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Today's update is a bit different from usual. You might notice a few things have changed. For one, we're obviously not in Ul'dah. For two, that's not Ginger Pepper on the screen.
This is my main character that I mentioned last time. You see, between the time I wrote the previous update and today, a limited time event started in the game. A limited time event that requires a minimum level of 30 to even start.
Level 30 is a pretty good ways through the 2.0 MSQ, so it's farther than Ginger can realistically get without a lot of grinding or doing some other stuff that would trivialize the story content. So, as much as I hate that our potato gal won't be able to get the cosmetic rewards, I can at least show the event off on my catgirl character.
If my UI looks like a mess... it is. But I can see all the important stuff I need to. Anyway, as we approach the mess, some new music starts to play.
FFXIV OST Moonfire Faire Theme
The Moonfire Faire is a yearly celebration of summer, with fireworks and a gigantic beach party.
Greetings, adventurer! Looking for a way to beat the heat? Well, you're in luck! The annual observance of the Moonfire Faire is going on even as we speak!
I usually don't play during the summer months, so I've actually missed every Moonfire Faire up until this point. He has subtly different dialogue if you've done this before, welcoming you back.
Once upon a time-well, just a couple of years ago, in fact-the Moonfire Faire was a time when adventurers would band together to banish the threat of firesome fiery creatures called Bombards. Now the Bombards are long since gone-at least we hope they are-but the tradition continues as a way to celebrate the daring exploits of adventurers the realm over, and through this, recruit some fresh blood for the realm's Adventurers' Guilds in the process. A worthy cause, I'm sure you'll agree!
But enough with the chitter-chatter-I'm sure you're eager to join the celebrations yourself, yes? Then you need only make your way to the Isle of Endless Summer at Costa del Sol and speak with our grand chaperone, Haermaga! I promise he'll be overjoyed to see you! Greetings, friend, and a happy Moonfire Faire to you! If you're keen to join in the festivities-and who isn't, really-I encourage you to visit the Isle of Endless Summer at Costa del Sol and speak with our very own Grand Chaperone Haermaga!
Costa del Sol is a place we won't be getting to in the LP for a very long time. It's the site of what is arguably the worst content in all of FFXIV. The quick version is that it's a beach resort ruled over by an insane(ly wealthy) Lalafell named Gegeruju.
So let's go see what this is all about, yeah?
We're in Limsa Lominsa right now, and it has a shortcut to Costa del Sol.
Pretty! Fireworks go off in all the major cities all through the night. We just happened to catch the end of a particularly nice set. It's even got the little MSQ logo!
40 gil for a trip to Costa del Sol? Don't mind if I do! It would cost us a couple hundred to teleport there!
This little island way off in the distance is our destination.
Believe it or not, this crowd is actually downright tame compared to what this became later on in the day. I recorded this just before noon on the 7th. By 4PM, players who had just gotten off work were swarming the island like ants.
Bear in mind that this is also on one of the most heavily populated servers in the game. There's still enough people here that the game has started to very heavily cull the visible population. In order to cut down on processing power required in extremely heavily populated zones, the number of visible players gets culled after a certain distance.
There's so many pepole here, and so much culling going on, that the NPCs haven't even loaded in yet. And remember, the island gets even worse later!
Eventually Haermaga pops in.
And here's the first better look at my main character. Yes, she's dressed like a cowboy.
Well, what have we here? We've only just met, but that spark in your eyes tells me everything. You've come to take part in the festivities, and make this year's faire the most rousing incarnation of the event our realm has ever seen! Am I right? Of course I am!
Thanks to it being the middle of the Eorzean night, it's a mite hard to see what he's pointing at. But there's a large tower built up on the neighboring island. I've applied some post-processing tweaks to make it stand out some. Thankfully the game isn't like .hack//GU or Dragon's Dogma and so it won't need those tweaks 24/7.
First, allow me to introduce the highlight of the event: the time-honored test of agility and acrobatic aptitude known as the Eorzean Nimble Warrior course!
Here's Gegeruju and his, er, "stable" of girls now. Yes, he's as gross as he seems. But that's for much later in the LP. This is the only time, as far as I can tell, that he shows up during this event.
Master Gegeruju has spared no effort in providing the ultimate challenge for high-flying adventurers. "Will they navigate these perilous paths with grace and poise, or suffer a humiliating fall? My lovely ladies can't wait to see! Gwahahahaha!"-or so I overheard him saying.
But there's more to an adventurer's skill set than performing death-defying feats. That's why we're offering two other events-the Iron Culinarian Challenge and the Angling Extravaganza-for those looking to celebrate the season in a more relaxed and reflective manner. Emerge triumphant in any of these events, and you'll be rewarded for your efforts with a Faire voucher. Collect enough vouchers, and you'll be able to exchange them for any of a host of spectacular seasonal rewards!
I'll be showing off all three events for this update. Though I'm nowhere near skilled (or patient) enough to make it to the tip top of that awful tower. 3d platforming is not this game's strong suit, especially when you have no way to arrest your momentum. When you least want them to, characters have a very nasty habit of taking a running leap when you want them to make a tiny hop.
There's also, ah, just one little thing I was hoping to ask of you. There's this adventurer, see, who just signed up at the guild, and we can't help but feel he's in need of some, ah... veteran guidance and direction. We figure you'd be perfect for the job... if it's not too much trouble, of course?
*nods*
Because this very likely won't be the last time she shows up to demonstrate something, and because she's my character and I'm rather fond of her, she also gets a portrait.
Wonderful! I can't thank you enough. Whenever you're ready, just say the word, and we'll send for him straightaway!
We need to talk to Haermaga again to finish the quest and to meet our new buddy.
Thank you ever so much, friend! I'm sure you'll be a wonderful influence on the lad. Give me just one moment... I'll summon him here.
He's using a linkpearl to call the boy over. Think of that like the Eorzean equivalent of a cell phone. It'll also be a source of infinite frustration later.
Could it truly be!? Oh, but it is! Yes, I know you! You're that adventurer that everyone at the guild told me about!
Child miqo'te are beyond adorable. 
It's truly an honor and a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm R'fhul Tia, and I'm an adventurer, too! As of the other day, at least. I'm still quite new to this, you see. Nevertheless, I simply had to meet you in the flesh!
Tia is a suncat surname that, and I shit you not, literally means "not allowed to fuck". Seekers of the Sun are largely tribal (in this case, Fhul is from the R tribe.) and males only ever have Nuhn or Tia as surnames. Nuhn meaning "head of the tribe and gets all the ladies" while Tia, as stated before, means he doesn't get jack shit.
Non-tribal Seekers are city cats, and so the surname distinction doesn't mean much for them. But it's still amusing to think about whenever you see an NPC or a player with the Tia surname.
For what it's worth, my catgirl is a mooncat, a Keeper of the Moon. Tribal Keepers are a matriarchal society, and males are kicked out of the tribe when they come of age and forced to live alone.
Hi, miss Adventurer! I'm R'majha, and I'm, uh...not an adventurer. I just came to play with my big brother! Will you play with me, too?
*smiles and nods*
So, ah, R'fhul Tia here just signed up at the Adventurers' Guild just last week. Typically, he'd be out honing his skills in hopes of becoming a full-fledged adventurer, but today he's come home to visit his dear little sister for the Moonfire Faire season. That's nice of him, I suppose?
There's no "hope" about it, my good man! Let me assure you I am fully fledged, and then some. Why, just the other day I slew ten fearsome ladybugs in one fell swoop! Guildmaster Ywain of Gridania even told me I had "great potential!"
Wow, Fhul! You really are the bestest adventurer in the whole world!
Haha! Would you expect anything less from your big brother? Okay, Majha, it's time to take out your hello stone!
Majha walks off and then nothing happens for a moment.
Hello, hello! Can you hear me, Fhul? Go give those nasty monsters a good beating for me! And try not to get yourself hurt, okay?
Hello, hello! Worry not, little girl! Fhul the Fearless will see that these horrible fiends bother the good people of this town no more!
That little icon in front of Majha's portrait (really, it's the generic miqitten portrait in case I need one) is a linkpearl. It's the artwork from the official site!
Er, I understand that you're probably thrilled to have your very own linkpearl, but you really should save that sort of thing for, ah, more essential situations? I mean, it's sweet that you get along and all, but... Anyhow! While there might not be any monsters around here, as such, I daresay that your sister had some good advice for you. Seeing as how you're still new to this adventuring business, you really should take care of yourself. After all, it's like they say: overconfidence can lead to, ah, all sorts of not-so-good things!
Overconfidence? Perish the thought! I have precisely the right measure of confidence to match my rapidly burgeoning abilities. Abilities that I intend to put on full display for Brendori here. And with that, I stake my claim. Brendori, I hereby challenge you to battle!
If you couldn't tell from the shots earlier, my catgirl is named Brendori.
Not a duel to the death or anything so painful, of course. Our battlefield shall be these very fairegrounds. The first to earn four Faire vouchers will be the victor-and to the victor will go the honor, and the spoils!
Oh dear. Let it never be said that you lack a sense for the dramatic. Well, what do you say, Brendori? If you'll be participating in the festivities anyway, would you be so kind as to accept the lad's challenge?
This is something Ginger will start doing before too long. Smirking and patting yourself on the collarbone apparently means "hell yeah." Or something to that effect.
Haha! I knew you wouldn't back down! But be forewarned, my friend: you'd do well not to underestimate your opponent today. And with that, let the games begin!
W-Wait for me! Fhul!
Oh dear. Say what you wish about the boy, he certainly doesn't want for enthusiasm, does he? So, ah, anyway. If you're looking to get started, I'd be more than happy to explain the rules for this year's festivities. Just come and speak with me whenever you're ready!
We've got to get four vouchers? No problem! Haermaga will be glad to tell us all about how to get them.
Well, once my stupid connection comes around. The server has to process that we've just finished the quest, and there's so many players around that it takes it a moment.
This quest will give us some new clothes as a reward. It's a headband, a white over shirt with a black tanktop beneath, and some tabi. Wait, what? It's a festival celebrating summer, and so one of the rewards is japanese toe socks? Wouldn't that be kinda warm to wear during summer months? 
Thank you, friend! Your presence will go a long way in teaching the lad that there's more to being an adventurer than gallivanting about making bold and baseless proclamations. Now, without any further ado, allow me to explain the ground rules. The name of the game here at the Moonfaire Fire is collecting Faire vouchers. These can be acquired through displays of your adventuring prowess, and subsequently redeemed for a host of enticing rewards.
You can receive a whopping four vouchers for successfully demonstrating your high-flying acrobatic aptitude in the Eorzean Nimble Warrior course. To participate, simply speak to the course registrar standing over by the shore. If you're the type who'd rather keep your feet on the ground, you can also receive a single voucher each time you complete the Iron Culinarian Challenge or the Angling Extravaganza. You can take part in these by speaking to my colleagues Hildelana or J'nangho, respectively.
Should you have any other pressing questions about the festivities, Ethelia and her fellow Faire attendants would be happy to tell you more. Now, go out there and show us all-particularly a certain malapert Miqo'te-what you've got! I reckon four vouchers should be enough to put him in his place. Acquire them in whatever manner you prefer, then bring them back to me.
Let's get the hardest one out of the way first.
Welcome, friend. I trust you're here to try your hand-or would that be your feet?-at the Eorzean Nimble Warrior course, yes? Wonderful! My colleague here will get you signed up straightaway!
Her Elezen friend, Beaudefoin, is hidden by the sea of players.
Welcome, my friend, and many thanks for joining us at this year's festivities! I trust you're ready to amaze onlookers with your characteristic brand of athletic derring-do? Very well, then! Without further ado, allow me to explain the rules of the challenge in full. Pay close attention, now-you never know what small morsel of knowledge may prove the difference between a glorious victory and a humiliating defeat!
First, just hop atop that jet of water and let it propel you with a splash to the start of the course! From there, you'll have to navigate a sequence of precarious platforms and narrow ledges to make your way to the central checkpoint. Two hints for you: move cautiously, and try not to look down! When you reach the checkpoint, the first thing you'll want to do is speak with the chaperone stationed there. It's her job to confirm that all competitors have completed the full course fair and square, you see. From there, it's a straight shot to the goal, where my colleague P'obyano awaits.
The course may appear imposing, as well it should-Master Gegeruju's really pulled out all the stops this year. But fear not! You can take as much time as you'd like, and in the event that you should take an unfortunate and premature tumble, you can simply swim your way back to the starting point and try again! Are you ready? Then have at it! My colleagues and I will be cheering you on from down below!
I'm so thankful that I can just copy this text from a wiki. Trying to transcribe this all by hand would drive me crazy... and give me carpal tunnel.
Anyway, we just need to hop on this geyser and it'll propel us up into an actual platforming challenge!
The first part isn't very hard. It's possible to fall down, but as long as you line your jumps up, you should be fine.
This is why a screenshot LP of a non RPG Mario game wouldn't work.
If you're daring, you can take a shortcut here.
I'm not daring.
The right-hand path is harder with smaller jumps. Left gives you more of a safety net.
Simple enough, right?
Congratulations! You've made it to the halfway point! And as challenging as this course is, I daresay that's an accomplishment in itself.
Here comes the harder part.
I'm gonna have to brighten these screenshots to show you the platforms. Stupid nighttime darkness.
Like so. Meun Jous of <<Bloom>> is standing on the first platform. From there we just need to hop up these narrow platforms.
Here I find that side-hopping helps the best. I wish I could take credit for that discovery, but a tweet from Kaubocks is what clued me in!
This is the halfway point to the first tier. Thankfully we don't have to climb the entire tower, because that is a feat well beyond my jumping skills in this game. And believe me, I tried for the better part of an hour.
This is as far as we need to climb in order to get our four vouchers. But do you see where those two bikini girls are standing, over in the corner? There's a very tricky jump to land on a tiny peg just below them. The rest of the climbing course starts from there.
You did it! And just as I thought you would! Don't ask me why, but I had a good feeling about you right from the start! You'd better believe that at least one person who saw you conquer the course today will be strolling into their nearest Adventurers' Guild tomorrow to sign themselves up! I trust you have places to go and people to see, but should you ever wish to show off your skills again for all to see, the Eorzean Nimble Warrior course won't be going anywhere! ...At least, not until the end of the faire. You're welcome to rise to the challenge as many times as you like-simply talk to the chaperone at the starting line if you so desire!
And just like that... we've beaten R'fhul Tia!
You can see an NPC in the background talking about a "secret route". And you can just barely make out someone part of the Free Company <<PORK!>> standing on the peg.
There's a better shot. Like I said a few times, that is way beyond me.
Let's dive into the ocean instead and collect our victory prize!
And take 15,000 points of falling damage. Ow.
Oho! Back so soon? Let me guess...you've already acquired four vouchers for yourself?
One, two, three...and four! And all without even breaking a sweat! R'fhul Tia has yet to return, so I do believe that I can officially declare you the winner of this competition.
She's certainly pleased with herself!
...Not that the outcome was ever in much doubt, of course. Anyhow, your decisive triumph should go a long way toward giving R'fhul Tia some much-needed perspective. Speaking of which, did you happen to see the lad out there? To tell the truth, I worry for the boy. When he first came to us a few years back, all starry-eyed and gushing about how he was going to be a great adventurer, I was happy for him. After all, what is the Moonfire Faire for, if not to encourage spirited young lads like him to join the ranks of those fighting for our realm?
What's more, word has it that the lad lost his family. That one of the reasons he's so determined to follow this path is so he might protect his dear sister in his departed father's stead. That's why I'm all the more worried that he's in over his head. Mind you, we all know how it feels to get a touch overeager at our first taste of success. But this lad is taking this to an entirely unhealthy extreme. If he doesn't watch out, he's going to get himself killed out there.
...That's why I had the idea to recruit you for this little competition. Just maybe, I thought, a small taste of failure at the hands of one of his more accomplished peers, would teach him-gently, mind you-that there was still much for him to learn.
*smiles and nods*
Speaking of which, could I bother you to look around and check in on the boy? Just to ensure that he hasn't gotten himself into any trouble, that is. I'd go myself, but I'd be causing trouble myself if I abandoned my post in the middle of the festivities! Last I heard, R'fhul Tia had a mind to take on the Eorzean Nimble Warrior course and win himself four vouchers in one fell swoop. Perhaps you could find him or his little sister over by the shore?
Here's the little sister. Maybe she's seen R'fhul.
Oh, hello, Brendori! Are you looking for Fhul?
Hmmm... I don't know how many slips of paper he has, but I do know that he's trying really, really hard! I just saw him over there by the spraying water, talking to that man in the colorful clothes. Maybe he can tell you more about how Fhul is doing. I know! Why don't we go talk to him together?
Back to Beaudefoin
Not gonna lie, until just this second, I thought the nameless NPC lady who let us into the athletic course was a female Hyur. Nope! She's a dragon lady, who are notable for being so short that the tallest they can ever be is less than 5 feet. Au Ra males, on the other hand, are close to 7 feet tall.
And a very happy Moonfire Faire to you, little girl! I trust that you're enjoying the festivities?
Hello, mister! Do you know where my brother went? His name is R'fhul Tia, and he's a great adventurer!
R'what...? Can't say the name rings any- Ah! You must be talking about that cocksure Miqo'te lad who just dropped by a short while ago! Why, if I'm not mistaken, I do believe that's him right over there. Yes, he's just about to take on the Eorzean Nimble Warrior course!
This is most exciting, don't you think? Ah-I've an idea! Why don't I give you a play-by-play of your brother's daring attempt at the course? That way, you can experience every death-defying leap as if you were right there with him! All right, here goes nothing!
Here we have our brave young challenger, R'fhul Tia! Look at the fire burning in his eyes as he readies himself for the challenge before him! Yes, the boy lacks not for confidence or determination, but will that be enough to carry him to victory today?
And he's off and running! There's really no need to run into the water jet, but hey, whatever floats the lad's boat. He approaches the water, and...
There he goes! Look at him shoot up, high, high into the sky! He flies through the air, and...!
...Yes, he's landed! With remarkable balance and poise given his relative youth and inexperience, he stands safely on the starting platform, with the Eorzean Nimble Warrior course looming before him! Yes, now the true challenge begins!
I love the animations in this game. 
The boy takes a few measured steps. He looks forward to the platform in front of him, and with a confident nod, he leaps, and...! Gods be good! He's lost his balance on the landing! Has the Miqo'te lad's brave challenge come to a sudden, shocking end!?
But no...no! He's still up there!
Yes, he's hanging on for dear life! What strength! What remarkable resilience!
Hah! A slight miscalculation on the angle, nothing more. I'll just pull myself...right up...and...
...Ah.
Oh, the ignominy! The agony of defeat! R'fhul Tia's challenge is over, but not for lack of effort! Give the boy a round of applause!
Fhul! Fhul, are you okay!? Brendori! We have to help Fhul!
This is something Ginger will be doing a lot. We'll have to click on a downed NPC to aid them in some fashion.
<pant> <pant> I Th...thank you, friend. I'm not sure what happened up there. One moment the platform was underneath my feet, and the next...it wasn't. B-But Brendori, why are you here!? We are in the midst of a heated contest, after all! You should be out there collecting vouchers, not showing sympathy for your rival!
Oh, Fhul! Are you hurt? You should rest for a bit! Here, come with me!
Rest? But I- Ah, I suppose you're right. The contest can wait. After all, I don't expect Brendori here has more than a voucher or two at this point. Speaking of which, why don't you come along? These faire games take quite a bit out of you-I imagine you're as exhausted as I am. Yes, I do believe there should be suitable place to rest just over thereabouts.
Ah, yes! I do believe all I needed was a little rest. Yes, just watch me! Now that I know precisely how that course works, I'm going to tear through it in record time! You'd best hurry back out there yourself, lest I get the jump on you in our little competition. Speaking of which, Brendori...have you managed to get your first voucher yet? They certainly don't make it easy...
We could be a dick to him, but there's no point. Fhul is a good dude, he's just a bit overconfident. So...
Actually, I have four.
Bahahaha! That's a good one, my friend! As if any adventurer could acquire four whole vouchers in such a short...ah...er... You aren't serious...are you?
But that's impossible! Inconceivable! How could anyone acquire four vouchers so fast!?
Wow, Brendori! You're really something! Isn't she, Fhul?
Miqo'te have cat mannerisms. Case in point, look at Fhul's hands.
This can't be! I...I realize that I'm still new to this adventuring business, but never did I think there would be such a pronounced-and quite frankly, somewhat embarrassing-difference in skill between the two of us. But there is no arguing with the evidence before me. I am simply in awe of your prowess, friend. You are a role model to me and anyone who has ever aspired to be an adventurer! Why, to think I was so foolish as to think that I could compete with an honest-to-gods hero in earnest! Just thinking of it, I want to slap that brash and brazen boy in the face with a large harbor herring!
The game's laying it on a bit thick here.
But just you watch, Brendori. I'm going to train harder than ever before, and hone my skills over time, just the way you did. One day, when I truly have the talent to back up my words, will you accept my challenge once more?
*smiles and nods*
Thank you, friend! You've given me all the inspiration I need today! Yes, it's high time I embarked on my next adventure! Why, I do believe I'll join my companions in investigating those curious rumors surrounding Tam-Tara Deepcroft!
Tam-Tara Deepcroft is one of the beginner dungeons. Ginger will be getting around to investigating it sooner rather than later.
*ring ring*
Hm? What's this? Majha?
Hello, hello...Fhul?
Yes, it's me, Majha. Whatever is the matter? You gave your big brother a fright, just running off like that...
I'll be a good girl and stay out of trouble, so... Just promise me you'll take me to the faire again next year, okay? And promise me you'll take care of yourself, and not go anywhere too dangerous. I know you're a great adventurer, but, please... I just want you to be safe...
Majha... I promise, Majha. Your brother has learned an important lesson today. I'm going to follow in the footsteps of Brendori here, and become an adventurer that you can truly be proud of.
I'm already proud of you, Fhul. Hey, Brendori. Do you have any advice for my brother? He really looks up to you, you know.
Let's go with the good advice instead of the obvious advice.
Take one step at a time.
I see, I see... Start small, and gradually gain confidence and experience through small victories. Try to do too much too soon, and you'll end up dangling by a thread from certain demise...like I was just before. Thank you ever so much, my friend! Why, I've learned so much from you today that I feel like I've already grown leaps and bounds. I can't wait to put my newfound knowledge to use in my adventures!
And with that, I do believe that Majha and I should be off. Pray give my regards to Master Haermaga, and assure him that I've taken today's lesson to heart. Farewell, my friend. It has been an honor and a pleasure to do battle with you. Until the day we meet again, may you have the best of fortune in your adventures!
Bye-bye, Brendori! See you again someday!
This child has Seeker of the Sun eyes and Keeper of the Moon fangs. That's the difference between the two tribes, see. Seekers have cat eyes but normal teeth. Keepers have anime eyes and fangs. R'majha here has both and I'm so confused.
Welcome back, friend! Did you manage to find R'fhul Tia? He hasn't gotten himself hurt, has he? ...You don't say. Well, it sounds as if he's learned his lesson. And given how much the lad looks up to you, I reckon it's a lesson he'll not soon forget.
Be proud, friend. Adventurers like you are an inspiration to one and all-not just the boy, but everyone who's seen your exploits here at the faire today! Ah, but before I forget! We had a special gift prepared for you to thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty. Here you go-I can't think of anyone who deserves it more! And with that, I should return to my duties. I leave you to enjoy the festivities. Remember, you are free to take on the challenges and showcase your skill as often as you like!
Let's try our new outfit on!
The jeans go pretty well with this outfit! Although even in rubber-soled socks like these tabi, I can't imagine that a semi-rocky beach is very comfortable to stand on.
And I'm going to trim this update here, because it's getting absurdly long, and there's still half of a recording to go. Next time we'll see the other ways to get faire vouchers, as well as a quick crash course in the crafting and gathering systems!
So let me leave you with a fullscreen shot of what the outfit looks like.
Probably a bit warm to be wearing long jeans and socks outdoors.