[Lighthouse Spoilers] Can we please stop with the stupid fetch quests?

[KyokuhoKensaki]

At times, this involves a slow burn - but it usually results in character development. Sometimes the payoff isn't immediately apparent, then a few patches or even expansions later we see the fruits of the labour. Much like how a seemingly simple fetch quest resulted in Meffrid becoming a more prominent character later on in FFXIV's lifespan.

No just...no. Let me lay this out right now. Coming into importance later doesn't even matter. What matters is the impression it gives off now. And right now it's a waste of time and effort in terms of design. Also EXPANSIONS later? Are you kidding me? Oh man, I can't wait to have the game take months upon months even years to come up with a way to make this quest that contributed nothing to the ivalice storyline to actually mean something.

[BillyKaplan]

At times, this involves a slow burn - but it usually results in character development. Sometimes the payoff isn't immediately apparent, then a few patches or even expansions later we see the fruits of the labour. Much like how a seemingly simple fetch quest resulted in Meffrid becoming a more prominent character later on in FFXIV's lifespan.

The thing is, that particular fetch quest already had payoff because it contributed to world-building right there and then, between the state of the Ala Mhigan refugees and the dynamics with the Elementals in Gridania. Plot-wise you got immediate pay-off because it let you proceed with the Little Ala Mhigo quest which tied into the Ascians' story because they tried to make them summon Rhalgr. Wilred became relevant within that selfsame "expansion".

This particular fetch-quest immediately contributes to the so called "crafter side quest related to the raid" and within the built-in setup of "well we're busy investigating, come back later" could've just as easily been introduced as a post-raid side-quest like the Bacon Bread delivery quest that was built on it. Like, right now, my complaint isn't even so much the quest itself existing, but it being part of the main story chain for this raid. A lot less people would've complained or even made aware of it if they had moved it from the middle of the quest line to the end, and have it be a requirement to the new delivery side-quest, which I can only imagine would get additions after the next raid. Otherwise why even bother at all? Just for a one time award of clusters and crystals?

[Vhailor]

SE really, really needs to learn the value of brevity. I've lost count of how many quests were ruined by their obsession with using ten words when one would suffice, and the slow-paced cutscenes that run emotes and dialogue sequentially, rather than concurrently, don't remotely help, either. Ridorana is the latest example of a storyline component that I simply skipped by the end of it, because it took so damned long to wind up that I didn't really care anymore.

Note, by the way, that I've absolutely no problem with a slow wind-up if the plot and writing is worth the wait. My favourite RPG of all time is Planescape: Torment, which I believe is longer than War and Peace were all the dialogue printed out. But FFXIV's plot lines, outside of the main scenario, really don't live up to the hype, in my estimation. Either improve the writing to the point where the slow wind-up actually feels worth it, or hire someone who can take over cutscene and quest pacing duties.

[Alleo]

At times, this involves a slow burn - but it usually results in character development.

Meffrid unlike Drest was important because we not only helped him but because he was from a country that would be the focus of an expansion later. (And like others said we saw hands on how some of them are suffering thanks to the elementals) We dont know if Dalmasca or Ivalice will even become important later, at least until now raids never had become the focus point of an expansion. And as long as we are not truly helping that guy I see no relevance to this. And the name of a wine will 100% not play some big important part later. (And we can go around and speculate that every small information would become important later thus if you have enough points a few of them might be right later, but that does not change the opinion for people now. I mean the Titan questline had a use directly and people still dont like it)

[Remedi]

SE really, really needs to learn the value of brevity. I've lost count of how many quests were ruined by their obsession with using ten words when one would suffice, and the slow-paced cutscenes that run emotes and dialogue sequentially, rather than concurrently, don't remotely help, either. Ridorana is the latest example of a storyline component that I simply skipped by the end of it, because it took so damned long to wind up that I didn't really care anymore.

Note, by the way, that I've absolutely no problem with a slow wind-up if the plot and writing is worth the wait. My favourite RPG of all time is Planescape: Torment, which I believe is longer than War and Peace were all the dialogue printed out. But FFXIV's plot lines, outside of the main scenario, really don't live up to the hype, in my estimation. Either improve the writing to the point where the slow wind-up actually feels worth it, or hire someone who can take over cutscene and quest pacing duties.

Ye It's also a bit ironic that in the Namazu quests and in the same ridorana questlines they have a character using elaborated words and then have the other NPCs asking to be more brief

[Lauront]

Ramza being a racist, whiny little git didn't help my mood either, I literally skip every cutscene/dialogue with him now. All in all, a disgusting quest chain where I'm not even allowed to talk back to an NPC after they insulted me.

Huh? Get a grip. It's a fantasy setting. The races in it are completely different species. He's not some dumb SJW, he hasn't undergone "muh diversity is our strength" training, probably because he has a functioning brain and a healthy in-group preference. If you can't handle "waaaaaaaaaaycism" (basically nothing but mild name-calling) in a Japanese RPG, you're probably better off seeking professional help.

Also, are we forgetting he's an impulsive teenager?

No wonder we end up with wet noodle garbage like Lyse.

I mean, you're free to write a dialogue in your head where your character dishes out "sassy" replies to all the NPCs.

[Lauront]

*snip*

It's setting lore mediated through a quest. Honestly, it's not a big deal. I mean you'll gladly go do 1000 fetch quests for leveling or beast tribes, but this one SINGLE quest chain for a raid broke the camel's back? Come off it!

[BillyKaplan]

Huh?

Only we're obviously meant to be antagonized by his behavior which is also called out numerous times in-game. They acknowledge the terms he uses to call the Moogles and the former bandits are derogatory terms. His father reminds him that their troupe accepts people regardless of race. Not a single NPC (or PC going by the built-in reactions) approves of his behavior. So people being upset by it is actually the intended reaction by the writing team.

[Lauront]

Only we're obviously meant to be antagonized by his behavior which is also called out numerous times in-game. They acknowledge the terms he uses to call the Moogles and the former bandits are derogatory terms. His father reminds him that their troupe accepts people regardless of race. Not a single NPC (or PC going by the built-in reactions) approves of his behavior. So people being upset by it is actually the intended reaction by the writing team, though I'm not sure they thought they went that far.

SE's intention is for people to be so triggered by it that they skip dialogue options because they can't abide "muh waycism" (again: nothing but name-calling, which the Bangaa don't even really seem bothered by) in a fantasy setting? I don't think they have any such expectation, other than to express the opinions of the NPCs around him. It's not like you're given the option to comment on it. What if your character agrees with him? Not like their Japanese players are going to start clutching their pearls over it, either.

The setting has far more virulent examples of what might be termed actual racism in it. The fact that the virtue signal echo chamber around him - really, just the miqo'te reporter, the moogles (for obvious reasons) and his father - don't like it doesn't suggest much else other than they dislike it. If people are "upset" by it, they're losing touch with reality.

The moogle in question is also pretty damn rude and barges in, expecting to just be allowed to join. Talk about entitlement!

The kid isn't obliged to agree with his father's take on it.

[BillyKaplan]

If people are "upset" by it, they're losing touch with reality.

Or live in a racist society in reality and don't want to put up with it in their escapist hobbies.

The kid isn't obliged to agree with his father's take on it.

No, but that doesn't make him any less a racist git for it. Every last narrative beat reaffirms it.