Eorzean Evening Post: Celebrating All Saint’s Wake .

I have to admit that every year, no matter what MMO I’m playing, the Halloween event is one that I enjoy most. I like a good fright, I’m no stranger to horror movies or games, and a creepy story can stick in my mind for days as I ponder its greater meaning.

When I first started playing Final Fantasy XIV back in 2013, I was still fairly new to the world of Eorzea as All Saint’s Wake descended upon the cities. Just like all festivals and celebrations in FFXIV, this holiday even has a bit of lore that brings it to life. The quests this year refer back to characters and situations that happened in the events in the past two years. So, before I discuss this year’s event, I want to look back on the story of All Saint’s Wake in the past.

 

Of the Saints

Who exactly are the saints of all Saint’s Wake? Throughout FFXIV, the game refers to these historical figures of Eorzea, known as saints. There are locations named after these saints, and White Mages even have a skill called Shroud of Saints! So, they must be pretty important people.

The lore indicates they were heroic adventurers whom even the Twelve hold in respect. For example, Saint Daniffen was an Elezen who was famous for slaying the monstrous Basilisk. Because of his courage, he was named a saint and his image is depicted on the Valor Guildleve card.

Up until now, I never really paid attention to the images on the cards we pulled for Guildleves. It seems that these cards are themed after the saints and pay homage to their contributions to history, including warriors, gatherers and crafters.

 

The History

So we have a group of saints whom the Twelve pay their respects to. And how do they do that? By inviting the saints out to dinner once a year  — I’m talking a huge feast that takes place in the celestial realms. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal… so what’s the catch?

Well, while the Twelve are partying it up with the saints, there’s no one to watch what’s going on in Eorzea. This means the divine protection the Twelve provided to their people simply vanishes during All Saint’s Wake. Naturally, that means it’s time for the creepy crawlies to come out.

The void-sent and their kin come to Eorzea in droves to cause all sorts of troubles. In fact, they’re doubly bad and sure to make up for all the rest of the time when they’re unable to run rampant. This terrifies the people of Eorzea so much that they resorted to locking their doors and hiding away at night during All Saint’s Wake.

Well, all except for the adventures, who wouldn’t be put off by a few scary creatures. These adventurers protected the people and work to restore All Saint’s Wake as a time for celebration, rather than fear.

 

Recent History

In 2013, the All Saint’s Wake storyline introduced a strange troupe of wandering actors called the Continental Circus. They travel through the cities dressed in fantastical, and rather realistic, disguises and spread tales of whimsical conjury to encourage festive feelings during the dark season.

As you worked through the quests that the members of the circus gave you, things got stranger and stranger. The final outcome was your discovery that the disguises the members wore weren’t actually disguises at all. Instead, the Continental Circus was made up of members of void-sent who apparently just want to use their short time of freedom during All Saint’s Wake to enthrall and interact with the citizens of Eorzea in a positive way. Fiends just wanna have fun.

In 2014, the Continental Circus returned with their hijinks. However, this time, there were those who were suspicious about the true nature of their intentions. You are sent to investigate the activity, which included a parade in which illusions transformed players into everything from standard game creatures to popular NPCs. You were basically there to ensure that the fiends were not trying to bring about the legendary Night of Devilry.

It turns out that the Impresario, the leader of the Continental Circus, is indeed trying to revive the Night of Devilry. Yet, every attempt they make seems to fail or become misled. The newest quests in 2015 show that the citizens of Eorzea have someone… unknown… looking out for them after all.

All Saint’s Wake 2015

This year’s event is a chain of three quests that are entertaining, but rather quick to finish. Unlike last year, there are no FATEs to run or tokens to earn the holiday prizes. But there are a lot of great rewards!

Players must be level 20 to take part in the new All Saint’s Wake quests, which start near the Amphitheater in Gridania. The Impresario and the Continental Circus have returned again, and this time the Adventurer’s Guild is dogging their every step. In offering to help, you find out that the circus members have no interest in engaging any of the adults. Their target this time is the children of Eorzea.

Once again, you will have to foil their plans in the series of quests that keep you pretty close to home around Gridania. The plentiful rewards are given out at every step, too, which is pretty crazy considering the type of stuff we’re getting.

This year, the first quest rewards you with a witch outfit, but one that’s more refined than last years – think Hildibrand-type cosmetics. This snazzy outfit is completely dyeable, too!

The second quest rewards you with a brand new minion, the Pumpkin Butler. He reminds me a bit of the Impresario, actually!

And the final reward for the quest line is the witch’s broom. Not only is this a cute little mount that’s different than anything we’ve been given before, but it’s a flying mount that you can use like any other in Heavensward areas.

Alongside of that, you can purchase All Saint’s décor for your personal house, personal room. or FC house from a vendor at the Amphitheater in Gridania. None of this requires any kind of grind or points – all transactions are pure gil, and they aren’t that expensive. You can choose from a table, chair, pumpkin bowl, outdoor lamp, toy succubus and even wallpaper.

I’ve heard a few critiques of the event so far. I, like others, am not exactly sure why the quests required level 20. None of the places we went to were dangerous to travel to and none of the quests required battle.

I’ve heard some folks comment that the quests felt rather short, but they were happy with the even rewards. They also pointed out that the English translation actually had a lot of funny references to the Terminator movie, which is something I’d missed if someone hadn’t mentioned it.

The All Saint’s Wake event lasts until Wednesday, November 4. So if you want in on these great cosmetics, housing items, and neat flying mount, be sure to get over to Gridania and pick up this quest chain!