Momodi, the proprietress of the Quicksand, wants you to perform three tasks that will help you learn the fundamentals of adventuring.

Momodi: Before you go chargin’ off to find your fortune, I’ve a few basic tasks I’d like you to perform so as to help you get to know the place.
Momodi: First of all, I want you to visit the aetheryte plaza. To get there, head west from here till you reach Emerald Avenue, then look to the north. You should see a giant, floatin’ crystal called an aetheryte.
Momodi: If it weren’t for aetherytes, travelin’ around Eorzea would be a damn sight more troublesome than it is. ‘Course, you still need to attune with ’em before you can use ’em, so be sure to do that with the one in the plaza. You ever attuned with an aetheryte before, Marion? If not, just lay your hand on the thing and you’ll see what I mean.
Momodi: When you’ve done that, I want you to pay a visit to the Thaumaturges’ Guild, over at Arrzaneth Ossuary.
Momodi: Assumin’ that scepter ain’t just for show, you might consider trainin’ there.
Momodi: And finally, I want you to visit the Sapphire Avenue Exchange, over on the Steps of Thal.
Momodi: Goods from all across Eorzea and beyond turn up there every day. You’ll have no trouble findin’ armor, weapons, or anythin’ else a fledglin’ adventurer like yourself might need.
Momodi: You might say that everythin’s for sale here in Ul’dah─as long as you’ve got the gil.
Momodi: Just make sure as you don’t pay more than you ought, Marion.
Momodi: There’s plenty as won’t scruple to swindle unsuspectin’ foreigners like yourself, ‘specially if they think no one’s lookin’ out for their best interests.
Momodi: Which is why I’m givin’ you this letter. When you visit the exchange, find a gentleman named Seseroga and give it to him. He’ll be happy to tell you about the markets once he’s read it.
Momodi: In short, then: visit the aetheryte plaza, the Thaumaturges’ Guild, and the Sapphire Avenue Exchange. Simple.
Momodi: Oh, but before you go, a word of advice: while there’re more than a few unsavory characters out there who’ll try to take advantage of you, there are also some with honest-to-goodness problems who you should consider offerin’ a helpin’ hand to.
Momodi: A lot of folk are lured to this city by the promise of wealth and power. What many of ’em fail to realize is that instead of chasin’ after gil the moment they get here, they ought to be makin’ friends.
Momodi: Let it be known that you’re willin’ to give as much as you get, and opportunities will come your way.
Momodi: Speakin’ of which, you should speak with the Smith over yonder─those lads always have some good advice for up-and-comin’ adventurers. Otherwise, that’s about it from me. It’s past time you got goin’. Oh, and let me know when you’ve finished, will you? That way, I won’t spend my days worryin’ that you’re down to your smallclothes without a gil to your name.

Nenebaru: Hail, adventurer! Might you have come at the behest of Miss Momodi of the Quicksand?
Nenebaru: Excellent. Which brings us to the matter of the attunement fee─that will be one hundred thousand gil, if you please, madam.
Nenebaru: …AHAHAHAHAHA! Apologies, but I do so relish the opportunity to make that jest. The look on your face was absolutely priceless! Ah, but the fact that you were so easily deceived suggests to me that you are unfamiliar with the use of aetherytes. Allow me to explain.
Nenebaru: These crystalline agglomerations tap into aetherial energies, and are primarily used as a means to travel swiftly from one place to another.
Nenebaru: Perchance you have heard of Return and Teleport? Well, these transportation spells make direct use of the aetherytes and their connection to the flow of aether.
Nenebaru: Given that there is an aetheryte in almost every corner of Eorzea, any adventurer with a mind to explore the realm will wish to seek out and attune herself to each and every one!
Nenebaru: But even if you have no intention of wandering beyond the sultanate’s borders, it would be prudent for you to attune yourself to any aetherytes you encounter from now on.
Nenebaru: I pray you found that informative. Should you wish to learn more about aetherytes or transportation magic, I should be happy to answer your questions.

Yayake: Welcome to the Thaumaturges’ Guild. It is fate that has guided your steps here this day, friend. I see that you harbor arcane ambitions…though your journey has scarcely begun.
Yayake: Within these hallowed halls, the arts of devastation are taught─primeval magicks with which to bring about an enemy’s ruin.
Yayake: If you would join our ranks and wield such power, you must needs know of our beginnings.
Yayake: The nation of Ul’dah inherited its traditions from ancient Belah’dia, a city founded by the descendants of the first mages.
Yayake: The secrets of these illustrious sorcerers were ultimately entrusted to the priests of the Order of Nald’thal, who have passed them down from generation to generation ever since.
Yayake: Focused and refined over centuries of use in the Order’s funereal rites, the arcane magicks of our ancestors eventually emerged as the art we now know as thaumaturgy.
Yayake: A freezing blizzard to halt corruption; a raging fire to cleanse the corpse; a bolt of lightning to expel the sins of mortal life… The dweomers employed in the preparation of the dead are equally efficacious when applied to the living.
Yayake: It is for this reason that we are feared and respected in equal measure. Thus does our guild thrive, ensconced in the catacombs of Arrzaneth Ossuary─a sanctuary devoted to Thal, divine arbiter of the afterlife.
Yayake: What say you, then, adventurer? If you would plumb the abyssal depths of thaumaturgy, let our learned sages guide your descent!
Yayake: Ah, but before you leap into the darkness, you must prove to our guildmasters that you are possessed of the spiritual fortitude necessary to look upon that which waits therein. When you are ready to submit to the judgment of our most eminent mages, say the word.

Seseroga: And you are?
…Ho, a newly come adventurer. But of course. Yes, I am Seseroga. What can I do for you?
Seseroga: Ah, you would have me teach you the ways of the marketplace? Very wise. As for my fee… What? You expect me to do it for free!? Surely you jest.
Seseroga: My dear adventurer, when you ask an Ul’dahn for a favor, you should at least try to make it worth his while. Judging by your garb, I rather doubt you could afford my services, but the fact you offer nothing is laughable.
Seseroga: Oh. Mistress Momodi instructed you to seek me out, did she? Hmph. Consider yourself fortunate to have such influential friends.
Seseroga: I shall be brief, and you shall be attentive.
Seseroga: You stand in the Sapphire Avenue Exchange, the busiest and most profitable marketplace in the sultanate.
Seseroga: Being advantageously situated in relation to the other city-states, Ul’dah’s markets have ever served as both the literal and figurative centers of Eorzean commerce.
Seseroga: All the great overland trade routes lead to our city, and the majority of maritime trade between Vylbrand and Aldenard passes through our ports.
Seseroga: Because of this, countless companies and consortia have chosen Ul’dah as their base of operations. They see to it that this marketplace is awash with merchants and moneylenders, day and night.
Seseroga: Anything a man could ever desire can be purchased here─provided as he has sufficient funds.
Seseroga: Surely there’s something you seek, adventurer? A deadlier sword, perhaps, or a shinier trinket? Whatever it is you want, the exchange will have it.
Seseroga: To the north, you will find merchants peddling armor and accessories, curatives and crafting materials.
Seseroga: And to the south, you will find weapons, tools, and an assortment of other useful items for sale.
Seseroga: Seek out a particular merchant, or browse to your heart’s content. But do try to remain aloof should you find something that piques your interest. Decisions made in the heat of the moment are usually unwise, especially where coin is concerned.
Seseroga: Ahem. That is all the complimentary aid you shall have from me─and far too much for my taste.
Seseroga: My regards to Momodi. Now, off with you!

Momodi: How was your tour of the city, Marion? Get lost, did you?
Momodi: Aye, well, Ul’dah’s a big place with lots to see and do─but wanderin’ around aimlessly don’t pay the bills. If you’re serious about makin’ a livin’ here, you’ll need to remember where things are.
Momodi: So when you go explorin’, explore like you’ve got a purpose, eh?
Momodi: All right, then! All that’s left is for you to work hard, make money, and spend it here at the Quicksand!

To be recognized as an adventurer in the city–state of Limsa Lominsa, you must first register yourself with the Adventurers’ Guild.

Ryssfloh: Now then, I’m sure you’re itching to explore, but adventurers are required to register their presence in the city…and without a bit of local knowledge, you’re like to get your throat slit in some piss-stinking alley.
Ryssfloh: So before you do anything else, get yourself over to the Drowning Wench and enroll with the Adventurers’ Guild.
Ryssfloh: It’s not far─just head straight down this street and speak with Grehfarr. He’ll show you how to work that big moving platform we call the Crow’s Lift, and that’ll take you up to the pub.
Ryssfloh: Once you’re there, look for a fellow by the name of Baderon─he’s the proprietor of the Wench. He might curse like an ale-sodden sailor, but the man’s got a soft spot for wide-eyed newcomers like yourself. He’ll set you straight.
Ryssfloh: Got all that? Good. Now run along, and may the Navigator guide you on your journey.

Grehfarr: Welcome to Limsa Lominsa. If you’ve a mind to visit the Drowning Wench, the Crow’s Lift will take you there.

Baderon: Greetin’s to ye, lass.
Baderon: What’ll it be? …Ah, but you ain’t ‘ere fer the drink, are ye!? Ye’ve come with a mind to try yer ‘and at ‘venturin’, I reckon! Well, ye’ll find no shortage o’ work ‘ere in Limsa.
Baderon: The name’s Baderon, an’ this most ‘ospitable of ‘ostelries is the Drownin’ Wench.
Baderon: ‘Tis also the ‘ome o’ the ‘Venturers’ Guild, ‘ere in Limsa. That’s why we’ve got a desk ‘specially fer ‘andlin’ guild business─an’ why I seem to spend more time savin’ the necks o’ whelps like yerself than wettin’ the throats o’ me regulars.
Baderon: ‘Venturers ‘ave a knack fer findin’ trouble, see.
Baderon: Not that they need it in these parts, on account o’ there bein’ trouble wherever ye look. If ye manage to steer clear o’ the fishbacks an’ the kobolds outside the city, the pirates on the inside will get ye instead.
Baderon: An’ if they don’t manage, there’s always the Garlean Empire to finish the job. Oh, no one knows what they’re plannin’, o’ course…but if they’re plannin’ anythin’, ye can be sure it’s to kill the lot of us.
Baderon: Aye…this town seems peaceful at a glance, but look again, an’ ye’ll see a people livin’ in fear o’ what tomorrow might bring.
Baderon: …An’ who can blame ’em, after everythin’ that’s ‘appened? Eorzea took a mighty blow durin’ the Calamity, but our ‘omes weren’t the only things what got wiped off the face of existence by that thrice-damned bastard of a dragon.
Baderon: It took our bleedin’ memories, too. An’ no one’s been able to explain it in a way as makes an onze o’ sense.
Baderon: None o’ the folks what saw it an’ lived to tell the tale seem to agree on ‘ow the tale actually goes. ‘Tis all foggy…like recollections from an ‘ard night on the ale. Ye can imagine why people might fear fer the future if they can’t rightly recall the past.
Baderon: But there is one thing we all remember, an’ that’s the group o’ ‘venturers what laid down their lives to drag Eorzea back from the brink, when she was bound fer the abyss.
Baderon: Well, I say we remember… Truth is, though we ain’t forgotten what they did fer us, this godsdamned Calamity-spawned memory loss robbed us o’ their names…
Baderon: It won’t even let us picture their damn faces. ‘Tis like starin’ at a gull flyin’ in front o’ the sun─all ye see in yer mind’s eye is a shadow set against a blindin’ glare. An’ that’s ‘ow every bugger describes it, by the way…give or take the odd gull.
Baderon: It’s this what’s got people callin’ these ‘eroes the “Warriors o’ Light.”
Baderon: If Limsa’s ever goin’ to put this time o’ darkness behind it, it’s goin’ to need ‘venturers to ‘elp banish the fear. It’s goin’ to need new ‘eroes like the ones we lost.
Baderon: Maybe one day ye’ll be one of ’em. An’ that’s why any aid we can give to a ‘venturer is effort well spent. What say ye, lass? Ye willin’ to lend us yer strength?
Baderon: Me thanks to ye, an’ to the Navigator an’ all! I knew She’d steered ye my way fer a reason.
Baderon: Ah, but listen to me, yatterin’ on like a sun-touched fishwife. ‘Tis ‘igh time we got yer mark in me book.
Baderon: Put yer scrawl right there.
Baderon: Meredith Croix, is it? An’ a fine name it is.
Baderon: Congratulations. Yer now an upstandin’ member o’ the ‘Venturers’ Guild.
Yellowjacket: You there─adventurer. You sailed in on the last ferry, did you not?
Yellowjacket: The captain reported being attacked by a pirate vessel. And several witnesses have testified independently that a passenger matching your description went out on deck mere moments before the incident took place. Sending your friends signals, were you?
Baderon: Now ‘old on a just a moment there, officer. Ye’ve got the wrong lass.
Baderon: This fine, upstandin’ young lady is me dear departed grandma’s sister’s niece’s cousin’s closest companion. The lass wouldn’t be caught dead fraternizin’ with such unsavory elements.
Yellowjacket: …Is that right? Ahem. You are surely aware of the recent kidnappings? Respectfully, then, we cannot be too trusting of outsiders at a time when the loyalty of even our closest friends is in doubt.
Baderon: Aye, ye make a good point there, officer, a very good point. Very wise. Ye needn’t worry, though─I keep one eye open at all times, me, an’ two more often than not. Now, sir, what say ye to a tankard o’ me finest ale afore ye return to yer duties, eh?
Yellowjacket: Not a watered-down cup of piss like last time, I should hope?
Baderon: Ain’t got the faintest idea what yer on about, officer. The Wench might offer some o’ the cheapest grog this side o’ the Strait o’ Merlthor, but that don’t mean it won’t get ye good an’ pickled! An’ look, there’s a chair over there just cryin’ out to be sat on, so kick off them ‘eavy boots, eh!?
Baderon: Ye’ll ‘ave to excuse these eager bloody Yellowjackets. There’s been a spate o’ kidnappin’s, see, an’ they ain’t got a clue who’s behind ’em. Naturally, they’ve taken to clappin’ irons on anyone who looks vaguely suspicious, which means ‘venturers, visitors…an’ pretty much every bugger else in this town.
Baderon: Don’t take it personal, though. Us Lominsans can be an ‘eadstrong bunch o’ bastards, ’tis true, but given time, we’ll grow on ye. Now, where was I…?
Baderon: Oh aye! Welcome to Limsa Lominsa, where the sea’s as green as the faces o’ me patrons after a few too many Blackbelly whiskeys!
Baderon: Now, take a moment to gather yer wits, an’ we’ll get started with learnin’ ye the ways o’ the city.

To be recognized as an adventurer in the city–state of Gridania, you must first register yourself with the Adventurers’ Guild.

Bertennant: Another green adventurer, I presume?
Bertennant: I thought as much. We cannot allow strangers to wander Gridania unchecked and untested.
Bertennant: Before you rush off and begin pestering every second citizen for work, I suggest you make yourself known at the Carline Canopy. That’s the headquarters of the local Adventurers’ Guild, in case you were wondering.
Bertennant: The Carline Canopy is the building you see behind me. Speak to Mother Miounne within, and she will take you in hand.

Mother Miounne: Well, well, what have we here?
Mother Miounne: A wide-eyed and wondering young adventurer, come to put your name down at the guild, I assume?
Mother Miounne: Welcome. Miounne’s my name, or Mother Miounne as most call me, and the Carline Canopy is my place.
Mother Miounne: As the head of the Adventurers’ Guild in Gridania, I have the honor of providing guidance to the fledgling heroes who pass through our gates.
Mother Miounne: No matter your ambitions, the guild is here to help you attain them.
Mother Miounne: In return, we expect you to fulfill your duties as an adventurer by assisting the people of Gridania. A fine deal, wouldn’t you agree?
Mother Miounne: To an outsider’s eyes, all may seem well with our nation, but naught could be further from the truth. The people live in a state of constant apprehension.
Mother Miounne: The Ixal and various gangs of common bandits provide an unending supply of trouble─trouble compounded by the ever-present threat of the Garlean Empire to the north. And that is to say nothing of the Calamity…
Mother Miounne: Even now, the wounds have barely begun to heal. Ah, but I speak of it as if you were there. Forgive me. Five years past, Eorzea was well-nigh laid to waste when a dread wyrm emerged from within the lesser moon, Dalamud, and rained fire upon the realm. It is this which people call “the Calamity.”
Mother Miounne: Scarcely a square malm of the Twelveswood was spared the devastation. Yet despite the forest’s extensive wounds, not a soul among us can recall precisely how it all happened.
Mother Miounne: I am well aware of how improbable that must sound to an outsider… It is improbable. But it’s also true. For reasons we can ill explain, the facts surrounding the Calamity are shrouded in mystery. There are as many versions of events as there are people willing to recount them.
Mother Miounne: Yet amidst the hazy recollections and conflicting accounts, all agree on one thing: that Eorzea was saved from certain doom by a band of valiant adventurers.
Mother Miounne: Whatever else we’ve misremembered, none of us have forgotten the heroes who risked life and limb for the sake of the realm. And yet…whenever we try to say their names, the words die upon our lips.
Mother Miounne: And whenever we try to call their faces to mind, we see naught but silhouettes amidst a blinding glare.
Mother Miounne: Thus have these adventurers come to be known as “the Warriors of Light.”
Mother Miounne: …Ahem. Pray do not feel daunted by the deeds of legends. We do not ask that you become another Warrior of Light, only that you do what you can to assist the people of Gridania.
Mother Miounne: Great or small, every contribution counts. I trust you will play your part.
Mother Miounne: All that’s left, then, is to conclude the business of registration. Here’s a quill. Scrawl your name right there.
Mother Miounne: Oh, and I would appreciate it if you used your real name─there is a special place in the seventh hell for those who use “amusing” aliases.
Mother Miounne: …Mortimer Croix, hm? And you’re quite sure that isn’t an amusing alias?
Mother Miounne: Very well. From this moment forward, you are a registered adventurer of Gridania, nation blessed of the elementals and the bounty of the Twelveswood. The guild expects great things from you.
Wood Wailer: Look at what just arrived─another godsdamned adventurer…
Mother Miounne: Don’t you start with that. Adventurers are the very salve that Gridania needs.
Mother Miounne: The Elder Seedseer herself bade us welcome them with open arms. Do you mean to disregard her will?
Wood Wailer: Of course not! Lest you forget, it is my sworn duty to uphold the peace! Am I to blame if outsiders bring mistrust upon themselves?
Wood Wailer: You─adventurer! Mind that you do not cause any trouble here, or I shall personally cast you out of this realm and into the seventh hell.
Mother Miounne: Ahem. Pay that outburst no mind. He meant only to…counsel you. Suspicious characters have been prowling the Twelveswood of late, you see, and the Wood Wailers feel they cannot afford to take any chances.
Mother Miounne: As is often the way with folk who live in isolation, Gridanians are wont to mistrust things they do not well know, your good self included. Fear not, however─given a catalog of exemplary deeds, and no more than a handful of years, the locals will surely warm to you.
Mother Miounne: On behalf of my fellow citizens, I welcome you to Gridania. May you come to consider our nation as your own in time.
Mother Miounne: Now then, you may depend on old Mother Miounne to teach you a few things that every adventurer should know.