u/AlexanderMBush

Finally committed to the DT Hildibrand Series ahead of the upcoming release in a few months--Hildibrand's always been a special series for my FFXIV journey due to the feeling of comfort and joy you can have. Prior to DT, ARR's Hildibrand had continued to be my clear favorite. The stakes, character dynamics, and comedic tone felt like it had a perfect balance that made it on the thin line remarkably well (and the Scholasticate Storyline in Heavensward prior to this was my favorite FFXIV side story in general).

DT Hildibrand, feels like the logical evolution of ARR Hildibrand in stakes and tone, but with the writing quality of Scholasticate. Hardiboiled cements himself as one of my new favorite characters in the Hildibrand series alongside the likes of Ellie. The dynamics he shares with WoL (ESPECIALLY THE WOL), Nashu/Hildi, and the various characters is so fucking good.

The dynamic and rapport of Hardiboiled and the WoL reminds me so fondly of what I love of Scholasticate, of how it made you feel like you worked alongside a similar like minded peer for the betterment of the smaller people in lieu of things going beyond. But it's elevated, because of the scale of Hildibrand's humor.

The egg making sequence and the rapport of Hardiboiled and WoL in 7.45's quests feel so good too. It feels like someone who understands the similar struggles we feel, but also a desire to do good.

Genuinely don't want this Hildibrand story to end. I kind of really hope if we go for another Hildibrand break with 8.x, that we get a dedicated Hardiboiled questline series on the dramatic scale of Scholasticate. I want to see more of this grisled, hard-boiled detective, and I am really happy with the end result.