In the wake of the recent 6.55 update forFinal Fantasy 14, paving the way for the summer expansion release of Dawntrail, I find myself reflecting on the aftermath of Endwalker’s apocalyptic tale. For a change of pace, and immersion, I wondered what it would be like to put on the digital shoes of my character, Serenity Hart, and narrate the experience from his point of view.
Stepping Into His Big (Little) Shoes
As a Lalafell with humble origins as a conjurer, Serenity has transformed into a formidable white mage, earning the revered title of the Hero of Eorzea. Yet, with the echoes of Endwalker subsiding, a pressing question weighs on his contemplative mind:where does a hero venture next?
Havingsaved not only Eorzeabut the entire star itself, the weariness of continuous world-saving lingers. The burden of such monumental feats leaves Serenity pondering the prospect of reclaiming the life of an adventurer. The allure of exploration, the thrill of the unknown — these are the sentiments that once fueled his journey.
Serenity sees downtime in which he must wait for the next grand adventure as a bittersweet interlude; a brief respite from the grandeur of Endwalker and a prelude to the unfolding chapters of his own saga.
Heading Out On A Journey To The West
The allure for new adventures lies in the discovery of the New World, a distant land intricately connected to Eorzea. The tomes perused by Serenity and his headcanonical boyfriend G’raha Tia in a local Sharlayan library reveal tantalizing details about the New World’s distinct cuisines, including the whimsically named “popotoes.” The prospect of uncharted territories and hidden wonders stirs a sense of curiosity, reminding Serenity of the adventurer he once was.
In the intricate history of Tural, once the New World, constant cultural strife led to a leader who unified the land. The present leader, a formidable two-headed Mamool Jool, has adopted Wuk, making her royalty alongside her Miqote brother. When it’s time to determine the new ruler through a ‘rite of succession,’ Wuk and her brother, as children of the current leader, qualify as claimants. To aid them in the trials, it’s encouraged to find combatants from various lands. (Author’s side note: Wuk, a new race of female Hrothgar, will be introduced in Dawntrail as an option for customizable characters.)
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Serenity hesitates to immerse himself in initially distant affairs, seeking solace under the starry sky. G’raha Tia’s encouragement echoes in his thoughts, urging him to embrace the adventure. As Wuk seeks help to ascend to Queenhood, Serenity’s role becomes integral to a dynamic narrative, intertwining his path with the destiny of Tural, shaped by its diverse cultures.
Exploring Krile’s New-Found Hope
Krile, Serenity’s Lalafell companion, has transitioned into the role of a Pictomancer for the forthcoming Dawntrail expansion. Her journey, akin to an artist finding her voice, saw her lamenting the times she played the wallflower in Serenity’s adventures. Now, armed with the power to manifest paintings into formidable foes, Krile steps into the foreground, no longer a passive observer but an active participant in the vibrant mosaic of their quests.
Serenity, witnessing Krile’s transformation, reflects on his own journey. Haurchefant’s absence, a poignant gap in his tapestry of memories, prompted Serenity to navigate life’s vast tableau, seeking new inspirations. The memory of his fallen love resonates like an indelible ink stain, but guided by Haurchefant’s words that “a smile better suits a hero,” Serenity continues to smile, a testament to his resilience in the face of loss and a reminder that every hero must find new hues in the ever-changing artwork of their existence.
Emet-Selch’s Words Manifest
In the midst of solitary wanderings, Serenity strolls through familiar landscapes, each step echoing with the whispers of Emet-Selch’s enigmatic voice. The ruins beneath the waters of the Bounty, the treasure islands beyond the frozen waters of Blindfrost in Othard’s north, the fabled golden cities of the New World — all weave a tapestry of unexplored realms, urging him to broaden his horizons.
Closing his eyes, Serenity contemplates Emet-Selch’s wisdom, the echoes of his voice reverberating in his mind. The cryptic mentions of undiscovered places, particularly the elusive Golden City, hint at a grand narrative awaiting in the upcoming Dawntrail expansion. The duty as the bearer of Azem’s crystal weighs on him, compelling him to seek discovery and embrace the unknown. Despite the weariness of his travels, he realizes that the journey is far from over. The words of Emet-Selch echo in his mind, urging him to continue expanding his horizons, to go forth and seek discovery.
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As he walks, the realization dawns upon Serenity that his journey, though long and challenging, is a gift. The places yet to be explored and the mysteries awaiting unraveling all remind him of the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Instead of succumbing to exhaustion, he embraces the perpetual quest for discovery. A quiet determination settles within him, understanding that one day, whether due to his creator’s passing or the eventual closure of servers, the journey must conclude. Until then, he resolves to relish every step, to immerse himself in the grandeur of the unfolding adventure, and to leave no stone unturned in the ever-expanding world of Eorzea.
A Short But Very Sweet Ending
The 6.55 update, though short, aligns with expectations following the pattern set by the previous expansion’s 5.55 story update. It unfolds with a concise narrative featuring a series of small fights alongside Wuk, a new companion on Serenity’s journey, and pivotal scenes showcasing Krile’s character development, propelling her into a key role within the unfolding tale. G’raha Tia, a steadfast companion, passes the torch, expressing his commitment to stay behind and ensure the continued growth of their endeavors.
However, a glimpse in the trailer reveals G’raha Tia heading to the New World, leaving a sense of uncertainty about his presence in the upcoming adventures. Despite this, the short and sweet update, spanning about two hours, offers a moment to kick back on the sofa, relish a captivating story, and eagerly anticipate the coming release.
