Update notes/What has changed in FFXI

[fastcart]

*Place holder for future update links*

Note: I know these aren't pretty, but these are just for quick referencing. If you want the full notes click the link above the notes. I don't recommend bookmarkng this thread as the url will likely change as future updates are posted...

http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/polnews/news5120.shtml

From:FINAL FANTASY XI
Aug. 1, 2005 10:00 [PDT]

FINAL FANTASY XI Update (Aug. 1)

At the following time, we performed a FINAL FANTASY XI version update.

*The client software will also be updated at this time. Once this maintenance is completed, the client update will start automatically after logging back into FINAL FANTASY XI. Please follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

[Date & Time]
Aug. 1, 2005 from 10:00 (PDT)

[Affected Services]
FINAL FANTASY XI

[Important Update Details]
- An issue in Azimuth's Circle where it was not possible to obtain the Pumimi or Hopipi doll has been addressed.
- The behavior of Fellowship NPCs has been adjusted.
- Fellowship NPCs will now disappear after defeating a predetermined number of enemies even if the NPC remains in battle mode.
- Signal pearls will now fail to activate when the number of members and Fellowship NPCs in a party totals six or more.
- An issue wherein the special properties of certain equipment intended to affect a player's wyvern or avatar extended to Fellowship NPCs has been addressed.
- When asking for a new signal pearl, the relationship between a player and a Fellowship NPC will now worsen slightly.
- After certain conditions are met, players will be able to keep their Fellowship NPC around for extended adventuring.
- An issue where Stona did not cure Level 5 Petrify has been addressed.
- An issue where the birds in Bibiki Bay known as "tragopans" did not drop crystals has been addressed.
- An issue where players would not gain experience for defeating certain notorious monsters has been addressed.
- The message "(Monster name)'s strength is impossible to gauge!" will now be displayed when using the "check" command on pets summoned by notorious monsters.
- The notorious monsters listed below will slowly grow in strength after a certain amount of time has passed since being claimed:
King Arthro / Simurgh / Roc / Serket / Capricious Cassie /Lord of Onzozo / Behemoth / King Behemoth / Adamantoise / Aspidochelone / Fafnir / Nidhogg
*This time period will vary for each notorious monster.
- The name of the notorious monster "Macan Gadungan" has been changed to "Kirata."
- The number of "glass sheets" produced by synthesis has been changed.
- The drop percentage for "silica" has been adjusted.
- Certain other monsters will now drop the item "silica."
*Changes in relation to the item "silica" have already been partially implemented. Further changes will be made during today's maintenance.
- It is now possible to mine "silica" in Tahrongi Canyon and the Maze of Shakhrami.
- An issue concerning the ability to earn experience points from a wider range of monsters (implemented in the July 19 version update) not functioning correctly for levels ten and below has been addressed.
- An issue where spells such as "Dispel" and songs such as "Magic Finale" did not affect the white magic spell "Stoneskin" has been addressed.
- An issue where mannequin poses did not function as selected has been addressed.
- A new command "/blockaid" has been added.
"/blockaid" has the following effect:
Magical assistance (such as "Cure" and "Protect"), trades, party invites etc. from non-party/alliance characters will be blocked.
The "/blockaid" effect will be canceled if the player temporarily logs out to the PlayOnline Viewer, logs out, changes areas, or is KO'd.
Command/Subcommands:
/blockaid on
Activate the blockaid effect.
/blockaid off
Cancel the blockaid effect.
/blockaid
Display current blockaid status.
- Players will no longer receive "Trade" offers from characters on their blacklist.
- Players will no longer be able to use spells or abilities to claim a monster as soon as it appears.
If players attempt to use spells or abilities to claim a monster before a set amount of time has passed since it appeared, they will not be able to use those spells etc. again for a certain duration.
- The incomplete synthesis recipe for the "A Moral Manifest?" quest has been corrected.
- Several other minor issues have been addressed.

[fastcart]

http://www.playonline.com/pcd/update...B1/detail.html

≪July 19, 2005 (JST) Update Details≫
*Japan Standard Time
[Event-Related]

image A new chapter has been added to “Chains of Promathia.”

A new quest called “The Fellowship Quest” has been added. Upon completion of this quest, the player will receive an item used to call an NPC.
-The NPC may not be called during NPC escort quests, but may be used along with beastmasters’ pets, summoners’ avatars, and dragoons’ wyverns.
-The NPC may only be called in certain field areas.
-The NPC may fight monsters, gain experience, and level up with the player.
-A player fighting with an NPC fellow will receive only 70% of the usual experience points gained for solo battles.
-The NPC may be called only when there are less than six members in the player’s group. A party may contain a maximum of three NPC fellows, along with the three players who have called them.
-If the NPC’s level exceeds that of the player, its status will be adjusted to match the player’s level.
-The NPC’s equipment will occasionally change after fighting several battles.
-The NPC will leave if the player:
-temporarily logs out to PlayOnline
-logs out
-enters a different area
-is KO’d
-All NPCs in a party will leave if the party attempts to increase its total number of players and NPCs to seven.

Several new quests have been added, including:
-A quest in which the player may acquire headgear that resembles various beastmen
-Rematches with mammets and the Mithran sin hunters
And more!

image An NPC that tells the player’s fortune regarding titles and other “elements” has been added in Mhaura.

Character title selection has been changed in the following ways:
-It now costs less gil to change a player’s title. Also, it now costs no gil at all to check the player’s list of available titles.
-The NPC bard that changes player titles will now sing out the player’s title just before changing it.
-After changing the player’s title, the NPC bard will sing out the new title. Nearby PCs will also be able to hear the new title.
-The player will now have the option to have a random title selected for him or her at no cost once each day (Vana'diel time).
-Titles earned by defeating NMs are now available for selection not just at Selbina and Mhaura, but also at Kazham and Rabao.

A chocobo riding game has been added. The player must deliver a chocobo from the chocobo stables where the quest was offered to a designated nation.

Players are now able to talk to an NPC and check the remaining time until they are able to reenter the battlefield for the ENM quests “Pulling the Strings” and “Automaton Assault.”

“Return Ring” and “Homing Ring” have been added to the list of items that may be earned by exchanging conquest points.

If a player has completed the quests to get a pair of Mannequin Pumps or a Minstrel’s Dagger but disposed of the item he earned, the player may now reacquire the item at the same place he attained it.

Mythril Plate Armor has been added to the list of equipment that may be stored as a key item.

A new NPC that will trade items for treasure earned by defeating Lumorian monsters has been added.
[Battle-Related]

Players are now able to earn experience from monsters of a wider level range than previously possible. Experience points earned by defeating “decent challenge” and “easy prey” monsters will also increase in some instances.

Experience chain bonuses in level-restricted areas of Chains of Promathia are now determined by the level of the player while in that area, rather than the player’s actual level.

Monster locations have been adjusted, particularly in Chains of Promathia areas. The following areas will be affected:
Bibiki Bay, Uleguerand Range, Attohwa Chasm, Newton Movalpolos, Promyvion – Holla, Promyvion – Dem, Promyvion – Mea, Promyvion – Vahzl, Lufaise Meadows, Phomiuna Aqueducts, the Sacrarium, Riverne – Site #A01, Riverne – Site #B01, the Garden of Ru’Hmet, Ro’Maeve, the Boyahda Tree, the Den of Rancor, the Shrine of Ru'Avitau, Kuftal Tunnel

The damage and accuracy of a player’s ranged attack are now calculated based on the distance of the player from the monster. This determination varies from weapon to weapon, as does the ideal distance for maximum damage. In addition, the higher the monster’s level is with regard to the player, the less damage will be dealt with a ranged attack.

The player’s enmity now decreases when a shadow image created by Utsusemi is absorbed by an attack.

Weather will no longer have an effect on the distance a player can be detected for monsters that detect based on the use of magic.

Several new notorious monsters have been added.

Creatures summoned by monsters (excluding elementals) have had their names changed to “(Monster’s name)’s Avatar” for consistency.

The strength of monster techniques has been adjusted, particularly in Chains of Promathia areas.

A player who is KO'd, revived, then while still in a weakened state KO'd again will now, after a second reviving, temporarily experience a weakened attack and accuracy loss for magic and ranged attacks.

Before the update, a player who fought a monster without using auto-attack would retain his claim on the monster, even if he was KO’d in battle due to poison, etc. This has been fixed so that when the player dies, the monster becomes unclaimed.

Before the update, a monster that was claimed by a party or alliance would occasionally go unclaimed when magic or a weapon skill was used on the monster as the monster moved out of range before the magic or weapon skill could strike.
[Item-Related]

Trading a wijnruit and 99 ninja tools to a certain NPC can now earn the player a toolbag. This item may be gathered in stacks of twelve, essentially increasing the player’s ninja tool inventory capacity twelvefold.

New synthesis recipes have been added.

Prices at guilds have been changed to reflect the amount of each item the guild currently has in stock. The cost may rise to a maximum of five times the original price.

Some of the treasure items earned from notorious monsters in the Boyahda Tree have been changed.

The way that the following items are acquired has been changed:
Archer Ring, Leaping Boots, Emperor Hairpin, Peacock Charm
In addition, players may receive an EX/Rare or EX item with the same attributes from the monsters who previously dropped each of the above items.

The effects of the following items have been altered:
Poison Potion, Venom Potion, Paralyze Potion, Sleeping Potion, Silencing Potion, Blinding Potion, Vitriol, Instant Warp, Bastok Mines gate glyph, Bastok Markets gate glyph, Port Bastok gate glyph, Eastern San d'Oria gate glyph, Western San d'Oria gate glyph, Northern San d'Oria gate glyph, Windurst Waters gate glyph, Port Windurst gate glyph, Windurst Woods gate glyph, New Year’s gift, Cantarella, Black Drop, Muting Potion, Invitriol, Warp Cudgel, Trick Staff II, Treat Staff II, Teleport ring: Holla, Teleport ring: Dem, Teleport ring: Mea, Teleport ring: Vahzl, Teleport ring: Yhoat, Teleport ring: Altep, Memento Muffler, Gargoyle Boots, Zoolater Hat, Root Sabots, Aries Mantle, Anubis's Knife, Oscar Scarf, Kinkobo, Carpenter's Belt, Blacksmith's Belt, Goldsmith’s Belt, Weaver’s Belt, Tanner’s Belt, Boneworker’s Belt, Alchemist’s Belt, Culinarian’s Belt, Fisherman’s Belt, Counter Earring, Tactical Ring, Wing Gorget, Healing Feather, Spirit Lantern, Astral Pot, Homing Ring, Return Ring, Absorbing Shield, Tavnazian Ring, Ducal Guard's Ring, Maat's Cap, Kingdom Stables Collar, Republic Stables Medal, Federation Stables Scarf, Cursed Beverage, Cursed Soup

The item “Timepiece” has been added to the list of special items a player may receive 100 days after participating in the Vana’diel Adventurer Recruitment Program.

The following item names have been changed in the English version:
Panzer Mask -> Panther Mask
Panzer Mask +1 -> Panther Mask +1
Amemit Mantle -> Amemet Mantle
Amemit Mantle +1 -> Amemet Mantle +1

The item name “Comet” has been changed to “Little Comet.”

An attribute of the following item has been changed:
Darksteel Pick +1 Delay:312 -> Delay:303
[System-Related]

Region Info may now be viewed from all areas.

Messages may no longer be sent using /tell to a player on the user’s blacklist.

Along with the introduction of the Fellowship Quest, players may now combine text commands with <ft> to target their NPC fellows and execute their desired actions. Only the player who called the NPC may target it using <ft>.
[Other Content]

The following changes have been made to Ballista.

-If one side of an official match is low on members, entry into that force is now possible even if a match is already underway. In this case, experience may still be gained if certain conditions are met, just as if the player had entered the match from the start. Also, if a player enters during a match, both forces will receive a message notifying them of the new entry.

The player must have the following in order to enter a match already underway:
-A Ballista License
-Enough gil to enter the match
-The minimum level required for the match being played

-A player who has just entered an official match or a match in Diorama Abdhaljs-Ghelsba that was already underway will temporarily be placed under “Preparing for Battle” status.

-Players may now borrow the key items “Ballista Earring” and “Ballista Band” free of charge from the Pursuivant in Ru’Lude Gardens.
Ballista Earring: When in possession of this item, the player will receive information about the next Ballista match and the entry registration time when entering San d’Oria, Bastok, Windurst, or Jeuno from one day prior to the match (Vana’diel time) until the end of the entry period.
Ballista Band: When in possession of this item, the player will be given the choice of whether to keep or throw away the first Petra he quarries.
*Ownership of a Ballista License is not required to borrow the above items.
*The player may return the items simply by speaking to a Pursuivant.

-Players are no longer able to adjust Petra selection settings in Diorama Abdhaljs-Ghelsba. The player will be given the option of what to do with the first Petra quarried only when in possession of the new key item “Ballista Band.”

-The following rules have been changed from special rules to standard rules.
-Camp locations will change when the number of participants in a match is 40 or less.
-The number of Rooks will be reduced to two when there is a significant difference in the number of players on each side.
-Players will now receive experience points for participating in an official match.

-The system of “Open Entry” for official matches, in which all adventurers were allowed to join the force with the smallest number of participants, has been done away with and replaced by a system called “Temporary Entry,” in which players may join a force regardless of allegiance. However, the player's entry is temporary, and similar to Diorama Abdhaljs-Ghelsba's “Auto-Balance” feature, the players may be redistributed for balance when the match begins.

-In Ru'Lude Gardens, the player will be able to view Diorama Abdhaljs-Ghelsba's reservation status. Reservations for the next two days (Earth time) will be shown.

-The NPC Tillecoe will now inform the player of the match’s level restriction when a match at Diorama Abdhaljs-Ghelsba is set to allow general participation.

-Temporary items will now be distributed at the start of official matches held at the Pashhow Marshlands.

-A section of the Ballista rulebook that is read out by the Pursuivant has been changed.

-The rate of success for Foe Lullaby and Horde Lullaby has been lowered for players with bard as a support job.

-A limit has been imposed on the amount of HP that can be absorbed by Bloody Bolts’ HP Drain effect during Ballista.

The following known issues regarding fishing have been addressed:
-Irregular increases or decreases in the HP of a fishing target when the server is experiencing heavy traffic
-The rapid accumulation of fishing "fatigue" under certain conditions

[fastcart]

http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/polnews/news4561.shtml

From:FINAL FANTASY XI
May 11, 2005 10:00 [PDT]

FINAL FANTASY XI Update (May 11)

At the following time, we performed a FINAL FANTASY XI version update.

[Date & Time]
May 11, 2005 from 10:00 to 17:00 (PDT)

[Affected Services]
FINAL FANTASY XI

[Important Update Details]

-A new section of the Promathia story has been added.

-It is no longer possible to use the delivery service to send the following EX items:

Chocopass
Mannequin Pumps
Kshama Ring No.8
Kshama Ring No.2
Kshama Ring No.4
Kshama Ring No.3
Kshama Ring No.5
Kshama Ring No.9
Kshama Ring No.6
Sanative Earring
Relaxing Earring
Minstrel's Dagger

-Players will no longer counter attacks from monsters being fought by other parties.

-Players may now experience less server lag while participating in Ballista.

Affected zones:
Diorama Abdhaljs - Ghelsba
Jugner Forest
Pashhow Marshlands
Meriphataud Mountains

-Several other issues have also been addressed.

http://www.playonline.com/updateus/050421er1gb1.html

Apr. 21, 2005 (JST*) Version Update
*Japan Standard Time

[Event-Related]
image The following two areas are now open for exploration:The Grand Palace of Hu’Xzoi The Garden of Ru’Hmet

Several new Chains of Promathia area quests have been added.

A special new Ballista area has been added.
Click <<here>> for further details.

New sets of low-level equipment have been added to the list of armor that can be stored by certain NPCs located around Vana’diel. After trading a full set (4-5 pieces) of armor, a player will receive a “claim slip.” This claim slip and a small fee are required when having a set of armor returned.
Please note:
1. Signatures on checked armor will be lost.
2. High-quality and refurbished armor cannot be stored.

The clamming mini-game on Purgonorgo Isle has been expanded. The new features include:
1. A larger bucket offered to those who can fill the original bucket to the brim without going over its weight limit.
2. A larger variety of items that can be dug from the sand.
3. Less waiting time required to re-clam the same points.

New items are available for harvesting/mining in the following areas:
1. West Sarutabaruta
2. Newton Movalpolos
3. Giddeus

A new key item that will automatically inform players whether they have access to the Marble Bridge Tavern is now available (a message will appear upon entry into Upper Jeuno).

A new key item that will automatically inform players if a volunteer is needed for the “Community Service” quest is now available.

Under certain conditions, Tarnotik (located in Oldton Movalpolos) will now accept snow lilies as payment for teleportation to Mine Shaft #2716.

The number of items accepted by Yurim in the Tavnazian quest "In the Name of Science," as well as the types of rewards granted in exchange, have been increased.

Several new varieties of fish are now being accepted by Zaldon in the “Inside the Belly” quest.

[Battle-Related]

The amount of EXP required for leveling up after lv.51, and the amount of EXP lost when KO’d after level 25, has been greatly reduced.
image

Please note that at the time of the version update, if your character has more EXP than the new amount required, your EXP total will be adjusted to 1 point less than the amount needed for level up.

Example:
Player status before the version update -> Level=51 EXP=8100
Amount needed for level up (before update) = 10000
Amount needed for level up (after adjustment) = 8000
Player status after the version update -> Level=51 EXP=7999

Please visit http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml for further details on changes to the EXP system.

Several new types of ENM quests have been added. In addition, many of the existing quests have also been adjusted. Some of these adjustments include allowing larger parties and/or alliances to enter the battlefields (however, depending on the size of the parties, there may be a cut in the amount of EXP received when completing the quest).
Area Battle Name Restrictions

Boneyard Gully

• Like the Wind 15 minutes/Lv.75/3 members recommended
• Shell We Dance? 30 minutes/Lv.75/12 members recommended
• Totentanz 30 minutes/Lv.75/18 members recommended

Mine Shaft #2716

• Pulling the Strings 15 minutes/Lv.60/Solo battle
• Automaton Assault 15 minutes/Lv.60/3 members recommended/All members must be of same race

Monarch Linn

• Fire in the Sky 15 minutes/Lv.40/3 members recommended
• Bugard in the Clouds 15 minutes/Lv.50/3 members recommended
• Beloved of the Atlantes 30 minutes/Lv.50/6 members recommended

The recommended number of party members for all existing ENM battles has been set at 6, with the maximum alliance size being 18.

New notorious monsters have been added to the Chains of Promathia areas.

The bard song Army's Paeon V (Lv. 65) has been added.

[Item-Related]

New mannequin poses have been introduced. After obtaining a mannequin and a certain key item, Mhauran goldsmith Fyi Chalmwoh will change the pose of your simulacrum upon request. Available poses are as follows:
1. /sit
2. /salute (Windurst/San d’Oria/Bastok)
3. /hurray
4. Special race-specific poses

Select guilds are now offering new key items available for purchase with guild points.
image

Adjustments and additions have been made to the types of items requested in exchange for guild points.

The Alchemists’ Guild will now accept poison baghnakhs +1 in exchange for guild points.

Several new fishing rods have been introduced.

New relic-type equipment has been added.

Numerous other types of items are also now available.

New synthesis and desynthesis recipes have been added.

The graphics displayed when a Galka equips the following shields have been changed:

Marine Shield
Shell Shield
Turtle Shield
Turtle Shield +1
Genbu's Shield

A new synthesis recipe for black ink has been introduced. In conjunction with this addition, the item's buying price has also been adjusted.

The following item names have been changed:
Ashigaru Gorget -> Agile Gorget
Mana Ring -> Mystical Ring
Mana Ring +1 -> Mystical Ring +1

[System-Related]

The Handle Name screen that would appear during login has been removed. In its place, a simple confirmation message has been introduced.

Group Messages can now be viewed while logged in to FINAL FANTASY XI. However, players must return to PlayOnline to respond to them.

Several unused buttons within the Friend List menu, as well as the "Busy" and “Away Mess.” options under Online Status, have been removed.
In conjunction with the removal of the corresponding button, a player’s “Privacy Level” will now automatically be set to level 2 (all players on your Friend List).

The "Accept" button originally used during Friend List registration has been removed. The current options are "Accept & Add" and "Decline."
Also, when "Accept & Add" is selected by the invitee, both players will be automatically registered on each other's Friend List.

"/busy" has been removed from the Auto-Translate feature.

A confirmation message will now appear when purchasing goods from another player’s bazaar.
Example: Purchase 3 sleepshrooms for 570 gil?

[The following adjustments have been made to the fishing system:]

Fishing locations in the following areas have been adjusted:
1. Beaucedine Glacier
2. Sauromugue Champaign
3. Ferries between Mhaura and Selbina

The more “tired” a player becomes after repeated fishing, the longer it will now take to recast his or her line.

Players will be “tired” for a short period of time after being raised.

New BGM is now played when battling it out with a bite.

New types of salt and freshwater fish, as well as rare “legendary” fish, have been added.

When a monster is caught, only the player who reeled it in (and his/her party or alliance) will be able to attack it (the monster's name will be displayed in red/purple).

[fastcart]

http://www.playonline.com/updateus/050224hu5ol4.html (Major update)

Feb. 24, 2005 (JST*) Version Update
*Japan Standard Time

[Event Related]
image The story of the Chains of Promathia continues, opening the way to the new area of Al'Taieu.

The new region "Lumoria" has been added.
* This region is not included in the Conquest and will not be displayed in Region Info.

New quests centered in the Chains of Promathia areas have been added.

Numerous changes have been made to the Ballista system.
Details here >>

Multi-tickets for barges and manaclippers are now available for purchase.

The following changes have been made to the barge system :
-It is now possible to board barges from the same landing at which you disembarked.
-A new route for South Landing via Newtpool leaving from Central Landing has replaced
the Central Landing via Newtpool route leaving from South Landing.
-The number of barges operating per day has increased from four to five.

Mannequins are now on sale.
Mannequins can be purchased in Mhaura from the NPC Fyi Chalmwoh.
Also, mannequins of a different race can be purchased at a discount price by trading in an old mannequin.
Those wishing to purchase a mannequin must first complete the quest "It's Raining Mannequins."

It is now possible to choose the exit area after clearing certain battlefields. The battlefields and their corresponding exit areas are as follows :

* The exit area cannot be chosen after clearing a battlefield for the Chains of Promathia story. For Mine Shaft #2716 only, it is necessary to speak with a Moblin NPC in Newton Movalpolos after clearing the battlefield.
Battlefield Exit Areas
Mine Shaft #2716 >> North Gustaberg, inside the entrance to Mine Shaft #2716
Spire of Holla >> La Theine Plateau, inside the entrance to the Spire of Holla
Spire of Dem >> Konschtat Highlands, inside the entrance to the Spire of Dem
Spire of Mea >> Tahrongi Canyon, inside the entrance to the Spire of Mea
Spire of Vahzl >> Beaucedine Glacier, inside the entrance to the Spire of Vahzl
Monarch Linn >> Misareaux Coast, inside the entrance to Monarch Linn

Even after completing the quest "Return to the Depths," it is now possible to take the shortcut to Mine Shaft #2716 by trading an Ahriman tear to the NPC Tarnotik in Oldton Movalpolos.

Forest carp are now accepted for the quests "The Rivalry" and "The Competition."

The reward for a single moat carp in the quests "The Rivalry" and "The Competition" has been changed to match the amount received when selling the fish to other NPCs.

The rewards for the quest "Inside the Belly" have been adjusted.

[Battle Related]

New battlefield types known as Empty Notorious Monster (ENM) quests have been introduced.
Details here >>
Several new features have been added to the battlefield system.

- Best Time Record Holder -
When entering a battlefield, the record for the best time will now be accompanied by the record holder’s name.

image

-When cleared by a party, the message will read, "That record is held by (number of)
adventurers, including (name of first member to enter the battlefield)!"
-When cleared solo, the message will read, "That record is held by (name of record holder)!

- Event Scene Skip -
It is now possible to skip the event scene for battlefields you have already cleared.

New notorious monsters have been added to the Chains of Promathia areas.

A section of the monsters in the Chains of Promathia areas has been adjusted.

The behavior of certain monsters has been corrected.

The behavior of the Morion Worm has been adjusted.
A certain amount of time after it has been engaged in battle, the Morion Worm will retreat under the ground, ending the fight.

The location where monsters reappear after using the ability Mijin Gakure has been adjusted.

The limit for adjusting existing abilities using Merit Points has been raised.

The abilities available for Merit Point usage have been expanded.
These abilities have been divided by job type, as listed below.
There are two conditions for using Merit Points on these abilities: the job to which the ability pertains must be set as the main job, and the main job level must be 75.

Warrior
-Berserk Recast
-Defender Recast
-Warcry Recast
-Aggressor Recast
-Double Attack Rate

Monk
-Focus Recast
-Dodge Recast
-Chakra Recast
-Counter Rate
-Kick Attack Rate

White Mage
-Divine Seal Recast
-Cure Cast Time
-Bar Spell Effect
-Banish Effect
-Regen Effect

Black Mage
-Elemental Seal Recast
-Fire Magic Potency
-Ice Magic Potency
-Wind Magic Potency
-Earth Magic Potency
-Lightning Magic Potency
-Water Magic Potency

Red Mage
-Convert Recast
-Fire Magic Accuracy
-Ice Magic Accuracy
-Wind Magic Accuracy
-Earth Magic Accuracy
-Lightning Magic Accuracy
-Water Magic Accuracy

Thief
-Flee Recast
-Hide Recast
-Sneak Attack Recast
-Trick Attack Recast
-Triple Attack Rate

Paladin
-Shield Bash Recast
-Holy Circle Recast
-Sentinel Recast
-Cover Effect Length
-Rampart Recast

Dark Knight
-Souleater Recast
-Arcane Circle Recast
-Last Resort Recast
-Last Resort Effect
-Weapon Bash Recast

Beastmaster
-Killer Effects
-Reward Recast
-Call Beast Recast
-Sic Recast
-Tame Recast

Bard
-Lullaby Recast
-Finale Recast
-Minne Effect
-Minuet Effect
-Madrigal Effect

Ranger
-Scavenge Recast
-Camouflage Recast
-Sharpshot Recast
-Unlimited Shot Recast
-Rapid Shot Rate

Samurai
-Third Eye Recast
-Warding Circle Recast
-Store TP Effect
-Meditate Recast
-Zanshin Attack Rate

Ninja
-Subtle Blow Effect
-Katon Effect
-Hyoton Effect
-Huton Effect
-Doton Effect
-Raiton Effect
-Suiton Effect

Dragoon
-Ancient Circle Recast
-Jump Recast
-High Jump Recast
-Super Jump Recast
-Spirit Link Recast

Summoner
-Avatar Physical Accuracy
-Avatar Physical Attack
-Avatar Magical Accuracy
-Avatar Magical Attack
-Elemental MP Cost

If the target of a ranged attack moves out of weapon range, the ranged attack will now automatically miss.

The shield system has been altered.
Shields will now reduce the amount of damage taken instead of negating all damage.
The frequency with which a shield is used, as well as the amount of damage reduced, will depend on the type of shield equipped.
To coincide with these changes, shield usage will now be determined after any evasion effects are considered.

The blindness effect caused by the white magic spell Flash and the black magic spell Blind will now be considered as different status effects. Accordingly, Flash will no longer cancel the effect of Blind.

The white magic spell Banish will now cause more damage against undead monsters.

The white magic spell Banish III has become available.

-Banish III WHM Lv.65
The damage for Banish III cast by monsters has been adjusted, and paladin-type monsters will no longer have access to this spell.

The white mage job trait Divine Veil has been added.
The job trait Divine Veil enhances the effect of the job ability Divine Seal. When cast after using Divine Seal, the effect area for spells that remove status ailments will increase from a single target to a small radius.

New methods of obtaining the white magic spell Raise III have been added.

The samurai job trait Zanshin has been added.
After gaining this job trait, samurais may attack again immediately after missing a target.

The effect of the samurai job ability Third Eye has been adjusted.
Magic, songs, and breath attacks will no longer cancel the effect of Third Eye. Also, the effect will extend to anticipating multiple-attack techniques that target a single opponent.

The Super Jump ability of the dragoon’s wyvern will now be called Super Climb.

[Item Related]

A new feature regarding the storage of artifact armor has been added.
Artifact armor for each job consists of five parts: Head, Body, Hands, Legs, and Feet.
If you trade all five parts to one of the NPCs listed below, you will receive a key item called a "claim slip" in exchange for your artifact armor. You can retrieve your armor at any time by talking to the NPC and paying 1000 gil.

-Taulenne (Northern San d’Oria)
-Sinon (Bastok Markets)
-Tesch Garanjy (Windurst Woods)
-Caruvinda (Lower Jeuno)
-Ratonne (Tavnazian Safehold)

Several shops have new goods for sale.

The available amount of curry powder, holy basil, and ground wasabi has been increased.

Logging is now possible in the Misareaux Coast.

Logging results in the Lufaise Meadows have been adjusted.

With some exceptions, fish obtainable through fishing will now be bought at half the previous price by NPCs.
Conversely, the number of guild points gained per fish for Fishermen’s Guild contracts will be multiplied by 1.5, and the new point limit will be recalculated based on this new value.

Changes and additions have been made to the items required to fulfill guild contracts.

A new key item called "Alchemic Ensorcellment" has become available for purchase with alchemy guild points.

The number of alchemy guild points required to purchase the key item Anima Synthesis has been reduced from 3000 to 2000.

Various new items have been added.

New synthesis/desynthesis recipes have been added.

It is now possible to trade cluster cores and snow lilies.

New graphics for fishing rods have been added.

It is now possible to add a maker’s signature to the food item brain stew.

The icon for the item urushi has changed.

[System Related]

Major improvements have been made to the fishing system. A new NPC has appeared near the Fishermen’s Guild to explain the changes.
Details here >>

Search comment categories have been divided.
The previous four categories have been divided into seven: EXP party, Mission, Quest, Battlefield, Item, Synthesis, and Others. Newly added subcategories such as Seek Party and Find Member allow for more specific comments and searches.

New text commands for setting search comments have been added.
There are two steps to setting a search comment using text commands. First, compose a comment of up to 3 lines using /seacom. Second, set a category and subcategory with /seacomup to register the comment.
　
1. Composing a Search Comment

/seacom (/sc) [line no.] "[mes.]"

Search comments can be up to 3 lines long. Enter the line number of the search comment window, and then type your message.
If you wish to enter spaces before the message, the entire message must be enclosed in quotation marks.

Example :
/seacom 1 Hello!
/seacom 2 Invite me to your party!
/sc 3 " Please!"

The first, second, and third lines of the search comment window will be entered as "Hello!", "Invite me to your party!", and " Please!", respectively.
At this point, your comment has yet to be registered and will not be displayed in searches. This is accomplished by setting the category name and subcategory number with the /seacomup command.

* Messages cannot exceed 40 characters for each line. Lines longer than 40 characters will be truncated.

2. Registering a Search Comment

/seacomup (/scu) [category name] [subcat. no.]
Category names and subcategory numbers are as follows :

-Category Names
expparty, mission, quest, item, synthesis, battlefield, others

-Subcategory Numbers
1 Seek Party, Want to Sell, Need Made
2 Find Member, Want to Buy, Can Make
3 Other

Example :
/seacomup expparty 1

Your search comment will be registered under Seek Party within Expparty, and will be displayed in searches involving these categories.

* If no category is specified, the message will be registered in Others. If no subcategory is specified, the message will be registered in 3 (Other).

Chat filters have been refined to allow separate settings for NPCs you are currently fighting and other NPCs.
It is now possible to separate NPCs with red names (those you are currently fighting) from NPCs with yellow or purple names (other NPCs) within the chat filter settings. This means that you can view log messages concerning the NPC you are fighting without interruption from other NPC actions.

The names for several chat filters have been changed. Their respective functions remain the same.

When entering the Mog House, the camera will now move to a position behind the character.

An issue concerning the screen remaining dark when entering or leaving the Mog House has been addressed.

Quote:

[Known Issues] The log window messages concerning the monster abilities Tortoise Song, Goblin Dice, and Dispelling Wind are occasionally inaccurate.

[fastcart]

http://www.playonline.com/updateus/041209we8yu0.html (The food update)

Dec. 9, 2004 (JST*) Update Details
*Japan Standard Time

[Event-Related]

A sixth Gobbiebag quest has been added. Please note that the previous Gobbiebag quest must be completed before the new one will trigger.

Supply quests and regional teleportation to the Tavnazian Archipelago are now available.

Shortcuts into Promyvion – Vahzl for those who have partially or fully completed the Promathia mission have been added.

The longer a player remains in the same area, the more difficult it will become to obtain certain items through logging and mining.

A mage from Windurst's Orastery has been dispatched to Jeuno.


Several new quests and events have been added to the Promathia areas.

The Bastok quest "All By Myself" can now be played　regardless of whether or not one has the Chains of Promathia expansion pack installed.

The level restriction for the Tavnazia quest "The Big One" has been raised from 40 to 45.

The Old Sabertooth that plays a part in the quest "The Fanged One" will now only appear after a player has targeted the set of tiger bones in the Sauromugue Champaign.
In addition, the Old Sabertooth will no longer drop any items.

Only players who have accepted the quest "Hook, Line, and Sinker" will be able to fish the monster in Qufim that drops the Egret fishing rod.

A new reward for completing the quest "Tuning Out" has been added.

The contents of the treasure coffers in Castle Oztroja have been changed. Accordingly, certain items will now be obtainable through different methods.

Weather coverage has now expanded to Chains of Promathia areas.

Players can now only target the Brass Statue in Castle Oztroja for a limited amount of time.

Monsters can now be caught while fishing in all areas of Qufim and the Buburimu Peninsula.

Several events previously unavailable for replay through town bards, etc. have been added to the replay list.

Ballista

The following changes have been made to Ballista.
The following match types are area-specific:
All or Nothing (one match) * Normal Items Restricted: Jugner Forest
Best of Three (three matches) * Normal Items Restricted: Pashhow Marshlands
Best of Three (three matches) * Normal Items Allowed: Meriphataud Mountains
However, please note that items such as arrows, bullets, and projectiles are allowed in all areas.

A new "temporary item" system has been added.
Items that are dug up using the /quarry command can now be stored in one's inventory for the duration of the current Ballista match (set of matches). These items can be used at any time, but will be collected by the presiding Herald at the conclusion of the match.


Only one type of each temporary item can be held at a time. If a player happens to dig up an item he/she already possesses, it must be used immediately or thrown away.

A new point system for rating Ballista participants on their performance has been introduced.
Players will earn and lose "Ballista Points" for their various actions on the battlefield. These points can then be traded for vouchers that are automatically exchanged for temporary items during future matches.

Players will now build up a resistance to bards' lullabies after having the spell repeatedly cast on them.


[Battle-Related]

The following orb battles have been added:


Orb Trade Item Battlefield Battle Name Restrictions

Comet orb
50 beastmen's seals
---
Horlais Peak Eye of the Tiger Level 50
15 minutes
3 members

Waughroon Shrine The Final Bout Level 50
3 minutes
3 members

Balga's Dais Rapid Raptors Level 50
15 minutes
3 members

Qu'Bia Arena An Awful Autopsy Level 50
15 minutes
3 members
-----
Moon orb
60 beastmen's seals
---
Horlais Peak Shots in the Dark Level 60
15 minutes
3 members

Waughroon Shrine Up in Arms Level 60
15 minutes
3 members

Balga's Dais Wild Wild Whiskers Level 60
15 minutes
3 members

Qu'Bia Arena Celery Level 60
15 minutes
3 members
-----
Atropos orb
30 Kindred's seals
---
Horlais Peak Contaminated Colosseum No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members

Waughroon Shrine Prehistoric Pigeons No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members

Balga's Dais Moa Constrictors No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members
-----
Lachesis orb
30 Kindred's seals
---
Horlais Peak Today's Horoscope No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members

Waughroon Shrine Operation Desert Swarm No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members

Balga's Dais Royale Ramble No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members
-----
Clotho orb
30 Kindred's seals
---
Horlais Peak Double Dragonian No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members

Waughroon Shrine Copycat No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members

Balga's Dais Seasons Greetings No Level Restriction
30 minutes
6 members
-----

*Several gameplay issues have been discovered in the following three orb battles:
The Final Bout / Today's Horoscope / Moa Constrictors
Implementation of the battles will be delayed until the issues have been addressed. Please check upcoming news for further details.

If all party members' HP remain at zero for a set amount of time, the party will be removed from the battlefield.

The conditions for certain notorious monsters to appear, as well as the drop rates for the items they carry, have been adjusted.

Several new notorious monsters have been added to the Chains of Promathia areas.

The following adjustments have been made in Promyvion – Holla, Promyvion – Mea, Promyvion – Dem, and Promyvion – Vahzl:
Monster placement changes
Monster movement pattern changes
Monster level adjustments
Monster item drop changes
Memory stream appearance rates

An issue allowing the removal of the "HP Max Down" and "MP Max Down" effects with holy water or the spell Cursna has been addressed.

A new thief job trait that increases the agility bonus of the ability "Trick Attack" has been added.
This trait is called "Assassin."

The effects of select high- and low-level etudes have been adjusted.
High-level etudes will now raise a player's attributes considerably more than before. However, the enhancement will gradually wear off with time.

The dragoon job ability "Spirit Link" will now not only heal a pet wyvern's wounds, but also cure it of detrimental status effects such as poison.

A pet wyvern's breath attacks can now be used to produce magic bursts. However, only an accuracy bonus will be rewarded if the MB is successful.

An accuracy bonus is now rewarded when using "Blood Pact" attacks during magic bursts.

The strength of physical "Blood Pact" attacks will not increase as much when fighting enemies considerably weaker than the summoner. The damage ratio when fighting stronger enemies has not been adjusted.

The variety of items that can be dug up using the "Scavenge" ability has been increased.

The Goblin Archaeologists that are found in the Konschtat Highlands, Tahrongi Canyon, and on the La Theine Plateau can now see through the thief ability "Hide."

The additional Stun effect of certain weapons will no longer activate in succession.
However, it is still possible to repeatedly inflict the effect on a monster through magic spells and weapon skills.


[Item-Related]

The transaction fee for items put up on auction is now based on the seller's asking price. The formulas for calculating the transaction fee are listed below.

Jeuno auction houses:
Single item fee = 2% of the seller's asking price +100 gil.
Stacked item fee = 1% of the seller's asking price +400 gil.

Other auction houses:
Single item fee = 1% of the seller's asking price +1 gil.
Stacked item fee = 0.5% of the seller's asking price +4 gil.

In accordance with these adjustments, new messages will be displayed when putting items up on auction. Be sure to confirm these messages before completing a transaction.

The duration and effect of several foods have been adjusted.

Effects
Limits have been introduced to certain statuses that are affected by consuming meals and drinks. Those statuses are as follows:
attack/ranged attack/defense/accuracy/ranged accuracy/HP/MP

These limits vary with the type of food, as well as the consumer's job and level. We suggest trying many different combinations to see which foods are most effective in different situations.

Effect Types
The effects of most of the foods in FINAL FANTASY XI have been adjusted and categorized by type.
Please note that this categorization will not affect the listing of foods on auction.

Meat dishes
Mainly improve attributes such as STR, attack, and ranged attack.
Example: Grilled hare

Sushi
Mainly improve attributes such as DEX and accuracy.
There are also some types of sushi that improve ranged accuracy.
Example: Carp sushi

Fish dishes
Mainly improve DEX.
There are also some dishes that improve accuracy and ranged accuracy.
Example: Salmon sub

Seafood dishes (other than fish)
Mainly improve defense.
Example: Boiled crab

Cereals
Mainly raise maximum HP.
(The effects of most cereals did not require adjusting.)
Example: Roasted corn

Vegetable dishes
Mainly raise AGI and ranged accuracy.
Example: Pea soup

Mushroom dishes
Mainly raise MND, maximum MP, and lower enmity.
Example: Roast mushrooms

Pies
Mainly raise INT and maximum MP.
(The effects of most pies did not require adjusting.)
Example: Apple pie

Snack foods
Mainly raise amount of HP and MP healed when resting.
The effect duration of snack foods has been reduced to three minutes; however, synthesis production quantities, as well as maximum stack quantities, have been increased.
Example: Garlic cracker

Sweets (other than pies and snack foods)
Mainly raise maximum MP.
Example: Snoll gelato

Drinks
Mainly refresh MP.
(The effects of most drinks did not require adjusting.)
Example: Pineapple juice

Others
There are foods that do not fall into any of the above categories. These items have effects that may differ from those items listed here.

Duration of Effect
The duration of most food effects have been adjusted based on the dish's new categorization.

3 minutes:
Snack foods (crackers, etc.)

5 minutes:
High-quality snack foods, raw meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables

30 minutes:
Stackable (12) dishes

1 hour:
Stackable (12) high-quality dishes

3 hours:
Unstackable dishes (not including drinks)

4 hours:
Unstackable high-quality dishes

The "enhances effect of rice balls" attribute found on certain equipment has been enhanced.

The graphics of select throwing weapons have been altered.

The icon graphics for the following items have been changed:
Uchitake/Tsurara/Kawahori-Ogi/Makibishi/Hiraishin/Mizu-Deppo/Shihei/
Jusatsu/Kaginawa/Sairui-Ran/Kodoku/Shinobi-Tabi/Mighty Bow

The stack number for several select items has been increased.
In accordance with these adjustments, the buying and selling prices of the aforementioned items have also been changed.

Item Before After
Rolanberry Pie 1 >> 12
Rolanberry Pie +1 1 >> 12
Pamama Tart 1 >> 12
Opo-opo Tart 1 >> 12
Ginger Cookie 12 >> 99
Coin Cookie 12 >> 99
Wild Cookie 12 >> 99
Acorn Cookie 12 >> 99
Spicy Cracker 12 >> 99
Red Hot Cracker 12 >> 99
Garlic Cracker 12 >> 99
Garlic Cracker +1 12 >> 99
Goblin Chocolate 12 >> 99
Hobgoblin Chocolate 12 >> 99
Bretzel 12 >> 99
Cinna-cookie 12 >> 99
Wizard Cookie 12 >> 99
Salmon Rice Ball 1 >> 12
Naval Rice Ball 1 >> 12
Broiled Pipira 1 >> 12
Broiled Carp 1 >> 12
Broiled Trout 1 >> 12
Broiled Eel 1 >> 12
Party Egg 1 >> 12


Players can now receive their reward immediately after trading anima to Harith in the quest "Empty Memories."

The effect duration of the item "yellow liquid" when used in the Chains of Promathia mission (chapter 2) has been increased.

Hippogryph tail feathers can now be traded.

Players can now possess more than one "mistmelt."

The number of items required to obtain a mistmelt in the quest "Fly High" has been reduced.

The number of items required to obtain a pinch of Shu'Meyo salt in the quest "Bombs Away" has been reduced.

The equip slot for the following items has been changed from "Waist" to "Back":
Ether Tank/Water Tank/Potion Tank

The buying price for the following items has been adjusted:
Black Sole/Silver Shark/Bastore Bream


[System-Related]

By pressing the Enter key on the keyboard or the confirm button on the controller while viewing the "Price History" of an item on auction, a player can display the date and time of sale, the unabbreviated buyer and seller names, and the sale price in the log window.

The order of messages that appear when using the /nominate, /vote, and /propose commands has been adjusted.

The chat filter has been expanded to include NPCs.

NPC Filter
Previously, all PCs and NPCs (monsters included) not in a player's party or alliance were treated as "others." However, with the addition of the NPC category in the chat filter, players can now toggle on and off the display of text relating to the actions of other PCs, without filtering NPC actions (and
vice versa).

Pet Filter
Messages regarding the actions of a player's pet are now categorized with the actions of his/her master. To filter the pet messages from a party member, a player would have to use the party filter options. However, to filter the pet messages of a non-party/alliance member PC, the player must use the NPC filters. This type of usage may be changed in a future patch.

Filter Accuracy
The accuracy of the existing chat filters has been improved. This has been achieved by assigning priority levels to different types of PCs and NPCs.

For example, previously, when a member of a player's party cast a spell on another member of the party, the "Effects of special actions on party" filter would not cover up the spell message; it could be filtered using "Effects of special actions on others." However, now that character priority levels have been introduced, this anomaly no longer occurs.

Also, HP recovery messages are now covered by the "Effects of special actions" filters.

[fastcart]

http://www.playonline.com/updateus/041007rj2qe8.html

Oct. 7, 2004 (JST*) Update Details
*Japan Standard Time

New Promathia missions have been added.

Players undertaking the Promathia mission "The Savage" will now be able to proceed from Riverne - Site #A01 to Monarch Linn. However, it will not be possible to enter the battlefield for "The Savage" unless Monarch Linn has been accessed from Riverne - Site #B01.

In the quest "All by Myself," the status of "Invisible" will be canceled while the level restriction is in effect. Also, an issue during the quest where other parties were unable to attack monsters that the NPC had disengaged has been addressed.

The effect of the monster ability to draw in opponents has been extended to include pets, avatars, and wyverns.

An issue in level restricted areas concerning level 75 characters gaining limit points regardless of the accumulation mode setting has been addressed.

An issue in level restricted areas concerning the number of experience points gained being calculated incorrectly when high-level party members are KO’d has been addressed. All other instances of the number of experience points gained in special circumstances being incorrectly calculated have also been addressed.

The amount of time that elapses before certain monsters and NMs reappear after being defeated has been altered in several areas. No changes have been made for monsters that only appear after a certain condition has been met.

The coordinates where a characters appears after using the black magic spell "Escape" has been changed for the following areas:
Promyvion – Vahzl/Spire of Vahzl

The type of monsters appearing in several areas has been changed.

The location of several monsters in the following areas has been altered:
Uleguerand Range/Attohwa Chasm/King Ranperre's Tomb

PCs and NPCs in battle, or the currently targeted PC/NPC have been given display priority.

An issue where crystals could be obtained from monsters that do not yield experience points while wearing the Kingdom Aketon, Republic Aketon, or the Federation Aketon has been addressed.

Adjustments will be made to the length of time the "Memory Stream" remains active in the following areas:
Promyvion – Holla/Promyvion – Mea/Promyvion – Dem/Promyvion – Vahzl

An issue concerning parts of the Oldton Movalpolos area that could be accessed by means not normally possible has been addressed.

The names of the following dark stalker monsters in Lufaise Meadows have been changed:
Formor Monk -> Fomor Monk
Formor Black Mage -> Fomor Black Mage
Formor Summoner -> Fomor Summoner

Item drop rates for monsters in the Chains of Promathia areas have been adjusted.

Guild members now reveal synthesis recipes that have previously been kept secret.

The purchase price for the following items has been adjusted:
Antlion Jaw/Bugard Skin/Bugard Leather

The item "antacid" is now stackable. The number of these items producable by synthesis has also been adjusted accordingly

It will no longer be possible to unequip “Enchanted” or “Dispensing” items during use.

The following item name has been changed:
"Shade Spats" -> "Shade Leggings"

An issue concerning a difference in the color of certain text between the Windows version and the PlayStation2 version has been addressed.

The previous cursor position will no longer be remembered by the "Refined Search Option Menu."

An issue where a "polboot.exe" error was detected when performing a FINAL FANTASY XI file check on the PlayOnline Viewer has been addressed. (Windows version only.)

http://www.playonline.com/updateus/040914gs7tr3.html

Sep. 14, 2004 (JST*) Update Details
*Japan Standard Time

[Event-Related]

A "Chains of Promathia" page has been added to the mission menu.

A new quest to increase the size of a player's gobbiebag has been implemented. A player must have completed the "Gobbiebag IV" quest in order for the new quest to be triggered.

Several new key items can now be purchased with guild points. Using these key items allows players to synthesize a plethora of new, never-before-seen products.
The key item obtainable at the Fishermen's Guild improves an angler's chances of catching certain prey.

The following changes have been made to Ballista:
-A variety of new items can be dug up using the /quarry command.
-When the special rule, "The potency of Sleep will be decreased" is applied in a Ballista match, players will gradually build up a resistance to Sleep if the spell is continuously cast on them.
-If the Chains of Promathia expansion pack is installed, exclusive Conflict BGM will play during all matches.

A new activity known as "clamming" is now available on the coast of a certain area.

Two new regions--the Tavnazian Archipelago and Movalpolos--have been added. Also, a number of new areas have been added to existing regions.

New "escort" quests have been added. In addition, players will now be able to cancel a previously accepted escort quest if they do not wish to complete it.

Dozens of new quests have been added in all four nations, as well as the new Chains of Promathia areas.

Nomad Moogles have been placed in several new areas.

The area a player reappears in after completing the Zilart mission "The Celestial Nexus" has been adjusted. This change does not affect any aspects of the story.

The number of areas where players can fish monsters has been increased.


[Battle-Related]

A variety of new monsters have been added to the Chains of Promathia areas.
Some of these enemies have the ability to see through Sneak and Invisible spells.

The range of select monsters' ranged and area attacks has been adjusted.

Elementals can now use enhancing magic.

Monsters caught while fishing, as well as those that appear when the security system of the "matter emulators" is in effect, will now only attack the player that caused the monster to spawn. However, these monsters can be attacked by anyone (as long as the color of the name has not changed to purple).

The viral attacks used by certain Chains of Promathia monsters have new detrimental effects.

The maximum amount of experience that can be earned from a single battle has been increased to 250 for players from level 51-60, and to 300 for players from level 61-75. In accordance with this change, the maximum amount of experience that can be earned during EXP chains has also been increased.

The "Moogle Merit Management" system that was introduced in the July 2004 version update has been expanded.

[HP/MP]
Max HP / Max MP

[Attributes]
STR/ DEX/ VIT/ AGI / INT / MND / CHR

[Combat Skills]
Hand-to-Hand Skill / Dagger Skill / Sword Skill / Great Sword Skill / Axe Skill / Great Axe Skill / Scythe Skill / Polearm Skill / Katana Skill / Great Katana Skill / Club Skill / Staff Skill / Archery Skill / Marksmanship Skill / Throwing Skill / Guarding Skill / Evasion Skill / Shield Skill / Parrying Skill

[Magic Skills]
Divine Magic Skill / Healing Magic Skill / Enhancing Magic Skill / Enfeebling Magic Skill / Elemental Magic Skill / Dark Magic Skill / Singing Skill / String Instrument Skill / Wind Instrument Skill / Ninjutsu Skill / Summoning Magic Skill

[Other Skills]
Enmity Increase / Enmity Decrease / Critical Hit Rate / Enemy Critical Hit Rate / Spell Interruption Rate

Only the skills which current level 75 job possess can be increased.
The attributes in each of the above five categories can only be raised a limited number of times. This is known as a “combination.”
Depending on his/her main job, raising combat skill may not necessarily allow a player to use certain weapon skills, which can be learned through quests.

For more detailed information on Moogle Merit Management, select "Game Guide" from the FINAL FANTASY XI top page and read the “Merit Points” section located in the manual under "Game Basics."

The effect of Enhancing Magic will wear off upon entering areas with level restriction or battlefields related to those areas.

Players will now receive experience points when fighting monsters in level-restricted areas (this only applies when fighting in the new Chains of Promathia areas). The amount earned per battle will be calculated using the following two methods, with the player receiving the higher total of the two:
(a) EXP calculations made based on current party level and number of party members * 0.5
(b) EXP calculations made based on actual party level (before level was restricted) and number of party members * 1.0

EXP chain bonuses are based on the party level before the restriction.
When in merit point accumulation mode, all EXP earned in this fashion will be changed to limit points.

When a player is KO'd while in a level-restricted area, the amount of EXP lost is determined by the player's level after entering the area.

The MP cost for the white magic spell Dia II has been reduced from 59 to 30.

The MP costs for the black magic spells Bio and Bio II have been reduced from 22 and 66 to 15 and 36, respectively. In addition, the amount of damage caused by the spells will now be affected by the caster’s dark magic skill. This adjustment also affects the damage caused by Bio III (used only by monsters).

"Scythe" has been added to a black mage's combat skills. Black mages will now be able to equip certain new weapons.

The skillchain element of the dagger weapon ability "Evisceration" has been changed.

The recast time for the paladin ability "cover" has been lowered from 5 minutes to 3.

The level required for paladins to use the white magic spell "Raise" has been lowered from 75 to 50.

The area of effect for bard "etudes" has been changed to "single party member." Also, the casting time of these songs has been substantially reduced.

The casting time of the bard song "Goddess's Hymnus" has been reduced.

The effectiveness of the ninjutsu "Utsusemi" now relies on the type of attack that is being used on the caster. When attacked, the following five outcomes can occur:

Caster evades attack and one "copy image" is lost.
This normally occurs when the caster is hit with a single physical or magical attack.

The number of lost copy images varies.
This normally occurs when the caster is hit with an area attack such as Whirl of Rage. The number of copy images lost (and extra damage taken) is calculated by taking into account the potency of the attack as well as the caster's current ninjutsu skill level.

All copy images are lost and the caster takes damage.
This normally occurs when the caster is hit with an area attack spell such as Firega.

The caster takes damage without losing any of his/her copy images.
This normally occurs when the caster is hit with breath, or self-destruct type attacks.

The caster is enfeebled without losing any of his/her copy images.
This normally occurs when the caster is hit with an enfeebling spell that does not inflict damage, such as Silence.
All enemy attacks fall into one of the above categories.
The copy images created by the spells Blink and Aerial Armor can also be removed in the same manner as that explained under "the number of lost copy images varies" (above).

The dragoon weapon skill "Wheeling Thrust" has been enhanced.

Dragoons are now able to equip select throwing weapons.

When a dragoon uses the "Super Jump" ability during a battle, now his/her wyvern will also perform a super jump, preventing the monster from attacking the pet. However, this jump will not affect the wyvern's enmity.

Avatars can now participate in skillchains and magic bursts by carefully timing the use of the ability "Blood Pact."

The damage and accuracy of several avatar attacks have been adjusted.

The macro command <pettp> can be used to view a pet, wyvern, or avatar’s current TP.
The charmed pet’s TP decreasing, while it is not in the combat mode, is by design.

Avatar TP will now affect the damage of select magical Blood Pact attacks. Just as with normal player TP, after the attack, the avatar's TP will be reset to zero. Avatar TP does not affect physical, enhancing, or enfeebling Blood Pact techniques, and thus will not be lost after an avatar uses one of these abilities.

It is necessary to defeat the monster's wyvern to complete the orb battle, "Amphibian Assault" successfully. The "Amphibian Assault" can be accessed from Sacrificial Chamber by using the Moon Orb.

Continued...

[fastcart]

http://www.playonline.com/updateus/040914gs7tr3.html Sep. 14, 2004 (JST*) Update Details Continued.

[Item-Related]

Two new types of weapons and armor--"enchanted" and "dispensing"--have been added.


1 -> The item's "charge" number
This number indicates how many times a player can use the item's special properties.
Example: 28/30 shows the item's special properties have been used twice out of a total of 30 times.
Note: Only fully "charged" items can be placed on auction.

2 -> Counter
The moment an enchanted or dispensing item is equipped or used, this timer begins to count down. When it has reached zero, the player will be able to activate the item's special properties.
To activate these properties, select the equipment from the item menu and "use" it.

3 -> Recast Time
The amount of time required to reuse the item's special properties.

4 -> Equip Delay
The amount of time a player must wait after equipping the item until he/she can activate its special properties.

Mission Rank 10 conquest items are now available. These cannot be obtained from the Ducal Guards in Jeuno.

New vendors selling specialty goods from new regions have appeared in Windurst, San d'Oria, and Bastok.

Several shops are now offering new items.

A number of new items, weapons, and armor have been introduced.

The buying price for Padded Caps has been adjusted.

An issue where players wearing cursed armor would "intimidate" themselves has been addressed.

Players can now revoke their "craftsman" (or above) status by talking to a guildmaster when the following conditions are met:
1) The crafting skill at that guild is over 60.
2) The crafting skill at that guild is the highest of all the player's skills.
3) The player is a registered craftsman in at least one other guild.
If the player chooses to revoke his/her status in a certain guild, his/her rank will automatically be lowered to "journeyman" and his/her skill lowered to 60.

Several new synthesis recipes have been added.

The chance of catching "rusty caps" while fishing has been adjusted in several areas.

New bait/lures have been added.

Damage calculation of the following weapons has been adjusted. Damage will now be more directly related to the attacker's STR and the defender's VIT.

Musketeer's sword +1 / Musketeer's sword +2 / Musketeer Gun +1 / Musketeer Gun +2 / Musketeer's Pole +1 / Musketeer's Pole +2 / Royal Knight Army Lance +1 / Royal Knight Army Lance +2 / Temple Knight Army Sword +1 / Temple Knight Army Sword +2 / Tactician Magician's Espadon +1 / Tactician Magician's Espadon +2 / Tactician Magician's Hooks +1 / Tactician Magician's Hooks +2 / Tactician Magician's Wand +1 / Tactician Magician's Wand +2 / Rune Blade / Rune Axe / Rune Staff / Rune Bow / Rune Chopper / Rune Rod / Rune Halberd / Iron-splitter / Iron-splitter +1 / Kanesada +1 / Shinkanesada / Platoon Zaghnal / Mutilator / Manoples / Manoples +1 / Orichalcum Dagger / Triton's Dagger / Verdun / Verdun +1 / Wind Fan / Kilo Fan / Mega Fan / Caduceus / Fukuro / HibariHibari +1 / Muketsu / Muketsu +1 / Kheten / Kheten +1 / Faussar / Faussar +1 / Barchha / Barchha +1 / Kyofu / Kyofu +1 / Keppu / Keppu +1 / Gust Claymore / Gust Claymore +1 / Gust Sword / Gust Sword +1 / Gust Tongue / Gust Tongue +1 / Rune Arrow / Platoon Dagger / Platoon Sword / Platoon Axe / Platoon Lance / Ganko / Gunromaru / Platoon Cesti / Platoon Edge / Platoon Cesti / Platoon Mace / Platoon Zaghnal / Platoon Bow / Platoon Gun / Platoon Cutter / Platoon Spatha / Platoon Disc / Tourney Patas / Meteor Cesti / Balan's Sword / Balin's Sword / Raifu / Gawaine's Axe / Light Boomerang / Nokizaru Shuriken / Mantra Coin / Optical Needle / Nazar Bonjuk / Kakanpu / Behourd Lance / Schwarz Lance / Dreizack / Schiltron Spear / Mutilator / Havoc Scythe / King Maker / Calveley's Dagger / Jongleur's Dagger / Stylet / Argent Dagger / Thanatos Baselard / Taillefer's Dagger / Leopard Axe / Woodville's Axe / Kriegsbeil / Harlequin's Horn / Kagehide / Omokage / Shinsoku / Ohaguro / Sairen / Unsho / Unji / Dusky Staff / Himmel Stock / Archalaus's Pole / Somnus Signa / Grim Staff / Capricorn Staff / Zen Pole / Wyvern Perch / Sealed Mace / Purgatory Mace / Shikar Bow / Armbrust / Grosveneur's Bow / Ziska's Crossbow / Grudge Sword / Guespiere / Bayard's Sword / Buzzard Tuck / De Saintre's Axe / Military Gun / Military Pole / Military Harp / Military Pick / Military Spear / Military Axe / Mighty Bow / Mighty Cudgel / Mighty Pole / Mighty Talwar / Rai Kunimitsu / Nukemaru / Mighty Pick / Mighty Knife / Mighty Zaghnal / Mighty Lance / Mighty Axe / Mighty Patas / Mighty Sword / Bourdonasse / Angel Lyre / Honebami / Prelatic Pole / Princely Sword


[System-Related]

Players now have the option to jump directly to the FINAL FANTASY XI top page when starting up the PlayOnline Viewer. To do this the following steps must be taken:
PlayStation®2 users -> Placing the FINAL FANTASY XI: Chains of Promathia disc in the tray when starting the viewer will take a player directly to the FINAL FANTASY XI top page.
Windows users -> Double-clicking the FINAL FANTASY XI desktop shortcut will take players into the PlayOnline Viewer. By adjusting "shortcut commands" within the viewer's main menu, a player can choose to have the FINAL FANTASY XI desktop shortcut take him/her directly to the FINAL FANTASY XI top page.
By using the new text command /shutdown, players can log out of FINAL FANTASY XI and the PlayOnline Viewer simultaneously. This command will shut down a PlayStation®2 user's console, while it will take a Windows user back to his/her desktop.

The following terms have been added to the auto-translate function.

Category Word/Phrase
Titles Theologian
Titles Cardinal
Text Commands /lsmes
Text Commands /shutdown
Location Rear
Place Names Manaclipper
Place Names Bibiki Bay
Place Names Attohwa Chasm
Place Names Boneyard Gully
Place Names Pso'Xja
Place Names The Shrouded Maw
Place Names Uleguerand Range
Place Names Bearclaw Pinnacle
Place Names Oldton Movalpolos
Place Names Newton Movalpolos
Place Names Mine Shaft #2716
Place Names Tavnazian Safehold
Place Names Lufaise Meadows
Place Names Misareaux Coast
Place Names Sealion's Den
Place Names Phomiuna Aqueducts
Place Names Sacrarium
Place Names Riverne - Site #B01
Place Names Riverne - Site #A01
Place Names Monarch Linn
Place Names Promyvion - Holla
Place Names Spire of Holla
Place Names Promyvion - Dem
Place Names Spire of Dem
Place Names Promyvion - Mea
Place Names Spire of Mea
Place Names Promyvion - Vahzl
Place Names Spire of Vahzl
Place Names Phanauet Channel
Place Names Carpenters' Landing
Place Names Hall of Transference
Equipment Parts main
Equipment Parts sub
Equipment Parts range
Equipment Parts ammo
Equipment Parts head
Equipment Parts neck
Equipment Parts L.ear
Equipment Parts R.ear
Equipment Parts body
Equipment Parts hands
Equipment Parts L.ring
Equipment Parts R.ring
Equipment Parts back
Equipment Parts waist
Equipment Parts legs
Equipment Parts feet


After the Chains of Promathia expansion pack has been installed, new BGM will play at the opening screen. After repeating several times, the BGM returns to the older version.

Certain auction house messages have been adjusted.


[Windows Version Only]

Under the "Global" tab in the FINAL FANTASY XI Configuration Tool, a new feature allowing the creation of a desktop shortcut directly to the FINAL FANTASY XI top page has been added.

http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/polnews/news2302.shtml

From:FINAL FANTASY XI
Jul. 19, 2004 12:20 [PDT]

FINAL FANTASY XI Update (Jul. 19)

At the following time, a version update was performed on FINAL FANTASY XI.

*There will also be a client update to follow. The update will start automatically by pressing the "Play" button. Please follow the instructions on your screen to begin the update process.

[Date & Time]
Jul. 19, 2004 from 10:00 to 12:15 (PDT)

[Affected Services]
FINAL FANTASY XI

[Important Update Details]

-A message displaying the number of limit points earned now appears after each battle.

Example:

Limit Chain!
Destiny gains 100 limit points. (Total: 512/10000)

- "Total" indicates a player's current number of limit points.
- The number of limit chains is not displayed.
- When a player has reached 10,000 limit points after obtaining the maximum number of merit points, the message above will no longer appear.

-New varieties of orb battles have been implemented.

Themis orb -- 99 Kindred's seals

The battles that require a Themis orb are as follows:

Area: Horlais Peak
Battle Name: Horns of War
Level Restriction: None
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Member Restriction: 18