Gear/Armor qustions. . .

[Kraxammer]

Just a couple more noob questions if you don't mind. . .thank you by the way, to all the fine people of this forum community for answering all of my previous questions.

LOVING this game by the way!

Okay, the last MMO I played, ya know that big one that's been around for some 10 years. . .had a feature called transmogrification. It was a feature in the game that would let me swap like gear for like gear, so that I could keep the "look" of the old piece but the updated "stats" of the new piece of armor and/or weapon. Is this something that FFXIV has? Maybe when I reach lvl 10 and the Armory opens up, this feature appears as well?

Also, I have been on http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/ quite a bit reading up and "studying" the game. I still can't find on this site where it lists the armor types I am to wear as a Lancer. Do I wear Leather so I'm a bit more nimble or chain/plate because my main stat is strength? The info is probably there, I just missed it.

[Niwashi]

Okay, the last MMO I played, ya know that big one that's been around for some 10 years. . .had a feature called transmogrification. It was a feature in the game that would let me swap like gear for like gear, so that I could keep the "look" of the old piece but the updated "stats" of the new piece of armor and/or weapon. Is this something that FFXIV has? Maybe when I reach lvl 10 and the Armory opens up, this feature appears as well?

In this game the system is called "glamour" and involves using a catalyst called a Glamour Prism to apply the appearance of one item onto another item. The Glamour Prism is used up in the process, but you're left with both pieces of gear, only now they both share the same appearance.

The glamour system isn't unlocked until you reach level 50, though. (Which personally, I think is ridiculously late, and that it should be earlier, but that's what it is.) To make up for not having it in the meantime, I actually set up a few extra Gear Sets for equipping armour that wasn't necessarily the best stats available, but was pieces I liked the look of. Then I'd wear that when running simple in-town quests or anything that didn't really require top stats.

You do get some control over appearance before level 50, though, because at level 15 there's a quest in Western Thanlan that unlocks the ability to dye your gear, so you can at least have it whatever color you like.

[Niwashi]

Also, I have been on http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/ quite a bit reading up and "studying" the game. I still can't find on this site where it lists the armor types I am to wear as a Lancer. Do I wear Leather so I'm a bit more nimble or chain/plate because my main stat is strength? The info is probably there, I just missed it.

It will usually be chain or light plate, but some of the heavy plate pieces are reserved for tank classes.

Each piece of gear lists which classes and jobs are allowed to wear it. This may be a specific list like "GLD / PLD / MRD / WAR", a category like "Disciples of War", or the broadest possible "All Classes".

If it lists "All Classes", then you have to go by its stats to figure out what it is: If it has Intelligence and/or Mind, then it's for magic caster classes. If it has Control and/or Craftsmanship, then it's for crafting classes. And if it has Perception and/or Gathering, then it's for gathering classes. Most "All Classes" gear is one of those three (unless it's purely vanity gear without stats useful to anyone).

If it lists "GLD / PLD" or "GLD / PLD / MRD / WAR" (which, if you're not familiar with the acronyms yet is "Gladiator / Paladin / Marauder / Warrior") then it's exclusive to tanks and you cannot wear it as a Lancer, but if it lists "GLD / PLD / MRD / WAR / LNC / DRG" then it's available to either tanks or Lancers/Dragoons (and in most cases intended primarily for Lancers/Dragoons).

Some level ranges, however, don't have "GLD / PLD / MRD / WAR / LNC / DRG" gear, and in that case you'd be wearing "Disciples of War" gear, which is for any of the physical damage dealer classes (Lancer, Pugilist, Archer, Rogue, and their associated jobs).

For which stats to look for in comparing gear: The Damage stat on weapons or Defense stat on armour is important, and your class's primary stat (Strength in the case of Lancers) is important. Others are secondary. (Jewelry lists Defense at the top the same as armour, but it's Defense stat will only be 0 or 1, even on top-end gear. On jewelry, just look for Strength and secondary stats like Critical Hit Rate, Determination, Accuracy, etc.)