Hey Totema,

I'd suggest getting 99 then trying for some +1 seals for empyrean armor. An easy way to level in Abyssea would be to do dom ops. I prefer the bluffalos in Abyssea - Uleguerand [conflux #5]. As a 99 pup I'm able to solo them easily, but you may be able to duo them if you're careful, you would probably be able to find exp parties doing this too. These will not only get you the xp from the bluffalos but a good chunk of xp and currency every 5 you kill.

For the +1 seals the way it works is basically look up what Abyssea NM drops the seals you need, then there will be a spawn spot surrounded by mobs similar to the NM which you can kill for a special drop item you use to spawn the actual NM. (For most of them) This can be done pretty quickly, but the NMs vary in difficulty. You can increase the amount of seals that can drop from them by bringing someone that can "proc" the NM's weakness (By casting a particular spell or using a certain elemental WS). This increases the number of seals dropped, but you -can- still do it without proccing, it's just slow going. You need 8 seals for most armor pieces, and 10 for the body piece, most of the base pieces are bought in Abyssea areas with currency, but the feet usually have to be found in golden boxes that drop in particular Abyssea areas.

It's the same deal for +2 empyrean armor, but the NM difficulty is greatly increased, you'll very likely not be able to duo this stuff (although I've seen 2x smn do it etc).

Beyond that, there's VW stuff that I'm not knowledgeable enough to talk about. :c

Too bad you're not on my world, I'd help you guys out, but good luck!