Fifth-teen levels and one airship pass later, I ended up in Gridania. Loki suggested we should all meet up for a guild photo and Aurek Tau, being the explorer of realms he is, said he'd take us to a place for just the right shot. Strangely enough, since the beginning of my MMO gaming career in 2006, I've only been apart of one guild. Night Blades reminds me a lot of my first guild some of the members I'm great RL friends with despite we live miles away from each other. They have time in. I appreciate that because I know how precious it is. I'm fresh meat but it's nothing but welcoming vibes from these guys. 

I don't remember exactly where we were on the map I was too busy looking around as we followed Aurek further and further away from the Gridania. However, I think it was somewhere close by the snowy mountains of Dun Mouro. I can't help but think of when I'll remember the area names and locations though. It's also reaffirming how big this game is compared to others. We got to some dungeon looking building and got into poses/emotes for the picture. And here was my version.[/size]

Well...this is awkward. Here I thought I was going to be able to grind all night and get to cap. Unfortunately, I didn't realize Bahamut had an ultimate move called Error 3102 that DC's you and keeps your toon stuck in limbo. I was affected by this error when leaving Ul'dah. I got DC'd and thrown into limbo. I didn't initially try and log back in. Unknowing thousands of others (literally) were dealing with Bahamut's rage. I figured I'd update Windows in order to fix my graphical issue during cut-scenes. Fixed it...check. Okay now more FFXI right?.................................NO. I was locked out of the server all day and most of the night, some were even locked out for 40hrs or more. And the number of people effected were increasing as the day went on. SE didn't address the community right away and that caused complaints as well. People canceling preorders, more nay sayers, etc. I had the exact opposite reaction to Error 3102. Simply put "I'd rather deal with this during Open Beta than Live". This happened right on schedule if you ask me. Now they will have a more polished and stable product upon release. SE did extend beta for 6hrs which gave me more to play time since I was suffering from a major episode of insomnia.

The first thing I could think of doing when the flood gates finally opened again was to go do the Dye quest in Vasper Bay. However, I haven't traveled that far yet since I started in Limsa so it was going to be a lonnnnnng walk. There were plenty of FATES on the way which was good exp for my other unlocked classes. But I had to keep on keeping on. I want to point out that I'm big on individuality and style in MMOs so you can imagine I was getting rather tired of wearing purple gloves, lime green chest armor and other oddly colored gear that you accumulate as you level up. And the only thing that stood in my way was....Orange Juice.  

I dyed some clothes and armor to wear whenever I'm in town. My style... and I'm not running around like someones twin or like rainbow threw up on me. Perfect. Dyeing in FFXIV is really simple and effective not ridiculously expensive *cough* TOR *cough*.

After figuring out how to Dye my gear I realized I haven't fished in a MMO in a long time. So why not try it out since I had already unlocked my Armory Chest and the guild was close by. I Pestered the guild for a rod and some bait and I was off... But I wanted to see what Costa Del Sol looked like also. That was one thing I meant to explore in Phase 3 and never got a chance to do so. Not realizing that on the way there would be such an adventure. I was getting chased by mobs stronger than me but I was determined to not get caught and die and have to teleport back from Limsa. I spent most of my money buying dye, potions, and stuff. So dying was not an option, at least not before I got there. 

"Houston, we have a problem." I made a wrong turn and assumed well it's one big circle I can go around and still get there. This was an awesome plan, except for the fact that I was in a really hostile level 49 area in some type of compound. I remember almost dying in there because the mobs were so thick and I was trying to find an exit while being chased hoping to not get one shotted. I eventually made it back to exit and took the right path with little to no issues at all. Thank god because I wanna catch some fish!

*Achievement Unlocked* "Made it to Costa Del Sol alive +20" Finally, getting here was rewarding. The music, sound of the waves, the sun beaming. This place was awesome! And perfect for RP events or just hang out in general. I noticed you get rested exp from being here for awhile this was a really cool idea--give us a hangout spot that comes with rested exp, good job Yoshi-P. The only downside to this solo trip was I didn't have the right kind of bait to actually fish. Regardless, the trip getting here was fun and at least being able to look around was enough for me.