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Hello everyone and welcome back. Let's finish off the THM quests!
Ah, Ginger-I saw you coming this time. I've been more watchful since Cocobuki told us about that dreadful business with Cocobusi. We must locate our unfortunate younger sibling as soon as possible and...and deal with him. But Cocobuki is not his usual, unflappable self! It frightens me to see our eldest so indecisive. Terrifies me, in fact. Perhaps you might speak with him, and help banish this air of uncertainty.
Ginger. Long have I agonized over Cocobusi's plight...and the measures I might take to extricate him from it. It would not do to call upon my thaumaturge colleagues. No, they would simply seek to obliterate my brother outright. Our teachings from the Yawning Abyss allow for no other alternative.
There is, however, one tiny glimmer of hope. I have had word that the scholars who requested the destruction of Mormo's urn have returned from their expedition. They are currently in Camp Drybone, blowing the ink dry on their collective findings regarding that wretched voidsent. I would ask that you go to these experts of otherworldly phenomena, and beg permission to peruse their work.
To start off, we need to find three scholars here in Camp Drybone.
If you seek the definitive work on Mormo, then seek no further! I have penned an in-depth analysis of a most cunning ritual-a method contrived by the mages of eld to annihilate the soul of this especially potent voidsent!
When it comes to draining such a creature of its aetheric energies, one must- Ah, but I have not the time to stand here explaining the intricacies of shaping arcane pottery. Here, take my chapter and read it at your leisure!
You...you're interested in reading our Book of Mormo? Of course, of course, it would be a pleasure to share our findings with a fellow student of the voidsent!
Here is the first chapter-mine own humble contribution to our research. It tells the tale of how we became aware of the creature's existence, and delves into the nature of the urn that imprisoned her fell power.
You wish to learn of Mormo? Right this instant? But we've barely- How did you- Well, I suppose I could spare a copy of my writings. I've already prepared several extra sets to share with potential publishers.
I can well understand your curiosity. Mormo is truly fascinating, even among the oddities of the voidsent. She is far too powerful to make use of the tiny holes that open between our realities, and thus must send across only her spirit to possess a corpse or some other suitable host. You'll find it all explained there in the second chapter.
All three chapters are in different pieces, but this will help regardless. Time to return to Cocobuki.
Do you have the three chapters of the Book of Mormo?
One... two... and three!
"The histories unearthed in the ruins of Sil'dih depict the suffering wrought by a singularly powerful voidsent-the cunning and terrible seductress known as Mormo.
"With genius born of desperation, the mages of the now-fallen city fashioned an urn that would drain and imprison the aetheric vitality of any creature that laid a hand-or claw-upon it. Mormo, believing she was receiving a gift of appeasement from the beleaguered citizens, found her very essence drawn forth and trapped within the ensorcelled pot.
"Over the course of several centuries, the captive aetheric energy was intended to weaken and dissipate, allowing any surviving descendants to safely shatter the urn and thus destroy Mormo's enervated spirit.
"The pot's lid was never to be opened again-to do so would release the ravenous voidsent, freeing her soul to enslave the nearest mortal vessel. As possession of this nature is irreversible, the only mercy afforded such a host should be a swift and decisive demise."
Hm hm hm... This explains Mormo's fixation on thaumaturgicide. Cocobusi's body provided little arcane sustenance for the weakened voidsent, forcing her to prey upon richer sources of aether to restore her hideous power. This morsel of information may prove most vital! In fact, it may be the only glimmer of hope our poor sibling has. Pray hand this work over to Cocobygo-I shall be along momentarily.
Bold of the story to go the route of "Cocobusi is so bad at being a thaumaturge that his fuckup got possibly dozens of innocent mages killed," but alright. Also spoilers for later in this update, but Cocobusi suffers no penalties for being possessed. He fucked up pretty much as hard as it was possible to fuck up and gets off scott free. The THM quests are not one of XIV's better-written storylines.
At least Ginger doesn't have to save yet another guild from an existential crisis...?
<shudder> This is a work devoted to studying that nasty voidsent? I should hope it provides some hint of salvation...
Yeah, take a look...
Uhhh, Cocobuki... These passages hold naught but misery and despair. It seems we have little choice but to employ our...traditional approach.
Though fraught with danger, there is one solution that promises an alternative to killing Cocobusi. If we fail, however, it will likely mean death for us all.
Who is this mad mage that poses as our eldest brother!? What of avoiding the threats? Of eliminating the risks? Is that not how we thaumaturges do battle!?
With each passing moment, Mormo draws ever closer to her full strength. It pains me to even suggest it, but...we should strike now, Cocobuki, while the voidsent is yet feeble.
I share that selfsame sentiment. Sorrowful though it may be, we must slay our enslaved sibling...and soon.
Listen, brothers, for my solution is thus: in return for releasing Cocobusi from Mormo's thrall...I will offer the voidsent the chance to glut herself on my mana.
Final Fantasy XIV takes a very dim view of martyrs. Time and time again the story will beat it into everyone's heads that martyring yourself is the coward's way out. It's a lesson that everyone has to learn the hard way... multiple times.
<gasp> You cannot! That succubus will drain you to a lifeless husk! And such a feast will awaken all her terrible magicks!
The well of my power is vast-I wager Mormo's thirst will be slaked before my spirit fully runs dry. And the newly enlivened voidsent? She will then face the combined wrath of Ginger and four guildmasters of thaumaturgy!
How can we hope to prevail against this paragon of preternatural potency? We have always avoided adversaries against whom we held no advantage...
The fault lies with me. Ever have I encouraged such avoidance, and taught only the wisdom of certain victory. It is time we learned the courage to fight battles of unsure outcome.
And it is you, Ginger, that I ask to instruct us. There is yet one chapter left in the Yawning Abyss-one that is customarily hidden from newer members. Undertake the trial found within, and show my brothers what it means to be brave.
<quiver> H-How can you ask such a thing of p-poor Ginger when even her guildmasters have yet to attempt that ghastly test!?
The arcane might you all possess is far greater than you believe. Ginger, once you deem yourself prepared for the lesson of the true final chapter, meet us in the hallowed hall of Thal's Respite.
Thal's Respite is a random temple on the border of East Thanalan and the South Shroud. I think Ginger had to beat up some Corpse Brigade members near here way back when she was investigating the Ascians... before Titan.
For some reason I remember this duty better than the level 30 one. My first time doing this it was back when you could get spells from other classes. So I had Cure I from CNJ and would heal myself every Blizzard phase. It was kinda fun!
Ginger! Why are you talking to me!? You should- ...Oh. The trial has yet to begin. Of course. I knew that.
There's still time to flee, you know. That's what I would do!
I always thought that the trial of the hidden chapter was to avoid taking the trial of the hidden chapter...
Do you truly intend to undertake this torturous test? Are you not terrified!?
I regret having to drag you into our family's troubles, but I am confident that, with the many and terrible trials you have bested already, you will prevail once more. The hidden chapter of the Yawning Abyss presents a trial that challenges the accumulated knowledge and skills of a single thaumaturge. You must employ all the tools at your disposal if you hope to seize victory this day.
Let the trial commence!
Hm hm hm... There is no escape from this abyss.
The void spills into our realm on wings of inky shadow!
This duty has Ginger nuking random voidsent that Cocobuki summons.
Thal's teeth! I can barely watch!
Ginger! Try to keep your blood inside your body!
Thaumaturge lets you throw out some impressive firepower.
Catch your breath while you can. The next threat is at hand...
The rift into the void ever widens! The dross of the abyss takes shape!
This is probably a use case for Scathe because these things have almost no health.
Destroy them swiftly, lest you perish in saturated silence!
Hm hm hm. Once again you defy the void. The final nightmare approaches...
The jagged gate is wrenched open! The Lord of Flies cometh!
Keep calm and concentrate! Anticipate your adversary's attacks!
All this guy does is cast line AOEs at you. It's child's play to sidestep them and continue casting.
<tremble> I cannot stop sh-shaking. But I think...I think this may actually be excitement!
Do you see now, my brothers? With the primal energies of thaumaturgy at your command, there is no threat which you cannot overcome!
Perhaps there is a chance to save Cocobusi! I need to reconsider some of my strategies.
It seems we have been wasting our potential. I would never have believed it possible for a mage to show such courage and live...
What a wonder Ginger was. I feel my fingers itching to fling fire with a fury!
Hm hm hm... Imagine, my siblings, what towering enemies you might topple should you stand firm...together. Thank you, Ginger. Your inspiring display of magecraft has set the minds of my brothers reeling with new possibilities. Let us now return to the guild and discuss what is to come.
What a formidable team you all shall make... Cocobygo. Cocobani. Cocobezi. Cocoboha. Ginger. Even Mormo must wither before the onslaught of your combined thaumaturgy.
But before we engage the voidsent, perhaps some time is needed for my brothers to unlearn their ingrained inclinations. Meanwhile, I suggest you hurl yourself into the chasm of your studies. Your fearless thaumaturgy is as a beacon to us all.
I like that the THM quests are super short. Even just covering two at a time lets me have, for once, some briskly-paced updates. It's a nice change from the extremely lengthy plot-heavy ones earlier.
Hm hm hm... Fortune has favored us, Ginger: Cocobusi has been spotted at Vesper Bay. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by! Head there with all due haste. And with you, take these descriptions of my brother's likeness and Mormo's mannerisms. Relay this information to some of the local residents and see what you can find.
Let's look around Vesper Bay!
What's that, miss? You say you're looking for someone?
A small blond lalafell...
Hmmm. I believe I saw your Lalafell in the company of a couple adventurers hailing from Limsa Lominsa-a marauder and a thaumaturge, were I to hazard a guess. I think they were talking about seeing the area north of here...
Hm? Somethin' I can do for you, stranger?
Have you SEEN a lalafell that TALKS like THIS?
Now that you mention it, I did see a Lalafell who matches this description. He was watchin' the ferries come in with more than a passin' interest. Lookin' to hire some adventurers or some such, I reckon.
I mistook this guy for a quest target. He wasn't.
Ah! Nothin' like starin' out at the sea to bring an old man back to his glory days. Aye, the good ol' times when his whole life still lay ahead of him, and the greatest adventures were yet to be...
...Gah! Don't ye know better than to sneak up on your elders like that, young'un? Are ye tryin' to send me to an early grave? Well, not early, as such...
But don't tell me...aye, I can see it just from the look o' you. You're an adventurer, an' an accomplished one at that, yes? Aye, ye may not be the greybeard I am, but I reckon you've a memory or two you'd be keen on rememberin'.
So what say ye join me for a while before ye return to the road? After all, sometimes reflectin' on the past can be just what you need to discover the path ye'd forge into the future.
New Game+ needs no introduction from me. I've been making heavy use of it for damn near the entire LP. Now that Ginger's beaten Gaius and saved Eorzea, she can relive old adventures.
You now have access to the New Game+ system. New Game+ allows you to relive the adventures of your past by replaying previous quests with your current character data.
To replay old quests with New Game+, open the New Game+ interface located under Duty in the main menu, and select the chapter you wish to experience anew.
Please note that special rules and conditions will apply when replaying quests with New Game+. For detailed information, please review the help text in the New Game+ menu.
Anyway, the last person is a waitress.
Welcome to the Pissed Peiste, love! What can I get ye?
I need to find someone!
Ah, information, is it? Aye, that little bloke was in here, bringin' a blush to all the young maidens' cheeks. What he lacked in height, he certainly made up for in boldness! Left with more than one lass on his arm, he did.
The other Cocos are standing around town but you can't talk to them.
Hm hm hm... So, Mormo has chosen this as her new hunting ground.
The maidens seduced by the succubus will be prepared as vessels to hold her fully restored power; I fear they will have already been slain. As for the adventurers, well, I think you can imagine what Mormo intends for the thaumaturge.
We must find and warn those unwitting Lominsans before the voidsent strikes again. You were told that they might be headed north, yes? It would be best for you to follow suit. Pray do not wait on me, Ginger. I must gather my brothers before doing aught else. Hurry northward and warn those unsuspecting Lominsans of the danger.
First we gotta make a stop in the cave between Vesper Bay and the land beyond.
<groan> Still here... It's still here...somewhere close...
We have to kill an imp.
Me thanks, lass. Ugh, me head... That little bastard said he would give us the grand tour of Ul'dah. <cough> Aye, it's been grand, all right. Please... He took me mate further north. Think he was mutterin' somethin' 'bout Moondrip.
Ginger! What has befallen!?
I sensed the presence of voidsent, but it appears you have things well in hand.
<shudder> Mormo is in Moondrip...? A fitting place for the battle to come.
It is time to finish this, my brothers-Cocobusi will be a slave to that fiend no longer.
Cape Westwind is the far west end of the northern part of the area. Moondrip is directly across from it.
<twitch> The big battle at last, eh? It really is quite thrilling! ...Really!
Are you ready? You seem ready. I stand ready! Well...I stand, anyway. <groan> I think I may have overindulged in ether before we left...
M-Me? Perfectly fine! S-Solid as an adamantoise!
Bwaha...ha... <sigh> Is it normal to be this nervous?
I shall approach Mormo first, as we discussed. If the bargaining proceeds smoothly, and the voidsent feasts on my proffered mana, then she should soon manifest in her demonic form. Once Mormo is fully present within this realm, that is when you unleash the seething power of the abyss!
...Though after lecturing for so long on how a thaumaturge should avoid such threats, I yet hold doubts as to whether such a direct conflict is the correct path. Ginger, in your experience, what do you consider to be a thaumaturge's greatest strength?
Overwhelming destructive might!
Yes, there are none who can match our propensity for fiery ruin. We need not run from danger, but rather employ our unrivaled powers to incinerate all that seek to do us harm.
I am decided. My fate awaits me. I have faith that, no matter what becomes of me, you shall succeed in destroying Mormo, ending her threat to this realm.
Mormo is draining some poor miqo'te.
Enough, Mormo!
Well, well. If it isn't the eldest of the COWARDLY thaumaturge brothers. I thought you'd be busy whimpering under your bed, wishing that I'd just DISAPPEAR.
I've come to offer you a deal. I know you seek the aetheric energy needed to substantiate your true form...but how much time do you intend to waste, feeding on these lesser mages?
Compared to these stripling sorcerers and their trembling arcane flames, my power is as a blazing sun. Would you not prefer to take what I can give you?
Drain my strength, and assume your rightful appearance. I am sure you think me a coward, but that is of no consequence. I only wish Cocobusi returned to us unharmed.
Hee hee hee! You are WISE to acquiesce, mage!
She drops and gets the fuck out of dodge. Not that I blame her!
Hee hee hee! At LAST! At long last, my true body-my true POWER-is mine once more! I believe a stretching of the old arcane muscles is in order...
Oh! Oh no you don't, v-voidsent!
We won't let you leave here alive!
The look on Ginger's face is priceless.
Hee hee hee! So, you risk your LIVES in a valiant rescue attempt? You should not bet what you are not prepared to LOSE! I shall tear the aether from your very MARROW!
This duty takes a long time. Mormo has way too fucking much health. ~22,800 would be a lot for a level 45 job. Having to take all that out at level 30 with four useless NPCs means this will take aaaaaages.
Three and a half minutes of just cycling through the DPS rotation. The really low level one that involves using Transpose. 
It's not even worth discussing the duty because it's just dodging clearly-marked AOEs and very slowly plinking away far too much health.
We won! Victory is ours! Cocobusi! Cocobuki! Mormo is dead!
<groan> What...? Where am I?
Thank Thal, you're awake. Cocobuki! Cocobusi is returned to us!
Our...our sibling has yet to stir from his somnolent stupor.
Buki!?
His aetheric channels have contracted-they are barely sufficient to sustain the flow of his life force. If we do not increase his capacity for aether soon, his vitality will drain away completely.
...My mana-amplifying potion. Its potency is limited, but it just might be enough!
I see the battle ended...as I expected...
Y-You did it, Cocobusi! Your alchemy saved him!
And we would not have prevailed without you, Ginger! We will bear our brother back to the Ossuary-pray meet us there that we might properly express our gratitude!
Thank you, Ginger. After seeking refuge in the comforting shadows of the abyss for so long, I had lost sight of the blazing glory of which thaumaturgy is capable. The raw power and audacity of your magecraft has freed my brothers and me from our self-imposed cowardice.
I thought Thal Himself had His fingers at my throat... But this sensation of hard-won supremacy is strangely satisfying!
As for you, Cocobusi: you are our brother, and our respected colleague. I hope you never again underestimate the precious power you wield.
Ginger, you have exceeded all my expectations. In recognition of your outstanding growth as a thaumaturge, I shall impart to you one of the guild's most closely guarded techniques:
Manaward. It is a defensive weaving of energies that blunts the force of any attack made against you.
Hm hm hm... I am sure you can understand why we do not teach this secret to every stray hedge wizard who chooses to join our ranks. Now that you have experienced the deadliest threats-and the joy that comes with their obliteration-I am certain you are eager to explore just how deep you might descend into the chasm of thaumaturgy.
May your struggles bring wisdom, and your wisdom bring courage. I, for one, look forward to hearing of your future thaumaturgical endeavors. Hm hm hm...
Manaward is an extremely powerful skill. It's a shield that nullifies damage up to 30% of your max HP! I can think of a million different uses for it and that's just in random roulettes. The higher up you go in level, there's always a hit that someone needs to soak. Use it early and often and your healers will love you for it!
NEXT TIME: Ginger learns ILLEGAL MAGIC