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Well as if I can ever have
good luck. Dreamweaver is acting stupid on me. I have the member page
underway but I need more people to submit there info.
I only have 10 members info and that is about 1/4th of our linkshell so please submit your stuff. Please submit your member
info ASAP.
Crossing the knoll From the grassy plains of Sarutabaruta to the frigid wasteland that is Xarcabard, gamers have already been able to visit an extensive variety of exotic locales. However, stalwart adventurers will soon have the opportunity to broaden their horizons yet further as this expansion will add a rumoured forty new areas, some of which are highlighted below. The first of these locations is the archipelago of Tavnazia, a chain of small islands off the west coast of the Quon continent. Separated from the mainland after a catastrophic explosion during the Great War, it was thought that the former population had been wiped out at the hands of the beastmen. Taking a page out of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the city of Movalpolos appears to be a near exact replica of Moria, featuring mining platforms and narrow, winding paths. A subterranean city populated by a tribe of Goblins known as Moblins, these nomadic people have settled down to undertake research in alchemy and bionics.  Other locations include a sprawling underground complex of ruins, called Pso’Xja. Controlled by the Tenshodo, the knowledge of the city has been restricted to a small team of archaeologists. Two diametric viewpoints have been established regarding the origin of the city: some believe that the ornate architecture and grand chambers provide evidence for a city formerly inhabited by the ancients, while others believe that the traps and portals signify a much more malign threat.  New methods of sea and air transportation also appear evident in Chains of Promathia with large, raft-like boats being spotted traversing inland waterways. Grand Duke Kam’lanaut has been enlarging the Jeunoan airship fleet, but these new vessels have seemingly been designed for military purposes, and are outfitted with cannon and other weaponry.  Myth and mystery The Final Fantasy series has always sought to provide gamers with a captivating and enthralling storyline, and Chains of Promathia appears to be no exception. Vana’diel is under threat by ‘Emptiness’, a new and dangerous phenomenon thought to be somehow connected with the God of Twilight, Promathia. An evil deity, it was he who brought beastmen to Vana’diel, and cursed the people by forcing them to endure eternal conflict. Promathia resides in a chamber where he is surrounded by statues of robed figures. His wings bound by chains, Promathia is forever confined in his prison. Constantly in opposition with the antithetical goddess, Altana, who looks down benevolently on the peoples of Vana’diel, this celestial battle will certainly have ramifications for all.  Other mystical characters may certainly have important roles to play. The first of these is an ‘enigmatic youth’, who mysteriously appears at the most unexpected of times. Sporting garments which look rather out of place, nothing is known about him thus far except for the fact that he speaks very little. Secondly, there is another elaborately dressed individual known formally as Prishe, but unkindlier as ‘that detestable child’. She has been taught theology by the Cardinal, which perhaps will make her quite useful in uncovering the intentions of the gods.  Meeting the mobs One criticism that can be made of Final Fantasy XI is that there is little diversity in the design of enemies, with a single monster model being used for dozens of different foes. However, with the addition of new areas, Square Enix is also adding a variety of monsters to the bestiary. The proliferation of Emptiness has resulted in an abundance of unearthly life forms. Wanderers, which constantly drift through the void of Emptiness in their search for memories, are predated upon by other species of the Empty. Adventurers must also beware the new Weepers, armed with large scythe-like claws, which are attracted to any living creatures. Adding to the ranks of the Undead already seen in Final Fantasy XI, a new variety known as Corses are set to inhabit Vana’diel. However, unlike the mindless behaviour of the Undead that has been seen thus far, these intellectual beings are cunning and have a mastery of ancient magic. Using these skills, they seek to create an empire of the dead. Fun for all During the entire production process, producer Hiromichi Tanaka has attempted to ensure that the expansion pack can be enjoyed by characters of all levels. While the new areas will primarily be for adventure by characters higher than level twenty, lower level characters will be able to purchase items and equipment from these new areas using the Auction House, Final Fantasy XI’s sophisticated trading system. Whether other world-changing features or new job classes are planned to be implemented is currently unknown. Nevertheless, the details released thus far suggest that Chains of Promathia will be an extensive expansion that current Final Fantasy XI gamers should certainly not be without.  |
