Player of the Month September 2007

Real Name: Arlen
Age: 30
Character Name: GrumpyWookie/Arlin
Character Race: Hume
Character Job(s): Warrior. Monk. Thief. Ninja. Paladin. Dark Knight.
Nation: Bastok
Rank: GrumpyWookie - 3 / Arlin - 5
Server: Remora
Linkshell: Kurono Keiyakusha
Real World Location: San Diego, CA
Career / Employment Industry / Current Level of School: Currently serving in the US Navy.
Hobbies: Chess, Wing Chung, Warhammer 40K
Family: Just my wife Jules
Your Website: http://grumpywookie.livejournal.com/

Besides Final Fantasy XI, what other MMORPGs have you played and how do they compare to Final Fantasy XI?

I played Ever Quest. I wasn't very good at it. Never got past level 28. I tried WOW. I didn't like it. I did not inhale.

How did you find out about Final Fantasy XI, and when did you begin playing?

My best friend told me about this game and got me to start playing it with him. This was about June 2004. I played on the Asura server and my character there was named Arlin. I got my main job to 72 and just sort of lost interest. Recently I felt a yen to play a MMORPG but none of the current games out appealed to me. The games due to come out looked good but they either got delayed or canned. Finally I just started FFXI again. So My current character only has 39 total levels under his belt (MNK20 WAR19) and I'm a complete noob.

But I'm still enjoying myself.

Do you know anyone in real life who plays Final Fantasy XI?

I ran into a bunch of people on my old ship who played. Of course my best friend. (I've tried to rope him back into playing but he's staying firm on "NO.")

How did you come up with your main character's name?

Laziness. Arlin was my first character and that's all I could think of at the time. (Arlen was taken) GrumpyWookie was my posting name.

What is your favorite job and why?

I like Warrior the best. At first I wanted to be a Paladin. I didn't know that I had to go 30 levels before I could even unlock the job. So my next natural selection was Warrior. I enjoy the idea of a large hulking fighter swinging a large weapon in combat. I also like the underdog and in the world of FFXI Warrior is the underdog. Naysayers have plenty of reasons why a Warrior can't do something or why Warrior isn't good at it. I believe that the player makes the job. Not the other way around. I like to play Warrior because I can show others that a well played and well equipped Warrior is just as good (Sometimes better) than any other job.

Which forum(s) do you frequent the most?

The Mead Hall for all of the above reasons. Sometimes I'll stick my toe into the OOT or the Asylum.

About how often do you play Final Fantasy XI and how long is a typical playing session for you?

At least 5 times a week. If it's a week night I may only get in about two hours, but I've pulled some 20 hour sessions. (never a good idea)

How do you spend your time in game?

If I'm not in an XP party I'm in Palborough Mines. For my lower level jobs is a great place to solo and that's where I do 90% of my farming. My old character was in there all the time. If someone needed a guide or Khazam keys I was there to help.

Approximately how much of Vana'diel have you experienced?

Honestly very little. I had COP for only a few months before I stopped playing and never did much with it. I've never seen the new lands the other expansions have added. I plan to correct that with my new character.

What is your favorite expansion?

Hard to say since I really haven't tested them all out.

What is your least favorite expansion?

See above.

How far have you progressed in missions?

Previously The farthest I got was rank 5. This time around I think I'll get to rank 7. It's a good prime number. I've never been a big fan of the ranks. The only reason I had Rank 5 last time was so I could ride the air ship.

What is your favorite zone?

My Mog House. No one ever shouts in there. The lag is minimal. The only MOB is a squishy little Moogle. And Money and Items just randomly show
up there from time to time.

Who is your NPC hero and why?

Haggleblix the Goblin. He has insulted EVERYONE who ever entered Beadeaux.

If Shantotto was your mom, give a good excuse for coming home 6 hours after curfew.

Mom! There was a thunderstorm and lightning struck right next to me! And when it did I was like, all static like and was totally WHOA! Then this
group of adventures charged by riding their chocobos! I got to close and the static that was all over my body stuck me to the chocobo! I was stuck to the bird's bum and they ran all the way to the /Valley of Sorrows. /Do you know how long it takes to walk back from the Valley of Sorrows? Six hours mom!

If you were stranded on Purgonorgo Isle what 5 items would you most want to have with you?

1) My trusty pocket knife.

2) A box of Oreo cookies.

3) Some milk. (For the cookies)

4) Victoria Silvstedt.

5) My Towel. Because I'm a hoopy frood who always knows where his towel is.

How do you describe Final Fantasy XI to your coworkers or computer-illiterate friends?

My co-workers usually don't get as far as what games I play at home and I don't make friends with computer-illiterate people.

What is next for you in the world of Final Fantasy XI?

Rank 4 and Level 20 Warrior!