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Well, today I decided to check out Final Fantasy XIV.com’s Japanese section. Turns out, the Japanese class I took a while ago didn’t stick with me that well, but I was able to find my way around the site. Another thing that was immediately apparent was that the North American site, which I use, is much different from the Japanese site. While I assume there is much of the same information, the layout and backgrounds are completely different. In fact, I found the backgrounds and the layout to look much more appealing to the eye. So I decided to try and pull a few images off of the site, and bring them over for all to see. Just check out the Slideshow application on the right toolbar, and you’ll see some of the pictures I was able to grab. You can also click on them to bring you to TFE’s gallery, and view them in their full size.

-Lieven

Races and Places- Hyur

One of the next races we come across is the Hyur. Obvious sucessors to Humes in Final Fantasy Xi, Hyurs are the closest looking race to Humans that you can find in Final Fantasy XIV. In fact, it would be hard to find an major difference between the two. With the majority of players on fan sites already indicating that they are most interested in this race, let’s take a look at what the official description says about them.

Final Fantasy XIV.com: “Boasting the largest population in Eorzea, the Hyur came from neighbouring continents and islands in three great migratory waves. With them they brought a sophisticated technology and complex ethos tempered by the breadth of the outside world. They rapidly became a driving force behind cultural progress, and are now widely attributed with spearheading advances in Eorzean civilization.

One of the Hyur’s greatest strengths is the staggering variety of languages and social institutions they exhibit. This is said to account for their firm conviction in individual freedoms, though it also results in a relative lack of solidarity and group cohesion.

Two distinct groups now exist among the Hyur – Highlanders, denizens of mountainous areas, and Midlanders, who reside in lower elevations.”

Well, looks like it’s a good thing that the majority of prospective players so far would want to play as this race, seeing as how it will be the most abundant race in accordance to the game’s storyline. We also can see a throwback to Final Fantasy XI in how the Hyur are adept in technological growth and advancement. Another thing that reminds me of FFXI is how it’s mentioned that the Hyur exhibit a wide variety of skills. I might even interpret this as how the Humes were somewhat of a jack of all trades in terms of base skill sets. This could be hinting at another similarity between Humes and the Hyur.

Once again we are presented with two distinct groups within one race. The Hyur are divided between those who reside in higher elevation and those who reside in lower elevation. They’re named Highlanders and Midlanders, respectively. I’m not sure how to interpret this in terms of in-game qualities. Perhaps one is average folk, and one is immortal from the clan MacLeod and is locked in a battle of immortals in which there can only be one?

If you’ve been keeping up with my coverage with the other Races, you’ll know that I’ve got a theory about City States. So far we’ve yet to see any mention of a specific City State being home to a specific race. I’m entertaining the theory that its possible there is no home for any specific race. Again this information supports the later side. Let’s finish reviewing races before we jump to any conclusions though. Next up is the Roegadyn, the Galka on Jenny Craig.

-Lieven

FFXIV Videos

Races and Places- Lalafell

Lalafell

Well, honestly, who could ever get rid of them? The Tarutaru are making another appearance in the form of Final Fantasy XIV’s new race, the Lalafell. It seems as though from the pictures we have that these little guys may have grown a bit since Final Fantasy XI. Now lets look at the official description.

Final Fantasy XIV.com: “The Lalafell were originally a group of agriculturalists inhabiting the fertile islands of the south seas. With the introduction of transmarine commerce, they soon found their way to Eorzea via trade routes/ They are now one of the more populous races and are well established throughout the region, though they remain adverse to cold climates.

The short, round builds of the Lalafell belie an incredible agility, and their seemingly feeble legs are capable of carrying them long distances over any terrain. Many among them are also known for possessing highly developed and cunning intellects.

The Lalafell place a great deal of significance on familial bonds but are by no means unfriendly to outsiders. This is evidenced by the fact that they continue to share prosperous bonds with all of the other races of Eorzea.”

So from what we can see in that article, the Lalafell are staying true to their roots of the Tarutaru. They will still bear a strong resemblance to the little ones we’ve known from FFXI, and will also carry on some of their stats. Looks like the Lalafell will have naturally high base ratings of Intelligence, and Agility.

Again, I haven’t noticed any specific mention of the Lalafell’s home City State. Let’s briefly look at an excerpt from the Tarutaru description offered at PlayOnline.com;

PlayOnline.com: “The Tarutaru are a race of skilled magic users who call Windurst their home…”

Well, there’s another tidbit to fuel this question. Will there be select City States for each race like in FFXI? I'd like to hear what you think, so feel free to comment bellow with your opinions. That’s about it for the Lalafell though; time to see the most abundant of Final Fantasy XIV’s races, the Hyur.

-Lieven

Races and Places- Elezen

Elezen

Now we’re going to start to delve into the races of Eorzea. While there are only five announced races so far, many speculate that Square Enix is up to it’s tricky ways and saving an announcement of a new race for a latter date. Male Mithra adaptation anyone? Or perhaps a completely new race? Whatever it is, for now we are only privy to these five races; Elezen, Lalafell, Hyur, Roegadyn, and the Miqo’te. All appear to resemble Final Fantasy XI’s races of; Elvaan, Tarutaru, Hume, Galka, and Mithra respectively.

First up on the reviewing block is the Elezen. Here I’ll be giving the official description of the race, and my own thoughts and interpretations.

Final Fantasy XIV.com: “The Elezen are a traditionally nomadic people who in former times claimed sole dominion over Eorzea, their presence predating that of the other races. Believing this prominence to be ordained by the gods, they came to develop an esteemed sense of honour and pride.

Their characteristically tall, slim physiques and elongated limbs are part of a successful adaptation to the lands various environments. Indeed, it is said that their highly sensitive ears can discern the squeak of a field mouse at a distance of up to several malms.

The Elezen perceived the immigration of the Hyur as tantamount to invasion, and as a result the two share a past plagued by warfare. At present, however, they can be seen coexisting peacefully, the exception being the reclusive Duskwight Elezen.”

Here we find us reminded of another concept FFXIV will add to its repertoire- the concept of different clans within a race. So that gets me wondering just what the difference between a regular Elezen, and a Duskwight Elezen would be. While I assume that an Elezen will have a striking similarity to the Elvaan of Final Fantasy XI, I would think that potentially the Duskwight Elezen would have some small differences. I would speculate that because of their name’s involvement of ‘dusk’ and how they are a reclusive clan, they may have more of a lighter skin complexion because they may be most active in the latter hours of the day. Who knows, judging by what is said about them being the exception of coexisting peacefully, they may have some hardcore tattoos and scars to make them look like rebels. It’s all speculation at this point.

For those of us who played FFXI, it seems like either way we’re in for a friendly (or not) reminder of what the Elvaans were defined by- their pride. I personally found that in Final Fantasy XI, such characteristics really added for a deeper character diversification, and I’m glad to see it’s coming over to FFXIV as well.

Another thing that’s rattling around in my mind after reading this is how they didn’t mention a specific City State that serves as the Elezen’s home. Also when reading up about Limsa Lominsa, it was never stated that it was home to a specific race. Perhaps Square Enix did away with City States playing home to specific Races? That would be an interesting idea. Well, that’s about it for now. Time to look at arguable one of the cutest races in FFXIV, the Lalafell.

-Lieven

Races and Places- Limsa Lominsa

Limsa Lominsa

Well, since the bombshell that Square Enix dropped about there being another Final Fantasy MMORPG due next year, we’ve been informed of a considerable amount of in-game information. Right now, I’m going to take a look at the races and places of Eorzea.

Final Fantasy XIV is set in a world known as Hydaelyn, in the land of Eorzea. There are three major City-States of Eorzea, and while we only have a bit of information on each of them, they seem to all be spiritual successors to the Cities of FFXI. Their names are; Ul’dah, Limsa Lominsa, and Gridania. Here’s the official description, and my thoughts about seaside state of Limsa Lominsa.

Final Fantasy XIV.com: “On the southern coast of the island of Vylbrand, under the shadow of ancient cliffs worn by the relentless onslaught of the Rhotano Sea, lies the marine city of Limsa Lominsa. Said to be blessed by the goddess of navigation, Llymlaen, the city is spread out over countless tiny islands, each connected by brilliant ivory bridges. It is this that has earned her the name the “Navigator’s Veil” from traveling bards who have witnessed the city’s beauty from afar.

Legend holds that Limsa Lominsa was founded shortly after the remnants of a giant armada fled it’s homeland following a crushing defeat. Llymlaen is said to have taken pity on the plight of these brave sailors, and guided them to the shallows of a rocky bay where their ships were grounded upon the sharp rocks. With no home to return to, the sailors chose to settle in this newly-found land, and used the remnants of their vessels to begin construction of a city.

However, the sailors never forgot their nautical backgrounds, and once a new fleet was in order, they would take to the waters again. It was only a matter of time before their influence had spread and they ruled the five seas of Eorzea. Thus the Limsan thalassocracy was born.

Remnants of this legend live on even today in the nations ruling party, whose members still address their leader as Admiral.

While fishing and shipbuilding are prominent, a majority of the city’s wealth comes from the shipping industry, with over half of the city’s population being employed in logistics. To maintain shipping routes, the thalassocracy employs a powerful navy known as the Knights of the Barracuda, who Patrol the Eorzean seas, ensuring safe passage for all those who do business with the nation.

However, even in the waters nearby the city, pirate bands run rampant, reaving and pillaging, leading neighbouring nations to suspect that the Knights of the Barracuda and the local bandits are in some way working together to profit off of unwary traders.”

Well, I’ll start things off by clarifying something that I got caught on when first reading through that. A thalassocracy is a state or empire, which resides in primarily maritime regions. Learn something new everyday, eh?

So far, I’m impressed with Square Enix. The main thing I noticed is just how many times they set themselves up for a Limsa Lominsa quest or mission in that story. To me it looks like we’ll be dealing with everything from corrupted Knights of the Barracuda, to shipping goods from one place to another. I also would wager that at least one mission for Limsa Lominsa would be delving into it’s roots, and exploring the story of the stranded Armada. I’m sure there will be twists and turns as that plot unfolds.

As for how it relates to Final Fantasy XI, when I first heard of the name I thought it would be a spiritual successor of San d’Oria. It looks as though it’s going to be quite different however. It almost reminds me of Jeuno, with it’s role in shipping and transporting goods being comparative to Jeuno’s airship industry. I'll deffinetly be pondering this one over, and updating this post.

-Lieven

Introductions First

Hey there, and welcome to Thoughts From Eorzea, my FFXIV blog. Before I get going I thought I might as well introduce myself first.

I've been an avid MMORPG player for quite a while now, since 2000 at least. Some of the bigger games I have played include EVE Online, World of Warcraft, Warhammer Online, and Guild Wars. I could never get too into those games, seeing as how I already was quite taken with the first large scale MMORPG I played. Final Fantasy XI.

To be honest, my journey through FFXI has been a long one, even though I only got into it when it came out for the Xbox 360. The first time I played it was right after the North American release on the Playstation 2. At the time, all the controls simply made no sense to me, and I think I played a total of 2 days. I gave it to a friend, and almost completely forgot about it. A couple years later, I was playing on my Xbox 360 when one of my friends asks me if I heard about the MMORPG that just came out for the 360. He told me about it, and I couldn't help but think it sounded very familiar, so I decided to go out and buy it. The person in the video game store who I bought it from was telling me all about how much he loved it. He kept on talking about his Lv. 75 Monk, and using a whole bunch of lingo I didn't understand.

The first time I fired up FFXI, I was really unsure on what to do. It probably took me a good two hours to make my Content ID. Once I had that done though, I carried on to make my first character. It took me a while to decide on what to make my character look like, but I eventually settled on a light haired Elvaan male. Once I had that done, I made my customary visit to name website to find a good name. I decided on a Welsh name, and began my adventure in Titan's Bastok.

Well, I got hooked within the first hour of playing the game. Today, I still don't have any Lv. 75s. The closest I've gotten is a Lv. 60 NIN. It's something that my friends have ordained Job ADD. I can never decide which job I like the best so I've leveled almost every other job at least to 50. I would definitely say that I've taken my time in this game, enjoying every second of it, and I'm sure that's the way I'll play in FFXIV too.

Well, that's me and my FFXI experience in a nutshell. Now I invite you to join me as I begin another adventure in the months leading up to FFXIV's release, hopefully it's Beta, and as I step into the full game for the first time. See you there!

-Lieven