It’s time to revisit a beloved, if slightly absurd, corner of Final Fantasy XIV: the Heavensward Hildibrand questline. For those unfamiliar, Hildibrand Manderville is the self-proclaimed “Gentleman Inspector,” a character whose escapades are as comical as they are convoluted. After a long break from these quests, diving back in promises a delightful and silly conclusion to a core part of the FFXIV experience. As the saying goes in these parts, and perfectly encapsulates Hildibrand’s usual mode of transport after his plans inevitably go awry, A Gentleman Falls Rather Than Flies.
The Fall and the Discovery
The last Hildibrand quest series concluded with the Gentleman Inspector rocketing skyward. Picking up the thread, we find Nashu Mhakaracca, Hildibrand’s ever-enthusiastic and adorable assistant, in Ishgard. She’s frantically searching for her mentor, and surprisingly, Godbert Manderville, Hildibrand’s father and the owner of the Manderville Gold Saucer, is also on the scene, equally concerned.
Their search is interrupted by the arrival of Cyr, an Ishgardian inquisitor. Cyr, with his unwavering dedication to rooting out heresy, is also looking for Hildibrand, but for less friendly reasons. He believes the Gentleman Inspector’s recent activities smack of the heretical.
Despite his official capacity, Cyr isn’t a bad sort. He’s simply overly zealous, with a tendency to shout “AHA, THE SCENT OF HERESY!” at the slightest hint of the unusual.
Godbert Manderville, Hildibrand's father, sporting his signature beach attire even in the snowy Ishgard setting, highlighting the comedic and out-of-place nature of the Hildibrand quests.
Even in the stern, snowy landscape of Ishgard, Godbert’s beachwear remains a testament to the Hildibrand questline’s signature humor.
Gigi’s Arrival and the Mystery
Our search for Hildibrand leads us to the snowy wastes outside Ishgard. There, amidst the snowdrifts, we find him – or rather, where he landed. It seems the Gentleman Inspector made an…unceremonious descent, planting himself feet-first into the deep snow.
Nashu’s description of the scene is classic Hildibrand hyperbole: “And he’s surrounded by giant fluffy man-shaped gazebos!” These “gazebos,” of course, turn out to be snow formations shaped around Hildibrand. Godbert, with his characteristic display of over-the-top strength, frees his son from his snowy prison with a mighty suplex. Welcome back, Hildibrand, in typically dramatic fashion.
But the surprises don’t end there. Buried beneath the snow near Hildibrand is… Vivi? Or at least, someone very much resembling the iconic black mage from Final Fantasy IX. It’s a small, black mage-like doll. “Gigi,” as he comes to be known, even has Vivi’s signature hat-adjusting animation.
Gigi, the mysterious black mage-like doll, performing the iconic hat-adjusting animation reminiscent of Vivi from Final Fantasy IX, hinting at his enigmatic origins.
Whether “Gigi” is his real name remains a mystery. He has no memory, only waking up and repeating “GiGiGiGi…” Intrigued and concerned, we bring Gigi back to Ishgard to investigate his origins, unaware that, just like in Hildibrand’s previous adventures, a mysterious figure is watching our every move from the shadows.
House Manderville and Ishgard Tour
Back in Ishgard, Inquisitor Cyr, ever vigilant, sees Gigi as another potential heretic and wants to apprehend him. Thankfully, Hildibrand steps in to protect the little mammet, officially adopting him into “House Manderville.”
To jog Gigi’s lost memory, we embark on a tour of Ishgard, hoping familiar sights might trigger a recollection of his past. Our tour includes a visit to the chocobo markets, a vibrant Ishgardian locale. However, true to his apparent FFIX origins, Gigi has never seen a chocobo before, much to everyone’s surprise.
The tour takes a somber turn when a child shuns Gigi, highlighting the prejudice and sadness that subtly permeates even the comedic Hildibrand narrative, echoing the themes of isolation and otherness found in Vivi’s story.
A poignant moment where a child shuns Gigi in Ishgard, reflecting the underlying themes of prejudice and isolation that resonate with Vivi's original narrative in Final Fantasy IX.
Moving on to the jewelry district, Hildibrand, in a moment of characteristic clumsiness, destroys a priceless vase while striking his signature pose. In a surprising turn of events, Gigi magically restores the vase, revealing a latent and powerful ability. However, this display of power only deepens Gigi’s sadness, making him more aware of his mysterious nature.
Overwhelmed, Gigi runs off, uttering a heartbreaking plea: “PlEaSe, PaPa HiLdY, nO mORe. i KnOw YoU mEaN wElL, bUt We CaN dEnY tHe TrUtH nO LoNgEr. I aM a MaMmEt.”
The Measure of a Mammet and Julyan’s Fury
Despite his obliviousness and goofy demeanor, Hildibrand’s desire to care for Gigi as a father is genuinely touching. He is sincere in his affection for the little mammet. Concerned for his new “son,” Hildibrand tracks Gigi to the snowy expanse outside Ishgard once more.
Gigi’s destination is Godbert’s location. Seeking to become “a real boy,” Gigi hopes Godbert can help him. Godbert, ever the showman, obliges in the most Manderville way possible: by temporarily transforming Gigi into a ridiculously buff, mostly naked version of himself.
Godbert Manderville's over-the-top transformation of Gigi into a muscular, almost entirely nude figure, showcasing the absurd humor characteristic of the Hildibrand questline.
“PaPa HiLdY! i’M a MaNdErViLlE mAn!” Gigi exclaims in delight at his newfound physique. However, the transformation is short-lived, and Godbert’s magic soon wears off.
In a genuinely sweet moment, Hildibrand comforts Gigi, puppet or no, assuring him of his love and acceptance.
Hildibrand comforting Gigi after the transformation wears off, emphasizing the sincere paternal bond developing between them and the heartwarming core of the questline.
Just as things seem to be settling, a new, and far more terrifying, figure arrives on the scene, sending both Godbert and Hildibrand fleeing in terror: Hildibrand’s mother, Julyan Manderville.
Julyan Manderville, Hildibrand's terrifying mother, making her dramatic entrance and establishing her formidable presence in the Hildibrand questline.
“I’ll not be made grandmother to a bloody buggering mammet.” Julyan declares, making her feelings about Gigi perfectly clear. The questline continues to deliver its unique brand of humor, blending slapstick with surprisingly heartfelt moments.
As the Manderville family drama unfolds, the camera pans away to reveal three robed figures observing the scene from a distance, hinting at a larger plot at play.
A Home and a New Case
The scene shifts to Idyllshire. We find Hildibrand scolding Gigi. Apparently, the little mammet was caught defacing a gazebo with magic. “Not very becoming of a gentleman,” Hildibrand chides.
But as it turns out, Gigi wasn’t defacing the gazebo at all. He was drawing a family crest, adorably playing house and wanting to feel more like a part of the Manderville family.
Meanwhile, Idyllshire is experiencing a crime wave. Imposters dressed as knights of the Heavens’ Ward are scamming unsuspecting citizens. Hildibrand, naturally, takes on the case. The investigation promises to be a lengthy one, so a helpful goblin in Idyllshire offers us a place to stay.
This is wonderful news for Gigi. He finally gets a home, a place to belong.
Gigi overjoyed at having a home in Idyllshire, drawing a "family crest" and highlighting his desire for belonging and acceptance within the Manderville family.
He even draws the “family crest” on the door, further cementing his desire to be part of the family.
Don’t Trust Anyone Over Sixty: The Grand Sers and Vivi’s Past
The case of the fake Heavens’ Ward knights takes a bizarre turn. Two of the imposters lure us to a meeting outside Idyllshire. When they appear, they are revealed to be… elderly impersonators. A group of gloriously geriatric former dragoons calling themselves the Grand Sers.
The Grand Sers, elderly impersonators of Heavens' Ward knights, revealed in all their comedic glory, adding another layer of absurdity to the Hildibrand questline.
Their leader is a woman named Dorys. It turns out they have been observing us since we found Gigi. Dorys’s motive is revealed when they kidnap Gigi, believing he holds the key to reclaiming their lost youth.
Dorys and her Sers make their escape with a classic smoke bomb, albeit a rather slow getaway, prompting the hilarious line: “They’re getting away! …slowly.”
What follows is another convoluted and comical rescue plan to retrieve Gigi. This plan involves convincing one of the elderly dragoons to get a massage and then, in a moment of pure Hildibrand brilliance (or perhaps, Nashu’s), stealing his armor while he’s relaxed.
Nashu Mhakaracca stealing armor from a relaxed Grand Ser during a massage, showcasing the slapstick humor and unconventional tactics employed in the Hildibrand questline.
We successfully spring Gigi from his cage, but Dorys, in a moment of revelation, yells after him: “Vivi!” The bombshell drops: HE’S LITERALLY VIVI.
DORYS: “Remember who you are, Vivi! A creation of the great Sharlayan archmagus Quan!”
GIGI: “I rEmEmBeR nOw… We LiVeD tOgEtHeR… aNd He TaUgHt Me MaNy ThInGs AbOuT tHe OuTsIdE wOrLd…”
In a surprising twist, the Hildibrand questline incorporates elements from Final Fantasy IX, weaving in the backstory of Vivi and the archmagus Quan.
Quan, it turns out, was not a benevolent creator. He only valued Vivi for his potential to grant eternal youth. When Vivi failed to deliver this power, Quan cast him out. This explains Gigi’s power to restore the broken vase – a power to revert things to their previous states.
The Grand Sers, once celebrated heroes of Ishgard, felt discarded by society in their old age. They discovered information in the Great Gubal Library hinting that Vivi possessed the power to reverse aging. They plead with Gigi, now recognizing him as Vivi, to help them. Shockingly, Vivi agrees to go with them.
Vivi agreeing to go with the Grand Sers, marking a turning point in the questline as Vivi grapples with his past and the Sers' desires for restored youth.
The incorporation of Vivi’s story into the Hildibrand quests is surprisingly moving, blending the humor with genuine emotional depth and resonating with fans of Final Fantasy IX.
The Proud and the Pointy-Eared & If I Could Turn Back Time
Inquisitor Cyr, ever the voice of reason, expresses concern about the Allagan temporal magic Vivi possesses. He warns of its unreliability and the potential dangers of trying to resurrect Quan.
Cyr expressing his concerns about Vivi's Allagan temporal magic, showcasing his evolving character and growing understanding of the complexities beyond Ishgardian dogma.
Cyr’s character development is a subtle but effective part of the Hildibrand narrative. His interactions with Hildibrand and company are gradually challenging his rigid Ishgardian worldview, showing him the absurdity of excessive zealotry.
Hildibrand attempts to pursue the Grand Sers and Vivi, but they easily evade him, as Gigi’s restoration magic is already taking effect, making the Sers younger and more agile.
The questline then takes a detour for a classic Hildibrand interlude: a focus on massaging Hildibrand with his family’s legendary oil. This sequence is as ridiculous and over-the-top as expected.
Hildibrand undergoing a massage with his family's legendary oil, a typical comedic interlude that breaks the tension and reinforces the lighthearted tone of the questline.
When we finally catch up to the Sers, they have fully embraced their restored youth. However, their intentions are far from noble. They plan to use their second chance to seek glory by killing more dragons, even though the Dragonsong War is over.
Vivi, however, is changing. Using his magic has altered him, transforming him into a miniature, somewhat creepy, Black Waltz.
Vivi transformed into a Black Waltz-like figure, showcasing the unsettling side effects of his magic and his growing instability.
The Grand Sers, in their rejuvenated state, unleash a series of over-the-top “ultimate attacks” on poor Hildibrand, their own comical version of Final Fantasy VII’s Knights of the Round.
Despite the onslaught, Hildibrand remains standing. He doesn’t fight back. Instead, he simply talks to Gigi, gently asking him to come home.
Vivi, or Gigi, is torn. He is angry and wants to resurrect Quan to gain more power. “i NeEd ThE wYrM’s EyEs!” he declares, hinting at a dangerous path. He attempts to use his power to restore the beaten and bruised Hildibrand, but it fails.
Cyr interjects with a crucial insight: Vivi’s power isn’t about simple restoration. It’s about making the world the way Vivi believes in his heart it should be. He couldn’t change Hildibrand because, deep down, Vivi loves him just as he is.
Vivi realizing his inability to change Hildibrand, understanding that his magic is tied to his feelings and that he genuinely cares for Hildibrand as he is.
Even Vivi’s failure to restore Quan in the past wasn’t accidental. Subconsciously, Vivi knew his “beloved grandpapa was exactly as he should be! Every day was to be treasured and worthy of celebration!”
CYR: “You were never broken, Gigi. You were never abandoned. All he wanted was to set you free!” Quan’s actions, it turns out, were motivated by kindness. He removed Vivi’s memories to protect him, to free him from being merely a tool defined by his power, and to allow him to forge his own destiny.
The Sers, unwilling to listen, launch a final attack. But Vivi stops them.
Vivi declaring his identity as both Vivi, grandson of Quan, and Gigi, son of Hildibrand, embracing his dual heritage and asserting his own agency.
“I aM vIvI, gRaNdSoN oF aRcHmAgUs QuAn, AnD gIgI, sOn Of HiLdIbRaNd HeLiDoRmAxImIlLiAn mAnDeRvIlLe! AnD tHiS iS mY sToRy!” Vivi proclaims, embracing his dual identity. In a surge of magic, he restores everything, making the world as he truly desires it. The Sers revert to their old ages, Hildibrand and his companions are healed, and Gigi returns to his original, pre-Black Waltz form.
Gigi’s Story and Happy Endings
Even the Grand Sers get a somewhat happy ending, with hints of romance blossoming among them. Vivi, now drained of his magical energy, powers down for the moment.
Hildibrand, in a moment of classic foot-in-mouth syndrome, makes an unfortunate remark about his mother “aging gracefully.” Julyan, predictably, goes into “demon mode,” using her trusty frying pan to send Hildibrand careening off into the sky once more.
Julyan Manderville launching Hildibrand into the air with her frying pan, a recurring comedic motif and a fittingly over-the-top conclusion to the Heavensward Hildibrand questline.
Presumably, Hildibrand’s airborne adventures will continue in the next expansion.
Even Cyr finds a happy ending. He decides to stay at Hildibrand’s new home in Idyllshire, trading in his inquisitor’s robes for the part-time role of inspector. And best of all, we get to keep little Vivi/Gigi as a companion!
The closing credits roll, showcasing Cyr adjusting to his new life in Idyllshire in a series of humorous vignettes. As always, the Hildibrand questline delivers memorable credit scenes.
Closing credits scene featuring Cyr in his new life in Idyllshire, highlighting the charming and often humorous epilogues characteristic of the Hildibrand quests.
Hildibrand in the closing credits, striking a pose and reinforcing his role as the central comedic figure of the questline.
Nashu in the closing credits, showcasing her enthusiastic and supportive presence alongside Hildibrand and Gigi.
The Heavensward Hildibrand quests are a delightful blend of slapstick humor, surprisingly touching moments, and clever Final Fantasy lore integration. The story of Gigi/Vivi, in particular, adds an unexpected layer of emotional resonance to the otherwise lighthearted proceedings. These quests are a testament to the unique charm and enduring appeal of the Hildibrand adventures within the world of Final Fantasy XIV. It’s a reminder that sometimes, in Eorzea and beyond, a gentleman falls rather than flies, and that’s perfectly alright.
