4.x patch series to provide closure to key FFXIV plot point

[TinyRedLeaf]

I saw this post on reddit and it got me instantly interested. It's from an interview that Yoshida gave to Famitsu.

NB: paraphrased translations.

Famitsu: It was clear where Heavensward was heading by Patch 3.1, but it seems that there are many paths that Stormblood can take. Is the scenario going to be a combination of adventures, like how the 4.0 MSQ was split between Ala Migo and Doma?

Yoshida: If there's one thing that I can say, it's that we've made the story as easily understandable as possible. In the 4.x series, we will be giving closure to a key historical event inherited from FFXIV's 1.0 days. Players may find it impactful, to experience this closure.

F: Does that mean old characters from 1.0 will be featured?

Y: It's not so much the characters, unlike in the Alchemist quest line, where characters from 1.0 returned. It's a larger plot, and people may find it surprising. Some may also feel like "wow, it's been four years...". The scenario this time will silently arouse, and silently progress, but I believe the finale we've made is well done. The voice actors have done a splendid job too.

F: Is there any foreshadowing of this event currently in Stormblood?

Y: There has been some in-game foreshadowing, but the hints we've provided are scarce, and I don't think anyone will be able to guess the climax. In 4.1, there are two scenes where a very important key phrase will come up. Please look forward to it.

Well colour me intrigued! I've actually speculated, some time back, about whether Stormblood will bring some kind of closure to the current arc of FFXIV's overall story. It now seems like this could be a thing after all! I wonder what it will be.

[CaesarCV]

Hm...we need someone with a bit more 1.0 experience. What sorts of key phrases or important concepts were considered in 1.0 but dropped afterwards? I'd love to see some brainstorming!

[Enkidoh]

I've got a feeling based on watching the 4.1 trailer that the 'plot point' in question is what exactly Raubahn promised Nanamo after winning his freedom in the Colosseum in Ul'dah (and enough money to not only buy the Colosseum outright but also a place on the Syndicate) - the scene of Raubahn's high-stakes gladiatorial fight in the Bloodsands shown in the trailer is actually from 1.0, so it fits. But we'll find out soon enough either way.

[Theodric]

My guess? It may have something to do with the mysteries surrounding Midgardsormr and Silvertear Lake.

[Kallera]

Perhaps the hints are less subtle than Yoshi P believes.

I have a feeling Eorzea is going to be united into one country, as in the governance will be under one banner as a united ...ugh...state. Yoshi P seems to be replacing the different governments into similar democracies. It was hinted at in different times in the story, Kan E Senna's credits speech in 2.0, the fact that term limits are coming up for Merlwyb, Nanamo's want for a republic. The references to Eorzea as a country already, the crystal braves attempt, the presence of adventurers being already a "well regulated militia"...it seems that democracy, specifically one where everyone gets along, is regularly hammered as the only answer for Eorzea.

[TinyRedLeaf]

Several suggestions have already been thrown up in the reddit thread. I believe the more plausible ones are:

1) We finally find out what Midgardsormr was protecting in the Battle of Silvertear Lake. How did he end up there, and why did he make a pact with Hydaelyn?

2) A conclusion to the role played by Minfilia's father, Warbuton, in the Ul'dah/Ala Mhigo storyline.


Point (1) seems plausible given Middy's role in the Omega storyline. By the conclusion of the Omega raid series, we may learn more about how and why the elder dragon came to play a key role in Hydaelyn's history.

Point (2) ties in with obscure references to Warbuton in parts of the 2.x storyline, and would be in line with Yoshida's hint about how players would feel "wow, it's been four years already". And, there's the fact, of course, that Warbuton was from the 1.0 storyline, and his accidental death had a major impact on Minfilia, F'lhaminn and Thancred, not to mention the subsequent ret-conned impact on the Dalamud-impact storyline.

There were also some suggestions on the reddit thread about a closure to the Path Companions storyline.... which ended up in limbo after Yoshida took over as producer and director. While I'd love this to be the case, I don't think it's as likely, given that there's been close to zero references to the Path of the Twelve since the start of 2.0.

[CaesarCV]

There actually have been couple of references to the Path of the Twelve since 2.0. Although unfortunately it more or less excludes the idea of them appearing again. With the chaos of the calamity and the fall of Louisioix, the Path of the Twelve merged with the Circle of Knowing to become the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Most of the random adventurers found in the organization were presumably part of the Path of the Twelve before its dissolution. There are some awesome points here though. I agree most with the Raughban one, or possibly the Midgardsomr one.

[Balipu]

Very important key phrase?

"Because you are a puppet"

Just joking.

[Cilia]

Very important key phrase?

"Because you are a puppet"

Just joking.

"Beacause."

[Balipu]

"Beacause."

First time we see the legend returning.

Lyse: This guy are sick.