Freshly Picked Vana'diel 18 Digest

[Camate]

Greetings,

To coincide with the May version update, Producer Akihiko Matsui held another "Freshly Picked Vana'diel" to go over some of the new content and discuss other topics pertinent to adventuring. Below is a digest of what was discussed.



Hello,
Matsui here.

Thanks for tuning into Freshly Picked Vana’diel 18.
For those of you who were unable to watch the stream, I’ve created this digest of what was discussed.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ubLYNXrpb34" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Table of Contents

Rhapsodies of Vana’diel (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550486&viewfull=1#post550486)
New Area: Escha - Zi’tah (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550487&viewfull=1#post550487)
Assault Adjustments (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550489&viewfull=1#post550489)
Job Points (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550490&viewfull=1#post550490)
Job Adjustments (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550491&viewfull=1#post550491)
Trust Initiative (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550492&viewfull=1#post550492)
Unity Concord (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550493&viewfull=1#post550493)
Records of Eminence (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550494&viewfull=1#post550494)
Mog House Adjustments (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550495&viewfull=1#post550495)
Item-related (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550496&viewfull=1#post550496)
Quality-of-life Improvements (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550497&viewfull=1#post550497)
Promotions and Campaigns I (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550499&viewfull=1#post550499)
Promotions and Campaigns II (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550500&viewfull=1#post550500)
Conclusion (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47174-Freshly-Picked-Vana-diel-18-Digest?p=550501&viewfull=1#post550501)

[Camate]

Rhapsodies of Vana’diel



(4:00～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=240))
*The video introduces screenshots of the new scenario.

We implemented the first chapter of Rhapsodies of Vana’diel.
You’ll be able to get started with the quests straight from the beginning of the game; however, to progress towards the end of the scenario you will ultimately need the Rise of the Zilart expansion.


Rhapsodies of Vana’diel’s Heroine: Iroha
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/attachment.php?attachmentid=11196&d=1432290542&thumb=1
This is the new heroine you will encounter in this scenario. When we were deciding on her name, we had to make sure that there were no other characters who shared the same name, but after a few twists and turns we finally named her Iroha.



Rhapsody Key Items
By progressing through Rhapsodies of Vana’diel you’ll be able to obtain various key items.

In chapter one, you will be able to obtain the Rhapsody in White, Rhapsody in Umber, and Rhapsody in Azure key items, which will make it easier to challenge various content, give experience point bonuses, reduce the cost of different types of warps, and other perks that make adventuring throughout Vana’diel more convenient.

More details on bonuses can be found here ( http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/46977 ).

[Camate]

New Area: Escha-Zi’tah



(9:29～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=569))
*The video introduces screenshots of the new area and Geas Fete.

As the name implies, this is a new area based on the existing Zi’Tah area.

There are a number of monsters that span a wide level range from around level 50 to above level 99, so it’s a great place for those who are returning to the game or leveling up characters for the first time.


Escha – Zi’Tah Currencies
You’ll be able to obtain two different types of currency in this area.

Escha Silt
Escha silt can be earned by defeating monsters and notorious monsters that dwell in Escha – Zi’Tah. You’ll need this currency to purchase temporary items, enhance equipment, use warps, and to receive the special support effects known as “vorseals.”


Escha Beads
Escha beads can be earned by defeating notorious monsters in Escha – Zi’Tah. You can exchange this currency for Eschalixirs, which are used to upgrade certain equipment.




Vorseal
By taking advantage of vorseals, players can receive various beneficial effects while in Escha – Zi’Tah.

There are different types of vorseal effects, and it’s possible to have all of the effects active at the same time.

Vorseal effects will last one hour once you enter Escha – Zi’Tah, and once you receive a vorseal it can be used each time you enter this area without having to repurchase it with Escha silt.



New battle content: Geas Fete
This is battle content that involves fighting with the notorious monsters lurking in Escha – Zi’Tah.

In order to undertake a Geas Fete, first you’ll need to form a party of 3-18 players. All members will need to possess a key item known as “Tribulens” and the party leader will have to possess the appropriate “Grisly trinket” key item for the notorious monster you are going to fight.

It’s possible to summon alter egos during Geas Fete, but they do not count towards as party members, so please take note of this.

If you successfully defeat a notorious monster, you’ll can earn Escha silt, Escha beads, strong equipment, and upgrade materials.



Enhancing equipment from Geas Fete
The equipment that drops from Geas Fete notorious monsters can be enhanced with Eschalixirs.

Essentially it is the same as the method for enhancing equipment from Delve; however, this time around we made it so when you change your upgrade path on equipment that has already been enhanced, it will still possess its enhancement rank. When changing your upgrade path on equipment that has been enhanced, however, you’ll need to spend a great deal of Escha silt, so be sure to carefully think over your upgrade path.

[Camate]

Assault Adjustments




(18:14～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=1094))

We’ve made adjustments to Assaults that were difficult to complete with a small number of players.


Imperial Agent Rescue
We increased the frequency in which Mamool Ja Warder uses his special abilities and also made it easier to destroy objects.


Lebros Supplies
We added a new temporary item called Seafood Stewpot that will make the NPC you give it to and the surround NPCs full.


Evade and Escape
We increased the time in which switches stay active so that this can be completed before time runs out when playing solo.


Azure Ailments
We reduced the number of status ailments that need to be accumulated since players have become stronger and now more easily resist status ailments.


Nyzul Isle Investigation / Nyzul Isle Uncharted Area Survery
We increased the time in which lamps stay active so that this can be completed before time runs out when playing solo.

[Camate]

Job Points



(23:02～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=1382))

Two new enhancement categories have been added to each job, and we also added new gifts. This is the final set of enhancement categories that we had planned.

Since the number of gifts have increased, we revamped the details page. (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/45366-Gifts)

[Camate]

Job Adjustments



(23:46～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=1426))

We made a number of job adjustments in the May version update.


Warrior
The enhancement levels of the jobs traits “physical attack bonus,” “physical defense bonus,” and “double attack” have been adjusted and they can now go higher.

Additionally, we doubled the level-based effect bonus for Berserk and Defender.



Black mage
We added the new ability, “Cascade,” which allows you to consume TP in exchange for magic damage bonus.



Red mage
We added the new magic spell, “Inundation,” which was previously introduced as “Ardor” before the March version update.

When casting Inundation on a monster, you will gain a skillchain damage bonus when multiple players perform skillchains using different weapon types.

With the adjustments we made to this spell it has been changed from an enhancement magic spell to an enfeebling magic spell, so we changed the name of it to better fit the effect.



Dark knight
We added the new ability, “Consume Mana,” which uses MP to boost the damage of your next attack.

Additionally, we made adjustments to the enhancement levels of “physical attack bonus” and the effect of Last Resort so that more damage can be dealt.

We also made it so more HP could be absorbed through Drain II.



Ninja
Ever since the enmity adjustments that took place in the March version update, ninja has been lacking the means to generate enmity, so we added an enmity bonus to Utsusemi while under the effect of Yonin.

Additionally, we reduced the casting time of Migawari so that it can be used in time for severe attacks.



Summoner
It’s now possible to increase the effect of the job point category “Astral Flow Effect”.



Corsair
We added “Naturalist’s Roll” and “Runeist’s Roll” as Phantom Rolls for geomancer and rune fencer. The former increases the duration of enhancing magic received, while the latter increases magic evasion.

Additionally, we added the new ability, “Crooked Cards.” This ability boosts the effects of the next Phantom Roll by 20% and is similar to bard’s Marcato.

We also increased the effect of Ninja’s Roll.



Puppetmaster
We added multiple new attachments.

Amongst these new attachments, the Amplifier is a powerful attachment that focuses on magic bursts. Please be sure to try it out.

Additionally, we made adjustments to the effect of certain existing attachments. We eliminated the drawback to Drum Magazine, and we also made it possible to gain TP when using Barrage Turbine.

Furthermore, we increased the effect duration of Overdrive and increased the value of the “Overdrive Effect” job point category.

Due to the nature of puppetmaster in terms of job characteristics and utility, we need to make job adjustments very carefully so they are not able to accomplish all the roles of other jobs by themselves.

We understand that there have been many requests to make it so puppetmaster can function better in parties, and we are continuing to look into adjustments for this.

[Camate]

Trust Initiative



(35:45～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=2145))

Semih Lafihna, Halver, Zeid II, and Lion II have been added as alter egos. By progressing through Rhapsodies of Vana’diel you will be able to call them forth. The behavior for Zeid II and Lion II have been adjusted and they will move more simply compared to their original alter egos.

Additionally, alter egos can now be called forth in high-tier mission battlefields, Voidwatch, and Wanted Battles.

Furthermore, some of the attributes on all alter egos and fellows will now increase when the player is wearing item level equipment. They can now help much more when fighting against strong foe.

Following these changes, as a part of balancing adjustment, we decreased Kukki-Chebukki’s enfeebling magic a little bit; however, we adjusted this so that you shouldn’t notice much difference when wearing item level equipment.

[Camate]

Unity Concord



(40:37～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=2437))


Unity Leader Alter Ego
We introduced a new Unity leader alter ego system. If your personal evaluation is greater than a fixed number during the Unity ranking tabulation period, you will be able to call forth your Unity leader.

Unity leaders will have improved attributes based on the Unity ranking held at the time of summoning.



Unity Wanted
We reduced the Unity points required to take on Unity Wanted objectives. You can now call forth alter egos for Unity Wanted, so please try it out.

[Camate]

Records of Eminence



(45:42～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=2742))

We were able to expand the amount of information that can be stored on a character, so we have doubled the amount of objectives you can undertake simultaneously.

Additionally, we have introduced new objectives, and also made adjustments to limited-time challenges.

Previously, we limited the time in order to have more players play simultaneously; however, since there are players that play during various times, we wanted to make sure everyone can enjoy this content, and as such we made adjustments so that some types of limited-time objectives can be constantly held.

[Camate]

Mog House Adjustments



(51:45～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=3105))

Mog houses can now be expanded to two stories.
On the second floor, you can place furnishings in areas you couldn’t on the first floor. There are more locations in which you can place wall furnishings. With these changes you can enjoy decorating your interiors more freely.

Additionally, you will be able access Mog Safe 2 by constructing the second story. You may use this similar to the regular Mog Safe, as well as use furnishings set inside the Mog Safe 2, allowing a maximum of up to 160 furnishings total to be used.

We have made other various improvements, such as a camera feature which can now pass through furnishings freely, and two types of controls to select from while in layout mode, so please have fun decorating your room.

[Camate]

Item-related



(1:09:12～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=4140))

New synthesis recipes have been added which include new item level 119 gear. Please check these out as part of your new gear options.

Additionally, synthesis will now offer a chance to skill up even when your current synthesis skill level exceeds the recipe’s skill level.

The difficulty for synthesis has been eased, so we would like players who never tried synthesis to use this opportunity to try it out.

[Camate]

Quality-of-life Improvements



(1:14:34～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=4474))

*The video introduces in-game footage of a new feature to display AoE indicators.

We have introduced a new feature to visually display AoEs. Enabling this feature will provide a visual indicator of the AoE for various actions.

Currently, this feature only displays actions with circular areas of effect.
There are currently no plans for fan-shaped AoE indicators.

[Camate]

Promotions and Campaigns I



(1:23:01～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=4981))


May Login Campaign
There were many players who could not receive login points due to the login issues and login congestions after the version update on May 13, therefore we have extended the duration in which you can receive the login points to Thursday, June 4 at 7:00 a.m. (PDT).

The login point exchange period has not changed, and it is still set to end on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 a.m. (PDT), so make sure to exchange by then.



Vana’diel The Goddess’s Gala
We currently have the following campaigns underway in Vana’diel to show our appreciation to those who continued support.

Return Home to Vana’diel Campaign
Adventurers who are currently taking a break can login for free during this time.
From Friday, May 15, 2015 at 2:00 a.m. (PDT) to Monday, May 25 at the same hour.

Please see the Return Home to Vana’diel Campaign (http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/vanaproj/wcb/index.html) page for more details.



Discount Campaign
Throughout the campaign, downloadable versions of the “Seekers of Adoulin” expansion pack and the FINAL FANTASY XI: Ultimate Collection Seekers Edition, together with the world transfer service, are available at discounted prices.


From Friday, May 1, 2015 at 12:00 a.m. (PDT) to Monday, June 1 at the same hour.

Please see the Discount Campaign (http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/vanaproj/detail/discount.html?lng=en&rgn=us) page for more details.


You can easily enjoy Rhapsodies of Vana’diel, so please use this opportunity to head on over to Vana’diel.



13th Anniversary Campaign
May 16, 2015 marks the thirteenth anniversary of FINAL FANTASY XI. As a token of appreciation for the continued support of our adventurers, we have the following campaigns underway.

Adventurer Appreciation Campaign 2015
Once again, the moogles from the three nations are here with various commemorative items and trinkets waiting for everyone. Additionally, an event is underway where you get to fight a behemoth from another dimension.

From Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 1:00 a.m. (PDT) to Tuesday, June 2 at the same hour.


Super Kupower Mog Tablet Campaign
Normally, all eleven mog tablets grant three randomly-selected Super Kupowers, but during this campaign the tablets will grant all eleven Super Kupowers!

From Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 1:00 a.m. (PDT) to Tuesday, June 2 at the same hour.


13th Vana’versary Mog Bonanza
In celebration of thirteen years of Vana’diel, Mog Bonanza is underway!
The moogles have amassed piles of phenomenal prizes this year. Don’t miss out on a chance to win Vagary equipment, skirmish stones required for engraving arcane glyptics, as well as augmented Pulse Panoplia equipment sets and a bevy of other goodies!


Mog Bonanza Marbles Sales Period: From Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 1:00 a.m. (PDT) to Tuesday, June 16 at the same hour.


Please click here (http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/detail/13882/detail.html) for details on each campaign

[Camate]

Promotions and Campaigns II




(1:30:46～ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLYNXrpb34&feature=player_detailpage#t=5446))


Rhapsodies of Vana’diel Ending Song
We’ll be creating an ending song for the final chapter of Rhapsodies of Vana’diel that is set to be implemented in November.

To make this really special, we are in the midst of planning an event where users can participate in the Vana’diel March, which will be used as the chorus portion of the ending song.

We’re planning to use every voice that we receive and we will be announcing more details on June 1st via the Goddess’s Gala website (http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/vanaproj/index.html)! Stay tuned and get ready to participate!

[Camate]

Conclusion



I hope you are all having a great time with the first chapter of Rhapsodies of Vana’diel.

The next version update is scheduled to take place in June, and we are planning to add some new content as well as focus on adjustments.

Afterward, we will be holding our next large-scale version update that will introduce the second chapter of Rhapsodies of Vana’diel in July. I hope you are looking forward to it!

See you during the next Freshly Picked Vana’diel!