question for current ffxi players

[LineageRazor]

I'm honestly not sure how quickly anyone would be able to complete all the content necessary to do Rhapsodies of Vana'diel. Changes to the game, removing exp caps, boosting base exp rewards, adding Trusts and Fields of Valor buffs - all these things have turned the leveling process on its head. The other night, I leveled my DRG from level 5 to 22 while wearing nothing but level 1 glamour gear (including weapon) and supported by a team of Trusts. The process took me roughly a half hour. Granted, I've completed most of Rhapsodies of Vana'diel by now, and among the rewards from that are key items that greatly boost your exp gains (a Tough mob awarded me 1800 exp on a exp Chain #2, for example); a fresh character who hasn't done any Rhapsodies wouldn't have those. So, I dunno.

Just to clarify a few misconceptions in this thread:

Any job works now Rhapsodies missions arent hard

Up until the third part of Rhapsodies was release, this was definitely true - Rhapsodies was a cakewalk to do solo as a ilvl 119 Blue Mage for me. However, the third part was quite a kick in the pants - one of the first missions in the third part takes you to a new zone where the weakest mobs still measure Very Tough to ilvl 119, and the mission itself requires that you kill three mobs that check as Incredilby Tough to 119. These mobs use conal and aoe attacks for their melee attacks, and since Trust NPCs aren't very smart, they'll often stand in the danger zone, severely taxing your healer Trusts. I was able to kill the three I needed, but I wiped more often than I won (Reraise is a must!). If you can find other players to team up with, it becomes much easier - but solo, it's a rough ride, even with powerful Trusts at your side.

You'll be able to complete Rhapsodies solo while half-assing it, up until you reach the new area, Riesenjima. At that point, you'd best be prepared to get yourself some quality equipment, and/or quality friends!

You can also not heal your npcs yourself

This is untrue. Trust NPCs can be healed, buffed, refreshed, just like regular party members. Much like your Adventuring Fellow.