Thoughts on the new armor...

The details about the new armor is out now, and my jaw dropped through the floor.  There's some very nice augments to be had there for sure.

As far as my SCH goes, the augments are largely trash.  I don't want to lose the +10 skill that the AF provides, and there are no real augments that enhance my light arts provide.  The only thing that might be worth something is the fast cast improvement, and the -5 enmity.  While helpful, sure, but there are other augments that will help my other jobs so much more.

As far as my SMN goes, the -4 BP timer isn't an improvement over my Evoker's Doublet +1, so that's out, and the -2 perpetuation cost isn't better than my -3 perpetuation cost for my Summoner's Doublet.  Maybe if the augment was -3 perpetuation cost, then it would be better than my Summoner's Doublet.  Where I see the real improvement for Summoner is the Pet: Accuracy +10 and the Pet: Magic Accuracy and Magic Attack +7.  This would make this piece a premier BP piece to throw in before the BP goes off.

As far as my PUP goes, the real potential is to go any which way.  I could go to the ultra power-up for my puppet which would mean Pet: Accuracy and Pet: Attack bonuses.  Or I could go with the magic attack and the double attack/crit bonus.  However, right now, I'm thinking something on the lines of the "Magic" Pantin Tobe.  The Pantin Tobe gives +10 ACC and Pet: +10 ACC.  What I'm thinking is getting the +10 ACC bonus for the master, and the Pet: Magic Accuracy and Magic Attack bonus, giving the piece the same thing as the Pantin Tobe, but with magic instead of physical.  And considering that I'm meritted in magic, it's very tempting.

As far as looks go, I love the look of the Nuevo Coselete.  It's a shame that I don't have a job that can wear it.  :(

I'm really looking forward to the update, and I'm wondering what's going to be next.  :x

April Update Part VI! New City Storyline Quests!

The Story Continues with All-new Nation Quests! (03/19/2009)

The trials and tragedies of each of the three nations are set to be further revealed in the fast-approaching April version update. With the dark shadow of the decisive battle between the warring factions looming ominously overhead, adventurers will delve deeper into the mysteries and intrigues of the Crystal War in the continuing episodes of nation quests in Wings of the Goddess!

San d'Oria: The Price of Valor

Young Rahal and the Swiftwing Griffins catch wind of the enemy's latest plot, the knowledge of which holds power over the fate of countless innocents. But this time, the mission upon which the young knights embark may well prove to be beyond even heroes of their courage and resourcefulness...

Bastok: Quelling the Storm

No respite is in sight for the beleaguered Republic as another violent storm arrives to batter its walls with gruesome murders. The method of killing is reminiscent of Darksteel Hurricane, the most feared killer in the history of Bastok, and that knowledge has citizen morale plunging to an all-time low...

Windurst: The Path of No Return

The Windurstian army stands in shambles, the grim state of affairs having forced even untested reserves into the fray. Left with no other options, Federation forces embark on a last-ditch effort to turn the tide of war. The first step involves a mission to procure vital resources from an ally, while the second will lead them down a path far more perilous...

Prepare to bear witness to the beginning of the end in the April version update!

Dynamis-Bastok <3

So, today, my Dynamis shell did Dynamis-Bastok.  I almost not wanted to come since there really wasn't anything that I wanted relic-wise, but hey, I decided to come anyway.  Heh,heh,heh, that was almost a mistake.  First off, since there were so many people coming to Bastok, the entry price was low.  Really low.  Like under 10k low.  Then, we managed to clear the zone, and while I didn't get any relic armor, I did get a 100 Byne Bill, and TWO Wootz Ore.  TWO WOOTZ ORE!

Total value of things in Dynamis: 1 MILLION Gil.  In one night.  Yeah, I'm glad I came.  Not really looking forward to Jeuno on Sunday though.  >.>;;

Also, did some assaults after Dynamis, and got one done that I needed for my Captain rank.  One step closer to Captain, and one step closer to Nirvana.

April Update News Part V!

The upcoming version update will usher in the "Augments" system, a new feature that will shatter your preconceptions about equipment and breathe new life into some of your most treasured pieces of armor.

Any veteran adventurer knows the feeling:
A beloved breastplate that served you in countless epic battles...
A cherished cuirass that fended off many a vicious enemy blow...
Equipment once treasured, now auctioned off for a purseful of gil or relegated to a dank, lonely corner of your Mog House in favor of more potent apparel better suited to your burgeoning abilities.
What could be done to give these items a longer lease on life? This is the question we asked ourselves, and in the next version update, you can experience the answer—the new Augments system!

Let's examine how it will work.

*This development screenshot may not represent the final product.

As illustrated above, players will be able to customize certain pieces of equipment by adding two augments of their choice to supplement the item's base attributes. This new feature will allow for two pieces of armor bearing the same name to possess distinct capabilities, specially tailored to complement the skills of the wearer. 
A wealth of heretofore unseen diversity in adventuring attire awaits you!

Needless to say, the development team is hard at work to ensure that augmented items can be enjoyed by the widest possible range of adventurers, while preserving game balance with existing items available through questing and synthesis. Furthermore, to maintain the items' exclusivity, it will not be possible to trade them to your companions, nor sell them via the auction house or bazaars. Adventurers looking to acquire augmented equipment will have to do so by their own courage and valor!

We'll be sharing even more information on this exciting new feature come release day, so be sure to check back for all the latest details!

Runic Key GET!

After months of toil and trouble, my Nyzul Isle group FINALLY got up to Floor 100, and everyone got their runic key.  This is an important and major milestone in my getting Nirvana and Kenkonken.  I'm SO happy.  Now if only I can get Captain rank, I could work on my next goal...getting all four titles.

April Update News Part IV! ANNMs!

In the upcoming April version update, fearsome Notorious Monsters will take to the field in areas of past Vana'diel currently under the control of the Allied Forces.

With each passing version update, the Campaign Battles and Campaign Ops systems continue to grow in size and scope. Next month will see the introduction of fearsome new Notorious Monsters to past Vana'diel to further intensify that savage conflict known as the Crystal War.

In order to engage in battle with one of these new NMs, the Allied Forces must currently hold sway over the area in which the creature appears. In addition, you must also be in possession of the required key item which is obtainable from specific NPCs in each nation. With these two prerequisites fulfilled, simply examine the designated target point located in each area. This will trigger the NM's appearance.

Key Items

- The trigger key item can be acquired in exchange for Allied Notes. While neither your rank nor allegiance will influence your eligibility for obtainment, no more than one can be acquired per Earth day.
- All players wishing to engage in the battle must be in possession of the key item.
- It is required that the key item is one that has been issued from the nation currently in control of the area. For example, a key item issued from San d'Oria is needed to participate in an NM battle in a Ronfaure (S) under Kingdom control.

Battle Conditions

- The allotted battle time is 30 minutes.
- No experience penalties will be imposed for being rendered unconscious.
- While each NM is intended to provide a suitable challenge for a six-member party, it will be possible for an 18-member alliance to participate, similarly to the ENM quest.
- NMs will take to the field in the company of a squad of underlings.
- Defeating these NMs will yield not only experience points, but also additional rewards the nature of which will vary depending on the strategy that was employed during battle.

We fervently hope that your efforts to aid the Allied Forces in regaining dominance over the land are met with every success, for yet another exhilarating challenge awaits you on the horizon!

Wow, looks like they're putting in ENM style NMs now.  This looks to be both exciting and promising.  For now, I'll just call them "ANNMs", meaning "Allied Note Notorious Monsters".  I guess people have a use for those Allied Notes that they've got stacked up now.  Not like they weren't hard to get before.  

I'm really surprised by the rather quick pace that SE is putting out these update notices.  Makes me wonder when the update is going to occur, and if they're going to run out of stuff to put up.  I also wonder if we're going to see a 2 week lull before the actual update arrives.

April Update Part III!

The April version update will see coverage of the Fields of Valor and Treasure Casket systems extended to include areas introduced in the Rise of the Zilart expansion. Fields of Valor, in particular, is set to undergo a major upgrade that will further enhance its appeal to a broad range of adventurer palates.

An Ever-expanding Sphere of Enjoyment!

The above-mentioned systems will be made available in the Rise of the Zilart areas listed below:
Cape Teriggan / Eastern Altepa Desert / The Sanctuary of Zi'Tah / Ro'Maeve / Yuhtunga Jungle / Yhoator Jungle / Western Altepa Desert / Valley of Sorrows / Ru'Aun Gardens

Treasure Caskets appearing for the first time in these areas will yield an array of rewards unique to their respective locales.

Enhanced Access to Fields of Valor!

In addition to the above Rise of the Zilart locations, the following original areas are also scheduled to host a Field Manual:
East Ronfaure / La Theine Plateau / Batallia Downs / South Gustaberg / Konschtat Highlands / Rolanberry Fields / East Sarutabaruta / Tahrongi Canyon / Sauromugue Champaign / Behemoth's Dominion

In light of the expansion of playable areas for Fields of Valor, a number of preexisting training regimes will be relocated for the sake of convenience. Currently, there are regimes for which the objectives are found in a different area from where the issuing Field Manual is situated. The next version update will eliminate hassles such as having to make a long trek to La Theine after receiving regime objectives in West Ronfaure.

As the icing on this veritable cake of convenience, each Fields of Valor area is scheduled to host multiple Field Manuals, so you can spend less of your precious adventuring time in commute, and more on completing your objectives and reaping the rich rewards.

NMs Set to Join the Fray!

Fields of Valor was created so that all players could have lighthearted yet fruitful adventuring available at their fingertips. Following in the footsteps of this ideal, the April version update will usher in challenging new objectives—elite training regimes—that will have hearts pumping in the ears of even the most seasoned adventurers.

Accessing these elite training regimes requires key items which can be obtained in exchange for tabs, and your choice of gil, beastmen's seals, or a piece of equipment. Rewards granted upon completion of an objective will vary depending on the combination of the above. For example, adventurers who trade gil will be handsomely rewarded in kind, while beastmen's seals will garner you an amount of experience points corresponding to the quantity traded. Those who dare to relinquish equipment, on the other hand, can expect delightful rewards the likes of which have never been seen before on Vana'diel!
As an added bonus, no experience penalties will be imposed even if your best effort at fulfilling an objective results in a humiliating defeat at the hands of your quarry. So go on, get out there and prove your worth and valor!

*Due to the grueling nature of these elite training regimes, no more than one can be undertaken per day (Earth time). 

Fun and accessible content for everyone is the common objective which drives all of us here on the development and administration teams. These additions and adjustments to Fields of Valor and Treasure Caskets are but another part of our ongoing commitment to this mission.

This is yet another exciting update from SE.  I might be able to solo all the way to 75 on most jobs now, and on top of that, trading equipment for new equipment (and fight NMs) is pure win!  I am curious to see as to how this sort of thing will be implimented.

April Update Part II! Gobbiebags!

What adventurer hasn't long wished for a roomier receptacle to store the scores of sublime spoils snagged in the course of their abounding adventures across Vana'diel? Take heart, you Greedaloxes—your wait is over! Don't think you'll be able to procure this prodigious pouch free of charge, though, as the Goblin Bluffnix has devised a devious new assignment to test your mettle. What does the tightfisted taskmaster want from you this time? You'll just have to see for yourself in the upcoming version update! 

This is exciting!  More inventory space!  YAY~!