The Grim in FFXIV

[Araun]

Hello everyone,

Patch 4.4 is coming in FFXIV and I just wanted to let our new (and old) members know that we do have a branch of the Grim on Balmung in FFXIV.

Is it active?
No, we don't have enough active members to organize events so currently it's just a nice house with airships and submarines and some history. If enough people show interest, however, we can wake it up.

Is it IC?
Yes, The Grim Echo is an RP FC and all members are assumed to be IC members or associates of the free company.

What is the theme?
"Victory by any means" is the motto of the Grim Echo; it is (or was once) a mercenary company unafraid to get their hands dirty in pursuit of a goal, always delving into ancient ruins seeking the forbidden and the profane. Mad science, dark sorcery, the occasional dismemberment: it was all there. The Grim tended towards recklessness, extremism, and megalomania in defense of Eorzea.

Can new characters join the FC?
Balmung is closed to character creation and has been for years, unfortunately. You cannot create a new character on Balmung, or transfer over an existing one from elsewhere.

How do I join?
Send me a PM or drop a post in here with a thumbnail description of your RP character, and we'll try and work out a time to send an invitation. You can also look out for Sindl Arahn (me) or Kai'ir Bajihri (our hardworking XO) in game. I'm happy to do interview/inquisition RP if you want a full IC introduction, but it's not required since the FC is not active.

[Araun]

Just an update on Balmung: it looks like you can create new characters again (maybe, kinda, if you catch it at the right time of day when it's not congested) and the server is open to transfers.

Also we just finished the latest submarine model and it's out hunting for treasure and ... whales, I think? I dunno, I just spent forever mining mythrite and here we are.

[Athaelos]

I have a reason to resub to FFXIV? Potentially!

[Laeynna]

Just an update on Balmung: it looks like you can create new characters again (maybe, kinda, if you catch it at the right time of day when it's not congested) and the server is open to transfers.

This is absolutely right.
Balmung is considered an open world right now, but I have heard from many people that you have to try either early morning (so possibly a 4/5/6am PT attempt). Personally, when I was making alts, I was waiting a couple of minutes before maintenance and that has proven mostly successful in the past.

I also had no idea we had a sister FC. Even more surprising was that I've seen people from Grim on FFXIV and never once considered it might be connected here. That's super cool!

[Araun]

I also had no idea we had a sister FC. Even more surprising was that I've seen people from Grim on FFXIV and never once considered it might be connected here. That's super cool!

We were fairly active for a while there! We even used the run the Grindstone for a time. (Then I had a kid and after that my Saturdays belonged to someone else).

The Grim house is in the Goblet, Ward 3, Plot 12, if you feel like stopping by. The top floor is Kai'ir's masterpiece solarium, which is my favourite part of the house.

[Laeynna]

I'll have to come take a look!

I have a personal small house in Mists (which I don't currently remember the location of), but it's... a bit under reconstruction because I was pulling furnishings out of it for my FC's house.

And my FC has a large in Mists, too. (Plot 15, 7 Ward, Mist)

[Araun]

And my FC has a large in Mists, too. (Plot 15, 7 Ward, Mist)

I went to see it and it's amazing, the lighting is really well done, right down to the dhalmel with the lamp.

[Laeynna]

They just put that dhalmel in.
I saw it last night and was like, "Really?" (I assume the joke is that most of us in the FC are elezens and therefore the dhalmels are our long-necked cousins horf horf something like that.)

I took Oralech to see your guys' FC as well (he's in FFXIV, too, but we're in different FCs) last night. I am in love with the upstairs and the library and that cute little nook. I also got nosy and looked at everyone's private rooms.

I love what you guys have done with the place. It's so very cosy!

[Zelby]

I just got ffxiv again. Lost my old account so made a new one. I was able to make a char on balmung. So if anyone is still alive there.....

[Araun]

We're very much alive, what's your character's name? We're mostly active on the Grim Discord these days, so join us there as well if you like.

Otherwise, look for Sindl Arahn of Kai'ir Bajihri in-game.

[Zelby]

Character name in game is Rondi Rugales. I ... actually cant remember where to find the discord information. Can ya Dm me with an invite?.

also as a grim from another world.do I have to do a full interview? Or just a cursory thing...... cause Imma need to unlock paladin before I can apply ether way.

[Kharzak]

Going to give the free trial a spin. Don’t really have strong feelings either way regarding FF as I’ve never played any of them. Is Balmung still the place to be?

Any advice for a newcomer?

[Araun]

Going to give the free trial a spin. Don’t really have strong feelings either way regarding FF as I’ve never played any of them. Is Balmung still the place to be?

Any advice for a newcomer?

Balmung and Mateus are the unofficial RP servers, and Balmung is where the FC house is, although it's a bit on the inactive side. Really, anywhere on the Crystal datacenter is good, because you can always world-hop if you want to visit.

Best advice I can offer: relax and enjoy the story and don't be afraid to get distracted by some weird minigame or side content you like. Watch cutscenes in dungeons, people are happy to wait. Don't agonize about your class choices because you can change it anytime and class balance is good enough that you won't be hamstringing yourself no matter what you pick.

[Qabian]

Inactive?! We had 6 people online at the same time the other day!

Balmung sometimes locks to new characters, but this seems to open up randomly, so if you really want to be there, I'd recommend trying again later in the day. Or to just free trial it, any Crystal server will do (if Balmung is on the list, you're in the right place and can pick any of the other worlds on the same list), and if you do get really invested and want to switch later, a server transfer will get you even into locked places.

Yes, the game is a slow burn and the free trial gets you a loooot to burn through. I think the story that most people fall in love with is all later in the game, though.

I recommend levelling as a damage class because it's very chill and I personally hate the stress of being undergeared as tank or healer even if the queues are longer. Also, if you can get through all of the story on dps, you can use that levelled class to get all the gear to be never undergeared on the other roles. However, most people will be gentle to anyone who announces that they're new in any role.

If you do, let us know your character name and whichever server you end up on, and we can get you in a linkshell (aka chat channel).