People are quite good at estimating various things. To demonstrate what I mean, try answering the four following questions. How long does it take an average person to walk half a kilometre? Approximately how many eggs fit into small box? How much taller is an adult person compared to a six-year-old? What is the average difference in temperature between summer and winter? It is very likely that your answers to the questions above were to some extent correct.
Everybody knows that an ordinary human walks a distance of a few hundred meters in a couple of minutes, that about five to ten eggs fit into a small box, that a child is about two or three times smaller than an adult, and that the difference between summer and winter temperatures is several dozen degrees at most. No reasonable person would tell you that they can walk half a kilometre in about a tenth of a second, that about a billion eggs fit into a box, that a twenty-year-old is about a hundred thousand times larger than a child or that the temperatures in summer can be up to a million times greater than those in winter. Our brains are excellent at estimating these things, since we encounter them on a daily basis.
But once we get over the border of the ordinary world, our perspective suddenly vanishes. How many atoms fit into the dot of the question mark at the end of this sentence? How much farther from Earth is the Sun compared to the Moon? What is the difference in temperature between the Sun’s core and its surface? If you have not happened to learn the answer to one these questions, you might not be able to respond. And if you have at least tried, it is very likely that your answer is far off from reality. Our brains do not encounter atoms or stars on a daily basis, which makes answering these questions immensely difficult for them. The aim of this chapter is therefore to bring a little bit of perspective into the mysterious world of the cosmos.
Isembard of Camp Drybone is seeking help to solve a mystery of missing persons.
Isembard: Let us get right to it, then. Minfilia names the Amalj’aa culprits in all this. You would do well to investigate them, first. Isembard: Much harm has been levied on these lands by Amalj’aa hands. The Flames burn where they might, but their light cannot stay the darkness in all places at all times. Isembard: There have been brutal murders of callers at the Church of Saint Adama Landama─innocents wishing no more than to pay their respects to the dead. Isembard: The poor souls deserve a proper burial. I would see to the deed before mongrels catch their scent, but I know not if the Amalj’aa still linger. Isembard: Would you secure their remains for me, friend? You will find them on the eastern road. Isembard: Twelve willing, you may even come to learn something of what the Amalj’aa seek in this area.
Isembard: It is good to see you returned. Were you able to secure the remains of our fallen? Isembard: With the bodies given back proper to the earth, the souls will find their way across to the other side. You have done a noble deed this day. I thank you. Isembard: Now, then, what of the Amalj’aa? Did you see any? Surely such massive monstrosities as they cannot conceal their presence, much less take their quarry unawares. Isembard: Ah, so there were Amalj’aa remaining, after all… I feared as much. Their part in the lowborn disappearing is all but confirmed. But I sense there is more to this than meets the eye. Isembard: The occasional Amalj’aa raiding party would not account for people going missing in these kinds of numbers. The total is too great, and the questions too many. It would not surprise me in the least to learn of another hand in this. Isembard: But whose? Countless travelers pass through Drybone every day. And even if it were one among them, how would we best discover who may be implicit in these vanishings?
This blue hypergiant with the catchy name is one of the brightest stars in the Milky Way and led the list of the largest stars for a while. Unfortunately, it can’t be seen with the naked eye since it is hidden behind interstellar dust. The brighter a star is, the more mass it ejects constantly, and every 20 seconds the Pistol Star radiates as much energy as the Sun does in one year.
Minfilia is waiting to hear whether or not you will pledge your support to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn.
Minfilia: We Scions have but one objective: to safeguard the future of Eorzea. Among our gravest concerns are the godlike beings known as the primals. Long have we striven to find a lasting solution to the threat they pose. Minfilia: I know not what it is you desire for yourself, nor what it was that first brought you to Eorzea, but I firmly believe that the power we possess was given to us for a purpose. Pray consider this when you give me your answer, Meredith. Minfilia: I take it you will help us. Minfilia: Wonderful! I knew you wouldn’t let us down! Minfilia: But come, I would introduce you to your friends in the order. Minfilia: Tell me, does the name Sharlayan ring any bells? Minfilia: It used to be one of Eorzea’s six city-states, and was situated in the northwest of Aldenard. Minfilia: The Sharlayans were the keepers of wisdom both old and new. Their mastery over magic and aether was unsurpassed, and even the Garleans knew to fear them. Minfilia: Among their number, there were a noble few who devoted their lives to safeguarding the future of Eorzea. Minfilia: When the realm began its descent into chaos, and their countrymen fled for the motherland, they alone chose to remain here. These noble men and women were called the Archons. Minfilia: Those same brave souls stand before you now. Minfilia: The masked woman is Yda, and beside her is Papalymo. The two are charged with surveying the Twelveswood. Yda: Hello there! Papalymo: Well come! Yda: Okay, my turn to introduce someone! That there is Thancred! Papalymo: He is our man here in Ul’dah, jewel of the desert. Thancred: Welcome to the team! Thancred: If I may, the lovely maiden beside me is named Y’shtola. Limsa Lominsa has the pleasure of being under her care. Y’shtola: Greetings. Y’shtola: I have been expecting you. Y’shtola: Last but not least is Urianger, who presides over all affairs within these halls. Pray seek him out whenever you have questions. Urianger: Dawn may banish even the darkest night… Urianger: …The words of a dear friend. I am glad of our meeting. Y’shtola: At the Battle of Carteneau, our leader was taken from us. But we did not stray from our purpose. Y’shtola: We sought out Minfilia and others with her talent, and together established the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Minfilia: Along with the Archons, those blessed with the Echo play a pivotal role in our endeavor to forge a brighter tomorrow for the realm. Minfilia: Oh, I should also introduce you to Tataru, our clerk. She ensures that everything runs smoothly. Tataru: Pleased to make your acquaintance! Minfilia: In time, I hope you will come to think of us as family. Minfilia: But without further ado… Minfilia: I would assign you your first task. Minfilia: Urianger. Have the documents arrived from the Students of Baldesion? Urianger: Aye, my lady, they arrived but recently. Minfilia: We have received a request for aid from the Immortal Flames. Minfilia: Thancred, would you do the honors? Thancred: It would be my pleasure. Thancred: Some days ago, a crystal caravan registered to Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern was waylaid and divested of its cargo. Thancred: But there is more. Within a bell of the robbery, several people were reported missing from the shantytown outside the city. Minfilia: At a glance, one would assume the involvement of bandits, kidnappers, and coincidence. Minfilia: Such crimes are hardly uncommon, and the Immortal Flames deal with their like almost every day. Minfilia: However, this time we have reason to believe that a primal is involved. Thancred: Aye, the evidence left behind implicates the Amalj’aa, who are known worshipers of Ifrit. Thancred: If we then consider the objects that were taken, there is no room left for doubt─the crimes were committed in the name of a primal. Minfilia: That you may better understand the nature of our struggle with the primals, I would have you play the leading role in this investigation. Minfilia: You have my thanks. Minfilia: If there is aught you wish to know, I recommend you speak with Thancred. He is well versed in the affairs of Ul’dah. Thancred: Ever at your service, fair lady!
Thancred: Ready to begin, are we? That’s the spirit! Thancred: So then, your mission is to investigate a crystal robbery and a spate of abductions. Thancred: …Crimes which we believe to be connected. Assuming we are correct, it is like that any discoveries we make in relation to one will further our understanding of the other. Thancred: Now, since the attack on their caravan, our friends at Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern have doubled security over all their shipments. Thancred: In light of this, it is my judgment that the abductions should be our priority. Thancred: According to our preliminary findings, the majority of the missing were last seen in the vicinity of Camp Drybone, so that would seem a fine place to begin. Thancred: A fellow by the name of Isembard serves as the camp’s de facto leader. Pay him a visit, and see that he gives us his full cooperation.
Isembard: Aye, I’m Isembard. Here to search for the missing folk, I take it? Isembard: Minfilia sent word that an adventurer fitting your description would be along. Isembard: She also warned us to be wary of the Amalj’aa. It seems we know who the culprits are, at the very least. Isembard: Now, I bear no official title at this camp, but the people here have come to look to me for leadership. You have my word that I’ll do all I can to help see the victims safely returned.
Rho Cassiopeioe is one of the very rare yellow hypergiants. They live hard and die fast — our Sun in comparison is much more grown-up and is a hundred times older than the average yellow hypergiants can get. Rho Cossiopeiae is a whopping 3,400 light years away from us. But it’s insane luminosity — 500,000 times that of our Sun — means we can still see it with the naked eye.
Momodi is ready to tell you what she knows about the Scions of the Seventh Dawn.
Momodi: So you want to know more, then, do you? Well, ain’t that a surprise… I swear, if I painted “CERTAIN DEATH” on one door and “LIMITLESS WEALTH” on another, nine out of ten adventurers would go through the first, and the other bloke wouldn’t be able to choose, on account of bein’ Ul’dahn. Anyway, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Momodi: First of all, if you’re wonderin’ whether you can trust these “Scions of the Seventh Dawn,” you can. They’re good people who’ve made it their mission to solve some of Eorzea’s most pressin’ problems. ‘Course, that ain’t no small task, and so they’re always lookin’ for dependable individuals to join ’em─individuals like you, Meredith. Momodi: Now, I’ve been given leave to tell you where to find the Scions, but you must promise to keep this information to yourself. As you can probably imagine, it’s somethin’ Eorzea’s enemies would very much like to know. Momodi: The Scions are headquartered in Vesper Bay, out in western Thanalan. The place you’re lookin’ for is called the Wakin’ Sands. Give your name to whoever’s at the entrance, and you’ll be let in. Momodi: You’re a woman in demand, Meredith, and the days ahead promise to be busy, but I hope you won’t forget about them as helped make you into the adventurer you are. Drop in and tell ’em how you’re farin’ from time to time, you hear? Right, well, I’ve said my piece. Off you go.
Tataru: Deep in the desert of my heart,♪ Tataru: A lonely flower blooms…♪ Tataru: Yearning for the heavens above♪ Tataru: To quench my thirst for you.♪ Tataru: Trololololo～lololo～♪ Tataru: Uwaaah! Tataru: (cough) Tataru: I would thank you not to sneak up on me like that! Tataru: Now, please be advised that this is private property. Unless you have pertinent business here, I must ask you to─ Tataru: Here at the behest of Y’shtola!? Tataru: My sincerest apologies! May I please have your name? Tataru: Meredith Croix…Meredith Croix… Ah, here you are. Tataru: Ahem! I bid you welcome to the Waking Sands, headquarters of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn! Tataru: My name is Tataru, and I look forward to assisting you during your time with us. Tataru: The Antecedent is within the solar. I shall let her know to expect you.
Scion of the Seventh Dawn: I take it you are Meredith Croix. Tataru sent word that you had arrived. Scion of the Seventh Dawn: Lady Minfilia has eagerly awaited your coming. This way, if you please.
???: So you are the adventurer of whom I’ve heard so much. Minfilia: Well met, friend. My name is Minfilia, and I lead the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Minfilia: I have awaited your coming. Minfilia: Please, be at ease. You are among friends here. Minfilia: No doubt you’re ripe to burst with questions, but have patience─all will be revealed in time. Minfilia: First, let me begin by telling you who we are and what we do. Minfilia: We are the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, an order that transcends political boundaries. Our single objective is the preservation of the future of Eorzea. Minfilia: Among our gravest concerns are the godlike beings known as the primals. Minfilia: Their existence is a bane upon Eorzea─nay, the world at large, and we have striven to find a lasting solution to the threat they pose. Minfilia: Our order is home to a number of individuals who, like you, possess a rare and special talent. Minfilia: This talent takes various forms, but one holds particular interest for us. Minfilia: Tell me, have you ever experienced a sudden, inexplicable loss of consciousness? Minfilia: Have you ever had the sensation of being pulled away from reality? Felt as though you were hovering in space, a mind without a body? Minfilia: All these things are the manifestations of your talent. Yours is the power to transcend the boundaries of the soul─a power known as the Echo. Minfilia: The Echo allows you to pass through the walls of a man’s soul, and hear the resonations of his past. Minfilia: You will be there in his memories, and see things as he saw them. You may even interact with that which you see, though you cannot change the outcome of events. Minfilia: For another blessing, the Echo will enable you to know a man’s mind even if you cannot comprehend his words. Minfilia: In short, the Echo is a truly extraordinary power. And this power is strong within you. Minfilia: It is only a shame that we cannot use it whensoever we choose. Minfilia: That’s right. I too possess the Echo. Minfilia: With that established, let us return to the subject of the primals. Minfilia: So long as they exist, the realm cannot take so much as a single step towards true peace. Minfilia: Measures must be taken─measures which transcend boundaries, be they of faction, race, language, or creed. And to do so, the Scions require the aid of those with our talent. Minfilia: Make no mistake─the Echo will be instrumental in dealing with the primal threat. Without it, we cannot hope to save the realm. Minfilia: I know not what it is you desire for yourself, nor what it was that first brought you to Eorzea. Minfilia: But I firmly believe that the power we possess was given to us for a purpose. Minfilia: Why else would the gods entrust man with a gift so extraordinary, if not to have him use it? Minfilia: And so I implore you: lend us your power. Minfilia: Naturally, your aid will not go unrewarded. We are fortunate to have a number of influential allies, and at a word from me, they will gladly afford you certain privileges that might otherwise be denied you. Minfilia: The right to employ retainers, for example. Are you familiar with them? They are individuals who may be relied upon to manage your assets and belongings on your behalf. Tataru: The papers you requested, my lady. Minfilia: Thank you, Tataru. Tataru: The pleasure is mine, my lady! Minfilia: By way of a welcoming gift, I have taken the liberty of adding your name to the retainers’ registry. As of now, you are entitled to employ the services of a retainer. Minfilia: You will need to consult a retainer vocate regarding the particulars of this arrangement, but believe me when I say that retainers will prove invaluable to you in your adventuring endeavors. Minfilia: Let this gesture serve as evidence of our commitment to do all in our power to facilitate your personal objectives. Minfilia: In return, we ask that you aid us to the fullest extent of your talents. Minfilia: A mutually beneficial relationship, I am sure you will agree, and one which serves the greater good besides. Minfilia: Well, that was a veritable lecture, was it not? Forgive me, but it is important that all concerned are aware of what is expected of them. Now you know our purpose, and what we can offer you, I invite you to consider joining us. When you have come to a decision, you may tell me without fear of censure. Minfilia: In good faith, I shall entrust you with our order’s password, which our members use to reach one another when afield. Minfilia: It is “wild rose.” Pray keep it safe.
The Romans thought the reddish star looked similar to the red planet Mars, which is called Ares in Greek, so they named it Antares, the Anti—Mars. Antares has reached the final stage of its lifespan and will possibly explode within the next ten thousand years. On Earth this would be seen as bright as a full moon that would be visible even during the day for a few months. So let’s root for it to explode soon because that would be cool.
Keishinrei 