Really enjoyed the non-quest related NPC dialogues.

[Iscah]

Another pretty poignant thing is that...

There's a radiant event with Haurchefant's grave as well. I can't remember if there were earlier variants as it's been years but by the time Shadowbringers was about to drop the moment you got close to the grave Francel would appear and pray over it. Saying "It doesn't get any easier, does it?" or something to that effect before walking away. It's little touches like that that and everything you mentioned that make me love this game all the more.

Oh goodness yes, that as well.

As soon as I was out of the credits for Heavensward, I went looking for the grave and found him there, and it set me crying all over again.

There are actually two speech bubbles from that event but you need to get there quickly to be in 'hearing range' for the first one - he says "hello again, old friend" as he kneels at the grave.

[Schan]

Yeah you're not alone on reading what the non quest NPCs have to say. It's part of the fun for me and it adds quite a bit to the story. I like to have other NPC reaction to what is going on in the story.

I kind of miss Francel. There's something about him that I really like.

Going to Camp Dragonhead after the Vault was both my biggest mistake and the best thing ever. I wish i could hug NPCs.

[Iscah]

I like Francel too. All of the Haillenarte family seem like really nice people.

I'm hoping he'll get a part in the Ishgard restoration quests.

[Ladykria]

Another pretty poignant thing is that...

There's a radiant event with Haurchefant's grave as well. I can't remember if there were earlier variants as it's been years but by the time Shadowbringers was about to drop the moment you got close to the grave Francel would appear and pray over it. Saying "It doesn't get any easier, does it?" or something to that effect before walking away. It's little touches like that that and everything you mentioned that make me love this game all the more.

Oh! Omg wow....that makes a lot of sense now. I've always wondered who that npc that would appear whenever I visited his grave was. I just thought it was a random touch, this makes me regret rushing through the story. I don't think I ever will again though, these little things, imo, are worth taking the time to enjoy each launch. I think the smart thing to do would be to be sure I'm not with any raid groups in the beginning because it's the main reason why I didn't take the time before to read anything. I think I will definitely go back and re-enjoy past launches properly when I have the time to.

[MuseTraveller]

I absolutely loved the lesser NPCs, nameless NPCs, all the attention to dialogue in Shadowbringers. It made me really care a lot for the First and feel far more responsible for the events that happen throughout the story. Please, please keep such attention to detail in the future too when possible!
The localization was truly masterful!

[TheJarvisMan]

Things like this are why I cannot wait for New Game +.

[Iscah]

Additionally re. Francel, for anyone who hasn't read the side stories, this one is about him and Haurchefant. (spoiler warning for HW on the unlikely chance anyone concerned is still here reading this)

[Schan]

I absolutely loved the lesser NPCs, nameless NPCs, all the attention to dialogue in Shadowbringers. It made me really care a lot for the First and feel far more responsible for the events that happen throughout the story. Please, please keep such attention to detail in the future too when possible!
The localization was truly masterful!

This kind of detail has been around since HW. I used to get a kick of walking around Ishgard listening to all the gossip.

I don't think Stormblood got a mini side story with only chat bubbles like HW got, did it? i know in Ishgard you got that story about the woman who was supposed to marry some noble and fled to Idlyshire with her love.

Did i miss the Stormblood one or did they just not add anything like that this time around? It was pretty fun to see how the story was developing as the patches dropped.

@Iscah. Thanks! I've read that one but I tend to lose track of the mini stories since you need to wait a long time in between them. Now i can refresh my memory and hopefully it'll give me access to the Stormblod ones too

[Knahli]

Oh wow, I really didn't think anyone else did this. Maybe read the optional Scion lines at best, but others actually checked all the NPCs at the Crystarium and the like? That's so cool to know.

[Iscah]

@Iscah. Thanks! I've read that one but I tend to lose track of the mini stories since you need to wait a long time in between them. Now i can refresh my memory and hopefully it'll give me access to the Stormblod ones too

You're welcome! The main page for all the stories is here.

I assume we'll be getting "Tales from the First" at some point too!