Pixie Remora

I dropped by Fisherman's Bottom to see if I could find Sisipu to tell her that her passion had worn off on me. I asked at the front desk and was promptly told I don't have the true heart of the fisherman yet. A challenge was put forth and I accepted as I was registered in the logs of the fisherman's guild. Although no one knew where Sisipu was at the moment, I was sent off to find Maisie who was in the guild hall somewhere.

Nice Hat, Maisie

Maisie explained to me that in order to trap and defeat Sahagin the pirates and Barracuda Knights needed to bait them and in order to bait them they needed to send out pullers to bring in bait. She gave me the tools required and sent me out on my way to bring back bait for the guild to use to fight Sahagin. I keep hearing about these nasty beasts, but I've yet to see one. Perhaps if I fish up their bait I'll get to encounter one or two. Then again, hopefully not.

I set off on my quest to track down pixie remora - beloved by Sahagin everywhere. It took me a good part of the day to track down a pack full of remora, but I scoured the cliffs from Skull Valley out to Bloodshore and managed to come up with a decent sized haul.

I returned to Maisie who told me being a part of the guild meant fishing for a greater purpose - more than food, gelt or sport. I don't know what "gelt" is but I know what she means. I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye as I was leaving the guild - a lalafell perhaps - but only for an instant and then it was gone. Perhaps it was the Echo reacting to someone or something?

I left a message for Sisipu and headed out to put together a bamboo fishing rod. My pine rod has gotten all worn out and nearly unusable.

First Contact with the Syndicate

I was fortunate enough to find the illuminating salts I needed in the marketplace of Linsa Lominsa.

I prepared the medicine and took care of all the business I had in Linsa Lominsa before heading back to Frondale's Phrontistery. I was directed to the children's ward (where I'd delivered toys during the Starlight Celebration!) so I could administer the treatment directly to Damielliot. He awoke briefly and spoke incoherently of a strange power then fell back into slumber. A most curious affliction he has.

As I was leaving the Phrontistery another elezen wearing spectacles entered and announced she was Assessor Saulette from Mealvaan's Gate in Linsa Lominsa. I froze up thinking for an instant they were looking for me again for that episode the the Barracuda Knights so many weeks ago - by the Twelve I'd forgotten!

Fortunately for me she was hired by something called the Syndicate to oversee Damielliot's cure. Though this news seemed unfortunate for the guild. She was turned away by order of the guildmaster Faustigeant, but she said she would have words with the owner of the Phrontistery, this member of the Syndicate.

I felt like I was getting in over my head with affairs of the guild and Ul'dah in general. Though I would be there to help if needed I had to admit I did not wish for that call to come over the linkpearl anytime soon.

Mummified Mole

I decided it was time to register my skills with the alchemist guild in Ul'dah, Frondale's Phrontistery. I had been practicing and using this skill to amass a great wealth of crystals and shards in the last few weeks and I had gone unregistered for too long. I may be fined for practicing unregistered, but fortunately I have been doing it in the privacy of ... well, the wilderness where no one would see me. Fishing and alchemizing as fate would have it.

The elezen Nogeloix was in charge of registration. After a brief introduction to their equal opportunity employment policy, he told me Damielliot, son of Guild Master Faustigeant, was in need of help. He handed me a linkpearl used by the phrontistery and a recipe for medicine I was to pick up at Camp Black Brush. Apparently Damielliot was afflicted with some kind of abnormal sleep affliction. Well, this wasn't the kind of work I had in mind, but I decided for the guildmaster's son's sake I would try to fill his prescription posthaste.

My Kingdom for Illuminating Salts

I found Numomo easily enough at the camp. She handed me a mummified mole and told me I needed a pinch of illuminating salts. I didn't happen to have any so I set out to find or make some. I knew the recipe involved blindfish, but I didn't have any of those either. In fact, I'd only ever caught one in my short fishing career. I checked the available guildleves, but like always they seemed intent on pawning off their silex on me (which I promptly turn around and sell at the nearest shop to get it off my hands - I fear someday I may regret this when I actually need silex). That's a dead end. I headed to the Market Wards where I could meet up with Bonchacha and Kalokoko (who I sent off to sell some of my used clothing).

Sadly the markets were also void of salts or blindfish to make salts. It seems I bit off more than I can chew with this task. It may be time to break out my fishing rod and take matters into my own hands. The only place I had caught one so far is Cassiopeia Hollow and that was not a short walk. I wasn't willing to zoom myself along the aether highway to Camp Bloodshore either. I prepared for a long walk and a long ferry trip.

Communing with Nature

Since I was in Gridania due to the Ashcrown Consortium business, I dropped in on the Stillglade Fane. Soileine told me that I was now ready to attempt to commune with the elementals if I was willing to undertake the task. I communed with scarier things yesterday and I have been honing my skills as a conjurer lately rather than working with wood or fish. I felt ready. I was instructed to seek out Brother Ingram.

He was critical of adventurers being among the guild but put his faith in me. He handed me a mysterious leather sack and instructed me to put my ear to the Twelveswood. I had a strange encounter in the forest once so I knew exactly where to go to see if it would happen again. I headed for Amberscale Rock - where that "dragon" attacked the knight from Ishgard.

I found Morys there waiting for me. Neither of us were surprised by this. He said our fates were intertwined and I had to agree based on our recent adventures together. He spoke to me then of the void in his memory and of Ishgard's pull on him. He asked me if I would travel with him to the city-state and of course I agreed. We headed for Camp Emerald Moss to begin our journey.

Do You Hear Something?

Near the edge of Coerthas we were attacked by Furline Mosstroopers - who were they? What did they want from us? We didn't have a chance to find out. I defeated them effortlessly. It was then that I heard the Spirit of the Wood. It told Morys to return and then some force pushed him ... and he vanished as if a hole in reality had opened up to catch him! Where had he gone? I made my way back to Emerald Moss hoping to find him there.

Mosstrooper Ambush

I waited for some time but when he didn't appear I grew fearful and returned (as if driven) to the place where our fate seemed most intertwined - Amberscale Rock. I found Morys crumpled in a heap before the dragon-shaped stone and the Spirit of the Wood manifested and told me that Morys belonged to the forest now. I wasn't sure what to make of it so I approached the unconscious Morys (after the Spirit disappeared) and used the Echo on him.

Crumpled Morys

I found a young Morys being attacked by dreadwolves at this place before the stone dragon. I did my best to slay them but I could not save the child from being taken by the Spirit of the Wood. As I watched him vanish into this hole in reality I felt myself being ejected from this time, from this place and I awoke beside Morys once more. He remembered being taken as well. The Spirit told him that it wasn't time and he must wait but failed to elaborate. Poor Morys wandered off into the woods in confusion and I was left alone. I knew I could not follow where he was going this time and so I headed back to Brother Ingram.

Wait for What, Spirit?

Ingram asked for the bag to be returned - I'd completely forgotten about it. I handed it to him and he seemed to divulge the entire events of my adventure from it. He asked me to keep the fact that Morys was a wildling (taken by the forest) a secret to protect him and others from fearing or seeking to use his potential powers. Then he told me that hearing the elementals was a huge step forward, but understanding and carrying out their favors was still beyond me. However, I had succeeded where many failed for most of their lives. Brother Ingram was impressed. Soileine on the other hand appeared slightly jealous.

Parley with Beasts

I arrived in Drybone early this morning to find that Hero had been there before me. He instructed me to meet him at a mesa to the southwest so I headed out into the wilderness to find him and the Amalj'aa excavation site.

When I arrived Hero met me at the mouth of a cavern or canyon, much like Little Ala Mhigo but inside we could here steel clashing against steel - the sounds of battle! We rushed inside and were met by the emissaries from the Consortium who warned us not to go farther. The lalafell Nananoby was pleased to see us once he knew who we were and the sylph cast a spell to sooth the battle raging between the Ixal and the Amalj'aa - both of whom I was seeing for the very first time! Formidable creatures, both!

Nananoby Has Good Fashion Sense

 There seemed to be some great confusion at hand. The tribes quarreled over crystals. They blamed the Ashcrown Consortium for stealing them away when they could be used to crush the Empire. The saw the destruction of Ala Mhigo as a sign of weakness. Due to my somewhat recently honed skills in parley (Thank you, Nicoliaux!) I was able to calm both the tribes down and explain to them the importance of our mutual cooperation - but within minutes we were all at each others' throats again. Sigh, what's a conjurer to do?

Discussions with the Amalj'aa

Discussions with the Ixal

The negotiations were interrupted as Hero spotted something out in the open desert - it send the Amalj'aa and Ixal both scurrying into the mountains like cowards. We too were hidden by the sylphs' magic spell and watched as the most horrific creature I have ever seen took pause and glanced in our direction. Surely he didn't see us for he continued on his gruesome way without another moment. I was told this demonic humanoid monster was called an Ascian. Where had I heard that name uttered before?

It seems we have been defeated by fate. The sylph say the primals have corrupted the minds and hearts of the tribes - each loyal to their own god. The sylph seemed to have intimate knowledge of these beings that dwell in aether. Nananoby mentioned Garleans had taken up occupation of a place called Silvertear Falls - I'd not heard that name before - and it would solve a lot of problems if they were to leave (or be repelled!) from there. It was then that Nananoby spotted a sack left behind by the tribe full of crystals. It seems our efforts were not completely in vain - but isn't this called stealing? It lends truth to the tribes' words that the Consortium robbed them of their power. I said nothing and we returned together to Gridania.

We spoke of several things - among them the worth of crystals and their shards (of which I am well aware). Nananoby also explained Silvertear Falls was found in Mor Dhona which was tainted and twisted land (aware of this as well as I explored it some time ago with members of Elysium). I did not see any Garlean forces there, however, and I'm curious to understand where and what this Silvertear Falls is exactly. I'm not sure I recall seeing any place that would match the description of its name.

The Consortium was very generous with its reward for our efforts and Nananoby handed me a linkpearl in case the Ashcrown Consortium had need of our services again - cutting out the middle man. I like it.

Summoned to the Ashcrown Consortium

Minfilia summoned me to Waking Sands today.

She spoke to me of crystals (my new business venture!) and how the guilds have trade agreements with the beastmen tribes for abundant amounts of shards and crystals to supply the craftsmen. She spoke of something called the Ashcrown Consortium that works as an intermediary between the tribes and guilds. Apparently, the tribes of late have been refusing trades and asked the Path for assistance. I was hand picked for my help with the sylph affairs that I carried out a few weeks ago. I was flattered. I hoped Hero would show up soon as well.

Tataru told me to find the headquarters of the Consortium in Gridania. She said Hero had been here before me and was already on his way there to join me in the Black Shroud. Looks like I was being swept off into a whirlwind adventure with Hero.

I made my way to Gridania and settled some affairs at the store with Bonchacha. I'd have her stop by Little Ala Mhigo on her way to the wards at Ul'dah which has become the hub of commerce over the last couple of months. It's where I hope to make my fortune.

At the Ashcrown Consortium I walked in to find sylphs fluttering about. The attendant at the door introduced himself as Hedyn and told me someone called the Interlocutors had been expecting me. I was joined by Hero in their main office where I met Chief Interlocutor Shanga Meshanga and the sylph Troxia of the Grove who was also a Chief Interlocutor. I didn't want to look like an ass, but what the heck is an interlocutor? I was told how the sylphs founded the Consortium and the guilds relied on them for the exchange of crystals for many years.

Chief Interlocutor Meshanga asked if I'd heard of the primals (eikons, the Empire referred to them). As a matter of fact, I do recall hearing word of the primals. I was eager to learn more. They explained to us that the beastmen discovered the primals required crystals to maintain a presence in Eorzea. As a result trade has come to a standstill and the beastmen grow ever more aggressive towards the city-states and the sylph traders.

They would have us go to Eastern Thanalan (I just came from there!) and use the gift to understand the Amalj'aa and parley with them. Hero decided for us to meet up again at Camp Drybone. I would gather my things and head out as soon as possible. The life of a Walker is very complicated. I suppose I knew as much when I signed up for the job.

Little Ala Mhigo

What Have We Here?

I was exploring Southern Thanalan today looking for a new fishing spots when I stumbled upon one of the most unusual cave configurations I'd ever seen in Thanalan. It was, in fact, an open gate with a guard. I wandered inside with a look of confusion mixed with wonder as I found a refugee camp of Ala Mhigans. They called this place little Ala Mhigo and were full of pride. They were rather curt with me as an outsider, but given their desperate circumstances I understood. I offered to help make medicine as an alchemist but I was mostly ignored.

Little Ala Mhigo

 That is until I tried to fish there. I was rudely told fishing was not allowed.

No Fishing!

I snuck into the back of their little cavern home and found a peculiar, locked door. Are they trying to hold something back from getting into their cave or keep me from exploring their secret lair? I don't know, but I will remember this little hidden community. Perhaps they're interested in some wood working! I'll make sure to send Bonchacha on her rounds with some of my finer wares.

Mysterious Door

Fishing Guide

As I rise in skill with the rod, I've been compiling some data.

Grade 1
Fountain outside Thaumaturge Guild
-Brass Loach @ Depth #2
-Maiden Carp @ Depth #4
-Crayfish @ Depth #8
-Pipira @ Depth #9
-Striped Goby @ Depth #10

Grade 2
West of Camp Emerald Moss
-Black Eel
-Yugr'am Salmon
-Crayfish @ Depth #8
-Ala Mhigan @ Depth #10

North of Camp Drybone
-Brass Loach @ Depth #2
-Maiden Carp @ Depth #4
-Crayfish @ Depth #8
-Sandfish @ Depth #9
-Ala Mhigan @ Depth #10

Grade 3
Pool NE of Camp Horizon
-Dark Bass @ Depth #5
-Black Ghost @ Depth #7
-Crayfish @ Depth #8
-River Crab @ Depth #10
-Box Turtle @ Depth #10

Winds of Change

The holiday season has brought with it several changes!

Happy New Year!

While Bonchacha continues to manage the store (which I've relocated to Gridania) I have enlisted a new trainee named Kalokoko to assist me with a new business venture. I recently heard while delivering goods to Frondale's Phrontistery that it was possible (easy, in fact) to turn fish into shards and crystals which are then used to produce other goods in other fields (such as carpentry). I had recently run into a bit of a wind shard crisis while working with wood so I decided to let my surplus of goods sell on Bonchacha while I began a new venture in the fishing and alchemy trade.

I've spent the holiday season working with fish and I've become a somewhat accomplished fisherman. What was once a small hobby is now a lucrative business! The demand for crystals and shards is so high that I'm filling orders nearly every other day. I'm also stock piling a large collection of shards for myself in the meantime. I'll turn my attention back to carpenter soon but since Bonchacha is not in need of supplies I have plenty of time to continue to amass and trade shards with members of Elysium and other select friends.

Although Elysium is made up of my dear friends, I also decided I would join a consortium of crafters and gatherers collectively known as Moogle Incorporated. I'm not sure if I mentioned them before but they also have a group of elite monster hunters who aptly call themselves the Moogle Knights. I was invited to join them on their hunt one night last week and it was with great success that we took down two formidable monsters.

Moogle Knights vs Ureaus!

Moogle Knights vs Great Buffalo!

Guildleves have also taken an interesting turn. Elysium has begun to gather regularly to handle various guildleves. We gather nearly every other day and we fight for several hours. It's reminiscent of when we began our adventures in Eorzea, but now it comes at a great boon to our skills and abilities. We have figured out a method to maximize our training on specific guildleves and we fight through monsters with much efficiency!


When I'm not fishing, turning fish into gil, doing guildleves with Elysium or fighting notorious monsters with Moogle Knights, Nimla and I like to relax by defending Camp Broken Water from the hordes of Quartz Doblyn that are springing up all over the place down there. We also tangle with the occasional buzzard and a new threat of diremites that are spreading across the Thanalan region.

As a result of this I end up harvesting numerous copper, zinc, tin and silver ore from these little rock creatures. Nimla is a rather accomplished goldsmith so I give her all of the silver, but the other ore I've been using to create odds and ends as a blacksmith, armorer and goldsmith. I do not plan to make a true occupation out of these skills, but it's one way to capitalize on all this loot we accumulate. I suppose things will change when we find new throngs of monsters to fight. I hear Sphene Doblyn have been amassing near the Ferry Docks to Linsa Lominsa in western Thanalan...