Darktrance's Armor Guide

Hello, I play Darktrance on the Gilgamesh server, and still a fairly new player to the game. I am creating this guide because I think it can be useful to players starting the game in deciding what armor choices to make and what crafts may be most helpful to explore. This is a work in progress, and I'm a bit rusty on Wiki editing, so feel free to modify this page if it improves it's ability to assist others.

Armor Types
In Final Fantasy XI there are many different types of armor, but most can be broken down into 9 basic types. These types include Heavy Armor such as Plate and Chain Armor sets used by jobs like Paladin and Warrior, and Light Armor types such as Tunics and Robes worn typically by Magic users. Below are the different types of armor availible and the crafts associated with that particular armor type. There are a few armor types that do not fit this mold (ex. Noct Doublet Set), but the majority do.

Plate Armors
These sets include Eisenplatte Armor Set. Very heavy armor worn by Paladin, Dark Knight, and Warrior job classes exclusively. This armor type promises highest defense in exchange for it's exclusiveness to the three classes who charge head first into battle. Most of these armor types are products of Smithing and Goldsmithing. This type of armor becomes available at lv 29.

Chain Armors
These sets include Iron Chainmail set. Heavy armor worn by WAR, PLD, DRK, BST, SAM, NIN job classes. Durable chain sets offer high defense with more flexibility for other job types, but typically offer less protection than Plate. Most of these armors require Smithing and/or Goldsmithing abilities. This type of armor becomes available at lv 24.

Scale Armors
These sets include Centurion's Scale Mail Set. Mid-Class armor suitable for WAR, RDM, PLD, DRK, BST, RNG, SAM, DRG, BLU job classes. The flexibility of scales allow for increase movement and versatility for other job classes while offering good defense. This armor type is also a product of Smithing and Goldsmithing. This armor type becomes available at lv 10.

Vest/Jerkin Sets
Leather vest set at lv 7 begins this series of armor. This class of armor is crafted using the skins of beasts, and where Leathercraft shines. These sets offer Less defense than Scale armor, but are provide more freedom of movement in battle. Available to WAR, RDM, THF, PLD, DRK, BST, BRD, RNG, SAM, NIN, DRG, BLU, COR, DNC, versatility with this gear will make it last through leveling multiple job classes. However, average defense make it less suitable for those looking to get hit.

Harness Sets
These sets are available as soon as lv 1, beginning with Bronze Harness set. These sets give the most defense for the most job types, available for all jobs but WHM, BLM, RNG, SMN, PUP, SCH. I can only assume Ranger doesn't wear this set because of it's lack of coverage to the extremities; Subligars look like your running around in metal underwear. Most of thes sets are crafted using both Smithing/Bonecraft and Leathercraft.

