The Fox and the Blau

It’s “freequest” week in Endeavor and last night was our usual force pop night. I got home to find out we were doing the Shen fight for Reverend Mail. We decided to zerg it, and zerg it we did! The first pop took about a minute to kill, so it actually had the chance to spawn the elementals. Mages on the outside of the alliance slept them and we continued beating it down. This is, by far, the easiest way of dealing with the fight.

The second pop took no time at all. I precharged Feint before the pop, Trick Attacked Dancing Edge right away, spinned around for Sneak Attack, remembered to Mug it for 2k, and then it was down within a few more attack rounds. It’s great to be in a shell that can do this stuff efficiently.

Afterwards, we headed to Ifrit’s Cauldron to pop Bomb Queen for Typhton’s Bomb Queen Ring. This fight is a walk in the park with a few decent DDs. Simply melee on Bomb Queen and then WS/nuke her spawns as soon as they appear. The only reason Melchaia is dead in the above screenshot is because he intentionally died, hoping to be tractored over the chasm… We found out that that didn’t work.

Note: I have added some older posts I had made on MyFFXI from back when I was still Chakan on Gilgamesh. I figured there was no reason not to host them here.

My work schedule for yesterday prevented me from getting too much done in-game, but I did accomplish a few things.

I solo’d my RDM to 25 in Valkurm Dunes. Now I get another few minor gear upgrades, as well as access to Invisible and Sleep. I’ll probably start intentionally partying on my Red Mage soon. Enjoying the job so far, but I already knew I would from leveling my alt Rosalyn’s RDM to 34.

Ended up in Ro’ Maeve to help Surujballi out with Shikigami Weapon, the odd NM that drops the Yin Yang Robe. It spawns invisible and roams around a big section of the zone until it finally aggros someone. We got claim and Suru got his YYR.

While finishing out our Fields of Valor page there, I spotted Nightmare Vase, the NM that drops the lvl 52 Shinogi katana. I pulled it and we brought it down really fast, but unfortunately didn’t get a katana.

With work fast approaching, I got a Retrace from DG and logged in Windurst Waters (S). When I got home, I put some more time into my next Feint upgrade in Campaign. Now I’m about 1 more merit from #3. I’ll probably do my initial Aura Steal next and then finish out Feint’s remaining two upgrades.

You’ve just installed Final Fantasy XI on your PC and you want to get the most out of the experience. I’ll be pointing you to all of the right places in order to optomize your experience!

1) Get Windower
Alright, this issue divides the community somewhat, but overall the line is divided amongst people who play FFXI on a game console and those who play on PC. I’d be willing to be the MAJORITY of FFXI PC players use Windower. It offers too many conveniences to be ignored.

Now, that said: Windower is a 3rd party tool and Square Enix does not allow users to utilize such outside utilities. Treat Windower like fight club when you’re in the game: don’t talk about it. It’s that simple. If you don’t talk about it and don’t do anything blatantly obvious with any 3rd party tool, your chances of being banned for using Windower are extremely slim. You might find forum posts stating that a person “just used Windower” and were banned yesterday, but the overwhelming majority of these folks ended up admitting to fish botting, hacking through walls, pos-hacking, etc. They did something really stupid.

So travel to the official Windower site, download the latest version, and set it up on your PC. While at the Windower site, also grab the following plugins and put them in Windower’s /plugin folder:

-Spellcast: The name is misleading. Spellcast is an automated utility that you can easily configure to swap in and out gear for when you perform any action (spells, job abilities, weapon skills, etc.). Going from the natural game limits of macros to Spellcast is a HUGE leap in convenience for the player. Since you’re just starting out with Windower and Spellcast, be sure to grab a User Submitted XML file to use with it for the jobs you play on. Put the files in your /plugins/spellcast directory named for the jobs you play (ie. “RDM.xml” for Red Mage, “DRG” for Dragoon, etc.). This will allow Spellcast to change to the correct settings files when you change your main job!

From personal experience, if you are a high level BLM, grab Aikar’s script. If you play THF, try out IneptVagrant’s THF file. These two files will show you what Spellcast can do at it’s best!

-BlinkMeNot: Prevents party members, spell targets, and yourself from blinking when their gear chances. Absolutely invalauble if you main heal in a party often. Also good for helping reduce lag for the rest of us!

-Yarnball: Really simple utility that keeps track of the buffs you cast on party members. It displays a countdown timer for each buff and the target’s name. Great for RDM, SCH, and WHMs who have to buff the whole party.

-Infobar: Displays a handy information bar at the top of your screen. Can display a mob’s job and level, elemental weaknesses, estimated EXP you might get from it, what it drops, what can be stolen from it, etc. Pretty darn handy!

-EXPWatch: Displays a bar right below your chat log showing your current EXP and Limit Point totals, your TNL, and your calculated EXP/hr. Now you don’t have to do the math yourself.

These plugins will get you started. Load them in game by typing “//load [plugin name here]” Later, once you get some experience with which ones you like using, edit the /scripts/init.txt file so Windower will automatically load them when the game starts!

2) Optimize Your Graphics!
Note: Changing these settings for the better will require your PC to do more work. You will have to find the right settings for your own PC and personal tastes to be satisfied.

For this step, there’s an easy way and then there’s the right way.

The easy way is a simple (and safe!) file that you can load on your computer that changes your ingame resolution to a value higher than the official Final Fantasy XI configuration program. By doing this simple adjustment, the graphics in FFXI will improve greatly.

The right way is a detailed guide on the wiki about what every graphic setting ingame does and how you can adjust it for the better. You will be able to optomize your own settings for what you want out of the game.

3) Firefox and Plugins, Security Token
Not too long ago, RMTs (real money trade/gilsellers) started inserting malicious code into banner ads that they paid to place on FFXI-related sites. This code allowed them to hijack player accounts, move them to another server where they needed gil and items to meet demand (incuring a $25 transfer fee for the REAL OWNER!), strip them of their valuables, and usually use the account in a fashion that would end with the player banned. This was a BIG DEAL and it took Square Enix quite some time to sort out the mess.

To protect yourself (and to improve your standard web browsing as well), I recommend downloading and using Firefox as your web browser. To further your security, get the plugins No Script and AdBlock Plus. With this setup, it is very unlikely this will ever happen to you! Also, you’ll be better protect from computer viruses in general. Thank me later.

To help players fight this security threat, SE releases the security token in the Spring of 2009. This handy little device has a big red button on it. You press it once, it displays a unique code you type in to login, and then press it again. Then you sit it aside until you decide to login again. It’s very easy to use and definitely worth $10. As an added bonus, you’ll get the Mog Satchel — which adds so much on-hand inventory space you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it!

Check here for more details on the Security Token and how to buy it.

In Closing
So that sums up what I believe every FFXI PC player should know about playing the game on the PC. I will do a blog update when this post will be updated in the future as errors are spotted or information becomes outdated.

I logged in Wednesday and headed up to sky fairly early. I have just recently rejoined my friends in Endeavor and a) actually missed messing around in Sky as well as b) needed the points! We did the usual run through during the early afternoon and started burning pages while waiting on Despot to pop. Eventually, we got enough people in Sky to start doing gods. We did 2 Byakkos, Genbus, Seiryus, and Suzakus. I ended up getting N. Hands for a bargain amount of points and uncursed them right away. I’m now 2/5 on Hecatomb armor.

Our hopes of a quick Kirin zerg before people logged off were dashed as another shell popped it and slowly started widling him down. I felt like I had my fill of the game and turned in somewhat early for the night.

I woke up the next morning with a clear mission on my mind: get back to work on skilling up my Alchemy. After buying out the AH of mats and farming even more, I ended my crafting session at Alchemy 87.0+2 and made money doing it!

I hopped on my RDM and started grinding it out with FoV in Valkurm Dunes. After a page or two, I got a 5/6 invite from a BLM for Qufim Island. Eager to actually party on a lower level job for once, I took it. We got a good 5-6k/hour without any problems whatsoever. People left and got replaced, eventually leading to the point where multiple people had to leave. I called the party at that time, happy to be just shy of RDM24. I finished out my level with a quick page, getting it ready for the Jungles.

Took a break from the game at that point and watched the second half of Reaper Season One with the woman. We had seen the first couple episodes and lost track of the show around the time of the Writer’s Strike, then caught it for the entire Season Two (which we absolutely adored). Good stuff all around. It’s so sad to see a decent show be put down in it’s prime, especially leaving off on the note that the series did. I can’t stress it enough, nor seem to get people to take interest in the show, but Reaper is definitely worth your time.

After some ice cream with the family and a major dose of caffeine, it was time for Limbus. We finally had a decent enough turnout to be able to split farm. My group did pretty well, with plenty of time to spare. BLM, BRD, DRKx2, and PUP dropped; with the majority of the pieces actually being wanted by members.

Did a little more crafting for gil before heading off to bed. Have to build back up my bank after picking up Cursed Gloves (600k, just in time for summer!) and Tatami Shield (350k)!

Well, well, well! Some progress these past couple of days. The other morning I was up early because I had been anxiously awaiting to see what my GP item was… and it was good enough for me!

My buddy Glendor crafted me 2 Katars up for the base and 2 Poison Katars put me up to 101k GP.

So now I’m sitting at 77.7 + 2 Alchemy. I’ll get back to pushing myself up towards 85 after I raise extra gil. Right now, I still want to concentrate on finishing my mannequin (just need the body now) and leveling THF to 60+.

Tonight, EG spotted a /shout in Aht Urghan and I wrapped up something else as well! Mammets done!

HELL. YES.

Almost forgot that the other day, my friend Retarutarded (who recently got his Joytoy!) helped me out with my first piece of THF AF: Rogue’s Armlets. My Hume RSE hands beat it out for damage, but having another piece of Steal + gear around might come in handy.

The coffer was also my first picked coffer. /sigh

Been working on my Thief this week via short bursts of Campaign. Made it to 48 through Campaign, soloing the bees in Rolanyberry Fields (S) while waiting for Campaign, and 2 escort scrolls. I got into a party this morning and made my way to 49. One more level and I’ll feel a little gimpy without a Rapparee Harness.

Partying on THF was a blast today. So much so that I think I’ll start making parties again. Our PLD this morning was sort of new to FFXI and didn’t understand SATA. I tried to explain a few times, and then just tried telling him what to do, but I couldn’t seem to get through to him.

Otherwise, with Squid Sushi and my recent Marksmanship merit, I was landing most of my status bolts, building over 100 TP before SATA was back up. I was able to get some variation of SA or SATA off up to 3 or 4 times in some battles because I was precharging it before pulls.

I can’t wait to get to 50, get a harness, get my AF quests done, and get to ToAU camps now. THF70+ is only a couple dozen parties away. Unfortunately, then I get to worry about obtaining a Blau Dolch, which is going for 1.5 to 2 million gil on Gilgamesh.

Another couple of months have passed and, unfortunately, it really doesn’t seem like I’ve gotten too much done ingame during that time.

I’ve been focusing on leveling my Alchemy (77.2+1, halfway to Apron) and Thief (46, @2k) during my day-to-day playtime. I’ve been experimenting with being a dirty bastard and selling my HQ’able consumables for as cheap as possible. I often aim lower than the RMT, but the dumbass general playerbase buys my items for the going rate anyway. Godbless `em!

Coming back to Thief to farm, solo, party, etc. has been great. I really missed the job and can only see my love for it growing much more the further I get with it. My only gripe is that a THF in the mid-40s can’t rack up much EXP in Campaign Battle. Campaign has become a great way for me and my gang (or posse, if you prefer) to EXP together. Sure, come on PUP56 and I’ll bring my PLD72. Tom will brings his BST70. It will be fun and full of lulz.

BEST. FFXI. ADDITION. EVER. Next to Pankemon!

Some recent highlights include:

-Being able to skill up on Bloody Bolt Heads! I can not only use the extras for my THF, but it’s a profitable (albeit slow-selling) recipe on Gilgamesh. Next up is using my stored animas to craft photoanima all the way to Alchemy 85. Hoo-rah!

-I FINALLY GOT MY BOUNDING BOOTS! 1 drop out of 41 claims. I have been after these suckers on and off ever since my Warrior reached level 12 over 2 years ago. This would, so far, be my favorite result of my recently acquired Treasure Hunter II if it weren’t for…

-Netting some friends 3 Hakutaku eye drops in a row! I was both pleasantly surprised and also very jealous. If only I had been so lucky months ago.

-My friend Kelton’s come back, reached PLD75, and is now around SOMETIMES.

-Did a CoP 2-3 run for EG and 10 others. We were not only overwhelming victorious, but I walked out with WAR/PLD subligar and got a Parade Cuirass out of it!

This seems like a very small list, and I’m sure I’ve left out tons of whacky shenanigans, but it’s 4AM and I feel like going back to Campaign now.

I can’t recall all of the stuff that has happened during the past two+ months, but I can definitely go over the highlights.

WAR 75. Some Axe and Crit Hit merits.

Sky.

Bastok Rank 10.

Kakusaijin convinced me to level NIN to 75 (since I have the majority of the DD gear, the SH, etc.). I’m currently at lvl 43 and partying every couple of days.

0/9 or so on Moldavite Earring.

Finally finished the goddamn Jaguar Mantle quest I’ve wanted to do since my WAR was 45 and had a bunch of lazy ass, self-centered bitches for LSmates.

Most unexpected… BASTOK GOT SARUTABARUTA! OUTPOST GOTTEN!!!

Man, I don’t even know where to start. I’ve been busy with work, moving, and doing Long Time events; so my blogging’s been left behind. So I guess I’ll just do the highlights then. This will probably seem pretty random, as it’s in no order.

I don’t think I mentioned it, but I got to 71 and am now a good party away from 72. I have my Woodsville Axe ready and waiting on me. Now I have to ENM for or buy a Maneater for 73 and I’m set for a while.

Here’s a quick shot of my current gear.

During the past week or so, I’ve been working on my Pick of Trials for the WS Decimation. I actually forgot how to check if the latent’s worn off and ending up using it longer than necessary. I ended up getting anxious, did a shout, and got some LS mates and friends to make a pt of 6 to take down that damn sapplings. It was cake with all 6 of us.

Now, to work on my Axe of Trials for Steel Cyclone.

The entire LS got into an Optical Hat run this week. We started farming early on in the week, and ended up with 3 full sets in no time. Eventually, other LS mates came forward with clusters and we were up to 5. A ton of us descended upon SSG, won a few of the matches, and a stranger appeared. They asked if they could join in and use their cluster. We invited them and went 6/6. We had a few deaths due to aggro and Jettishness, but otherwise it went really smooth.

Captainshocker’s been doing Prommy runs with a bunch of the LS members recently. Last night, we got EG her Lufaise access by clearing Dem. Congrats, EG!

Working in the restaurant business means you’re more than likely working weekends… more specifically, all of them. Unfortunately, most of the people on your server in FFXI will want to do half of their activities during this time. I’ve become pretty used to this, but I still get really annoyed when I have to pass up on everything. Someday I will get a new group for the Mamets!!

Last night our LS planned on doing some 5-1, 5-2, and WHM AF3 up in the northlands. Seeing as how I wasn’t supposed to be home till 9:30pm and they had a scheduled start of 7:30pm, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to make it. When I logged in, though, they hadn’t even started. Lucky me?

EG and I ran up there to help Donteatme with the AF 3 fight. I’d done it before with another group and really wanted to assist. It was popped without much warning, but we cleared it with one death from our HL DRK Delacey. Congrats to Dont on his WHM AF Body!

None of my stuff has sold yet, of course. EG tossed me some Black Ink ingredients and I went at it real quick. I had an unbelievable run of HQs, put them up, and logged for the night.