Main Scenario Quests:

I'm glad that the writers did a much smoother job at pausing the MSQ's this time around. The break in the action felt more natural, since unless I'm mistaken we're due another batch of MSQ's in May. Dealing with the dangling plot thread that is Tiamat was a neat moment. I only hope that a lot of other side characters are brought back to the forefront rather than be left to stagnate. It keeps things fresh and lessens the chance of the main cast wearing thin.

Fordola and Estinien being more grounded compared to the lofty idealism of Alphinaud proved to be a refreshing change of pace. I just hope the writing continues to allow for different perspectives to be voiced and embraced. It makes the setting more interesting!

Arenvald is injured but not dead. He may or may not die. We'll see. I have a feeling the writers left it up in the air so if there's too much backlash they can choose to keep him around, or if he's considered a safe target then they'll probably kill him off. I'm sure the writers are aware of how unhinged some fans can get over even minor characters being injured or killed off. I like Arenvald, personally, though if it's his time to go then it's his time to go.

Sharlayan looks to be a potential candidate for an area we'll visit during 6.0. That isn't too surprising, but it's also not set in stone just yet. It does feel like a sensible place to learn more secrets as well as a good location for a main city. As we know, we'll also be going to Radz-at-Han, so I imagine there will be a lot of travel during the expansion itself. I just hope each location gets its fair share of time in the spotlight, especially since the Hydaelyn and Zodiark story arc is concluding with 6.0 itself. There's a lot to address and show and I hope it can be pulled off.

I grinned when Krile and Y'shtola began speculating about Hydaelyn's silence. I'm curious to see where things go with that.

Overall, it was pretty good. My only real complaint is - especially if Arenvald doesn't die - that pretty much all of the main cast are perfectly fine but act like they're so hard done by despite it being their opponents who actually experience genuine strife and lasting consequences.I also liked how G'raha took a backseat this time around. I don't particularly care for him or how abruptly he marched into the MSQ's despite playing a very minor role prior to that point. I think there are many better characters to play such a major role in dealing with the Ascian and Garlean threat that actually have deeper reasons to want to get even.

Nerva being mentioned again intrigues me. It's vague, but his fate is clearly left up in the air. He's either Tempered, dead or tactically retreated. If he had common sense then he might have sought to slip away to seek aid elsewhere. I can't imagine the non-Tempered Garleans are pleased at what Zenos and Fandaniel are doing, so hopefully it gives us an excuse to work with Nerva or some other prominent Garlean that seeks to lead his people to a better place.

Hopefully the Scions will take the same approach they took with Eulmore and try to avoid as many casualties as possible. Alisae voices a desire to try and cure the Tempering, at least.