bastok at map coordinate . After that talk to Ensetu in the old house located at map coordinate (go into the room to the left to find him). Now go to the Bastok Minesand travel through them to the Zeruhn Mines to the Korroloka Tunnel. When you get to the Korroloka Tunnel go to map coordinate where you'll be warped over to map coordinate . Go to map coordinate where you'll find a "???". Talk a look at the object and then you'll have to fight 3 Korroloka Leech(NMs). After the fight with the Korroloka Leeches check the "???" to get the key item. Go back and talk to Ensetsu in Port Bastok at map coordnate . Go to the new area Norg and talk to Ryoma to finish the quest and get Ninja. Getting Paladin- Talk to Balasiel on the bridge in South San D'Oria (at map coordinate F-7) to get this first part and then bring him a Revival Tree Root, that undead monsters (such as ghosts, spooks, and hounds). [Quick tip: if you've done the quests "A Squire's Test" and "A Squire's Test 2" you can skip part of this as they are basically the same thing] Then go talk to Chanpeau (he's standing near a well on the way to talk to Balasiel) Go to the La Theine Plateau and go to the area of Ordelle's Caves. First find the entrance closest to the lake(at map coordinate H-11) then from the entrance of the caves go to map coordinate H-6. From there head to a large room with Fungars at map coordinate H-7 and go through the room to get to the waterfall(at map coordinate G-7) Here you will find two points with a "???" marking them. First inspect the one in the pool and then quickly look at the one in the center of the room. If you did this right and you were fast enough you will get the Stalactite Dew. Go back to Balasial to "Squire's Certificate"(a key Item). After talking to Balasiel again go talk to the guards on the second floor of the eastern and western guard posts(those would be Cahaurme located at map coordinate J-9 and Baurise at map coordinate H-9) Then travel to Davoi and look at the Disused Wall located at map coordinate D-10. Go back to Balasiel on the brige and he'll give you a Kite Shield and the Paladin job. Getting Ranger- First go find Perih Vashai(at map coordinate K-7) in Windhurst Woods and she'll send you off to watch an old Sabertooth Tiger die and bring back the bones. Go to Sauromugue Champaign and go into the far southeast corner (At map coordinate L-10). You should see a passageway that to the east which leads to a cave. The cave has 3 Sabertooth Tigers for guards and inside an Old Sabertooth tiger will slowly die. (remember kids: DO NOT ATTACK THE OLD SABERTOOTH TIGER) Once the tiger dies by himself go examine the bone pile and you'll get the old fang. Go back to Perih Vashai in Windhurst woods and trade it for the Ranger's Necklace and the job. Quick notes: 1. Since the old fang is a key item you have to get the quest before you can get the item. 2. Tip: A Chocobo and a scroll of instant teleport can help you finish this quest in no time as you can avoid the 3 tigers at the entrance. Getting Summoner- First go talk to Ajido-Marujido in Windhurst walls the you must go fight Thread Leeches(or that type of monster) in one of the following places: Buburimu Peninsula, Qufim or the Valkurm Dunes. You are trying to get the Leeches to drop a key item called "Carbuncle's Ruby".(this is a very rare drop…perhaps a little Thief can help you out) Once you get the item go to the "House of the Hero" in Windhurst Walls(located at Map Coordinate G-3) and select the door. You then have to take a bit of a road trip as you have to experience the seven weather elementals. When you visit go through several zones until you get all seven types of weather that appear in the world. The colors of the ruby and places where you are most likely to find the weather you need are below: 1. Red - heat - Valkurm, Rolanberry, Oztroja, Altepa. 2. Orange - sunny skies - Most Zones 3. Yellow - sand - Valkurm, Tahrongi, Konschtat. 4. Green - wind - Tahrongi, Mhaura, La Theine. 5. Indigo - ice - Xarcabard, Beaucadine 6. Blue - rain - La Theine, Pashhow, Rolanberry. 7. Violet - thunder - Konschtat, Jugner Forest. [Quick tip: you usually know if you got the pattern when you change zones and see a cut scene. If you didn't see one you didn't get the pattern. You don't have to be close to the weather…just in the Zone it is happening in…oh and you can be on a Chocobo] After experiencing all seven types of weather go to the La Theine Plateau and go to the stone circle (located at map coordinate G-6) Trade it to the stone with "???" and then you can get Summoner! Getting Samurai- First go to Kazham then get a Chocobo and head to the outpost to the south(don't fall in any holes). Go up and to the right through the tunnel and keep going south until you get to the waterfall (keep an eye on your compass). Fall into the hole closest to the waterfall and this will take you into Sea Serpent Grotto. Try to sneak through, but using Silent Oil or getting someone to cast Sneak on you would really help out here. Keep going to the right a bit and you should get to Norg and go up the steps on the right. Go all the way down the hall to find Jaucribaix and then talk to him and he'll tell you to go fetch a sacred branch and bomb steel. Talk to Aeka at the bottom of the stairs and she'll give you the Oriental steel. To the left of the steps (near the back) you can find Ranemaud who will give you the Sacred sprig. Just grab a Choboco and go out north to Kazham and head to Jueno. (ok I recommend you get a party for this part…possibly level 35 and above) Make sure you have a hachet or two with you and go to the Meriphataud Mountains and then head east to Zi'Tah. Around map coordinate J-9(or K-9 …my source doesn't specify) there is a tunnel. Go through it and look for a "???" on a big tree then use a hatchet on the "???" point to get a Guardian Tree Ent to come out and get you. Kill this monster then trade the sacred sprig to the "???" point to get the sacred branch. Now go to Konschtat Highlands at map coordinate D-8 where you should see a "???" then trade the Oriental steel to it. You should call out a monster called Forger, then beat it up to get the bomb steel.(if you have friends with you make sure they pass so you can get the item and make sure you lot) Then go back to Norg and talk to Jaucribaix and he'll talk to you with Gilgamesh then wait 3 game days and talk to him again. You'll unlock the Samurai job and get your first Katana blade! Getting Puppetmaster(Treasures of Aht Urhgan required)- Talk to Shamarhaan at (F-9) in Bastok Markets near the fountain (with your level 30+ job equipped). Talk to Iruki-Waraki at (K-9) in Aht Urhgan Whitegate (on the top floor). Talk to Ghatsad at (I-7) the Automaton Workshop (on the top floor). Head to Arrapago Reef and you can get there by taking the Ferry from Port Ephramad to Nashmau, taking the North exit into Caedarva Mire and heading to the tunnel at (I-6) into Arrapago Reef. *Alternatively, use the Runic Portal to the Azouph Isle Staging Point, and head to the tunnel at (I-6) into Arrapago Reef. Keep Sneak and Invisible up due to the Chigoes and Treants in the Mire. Use caution around the imps as they have True Sight. If you want to avoid a few mobs, it is recommended doing this during the day as the Jnun in Caedarva Mire are asleep during this time (although they can be easily avoided during the night). *If you have blm main/sub job high enough to use "escape", you can simply take any Ilrusi Atoll assault mission. Warp to the assault entrance area and when you escape, you will pop right where the Arrapago zone is (I-6 on Caedarva Mire map). (You do NOT need a Lamian Fang Key for this quest, but you do for the Corsair quest, Luck of the Draw.) Find the ??? at (H-10) on the first boat, hidden beneath the stairs, to receive a key item: Antique automaton. Return to Ghatsad (I-7) in Aht Urhgan Whitegate. Talk to him and give him the Antique automaton. Wait for the next game day and talk to him again. Return to Iruki-Waraki (K-9) to receive your Animator and to complete the quest. *You will also be given a chance to pick your Automaton's name from a list Getting Blue mage(Treasures of Aht Urhgan required)- Talk to Waoud and agree to his divination. Answer a series of questions (see below). If you fail, he charges you 1000 Gil. There are several different outcomes, depending on your answer: *Skyserpent: "I see the symbol of the Skyserpent. It suggests spending some time away from battle. For a change of pace, why not try your hand at harvesting in the Wajaom Woodlands or Bhaflau Thickets? You may make an unexpected discovery." *Flameserpent: "I see the symbol of the Flameserpent. It suggests you take an aggressive stance and not shy away from a challenge. Perhaps you might try visiting the Commission Agency. A substantial reward could be yours for the taking." *Galeserpent: "I see the symbol of the Galeserpent. It suggests a loss in the near future... Even I cannot predict what this loss may entail.You would do well to pay close attention to your possessions." *Stoneserpent: "I see the symbol of the Stoneserpent. It suggests you will receive a boon from the earth. A boon from the earth...? Ah yes, a stint at mining may prove beneficial. All signs point towards Mount Zhayolm..." *Springserpent: "I see the symbol of the Springserpent. It suggests a sojourn to the sea. Yes, a tranquil journey on the waves. Replace your weapon with a fishing pole and fate will smile upon you." If you succeed, Waoud will mention all 5 serpents, thus starting the quest: "Sky, Flame, Gale, Stone, and Spring. I see all five serpent symbols... This sign heralds a turning point in your destiny."If you somehow get disconnected before paying the 1000 gil (if you fail), when you get back you can start all over without having to waiting one game day to try again. Waoud will then mention one of the following three items: *Dangruf Stone: "The treasure I would have you seek is a precious stone. It is said to be as red as blood and found in a land of geysers." *Valkurm Sunsand: "The treasure I would have you seek is a pinch of golden sand. It is said to glow with the light of the sun and be found only on a certain beach." *Siren's Tear: "The treasure I would have you seek is a jewel. It is said to glow with a bluish tint and be found near the bank of a certain river." Waoud will not yet accept the item. Leave and re-enter Whitegate and talk to Waoud again at least one game day later and agree to help, answering that his words have moved you to help him. Now trade the requested item to him; he tells you to take it somewhere else. *Keep the requested item in your inventory. Head to the Ironbound Gate in Aht Urhgan Whitegate (H-7) (down the tunnel behind Sajahb) and zone out to Bhaflau Thickets). Enter the cave at (I-7) to zone into Aydeewa Subterrane. Head down to the first large room and fall off a ledge into a room with diremites. These can and will agro by sound. Immediately to the left, there's a steep ramp that leads down to a spot with leeches, and a large pool in the center that looks like a Teleporter (H-9). Step into the center of the pool for a cutscene. (You must have the requested item in your inventory for it to activate, however you will retain the item after the quest has been completed.) Answer "yes" to both questions. If for some reason you answer no three times (don't take his hand, no regrets, none!), your memory will be erased of the quest. You will have to restart the quest from the beginning in order to become a Blue Mage. * You will be transported back to the gates of the Imperial Whitegate in Aht Urhgan Whitegate (L-8). * You can now become a Blue Mage. * You can talk to Waoud again for an additional cutscene. (The "extra" custcene is necessary to start future Artifact quests.) Questions: The answer in brackets is said to be the most blue mage like answer, though for some they might not work. (Check Wiki(http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/An_Empty_Vessel) for other possible answers.) 1. What is destiny? [* Is immutable] * One forges for oneself * Is unknowable 2. Does the accomplishment of a goal require sacrifice and hardship? * Not if you think hard enough. * Occasionally. [* Absolutely.] 3. You hold in your hands a forbidden scroll. Reading it will bring you untold wisdom, but cost all that you own. [* Read the scroll?] * Throw the scroll away? * Burn the scroll? 4. If the loss of one life would save ten thousand, would you offer yourself without hesitation? * Offer another... * I have no such courage. [* Without hesitation.] 5. Would you choose a tumultuous life where fame or fortune were attainable, or a tranquil life where both were forever beyond your reach? [* A chaotic life.] * A tranquil life. * A mix of both. 6. You stand on the precipice between life and death. Would you choose to live life as a beast if it would save you from falling into the shadowy abyss of the underworld? * If it keeps me from dying... * Fall, and keep my humanity. [* Embrace life as a beast.] 7. A companion in battle turns against you, raising a weapon to attack. * Brace for the blow? * Try to reason with him? [* Cut him down?] 8. A loved one is afflicted with a terrible illness and has little time left to live. You are asked to end that life by your own hand. * Seek a cure? * Leave the world together? [* Grant the request?] 9. You are in the midst of a fierce battle. The enemy lying at your feet was once a friend. His breath is ragged and weak. * Tend to his wounds? [* End his pain?] * Ignore your old friend? 10. A superior to whom you owe a great debt orders you to act in a way that violates your sense of justice. * Try to remove him from power? * Carry out the order? [* Follow your sense of justice?] Getting Corsair[err..pirate](Treasures of Aht Urhgan required)- * Talk to Ratihb (J-12), second floor, at the Shararat Teahouse in Aht Urhgan Whitegate for a cutscene. Note: This cutscene must deal with Corsair quest, not The Die Is Cast quest that deals with throwing dice. Talk to Mafwahb (L-9) by the Imperial Whitegate for another cutscene. Travel to Arrapago Reef *This can be achieved by taking the Ferry from Port Ephramad to Nashmau, taking the North exit into Caedarva Mire and heading to the tunnel at (I-6) into Arrapago Reef. *Alternatively, use the Runic Portal to the Azouph Isle Staging Point, and head to the tunnel at (I-6) into Arrapago Reef. Keep Sneak and Invisible up due to the Chigoes and Treants in the Mire. Use caution around the imps as they have True Sight. If you want to avoid a few mobs, it is recommended doing this during the day as the Jnun in Caedarva Mire are asleep during this time (although can also be avoided easily during the day). * You will need a Lamian Fang Key (or a Thief using Thief's Tools) to open an Irongate inside Arrapago Reef. You may farm this key either in Caedarva Mire or Arrapago Reef or can obtain one per Conquest tally by checking a ??? in the Mire (H/I-7) (on ledge at back of small lake). * You do not need a Lamian Fang Key (or a Thief) to get to the required ???. Use the Ilrusi Staging Point and see below. * Once inside the Reef, travel north in the tunnel until you see a ship. Board and walk through it, crossing the plank, and travel down the eastern shore. Remain alert of any Lamiae (detect by sight) and Draugars (detect by sound) that may agro you in the reef. * Travel Northeast to a cave and the Iron Gate (J-10, Lamian Fang Key required). If you are traveling in a group, just one key will be enough to let everyone pass. * Once you go through the first gate, hug the left wall and you will find another Iron Gate (H-9) guarded by a ghost mob (Sneak). A Lamia Fang Key is not required to open this gate, just drop Invisible and open it. (Make sure not to have low HP, or the ghost will aggro you.) * Once you're past the gate, the Corsair ??? is ahead on a ship (H-10). There is a Lamia on the ship, stay as close to the entryway/plank as possible, but near enough to trigger the ??? for cutscene. Arrapago Reef (Alternate) * Using the Ilrusi Staging Point will put you at (G-5) on Map 2. * Go to (J-8) to get to Map 1 (point A). [Watch out for the Soulflayer (True Hearing) along the way.] * Enter the caves at (I-8)/(I-9) (point m). Now you're on Map 6. * Exit using the Iron Gate at (G-9)/(H-9). Now you're back on Map 1. * Go to the ??? marked on the map, (H-10). * Head to Talacca Cove. *You do not have to go back to Whitegate to go Nashmau. You can exit into Caedarva Mire at I-12 of Arrapago Reef Map 1 (where you just did your cutscene). This will take you to I-6 of Caedarva Mire Map 1, where you can head to Nashmau by going mostly south or hugging the right wall. Please take note of aggroing Treants and wandering true sight Imps, before you reach Nashmau. * From Nashmau, take the western exit into Caedarva Mire and head to (E-9) *You must pass through a cemetery (E-10) to reach the zone, there are Imps (True Sight) in the cemetery during day & night. During night hours, the Qiqirn turn into undead, so if you can avoid the imps, sneak is still advised to avoid aggro'ing undead. Watch HP (blood) aggro, also. * Once inside the cove, travel along the left shore until you find a ??? (located on a big rock outside a tunnel). [There are no regular enemies in Talacca Cove.] * Check the ??? for a cutscene. You will receive a key item: Forgotten Hexagun. * Travel West from the ??? into the adjacent tunnel.Check the Rock Slab for the final cutscene. (Ensure you have at least one free inventory slot.) *You will now be able to become a Corsair! After the cutscene you will receive a Corsair Die. If you did not receive Corsair Die, free up one inventory slot and check the Rock Slab again. * Optional: Go back to Ratihb for final cutscene. (This "optional" cutscene is necessary to start future Artifact quests.) Getting Dancer(Wings of the Goddess expansion required)- Speak with Laila (G-7) in Upper Jeuno Pick "I surely do" then choose "never", she will ask you for a Stardust Pebble. Speak with Rhea Myuliah standing right next to her for a cut scene. Head to Lion Springs Tavern in Southern San d'Oria and talk to Valderotaux for a cut scene where you will ask Valderotaux for permission to dance on stage. *During the cutscene you can choose any options, and the results will be same. Return to Upper Jeuno and talk to Rhea Myuliah again, she will inform you about a pebble that is lying at the bottom of Lake Mechieume in Jugner Forest. Exit to Batallia Downs and head to the Cavernous Maw (H-5) go to the past then Batallia Downs (S) -> Jugner Forest (S). Follow road to J-6 then go around the mountain to your right to reach Lake Mechieume. NOTE: If this is your first trip to the past, and the cutscene drops you in Sauromugue Champaign (S), it is recommended that you unlock a Cavernous Maw in a different area before leaving the past. If you do not, you will have to get past Banishing Gates 1 & 3 in present-day Garlaige Citadel in order to return to the past. The Banishing Gates in Garlaige Citadel (S) can be bypassed by one person. You can have someone with access to the past go through Garlaige Citadel (S) and Tractor you up. Also note that taking a Chocobo from Southern San d'Oria (S) does not get you directly to the pebble. You will find Glowing Pebbles at I-5. Click them for a cutscene. You will then obtain a Stardust Pebble Key Item. Return to Upper Jeuno to speak with Laila (G-7) once more. Now you may become a Dancer. You must zone in order for Dancer to appear in your Job levels list. Getting Scholar(Wings of the Goddess Expansion required)- Head to Batallia Downs (S) as your level 30+ job and go to (J-10) to enter the Eldieme Necropolis (S). In the Eldieme Necropolis (S), talk to the NPC named Erlene at (J-8). She will ask for 12 sheets of Vellum. After talking to Erlene, you can talk to Tucker in Crawlers' Nest (S) and flag a mini-quest to obtain one sheet of Vellum for every 12 rolanberries traded to him. Note that Tucker will only take up to four stacks of rolanberries per trade and will only trade with you a total of three times. This means that to get the stack of Vellum you will need to trade him four stacks of rolanberries three times. If you're not on BLM, RDM, SMN or BLU already, change jobs to one of those. Go back to the Eldieme Necropolis (S) and trade 12 sheets of Vellum to Erlene for another cutscene. Activate your Two Hour Ability: Azure Lore, Manafont, Chainspell, or Astral Flow and talk to Erlene for a third CS. You will receive the Grimoire and can now become a Scholar. You must zone in order for Scholar to appear in your Job levels list. Part 5: MMORPG terms- These are things that you should know before you start asking a lot of dumb questions. Many of you have probably never played an MMORPG before so here goes nothing: 5.1 General Terms- Newbie- this is a person that just started playing the game (it's not really an insult but it can be if you're stupid!) AF Armor- Stands for Artifact Armor, and this is the vanity armor for any job. It looks like the specific job you have from FF5 or FFT! High level characters can do quests to get this cool stuff and there's also an alternate version called Relic armor or AF2. Melee job- means any job that does physical damage to the monsters! Aggro- this means that the monster in question will attack unprovoked (before you even think about getting it) Hate- basically this draws the monsters to you. It seems to accumulate over time with certain jobs and also with powerful attacks and certain abilities. NM- short for named monster or notorious monster. These creatures are to be avoided by all but high level players or people on certain quests! BCNM- Stands for Burning Circle Notorious Monster. You can fight these by trading several of the item called "beastman's seal" to a certain NPC in Jueno. If you win you'll get loads of rare items for you and your party. EF- Stands for Expeditionary Force. You may be called upon to join one to help out in the conquest by taking over an area. Smiley- if you haven't been on an IRC chat you wouldn't know what a chat smiley is. The Japanese players have their own versions (see this URL for info: http://club.pep.ne.jp/~hiroette/en/facemarks/list_index.html) that are different than ours. I'll put a few basic ones under here: :( - sad :) - Happy :P - stick your tongue out (Raspberry) LOL- in a chat this mean "Laughs out Loud"…you'll sometimes see this in place of the standard FFXI set of emoticons ROFL- this means "rolls on the floor laughing"…it's made when someone thinks something is really funny LFP- this means, "looking for a party"…oh and please don't shout it that much! Tank- this is the guy who takes all the punishment…it's usually a warrior with provoke, a ninja in some cases, or a Paladin and he'd better have good armor! NPC- Stands for Non Player Character. These are the guys you get missions and quests from and who usually run shops and guilds. GM- Short for GameMaster, these guys are the mods or the "guys in charge" of FF11. You can call them from your menu, but don't do it for trivial matters. They always have high defense armor and "GM" by their names. 5.2 Job Abbreviations- I'm sorry, I've been using some of these through the whole FAQ and I haven't explained yet. Well I'm making up for this oversight right now! WAR- Warrior THF- Thief MNK- Monk RDM- Red Mage BLM- Black Mage WHM- White Mage BRD- Bard PLD- Paladin NIN- Ninja SMN- Summoner DRK- Dark Knight BST- Beastmaster DRG- Dragoon SAM- SamuraiRNG- Ranger BLU- Blue mage SCH- Scholar COR- Corsair PUP- Puppetmaster DNC- Dancer Part 6: FFXI Emoticons- 6.1 Well here we are about to list these interesting chat commands. Some of them are used a lot of the time…while others are just left by the wayside. Some of these are a bit self-explanatory: /amazed -look amazed /angry- Look angry at a person…or just be angry /blush- blush /bow- just take a bow…I used it to thank people /cheer- cheer on your teammates…fun when someone gains a level /clap- clap for someone…like above I used it when someone gained a level /comfort- try and make them feel better /cry- *Sniff* my friend just died! /dance- Dance around(add 1-5 and really dance now) /disgusted- Look disgusted /doubt- just doubt something /doze- I'm sleepy! *yawn* /em- basically this is like '/me' in IRC and with it you can make your character do anything in text. (* Shadowneko steals your hat! *) /farewell- extreme goodbye…to your friends /fume- brood over something /goodbye- wave goodbye /grin- smile…you're on Shadowneko's camera! /joy- very happy! /kneel- kneel before anyone you want! (I'm not worthy!) /laugh- laugh /muted- just mute yourself and others /no- just say NO! /nod- nod yes /panic- PANIC! (oh no that goblin is way too close) /point- point to something /poke- poke your friends /praise- way to go! /psych- get psyched up /salute- salute someone…I used it to thank people a lot /sigh- *Sigh* /smile- Smile a little smaller /stagger- stagger around a bit /stare- stare…at the wall for all I care… /sulk- sulk about something /surprised- look surprised /sit - sit down /think- look like you're thinking about something /upset- be really upset /wave- wave at passers by and such /welcome- welcome a friend /yes- YES!!! Part 7: Security and Gillsellers/RMT- A lot of players have had their accounts stolen due to these gilselling jokers. I will talk about them abit later but now here's how to protect yourself. Security for PC edition by Elizara- Info taken from http://forums.windower.net/topic/11323-guide-protecting-your-web-browser / though it is out of date. I will be updating this here even tho I didn't write that thread. First, GOODNESS GRACIOUS, never use IE. IE BAAAD. Internet Explorer is so full of holes, it might as well be swiss cheese. I'd say install Firefox immediately: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox Once you do, install these IMMEDIATELY; do not pass go, do not collect $200. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865 <<==Adblock Plus https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722 <==Noscript To set up Adblocker Plus, open its options, then make sure all options are checked (check thread for what you should check, that has not changed much). As for filters; here's what you should install. There are links to install, so you shouldn't worry. Don't install the filters that thread lists since those are out of date. (They will autoupdate to these, but why put in old version when you can install the newest without jumping though hoops?) https://easylist.adblockplus.org/ <<==Install EasyList and EasyPrivacy from this page. http://www.fanboy.co.nz/adblock/ <=Install Fanboy's List http://www.keyvan.net/2006/11/remove-ads/ <== Install the Google/Yahoo ad blocker filter. Rest of the setup is pretty much the same. As for free antivirus programs, recommended is http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage <==AVG http://www.avast.com/ <==Avast! Antivirus http://www.avira.com/en/pages/index.php <==Avira Antivirus Personal For the pay ones, ESET Smart Security is highly recommended. As for firewall; do not install the one in that thread. It is no longer being updated. Recommended however is http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/ <<==Comodo Firewall. It doesn't use a lot of system resources and is pretty nag free unless something is wrong or you are installing something. Also, make sure you got some kind of spyware scanner installed and use it once a week. Again, here's the recommended list. I'd say pick one that has something in taskbar and one on demand scanner; too much in memory can choke even the best computer. Install this in any case: http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/ <==Hijack This. This basically shows what is running on your system; there are plenty of people on boards out there that can analyze the logs. I'd suggest getting a base log of your system. Anyway, other than that, here we go. http://www.safer-networking.org/<==Spybot Search and Destroy (has a taskbar app) http://www.malwarebytes.org/ <==Malwarebytes Antimalware (is a on demand scanner) http://www.superantispyware.com/ <==Super Anti Spyware (has a taskbar app) After that, check for these programs AND REMOVE THEM. They are bad news. Adobe Acrobat Reader =>>Replace with http://www.foxitsoftware.com/ <<==Foxit Reader Quicktime player ==>>Replace with http://www.free-codecs.com/download/ quicktime_alternative.htm <==Quicktime Alternative Real Player ===>Replace with http://www.free-codecs.com/download/ real_Alternative.htm <==Real Alternative. Getplus from Adobe is VERY BAD and can open up a honking huge security hole; and you can get it without you even knowing you did when you install Flash. To remove it or avoid it, follow these instructions: http://www.404techsupport.com/2009/09/11/get-adobe-flash-and-reader-with out-getplus-in-firefox/ Also, MS tried to make a Firefox extension that can make your computer a sitting duck ><. Here's how to remove that sneaky .net framework assistant: http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article08-600. Also highly recommended after you do all this; BUY THE FFXI SECURITY TOKEN(Square Enix sells these for $10). Together, doing all this can save you from 99% of all account hackings. Buying Characters, items and Gil for real money- DO NOT DO THIS! First off most of the stuff for sale was probably stolen from some hardworking player and if you buy the stuff you're encouraging those gilselling clowns to do this(in fact you may be their next victim). Also buying a high-level character is not a good way to experience FFXI since it takes a lot to get top level in the game and you're expected to know how your job works. In this game hard work pays off so just keep at it and do your best! Part 8: Endgame activities and PVP- 8.1 PVP- This games has no full pvp or duels but what we do have are what I call two PVP “Sports”. They are called Ballista and Brenner. Ballista is a soccer/hockey game where you try to put “petras” in the opposing team's goal after you've killed someone. Brenner is more of a capture the flag game where you kill people in your way. These are somewhat unpopular with most FFXI players so you'll have to con your friends into playing with you. There are however some more crowded servers where people play this all the time. You do not have to be top level to play but it helps to have a few levels under your belt before trying these. 8.2 Endgame Acitvites- Honestly I have no idea why people are so obsessed with the endgame activities in MMOs especially this one. A common question I see on message boards from players of World of Warcraft is “Are there raids in FFXI?” and the short answer is basically no. What we do have is a lot to do in between but the closest thing to a WoW raid is what we call Dynamis. This is basically a nightmare zone/alternate dimension where the evil beastmen have taken over Vana'diel. The reason for coming here is that it's the only place that drops Relic armor and upgradeable relic weapons. Relic weapons can be a real obsession as they start out as the worst weapons and can be upgraded using Ancient currency(which also drops in Dynamis) and other items to eventually become the best weapons in the game. This takes forever and costs lots and lots of gill and multiple trips to Dynamis with varying rules as to who gets the currency(depending on the rules of the endgame LS you joined). A friend of mine has Excalibur and it took him two to three years to get and as for me...well I'm not that obsessive! 8.3 Other endgame activities- Limbus(You must have completed the Chains of Promithia expansion to enter)- Similar to Dynamis but it usually requires fewer players and is shorter. You do this so you can get upgrades to the AF armor and some special gear. HNM- Crazy players hunt these badboy monsters for gil and items. Some of these monsters only show up once every 24 RL hours. Casual players, like me, are just not that obsessive.. Salvage- You do this to get special gear and a lot of your abilities/stats are locked when you start. You kill monsters and search for items or dropped items(off monsters). Gear also drops here, but it takes a lot of gil and time to upgrade, as well as multiple runs. Nyzul Isle- Time for 100 floors of pain. The objective here is to slowly make your way through all of these 100 randomly generated floors with random objectives(after you make it through so many it saves your progress). The reward here is a special weapon that teaches a special weapon skill and special gear. Part 9: End credits and sources- Special Thanks to: Kopopo formally of Midgardsormr- for checking my place and race names to make sure they are spelled right, and for some great suggestions The former members of Savanna’s Superstars linkshell on Midgardsormr- also for helping me out with this FAQ with suggestions The former members of the MithraPride linkshell on Midgardsormr- thanks cool cats, you also gave me some good ideas! My sister, Mary Alice (her character is Elizara) – For some spellchecking, editing, the security section and for the logo for the text version of this faq. Also for creating a HTML version of this faq(which you can find in a few places if you look) and for some info on Windhurst and on white mages. Swipe of crystalrecipes.com, and Midgardsormr's former MithraPride linkshell- for letting me use a great deal of his ADV job quest list for a source! Ffxiwikipedia for the new information And last but not least- FireMyst of RPGamer.com for inspiring me to write this FAQ with his FFXI review…that review gave me some big hints as to the "Stupid Newbie syndrome" that was occurring in the retail… Sources- Windurst.org - for helping me remember the details of the sub job and the Advanced Job quests! Square-Enix-usa.com - for the system requirements for the PC edition crystalrecipies.com - for more help with the Advanced job quests…Thank you Swipe! ffxi.allakhazam.com- for help on the Samurai quest! wiki.ffxiclopedia.org- for the new job information and for the information on the new Fields of valor system. Part 10: helpful links- Pikko's Pots(gardening database)- http://www.adventuresinbentomaking.com/pikko/ FFXI Encyclopedia(great if you're stuck for general info)- http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/ FF Recipe(crafting database JP/English)- http://www.ffrecipe.com/ FFXIAH(logs prices for the Jueno Auction House)- http://www.ffxiah.com/ Allakhazam(community)- http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/ Kida's Fishing Database- http://www.finalfishing.info Part 11: FAQ- 1. “Why do I have to pay for FFXI as I already paid for Xbox Live?” I've seen this on message boards like 100 times. My short answer is “Why not the rest of us playing on other systems have had to pay since 2004?” and you guys are no different. Square Enix sees exactly $0 of that $50 ripoff fee you paid Microsoft to play Halo online(since most online games are free on every other platform known to man[and yes I stole that line from screwattack XD]). Also FFXI is one of the very few games you can play with Xbox live silver(free) so if you paid MS just for FFXI you've been ripped off. 2. “Is the game worth it?” I really think so and FFXI is one of the better MMORPGs out there. Some people think WoW is hot but I don't think so. My advice is to try to get your first job to lvl 30, do a few missions, unlock a few jobs and decide for yourself if you hate it or not. Depending on the server there are still plenty of other newbies to work with. 3. Isn't this game old? Is it dying? There are new players coming in all the time and the last time SE did a count there were over 500K subscribers. FF14 might make a dent later but I'm not so sure. Everyone says that alot of people will jump ship for FF14 but other MMOs like Everquest#1 have survived their successors and I believe FFXI can do the same. That's it for now and no matter how stupid the question I don't mind answering it. I don't get many emails anymore because my old fansite went down. People think that you bug FAQ writers by asking them questions but you won't be bugging me. Disclaimer: Jon Davies (Shadowneko) is in no way affiliated with Square Enix INC. This is copyright Feb. 2004 by Jon Davies as an unpublished work and may not be used in any way shape or form without my express written permission.