Burgeoning Dread

Burgeoning Dread is an event on Final Fantasy XIV featuring Shantotto from Final Fantasy XI. The event first occurred in January 2014. A repeat of the event is on-going from Tuesday, August 19 to Thursday, August 28, 2014 in celebration of the anniversary of A Realm Reborn.

Story
To start the event, players must speak with Khloe Bajhiri in New Gridania to begin the event storyline. They eventually be asked by Twin Adder Commander Vorsaile Heuloix to investigate the rumors of strange events.

Throughout Eorzea, they may encounter a special FATE called "Embiggened Spriggans" featuring large spriggans and one spriggolem called a "Magicked Spriggan." Once it is defeated, the FATE changes into "Tower of Power" and a gigantic "Monstrous Sorceress" appears. Once the FATE is completed, players receive a key item doll as proof needed for Vorsaile.

As they go to report to Adder's Nest in Gridania, the ground starts shaking and the Monstrous Sorceress approaches Twin Adder command. As Vorsaile and other Company personnel approach the visitor, a voice reveals the presence of Shantotto standing atop the colossal construct. She introduces herself and reveals she is an interdimensional traveller and had designs on conquering Eorzea. The towering doll was to test the defenses of the realm, but since adventurers bested it, she decides it's not worth the trouble. As a final parting gift, she shrinks the construct into a "Wind-up Shantotto" for the player to summon as a Minion -- adding a final warning that "If you fail to treat her right, I'll set your pants alight."