Update (9/7/2010) - I just uploaded the New FFXIV Open Beta Patch in our downloads section. Once you download it, drop it in the following folder.
C:\Users\\Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Version\downloads\ffxiv-beta\d96437e6\patch\
Learning to Play a Discipline of Land in Final Fantasy 14
I know a lot of you are probably looking for something to do when your guildleves are down in Open Beta, so why not try playing a Discipline of the Land for starters. While playing a Discipline of the Land (DoL) probably doesn't sound appealing as engaging in a heated battle, you will come learn that playing a DoL is one of the most rewarding things you can do in Final Fantasy 14.
The items gathered can be sold for a considerable sum of gil to various Eorzean crafters. On top of that, Disciplines of Land have enough available guildleves to keep any FFXIV player occupied!
Miner
Abilities
Miners don't have lots of abilities at the early levels, but make sure you have the following equipped during your mining sessions.
Lay of the Land (Rank 1) - Survey the landscape to discern the location of grade 1 mineral deposits (within 400 yards).
Prospect (Rank 3) - Survey the landscape to discern the number and direction of grade 1 mineral deposits. Increases movement speed when deposits are further than 200 yards.
Mining
Once you arrive at the desired mineral, use the arrow keys to select your desired position and Once you have done that, an icon that resembling a 'bulls-eye' will appear Make a strike in the spot of your choice, and act accordingly when you receive one of four messages:
You feel nothing promising. - This is obviously the wrong spot to mine, so make sure your next strike is somewhere far away from this one.
You are getting closer to the mark. - You aren't there yet, but are getting warmer. Keep your previous location in mind and decide where to go next.
You are getting farther from the mark. - You are going the wrong way, change direction immediately.
You feel something promising. - You are almost there, just slightly adjust your next swing.
You are close to something, but cannot extract it. - The location of the ore is confirmed, and striking it in the exact same spot will guarantee it.
The mining process will fail once your remainder bar becomes depleted, so make sure to start with a solid plan in hand. I found the most rewarding striking spots to be when the circle is 25% and 75% full, so try starting here. Even if you don't get a favorable message, you can use deductive reasoning in determining the proper location.
Botanist
Abilities
The Botanist's abilities are the exact same as the Miner's, they just serve a slightly different purpose. Regardless, make sure to have them equipped whenever you are roaming the fields with hatchet in hand.
Arbor Call (Rank 1) - Survey the landscape to discern the location of grade 1 mature trees.
Triangulate (Rank 3) - Survey the landscape to discern the number and direction of grade 1 mature trees. Increases movement speed when deposits are further than 200 yards.
Chopping and Harvesting
Once your chopping position has been selected, you may come to see Botanist's gathering tool looks a little bit different. An orange dot will move back and forth until you make the first chop. Afterward, a blue dot will save your last position, and a message will pop up hinting where to swing next.
You feel something promising. - You are very close to the right spot. Just slightly change the direction of your notch and hope for a favorable message.
You are getting closer to the mark. - You are slightly improving, but still have a ways to go.
You are getting farther from the mark. - Change direction, you are going the wrong way. Not doing so will most definitely result in failure.
You are close to something, but cannot make the final cut. - Make another notch in the same exact spot, and the next cut will definitely land you some much-deserved lumber.
I have found the Botanist to be the easiest discipline for successful gathering in FFXIV. Just make your initial chops at 33% or 66% mark, and you will be destined for early success in botany.
Fisherman
Fishing is definitely a little bit more complex than the other two Disciplines of Land. Not only do you have to equip a fishing rod, but there is also a need to attack bait depending on the fishing waters (ocean, water, etc.). Before you even consider casting your reel, you should also consider purchasing a fishing hat. Fishing takes an extreme amount of dedication, so you might as well do it in style!
Abilities
If you guessed that the Fisherman's abilities are similar to the other Discipline of Land, you guessed correctly.
Gulleye (Rank 1) - Survey the landscape to discern the location of grade 1 schools of fish.
Dowse (Rank 3) - Survey the landscape to discern the number and direction of grade 1 schools of fish. Increases movement speed when deposits are far.
Fishing
Unlike the other 2 Disciplines of Land, a Fisherman has an additional option during the approach. He can wait for the perfect moment, or delve straight to jigging. Anyways, let the initial message received dictate the appropriate course of action.
Nothing bites - The fish aren't biting right now. I know it's a very annoying message, but just re-cast your line and hope for the better next time.
You Feel a Nibble - Fishing is about patience, and a nibble isn't good enough in FFXIV. You should opt to 'Wait' for a bite.
You Feel a Bite - Now is the time to Jig. You can still decide to wait, but there is really no point; it doesn't get any better than a bite.
Now that you have jigged the fish, a little little dot will oscillate back and forth until you cast your reel. Once your move has been made, you will receive a new message.
You've hooked something but cannot reel it in. - It's hard to know where you stand with this one, but it definitely isn't the right location. Pick another spot and pray a better message will pop up next time.
The fish is taking line. - You jigged in the wrong direction, change it immediately unless you want to see the fish win the fight.
The fish is taking a great deal of line. - You are off the mark in an even bigger way, so change the direction even more.
You take in some line. - You are on the right track, just try changing your direction a little bit and see where you stand. The next message should give you a very good idea as to where the fish will be located.
You take in a great deal of line. - You are getting even closer, but not quite there just yet. Slightly change the position of your next jig, and hope for the best.
The fish has tired, but you still cannot reel it in. - Place your next cast in the exact same spot, and you are guaranteed to catch the fish!
Aspiring fishermen should always begin jigging at the 33% or 66% mark on the fishing tool. Starting at said locations will lead to catching the greatest Eorzean lunkers!
Fieldcraft Levequests
Each Discipline of Land can do 2 guildleves per 48 hours, making it a total of 6 if you take the time to play all three. Sadly, they are on the same timer as the Battlecraft Levequests, you have been officially warned! With that in mind, make sure you pick the ones that offer the best rewards. I usually only do the ones that give armor rewards, and do the other lequests on the field of battle instead.
Another cool thing a DoL can offer is enhanced traveling time. Once Rank 3 is achieved, you can boost your character's movement speed while walking great distances; just make sure the nearest node is at least 200 yards away beforehand. Now you are ready to make a Discipline of the Land, here's to hoping you will truly enjoy it!
