As I mentioned, Aikirees and I did conclude Dawntrail’s MSQ the other week prior to Evercold – so that’s it until January for more story. I have a lot of words on how I feel about it all so they’ll be a page break after this non-spoiler blerb so anyone can go forward to read my thoughts unfiltered, but overall it was a good endcap to Dawntrail. If you’ve been here before on previous expansions, y’all will know the usual beats (albeit not as long as a certain Shadowbringers or Stormblood one) but I digress. It was good, to the point, and fun overall, and to be a bit brash just glad Dawntrail is finally over – I think I’d prefer to rerun A Realm Reborn again than Dawntrail at this point.
Final Fantasy XIV
The Rising (2026)
This years’ Rising Event was pretty par for the course – not that’s a “bad” thing really, and it brought back someone from last year’s as well as a few regulars. It was in Limsa again this time, which did in fact throw a loop in our traveling once we realized it. The first half was fun, but I mean if you’ve done a Rising by now, it’ll have felt really similar to the past ones. However, the second half was a curve ball I did not expect.
The “Legendary Composer” appears as a special guest this time around, and I was a mess of tears through this I got to be honest. Nobuo Uematsu’s work has touched and emotionally destroyed me ever since I started playing Final Fantasy, so him being here for this year’s Rising just ended me. It really was touching moment, with some other nice notes (no pun) to go along with the chat between the Minstrel and the Legendary Composer.
Evercold is going to do the same isn’t it; Soken has really taken that mantle up and ran crazy hard with it. Hopefully everyone out there got a chance to partake in the Rising event as well! Happy Anniversary to A Realm Reborn!
Sisters’ Fashion Report Adventure LXII
Episode LXII! – We are. Absolutely. Positively. Serious. Business.
Yes, really – we’re not anything else, nope, nadda.
Moonfire Faire 2026
As I mentioned in the recap, Aikirees and I went on over to partake/enjoy the Moonfire Faire this year. The actual quest for it was really quick – probably the quickest one for the entire year thus so far. This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s mostly to go and see the party boat again, jumping puzzle, a new platform that’s only accessible via cannon (yes lol), and the fireworks. The splendor of it all makes it so fun an magical.
We didn’t really stay all that long, but just long enough to see who would appear after the quest was over as per tradition when we go out there to enjoy Moonfire. We did try our luck on the cannons to get over to the new platform, but that didn’t go all so well. Might have stayed a bit longed at the pool, but we we’re off again to begin the Role Quests soon thereafter.
Happy Moonfire Faire y’all!
Glow Up
I’m pretty sure it’s been 3 or so years since I adjusted any of my outfits, but I know Aiki has been making adjustments ever since her transformation. My new Black Mage outfit is heavily garbed in a more recent set, the Courtly Lover’s, but specifically the Samurai variant. Meanwhile Aiki’s Paladin look takes on a few from the True Griffin set with a couple of other items like the gamblers gauntlets to finish it out.
She still continues to hold on tight to her shield as a memory to the first close friend she ever made while adventuring through Eorzea during Stormblood that ended up just simply poofing one day. Meanwhile I continue to use the branch-leaf staff that I have been using since Shadowbringers.
The Last Map
So, I don’t typically do this, and if you’ve happen upon this post based on the search algorithm, let me redirect you to The Firebird Theatre’s official site for performances and showtimes. As of this writing they’re putting on Beauty and the Beast for all of August, and I do intend to go to one of the showtimes, but just not sure when.
Years ago when Eorzea Cartographers was active and I was making maps for venues, I made one for The Firebird Theatre. To my understanding this is one of the the last known venues in the community that uses what ended up being the last map I ever created.
Eventually I’ll explain why and the unique crest that is placed onto said map, but this is more just a humbling remark to something I created for the community still being used to this day. I made a lot of maps for places from 2019 to 2024 – before I physically couldn’t do so anymore, and never asked for any sort of credit or compensation – just the fact I made them and it helped in some small way get folks to places was what made it all worth the effort.
Over the years I improved on them for my own reasons, with Firebird’s being the ultima collection of said work before my arm finally gave out. It’s really such an honor to see one still being used.
With that, however if one is still reading, please check them out and give them some loves – watch a show or two and enjoy a part of the Final Fantasy XIV community that has really lost a lot of support over the years.
I wish I had the arm strength to do one more or so for places like Nyah who have folks still there that have always supported me. I digress however; grab a friend or two, hop over to Faerie, and enjoy the shows!
Dragon Tails: Planning
Laureine approached the Forbidden Door held within The Archives, contemplating where to go within the halls this night. After discovering Elizara in a scroll many moons ago, she has had an urge to return and explore as much as possible every night. Hesitating wasn’t really her strong-suit with science involved, but she still did this night.
“So, this is where you keep sneaking off to.”
A voice behind Laureine startles her to the point of giving her a jump of a fright with a quick squeak. Laughter echoes in the common area from a very familiar voice.
“C-Cuz!?”
Lizicus, standing there confronting Laureine in her night gown.
“Duh, who else would it be?”
Laureine, pausing for a moment catching herself and coming back to reality.
“W-why are you awake!? Weren’t you asleep?”
“Well, yah, until the former little Missus hit me with that broom of a tail heading outside for whatever reason.”
Laureine couldn’t help but give out a soft chuckle.
“Sh-she does have quite the tail now, but why are you here?”
“I heard noises from The Archives and was curious.”
Laureine paused and thought for a moment.
“That’s… forward thinking for you.”
“H-hey!”
Laureine laughs.
“But seriously, Cuz, why?”
Lizicus ponders for a moment.
“…Are you… planning on heading back in there? On your own?”
“Well, I–“
Laureine pauses and falls into a loss of thought.
“…Let me come with you.”
Upon hearing this, Laureine is unsure how to react.
“Di-did I hear you…”
Lizicus nods.
“Duh, come on, let me join you!”
“…But what about here? Don’t you want to keep sleeping and doing your own thing while I’m away?”
Lizicus shakes her head in disagreement.
“Not if you’re not there, I’m only here because of you. Otherwise, I’d still be over in Othard.”
Laureine pauses to think on this; Lizicus is right in this regard however. Lizicus being free caring over in Othard only surviving on a whim and wherever the winds take her and no main objective or purpose, only for Laureine to have ‘recruited’ her for assisting in Cartographic related projects. With that all over now, Lizicus seeks a new purpose.
“W-well…”
“Cuz, come on, let me come along. You know I can be of help and I can swing a mean sword or fork.”
“T-that is true.”
Laureine pauses again to process this offer.
“Well. Alright, get your belongings in order; we’ll not return for a time, and I’ll go ahead with my final errands. We’ll meet back here in a few moons for departure.”
Lizicus jumps for joy.
“Aww yeeahhh!! Let’s DO this!!!”
The two depart the common area of The Archives with an agenda in order before their ultimately planned departure. Little do I know what they are planning just yet…
Cold of the Ever: Berlin
I watched (after I got up) the opening to FanFest: Berlin over the weekend, specifically the keynotes for 8.0+. Thus so far just about everything they’re adding or adjusting I feel pretty positive about. Adding in regional match-making prior to 8.0 will be a very nice boon to just about everything. I kind of also forgot 7.55 is this week too, but being busy with car headaches and other games, it just escaped me. To be honest, haven’t really even been around since Aiki and I got our last coin from Windurst.
We still have a bit of things to do, so we’ll have to return soon(ish) to take care of things and wrap everything up. I’m segwaying however. So, all of the new QoL and adjustments being added sound good, but I’m kind of mixed on Final Fantasy VII being the raid focal point – I mean, I get it since it’s one of if not the most popular Final Fantasy, but what concerns me is it’ll be aggressively placed in like how Final Fantasy IX to an extent was done as opposed to Final Fantasy IV or VIII with the Eden series. It’ll be a fun time regardless, but just a personal nitpick.
The Evangelion series I am so looking forward to, and the new addition to the Gold Saucer sounds like a lot of fun with the new typing ‘battle’ minigame plus rewards. Chocobo changes are great, which now means we need to get off our ears (and tail!) to actually finish leveling them for 8.0. HQ’s front yard is about to have an addenda soon to assist as well. There’s still other other other tasks and stories to finish up, so hoping with Hell Month ending and the car fiasco (mostly) over with, I can start to focus on all that again.
Beastmaster we’ll probably unlock, but not sure how much effort we’ll put into it – it does sound fun however. Hopefully back to somewhat regular posts here soon, in the meantime kick tails this week!
Home’sies
Whislt I don’t personally understand Aikirees’ first life, even with Mother trying to explain it in some sort of tangible way to “Tess” and I at a much younger age many many summers ago, whatever transpired through all of the Vana’Diel Echoes we encountered including this ‘Windurst’ one, seems to have given her a warmth that… I don’t believe I’ve ever seen before.
Sure Aiki is known for always looking on the up and up and seeing the best within someone, even a certain sythe welding Garlean we left out there at the edge of the universe, but this beaming warmth of a glow is certainly something else. Like it was missing all this time or simply “Tess” and I just never saw it clearly until now; whatever the case, I think a long lost part of her can be either put to rest or carried without burden here on out as we head onwards and prepare for our journey to the Fourth.
The Trail has been Dawned 7.5 (Part 1)
Aikirees and I took on the MSQ for part 1 of Patch 7.5 last night – this doesn’t include the new Vana’Diel raid as that is later this week. I really don’t have anything on the majorly critical side to say about it. If I very much enjoyed Patch 7.4, then this took all that and built upon that to make it even better. I could go into spoiler territory about some things, but I think I might just do a 7.1 to 7.5 spoiler-filled off-page like I did with all of 7.0 instead closer to 8.0.
I think I’ll leave it at that as to not ruin anything about it in a general post, that’s what the off-pages are for if I so desire, but I do cautiously optimistically look forward to seeing how things go within the community from here on out alongside all of this – and BOY HOWDY do we have a lot of new decoration space to play with now!
It’s going to be a busy few months ahead, but still hoping to wind it all down in June/July, as unfortunately to head into Evercold, it will be time for some changes as well.
Cold of the Ever
I had the North American FanFest Keynotes in the background going while at work, so I got to hear most of it. Just about everything they’re adding/adjusting in the new expansion Evercold looks to be colossal amounts of QoL changes that I really like. The only thing I don’t like (and it’s probably because it’s just announced) is the fact we’re heading to another reflection. The good is it can’t/doesn’t appear to retread on Shadowbringers, and the reason for reflection hopping now has changed, but I can’t help feel the similarity about it all.
Neon Genesis Evangelion as the raid series was way out of left field of a surprise, but seeing Final Fantasy XIV hopping over to Switch 2 is a very nice addenda to the platform lineup. It won’t make me run out and get a Switch 2, but it is good to see that option will now exist.
Now it’s just into Patch 7.5 and then until January of next year for the expansion to drop (thank you for not launching during the holidays again!!) That’s all the quick thoughts for now, and they’ll be more as we hear more. Happy Friday y’all! Enjoy FanFest!
Leporine Travelers: Cheerleader
During their adventures dealing assisting a certain mail moogle, Reinylla and Elizara happen upon a challenger for Triple Triad. It’s something that Reinylla seemed to have picked up the basics pretty quickly while Elizara still is trying to fully understand such a game. So, upon the 4th round coming to grips with the local rules, Reinylla decided to improvise with some encouragement.
Not only did the encouragement help, the next round she not only won but acquired the card that had been eluding her the entire time. This only made Reinylla’s cheering all the louder and more obnoxious if just for a quick spell, but regardless it caused the faintest of red to appear on Elizara’s face.
It would seem Elizara has found herself her very own cheerleader.
Leporine Travelers: One Year
There they were, just the two of them, having already been through so much, including an eternal bonding ceremony, back where they both met in Ul’Dah. Another Little Ladies’ Day resides upon them.
They wandered around a little bit, enjoying the sights, scenes, and cherry blossoms, finally coming upon the same stage that sent Elizara’s isolated heart a blazing to partake just a bit more in the concert that they have both come to love as their own. Not many words were passed, just their togetherness is all they needed, and with more adventures together ahead, that’s all they really needed.
Elizara had found a place, a mate, and a place to call home; meanwhile Reinylla found a lifelong companion to not only adventure with, but to be with. Their evening together at the concert was a magical spot where time stopped if not only for a moment. Moments that I am certain they’ll continue to have as they continue to travel and bond together over the summers ahead.
Holiday 2025 – Heavensturn
Heavensturn was a bit more of a mess personally than Starlight was. Due to how folks treat New Year’s week here (or lack thereof), we had to shoehorn it in just to get it done. The story itself about the little Unicorn that wanted to partake in this year’s event was absolutely adorable. It wasn’t super long of an event and no FATE to have to worry about – to me, this is fine, but I know some folks like those.
We all drew omikuji again this year, with (mostly) everyone getting pretty good fortunes. Poor Miss Lizz this year didn’t do as well, but she’ll be fine – she’ll probably just sleep it off on the couch like usual. The big moment this year was the proposal happening, so I know those two won’t forget that.
As for everyone out there, y’all have a really wonderful New Years 2026. I realize it’s getting really dark out there, and the light before the dawn shows up anytime now. Hang in there as best as you can, we’ll get through this.
Holiday 2025 – Starlight
Starlight of 2025 was marvelous as always. The Starlight stalls returned from last year as did a continuation of the story from last year as well. It was a bit longer with conceptualizing warm & cozy drinks from all three city-states, and mugs to match. The details on the mugs are really nice (I personally like the Limsa Mug the most, even from being a Gridania native). The emotes that came with them are rather expressive, even on us Vieras.
The quest/story included a minigame of handing out the appropriate drinks (no lose-scenario, only the dialog would change), which was a nice change from the usual just running around and chatting with the locales. As for the Starlight Stalls themselves, seeing them again in all their glory was lovely and some returning characters paid a visit as well and depending on how far one was in the MSQ and side-quests, would also see some other folks pay a visit too once the quests were all done.
All and all, a very enjoyable time with all of the festivities throughout the realm. We did sneak on over to Jeuno and pick up a very nostalgic song for HQ to play during the season as well – one from Aikirees’ first live so many summers ago now.
Hope everyone really had a wonderful Starlight season of 2025!
Hnnnnggg
Argh! Okay. so. The planned project took EIGHT HOURS to do, so my whole weekend fell way behind. I think this weekend I’m just going to take a break and get some relaxing done and work in my home office instead for once. Every time I try and plan around something, it just backfires beautifully.
The actual project, as much as it was such a pain, went and works perfectly – so I am glad I did it, but boy howdy it was rough. After it was done, started the new season of Fallout, and that’s been a grand time thus so far. It’s already much better than the last season in terms of pacing.
Everyone got a good full week in Eorzea however, and that was nice to get back to that again. The community was pretty warm too, a warmth that I haven’t felt or seen in so long. It was really wonderful, and hope to see more of it. With the (possible) breather weekend coming up, might go ahead and finish off Arcadion as well… maybe. If not soon enough, or we’ll just weave it into the weekly routines.
Happy Monday y’all! Kick tails and have a wonderful one!
Dragoon Flair
While in an effort to lessen the shoulder armors, Aikirees has been trying to figure out what to do for certain classes. Thanks to the 7.4 glam-break, she finally has the answer to her Dragoon utilizing the Monk’s Heavensward Tantra Chestwrap. The rest of her outfit didn’t really change all that much leaving a lot of dragon scales showing, especially on her legs. The final tie-in being the Gambler’s Gloves rather than what she used to use, which was one of the gatherer’s half gloves around level 40 or so.
I think she’s aiming for another outfit change in the near future, but at least for now she’s gotten more of her fuzzy charm out there while adventuring whether with me or on her own.
What was to be Done
I kind of just got lost in time, standing there in the entryway to the office, staring at it all. Still piles of papers, letters, and notes all strewn across it. Flowers frozen in time and so many coffee mugs. It was always a mess, but it was my mess that I carried with me across three desks all the way starting back when I was still housed within the Aether Event Center’s manor.
Now it’s… all over, just a bunch of mostly fond memories. Ending the entirety of the map program was just simply bittersweet that had and continues to have even afterwards, unwavering support from a lot of the folks I’ve met over its 5 year run. I’d have never of guessed going to the Aether Event Center’s manor for that first big event would have led all the way to this moment, and here it is. It’s simply just over.
I really don’t know how long I stood there before I felt the brush of a horn on my arm. Had I not only not heard Miss Laureine’s approach and greeting, it wasn’t until she got my attention that it snapped me back into reality. I think she knew what had happened not even hearing the news directly. She knew I finally did it, and it was all from the way she interacted with me in that entryway. She gave me a side hug and really said nothing – a silent grieving moment between us within HQ. Aikirees was out and about and Lizz was fast asleep on the couch on the first floor (because of course), so it was really just us in that moment.
“…Thank you.” I finally said acknowledging Miss Laureine’s presence. This certainly wasn’t planned, and I really didn’t expect to linger there as long as I did. She nodded and turned to slowly head back upstairs to her tasks unknown to me. It sure was something, but now it all can rest, and I can adventure forward knowing for a time I was ‘uniting Eorzea, one map at a time.’
The Trail has been Dawned 7.4
Aikirees and I blew through the entirety of the Main Scenario Quest last night. Overall this was a solid patch and hasn’t wavered in that regard (yet). The last set of Arcadian still needs to be tackled, but due to holiday scheduling, that might be delayed out a bit further than typical.
I doubt I’ll do or mention much in regards to the actual story progression at this point, but possible in 7.5 or 7.55; just depends on how I feel about all of the post patches as a whole once it gets closer to 8.0. it is better, but we’ll see. I am looking forward to Arcadian once we all get around to it, and there’s that Monster Hunter Trial we’ve yet to even unlock.
More adventures await~!
The Trail is Dawning 7.4
The cousins, even with some valiant efforts, did not fully Dawn the 7.4 Trail in one evening. It’s rare as the last time this happened was 6.3(ish), but got far enough at the very least. This is just a quick general thought in regards to the pacing and content – not the story.
I’ve disliked a large portion of Dawntrail after Shaaloani (even two things prior regarding the dungeons), and have my criticisms of 7.1 and 7.2 for one or more reasons, but starting with 7.3 and now with 7.4, this is starting to feel right again. I’m not talking story (as that’s a whole different container to talk about), but just the actual content: the new dungeon and trial in particular. These both are just a lot of enjoyable fun and not a lot of overcomplications that I haven’t seen really since Endwalker. 7.3 did address a bit of this, but this patch nailed it.
I’m not sure what the new Heavyweight fights are going to be like (probably bonkers like the last set in a good way – mostly), but in terms of the MSQ content, this is finally fun and enjoyable again. Now if only we can get the playerbase’s overall empathy back to where it once was.