Final Fantasy XIV, Part 5 (Slice of Life)

"Fight for them, and they will fight for you. Remember that no great victory was ever achieved alone."--Shamani Lohmani, member of the Company of Heroes

So much has happened. Quarantine's going great, y'all, and we're power leveling these characters into Warriors of Light as fast as humanly possible.  Huh. Humanly. Nah, we ain't doin' this humanly. Maybe in the beginning we were humans, but lately... Check it out.

Level 10. Pirate daddy.

Level 15. Game of Thrones.

Level 20. Sponsored by Monster Energy.

Level 25+. Watership Down.

Remember Jihli, the crazy, beautiful, visionary maiden from this post? Well... Let's just say that I figured out how glamers work she had a real impact on Drippy's life. Hatching-tide is a big deal, ya'll. It's not just a holiday, it's a way of life. Jihli revealed some essential truths about the universe to Drippy, and he's taken them to heart. Humans are cool and all, but rabbits? They're are where it's at.

Posing with Glock McLargehuge, Worfina Klingdragon, and Truffle McCabe.

Drippy's journey continues at a breakneck speed. When you're power-leveling, there's a sense of importance, if not urgency, to your actions. Those actions feel scattershot and senseless at times, but they're still important. Yes, there's a looming threat to Eorzea that people feel powerless to confront - but, also, could you please deliver this orange juice to the lady outside the inn? She'll tell you how to dye your clothing if you do. Yes, yes, the Garlean Empire is preparing to invade. Yes, the dreaded primals are threatening to return and burn Eorzea to cinders. But also, could you please go get some rare cheeses for our banquet?

The main storyline of Final Fantasy is long and convoluted, but it's been a fun thing to experience. Between an endless succession of quests to fetch, gather, and slay, there have been some fine - almost understated - moments.

Here are a few that I've experienced, and also, a few that the Mighty Owlbears have shared with me.

Aladbross Siracha and his assistant prepare a culinary masterpiece.

Aladbross Siracha becomes a master culinarian with the aid of his assistant, a miniature goobbue called Frumpus. Aladbross has pursued his passions across Eorzea, and for his dedication, he has been rewarded: though his name is newly inked upon the list of Eorzea's master chefs, it is whispered far and wide by those who know. His sushi is literally the stuff of legend.

Worfina Klingdragon discovers (and claims!) a legendary artifact - a staff sought by Conjurers and White Mages alike! Although obtaining it cost many lives and countless hours, the balance sheet shows an overwhelming profit. Truly, she has become a Conjurer of legend.

Nakuma Noalu gazes into a crystal shard. She is a summoner, blessed with many sorcerous talents, yet no magicks yet known to her can conjure wealth equal to the treasure she now possesses. What wonders will she craft with it?

Drippy joins the Company of Heroes, and celebrates with an exotic feast. Also, exotic dancing! Is there any place in Eorzea more wonderful than Costa del Sol?

Aericka Tatalya (left) wanders the long and winding roads of Eorzea in search of adventure. (Awesome screenshot! This is my new desktop background, btw)

Oh, there are so many things! So many wonderful things! Should I regale you with the debacle of Brayflox's Longstop? I haven't laughed that hard, or died so often, in days. Maybe weeks.

Worfina -- [pulls every monster] Okay, so, it looks like our limit is twelve. Twelve monsters at once.
Everyone -- ...
Worfina -- I'm gonna go ahead and say that this is my fault.

Or maybe we should talk about the time we fought all those ghosts at Hinke Manor? And those evil mages who confronted Drippy, and spilled the beans about their cosmic, evil plan? Fuckin' evil mages, man. They aren't happy unless they're messing with someone else's vibe. Buncha nerds.

We're gonna find a way to deal with them, Owlbears. We're not gonna let a bunch of magical nerds harsh our mellow. There may be a lot of crazy shit going on in the world right now, 'bears, but we're prepared for it. We're ready. We're eager. This is our final fantasy, and nobody - not even James Fantasy himself - knows what our fate will be.