Path Companion

I got a message from Tataru via the linkpearl she gave me. (I was also surprised to find I had a linkpearl from Stillglade Fane and Oak Atrium - they must have slipped it into my reward marks without me noticing). She told me Minfillia had good news about my choice of companions and she was waiting to introduce us. I was still in Ul'dah fortunately so I made my way to Waking Sands.

There was a short wait before I was introduced to the young man - his name was Delt, but he told me I could call him whatever I wanted (and since I was inspired to choose him because of my old friend Elden, I decided to give him the same nickname). I call him Hero. The difference is that Elden has earned that nickname while Delt still has to prove himself. Hero offered to buy me a drink and so we arranged to meet at the Adventurer's Guild.

Shai and Hero, Walkers of the Path

No more than an hour later, I arrived at the Quicksand and spoke with its proprietor, Momodi. She directed me to their finest table where I met up with Hero. We spoke a long time and I told him of my adventures over the last month living in Eorzea. He also mentioned seeing the starshower I had witnessed. He told me that the gift made him feel he was destined for a higher purpose - serving the Path and bringing aid and justice to Eorzea.

He understood that I had duties to perform both as an adventurer and carpenter, but said if I ever had need of him to contact him via the Path of the Twelve linkpearl. He was confident we would be able to handle any task asked of us by the Path and Minfilia herself. We parted ways on good terms and I look forward to working with him.

Path of the Twelve

I found myself in Ul'dah today on my way back from Gridania to Linsa Lominsa. I think I had been avoiding it, but can't explain why. Perhaps I was a bit intimidated by the notion that there was something bigger and better than working for the Adventurer's Guild out of Baderon's place. Perhaps I simply did not want to understand why I had these vivid visions of the past or what it could possibly mean - or at least that I wasn't ready to know.

Waking Sands - Path of the Twelve

Today, however, I stepped into the Merchent Wards of Ul'dah and found myself at the Waking Sands, the very home of an organization called the Path of the Twelve. Blackburn met me there and told me I would have to meet with the Antecedent, Lady Minfilia. He then excused himself and left with another Hyur fellow.

Minfilia introduced herself as the acting Antecedent (causing me to wonder why she was simply acting - where was the real Antecedent, and what did this title imply?) and told me I had been chosen by the Twelve to receive the gift referred to as the Echo. Almost instantly I was ... given a vision of Minfilia and Blackburn discussing me and the events that had happened at Gods' Grip. They seemed to be somehow aware of my presence - they also had this gift so perhaps that explains it - and then I was returned to the present time.

Minfilia told me I had passed her test and explained that the Echo allowed one to peer into others' souls, to see important past events that occurred in their lives and speak and understand their languages. Beyond that she seemed to only speculate about the true nature and power of the Echo so I dismissed it. She mentioned that others like me claim to have awakened due to that mysterious storm in the sky that I witnessed on my fateful voyage to Linsa Lominsa. Though this claim also could not be verified as more than a coincidence - but now that she mentions it, I do recall hearing a voice call out to me that night. I had assumed that it was perhaps Y'shtola, but apparently it was something deeper than that. Perhaps one of the Twelve.

Meeting Antecedent, Lady Minfilia

She asked me if I would walk the Path and help them understand the Echo better. I was free to wander the Waking Sands and I did so, speaking to several others like myself (some awakened and some not) then returned to Minifilia to tell her I would become a Walker.

I was instructed to speak to a young lalafell named Tataru (that has a significant ring to it) who was the keeper of their books and I was registered as a Walker - as soon as I choose a Path Companion, a partner to experience these things with and explore the dangers of Eorzea. I would have preferred Nimla come with me but perhaps she was on her own path? Instead I decided to work with a hyur gladiator after meeting several other Walkers. We did not exchange names, but he reminded me of Elden, leader of Elysium, and we work well together.

Tataru gave me a linkpearl used by the Path of the Twelve and told me I'd be hearing from Minfilia after she had made her decision about my choice of companions. Then I left Waking Sands and now I'm wandering the streets of Ul'dah wondering what I've gotten myself into - and wondering what Nimla will think of all this.

Carpenter Guild

Today I became a full member of the carpenter guild, Oak Atrium, in Gridania.

My skills as a craftsman are finally being realized. There was some confusion with my instructions, though. I was sent to Quarrymill with a bunch of arrows by some children - when I was supposed to be instructed by a elezen man named Marcelloix. In the end, I ended up doing a good enough job and the guild accepted me as one of their own - including a reward of two thousand marks.

First Trip to Quarrymill

Restocking the Store (Day 2)

I spent much of the day in Gridania studying techniques to work with leather.

Due to a mutually beneficial barter with Elysium member Rosa, I was able to stock the store with bronze hatchets which I had previously been unable to find. I was able to make the gray leather straps myself thanks to my studies in Gridania. I am headed back there tomorrow to hone my carpentry skills at the guild.

I still haven't made time to get to Ul'dah to meet with Blackburn.

Restocking the Store

Bonchacha is currently selling harpoons that several members of Elysium helped to assemble. I also made a large selection of ash macuahuatl and turned the remainder of my elm logs into elm staves. This batch of weapons should prove to be slightly more profitable (and easier to assemble) than budding maple wands.

Regarding Conjury

Conjuring is the art of manipulating aether around you into a spell to produce the desired effect.

I have always been drawn to this art, particularly the healing and curative nature. Nimla has always been talented in forming powerful combat spells with the destructive forces of nature. She came to Eorzea to study with the masters in Gridania. I came here to be with her and to sell my skills as an adventurer. I was drawn to working with wood for obvious reasons and took on carpentry as a more lucrative supplement to my adventuring.

It was only a matter of time, however, before I would have to study at the Stillglade Fane. That is where the conjurers of Eorzea congregate and study their art. It is allegedly where the elements are strongest in the entire continent. I knew if I was going to continue to pursue my arts as a Conjurer (for hire!) I'd have to study with the masters myself at some point.

I don't know why I put it off for so long, though I think it's likely because I was intimidated. I had heard they were not particularly accepting of outsiders - people not born in the forest. Nimla had done it for quite some time, though, so on this fateful day I decided I would wait no longer and I headed to Gridania.

Prominent Feature of Stillglade Fane

Although an outsider to this conclave, I was welcomed more graciously than I expected. I introduced myself to Soileine who explained to me that the Conjurers gathered at Stillglade Fane where the Whisper of the Elements was at its peak. She in turn introduced me to the elder, Telent, who was constantly in communication with the elements and had heard from them that I was coming.

He told me I would have to commune with the elements on their terms and sent me into the forest alone. There I would be guided by the forces of nature to a pack of rabid and malicious wolves that I was to exterminate to make the forest safe once more - and upon doing so I would be welcomed into this community as a brother conjurer.

I have never personally heard the elements speak, though as a conjurer I understand the sheer power and energy that comes from the forces of nature. I've been told countless times that even if I meditate most of my life and practice the art to its full extent I may still never hear the elements directly speak to me. I was fine with that as long as our mutual respect and cooperation continued. Perhaps some day I would be as talented and in tune with nature as Tenet, but for now I would be happy to complete a simple task like hunting wolves.

It was late into the night when I found the wolf pack. There were five wolves led by a larger alpha male and the circled me snarling and drooling - their eyes yellowed and unfocused. I concentrated on the willow wand I had crafted myself and as the wolves attacked me I was able to repel them and slay them until only the alpha and I were left. I managed to summon the last of my strength to fell the beast and as I was on the verge of exhaustion a made came out of the forest and looked upon the scene.

Shai and the Wolves

Some people call him Morys. He spoke to me in an odd, detached manner - muttering that the elements were pleased and the moogles would be safe now. He told me the job was done and I should return to the Fane.

Tenet had heard of my accomplishments before I returned again and congratulated me. Soileine paid me hansomely for the work I did. I spent time studying a technique called Elemental Shroud - a combat technique used to harm multiple assailants. I also was taught how to Fastcast - reducing the time it took for me to concentrate and manipulate energy into a spell by a considerable amount.

Conjurer Shai & Nimla

It was an interesting and enlightening experience. I am glad to feel a part of something larger than myself. I would have liked to study longer at the Stillglade Fane, but I still had a responsibility to meet up with Blackburn in Ul'dah.

The Most Confusing Day Ever

Now that my head's cleared and I had a chat with Baderon at the Mizzenmast - I understand that Rost got me away from the Knights (and I owe him thanks) and Captain Hob is still being detained. Apparently I blabbed about the key to the Knights (and even Baderon heard about it) and told me to check things out over at Gods' Grip which is out in La Noscea. So I gathered my things and set out from Linsa Lominsa once again. I'm still a bit nervous about it all, but Y'shtola told me to find this key and Baderon says to start at Gods' Grip. What else can I do?

I didn't know quite where to start looking at Gods' Grip but I knew where I saw Emerick in that area. I headed straight for Sisipu's favorite fishing spot, close to Oschon's Torch. Sure enough, she greeted me as I approached. She knew about the treasure and about Emerick. She seemed to be well informed of the whole situation - and confided in me that Commodore Sthalmann had already recovered the treasure I was looking for at Gods' Grip. I decided to relay this information to Baderon through the Adventurer's Guild linkpearl.

He didn't have any good news. He said the Barracuda Knights were looking for me and I should turn myself in at Coral Tower. I do respect the authority of the law, but their inquiries are getting tedious. I hoped this wasn't about that pistol incident again. Though, if Sthalmann does have the key then perhaps they'll be answering some of my questions as well. A lalafell can hope, anyway.

Knights were rushing about the place reporting on the Reaver ships seen all over the area. I was only interested in the key, though - and that they didn't get their fish scales on it. I ran into Captain Hob who was ... hard to read. He seemed glad enough to see me, but irritated that I got him into this mess. He told me to get my story straight that we were there to help the Knights against the Reavers and nothing more - certainly nothing to do with Emerick.

The hyur named Reyner questioned me about the events - and while I tried to stick mostly to Hob's story, I did mention the sea serpent incidentally. The commodore arrived and I was able to piece together that he had managed to drive off the serpent by tossing the tablet I'd seen at Mealvaan's Gate into the sea. The sahagin had also withdrawn from Linsa Lominsa territory and the fleet was now safe for a time. He also accused Y'shtola of being a spy! Reyner seemed to think the Admiral had vouched for Y'shtola but Sthalmann clearly had his own ideas on the matter (again).  He said he was meeting with her soon at Gods' Grip and Reyner admitted there wasn't enough evidence to hold me - so it looked like I was on my way to Gods' Grip once again. I needed to face Y'shtola myself and tell her I failed to locate the key.

I headed out to Sisipu's fishing spot and found a hyur man named Blackburn fishing there. He told me a story of Sthalmann coming to fish her to find what he once lost. After that- things got weird. Blackburn disappeared and Y'shtola was at my side, warning me of the danger that was coming. Sthalmann. I knew it.

Y'shtola asked him for the key, but he refused and demanded to be taught how to use it. He alluded to the murder of the Admiral in the confrontation. Their words led to battle, but as they fought before me (and I was too stunned by their raw power to act) the key, a horn, began to glow and then everything ... warped. Y'shtola and I were alone at Sisipu's fishing spot - or where ever we seemed to be.

Y'shtola and I in the "Past" Reality

We were able to see Sthalmann conspiring with Emerick and Mero. They apparently received the Knights' charts from Sthalmann himself and passed them on to the sahagin. This was all an elaborate plan for him to become the next Admiral of Linsa Lominsa! After that revelation we were ... shot out of this twisted reality, this vision of events prior to our arrival in Linsa Lominsa.

Y'shtola muttered something about "the Echo" and my connection to the past - did I do this? Then Sthalmann was on her again, but their fight was interrupted (before it even began) by dark clouds gathering in the sky and an explosion - fireballs rained down all around us and when the dust cleared the elezen man I had seen aboard the Reavers' ship was there with us. He bested Sthalmann with his bare hands and took the key from him - which he absorbed into his body. Y'shtola tried to stop him but he melted into ... shadows, it appeared. Was he an Ascian? Reality began to twist again...

I heard Blackburn's voice, but when I awoke I was in a bed at the Mizzenmast. Baderon told me Blackburn was an old friend and he asked me to come to see him in Ul'dah. I think Baderon knew something I did not - he gave me the impression he felt - obsolete somehow - as if I had out grown him. I felt a tinge of sorrow, but also excitement at what awaited me in Ul'dah.

A Quest Unfurls

I bumped into Baderon who mentioned Emerick to me. He said Captain Hob might be able to help me get aboard the Barracuda's prison ship where he was being held. He said Captain Hob could be found at Fisherman's Bottom so I headed down there.

Captain Hob at Sunrise

I caught up with Captain Hob just before sunrise. After convincing him I wasn't joking, he agreed to sail out to the warship - apparently Y'shtola had convinced him even before I'd gotten there. As we neared the warship, two ships approached us on the horizon. I was sure they were pirates and Captain Hob seemed to agree as he hid below deck. I made my way on to the Barracuda ship to find Emerick.

I found him locked in a cargo hold. I decided to let him out so we could speak face to face. Unfortunately, Merodaulyn interrupted our arranged meeting. Oh and he was pissed! Emerick ran up to the deck and Mero chased after him - and so did I. They were locked in battle and I had to choose a side. I chose to defeat Merodaulyn and protect Emerick - who still owed me some kind of explanation (and seemed important to the Barracuda Knights as well).

Battle on Board

 Apparently Mero and Emerick were willing to let bygones be bygones but Y'shtola showed up on board. I knew she was around, but I hadn't seen her yet. She told Emerick the sahagin were coming for the "treasure" he took from Seal Rock. Emerick had some pleasant imagery to share - but let her know he threw that thing away long ago. Then she referred to it as "the key" and said the shadow eaters were after it - the Ascians!

So much was happening - so many questions! Unfortunately there was no time to talk. The sahagin ships approached and the Knights ships fell into defensive formation. It seemed like a sure victory as Barracuda broadsides plowed into the Reavers' ships - but then the two ships erected some kind of magical barrier that repelled cannonballs. The Reavers tore through two of the three Barracuda ships before the Knights were able to penetrate their shields by firing bursts over their shields that rained fire down on the decks. Through this chaos - I thought I saw an elezen man aboard the sahagin ship. Was he the shadowless man Y'shtola was looking for?

I'm not sure what happened next - Many of the ships were on fire. Things were looking bleak. The sea between the five ships began to swell and from the swollen bulb of water the sea serpent leaped into the sky - clearing the masts of the ships by several tens of feet. I'd seen this once before when it jumped clear over Captain Hobs ship the night before I arrived. The difference was I did not see the serpent land, because in his wake a huge tsunami ushered forth towards our ship. I remember fear clutching at my throat and perhaps I scrambled to get away from this massive wave about to over take us. It was then that I felt Y'shtola's soft hand on my wrist and her solemn eyes affixed mine. A spell began to form in the palm of her free hand and she spoke to me before I was sent away from this mess - "Find the key," she said.

Passed Out

The next thing I remember is waking up to the (sorry) sight of Rostnsthal (from the Astalicia). My head was swimming still and a splitting headache on top of it all. I dismissed him without really listening and drifted off to sleep right there on the docks. Only one thing was clear, I had to find the key.

Marketplace Restructure!

Things in Limsa Lominsa have changed for the better. As I bid a bittersweet farewell to Elysium's official market ward, Upper Keeners, I welcome my new location in Linsa Lominsa's Spellcraft Ward. Bonchacha should have much more effective sales here. I'm already preparing new wares for the shop. I hope to move Bonchacha to weaponry soon peddling a full stock of harpoons - but right now she still has a wide assortment of wands and canes.

I've also been wandering the ward fixing people's wands and canes to great profit. My alchemy hobby is really coming in handy and I successfully made my first growth formula beta which means I can now stock some budding wands as well. I sold my first batch of beta (2) for six thousand gil each. Now I have to assess my inventory and make some new merchandise - I expect it to move much faster now (I have very competitive prices and a prime location)!

Expecting more foot traffic - I made my first budding maple wand. In order to fully supply this product, I'll need to get my hands on more humus which amplifies the lifespan of the maple branch in order to allow it to bud. I'll have to contact Nimla and ask her to mine the rock faces over by Gridania.

Thinking at Work (Emerick)

I have felt like an outsider and a bystander for the past few weeks in Linsa Lominsa. Everything is happening around me - and happening quickly - and I have felt like an observer at the wrong place at the right time. After surviving the pirate attack on Mealvaan's Gate, I've had a change of heart. I feel involved somehow - caught up in the events of this city. I feel oddly responsible. I have been honing my skills as a conjurer all this time and I've been just trying to get by in this new life. I think its time to turn this around. This city is my home now and whether I like it or not I can no longer ignore the fact that I am almost intricately involved in these issues. Something must be done.

I arranged a meeting with Baderon to discuss the situation. He told me he knew where they were holding Emerick and he could possibly find away to get me to him but it would take time. Well, I had time. He gave me a cut of pay that I'd earned from my work for the guild and I took up a few manufacturing guildleves to make money and pass the time. Soon I would see Emerick again and I would get to the bottom of these issues surrounding Seal Rock.

Assault at the Arcanist Guild

Today I had another message from Baderon - I was asked for at Mealvaan's Gate. Commodore Sthalmann had mentioned I go there if anything unusual happened while I was guarding Sisipu. I wondered what the connection was - I decided to go check it out. As I made my way through town I learned Mealvaan's Gate was also the Arcanist's Guild and Baderon referred to them as scholars - and clearly they functioned as a sort of Customs Office for the port as it was nestled snugly along the ferry dock.

Mealvaan's Gate - The Arcanist's Guild

The miqo'te at the front desk called over another miqo'te named J'arhll. She was very direct. This was about that damned firearm I held back at the aptitude test over in Coral Tower. (Uh oh). I explained the entire situation to her - it took me a while to remember the name of the man at the test - but I believe it was Sergeant Mannskoen. Yes, I'm sure it was. While she considered this - an explosion rocked the entire building!

Captain Rhoswen came in and fired a shot - demanding Emerick be turned over to her. The Sanguine Sirens right behind her. I saw Merodaulyn among her crew.  I slipped past the pirates in the lobby and made my way downstairs to see what was going on. Although I was outnumbered and possibly out-matched, I was oddly not afraid. I reached the bottom of the stairs and was surprised (yet again) to see Y'shtola standing there. Though, she was also looking for Emerick so I shouldn't have been too surprised. I thought the Commodore had mentioned no one would find him where the Knights had hidden him. Apparently not.

She vented her frustration to me and asked if we should stand our ground. I didn't think it was a good idea given the odds - so she told me she may know an alternative way out of the situation. As I followed after her, we were stopped short by J'arhll who seemed to recognize Y'shtola. Y'shtola asked about Emerick and J'arhll seemed sincere when she explained she had no idea why everyone thought he was there. She did admit that she had slipped away to ensure the safety of the artifact recovered from Seal Rock - and showed us some kind of tablet. Y'shtola seemed familiar with the language written upon it - to my surprise she read it as if fluent in this ancient language.

"And fain to suffer fell grammaryes; Wherewith to loose o'erreaching seas..." is what she said but it holds no special meaning to me. She then said the oddest thing yet - "They'll use the key to call forth an army." J'arrhll asked her if she would translate the entire tablet - but the circumstances weren't exactly ideal (what with pirates ransacking the building).

Y'shtola and I rushed back upstairs where she quickly incapacitated a guard - then dodged Rhoswen's bullets! The Knights appeared to be arriving on the scene as well. Before this confrontation between Rhoswen and Y'shtola could play out - Rhoswen ordered the retreat of her crew. Y'shtola excused herself before the Knights arrived - and J'arrhll dismissed me saying she'd review my story with the Knights at Coral Tower.

I guess this investigation hadn't been forgotten after all - but at least the people at Mealvaan's Gate were listening to reason - and after such excitement. For a while, I thought I just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time but now I'm starting to wonder if these Barracuda and pirate shenanigans are happening all over the city at all times. I would no longer be surprised by this.

PS:   I apologize for lack of photos of these pirates. I fear any evidence I provided of who was involved would result in an unpleasant visit from Captain Rhoswen and her crew.

Fishing with Sisipu

Early this morning, Baderon sent me a message that a young fisherman woman was looking for me. Since I only know one person who fits that description, I headed over to the fisherman guild. Sisipu met me at the door. She wanted someone to join her on a sahagin hunt and I could use the money. I ran out to Oschon's Torch to learn we wouldn't be fighting any sahagin. I was in fact an escort to a casual fishing trip. As I sat there (annoyed) she told me how the sahagin had only increased in aggression since Seal Rock appeared in the mists. She explained her theory on how it is actually something called "Swallowtail Roam" a sacred and protected domain that should be left alone.

I asked about Swallowtail Roam and she explained to me the legend of how the lands of Eorzea were created and how the Guardian Llymlaen sealed the sea serpent (who created the oceans) in a floating island referred to as Swallowtail Roam. She was concerned that if her theory was correct then the sea serpent I saw that fateful night might continue to create oceans and sink the entire land of Eorzea. Considering the legend does seem to match the unusual events surrounding the sea serpent and the island's appearance, I think there's some merit to her theory.

Sisipu's Favorite Fishing Spot

Our conversation was interrupted by (none other than) Commodore Sthalmann. They began to discuss Emerick's confinement and trying to link him to Carvallain to get rid of them once and for all. I learned Carvallain is the Captain of the Kraken's Arms (Pirates- I knew it!) and that Rhoswen woman is Captain of the Sanguine Sirens. Sthalmann ordered Sisipu to return to Linsa Lominsa for her own safety and explained to me that she was the sole survivor of an incident in a location named Brookhaven - it was there she saw Emerick speaking with a sahagin contact. Now that I understood the gravity of the situation, it made more sense why Sisipu needed me to come to her favorite fishing spot with her.

Business Unususal

Bonchacha's store was out of stock completely. She had a hundred thousand gil waiting for me. I spent the morning restocking her with maple wands and ash canes. I also made a few elm canes before I ran out of growth formula. I traded one to Skald (Elysium) over at his shop in Upper Keeners for some new clothes. I gave another to Nimla and plan to use the third for myself. I want to make more to sell in the shop so I'm off to Ul'dah to stock up on growth formula. My secondary objective is to procure a new alchemy tool. My weathered alembic is getting rusty.

Making Beeswax at Skald's Store

I searched the market wards of Ul'dah for hours then Skald came over the linkshell to tell me he found a brass alembic and could meet me near Limsa with it. I gathered all the growth formula I could carry and returned back to Linsa Lominsa. We met around the Cedarwood area - where we ran (incidentally) into the rest of the members of Elysium. I had wanted to head back to town to continue working on my wares but instead we decided to round up the giant crabs in the area and hone our skills as a team.

First Contract (Carpentry)

This morning I decided to take some jobs as a carpenter for the supplies and the experience. Bango Zango had me make a handful of ash fishing rods for the fleet which was a real challenge for me, but I was able to handle it. It gave me more confidence that I could work with ash and similar types of wood. I restocked with Bonchacha in Upper Keeners - she's not only my store front, but also my lumber yard. While I was doing this, I got a contract from a local blacksmith. Knowing I could now work well with ash, I agreed to make twelve ash hammer grips for the price of thirty thousand gil. It was perhaps a bit on the cheap side (considering all the wind shards it consumed) but a profit is a profit. I also managed to recruit the blacksmith into Elysium since the linkshell was lacking in that regard lately.

I intended to work on carpentry and perhaps fashion myself some new weapons - but I was pulled away by Elysium member Alma to fight dodo's east of Limsa. Fighting the good fight consumed the rest of my entire day.

Pirates!

When I awoke this morning at the camp at Skull Valley I was summoned to battle by the Battlewarden. He instructed me to kill enough stray dodo to draw out the kobold he'd tracked into the valley. I managed to defeat four dodo, an ocean roseling and five weevils that attacked me all at once - to draw out this kobold. Though nervous I was eager to test my abilities as a conjurer against this intelligent foe. Although his spells stung quite painfully, my magic was stronger than his. The Battlewarden rewarded me with 2000gil and I set off on my way back to town.

I returned back to Linsa Lominsa to check the guild for leves and manage Bonchacha's store front. While I was passing through the Mizzenmast, Baderon motioned for me. He mentioned there were a lot more rumors floating around the Mizzenmast about the sea serpent. Speculation says it may be the legendary creature bound by the goddess Llymlaen. While we were discussing the creature, another adventurer came to report what we already knew - the Knights had fallen at Seal Rock. Apparently during the dispute with the sahagin, the Misery, a ship of the Kraken's Arms (pirates, I gather) made it to Seal Rock. The Mizzenmast was abuzz with rumors and whispers. It was then that I noticed Y'shtola again.

She has a Budding Wand! I'm jealous.

She was standing just outside the main area of the Mizzenmast. She noticed me looking at her and approached. She didn't seem to remember me (which is odd since I feel like she's following me) but asked if I had come across any shadowless figures working with the sahagin. Now that she mentioned it - there had been something odd about Emerick so I told her what I'd seen. Our conversation was interrupted by a horn sounding outside - it sounded like a war horn and Y'shtola called it "Astalicia" but I'm not sure what that means.

I asked Baderon what "Astalicia" meant and he told me it was the marauder ship down in the harbor. He also said if I wanted to know more about the sea serpent and the last time it surfaced to attack I should ask the pirates aboard who helped drive the beast back out to sea. Apparently the Astalicia is home to a guild that welcomes pirates and trains them with axe skills. I had to admit - I wanted to meet these marauders. I headed down to the Astalicia.

Astalicia at Dawn

As I stepped aboard, I was surprised to see how many qiqirn were aboard. A miqo'te named Ighii Moui warned me to leave them alone; she said they have a place on a ship as lookouts and formidable warriors with a hatred for sahagin. I took that under advisement and went to search for someone who could answer my questions.

Buburoon of the Astalicia

The one-eyed pirate Rostnsthal offered to take me to the serpent for some coin and drink. Although skeptical I gave him a few gil and promptly received a roegadyn punch to the chest. Rage filled me and I thought to reach for my wand, but I held back unsure if I could match skills with this rugged pirate. Our scuffle was interrupted before it began by inquisitive Knights. Although the pirates tried to repel them Commodore Sthalmann knocked them off their feet by himself. One-eyed roegadyn are formidable! Sthalmann demanded to see Carvallain.

A pirate captain dressed all in blue strode up from below deck, taunting the Commodore at his defeat by the Sahagin. Sthalmann demanded Emerick be turned over to the Knights! I was nearly floored. Whoever this Emerick is he's certainly important. I wish I had apprehended him at Oschon's Torch! The Commodore accused Emerick of selling sea charts to the sahagin and being responsible for their defeat. Carvallain was disgusted by this idea and grudgingly allowed the Knights to search the ship for this traitor to Linsa Lominsa. How do I get caught up in these situations? I trailed discreetly behind the search party.

I caught Carvallain talking to another captain named Rhoswen about her man Merodaulyn selling the charts to the sahagin. So the plot thickens, but Merod had been caught up in the ambush so Rhoswen was interested in this  betrayal by Emerick on a personal level. I decided to catch up with the Knights before the captains over heard me. I caught up to the Commodore just as he hoisted a battered body (which appeared to be Emerick) over his shoulder. I heard no signs of a scuffle so he must have been mistreated before the Knights found him in the cargo holds.

Thinking the festivities to be over, I made my way back topside hoping to get off this crazy ship. I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of Rostnsthal - I had forgotten our previous engagement in the bustle of the Knights' raid. He apologized for the misunderstanding earlier - told me if I happen to gut some Barracudas, he'd make me a member of his crew. It was a tempting? offer but I'd like to leave the Knights guts on the inside for now. I don't need the Commodore breaking down my door and dragging me out in my sleep. Rostnsthal left the Astalicia and once he was out of sight - I returned to my regularly scheduled day.

This was enough festivities for one lalafell.

Set Loose Unto the World

I stopped by Coral Tower early this morning to inquire about their investigation. No one there seemed to know me or what I was talking about - I suppose their troubles at Seal Rock have taken precedence. I see no reason why I should stick around Linsa Lominsa then. I have a business to run and monsters to slay. It's time to move on to my next project - making my maple wands start budding. This is going to require a bit more skill in alchemy and a growth formula beta rather than alpha.

I spent a few hours scrounging Skull Valley for beehive chips. My wife Nimla arrived to give me some rock salt and minium she had uncovered near Ul'dah. I promptly turned those into table salt and quicksilver respectively in order to practice alchemy. I attempted to make a growth formula, but it failed in the last stage so I don't wish to waste any more materials until I can either upgrade my gear or find a suitable laboratory to hone my technique.

Nimla Joins Me in Skull Valley

The leader of our linkshell and an old friend also passed through to sell me a new saw he'd found in his travels. I can finally throw away my weathered saw and start using this chocobotail saw. I feel much closer to a budding maple wand than when the day started - and I have quite a bit of miscellaneous items (table salt, mostly) to sell when I head back to the city.

The Steelmaster

I made some ash canes today to supplement Bonchacha's who selling maple wands like hot cakes. I was actually working on maple spear shafts when Baderon contacted me through his Adventure Guild linkshell. Apparently he heard of my exploits at Oschon's Torch. He also seemed to know I'd been dabbling in alchemy and said if I really want to turn lead to gold, I should head to Naldiq & Vymelli's - the Blacksmith and Armorer Guild.

Busy at All Hours

I dropped in on the guild, but Bodenolf seemed reluctant to hire me as an adventurer. He mentioned I'd have to speak with Steelmaster H'naanza and get her vote if I wanted any employ with their guild. Smithing itself didn't peak my interest at this time. I decided to stick to carpentry and alchemy. These skills are in demand in Linsa Lominsa since the guilds are found in other city-states. This does prove a bit more challenging for me, however - and a lot more travel.

As I was leaving Naldiq & Vymelli's I happened upon a conversation between Commodore Sthalmann and a miqo'te named H'naanza. Apparently things weren't going well with Seal Rock. They also had a ship full of pirates in lock up for question on something they may have had as cargo. Though the commodore was reluctant to discuss it, there seem some connection between the Sahagin, Seal Rock and that sea serpent I had seen the night I arrived. When he noticed me standing there, Sthalmann threatened H'naanza and I not to discuss such matters. It was then that Knights showed up to inform him of things gone horrible at sea. Apparently someone in the 5th Levy had betrayed the fleet.

Steelmaster H'naanza is Formidable

I spoke briefly to Steelmaster H'naanza who said she trusted Bodenolf's judgment. I felt like I was getting the run around at this guild, but clearly Baderon sent me here for a reason. I stepped back inside to talk to Bodenolf again and found H'naanza speaking with Rostnsthal. Have I seen him somewhere before? Apparently he had some problem with the ship the guild made for him and H'naanza had some problems with his line of credit.

Now that Baderon had sent me on this wild goose chase around town, he decided to call me back to the Wench. He gave me six thousand gil! and told me to drop in every now and then in case he had more work around town for me to do. He seemed surprised I still had my head on my shoulders; he doesn't know me very well yet. I'll be around for quite some time.

Lighthouse Patrol

Baderon heard I was stuck in town and things didn't go well at Coral Tower. Clearly Baderon has connections. He suggested I throw in at the Fisherman's Guild. Since I couldn't leave Linsa Lominsa, I decided to drop in. I'm starting to wonder why he's trying to get me into other career fields. Perhaps he wasn't impressed with the new counter tops I'd worked on for the Mizzenmast. Well, as long as maple wand sales are steady I'll be working with wood.

I got up early this morning to head over to the Fisherman's Guild. I spoke to N'nmulika at the front desk and she seemed elated to have an adventurer show up at the guild. (Did Baderon know this would happen?) A lalafell named Wawalago (the guild leader?) explained to me a very important location to the guild had fallen into enemy hands. They were being blocked from access to a particular lighthouse and he wanted me to accompany Sisipu there and make sure it was all clear and the light still shone. It seems not only the Knights, but the "pullers" (as they call themselves) have trouble with sahagin and Serpent Reavers.

Meet Sisipu!

Sispu taught me some common guild hand signs to identify friend from foe and had me meet her at the Zephyr Gate. I feel like I'm finally on a real adventure! I made some preparations and headed for Zephyr Gate right away. Sisipu was eager to find out what had happened at the lighthouse.

Damn! Fleasquitos!

We made it to the lighthouse without any significant problems. We were attacked a few times by ankle biters, a giant fleasquito in my book, but I made short work of them. Arrival at the lighthouse was grim, though. The light watch was no where to be seen. I scoured the area and found a couple of dead members of the watch and amidst them ... Emerick! I had seen this fellow at my aptitude test at the Knights. He was talking to some evelen fellow about pirate codes. I signaled them with hand signs, and they assured me they were members of the fishing guild - but they did not return my hand signs. I had a bad feeling about it, but I couldn't fight them two against one so I let them get away.

Things are Grim at the Light

Soon after the rest of the watch returned from their hiding and told a tale of Reaver attacks and Knight rescue. It is sad to me that several innocent fishermen died here and what did Emerick have to do with it? Sisipu returned to the guild now that the situation was resolved and I decided I'd go to the guild to collect my pay and ask some questions about Emerick.

Also - in my excitement for a real test of my conjury skill, I had forgotten I was asked not to leave the city! I hope this doesn't get back to the Knights before I get back to town.

PS:  Well, Wawalago didn't know anything about Emerick as I imagined. He did give me three thousand gil, though. It was certainly worth my while to break the Knights rules.

The Coral Tower

I dropped in at the Coral Tower today. Baderon had dropped off a letter of recommendation and I was curious about the mysterious treasure at Seal Rock. I wasn't terribly interested in joining the Knights, but I still couldn't pass up the opportunity. I met with the attendant - Isaudorel - who instructed me to go downstairs for an aptitude test.

I was handed a flintlock pistol and instructed to do my best, but something about my firing stance drew attention to me before I could even fire. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but I wasn't taken very seriously. Fortunately attention was taken off of me by an elezen named Merodaulyn. The recruiters seemed quite taken with him. I am certain he earned a position on the Seal Rock unit.

I however did not. I was recommended to 5th Levy which was described to me (in not so many words) as the lowest of the low among the ranks of the Knights. I also came under suspicion as a pirate until my papers with the Adventurer's Guild cleared. There was still a matter of the pistol, though, which had been taken from me before the aptitude test even began. Isaudorel seemed to think I still had it on my person.

Overlooking Knights of Barracuda HQ

I was instructed not to leave town until the investigation was concluded. That will seriously hinder my ability to make gil and survive in this town on carpentry and good looks alone. I hope the investigation concludes quickly.

Turning Lead to Gil

Due to the nature of imbuing conjuring elements into a maple branch (thus forming and repairing a maple wand) I have had to travel frequently to the city-state of Ul'dah in order to procure growth formula from their alchemy guild. Sales have slowed, but I still have a supply to sell before I move on to willow wands which also require a touch of alchemy to perfectly attune to natural elements.

Silly Alembic

With that in mind, I decided to study the craft during today's trip to Ul'dah. Fortunately a member of Elysium, named Skald, unloaded a great deal of murky, muddy water on me while I was there and I managed to use a newly acquired alembic to purify it into potable water. It was a good test of my skill and a good introduction to the wonders of alchemy. While I do not intend to pursue alchemy as a true profession, I will use it to augment my growing skills as a carpenter for some time to come.