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Hello everyone and welcome back. I'm going to apologize in advance because this update was written while I was recovering from the second COVID vaccine shot. I legitimately could not remember what happened in an update I wrote 3 days ago, so you know this is going to be a good one.
Today's update is a "bits 'n bobs" update. There's two MNK job quests as well as an optional dungeon and the start of an insanity grind that looking back on it, I'm not entirely certainly isn't a cry for help. Also apologies in advance, because Erik like so many other job quest NPCs loves to hear himself talk.
Ah, dear Ginger, so good of you to trouble yourself to come. Normally I might be cross, but my spirits are far too high just now. And it is you I have to thank! I speak of the data you procured! It is simply marvelous! You have a true gift for grunt work, my friend. I wish I had a hundred more assistants just like you.
I have been in this field for a very long time, and I have been alone. Ever since that unfortunate mulled tea fungus culture incident sparked my passion for research. I regret nothing, Ginger. Save perhaps having to share so wondrous a world with souls as unlearned as yourself. Still, your performance has not left me completely bereft of joy. It is rewarding to think that my instruction has guided you to such success. There, how was that? Shall we dispense with any further pleasantries? Very good, then.
I made yet another career-defining discovery while pondering which battleground to measure next. Eorzea is home to numerous locations where the aether is in an intensely chaotic state, yet which never played host to any war. My hypothesis was that such flux in the aether was indicative of a past battle, and all my research was predicated upon this. But turn the theory on its head, Ginger, if your mind is able-what if the people of the past chose areas of roiling aether to hold their battles!?
I have already sent the simpleton monk to take measurements at the Finesand Banks. As you are doubtless unaware, this lies on the border between Ala Mhigo and Gridania, and was the stage of the Autumn War. I ask that you find our monk friend and collect his aetherometer. Manual and tedious, yes, but he has an early make of the device that is unable to transmit data. I gather the numskull is in Little Ala Mhigo in southern Thanalan by this time.
You think I ask much of you? False! I ask more. Your other task is to travel to Snakemolt in the South Shroud, and there take measurements with your own aetherometer. I will continue with my research here in your absence. Mind you, if you care to know aught at all of the Autumn War and the Finesand Banks upon which it was fought, I will gladly enlighten you. You need only ask.
Look, my eyes are having trouble focusing on walls of text, so I can't even tell you what this says. I assume it's poignant. The quest tracker says we're going to Little Ala Mhigo, so that sounds like a good spot to start.
Widargelt is hanging out with Gundobald.
You have come far. It is good to see you, sister. You come for my aetherometer? It is not ready to give. My work is not finished. I came as soon as I was told. But the readings require more time. Do not worry. They will be ready soon.
You make for Snakemolt in the South Shroud. Erik believes the aether strong there. Yet that land hosted no great battles. He told me as much this morn. Leave me to my task here. Make for Snakemolt. Take your readings. My work will soon be done. I will bring the device to you.
I can tell you right now that Snakemolt is an interesting place.
Immediately south of Quarrymill, the enemies jump up 10 levels from the nearby average.
This is actually the site of one of the two postgame dungeons for the patch 2.0 content. We'll be learning about that sooner rather than later! But in the lore, this is the Amdapori Ruins. I mentioned in the past that a previous Calamity was caused by White and Black magic having a huge war. Well, that was the War of the Magi.
The Amdapori were the White Mages in this conflict. For what it's worth, the Black Mages were the Mhachi civilization. We'll be seeing more about the Amdapori in the 2.x patches, as there are two different postgame dungeons in the South Shroud dealing with their empire. We won't be visiting anything Mhachian until Heavensward's postgame where their shit features prominently in the 24-man raid series.
We just need to plant the aetherometer and then hang out and kill stuff while it does its thing.
There's six things to kill here, so it takes a minute!
Ginger hears clapping and there's Widargelt sitting nearby.
Well done, sister. I feel your chakra. It has grown. I hoped to arrive before you. But I see I am late. This land's power has gone to you. There is nothing left for me here. It is as I told you. We monks travel where aether flows strong. There we train. The power of the land enters us. Thus our chakra expand.
Widargelt here is outright stating that unlocking chakra from these battlefields is a zero-sum game and that he intends to beat us to the punch from here on out. So the teacher is actively trying to sabotage his student's education...
This bonding causes great unrest. The land's energy becomes unstable. It will enter no other until it calms. I feel nothing here. As you would feel nothing at Finesand Banks. That land bonded to my chakra. And its aether is now at unrest. The teacher's work means nothing. I took no readings. I meant to hasten here. But I was delayed. There was a gathering of the monkhood. I was summoned to Little Ala Mhigo.
Wait, what about...?
The teacher's chidings? Worry not. I will use my device here. Any result will suffice. The man has already reached his conclusion. He will twist the data to fit. It is a sad existence. To sacrifice all for truth. Yet be unable to truly know when one sees it. Speak not of this to him, sister. You see both our aims. You know mine to be more worthy. I tell this to you. You and you alone. I am of the Ala Mhigan Resistance. I fight for freedom from Garlemald.
Getting these goggles was the best move I ever made for Ginger.
I escaped the occupation. I have come here to fight. To gather allies and weapons. But these lands sadden me. The people have forgotten. Ala Mhigo is a distant memory. The Resistance here is small. They aid where they can. But it is not enough. This war demands great power. That power lies in the chakra. The teacher is not an evil man. But he thinks only of his work. Not the suffering of innocents.
His knowledge can be used for good. The battlefields. They can turn the tide. The chakra of many must be opened. If this way is lost to me... No. No, I will have this power. I must! An end to oppression. An end to starvation. Ala Mhigo will be made free. I will see it done! Forgive my speech. It is a matter close to my heart. I will give you my device. But I ask you say nothing of this to Erik. I beg you, sister.
Remember many updates ago when Ginger had to deal with Wilred trying to kill her because he thought she was standing in the way of Ala Mhigan independence? Yeah... Ala Mhigans tend to be really fucking stupid when it comes to matters regarding their homeland. So lemme just put an "impending villainous breakdown" timer over Widargelt's head there...
I trust you have returned with both of my aetherometers? Please tell me you fumbling dolts haven't managed to damage either of them this time.
Two aetherometers, as ordered.
All looks to be in order here. Hmmm... These readings from your device...they look promising. Very promising, indeed. I daresay this data may yield revolutionary results! Hm? Your chakra opened a bit more, did it? Yes, well, aether is a most mysterious and wonderful thing. I am glad this meaningful research could serve your nonsensical ends as well.
Now, leave me to my work. Surely you can find some simple way to pass the time. Fighting, say? Or...I don't know-scratching?
Fists of Fire increases the damage Ginger deals by 10% while it's active. It's a passive effect once it's toggled, too. This means that there is no reason to ever use anything else ever again.
Used to be back in the day you would use Fists of Fire until 76-ish? And then you got a passive trait that let Fists of Wind add a fourth stack of Greased Lightning. But now that GL is, itself, a trait, Fists of Fire is back on top. I look forward to Endwalker when for some reason Fists of Earth will be what the really sweat-strategy raiders use.
Alright, jumping ahead some... we're now a half-hour later in real-time and Ginger is being hailed by Commander Swift for a special quest.
FFXIV veterans in the audience (so 99% of everyone reading this LP) just shook their head when they saw this quest.
Yours is a welcome face, Ginger. I have a task for which one of your impeccable record would be well suited. Though perhaps "campaign" would be a more fitting description, given the sheer commitment this mission demands. As you are well aware, the inhabitants of Thanalan have long suffered the hostilities of the Amalj'aa. The lizardmen had been quiet for a time, chastened by your victory over the primal Ifrit. But once again the beastmen stir.
There has been a resurgence in kidnappings, and in greater numbers than before. Matters have grown so far out of hand that the local garrisons have petitioned us for reinforcements. That is why I wish you to lead an extended action against the Amalj'aa, and put a stop to these raids. Report to Commander Gisilbehrt, head of security in Little Ala Mhigo, and he will brief you on the details of your duty.
Gisilbehrt has a dumb name.
Commander Swift said he'd assigned someone to assist with our growing beastman problem. Glad to see the urgency of our situation is being taken seriously. Now, as I'm sure the commander explained, the Amalj'aa activity in the region has grown almost frenzied. Seems like the lizardmen are determined to carry off every peddler and traveler that tries to pass through southern Thanalan. And I'm not speaking of furtive, nighttime raids here-the bastards're striking in full daylight, even against escorted merchant caravans.
We've heard reports of raids as far south as the Sagolii Desert, so it's not a simple matter of increasing patrols on the roads into Little Ala Mhigo. We must mount a decisive response, and soon. The next time the Amalj'aa appear, I want you ready to send them howling back into the desert!
Not long before you arrived, in fact, our scouts reported a merchant resting in plain view on one of the trade routes. Make haste to the location I've marked on your map, and see that the fool isn't taken by a raiding party. If that merchant refuses to move along, the Amalj'aa are sure to take notice. Pray make haste to the location I've marked on your map and keep an eye out for raiders.
The quest takes place over near the entrance of the Temple of Qarn. Let's make sure this guy survives.
What is it, adventurer? I'm not setting up shop here, I simply stopped to give the birds a bit of a r- Amalj'aa raiders, you say? Kidnapping merchants!? I don't suppose you'd consider waiting around until I've got my chocobos back in the traces, would you?
We'd better make sure he survives. I don't like how aggressive these assholes are being all of the sudden. We may need to go put their god down again just to send a message...
Seriously. The best choice I ever made for fashion.
Here they come...
The merchant suddenly realizes that Ginger wasn't just talking out her ass and panics.
Arrows rain down on the attacking amalj'aa!
Which naturally sends them into a panic.
Overconfident fools! You think your raids here go unnoticed?
What treachery is this!? You...you are of the Brotherhood of Ash!?
These blue amalj'aa are the source of those arrows from earlier. ...innnnteresting.
We are. Though we number but few, we shall be your death this day!
These guys are kicking ass, too.
Traitorous heathens! Your victory will come at a price!
This guy charges at one of the random blue amalj'aa.
...classy.
This miqo'te also appears to be working with the blue amalj'aa.
Attacking when the enemy's back is turned? Your ancestors would turn in their graves!
I tried repeatedly. This is the best portrait out of the bunch and it still looks like shit. Her mask is fucking everything up.
A soldier's life is one of peril. And the first rule of war is to understand the mind of your enemy, as well as your own.
Their leader is talking to Ginger, and he's not screaming about Ifrit. He actually seems to be friendly!
Your presence is noted here, adventurer. But this is our battle-you need not become involved!
The remaining amalj'aa get scared and run off.
I am Hamujj Gah, and I lead the Brotherhood of Ash. We are what remain now that the all-consuming flames have reduced the rest of my people to unthinking zealots. You interest me, child of Eorzea-be it fortune or fate, I would not ignore the forces that sought to bring us together. I extend to you an invitation to join us at the Ring of Ash.
Ginger and the miqo'te share a look as the Brotherhood of Ash depart.
Those amalj'aa were dumb because the Brotherhood of Ash's headquarters are seriously next door to the battle site. So it's like a 20 second jog for Ginger.
My brothers and I ever seek to hone our martial prowess, and honor the blood of our ancestors. We keep to the old ways, of the desert nomad and of the warrior. To those who are worthy, we show the proper respect regardless of origin. <sniff> Your aura...it carries the reek of brimstone. Could you be one of the champions said to have laid low the Lord of the Inferno?
*nods*
Then I would have you understand the curse that has befallen our fanatic brethren. They have forgotten the code that governs our people, the glory that comes with a warrior's death. They spirit away the weak and the feeble, and offer them up in exchange for the barbed blessings of a hoary god. Day after day, I witness the shameful acts of my kin. The honor of the Amalj'aa is a faded, paltry thing, no longer driven by the righteous fortunes of battle.
It is these kidnappings that most stoke the flames of my fury. Why, the victims often bear no arms at all! What triumph can be found in such cowardly attacks? We are hunters, my brothers and I, and the fallen Amalj'aa who huddle in Zanr'ak our prey. If you share my outrage, then I bid you join us in our kin war!
No, I will not accept this pretender!
Even zoomed out as we are, there's no mistaking the petite frame all female miqo'te share.
You claim to be one of the heroes that felled Ifrit? I've cut down a dozen men who boasted that feat. More likely you slew a guttering fire sprite and convinced yourself it was the king of the seventh hell!
I did not ask for your counsel, Loonh Gah. I, and I alone, make this decision for the Brotherhood.
Hmph. Then you better not stray into the path of my arrows, adventurer. We have too many enemies for me to waste ammunition on puffed-up "heroes" like you!
Past glories, however, will not impress my soldiers. Prove yourself through your actions, and you might find your reception here improved. Our foes are the Amalj'aa of Zanr'ak! We shall break the fangs that feast on the helpless! Our target is clear, and our resolve unshakable!
This seems all well and good so far, right? So why would veterans shake their heads? Because this quest chain is a committment.
You'll see what I mean in a bit. First this next quest...
We, the Amalj'aa, were once simple nomads who roamed the vast plains of Paglth'an. If any sought to impede our path, we relished the challenge to our skill at arms. For as long as our people have existed, it has been the tradition for aging warriors to make the pilgrimage to the holy land of Zanr'ak, and there confront the specter of death. It is an honor to cast one's time-tempered soul into the sacred flames, and return one's body to ash.
The plains of Paghth'an are indeed quite beautiful. They're one of the more striking locations I've seen in FFXIV, and we will not be seeing them in the LP for years upon years upon years.
But these craven whelps of Zahar'ak quaver before death's inevitability-they seek not to fortify their spirits, instead groveling before a deity for the strength they do not deserve. I have not the words to express my disgust for the manner of this groveling, this...subjugation of the meek by contemptuous weaklings. The path to true greatness lies only in conquering those greater than oneself, and in the doing attaining mastery over one's own failings.
It seems you shall have the chance to prove your talents, adventurer. Show the Brotherhood your unbending steel! ...Loonh Gah!
Your wish, Warleader?
This warrior is known by the name Loonh Gah. Though her form may be Miqo'te, her soul harbors a raging blaze to match that of any Amalj'aa soldier. We of the Brotherhood know only the struggle for martial perfection. Tribe, clan, gender-these details matter not. Loonh Gah, you will accompany our newest ally into battle.
What!? Why choose me for this task? Surely, there are others more fitting! Some hatchling in training, perhaps?
Enough! I grow weary of your insolence! Shall I have my blade answer your mewling?
...No, Warleader. It shall be as you command. Now we shall see you for the charlatan you are! Meet me at this spot on your map. I pray your screams are short-lived.
She's such a sweet young lady. So caring and gentle...
Completely across the zone is where we need to go.
Oh gods, oh gods, save me! Save meee!
Where have you been!? I've already felled the forward scout! See the markings? We most certainly face Flamefangs. Take up your position and keep your weapon handy-the rest will soon be upon us!
A short, but bloody, skrimish later...
Phew, you made short work of those raiders. I don't know who you are or where you came from, but you have my thanks. I'd heard the Amalj'aa were snatching folk from the trade routes again, but I thought that was just my rivals trying to scare me out of business. After all, the roads had been safe enough until now. I'll have to hire a guard or two for the next time I pass through here. Damn beastmen. Sellsword wages do so eat into a man's profits...
Hmph, I expected you to die here. Come now, we return to the Ring of Ash!
You are no hatchling in battle-that much is obvious. But do not think me so easily impressed! There is yet the question of your resolve! The Brotherhood of Ash is a conclave of elite warriors. Under the command of Hamujj Gah, we wage a war of attrition against the zealots of Zanr'ak. Those fallen Amalj'aa build altars and pitch camps wherever they please, convincing themselves they are the masters of the holy land. It must feel brave indeed to challenge none but the weak and undefended.
Recall the raiders you but recently faced. They were members of the Flamefangs-a faction among the Zanr'ak Amalj'aa that, more than any other, delights in kidnappings. Naturally, they also draw the most ire of the Brotherhood. It is our mission to see their ambitions ground into dust and their leaders slain! Indeed, it is the duty of all who would call themselves true Amalj'aa warriors.
And now, a warning: do not seek to meddle too deeply in our affairs. This war is not some distraction to be dabbled in by outsiders such as you! Hm? You think my words unconvincing? You think that I, too, am no Amalj'aa? To the seven hells with what you think! Go, make your report to Hamujj Gah before he has to find himself a new pet adventurer!
Honored ally, news of your battle has spread through the camp. By all accounts, you fought with uncanny ability. None may now doubt that yours was the hand that slew a raging god. If our cause rings true in your heart, then I would further welcome your aid. Will you unleash your fury alongside the soldiers of the Brotherhood?
I will! Let the zealots fear our coming!
Well said! Yours is a true warrior's heart! Though we differ in many ways, the foe that we would topple is the same. Let us vow death to the Flamefangs! Theirs is a fire that cannot be suffered to burn!
You have achieved Neutral reputation with the Brotherhood of Ash. Amalj'aa beast tribe quests are now available from Fibubb Gah at the Ring of Ash. Furthermore, you may now purchase wares from the Brotherhood of Ash vendor.
Fibubb Gah here offers us our first three beast tribe quests.
Each questgiver offers you three quests every day and as you finish those quests you gain more reputation. If you've played an MMO at all in the past 14 years, then you know exactly what this is. The Amalj'aa are one of five daily quest hubs in A Realm Reborn.
I'm not gonna bother covering each quest because they're barely content. It's all "go here and kill these guys" or "go here and use this item to free captives" and so on. Even if you're one of the people reading this who has never played FFXIV, I'm pretty sure you can just look at the systems from WoW, or Destiny 2, or any other modern online game for the same exact thing.
Each time you fill the reputation bar, you unlock a small tidbit of story to continue the overall arc of the Amalj'aa. The tribes, at least in ARR, are designed to take approximately two weeks to max out. Beast tribes in future expansions take nearly a month of daily work.
...I plan on maxing out all five tribes for Ginger because there is a cute series of quests that becomes available upon doing so. Most players, I'm convinced, have never seen the Allied Beast Tribe quest series.
I actually have the ARR one recorded from way back in 2019 when I did it on Bren. Anyway, I'm actually going to cut this update here because it's gonna be extremely long otherwise.
Also a quick update: this was recorded on April 27th. By the time I'm posting this on May 11th, I'm already done with the Amalj'aa tribe and have moved on to the next one which, itself, is now halfway done.
NEXT TIME: One of my least favorite dungeons in the game and MNK 45