The Watcher Saga Finale (Sandre's Night Vision)

I had received word from my contacts in Gridania that someone had work for Nimla and I at both the Archery and Botany Guild once again. Mercenary work that was unsanctioned by the guilds, that is. The type of work the Hulud family was getting known for in Eorzea. I put aside my quest to understand the Echo and teleported into Gridania with Nimla by my side.

Who Appears Better Suited for Hunting Ixal?

 We met O'dhinek at the Quiver's Hold who told us a horrible story of new recruits at the guild being attacked by Ixal in the woods near Quarrymill. I wondered why the guild itself couldn't deal with this situation as it was made up of those who hunted and patrolled the woods regularly, but the last time I did any patrols with them I was abandoned by my good-for-nothing partner. Perhaps the Quiver's Hold lacks the integrity I once thought it held, but I have no real idea and I felt it rude to ask - we took the job.


Although dealing with the Ixal raiders seemed urgent, I wanted to stop by Greatloam Growery in order to find out what task they had for us there before leaving the boughs of Gridania. At the Growery we met with another Miqo'te named V'nabyano who was (of all things) a vegetarian cat-woman. She told us how she wants to express to the carnivores around her how wonderful vegetables can truly be in order to convince Sandre (an aquaintance of mine at the Botanist Guild). It all sounded so funny to me (who delights in meat dishes, mind you) that I'd get paid to prove what a wonderful world awaits vegetarians, but a job is a job after all and I agreed to do it.

Herbavore Cat

I still had some unfinished business with Sandre about a certain incident that angered the elements of the Shroud (at me personally, no less) but he was not to be found today. I spoke briefly with Mestonnaux about the vegetables in question, and he instructed me to head north of Camp Tranquil where the Tinolqa popoto grows in the wild and is unrivaled in flavor. I hoped when I returned that Sandre would be there to discuss a previous excursion into the wilderness in order to tamper with the Watchers.

We made our way south to Quarrymill where we were set upon by the very Ixal we were hunting and made short work of them. Hopefully they stay clear of this place, or Nimla and I will have to come back and push them out of the Quarrymill area permanently.

No Ixal Sympathizers Here!

Then we headed a bit north of Camp Tranquil and found the Tinolqa popoto fields swarming with opo-opo and they put up a good fight for their precious popotos. Getting our hands on the tastiest vegetables in Eorzea was a more difficult task than I had imagined and it left us tired, but we trudged back to Gridania to report in with our employers.

When we met with V'nabyano and handed over the (delicious) popotos, she explained that vitamin deficiencies effect Sandre's night vision which is what causes him to think the Watchers aren't working correctly. She said she would speak to him on the subject and with that I suddenly felt absolved from my responsibility of the cerulean ooze. I hoped this would stop his quest to fix what isn't broken.

At the Quiver's Hold, O'dhinek spoke of swift exile upon any who sympathize with the Ixal. She mentioned there was a healer who found out swiftly that healing wounded Ixal saw him removed from Gridania's society. It seemed harsh to Nimla and I and I worried about what would happen to us if they found out I could speak with Ixal fluently via the powers of the Echo. My worries always come back to the Echo, it seems. My fate is tangled with it.

PS - I still delight in eating cooked meat, though vegetables are good, too.

We Sell Seashells by the Bloodshore

Nimla and I were peddling shards and coral at Aleport when a young Lalafell girl named Fupepe approached us and asked us if we could go to Bloodshore and return with some very special, very pretty seashells she'd heard about. Her father wouldn't let her.  It was a simple request, but a long walk to the east coast of La Noscea. Of course, Nimla thought she was cute so we were forced to oblige.

Fupepe's Seashell Collection

It was a nice little holiday at the beach for Nimla and I. We were surprised to not see any variety of aggressive jellyfish or crab and simply enjoy a relaxing visit to the beach - oh and we got some seashells for the young, Fupepe. It would have been nice if we could have simply just escorted her, but her father seemed very unwilling to let her go out and about the countryside.

The Water Feels Nice

Menphina Stew Adventures!

Although I wanted to take time to think about the events of Mor Dhona and the Echo itself, Nimla has been insistent about learning about the love food we heard about from the "Harbor Herald" journalist. Although, I once believed Nimla to not be burdened by such things as the Echo, I've begun to question if she too should be walking the path of the twelve. She showed distinct signs of the Echo, though, whether it has fully manifested for her or if it ever will I do not know. At any rate, she seems pleased to try not to think about the events that happened to us earlier this month, but I am the opposite.

I do, however, not have much to go on so per her request we decided to investigate around the Bismarck. After some poking around we met a young Miqo'te named H'lahono who was sulking outside the restaurant and guild. We asked her what troubled her and she confessed to us in confidence that she was trying to prepare Menphina stew, but was lacking a certain spice. I joked to Nimla briefly that "spice" was my middle name! Then we decided we'd help this girl make her stew and set out into the wilderness to forage some musk roseling pollen.

It occurred to me while we were out fighting roselings and gathering their pollen that Menphina stew must be this delicacy that turns one's thoughts to love. She mentioned trying to make it for Nanapiri or something and the use of the guardian Menphina were clues to this mystery. Nimla and I were shocked to discover we had found some insight to the truth of this "love meal" so quickly. We rushed to get the spice and return to H'lahono so we could question her.

H'lahono admitted to us (in her delight to receive her missing ingredient) that she had, in fact, been perfecting the recipe for the stew over numerous years and countless attempts, but an unfortunate side-effect of the stew was that once it was completely digested and out of the body the feelings of love left with it. She had been feeding this poor sailor, Nanapiri, Menphina stew for who knows how long in an attempt to win him over to marriage ... either by perfecting the recipe to be permanent, or the gradual wearing down of his senses perhaps. It was a cute story, but seemed a bit sad from Nanapiri's point of view. Without H'lahono's consent we decided to pay him a visit.

Though it took us quite a while of poking around the docks, we finally tracked Nanapiri down aboard the Astalicia where he was a member of the Kraken's Arms. He was taking stock of some alcohol, I believe, when we stumbled into him. He seemed a bit disoriented, but not altogether unlike a pirate. He told us briefly how he desperately needed some beryl crab shells, but for the life of him couldn't focus much on his work lately due to constantly thinking about H'lahono. He didn't care to elaborate on her and we didn't act as if we knew her or had spoken to her. I kept expecting Nim to say something to him, but we both stood there awkwardly a moment before deciding it may be best after all to mind our business - and of course track down some beryl shells for the poor Lalafell.

 We made our way back out to the Camp Bloodshore area where we located some beryl crabs and removed them from their shells for Nanapiri (it was the least we could do, since we didn't have the heart to be honest with him). Unfortunately it was getting quite late, so we decided to spend the night at Wineport, northwest of the camp. It was a sleeply little hamlet protected mainly by high cliffs around it. I hadn't been here in quite some time.

We were just settling in for the night when we approached carefully and quietly by a young, miqo'te woman named I'nairoh. She told us a quick story about moongazing and the grape crops - honestly I was too tired to listen, but I did perk up at the mention of Menphina (since it was a popular topic lately), but I'nairoh was merely referring to the larger of the two moons, the smaller being Menphina's loyal hound, Dalamud. Nim agreed to help her before I had any say in the matter, so as quickly as I was ready for bed, I found myself up and armored again and heading out into the night.

We cleared the way for I'nairoh as we made our way out toward the coast where she could be inspired by Menphina by staring at her (the moon). We fought off some vagrant jelly-monsters, Aurelia, I believe they were and then took I'nairoh back to Wineport where she thanked us hastily and exasperatedly. She told us that while she had expected to be inspired, she did not expect to discover that the moon known as Dalamud appeared to be closer than it had been previously! How could this be? Was the moon falling toward the earth? She also mentioned seeing some suspicious brigands about - which was a similar description to those lurking about back when we rescued the Garlond engineers some time ago. I regret how sleepy and groggy I was that night (the wine, perhaps?) because I did not see any brigands (or Imperials) and I certainly don't see a falling moon, but it has me wondering nonetheless.

The next day we said farewell to I'nairoh and headed back to the city to hand over the shells we had collected to Nanapiri. He begged us up and down to keep our trip a secret so Carvallain would not get wind of his laziness or incapability. I had not heard that name spoken in many months and it took me back to a time when I was wrapped up in the going-ons around Limsa Lominsa. We agreed to his request and continued on her way, but I was once again lost in thought. I continue to think of the past, the Echo and the future.

Love Buscuit #9

I have been spending great lengths of time around Limsa Lominsa working on my fishing skill as well as my coral business empire (which is doing quite well these days) which gives me lots of time to think (and write!) about the Echo. It's been almost a month since our fated trip into Mor Dhona where Nimla, Hero and I almost died at the hands of the Imperial invaders and since then I have thought much but discovered very little about the nature of the Echo. I was saved by Y'shtola and her words still haunt me. I have come to Limsa Lominsa to rest, reflect and fish, but today I was stopped by a young woman on the street.

Her name is Dympna and she asked if my wife and I would be willing to perpetuate a rumor to help her uncover the truth about a particular chef working at the Bismarck. She is a somewhat well known investigative journalist for the "Harbor Herald" publication and while I had never heard of her specifically, I had heard of the Herald in my journeys - as well known as Gridania's "The Raven" where I first heard about the Archons. I'm not one to spread lies, but Dympna assured me that most of this particular story was true and the more people talked of it the more factual information would eventually come to light - as well as copies of her story would sell on the streets of Limsa Lominsa (and perhaps beyond).

Limsa Lominsa's Ambitious Journalist

A job is a job as they say and while I'm not interested in rumor mongering, I am interested in keeping up a good reputation - especially with someone who can make or break my entire business venture by slandering me in some popular publication. So I asked Nimla if she would accompany me around town making subtle inquiries about a chef at the Bismarck who has been rumored to have discovered a "love potion" food.

Dympna had given us a list of the city's most gullible, coached us in the art of excited storytelling and sent us on our way to do our worst to get the town filled with stories about this magical meal. Nearby was an old acquaintance with whom I was subtly annoyed with so it was with great pleasure that I filled his head with stories of the love food. Ferdillaix assured me that the only sustenance he needs in this world is spirital and that only Menphina herself may move a man's heart. 

Fufuna was not moved by this show of sensationalism, but when I used the tactic Dympna showed me to psyche her up and fill her with passion, she was won over by our show of love and talk of love food. Aergwynt was easily won to the trap, and R'baharra wanted to use the food to unite the pirates under the Admiral's banner. Then the Admiral could focus on the Maelstrom and R'baharra would be given control of the city-state. She is ambitious (if not misguided) to say the least. I could see why Dympna chose these people to spread these tall tales.

Buburoon (sounds gullible already) was easy to convince and the final person on the list. We found him aboard the Astalicia and within moments our tales were beginning to make their way through the pirate crews and Quqirn population. Our work was done.

Buburoon, We Meet Again

When we returned to Dympna, she elaborated that this is a true story of a true chef at the Bismarck, and even encouraged us to seek the truth for ourselves.  She did fail to mention before we were on our way sowing the seeds of her story, that the effects of the food only last as long as the food remains in your body and as it is cast away so are the feelings of deep love for the person who fed it to you. It was a small oversight in a tremendously unbelievable tale. I cannot say for sure if I will ever seek out the truth about this fabled food.

Drafted into Service at the Arcanist Guild

I was bringing some coral into Limsa Lominsa when I was asked to step into the Arcanist Guild (which functions as a customs house for the city) and was addressed personally by Haldberk. Nimla and I were pulled aside and told of a tragic situation brewing due to a misunderstanding at customs and how the guild was powerless to win out in this situation without our help.  All we had to do was track down this expensive cargo that was tossed overboard during the confusion and bring it back to the customs house and all would be forgotten with the the Brugaire Consortium, the Admiralty and the Arcanists. As an additional incentive, my coral would be carefully guarded by Haldberk while we were out investigating.

Haldberk's Proposal

 Nimla and I began tracing the currents to the east side of La Noscea, in the vicinity of Camp Bloodshore where we conducted an extensive search. We finally tracked down the cargo amongst the bluffs but they were swarming with jellyfish creatures which we quickly dispatched. We hauled the precious cargo back to Haldberk where we were quietly rewarded with some extra pairs of canvas half-gloves and my own cargo was released to my care. Haldberk mentioned in passing as he showed us out there were legends of people who could speak and understand all languages and what a benefit that would be to the customs house if such a thing truly existed.

Jellies Overrun La Noscea

 It reminded me of how rare and special the Echo truly was and how few people understood it completely. I remembered that simply being able to speak and understand the beastkin tribes was suspicious enough these days to face exile or deportation. Nimla and I bowed our heads and hurried off into Limsa Lominsa to carry on with our business - and I thought to myself for the first time (I think it was the first time, anyway) that being an famous adventurer had its downsides.

Something in the Water Perhaps?

As Nimla and I came back to Ul'dah, we stopped to talk to a young, Lalafell at the front gate who looked like he was about to pee himself in fear of what lie beyond the walls of Ul'dah. His name is Gegeissa and he's a guard stationed recently at the gates - hoping for a more active and adventurous duty. He apparently signed up for more than he was prepared to deal with. He asked us if we (as adventurers) had noticed the distinct increase in size of monsters roaming the lands.

I'm not sure if I wrote about it previously, but I had noticed this and wondered if it was some kind of Imperial conspiracy - had they done something to the water? Nimla agreed they were larger but laughed at many of our sillier assumptions about Imperials tampering with nature. It came down to the fact that none of us (perhaps nobody) understands why the monsters and other creatures of the wilderness had a sudden and unexpected increase in size. It was quite alarming, but Nimla and I don't find ourselves too fear stricken to live up to our duties or disband our inter-city-state businesses.

Gegeissa asked us if we'd mind taking a job for him and securing a trade route for some nervous merchant caravans and while it was technically his job we were mercenaries after all. After some consideration we hiked out along the road toward Camp Horizon sweeping up mobs left and right - particularly the big ones. Once the route was clear we headed back to Gegeissa to let him know the trade routes were secure and he gave us thanks and some simple reward. It was a fun little day expedition. I'm glad to be back in Ul'dah, however, to get down to business again.

Stone Whisperer

Kinborow at the Conjurer Guild said there was a problem contacting the stone elementals. She mentioned that it had happened in time past and in order to establish a connection to the stone elementals the Conjurers would need to retrieve an ancient seance stone. She asked if Nimla and I would get some so they could conduct the ritual.

Search for Seance Stones

We traveled down to Camp Tranquil where we decided to split up and hunt the canopy galago that are said to favor the stones. They were elusive and difficult to corner, but we ended up collecting 5 stones and were able to return them to the Conjury Guild without any trouble.

We Got You Cornered!

We returned the stones, but when Kinborow tried to perform the ritual the stones shattered. We all felt a chill down our spines. This could not be a good sign. Kinborow assured us she would speak with the elders on the will of the Twelveswood. One thing was clear: we were headed into dark times and even the elementals were taking heed of it.

Jackanapes & Sirocco (Solo)

Wybir had told me of a formidable adversary lurking in the forests near Camp Tranquil.
I decided to arm myself with a cudgel and thaumaturgy and set out to defeat the vile beast.
He proved to be a tricky foe and I spent many hours tracking him and battling him under the boughs.
I finally won the day, however, and left with a Bow of Owls as my trophy.

Jackanapes Japery

Jackanapes

• Camp Tranquil (46, 51)
• Bow of Owls

I also set out later that day to try and tackle Sirocco on my own armed with only my wits and some magic. I found him lounging about in a clearing west of the Humblehearth area minding his own business. It seemed cruel, but I'd heard he was quite a challenge to best in combat and so I could not resist. I won, but only barely escaping with my life and he did not yield a trophy for my efforts.

Subduing Sirocco

Sirocco

• Humblehearth (27, 31)
• Taurus Staff

Perfection

As a member of the Carpenter's Guild and the linkshell Moogle Inc. I am privy to knowledge of certain crafting techniques available if you know who to ask and put in your dues for the guild. I was told when first joining the Moogle Inc. linkshell of a technique so amazing it rivaled even the Alchemists' "Hand of the Gods" and I had finally saved up enough guild marks with the Carpenter's to get my hands on it. It is called "Perfection" and aptly so.

I entered the the Oak Atrium and decided to drop in on Marcelloix after not seeing him for quite some time. I wanted to ask him about the Perfection technique, but he had other ideas. He was delighted to see me arrive at such an opportune time and he proceeded to tell me he was trying to take the children out into the forest for an outing. He asked me to watch after them while he got all the appropriate permissions. He said afterwards he would speak with me of Perfection and so I was more than happy to help watch those ... lovable children.

The kids were overly thrilled to see me, which made me feel a lot better about taking care of them. The kids were excited for their trip to the forest and didn't want rain to spoil the day so decided to create what they caleld "fairweather fetish" to keep the rain away. I've heard that umbrellas also work, but I decided to join them and make a few fetish as well.

I managed to make three for the children before Marcelloix came back with all the proper permissions. He asked I run over to the Quiver's Hold where he assured them he would send help in exchange for their protection in the forest.

I checked in at the desk to find out that Wybir was the scout assigned to the outing and she had asked for me by name. Her name didn't strike me as familiar, but perhaps we had met when I was training the multishot technique. Unfortunately, she was out at Quarrymill which was not a short hike. I hoped "Perfection" was worth it as I began the long walk to Quarrymill.

As I entered Quarrymill, I recognized Wybir immediately - though it had been so long that I'd been to Quarrymill at all. I fixed her bow many, many months ago when I was just making a name for myself in Eorzea. I feel a bit embarrassed that I had forgotten that small deed. Although she only asked me to supply her with arrows, I decided to show her that she was not the only one who could use a bow these days. Together we cleared the way for the little ones and with that done I decided to head back to the Oak Atrium.

After learning the path was clear and an escort would be accompanying, Marcelloix asked if I would come along ofr the children's sake. It was hard to say no - although I had other business to attend to. I decided for the children's sake I would head out to the Mirror with them.

Children at the Mirror

It was truly beautiful out at the Mirror, though it did end up raining a bit at the end of the trip. We all sat huddled under the canopy of leaves above our head and drew simple pictures while Marcelloix took a quick nap. He awoke to insult the picture I drew (enough to startle me at how horrified he was by it) and we headed back to the guild after an excellent outing - made possible by yours truly and Wybir. 

Weathering the Storm & Drawing!

It was then, at the guild, that I learned the guarded secrets of the Perfection technique and proudly use it on all my future synthesizing ventures.

Alfgar of Ul'dah

I met Alfgar today. He has been appearing to discredit the dark prophet that has been appearing that I mentioned earlier in this journal. He draws a crowd outside the Adventurer Guild of Ul'dah, across from the chocobo stables by the fountain. There he preaches a counter-message to the crowd against the prophecies of Urianger Augurelt.

Elusive Alfgar

He speaks vaguely of the prophet appearing at camps across Eorzea spreading tales of doom and gloom. He warns not to get caught in the web of deceit. He accuses him of trying to scare the people of Eorzea into hasty actions against yet unforeseen foes. Alfgar states surely that they are not the Archons whose legend have been spreading widely as of late. This prophet is not our savior and he only seeks to cause unrest.

I don't know who to believe but I wish to speak with this Urianger fellow. I have not been fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of him yet, but most of my guildmates and linkshell associates have. I'm simply not in the right place at the right time it seems.

Cactuar Jack & Nest Commander

Today Nimla and I set out into the wilderness of Thanalan to hone our skills against some of the toughest monsters we could find and we were not disappointed. We stumbled into Cactaur Jack, a formidable Cactuar opponent who pushed me to the limits of my conjury and thaumaturgy skills and Nimla getting her first taste of what it means to bring an axe to the front lines.

Capturing Cactaur Jack

Cactaur Jack

• Nophica's Wells (16, 35)
• Fist of the Sixth Sun
• Conquistador's Elmo

I also set out on my own later that day to hunt a giant ant referred to as the Nest Commander. I found him easily north of Horizon, but wondered how he got his formidable name. The only nest he may have been commanding were the hundreds of goats in the nearby dusty hills. Perhaps I found him on a bad day, or a scouting mission - but he appeared to be far from home and easily fell to my magic skills. I managed to pull a very well crafted mask out of his exoskeleton that had been lodged there for who knows how long and later learned it belonged to one known as "Nighthawk."

Nailing the Nest Commander

Nest Commander

• Camp Horizon (11, 25)
• Nighthawk Visor

Righting our Wrongs

I had been uncovered a plan to capture members of the Garlond Ironworks in Limsa Lominsa and Ul'dah so while I do not frequent Gridania often anymore, I felt I should hurry to the city-state and investigate or at least warn them of what had been transpiring. My search for answers would be put on hold until I could make sure that none of the Ironworks' engineers fell to enemy hands.

I headed straight to the Stillglade Fane where I was known and had acquaintances thinking I could get a word in with the elders or at least learn the whereabouts of the Ironworkers so I could investigate myself. Unfortunately I was intercepted by Maroile, a young conjurer at the guild. He asked me if I knew anything about the Watchers outside Gridania which had been filled with a strange oil...

Shai, Do You Have a Moment?

By the Twelve, I did know something about it. I had been the "culprit" who put that oil there to begin with. I didn't tell Maroile this, of course, but I was obligated to set out and right this wrong. He mentioned that the oil was causing the fire elementals within the Watchers to burn violently and behave erratically so he asked me to take a gallipot with a fire elemental and light some fires along the path to help calm the raging fire elementals in the nearby Watchers.

Nimla was involved in this as well, so she offered to accompany me and we set out into the Twelveswood to light the fires and calm the elementals we had inadvertently upset in our previous adventures around Gridania. It didn't take long and we were soon back at Mariole who offered us some old leather tool belts in return for our small service. We would have declined if it wouldn't have looked suspicious so instead we set out to find Sandre and make sure he stops putting that concoction on the Watchers or getting other adventurers to do it.

Making Elementals Cozy

At the Botanist Guild, however, we were stopped by Mestonnaux (who hadn't seen Sandre) and asked if we would be willing to help with an upcoming Cleansing, which Nimla explained was a ceremony and ritual to calm the elements of the Twelveswood who were angered by the intrusion of the Imperial soldiers and machines which were harmful to the forest. Although it was not Gridania who offended the elementals, it would be they who suffered if the elementals decided to purge the forest of intruders. Although I was mostly unclear the details of a Cleansing I understood as a conjurer that it was something of a big deal. I knew Nimla's answer and so we set out together to help Mestonnaux.

What Can We Do?

We were asked to speak to all the Guilds in Gridania and make sure they were prepared to do their part for the Cleansing. It was an easy enough task and I had hoped to learn something about the Garlond Ironworks while we were meeting with representatives at each guild. We first spoke to Biddy at the Stillglade Fane who mentioned her enthusiasm for the fun festival that was involved with the Cleansing. She was relieved to have some moments of fun and relaxation while the darkness that was descending on Eorzea was heavy on everyone's mind. I was reminded that it wasn't just Nimla, Hero and I who carried this burden, but all of Eorzea was aware that something dire was unfurling around us all.

Pensive Biddy

At the Lancer Guild we met Nuala who confirmed they would be ready but also had a message for me to relay back to Mestonnaux. There had been a great tree that had been recently profaned by some creature or construct and it was causing quite a stir in the Twelveswood. I knew he would be interested in this, as was I.

Nuala Has Grave News

At the Tanner's Guild we met with Tatagoi who merely mentioned the Cleansing would protect Gridania from greenswrath as if I understood what that term meant. I don't and the thought of it frightens me so I did not inquire further, but headed to the Archery Guild where Alaire agreed to set up the escorts for the Botanists participating in the Cleansing. Nellaure of the Carpentry Guild told me that they were ready to make the specialized masks for the rite, but also said something about how only conjurers could open the Hedge. I made a mental note to try and discover the meaning of this information. Nimla did not know any more than I did about "the Hedge" or a conjurers connection to it.

Greenswrath in the Bucket

We returned to Mestonnaux and reported all that had been done as well as delivered Nuala's message from the Twelveswood. He was greatly disturbed. He immediately sent us south of Camp Bentbranch to investiage the area as quickly as possible. Did he know something we didn't? I was curious to see this tree myself and know what had caused this great disturbance in the forest, so I grabbed my harpoon that I had been training with lately and rushed out to the scene.

We found the tree that had been profaned and determined it was clawed by some unseen force, perhaps a Garlean machine or some immensely large beast. There was definitely signs of a battle that had been faught here as well, but no blood or bodies to speak of - we traced the signs to a nearby cave and inside we found a small party of bandits! There was no time for talk as they charged us in an attempt to kill us - I knew instantly these were Garleans and they were hiding something. We dispatched them almost effortlessly (the Empire needs to train these infiltrators better) and found captives within the cave as I suspected.

Imperial Ambush

Bardo and Yayatu introduced themselves and as I presumed they were members of the Garlond Ironworks who had been on their way to Gridania. I asked them if they had seen what happened at the tree and Yayatu talked about a bright, shiny force that had been fighting the Garleans. The tree was scarred by the fight between the soldiers and a beast as bright as the sun. I asked Nimla if she had heard of such a creature while studying in Gridania and she said the description vaguely resembled the wrath of an elemental, but she could not be sure as it was too little information.

Unplanned Engineer Rescue

We returned to Mestonnaux who was relieved that we had resolved the situation. I asked him about the Ironworks and he told me that many of the Garlond Ironworks engineers, machinists and technologists were actually born in Garlemald and fled south through Ala Mhigo to Eorzea seeking asylum. Naturally many of them find comfort and respite in the safe boughs of Gridania. When I asked about the Master of the Ironworks, he only knew that he had been meeting with the leaders of Gridania recently, too. Something big was brewing between the city-states, the Grand Companies and the Garlond Ironworks.

Who is this mysterious prodigy engineer? What does the Empire want with these engineers?

Another Ironworks Encounter

Many times since I have come to Eorzea the events I have witnessed have left me wondering "what's next?" Since I've arrived I've been gifted with the Echo and used it to solve many problems around the city-states of Limsa Lominsa, Ul'dah, and Gridania. The threat of the Empire looms over the entire region and now the news and odd circumstances leading us into the so-called 6th Umbral Age. My last meeting with Hero and Y'shtola left me dazed, confused and lost in a world with very few answers. I found myself searching in a likely place - the Temple of Nald on the western edge of Ul'dah.

I had been spending time here (as opposed to the Temple of Thal, a place toward which I was still feeling particularly badly about since learning of their grave robbing ideologies) because thaumaturgy is a connection to aether and embodies life and death. I thought maybe studying thaumaturgy principles would give me a clue about the astral and the umbral - and maybe a glimpse at the Echo. There was a nagging feeling that I would find no answers here.

At the Temple, Milvaneth Sacrarium, I met a Lalafell thaumaturge named Peneli Zuneli who came to me with a problem that he thought perhaps I could help. He explained that an airship coming to Ul'dah had recently been shot down by Imperials and crashed not far from the city. This incident had caused quite a bit of alarm within the city and in order to ease some of the distress the Sacrarium was giving out luck and safety talisman to their more generous donors. Although it sounded a bit like a swindle to me, I agreed to deliver the talisman to the worried (and wealthy) citizens of Ul'dah. I decided it would take my mind off some of the heavier items weighing upon it.

Peneli Zunel

I met Abylgo Hamylgo for the first time, a gladiator ready to join the banner of the Grand Company if the Syndicate was moving to reopen them. While I was at the Colosseum, I dropped off a talisman for the  Master of the Colosseum who hadn't been seen since the attack on the airship. That struck a cord with me, but I couldn't quite place it - was the Master named Raubahn? If so I had heard he was working to open the Grand Company of Ul'dah, the Immortal Flames. Perhaps it was just a rumor.

I had a talisman for Kukusi at the Prhontistery. She told me the Phrontistery had put forth the donation in order to acquire the talisman and ease the worries of the patients who should be focused on getting well and not about the impending Imperial threats. I was afraid of purchases such as these, but I understood the necessity to ease the minds of the already suffering.

One of the principle leaders of the Ala Mhigan refugees in Ul'dah named Naida Zamaida had been incredibly scared since the airship attack with flashbacks of the invasion of Ala Mhigo coming back at inopportune times. I hoped the talisman would work to fight off those terrible thoughts.

The final talisman was delivered to Rorojaru, a wealthy business Lalafell overseeing the Sapphire Avenue. He had been distressed about the loss of life aboard, the airship itself and rumors that brigands were already looting what was left of the ship and its cargo. I decided to mention that to Peneli because I knew that the wreckage of the airship belonged to Ul'dah (and specifically the property of the Temple of Nald who pays for its service and maintenance).

When Peneli heard about this outrageous affront on the Milveneth Sacrarium's property he asked if Nimla and I would go do something about it. I had foreseen this and we were ready. We rushed to the scene and caught the villains red-handed. We defeated them but found that it wasn't the airship or the cargo that had interested them, but two prisoners they had lured to the wreckage.

Hold It Right There!

I was introduced to Nymiene of the Garlond Ironworks - appraently they had been sent to assess the wreckage first as they were working closely with Ul'dah and the Immortal Flames grand opening. This seemed similar to what had transpired in Limsa Lominsa not too long ago. I was forced to assume these bandits we had defeated were Imperial agents who had set out to trap and capture the Ironworks' engineers.

Ironworks' Engineers

I returned to Peneli and told him what had transpired. He explained to me that the Syndicate hired the Garlond Ironworks to work on machinery and maintain the airships. The Master of the Ironworks and the Sultana have been visiting a lot recently. The Master of the Ironworks is allegedly a prodigy with machinery. Many wonder if he can match the military technology of the Empire. I had never heard of him before, but if he lived up to these rumors he was definitely a huge asset to the city-states as an ally. Perhaps the Imperials seek to capture him with these plots.

Reward Please!

Peneli had offered us a reward, but he was very reluctant to part with gil. He spoke of collecting for a new monument or building but I paid it no mind. I am at a loss with these thaumaturge of Nald'thal. Though they speak of spiritual enlightenment and traversing the realms of death, they all seem to share an immediate fascination with coin - and the Syndicate appears to be behind it all.

Taking the Fight to the Empire

I was invited to join Minfilia in a meeting with a client about the plight of the Path. I thought nothing of it as I made my way to the Waking Sands. I didn't realize that my life would change drastically on this day - that my way of seeing the world was going to be violently shaken into new proportions. My journey on the Path of the Twelve had been exciting and sometimes frightening, but none of that could prepare me for what would unfurl on this day I was summoned to the Antecedent's office.

New Allies Assemble

As I entered the office, I was surprised to find not only Hero, but the Ala Mhigan Resistance Captain I had recently met who was now accompanied by his trusted elite. I was welcomed and invited to speak with the Resistance members to hear their stories. Minfilia assured me I would need to hear it all and understand it before I would be asked to make my decision to throw in with them or not. During these discussion I heard some of the foul things the Empire was doing in Ala Mhigo. How they had been enslaved and their children brainwashed to fight for the Empire's cause. I could see how much these men and women longed to reclaim their homeland and right these terrible wrongs that had fallen upon them. The captain's speech in particular was very passionate and moving. I felt inspired to storm Ala Mhigo single-handedly to return it to him if I were able to do so on my own. 

His plan was deceptively simple - attack Silvertear Falls in the Mor Dhona region where the Imperials had set up an impromptu base of operations that was weakly defended and remote. There he hoped to steal an airship and use it to drive the legion occupying Ala Mhigo out of their city and back to their holes in the Empire. Minfilia expressed deep concern for the recklessness of the plan and I agree that it sounded like a long shot. The Captain was insistent however that they must try and with those parting words of determination the Resistance left the Waking Sands.

Hero left to go with him, but Minfilia stopped him to offer a strong word of caution. He said to her that he was simply following his Path and to me that I need not follow if I felt my Path went in a different direction, but after hearing the plan and the tragic story of the people of Ala Mhigo, I was as committed as he.I knew he had his own reasons that he did not wish to speak of and I knew I had to stand by him.

Camp Revenant's Toll

I also new Nimla would stand by me and that we would need all the help we could get so together we headed into the depths of Mor Dhona where we planned to meet up with Hero and the Resistance near Camp Revenant's Toll - one of the few bastions of the city-states left in the region. As we arrived Nimla and I realized we were too late - we could see Imperials fighting on the outskirts of the camp with some Resistance members I'd met previously. They were promptly defeated by a group of three Imperials who then ran east - Nimla and I gave chase in order to locate their base of operations.

After Them!

I identified them as a Centurion, a Sagittarius, and a Hoplomachus of the Imperial Army as we neared some cliffs to the east, but all too late I realized they were giving themselves away and leading us into a trap. Nimla and I gasped in horror as they drew their swords and an airship flew in to reinforce them. We could see as it drew in aether to charge its cannon, standing ominously over the three Imperial soldiers. We exchanged a few words and drew our staffs to end this threat or die trying.

It's a Trap!

I admit to you that I don't really remember much of the battle. Nimla and I managed to avoid the blasts from the airship's cannon and use it to decimate one of the Imperials by watching where the aether gathered around us - I suppose being in touch with aether and the elements did us a great service. We individually took care of the two remaining Imperials and turned our sights on capturing the airship as planned, but not unexpectedly it flew off and vanished. We were left breathless and lucky to be alive. The cannon on the airship is incredibly powerful - instantly vaporizing that soldier who stood in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Nimla! Watch out!

Hero was nearby and attracted to the sound of our fighting, but he arrived just a moment too late to help us. He did have a chance to speak with the Resistance Captain and informed us that the next part of the plan would involve Hero, Nimla and I creating a distraction so the Resistance could get their hands on their own airship. It seemed simple enough so we headed through the cliffs and came out in a clearing on the other side.


We made our way into the clearing looking for some sign of the Imperials and some way to cause a distraction when Hero stopped in his tracks and a dire reality unveiled before us. The Resistance members were dead and bleeding at our feet. The plan had failed. They were all dead. There was sounds of scuffle and we turned to see the Captain looming ominously in the fog, but as we neared we could see he was simply being held by his neck, armored fingers wrapped around his throat. He had been defeated.

As the figure released the Captain, revealing an fully armored human-shape with curled, horned helmet, a blue blast of fire shot out of his wrist and knocked Hero away from us. He was so horrific looking that I'm not sure if he was truly one of the five races or not. His voice was muffled by his black and red armor as he informed us we were foolish to come here and he raised his arm again to fire his fire at Nimla and I...

His efforts were deflected by none other than Y'shtola! How had she come? I hadn't seen her in months. She was not alone, either! She had apparently gathered allies since she'd come to Eorzea many months ago on the same ship as I. There was a Hyur with daggers, a Lalafell mage, and a masked pugilist. They began to battle this armored Garlean demon while Nimla and I stood dumbfounded, unable to only gawk at the sheer power displayed by the five fighting figures. As if annoyed that he was evenly matched, the Garlean lifted his arm to the sky and summoned an explosion that engulfed the entire valley - I have no idea how we survived, but I can only assume Y'shtola protected us with her barriers.

Cave Children

Nimla and I awoke in a cave surrounded by scared children. They spoke to us of their fears of the dark and the cold, but why were they here? How had we come here? Had the Echo brought us both? I was so confused and disoriented by the experience. I began to look for an exit to this cavern and as I did, I heard voices by the children. Nimla and I watched as a ritual turned these scared and frightened children into ... firm believers of the Garlean beliefs - raging against the Beast Tribes and their "Gods" with firm conviction. They had brainwashed these young Ala Mhigan children right before our eyes! What we witnessed reconfirmed my previous questions about the true intention of this Garlean invasion - it was not the city-states they had in sight, but the beastkin and their summoned Primals. What did they plan? Why?

We started to intervene when a commanding voice stopped us in our tracks.Y'shtola stood before us - again appearing out of thin air. She chastised me for rushing to my death and squandering my power known as the Echo without understanding its true potential. She made me realize that I had not questioned it enough. I had no idea what it was capable of doing. She had exhibited the Echo before in Limsa Lominsa - we had seen each other in the visions of the past - is that how she became so powerful? Powerful enough to deflect bullets with her will alone? She told me I should seek out who gave me this gift and demand to know its true purpose.

The cave faded around us and Nimla and I were standing with Hero at Camp Revenant's Toll. I was happy to find him uninjured after all we had seen, but we both knew the meanings of our lives had changed in all this. Hero was ready to forge ahead and find the true purpose of the Echo. I wondered if Nimla had it as well as she had somehow been protected and joined me in that cave with the children. We would all seek out the truth together, I hoped.

All for Love and Alcohol

I had hoped to have a relaxing afternoon, but instead had a small adventure.

I was having a drink at the bar in the miner's guild when I noticed a drunk Roegadyn carrying on in the corner (to himself) and despite my better judgment I thought perhaps I could help him. I stood a moment beside him before he noticed me at all and I gleaned from his mutterings that he had lined up some important meeting after quite a deal of work on his part and had come in for a drink to take the edge off when he had spilled a large sum of alcohol on his best shirt. I shook my head and chuckled and was about to walk away when he noticed me.

Mohtfryd in His Glory

It was obvious by my attire that I was an adventurer, as I doubt this man had heard of my Dodo Slaying skill set anytime recently, and I saw his eyes light up as he scanned me. I feared the worst, but all he asked of me was to retrieve milkworms which he could use to remove the stain, if I would hurry. He told me the worms were a favorite food of moles north of Camp Black Brush.I finished my drink quickly, set aside all reservations I had, and headed out into the field for this poor gentleman.

I rooted around for the worms, fought an angry mole or two, and returned to Mohtfryd with the worms.

This Will Hurt You More than Me, Mole

He was delighted. He could now meet up with the love of his life! I didn't know this was over a woman, but I feared she still may not be impressed with his lack of sobriety. Well, at least he had a clean shirt and as thanks he handed me an old cotton tabard - I'm not sure why he had one sized for a Lalafell, but I didn't bother to ask. Mohtfryd and I parted ways, but I was glad for a change of shirts, myself.

Lance Training Never Looked This Good

The Knights' Messengers

 Yesterday Nimla and I were interviewing members of the community about the merits of fishtack and flour, we were approached by a Knight of the Barracuda named Zanthael who said he had some work for young adventurers like ourselves if we visited him tomorrow (today!) and so we set out to meet up with him under the Mizzenmast by the long bridge leading from the city to the bluffs of La Noscea.

Zanthael told us there was reason to believe Imperial operatives were working outside the city, disguised as rogues and brigands, and because of this the guard needed to be tightened but he couldn't pull Knights from their posts to deliver the orders. This seemed unreasonable to me - could the Knights be this short-manned? It's true they were dealing with the situations of Seal Rock and the sahagin, and now there were suspected Imperials infiltrating the island. I knew it was my civic duty to help the situation and Nimla agreed, although she is mainly unaware of the situation in Limsa Lominsa spending much of her time in Gridania. 

Shai & Zanthael (Nimla Overslept)

Zanthael handed us the arrest warrants and orders to deliver and we set out on the task. We tracked down Bibiraka who was sleeping on the job, but reported that he had heard reports of these brigands seen close to Bearded Rock. The report was odd because they appeared to be searching, rather than raiding and looting like typical rogues and highwaymen in the area. I made a note to pass this information on to Zanthael in case he hadn't heard this particular report.

Sundhimal concurred the information based on her informants' reports within Kraken's Arms and Salthounds who had been tracking these suspicious newcomers in their own way. J'ghonako didn't have much to report other than it used to be a difficult feat to see Imperial airships or juggernauts outside of Mor Dhona region or the Empire itself, but nowadays they were becoming common in the lands of Eorzea and I had noticed this as well. It was certainly disconcerting.

Arthurioux, a clerk at the Coral Tower, was incredibly rude to Nimla and I. We simply dropped off the warrants and left due to him chastising us for being adventurers rather than Knights - as if that was somehow our fault and not Zanthael's for asking us or the Knights' fault for being short handed.

The last person on the list was named Gert and seemed like an average dock worker, who was oddly unimpressed with the reports, orders and warrants. He merely wondered about Empire's true intentions which gave me pause. I had considered this in passing before as well - perhaps the Empire's sights were not set on the city-states at all, but the beast tribes, or the Primals, or something else entirely. That they had conquered Ala Mhigo and not pushed forward for fifteen years until now was a curious oddity. I wondered what Gert meant, but he had turned his attention back to his work.

What Does It All Mean!?

We headed from the docks to the entrance of Limsa Lominsa to finish the task and report to Zanthael, but when we got there we could tell something was going on beyond reports and warrants. Zanthael motioned for us to hurry and filled us in that an operation to flush out the Imperials had been underway after hearing Bibiraka's report on the location of the Imperials and their close proximity to the city. Zantheal was worried that the Imperials would use the caves and tunnels to escape capture and asked us to cut them off while the Knights rounded up the main force and forced them out into the open. Nimla and I quickly gathered our courage and our weapons and set out to the patrol the caves by Camp Bearded Rock.

What Have We Here?

There Are More Inside!

Our patrol ended in success when we managed to block and defeat a handful of Imperials dressed like common rogues as they were fleeing a large cave west of the camp. We were surprised to find that they had captives in tow who they had captured and secreted out of the city itself. We untied these captives and allowed them to return to the city where they would continue to work and help with the set up of the Grand Company, the Maelstrom. Intrigued, I pulled one aside who introduced himself as Kopel Yorpel, an inventor and engineer of the Garlond Ironworks. They had been summoned by Admiral Merlwyb to aid the Grand Company in Limsa Lominsa.

Freeing Ironwork Engineers

Neither Nimla nor I had ever heard of the Garlond Ironworks so we asked Zanthael about it when we returned for him for our debriefing. He explained to me that the Garlond Ironworks is one of the largest collectives of scholars and engineers in the entire realm. They had long strived to uncover the secrets of the Empire's machina so that the city-states of Eorzea could stand on equal ground with the Empire on the battlefield. He had no notion of whether they had succeeded or not, but their help was instrumental in forging the Maelstrom Grand Company in Limsa Lominsa. 

As we left 7,500 gil richer and wiser about the Companies and the Ironworks, Zanthael gave us these parting words which stuck with me so I wanted to write them down in this journal: "Till sea swallows all."