Memoirs of Adventure Creative Writing Contest (NA) - Official Entry Thread

[comware]

My brothers originally got me into Final Fantasy XIV five years ago by giving me a copy of the game for my birthday. This was the first MMO I had played and I was uncertain what to expect.

Things began slowly. I remember queuing into Sastasha for the first time and feeling apprehensive, nervous, and shy. The three of us queued in with a stranger and we let him know we were new. He was very patient and kind as we fully explored every nook and cranny of the dungeon. We celebrated upon clearing, pausing to take a screenshot with our new friend.

That was five years ago and many things have happened since which Final Fantasy XIV has influenced. We welcomed a new puppy into our family which we named Kupo after the moogles. I was invited to attend the real-life Ceremony of Eternal Bonding between two friends from the game and had the honor of participating in their wedding party. Another friend from the game flew over 2,500 miles across international borders to meet and hang out in real life – a friendship which had grown nearly exclusively from time spent together in Final Fantasy XIV.

This game has provided many of my fondest memories in recent years but, perhaps, the most inspired moments of comradery I’ve experienced came when I discovered raiding. Those early days were a struggle. I didn’t begin raiding until Gordias during the Heavensward expansion, and the first time going up against Faust opened my eyes to the world I was entering rather quickly.

I discovered I had much yet to learn and realized the importance of rising together as a group. Raiding is truly a celebration of a team’s success rather than an individual’s victory. Since Gordias, each new raid tier has brought with it its own highs and lows. Along the way, I discovered my current team which have become like family to me. We met in Stormblood battling Omega and have grown closer as we tackled The Weapon’s Refrain and The Unending Coil of Bahamut.

The newest Ultimate raid encounter coming in November will mark the second anniversary of playing Final Fantasy XIV with the same group of friends, and I feel it merits pause for reflection. The time we spent working toward clearing either of the previous Ultimate raids, in many cases, is greater than the time spent with some real-life friends. The relationships built are true.

When I think back on my fondest memory playing this game, it cannot be reduced to a single moment in time. For me, Final Fantasy XIV is a feeling. Final Fantasy XIV is comforting. It’s a way to diffuse stress. It’s a way to engage and build friendships with real people around the world. It’s a platform to get excited about others’ common interests.

Final Fantasy XIV has introduced me to some of my closest friends and my fondest memory is having the opportunity to meet those people.



Prize (if selected): Gaelicap

[Mashalasha]

I've been in Eorzea for a longtime and it's been roughly four years now. I've had quite a journey in that time. But there was a time, like every adventurer before and after, when I first stepped onto her lands. I still remember when I first laid my eyes upon The Black Shroud in all it's splendor, her great boughs and trees as far as my eyes could see them. I was travelling with Alpinaud, his sister Alisaie, before I truly knew them. There was also Bremondt the merchant, and of course that moogle taking a swig at Bremondt's ale.

And of course, my first introduction to the Ixal. It's hard to forget such a thing, especially when an arrow lands right at your feet. Thankfully The Twelve were with us that day, if it weren't for the wood wailers I might have died, or worse. During the journey Bremondt asked me what I wanted out of an adventurer's life. And I couldn't give him an answer, I just stayed silent, at the time I was still shy around other folk. Moonseekers don't always get treated well in Gridania, thanks to the Courl Claws, those traitors. For a discipline, I had decided to take up the lance, the weapon has been used by many an adventurer or soldier. And what better weapon to put your foes at a distance while still being able to defend yourself when things get up, close, and personal. Before we all parted ways Bremondt gifted me with a ring, as a thanks for giving him some company on the trip, we then said our good byes and I walked towards the city of Gridania.

Sometime later I participated in the Little Ladies Day (2014) event. I still have the Edvya doll even now, as it reminds me of my fondest memories. I still can't get enough of those sweet rice cakes, I just miss those perfect little confections. But the one event that really hooked me into Eorzea, was the Moonfire Faire (2014). It's the one event that truly brought me into the fold and the events that followed only made me further my stay into this strange new land. I can say without a doubt that all the festivals and events in Eorzea, have been truly endearing to me, as a player and as an adventurer.

( Prize: Scarf of Wonderous Wit ) ( Notes: I'm aware that editing is not allowed but in this case it was an accident ^^; )