A stroll through Vana'Diel

My first post in this blog pertained to gaming. Specifically table-top RPGs, in which I still have much interest. But there are other arenas that I challenge my imagination and virtual skills.

In 2004, an interesting creature emerged from Japan. Godzilla? Well, no.

Notice the "online" in the title.

This was the first MMORPG that I would ever really play. And play, I did. For years...

Bear in mind that I had also played almost every other "Final Fantasy" title in existence; from FFIV on the Nintendo to FFX on the PS2. Probably around 12 titles in all.

This idea of an online game playing with folks from other countries, fascinated me and intimidated me in the same instance. On the one hand, meeting new people was definitely an awesome prospect; especially those from other ethnic/racial/social backgrounds.

But now, other people will see my feats and my failures. I was on the world stage and the pressure would be on. For countless years I had sat comfortably in my room with my PC or console; not worrying about messing up or failing because nobody was watching me. If I was going to be involved with this MMO stuff, I would have to be marvelous at it.

And, I was. Of course. (gratuitous self-back-patting)

That's her in the center. Paragon, in her younger days. The greatest Red Mage that ever existed in Vana'Diel. And on each side, two of my best "real-life" friends who also journeyed with me in FFXI's world of Vana'Diel. One has the profession of a mighty Warrior, and the other an honorable Samurai. The things that we accomplished, the fun we had, the friends we made, and the number of deaths; were staggering. (insert jovial chuckle)

There has never been, nor (dare I say) ever will be a game like this for me. I think my friends share this sentiment. It was truly epic.

Indulge me, if you will, to share a few memories of my time in FFXI:

It was a beautifully crafted world, without a doubt. The Japanese designers must have worked tirelessly on every detail. I was always amazed at the scenery, quite different in every zone you would enter. This particular screenshot is in Lufaise Meadows, a zone introduced in the second expansion.

This screenshot captures one of the ultimate triumphs in FFXI. Four of my greatest allies and I solved riddles, overcame tumultuous obstacles, slayed countless foes, died (a lot), climbed mountains, delved into deep caves; and then, after many months of determination: had access to "Sea". Those that have ever played this game (before the nerfing) will know that this was no easy task. We finished this content one month before It was reduced drastically in difficulty.

One of the weekly events that was exciting was Dynamis. Our larger group, called a linkshell, weekly made forays into this Dream World that mimicked the regular playable world. You learned alot about other players during events like this; especially if they were a "baddie". Immortality was the name of the linkshell and I am still in contact, somewhat, with most of the original members. Great folks.

This was our social linkshell. Many players were from the United States and Canada, some from the United Kingdom, and a couple from other parts of Europe. But all pretty good friends and in-game companions.This was the fulcrum of our experiences in Vana'diel. Occasionally we had to deal with drama, since getting together that many folks is bound to have some social effect. Overall though, it was a great place to hang out and plan your next excursion into the unknown. I miss this aspect of the game the most.

Oh, that's Paragon in the front center. Kyre is directly under the "e" in Clandestine and Asherr is directly to your right of him. I am hoping that they will both comment on this post...

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Lastly, in a fit of lunacy and/or stupidity, I deleted Paragon in 2008. I still don't know what in Gehenna I was thinking, or if that function was even present. I can not even remember why I did it, maybe I am blocking it. But, I did it. My friends have still not let me forget it.

But, I did not do this without a backup plan...

Before I deleted Paragon, I sold all of her equipment that could be sold and amassed all of her resources; then transferred all of those resources to another character. Then I deleted her. So if I wanted to play again in the future, I wouldn't have wasted everything by deleting her.

It only took two months and I had recreated her. Same hair, face, etc. Only now, she was level 1 in everything. The original Paragon had two level 75 jobs with end-game equipment; and countless other jobs well above 40. I didn't have it in me to do it again.

Alas, Final Fantasy XI died for me and not of it's own accord. It was by my hand and the blood still lingers with me today. A virtual stain of that impotently stares at me every time I play another game. The neo-Paragon is still there somehwere on a server in Japan; a digitial remant of a time that is now long past. I am not sure if the title of the game is not a fitting epitaph for Paragon.

Rest in peace, mighty battle-maiden Paragon.