where to start?

[Beezlbubzy]

Ive read somewhere that choosing a good place to start can have some greate beggining bonuses, like taru-taru's starting in windale start with a nice ring, wheres a good place to start a elvaan monk?

beez

[eriatarka]

Re: where to start?

if you want a pretty ring chose sandioria =S

2 Def
+1MND
+1STR

if for some reason you dont like sandy, you can start out there to get the ring but travel to say bastok and level up there. Eventually when you have enough money you can change your nation to w/e ^_^

[Beezlbubzy]

Re: where to start?

thanks, so how long would you geneeraly keep the ring?

[Eldege]

Re: where to start?

you will get drop or put it in storage when you get +2 str rings at lvl 14. =/ (Courage ring +1)

[Beezlbubzy]

Re: where to start?

I gotta wait till x-mas to register with playonline, so im trying to set myself up a bit while i wait.

so im guessing a ring that'll last 14 or so lvls is kinda worth it

[Lunaryn]

Re: where to start?

Probably. It's a question of whether you want to be San d'Orian, really. I'd say go ahead and start there, talk to NPCs, do a few quests, do the first mission, fight some Ronfaure mobs. If it's really grating, you can either delete/recreate elsewhere, or you can journey to another nation and try to change nationality.

You can, in fact, make the trip from one nation to another at level 1, if you understand how aggressive mobs work and learn to avoid them. Not long ago, Windurst conquered Gustaberg (Bastok's newbie region) and the following week Bastok conquered Sarutabaruta (Windurst's newbie region), and each time I sent one of my mules on the supply run for the outpost (my Bastok mule's still in Windurst right now). Mind you, in hindsight, I could have just bought the Bastok mule a Dream Hat, given out a few presents, and teleported to Windurst, but making the trip on foot was certainly cheaper at any rate.

For reference, you'll want a Map of San d'Oria (you start with one if you're a San d'Orian citizen) for any trip between nations, as that covers Valkurm Dunes and Selbina. You'll also want a map for whatever other nation(s) you're headed for. The routes in each case:

San d'Oria to Bastok:
West Ronfaure > La Theine Plateau > Valkurm Dunes > Konschtat Highlands > North Gustaberg > South Gustaberg
In Valkurm, watch for Sand Bats in the tunnel, they aggro, and if there are any there you'll most likely need to wait for a passing high-level to kill them.

San d'Oria to Windurst:
West Ronfaure > La Theine Plateau > Valkurm Dunes > Selbina > Cargo Ship > Mhaura > Buburimu Peninsula > Tahrongi Canyon > East Sarutabaruta
There's a cargo ship which ferries passengers between Selbina and Mhaura for 100gil. It departs at 0:00, 8:00, and 16:00 each game day.

Windurst to Bastok is basically the same as Windurst to San d'Oria until you leave Selbina, then it's the same as San d'Oria to Bastok.

Please note: Although it is entirely possible to make any of these trips at level 1, learning the aggro patterns of mobs is frustrating and time-consuming. I was nearly level 25 by the time I knew how to dodge aggro well enough to be confident doing this trip as level 1. You'll probably fail several times at making the trip before you manage. Having a WHM, RDM, or PLD who can cast Raise help escort you may be a good idea if you're having problems.

[bikkebakke]

Re: where to start?

the ring isnt good enough that it should affect your decision. pick the environment you like.

[The Don]

Re: where to start?

Beez, youre worrying too much! You'll just have to play the game. I only say this because these questions are only based on how you play (or will play) the job. Keep in contact with me. Maybe I could show you around Shiva Server sometime.

[Eldege]

Re: where to start?

i personally like the windy place. so thats where i started. i didnt get a ring or anything, but i really dont care much, because i like the place, and i think the story line is great. really, the ring sucks. not at lvl 1 or anything but when you get up its just somthing that no one uses.
when i start a new class i dont have rings till lvl 14. and the people i party with dont care at all.

[aegina]

Re: where to start?

i play in sandoria, not for any ring, but just because i like the way the stage is laid out.

really, there isn't a terribly big difference between the three starting cities, and the ring isn't game changing in any noticable way. just choose the nation you like because you think you will like that nation. that's what i say

[bikkebakke]

Re: where to start?

personally i think windy has the best storyline

[Armando]

Re: where to start?

I agree with the above posters. Pick the race that you like and start in the nation that you like. The rings are nice but not only do they become obsolete at level 14, but you can obtain them later on at Rank 3 with CP. Also, the +1 in two stats that the rings give are ok, but they're not overwhelming; it won't hurt you at all not to have it.

[Lunaryn]

Re: where to start?

It depends a lot on your playstyle and tastes, and if you're of an RP bent, your character's nature. Bastok was *perfect* for my Tarutaru pickpocket. San d'Oria's perfect for my friend's aspiring Tarutaru knight. Each of them really can't stand the other's nation.

[LadyPeorth]

Re: where to start?

Windurst is a great place to start for a Monk. Alot of their conquest gear works nicely on Monk

[Beezlbubzy]

Re: where to start?

sweet, thanks for your help everyone
I think ill start in sandioria