Sharlayan Dropouts: A Final Fantasy XIV Podcast

Nadia Interviews Zafflesia

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Victor is out this week for his IRL Ceremony of Eternal Bonding so Nadia is chewing the porxie fat with her longtime friend Zafflesia.
Learn all about their friendship, their shared appreciation for Dragoons, and their predictions for 8.0 and beyond.
Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

Music Used in this Episode:

Ride the Rhythm - [Final Fantasy XIV]
Back to the Drawing Board - [Final Fantasy XIV]
Unleashed - [Final Fantasy XIV]

Dawntrail 7.3 The Promise of Tomorrow

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

It's the conclusion of Dawntrail's latest arc and some questions are answered while some are asked. For instance; "How did Resident Evil puzzles get into my Final Fantasy?" or "Will we ever learn who the 14 Ascians were during the convocation meetings in ARR?"
The morning has come to Alexandria and Victor and Nadia are here to discuss it all.
Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

In this episode:

Why Necron works and has always worked
Moonfire Faire 2025
Everyone loves Shale
How to escape from Expansion Jail
Quality of Life Improvements in 7.3

Music Used in this Episode:

Ronfaure - [Final Fantasy XI - Dawntrail]
Moonfire Faire - [Final Fantasy XIV]
Melodies of Life - [Yusuke Hirado]

Dawntrail One Year Later

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0000

We're halfway through the expansion cycle and that means Dawntrail is one entire year old. It's been a divisive expansion but how does it hold up now that it's had time to marinate? Does its slow-burn story of grief and loss hold up, do the pay-offs pay-off, or are the haters right? Victor and Nadia discuss the arc of 7.0, what it did right, where it might have stumbled, and the lessons we can take from the powerful narrative.
Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

In this episode:

Expensive cash shop items
Moogle Treasure Trove
The Primals: Dark Decades album mini-review
Wuk Lamat and Sphene as foils

Music Used in this Episode:

Taco Delight - [Final Fantasy XIV - Dawntrail]
Morrow's Might - [Final Fantasy XIV - Dawntrail]
Windswept Echoes - [Final Fantasy XIV - Dawntrail]
Paved in Solitude - [Final Fantasy XIV - Dawntrail]

Yoshi-P's Anime Expo Panel

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:52:00 -0000

Naoki Yoshida surprised us all with a panel not specifically about Final Fantasy XIV, but rather his personal tastes in media and what has influenced his career. Victor and Nadia discuss this insightful talk and the surprising and not-so-surprising anime, manga, and movies that have found their way into the DNA of Final Fantasy XIV through Yoshi-P.
Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

In this episode:

Final Fantasy XI's Abyssea
Power Rangers
Galaxy Express 999
Why Contact is better than Interstellar
Bowling for Soup

Music Used in this Episode:

Teardrops In The Rain - [Final Fantasy XIV - Heavensward]
Shinryu - [Final Fantasy XI - Heroes of Abyssea]
Ride the Rhythm - [Final Fantasy XIV - Dawntrail]
The Black Wolf Stalks Again - [Final Fantasy XIV - Shadowbringers]

Occult Crescent Impressions, Live Letter 87 Patch 7.3

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Patch 7.3 The Promise of Tomorrow will be here early August and we're here to discuss everything that was dropped in the recent Live Letter! Plus, we've had a couple weeks in the Occult Crescent; has it lived up to Victor's lofty expectations? Will Nadia see this Field Operation to the end? All this and much more on this week's Sharlayan Dropouts!
Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

In this episode:

Occult Crescent Impressions
Occult Crescent Feedback
San d'Oria - The Second Walk
Treasure Maps
Deep Dungeons
Relic Weapon Grinds
Chat Bubbles

Music Used in this Episode:

Teardrops In The Rain - [Final Fantasy XIV - Heavensward]
Ride the Rhythm - [Final Fantasy XIV - Dawntrail]
The Pioneers - [Final Fantasy XI - Seekers of Adoulin]
Bee My Honey - [Final Fantasy XIV - Dawntrail]

Top 15 Summer Vacation Spots

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:07:00 -0000

The weather is heating up so join Victor, Nadia, and special guest Sena Bryer as they take you on a road trip through the hottest summer vacation destinations in Eorzea and beyond. Tell us your dream vacation spots over on the discord!
Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

Music Used in this Episode:

O Speaker, Slumber
The Open Box
A Reason to Live
Ceruleum Smoke at High Noon

Sharlayan Dropouts - The Private Lives of FFXIV's Rabbits

Wed, 28 May 2025 20:43:00 -0000

We love our Final Fantasy XIV rabbits here at Sharlayan Dropouts, oh yes we do. Nadia took over the show this week to do some research about FFXIV's rabbit-based races, including the Loporrits, the mighty Viera, and the enigmatic Mysidian rabbit.

What makes these rabbit races distinct from each other? How are they inspired by different rabbit species from around the world? From the aggressive Vii to the soft Hummingway, we here at Sharlayan Dropouts are proud to present you with what we all want: Rabbits. Lagomorphs. Bunnies.

Music used in this episode:

The Nautilus Knoweth [FF XIV]
Mystic Mysidia [FF IV]
Dancing Calcabrina [FF IV]
The Lunarians [FF IV]
One Small Step [FF XIV]
Civilizations [FF XIV]
Cerulean Embers by Dusk [FF XIV]
Ink Long Dry [FF XIV]

Field Studies - Alzadaal's Legacy

Wed, 14 May 2025 20:25:00 -0000

"Tell me, have you been to the ruins beneath the waters of the Bounty?
As the bearer of Azem's crystal, you may consider your duty to see at least that much."
On this entry into the ongoing Field Studies series of guided commentary tracks, join Victor as he takes a tour through Endwalker's 6.1 MSQ Dungeon, Alzadaal's Legacy. From the history of alchemy, to the history of climbing through the bodies of big dead robots, this episode has it all.
Music in this Episode:

The Map Unfolds - [Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker]

Jeweled Boughs - [Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan]

7.21 Cosmic Exploration

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:49:00 -0000

There ain't no whales so we tell tall tales and sing a whaling tune!
Part 1 of Cosmic Exploration has arrived and with it a new large-scale endeavor for Disciples of the Land and Hand!
Victor and Nadia discuss the tension between enjoying a mindless grind vs being complicit in capitalism training software.
We like doing stuff for these rabbits, we like to gamble, and goshdarnit we just like the moon!
Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

Also in this episode:

The joy of fishing
I sure like Phantasy Star Online 2

Music Used in this Episode:

Carrots of Happiness
Ride the Rhythm
Battle 2 - Final Fantasy IV

Top 10 Mounts

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:06:00 -0000

Let's ride!

Victor and Nadia discuss the appeal of Final Fantasy XIV's mounts, whether they're collectors or not, and what kinds of mounts they'd like to see in the future. From the humble Chocobo to the most extravagant Savage rewards, it's mounts all the way down, babyyyyy!

Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

Also in this episode:

Hatchingtide 2025
The joy of Dawntrail Extremes

Music Used in this Episode:

Ride the Rhythm
Paved in Solitude
Wicked Winds Whisper
Gangos

Pro Wrestling & The Arcadion

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Did not expect such a scathing indictment of the corruption at the heart of sports entertainment but here we are!

Besides learning which singlet-tearing wrestler is the biggest piece of crap, Victor and Nadia discuss the music that inspired the themes of each fight.

Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

Also in this episode:

First impressions on the Final Fantasy XIV TTRPG Standard Rulebook
The MSQ is perfectly fine

Music Used in this Episode:

Ride the Rhythm
Back to the Drawing Board
Not Afraid
Unleashed

What's New In 7.2 Seekers of Eternity?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0000

We're back and on the cusp of one of the biggest patches we've ever seen. With a story that will undoubtedly zig instead of zag, the arrival of Robo-Beatrix, the unexpected return of the ante-diluvian city-states, and an entire system of Sub Jobs that could warm the heart of any FFXI player, Seeker of Eternity is going to be huge. Listen as Victor, Nadia, Eric, and Mike discuss what they're most excited about on this brand-new episode of what is defnitely Season 2 of Sharlayan Dropouts!

Tune in to live recordings of the show every other Monday at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for ad-free episodes, discord access, and more at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

Also in this episode:

Eric and Mike reveal that they don't even like the best Final Fantasy
Nadia's Island Sanctuary addiction
Victor spends too much time looking at Amdapori spires

Music Used in this Episode:

Teardrops In The Rain
Torrent
Infinity
Shadow of the Body
The Day Will Come (Endwalker)

Dawntrail Post-MSQ Impressions

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:00:00 -0000

With Dawntrail's MSQ wrapped up it's time to get back to bees-ness as usual. The Arcadion has re-opened, spirits stir in a lost pocket dimension, and some sabotender's need a wranglin'. Victor, Nadia, and Mike discuss the usual side-quests to be found at the end of an expansion and what their routines look like now that we've transitioned into end-game mode. Plus, FFXIV TTRPG news, more bubble tea, and why sometimes XIV music ISN'T as good as it could be. GASP!

All this and more on this week's episode of Sharlayan Dropouts!

And if you're listening to this on the paid feed, do us a favour and subscribe to the free feed as well and rate and review us while you're there. It means a ton.

And if you're listening to this on the FREE feed, head on over to https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and get yourself some ad-free episodes plus a ton of bonus episodes as well as discord access to join our amazing community of XIV players!

Music

Bee My Honey

It's Showtime!

Dawntrail Impressions - Part 3

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 22:21:02 -0000

Victor, Nadia, and Eric cover Zone 5 through to the end of the 7.0 MSQ. THIS IS YOUR SPOILER WARNING. Does Sphene work as a character? Is the climax climactic enough? And where do we go from here?

They also discuss recent Interviews with Yoshi-P at Japan Expo, how best to enjoy bubble tea, and why the amount of experience we get during MSQ is actually just FINE.

Music

Tuliyollal Day

Shaaloani Day

Dawntrail Impressions Part 2

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 23:14:49 -0000

For ad-free episodes and bonus episodes head to https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod

From deep in the rainforests of Yak T'el, to the trains and plains of Shaaloani, to the perplexingly sci-fi corridors of Vanguard, we're covering it all on this week's episode of Sharlayan Dropouts. Victor, Nadia, and Mike are all well past the halfway point of Dawntrail's story and they can't wait to discuss everything we've seen so far.

We'll be covering Trial 1, Dungeons 3 and 4, up until the beginning of Zone 5, so prepare to enter some Spoiler Country.

Music:

Tuliyollal Day Theme

Shaaloani Day Theme

Dawntrail First Impressions

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0000

It's here and it has a horn section. Join Nadia, Victor, and Mike as they dive into the first hours of Dawntrail up until the first Trial. Hear all about the zones, dungeons, characters, why some are calling it Stormblood 2.0, and why that's actually a compliment.

Topics:

Wuk Lamat, yay or nay?
Zone pacing
Why we'll never get another In From the Cold, probably
That's Jazz, baby
We're getting so close to Fantasy Canada we can taste it
And more!
Music
Tuliyollal (Day)

Dawntrail Predictions

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Just in time for 48-hour maintenance, say goodbye to Endwalker and hello to your new dad, Dawntrail! In this prediction-packed episode Nadia and Victor stake their claim on what MIGHT happen in Dawntrail's story. They also take predictions submitted by the community and spike them directly into the dirt. Plus, exciting news from the preliminary patch notes! Get hype!

Music In This Episode

Tuliyollal Theme (Day) - Dawntrail

Tuliyollal Theme (Night) - Dawntrail

Dawntrail Media Tour Recap

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

"It's always darkest before the dawn" is a phrase I've personally never understood. That's just not how the sky works; it very obviously gets lighter and lighter until the moment dawn breaks. Well whatever. Not only is it not XIV's darkest hour before Dawntrail, it's quite lovely! Plenty of in-game events have been keeping us busy but most important is the real-world media tour that just happened in North America and Europe. With that comes lots of interviews, previews, and reveals so Victor and Nadia are here to talk you through as much of it as we've been able to process!

Music In This Episode

Tuliyollal Theme (Day) - Dawntrail

Tuliyollal Theme (Night) - Dawntrail

FFV's Influence on FFXIV

Sat, 25 May 2024 00:00:00 -0000

It's Part V of our ongoing retrospective and that means it's morphin' time! Join Victor, Nadia, and special guest Sena Bryer (Wuk Lamat) as they explore the perfection of the Job System, our favourite "ladies who dress like men", and what clues might be in plain sight for the future of FFXIV. All while strictly maintaining the integrity of non-disclosure agreements!

Music In This Episode:

The Day Will Come - Endwalker

Clash on the Big Bridge - Sekizima Takeo

The Battle - Final Fantasy V OST

Pirates Ahoy - Final Fantasy V OST

Clash on the Big Bridge - Ryu Kawamura

Further Reading:

Final Fantasy V - Chris Kohler

https://bossfightbooks.com/products/final-fantasy-v-by-chris-kohler

Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary Special Interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B-iw8qhZbQ

AGDQ 2024 - Final Fantasy V Speedrun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amyuJjTe5gk

FFXIV Fanfic Writing 101 - Tear Down the Walls

Wed, 08 May 2024 22:15:34 -0000

Hello, Dropouts. It's just Nadia today, and the gods know she's not smart enough to keep the students warm, fed, and entertained. She can, however, talk to the masses about the art of writing Final Fantasy XIV fanfiction. Plus, she provides tricks and tips for developing your Warrior of Light's "home map" so that it becomes a world unto itself--not just a mere collection of loose landmarks!

Music Used in This Episode:

Shadowbringers theme (FFXIV)
Crush Crawfish's Stage (Mega Man X3)
Serenity (FFXIV)
The Dark Star (Secret of Mana)
Wailers and Waterwheels (FFXIV)
Dedicated to Moonlight (FFXIV)
A Land Long Dead (FFXIV)

Spoiler Level Alert: Green

No major story spoilers, just fanfic talk!

Benchmark Impressions and Live Letter LXXX

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 04:30:00 -0000

Our first steps into Tural are fast approaching and the official benchmark is here to whet our appetites. Victor, Nadia, and Mike discuss the 14-hour livestream, what the graphics update has done to our Warriors of Light, the many exciting teases in the benchmark trailer, and more on this episode of a very good Final Fantasy XIV podcast.

Also:

- Stranger of Paradise was really good

- A tribe consisting entirely of Rob Paulsens

- The Archons play Who's That Minion? (name pending)

Music In This Episode:

Dawntrail Benchmark BGM

Final Fantasy IV's Influence on XIV w/Marc Duddleson

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:32:00 -0000

Ahoy there Dropouts, and welcome to a lengthy in-depth study about Final Fantasy IV's influence on Final Fantasy XIV! Final Fantasy IV first came to the Super Famicom in 1991, and is still regarded as Final Fantasy's first instance of getting deep into narrative. Unsurprisingly, many of the characters, locales, monsters, and lore Final Fantasy IV introduced us to has been given ample representation in Final Fantasy XIV. Black Chocobos! The Dragoon Pose!™ Troia! Tall men in black armour! And gee Zero, how come Hydelin lets you have TWO moons? Nadia, Victor, and Marc Duddleson from My Life in Gaming tally up the references.

Music Used in this Episode:

Zeromus Phase 2: The Red Wings [Final Fantasy XIV]
Baron Kingdom/The Lunar Subterrain [Final Fantasy XIV]
Another Moon [Final Fantasy XIV]
Forged in Crimson [Final Fantasy XIV]

Spoiler Level: Red. We talk about all the story content in the game up through the end of 6.x!

Final Fantasy III's Influence on XIV

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 22:54:16 -0000

Stock up on shuriken because this episode is all about the hugely influential (if only in Japan) Final Fantasy III. And the fact we don't even mention the naming differences between FFIII for SNES vs. FFVI vs. the ACTUAL FFIII means maybe the world has moved on!

Join Archons Victor Hunter, Nadia Oxford, and special guest Retro Ali as we take a deep dive into the Crystal Tower, the Warriors of Darkness, Eureka, and more!

Music in this Episode:

Battle 2 - [Final Fantasy III]

Battle 2 - [Final Fantasy III - Four Souls -]

Shattered - [Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn]

The Reach of Darkness - [Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn]

Eternal Wind - [Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn]

Interview with Sena Bryer (Wuk Lamat)

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 22:30:00 -0000

The wait for Dawntrail continues but to tide us all over the talented Sena Bryer (the voice of Wuk Lamat herself!) stops by Dropouts HQ to talk about her experience as both a fan and cast member of Final Fantasy XIV. We discuss the excitement in the lead up to her Fan Fest reveal, her ongoing pacifist run of FFXIV, the 1.0 days, her history with FFXI, and more on this very special episode of Sharlayan Dropouts!

Final Fantasy II's Influence on XIV w/ Christa Lee

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0000

Part 2 of our 16-ish-month-long series is here! There's no shortage of people who claim II is The Worst One so the Dropouts are here to tell you why they're wrong. Victor is joined by special guest Christa Lee to discuss Dragoons, Dark Knights, Despots, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Does Final Fantasy II get enough credit for the major influences it had on Final Fantasy XIV and the Final Fantasy series going forward? You can probably guess that it does not! So let's give it some! Also let's go on tangents about FFXI and early Japanese PC adventure games!

Music In This Episode:

Rebel Army - [Final Fantasy II]

Battle Theme 1.x - [Final Fantasy XIV]

Sharlayan Dropouts - Valentione's Day Special 2024

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Love it or hate it, it's once again the time of year where the Dropouts directly and indirectly reveal way too much about themselves for the sake of a ridiculous Top 12 list. In what will surely be a strong contender for "Episode of a Final Fantasy Podcast Where The Hosts Make Up The Most Euphemisms For Doing it", Victor, Nadia, Mike, and Eric assemble the sexiest roster of FFXIV NPCs to duke it out for the prestigious title of Etheirys' Most Bankable Slampiece. Don't tell your girlfriend about this thirsty, deeply unpleasant, X-rated episode of Sharlayan Dropouts! You won't last 30 seconds!

Sharlayan Dropouts - Final Fantasy I References in XIV

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0000

If Final Fantasy XIV is a theme park then that means Mount Gulg is the Matterhorn, Matoya's Cave is It's A Small World, and Elidibus is someone wearing Mickey Mouse's skin! This all makes sense to me and it might even make sense to you after you listen to this episode! Victor, Nadia, and special guest Ash Paulsen talk all about the many many allusions in Final Fantasy XIV to the game that started it all; Final Fantasy. Choose your four favourite jobs and your four favourite four-letter words because we're going to the beginning and discussing how the original FF is still deeply important to understanding FFXIV, from 1.0 all the way to Dawntrail.

Shadowbringers Spoilers:

Rougly 1:11:00 - 1:19:00

Music In This Episode:

Opening Theme - Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

Tokyo Fan Fest Recap w/ Harper Jay

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0000

The Fan Fest cycle has come to a close but that just means the Dawntrail hype is kicking into 4th gear as Summer(?) 2024 gets closer and closer. Tokyo Fan Fest 2024 was full of exciting announcements; Pictomancer, Female Hrothgar, Echoes of Vana'diel, and more! And to kick off the New Year we have a very special guest, Double Fine's own Harper Jay, to join Victor, Nadia, and Mike on the panel.

And remember that Sharlayan Dropouts has moved to a WEEKLY format so if you're listening on the free feed you're only getting half the story. Head over to patreon.com/bloodgodpod to hear all the Dropouts you've been missing out on and be sure to join us on the Discord for all kinds of community events and discussion.

Ending Music for this Episode:

Mithra - [Final Fantasy XI]

Sharlayan Dropouts: In Celebration of FFXIV's Crazy Amazing Music in 2023

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:56:53 -0000

Lali-ho all you dropouts, troublemakers, and ne'er-do-wells! It's me, Nadia, Sharlayan's worst academic. What do bad academics do when they're supposed to be studying? Listen to music, of course. That's what today is all about. Since Vic is out of town for a little while, I thought I'd do a solo episode that explores some of the best songs FFXIV treated us to in 2023. Epic raids! Epic bosses! Love goddesses that look like Hatsune Mikune! Oh, forgive me Lady Menphina. Don't strike me down with crotch rot. Have I mentioned your dog is awesome?

Sharlayan Dropouts - FFXIV Fanfest London 2023 and a Whack of Predictions

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 19:45:40 -0000

Good morning Dropouts. I hope every single one of you skipped out on your education to stream the 2023 Fanfest at London. The event brought as much FFXIV-related merriment as you'd expect, but the real meat of the show (aside from the thicc monster-meat steaks being grilled up by the Mamool Ja) was the new Dawntrail trailer and the new job reveal: Viper. Oh, and there was news about the next Alliance raid being based in the world of Final Fantasy XI. Rest assured, Victor has things to say about it. Actually, we all have a lot of things to say, so slip this tape into your Sony Walkman and turn it up when your teacher turns her back.

Spoiler Warning Level: Yellow. Past game content comes into our discussions about Dawntrail, but we don't focus on any story specifics.

Sharlayan Dropouts - Tokyo Game Show Live Letter Re-cap

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

It's the beginning of the end! Or rather the end of Endwalker which was the end of the beginning, which is ending after this beginning ends and it's ending begins. Archons Nadia Oxford and Victor Hunter take you through the most important information to come out of the recent Live Letter from the Tokyo Game Show floor to get you prepped for Patch 6.5 Growing Light. New mounts, more Zero, and snarky comments to landlords make this a must-listen episode for anyone looking forward to the final major patch of 2023!

Sharlayan Dropouts LIVE - Vegas Fan Fest 2023

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

If you missed our annual Axe of the Blood God Charity Livestream now is your chance to catch up on our initial impressions of all the exciting news that came out of Las Vegas Fan Fest 2023! New World, new console, new para-dye-gm. Plus, we have to stop talkin' TMNT on SD.

Sharlayan Dropouts: WoL in A Million

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 21:15:18 -0000

Turns out people like talking about their Warriors of Light! A lot!

But what makes the WoL such a compelling avatar/character/actor in a genre not known for its interesting player characters? Hosts Victor Hunter, Nadia Oxford, Mike Williams, and Eric Van Allen discuss how they feel about their Eorzean proxy and what that means for roleplay as well as FFXIV’s ambitious narrative. We also get a chance to feature some comments from our wonderful Discord community.

Spoiler Level - Orange: Some revelations from late in Shadowbringers are alluded to, as well as the backstory of the Warrior of Light.

Music:

“Opening Theme” - Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

Sharlayan Dropouts: Field Studies - Eureka Anemos (Part 1)

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 22:07:31 -0000

You got your Final Fantasy XI in my Final Fantasy XIV! Get ready to shout chat and learn Red Mage as we start our journey through the completely different game that is Eureka. References to FFV and FFXI abound, getting from point A to point B has never been more treacherous, and Victor finds another chance to monologue about loading zones. Hopefully this episode will ease the pain of the grind, even just a little.

Music used in this episode:

“Ronfaure” from Final Fantasy XI - NaNaa Mihgo’s - Stolen Hearts

Sharlayan Dropouts: Blue Mage 101

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:43:36 -0000

We hurl halibut and homilize halitosis but by The Twelve we look good doing it on this episode of Sharlayan Dropouts. It’s all things Blue Mage this week with your hosts Victor Hunter, Nadia Oxford, and special guest Eric Van Allen. Where did the Blue Mage originate? What’s the appeal of its innately masochistic mechanics? And what does the future of Blue Mage look like for Final Fantasy XIV? We talk about all that and more including out hopes for The New World, breaking systems over your knee, and Blue Mage Fortnite!

Spoiler Level Blue: And not just Level Blue for obvious reasons. I’m honestly insulted you’d think I’d make a joke that predictable. No, this episode is basically spoiler-free besides some early Blue Mage Job Quests and some discussion about elements we hope to see in later expansions. Unless I forgot something. In which case, sorry.

Sharlayan Dropouts: Field Studies - The Twinning

Thu, 11 May 2023 01:32:00 -0000

Kick back and relax as Field Studies returns for a guided audio commentary track through fan-favourite Shadowbringers dungeon, The Twinning. Sharlayan Dropouts host Victor Hunter takes you through the history of the Crystal Tower, the cascading effect that delays in the mid-2000s had on Square that are still being felt today, and the crystalline metaphor at the heart of this tragic-but-hopeful tale.

Spoiler level: Yellow. The Twinning quest is available at the conclusion of Shadowbringers.

Music:

A Long Fall - Final Fantasy XIV Shadowbringers
Full Speed Ahead - Final Fantasy XIII
Eternal Wind - Lightning Returns

Sharlayan Dropouts: FF4 Lore w/ Anonymoose

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 05:16:07 -0000

It’s the episode you’ve all been waiting for! FF4 has never been more relevant and we’re delighted to welcome a guest that couldn’t be better suited to the subject; FF loremaster, archivist, and all-round wonderful guy, Anonymoose. We talk all things Zero, the moon, and masked men with plans to move a whole lot of undead souls from one plane to another. This is an absolute must-listen for all FF4 fans or for those of you who might want a bit more insight into what FF4 is bringing to the current FF landscape.

Spoiler Level: Yellow

It would help to be caught up but we talk more about the game’s influences and inspirations rather than actual plot detail.

Sharlayan Dropouts Valentione’s Day Special: FFXIV’s Top 12 Simpable Hotties

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:23:00 -0000

It’s the battle of the babes this month on Sharlayan Dropouts as we go wall-to-wall to figure out which hotties buff our hosts to max potency. That’s right, we’re ranking the Top 12 stone foxes, the veritable mamacitas, of Final Fantasy XIV. Listen as Victor Hunter, Nadia Oxford, Mike Williams, and Eric Van Allen tell on themselves for your enjoyment. Find out if your favs made the list! And if they didn’t, head on over to patreon.com/bloodgodpod to get Discord access and yell at us about it there!

Spoiler Level Orange: This is a scattershot discussion that touches upon a few elements from a several different storylines including Endwalker 6.3 and Save the Queen, though light on actual detail and context.

An Audio Tour of the Lost City of Amdapor

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Put on your Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts because it’s tourist season in Eorzea! In this episode of Sharlayan Dropouts we’re taking you on a guided tour. Either listen as a standalone episode or follow along in-game for the Ultimate Immersive Gameplay X-perience!™ This month we’re looking at the tragic history of The Lost City of Amdapor and the brain fungus, abstract liminal spaces, and fun facts about the Tokyo Metropolitan Government that await us there.

Spoiler Level Green: Assuming you’ve made it the point where you can enter The Lost City of Amdapor (lvl 50) then you have nothing to fear but toxoplasmosis.

Hoplology 101 - The Veil of Wiyu

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 22:29:00 -0000

Fans of Ivalice, the history of visual novels, and the works of Jean-Luc Godard might just find something to sink their teeth into this episode. Victor explores the many twists and turns in the surprisingly robust history behind Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn’s Summoner weapon, The Veil of Wiyu in this first episode of a recurring series that aims to shed light on the real-world inspirations behind the weaponry of Final Fantasy XIV. If you want to see more dedicated episodes like this be sure to let us know at @SharlayanPod or @BloodGodPod on Twitter or on the official Axe of the Blood God Discord server available to $1 subscribers at patreon.com/bloodgodpod.

SPOILER LEVEL GREEN: Not a spoiler to be seen. A few references to some contextless plot details for various games in the series but nothing to keep you from enjoying this episode regardless of where you are in your journey.Music:

Down the Up Staircase - Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward
Save / Load Screen - Final Fantasy Tactics
Protagonist’s Theme - Final Fantasy Tactics
Trisection - Final Fantasy Tactics
Not Alone Jazz Arrangement - JAZZ - FINAL FANTASY -
Fear After - Final Fantasy Tactics
Green Eyed Love - Mayer Hawthorne
James Bond Theme (From Dr. No) - Monty Norman
Under the Imperial Flag - Sakura Wars 3
I feel like I’ve heard that one before - Final Fantasy Tactics

Sources:

Marathon Gaming Retrospectives - https://tinyurl.com/y5evjjbt
Final Fantasy Wiki - Sound Novels - Oeilvert - https://tinyurl.com/ze3zd8vx
Hardcore Gaming 101 - The Tale of Oeilvert - https://tinyurl.com/2p9mrzb7
FFT Sound Novel Let’s Play by Nekomakine - https://tinyurl.com/msnvnupe

Sharlayan Dropouts 2022 Thanksgiving Special w/ Aidan Moher

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 23:52:00 -0000

Hop on the airship back to your hometown and listen to your favorite Final Fantasy XIV podcast, now on the free feed! The Dropouts bring a very special guest to family dinner, author of Fight, Magic, Items, Aidan Moher, to discuss the impact FFXIV has had on the JRPG and MMO genres over the years. Plus it’s the first annual Holiday Gift Guide; our hosts give you the perfect gift ideas at any budget for the FFXIV fan in your life. And stick around for a very special segment that will no doubt be a recurring fan-favourite for years to come…

SPOILER LEVEL GREEN: Rest easy, slowpokes, there’s not a spoiler to be found for malms. A perfect episode to jump into regardless of where you’re at in your journey!