The release of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail introduces players to Tural, a vibrant continent across the ocean to the west of Eorzea. This expansion reimagines the currency system, utilizing the Bicolor Gemstone as the primary medium of exchange for exclusive cosmetic items, crafting materials, and high-value collectibles. While Bicolor Gemstones are not a new concept in Final Fantasy XIV, the Dawntrail expansion implements a distinct four-tier ranking system that fundamentally alters how players interact with the Shared FATE mechanic. Unlike previous expansions which featured three ranks, Dawntrail mandates that players achieve Rank 4 in each of the six new zones to unlock the full potential of the economy. This guide provides an exhaustive analysis of the mechanics, locations, and strategic pathways to mastering the Bicolor Gemstone Trader system.
The Mechanics of Shared FATEs and the Four-Tier Ranking System
The core loop for acquiring Bicolor Gemstones revolves around the Shared FATE system, a mechanism designed to encourage cooperative play across the new regions of Tural. Players must complete specific numbers of FATEs in each of the six Dawntrail zones to increase their Shared FATE Rank. This progression is not merely linear; it is a gatekeeping mechanism that determines access to merchant inventories and the ability to purchase premium goods.
The ranking system in Dawntrail is more granular than in previous expansions. There are four distinct ranks, each requiring a cumulative total of FATE completions. The structure is as follows:
| Rank | Minimum Number of FATEs Required |
|---|---|
| Rank 1 | 1-6 FATEs |
| Rank 2 | 20 FATEs |
| Rank 3 | 40 FATEs |
| Rank 4 | 66 FATEs |
Reaching Rank 4 is the ultimate goal for players wishing to access the full range of items sold by the zone-specific Bicolor Gemstone Traders. The logic here is that as a player completes more FATEs, they unlock higher-tier items such as orchestration rolls, unique furnishings, and riding maps. It is crucial to understand that the currency, Bicolor Gemstones, is earned directly from completing these tasks. However, the rate of acquisition is variable and depends on the type of FATE and the presence of bonus modifiers.
To monitor progress, players must navigate to the Travel Menu, open the Shared FATES Log, and select the final page of the log. This interface provides a clear view of the current rank and the number of FATEs remaining to reach the next tier. This tracking mechanism is essential for planning efficient grinding sessions, as it prevents the frustration of unknowingly missing the threshold for a specific rank.
Strategic Efficiency: Flying, Party Finder, and Bonus Rewards
While the requirement to complete 66 FATEs per zone is significant, strategic players can optimize this process. One of the most critical efficiency upgrades is unlocking the ability to fly in the specific zone. Without flying capability, traversing the vast open world to locate FATEs is time-consuming. Once flying is unlocked, players can rapidly move between FATE locations, drastically reducing the time required to reach Rank 4.
Furthermore, the sheer volume of work required to unlock the highest tier merchants is substantial. With six new zones in Tural and a requirement of 66 FATEs per zone, a player must complete 396 FATEs in total (6 zones x 66 FATEs) to achieve maximum rank across the board. Doing this solo is a monumental task. The most effective strategy is to utilize the Party Finder menu to join a group or friends. Group play accelerates FATE completion time significantly, as multiple players can contribute to the completion criteria simultaneously.
Beyond standard FATEs, there are specific mechanics to maximize gemstone earnings. Normal FATEs grant approximately 14 Bicolor Gemstones per completion. However, special event FATEs offer higher yields. For instance, completing a World Boss FATE, such as the Ttokrrone, rewards 100 Bicolor Gemstones in a single completion. Additionally, defeating special NPCs like the Forlorn Maidens or The Forlorn, which appear randomly within FATEs, boosts both experience and the Bicolor Gemstone reward. The strategic approach is to defeat these entities before officially completing the FATE, thereby maximizing the return on time invested.
Regional Merchant Inventories and Unlock Progression
Each of the six Dawntrail regions features a dedicated Bicolor Gemstone Trader, and each merchant offers a unique inventory that is strictly gated by the player's Shared FATE Rank within that specific zone. The items range from basic crafting materials to high-end cosmetics and orchestration rolls. A player must reach Rank 4 in a specific zone to purchase the most exclusive items, such as the Ty'aitya mount voucher or rare orchestration rolls.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the inventories for the merchants in the four primary zones detailed in the available data, illustrating the progression from Rank 1 to Rank 4.
Ureqopacha Merchant Inventory
In the Ureqopacha region, the vendor sells a variety of items tied to local fauna and the zone's unique ecosystem.
| Item | Unlocked at Rank | Cost (Bicolor Gemstones) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Lobo Hide | 1 | 3 |
| Alpaca Filet | 1 | 3 |
| Megamaguey Pineapple | 1 | 3 |
| Ureqopacha Riding Map | 2 | 90 |
| Pelupelu Partition | 3 | 150 |
| Windswept Echoes Orchestration Roll | 4 | 450 |
| Alpaca Cria | 4 | 700 |
Kozama'uka Merchant Inventory
The Kozama'uka region offers materials derived from swamp and aquatic creatures, alongside exclusive furniture and cosmetic unlocks.
| Item | Unlocked at Rank | Cost (Bicolor Gemstones) |
|---|---|---|
| Hammerhead Crocodile Skin | 1 | 3 |
| Swampmonk Thigh | 1 | 3 |
| Poison Frog Secretions | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Apollyon Shell | 1 | 3 |
| Kozama'uka Riding Map | 2 | 90 |
| Ihuykatumu Bed | 3 | 150 |
| Of Glittering Wings Orchestration Roll | 4 | 450 |
| Stuffed Flag | 4 | 150 |
Yak T'el Merchant Inventory
In Yak T'el, the inventory focuses on flight and winged creatures, reflecting the zone's aerial themes.
| Item | Unlocked at Rank | Cost (Bicolor Gemstones) |
|---|---|---|
| Br'aax Hide | 1 | 3 |
| Branchbearer Fruit | 1 | 3 |
| Ty'aitya Wingblade | 1 | 3 |
| Yak T'el Riding Map | 2 | 90 |
| Yak T'el Scale Tree | 3 | 150 |
| Emerald Under Sapphire Orchestration Roll | 4 | 450 |
| Ilyikty'i | 4 | 700 |
Shaaloani Merchant Inventory
The Shaaloani region offers materials related to local flora and fauna, with high-rank items including specific riding maps and collectibles.
| Item | Unlocked at Rank | Cost (Bicolor Gemstones) |
|---|---|---|
| Rroneek Fleece | 1 | 3 |
| Rroneek Chuck | 1 | 3 |
| Nopalitender Tuna | 1 | 3 |
| Tumbleclaw Weeds | 1 | 3 |
| Shaaloani Riding Map | 2 | 90 |
| (Higher rank items not fully detailed in current data) |
It is evident that the progression is tiered. Lower ranks (1-3) offer basic materials and riding maps, while Rank 4 unlocks high-value items like orchestration rolls and unique collectibles. This tiered system ensures that players must invest significant time in FATEs to access the most desirable rewards.
The Path to the Ty'aitya Mount: Vouchers and The Grind
Among the many items available through the Bicolor Gemstone system, the Ty'aitya mount stands out as a premier reward. This "giant sugar glider" is highly sought after, but obtaining it requires an immense grind that goes beyond standard zone merchants. The Ty'aitya mount is not purchased directly from the zone traders; instead, it requires the acquisition of Turali Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers.
The process involves two distinct phases. First, the player must reach Rank 4 in all six zones. Only then do the "Super Merchant" vendors become available in the main cities of Solution Nine and Tuliyollal. These vendors are the only sources for the Turali Bicolor Gemstone Voucher.
Once the Rank 4 threshold is met in every zone, two specific vendors unlock: 1. Kajeel Ja: Located in Tuliyollal at the Bayside Bevy (Coordinates: X:12.8, Y:13.0). 2. Beryl: Located in Solution Nine at the Nexus Arcade (Coordinates: X:8.4, Y:14.1).
These vendors sell the Turali Bicolor Gemstone Voucher for the price of 100 Bicolor Gemstones each. To purchase the Ty'aitya, a player requires 500 of these vouchers. This translates to a massive currency requirement: * Target Vouchers: 500 * Cost per Voucher: 100 Bicolor Gemstones * Total Bicolor Gemstones Needed: 50,000
Given that a standard FATE awards 14 Bicolor Gemstones, reaching 50,000 would theoretically require approximately 3,571 FATE completions if relying solely on standard rewards. However, as noted in the strategic section, utilizing World Boss FATEs (like Ttokrrone, awarding 100 gemstones) and defeating special entities like Forlorn Maidens can significantly accelerate this process. The total grind is substantial, making party play and optimization of FATE selection critical.
Once the 500 vouchers are collected, the player must travel to Mor Dhona. The final transaction occurs at Rowena's House of Splendors. The merchant named Edelina is located north of the Aetheryte (Coordinates: X:22.1, Y:4.9). This vendor allows the player to exchange the 500 Turali Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers for the Ty'aitya Whistle, which summons the mount.
Comprehensive Vendor Locations and Unlock Conditions
The availability of the premium vendors is strictly conditional upon the player's progress in the Shared FATE system. The logic is simple but rigid: you cannot access the vendors in Solution Nine and Tuliyollal until you have achieved Rank 4 in all six Dawntrail zones. This design forces players to engage deeply with the exploration and cooperative gameplay of Tural before accessing the high-tier economy.
The two key vendor locations are: * Kajeel Ja: Found in Tuliyollal, Bayside Bevy. * Beryl: Found in Solution Nine, Nexus Arcade.
These vendors do not appear until the Shared FATE rank reaches its maximum in every zone. This mechanic ensures that the high-value items, including the vouchers for the Ty'aitya, are a reward for total zone mastery. The coordinates provided allow players to navigate directly to these merchants once the rank conditions are met.
Optimizing the Gemstone Economy: Tips for Efficiency
To navigate this system efficiently, players should adopt a multi-faceted approach. The initial step is to unlock the ability to fly in each of the six zones. This mobility upgrade is the single most effective way to reduce the time spent traveling between FATEs. Without flying, the grind becomes exponentially more difficult.
Secondly, prioritize high-yield FATEs. Instead of completing every single standard FATE, players should focus on World Boss FATEs, which offer a 100 Bicolor Gemstone payout, and seek out Forlorn Maidens or The Forlorn. These special encounters provide significant boosts to both experience and currency rewards.
Finally, utilize the Party Finder. Since the total requirement is 396 FATEs to reach max rank across all zones, and 50,000 gemstones for the Ty'aitya, solo play is inefficient. Joining a party allows for rapid completion of these tasks. The Shared FATE Log should be checked frequently to ensure no progress is missed and to plan the most efficient route through the zones.
Conclusion
The Bicolor Gemstone system in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail represents a sophisticated economy that rewards dedication and strategic planning. The requirement to reach Rank 4 in all six zones (66 FATEs each) serves as a gatekeeper for the premium vendors in Solution Nine and Tuliyollal. The path to the coveted Ty'aitya mount involves not only reaching max rank but also amassing a staggering 50,000 Bicolor Gemstones to purchase 500 vouchers. Through the use of flying, party play, and targeting high-yield FATEs, players can mitigate the grind. Understanding the specific inventory of zone merchants and the conditional unlock of the voucher vendors is essential for maximizing the return on time invested in the Tural continent. This system transforms the exploration of the new expansion into a rich, rewarding journey, where every FATE completed contributes to a tangible, high-value reward.