Final Fantasy XIV, Part 6 (The Joy of Clichés)

Drippy pauses for a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Hatchingtide.

It's been quite the week. As we travel across Eorzea, conquering our foes and growing our fortunes at a pace that would make Alexander the Great pause to take notes, it behooves us to spare a moment for quiet reflection: How came we to this place?

A few days ago, Drippy was walking through the markets of Ul'dah searching for armor polish for his mythril greaves and hungering for a donut, when he happened across a troubling sight: A desperate damsel, accosted by an obnoxious merchant and his coterie of thugs. What? A literal damsel in distress? In my heroic high fantasy video game?? Say no more!!!

What an obnoxious guy! He took off after his thugs once he realized things weren't going to go his way. Good riddance. Even so, I have a sinking feeling this won't be the last time he bothers innocent people...
Having successfully resolved one pleasant cliché, Drippy immediately encountered another:

Watching from the sidelines during this damsel-debacle was Drippy's favorite catgirl conjuror, Y'shtola. She confessed that she had been following him with benevolent intentions - monitoring his progress and hoping he'd do something impressive enough to warrant an offer of recruitment into her super-secret selective order: The Scions of the Seventh Dawn.

We headed to their clubhouse and talked about all kinds of stuff. Turns out, the Mighty Owlbears are already working with the Scions! Considering that their mission statement is essentially, "Complete heroic quests and help save the planet from magical monsters," how could Drippy possibly say no? Plus there's a really nice bar across the street from their HQ. Super cheap mimosas. What's not to love?

Ah, how simple things were, back then. Last Thursday, I think it was? It feels like a lifetime. So much has happened. So many adventures. I can't put it all into words - so, I'll have to use pictures.

"Fear not, inspector. I'm on the case!"

"This town ain't big enough for the both of us!"

Truffle McCabe, Glock McLargehuge, Drippy, and Worfina explore the Sunken Temple of Qarn.

On a lonely dock in Limsa Lomisa, Nekuma practices her swordplay as well as her sorcery.
There are surprising synergies between the philosophy of the red mage and the way of the samurai.

Aladbross and Aericka enjoy a night on the town.

Drippy meets with the very living essence of haute couture. 

There's more. There's always more. But for now, this will have to suffice. It is a simple tale, too quickly told, yet it hints of tales yet to come...