As you probably already know, the world of Vana’diel has expanded over the past five years with the release of three unique expansion discs. The following section of the census is dedicated to never-before-seen data on Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, and Treasures of Aht Urhgan mission progression.

Let’s start with the Rise of the Zilart missions. By looking at the graph below, you can see that most players have either completed the most difficult battles (Awakening, The Last Verse), or have played up to the point where they can reach Tu’Lia (Ark Guardians).

[ Rise of the Zilart Mission Progression ]

Mission Title Character Distribution Welcome t'Norg 1.05% Kazham's Chieftainness 3.34% The Temple of Uggalepih 9.34% Headstone Pilgrimage 4.54% Through the Quicksand Caves 1.53% The Chamber of Oracles 0.01% Return to Delkfutt's Tower 0.89% Ro'Maeve 0.12% The Temple of Desolation 0.07% The Hall of the Gods 0.02% The Mithra and the Crystal 1.18% The Gate of the Gods 0.01% Ark Angels 27.08% The Sealed Shrine 12.34% The Celestial Nexus 8.22% Awakening 19.37% The Last Verse 10.89%

Next, we have some mission progression data from Chains of Promathia (released globally on September 16, 2004). The difficulty of these missions is widely known; however, the fact that 25% of players have reached the final chapter and the spoils it has to offer, shows a strong bond of friendship and teamwork among our community.

[ Chains of Promathia Mission Progression ]

Mission Title Character Distribution Ancient Flames Beckon 47.55% The Isle of Forgotten Saints 6.96% A Transient Dream 5.82% The Cradles of Children Lost 7.27% The Return Home 6.35% Echoes of Time 0.34% In the Light of the Crystal 1.23% Emptiness Bleeds 24.48%

Finally, we have a cornucopia of data harvested from the bountiful fields of Treasures of Aht Urhgan, released on April 20, 2006. As of late May, almost 12% of players have played up through the most current mission, Sentinel’s Honor. However, the largest number can be seen at President Salaheem, where over 20% stands. This can be attributed to player interest in participating in Assault missions.

In addition, higher percentages can be seen at missions that end in battles. Even a number like 1% equates into thousands of adventurers, so if you find that you are stuck on one of the earlier missions, chances are, many more are in the same predicament. Try shouting in Jeuno or Whitegate, and chances are you will easily find companions to come to your aid.

[ Treasures of Aht Urhgan Mission Progression ]

Mission Title Character Distribution Immortal Sentries 5.67% President Salaheem 20.33% Knight of Gold 7.17% Confessions of Royalty 1.09% Easterly Winds 0.77% Westerly Winds 2.11% A Mercenary Life 4.87% Undersea Scouting 3.93% Astral Waves 0.77% Imperial Schemes 1.10% Royal Puppeteer 5.49% Lost Kingdom 3.74% The Dolphin Crest 0.25% The Black Coffin 5.45% Ghosts of the Past 0.16% Guests of the Empire 0.36% Passing Glory 1.39% Sweets for the Soul 1.29% Teahouse Tumult 4.41% Finders Keepers 0.07% Shield of Diplomacy 5.24% Social Graces 0.11% Foiled Ambition 0.27% Playing the Part 2.28% Seal of the Serpent 0.62% Misplaced Nobility 2.91% Bastion of Knowledge 0.10% Puppet in Peril 4.23% Prevalence of Pirates 0.83% Shades of Vengeance 1.06% In the Blood 0.17% Sentinels' Honor 11.76%

We have also compiled data on mercenary rank progression and Assault mission popularity.

In last year’s census, we only covered three ranks. Now there are eight ranks, including the five introduced in the last year. Over half of all players have still only achieved the lowest second-private rank, with most yet to achieve lance corporal. However, this may be because many players value the ease with which the missions for the first three ranks can earn Assault points, and instead of working on attaining a new rank, have been concentrating on repeating the relatively easy ones. On the other hand, the 20% who have achieved corporal or higher have the freedom to choose a variety of different missions.

[ Mercenary Rankings ]

Mercenary Rank Character Distribution Private Second Class 54.71% Private First Class 12.03% Superior Private 8.37% Lance Corporal 4.85% Corporal 3.52% Sergeant 3.50% Sergeant Major 3.72% Chief Sergeant 9.30%

Finally, let’s take a look at some of the most popular Assault missions. It seems that most of the missions on the following list are ones that can be easily completed, require the fewest number of members to finish, and are easy to find volunteers willing to participate.

Why is Nyzul Isle Investigation ranked so high? This is probably due to the fact that, unlike the other staging points which have a new mission for each rank, Nyzul Isle has only one. The ever-changing area layout, as well as the variety of items that can only be obtained on select floors of the complex, give adventurers good reason to repeat this challenging mission even after reaching its deepest chambers.

[ Assault Mission Rankings ]

Area Assault Mission Mercenary Rank 1 Mamool Ja Training Grounds Preemptive Strike Private First Class 2 Nyzul Isle Nyzul Isle Investigation Private Second Class 3 Ilrusi Atoll Lamia No.13 Private First Class 4 Lebros Cavern Excavation Duty Private Second Class 5 Leujaoam Sanctum Counting Sheep Corporal 6 Lebros Cavern Evade and Escape Lance Corporal 7 Periqia Building Bridges Corporal 8 Ilrusi Atoll Golden Salvage Private Second Class 9 Mamool Ja Training Grounds Breaking Morale Lance Corporal 10 Periqia Saving Private Ryaaf Superior Private