Today marks the next major content update for the Test Server, allowing players to get a taste of what's in store for the March version update and more. Equipment menus now displaying four digit values for attack and defense, config adjustments, and revisions and changes to the Nyzul Isle Uncharted Region Assaults are part of this new content. In addition to these new changes, Square Enix's plans for the future of Synergy and synthesis are laid out, with everything from raising the level caps to augmentation of Salvage, Limbus, and Relic gear in the works!

Penny for your thoughts on these upcoming Test Server changes and the future of synthing? Feel free to share them with us on the ZAM forums!

From the official Final Fantasy XI forums:

[dev1098] New Merchant NPC Items

• The NPCs below now sell the following items:
  • Scrolls of Invisibility, Sneak, and Deodorize
    • Falgima (Selbina, H-9)
    • Tya Padolih (Mhaura, G-9)
  • Wormy Broth
    • Macchi Gazlitah (Ru'Lude Gardens, H-9)

From the official Final Fantasy XI forums:

[dev1099] Equipment Menu Adjustment

• The equipment menu can now display four-digit attack and defense values.

From the official Final Fantasy XI forums:

[dev1100] Config Adjustment

• The following option has been added to the "Config" menu under "Misc. 2":
  
  • Keyboard Size
    Compact 2

From the official Final Fantasy XI forums:

[dev1101] Adjustments to Assault: Nyzul Isle Uncharted Region

• Players who defeat the NMs that spawn on floors 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 five times will be rewarded with a key item corresponding to that section.
  Talking to the NPC Berangere at Aht Urhgan Whitegate (L-9) while in possession of one of those key items will allow players to receive one piece of equipment from a list of possible spoils obtainable in that section.
  *The key item will be lost once the exchange is complete.
  
  
• The amount of tokens required to purchase temporary items has been reduced:
  

  Category	Previous Amount	Current Amount
  Low	100	50
  Medium	200	100
  High	300	150

From the official Final Fantasy XI forums:

[dev1045] Crafting Skill Cap Increase

The forthcoming version update will feature an increase in the crafting skill cap and a host of accompanying adjustments.

These adjustments represent the first phase in a planned overhaul of the synergy and synthesis systems, as outlined below.

• The Future of Synthesis and Synergy
  The respective roles of synergy and synthesis in obtaining items will be reenvisioned. Rather than a gradual shift in importance from traditional synthesis to synergy, the new vision will preserve and further develop unique roles for both forms of item crafting, with a wide variety of potent new recipes to be introduced.
  
  The ultimate goal is to allow for equipment that offers players greater customization by armor part and situation—such as Level 75 Relic, Salvage, and Limbus armor—to be crafted and augmented through synthesis and synergy.

• Characteristics of Synthesis

• Crafting impressive standalone items
• HQ synthesis will be reflected in significant attribute bonuses
• Crafting base items used in more advanced item recipes
• Chance of losing ingredients upon failure

• Characteristics of Synergy

• Crafting items in mass quantities, as well as exclusive items
• HQ synergy will be reflected in increased yield for mass-production recipes
• Will specialize in adding value to items via augments, etc.
• Ingredients (with the exception of fewell) remain intact upon failure

• March Update Adjustments
  As the first phase in the planned overhaul of synergy and synthesis, the following adjustments will be implemented:

• Maximum crafting skill will be increased from 100 to 110, and the base cap from 60 to 70.
• To accompany this change, the option to relinquish craftsman status will be replaced by the option to replace artisan status.
• New synthesis recipes will be added.
• Ending a contract with particular guild will no longer result in the loss of guild points.
• The synergy crucible key item may now be purchased for 100 gil.