Final Fantasy 14

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FINAL FANTASY XIV takes the first intrepid steps into an unknown realm, and in doing so
a new place for adventurers of all creeds to call home is born — Eorzea.

Story(Sorta)

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In the world of Hydaelyn, the term Eorzea denotes the geographical region comprised of the
continent of Aldenard and its surrounding islands,
as well as the civilization which spawned there.
Calling the area home are several independent city-states,
the most notable being Limsa Lominsa, bustling port and pirate hub;
Ul’dah, a desert city rich in mineral wealth;
Gridania, nested deep within an ageless wood; and Ishgard, bastion atop the mountains.

Throughout the realm can be found climates both harsh and mild, as diverse as the skies are vast.
Bleak, desolate landscapes stretch to uncharted horizons,
their uninviting expanses yet to be traversed.
Colossal monstrosities stalk the land,
as if mountains primeval had somehow stirred and risen.
Of all the things Eorzea may be said to be, hospitable is not among them.

In the past, the city-states battled tirelessly, vying for domination and hegemony.
Death-mongering beast tribes molested the land unchecked, leaving only destruction in their wake.
Unseen enemies lurked beyond the borders,
striking at the slightest provocation or show of weakness.
The history of Eorzea is a tapestry woven of war and strife,
stained with the blood of those gone before, and the tears and ash of fallen endeavor.

And yet the love the gods bear this unforgiving land endures, now as always.
What is the allure of this seemingly forsaken place?
With what hope and to what end do would-be inhabitants journey here to live out their days?

The answer lies with that which gives form to Hydaelyn and all myriad creation in it—crystals.
it is these crystallized manifestations of the aether that beckon the people to come,
risking all in the undertaking.

And so it is that adventurers too have harkened the call—to bear witness
to the epic set to unfold in this land. This Eorzea.

Races

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[U][B]Hyur (Humans)[/B][/U]

Boasting the largest population in Eorzea, the Hyur came from neighboring continents and islands in three great migratory waves. With them they brought a sophisticated technology and complex ethos tempered by the breadth of the outside world. They rapidly became a driving force behind cultural progress, and are now widely attributed with spearheading advances in Eorzean civilization. 
[IMG]http://www.final-fantasy-14.org/wp-content/uploads/races/hyur.png[/IMG]

[B][U]Miqo'te (Catgirls)[/B][/U]

During the Age of Endless Frost, as the seas turned to ice and passage over them became possible, Eorzea saw an influx of foreign fauna to her shores. This in turn brought the hunting tribes which subsisted upon them, the modern descendants of whom are today known as the Miqo’te.
[IMG]http://www.final-fantasy-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Miqote.png[/IMG]

[U][B]Lalafell (Midgets/Loli)[/B][/U]

The Lalafell were originally a group of agriculturalists inhabiting the fertile islands of the south seas. With the introduction of transmarine commerce, they soon found their way to Eorzea via trade routes. They are now one of the more populous races and are well established throughout the region, though they remain averse to cold climates.
[IMG]http://common.allakhazam.com/images/4/2/4235fabe15d7821c3e65a57fab7d3b24.png[/IMG]

[U][B]Elezen (Elfs)[/B][/U]

The Elezen are a traditionally nomadic people who in former times claimed sole dominion over Eorzea, their presence predating that of the other races. Believing this prominence to be ordained by the gods, they came to develop an esteemed sense of honor and pride. 
[IMG]http://www.final-fantasy-14.org/wp-content/uploads/races/elzen_small.png[/IMG]

[U][B]Roegadyn (Giant things)[/B][/U]

The Roegadyn are a maritime people whose largest concentrations are found in the northern seas, by way of which they came to Eorzea.
[IMG]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:XlDeA1NC_4AtkM:http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-11/art/ff14-render-roegadyn.jpg&t=1[/IMG]

Classes

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There are a variety of categories of classes in Final Fantasy XIV ranging from gathering, crafting, magic, melee which all raise physical level.

[B][U]Pulgilist(Sub-Tank/DPS)(Hand-to-Hand Combat)[/U][/B]

The path of the pugilist is one of incessant training aimed at mastering the traditional techniques of hand–to–hand combat. Though they command formidable power when unarmed, they are wont to use metal, leather, and bone weaponry to maximize their destructive potential.
Their preference for fighting at close–quarters makes negotiating distances an absolute necessity. Many among them accomplish this by using throwing weapons such as the chakram to momentarily daze their enemies while they move in for the kill.

[B][U]Gladiator(Tank)(Sword and Shield)[/U][/B]

Gladiators specialize in the handling of all manner of one–handed blades, from daggers to longswords, be they single– or double–edged, straight or curved. A defining characteristic of the guild is its emphasis on diverse combat tactics, training its members to bring their martial skills to bear in any situation.
As such, there are practitioners who marry sword with shield, seeking to defend their fellow companions. Others opt for an empty off hand, choosing instead to focus entirely on their sword arm. The gladiator’s proficiency with blades also extends to those hurled at range, such as throwing knives.

[B][U]Marauder(DPS)(Two-handed Weapons)[/U][/B]

The marauder is a combat specialist whose weapon of choice is the greataxe—a fearsome arm emblematic of Eorzea’s pirates. Their approach to battle is one of brute force, relying on strength and steel to crush enemies and sunder weapons.
They are highly sought after for their ferocity and intimidating presence, and are often employed to hunt down monsters plaguing the land, or to turn the tide of battle between warring nations. Throwing axes such as the francisca supplement the marauders’ arsenal, making them fearsome adversaries even at range.

[B][U]Archer(DPS)(Bow/Composite Bow)[/U][/B]

The enduring popularity of the bow is a testament to its elegant design, but this simple weapon would be of little worth without the surpassing skill of those who master it–the archers. Projectile techniques such as high–angle fire enable archers to assail their foes with deadly precision even at great distances.
Constant assessment of the battlefield enables them to carefully determine the most advantageous ground from which to loose, as well as the nature of the arrows best suited to their enemy. Together with the longbow sentries of the Elezen military, the shortbow hunters among the Miqo’te are widely regarded as the most skilled with a bow. The guild’s teachings cover a variety of projectile weapons, down to the simplest throwing rock.

[B][U]Lancer(DPS)(Spear/Lance)[/U][/B]

The strategy of the lancers is to outrange and fluster opponents with their long, two–handed polearms, peppering them with a barrage of thrusting attacks. They are trained with a number of weapons, giving a diversity to their attacks that makes them extremely versatile combatants.
In former times, the longspear saw the most widespread use, due in great part to the influence of the proud lancer legions of Ala Mhigo. Since then, the guild has greatly expanded its armories to include a variety of weaponry, such as the throwing javelin.

[B][U]Conjurer(DPS)(Spellcaster)[/U][/B]

Conjury calls upon elemental forces present in nature and concentrates them to a potency at which spells can be weaved. Through practiced meditation on the essences of creation, conjurers draw forth and absorb aether from their immediate surroundings. A wand or cane made from unworked wood is then utilized to focus the aether until it manifests as the desired spell. The seat of the Conjurers’ Guild lies at the Stillglade Fane in Gridania, where the voices of Eorzea’s elementals are said to be most powerful.

[B][U]Thaumaturge(DPS)(Spellcaster)[/U][/B]

In the hands of a skilled practitioner, thaumaturgy can be a force of terrifying destruction. At the heart of this school of magic lies the ability to call forth and command the latent aether within oneself through deep introspection.
To then mold that aether into sorcery, the thaumaturge makes use of a scepter or staff, within which is housed a medium—a natural stone imbued with magical properties. The guild is centered at the Arrzaneth Ossuary in Ul’dah, within whose hallowed halls are said to reside powers of life, death, and the beyond.

Professions

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[B][U]Gathering Professions[/B][/U]

[B]Miner[/B]

[B]Botanist[/B]

[B]Fisherman[/B]

[B][U]Crafting Professions[/B][/U]

[B]Carpenter[/B]

[B]Blacksmith[/B]

[B]Armorer[/B]

[B]Goldsmith[/B]

[B]Leatherworker[/B]

[B]Weaver(Tailor)[/B]

[B]Alchemist[/B]

[B]Culinarian[/B]

Take on an epic adventure with Sin Vida and his companions, Bundt, Kite, Deathsworn(Ginger), and possibly you!

Open beta date released. Collectors Edition allows you access to the game 8 days early (22nd) and gives you a free month to start with.

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Open Beta Start Time
As posted on the beta site and twitter, the start date/time for the open beta of FFXIV has been announced:

    * PDT: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 7:00pm (PDT)
    * GMT: Wednesday, September, 2010 at 3:00am (GMT)

P.S. Were all going to play on the US servers, so if you live in the UK and intend of playing with us make sure your Square Enix account is in the US region.

Party
1. Sin Vida (Archer)
2. Bundt (Pugilist)
3. Kite (Thaumaturge)
4. Some ginger ya'll shouldn't care about much (Undecided)
5.

Extras, I dunno if we need a 6-10 person party
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Maybe
1. Teddi