FINAL FANTASY XIV "CRYSTAL'S CALL" Trailer

The new trailer for FFXIV focuses heavily on story and exciting the players by providing the setting for truly epic events to come...

Will you answer the Crystal's Call?

FFXIV on PS4 Confirmed at E3!

Additionally, FFXV (versus XIII) and KH 3 look amazing!

Source: Polygon

Square Enix E3 Schedule

Thought it would be helpful for some who have hard time finding the info to post the Square Enix E3 scheduled info.

We don't have Timezones it seems but Tuesday will be a Live Letter from the Producer at 4PM.
Wednesday there will be more FFXIV info about the content and community 4PM.
And Thursday a second Live Letter at 2PM.

I don't know about the rest of you but I am also highly looking forward to some of the KH info!

Recently released was the program schedule for Square Enix at E3, in the form of a handy PDF.  While Versus and other anticipated projects are not present individually, there is a section entitled “Future of Final Fantasy Press Conference Recap” on the last day. If Versus (or any other titles) are revealed at the Sony Conference the evening before E3, this is the period they’ll be showing up in.

*As a disclaimer, all times below are written in 12/12 (nonmilitary) time using PST/PDT (West Coast USA) as the timezone, since that is where the event is taking place.

Tuesday Schedule

12:00 (Noon) ~ Grand Opening
12:30PM ~ Square Enix Members-Booth Walkthrough: Thief Theater
1:00PM ~ Deep Silver Presents-Saints Row IV
1:30PM ~ Square Enix Presents-Community Contest
2:00PM ~ Square Enix Members-Exclusive Interview: Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix
3:00PM ~ Square Enix Presents-E3 Trailer Lineup
4:00PM ~ Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn – Producer Live Letter 1
5:00PM ~ Square Enix Channel! in E3 Part 1
6:00PM ~ Day 1 Closing

Wednesday Schedule

9:45AM ~ Day 2 Opening
10:00AM ~ Square Enix Channel! in E3 Part 2
11:00AM ~ Focus On~Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix
11:30AM ~ Murdered: Soul Suspect Theater Walkthrough
12:00 (Noon) ~ Eidos Montreal Studio Walkthrough and Dev Roundtable
1:00PM ~ Focus On~Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
1:30PM ~ Square Enix Presents-E3 Trailer Lineup
2:30PM ~ Square Enix Presents-Community Contest
3:00PM ~ Square Enix Members Exclusive Interview-Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII & Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster
4:00PM ~ Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn-Battle Event Recap & Community
5:00PM ~ Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII & Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster Twitter Session
6:00PM ~ Day 2 Closing

Thursday Schedule

9:45AM ~ Day 3 Opening
10:00AM ~ Square Enix Members Exclusive Interview-Deus Ex Human Revolution: Director’s Cut
10:30AM ~ Perfecting the Art of Play-Behind Square Enix Products
11:00AM ~ Jam Dat Turbo @ Square Enix
11:30PM ~ Murdered: Soul Suspect Theater Walkthrough
12:00 (Noon) ~ Future of Final Fantasy Press Conference Recap
12:30PM ~ Square Enix Members Exclusive Interview-Deus Ex Human Revolution: The Fall
1:00PM ~ Square Enix Presents-E3 Trailer Lineup
2:00PM ~ Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn – Producer Live Letter 2
3:00PM ~ Square Enix Members Exclusive Interview-New iPhone/iPad title
3:30PM ~ Crystal Dynamics Uncut
4:00PM ~ Square Enix Presents-Community Contest
4:30PM ~ Grand Finale

Square Enix E3 Schedule

Character Data Transfer Update And Tons of Other Info

SE has finally announced information about what every 1.0 player has been waiting for!  The character transfer process/integration from 1.0 to 2.0.

Some highlights from the info:

-attribute points are reset
-quests will be reset for lack of a better term considering everything is new
-you may view the old quests in your journal
-the relic quests progress will be saved; however, it is not accessible until the official launch of 2.0
-NPCs will be available for players whose inventory was overcapacity for 2.0 standards
-the inn's armoire is still available after you unlock inns in 2.0
-spiritbonding and durability is reset
-1.0 gear will be less powerful, not dye-able, and cannot have materia melded to it
-friendlists/blacklists/linkshells will all transfer, but you will have to accept your friends again
-mounts are no longer key items
-gotta hoof it and collect all the teleports again


All character data from FINAL FANTASY XIV Version 1.0 (hereafter referred to as Version 1.0) will be transferred to FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn (hereafter referred to as FFXIV: ARR). 

Data will be transferred for all FINAL FANTASY XIV service accounts with preexisting character data, regardless of subscription status.

Extensive changes have been made to various items, abilities, and game systems, which will affect players with existing character data. The details of these changes have been outlined below.

* Version 1.0 data migration testing will take place during beta phase 3.
* All transferred data will be deleted upon completion of phase 3. However, Version 1.0 data will be transferred again at the start of phase 4, and be carried over to the official release.
* Circumstances may necessitate the deletion of character data during phase 4. In this event, character data will be transferred once more before the start of official service.

Worlds

For FFXIV: ARR, additional data centers have been established in regions outside of Japan. Version 1.0 character data has been transferred to these regional data centers, and will be subsequently transferred to Worlds bearing the same names as before.

In the event that your character data has been transferred to an undesired region, we ask that you submit a World transfer application. Applications will be accepted during phase 3, and transfers will occur during phase 4.

Please read over the details of the World transfer before filling out the application.

Characters

FFXIV: ARR has been created with an entirely new graphics engine, and has also seen the addition of new races including Highlander females, Miqo'te males, and Roegadyn females. In light of these changes, players will be given the opportunity to change the appearance of Version 1.0 characters. All aspects can be altered, including race, gender, and name. Please note that changes can only be performed once.

Selecting Version 1.0 Characters for the First Time

Regardless of gear worn during the final save of Version 1.0 (November 1, 2012), Version 1.0 characters will be shown wearing race-specific starting gear.

Modifying Version 1.0 Characters

The appearance of Version 1.0 Characters can only modified when logging in for the first time after the start of official service. You cannot perform changes during phase 3 of the beta test. * If you believe your Version 1.0 character data has been improperly transferred, please contact the support center.

Starting Cities

When logging into FFXIV: ARR for the first time, your starting city will be determined by the starting class you choose. For example, selecting pugilist will place you in Ul'dah, and selecting marauder will place you in Limsa Lominsa. This is to ensure that characters start in the city that houses their guild.

Starting Class	Guild Location
Marauder Arcanist *	Limsa Lominsa
Archer Lancer Conjurer	Gridania
Pugilist Gladiator Thaumaturge	Ul'dah

*Arcanist will not be available during the beta test.
* Players cannot start as a Disciple of the Hand or Land. 

Attribute Points

All allocated attribute points will be reset. Please be aware that the number of points available for redistribution may differ due to rebalancing.

Classes and Jobs

Version 1.0 characters will retain their class and job levels. Unlike new characters, they will immediately have access to the Armoury system and possess the ability to change classes.
* Grand Company gear can only be equipped if you are enlisted in the corresponding company.
* Fisher will not be available in phase 3. 

Actions

Certain class and job actions have been altered as part of battle system revisions.

Class Actions

In FFXIV: ARR, certain actions such as Piercing Talon and Fluid Aura can only be obtained by completing class quests. Version 1.0 characters will also be required to complete these quests in order to acquire these skills.

Job Actions

All job actions obtained in Version 1.0 will be carried over to FFXIV: ARR. Please note, however, that these skills have been rebalanced.

Quests

All main quests, sidequests, class quests, and job quests have been redesigned in FFXIV: ARR. Assuming quest requirements are met, all Version 1.0 characters will be able to undertake these quests.

Completed quests from Version 1.0 will be viewable in the Journal menu.

* Version 1.0 quests will not be viewable during phase 3.

Although the sidequest "A Relic Reborn" has been changed, all progress made in this quest has been saved.

* The sidequest "A Relic Reborn" will be available following phase 4.

Items

Items held during the final save of Version 1.0 have been transferred to FFXIV: ARR. However, some items have been modified or removed.
* Items such as arrows, throwing weapons, and certain crafting materials have been automatically converted to gil. Please refer to the list of obsolete items. 

Items not found in your inventory can be retrieved from the Calamity Salvager NPCs. They can be found at the following locations:

Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks (X:11,Y:14)	Old Gridania (X:10,Y:8)	Ul'dah: Merchant's Strip - Steps of Thal (X:12,Y:13)

* The location of the Calamity Salvager NPCs may change at release

Retainers Hired in Version 1.0

The names and appearances of retainers as well as any items in their possession have been carried over from Version 1.0.

Players will be required to rehire their retainers by speaking with one of the following NPCs:

Frydwyb	Parnell	Chachabi
Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:8,Y:11)	Old Gridania (X:14,Y:9)	Ul'dah: Merchant's Strip (X:13,Y:9)

Hiring Retainers with Version 1.0 Characters

Unlike new characters, Version 1.0 characters can hire retainers immediately without the need to clear any particular quests.

The Appearance of Retainers from Version 1.0

Players will be allowed to change the appearance of retainers transferred from Version 1.0 one time only after the start of official service.
* You cannot change the appearance of retainers in your employ during the beta test. However, releasing and rehiring a retainer will change their appearance. Please note that in doing so, all items held by the retainer will be lost.

The Inn Armoire

In order to access the armoire inside the inn, players must unlock access to the inn by progressing through the main scenario quest line.

Spiritbond and Durability

The spiritbond of all gear has been reset to 0%.

The durability of all gear has been reset to 100%.

Dated Gear

Overall, dated gear is less powerful than gear obtainable in FFXIV: ARR.

Class requirements have been removed from dated gear.

Although dated gear cannot be dyed, some of these use colors not available in FFXIV: ARR.

Dated gear cannot be enhanced with materia.

The Monetary System, Crystals, and Inventory Limits

Please refer to the lodestone for detailed information on the following changes to items and the monetary system.

Gil

Crystals

Inventory Limits

Items Removed from Game

Items Converted to Gil

Items to Become Unobtainable

Items to Become Untradable

Items to Become Unsellable

Smallclothes

Gear dyeing

Waist Gear

Recommended Class to Become Required Class

Changes to Gear Attributes

High Quality Items

Obsolete Recipes

Materia

In accordance with revisions to the battle system, adjustments have been made to the materia system in FFXIV: ARR. Unlike new characters, Version 1.0 characters already capable of creating and attaching materia can use the materia crafting system without the need to complete any particular quests.

Linkshells, Friend Lists, and Blacklists

Any changes to player names will be reflected in linkshells, friend lists, and blacklists automatically.

Linkshells

All active linkshells have been carried over from Version 1.0. In the event a linkshell master moves to a different World, a new master will be selected automatically from the remaining members.

Friend Lists and Blacklists

Although friend lists and blacklists will be carried over from Version 1.0, players no longer in the same World will not be displayed. Also, please note that upon logging in to FFXIV: ARR for the first time, all players in your friend list from Version 1.0 will appear in a list of pending friend requests, which you must accept.
* Players can be deleted from this list.

Grand Companies

Version 1.0 characters will be required to progress through the main scenario quests in order to enlist in a Grand Company.

Enlisting in a Grand Company

Players will have the opportunity to choose a different Grand Company.

Ranks and Company Seals

Ranks and company seals will be restored to players upon reenlisting in their original Grand Company. Players who choose a different Grand Company will receive no such benefits.

* The ability to transfer to a different Grand Company will be implemented in an update following the start of official service.

Mounts

Personal Chocobos

Although Version 1.0 characters will not be enlisted in Grand Companies initially, those who possess a chocobo whistle will be able to summon personal chocobos.

In FFXIV: ARR, chocobo whistles are no longer key items. If there was no space in your inventory for the chocobo whistle, it can be retrieved by speaking with one of the Calamity Salvager NPCs.

Personal chocobos will be equipped with the barding worn during the final save of Version 1.0

Players can change the name of their personal chocobos by speaking with the Wandering Minstrel NPC standing near the Grand Company headquarters in each of the three cities.

Grand Company barding will only be available after enlisting in a Grand Company

* Should a Version 1.0 character enlist in a different Grand Company, their personal chocobo will remain equipped with the barding used in Version 1.0 until it is changed by the player.

Goobbues

Like the chocobo whistle, the goobbue horn is no longer a key item.

Other Systems

Maps

Areas that have yet to be visited by a player will not be displayed on the map. These areas will appear automatically as players explore.

Teleport and Aetherytes

All aetherytes in FFXIV: ARR have been reconstructed. As such, Version 1.0 characters must first attune themselves with these new aetherytes before they can teleport to them. Furthermore, anima is no longer required to use teleportation. Instead, players must pay fees in gil based on the distance to the destination.

Macros

Macros from Version 1.0 have not been carried over.

The Lodestone

A new version of The Lodestone has been created. Both versions will be available concurrently for a brief period of time. The current version will then be archived and made viewable through the new Lodestone.
* An announcement detailing the transition to the new Lodestone will be made at a later date.
* When players are no longer able to log in to the current Lodestone, blog entries, character biographies, linkshell profiles, and posts in linkshell forums will no longer be available for editing or deletion. Please note that only blog entries and linkshell forum threads that have been set to public will be viewable in the archive. 

The following information on The Lodestone will be archived:

Character biographies

Past blog entries

Uploaded photos

History

Lists of followers and users being followed.

Icons obtained from seasonal events

Linkshell profiles and linkshell forums

Please review previous topics for further information on the Lodestone and the transition to the new Lodestone.

Lodestone

World Transfer Information Accounced!

Seems SE has finally given us info regarding the world transfer process and which servers are going where.  It is still undisclosed where the servers are at but thanks to this post: Thanks to Doctor Mog and Others the mighty army of the internet has determined it is in Canada (refreshing to play a major title on east coast servers).  It should be noted that although Ragnarok was designated the Eu server it will still be at the same location as all the other NA/EU ones.

I don't know about anyone else but this with the anticipation of beta phase 3 in a week has got my excitement peaked for this title!

Here is the official Lodestone info:

Regional Data Center Placement

To ensure players in all regions have an enjoyable experience in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn, Worlds have been redistributed across newly established regional data centers as outlined below.

Characters from Version 1.0 will be automatically transferred to new Worlds bearing the same names as before.

Version 1.0			FFXIV: ARR
World Name	Location		World Name	Location
Ridill	Japan	→	Ridill	Japan
Masamune	Japan	→	Masamune	Japan
Durandal	Japan	→	Durandal	Japan
Aegis	Japan	→	Aegis	Japan
Gungnir	Japan	→	Gungnir	Japan
Sargatanas	Japan	→	Sargatanas	North America/Europe
Balmung	Japan	→	Balmung	North America/Europe
Hyperion	Japan	→	Hyperion	North America/Europe
Excalibur	Japan	→	Excalibur	North America/Europe
Ragnarok	Japan	→	Ragnarok	North America/Europe

* Ragnarok is recommended for players in the European time zones. Please note this is a recommendation only; players from other regions are free to play on Ragnarok.

World Transfers

To guarantee characters are placed in the appropriate region, we recommend submitting a World transfer application.

As the NDA will be lifted as of phase 3 of the beta test, you may freely consult with your friends in or outside the game before submitting your application.

* Players are free to transfer their characters to any region they desire.

Requirements

Applicants must have characters on their FINAL FANTASY XIV service accounts.

Application Period

Applications will be accepted starting mid-June. An announcement will be made at a later time when the date has been finalized.

World Transfer Date

At the start of beta phase 4.

World Transfer Application Process

During the World transfer application period indicated above, players will be able to select a destination World on the World Transfer Application Page.

* The World Transfer Application Page will go live at a later date.

Notes Regarding the World Transfer

All character data will be transferred, with the following exceptions:

Character Names

After the transfer, if two or more characters with the same first and last name exist in the same World, only one character can keep the name, based on the order of priority below.

1. Characters that qualify for Legacy status.
2. Characters whose subscriptions ended after September 30, 2012.
3. Characters that were created first.

In the event that your character must be renamed, please enter a new name by following the on-screen instructions when you first log in following the World transfer.
* Players may voluntarily rename their characters even if their name takes precedence.

Retainer Names

The names and appearances of retainers as well as any items in their possession have been carried over from Version 1.0. However, players who transfer Worlds will be required to rename their retainer.

Please review the details of the character data transfer.

* All items held by retainers will be carried over.

Linkshells

In the event a linkshell master moves to a different World, a new master will be selected automatically from the remaining members.

Friend lists／Blacklists

Although friend lists and blacklists will be carried over from Version 1.0, players no longer in the same World will not be displayed. Also, please note that players who were on your friend list will appear as pending friend requests, which you must accept.

The Lodestone

A new version of The Lodestone has been created. Both versions will be available concurrently for a brief period of time. The current version will then be archived and made viewable through the new Lodestone. Data including blogs and character history will no longer be updated.

Lodestone

Soon...

I doubt anyone checks their subs or anything anymore related to this blog, but I will be returning to FFXIV soon after brief forays into TERA, WOW, and various other games (mostly dota2).

When I get back onto 14 I will post whatever server I got threw on as well as my info.  Hope to hear from you people soon!

FInally Free Time is Upon Me

So, I haven't gotten to seriously grind in a week, still 33.  Can't wait for 36 and Rage of Halone Class Quest, I really feel this ability will play a huge role in doing damage and maintaining hate on mobs later since its damage is proportional to the damage you take.

In my down time this week I did manage to level up some subs because I didn't have the time to log in for a full party.  First, if you are a glad and do not have punishing barbs then you are doing it wrong.  This ability is the reason you can complete hard rank 40 levequests at rank 33 solo or in a duo.  Kamikaze'ing yourself on those stupid "oh i'm going to heal myself for 400 hp with a drain attack every 10 seconds" wolves is the only reliable way of killing them. 

Also, the new rank 40 style levequest is so boring.  *SPOILERS* Why does SE consider standing by a node for 10 minutes waiting for 3 packs of mobs you kill in 30 seconds an entertaining experience?  The only danger of these quests is aggroing the high leveled mobs in the area and it just doesn't feel like something they should have saved for the new style rank 40 leve.  Rank 30 and the necrologos quests were entertaining, at least the one where you pick up the pages, not the one where you hope for random drops for 30 minutes and pray the spawn locations aren't far away.  Hopefully, the new style of quest at 50 is more entertaining.

There is an unconfirmed, in my own opinion that is, bug I keep hearing about that having DEX over 40 provides no benefit to any player.  That it is broken and the only way to increase your accuracy is a new weapon.  I can attest that using the Vitality bonus rings and Mind bonus rings provide no increased HP or MP, respectively, so I assume that the accuracy rings are having the same problem.  But, they are harder to test because accuracy in this game is a bit hard to guage because mob level, even of the same type, varies in an area (not a lot, but enough to maybe skew accuracy test results).  Same goes for STR rings, there may be some sort of placebo effect people are seeing on these.

What does this mean for glads, well personally I have sank my DEX down to 40 and put those points into STR and VIT (please remember that MND is also a stat you want a few points in, I have mine around 30 as it does curve magic damage taken).  Now, I will admit that with a few mobs I noticed no decrease in accuracy meaning that the rumor may have some merit.  I'd like to see hard data on this but do not currently have the time myself because I am trying to stick to a schedule to hit 50 that I have currently fallen behind on.

In other news, I now have a higher rank (glad 33) than my physical level is (32).  This seems so off to me but was bound to happen with me not getting a craft over 20 yet.  So, in my down time coming up I plan to rank up blacksmith instead of armorer.  I can repair none of my gear as either class so I just feel like switching.  As a rank 18 armorer I can repair none of the rank 38 bronze gear and as a 15 blacksmith I cannot even repair my Iron Dagger which I will be replacing next level with an Elm Macuahuitl +1 that a wonderful LS mate (shout out to Delicious Cocoapuffs) made for me.  After that I have 2 Iron Falchions (sexy as hell if you ask me, finally a sword I can be proud of in this game!) that I had made by another LS mate and our resident blacksmith Rhaegar Targaryen.

Well that's all for now guys, feel free to post questions or suggestions for entries below and I'll work on them, in the mean time I am still trying to quantify the data on how much enmity abilities generate, but there have been inconsistencies and I do not want to publish the data until they are accounted for.

Yours Truly,
Ventus Invictus, a Saronian Gladiator