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Final Fantasy XIV |OT| ARR: Alpha Closed. Beta mid-Feb

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Platform / Release:
PC | CE - 09.22.10 | $74.99
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PC | REG - 09.30.10 | $49.99
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PS3 | March 2011 | $59.99 (presumably)
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So what's different on these? Well first of all, the PS3 copy won't be shipping until March 2011 due to technical limitations (read: RAM). The CE includes (from Gamestop):
The FINAL FANTASY XIV Collector’s Edition includes:

* EARLY ACCESS – Play 8 days prior to the release of the Standard Edition

* BEHIND-THE-SCENES DVD – Get an insider look at the making of FINAL FANTASY XIV with exclusive video content, interviews and more in this special documentary DVD
* SECURITY TOKEN – A FINAL FANTASY XIV branded Security Token used in addition to your regular password
* TRAVEL JOURNAL – Record your travels in this beautifully bound journal filled with pages of never-before-seen concept art
* RIGHT OF PASSAGE – Redeem a voucher to receive your fully personalized right of passage certificate, each stamped with a unique serial number
* FREE GAMEPLAY – Free gameplay for 30 days
* BUDDY PASS – Invite a friend to play free for a limited time
* GAME DISC
* GAME MANUAL

Also, if you pre-order the CE you will receive, the Onion Helm:
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Standard pre-order bonus:
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Thank you Salaadin:
FFXIII First Batch bonus:
Do not delete the folders in your "My Documents" since that holds your character creation info if you want to keep that for retail.


As for the XIII code, Login and go here:http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/ff13/serialcode/ps3.php
That will display your code.

To register the in game item to your SE ID, Login https://secure.square-enix.com/account/
and goto Select Service > FFXIV > Add a Service Account > Type in Code > and then confirm a couple of times.

-----Fees-----
30 days $9.99 (or 999 Crysta)
90 days $26.97 (or 2,697 Crysta)
180 days $47.94 (or 4,794 Crysta)
Character Fee 30 days $3.00 (or 300 Crysta)

Plus $3 PER character per month. You will receive 1 retainer for free anymore on top are an extra $1 per month.

Official GAF Server: Lindblum
Want to find someone on GAF in XIV? Go here for player list: Click me!

Lore / Back story:
The term lore refers to the folklore or story behind Final Fantasy XIV. A very rough situation has arisen in the world of Hydaelyn, where Eorzean citizens seek to thrive amongst ten beast tribes and the aggressiveness of The Garlean Empire. The Garleans, taking advantage of technological superiority, seek to conquer Eorzea. However, amongst the many religions and relationships woven between the beast tribes, adventurers set forth to defend their lands.

One of the key tools of any adventurer is the power to relive their past through the mysterious "The Echo." This celestial ability may be for the better, or for the worst. The setting for FFXIV appears to be ten years after the initial summoning forth of the primals, superior spirits that grant strength to their summoners. The Northern lands of Ala Mhigo have been conquered by The Garlean Empire, whilst the remaining five city-states seek to fortify and prepare for the next attack by the Garleans, fixated in the Northeast.

Together, players of FFXIV will seek to defend their homes and friends from The Garlean Empire, while discovering the secrets of the "The Echo," the primals, and The Twelve. During this time, they will encounter a number of friends and foes in the different beast tribes. Through teamwork and painstaking efforts, adventurers and soldiers alike will surely prepare to present a formidable opposition to the competent and threatening gaze of The Garlean Empire.

Starting City-States:
Gridania
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In the eastern reaches of the Aldenard landmass, home to vast, dense woodlands and coursing rivers, lies the forest nation of Gridania. The cityscape is a mosaic of labyrinthine waterways and great wooden structures, so gracefully constructed they seem a part of the surrounding environment.

The Gridanian emphasis on natural harmony has led to its preeminence among the Eorzea's city-states in trades such as forestry, agriculture, carpentry and leatherworking. Gridania is also the home to the Wood Wailers, a militant band of polearm-wielding sentries charged with the protection of their homeland.

The favored goddess of the citizenry is Nophica, the Matron, but great faith is also placed in the wisdom of the Seedseers -- young oracles who guide the nation based on the will of the forest's elementals.

Limsa Lominsa
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On the southern coast of the island of Vylbrand, under the shadow of ancient cliffs worn by the relentless onslaught of The Rhotano Sea, lies the maritime city-state of Limsa Lominsa. Said to be blessed by the goddess of navigation, Llymlaen, the city is spread out over countless tiny islands, each connected by tiny ivory bridges. It is this that has earned her the name the "Navigator's Veil" from traveling bards who have witnessed the city's beauty from afar.

Legend holds that Limsa Lominsa was founded shortly after the remnants of a giant armada fled from its homeland following a crushing defeat. Llymlaen is said to have taken pity on the plight of these brave sailors, and guided them to the shallows of a rocky bay where their ships were grounded upon the sharp rocks. With no home to return to, the sailors chose to settle in this newly-found land, and use the remnants of their vessels to begin construction of a city.

However, the sailors never forget their nautical backgrounds, and once a new fleet was in order, they would take to the waters again. It was only a matter of time before their influence spread and they ruled the five seas of Eorzea. Thus, the Limsan thalassocracy was born.


Ul'dah
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The bustling commercial hub of Ul'dah sits amid the desolate desert landscape of southern Aldenard. The city is organized strategically around the dome-shaped citadel at its center. Its towering fortifications and protective outer walls are visable for malms in all directions, and serve as a stark deterrent to would-be besiegers.

Vistors from every corner of Eorzea come to Ul'dah to partake in the city's famed recreation, most notably the fighting arenas and gambling halls. Ul'Dahn Culture is known for its affluence, and the wealth of the nation comes in large part from abundant mineral resources and prestigious clothcraft industry.

Historically, it is the sultan who claims sovereignty over Ul'dah, but true power is wielded by the Syndicate, an elite group of the most influential and richest members of society. Nald'thal is the patron deity of the city, and two great halls devoted to his two aspects, can be found in the eastern and western sections of the city.

Other City-States
Ala Mhigo
Ishgard
Sharlayan

Races:
Female / Male Elezen - The Elezen are a traditionally nomadic people who in former times claimed sole domination over Eorzea, their presence predating that of other races...
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Female / Male Hyur - Boasting the largest population in Eorzea, the Hyur came from neighboring continents and islands in three great migratory waves...
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Female / Male Lalafell - The Lalafell were originally a group of agriculturalists inhabiting the fertile islands of the south seas...
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Miqo'te (female only) - 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...
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Roegadyn (male only) - The Roegadyn are a maritime people whose largest concentrations are found in the northern seas, by way of which they came to Eorzea..
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Disciplines:
-In FFXIV, you will choose a class by equipping a weapon. Choosing a different main weapon will change your class or your discipline. There are 4 categories which all branch off. They are:
War
  • Archer - Archers, being a sub class of the disciples of war, are the uncontested masters of the bow and arrow in all its forms. Devoting themselves entirely to this age-old technology, they are most respected, and most feared, for their virtuosity in such battle tactics as sharpshooting and high-angle fire.
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  • Marauder - 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.
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  • Gladiator - 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.
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  • Lancer - 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.
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  • Pugilist - 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.
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Magic
  • Conjurer - 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.
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  • Thaumaturge - 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.
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Hand
  • Alchemist - Masters of Science and Nature, the devilish and the divine, alchemist ensure their livelihood through the transmogrification of mundane materials into wonderous wares-from curative concoctions to potent potables.
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  • Armorer - Armorers treat and work the malleable metals of Eorzea into all forms of armor. By binding together sheet, stud, and link, they are able to produce garb of plate and chain that has saved the lives of countless adventurers.
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  • Blacksmith - Often covered from head to toe in soot and sweat, blacksmiths forge their livings from red-hot steel, ever coaxing the unyeilding metal into submission with their tireless poundings. Whether it be smelting an ingot in the fires of a city forge, or hammering the dents from an adventurer's breastplate at a remote aetheryte camp deep in the wilderness, their work knows no boundaries-making smithing one of Eorzea's most widespread professions.
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  • Carpenter - The foremost workers of wood, carpenters possess expert knowledge of the hardness, pliability, weight, and value of all types of timber. Their creed is to bring these natural traits to bear in the form of various wares, including utensils and furniture.
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  • Culinarian - Whetting appetites from dawn until dusk with prowess of pot and pan, culinarians provide more than simple sustenance. A
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  • Goldsmith - Goldsmithing is the practice of working precious metals and stones into a multitude of accessories that appeal to the Eorzean aesthetic. It also makes use of gold and silver, rubies and sapphires, and a myriad of other materials to decorate weapons, armor, and tools.
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  • Leatherworker - Contrary to popular belief, a tanner's skills are not limited to the mere boiling and dying of pelts and skins, but also encompass those of an armorer and clothier, for a true leatherworker would never entrust his hides to the hands of another.
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  • Weaver - From fiber to thread, thread to cloth, cloth to dress, and path of a tailor literally weaves its way from basic beginnings to extravagant ends. And while this alone can prove a long and arduous journey, a weaver's work spans more than just the spinning of strings and the sewing of seams.
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Land
  • Miner - The Miners' Guild is responsible for the excavation and handling of Eorzea's mineral wealth, be it ores, fossils, precious stones, or otherwise. It should come as no surprise, then, that their most eager customers are the realm's Blacksmiths and Goldsmiths.
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  • Fisher - Fishers are the harvesters of the realm's marine and freshwater animal resources. The goods they obtain from their catch place them in direct dealings with both culinarians and goldsmiths.
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  • Botanist - The botanist's profession encompasses the procurement of resources from all forms of plant life. This includes harvesting various vegetables and grains, tending to fruit-bearing trees, gathering wild grasses, cultivating fibrous plants for use in textiles, cutting lumber to supply the carpentry trade, and more.
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Other Links (where the info above came from too):
FFXIV Official Site
Opening Cinematic
Eorzeapedia
FFXIVCore

My first OT, be nice! This is a start, I'll keep this updated as often as I can! :D

Thank you Salaadin:
Notice to Those Who Purchased FINAL FANTASY XIV Collectors Edition
Upon the start of early access on Sep. 21, 2010, server congestion on the Square Enix Account Management System is anticipated. In order to make sure that your adventure begins as smoothly as possible, we recommend that you complete the following steps beforehand:

1. Register a Square Enix Account
For those of you who have not yet obtained a Square Enix account, please complete the registration process at the Square Enix Account Management Site: http://account.square-enix.com/regist/

2. Selecting a Payment Method
Monthly subscription fees for FINAL FANTASY XIV can be paid for by direct payment using credit card or debit card (requires a Click & Buy account) or by using Crysta. For customers planning on paying with credit cards or debit cards, please log in to the Square Enix Account Management System ( http://account.square-enix.com/ ), and then click on the "Register/Update Payment Method" button on the left side of the screen to register your payment card information.

Lodestone is up:
http://lodestone.finalfantasyxiv.com/pl/index.html

Prepation details for Official Service:
http://lodestone.finalfantasyxiv.com/pl/news/detail?newsId=7a41e844af20588357070470ffbbd51aa3b757a1

Prelive FAQ:
http://lodestone.finalfantasyxiv.com/pl/topics/detail?id=77cc45cab7e13b64ffc58a36c979abcd50dc172e

Synthesis
Q. How can I review recipes that I receive on local levequests?
A. At present, there is no way to review a recipe once it has been obtained. We are currently looking into means to make working with recipes easier, but until a system has been settled upon, players can find a recipe database on the FINAL FANTASY XIV Lodestone by navigating to Play Guide >> Synthesis, and then selecting the skill the recipes of which they wish to browse.

User Interface
Q. Will I be able to keep the actions set to my action bars when I change classes?
A. Beginning with the launch of game service, action bars will no longer reset when players change classes. Actions that can no longer be used once a class change is made will simply not consume action points. In this manner, players will no longer find themselves without sufficient action points to equip the actions they desire when changing from, for example, a miner to a gladiator. In addition, by employing user-defined macros, players can change their class, equipped gear, and actions simultaneously.

Q. Is there a way I can send a /tell to another player without having to type out the player's full name?
A. By opening the auto-translate dictionary feature and scrolling to the Audience option, players can view a list containing the names of nearby players. The list will also contain the names of people from whom the player has received /tells, as well as those to whom /tells have been sent. Further, a shortcut command (CTRL+R) will be added for quick and easy replying.

For patch info:
http://www.ffxivcore.com/topic/12719-full-client-patch-download-install-instructions/

To make macros:
http://www.yetikitn.com/ffxiv/

Thankas to Salaadin! He knows everything and I got a lot of info from him! :lol
 
So excited for this!!

That said, sorry but that's a pretty horrendous OT. :/ You could've at least spelled Eorzea correctly, but I'd just trim it down to "Final Fantasy XIV |OT|" and be done with it.
 

jsrv

Member
You should mention the Garlond Goggles too, maybe Hermes boots and Asuran armbands as well since the Onion helm is there
 

TheSeks

Blinded by the luminous glory that is David Bowie's physical manifestation.
Monthly fees... :(

*goes back to FFXII and cries*

I hope the PS3 beta starts soon, just so I know what I'm missing out on.
 

Cmagus

Member
Pre-ordered the Collectors edition so day one here as much as I complain about the fatigue stuff I took a break from the beta since the level stuff didn't carry over and I have been going through withdrawls
 

Moobabe

Member
HappyBivouac said:
So excited for this!!

That said, sorry but that's a pretty horrendous OT. :/ You could've at least spelled Eorzea correctly, but I'd just trim it down to "Final Fantasy XIV |OT|" and be done with it.

Come on now - we're all friends here
 
Don't take it personally; I just want the thread to look good. :D

Not only did you spell "Eorzea" wrong, but having no break whatsoever between "Her name... Eorzea" and "Final Fantasy XIV |OT|" looks completely awful. Also taglines on OT's are so 2008. :p
 
My copy will be arriving Wednesday morning, huzzah! ...but horrible timing, at work I'm as busy as ever, I may not have much time to play it before the Standard Edition is released anyways!
 

pirahna1

Member
I JUST started playing the beta today. Is there any way to enable controllers for PC? I have a Logitech Rumblepad 2 that I used for FFXI and now using a m+kb for XIV is really weird...
 
pirahna1 said:
I JUST started playing the beta today. Is there any way to enable controllers for PC? I have a logitech Rumblepad 2 that I used for FFXI and using a m+kb for XIV is so weird...
In the Windows Start Menu, there's a separate config program for setting up FFXIV's graphics and controls.
 

pirahna1

Member
Dreamwriter said:
In the Windows Start Menu, there's a separate config program for setting up graphics and controls.

Awesome! Now I can enable fullscreen too! I wish there was a readme or something for the beta, I'm so lost, :lol .
 

Cmagus

Member
Looking at the top part does the collectors edition come with the goggles as well cause the skill speed progression seems kinda more useful then the increased KO status stuff
 

Jinko

Member
jiggle said:
don't play lancer!
it sucks!!!!!
worst job EVER!

Why does it suck, I was guna go Lancer and now I'm not so sure..

Looking at the top part does the collectors edition come with the goggles as well cause the skill speed progression seems kinda more useful then the increased KO status stuff.

Duno, I think it was confirmed the goggles only have 5 uses on them.
 

Teknoman

Member
pirahna1 said:
Awesome! Now I can enable fullscreen too! I wish there was a readme or something for the beta, I'm so lost, :lol .

There was, you have to check the beta site for the manual.

Oh and does anyone think it would be a good idea to add that IGN fatigue explanation video to the OP? It's really well done, but not sure if it would just add fuel to the fire...or something to that effect.
 

jiggle

Member
Jinko said:
Why does it suck, I was guna go Lancer and now I'm not so sure..


its accuracy is majorly gimped
even if you allot a ton of upgrades to DEX
regular attacks can miss 50% even on blue/green mobs
once, i missed x4, hit twice, missed 2 more times...
solo fights ended up dragging on longer because of this, which led to taking more damage
which meant i needed to take points away from Str/Dex to get more HP/VIT


when i started open beta, i thought they really ramped up the difficulty (especially in leve)
but now i realized it was partly cuz the job sucked lol
 

Kyoufu

Member
jiggle said:
its accuracy is majorly gimped
even if you allot a ton of upgrades to DEX
regular attacks can miss 50% even on blue/green mobs
once, i missed x4, hit twice, missed 2 more times...
solo fights ended up dragging on longer because of this, which led to taking more damage
which meant i needed to take points away from Str/Dex to get more HP/VIT


when i started open beta, i thought they really ramped up the difficulty (especially in leve)
but now i realized it was partly cuz the job sucked lol

Well Marauder suffered the same problem. I died to a blue con marmot because it evaded and stuff. What I played of Lancer was fine really. I soloed 5* leves at rank 1-3 (physical also the same).
 

nataku

Member
jiggle said:
its accuracy is majorly gimped
even if you allot a ton of upgrades to DEX
regular attacks can miss 50% even on blue/green mobs
once, i missed x4, hit twice, missed 2 more times...
solo fights ended up dragging on longer because of this, which led to taking more damage
which meant i needed to take points away from Str/Dex to get more HP/VIT


when i started open beta, i thought they really ramped up the difficulty (especially in leve)
but now i realized it was partly cuz the job sucked lol

Missing like crazy? Sounds pretty normal for a SE MMORPG.
 

jsrv

Member
Cmagus said:
Looking at the top part does the collectors edition come with the goggles as well cause the skill speed progression seems kinda more useful then the increased KO status stuff

Nope, the standard version will have the Garlond Goggles and the CE will have the Onion Helm, neither gets both.

And yeah, I prefer the goggles over the helm. They also never specifically said anything about it having charges, it could happen, but it didn't happen with the Onion helm...
 
Pinko Marx said:
I don't think we can judge the classes based on some low level play. THF sucked in FFXI until much later in the game.

As I recall bad memories as playing my favorite job then what's the technical equivalent in FF14?
 

Zomba13

Member
Title should have been 'A sight fer' me sore eyes!'

Apparently gamestation have theirs already and are just waiting to send it out :D It better come on release day. I don't want it to be like KH:BBS from thehut.com coming a week late.
 

tribal24

Banned
im still not sure about this game i played the beta and just not feeling it is se gonna do any more optimaztion for realease?
 

Suikoguy

I whinny my fervor lowly, for his length is not as great as those of the Hylian war stallions
tribal24 said:
im still not sure about this game i played the beta and just not feeling it is se gonna do any more optimaztion for realease?

Nobody really knows, but they have at least acknowledged most of the issues people were complaining about. I'd be concerned it they were ignoring feedback.
 

jiggle

Member
jsrv said:
Nope, the standard version will have the Garlond Goggles and the CE will have the Onion Helm, neither gets both.


unless u're in japan
they get both :/



Kyoufu said:
Well Marauder suffered the same problem. I died to a blue con marmot because it evaded and stuff. What I played of Lancer was fine really. I soloed 5* leves at rank 1-3 (physical also the same).


didn't have such problem when i played marauder
but then again i didn't get to fight marmot with it
 

Zomba13

Member
Also, I think we should add timezone/country or something to the FFXIV player spread sheet, that way you have a better idea of when certain players will be on.
 

Teknoman

Member
So out of the collectors edition people, who will be first to make the Stars of Destiny Linkshell?

:lol Knowing UPS, even with release day shipping, I wont get mine until much later in the day.
 

jiggle

Member
are the 3 ppl going to Rabanaster going to make SoD LS?

cuz looks like my FFXI LS changed their mind and is headed there instead of Lindblum, again
 

jsrv

Member
Kyoufu said:
Aren't the goggles limited charges though?
I don't think anyone knows yet since they never put it on the test server with the Asuran Armbands and Onion Helm to try out. Database websites don't list it as having charges though but that could change

23hlkt2.jpg
 

Jinko

Member
jiggle said:
its accuracy is majorly gimped
even if you allot a ton of upgrades to DEX
regular attacks can miss 50% even on blue/green mobs
once, i missed x4, hit twice, missed 2 more times...
solo fights ended up dragging on longer because of this, which led to taking more damage
which meant i needed to take points away from Str/Dex to get more HP/VIT


when i started open beta, i thought they really ramped up the difficulty (especially in leve)
but now i realized it was partly cuz the job sucked lol

Ahh ok Archer had this same problem, and so did MRD from what I hear.

After throwing on 4 accuracy rings on my Archer I didn't miss anywhere near as much.

And yes the goggles are confirmed as having charges, Tanaka said so back a few months ago at the french Japan expo.
 

Teknoman

Member
Btw, about the OT condition, it can be upgraded as time goes. So if someone wants to design better banners, or has art they want to add for certain categories, i'm sure demosthenes will upgrade no problem.
 

carlo6529

Member
Good to see the official OT. I've been playing the beta on the Corneilia server with a couple of buddies. We are still thinking about changing servers depending on how the servers look on launch day.
 
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