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Hello everyone and welcome back. After the fairly emotional last update, how about one that's a little less heavy on the feels?
Something I should point out: the MSQ will actually give you gear as you go through it. So you don't need to do what I did and grind a bunch of roulettes to get top-end shit. You never have to do that. By just progressing it, you'll occasionally get a coffer that bestows upon you an entire set of gear that's a new tier of power higher. It's not quite a steady stream of upgrades, but it does more-or-less keep challenge consistent and allow someone who doesn't poopsock the game to complete the MSQ.
As a bonus, the sets you get tend to be stuff that looks neat and can be a huge pain in the ass to get. One set in particular that Ginger will eventually get is a caster outfit that has very strong "cabaret performer" vibes.
Also a quest was deleted here. We used to have to go to the GSM guild and somewhere called Byregot's Strike to run errands for F'lhaminn. The quest was blatant filler and was deleted for that reason.
For some reason the developers decided that having 100 quests between The Ultimate Weapon and the start of Heavensward was a good idea. The old patch 2.1 was so full of bullshit that it's not even funny. They had no way to stretch this patch's story over 19 quests and it showed. The updated version is much better in every regard.
It is all well and good that we have found ourselves a new home in Revenant's Toll. But there is so much to be done-and in so little time. Our first step will be to secure the cooperation of the Adventurers' Guild representatives there. Were it not for the guild's considerable efforts, the original Camp Revenant's Toll would have never been established, much less its more heavily fortified successor.
However, with construction still ongoing, and resources in short supply, it seems certain that the guild will require something in return for their support, sympathetic to our cause though they may be. Whatever they ask, I shall not begrudge it. To be plain, we need them more than they need us. Without their assistance, such essential tasks as securing new facilities, cultivating relationships with local merchants, and recruiting adventurers would prove difficult, if not impossible.
You need not concern yourself with such matters, Antecedent.
Really, Alphinaud-if I need concern myself with anything, it is surely matters such as these.
Indirectly, perhaps. I submit that you might instead concern yourself with a different matter: namely, to whom the resolution of such matters might best be entrusted. And here I am! Nor do I come alone. May I present the esteemed emissary of the Adventurers' Guild at Revenant's Toll.
Alphinaud is good.
It is an honor, Antecedent. Upon receiving word of your intentions from Master Alphinaud, we thought it best to begin talks at the earliest available opportunity. Know that my associates at Revenant's Toll hold the Scions of the Seventh Dawn in the highest regard. We should be honored to welcome your organization.
There are, of course, certain provisions which must needs be negotiated. If it please you, I would do so.
It does.
Madam, unless I am much mistaken, you are the one known as Ginger, are you not? May I say what a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance. Slafborn spoke of you in the most glowing terms. To steal an imperial reaper and then use it to infiltrate a Garlean castrum is an undertaking few would contemplate-and fewer still survive. You shall always be welcome at Revenant's Toll. We hope you will favor us with your presence again ere long.
Of course! The tavern there is a personal favorite.
Alphinaud and the emissaries leave.
Well, well! It would seem your reputation precedes you, Ginger! Mayhap I should dispatch you to Revenant's Toll with all haste, as first intended... But before that, I daresay you have earned yourself a rest. After all, you have traveled so far, and there is already so much you have done for us...and for me.
Uh, sure.
We will speak again anon. Till then, take care.
Some time later, Ginger is sitting in the mostly-empty warehouse reading.
Someone approaches!
Ah, Ginger. Were you able to get some rest? I would ask you to come with me to the solar. Alphinaud has just returned, and it would seem there is something he would share with us.
I like this liminal cutscene. It shows that Ginger actually went and spent some time off just resting. And here she's actually slipping off of the chair to follow Minfilia. Small animations like that really add something to the game.
Also for fun, here's the same shot a few frames later:
Ladies~
The pair of them walk off while the scene fades to black. Also I can't decide if lalafell were meant to be played for this far into the story. Because this has very strong "picking your kid up from daycare" vibes.
You're here. Good. I come bearing news. The negotiations are concluded.
And?
Our friends at the Adventurers' Guild have agreed to furnish us with new facilities and material support in exchange for our assistance in the ongoing defense and development of Revenant's Toll.
The Scions of the Seventh Dawn shall have a new home in Mor Dhona: the Rising Stones.
A bittersweet victory, if truth be told. I cannot deny that I had come to look forward to Tataru's tales of our many guests and their many, many demands.
From the Waking Sands to the Rising Stones... Passably poetic. That wasn't your doing, was it?
This scene here does more to make the Scions feel like a group of friends than all of 2.0 did.
I too have news to share. In expectation of this momentous day, I personally informed the Alliance leaders of our plans, and they have each pledged their full support-General Raubahn included. Moreover, I have decided that the time is right for us to cast off the vestiges of our order's veil of secrecy and announce ourselves to the world.
Are you sure that is wise, Antecedent?
If anything, it is a mere formality. Our existence is quite possibly the worst kept secret in Eorzea. Let us affirm our identity, proclaim our achievements, that all may know what the Scions of the Seventh Dawn stand for!
A panning shot while showing off everyone's reactions! I love pointing out just how the developers were actively improving their craft as they went along. This cutscene is a single patch later and it already feels like they're pulling shit they never would have in the original story.
Well...obvious risks apart, it would be nice to receive a little more recognition...
And the people have a right to know who saved them!
It is my hope that this gesture will encourage the people of Eorzea to place their trust in us. I would reveal to them the true extent of our power, yes, but in so doing, I would show them that it is a power accountable to no one, and at once to all.
...And what of us? We who have felled primals and faced down the Empire. To you, my fellow Scions, I would say this: prepare for the challenges which lie ahead, for they will be great indeed.
Great, I say, yet no greater than us. And we will rise to them, as we have time and again...united as one!
Do you remember that scene at the start of Vampire: Bloodlines of all the different vampires in LA filing out of the theater in downtown? These shots give me the same feeling.
Hmm... There must be some way I can- Wait, that area is said to be rich in minerals. Maybe I should ask F'lhaminn to teach me the basics of mining too...
The cutscene for the start of this quest was brand new with the quest rework. Otherwise the quest is untouched. Don't expect that to last for long.
Do you ever wonder how he does it? Alphinaud, I mean. It was almost predictable that he should appear with an emissary of the Adventurers' Guild mere moments after I had expressed the need to forge ties between our organizations. Truly, his sense of timing rivals even your own...
Setting such mysteries aside for the present-I have a task for you. I would like you to deliver these documents to Slafborn. They concern our forthcoming move. Do take care on the road, and represent us well, Ginger.
Frontiers Within (This video shows a little of Revenant's Toll from patch 2.2. So this is actually a shot of a Revenant's Toll that hasn't existed for 7 years now.)
Here's Slafborn again!
I was told to expect a Scion, but I didn't expect it to be you. It has been far too long, Ginger. You have something for me, yes?
Straight from Minfilia's desk to your hands!
Let's see, now... Yes, everything appears to be in order. You'll be staying with us for a while, yes? Would that we had a dozen more like you. Since we don't, though, we'll just give you the work of a dozen men. Heh! I jest, I jest...
So. Between the previous quest and this one, seven quests were deleted. In the old days, Slafborn really did make you do the work of a dozen men. It was all meaningless crap like "run the Sunken Temple of Qarn" which to be fair I think was new in patch 2.1. There were also a lot of kill quests like I complained about the last time Ginger was in Revenant's Toll for the MSQ. Take a look...
7 Deleted Quests In A Row posted:
Rock-solid Protection (Go through the dungeon Qarn; Deleted)
Crate Go Kaboom (Destroy 3 Garlean Crates; Deleted)
Better Late Than Sever (Rescue 2 Coachmen and 3 supplies; Deleted)
Welcome to Morbol Country (Slay 2 Morbol; Deleted)
Answering the Call (Slay 3 Hapalits; Deleted)
You're Gonna Carry That (Gather 4 packages and give to Tataru; Deleted)
The Things We Do for Tea (Harvest 4 Tea Leaves; Deleted)
It was all filler to meet the arbitrary "20 quests per patch" quota they set for themselves. This quest, for obvious reasons, starts with a new cutscene.
Back to do the work of a dozen men, I see? Hah! But I jest... Even I can appreciate that an important woman such as yourself has little time for menial tasks. But since you're here, mayhap you'd be keen on having a look around the Scions' new home. See that impressive structure over there? That's the place.
It was originally built to house a branch of the guild, you see. As such, it comes complete with a tavern where adventurers can rest from the road, fill their bellies with good food and drink, and their ears with tales of fortunes to be had about the realm. It may get a bit raucous at times, but I imagine it'll be as good a place as any to recruit capable men and women to your cause. Come with me, I'll show you around-
*ring ring*
Is that you, Ginger!? I'm quite sorry to interrupt, but I have most urgent news!
We received grim tidings from Gridania, and it would appear our aid is required at once. I must ask you to report back to the Waking Sands with all due haste!
Is everything quite all right, friend?
I think the world likes to fall apart when I turn my back.
I can't say I'm privy to the details, but it would appear this is no time for a leisurely tour. But no worries-you can rest assured that I'll see to all necessary arrangements. Pray return any time after you've seen to your more pressing matters.
We have 18 Vesper Bay Teleport Tickets. May as well burn one. Not like we're in any danger of running out.
A messenger from the Twin Adder came to the Waking Sands while you were in Mor Dhona. I wasn't privy to his conversation with the Antecedent, but I did see the look on her face after he took his leave. Something is definitely amiss. Could it be that the Ixal have summoned Garuda again!? Or mayhap imperial forces have been sighted within the Shroud!
Well, whatever it may be, I'm absolutely certain it's nothing you can't handle. Now go and ask the Antecedent if there's anything you can do!
Alphinaud says the same thing and so do the rest of the Scions. But let's grab F'lhaminn's dialogue.
How she has grown since last we spoke... She puts me to shame with her accomplishments, and for that I am full glad.
I wonder how many shots in this LP are just Ginger standing in front of Minfilia so I can show that she's there before launching straight into a cutscene? Do you think anyone would care if I just put a black image transition and launched straight into it?
I knew this day would come, yet I prayed it would not come so soon. We have reason to believe that another primal-or an entity resembling one-has been summoned in Gridania.
Thine arrival is customarily timely, Ginger. The aetheric waves leave little room for doubt; thy talents will be needed ere long. If there be truth in my suspicions, 'tis a familiar foe we face, though one quite unlike the Lady of the Vortex...
We dare not draw conclusions without evidence, but as Urianger says, the readings bear a strong resemblance to ones observed more than five years ago. <sigh> Though I had hoped the Mogglesguard beyond such follies... Suffice it to say, this disturbance warrants a full investigation.
Mogglesguard?
Thy presence hath been requested by Commander Heuloix. He awaiteth thee at the Adders' Nest.
Pray hasten to Gridania, Ginger. Yda and Papalymo will rendezvous with you there. May you walk in the light of the Crystal.
Off to Gridania we go!
Into the Adders Den
A pleasure to see you as always, Ginger. Thank you for answering my summons. Quite frankly, I could think of no one more qualified to- Ah, but we're getting ahead of ourselves. Allow me to explain...
Not long ago, the moogle Kuplo Kopp visited the Adders' Nest to request an audience with the Elder Seedseer. He spoke of an imminent threat to all mooglekind, one which would imperil the entire Twelveswood if left unchecked. You proved an able ambassador to the sylphs, and we would have you reprise the role in our dealings with the moogles.
The rest you should hear from Kuplo Kopp himself. He awaits you with the Elder Seedseer at the Lotus Stand.
The other Scions have already arrived, madam. May I show you in?
Dewdrops & Moonbeams
Oh, I don't know about this. I don't know about this at all... <sigh> But I suppose RayaO's right-they've left us no choice, kupo.
It must be something bad to have gotten Kuplo Kopp this worried. Have you seen the way his thingummy is bobbing?
A threat to mooglekind... Hmph. I had hoped the Antecedent's suspicions were ill founded, but I cannot see who else it could be...
Our guest has brought ill tidings which must needs be heeded. Isn't that right, Kuplo Kopp?
Ginger is surprised because...
A moogle is RIGHT in her face.
Please, you have to stop them! B-But you mustn't kill them! They're not bad moogles, kupo! They're just...misguided! A gentle-no, firm thrashing is in order, yes, but no-
Calm yourself, Kuplo Kopp! Can you not see that she hasn't the faintest idea what you're talking about!? Be quiet this instant! Pray forgive his witless outburst, Sister.
Surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be any special dialogue for if Raya-O knows who you are. Technically Ginger is supposed to be learning White Magic under her tutelage.
Most grateful am I that you have come, Ginger, and upon such short notice. Truly, Gridania could not wish for a more stalwart ally. But you are doubtless eager to know wherefore we summoned you. Our friend Kuplo Kopp has brought to us news of a most unsettling development.
A curious thing to hear, I know. Truth to tell, I myself cannot say for sure if he is a genuine figure from history or some manifestation of moogle mythology. Kuplo here would have me believe the former.
Once upon a time, we moogles served the gods in the heavens. It was quite nice up there-unspeakably beautiful, unimaginably spacious, and with a literally endless supply of wine, kupo! In spite of this, or possibly because of the last part, the gods eventually became discontented and started squabbling, which made life jolly difficult for the poor moogles.
So Good King Moggle Mog XII-may his glorious name live forever-decreed that the time had come to leave, kupo! The realm of man would suffice, he said, so all the moogles should live there instead. Unfortunately, the two realms are so far apart that we couldn't safely fly down. But Good King Moggle Mog XII-may his miraculous foresight ever be praised-knew exactly what to do, kupo! He had a rope, you see-the longest one ever woven. This he nobly held while his subjects climbed all the way down to the world below.
And that is how we moogles came to this land, kupo! All of us except Good King Moggle Mog XII-may his courageous sacrifice never be forgotten. He alone would remain in the heavens so that mooglekind might at last know peace.
Except that he has not remained in the heavens, from what I understand-that being your reason for contacting us, yes?
I'll bet he tied the rope to something! Good thinking! Remind me again what the problem was with him returning to Eorzea?
Pictured: A woman who can't believe she has to explain this to a Scion.
The problem, Yda, lies in the fact that he was summoned. It is our belief that Good King Moggle Mog XII is a myth made manifest via means akin to those employed by the beast tribes in the summoning of their gods.
Waaait... You're saying a handful of moogles with a boatload of crystals wished really, really hard, and he just sort of appeared? ...Would that even work?
What I cannot fathom is why they would even try. With Garuda humbled and the Ultima Weapon destroyed, what new threat could have prompted them to take so drastic a measure?
Might that not in itself be the answer? Twice in the last half decade, Eorzea has been brought unto the very brink of destruction, only to be spared at the last by the heroics of a chosen few. To you who braved those tempests and survived by virtue of your own strength, this latest period of peace will doubtless seem a welcome respite.
But to those who had not the power to defend themselves, who were spared only by another's grace, this is merely the calm before the storm. I think the Mogglesguard are afraid-afraid of what tomorrow will bring, and that things may not end so well as they did yesterday. That fear has driven them to call upon a greater power, one they believe can be relied upon to protect their loved ones and their homes come what may.
I assure you, the Mogglesguard only want to protect the forest from outsiders. But ever since the return of Good King Moggle Mog XII-may his boundless grace fill our hearts with love-they've started to get a little carried away, kupo. Verging on a lot, in fact...
Like the sylphs who summoned Ramuh, you mean?
Hmm. We cannot discount the possibility that this...entity is influencing the moogles in a manner similar to that of a primal.
We share the same concern. Whoever or whatever the king may be, it is our belief that he poses a threat not only to mooglekind, but to Gridania as a whole. Thus do we beseech you, Ginger-confront Good King Moggle Mog XII and drive him from our midst.
I... uh... okay.
Yda and Papalymo approve!
Humbly I do thank you. The sanctuary of the Mogglesguard and their liege lord is concealed by magical wards. Brother ESumiYan of the Conjurers' Guild will doubtless be able to offer insight on how they might be dispelled. Pray seek his counsel ere you proceed any further.
My sister is right, Ginger. For the moogles' sakes-and our own-banish the king from the Twelveswood.
You don't think he's gonna be mad that I'm using black magic do you?
Never though I'd be running back down here again.
Welcome, Ginger. Welcome. That you should be the one to face Good King Moggle Mog XII is of great comfort-to me and to the elementals, both. As I am sure you know, the moogles are not by their nature a warlike race. Yet should the king be suffered to remain, it is like that his influence will bring about a change in them. Thus does it behoove us to defeat him quickly, before any lasting damage is done. Make whatever preparations you deem necessary and inform me when you are ready to seek the king.
The wards barring access to the king's sanctuary can only be nullified through the use of enchanted keystones-the selfsame method employed five years ago, when first the king was summoned to Eorzea. It was with great regret that we were forced to sanction the slaying of the guardians who then held the keystones, for none were in our possession at the time. By the grace of the elementals, however, we have been spared that burden on this occasion.
Kuplo Kopp confided in me that he had been entrusted with a set of keystones by the Mogglesguard themselves. Yet wishing not to betray their confidence, he begged me to find some other means to gain entry to the king's sanctum. Alas, I have been unable to do so, and dare not labor any longer, for fear that the moogles might succumb to the corrupting influence of their liege lord. We must needs have Kuplo Kopp's keystones, Ginger. Pray go to him, and beg his assistance.
He awaits you at Westshore Pier. Impress upon him our great need, and I am certain he will yield.
He made good time for a tiny little furry rat.
So? How will you do it, kupo? ...Oh, he told you about that. Well, if there truly is no other way... I'll do it, kupo. Take the ferry to Sweetbloom Pier-I'll go on ahead.
...ummm?
Don't you dare lie to me, kupo! I know what you're planning, and I won't allow it!
Open your eyes, kupo! The king will never be satisfied, no matter how many crystals you bring him!
We offered you a choice, and this is how you repay us!? By consorting with this Lalafell!?
Imperials, Gridanians, sylphs-you're no different from the rest of them! Actually-you're worse, kupo!
Traitor to his kinsmoogles! He plots treason against the crown!
Enough! Kuplo Kopp will answer for his crimes soon enough, as will all who defy the will of Good King Moggle Mog XII-may he reign forevermore, kupo!
The Mogglesguard leave.
The king is planning to purge the Twelveswood of his enemies, kupo! We've got to stop him before it's too late!
The entrance to Thornmarch is deep within the Bramble Patch, kupo! If you take me there, I can nullify the ward. But be warned: the Mogglesguard has set traps to lure enchanted beasts. I can't hide from them, so you'll need to protect me, kupo!
So now we need to stutter-step our way halfway across the damn zone. There's no challenge and if you move slowly enough, there's no chance of failure.
Occasionally stuff spawns to ambush you, but this still sucks.
Four minutes of my life down the drain later...
We're here, kupo! I don't see any more beasts, do you? Are you ready to face the king, kupo? Then step closer to the ward. Raise your hand and focus-like when you attune to an aetheryte, kupo! I'll open the way for you!
The rest is up to you, kupo! Now go and teach those foolish moogles a lesson and send the king back whence he came!
The Seven Jesters (I really like this remix of the Moogle Theme. But the bassline reminds me of something...)
It's impossible to get shots of this because it's just moogles doing stuff that does not look good on camera. So here's a few group shots.
I see Orokin has dressed appropriately for taking on a bunch of moogles.
So this duty is pretty easy as long as you don't try and YOLO it. The first phase is literally just "beat up all the moogles."
More keep coming down the more you kill beat up.
Three this time!
Flare: making mages look baller since 2013.
The seventh member of the Mogglesguard shows up alone.
After all of them are beaten, they get up and do a little dance.
Good King Moggle Mog 
(LISTEN TO THIS ONE)
Good King Moggle Mog starts off by reviving the Mogglesguard. This is where a lot of groups on autopilot will fail. They'll try and burn down the boss. That's a terrible idea. When he gets to low HP, he casts a spell called Memento Moogle. If his retinue is alive when that goes off, you lose. Full stop.
So we just need to take them out.
Good King Moggle Mog
Good King Mog
Lord of all the land (Kupo!)
Good King Moggle Mog
Good King Mog
Rules with iron hand
Good King Moggle Mog
Good King Mog
Leads the brave and true!
Good King Moggle Mog
Good King Mog
Now come along and meet his trusty crew!
Kupo!
I am the one hiding under your bed
Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red
I am the one hiding under your stairs
Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair
Kupli Kipp is sly yet sweet
He'll tickle your nose then tickle your feet
Jolly Kogi's eye for fun is clear
He'll put an arrow straight in your rear!
Pukla Puki plays with fire
Poms a-burning on her pyre
Puksi Piko likes her buddies big
To sing a little song and dance a little jig
Pukna Pako shivers and shakes
She'll stick you in the gut and give you bellyaches
And who's behind them, standing tall?
Why, the biggest moogle of them all!
(Who!? Who!? Whoever could it be!?)
In this town we call home
Everyone hail to the pumpkin song
In this town, don't we love it now?
Everybody's waiting for the next surprise
Once the boss is alone, it's safe to burn his ass down. He's incredibly easy as long as you don't leave adds alive.
Nod your noggle nog
And mind your gob
Or he'll put you to the sword!
Good King Moggle Mog
Good King Mog
His judgment you will dread
Good King Moggle Mog
Good King Mog
What do you decree?
What do you decree?
What do you decree?
Everyone hail to the pumpkin song
What? That's definitely how I remember the song going.
With their God-King dead, the Mogglesguard all flee the area.
The weapon, in case you were wondering, was mogfists.
The weapon makes a moogle noise when you pull it out. These all own.
You did it, kupo! You did it! Good King Moggle Mog XII-may his mighty soul rest in peace-is no more! I shudder to think what might've happened had you not stopped the Mogglesguard when you did. Thank you, Ginger.
Perhaps now they'll come to their senses and stop playing at faerie tales. Rest assured that the chieftain will have choice words for them too! You should go and tell Pukni Pakk that the king is no more, kupo! She's with RayaO at Camp Tranquil, and can relay the news to the chieftain.
Orokin was waiting outside to pick Ginger up on a very thematically-appropriate mount.
For some reason we have to go to Raya-O-Senna in the South Shroud. Sure...?
Do I dare believe my ears!? Good King Moggle Mog XII-may his magnificent virtue serve as an example to us all-has fallen!? All mooglekind owes you a debt, kupo! Ah, and I sense RayaO wishes to congratulate you as well. I shall let you two speak without fear of interruption.
It kind of makes sense that we're doing things this way.
It would have been easier to go straight back to Kan-E-Senna, but this gives us a natural break point with the end of a quest. Speaking of which that's precisely what we're utilizing...
NEXT TIME: The rest of the 2.1 MSQ