The Empire Strikes First (Pics and Video)

[Archadius]

Has anyone found out what you get for trading 30 deaspeacted crystals yet? That NPC mentioned a special reward if you bring him 30...

It's a r30 Peregrine Helm, it looks like the Chocobo Helm you get with the CE of FFXIV but it's black and red instead of silver and blue.

[Onizuka]

what is this secret dungeon you talk about? is it for realz?

The Hoth System? Oh no, that was a joke, I thought it was clear. “The Empire Strikes First” is a pun to a famous movie.

Anyway, a small update: a while ago, I went to Eorzea a bit, and when I appeared north of Camp Tranquil, there were already Imperials troopers running around! I fought all of them alone until they withdrew (I guess I was out of time); just a few minutes later, when I was writing a response on YouTube on my other computer, I heard some steps and there were more imperials coming. This time I had more time and was slaying them all (also, one Imperial War Hound dropped a Bronze Chainmail +3), and some other adventurers arrived as well.
I wonder if this also happens in Bloodshore...

I'll inquire further and maybe write another Journal entry in the next days. Ad maiora, adventurers!

[Malakhim]

If the Imperial March does not play when I see the first cutscene where the entire force of the Garlean Empire is displayed, I'm gonna punch somebody.

[Yoohre_WildRiver]

ohhh

deerp derp deeh!

off course star wars! im in the office reading to fast to proccess jokes

[Verecund]

Awesome!

/char

[BornToEnd]

I saw this NPC yesterday in Camp Tranquil but I think I had missed the fun:

http://imageshack.us/f/14/ffxivgame20110723193041.png/

The NPC here is called Roysia, but I think the gist of the text is the same.

Then today I caught it in Tranquil again - there were lots of people about though as it was around 3.30pm GMT. Here's the Militia Outrider:

http://imageshack.us/f/94/ffxivgame20110725150502.png/

You also get the achievement '"A Taste of Victory": ____ has helped fend off an imperial assault; however you fear there may be more to come.' I received 7 deaspected crystals in a red treasure chest afterwards.

[Picoman]

Man, what the fu(k is some peoples problem? These forums are becoming a chore to read.

Anyway, loving the new twist. Leading up to something massive?! When the dev team are ready to 'redesign the map'?
This will probably play out of over the next 6 months.

[HiirNoivl]

If the Imperial March does not play when I see the first cutscene where the entire force of the Garlean Empire is displayed, I'm gonna punch somebody.

DAH DAH D'DAH DAH D'DAH DAH D'DAH!!

[Mikita]

I assume the claiming feature is the same as always, which could maybe be changed for only events like this.

It seems like the claiming system is different for these events.

I was doing it as a Rank 26 archer. I thought I had claimed an enemy, but there was a Rank 50 Thaumaturge and Rank 50 Archer who were just blasting away with AoE attacks and taking my targets with them.

[Neasa]

I've been away from the game for a while... Does this still happen?
I'll be annoyed if you can't get the accomplishments anymore. >.>