A MSQ where we lose to the bad guys

[Pimsan20]

So i have been thinking. Would it be cool if we had an reach the end of an MSQ were the bad guys won, while we were left in the dust? I mean not like in Final Fantasy 6 where Kefka nearly destroyed world.

But more like they got away and we're unable to get them as we're busy dealing with final boss of the expansions that is an threatening and we had to chose between going after the big bad or face this boss that is going to end millions of lives? You know kinda give us a bitter sweet moment.

[NegativeS]

I mean not like in Final Fantasy 6 where Kefka nearly destroyed world.

Why not? The whole 'infallible WoL' schtick is getting old. Give me some real low-multiversals to give me a run for my money.

I want my WoL looking like John Highlander in the Shadowlands trailer, absolutely beaten half to death with echo-enhanced PTSD. I want to see Alphinaud express an emotion other than calculated indifference or haughty annoyance. I want someone to call me a hero again.

[TBerry]

So i have been thinking. Would it be cool if we had an reach the end of an MSQ were the bad guys won, while we were left in the dust? I mean not like in Final Fantasy 6 where Kefka nearly destroyed world.

But more like they got away and we're unable to get them as we're busy dealing with final boss of the expansions that is an threatening and we had to chose between going after the big bad or face this boss that is going to end millions of lives? You know kinda give us a bitter sweet moment.

Well... here's the thing:

Zenos technically didn't lose. He never was held accountable for his actions, and made things even worse for everyone.

[Daralii]

They'd need to let the stakes remain lower than the world or universe ending if we lose, and it's been over 8 years since we had an MSQ like that.

[Pimsan20]

They'd need to let the stakes remain lower than the world or universe ending if we lose, and it's been over 8 years since we had an MSQ like that.

You’re talking about the Heavenwards MSQ ending with nidhogg?

[Shistar]

You’re talking about the Heavenwards MSQ ending with nidhogg?

Most likely referring to the Bloody Banquet.

[Daralii]

You’re talking about the Heavenwards MSQ ending with nidhogg?

4.0, which was mid-2017. I haven't played it since then, but I don't remember an imminent apocalypse if we didn't beat Zenos.

[Jeeqbit]

We lost to Zenos.

For the most part, the timeline in which we lose is when we wipe, and the reason we always win is because our party doesn't wipe.

[Kaurhz]

I think I would prefer a story that is more blurring the lines between good and bad, rather than forcibly lost.

e.g., us as the bad character, whether by accident or whatever would be something to watch, and I think it would do a better job at... Not portraying the WoL as some infallible person.

We had the story loss when we lost to Zenos, and it wasn't really all that grand.

[Carin-Eri]

Whilst I feel this could be interesting if done right, I'm not sure how well some players would react to it.

I'm immediately reminded of how some players were so bitter that the Warrior of Light's initial fight against Zenos in "In Crimson It Began" ended with the WoL getting their arse kicked. Yes, I know it was a forced defeat etc etc - I've read arguments around that more times than I can count; but therein lays my point. That scripted defeat was part of the MSQ as a whole - and there were players who couldn't tolerate that.

So, as said, if they write the Warrior of Light either being outright defeated or fighting in a 'Charge of the Light Brigade' scenario, they'd really have to get it right.