Two of my sacks also stepped down at the meeting I called. Not unanticipated but it meant as a group the officers of the shell decided to reduce the event schedule until the end of February.

Slaan stepped down because essentially he lives in the future! He was studying in Europe until Dec 2010 but then moved back home to the UAE.  The UAE is GMT+4, only getting slightly more bearable in the summer, because they don’t have Daylight Savings over there. So our event time is 7:30 PM GMT and 11:30 PM Slaan time.  He started a job last summer and the only reason he was able to come to any of our events at all is because Thursday over there is the equivalent of Friday over here. I.e. his weekend is Fri/Sat whereas in the UK & US it’s Sat/Sun. It means that Sunday night is a ‘school night’ as some people put it.  Also, if you want any form of social life, not being available on the equivalent of a Friday night after work is a problem.  He’s still in the shell but he knew his playtime was limited and not a great match for being a sack. It’s a shame, he and I work very well together but it’s all totally understandable.

Ere stepped down because he’s feeling super burnt out right now. He’s in the process of buying his first house and he and his girlfriend have had one purchase fall through and problems finalising this latest deal.  Moving home is one the most stressful things you can do and there’s simply not enough mental space and physical time for Ere to expend on FFXI. He felt like he was only logging in to make sure events happened or because he was obligated to. Which isn’t great. So  he needs to get his house move out the way and then review.

So why did I feel I needed a break? The simple answer is not what some people think.

I’ve been getting very stressed by everyday shell stuff for a while. I need to sit back and clear my thoughts before taking action.  I have lost patience with one particular situation and I need to declutter my thoughts and be clear about what’s bugging me before jumping into a solution.

I’ve become increasingly frustrated with Voidwatch. We’ve switched  focus from Abyssea to Voidwatch. We still do 1/3 Abyssea events a week but people are losing interest fast.  Outside of shell Voidwatch runs I was doing quite a few elsewhere. Now I realise that some people are spamming these constantly, but right now I don’t enjoy them enough to do it. Something snapped in me after yet another round of Akvan where he didn’t put out. I haven’t done hundreds of him but not only did he not put out for me; he didn’t seem to put out for anyone who needed anything important (bullet or body).  The thought of months and months of nothing but Voidwatch just filled me with dread.

The fights aren’t too bad initially, they’re new and interesting and they test you a fair bit more than Abyssea but in the end it comes down to temp items, the right jobs and spamming. The fact that access to VW fights is relatively easy is a positive but what kills it for me is the loot distribution system.

Also I can’t show progression.  If I wanted this level of time sink, I’d have joined a Kings shell back in the day.  I can’t work towards anything. I just have to hope I get lucky. I’ve only done about 30 Akvan so far. That’s potentially 15 hours of fights alone on that mob and I know some people have fought him hundreds of times. Let alone gather time and loss of sleep. Add in all the other fights I have done, we have done. Nothing like the amount Rin, Kai or some of the others have done but I just hate how you can’t share drops.  I’m not earning points, I’m not making any progress. I’m just being forced to spam something over and over and over. Boy does that get old fast.

Suz’ group has helped a ton but to participate I have to stay up til late on a Sat night every week. It’s not that I’m ungrateful it’s just its ridiculous the hours I’ve put into this already, seeing nothing I want for my WHM. Let along seeing so many of my friends desperate for other drops.

Square Enix’ post effectively saying ‘Fuck you guys’ about the loot distribution is what finished me.

Putting something else to compete with others into Dynamis, killed that for me too!

It’s hard to explain really. I’ve always loved Dynamis – since forever. I did 5 years of it pre the changes. Don’t ask me why but I did. I enjoyed it.  The changes regarding access and time actually improved on that. You only need to do it for 2 hrs, you can get time extensions easily and gear is a non-issue. So we started work on Nia’s Aegis.  Now it’s not that it’s impossible for us to go now but I’m then faced with a couple of issues.  In general the zones are busier and now I’m forced to choose between upgrading my gear and focusing on runs for relic +2 or helping Nia.   It’s added a level of pressure I don’t need. Ending up stressed out because you want to help but you have no gil or need to farm the -1 you need (and have been trying to get for months…) isn’t much fun.   Yet Nia’s shield is on stage 5 and will help a ton. Yet Voidwatch hasn’t been that generous to me in terms of most saleable drops and I can’t collect currency.  It upset me far more than it should that Rin finished his Cleric’s pantaloons +2 before me. He totally deserved them, he works hard but I’m a career WHM… and here I was stressed to the nines over it. Incidentally, Rin helped me finish mine – Rin’s a good guy and both him and Poko have been nothing but awesome.

This getting stressed over gear has just been getting me down.  I couldn’t login without someone showing off about something they’d gotten for a job they levelled yesterday. I was playing a lot and I couldn’t keep up, just because I had to go to work.  Levelling jobs is fun, I see that, but I don’t get where in the manual it says ‘be a tactless idiot to your shell mates’ once you’ve levelled. I should stress here, this is in no way related to Rin!

Outside of XI itself you then need to add in 3 or more personal factors.

Recently my work situation has been a bit insecure.  I have a job and for a long while it looked like I was going to lose it mid Feb. It looks like I won’t now because they’re going to transfer the role over to another employer. However, my contract is fast coming to an end, jobs are not coming up very often (I’ve been looking for months) and the details haven’t been fleshed out. I’m probably ok, but I’m not sure yet. It’s added to the underlying stress.

I also need to free up some time and energy because I’m making a move this year into a new field and I need to work on where I’m living, getting some volunteering experience and enrolling in some part time courses.

One of my close friends reappeared from the void. He’s  someone I met in FFXI (Clevan) and later in real life. We’ve always communicated outside game via email/msn/phone/skype etc. As some of you know, he was diagnosed with and treated for lung cancer. He did come back to XI once his treatment stopped but he disappeared fairly abruptly last summer. I barely heard anything from him for 3-4 months and then he came out of the woodwork again.  Since when he’s been making a real effort to stay in touch. So far he’s 10-11 months clear of cancer so wish him well but because he lives 3000 miles away, spending time online is the only way we can hang out. He doesn’t wanna play XI right now because he doesn’t want the pressure and commitment.  He may in the future, but right now his gaming world is all about SWTOR. So that meant I got sweet-talked into pre-ordering it. I got access not long before Christmas and then had 2 weeks off work. During which I played a lot of SWTOR with him. We had a ball.

I can already see that for me SWTOR isn’t the answer. It will get repetitive and it’s quick to complete.  It’s like a Dragon Age game in a Star Wars universe. This is understandable and many people say it’s a bit like Mass Effect. I never played that.

But, what SWTOR hanging out with C did for me was make me realise a few things. One was that I am totally burnt out on the bs that comes with having to run a linkshell.  Another was I liked not having to worry about where my gear comes from because you get so much good stuff along the way or can work towards it with in game achievements.   AH prices are reasonable because gear is so readily available. You can find gear you like the look of and modify it to have the right stats.  You can earn your gear (and the best gear) solo if you want. If I want to play SWTOR as a kickass healer, I can totally do it looking like a Slave Girl or one of the Sand People if I truly desire.

I also realised I like being able to do something in under an hour right now. If I want I can login, do a Space mission and logout. I can queue for PvP.  I have a totally kickass NPC buddy.

SWTOR won’t last me forever, I can see me getting to 50 (I’m 37 Sage, 17 Scoundrel) very quickly and moving on. There are things I don’t like about it already. But right now… the commitment I need to progress is far less than I need in FFXI. I can hang out with C, get on the bandwagon and treat SWTOR as FFXI’s methodone until I get some perspective back.

So that’s what’s up with me. General burnout really. All being well I’ll enjoy my timeout until I can get some perspective and resolve a few real life issues. Til then, enjoy yourselves.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 28,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 10 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

DAT MINING DISCUSSIONS — December 14th 2011.

Thanks to ‘Theytak’ who posted them to BG.

War:
Trial 4954: Warrior’s Mask +2: adds “Enhances ‘Savagery’ effect”
Trial 4955: Warrior’s Lorica +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Aggressive Aim’ effect”
Trial 4956: Warrior’s Mufflers +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Mighty Strikes’ effect”
Trial 4957: Warrior’s Cuisses +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Warrior’s Charge’ effect”
Trial 4958: Warrior’s Calligae +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Tomahawk’ effect”

Mnk:
Trial 4959: Melee Crown +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Penance’ effect”
Trial 4960: Melee Cyclas +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Formless Strikes’ effect”
Trial 4961: Melee Gloves +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Invigorate’ effect”
Trial 4962: Melee Hose +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Hundred Fists’ effect”
Trial 4963: Melee Gaiters +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Mantra’ effect”

Whm:
Trial 4964: Cleric’s Cap +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Devotion V’ effect” (May be a typo in translation, May mean you have to have the merit 5/5)
Trial 4965: Cleric’s Briault +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Benediction’ effect”
Trial 4966: Cleric’s Mitts +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Martyr V’ effect” (May be a typo in translation, May mean you have to have the merit 5/5)
Trial 4967: Cleric’s Pantaloons +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Shellra V’ effect”
Trial 4968: Cleric’s Duckbills +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Protectra V’ effect”

Blm:
Trial 4969: Sorcerer’s Petasos +2: Adds “Increases Ancient Magic II damage”
Trial 4970: Sorcerer’s Coat +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Manafont’ effect”
Trial 4971: Sorcerer’s Gloves +2: Adds “Reduces Ancient Magic II casting time”
Trial 4972: Sorcerer’s Tonban +2: Adds “Increases Ancient Magic II accuracy”
Trial 4973: Sorcerer’s Sabots +2: Adds “Reduces Ancient Magic II MP cost”

Rdm:
Trial 4974: Duelist’s Chapeau +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Dia III’ effect” and “Enhances ‘Slow II’ effect”
Trial 4975: Duelist’s Tabard +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Chainspell’ effect”
Trial 4976: Duelist’s Gloves +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Phalanx II’ effect”
Trial 4977: Duelist’s Tights +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Bio III’ effect” and “Enhances ‘Blind II’ effect”
Trial 4978: Duelist’s Boots +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Paralyze II’ effect”

Thf:
Trial 4979: Assassin’s Bonnet +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Aura Steal’ effect”
Trial 4980: Assassin’s Vest +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Ambush’ effect”
Trial 4981: Assassin’s Armlets +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Perfect Dodge’ effect”
Trial 4982: Assassin’s Culotte +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Feint’ effect”
Trial 4983: Assassin’s Poulaines +2: Adds “Enh. ‘Assassin’s Charge’ effect”

Pld:
Trial 4984: Valor Coronet +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Iron Will’ effect”
Trial 4985: Valor Surcoat +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Fealty’ effect”
Trial 4986: Valor Gauntlets +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Chivalry’ effect”
Trial 4987: Valor Breeches +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Invincible’ effect”
Trial 4988: Valor Leggings +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Guardian’ effect”

Drk:
Trial 4989: Abyss Burgeonet +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Dark Seal’ effect”
Trial 4990: Abyss Cuirass +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Blood Weapon’ effect”
Trial 4991: Abyss Gauntlets +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Diabolic Eye’ effect”
Trial 4992: Abyss Flanchard +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Muted Soul’ effect”
Trial 4993: Abyss Sollerets +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Desperate Blows’ effect”

Bst:
Trial 4994: Monster Helm +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Killer Instinct’ effect”
Trial 4995: Monster Jackcoat +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Feral Howl’ effect”
Trial 4996: Monster Gloves +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Beast Affinity’ effect”
Trial 4997: Monster Trousers +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Familiar’ effect”
Trial 4998: Monster Gaiters +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Beast Healer’ effect”

Brd:
Trial 4999: Bard’s Roundlet +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Foe Sirvente’ effect”
Trial 5000: Bard’s Justaucorps +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Troubador’ effect”
Trial 5001: Bard’s Cuffs +2: Adds “Enh. ‘Adventurer’s Dirge’ effect”
Trial 5002: Bard’s Cannions +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Soul Voice’ effect”
Trial 5003: Bard’s Slippers +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Nightingale’ effect”

Rng:
Trial 5004: Scout’s Beret +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Recycle’ effect”
Trial 5005: Scout’s Jerkin +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Snapshot’ effect”
Trial 5006: Scout’s Bracers +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Flashy Shot’ effect”
Trial 5007: Scout’s Braccae +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Eagle Eye Shot’ effect”
Trial 5008: Scout’s Socks +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Stealth Shot’ effect”

Sam:
Trial 5009: Saotome Kabuto +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Ikishoten’ effect”
Trial 5010: Saotome Domaru +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Overwhelm’ effect”
Trial 5011: Saotome Kote +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Blade Bash’ effect”
Trial 5012: Saotome Haidate +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Shikikoyo’ effect”
Trial 5013: Saotome Sune-Ate +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Meikyo Shisui’ effect”

Nin:
Trial 5014: Koga Hatsuburi +2: Adds “Increases elem. ninjutsu III damage”
Trial 5015: Koga Chainmail +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Sange’ effect”
Trial 5016: Koga Tekko +2: Adds “Enh. ‘Ninja Tool Expertise’ effect”
Trial 5017: Koga Hakama +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Mijin Gakure’ effect”
Trial 5018: Koga Kyahan +2: Adds “Reduces elem. ninjutsu III cast time”

Drg:
Trial 5019: Wyrm Armet +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Deep Breathing’ effect”
Trial 5020: Wyrm Mail +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Spirit Surge’ effect”
Trial 5021: Wyrm Finger Gauntlets +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Angon’ effect”
Trial 5022: Wyrm Brais +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Strafe’ effect”
Trial 5023: Wyrm Greaves +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Empathy’ effect”

Smn: (I don’t know if the hanging quotes are on purpose or typos, put them in parenthesis next to the pieces that have them)
Trial 5024: Summoner’s Horn +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Astral Flow’ effect”
Trial 5025: Summoner’s Doublet +2: Adds “Reduces Sp. ‘Blood Pact’ MP cost”
Trial 5026: Summoner’s Bracers +2: Adds “Inc. Sp. ‘Blood Pact magic burst dmg.” (Inc. Sp. “Blood Pact magic burst dmg.)
Trial 5027: Summoner’s Spats +2: Adds “Increases Sp. ‘Blood Pact accuracy” (Increases Sp. “Blood Pact accuracy)
Trial 5028: Summoner’s Pigaches +2: Adds “Increases Sp. ‘Blood Pact crit. dmg.” (Increases Sp. “Blood Pact crit. dmg.)

Blu:
Trial 5029: Mirage Keffiyeh +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Convergence’ effect”
Trial 5030: Mirage Jubbah +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Enchainment’ effect”
Trial 5031: Mirage Bazubands +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Azure Lore’ effect”
Trial 5032: Mirage Shalwar +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Assimilation’ effect”
Trial 5033: Mirage Charuqs +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Diffusion’ effect”

Cor:
Trial 5034: Commodore’s Tricorne +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Winning Streak’ effect”
Trial 5035: Commodore’s Frac +2: Adds “Enhances ” effect”
Trial 5036: Commodore’s Gants +2: Adds “Enhances ” effect”
Trial 5037: Commodore’s Culottes +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Snake Eye’ effect”
Trial 5038: Commodore’s Bottes +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Wild Card’ effect”

Pup:
Trial 5039: Pantin Taj +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Optimization’ effect”
Trial 5040: Pantin Tobe +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Overdrive’ effect”
Trial 5041: Pantin Dastanas +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Fine-Tuning’ effect”
Trial 5042: Pantin Churidars +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Ventriloquy’ effect”
Trial 5043: Pantin Babouches +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Role Reversal’ effect”

Dnc
Trial 5044: Etoile Tiara +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Trance’ effect”
Trial 5045: Etoile Casaque +2: Adds “Enhances ‘No Foot Rise’ effect”
Trial 5046: Etoile Bangles +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Fan Dance’ effect”
Trial 5047: Etoile Tights +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Saber Dance’ effect”
Trial 5048: Etoile Toe Shoes +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Closed Position’ effect”

Sch
Trial 5049: Argute Mortarboard +2: Adds “Enh. ‘Altruism’ and ‘Focalization’”
Trial 5050: Argute Gown +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Enlightenment’ effect”
Trial 5051: Argute Bracers +2: Adds “Enh. ‘Tranquility’ and ‘Equanimity’”
Trial 5052: Argute +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Tabula Rasa’ effect”
Trial 5053: Argute Loafers +2: Adds “Enhances ‘Stormsurge’ effect”

December 14, 2011 Version Update

Event-related

• [dev1039] Voidwatch: Third Chapter
  • The third chapter of the Voidwatch battle system has been introduced.
    The glossary of game terms on the official homepage has been updated with the latest Voidwatch terminology.

• [dev1038] New Walk of Echoes Battlefields
  • Walks twelve through fifteen of the Walk of Echoes have been unlocked.
    *Players will still be able to undertake these trials even if no information for them is displayed.
• Upgraded armor pieces will have a higher level requirement than their base forms.
• Armor pieces upgraded to Stage 2 will be storable with the Porter Moogle service.
  *Relic and Relic +1 Armor will result in the same items after upgrading. Owners of Relic +1 Armor will be rewarded with less demanding conditions for the first upgrade stage.

• [dev1036] Gobbie Mystery Box
  • Players will be able to accrue Daily Tally points that may be exchanged for random awards via the Goblins below.
    *There will be a cap on the amount of points you can earn in a single Earth day from trading items.

• [dev1061] Grounds of Valor Adjustments
  • The following areas have been added:
    

    Lower Delkfutt’s Tower / Middle Delkfutt’s Tower / Upper Delkfutt’s Tower / Temple of Uggalepih / Den of Rancor / Sea Serpent Grotto / Quicksand Caves
    *Treasure caskets will also appear in the following areas.
    *Completion of the quest “Beyond Infinity” is mandatory in order to be transported.

  • [dev1032] It is now more likely that the key item Clear Demilune Abyssite will evolve into Colorful Demilune Abyssite.

  Battle-related

  • [dev1042] Level Cap Increase
    The maximum job level for player characters has been increased to 99. Players must complete the quest “Beyond Infinity” offered by the Nomad Moogle NPC in Ru’Lude Gardens to unlock levels 96 and above.
    *If the enemy is not lured into an eternal nightmare, will give an effect of Dispel instead.
    *Weapon skill Treasure Hunter bonuses will not be accompanied by visual effects or log window messages.

• Puppetmaster
  • Attachment-related
    • Maximum effect values for the following attachments will now increase in proportion to the number of active maneuvers:
      

      Strobe / Inhibitor / Steam Jacket / Auto-Repair Kit II

    • The required capacity of the following attachments has been reduced from 2 to 1:
      

      Reactive Shield / Scope / Schurzen / Volt Gun

    • The properties of the following attachments have been revised:
      

      Attachment Name	Revised Properties
      Reactive Shield	Counterattack damage will now receive a bonus in proportion to frame skill level.
      Mana Booster	Will now shorten casting time instead of increasing spell use frequency.
      Drum Magazine	Accuracy penalty has been eased slightly, and attack speed raised.
      Replicator	Blink shadow quantity will now increase in proportion to the number of active Wind Maneuvers.
      Shock Absorber	Damage absorbed will now receive a bonus based on frame skill and active Ice Maneuvers.
      Armor Plate Armor Plate +2	Will now reduce physical damage taken rather than enhancing defense.
      Hammermill	Shield Bash will now always hit while Hammermill is equipped.
      Volt Gun	Will no longer depend on enemy level, and a damage bonus will be granted based on frame skill level and active Thunder Maneuvers.
      Heatsink	Overload rate reduction will now apply to all maneuvers, not only Fire Maneuvers.
      Damage Gauge	Recast time for curing magic will be shortened.
      Eraser	Will cure multiple status ailments and erase only Light Maneuvers.

  • Automaton-related*Cure-type spells, Regen-type spells, and status ailment removal spells will each have their own recast timer.
  • Automatons may now learn the following spells:
    

    Protect (I-V) / Shell (I-V) / Stoneskin / Haste / Phalanx / Erase / Absorb-Attri / Dispel / Dread Spikes / Addle / Regen IV
    *Phalanx and Stoneskin will only be cast upon the master.
    *Protect, Shell, and Haste will only be cast upon the master and party members.

  • Level IV elemental spells have been unlocked for the Stormwaker Y-700.
  • Automatons will now occasionally cast Cure V instead of Cure VI depending on the target’s current HP.
• Weapon skill adjustments
  • A minimum damage value has been established for Magic Mortar.
• Sharpshot Z-500 adjustments:
  • Distance modifications for ranged attacks have been abolished.

• Master-related
  • The job ability “Maintenance” （Lv. 30 / Recast time: 90 seconds） has been added:
    • This ability will require Automaton Oil, and will be effective on all status ailments curable by Erase and Na-type spells.
    • Up to four status ailments may be removed depending on the type of Automaton Oil used.
      *To accompany this change, the new item Automaton Oil +3 (Lv. 80) has been added.

• The maximum recast time reduction bonus has been increased.

• Casting time has been reduced for the following spells:
  

  Regen / Regen II / Regen III / Regen IV

• The following weapon skills have been added:
  

  Weapon Skill	Category	Jobs
  Shijin Spiral	Hand-to-Hand	MNK/PUP
  Exenterator	Dagger	WAR/RDM/THF/BST/BRD/RNG/NIN/COR/DNC
  Requiescat	Sword	WAR/RDM/PLD/DRK/SAM/BLU/COR
  Resolution	Great Sword	WAR/PLD/DRK
  Ruinator	Axe	WAR/DRK/BST/RNG
  Upheaval	Great Axe	WAR/DRK
  Entropy	Scythe	WAR/DRK/BST
  Stardiver	Polearm	WAR/SAM/DRG
  Blade: Shun	Katana	NIN
  Tachi: Shoha	Great Katana	SAM
  Realmrazer	Club	WAR/MNK/WHM/BLM/PLD/SMN/BLU/SCH
  Shattersoul	Staff	WAR/MNK/WHM/BLM/PLD/BRD/DRG/SMN/SCH
  Apex Arrow	Archery	RNG/SAM
  Last Stand	Marksmanship	THF/RNG/COR

  • A new “Weapon Skill” category has been added to the merit point menu.
    • Maximum total value: 15
    • Upgrade levels: 5
    • Merit points needed for each upgrade: 10/15/20/25/30
  • To unlock these merit point weapon skills and the corresponding menu, players must first complete the quest “Martial Mastery” offered by the Nomad Moogle NPC in Ru’Lude Gardens.
    *To undertake this quest, the player’s main job must be level 96 or higher.
  • Each individual weapon skill may be learned by upgrading it at least one level.
  • Additional merit points allocated to a particular skill will incrementally enhance its power.
  • The following conditions must be met to use a skill after learning it:
    • The PC’s main job must be eligible for the skill in question (see chart below).
    • Job level must be 96 or higher.
    • The corresponding weapon skill attribute must be 357 or higher.

• The items dropped by the Champion Crawler monster in Rolanberry Fields [S] have been adjusted.

• The name of the Den of Rancor monster Stygian Pugil has been corrected to Demonic Pugil.

Item-related

• New items have been introduced.

• New synthesis recipes have been introduced.

• New synergy recipes have been introduced.<Rank: Recruit>
  

  Item	Required Craft	Materials
  Wormy Broth	Cooking	Little Worm, Shell Bug

  <Rank: Craftsman>

  Item	Required Craft	Materials
  Gargouille Arrow	Woodworking	Arrowwood Lumber, Gargouille Arrowheads, Peapuk Fletchings
  	Bonecraft
  Briny Broth	Cooking	Hamsi, Mercanbaligi, Rhinochimera

  <Rank: Artisan>

  Item	Required Craft	Materials
  Adaman Bolt	Woodworking	Holly Lumber, Adaman Bolt Heads
  	Smithing
  Avant Gauntlets	Smithing	Mythril Sheet, Durium Sheet x2, Mythril Gauntlets
  	Goldsmithing
  Avant Leggings	Smithing	Mythril Sheet, Durium Sheet x2, Mythril Leggings
  	Goldsmithing
  Avant Helm	Smithing	Mythril Ingot, Mythril Sheet, Durium Sheet, Black Tiger Leather
  	Leathercraft
  Avant Cuisses	Smithing	Mythril Sheet, Durium Sheet x2, Black Tiger Leather x2
  	Leathercraft
  Sweven Coat	Clothcraft	Sparkstrand, Wool Cloth x2, Twill Damask x3, Black Tiger Leather
  	Leathercraft
  Sweven Mitts	Clothcraft	Sparkstrand, Wool Cloth, Water Spider’s Web, Black Tiger Leather
  	Leathercraft
  Sweven Slacks	Clothcraft	Sparkstrand, Wool Cloth x2, Twill Damask, Black Tiger Leather
  	Leathercraft
  Sweven Boots	Clothcraft	Sparkstrand x2, Wool Cloth x2, Black Tiger Leather
  	Leathercraft
  Sweven Corona	Clothcraft	Sparkstrand x2, Coeurl Whisker, Seer’s Crown
  	Alchemy
  Kacura Cap	Leathercraft	Marid Leather, Flocon-de-mer, Coral Cap
  	Bonecraft
  Kacura Mittens	Leathercraft	Marid Leather, Wyvern Scales, Flocon-de-mer
  	Bonecraft
  Kacura Subligar	Leathercraft	Marid Leather, Flocon-de-mer, Coral Subligar
  	Bonecraft
  Kacura Leggings	Leathercraft	Marid Leather x2, Wyvern Scales, Flocon-de-mer
  	Bonecraft
  Adaman Bullet	Alchemy	Adaman Ingot, Firesand
  	Smithing
  Orichalcum Bullet	Alchemy	Orichalcum Ingot, Firesand
  	Goldsmithing
  Lucky Broth	Cooking	Gelatin, Buffalo Meat, Abaia

  <Rank: Adept>

  Item	Requisite Skill	Materials
  Avant Mail	Smithing	Mythril Sheet x2, Durium Sheet x2, Black Tiger Leather, Ruszor Leather
  	Leathercraft
  Asura Samue	Clothcraft	Darksteel Sheet x2, Sparkstrand, Velvet, Rainbow Cloth, Twill Damask
  	Smithing
  Artful Belt	Leathercraft	Durium Chain, Ruszor Leather
  	Smithing
  Kacura Harness	Leathercraft	Marid Leather x2, Wyvern Scales x2, Flocon-de-mer
  	Bonecraft
  Shadow Broth	Cooking	Dragon Meat, Nopales, Agaricus

• The skills required for the synergy recipe for Fusion Bolts has been revised as follows:
  

  Previous Requirements	New Requirements
  Smithing, Woodworking	Woodworking, Goldsmithing

• Succeeding in high-quality synthesis of the Automaton Oil item will now yield Automaton Oil +3.

• The following new quivers and pouches have been introduced:
  

  Gargouille Quiver / Adaman Bolt Quiver / Orichalcum Bullet Pouch / Adaman Bullet Pouch

• [dev1060] Porter Moogle Service Expansion
  • The following items are now storable through the Porter Moogle NPC:
    • Storage Slip 11:
      

      Spook-a-Swirl / Chocolate Grumpkin / Harvest Horror / Spinet / Maestro’s Baton

• [dev1060] Porter Moogle Service Expansion
  • The following storage slips have also been added:
    • Storage Slip 12: Relic -1 Armor
    • Storage Slip 13: Relic +2 Armor

• [dev1028] Ex Item Delivery Revisions
  The list of undeliverable exclusive items has been updated.

• Items will no longer be lost if paralyzed while using them.

• The help text for the following items has changed.
  *The characteristics of the items themselves remain the same.

  Noesis Helm / Corselet / Corselet +1 / Mahant Sandals / Bitter Corset / Solitaire Cape / Laevateinn / Tupsimati

• NPC vendor prices for the following items have been reduced:
  

  Pyrohelix Schema / Hydrohelix Schema / Ionohelix Schema / Cryohelix Schema / Geohelix Schema / Anemohelix Schema / Luminohelix Schema / Noctohelix Schema

System-related

• Nation names will no longer appear when checking auction house item properties.

• [dev1037] Symbols in Macro Names
  • Certain symbols (+-*=/!?<>, etc.) may now be used in macro names.
    *Maximum line width and minimum line width can be set to values of 6-20 and 0-20, respectively. Window width can be adjusted between ten values.

[Window-only updates]

• The following settings have been added to the FINAL FANTASY XI configuration utility:
  Resolved Issues
  • The following issues have been corrected:
    • An issue wherein, under certain circumstances, the offer cutscene for the quest “Howl from the Heavens” would not activate.
    • An issue wherein the VNM Kaggen would use the ability “Death Prophet” immediately upon spawning.
    • An issue wherein the effects of the VNM Giltine’s ability “Hadal Summons” would persist even after reviving from a KO.
    • An issue wherein using the ranger ability “Decoy Shot” would end Voidwatch battles under certain circumstances.
    • An issue wherein defeating the VNMs Hahava, Celaeno, or Voidwrought would not bestow the appropriate title upon players.
    • The issue in Walk of Echoes wherein players would prematurely be given the option to reenter a battlefield if their last battle concluded at a completion rate of less than 50%.
    • An issue wherein the Zeni Notorious Monster Ob’s ability “Cannibal Blade” inflicted excessive amounts of damage.
    • An issue wherein the five- and three-minute warning messages were displaying at improper times in the “Empty Desires” battlefield.
    • An issue wherein monsters’ familiars would linger even after the battle “The Mobline Comedy” had concluded.
    • An issue wherein the weapon skills Trueflight and Leaden Salute did not count toward the objectives of Marksmanship weapon skill Magian trials.
    • An issue wherein the blood pact Flaming Crush did not count as a fire elemental attack for certain Magian trials.
    • An issue wherein Dynamis monsters defeated while players were KO’d did not count toward the objectives of certain Magian trials.
    • An issue wherein Grounds Tomes did not show up on the map radar.
    • An issue in the MMM Liquidation Team wherein the monster Siltim’s Floral Bouquet ability did not inflict sleep as it should.
    • An issue wherein the white magic spell “Temper” did not receive a bonus based upon Enhancing Magic skill.
    • An issue wherein damage healed with the spell Cura II did not count towards Afflatus Solace.
    • An issue wherein the elemental affinities of the white magic spells Animus Augeo and Animus Minuo and the bard song Pining Nocturne were incorrect.
    • An issue wherein the doom counter would not appear when the blue magic spell Mortal Ray was used on a player character.
    • An issue wherein trading archaic mirrors to the Al Zahbi NPC Famatar did not yield the full amount of Imperial Standing credits.
    • An issue wherein monsters at a certain position in The Shrine of Ru’Avitau would drop to lower floors.
    • An issue wherein the weapon skill Catastrophe would not trigger its additional effect (HP Drain) when guarded.
    • An issue wherein “enfeebling magic” was not listed in the help text for the Light Arts icon.
    • An issue wherein Blood Pact: Wards would not affect party members if used after leaving the Walk of Echoes with an avatar already summoned.
    • An issue wherein beastmaster pets and avatars would not be KO’d by Doom.
    • An issue wherein the attributes of the beastmaster familiars Funguar Familiar and Discreet Louise were reversed.
    • An issue wherein the charge requirement for Lucky Lulush’s special ability Wild Carrot was incorrect.
    • An issue wherein the minimum level required to call Lucky Lulush was incorrect.
    • An issue wherein the elemental icon for Fatso Fargann’s special ability Drainkiss was incorrect.
    • An issue wherein Dipper Yuly’s special ability Sudden Lunge did not incur enmity.
    • An issue wherein using a weapon skill after the automaton attachment Heat Capacitor went into effect would result in the wrong weapon skill being selected.
    • An issue wherein the automaton attachment Scanner would not prevent automatons from casting resistible enfeebling magic.
    • An issue wherein the capacity of the automaton attachment Vivi-Valve would not display properly.
    • An issue in the merit point menu wherein the option to lower attributes would be available for jobs other than those currently selected.
    • An issue wherein the weapon graphics for the Yagrush and Nagi would still be displayed when certain races cast magic.
    • An issue wherein characters would display incorrectly when the effect of Invisibility wore off while character names were disabled via the /names text command.
    • An issue wherein synthesis could be performed under the Costume status.
    • An issue in macro execution wherein putting <wait> on the same line as <st>, <stpc>, <stnpc>, <stpt> and/or <stal> would result in <wait> being executed during sub-target selection.
    • An issue with certain Crystal War era bard NPCs wherein incorrect designations were selectable.
    • An issue wherein the event replays for the quests “Project: Shantottofication” and “An Uneasy Peace” were not selectable from the Goblin Footprints in the Sacrificial Chamber.
    • An issue wherein certain conditions would result in only orobons being caught when fishing on the Silver Sea routes to Nashmau and Al Zahbi.

  [English-language version only]

  • A number of text-related bugs reported on the forums have been addressed. Those issues not resolved in this version update will be addressed in a future patch.

  Known Issues

  • Trial numbers for relic armor will not display properly when viewing trial progression trees with the Magian Moogle.
  ——————————————————————

  *New Magian trials for Relic, Mythic, and Empyrean weapons have been delayed to allow time for proper balancing.
  They are scheduled to be introduced to the test server in the near future and implemented in the release version in an additional version update.
  The items required for the trials, however, have been introduced in advance in this version update.

  Requisite Item	Corresponding Weapons
  Umbral Marrow	Relic Weapons
  Mulcibar’s Scoria	Mythic Weapons
  Riftcinder	Verethragna / Almace / Farsha / Redemption / Rhongomiant / Masamune / Gandiva / Daurdabla
  Riftdross	Twashtar / Caladbolg / Ukonvasara / Kannagi / Gambanteinn / Hvergelmir / Armageddon / Ochain

  
  ]]> http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/december-14-2011-version-update/feed/ 0 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/for-the-love-of-altana-halp-aka-daggers-are-killing-me/ http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/for-the-love-of-altana-halp-aka-daggers-are-killing-me/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:58:02 +0000 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/?p=1946 ]]> I have read a lot of threads. I have talked to a lot of people… all of which disagree! I’ve been told so many different things about daggers, my brain is melting. The only thing everyone agrees on is…

  Twashtar and Mandau are awesome.

  So let’s get that out of the way. I am new to THF, having had the job about 4 months. I only levelled it because whilst getting my sub up for farming I accidently went a bit further (50s) and subsquently decided to see whether I liked it at higher levels. I have COR, so dagger and marksmanship were capped to a reasonable level.

  Now I discover I LOVE THF. It’s a welcome break from WHM which I seem to play at every waking moment. Being a career mage until this point, I also know far too little about DPS and WS. I get haste, I understand the difference between TPing and WSing. I get evasion, but what I don’t get (and seems everyone else is in the same boat) are daggers!

  Name	Source	Damage	Delay	Additional Effects
  Twashtar (90)	Empyrean	48	176	Dex +15	Rudra’s Storm	Aftermath:  Occ deals double damage
  Mandau (90)	Relic	49	176	Att +35	Mercy Stroke	Add effect: Poison
  Dakka +2 (90)	WoE	47	201		Rudra’s Storm
  Kila +3 (STR)	ToM	45	190	STR +10	Attack +20
  Kila +3 (AGI)	ToM	45	190	AGI +10	Evasion +20
  Kila +3 (DEX)	ToM	45	190	DEX +10	Accuracy +15
  Fusetto +3 (WS DMG)	ToM	42	186		WS Dmg + 10%
  Fusetto +3 (TP Bonus)	ToM	40	186		TP Bonus +100
  Coruscanti	Qilin	49	189	DEX +15	Crit Hit +5%	Occ deals severe damage
  Lux Pugio	Qilin	48	195	DEX +10	Crit Hit +4%
  Twilight Knife	Shinryu	40	190	QA +3%	TP, HP or MP Drain
  Triplus Dagger	Isgebind	38	176	TA +3%	Increases TA Damage
  Rapidus Sax	Amhuluk	32	150	Acc +12	Haste +1%

  What the hell do I do? I have a Twilight Knife, a triplus dagger, a rapidus (don’t use) and am nearly done with an AGI Kila.I’m going to finish that up for the new WS anyway. I could work on a Dakka but Twashtar and Mandau are very unlikely.

  I am more likely to see a Lux Pugio as I regularly do VW but Coruscanti seems rare. I caused a huge discussion in shell between 2 THF about Twilight v Triplus. I don’t have full EAF+2 yet (done feet/body, nearly done on hands, legs and head soon).

  I know I should /equip the THF knife and then /equip something else.

  I have questions like…

  1) Does a Dakka +2 at 90 (done for comparison because for me the 95 Twashtar is unobtainable) or even +3 beat a Coruscanti and under what conditions?

  Because I duo on THF a lot and I love my Sneak attack, I glanced at the dex Kila but I know THF’s attack could use a boost so then looked at a STR kila. But then I get told I’m ‘doingitwrong’ and should finish my AGI Kila because it’s full of awesome sauce for TA. Which when duoing and procing in dyna is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. My duo partner is too busy being off pulling and procing on DNC. But obviously in larger group events AGI and TA ftw. I am starting to be occasionally used in larger stuff so I need to consider it.

  I am willing to put the effort in to obtain a decent but not ultimate set of daggers. Solo/Duo the fusettos look awesome for WS but DPS is important.

  2) Why do people hate the Twilight knife? I can kinda see why the Triplus is nice with the EAF set bonus and our merits.

  I am pulling my hair out here because I really can’t see a definitive solution other than sacrificing a taru and hoping that Coruscanti or even the NQ, drop from Qilin (yay for my Fajin boots!) and even then wth do I sub?

  I know I am not the only one here who struggles with it. Anyone willing to try and help me out?

  
  ]]> http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/for-the-love-of-altana-halp-aka-daggers-are-killing-me/feed/ 5 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-galka-version-youtube/ http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-galka-version-youtube/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:42:14 +0000 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/?p=1942 ]]> FFXI New Lv96+ WS (Galka version) – YouTube.

   

  

  
  ]]> http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-galka-version-youtube/feed/ 0 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-taru-version-youtube/ http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-taru-version-youtube/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:34:17 +0000 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/?p=1935 ]]>
  ]]> http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-taru-version-youtube/feed/ 0 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-mithra-version-youtube/ http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-mithra-version-youtube/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:21:19 +0000 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/?p=1929 ]]> FFXI New Lv96+ WS (Mithra version) – YouTube.

  

  
  ]]> http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-mithra-version-youtube/feed/ 0 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-elvaan-m-version-youtube/ http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-elvaan-m-version-youtube/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:06:24 +0000 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/?p=1923 ]]> FFXI New Lv96+ WS (Elvaan M version) – YouTube.

  Thanks Spira

  

  
  ]]> http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-elvaan-m-version-youtube/feed/ 0 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-hume-f-version-youtube/ http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-hume-f-version-youtube/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:57:19 +0000 eldelphia http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/?p=1917 ]]> Spira uploaded a new vid of ALL the ws
  
  ]]> http://eldelphia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/ffxi-new-lv96-ws-hume-f-version-youtube/feed/ 0 eldelphia