Ghimthota wishes to entrust you with an important task.
Ghimthota: Meredith. In light of your role in recent events, there are few others to whom I would entrust this task. Ghimthota: Since last we spoke, a curious missive has been discovered amongst the personal effects of Ahtzapfyn, the pirate behind the plot to sabotage the Victory. Ghimthota: This missive was penned in the most unusual script─a script we believe to be some manner of code. Ghimthota: Needless to say, anything which a proven enemy of Limsa Lominsa deems worthy of enciphering is like to be of great interest to the Maelstrom. Unfortunately, none among us can make any sense of the message. Ghimthota: In cases such as this, I am told the Yellowjackets are wont to turn to Baderon and his convenient…connections. Ghimthota: Thus I would have you deliver this missive to the proprietor of the Drowning Wench. Into his hand, and no other, do you understand?
Baderon: Ahoy there, Meredith! I’ve been ‘earin’ about your deeds at the Drydocks! Baderon: Ahtbyrm laid out the entire tale fer me. Poor sod was still reelin’ at ‘is old man’s part in the business, but at least ye kept the Victory from bein’ sunk afore she’d sailed. Baderon: An’ fer that, I owe ye me thanks! Baderon: Ye’ve really made a name fer yerself ‘ere in Limsa, lass. Folk know that when they need summat doin’─ Baderon: Eh? You need summat doin’? An’ what might that be? Baderon: …Ye want someone to read a message writ in funny letters fer ye? An’ Ghimthota thought I might know a man as could? Well, let’s see it, then! Baderon: Aye… Baderon: …I reckon I might know a canny bugger what can read stuff like this. Ugly sod by the name o’ Baderon. Baderon: Ye know, yer like one o’ me regulars now, Meredith. Baderon: Ye’ve never let me down yet, an’, Navigator ‘elp me, I reckon I can trust ye. Baderon: Ghimthota was right to want this message deciphered… We’ve got us some trouble brewin’, ‘ere, an’ no mistake. Get ready fer action, an’ I’ll explain.
A great way to take a light year size cloud down a notch is to make fun of it like a schoolyard bully. Named for its embarrassingly high sulfur content, the Rotten Egg Nebula may be glorious and vast, but that doesn’t mean humans have to give it any respect.
Luquelot: My thanks for your kindness earlier. I hate to impose again, but I have need of your assistance in another matter─one of grave import, I fear. Luquelot: Of late, I have noticed that Ixali dirigibles have been appearing over the Twelveswood with increasing regularity. The frequency, however, does not bother me near so much as where they choose to fly─the patch of sky directly above the Guardian Tree. Luquelot: The tree is a sacred site, or so I was given to believe when first I came to Gridania, and thus I naturally assumed that the elementals would not suffer the Ixal to profane it. Yet the birdmen have been coming and going as they please, with nary a sign of protest from the guardians of the Twelveswood. Luquelot: And it was that which set me to thinking… Ever since the appearance of the much-talked-about “suspicious individual,” many and more strange things have been occurring in the forest. Could it be that he did something to the elementals? Luquelot: In case it proved useful, I have committed the details of my sightings to parchment, and would ask that you deliver the document to Mother Miounne. Luquelot: Please make all haste─I have an irrepressible feeling that something terrible is about to happen.
Luquelot: Have I mentioned that Leia’s egg has hatched? We have yet to settle on a name, but the chick is healthy, spirited, and incurably inquisitive. She will receive the finest care, and shall one day grow into an exceptional chocobo.
Mother Miounne: Hello there, Mortimer. Word of your tireless efforts at Bentbranch Meadows has reached my ears. The folk there have naught but the highest praise for you! Mother Miounne: You certainly have a knack for making Mother proud. Mother Miounne: Keep up the good work, you hear? Mother Miounne: Hm? A letter…from Luquelot? Mother Miounne: I haven’t the slightest inkling what this could be about… Mother Miounne: Gods be good… Mother Miounne: I have a mission for you, Mortimer. Suffice it to say, it is urgent. Mother Miounne: I fear it may also prove dangerous, however, so you must be prepared. Mother Miounne: Make what arrangements you can, and report back to me the moment you are ready.
Merilda: You are an adventurer, are you not? I know this is sudden, but I have no one else to turn to. Merilda: Last night, a gang of bandits from the Quiveron Manse were in their cups, and I overheard them discussing their plans… Merilda: It seems they’ve come to collect gemstones stolen from Copperbell Mines. Nashachite, I think I heard one say. They are to meet with their co-conspirator soon, at the Footfalls─ Fufulupa: Wh-Wh-What did you say!? Fufulupa: Illicit exchanges and shadowy dealings! The Brass Blades cannot abide such malfeasance! Fufulupa: Forgive my eavesdropping, Marion─I came to Crescent Cove merely to thank you in person. Fufulupa: I never imagined I’d uncover a criminal conspiracy right outside Horizon’s gates! Fufulupa: We must act quickly if we are to apprehend these thieves! I will notify Captain Baldewyn at once! Merilda: No, wait! You mustn’t! Oh, gods… Merilda: You must stop him before it’s too late! Captain Baldewyn himself is working with the bandits!
Fufulupa: Captain Baldewyn, sir! I’ve discovered something shocking, something horrible! Fufulupa: Someone has been stealing gemstones from Copperbell Mines and─ Fufulupa: Wait, those gauntlets, those boots─why, you’re one of Quiveron’s men! Sir, that man is a thief and a scoundrel! Baldewyn: …And? What of it? His coin’s good, and that’s what counts. Fufulupa: What!? Captain Baldewyn…are you working with these men!? It cannot be… Baldewyn: I told you to stay in Horizon, Fufulupa. It didn’t have to be like this… Baldewyn: They’d get their Nashachite, I’d get my gil, and none would be the wiser. Fufulupa: B-B-But, sir, what if your crimes are uncovered!? What if Lord Lolorito finds out!? Baldewyn: You godsdamned fool, don’t you see!? Baldewyn: I am acting under the authority of Lord Lolorito himself! Fufulupa: No… No! That can’t be true… Baldewyn: Why do you think people join the Brass Blades, Fufulupa? To serve and protect? Hah! Baldewyn: We’re not the bloody Flames here! We do this for the coin! Ser Baron von Quiveron IV Esquire: You there, adventurer! Do you remember me? Well, I remember you! Ser Baron von Quiveron IV Esquire: I am Ser Baron von Quiveron IV Esquire! You killed my brother, and now I’m going to return the favor! Baldewyn: Well, that settles it! It’s clearly in everyone’s best interests that both of you die! Leofric: That’s enough, Baldewyn! Leofric: Your partner is dead and your plans are undone. You’ve no reason left to fight. Baldewyn: Stay out of this, Leofric! I don’t take orders from you! Baldewyn: I may have spared your life before, but if you interfere, I will not show you mercy! Leofric: And what mercy will he show you, I wonder? You who have done so much in another man’s name. Baldewyn: What are you blathering on about!? Leofric: Every fisherman in Crescent Cove knew about your meeting, you arrogant fool. Quiveron’s men couldn’t keep their mouths shut. Leofric: Imagine Lord Lolorito’s surprise when he learned that a rank-and-file Brass Blade was using his name to advance a personal agenda… Baldewyn: He knows!? Seven hells! But I’m a captain, he wouldn’t─ Leofric: I was once a captain too, remember? And we both know what happened to me. Leofric: Well fought, boy. You’ve done the Brass Blades of the Rose proud. Fufulupa: Captain Leofric! Captain Baldewyn, he…he said that Lord Lolorito─ Leofric: Lord Lolorito wouldn’t waste his time on a small-scale smuggling operation. This is all Baldewyn’s doing. Leofric: What else did he say? That all our brethren are no better, and that each and every one cares for naught but coin? Hah! Mere excuses to justify his schemes. Leofric: Aye, we’ve no shortage of greedy sods, some who’d probably sell their own mothers into slavery if the price was right. Leofric: But there are men like you, Fufulupa─men good and true, whom the smallfolk respect. Leofric: Which is why I gave you the dagger. The Brass Blades of the Rose need a leader with honor, and you’re the most honorable man I know. Fufulupa: (sniffle) (sob) Captaaaaaain!
Fufulupa: Thank you for all your help, Marion! The captain and I will escort Captain Baldewyn back to Horizon. Fufulupa: Pray visit me in town when next you return! Fufulupa: Welcome back, Marion! So much has happened! Fufulupa: Captain─ahem, Baldewyn has been arrested and stripped of rank, which means the Brass Blades of the Rose no longer have a captain. Fufulupa: Until a new one is designated, I’ve been ordered to serve as acting captain of the Horizon garrison. Fufulupa: Though doubtless this is only a temporary arrangement, I will do my utmost to represent my brethren and protect the people of Horizon! Fufulupa: Thank you, Marion, for your service to the sultanate. You are a true hero!
The Ring Nebula was at some point a sun-like star. The remains of that star are today a tiny white dwarf in the middle of a giant eye 2.5 light years across. That means if the original star were the size of a peach, the nebula created by its death is the size of the Earth. It’s a testament to just how much matter is packed into a star the size of the Sun.
Ghimthota, a captain of the watch at the Moraby Drydocks, wishes your aid in dealing with potential intruders.
Ghimthota: I am concerned, Meredith. It appears that the pirates I had you investigate are on the move. Ghimthota: They creep ever closer to the Drydocks, so I must assume they mean to target the Victory herself. Ghimthota: That ship is the symbol of everything Limsa Lominsa strives to become, and I will not allow these base scoundrels to lay a single finger upon her hull. Ghimthota: We must apprehend them before they put their plans into motion! And you, Meredith, are just the woman to do it. Ghimthota: Without your capable assistance, I fear the security of the Drydocks cannot be guaranteed. Ghimthota: Not moments ago, my guards submitted reports of suspicious activity in the area. Pray begin your efforts by listening to one of their accounts firsthand. Ghimthota: It matters not whom you choose to speak with, but be sure to question either Urswyrst at the front gate or C’nangho at the rear. Ghimthota: Any suspect saboteurs you encounter during the course of your investigation are to be interrogated. Report any and all findings directly to me.
C’nangho: Hail, adventurer. Glad to have another hand aboard to help shore up security. C’nangho: The gods know our reports would sit on Ghimthota’s desk gathering dust if it weren’t for the assistance of those such as yourself. C’nangho: Speaking of reports, though, I saw one of those mangy pirates lurking around the cliff near Empty Heart. I’d take a closer look before he has a chance to cover his tracks.
Shifty-eyed Sailor: Bah, spotted me, did ye? Well, yer too late─what’s to ‘appen is already ‘appenin’.
Ghimthota: So, you found me one of those pirates, did you? Ghimthota: I knew you were the right adventurer to ask for aid. Ghimthota: But what could these knaves be planning? “What’s to happen is already happening”…? Storm Soldier: Captain! Ungh… Trouble…at the shipyard… (pant) Ghimthota: Easy now, soldier. Who did this to you? Storm Soldier: (pant) Pirates… Out of nowhere… (cough) Stuck me good… Ghimthota: Gods below, we are not prepared for this! Ghimthota: The pirates, soldier, how many do they number? Storm Soldier: Not sure… More than I could quickly count… Seemed to be carrying…explosives… Ghimthota: Explosives!? Then there is no time to lose! Ghimthota: Meredith, you heard the situation. Make your way to the shipyard and engage these intruders! Ghimthota: I will see to this man’s wounds, then follow after. Ghimthota: Make haste, now!
Ahtzapfyn: Gahahaha! Never reckoned it’d be this easy! Still don’t trust those slimy bastards, but their plan worked like a charm! Ahtbyrm: Da! What are you doing, you great bloody fool!? Ahtzapfyn: Shut yer trap, boy. Ahtzapfyn: This’ll all be over soon. All that’s left now is to blow this ugly pile o’ driftwood into splinters. Ahtbyrm: Why would you do such a thing!? Have you any idea how important this ship is? What it represents? Ahtzapfyn: Aye, an’ that’s what makes it all the sweeter! Whatever it takes to knock some sense into me treacherous, backstabbin’ son! Ahtzapfyn: Imagine, a boy o’ mine givin’ up the pirate life to become a shipwright! An’ buildin’ a bleedin’ Maelstrom vessel at that! What under Llymlaen’s wide, green ocean made ye take up with these self-righteous shites!? Ahtbyrm: You’re the one with no bloody sense, Da! Don’t you see? The pirates had their glory days, but that era is over! Ghimthota: Ah! I wondered why Ahtbyrm never spoke of his father. I never would have thought… Ahtzapfyn: This ship’s a symbol alright─of everythin’ what went wrong with the world. An’ I mean to shatter it into a hunnerd thousand pieces! Ahtbyrm: Ghimthota! Meredith! Pray beat the tar out of this bloated sea slug, and make sure no harm comes to the Victory!
Ahtzapfyn: I…I must be gettin’ old, lettin’ some green ‘venturer get the best o’ me. Ahtbyrm: Da… Ahtzapfyn: (cough) That’s one big bloody ship. Big…an’ nasty lookin’. Ye made that, did ye…?
Ahtbyrm: My thanks, Meredith. I shudder to think what may have become of the Victory without your intervention. Ahtbyrm: (sigh) The pirates have made a right mess of things─I’d best get to sorting out the docks. Ahtbyrm: …And my thoughts could use some sorting out as well. Ever did my father have a way of turning my life upside down. Ahtbyrm: Pray convey my thanks─and my apologies─to Ghimthota.
Ghimthota: How fare you, Meredith? I cannot begin to thank you for the role you played in preventing this madness. Ghimthota: You defended more than a simple ship─you saved the budding hope of Limsa Lominsa from a violent demise. The day was yours. Ghimthota: It seems our security regimen will require much in the way of improvement if we are to truly keep the Drydocks safe. Ghimthota: …Ahtbyrm apologizes? Well, I suppose I can understand why he would feel responsible for his father’s actions. Of all those involved, this incident was hardest on him. Ghimthota: But, in time, I believe he will come to a single conclusion: the most fitting way of moving past his anguish is to see the Victory completed and in the water. Ghimthota: Ah, by the by, the pirates we defeated have been handed over to the Yellowjackets. Reyner’s men will be taking over the investigation. Ghimthota: Before the Yellowjackets moved in, however, we recovered a most unusual object. Should you have the time to spare, I would ask of you another favor…
Keishinrei 