So, you've decided you want to create or join your own linkshell. The following will be a brief guide explaining what a linkshell is, and how you can join or create one.

Linkwhat?

A linkshell can be thought of as a guild or an allegiance in Final Fantasy XI. It allows you to communicate with a select group of friends accross long distances without having to private message or be in a party (group) with them. It also adds a little colored circle above your head, so others can easily identify what Linkshell you belong to.

Joining a Linkshell

Linkshells can be fairly costly, so a good alternative to creating a linkshell, is to simply join one. If you'd rather create your own linkshell, skip to the next portion for more information, however be warned that it will cost you 8,000 Gil.

In order to join a linkshell, all you need is a Linkpearl that is given to you by one of the "Admins" of the linkshell. A linkpearl can be created by the leader who holds the Linkshell, or by someone who was given a Linksack which gives them more power in the Linkshell. People who have a Linkshell or Linksack can create Linkpearls by going into the main menu and going to the Linkshell menu, then selecting the Linkshell they want another pearl for and select it. From here simply say "Create Linkpearl" and then the pearl appears in their inventory. Simply handing it to the person you wish to invite and telling them to equip the linkpearl will invite them. To talk on the linkshell chat, you can simply type "/l Message" or press Control+L and type your message.

Creating a Linkshell

The first thing you need to do when creating a linkshell, is buy it. A linkshell can be pricey (8,000 Gil), so I suggest you get a group of friends who you plan on inviting into the Linkshell, and asking everyone to pool their money together. It makes life much easier on you, however make sure you decide who will have the linkshell before hand, since only one person can have complete control over the linkshell. A linkshell can be bought in numerous places, for example in Port Bastok there's a lady who sells them.

Once you've bought the linkshell, the first thing you need to do is name it and assign it a color. Use the linkshell and a menu appears, enter the name of the linkshell. Note that the name is restricted to 19 characters and can NOT have any spaces. The color will be the color of the circle which appears above linkshell members heads by their name. From here, you need to equip the Linkshell by going to your Linkshell panel and selecting it to be the active one. To invite people, read the paragraph above for an explanation. One thing to note is that in addition to being able to give people pearls, you can Kick people and give people Sacks by selecting the Linkshell and going into the detailed menu.

A Linksack allows other members of your linkshell to create Linkpearls so they can invite others, as well as gives them the ability to use any commands you've given them permission to. In addition to linkshell chat, the administrators of the Linkshell are granted access to a few commands to help administrate the linkshell. As stated in the patch notes from July 17th 2003, the following is available: