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Hello everyone and welcome back. Today's update starts with the quest for the final of the three dungeons. It's also yet-a-fucking-nother quest where there's no transcribed dialogue. This is getting really old.

So, you're not averse to taking a little trip? Wonderful! As I mentioned earlier, the request comes to us from the Adventurers' Guild in Ul'dah. Once you arrive, seek out Momodi, the proprietress of the Quicksand. Think of her as the sultanate's version of myself. Chances are she'll send you into the midst of danger, but I have every confidence that you will pull through unscathed. Now, off you go, Ginger, and good luck!

It's pretty nice becoming the most competent adventurer these guildmasters know. While I doubt Miounne would say that the others are incompetent to their faces, she also doesn't strike me as the sort to give undue praise.



Before we report back to Momodi, we're gonna stop by the alchemist's guild for Jandelaine's whatever.

You've come on behalf of Jandelaine? Why, I just furnished him with a fresh batch of my special creations last week! I realize the man's services are in demand, but it would be physically impossible for him to exhaust the entire supply so soon. Stolen, you say!?
An unfortunate turn of events, indeed...if not entirely unexpected. You see, the man is something of a genius...and genius is often misunderstood by modest minds. Trust me, as I speak from extensive personal experience. Yes, great minds must band together in trying times, lest the realm be deprived of our talents. And so I command you--deliver this parcel to Jandelaine with all speed!

Severian is both an alchemical genius and a mad scientist.



Welcome to the Quicksand, friend. I'm a tad busy right now, if you wouldn't mind showin' yourself to-- Oh, it's you, Ginger! And there I was, spoutin' the same tired line! Miounne sent word that you'd be reportin' for duty. She also made a point of callin' you the adventurer of the moment. That ain't no small praise, comin' from her. But you didn't come all the way here to listen to my prattle. Doubtless you're eager to get started, so let's talk business, shall we?





This quest has some fucked up implications once you know what's going on. Also Papashan appears to be our contact for this one!



The petitioner ought to be arrivin' any moment now...
Gods almighty! Another second under that sun, and I would have been set afire! A tankard of ale, if you would be so kind!



These quests are pretty formulaic. Thankfully this is the last time any such formula is used. So we don't have to play "hey it's that face" with NPCs constantly arriving to talk with the adventurer's guild master of the moment.

Excellent timin', Papashan. It just so happens the adventurer who'll be handlin' your petition is here.
Oh? Why, if it isn't my good friend Ginger! It does my spirit well to know that you are the one who will be helping us.
Mayhap you'd like to apprise Ginger of her mission?
Yes, of course. The petition in question was submitted by an acquaintance of mine at Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern. It relates to an unfortunate development at Copperbell Mines.

The chairman of Amajina & Sons is on the Syndicate. So this is a matter directly relating to the wealthiest people in Ul'dah.



To be plain, giants have seized control of the place. These giants are of the clan known as the hecatoncheires--fearsome creatures who were sealed within the deepest depths of the mines during the bygone Thorne Dynasty. Alas, it seems they have managed to break through the layer of rock which served to imprison them, and now prowl the tunnels where the miners ply their trade. The creatures are justifiably angry about their treatment at the hands of our ancestors, and their presence has forced the suspension of all mining activities on the site.
It's no wonder they're angry. Didn't the Thorne Dynasty come to an end over three hundred years ago?
You know your history well, milady. The people of that age used the hecatoncheires to work their mines. By way of enchanted helms, they were able to bind the ferocious creatures to their will. But as is oft the way in such tales, these enchantments eventually failed, and the slaves rose up against their masters. In a desperate bid to contain the unbridled fury of the hecatoncheires, our ancestors induced the collapse of the mines' lowermost levels. So it was that the Great Giant Revolt was ended--buried beneath a hundred thousand tonzes of rock.

Translation: the Lalafell in charge of Ul'dah nearly got wiped out by a slave revolt, and couldn't kill the leaders of the uprising. So they buried them. Ginger is being sent to break up a 300 year-long strike. I... I don't feel so good about this mission.



Well, now...that's got me thinkin'... I seem to recall there bein' an article about Copperbell in the Mythril Eye a fortnight or so ago. It said the mines were bein' reopened so as to meet the risin' demand for buildin' materials. Like as not, our boys dug a bit too deep and freed the giants. Gods...to think the poor creatures are still alive an' kickin' after three centuries... That's a long time to nurse a grudge. They must be seethin'...
Indeed. And that makes them a danger to us all. There will be no mining at Copperbell so long as they remain. For the sake of both peace and prosperity, they must be subdued. This is the task which we would have you undertake. I'll not deny that the mission will be rife with danger, but our need is great. And so I beg you: put an end to this sorry business.



*nods*

Ginger has a problem where she has no spine despite possessing suicidal courage. She'll face down any threat, but is too much of a wimp to say "no" to someone.

Gods bless you! I feared you might have reservations, but I assure you it is for the best.
Hmmm... In case you don't know, Copperbell Mines are in western Thanalan. Do take care, you hear?
Ah, and one last thing before you depart... An employee of Amajina & Sons is presently at the Quicksand. The fellow's name is Painted Mesa, and he knows Copperbell Mines well. It may behoove you to seek his counsel.



Lookin' for Painted Mesa? You found him. So you're the adventurer who's volunteered to deal with the mess down in Copperbell, are you? You've got guts, miss. I just hope you've got skills to go with 'em, 'cause things ain't pretty down there. The hecatoncheires've left the place in a right state, and nary a week after minin' resumed.
I don't know if you know this, but Copperbell was old when the second Ul Dynasty was still young, and it was abandoned centuries ago. If it hadn't been for the shortage of materials needed for the rebuildin' effort, the Concern would never have thought to reopen it. We knew full well about the giants beforehand, but the project went ahead anyway. I mean, nothin' could possibly survive bein' buried under a mountain's worth of rock for three centuries, right? Wrong!
Our miners dug up more than they bargained for. One swing of the pickaxe too many, and they found 'emselves in the company of giants. Unless we can subdue 'em, the nation's glorious recovery'll grind to a halt for want of aught to build with. The Stone Torches're keepin' watch over the entrance in case the giants fancy some sunlight and fresh air. One of 'em will be able to show you the way in. The hope of the nation's restin' on you, friend. Best of luck!

Translation: the chairman of Amajina & Sons deemed the profits were worth more than the loss in the workforce. You eventually meet this guy much later in the game. He's an even bigger asshole than I'm making him out to be here. He does nothing out of the goodness of his heart. Even actions that seem generous will always have a hidden caveat or some way for him to make a gigantic amount of profit.

He probably knew the giants were alive and did not give a shit because he can make money from those materials. That's not just fact, that's cold, hard speculation!





If you remember back like 10 or so updates, you may recall the talk of the Copperbell Mines being reopened in some quests I showed off. So that's a pretty nice way to lay the groundwork for this next dungeon!



There's been an incident inside Copperbell Mines. We are here to ensure that its effects are contained, but for your own safety, I suggest you stay well away from here. What? You're the adventurer who's volunteered to quell the hecatoncheires? I didn't think that Papashan would be able to find someone so quickly...if at all. The giants are content to wreak havoc inside the mines for now, but it's only a matter of time before they think to come outside. The sooner you see to them, the better. Make ready as best you can, and enter at will.



Before we hop in, let's see if any of our buddies are hanging out.



We found Dolorous Bear and his entire party dead. The giants were... thorough in their work. Judging by their tracks, it would seem they tried to rush a horde of the creatures. I cannot say for sure what drove an experienced crew like theirs to throw caution to the wind...but I do have my suspicions.
We are all our own worst critics, and our desire to better past achievements can rob us of good sense. Thus do we become more given to recklessness. While it is important to have goals, one must not fixate upon them to the exclusion of all else. Do so, and one will surely pay the price, as Dolorous Bear and his comrades did this day.

Jesus. These intro quests were a bloodbath, comparatively. First Avere dies and now Dolorous Bear and his two nice friends are all dead. Just Isildaure and Alianne left now, and I hope nothing bad happens to them too!

l have been an adventurer for long years, and borne witness to many a pivotal moment in history. Though the times may have changed, the essence of our trade has not. Adventuring has ever been a quest for self-betterment through challenges freely faced, and ever shall it remain so.
As an adventurer becomes more experienced, he will naturally acquire a love of justice, and an understanding of the spirit of self-sacrifice. Such experience cannot be measured in any tangible way, yet it most assuredly shapes who we are, grounded as it is in the decisions we have made on our journey, and their consequences, good or ill. I sense a light within you, young one, and it tells me that you are destined for greatness.

At least Isildaure seems to sense Ginger's destiny, whatever that is. Anyway, let's get on with the dungeon! Orokin is back again for this last one.





Copperbell Mines

Again, linked as a sub-update. Click if you're curious!



I don't believe I've linked this yet, so here's the field theme for Thanalan to enjoy while we return back to Momodi.

To the Sun



Alianne and Isildaure have left for greener pastures. They're the only ones out of the early dungeons to emerge unscathed. They'll eventually re-enter the MSQ, but it will not be for a very long time. So just keep them in mind, eh?



While on the way back to town, an idea occurs to me. Orokin and Malachite seemed to be game, so we did a leveling roulette. To give a quick explanation: once you unlock enough duties in FFXIV, you unlock a special queue which will randomly put you in any dungeon that you've unlocked. These special queues are called roulettes because they're random... like a roulette wheel!

Leveling only selects from dungeons below each expansion's level cap. So any of the dungeons from 1-49 will count, but dungeons that unlock at level 50 will never appear in it. These roulettes are why the dungeons in the game are populated. High level players all have varying incentives to help sprouts, while low level players avoid the WoW problem of some dungeon stretches being completely deserted of any players.



Ginger only has 3 duties unlocked. We got Copperbell. Again.

On the upside, she gained two levels from that roulette! She got all that wonderful, juicy experience from the dungeon mobs, and then a huge chunk of it just for finishing the duty.



71,000 bonus experience is about half of a level in the late 20s. Roulettes are insanely good daily bonuses! Ginger's also level 28 and has a bunch of skills on her bars now. We'll sort them out eventually.



This particular quest has both a dungeon and a solo duty! It's positively action packed for the early game.



Also for laughs, I equip Ginger with a pair of goggles we got from the previous dungeon. The look doesn't quite work, though. There's a specific pair of goggles I want to get her, but that will have to wait for a later time. Anyway, time to do a duty!





Ah, the conqueror of Copperbell returns! Thanks to you, our minin' operations can resume, and Ul'dah will have the materials she needs to rebuild. The entire nation's in your debt, friend. I'll share the good tidin's with Papashan the next time I see him. As for you, you'll want to report to Momodi. lt'll do the woman well to see you alive and in one piece.
*nods*
Nooooooo!



A woman's voice calls out from outside. Unable to ignore it, Ginger rushes off to action!



Fracture





Shut your mouth, you thieving little swine! You stole from me--don't even think to deny it!
P-Please, sir, I didn't steal nothin'! l b-bought this--paid for it with me own coin!

Ala Mhigan refugees are not looked upon kindly anywhere in Eorzea, least of all the ultra-capitalist hellscape of Ul'dah.



What rot! You refugees are all the same--couldn't afford maggoty mole meat, much less a choice cut of dodo! I'm going to say it one more time: give back what you stole, or I'll make you wish you'd never set foot in this town!



Ginger arrives on the scene.

By rights, I should turn you over to the Brass Blades, you know--help keep the streets safe for law-abiding citizens. But I'm a reasonable man. If you agree to serve me in...whatever capacity I require, the authorities needn't hear of your crime.

This man, if you couldn't tell, is not a nice dude. He's cartoonishly evil, which doesn't work in this pretty grounded fantasy world. He's hateable because he's an over-the-top asshole, not because he's a compelling villain. I'm not even going to try to pretend he isn't. A man that threatens to call the cops on a woman who bought something legally with her own money, and then tries to blackmail her into sexual slavery with threats of implicit violence from a corrupt police organization is not a hero or even a side NPC. So yes, this man is the villain of the next story arc.

Just in case you had somehow forgotten in the five minutes since it was last implied, let me say it again for those in the back: Ul'dah is an outrageously shitty place.



His lackeys seem to think it's quite a funny joke.





He's deadly serious, though.

B-But I ain't done nothin' wrong! Twelve as me witness!







Ginger's goggles look dumb, even from this distance. I realized this at the time and turned them off pretty quickly.



P-Please, adventurer! Help me, I beg o' ye! I swear on me mother's grave, I didn't steal nothin'! I bought this with the coin l'd saved... <sob> I only wanted to treat me children to a decent meal...



This tall masked Roe steps forward...



And so does Ginger. Both of them are pugilists, so it looks like it's time to pugilize!



And who the hells are you when you're at home!? This dog's master?



Nobody else was willing to step forward to defend this woman.

I've had enough ofthis mummer's farce. You lot, teach them a lesson!





Ginger's level syncs to 21 here. This duty can't be done until you've done the level 17 quests in the MSQ. It's not meant to be difficult. So this screenshot is all you need to see from it. She beats up some morons on the street.

<belch> I'll take care o' this. The rest o' ye can watch.







She's three feet tall, weighs like 40 pounds, and just beat the shit out of three guys at the same time. Ginger is pretty badass, y'all.

I ain't gettin' paid enough for this!



H-Hey! Where the hells do you think you're going!?



Thank ye, kind adventurer! Thank ye thrice over!



Ginger has another episode. Time to see into the past!





I'd swear there were more refugees than when I last looked...
And you wouldn't be mistaken.
But it's been five years since the Calamity! Why are they only coming here now?



It's simple, really--while a number of hamlets survived the immediate aftermath of the Calamity, many were no longer able to support their communities. The residents found their lands had either been rendered barren, or cut off from trade routes--and problems like those aren't easily solved. Though they tried to make the best of it, it was only a matter of time before they were forced to abandon their homes and seek a new life in the city.



I see... But the Calamity affected the whole realm, didn't it? Is the same thing happening in the other cities?
If the talk is true, yes. Though perhaps our situation is more pronounced. Ul'dah has a reputation for being prosperous, so it's natural that the refugees would try their luck here first.
My heart goes out to them, it truly does...but I would be lying ifl said that I wasn't apprehensive. I hope their presence doesn't foment lawlessness in the city.
Well, if things do take a turn for the worse, we always have the Immortal Flames. l daresay the Brass Blades would welcome their help.
The heroes who fought the Garlean Empire, patrolling the streets for riffraff?
It may well come to that. lmpoverished and desperate as they are, you may be sure that some of the refugees will turn to crime. You know what this place is like. If you've no coin, you've no hope.

We've already seen one guy from Stonesthrow, the settlement they're next to, get nearly murdered by the Brass Blades for trying to give the refugees a better life.

<sigh> What will become of our city?
Not all refugees are bad, mind you. Some are able to f?ind employment and lead honest lives.



We can see the poor woman in the background.

Dodo tenderloins! Get yer dodo tenderloins! Guaranteed cheapest in Thanalan!



Thank ye for yer custom, madam! Please come again!



Looking around, you'd think that Ul'dah was well on its way to recovery. But peer through the veil of prosperity and you'll see no end to the misery and suffering.



And then these two people, who we will seriously never see again in the entire game, leave the scene. Sure...?



Er...madam? Are ye all right?



At least she didn't wind up flat on her back this time. Ginger's making progress on that front!





She's glaring daggers at the cartoonishly evil merchant.

Wh-What now!? You mean to threaten a defenseless citizen!?
*explains the situation*
...What? Saw her buy that meat, you say? Th-That's absurd!
Aye, as did I! Leave the poor woman alone, you damnable vulture!
Wh-Who said that!?





The crowd's no longer rowdy or laughing at the woman. I guess after seeing a lalafell beat the shit out of a Roe more than twice her size, they figure that the poor woman is protected.

*stamps his foot on the ground like a sulking child* Grrr! I will overlook this...but just this once!

Then he runs off. Prick.



Gods bless ye, adventurer! If ye hadn't come along when ye did, who knows what that monster might've done!? It don't bear thinkin' about...



Being a hero is pretty alright sometimes.



Canticle (MSQ spoilers in this video)

Canticle is a good track, and one of the most used ones in the MSQ. But we're so early in that every video has spoilers for the MSQ. I just chose the one with the least impactful spoilers.

All's well that ends well!



Weren't planning on stepping in to help out, were you Thancred?

We meet again! Pray do not mistake my intent--for it is always honorable--but I have been watching you ever since you departed Ul'dah. You played the part of envoy to perfection--confident as a woman on a diplomatic mission should be, yet unfailingly courteous to your betters. And when your travels led you into the midst of danger, you faced it without so much as a flinch. You, my lady, are quite a marvel, and I confess to being quite taken with you!
Ah, but my lavish praise continues. Most of all, I was struck by your readiness to aid those in need, even when words were all the reward you could expect to receive. Such selflessness is a rare thing in this day and age.



...All of which leads me to conclude that you are indeed the one whom I have been looking for--an adventurer possessed of a very rare set of qualities. To be sure, your rescue of that damsel in distress was more of a happy accident. But rescue her you did, and that is what matters in the end.



I feel I should mention at this point that I also harbor a burning interest in a certain talent of yours. I speak of your visions. You have been experiencing visions, have you not? Well, it just so happens that I know a woman who shares your talent, and can help you to understand it. She and I belong to the same organization, and we should both be delighted beyond words if you would agree to join our cause.
You need not give me your answer now. Think upon it, and if you feel moved to help us--as I pray you shall--speak with Momodi. the ever-lovely and youthful mistress of the Quicksand.



Tell her the Scions of the Seventh Dawn have found their woman, and she will tell you where to find us.



Anyway, back to Momodi we go.



Hmph. Scenes like that are becomin' ever more common, I'm afraid. Don't worry, though-if you work hard, you'll probably be all right.
*nods*
Sayin' that, if you ever find yourself in a spot of bother, come and see me. Just don't go pesterin' me every time you graze your knee, eh? ...'Course, I do enjoy hearin' tell of a gentleman's woes with the womenfolk from time to time...



Ah, Ginger! Sorry to keep you waitin'-I was just providin' guidance to a fresh-off-the-carriage adventurer. But gods, it's good to see you safe and well! To look at you, no one would ever guess you'd been hard at it with giants in the dark! I never doubted for a moment that you'd succeed, of course, and neither did Papashan-which ain't to say he won't be overjoyed! Oh, before I forget, there's a lass here who wants a word with you. Didn't actually know your name, but hearin' her description, I knew who she meant right away.



Edda?



Th-Thank you for sparing the time. I realize you don't know me, but I've been longing to speak with you for a while now. My name is Edda. I'm an adventurer like you, though I'm not very good at being one, if truth be told. Anyway, I was adventuring with my friends in Gridania when...when... I-I'm sorry. We were in Gridania...when the leader of our party was killed.
His name was Avere, and he and I were to be wed in the spring. You may not remember him, but to say that he remembered you would be an understatement. He would sing your praises from dawn to dusk. He saw you for what you are, you see-an adventurer's adventurer-and swore that he would be like you one day. I believe that he would have succeeded...had a fiend not robbed him of the chance. Since that day, I have thought long and hard about giving up adventuring.

And, no, we have never met Avere before. But he evidently idolized Ginger.



But when I think of the woman you are-of all that you've achieved-I find that I am inspired, just as Avere once was. And so I've decided to start again as an adventurer. I will go back to the village of my birth and begin my training anew. But I wanted to meet you first...to ask you your name.
Ginger Pepper.
Ginger Pepper... I shan't forget. Thank you, Ginger Pepper. I pray that we will meet again. Fare you well!



Poor kid. She's been through hell and back. I hope everything turns out well for her.

Adventurin' can be a cruel bleedin' business... Time was, I didn't know why anyone would bother. When they first asked me to take charge of the guild here, I didn't want aught to do with you lot-thought it'd be a right pain in the arse lookin' after you all. But against my better judgment, I decided to accept the post...and I'm full glad I did. I feel privileged to be a part of your lives. And that goes double for yours, Ginger!
*asks about the Scions*



...Eh? What did you say? You want to know about the Scions of the Seventh Dawn? They're beginnin' to move in earnest, then... Listen, Ginger-the Scions ain't no ordinary folk, and the work they do ain't no ordinary work. I know full well how capable you are, but even you would think twice about attemptin' some of the stuff they do. Knowin' that, if you're still certain you want to get involved, I'll tell you what I can.



NEXT TIME: I was going to include more after this, but the update got perilously close to 50k characters before I added pictures and portraits, so I cut it here for my own sanity. I'll post the second half later on! There are a lot of so come prepared!