I am wondering if I will simply acheive the espers as I go throughout the game, or if I will need to do specific tasks... I am a ways in the game, currently running up the phon coast, and I only have 2 espers; mateus and beligas... should I have more? I have read about some people having as many as 11 espers!!!

There are 13 espers in all. You get 5 of them just by completing the main story. Where you're at, two should be fine, but by the time you get the third, you'll probably want to get some more through side quests.

How am I to know where these side quests are with out a guide? One could easily pass through the game without knowledge of there being more than 5.

Isn't that why there's this (www.gamefaqs.com)?

speaking of which, is anyone else having problems with gamefaqs or just me. It hasn't been working at all for me...

Yeah, I only have one esper at this point --- Belias. I was kinda surprised that I only had one so far and was wondering when I'll get another. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Glad to know that there are five you get from the general plot and several available in sidequests as well.