I only hope they implement it with some really rare things, that way it might diversify the armor that can be equipped. It seems like certain armor and weapons would definitely cost less if there was more variety of them to be equipped, instead of an established "best".
The fact that if it's dropped while in a party makes it interesting, though I'm curious about how it will work. I'd imagine it would stay in the Pool until it's appraised, then the players can cast lots or wait for it to allocate as any other item.
It reminds me vaguely of the Diablo games, but you could equip something that hadn't been "appraised" in the games to tell you what it was. According to the description you'll have to find an appraiser before you can equip it.
I also wonder if the drops will be limited to just defeated mobs, and only in the new expansion areas. I'm assuming since it's stated you can find them in a party it's a drop, but maybe they'll make it so you can get them from chocobo digging or HELM actions.
Just a few thoughts. I'm really looking forward to this part of the expansion.
Appraisers Coming with Aht Urhgan
Some people in Vana'diel make their living as appraisers, helping merchants and mercenaries determine the type of items they have picked up during their travels in Aht Urhgan. The Near East's powerful ocean winds, rust, or even mere age can make an item unrecognizable to the amateur eye. The finder may even simply lack the knowledge to make an accurate judgment and find himself unsure of how to use the newly discovered good. In such cases, appraisers use their experience and keen senses to ascertain what the item really is. Qiqirn can use their keen noses to sniff out information about an item, and many make excellent appraisers. The only drawback to using a Qiqirn appraiser is that they might be a little difficult to understand due to their odd accents...
Does the idea of finding a mysterious item on your adventures sound exciting?
For example, let’s say you find a “??? sword.”
It may look just like an ordinary sword, but it could turn out to be an incredibly powerful relic. On the other hand, what looks to be a keen blade to the untrained eye may end up disappointing its finder. So what is the sword’s true identity? Could it be a legendary item? There is only one way to find out--by visiting an appraiser in town. The development team has decided to implement this feature in order to add an increased element of anticipation to adventuring in Aht Urhgan.
The mysterious items do not stop at swords. There are “??? gloves,” “??? rings,” and many other varieties. However, you will be unable to equip these items after finding them.
That is where the appraisers come in. By getting your mysterious items appraised, you will learn their true identities, and they will henceforth become usable. This service will require a payment in gil, but will not be very expensive.
If you get an item appraised while in a party, the appraised item will be added to the treasure pool. This is so that the treasure can be distributed among party members, even it is an Ex item. If you are playing solo, the appraised item will be added directly to your inventory. If you do not have enough inventory space, you may be unable to receive the appraised item, so be sure to clear out your bag beforehand.
So if you find an unknown item while adventuring in a party, you can travel to town and have the item appraised together before disbanding. Perhaps the item you have been holding will turn out to be a fantastic find, and then you can all celebrate together!
Appraisers and mysterious items will be available with the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion disc!
Tags: FinalFantasyXI, News
