I Know Kung-Fu

In FFXI, you can choose from a wide range of "jobs", which is just a euphemism for character classes. So you're selecting Warrior or White Mage, not Auto Mechanic or Massage Therapist (that would be a very different kind of game).

I decided to start as a Monk. You'd think that would mean a life of quiet, religious reflection. In the world of video games, that actually means I'm a whirlwind of violent death. Apparently Monks also believe that swords and armor are for sissies, choosing instead to use scraps of cloth and bare fists in combat. Need proof?

















In this shot, I'm about to drop a nasty karate chop/overhand punch hybrid on a very large hornet, which the designers have cleverly named "Huge Hornet". I hope that didn't take them long. Truth be told I'm not a big fan of stinging insects, so it was pretty satisfying to pummel a large number of these to death. In addition to experience points, killing Huge Hornets can net you pots of honey (yum!), wind crystals (sparkly!), and insect wings (I would want this...why?).

During my first play session, I jumped to level seven (they come fast at the start) and started a collection of random items. I also did some tasks for a town guard in Bastok, and he seemed pretty pleased with my progress. It's good to know that my genocidal efforts against the local insect population are appreciated.