Going along with other ideas for resource sinks, I’d like to propose BCNMs! Iscah’s gilsink inspired me…

What is a BCNM?
From FFXI, “Burning Circle Notorious Monster”, but really it is a trial that is accessed by spending an item to enter with your party. It is a single complex fight with gimmicks, and that you can choose specifically which fight you want.

In FF14 terms, entry is similar to 14’s treasure hunt and the actual trial is more in line with blue mage’s arena fights (gimmicks) or really any 8 man trial.

What’s the point?
They offer bite sized harder content; not meant to be 100% clearable without any real need of storyline or chain of trials like savage. You could focus on one at a time with friends easily as you like.

Since it costs resources for each attempt, you give meaning to excess tomestones/company seals.

How would I do it?

I wouldn’t have entry keys available for straight gil, rather use poetics and grand company seals (different tiers of key for different trials)

I wouldn’t have them introduce any new mechanics or models. Just recycle content, mixing existing monster abilities. on par with the Eureka/Bozja boss fates.

I would make it punishing, like the debuff you get for making a mistake never goes away; 2 or 3 mistakes and dead, etc.

I’d also have lots of gimmicky ones, where you have to figure it out (like blue mage)

What would you get?
In line with Treasure Hunt maps; just a variety of stuff, with general rewards for any, plus specific things available from specific BCNMs.

That’s it!