Introducing Settlements (07/19/2011)

[Kiote]

I am returning to the game and have a question. Just so I understand. Patch 1.18 is introducing these settlements however there is no actual content in them yet? This is in no way a flame or a bashing to FFXIV. I am simply trying to plan out what content I would like to play that is all. I love the game.

They did not specifically say if they would be released with content. Based off the info given it's clear they already have the storyboards, but I'd be willing to bet the quests will come in 1.19.

[Sorel]

I am returning to the game and have a question. Just so I understand. Patch 1.18 is introducing these settlements however there is no actual content in them yet? This is in no way a flame or a bashing to FFXIV. I am simply trying to plan out what content I would like to play that is all. I love the game.

There will be content. The Development Team has not detailed that content, other than that they are quests that require you to talk to an NPC.

We do not know the number of quests. But does knowing how many of them there are ahead of time really make that much of a difference than finding out when your character goes there?

[NefarioCall]

I'm out in the field near Skull Valley and seeing the screenshot of one of the new houses, i notice its location.
Smack in the middle of a decently sized valley area in the map.

This does seem like an ideal place to put the first house of what will eventually become a fully fledged town.

[Bigglesworth]

soooo much content on this 1.18 my head is spending, it really sounds this is going to keep us busy for a while

[Claudus]

I'm excited for the auto attack and the animations and grand companies alone, and they keep announcing new additions every other day. It's obvious they're working really hard and its showing. I'm confident this game will have it's own taste like how FFXI has.

[kurokawa]

What about the settlements we already have like Aleport?

The empty areas like this just need quests so there's a purpose to venture there. Hopefully they add things in to make those areas come alive, even if it's just a bit more lore and a shop or two.

It seems weird that people would set up camps next to giant crystals in the middle of nowhere, when just up the road there are large settlements with housing and shelter.

Bit of realism would go a long way perhaps.

[Richard]

What about the settlements we already have like Aleport?

The empty areas like this just need quests so there's a purpose to venture there. Hopefully they add things in to make those areas come alive, even if it's just a bit more lore and a shop or two.

It seems weird that people would set up camps next to giant crystals in the middle of nowhere, when just up the road there are large settlements with housing and shelter.

Bit of realism would go a long way perhaps.

1) those areas are Hamlets - not settlements. They have a purpose, that purpose just isn't in the game yet.
2) There are camps at the crystals for a) local leves b) destination saving c) behest d) vendors and the "lore" behind the camps is so that monsters / beastmen don't over run the adventures that use said crystals.
3) Frontier Hubs are out in the wild to a) give players quests b) vendors c) possible chocobo rental d) a place to rest and the "lore" behind them is obvious in the description.

[Arcell]

Have people somehow forgotten when they were originally announced they were announced as quest hubs? I don't know where everyone's getting the idea that there's no content planned for them.

Also, we’re planning to introduce various new encampments that will serve as quest hubs.

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/9220

Also some of the current hamlets do have quests, people just rarely ever do them.

[Richard]

Have people somehow forgotten when they were originally announced they were announced as quest hubs? I don't know where everyone's getting the idea that there's no content planned for them.

They are taking this line from the recent lodestone post:

Future patches will usher in more features to enhance their practicality, with each location set to become the backdrop for an assortment of new quests.

too much to heart.

[Arcell]

MORE features to enhance their practicality. More, which indicates there is already some but more is on the way.