Impressed by your progress, Miounne wishes to send you on to Bentbranch Meadows, where you will find further opportunities to learn.
Mother Miounne: How is my favorite fresh-faced adventurer? Oh, do not scowl so─I speak out of habit. You’ve come a long way since first you walked through my door, and I’ll not deny it. Mother Miounne: As a matter of fact, I think it’s about time you made yourself useful at Bentbranch Meadows in the Central Shroud. Mother Miounne: Unlike the recruits you see at the Bannock, the men and women out at Bentbranch are fully occupied with their own work. As such, I imagine there are more than a few who would welcome the assistance of a rapidly maturing adventurer like yourself. Mother Miounne: Bentbranch is also home to a very usefully situated aetheryte. It is, in other words, the perfect place for you to begin the next stage of your journey as an adventurer. Mother Miounne: And what better time than the present!? Leave the city via the Blue Badger Gate, and continue to the southwest until you come to a bridge. Mother Miounne: Cross it, and when you spy an aetheryte in the distance, you may congratulate yourself on having successfully found Bentbranch Meadows. Mother Miounne: If you so fancy, you may also make use of the chocobo porter service, doubtless the safest way to get to your destination. Chocobokeep Cingur should not hesitate to lend his birds to a capable adventurer like you. Mother Miounne: Oh, and be sure to introduce yourself to Keitha, the head chocobo wrangler, when you arrive.
Cingur: Well met, traveler! Might I interest you in a chocobo porter? Cingur: Ah, do not tell me, this is your first visit to this stop. I shall update my register with your name, so that you may access this location in the future.
Keitha: You must be the ‘venturer Miounne sent word about. I’m Keitha, head wrangler ’round these parts. Keitha: I’ve heard many and more things about you─good things, lest you worry. Keitha: When the Elder Seedseer bade us welcome ‘venturers, ’tis fair to say we had our doubts─till hardworkin’ folk like yourself set about provin’ us wrong, that is. Consider me a convert! Keitha: Anyroad, you’ve a mind to help out at the ranch, have you? Good. We could always do with a hand or two to keep the place runnin’ smoothly. Keitha: As a matter of fact, I’ve a task right here that wants doin’. Keitha: Let me know when you’re ready to get busy. Oh, and you come highly recommended, so don’t go lettin’ no one down, eh?
Momodi of the Quicksand has word of work for a willing adventurer.
Momodi: Look what the coeurl dragged in. Good to see you, Marion. I’d ask what brings you, but I reckon we both know the answer to that already. Momodi: Well, have I ever let you down before? Wait, don’t answer that… Momodi: So happens I know a fella by the name of Dadanen who needs a hand. He’s a merchant by trade, sellin’ precious stones to those in Ul’dah with the means to buy them. Momodi: He’s asked that I send any lookin’ for work his way. You can find him over in Horizon, if you fancy. Momodi: That’s in western Thanalan, mind you. Just cross the bridge north of Scorpion Crossing and the road will take you there. Momodi: Knowin’ the circles he deals in, might be he’ll have some talk of the royal family that’ll interest you, as well. Momodi: And why not make use of a chocobo porter for the journey to Horizon? If you’ve the gil for it, that is. Momodi: You’ll find the chocobo stables just across the way from my Quicksand. Find Mimigun─he’ll set you straight. Momodi: Well, off you go, then. I haven’t got all day to be holdin’ your bloody hand!
Mimigun: Well met, traveler! Might I interest you in a chocobo porter? Mimigun: Ah, do not tell me, this is your first visit to this stop. I shall update my register with your name, so that you may access this location in the future.
Dadanen: Marion, I presume? Aye, Momodi said to expect you, and so I have. Dadanen: Welcome to Horizon. Ours is a trading settlement that sees goods in from the port of Vesper Bay to the west─and trade we do. Nary a day goes by that Horizon isn’t bustling with some manner of merchants and officials. Dadanen: They keep us running about busy, they do. Enough so that I wish I had chocobo legs in place of my own. And that’s why I’ve asked Momodi to send me any souls looking for work. Dadanen: Twelve know there is plenty of it to be done around here. Speak to me again when you are ready to make yourself of some use.
Pfrewahl: Confounded pirates! They know nothin’ of tillin’, only killin’! Stealin’ our shovels to melt and forge into axes, of all things. Pfrewahl: They’re bitin’ the hand that feeds ’em, the mangy mongrels. I’d love to teach those curs a lesson in obedience myself, if I hadn’t sworn to Staelwyrn that I wouldn’t fight no more. Pfrewahl: So I need you to bring back our farm tools, and make sure those dogs reap what they’ve sown!
Pfrewahl: I wonder what those sea dogs will try an’ steal when there’s no harvest! Pfrewahl: Ah, good to see the tools back, and in serviceable condition. Which will be more than we can say of Sevrin when we get our hands on him. The wretch likely had a role in the theft. Pfrewahl: Spied him meetin’ the pirates in secret, I did. I couldn’t care less if the wastrel won’t work, but when he consorts with cutpurses that take our tools away, he’s crossed the line! Pfrewahl: Staelwyrn ought to know what sort of scalawag he’s dealing with. Take word to him, would you?
Staelwyrn: Pirates makin’ off with our tools? Pfrewahl did well not to take matters into his own hands. Last thing I need is blood on my crops. Staelwyrn: But I’ll be damned if Sevrin thinks he can take us for fools. His treachery won’t go unpunished.
Galfrid, chief instructor at the Bannock, would entrust you with the task of investigating Spirithold.
Galfrid: Mortimer! Thank the gods you’ve come! Galfrid: We have a potential crisis on our hands, and I would appreciate your assistance. Will you hear me out? Galfrid: Listen well, for we haven’t much time. Galfrid: To the southeast of here lies a dungeon known as Spirithold. It was all but destroyed during the Calamity. Galfrid: Desiring to offer the ruins back to the forest, a Hearer ventured inside to carry out the Rite of Returning. Galfrid: Alas, it would seem something has gone awry. Word arrived just moments ago that the Hearer and his guards have been attacked by a towering shadow. Aye, you heard me true─a shadow. Galfrid: On any other day, I would dispatch my best Quivermen to provide support, but I sent them to repel an Ixali incursion in the West Shroud nary a bell ago. Galfrid: The timing of these events cannot be mere coincidence. I fear the Ixal somehow caught wind of our plans, and are attempting to disrupt the rite in an effort to weaken the bond between man and elemental. Galfrid: They must not be allowed to succeed. And so I bid you go to Spirithold and do whatever is necessary to resolve the situation. Please, say you will help us. Galfrid: I knew you would not let me down. You will have all the support I can muster. Galfrid: Now, we are racing against time, so you had best make haste.
Alestan: Who goes there? An adventurer, is it? Alestan: Here at Instructor Galfrid’s request, you say? Thank the Matron! Alestan: Doubtless you already know this, but a towering shadow manifested without warning and attacked the Hearer in the midst of the rite. Alestan: Most of his party has been successfully evacuated, but five remain unaccounted for. Alestan: Please find them, and see them out of harm’s way.
Worried Wood Wailer: (groan) A great shadow…towering over me… What in the Twelve’s good grace? Worried Wood Wailer: A-An adventurer!? Please, you must save the Hearer! Witless Wood Wailer: Galfrid…sent you? Witless Wood Wailer: I am no longer…of use here. Pray help the Hearer…in my stead. Overwrought Wood Wailer: Away, vile fiend! Away, I say! I defy you! I defy yooouuu!!! …Uh? …Oh! An adventurer! Overwrought Wood Wailer: W-We were ambushed─ambushed in the midst of the ritual! And then… And then…I’m not sure what happened. Cool-headed Conjurer: …You were sent to help? I fear you are too late─the ritual has failed. Cool-headed Conjurer: I must needs return to Gridania. The Seedseers must know of this. Confused Conjurer: That thing was no elemental, but a being born of darkness. Confused Conjurer: The Hearer languishes alone in the depths. You must help him!
???: O mournful voice of creation! Grant ye this humble stone a soul, that it may wake to life!
???: That the golem could be vanquished… ???: That man is no ordinary adventurer. Papalymo: Damnation! He has eluded us yet again! Yda: Oh, fancy meeting you here! How are things?
Papalymo: Hm? Whatever are you─ Yda: Shhh! More birds! This makes it how many times today? Seven? Papalymo: Their movements are beyond our fathoming. Yda: Hmmm. Do you think maybe…they’re trying to summon their primal? Papalymo: I hope not, for all our sakes. Yet we must be prepared for the worst.
Papalymo: Withered. The same fate has befallen Emerald Moss. Papalymo: It is as we feared: Dalamud’s anomaly is affecting life in the Twelveswood. Yda: You mean the disturbance in the aetheric flow? Papalymo: The very same. The Garleans have a lot to answer for. Papalymo: The imbalance they have created is plunging the land into chaos, just as Louisoix forewarned. Yda: It’s no wonder the primals have started appearing… Papalymo: Time is against us, but there is still hope for the land. Papalymo: We must hold fast to that hope and fight to the very last. Yda: Agreed! Yda: Waaah! Yda: Ack! Stupid things… Papalymo: These stupid things happen to be the very latest in Sharlayan innovation! Show some respect! Yda: But they’re so uncomfortable and…and…ugly! Papalymo: If you ask me, they’re an improvement over that mask of yours. Yda: (sigh) Hard to believe it’s already been five whole years, isn’t it? Papalymo: Already? Five years is but a heartbeat in the life of the planet! Yda: I suppose you’re right… Now that I think about it, the Twelveswood’s barely recovered at all, and the Gridanians still have the same old problems. Papalymo: Aye, along with some new ones. Just in case the Ixal and Garuda weren’t troublesome enough, the sylphs had to go and invite Ramuh, didn’t they? Yda: …Do you ever think about those adventurers who fought alongside us? I do. And then five years seems like ages… I wonder what became of them. Yda: Ah… Papalymo: Yda, look. Yda: Hm? Yda: Golly! …And this is what, exactly? Papalymo: Yet another disturbance in the aether, and freshly manifested at that. Papalymo: It seems to be emanating from Lifemend Stump. We must hurry!
Yda: Are you all right? Your eyes glazed over for a while there. Papalymo: The good news is that the Hearer is unharmed. Somewhat dazed, yes, but whole of mind and body. The bad news…concerns everything else. Papalymo: Lest you forget, the Twelveswood is the domain of the elementals; it is by their leave that man abides in the forest and avails himself of its bounty. The ground which the dungeon occupies is no different. Papalymo: Having no more use for the dungeon, the Gridanians sent a Hearer to offer the place back to the elementals by way of the Rite of Returning, which is essentially an expression of gratitude. Papalymo: Alas, he failed to complete the ritual for obvious reasons. Papalymo: While the poor soul cannot be blamed for this, the fact remains that unless the elementals are given their due, they may well consider it a slight. And the very last thing the Gridanians can afford to do in these uncertain times is risk alienating the Twelveswood’s eternal guardians. Papalymo: But you have more than done your part. We shall see the Hearer to safety, and send for his peers to finish the rite. Papalymo: In the meantime, please make your way outside and report to Alestan. Papalymo: Ah, but where are my manners? Papalymo: I am Papalymo, and the tactless woman beside me here is─ Yda: Yda! Yda: Papalymo and I are surveying the Twelveswood together! Yda: Pleased to meet you! Papalymo: Yda, give me a hand, would you? Papalymo: Wait. There is something…familiar about you. Could it be that you are…? Papalymo: N-Never mind. Doubtless my eyes are playing tricks. Till we meet again!
Alestan: All this happened inside Spirithold? Twelve preserve us… Alestan: Who was that masked mage, and by what dark ambition is he driven? So many things shrouded in mystery… Alestan: Well, I shan’t find any answers on my own. I must needs discuss this with Galfrid. The matter warrants a full investigation, if I am any judge, and that shall certainly be my recommendation. Alestan: Your courage has saved many lives this day, adventurer. For this you have my deepest gratitude. Alestan: Pray return to Gridania and seek out Miounne. Alestan: I understand she wishes to thank you for your efforts on our behalf.
Mother Miounne: Welcome back, Mortimer. A little bird tells me that the Hearer and his party owe you their lives. Mother Miounne: A tale for the tavern if ever there were one! …It is only a shame that I must ask you not to tell it─for the time being, at least. Do I make myself clear? Mother Miounne: Until the Hearers have made their will on the matter known, it would be best to avoid unsettling people with stories of walking statues. Mother Miounne: Now then, you must have suitable recompense for your valiant service. Mother Miounne: For the first half of your reward, I give you leave to make use of the accommodations here at the guild. Mother Miounne: Arrangements have been made, so all you need do is speak with Antoinaut whenever you crave the comfort of a firm bed and a soft pillow. Mother Miounne: For the second half of your reward, I offer you another path to fame and fortune: guildleves. Mother Miounne: Guildleves are records of the various requests we receive from the citizenry. They outline all manner of tasks which ambitious young adventurers like you can elect to undertake. Mother Miounne: Gontrant is our guildleve official, or “levemete,” here at the Carline Canopy. I have spoken with him regarding your knack for solving challenging problems, and he is eager to make your acquaintance. Mother Miounne: By the way, have you perchance heard about the coming festival? It is truly a splendid occasion, looked forward to by young and old alike, and one I heartily recommend that you take the time to enjoy. Mother Miounne: Don’t be too disappointed if the recent troubles cast a shadow over proceedings, however. I fear nothing short of the mysterious interloper’s apprehension can prevent that… Mother Miounne: But we were talking about you, Mortimer. You have made Mother proud. I expect great things of you, young man!
Zuzumeda wishes to share with you a most amazing rumor.
Zuzumeda: Ah, the altruistic adventurer! I was hoping we’d bump into each other. Why? Because the most fascinating piece of news recently reached my ears, and I’m eager to share it! May I? Zuzumeda: Rumor has it that there is a vast, untapped vein of ore beneath the ruins of Sil’dih. Zuzumeda: But that is not all! Inconceivably, the Concern appears to be entirely ignorant of its existence. And even as we speak, a young upstart─a self-made merchant from Stonesthrow of all places─is moving to claim it! Zuzumeda: The fellow’s name is Wystan, and he is a very, very ambitious young man. Not only does he intend to secure exclusive excavation rights, but they say his master plan is to use his new fortune to curry favor with the Sacrarium. Zuzumeda: Of course, the thaumaturges only consider the opinions of the most wealthy when drafting the laws of Ul’dah. If you would have your voice heard, you must be prepared to pay a sultan’s ransom. Zuzumeda: One voice which is invariably heard belongs to Lord Lolorito. He has long lavished gil upon the thaumaturges, and some claim that he devises new laws with the express intention of ruining his competitors while protecting his own interests. Zuzumeda: Suffice it to say, if Wystan thinks he can compete with the likes of the Syndicate, he’s in for a rude awakening. But that eventuality may yet be a little way off. For the present, he is moving ahead with his plans, and assembling a team to survey the site. Zuzumeda: I’m told he’s at the Coffer & Coffin right now, recruiting able-bodied adventurers to escort his prospectors. Zuzumeda: Warin said you were looking for work. Mayhap you should meet Wystan and volunteer for his expedition?
Wystan: Come to join? Sorry, but you’re too late. Wystan: Some Brass Blades looking for extra coin volunteered, and the team’s already en route to the ruins. Wystan: But look, I know it’s not easy to find work these days. If you’re interested, there’s something else you can do for me. Wystan: There are these children outside─little ones from Stonesthrow. I look after them when I’ve time to spare, and so they’ve taken to following me around, even when I tell them not to. Wystan: But what with overseeing the search for the vein, I barely have a chance to visit the privy at the moment, much less entertain younglings. Can you give them these ginger cookies and convince them to go home for me?
Starveling Child: I like playing with Wystan. He makes sure no one bullies us. Starveling Child: Wystan’s worried about us? Oh, I don’t want to make him worried. I’m a good girl, so I’ll go home. Starveling Child: Wystan’s kind to us. I like him. Starveling Child: This is for me? I want to eat it, but then again I don’t, because then it’d be gone. Starveling Child: Tell Wystan thanks, and…tell him I’m sorry for getting in the way. Starveling Child: But Wystan always plays with us! Why won’t he come out and play? Starveling Child: Wow, a ginger cookie! I’d better save some for my brother. I know─I’ll go home and eat it with him! Starveling Child: I ain’t goin’ nowhere, missus! I’m too hungry to move, besides, so you’ll have to carry me! Starveling Child: A cookie!? …Well, if Wystan really wants me to go home, then all right. But I want two next time!
Wystan: Thank you, adventurer. I only wish I could do more. Stonesthrow is no place for a child. Wystan: …Not that my childhood was much happier. Never enough food to go around, nor work to earn it─but no shortage of contempt from the great and the good. Wystan: I remember thinking things could only get better… Yet now, after the Calamity and everything else…for us refugees to be forced to live outside the gates like bloody beastmen is a disgrace. Wystan: They say with enough money you can change the laws here. So I’m going to make a fortune and do just that! Wystan: I’ll buy the excavation rights and start my own mining business. Then I’ll give my fellow refugees the work they’re crying out for, and pay them fairly! Wystan: The mining companies have profited from our suffering for too long. But in their hubris they’ve grown complacent─presenting us with a golden opportunity. Wystan: And we will take it, adventurer─we will reclaim our dignity, and with it our place within those walls. Brass Blade: We found her! We found the vein! Wystan, ye must come an’ see! Wystan: Already!? Amazing! We leave at once! Wystan: You should join me, my friend! Come and bear witness to history in the making!
Brass Blade: Thal’s balls, son! A vein of ore in the middle of a ruined bloody city? Godsdamned idiot! Brass Blade: What did ye think was gonna happen? That ye’d strike it rich and get cozy with the Order, while the masters of Ul’dah looked on? No one crosses the Syndicate! Wystan: (pant) (pant) The…the Syndicate!? Brass Blade: Hah! Finally sunk in, has it? Brass Blade: Well look at this! Not all yer friends’ve deserted ye, it seems… Lucky boy! Now ye won’t have to die alone! ???: O mournful voice of creation! Grant ye this humble stone a soul, that it may wake to life! Brass Blade: Who’s that spoutin’ gibberish!? Show yerself! Brass Blade: This ain’t part o’ the plan! Bloody hells, does Lord Lolorito mean to kill us too!?
???: That the golem could be vanquished… ???: That woman is no ordinary adventurer. Thancred: Damn, seems I’ve missed all the fun. Thancred: I see you didn’t need my help this time.
Thancred: I would compose a ballad in your honor, but I fear no words would do you justice. The Songstress of Ul’dah herself could not rival your beauty. Mirthful Maiden: Oh, stop it! Thancred: I have oft heard it said that a blossom’s beauty can move a man to love and long, but I never truly believed it until I met you two desert roses. Sunbaked Merchant: I hear they attacked another caravan… Tireless Trader: Aye, an’ business is sufferin’ for it. Bloody Amalj’aa… What’s stirred ’em up, do you reckon? Thancred: Another raid…and I’ll wager that caravan was carrying crystals, much like the last. Thancred: If they truly mean to summon a primal, we must act quickly. Mirthful Maiden: Are you coming, love? Forward Fille: You wouldn’t keep a girl waiting, would you!? Thancred: Perish the thought! Thancred: So tell me, where in this marvel of a city might you lovely ladies be staying?
Thancred: At this rate, grain will soon be more precious than gold. Thancred: A result of the uncommonly bad harvests, to be sure… Thancred: And we have you to thank for them, do we not? Thancred: Aye, this weakening of the aetheric flow must surely be linked to Dalamud’s descent. Thancred: And, of course, to the primals. Thancred: A fine mess. But we must not lose hope. Thancred: Louisoix will know what to do. We need only trust in his judgment. Thancred: Truly a marvel of Sharlayan ingenuity… It’s as if I could reach out and touch the aether. Thancred: Time to focus… No more gallivanting about like before. The Scions are counting on you. Thancred: Have faith. Just have faith. You can do this. Thancred: Hmmm… This disturbance is recent. Thancred: The Sultantree? Maybe Papashan will know something of it.
Thancred: Looks like they gave you quite a thrashing. Can you walk? Thancred: It’s me. I was too late. Our person of interest had already quit the scene. The General? Very well. I shall be there anon. Thancred: My colleagues went to great lengths to provide me with the means to detect aetheric disturbances, but every time I find one, you seem to be in the middle of it. I’m starting to wonder if it might not be simpler just to follow you around. Sadly, I have business elsewhere. Thancred: Tread softly, my friend. The carefully laid trap you dismantled was clearly sanctioned by Lord Lolorito. I heard the Blades mention him as they fled. Believe me when I tell you that he is not a man to be trifled with. Thancred: The sultana’s enemies grow bolder by the day, and I suspect they have the support of outside forces. Wystan: Thank you. If you hadn’t come along, those bastards would surely have slaughtered us all. Wystan: I would speak with you further, but it isn’t safe for us to linger here. Wystan: Find me at the Coffer & Coffin later. Until then, stay safe. Thancred: I shall accompany Wystan and his men. They need protection─and I need more information. Thancred: Ah, but where are my manners? I have yet to properly introduce myself. I am Thancred, a humble scholar surveying the flow of aether in Thanalan. Thancred: It is an honor and a privilege to make your acquaintance. I hope when next we meet it is under more auspicious circumstances. Farewell! Thancred: …Ah. Wait a moment. It occurs to me that we may have… Thancred: Never mind. Fare thee well!
Wystan: Twelve bless you, my friend. You risked your life to save ours. Wystan: Betrayed by my own guards… Gods, I was a fool to trust those men. Wystan: Lolorito owns the godsdamned Brass Blades. I should’ve questioned their motives from the start. Wystan: Even so, I could hardly have predicted that the wealthiest man in Ul’dah would want me dead for the heinous crime of seeking to change the law! I’m just a merchant, for gods’ sakes! Wystan: That ruthless bastard! And what of that monstrosity? Those were his own men! It beggars belief! Wystan: Well, that’s it. I’m finished. If I stay in Ul’dah any longer, I’m as good as dead. Wystan: My associates, my friends─gods, even the children may not be safe if I don’t disappear. And you…godsdammit, if Lolorito learns of your involvement, you’ll be next. Wystan: I’ll speak with the others and make sure your part in this stays secret. Beyond that, I don’t know what to suggest… Maybe you should seek the counsel of Mistress Momodi. Wystan: She’s helped countless adventurers in her time. Mayhap she’ll know what to do. Wystan: Go quickly now, my friend. Lolorito’s spies may be watching.
Momodi: Settle down, Marion. You’ve got nothin’ to worry about. No one seems to know you were at the ruins. Momodi: Wystan, on the other hand, is now a pariah─about as welcome ’round here as a rabid wolf, poor bugger. Suffice to say, that boy risked the wrath of the wrong man. Momodi: Lord Lolorito: chairman of the East Aldenard Trading Company, generous contributor to the Order of Nald’thal, and member of the Syndicate. Momodi: Didn’t get where he is by leavin’ loose ends, that one. Momodi: Which is why he ain’t above killin’ his own men. Momodi: Hells, even if those Blades knew what was comin’, it’s not like they could refuse to do their benefactor’s biddin’. Momodi: (sigh) Don’t let this color your view of Ul’dah, Marion… It’s true that there are some here who ain’t afraid to crack a few skulls if it gets ’em what they want. But most of us are decent folk just tryin’ to make ends meet. Momodi: You know, a lot of people would call you a damn fool for riskin’ your life to save a marked man… Momodi: But I believe you did a good thing, Marion, and for that you have my respect. Momodi: Listen: you’ve been through a lot lately. Why don’t you rest a spell? Momodi: I’ll have the boys at the Hourglass set you up with a room, my treat. Just have a word with Otopa Pottopa whenever you feel like stayin’. Momodi: And when you’ve got your appetite for adventurin’ back, consider takin’ on a guildleve or two. Momodi: We’ve a lot of requests from locals lookin’ to hire adventurers for various jobs. It’d be a good way for you to earn yourself some extra gil. Momodi: Eustace can tell you more about how the system works, so go and speak with him if you’re interested.
Gurcant seeks fertile soil to improve the yields of his newly plowed fields.
Gurcant: Blast! At this rate, the crops will never be ready for harvest. Gurcant: If only we had blackloam… Just a bit could send our stalks soaring! Gurcant: I’ll bet Rhotwyda knows where you might find some. Perhaps you might pay her a visit in the orchard?
Rhotwyda: That Gurcant’s got a head of cabbage if he thinks I’m fetchin’ him any blackloam! Rhotwyda: But if you dare to pinch some from the Cookpot, then be my guest. Just mind you don’t get trampled upon by the aurochs that dwell there. Rhotwyda: Once you’ve three bushels’ worth, take the blackloam to Pfrewahl at Tiller’s Rest. He’ll know what to do.
Pfrewahl: Argh, even the weeds wither and die in this desolate dirt. Pfrewahl: But a bit of this blackloam ought to change all that! I haven’t seen any in ages. Gathering blackloam’s not for the weak of will…nor the weak of stomach, eh? Hahaha! Pfrewahl: …Oh, don’t tell me Gurcant and Rhotwyda neglected to mention where blackloam comes from. Pfrewahl: Well, surely you figured it out on your own from the cloying stench! It comes from the aurochs’ lair, of all places! Pfrewahl: Ahem, well, why dwell on who misled whom about what? What matters is that your efforts have brought us the blackloam, and we can expect a bountiful harvest as a result. Thank you!
Pauline at Gabineaux’s Bower needs an adventurer to cull the growing anole population, as well as gather one of the scalekin’s eggs.
Pauline: I hesitate to make such a dangerous request, but might you assist us in thinning the number of anoles on Naked Rock? Pauline: In our efforts to commune with the elementals, we conjurers often find ourselves in the area. Of late, however, our meditations have all too frequently been interrupted by unprovoked anole attacks. Truly, the beasts grow more aggressive by the day. Pauline: Their numbers have continued to grow since the advent of the Seventh Umbral Era, you see, forcing packs of the scalekin to come down from the mountains in search of food. If you could slay a handful of the beasts, that should lessen their need to hunt and also serve as a warning to the anoles to remain within their territory. Pauline: But I am afraid you must do more than thin the existing population. If we are to truly break this spiraling growth, then we must also target their future offspring. Bring me one of their eggs, and you will have played your part in returning balance to this area of the forest.
Pauline: Ah, you have returned. Now might my brothers and sisters continue their meditations undisturbed. You have my thanks. Pauline: As for the egg, may I ask you to deliver it to Tsubh Khamazom at the Bannock? Pauline: Anole eggs are both large and filled with nutrients─the perfect meal for a soldier. She will be more than a little pleased to see you, I should imagine.
Tsubh Khamazom: Who goes there!? Oh, Mortimer, it’s you. Hm? Another delivery? Tsubh Khamazom: I’m not certain I should be the one to─ By Nophica, that’s an anole egg! The troops will be glad indeed to see one of these at table! And you say Hearer Pauline sent you on this errand? Tsubh Khamazom: I hear the anoles are more numerous than ever, yet you appear to have managed the task with your skin intact. Your skill and bravery continue to amaze me, Mortimer.
Warin has work for an adventurer willing to exterminate the coblyns attacking ore wagons.
Warin: Let’s get to it then, shall we? Warin: Ore wagons pass through this station every day─but not without incident. Warin: Wagons coming and going from the Dispatch Yard to the south must pass through a tunnel by Fesca’s Watch─a tunnel in which some genius saw fit to put an ore storehouse, creating ideal conditions for a coblyn nest! Warin: So now the ore-loving beasts have taken up residence in a tunnel we dug, and we’re practically delivering meals to their doorstep! Warin: But no more. Inside the tunnel in question, you will find a narrow fissure where the coblyns hide. Use this silver ore cluster to lure out the creatures, then slay them.
Warin: Well done! It shan’t be easy work to keep the tunnel free of coblyns, but our wagons should be able to go unmolested for a time. Warin: Disruptions to ore shipments threaten not only the interests of Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern, but of Ul’dah herself. One might liken these train tracks to veins that bear our nation’s lifeblood. Warin: If only we had more women like you to lend a hand.
Staelwyrn worries his sack of oranges will not reach the La Thagran Checkpoint as planned.
Staelwyrn: Pains me to say, but all the gil in the world can’t buy loyalty. There are some, like you, who can be trusted. But then there are others… Staelwyrn: Until now, I’ve had no choice but to rely on that charlatan Sevrin, even though I am full aware he’s been doin’ shady deals behind my back. More than once I’ve heard tell of improper tradin’ with goblins. Staelwyrn: I wouldn’t be the least surprised if that were happenin’ right now. Not a bell ago, a sack of oranges vanished, as did Sevrin. I want you to find and confront the bastard for me, Croix. I’m sure there’s wrongdoin’ afoot, so be sure to doubt anythin’ that comes out of his mouth.
Sevrin: Bloody hells! I’m up the strait without a paddle! Sevrin: What’s this now? Staelwyrn sent you for the oranges? Huh… So the old bugger had known all this time… Argh, what does it matter anyway? Sevrin: Listen, you’re one o’ those goody-goody adventurer types, right? Go rescue me mates from those double-dealin’ goblins! They’re just over yonder by the bonfire.
Eyrimhus: Sevrin sent you? Hah! The way he flew out of here, I was sure he’d sold us down the river!
Sozai Rarzai: If you hadn’t come, my dodo would’ve been cooked! Mmm…cooked dodo.
Aylmer: I owe you one. Would’ve gotten away meself if not fer Sevrin shovin’ me aside.
Sevrin: You saved me mates, and for that, I owe you. Sevrin: S’pose I should be ashamed I couldn’t clean up my own mess… Sevrin: …But a pirate knows no shame! I’ve no qualms about goin’ back on my word! I’m only givin’ you this sack ’cause I like the cut of your jib. Take it to Ossine, an’ send him my regards.
Ossine: What have we here? A delivery from Summerford Farms, and as scheduled? Hah! There’s a first time for everything! Ossine: Well, look at that… Not a single one missing, either! About the only things not here are those bagmen, and I don’t miss them one bit. Ossine: Here’s Staelwyrn’s payment in full. With you, I can trust it’ll reach him!
Staelwyrn: Back in one piece! That’s a relief. How did you fare, Croix? Staelwyrn: Ah, this is what I was aimin’ for! Looks to be all I was owed, all right. Though, I’d be tellin’ you false if I claimed I had not held out more hope for Sevrin. Staelwyrn: I was even willin’ to overlook the skimmin’ off the top, but to sell us all short in favor of those godsforsaken goblins… (sigh) Staelwyrn: You’d do well to mind yourself around that two-gil cheat. If he’d leave his own mates for dead, there’s no tellin’ what he’d do to you.
A guard at Gilbert’s Spire named Monranguin needs you to recover the surveying equipment left behind in a cave by a startled recruit.
Monranguin: Such an embarrassing turn of events… I sent a recruit from the Bannock on a surveying expedition only for the craven to turn tail and flee at the first sign of trouble. Monranguin: This is not how we treat requests from the conjurers! And as if such a poor showing weren’t bad enough, the lily-livered half-wit left behind the surveying equipment provided by Hearer Pauline herself! Monranguin: While I attempt to instill some backbone into this so-called “soldier,” would you mind recovering the survey gear and returning it to Hearer Pauline at Gabineaux’s Bower? Monranguin: According to my recruit’s tale of woe, there should be a set of survey records, a surveyor’s rope, and two boxes of surveyor’s instruments strewn about the interior of a cave to the south of here. (sigh) It’s a wonder the damn fool didn’t lose his boots… Ahem. Matron watch over you.
Pauline: Yes, may I assist you with some matter? Pauline: Oh? But this is the equipment I left with the soldiers of the Bannock… Pauline: Fled at the first sign of danger, you say? I see… Well, all is not lost: it appears the recruit managed to complete the surveying assignment. The records are actually quite detailed. Pauline: With the changes wrought by the Calamity, I thought it wise to send the Order of the Twin Adder on a number of expeditions to map the region’s topography. As fortune would have it, the officers saw these tasks as an excellent opportunity to train inexperienced soldiers. Pauline: We can no longer rely on our past knowledge of the Twelveswood. If we are to survive these troubled times, we must reacquaint ourselves with our surroundings, that we may better discern the threats we face. Stay vigilant, adventurer.
Keishinrei 