The Crystalline Mean serves as the central hub for the latest expansion content, acting as a nexus for players seeking to unlock advanced gameplay mechanics, including the coveted Gemstone Trader. Access to this merchant is not granted immediately upon entering the Crystarium; rather, it is the culmination of a rigorous progression path designed to test a player's mastery over gathering and crafting disciplines. Understanding the precise sequence of prerequisites is essential for any player aiming to access the unique currency exchange system managed by the Gemstone Trader.
The journey begins with the overarching quest "The Crystalline Mean." This quest is the foundational gatekeeper. Players must complete this initial storyline segment to unlock the specific facet quests that lead to the Gemstone Trader. The Gemstone Trader is an NPC that facilitates the exchange of a specific currency obtained through completing FATEs (Fighter Against The Enemy) in the 5.0 expansion areas. To reach this point, one must navigate through a series of role-based and delivery quests that validate a player's dedication to their chosen discipline.
The Foundation: Prerequisites and Initial Steps
The path to the Gemstone Trader is structured around the completion of the main scenario quests. Before any facet-specific quests can be accepted, players are required to have reached a certain point in the main storyline. This ensures that the narrative context for the Crystalline Mean is established. The primary prerequisite quest, "The Crystalline Mean," is available at The Crystarium at coordinates X:11.0 Y:8.5 from the NPC Katliss. This quest is available to any Disciple of the Hand or Land at level 70.
Completing "The Crystalline Mean" is the first major milestone. Without this, the subsequent "Crystalline Mean" delivery series remain locked. The narrative implies that the Crystalline Mean is a critical resource or event that requires player intervention, setting the stage for the specialized roles that follow.
Role-Based Quest Prerequisites
Once the main scenario prerequisite is met, players must then focus on their specific role. The game distinguishes between Disciples of War and Magic versus Disciples of the Hand and Land.
For Disciples of War (Tanks, DPS) and Magic (Healers, Casters), the path to the Gemstone Trader is slightly different from the gathering classes. Players must progress through their specific role quest series.
- Tank Quest: "The Man with Too Many Scars" is available from Granson at The Crystarium (X:10.5 Y:16.2). This requires any Tank class (Paladin, Warrior, Dark Knight, Gunbreaker) to be level 70.
- Physical DPS Quest: "No Greater Sport" is available from Lue-Reeq at The Crystarium (X:10.8 Y:15.9). This is for Monk, Dragoon, Ninja, Samurai, Bard, Machinist, and Dancer at level 70.
- Magical DPS Quest: "Hollow Pursuits" is available from Cerrig at The Crystarium (X:11.2 Y:15.2). This covers Black Mage, Summoner, and Red Mage at level 70.
- Healer Quest: "Traditions and Travails" is available from Giott at The Crystarium (X:10.7 Y:15.4). This is for White Mage, Scholar, and Astrologian at level 70.
Completing these role quests is mandatory before the final unlock. The game design ensures that players engage with the story of their specific class before accessing the broader Crystalline Mean mechanics.
The Gathering and Crafting Path
For players focusing on gathering and crafting (Disciples of the Hand and Land), the route is even more granular. The Crystalline Mean quest unlocks five distinct "Facet" quest series, each corresponding to a specific gathering or crafting discipline.
To access the Gemstone Trader, a player must complete at least one of these five series. However, there is a critical dependency: before undertaking these delivery quests, players must first complete the quest "Inscrutable Tastes." This quest acts as a secondary gate, ensuring the player has completed the initial setup for the scrip reward system.
The five facets and their respective quests are:
- Facet of Forging: "Iola, Forgemaster" (Blacksmith, Armorer, Goldsmith) from Iola at The Crystarium (X:11.4 Y:8.7).
- Facet of Crafting: "Cherished Memories" (Carpenter, Leatherworker, Weaver) from a Recording Node at The Crystarium (X:11.4 Y:8.3).
- Facet of Nourishing: "Friends of a Feather" (Alchemist, Culinarian) from Bethric at The Crystarium (X:10.8 Y:8.6).
- Facet of Gathering: "On the Trail of a Myth" (Miner, Botanist) from Qeshi-Rae at The Crystarium (X:11.1 Y:8.2).
- Facet of Fishing: "Well Eel Be Damned" (Fisher) from Frithrik at The Crystarium (X:11.0 Y:8.8).
Each of these quests requires the corresponding level 70 class. The progression through these quests advances the story of that particular facet. The completion of the delivery series for a specific facet is the direct trigger for unlocking the Gemstone Trader's full inventory.
The Final Unlock: The Hidden Quest
Upon completing the entirety of the main scenario and all five Crystalline Mean delivery quest series, a final, elusive quest is unlocked. This quest, represented by a question mark (???), is the definitive key to the Gemstone Trader.
- Quest Name:
??? - Level Requirement: 80 (Disciple of the Hand or Land).
- Location: The Crystarium (X:11.0 Y:8.5).
- NPC: Katliss.
- Prerequisites:
- Complete the final quest of the main scenario.
- Complete all five Crystalline Mean Delivery quest series.
Similarly, for Disciples of War and Magic, there is a parallel final quest also denoted as ???.
- Level Requirement: 80.
- Location: The Crystarium (X:10.8 Y:15.2).
- NPC: Glynard.
- Prerequisites:
1. Complete the final quest of the main scenario.
2. Complete all four role quest series (Tank, Physical DPS, Magical DPS, Healer).
3. Progress through the designated role quest for the specific job.
Completion of this final ??? quest is the moment the Gemstone Trader becomes fully accessible and functional for the player. This quest represents the culmination of the expansion's narrative arc regarding the Crystalline Mean.
The Gemstone Trader and Currency Mechanics
The Gemstone Trader is not merely a shop; it is a hub for a specialized currency system. By completing FATEs in 5.0 areas, players receive bicolor gemstones. These gemstones are the currency of the Crystarium.
Once the prerequisite quests are complete, players can exchange these gemstones with the Gemstone Trader NPC for a variety of goods. The inventory of the Gemstone Trader is not static. As players continue to complete FATEs in the new areas, the Gemstone Traders offer a wider selection of items. This creates a progression loop where more gameplay activity unlocks better rewards.
Currency and Rewards Structure
The economy of the Crystalline Mean is built on the exchange of gemstones for goods. The system is designed to incentivize continuous engagement with FATEs.
- Currency: Bicolor Gemstones.
- Source: Completed FATEs in 5.0 areas.
- Exchange: Gemstone Trader NPCs.
- Inventory Growth: The selection of items available for purchase expands as the player completes more FATEs in the new zones.
This mechanic ensures that the Gemstone Trader remains a relevant destination throughout the expansion, evolving as the player's activity in the game world increases.
Integration with Other Gameplay Systems
Unlocking the Gemstone Trader is part of a broader ecosystem of updates within the Crystarium. The system integrates with Leves, Treasure Hunts, and other progression systems.
Leve Quest Adjustments
New leve quests have been added for Disciples of the Hand and Land. A significant adjustment was made to the rewards for these quests. If a player uses a class level 70 or above to complete a leve quest with a requirement below level 70, the rewards (Tradecraft and fieldcraft leve quest rewards) are significantly reduced. This encourages players to match their character level with the quest difficulty to maximize rewards, reinforcing the importance of leveling up to 80 to access the best content.
Treasure Hunt and Submersible Parameters
Treasure hunts in the new areas (Lost Canals of Uznair, Hidden Canals of Uznair, Shifting Altars of Uznair) now sync players to level 70 upon entry. This change ensures that all players, regardless of their actual level, can participate in these hunts without being level-locked out.
Submersible parameters have also been adjusted. A table below outlines the structure of submersible values, which are relevant for players engaging with the underwater content that supports the Crystalline Mean narrative.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Base | Base value of submersible components. |
| Bonus | Bonus values added according to rank. (Note: Bonus parameters will be added in a future update). |
| Total | Total value of submersible components. |
Elite Marks and Centurio Seals
The system also includes a notification for S rank elite marks. A notification displays when an S rank elite mark spawns in the current area. Additionally, a notification indicates the general direction of B rank marks when they spawn, and a notification appears when a nearby B rank mark is defeated.
The cap for Centurio Seals has been increased from 1,000 to 4,000, allowing for greater accumulation of this currency. Mark bills for A Realm Reborn and Heavensward areas can now be used to open maps for their respective areas, integrating legacy content with the new expansion mechanics.
Advanced Features and Housing Integration
The Crystarium is not just a hub for the Gemstone Trader; it is also a center for housing and system updates. The addition of a market board to the Crystarium has led to adjustments in tax rates. Retainers can be utilized, but with specific conditions: they must be Disciples of War or Magic at level 60 or higher, and the player must possess a copy of Modern Vocation.
Housing and Furnishings
Significant changes have been made to housing. The restrictions on exterior fixtures based on the housing ward have been removed. Players can now use exterior fixtures associated with any district for their estate. A search function for furnishings has been added, and color selection is available when previewing dyes. However, certain items like estate vendors, mannequins, retainers, and Feast rewards cannot be previewed.
Crafting facility furnishings can now be used by crafting classes up to level 70. This integration allows players to utilize housing as a functional space for their gathering and crafting disciplines, directly linking back to the Crystalline Mean storyline.
Deep Dungeons and Trials
The Palace of the Dead and Heaven-on-High Deep Dungeons have been expanded. A new area, "The Lawns," has been added to Stone, Sky, Sea. This area offers trials tailored to high-level duties, where players must destroy a level 80 striking dummy. These trials are level 80, aligning with the level cap required for the final unlock quest (???).
New Items and Achievements
New mounts have been added, including the Coeurl, Cavalry Elbst, Warlion, Warbear, and War Panther, all of which can now fly. New Chocobo barding, new aquarium fishes, and new orchestrion rolls have also been introduced. A new seed, Hydrangea Seeds, is available from various NPCs, including the Material Supplier in The Crystarium and other locations like Shirogane and New Gridania.
Strategic Progression Summary
To successfully unlock and utilize the Gemstone Trader, a player must navigate a precise series of steps. The following table summarizes the critical path for both Combat and Gathering/Crafting roles.
| Role Category | Initial Quest | Facet/Role Quests Required | Final Unlock Quest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disciples of War/Magic | "Elite and Dangerous" (Prerequisite for Elite Marks) | Role Quests (Tank, DPS, Healer) | ??? (Level 80) |
| Disciples of Hand/Land | "The Crystalline Mean" | 5 Crystalline Mean Delivery Series | ??? (Level 80) |
The Critical Path for Gathering/Crafting
- Prerequisite: Complete "The Crystalline Mean" (Level 70, Katliss).
- Secondary Prerequisite: Complete "Inscrutable Tastes" to unlock the delivery series rewards (scrips).
- Facet Quests: Complete at least one of the five delivery series (Forging, Crafting, Nourishing, Gathering, Fishing).
- Final Step: Complete all five delivery series and the main scenario to unlock the Level 80
???quest from Katliss. - Result: Full access to the Gemstone Trader and the ability to exchange Bicolor Gemstones for a growing list of items.
The Critical Path for Combat Roles
- Prerequisite: Progress to a certain point in the main scenario.
- Role Quests: Complete the specific role quest for your class (Tank, Physical DPS, Magical DPS, Healer) from their respective NPCs at level 70.
- Final Step: Complete the main scenario and all four role quest series to unlock the Level 80
???quest from Glynard. - Result: Access to the Gemstone Trader system and the ability to trade bicolor gemstones.
The Value of the Gemstone Trader
The ultimate value of the Gemstone Trader lies in the dynamic inventory. Unlike static vendors, the Gemstone Trader's inventory expands as the player engages more with the game world. By completing FATEs in the 5.0 areas, players earn Bicolor Gemstones. As the player's activity in these zones increases, the Gemstone Trader offers a wider selection of goods. This creates a feedback loop where continued participation in the game's core combat and gathering loops directly enhances the value of the currency system.
The system also integrates with the "Elite and Dangerous" quest line. Players must complete this quest to unlock Elite Mark hunts in the new areas. Upon completion, players can exchange "Sacks of Nuts" obtained from these hunts with specific NPCs in the Crystarium (Xylle) and Eulmore (Ilfroy) for items. This ties the hunting mechanic directly to the Crystalline Mean ecosystem.
Conclusion
Unlocking the Gemstone Trader in the Crystarium is a multi-stage process that requires dedication across multiple disciplines. It is not a simple one-time unlock but a progression through the Crystalline Mean storyline. The path involves completing the main scenario, followed by specific role or delivery quests, culminating in the Level 80 ??? quest.
For Disciples of the Hand and Land, the requirement is to complete all five Crystalline Mean Delivery quest series. For Disciples of War and Magic, the requirement is to complete all four role quest series. Only after these exhaustive steps does the final quest unlock, granting access to the Gemstone Trader.
The system is designed to reward consistent engagement. The Gemstone Trader's inventory is dynamic, expanding as players complete FATEs in the new zones. This ensures that the merchant remains a central hub for the economy of the expansion, linking the narrative of the Crystalline Mean with the practical benefits of the game's currency systems. By following the precise sequence of quests—from "The Crystalline Mean" to the final ???—players can fully utilize the Gemstone Trader to acquire unique rewards, mounts, and items that are central to the Crystalline Mean experience.