By Shadowneko
Email: catgrove@yahoo.com
Version 1.5
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, as well as playing the retail under the nick “Shadowneko” (I’m on the server Midgardsormr, if you wish to find me). 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'm writing this FAQ just for you. You can always find the latest version of this FAQ on my FF page at http://jfinal.topcities.com.
Part A. Version History and what’s new!
Version 1.5- added info on macros, the check command, and the Kazham airship quest. I also changed my website address! Not to mention, I updated my info (I’m playing retail. Midgardsormr server), my sis’s info, and changed something in the credits (It seems that SSS is pretty much gone. I feel sorry for Berrykins!) Also some minor corrections and a table of contents added (with anchors, in the HTML version).
Version 1 - First public release.
Versions .1-.9 - Consider yourself lucky if you have any of these versions! These were working copies, only shown to members of the FFXI community for suggestions/criticism/comments.
Part B. Table Of Contents
Part 2: Crafts and Making Money
Part 3: Things not to do(Manners and Monsters)
Part 7: End Credits And Sources
Part 1: getting started-
First off you have to choose your system. Having the PC edition 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 two versions and PS2 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-
*Note all prices are estimates based on the suggested retail prices of these items as of 1/14/04.
1.1.1 PS2 edition:
A PS2 (of course, but a lot of us have these)-$170
Sony's Network Adapter- $30-$40
FFXI with the HDD- $99
USB Keyboard- $7-$30 (this is required for chatting on the PS2[no USB headsets here!], and personally I recommend the Sharkboard or the Powerboard. Both are great basic full sized USB Keyboards that can be gotten for very little on Ebay.)
USB mouse (optional)- $15-$25 (I've found this is only useful if you plan on playing lots of Tetra Master on POL)
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-
FFXI Online (software)- $40-$50
(Recommended Accessories)
Dual Shock 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
1.2 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.
Galka (male only)- These big bear like guys are dead tough and they make great Monks and warrior types. They generally have high HP and not very many brains so they don't do well as mages.
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.
1.2.2 Starting Jobs:
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.
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.
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...
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:
Well you want to play with your friends but landing on the same server as them is like a shot in the dark. No worries though since your buddy can buy an in game item called a Worldpass which is basically a code that your can use to create a new character on the same server as your buddy. It works by emailing you the code and you putting it in right before the server selection screen.
1.4 Starting Areas:
Note: You get a slight bonus for starting at the home for your 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 Basic Macros 101:
I thought I wouldn’t have to do this since there’s a really good macro guide on Gamefaqs (http://www.gamefaqs.com); but here we go. First off look at the main menu and press over so that you’re on the second row. Select Macros and from here you can press up and down to create different sets. There’s plenty enough that you can make sets of macros for several different jobs, but each individual macro can only be 5 lines. Here are some basic commands:
*Note: abilities and spells require a target after the initial command. In some cases this has to be your character(as in <me>) and some require you target the monsters(<t>, etc) I will go more into these targeting commands later in this section.
*Note #2: please don’t misspell things in macros…it looks terrible and your macro may not work
/ra – ranged attack (or in other words let’s shoot the monsters!)
/ws- this is for weapon skills like Fast Blade: usage- /ws “Fast Blade”
/ja- Job ability: usage /ja “Sneak Attack” (as in the name of the ability in quotes)
/targetnpc – target NPC characters
/wait- pauses the macro for up to 60 seconds. (This is often used for timers on moves such as provoke.)
Targeting:
<t> - Garden variety; basically whatever or whomever the cursor is on
<me> - On yourself!
<st> - Lets you choose target before you use ability-spell (ablility must be activated by the X button on PS2 or Enter with PC)
<bt> - "Ticked off" AKA. enemy that is currently claimed either by you or your party; otherwise behaves like <t>
<p0>-<p5> - Specific members of your party. If it helps, <p0> is you.
<stnpc> -- Only on non player charas. You may choose which one and you must hit enter or X to activate ability.
<stpc> -- Only on players. You can choose which one first and you must hit enter or X to activate ablity
<lastst> -- last thing you used spell/ablility on
Extra:
<call1> through <call20>- makes a noise and sometimes vibrates the controller. It is used to let your party know when stuff is ready, but don’t overuse it.
Example macros:
*Note: I am only showing the command part. You can make macros say anything you want by just typing it on a line.
Spells-
Summoner- for summons to work you must target yourself.
Example- /ma “Carbunkle” <me>
White Mage/Red mage/Black Mage- for the spell to work you have to put a target in the spell.
Healing example: /ma “Cure” <t>
Attack/debuff example: /ma “Fire” <bt>
Job Abilites-
Some abilities require you target yourself…for my example I will put out 4 of the most popular
Job Ability macros:
Provoke(Warrior):
/ja “Provoke” <bt>
/wait 30
Provoke is ready for use <call10>
Sneak Attack(thief):
/ja “Sneak Attack” <me>
/wait 60
Sneak Attack is ready
Sneak Attack + Fast Blade Combo(thief):
/ja “Sneak Attack” <me>
/wait 1
/ws “Fast Blade” <bt>
Sneak Attack + Trick Attack Combo(thief):
/ja “Sneak Attack” <me>
/wait 1
/ja “Trick Attack” <me>
Now if you can’t get something to work just play with it. The most common mistakes are targeting errors and misspelling!
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:
This is a spell that allows you to get Crystals and earn conquest points. You can use these conquest points for cool items down the line or just sell them. The more points gotten by a nation in a particular area the more likely that nation will own it. Rank is important 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 one 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 a lot 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. The so-called random system often gives the treasure to only a few people and when a party breaks up all of it is lost. 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.
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. They can also save you money in the long term as you don’t have to buy expensive things like arrows, bullets, food and Ninja Tools. Making these things is often cheaper than buying them so keep at it!
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 a bit 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!
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.
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 then item. This does cost a small amount of gil and the selling prices are determined by the old economic law of Supply and Demand.
2.4.2 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!
2.4.3 Gil farming-
You need money? Of course you do! Well go out find a monster that drops something good (preferably that you can solo) and sell it. Many people do this for things like Beastcoins, Cotton balls and lizard skins just to name a few. If you do this in lower level areas please let the low level players have first crack at the monsters since they need XP just as much as you need gil.
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. 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!). Also if you and your little friends die too much the other players will hate you for all the conquest points you just lost your home nation!
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!
Dhamels- 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!
3.2 The Check Command-
Oops I forgot to mention this in my first version! When you put the icon on something and hit X you bring up the attack menu you can see a command at the bottom called “Check”. This command judges the strength of the monster by your current level. It’s good in the early stages, but be careful as later on sometimes even “Easy Prey” can kill you...
“Too Weak to be worthwhile”- won’t get any XP from these guys! They are just that weak...
“Easy Prey”- these should be really easy to kill and they give some XP
“Even Match”- the exact same level as you. Proceed with a slight caution, but you can probably take’em
“Decent Challenge”- You might just take this guy...but it’s a rough road!
“Tough”- Do not try these guys solo! They’ll kill you fast...
“Incredibly Tough”- without help these guys will kill ya fast
“Impossible to gauge”- Avoid at all costs, unless you think you’re tough enough to kill an NM.
Additions: “High Defense”- your skill is so low that their defense is much higher than your offence. Try to avoid these unless they are easy prey or you have a party to back you up.
“High Evasion”- same as above
“Low Defense”- you got so much skill that they are wimps compared to it
“Low evasion”- same thing as above
3.3 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!
Beastmaster/beast tamer- Training is all well and good but don't go doing it with every monster in sight. Once you let go of a monster it will usually attack the first player it sees...this will make the players around you very mad!
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 Dangruff Wadi(a swampy area near Bastok) 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 Dhamels) 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.
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) the 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 Choboco stables in Upper Jeuno and he'll give you the class.
Talk 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.
In North San d'Oria talk to Oiheaurese. Then go to Port San d'Oria 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 <G-7> or <I-8> 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 <G-10>, Open the door and a Dragon will appear, beat him to get the Dragoon Job.
Talk to Kaede in a house that you find at map coordinate <I-5> in Port Bastok. Then go talk to Kagetora in the warehouse also located in Port Bastok at map coordinate <F-5>. After that talk to Ensetu in the old house located at map coordinate <I-5> (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 <A-9> where you'll be warped over to map coordinate <I-11>. Go to map coordinate <k-8> where you'll find a "???". Talk a look at the object and then you'll have to fight 3 Korroloca 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 <I-5>. Go to the new area Norg and talk to Ryoma to finish the quest and get Ninja.
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.
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. Got to Sauromuge Champain 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.
First, you must got 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 "Carbunkle'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!
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 Chocobo 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 Meriphaud 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!
4.4 Kazham Airship pass- This is different than the rank 5 airship pass and many people like to level in Kazham at lvl 25. To get this you need 3 chest keys: one from Giddeus near Windhurst (Yagudo Priests, Yagudo Votarys, and Yagudo Theolgists drop the key here. These are higher level mobs as all the key droppers are; bring a friend or three along) one from Fort Ghelsba near San d'Oria (Orcish Fighters, Orcish Serjeants, and Orcish Cursemakers drop the key here) and one from the Palborough mines near Bastok (Old Quadav, Brass Quadav, and Copper Quadav drop the key here). It helps if you have a Thief (lvl 15+) when trying to get the keys to drop. After getting all three keys go to Port Jueno and the Kazham dock there you can trade in the keys to Guddal (at <I-7>) for the pass.
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 best 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.
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.
HNM- This is short for High level Named Monster or High level Notorious Monster. Stay away from them or you’ll be creamed…unless you’re on a very high level!
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.
RSE - Stands for Race Specific Equipment. This is really good if you are playing a job that is not really suited to your race; but you must do a quest several times on a specific ingame day to get it; and you might not get it all on the same day! (That is, if you don’t wanna pay a arm and a leg for it) It looks like the starter armor, it’s only colored differently.
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 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- Samurai
RNG- Ranger
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...works best for TaruTarus!
/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
/toss- throw something at anything
/hurray- give a triumphant cry
/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: End credits and sources-
Special Thanks to:
Kopopo of Midgardsormr and RPGamer- 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 members of the MithraPride linkshell on Midgardsormr- thanks cool cats, you also gave me some good ideas!
My sister, Mary Alice (her character name in beta was Elizara; in retail, her chara’s Elizara of Midgardsormr) – For some spellchecking 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; not to mention macros. (Most mages tend to be the MASTERS/MISTRESSES of the macro out of necessity!)
Swipe of crystalrecipes.com, and Midgardsormr's MithraPride linkshell- for letting me use a great deal of his ADV job quest list for a source!
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!
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.