[Updated]Final Fantasy XI New Expansion Preview - A Shantotto Ascension TGS 2009 Trailer

Lady Shantotto Exposed!

"The secrets of my soft, supple skin, you ask? Beauty on the outside comes from the beauty within, and let me tell you, maintaining it is not an easy task.

However, living by the words of my dear old mother-- This alone has given me an advantage over all others.

Do not hate, be hated

Be outspoken, but never jaded

Do not loath, better to be loathed from birth

Before being cursed by a fool, make sure he is the one who gets cursed!

O-hohohoho!"

As I walked through Windurst Walls for the first time, I was amazed by the district's layout. A labyrinth of waterways and bridges connected countless tiny islands that encircled the towering Great Star Tree--the center of Windurstian prosperity. However, what immediately grabbed my attention were the extravagant mansions that dotted the district and put all other Federation residences to shame.

I later learned that not just anyone can hang her hat in Windurst Walls. The district's land is exclusive--prime real estate set apart for the elite members of the Federation. Along with the Star Sibyl and her ladies-in-waiting in the Great Star Tree, the only other people who call the Walls their home are those who have spent their lives contributing to the welfare of Windurst, and in many cases it is this handful of select citizens that represents the true ruling force of the Federation--the professors.

And among these former government ministers, there is one who stands out above the rest. Her presence is felt, not only within the Federation, but across Vana'diel. She is admired by some, despised by others, but feared by all. Her name is Professor Shantotto.

At a glance, the professor is far from imposing. Her wide brown eyes and golden blonde hair, coupled with her child-like Tarutaru features and innocent smile, are anything but frightening.

However, beneath that schoolgirl facade lies a powerful woman whose skill and cunning lifted her to the position of Orastery minister and won her countless battles during the Great War.

Even after her official retirement, the outspoken professor still spends most of her time advising young wizards, and is respected by adventurers and peers from nations across Vana'diel.

Beautiful and talented. Admired and feared. But what kind of life has one of Windurst's most popular characters led?

"Ohohohoho!

So you're interested in my past?

Ask the right questions and your career is sure to last.

From a long line of powerful black mages came both my mother and my father; In this I take great pride, though keeping track of all my great ancestors is often quite a bother."

A laugh laden with sophistication and refinement rang through the room as she answered my question. Her eyes sparkled as she reminisced about her childhood.

"While quite embarrassed to say,

I was a proverbial angel in my younger days.

Healing the world and spreading love were my dreams.

I was still a child--I hadn't come to my senses, it seems."

Such an answer could only have come from someone who was cared for and nurtured by the finest of parents. I decided to ask the professor to briefly describe her upbringing.