This is FFXIV: A Realm Reborn Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida.
Thank you so much for your feedback regarding the Mirror of the Whorl. Deciding on appropriate measures to address this issue and finalize the processes required to do so took longer than expected, so I would like to apologize for the late announcement.
In particular, I would like to address the issue faced by paladins and white mages, who require two Mirrors of the Whorl to upgrade both a weapon and shield, while other jobs require only one.
A new system allowing players to exchange one item for two rewards was scheduled to be implemented, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was not ready in time for patch 2.2. As a result, paladins and white mages were left without means to exchange a mirror for both their weapons and shields as a set. I realize this has greatly inconvenienced you all, and I sincerely apologize for the current implementation.
Many players are also concerned with low drop rates, but I would like to assure you that the drop tables for weapons and shields are separate and balanced to prevent inequality between paladins, white mages, and other jobs. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Mirrors of the Whorl, as the new exchange system was not ready in time for patch 2.2.
When taking into account the various trials and duties introduced with each update, we generally offer alternatives to obtain weapons and shields of the same item level while making adjustments to overall character enhancement. This is especially true for paladins. However, only one one-handed weapon for white mages was added in Patch 2.2, leaving those who would prefer to use a one-handed weapon and shield at a disadvantage.
A similar situation arose with the black mage weapon obtainable in the Binding Coil of Bahamut - Turn 5, and we addressed this in Patch 2.1 by adding a shield that could be obtained as a reward for clearing the three extreme primal battles. However, this still resulted in a disadvantageous situation due to the item level of this shield.
The new exchange system allowing players to exchange one item for two rewards is scheduled for implementation before patch 2.3. Moving forward, we will make every effort to ensure equality in rewards received by all jobs.
Additionally, in response to feedback regarding the difficulty of obtaining a Mirror of the Whorl due to its low drop rate and the need to also win a lot, the following adjustments will be made with Patch 2.25, which is scheduled to be released at the end of April.
- The Tidal Wave Shield will be added as a possible shield reward for The Whorleater (Extreme).
- The Tidal Wave Buckler will be added as a possible shield reward for The Whorleater (Extreme).
- Players that have used a Mirror of the Whorl to upgrade a Wave Shield or Wave Buckler before Patch 2.25 will receive an additional Mirror of the Whorl.
While the rate at which shields appear will be higher, let me reiterate that the drop tables for weapons and shields are separate, and these changes will have no effect on the drop rate for weapons.
Furthermore, for those who have already upgraded their Wave Shields and Wave Bucklers, the development and operations teams will analyze player data to determine who has already enhanced these shields, and we will be sending these players a Mirror of the Whorl via mog letter after the release of Patch 2.25.
This analysis will take place during the maintenance period for Patch 2.25, and we plan to send Mirrors of the Whorl to players a few days after the patch is released.
I apologize again for the inconvenience, and ask for your patience as we work to address this matter.