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Hello everyone and welcome back! Do you feel that chill in the air? It's almost time for Christmas the Starlight Festival! Ginger has dressed up in her holiday best.
Snow is falling in all the major cities. While I've always said that there's two kinds of people: those that like snow and those that have to deal with it, it does make for a very pretty sight when it's falling. So let's put on some mood music and go exploring in Gridania!
Northern Hemisphere
Because this is still day 1 of the Starlight Festival, everyone and their brother is crowded into Gridania to do it. To say that it's laggy is an understatement. OBS actually told me to reduce video settings or use a faster preset whenever I scrolled past the crowd.
Starlight Celebration
Amh Garanjy is the sweet catgirl in charge of the Starlight celebrations. Also be sure to check out that music link above. I like it because it's the rare piece of Christmas-themed music that doesn't use fucking sleighbells.
An adventurer, I take it? Why, it's as if the saint himself sent you to me! Oh, but there I go again. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Amh Garanjy, and it is my honor to serve as celebrant for the Starlight Celebration. That said, I'm afraid I must apologize. There has been a bit of a rub, you see, and as such we're not quite ready to kick off the festivities as of yet. How shall I put it? Our troubles began when we encountered some unexpected delays in deciding on a theme for this year's event. Things spiraled from there, and as a result, we've been left with far too much to do in far too little time.
As a result, we celebrants have been forced to recruit helpers of all stripes-from small children to strapping adventurers like yourself. Speaking of which, you wouldn't perchance be able and willing to lend us a hand, would you?
*nods and punches fist*
Oh, thank you, my friend! I daresay your generosity truly embodies the Starlight season. Without further ado, allow me to explain the tasks we would ask of you.
Ho ho ho! It would seem you've found a most promising helper for me again this year!
It's uncanny. No matter what time of day I record, in-game it is always the darkest hour of night in a cutscene.
Another adventurer? And I suppose this one, too, will also be wanting some kind of reward for their services. I say, sometimes I wonder if this whole Starlight business is worth the effort-and the coin-we pour into it year after year.
Must you be such a killjoy, my young friend? Just look at the faces of the children around you. Why, each year they spend moons waiting in eager anticipation of this most joyous of seasons, and the most delightful presents they will receive!
Ah, yes, the presents. Worthless trinkets foisted off on naive young fools in hopes of making them forget the mundanity of their everyday existences. If we truly wanted to bring joy to people, would it not be more prudent to invest in things that might actually improve the quality of their daily lives?
The Saint of Nymeia (as he's called) obviously disapproves. He's definitely the FFXIV version of Santa and is certainly not Godbert Manderville, member of the Ul'dahn Syndicate and owner and proprietor of the Manderville Gold Saucer.
...Ahem. Allow me to introduce Kamlito Halito, first son of a prominent family of surveyors in Ul'dah. He's journeyed here all the way from the sultanate to help us prepare this year's festivities. Standing beside him is the Saint of Nymeia himself, a man who no doubt needs no introduction.
Let me state for the record that I did not come here merely to deck the streets with gaudy lights and trinkets. I initially proposed to Father that we do away with all this mummery and transform this festival into something that would contribute more directly to the mutual economic prosperity of our nations and the realm as a whole. But did he listen? No, he simply muttered something about how he didn't raise his son to be a stuffy spoilsport, and all but demanded that I accompany Lord Mand-pardon, the Saint of Nymeia here to learn something about "holiday cheer"--whatever that is supposed to mean.
See? He's definitely not Godbert Manderville.
Ginger also disapproves of Kamlito's stick-in-the-mud nature.
Come now, Kamlito! I understand that you are serious about your family business, but I daresay it wouldn't hurt for you to lighten up from time to time. Here, perhaps this will put a smile on your face...
Do you mean that truly? If I help you, I can get a present, too?
But of course, my dear child. Behold the twinklebox!
Tucked beneath the many lids of this casket are hidden all manner of delightful wares. Why, they've been fashioned especially for this year's festivities by some of the realm's most celebrated crafters! For every task you complete, you will earn the opportunity to pop off one of its lids, and help yourself to the contents within.
And that's just the start of it-needless to say, there will be even more glorious gifts in store for you when the preparations are complete and the festivities can kick off in earnest. You can think of this chest as something to tide you over in the meantime, and as our way of thanking you for lending us celebrants a helping hand in our time of need. What do you say, child?
Wow! This is wonderful! Mother and Father say I have to help out around the house during Starlight, so I don't know if I can come back. But I have plenty of time to help now! Just say what you need and leave it to Isainne to get things done!
She's very excited, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
Isainne, is it? What a generous girl you are! Thank you ever so much. Needless to say, we've prepared some very special presents for adventurers like you as well, so I hope you can collect and enjoy them all!
Yes, yes...isn't that all so special? Now, if we're done getting all giddy about trifling baubles and toys, I should be getting back to work. <sigh> All those Starlight Trees aren't going to decorate themselves, after all...
Saint Nymeia wanders off to go do whatever it is he does.
Now then, if you're ready to get started, simply head west from the amphitheatre and speak to my colleague stationed before the waterwheel hut. She'll be happy to explain all you need to know to get started.
An adventurer? I was expecting young Isainne, but I suppose you'll suffice. I'd like you to get to work immediately taking down the decorations nearby. Hold your chocobos, now. It's not as if we're calling the celebration off. It's simply that...well, you met Kamlito Halito, yes? He was in charge of this area, and let's just say his sense for what's appropriate for Starlight leaves something to be desired.
I can handle things here by myself, so I'd ask you to head to the Conjurers' Guild and take down any seasonally inappropriate decorations you might find. When you're through, you can bring the inappropriate ornamentation back here to me, and I'll see that it's properly stored away.
While this is a simple enough "go here and do this" quest, I'm still gonna be showing off the steps because it's pretty cute and also charming. C'mon, it's like 11 days until Christmas. May as well get into the spirit of the season with a cute quest chain.
The sparkles are somewhat hiding it, but that's very definitely an All Saint's Wake decoration. That event was actually cancelled in FFXIV this year because of COVID-related reasons. Instead they ran the Make it Rain campaign during October. I didn't bother showing it off because 
Pa-Paya. These are Hatchingtide decorations. Just what is Kamlito doing?
All this work, and for what-to take it all down when the festivities are over? A thorough waste of time and effort, if you ask me...
How does one grow to become such a joyless buzzkill? I know for most adults, the Christmas season is one of severe amounts of stress, but that's no reason to go around being such a dick.
And he just randomly threw down Moonfire Faire decorations near the Conjurer's guild. Sure, why not?
Getting presents is fun, too, but what I really enjoy is helping out and sharing the Starlight spirit!
*hands over out-of-season decorations*
Ah, yes. That should do it, then. Isainne here finished cleaning up her assigned area as well--in half the time, I might add.
Ginger may be the size of a child, but she's not a child. And so she doesn't have their boundless energy or enthusiasm. I bet she did it faster than many others did regardless!
Did you see some of those so-called decorations? It's as if that man has never attended a single day's worth of Starlight festivities in his life!
At any rate, I suppose I'll see to it that the ornaments you took down are replaced with something more festive. In the meantime, I'd appreciate it if you could report to Amh in my stead.
Of course! Leave it to me!
There's something kinda nice about helping Gridania set up their holiday decorations. It's not glamorous work, but it's still kinda fun.
Thank you for all your help, friend! I promise we'll get our act together one of these years. In the meantime, we truly appreciate your saintly efforts in helping us see that every child has a smile on their face for Starlight! Allow me also to apologize on Kamlito's behalf for the extra work he created for you. The boy has much to learn, yes, but I've no doubt that he will come to understand what the spirit of the season is all about in due time.
In the meantime, allow me to express my gratitude for all you've done in true Starlight fashion-with a present from the twinklebox. Go ahead, help yourself! And remember that there are more gifts waiting for you if you're feeling inclined to lend us your aid again.
(System Message) Upon completing each of the tasks assigned to you by Amh Garanjy, you may open one of the lids of the twinklebox and help yourself to one of the presents inside.
The item we got 99 of is something that the XIV devs love to give out during holidays. It's a prism that creates and effect in the air above your head. In this case, it creates the number 5. It's cute, so I don't mind!
Oh, and lest I forget, I'm not the only one who truly appreciates your efforts-far from it! We've been receiving messages from the realm over thanking you and your fellow adventurers for all you do for the people of Eorzea each and every day. My colleague Baenfaeld here in the amphitheatre is holding on to them all, so if you're curious, simply say the word-he'd be happy to share the words of appreciation and good cheer.
I'll review all the letters at the end of the seasonal updates. This is only six quests, but they're gonna drag on longer than usual if I do them all in one whack. So to keep my life simple and to ensure you all aren't here forever reading this, I'm gonna be cutting this update after the third quest probably.
I'm heartened to see you've decided to stick around. Apparently, there's another set of decorations that aren't quite up to snuff. Would you mind helping Isainne look into the matter and fix things up? I've asked her to wait just outside the amphitheatre.
Isainne is hiding behind this large woman.
Oh, hello there. When I was on my way back before, some of the townspeople told me that there's something strange about the snowmen over by the Shaded Bower. Kamlito was in charge of those as well. I know that he's new to all this, but how hard can it be to make a snowman? Anyhow, let's go and see what's wrong, shall we? I'll race you there!
The Shaded Bower is the markets in Gridania.
There's something strange about these snowmen, yes, but...I can't quite put my finger on it. What do you suppose it is?
Points, I suppose, for Kamlito actually making the snowmen properly. But, uh...
You can turn them clockwise or counter-clockwise. Direction doesn't really matter, but you have to do it twice per snowman to get them properly turned around.
(System Message) The snowmen are now facing straight so as to welcome customers to the shops.
Back to Isainne we go.
Wow! It's as if the snowmen are all smiling and inviting us in! Who'd have thought that turning them around a bit could make such a difference?
And Kamlito decides to join us!
Oh, it's you two. Whatever are you doing lolling about here? I've already finished my latest task. Behold! Take notes and perhaps one day you'll be able to work as efficiently.
:thunk: I don't think that's quite right...
Ginger with a look perfectly encapsulating "what the fuck am I seeing" on her face.
I believe the word you're looking for is "slapdash"...
My brother actually got pissed off at me once because I used the term "slapdash" and he didn't belive it was a real word. Also Ginger constantly showing she has zero fucks to give.
Why, the sheer nerve! Might I remind you that you people are lucky a personage as esteemed as myself has deigned to assist with such menial tasks! In a just world, I would be placed in charge of the entire event, and you would be assisting me! That is where my true talents lie-not in making silly snowmen and putting lights on trees!
You don't know the first thing about Starlight! That's why all your decorations were such a mess until this adventurer and I fixed them!
What!? What nonsense is this?
It's true! She actually understands what Starlight is all about! She wants everyone who takes part in the festivities to feel the joy of the season, and it shows in the care she puts into every little task. Don't you care about making others happy? Or even being happy yourself? Why, I haven't seen you smile once the whole time you've
Wh-Why I never! I came here to do a job, and against my will! Perhaps putting up these ridiculous decorations is enough to amuse a child like you, but I am a man grown-
So what if I'm a child!? I actually care about Starlight, and my decorations will put smiles on more faces than yours ever will!
Smiles this, happiness that. Be honest-Starlight is all about getting presents, yes? Then why don't I give you some coin? With money, you can buy whatever you want!
I don't want your stupid money! ...I'm going back.
Making a poor child cry? Consider me...unimpressed, Kamlito.
(to Ginger) And yet, I cannot help but feel that there is more to that child's situation than meets the eye. I shall inquire further-in the meantime, pray return to Amh Garanjy and apprise her of your progress.
Perhaps I could stand to take my work a bit more seriously...
Does this look like the face of mercy to you?
Isainne is behind these people here. She's looking at the small snowman in the middle-left.
This poor snowman... He's all alone...
Kamlito is buried beneath the mass of bodies here.
Perhaps I could stand to enjoy myself a bit more...
Amh takes a while to fade in. This is something I disagree with when it comes to FFXIV. The game prioritizes loading other players before it does NPCs. So on patch days and the start of festivals, it's a lot of waiting around near other players for the server to finally make your NPC buddies appear.
Welcome back, friend! Thanks to your tireless efforts on our behalf, I am pleased to report that we are closer than ever to getting the festivities in full swing. Don't forget to help yourself to another present from the twinklebox. I daresay you've more than earned it!
These prisms show the number 4 above your head.
Thanks in no small part to your tireless efforts, I daresay we're on track to begin the festivities sooner than I had anticipated! That said, I fear there's still more work to be done.
<sigh> If only I weren't so utterly useless...
Hm? Did you say something, Kamlito?
M-Me!? Oh, it was nothing! Nothing at all!
At any rate, the next job I'd like to entrust to you is preparing the tree. Speak to my colleague in the Acorn Orchard over in New Gridania, and she'll be happy to brief you on the task at hand.
Over here in the orphanarium we find the next quest location.
I can't see anything amiss with the decorations here. Whatever could be the matter?
At least he seems to be trying, and he appears to be learning? He's at least no longer being a dick which is a huge step forward for him.
Are you here to help? Remarkable! Splendiferous, even! I've just been inspecting the trees that have been put up around town, and I couldn't help but notice that something was amiss. See here? Part of the trunk has been gnawed away, as if by an animal or the like. Were any more damage to be done to the tree, it might fall over, and that would be most perilous for any small child who happened to be standing beneath it at the time. I had a mind to call for a skilled woodworker, that perhaps they might examine the tree and reinforce it for us. Might I ask you to head to the Carpenters' Guild in my stead?
This adventurer will be going, you say? I suppose that means you won't be needing me. Very well, then... I shall...inspect the other trees, or the like.
This next text is in the log on Gardlandtools, but I have no idea where he goes off to. So I'll just show it without context.
No damage here as far as I can see. <sigh> If this is the only job I am good for, I might as well be thorough about it...
Inside the carpenter's guild is this nice lady.
Ho there! What brings you to the Carpenters' Guild during this season of celebration, friend? Some cute little woodland creatures have been chewing away at your Starlight Tree, you say? Well, that won't do at all. I daresay this calls for an investigation.
These are all very simple quests, but they're telling a nice, concise story in the framework. You can even see the arc developing, and while you know where it's going, you still want to see it through. This is why FFXIV is great!
Indeed...this tree looks as if it could topple over at any moment. Let me see if I can't reinforce the trunk a bit.
I cannot thank you enough, my friend! Clearly, you have summoned a carpenter of surpassing skill. I am most relieved to know that the children of Gridania need not fear any falling trees as they open their presents this Starlight season. Ah, yes-I forgot to tell you. While you were visiting the guild on my behalf, Kamlito Halito was kind enough to go about inspecting the other trees in the area. I'm pleased to report that he assures me that not a one shows any suspicious gnawing or toothmarks.
He's a rather...dour fellow, isn't he? And yet it would seem he takes his work quite seriously. I daresay I was rather impressed at how closely he examined each and every trunk with such a painstaking eye. He mentioned that he was heading back to the amphitheatre after finishing the job. Why, he didn't even stick around long enough to allow me to thank him for his efforts. Might you be so kind as to pass along a simple message of gratitude on my behalf?
Amh has text for if you go to her first, but you'd have to go well out of your way to not see Kamlito hanging out here. So we'll just go to the man himself.
I can't help but feel that something is missing. And yet...what could it be?
I know! Mayhap a necklace of the finest gold with a sparkling gem inlaid would give it a glamorous appearance befitting the season! But no... I might appreciate that, but I am not a child of Gridania. I must put myself in their shoes...whatever sort of snowman would bring a smile to their faces?
Are you still thinking about what Isainne said?
Hm? Of course not! I could not care less about the idle musings of children. I simply thought that perhaps my masterwork here could benefit from a finishing touch, that's all! ...Bah. Who am I fooling? It's true. I haven't stopped thinking about what the girl said for bells now.
Here I thought I would come here and put together a festival for the ages-and as it turns out, I can't even make a single child happy. Hells, I'm only making myself miserable as well. And yet...I must not give up hope. There is still time for me to do my job right-to earn the right to open that chest of presents and claim the glory that is rightfully mine!
...And so I got to thinking. That child was looking at this snowman with a most intense gaze, was she not? No doubt she saw something in it that has managed to escape me. ...Forgive me. I suspect my work here might take longer than I expected. Pray report to Amh Garanjy ahead of me and tell her I shall be along in due time.
*nods*
I like the "resting hands in front of their body" pose that female miqo'te get. Too bad that my main character doesn't have it despite being one.
Welcome back, friend! And another job well done, I am pleased to say.
Well, what are you waiting for? Help yourself! You've more than earned it. Hm? Kamlito's still putting the finishing touches on his snowman, you say? Dare I dream that he's come to understand the true spirit of Starlight at last?
For indeed, this season isn't just about gaudy lights, toys, and trinkets. If every last child is not able to find something of joy here, we have not done our duty. And to make that possible, we must first find a reason to rejoice for ourselves. Our smiles light up the faces of the children, who in turn warm our hearts yet further, allowing us to further spread happiness across the realm.
It is that cycle of giving and receiving, that ever-expanding circle of peace and joy that embodies the true soul of the Starlight season. So take your present proudly, my friend. Let it fill your heart with pure satisfaction, that you might have happiness aplenty to share with your fellow adventurers-and indeed, Eorzeans the realm over!
And that's good enough for now! The prism, by the way, shows the number 3. I bet you can't guess what the next quest gives. I'll give you a few days to think on it.
NEXT TIME: Kamlito learns the true meaning of Christmas Starlight