#4.55

Sadu

Hands down Sadu! But this might probably not surprise anyone. I love how rough and tribal she is, how confident and active, but also playful. Her English voice actor does such a tremendous job capturing that character, I rejoice every time she speaks. Also the tension between her and Magnai make me squeel everytime they both appear on the screen. That scene with both of them for the MSQ was just so well written, this might be one of my favorite scenes in the complete Stormblood MSQ. I truly hope Sadu will have many appearances in future patches. Also the Dotharl tribe just strikes close to my heart. So if one of my Au ra alts ever is going to enter into roleplaying she probably will be a Dotharl.

Lyse

I know this might be controversial, as many people do not like the changes from Yda to Lyse. But I love the new Lyse - she is strong, she is empathic, she is idealistic and she does stupid things. I do not like perfect characters, but those characters doing mistakes and grow with them (which is also why I love Alphinaud so much!). Yes, it is difficult for her being a leading figure, because Yda never really were. And that is which makes this character so interesting: She struggles with her new task and mission. She grows with it, but falls down - only to get up again. She is a fighter - she also was as Yda and now in Stormblood even more, because her fight only grew harder bordering on the impossible. This is what makes a great and well-written character to me. Lyse, please stay with us for some while!

Hien

Oh, boy. I do not know where to start, because with my final thoughts on Hien I probably will not make many friends - because I did not like him. He seemed shallow and boring to me. But this is a character I totally misjudged, which was probably my own fault and my own prejudices against “cool Samurai characters”. I thought it was “just another cool dude” which is usually rather boring to me. But the secret with Hien is: He is really cool! He is capable, he is witty, he is sensitive and caring - and also wise. He did have so many awesome dialogues (especially with Gosetsu!) I marvelled and what he had to say. This truly is a well-written leader. Whereas Lyse has to grow into her position, Hien already is there - and I also love the tension between those two. Or am I the only one seeing there some affection? I truly would love both of them getting closer, because that would be an interesting pairing.

Honorable mention: Yugiri