I am going to give a quick overview of FFXI Gil, and then some tips on how to make Gil fast at lower levels.  FFXI Gil, as with any MMORPG's currency, is integral to the game's play.  First I'd like to point out that the word “Gil” is revealed in FFIV to be taken from the name of Gilbart, a common name of the members of the Royal Family of Damcyan, and was originally used as the currency of Damcyan.  Noteworthy is the fact that used as a word, Hebrew is the only language that I could find a definition of “Gil”, which is in fact a common name for males or females, meaning Happiness.  Oddly most if not all cultures have stories of how money cannot buy happiness, which I find rather ironic about the name of the currency in the FF series.

Anyhow, within the online game of FFXI, as previously stated, Gil is necessary to advancement within the game.  A common way to earn Gil in the game is through random battles, and while it is a long grind, if you are patient and prude in spending, you will find that you can conserve your Gil and build it up for later and more important uses such as armor and weapons.  This method is likely the most used by players online or offline.  Players who are crafty, and conserve their Gil throughout the leveling process will find that they can take on professions and through careful perusal of items bought and sold in the auction house, may use this Gil to create and sell items for a profit much better than the cost of the materials.

I have heard of many quick ways to make Gil, but the quickest by far is a method referred to by some as “growing money on trees”.  The best way to engage in this method is to first gain a Mog house at around level 7 and then with a bit of wealth, you must invest in brass pot(s), several vegetable seeds, and a few water crystals.  Keep in mind that this is a chunk of an investment, but it will pay off in the long run.  Put the brass pot in your Mog house, and plant the seeds, feeding it some water crystals, in 1 to 3 days you'll reap a reward of 17 fire crystals.  Sell them in AH for a nice profit.  Alternatively at level 7 to 10 you can head over to Gusterburg and kill vultures for them, or to San D'oria and kill orcs to get fire crystals.

As with any MMORPG sharing the wealth of knowledge is a good way to make friends, as well as learn other tips and tricks to help you out along the way to endgame content! Stick with this strategy in any game you play online, and you'll do well no matter where your travels take you.  Good luck and great Fame be yours!

Edit by Judy