Final Fantasy XI/Characters

Introduction
In Final Fantasy XI there are 5 different races to choose from, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. All of them (except for Mithra and Galka) can be played as a male or female character and can, to an extent, be customized in appearance. However, the selection for these customizations is much smaller than it is in other MMORPGs, and therefor you are bound to run into several characters who look exactly like yours.

Hume
The Hume tends to be the most popular choice, as players can customize them to look like themselves. They are also a completely balanced character, having no particular strengths or weaknesses. Some argue that the Hume is the best race for playing multi-purpose jobs such as Redmage.

Mithra
The Mithra is a cat-like race that can only be played as female. Having high dexterity and agility, it can become a great Thief or Ninja. It also has the ability to eat raw fish; something the game will allow you to do with no other race.

Tarutaru
The Tarutaru is the smallest race in the game. They have low strength and vitality so they tend not to make the greatest melee or tank. Their extremely high Intelligence lets them become powerful Black Mages, and while having low Mind, their large MP pools allow them to make great White Mages and Summoners as well.

Galka
The Galka, technicly not having a gender, are huge and generally thought of to all be male. Their high strength and vitality makes them perfect with tank jobs such as Warrior or Paladin. The galka have a unique ability similar to the Mithra's; they can enjoy the boosts of any raw meat.

Elvaan
The Elvaan are a tall race (It's argued whether the average Elvaan or Galka height is taller) that have high Constitution and Strength and excell in melee-jobs. They are perfectly suited to be Dark Knights and Dragoons.