With the new Abyssea add-on's many fantastic (and sometimes hotly debated) additions to FFXI, one item series fell to the wayside. It has had a resurgence after many changes to external content, but inside is still an issue. I have a content-appropriate solution though!

As it stands now, parties of less than 6 well-balanced jobs or 12 mixed jobs have a difficult time building enough lights to both get Time Extensions and experience points or golden pyxides for their wonderful rewards. As the crystal slot in the drops is used, but inaccessible, and the whole of Abyssea follows a very cool and unique system revolving around how everything has been corrupted, my idea is this: Abyssea Light Crystals.

Azure Crystal (Ex, Stacks to 12): A deep blue crystal tainted by Abyssean Fiends. When broken, it grants weak azure light [+5].
Ruby Crystal (Ex, Stacks to 12): A dark red crystal tainted by Abyssean Fiends. When broken, it grants weak ruby light [+5].
Amber Crystal (Ex, Stacks to 12): A dark yellow crystal tainted by Abyssean Fiends. When broken, it grants weak amber light [+5].
Pearl. Crystal (Ex, Stacks to 12): A shadowy crystal tainted by Abyssean Fiends. When broken, it grants weak pearlescent light [+5].

These crystals drop from any regular monster, no monster favors any one variety. The (Ex) tag insures that they don't become grossly overpriced in player markets, but it can be optional. The crystal checks for Visitant Status, and if it isn't there, it has no effect. The brackets are the value of the light. Visitant status also serves as the "Signet" of Abyssea, but since it is required to be in the area, a hard cap of 4 crystals per monster will be put in place to lessen clogging of the treasure pool. In addition:

Azure Cluster (Ex): A cluster of azure crystals. It was found on a powerful Abyssean foe [+50].
Ruby Cluster (Ex): A cluster of ruby crystals. It was found on a powerful Abyssean foe [+50].
Amber Cluster (Ex): A cluster of amber crystals. It was found on a powerful Abyssean foe [+50].
Pearl. Cluster (Ex): A cluster of pearlescent crystals. It was found on a powerful Abyssean foe [+50].

Clusters are found on any NM, as well as dual-elementals and ephemeral monsters. Like crystals, any one of the 4 can drop from them, with up to 2 dropping per monster. Additionally, they can be purchased for 20,000cruor as items from Cruor Prospectors. The high cost serves as a deterrent from abuse of them, but does not eliminate the ability to purchase if needed. Also like the crystals, they have no effect and are used up outside of Abyssea areas.

I haven't represented Ebon, Golden, or Silver lights here because Ruby is available and they cannot be acquired without ruby pyxides (with the exception of NM kills adding 1 Ebon).

Any thoughts?