site update. There's new music and a bunch of new information of crafting, monsters, and other aspects of the game.
http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/
Bestiary: Genders will be distinguished by different models and textures.
AI seems to have been improved; one example is raptors using a decoy to lure the adventurer into a trap.
A livestock system is referenced on the Aldgoat page.
Confirmed Classes:
Disciples of War:
Archer
Lancer
Gladiator
Marauder
Pugilist
Disciples of Magic:
Thaumaturge
Disciples of the Land:
Botanist
Disciples of the Hand:
Alchemist
Blacksmith
Culinarian
Tanner
Weaver
Crafting: Specific crystals and tools must be used for certain recipes.
Skilling up in culinary arts will allow one to use fewer ingredients for greater production.
The skilled culinarian is also able to simply throw in all the ingredients--perhaps earlier each ingredient required preparation.
A named stand is mentioned, and at the end of the story, it was revealed the stand was run by a player.
The site mentions that certain races are more proficient in one craft than another--perhaps there will be unique tools or some other aspect to crafting that makes each race unique.
Screenshots: It would appear as though surnames are optional, as one character shown uses a surname, while the other has opted from doing so.