Letter from the Producer LIVE Part XXVII Lore Discussion

Holy mother of lore-walls! Thanks, Ferne!

Really, really looking forward to the lore book.

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Originally Posted by Fernehalwes

However, FFXIV’s patch titles are usually multi-layered, so the “change” mentioned here is not exclusive to the Minfilia branch of the story. It also ties into the Dragonsong War branch as well. As we saw in 3.1, following the dramatic rescue of an Ishgardian by a dragon, the people of Ishgard have begun questioning their heretofore violent relationship with the Dravanians. They have begun to think that a change towards peace may be possible. In addition, the other regions of Eorzea have also detected a change in the winds, and are now beginning to re-evaluate their stance on the conflict...possibly considering action themselves.

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Hmm, I just thought the other layers were just referencing Midas.

So the city states are themsleves considering action huh, something tells me that Nidhogg or Ala Mhigo might be getting a few more uninvited guests.

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Originally Posted by Fernehalwes

In addition, the other regions of Eorzea have also detected a change in the winds, and are now beginning to re-evaluate their stance on the conflict...possibly considering action themselves.

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Re-evaluating their stance on Ishgards conflict, or re-evaluating their stance on their own conflicts? Hopefully both? I can't imagine the Maelstrom would look at Ishgard making peace with Dravania, and not realize how utterly terrible they are dealing with Sahagin/Kobolds, for example. Man I really want more Grand Company content...

Makes me wonder somewhat if we might be getting more beast tribe content for the older ones in the coming patch cycles.

Where can I find info on this lore book? Did they mention it in the video? I can't to seem to find anything through google. When is Fan Fest? End of the year?

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Originally Posted by Fernehalwes

- After being missing for so long, in what manner will Minfilia return?
- While she was missing, what was happening to her?
- How did she “change”?
- What role did the Mothercrystal play in that change?
- Based on how Minfilia has changed, how will the Scions of the Seventh Dawn change?
- Will the path the Scions walk in some way change?

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Actually really excited to see the answers to the Bolded points. I wonder if everyone will go their separate ways....

Time to re-sub!

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Originally Posted by Rurudo

Where can I find info on this lore book? Did they mention it in the video? I can't to seem to find anything through google. When is Fan Fest? End of the year?

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He actually mentioned pretty much everything about it. They're making one and it's going to try to be done before NA Fan Fest which is in October.

So basically, the gears are moving, and we're the only chumps who don't know?

Ha... sorry, I couldn't resist paraphrasing one of my favorite villains.

Back on point, I'm quite interested to see what's up with Minfilia now that she's coming back into the narrative. I'd expected her to be the last to return, and have been deeply curious as to why she left when and in the manner she did, as well as what's been going on with her since then. Savvy players would have recognized she was in no real danger, as Y'shtola's Flow spell had collapsed the tunnel behind us, meaning no pursuers would have been chasing us. (Except perhaps an Ascian. Dang ol' Diabolus ex Machina!) It's been a big question I seriously want answered...

... but come whatever may, even if it changes the Scions' mission, I will continue to fight only for my own "justice." (Unless of course the narrative forces me not to.)

Nice to see the other city-states are thinking about getting involved in ending the Dragonsong War. Would make their comments after the Steps of Faith truly ring true, unlike before where it was mostly posturing. Also nice to see that, despite Lord Edmont's warnings that the populace of Ishgard might not take well to Vidofnir's assistance in saving the girl, Ishgardians as a whole are starting to believe peace is perfectly possible. We'll have to overcome the traditionalist holdouts, of course, but I saw that coming a mile away.

And of course, the "gears" ties into Alexander. Obviously. :P

Still no word on the Garlean front aside from the pretty obvious "their third eyes help with spatial perception?" Disappointing... especially given they've been camping out on Azys Lla since we got there. They have to do something eventually... perhaps it's to do with Sephirot, the Fiend, who wasn't mentioned either?

Rest is an interesting read, but not particularly pertinent to me. Except...

HILDY RETURNS!!!

Now, back to being a cyborg ninja in Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Director's Cut) or to bed...?

Maybe is not that the city states will take an action about ending the dragonsong war, maybe is about starting their first offensive atacks to the garlean empire?

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Originally Posted by Cilia

Now, back to being a cyborg ninja in Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Director's Cut) or to bed...?

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Be a ninja. Support the company. You asked for this. :cool:

So, will the lore book come with a minion like the art books and soundtracks? If so, what?

Another tome minion, similar to Page 63? A classic Final Fantasy sage character, like Ghido? A special ahriman? A moose?

Do moose even exist in Hydaelyn? Inquiring minds NEED to know

Forgive me for taking a joke seriously, but we haven't really encountered a lot of appropriate moose habitat in Eorzea yet, so they might! Coerthas is a bit too cold due to the aether shift and the Shroud is definitely too warm. Alternatively, they could have previously existed somewhere in Coerthas and the Calamity killed them all off. Large mammals have more trouble recovering from mass extinction events.

I mean, I guess the Forelands are moose habitat, but it seems like if they were there, the chocobos outcompeted them with faster breeding (and maybe a little help from the Spoken races and Dragons; a moose is a nice meal after all). So it leaves some hope in the future. Don't give up!

I'll take an Elidibus minion, please.

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Originally Posted by Corvinoobus

You asked for this. :cool:

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Really Corvinoobus.....? REALLY?
http://orig03.deviantart.net/e6fc/f/...oz-d759zyj.png

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Originally Posted by Corvinoobus

Be a ninja. Support the company. You asked for this. :cool:

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http://i.imgur.com/cZHExFk.jpg
We always do

Very fun to read up on the stuff I didn't understand in the stream. I'm super stocked for more Minfillia and Scions and Dragonsong War stuff in 3.2. And while not a an Au Ra, those tantalizing hints of an older tribe and gods being similar in the past..... Damn it, there is so much about this world I want to know.

And a lore book.... Now I have to seriously see if I can get to Vegas.

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Originally Posted by Nalien

So, will the lore book come with a minion like the art books and soundtracks? If so, what?

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An ahriman with a reading monacle!? A plush tonberry scholar!? A flying Sentient Tome of the Necrologos!? A gigantic tome that flops out on the floor in front of you like a plush cushion so you can sit and target it and clearly be doing very important things!?(!?!?11?!)

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Originally Posted by Nalien

A moose?

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http://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acci...2a9ece7362.jpg
[ M U N C H I N G   I N T E N S I F I E S ]

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Originally Posted by Rocl

Do moose even exist in Hydaelyn? Inquiring minds NEED to know

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Originally Posted by CyrilLucifer

Forgive me for taking a joke seriously, but we haven't really encountered a lot of appropriate moose habitat in Eorzea yet, so they might!

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I am forced to conclude that moosen do, indeed, exist on Hydaelyn, if not in Eorzea itself, and if not only in legend.

For starters, Anonymous Moose was thrown into the Version 1.0 NPC name generator once upon a time (JP アノニマス・ムース DE Anonymer Elch).
Where did the Roegadyn learn of such majestic creatures? (Ohohoho, foot in the door clause!)

There is also a levequest client named Solitary Elk (elk being the name used for moosen in Europe, while what Americans call an elk is a wapiti. Look, it's complicated.) But Moose, I can hear you saying, what if the elk referred to in the NPC name is an American elk? Well, phooey and pshaw to that, says I, because the Triple Triad Card for Coeurlregina calls her horns elk-like. Look at her. Are those the antlers of the wapiti (NAY), or of the glorious moose?

The case is clearly closed. <smug, dismissive headshake>

My goal for 2016. Get ticket to NA fanfest again. Weather the merchandise line (again). GET LORE BOOK SIGNED.

Are we going to get a third playable clan for Au Ra? Are other races getting a third clan?

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Originally Posted by Wolfman88

Are we going to get a third playable clan for Au Ra? Are other races getting a third clan?

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I'd love for this to be the case. Especially since it's not too much of a stretch to have multiple clans/tribes per race since they all adapt to their environment.

Duskwights and Dunesfolk being the "newest" clan since they can be traced: Duskwights residing solely underground post Gridania; Dunesolk adjusting to the desert once Lalafells (Plainsfolk) settled there.

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Originally Posted by Cilia

So basically, the gears are moving, and we're the only chumps who don't know?

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This brings something to mind that I have been mulling over for a long while. Why in the name of the Twelve and all they hold dear is the Warrior of Light the last damn person to know what is going on? After the climax of the 2.55 scenario, my WoL was quite incandescent with rage and frustration. Now, being the Warrior of Light, Kosmos channel that into good intent and direction. However, I do think that it's about time that the WoL start asserting themself. If we are so special and unique and powerful, then it's time for people to start treating us that way and telling us what is going on.

I'm not suggesting we go around kicking asses and taking names in order to to force the information out of folks. But, it would be nice to see a scene (or two, or three, or many...) where the frustration players must feel as the WoL is played out by the WoL. So far all our WoL does is nod mutely, shrug their shoulders or nod enthusiastically at every suggestion we put our lives in peril. I think it's time that the WoL started to take a stronger hand in matters. Sadly they are not voiced characters, and that might be difficult to do since we all have our own idea about how we sound. But the lack of voicing should not doom us to little more than mute nodding or shrugging of the shoulders.

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Originally Posted by myahele

I'd love for this to be the case. Especially since it's not too much of a stretch to have multiple clans/tribes per race since they all adapt to their environment.

Duskwights and Dunesfolk being the "newest" clan since they can be traced: Duskwights residing solely underground post Gridania; Dunesolk adjusting to the desert once Lalafells (Plainsfolk) settled there.

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Hmmm...wonders about a chance for Miqo'te with Bobtails (less memory budget) allowing some other further customization of the character elsewhere....

The WoL is problematic as as a vehicle for storytelling as it's the sort of thing better suited to a single player game. In an MMO where the WoL is everybody's character then it's hard to have the WoL do much at all or deviate/react in a way that isn't completely on rails. It's why I think we need to band together and push for the 'WoL' plot point to be wrapped up and cast aside in favour of a greater emphasis upon the 'strong and seasoned adventurer' angle instead.

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Originally Posted by Theodric

The WoL is problematic as as a vehicle for storytelling as it's the sort of thing better suited to a single player game. In an MMO where the WoL is everybody's character then it's hard to have the WoL do much at all or deviate/react in a way that isn't completely on rails. It's why I think we need to band together and push for the 'WoL' plot point to be wrapped up and cast aside in favour of a greater emphasis upon the 'strong and seasoned adventurer' angle instead.

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I don't see that happening in FFXIV, the Warrior of Light is as fundamental to the lore of Eorzea as the mother crystal herself is. If this wasn't a FF game, then perhaps I could see that happening. But in a FF game, casting aside the Warrior of Light in favor of a seasoned adventurer would just cheapen our characters - IMHO.

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Originally Posted by Theodric

The WoL is problematic as as a vehicle for storytelling as it's the sort of thing better suited to a single player game. In an MMO where the WoL is everybody's character then it's hard to have the WoL do much at all or deviate/react in a way that isn't completely on rails. It's why I think we need to band together and push for the 'WoL' plot point to be wrapped up and cast aside in favour of a greater emphasis upon the 'strong and seasoned adventurer' angle instead.

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Well for all intents and purposes the MSQ IS a single player game.

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Originally Posted by Theodric

The WoL is problematic as as a vehicle for storytelling as it's the sort of thing better suited to a single player game. In an MMO where the WoL is everybody's character then it's hard to have the WoL do much at all or deviate/react in a way that isn't completely on rails. It's why I think we need to band together and push for the 'WoL' plot point to be wrapped up and cast aside in favour of a greater emphasis upon the 'strong and seasoned adventurer' angle instead.

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As others have said, the WOL is a special snowflake and is cast as such so that they can do things on a grander scale. Branding them as a generic adventurer (which is what they kinda are at the start of 2.0) wouldn't make the story any better due to the fact that we'd be an even bigger blank slate without anything to go on since the WOL story is "finished". The Main Story is basically a single player game anyway with some multiplayer sprinkled in.

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Originally Posted by Fernehalwes

Here Yoshi-P mentions the Shiva achievement “Let it Go” and I mention the Lv. 50 Dragoon achievement “Dragoon Age” and am about to mention the Lv. 50 bard achievement when Yoshi-P tells me to stop, as we’ll probably get sued.

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Can you confirm that the lv. 30 Archer class quest The One That Got Away is homage to the 2011 song from Katy Perry?

Not in direct reply to anyone in particular, so forgive the negative Nancy -

I believe this "Scions are going to change their path" thing is a bit overblown. For the most part, the Scions have been working for the primary good of Eorzea; aiding Hydaelyn is a direct side benefit. I think it's more that we're going to shift to a worldwide perspective, away from the focus on Eorzea. I don't think it will have to do with Minfilia suddenly and drastically having a personality change or the Scions themselves really changing at all. Unfortunately.

So in other words, I don't think there's really going to be much difference in how we operate. We're still going to be whacking primals, we're still going to be saving people, we're still going to be meddling in politics we probably shouldn't be meddling with, Elidibus is still going to be wonderful Elidibus, and we're still going to have a big cliffhanger after every patch as a hook for the next part of the story.

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Originally Posted by CyrilLucifer

Not in direct reply to anyone in particular, so forgive the negative Nancy -

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Well, maybe. I seriously doubt our mission will change - slaying primals is just a part of keeping Eorzea safe, and resolving conflicts is basically our mission. The scope of that could easily be extended to various other regions, such as Doma and Othard, since they're (apparently) capable of summoning primals as well and liberating people from Garlean oppression should be our top priority after resolving domestic conflicts. (Of course we'll never make an effort to, since we're the heroes and heroes react to crises instead of actually taking proactive action to improve the world.)

As for Minfilia? I don't expect her personality to have changed much, but I'll be pretty surprised if she doesn't come back as a stronger agent of Hydaelyn's will; that is, Hydaelyn communicates with her much more often and passes her wishes through Minfilia. More importantly, I think we won't always be able to have her around, since Hydaelyn has bigger plans for her and Minfilia has to stay in the aetherial realm more than the physical plane because of whatever Hydaelyn's done to her. Or something. Be a nice setup for forcing the Warrior of Light and the rest of the Scions into a painful situation. Can't see your friend because she's on a divine mission... what if you decided Minfilia was more important to you than Hydaelyn's assigned mission?

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Originally Posted by Frixio, "Believe in Your Sylph"

Walking one is destined to walk a fate far crueler than this one can imagine.

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... I'm still waiting for this cruel fate, and the chance to shatter its shackles. If that means going against Hydaelyn...

EDIT
As for a minion being included in the lore book? Well, I'd like a rotating one of the Lore Forum superstars like how the Minion of Light can be either Warrior, White Mage, or Black Mage, or how the Wind-up Leader can be any of the 3 GC leaders. I'd vote for Moose-senpai, Waffles, and Not Sure.

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Originally Posted by Cilia

... I'm still waiting for this cruel fate, and the chance to shatter its shackles. If that means going against Hydaelyn...

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As of this last bit of teaser info, I'm now beginning to suspect that Eldibus is trying to "trick" us into saving Minfilia. As in, Hydaelyn has been grooming Minfilia to sacrifice herself to become a new Mothercrystal and restart the cycle of eras from zero, and Eldibus wants to prevent that as part of his plan to restore Zodiark. So he'll "trick" us into letting our emotions and petty, ephemeral attachments take over and save Minfilia, and then we'll get slammed with the guilt barrage as we are informed that we have doomed the world by not letting her die.

...But it's a JRPG (and FF besides) so I suspect we'll find a way to save the girl and the world, unless FFXIV has chosen to be the "you shouldn't prioritize your hopes and dreams over selfless good" FF game. There's time to go either way.

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Originally Posted by Cilia

I'd vote for Moose-senpai, Waffles, and Not Sure.

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Aww, I'm no superstar. More like a misunderstood villain character.

I don't know, Yoshi is a Matsuno fan, and TO is one of the most beloved games in Japan (I see it constantly in the top 10 of their "best of" lists, even after 20 years). If Matsuno is good at any one thing, it's torturing his main character.

I am really averse to Elidibus directly using Minfilia in his plans. Really, really. I can't stand the idea. It's one of those things that I can logically understand happening but am closing my eyes and covering my ears while lalaing about, refusing to acknowledge it has any possibility of happening.

Indirectly, like as a distraction, would be acceptable, I suppose.

It just seems a bit wierd, though. I appreciate that Elidibus has been shown to not be all-knowing; he doesn't see and predict everything and is even shown to be wrong. If he knows more about Minfilia than we do at this very moment, it would be a bit of a strange 180 in the way SE has been choosing to depict him. As we serve Hydaelyn, I think we are in a better position to learn about Minfilia's issue than he is; it will only be after we encounter her again that he plans something, if so. I find the idea of flawed, yet still unknowable and incomprehensible, foreign-being typed antagonists extremely appealing, since "flawed" and "incomprehensible" tend to be mutually exclusive.

OMFG, I leave the forums for a long weekend and Ferne makes a huge lorepost? Excuse me while I go have a loregasm over there...

Anyway, this brings a lot more questions than answers and by the twelve I can't wait to drag a party while I read lore tidbits/admire the scenery explore the Antitower, among other things. Also lots of fun speculation about the connection between Azim and Azeyma that I'll save for another post, so, if you'll excuse me...

LORE BOOK!!! AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!

ahem.

I'm always happy to learn more about the Au Ra, and the Raen in particular, so it's awesome to get even a couple questions answered!

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Originally Posted by Fernehalwes

the Raen are mostly stationary and live near Doma or in the Far Eastern islands across the sea from Doma.

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I was under the impression the Raen were primarily forest/mountain-dwellers, so it's interesting to learn about the islands. I wonder if there are any significant differences between the island Raen and the mainland ones, ala the various mainland East Asian countries and Japan? The islands certainly come off as analogous to Japan, but then again, all the culture analogous to Japan seems to be from mainland Doma (unless, of course, the Doman Hyur and Raen immigrated there from the islands). And so much for my association of Raen society with that of Tokugawa Japan, because...

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Originally Posted by Fernehalwes

...due to the invasion of Othard by the Garlean Empire, a lot of Raen have been displaced and now flock to areas where they can find safety—like Eorzea

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...they're clearly under more overt oppression from the Garleans than I initially suspected. I'm not sure why I assumed they were less so than anyone else; maybe the line about them being secluded? Although I guess they don't need to be mutually exclusive, and there could be some Raen that have fled into the seclusion of the Othard mountains to escape the Garlean invasion.

Finally, this mysterious third tribe! Are they island dwellers, perhaps something like the Ainu or Ryukyu? Do they take inspiration from another, even older East Asian civilization? Hopefully we learn more before long!

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Originally Posted by Hinoto-no-Ryuji

Finally, this mysterious third tribe! Are they island dwellers, perhaps something like the Ainu or Ryukyu? Do they take inspiration from another, even older East Asian civilization? Hopefully we learn more before long!

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Maybe that continent that has those iron giants is theirs? Perhaps they rule a Mu-like continent, hidden and incredibly powerful!

Lore book!11!!11!one!1

I never expected one, and now I want it sooooo bad D:::

Probably going to the Fanfest again, so I'll be ready :cool:

The part of the art that I want to learn more about is that Minfilia actually looks as if she is bound by Hydaelen.

If you look closely, you can see there are crystal like formations around her arms and legs as if Hydaelen is actually holding her captive. I'm wondering if this is a part the story that shows that, perhaps, the Mother Crystal is as nefarious an entity as the Ascians warned us about at the end of ARR. I'm not saying the Ascians are good, but there has to be a reason why Urianger has been working with Elidibus in secret.

That Lore Book sounds amazing, and I'll definitely be buying one once it's available.

On another thread, based with the evidence of a link, Its supected that she may be Hydaelyn's emissary, like Edibudus is Zodiark's one.

Lorebook AND Hildy! oooh my!

Words can't express my loathing for Hildibrand. What I wouldn't give for some gritty, serious side quests instead...

Here's hoping he's contained to his own specific quest chain and doesn't leak elsewhere.

He likely will be - Hildy's never leaked through before, so I doubt it will now. And better for it! As much as I like him (he's a big part of what made that 2.1-2.3 story slog bearable for me), he's best left in his own little corner of the world.

But if you're looking for "gritty", this is probably the wrong game. I sincerely doubt we'll ever get anything that falls under that banner here; FFXIV cares too much about balancing its more serious moments with a bit of levity to get TOO gritty about its proceedings, which is one thing I really like about it.

But then again, I also think the story behind Alexander is perfectly fine, so what do I know, eh?

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Originally Posted by Theodric

Words can't express my loathing for Hildibrand. What I wouldn't give for some gritty, serious side quests instead...

Here's hoping he's contained to his own specific quest chain and doesn't leak elsewhere.

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They did that with the first set of Scholasticate quests, and do you know how people described them?

Boring.

(I actually liked them, but I'm also interested in how they were setting up the current social system in Ishgard more than anything)