The Daybreakers are a group founded by Zekowa, Kwikana, and Liwine in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail. Originally a small organization formed to protect those unable to defend themselves, under the control of the Vulture, began operating as a gang that preyed upon the residents of Shaaloani.

History

Three years prior, Zekowa, Kwikana, and Liwine founded a group of friends known as the Daybreakers, with the goal of protecting those who could not protect themselves. To resolve disputes, they followed ancient laws that settled matters through duels, holding the loser accountable for their crimes, even when the accused held positions of authority. Over time, the group grew into a formidable force, drawing the attention of Wihuwte.

Approximately one year ago, Wihuwte—operating under the alias "the Vulture"—appeared with his henchmen and defeated Zekowa and his companions. He seized control of the Daybreakers and transformed them into a band of criminals. At first, the members of the group feared Wihuwte and obeyed his orders without question. When Wihuwte demonstrated that, by leveraging his position as deputy chief of the Dustwatch, he could ensure their crimes went unpunished and allow them to amass wealth, he fully won them over.

Zekowa and his friends eventually concluded that the only way to stop him was to challenge him to a duel. When the day of the duel arrived, Wihuwte appeared with the Dustwatch and ordered the arrest of Kwikana and Liwine on charges of theft, setting their bail at a sum no one could possibly afford.

Eventually, Zekowa was captured by the Daybreakers and imprisoned in their hideout. Later, when Erenville and the Warrior of Light caused a disturbance at the hideout in an attempt to recover the stolen bracelet, Zekowa was rescued. Afterward, Zekowa explained the situation and offered his assistance in exposing Wihuwte.^[1]

Zekowa allowed himself to be used as bait to lure Wihuwte into the center of Hhusatahwi, where he would be visible to all, including Kemakka, the sheriff of the Dustwatch. Confident that he would be able to apprehend Zekowa, Wihuwte went to the location. At that moment, Erenville appeared and presented a cache of stolen goods he had discovered hidden away. He further revealed that the stolen bracelet was a gift from the Vow of Resolve herself, causing Wihuwte to falter in fear and inadvertently reveal his prior knowledge of the bracelet.

Zekowa then challenged Wihuwte to settle the matter through a duel under the old law, which Wihuwte was compelled to accept due to his position. The duel ended when Zekowa fired a swift shot that disarmed Wihuwte, causing him to drop the bracelet and thereby confirming the accusations against him. Kemakka ordered Wihuwte's arrest, stating that although Zekowa had discharged a firearm within the city, Wihuwte had drawn his weapon first and thus Zekowa's actions would be considered self-defense. Kemakka also ordered the release of Kwikana and Liwine from custody.^[2]

Following these events, the Daybreakers returned to their original purpose. Zekowa introduced his friends Kwikana and Liwine to the Warrior of Light and Erenville. Although reduced in number and significantly weakened, the Daybreakers stated that they had resumed their original mission of aiding the defenseless. Zekowa added that they would train their members to draw their weapons as quickly as he could and would seek to apprehend any criminals who managed to evade the Dustwatch. He concluded by expressing his deep debt to the Warrior of Light, vowing that he would repay it someday.^[3]

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