Gamer Escape Interviews FFXI Dev Team Post VanaFest 2012

[Fusionx]

Hey guys!

We had the chance to ask the FFXI Team some questions on the heels of this years VanaFest 2012- You can check out the full Q&A here-
http://ffxi.gamerescape.com/2012/07/25/gamer-escape-interview-post-vanafest-2012/

[Demon6324236]

Honestly I thought they were all good except the last 1.

[Rezeak]

"Rune fencers and geomancers will have Artifact equipment, Artifact weapons, Relic Equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons."

:(

[Demon6324236]

"Rune fencers and geomancers will have Artifact equipment, Artifact weapons, Relic Equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons."

:(

Sad because they are getting these things or sad because the unmentioned Emp/Relic part?

[Arcon]

I thought most questions were interesting.


Rune fencers and geomancers will have Artifact equipment, Artifact weapons, Relic Equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons.

This, I have to say, I find an exceedingly odd design choice. Why mythic weapons? That's the least logical thing to do. They'll have to design entirely new weapons for that, whereas they could put them on already existing relics and empyreans.

However, this makes me think. What if the new Salvage takes place on Adoulin? Maybe it'll be connected to the current Alzadaal ruins somehow? I don't know if this makes sense looking at the release date, but they didn't officially announce the release time for the Salvage revamp yet, did they? It's the only explanation I can come up with why these jobs would be on mythics, lore-wise. Unless there is no further explanation and it's just "like that".

[Demon6324236]

I thought most questions were interesting.



This, I have to say, I find an exceedingly odd design choice. Why mythic weapons? That's the least logical thing to do. They'll have to design entirely new weapons for that, whereas they could put them on already existing relics and empyreans.

However, this makes me think. What if the new Salvage takes place on Adoulin? Maybe it'll be connected to the current Alzadaal ruins somehow? I don't know if this makes sense looking at the release date, but they didn't officially announce the release time for the Salvage revamp yet, did they? It's the only explanation I can come up with why these jobs would be on mythics, lore-wise. Unless there is no further explanation and it's just "like that".

Your idea actually works with the teleporting as well when you think of it, seeing as the Ruins use that as the main form of movement it would make sense that after a quest we use a new one to tele to the new country.

[Modoru]

Why did you not ask about Treasure Hunter?! It's the *only* question worth asking!

[Arcon]

Why did you not ask about Treasure Hunter?! It's the *only* question worth asking!

SE go out of their way not to answer that. It's probably their company's most-guarded secret. Two people each only know seperate parts of the formula. They pass it on to their kids and their kids only. Either that or they were drunk when they coded it and now don't remember it themselves.

[Monchat]

the good info in this interview is that the jobs will get empyrean armors @ launch so the jobs will be usable right at lauch, im a bit releaved, although I call 2 more failed jobs in the same category as rdm sch smn..

[Demon6324236]

Come to think of it, I wonder how their NMs for seals will be, and what +2 items they are on. It is a small, but curious detail. For now all seal NMs drop 4 types of seals and all seals drop from 3 different NMs, this trend has to be broken for these jobs, and will probably seem weird. The same can be said of +2s, all +2 items have 5 jobs on them, so whatever ones chosen for these will break it by having 6~7 jobs on it instead.

[Kristal]

Come to think of it, I wonder how their NMs for seals will be, and what +2 items they are on. It is a small, but curious detail. For now all seal NMs drop 4 types of seals and all seals drop from 3 different NMs, this trend has to be broken for these jobs, and will probably seem weird. The same can be said of +2s, all +2 items have 5 jobs on them, so whatever ones chosen for these will break it by having 6~7 jobs on it instead.

There are ways to add them without upsetting the balance.
New NMs will be added that drop GEO/RNK seals. 5 NMS per Scars zone, each dropping up to 2 GEO and 2 RNK cards.
+2 trials will use the current drops, but slightly different. Non-body armor is upgraded by trading 3 stones + 3 jewels for RNK and 3 coins + 3 cards for GEO, while body armor requires 3/3/2/2 (RNK) or 2/2/3/3 (GEO) ardor stone/jewel/coin/card.

[Camiie]

Maybe they'll put all the +2s for RUN and GEO on Isgebind.

[Merton9999]

Maybe they'll put all the +2s for RUN and GEO on Isgebind.

Nice :) Since they'll have to break the current number-of-jobs-on-each-NM rule, I vote they also add more NMs that drop these jobs' upgrade items than current jobs have. It will help with everyone going for them at once. inB4WaaaaaaEasyMode.

Also, I hope the bedpan hat for GEO was the artifact head, and the empyrean one will be less offensive.

Good questions overall. I'm bored with questions about old stuff - I just want spoilers.

[Nala]

Come to think of it, I wonder how their NMs for seals will be, and what +2 items they are on. It is a small, but curious detail. For now all seal NMs drop 4 types of seals and all seals drop from 3 different NMs, this trend has to be broken for these jobs, and will probably seem weird. The same can be said of +2s, all +2 items have 5 jobs on them, so whatever ones chosen for these will break it by having 6~7 jobs on it instead.

Hmm well in reguards to +2 items i can name a few second tier (KI pop) NMs that currently do not drop but a few get it once and done items (isgebind and the omega whats his name in ule) adding additional rewards to this might be a welcome adjustment in order to bolster third party interest when trying to do them pick up.

[Enochroot]

I am severely disappointed in the opportunity that they wasted with the island area.

[Kluaf]

wow thats way more info than Harry & Lloyd gave us :)

[Quetzacoatl]

Nice info, now let's see GamerEscape clean up its unappealing (and slightly confusing) layout.

edit: I stand corrected, it looks kind of okay now.

[Demon6324236]

Hmm well in reguards to +2 items i can name a few second tier (KI pop) NMs that currently do not drop but a few get it once and done items (isgebind and the omega whats his name in ule) adding additional rewards to this might be a welcome adjustment in order to bolster third party interest when trying to do them pick up.

If you mean Pantokrator (http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Pantokrator) then I would actually see that as unlikely only because its the same kind of NM as Raja & Rani which neither one drop +2s of any kind, not to mention that NM is evil as hell and that would just be torture for the new jobs. As for Isgebind that would make alot of people happy, and would fit with its brothers in the other areas.

[Nala]

Yeah thats who i meant... i guess i could have looked him up. Eh long as you pay attention he's not too bad actually we do runs on him all the time to get new members Z tiaras (not that we be getting new members all the time but anyways) long as you do not damage him at the wrong times.

[Kitkat]

GE- How will the new jobs play into current relic, mythic and empyrean weapons? Is it safe to assume that they’ll have relic and empyrean armor as well?

SE- Rune fencers and geomancers will have Artifact equipment, Artifact weapons, Relic Equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons.

Well..that is disappointing given the fact there are no Gsword mythic weapons and RUN is supposed to use gsword and sword...I highly doubt they will add in one either since they are notorious for not adding new jobs to existing relic/mythic or create new ones for dnc/sch to us as it is I'm not holding my breath they would make a new weapon just to fill the gsword void in mythic weapons.

[Alpheus]

Well..that is disappointing given the fact there are no Gsword mythic weapons and RUN is supposed to use gsword and sword...

It heavily implies that they might make one specifically for them.

[Kitkat]

Meh, I'm doubtful on it. Gsword has been missing since the introduction of mythics, for some unknown reason at that, so I doubt they will go out of their way to add it just cause they are adding new jobs. When it comes to SE my glass is half empty on hopes of what they might/should do as apposed to what they will/known to do.

[wish12oz]

Report my comment and get it removed because you know Im right and you cant take criticism, good job. It doesn't change the fact that you completely messed up a good opportunity to ask real questions, and you completely dropped the ball.

[Demon6324236]

Meh, I'm doubtful on it. Gsword has been missing since the introduction of mythics, for some unknown reason at that, so I doubt they will go out of their way to add it just cause they are adding new jobs. When it comes to SE my glass is half empty on hopes of what they might/should do as apposed to what they will/known to do.

All jobs have their own Mythic, the fact there is no GS Mythic is all the more reason one seems more likely.

[Dragoy]

I'm also thinking they're indeed adding them to weapons, instead of creating new one(s), but I guess we'll see. ^^;

[hiko]

Meh, I'm doubtful on it. Gsword has been missing since the introduction of mythics, for some unknown reason at that, so I doubt they will go out of their way to add it just cause they are adding new jobs.
empy/relic : one weapon per type, some being available for multiple jobs
mythic: one weapon per job, several weapon off same type (3dags, 3swords....), no mythic GS because drk already have scythe, pld sword.

[Ronin]

But no mention of Job emotes for them. :(

[Modoru]

But no mention of Job emotes for them. :(

Clearly, this outweighs in terms of priority.

[Enochroot]

Off-topic, but nice sig modoru, those are a similar model to the AKG headphones i use. they need more publicity because they're friggin awesome. :)

[Modoru]

Ah yeah, I made this to try something different with my sigs -- you know, a "popping out" effect compared to the usual in-box signatures. I really need to hit photoshop more often, it's been a while.

[Fusionx]

Report my comment and get it removed because you know Im right and you cant take criticism, good job. It doesn't change the fact that you completely messed up a good opportunity to ask real questions, and you completely dropped the ball.
I didn't report anything.

[Dragoy]

FrankReynolds,

Probably from the BYE TANAKA! thread...


I'll mannered ! !! !

[Camate]

Greetings,

To answer the question about "why can't these new jobs also use relics?"

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

However, as Mythic weapons are job-specific, it won't be a problem to design a weapon that is best suited specifically for rune fencers or geomancers.

As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.

[Kalilla]

Camate, could you also ask why they decided to go with using a teleport npc?

When ToAU came out we were given the option to go by boat and teleport, but we aren't given that option for Adoulin. This also takes away fishing routes with large ocean fish, which was my greatest disappointment when reading the interview.

I would of loved having a boat to travel on, and I think Port Sandy has locations which are acceptable to have a ferry. I would like to know why they decided to remove this experience for players when there are already trading routes between sandy and adoulin.

Edit: I understand that there will be fishing opportunities while visiting Adoulin, but unless they are making a type of Manaclipper we will not have access to fishing new large ocean fish.

[Chrisstreb]

I can understand not being on Relics, but Empyreans should still be a plauseable option. What if Neo-Salvage fails to increase the potential # of Mythics out there? I think SE shouldn't be too hasty on saying that GEO and RNF aren't going to be on Empyrean Weapons. Course thats just my own personal opinion anyways. 20k an Alexandrite is still a huge turnoff at this stage of the game

[SpankWustler]

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

A very good point raised about this in similar thread:


Big issues, huge issues, ginormous continental size issues.

This deals with GS specifically. Rag is nice and all but what's more important is that it won't get the OaT GSWD which is the next best thing to a Rag. The OaT line is in the EXACT same category as the Emp line, Trial #216 to be exact. Without that RNF (RNK) will be gimp on damage output. At best RNF will tank the same things PLD tanks (I'll let your imagination figure that out), at worst it'll be tanking what NIN's tank. This isn't a "support job" like BRD / COR / SCH / SMN nor is it a healing job like WHM thus it will be evaluated on it's damage output potential. No Trial #216 access and no Rag means it's dead weight and best replaced by a WAR/SAM/MNK/DRK/DRG and possibly a THF/NIN/BLU.

If "no Empyreans" means "no Magian Greatsword trials" or "only elemental Magian Greatsword trials", then Rune Fencer will begin life with the same chance of success as a premature infant being born into a waiting meatgrinder.

[Septimus]

Camate, could you also ask why they decided to go with using a teleport npc?

When ToAU came out we were given the option to go by boat and teleport, but we aren't given that option for Adoulin. This also takes away fishing routes with large ocean fish, which was my greatest disappointment when reading the interview.

I would of loved having a boat to travel on, and I think Port Sandy has locations which are acceptable to have a ferry. I would like to know why they decided to remove this experience for players when there are already trading routes between sandy and adoulin.

Edit: I understand that there will be fishing opportunities while visiting Adoulin, but unless they are making a type of Manaclipper we will not have access to fishing new large ocean fish.

I imagine that they looked at the number of people who use the Ferry between Mhaura and Al Zahbi and realized that making a whole zone for that would not be the best use of the team's or the game's resources. How often does anyone take it? Probably not very often.


A very good point raised about this in similar thread:



If "no Empyreans" means "no Magian Greatsword trials" or "only elemental Magian Greatsword trials", then Rune Fencer will begin life with the same chance of success as a premature infant being born into a waiting meatgrinder.

You know how to make an analogy.

[Luvbunny]

I mean really, seriously, "balanced" is the main factor??? of a 10 years old content???? A Dagger is a dagger is a dagger.... end of story, there is nothing special about any of these so endgame weapons except their weapon skills which exclusive to each, the stats are comparable. The means to get these weapons however NEED TO BE BALANCED!!! across the boards and stop creating a non sensical time sink for the sake of time sink. Focus on creating fun accessible content, learn from Abyssea greatest strength and stop doing crappy contents that are unwinnable without cheat for the sake of creating a cheap time sink. Let's hope that the change of guard at the team will bring a breath of fresh air that sorely needed, similar how the change of guard at FFXIV is saving the game from being destroyed by a crappy vision of "BARANCE" of the previous team.

[Tamarsamar]

With all due respect, the balance of Relic Weapons was thrown out the window with Empyrean Weapons (introduced post-WotG jobs, might I add) . . .

I also (dis)like how not only the original interview specifies Relic and Empyrean "Equipment" rather than "Weapons," but how Camate further muddles things with the phrase "the equivalent of" . . .

[Creelo]

As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.

...Could this possibly allude to new job specific gear sets for every job with the upcoming expansion? :confused:

That part definitely seems a little confusing.

[Valkrist]

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

However, as Mythic weapons are job-specific, it won't be a problem to design a weapon that is best suited specifically for rune fencers or geomancers.

As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.

Here goes the question that I'm surprised that other people haven't asked yet. Where are the relic equivalent weapons for all of the five "new" jobs after CoP? That hasn't been addressed, yet the two new classes to be coming out already have those weapons in mind?

[Karbuncle]

For Seekers of Adoulin, we didn’t create a map for an ocean route, so we’re planning to make the main mode of transportation a teleport-like warp. We are planning to make this extremely convenient, and as players progress further with pioneering, the number of areas that they’ll be able to warp to will increase. We can’t say too much, but yes, there will be a quest requirement similar to the one to use the boat to travel to Aht Urhgan.

I think this answer upsets me a very miniscule amount, I understand "Main Streaming" THe process, But... Going to Adoulin is going to be as exciting as Warping into Abyssea.

Warp > Loading > WELCOME...

I guess i'm the only one who felt the excitement of boarding the boat to Aht Urghan, Seeing the sights... actually feeling like i was traveling to a far off new land... Not just.. Warp > Done. That 10-20 Minute boat ride to aht urghan gave you excitement, build up, anticipation.. You knew you were going to a far off and new land... Warpin > Done is going to kill and or/eliminate almost all the excitement for most players, as it will be as mundane and routine as warping to a VW Battlefield, or an Abyssea zone.

Boat ride doesn't need to be mandatory every single time, BUt having that first venture, knowing you're going really far, seeing the terrain changes, the structures in the horizon... I guess I'm getting old, I loved the build up.

Whatever though, very minor complaint, Can't say I'm disappointed overall :D

[Karbuncle]

...Could this possibly allude to new job specific gear sets for every job with the upcoming expansion? :confused:

That part definitely seems a little confusing.

Artifact Armor Equipment
Relic Armor Equipment
Empyrean Armor Equipment.

Not new job specific gear sets, I think they're just saying "They're going to get Relic/Emp/Artifact" Gear. However, a new set of Job Specific armor seems redundant at this point.

[Kristal]

Greetings,

To answer the question about "why can't these new jobs also use relics?"

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

However, as Mythic weapons are job-specific, it won't be a problem to design a weapon that is best suited specifically for rune fencers or geomancers.

As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.

Camate, a lot of people seem to be worried that the term "empyrean weapons" covers ALL of the magians weapons. We know that Rune Fencer/Knight will not be able to equip Caladblog/Xiphias/Ragnarok, but what about the bread&butter weapons Fulgurante, Tenebreuse and Kauriraris that are available through magian trials? Without those, RNF/K will not have much to wield. (Not as bad as PUP had it when it was introduced, but still...)

[Creelo]

Artifact Armor Equipment
Relic Armor Equipment
Empyrean Armor Equipment.

Not new job specific gear sets, I think they're just saying "They're going to get Relic/Emp/Artifact" Gear. However, a new set of Job Specific armor seems redundant at this point.

Artifact armor goes without saying imo.

But if they're gonna get "Relic and Empyrean" armor, why wouldn't they just add that to Dynamis/Abyssea as it is?

But it seems they aren't. They're going to add "equivalents" to Relic/Empyrean, which possibly means a new event that has armor for every job in the game because why would they add an event where you could only get Geomancer/Rune Fencer "Relic/Empyrean" armor. And since this is a whole new expansion... I really wouldn't be that surprised if we did see new job specific gear sets lol

[Twille]

the last thing this game needs is ANOTHER set of job-specific gear.

[Muras]

Greetings,

To answer the question about "why can't these new jobs also use relics?"

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

However, as Mythic weapons are job-specific, it won't be a problem to design a weapon that is best suited specifically for rune fencers or geomancers.

As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.

Here goes the question that I'm surprised that other people haven't asked yet. Where are the relic equivalent weapons for all of the five "new" jobs after CoP? That hasn't been addressed, yet the two new classes to be coming out already have those weapons in mind?

I've had similar thoughts, especially towards Empyrean weapons.

For example... Rune Fencer can't use Caladbolg? Ok... Let's add a new Empyrean Great Sword then that only Rune Fencer can use. What's that? It'd have similar DMG ratings? It's aftermath would also be Occasionally Deals Double Damage? Similar delay too even? The only difference is that only Rune Fencer can equip it and not Caladbolg itself?

Seriously, just add the new jobs to Empyreans at the very least. I somewhat understand limiting relics to the older jobs because they have more unique properties, but it really makes no sense for Empyreans.

[THD]

Greetings,

To answer the question about "why can't these new jobs also use relics?"

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

Because a Scholar with Claustrum destroys balance.

[Teraniku]

Here's an idea: there's this thing called the Test Server? Why not do a field test that allows restricted jobs on the weapons access to those items? Then the players can provide testing, feedback and SE can look at the parse list to see if the weapons are overpowered for the job or not. Even make it a series of BCNMs where they can only be used. That way you have your control data and the BCNM acts as your "Laboratory controlled conditions" for testing. Probably won't happen, but it could be done on the test server.

They can design a fight with the Heroines but can't do something like this?

[Finuve]

you just got BALANCED!

[Winrie]

So much cry

[Sunrider]

Greetings,

To answer the question about "why can't these new jobs also use relics?"

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

However, as Mythic weapons are job-specific, it won't be a problem to design a weapon that is best suited specifically for rune fencers or geomancers.

As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.It's important that the developers understand that, among the players, the difficulty of obtaining Mythics is not commensurate with the value of each to their respective jobs. For all but a handful, the worth of Mythics is far, far below the effort required in getting them.

This is significant because, for each of the original pre-ToAU jobs, even though Mythics are mostly a disappointment, there are still alternative "endgame" weapons in Relics and Empyrean. Less so for the post-ToAU jobs, that are limited to Mythics and Empyreans, but at least still have an "endgame" alternative.

When Rune Fencer and Geomancer are released, their only option will be Mythics, whose requirements are largely regarded as being more arduous than Relics.

[Damane]

Greetings,

To answer the question about "why can't these new jobs also use relics?"

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

However, as Mythic weapons are job-specific, it won't be a problem to design a weapon that is best suited specifically for rune fencers or geomancers.

As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.

Just on a side not:

how can giving BLU COR PUP SCH DNC access to relic weapons be so gamebreaking? In all honesty this is bullshit and allways was bullshit to begin with. This is SEs chance to add ALL the jobs that were left out on the relic part to them includeing RNF and GEO. I really dont see a problem. Job balance was never based around weapons.

A COR with access to annihilator isnt gonna make the cor ofmg ubber. it would just give cors another option
a BLU with access to excalibur isnt gonna make the BLU broken, it would help yes, but it wouldnt break the job
a SCH with access to LOL-Claustrum isnt gonna do jack shit too
A DNC with access to Mandau wont break your pants either
a PUP with access to Spharai wont suddenly outparse a MNK that has Spharai too.

The logic makes no sense. Especially since some of the Empy weapons were more "Broken" to begin with...

Didnt you say you create Weapons around jobs, yet 2 Empy weapons had to be nerfed, because they were too powerfull? Guess building weapons around jobs failed hardcore... That excuse is totaly invalid in my eyes

[Kitkat]

I'll admit that some of the mythic weapons are "decent" in that they enhance certain aspects of the job, but at the same time they aren't anything more than decent. WS are generally "meh" aside from a small few even with the 40% boost in damage. The aftermaths aren't generally desired aside from AM3 because it acts like Double/triple attack instead of normal occasionally attacks twice/thrice (by this I mean it procs in WS) making them the best choice for Merited WS in some cases.

I'm just questioning how they expect RUN to keep hate over current DD's. If it has access to use Resolution that is helpful, but it also seems that currently the job will not be a heavy armor wearing job (looks more like medium grade armor so possibly limitation of gear similar to drg/rdm/blu). Guess what I'm trying to say is by stating this before releasing more info about the actual build of the job you have people worried RUN will suffer in the VE department against DD that already pull out 2~4k dmg on current endgame content. What little we have been told is this:

Rune fencer, as stated in vana-fest, is meant to be a 2nd tank option
They will use Runes, in the form of abilities, to enhance Defense and offense (namely magical defense and offense also)
They will have MP and access to Enhancing magic
They are not meant to have similar damage output as standard DD as it is meant to be a tank.
They will not have access to any currently existing relic, mythic, emp weapon.
You do not plan to give them a relic or emp type weapon, but do plan on a mythic weapon
They will use Great sword and Sword as primary weapons.

Geo is meant to be a new type of enfeebler/buffer for enfeebles/buffs that currently do not exist or are not very long lasting/potent.
Geo is not meant to be overly powerful, but instead serve as secondary support by enhancing other types of effects/enfeeble options.
Will utilize bells?

And that is the extent of what I know about Geo...I'm sure more info was said but I wasn't all the interested in a mage type so much as new tank type.

Other reasons I don't understand the weapon limitation is that pld is also a tank, but has access to DD oriented weapons/gear that can help it with VE in situations where a pld is needed/wanted. Currently Runic Fencer sounds like the bastard child of a pld and rdm union. One dictates it is a tank by use of Runes to enhance survivability and create enmity (I'm assuming), the other states it will melee while using supplemental means to fill otherwise lack luster melee output. I would hope you plan to at least give it temper if some of the assumptions of the job turn out to be correct.

[Karbuncle]

why wouldn't they just add that to Dynamis/Abyssea as it is?

Sorry for the late reply to this.

But probably for the exact same reasons SCH, DNC, BLU, PUP, COR all have Relic Armor, and no Relic weapons.

Or, If you're asking "Why would they not just add their Relic and Empyrean Armor to Those areas" - They probably will... Just like they did with COR, PUP, BLU, DNC, and SCH!

I'm just guessing at this point, But so far the pattern shows they'll add the armor to be obtained the same way everyone else obtains theirs.

[Kaisha]

If we're not going to have a dedicated transportation boat/airship to Adoulin, I'd at least appreciate an intro cutscene showing us taking a traditional means there, even if it means repurposing the existing airship/boat zone data for the cutscene to take place in.

[saevel]

So ... basically SE wants to create more time sinks. Remember "balance" isn't about jobs being powerful / overpowered, it's about how long it takes you to completely content.

If they allow the new jobs on the older legendary weapons then players who already have those weapons won't need to make another one. If SE creates new "legendary weapons" with different requirements and added time sinks then players who want to play those new jobs will waste more time.

Not to bad for geo as it's going to be in the "mage" category, absolutely devastating for RNF. Without access to the OaT GSWD RNG is going to fall way behind everyone else in damage output. It will be a GS using WAR without a Rag.

[SpankWustler]

Not to bad for geo as it's going to be in the "mage" category, absolutely devastating for RNF.

The Development Bros could always play the "we are less sane than a mouse trapped in a 6x6x6 drawer with nothing to eat but psychotropic mushrooms and nothing to drink but Four Loko" card and not add Geomancer to the affinity line of staves.

I was a happier man before I knew such a card existed. Now I'm just happier than that poor mouse.

[Arcon]

Now I'm just happier than that poor mouse.

I sincerely doubt that. At least the mouse has psychotropic mushrooms. It could be happier than you'll ever be, especially considering it doesn't have to put up with our Development Bros.

[Demon6324236]

By the way, rereading Camate's post I will assume they will not actually be giving the new jobs Relic/Emp gear at all. Rather it will be something very similar for the same levels but gotten diffrently from this single line...
As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.

If they have not chosen a name for the type of equipment then I would assume it will not be Relic or Emp gear, rather it will be something else that is much the same except its being obtained. Which if that is the case it will make people sad that NMs in Aby will likely be getting no extra +2s.

[Mirage]

Please give us an airship ride to Audolin, SE. Please.

Make it go from Tavnazia or something.

It can't be too hard to do. You'd just have to add a huge ocean under the airship as it crossed, after all. No mountains or plains or anything.

[Arcon]

What's exciting about a boat or airship ride? I honestly have no idea. Beam us up for all I care. Really don't need any more time wasters.

[Teraniku]

Please give us an airship ride to Audolin, SE. Please.

Make it go from Tavnazia or something.

It can't be too hard to do. You'd just have to add a huge ocean under the airship as it crossed, after all. No mountains or plains or anything.

I'd just be happy with a CS of you getting on the airship, Screen transition and you're in adoulin.

[Sarick]

Forget that! I want to take a submarine ride from Jeuno. This hasn't been done in game yet I don't think. Maybe the reason why they'd need to travel underwater is to avoid sky dragons or severe storms that until recently prevented travel of both airship and farry. A nice underwater fishing deck would be awesome too.

[Karbuncle]

Edit: This is in response to someome a page back i think.

Or they could be saying the types are "Relic, Empyrean, and Artifact", and the names they can't decide upon are what they're going to call the sets.

I.E Raiders, Rogues, Assassins.

It could go either way i think. I'd just find it odd these two new jobs would get completely separate sets of newly created Relic/Empyrean/Artifact armor named something other than Relic/Emp/Art just for the sake of two new jobs.

But I've been surprised before lol

[Demon6324236]

Right, I would think they would say they are still choosing the names, not the type though, either way its kinda vague imo so we will just have to wait on more info or wait for them to come out.

[Kristal]

Edit: This is in response to someome a page back i think.

Or they could be saying the types are "Relic, Empyrean, and Artifact", and the names they can't decide upon are what they're going to call the sets.

I.E Raiders, Rogues, Assassins.

It could go either way i think. I'd just find it odd these two new jobs would get completely separate sets of newly created Relic/Empyrean/Artifact armor named something other than Relic/Emp/Art just for the sake of two new jobs.

But I've been surprised before lol

I doubt it's going to matter much what SE calls it. The playerbase is going to group them in artifact(50+), relic (70+) and empyrean (90+) regardless.

And naming the sets shouldn't be a problem, they seem to be able to pull the weirdest stuff out of mythology.
It could be something like Geomancer > Geoshaper > Elementalist for the progessive armor sets. (Or something entirely different.)

[Demon6324236]

I doubt it's going to matter much what SE calls it. The playerbase is going to group them in artifact(50+), relic (70+) and empyrean (90+) regardless.

While your correct that players will do that, its different on obtainment. I'm sure if Artifact/Relic/Emp gear are not called that, instead they are something totally different that they will also be obtained different. Thats what makes me curious. Like I said before, currently all seals drop from 3 different NMs, all NMs that drop seals drop 4 different kinds. For them to add new seals would break this system in some way.

If SE doesn't want to alter that system though they would have to add a new set, with a new title and a different method of obtainment, even if it is essentially the exact same thing. Relic could be the same way, they don't want to mess with Dyna again, been there, done that, now they want to do something else so they make something in the new expansion that you get the equivalent of Relic gear from.

Something I have to wonder however. Limbus... The way to +1 your Artifact gear, will it be updated with a way to +1 the new jobs AF gear? How about Relic? If Relic is in fact different than it is on all other jobs, then will it have +1/2? If so, will it use the same system, along with forgottens and TotM or will it be unique? Honestly just by that single line by Camate I have so much I wonder about these sets of gear for the jobs, and how different they will be or if they will be at all.

I know I'm putting to much thought into this but I am truly curious, which doesn't happen often with me anymore when it comes to this game.

[Alkar]

They said the same thing when BLU,COR,PUP were added and in the end all Relic gear was released in Dynamis. They're not gonna create new events and release equivalents of Relic/Empyrean there otherwise only RNF and GEO players will go there. Add them to Dynamis/Abyssea and be done with it.
They can even add seals/cards/stones etc in the first 3 abyssea areas considering barely anything of that drops there.

[Kojo]

Greetings,

To answer the question about "why can't these new jobs also use relics?"

The main reason why rune fencers and geomancers will be unable to equip Relic and Empyrean weapons is because those weapons were created and balanced around the jobs that existed at the time. This is also the reason that blue mage, corsair, puppetmaster, dancer and scholar were never given access to relic weapons.

However, as Mythic weapons are job-specific, it won't be a problem to design a weapon that is best suited specifically for rune fencers or geomancers.

As an additional note, when we release content for these new jobs in Seekers of Adoulin, they will be able to earn the equivalent of Relic equipment, Empyrean equipment, and Mythic weapons. We simply used these terms to make it clearer and we haven't officially decided on what names these types of equipment will take.

Giving any of those jobs Relic (and espescially Emp) access wouldn't be imbalanced. No one really gets lv 99 Emps due to the horrible drop rate of Plates, which leaves us caring about Relics. Relics seem to have become just another weapon, they just have high dmg and a chance to do double or triple damage, y'know, like....magnus weapons. I didn't have my heart set on RNF getting Ragnarok or GEO getting Mjollnir, but I had assumed they's get Emps. Regardless, I'd probably want an OAT Greatsword, but one person's wants shouldn't cause the rest of the FF community to lose out on their Caladbolg, as I HAVE seen a few lv 99's. Mythics... Untill Salvage and all the events surrounding the Mythic weapons are nerfed like Dynamis, Mythics are hardly an option, not impossible, but takes enough time to be damn near deemed pointless. I also feel that adding a new wave of "epic" weapons is a horrible idea, Emps were done badly and it created an entire wave of stupidity and arrogance. Trust me, I've seen a few people point out that they "have 2 Emp weapons" and that that makes them better than you", which is pathetic in a funny sort of way.

Lastly, stop using the word 'balance'. Please. Giving DNC a Mandau....gives DNC a Mandau. Nothing else, life goes on, FFXI is no more imbalanced than it is now. Same with the other jobs and other relics. If giving the newer jobs relics is considered an issue of balance, you're basically telling up that these jobs simply can't have a high damage weapon.

Please, Camate, forward some of these posts to the dev team. Not just mine, but the others that make sense, too.

[Twille]

My personal opinion is that this game does NOT need another set of side-grade gear. Between AF/Relic/Emp +2s, Nyzul, Salvage, Limbus & Voidwatch gear, we all end up running around with 50/80 slots in gear or more, 'blinking' 2 to 3 times per single action because X piece of gear enhances X ability. It's actually rather ridiculous if you think about it.
I'd be rather happy to see gear implemented in the expansion that acts more like a one-size-fits-all piece of gear. Something that combines all the wanted enhancements of the other gear into one set that I don't have to change 20 times per fight.
But like I said, that's just my opinion. :)

[Ordoric]

wow i think people just like to complain. why are you freaking about gear. RNF and GEO will mostlikely be developed with newier systems in mind yeas alot of af is garbage now but was it horendus when it was first reliced? shal we start talking about why i spent 3.5 mil on my haubergeron/haburk back when that gear was paramount not to mention the ele staves NQ for over 500k each things have changed SE takes notice dnc was a lost art sch was banned sooo why would the relic wepons hold truth? i think i found the republican gamers. they give new options but we must comnplain about old things yeah + attack would be nice on dnc i wont lie so go build the attack dagger insetd of the eva dagger . and find a way to add en poison to it