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Hello everyone and welcome back! Today we're gonna be going through the adventures of Curious Gorge. Along the way Ginger might accidentally learn something about how to be a Warrior. But really this is the Curious Gorge show.
It's not bitterness or anger, it's just a fact of how the warrior job quests go. There are a few truisms in FFXIV job quests: PLD job quests are universally fucking terrible when they focus on the PLD characters. The ARC guildmaster is a racist prick. WAR is the Curious Gorge show, starring Curious Gorge, guest starring Curious Gorge's pet issue of the day, briefly featuring: your character as a throwaway afterthought.
Welcome back, my friend. I can see that you've not neglected your training. For my part, I fear that deciphering the ancient chronicles of my people is proving to be a much more demanding task than I had imagined. Mind you, it hasn't helped that I've been somewhat preoccupied of late. A comrade of mine from my days in the Company of Heroes asked me to do a favor, and it's taken me back and forth across the realm like some bloody ferry.
I'm on a hunt for some mysterious feral beast that's been terrorizing smallfolk. People don't know where this monstrosity came from, but witnesses say its thirst for blood is unlike anything they've ever seen. Unfortunately, the time I have spent in pursuit of the beast is time I have not spent studying the chronicles, and I am sorry to say I have made little progress.
However, while on the road, I was able to decipher one passage that may be of interest to us both. From what I can gather, the chronicles tell of an ancient set of armor forged by my ancestors in the flames of the seven hells, and inscribed with the same arcane incantations that adorn the Soul of the Warrior.
It would seem that this mighty armor was passed down from hero to apprentice for centuries, until one man, driven by rage and vainglory, cast all five pieces from Abalathia's highest peak. Since that day, the armor has remained lost...and with it, the power that it harbors. As far as I can make out, the next passage in the chronicles concerns the whereabouts of these missing artifacts...though I have only been able to make sense of the odd word thus far. Still, I must confess to some excitement. Imagine what a warrior clad in such garb could achieve!
Ah, if only my brother were here... We could decipher the text together and spread the teachings of our people to the entire realm! Alas, he is not. His whereabouts are as hidden to me as those of the ancient armor. I would have liked you to meet him...if only so that you could have looked upon a true warrior.
Well, perhaps you still shall. Eorzea is not as large as most people perceive. Paths cross, fates intertwine. Such is the will of the Spinner. It may be that my brother has chosen a similar path to mine... But I have rambled long enough. You are here to take the next step in your training, and so I shall oblige.
In the southern reaches of Thanalan is the Sagolii Desert, a godsforsaken wasteland of naught but sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. It is here that the leviathan of the dunes lurks-a sandworm of gargantuan proportions. When facing this mammoth creature, you will soon realize that the feeble hacks and slashes of your puny axe are ill-suited to the task of felling such a foe...but do not let this dissuade you. Wake the slumbering beast within and summon forth a strength that transcends the limits of your physical form.
Mind you, first you'll have to find the beast, and that might prove a tall order in itself. The U tribe that inhabits Forgotten Springs is wise to the movements of the denizens of the desert. Should you want for guidance, I'd wager they could set you in the right direction.
Goddamn, Gorge. That's like 75% of all the quest text in this job quest right there at the start. And there's no cutscene, so it's just you staring at him while he monologues.
We're here in Forgotten Springs to talk to the local miqo'te tribe.
The leviathan of the dunes? Saw the fearsome bugger not a week ago, preying on a group of merchants south of Byregot's Strike. The smart ones dropped their wares, turned tail, and ran. The dumb ones, well, at least they can say they died rich.
Aye, I've seen the beast. Stands three malms high, he does, and stirs up sandstorms with each writhe and wriggle. Showed up in my hunting fields some years ago, and has been swallowing up my would-be prey in that gaping maw of his ever since.
Sandworms are particularly sensitive to vibrations in the earth, such as those made by running. If you're looking to summon one of the beasts, then I suggest you search for their tracks, then run about making as much of a clamor as possible. I would also suggest you seek a cure for your madness.
We have to go to the way far-flung corner of the map to find our quarry.
Then all Ginger has to do is walk with rhythm...
Easy enough!
Ah, Ginger. Your crystal grows ever stronger. In felling the raging sandworm, the beast within you slowly but surely rouses to wakefulness. When next you do battle, methinks you will find yourself capable of movements heretofore unfamiliar to you. When you have mastered your new talents, return to me. In the meanwhile, I shall continue my study of the ancient texts.
When WAR does combo attacks, it builds up its job gauge with each successful attack. Once that gauge hits 50, Ginger can use Inner Beast to hit something decently hard. This skill will get a hell of a workout in boss fights! And much later on, after it upgrades, it turns WAR into a living buzzsaw.
In super early Stormblood, this skill's upgraded version was so good that WAR as a whole got nerfed in the first major patch. There are still tanks to this day lamenting the loss of WAR's "glory days."
Technically it was on the shoulders of Berserk's upgraded version, but what do you think all those roided out WARs were hitting once they had infinite use of their gauge-costing skills? 
Hello again, my friend. It is quite obvious that you have been anything but idle in your training since last we met. Your progress is heartening to look upon, truly...but it also serves to remind me that each hour I spend poring over ancient texts is an hour not spent honing my skills. I fear my worth on the battlefield is diminishing by the day.
Yet I am certain that my studies of the chronicles will yield something of use. In fact, just last night, I discovered how the warriors of my tribe came to be shunned by the outside world. Upon witnessing my people's prowess with the axe, the armies of the citystates began to incorporate similar techniques into their own training regimens. These are the selfsame techniques I have been instructing you in, Ginger-ones which call upon the inner beast.
The consequences, of course, were dire. Yes, their soldiers became nigh on unstoppable, but they also became wholly uncontrollable...and both friend and foe fell prey to the ensuing carnage. Of course, the heads of the citystates laid the blame for these atrocities solely at the feet of my kind, promptly banning the ancient art and imprisoning anyone suspected of teaching it. Or so the chronicles say...
What I find hard to grasp, though, is that never once during my training did my brother hint at this dark history. Nor have I myself ever seen one of my tribe succumb to the rage that the chronicles describe.
Could it be that the tales are mere falsehoods? Stories concocted by some long-forgotten enemy who would poison our heritage and befoul our tribe's name? Who in their right mind would seek to sully something so pure...and why would my ancestors simply bow their heads and suffer such ignominy!?
That my people should be so weak-so utterly bereft of pride-is inexplicable. I refuse to believe it! It matters not if these claims are groundless-if they prompted my tribe's art to fade into obscurity, then the damage has already been done. Well, I for one will not turn a blind eye to this injustice! If none of my people will give the lie to the stories that have so tarnished our reputation, it shall have to be me!
Ah, but once again I lose myself in history and forget the present. If you recall, I spoke to you of my former comrade from the Company of Heroes, and the great wooly beast we have been pursuing.
The beast remains on the loose, and to toss a ponze of salt on the wound, fell creatures that appear to be its minions have been wreaking havoc on the innocent residents of Wineport. Were you and I to succeed in quelling the threat, surely the people would see that warriors are no fearsome beasts, but valuable allies. Together, Ginger, we will win back our proud name! Now, let us away to Wineport to meet with the captain of the militia!
Out in front of Wineport...
My friends. Wineport is much obliged for your aid. The fiends come relentlessly, and what few able-bodied men we have find themselves hopelessly overmatched. Indeed, the western gates have been so besieged that they are currently left without any manned defense.
Leave the defense to us, my good man! I will secure the western gate.
Ginger, you defend the town from the east. Together, we will form a bulwark that not a single fiend can penetrate! Once the enemy has been driven back, we return here to back up the captain. Got it, Ginger?
Gorge and all the sentries run off to defend the western gate. Ginger heads off alone, completely out of sight from the town gate, to take care of the east. :thunk:
Wouldn't it make more sense to actually be in sight of the gate you want to defend?
A bunch of raptors show up.
Several rounds of enemies later...
Thank the Twelve you're safe! We have need of your skills yet. I just heard a scream, and I fear that one of the beasts might be loose within the village. Come with me!
Kiss of Chaos
Gorge is not very good at his job. There are oddly aggressive buzzards everywhere.
Unfortunately...
All of Gorge's activity brought out the Beast in him.
Damnation
But being called out by an actual child brings Gorge back to earth.
M-Monster...? But I... I...
Ginger, being a good person, runs up to help Gorge.
Come no closer, Ginger!
I...beg of you...
I... I must return to the Falls.
Whatever has gotten into Curious Gorge? 'Tis true that he fought like a man possessed, but to mistake him for the very beast he hunts-methinks the child's parents have been feeding her a few too many ghost stories for her own good.
Worry not, friend. I shall speak to the villagers and clear up this most unfortunate misunderstanding. Do return to the Falls and assure Curious Gorge that Wineport is indebted to him for his aid.
Ginger... Please forgive me for leaving so abruptly earlier. It was a hasty reaction to a situation for which I was completely unprepared. While both you and I know that I was in complete control of my inner beast, I now realize that to the layman's eye, it may have seemed that...well, the opposite was true.
Mayhap it was this very misapprehension that lent weight to the lies which led to my tribe's disgrace. And if that is the case, then perhaps I should return once more to the chronicles, and endeavor to reassess their message in light of this discovery.
Speaking of light... Your soul crystal, Ginger...it sparkles. Does the Soul of the Warrior have aught to reveal to you? Any whispers of...of import? <sigh> If only they hadn't forsaken me, as they did my brother...
Ahem! Yes, well, I suppose that is that. I must continue my studies, and you your training. I hope to have something new for both of us very soon. Until then, my friend.
So why am I so down on the Curious Gorge stuff, you might ask? This all seems fine so far, if a little boilerplate. Because, as I said many updates back when we first met him, this is all there is to the character. Something bad happens to Gorge and then he mopes around instead of doing something about it.
A character learning to control their rage is inherently an interesting story. Nothing about the way Gorge's story is handled is interesting. The writer for this had gold and traded it for beans. And not the kind that grow into a beanstalk. No, they traded their gold for four day-old boiled lima beans.
What you see is all you will ever get from Gorge. He doesn't grow, he doesn't change. He's a passive observer in his own damn life. And the Heavensward and Stormblood questlines for him are "Gorge feels bad for himself" and "Gorge thinks a local girl is cute but can't work up the courage to talk to her."
Mythril Tempest is another fantastic move. This is a combo action from Overpower, and it's just Ginger spinning her axe above her head to hit everything nearby.
The cool thing is, Overpower doesn't need to be used first. So WARs can just run through a dungeon hitting Mythril Tempest near mobs to get some initial aggro on them.
Welcome again, my friend. I was wondering when your travels would bring you back this way. It just so happens that I have some exciting news. I have finally uncovered the clues pertaining to the whereabouts of the lost armor of my ancestors! As it turns out, after the fallen hero cast the five pieces from the mountaintop, five of his pupils set out to recover them, intending to restore their master's name.
What is more, they were actually successful in this search. However, when it came to reuniting the set, the armor's great power began to work upon their minds, and not one could bring himself to relinquish his piece. Realizing then that their master's fatal pride was born of the artifacts' combined influence, the pupils resolved to keep the pieces separate, and to share between five the power that might otherwise have consumed one. Thus did each of them carve his own place in history.
The chronicles go on to say that years later, prior to death, each of the pupils returned to the scene of his own greatest victory, and buried the artifact in his possession in a final attempt to prevent any one warrior from holding the set. And it is there that the pieces still rest.
You may be interested to know that the armor I wear is itself a replica of the set crafted by my ancestors-identical in all respects save for its lack of the arcane enchantments that adorned the original. I know what you might be thinking: if we were to bring the five pieces together once more, what would prevent us from being corrupted in the same fashion? Well, I've thought of that! What we need only do is trace the runes we find on the armor onto every piece of warrior gear!
That way, there would be no need to worry about a single proud fool becoming drunk on his all-surpassing power, as every warrior in the realm would be possessed of the selfsame might! It's quite brilliant, if I do say so myself. So, how about we split up and begin the search straightaway? Three of the locations seem quite self-evident-I would entrust the search there to you while I track down the other two with tome in hand.
One piece is said to be buried under the great rocks of Boulder Downs in Coerthas, while another slumbers peacefully at Camp Tranquil in the South Shroud. The last of the three rests untouched at Parata's Peace in western Thanalan. Unearth those three relics, and bring them to me. With any measure of fortune, I'll have tracked down the remaining two by the time of your return.
The 45 quest wastes no time in getting us on the trail of the armor. To be fair, the armor is pretty damn sweet looking.
The first piece of armor is seriously up next to where Ginger was tested by Elidibus.
We have to kill a couple very large toads. This sucker is so huge it could swallow Ginger in one gulp!
The next piece is way over near the tower where Ginger took Wedge during the MSQ.
The third piece is over in the swamp in the South Shroud.
The third piece was gloves.
How fares your search, Ginger? Have you found aught of my tribe's ancient relics? Should you have the three pieces of armor, don them and show them to me.
Ah, Ginger. That you found the gear is most gratifying, but what I would truly fancy would be to see you in it. Wait...stand still for a moment. The armor so becomes you that I could not tell you had it on at first glance. But now I can have no doubt-I sense the power of the runes inscribed on each piece resonating with your soul crystal. This is the long-lost armor of the warrior.
I, too, have found one of the relics, but I have run into an unexpected rub. When I donned the piece, I felt nothing-as if the lost treasure were no different from the unadorned replicas already in my possession. Whether the power has been lost to it, or must needs be awakened by means yet unknown to me, this I cannot say. The ancient texts still hold many mysteries beyond my ability to decipher...
But before I forget, I should mention to you that I did indeed track down another piece before I was waylaid by this current conundrum. You should find it sealed away at Red Mantis Falls.
Red Mantis Falls is over south of Wineport. It's where Ginger found some homebrew wine from the poor PTSD-riddled hermit.
Now Ginger has a snazzy hat to match Gorge's!
I see your search was a fruitful one. I am pleased to say I have also gleaned some insight into why the armor I found seemed devoid of power. As I alluded to, the ancient warrior's armor derives its power from a concordance between the incantations engraved on the steel itself, and the inner beast of the wearer.
But my own resonance with the plating was too weak as to allow a proper connection with it...and now I think I know why: my soul crystal. It once burned bright like yours, but since the events at Wineport, it has been reduced to a lifeless husk. Why this happened, I cannot say.
But the tome is quite clear about what would happen were the powers of the armor to be bestowed upon one whose soul is weak. The inner beast would devour the mind of the wearer, who would go on a mindless rampage that would end only with the mercy of death. Yes, not unlike the crazed fiends we battle.
I believe that the armor sensed my weakened state, foresaw the potential danger, and then knowingly shut off its powers to me... And I daresay we are fortunate that it did. I feel as though an apology is in order at this juncture-I must tell you I left this final piece of the armor where I found it. The breastplate, as the piece closest to the warrior's heart, has powers far greater and more dangerous than the other pieces.
Uncertain as I was to the reason for my being unable to connect with the plate's mystical energy, I feared to take it would mean imperiling both myself and those around me. Your soul may burn stronger than mine, yet still I worry for your fate were you to put it on. Look deep within yourself, Ginger. When you feel yourself ready-and only then-come speak to me again.
You would truly seek the ultimate relic of my people? The armor that could consume the very soul of the most puissant warrior? Very well, if you are truly convinced of your readiness, I will not be the one to stand in your way. But I beg of you, Ginger-the moment you feel yourself losing control, and your inner beast overcoming you, cast the armor aside. Cast it from the highest mountain or into the depths of the ocean, I care not.
For once the beast consumes your soul, there is no going back. You will rage on, a monster, leaving naught but carnage in your wake. The realm will bleed, and history will repeat itself. I cannot allow this to happen.
No, my people have been shunned long enough. I would see the coming of a new age, in which warriors protect the weak and are loved and admired by the people of the realm. My years of battle and sleepless nights spent poring over the ancient texts-all has been for this day! Brother... I know not where fate has led you. And yet I feel certain that, in spirit, you stand with me today. Together, we will restore the honor of our people.
...You must forgive my sentiment, Ginger. As I said, this has been a long time coming. The breastplate you seek is in the highlands of Coerthas, at the spring they call the Weeping Saint. I...will stay behind. The events at Wineport still weigh heavy on my heart.
There's a cave way up next to the ruins of the Steel Vigil. That's where Gorge discarded the breastplate.
Gorge is coming up from behind Ginger.
Hand over the breastplate, Ginger. After much wrestling with the thought, I simply cannot entrust such a relic to an outsider who may be overwhelmed by its power.
Fine, whatever. If you want to be the one to fall victim to its powers, then Twelve bless.
I return now to Hidden Falls. If you would have words with me, then come. I will not run away.
The cutest little murder machine in the world.
Ginger, I am sorry. I did not mean for things to happen like this, but I had no choice. I have wrestled long and hard with the matter, but this is my decision. I cannot trust you with this power when I do not even trust myself.
Aye, that's right: I won't attempt to don the plate again, either-nor will anyone. Not until I have proof that there is one with a will strong enough to withstand the beast's siren call. Peer deep within your soul, Ginger. Peer into the eyes of the beast that stares back at you. Can you truly say that you can engage the monster in battle and emerge victorious?
I shall return to the tome. If there are any answers to be found, they lie within those pages. In the meantime, continue your training, that you might find an answer of your own.
Steel Cyclone is WAR's AOE gauge spender. It's also really powerful, but has limited usefulness until level 74. It isn't until that point that WAR can finally earn gauge from Overpower and Mythril Tempest. So if you want to use this before then, you need to use your single target rotation in an AOE scenario. 
Every tank is missing fundamental parts of their kit like this until the low 70s. PLD doesn't get a gap closer until then. GNB doesn't get a way to spend their cartridges in an AOE situation until then, and poor DRK doesn't get the second half of its AOE combo until 72. That move for DRK, I should mention, restores mana. DRK needs a lot of mana.
Yes this is as big a dick move as it sounds like.
Moving on to the final quest...
Ginger is dressed in the finest Ironworks gear that Allagan Tomestones of Poetics can buy.
Ginger! There is much we must discuss, but now is not the time! You surely recall my mention of the hunt for the bloodthirsty creature terrorizing the smallfolk. I've just received word that selfsame monster has been sighted near Wineport!
What is more, according to those who managed to escape the carnage, the creature appeared more man than beast. If this is true, then our quarry could be far more dangerous than any wild animal. We must find a way to stop it... I must find a way.
This is my chance! To prove to the people of Wineport-nay, the world-that my tribe and my art have been wrongly judged! Perhaps then my ancestors will deem me worthy! I think even my brother would, too!
There is no time to lose. We must arrive in the hamlet before any of the villagers fall prey to the beast. Let us leave at once!
No caption I can think of will match how silly this shot is. I love it. So feel free to insert Ginger's thoughts here for yourself.
Thank the gods for your presence! Wineport is in your debt once more.
Fell creatures bear down upon our village in hordes, as if drawn by that great hairy beast. You must stop them!
Ginger! You fend off these creatures!
I will see to the beast. This is my battle to fight.
I don't believe this duty caps the item level. It was meant for someone in less than item level 50 armor. Ginger is wearing full item level 130 stuff.
She's like a cuisinart.
Ginger runs off toward the town.
Kiss of Chaos
The monster sets its sights on that little girl from before.
She wisely runs off...
And she gets knocked on her butt.
That's... not Curious Gorge. 
But the cavalry are here!
Stop! These people are not your enemy! The enemy lies within!
You are stronger than this! Take control of the beast! Do not let it consume you!
Look what you are doing! You are destroying all that I worked to restore! The fate of our people rests in our hands, brother! Your weakness would cost us everything!
Gorge has unsheathed his axe and is ready to charge.
Gorge knocks his brother but good.
No one... No one... No one...
Insightful reaction as always, Ginger.
...I who defeated my tribe's greatest warrior! I am the master now! I am the master! Return to me what is rightfully mine! Give me the armor!
Breaking Boundaries (DRG 50 spoilers in this) (But seriously listen to it. This track only plays during the job quest capstones)
If you want it, come and claim it!
Or I shall tear it from your bloody corpse!
Ginger rips chunks out of Gorge's HP with each swing.
Graaaghhh! The beast rages within me! I can fight it no longer!
Gaaarrrghhh! Ginger! You must...stop me!
I have failed...
There is a really beautiful track that plays here, it's called Relics. If you have not played through Heavensward, THEN UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU LOOK THIS TRACK UP ON YOUTUBE. There's mild spoilers and then there's "the soundtrack to the biggest spoiler in the expansion."
I failed you, I failed my people, I failed my ancestors...and I failed my own kin...
I found out long ago what had become of my brother, but did everything I could to deny it. I thought that if only I could prove myself stronger than he, the people would see his madness as the product of a weak mind... That they would believe the problem lay in him, not in our tribe.
Yet, all the while, my own soul was growing weaker and weaker... The inner beast had taken hold, and it would not let go. It drove me, as it drove my ancestors, the keeper of the armor, and my brother.
Our tribe had lost sight of who we were. In seeking ever more strength, we allowed ourselves to fall victim to that which we had long scorned in others as weakness. Instead of learning to harden our wills with resolve, we steeled them with anger-and therein lay our folly.
See, this is a good scene. Gorge finally comes to his senses.
Like a bonfire, anger burns hot and bright, but when the fuel that feeds it is spent, all that remains is ash. By accepting anger as our guide, we left our wills at the mercy of the inner beast.
But not you. Your will is more akin to the lava which courses through the mountains of my homeland. It burns as strong-nay, stronger-than any bonfire, and when it cools, it becomes hard and firm, unbreakable. This quality allowed you to keep your inner beast at bay.
Return of the Hero
Gorge stands up...
They sensed true strength within you. Such strength as could rightly represent our people and our art.
Had I but realized that myself...none of this need have happened. <sigh> Well, what's done is done. If I am to have any hope of restoring my people's name, I must start over from the beginning...
It may take time, but together, my brother and I will restore our village to its former glory. And when we have, I shall remember Ginger, my friend and fellow warrior, and how she saved me from myself, that my dream might become reality.
He may be a dumb oaf, but he's Ginger's dumb oaf.
See, I like Gorge here. He's become likeable after having the sense beaten back into him. But it's just the job quests after this that really drag the experience down...
Wineport is in your debt once more, Ginger. And what is more, we have seen the truth with our own eyes.
Pray tell Curious Gorge as much, and that we will be relying on him for his protection. He is a true warrior, and our humble hamlet would be lost without his strength.
All's well that ends well I suppose. Gorge gets to keep defending the settlement and now he has his brother back.
Let's tell him the good news.
Welcome back, Ginger.
Guess what!
Hm? Despite all that transpired, the captain at Wineport would entrust his village's defenses to me? I... I know not what to say. It has been a long road, but thanks to you, I have rediscovered what I lost so many years ago. I will see to my brother's wounds, and once he is well, we will embark on the path of the warrior again-engraving the lessons we have learned in our souls, never to be forgotten.
Curiously, the moment I did avow this to myself, my soul crystal began to shimmer anew. I see yours, too, grows stronger than ever. It would seem my ancestors have once more bestowed their knowledge upon you. This... This power. Why, this is a power that I have only read about in the tomes-nay, a power entirely beyond my comprehension.
To think that I once doubted your resolve. No, you have truly conquered your inner beast, and become a truer warrior than I could ever hope to be. Know that you stand before me the equal of my tribe's greatest heroes. Ever steel your resolve, Ginger, and go forth into the realm and protect those who need your strength. With you representing us, the redemption of my people-the new era I seek-is surely close at hand.
Infuriate gives you 50 rage/fury/job gauge instantly! It has a pretty short cooldown, and eventually starts getting charges as well. Use it early and use it often!
This concludes the warrior quests for FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. In order to undertake the next series of quests, you must first meet the following requirements:
You must have completed the main scenario quest "Before the Dawn."
Once you have done so, the next warrior quest will be available from Curious Gorge.
NEXT TIME: The Amalj'aa await!