Way of the land, Way of the hand

It has been a long time since I wrote few words into my journal.
I have done so many thing, yet it feels like its just so little. Traveling across Eorzea searching for ways to learn more about gathering ingredients and crafting arts, feasting on grilled Dodos and running away from all those vicious squirrels.
Some things never change.

I have traveled trough fields, learning where ingredients are and how to gather them. I have traveled to each town, learning crafting and searching for every recipe I could find.
It took long time to learn everything, sure it did. But I was finally able to make both useful and nice clothes and tools.
I started selling a lot and saving my gil in hope to build my own house in the future ^.^

But no matter how much I done until now, I'm still useless on the battlefield >.<

Hitting the wood

Having learn bit of mining techniques, I returned back to Gridania.
There is no need to rush it after all, learning slowly bit by a bit is more then sufficient.
After all, I'm aspiring to be a cook and an alchemist. Being able to mine ore wont help me all that much. Well, maybe just a little bit.

Speaking of being a cook, what will help me the most is to learn a bit of botany as well. What could be the better way to gather all those yummy ingredients? :3

I made my way to the botanist guild in Old Gridania and spoke to Master of the Guild.
She was a small Lalafell with really nice manners and overexcited about her work as most Masters of all Guilds seems to be. Well, I guess thats what they love the most ^.^

Having received my first hatchet, I made my way trough south gate in the Old Gridania in my search for yummy things :3
I don't know yet how a hatchet can help me here, maybe there are some chocolate trees?

The Beginning of a New Dawn

I woke up today to the new dawn, it feels like I slept a really long time.
I was in the old gridania inn, such a comfy place as of late.

Today, I wanted to visit new guild to pick up new gathering knowledge.
I decided to pay my first visit to the miners guild at Ul'dah. It may be bit far, but I know my way over there very well.

As I made my way trough The Black Shroud, yummy looking chocobos taunting me at every corner made me remember... it was not such a good idea to skip the breakfast today.
Continuing trough Thanalan slowly getting closer to my destination, Ul'dah, another creature found their way to make me remember of my growling tummy >.<
Those cursed dodo's, finding their way to annoy me... if only they were not so fat, they would make a great snack :(

After a while, I reached the city of Ul'dah. I was walking trough the streets filled with merchants trying to find my way ended up being more difficult then I trough.. once again.
*Why do I always have to get lost in here...?* I thought, trying to suppress the horrors of my last visit to Limsa Lominsa >.<

After bit of wondering around, I found myself in front of Alchemist guild. I had no idea such guild was here in Ul'dah, maybe it is not so bad to get lost sometimes.
I will certainly pay a visit here sometime later, but now is the time to find the miners guild.

It took quite a while, but I finally found the miners guild at the end of long lonely street at the most west side of the Ul'dah.
I have walked in right away wanting to apply to the guild. Master of the guild seemed quite friendly, welcoming me and eager to explain the history of their guild. Quite a difference from certain someone who always want to saw off everyone's hands.

I was sent to try out my new pickaxe and mine some copper ore. I made my way out of Ul'dah trough the east gate as I was told and found some rocks containing the copper ore right away. And not just one, but plenty of them all around the place.
This sure makes it much easier and I was done mining some copper ore after a little while.

I returned to the miners guild to show my spoils as I was asked to.
Master of the Guild looks to be happy with my work and started talking right away about how exciting it is to strike the earth and get the spoils. Sure its handy, but her talk about getting dirty... she may be well known, but must be really clumsy >.<

But I wonder.. how effective a pickaxe would be against those evil vicious squirrels?

Onwards to Limsa

I made my way to the south of squirrel graveyard hoping they wont be back any time soon. I'm probably wrong, am I not? >.<

It didn't took long until I reached very first camp where adventurers meet, the Bannock camp.
This camp sure was build much larger since last time I was here. There are many more people in here than before and yet they those vicious squirrels still managed to sneak past somehow >.<
Hopefully guards here got just bit careless, otherwise it could get really dangerous >.<

As I continued my way to the south towards the central shroud, I seen small lone guy getting swarmed by raptors.
I quickly grabbed my trusty bow and started picking out raptors on his back, few at the same time. But they just kept coming one after another, just like horde of angry bees.
It took long time skipping around, but we beat every last one of them and our little lalafell didn't fell. But I'm sure it must have been the fate ^.^

After a bit of rest, I continued my long way trough forest until reaching the camp Tranquil.
This camp got quite large, they even have their own food.. umm, chocobo stables here.
When I asked about chocobos, they told me I cannot lend one. Do I looks that hungry? Well, maybe I do after such long travel >.<
But that's fine, I forgot to bring my spices with me and just roasting them without proper seasoning does not taste so good.

But this is not time to be idling around and looking for food. Day is short and Thanalan is just ahead.
Reaching the desert, it is pretty much as I remember.. well sand.
Sand all the way to highbridge, sand all the way to Drybone and more sand all past Black Brush.

Walking trough many camps on the way, its clear that they are got much more lively. All camps are larger, distinct and many more people are around.
It sure got lively around the Eorzea ^.^

As I want past Black Brush, I finally seen the Ul'Dah. I may as well stop by few shops and buy some of exquisite Ul'Dah spices. Silly me forgetting them in Gridania, I can't just have bland dinner on my way back.

Leaving the Ul'Dah with my bags full, I made my way northwest until I seen familiar cave entrance. It was indeed the Sunset gate behind which lies the Vesper Bay.

Making my way to the docks I was stopped by small lalafell next to the dock gate asking me to come back later. Later, when I have enough money, but don't know how much >.<
Do I really look so poor? Or they just don't know how much does it cost?
Looks like I wont be to get any further, even trough I wanted to see Limsa's colorful plains full of flowers after such long time :(
Hopefully I will be able to see it some day again, but looks like it will not be today >.<
Without having much of a choise, I decided on returning back home to Gridania.

Meeting my arch nemesis, once again

Having left Archers guild, I made my way to Gridania's southeast gate with a request from some ladybug hater.. why ladybugs?? why me?? >.<

Just as I was told, I seen a lot of ladybugs just outside of the gate. Having a better look at these cute creatures, I dont see how they can be dangerous to anyone. Sure, they got a bit larger, but that just means they have been eating well, right? Or maybe they just got fat? I'm not one I to judge their eating habits after all.
Maybe I should just catch one and bring it to the ladybug hating guy.

But suddenly, shivers goes down my spine as I heard rustling in nearby bush. And then, I seen it, my vicious arch nemesis! Squirrels! They are back to take revenge!
Quickly pulling the string, I shot every one last of them.
Phew, that was close. If only I remember how I used to set them on fire >.<
Gridania is bit safer once again.

Meeting with new Gridania

Leaving the Adventurers guild, I decided to take a look around Gridania. After all, its been a long time since last time I was here.

Walking past my favorite long lost flower bed looking for directions to the Archers guild, I seen a large Aetherite.
I dont quite remember any aetherites here, but it sure can be handy. This one looks even larger then any aetherite I ever seen before.
Do they grow from the rain I wonder? Or they are fed well?
I better not ask, truth may be quite scary >.<

Trying to leave those scary thoughts behind, I took off to the east. If my mind is not playing tricks on me, thats where Archer guild should be.

As i arrived to the Archers guild, I found the familiar place. Unexpectedly, nothing changed in the guild, quite unlike the rest of the Gridania.
Expect one small thing... nobody seems to remember me... I was asked to join the Archers guild again by familiar face. Is it a dejavu? or is it something else? >.<
Having to apply once again, I was asked to prove myself by hunting down few ladybugs and do some target practice.. umm.. ladybugs?? O.o
Someone here must have developed quite a hate towards those cute thingies :(

First look back

I wandered one more trough the world of Eorzea, remembering all those nice moments in the past ^.^

Its been long, really long time since I walked my way trough Gridania. Even my favorite flower bed has withered. I'm sure Chocobos are there to take a blame! I should have know, they were always staring at it >.<

Things sure have changed, for good, my bag is no longer so messy ^.^
But for bad as well.. someone stole my clothes while I was away >.<
It makes it bit difficult to explore like that, but I hope I will be able to do so soon. I still have much to learn ^.^

It may be bit difficult to start again without any friends from the past, but I still have my trusty journal and maybe, just maybe I will be able to continue writing it. Surprising enough, it already have full 77 pages full of my adventures ^.^

Cross story: The Tenth Squirrel

"I'm sorry, Mr. Bloodmoon. The local armorers' guild doesn't seem to have any commissions available currently," the leve desk representative in Limsa Lominsa told the tall Wildwood Elezen, who was growing increasingly exasperated at the lack of frequency with which he was able to steadily work in his new home city. "It seems that we get only a regimented amount of jobs from day to day."

"That seems like a tedious and ill-orchestrated business plan," commented Niko. "How am I supposed to gain skill in my trade at any reasonable rate if my progress is hindered by unnecessary red tape?"

The agent gave an emphatic nod to Bloodmoon whilst listening simultaneously to a linkpearl he had taken from underneathe the desk.
Niko turned around to leave the counter.

"Just a moment, Mr. Bloodmoon," the associate called to Niko. "It seems our affiliates in Thanalan may have something for you." Bloodmoon returned to the desk and the two spoke briefly.

So Niko boarded the ferry to Thanalan in search of some practice with his doming hammer. "It's a might worn-out," Niko commented. The hammer he so often used for the last few months had grown shabby and lackluster. "Perhaps I shall attempt to locate a new doming hammer when I arrive in Ul'dah."

After making the hike from the coast to the city of Ul'dah, Niko proceeded to the merchants' strip. There were many shops to be found, all showcasing some unique sort of finery or goods. Some were regional shops, while others specialized in the tools and materials of specific crafts.

Littered amongst the various permanent fixtures in the market ward were enumerous adventurers. Craftsman and tradespeople hocking their wares, hoping to make a name for themselves in their own professions. It was in the bazaar of an inconspicuous-looking hyur that Niko found a doming hammer of above-average quality.

"How much for this?" Niko motioned to the hammer of interest.

"Thirty thousand gil," the man answered.

"Thirty thousand? I couldn't pay more than seventeen for a simple doming hammer!" Niko loved to haggle. "Highway robbery, that'd be."

"Are you daft, Elf?" The hyur defended his craftsmanship. "This is quality work, here." The man put the hammer in Niko's hand. "Feel the balance, my friend? Look at the structure. Look, I'll give it to you for twenty-five thousand."

"Eighteen," rebutted Bloodmoon.

"Twenty!" the man bartered. "That be me final offer."

"Done," Niko handed the man twenty thousand gil and hung the hammer on his belt. They nodded to one another and Niko walked away. "Twenty's what I wanted to spend anyways," Niko spoke softly to himself. "...though free would have been preferable!"

Niko went to Ul'dah's adventurers' guild and inquired the man at the desk about some local armorers' leves.

"Watch it there, elf," A tiny but oddly deep voice came from behind him. "I was next in line!"

It was Gregorio Engelbritzon. "Oh! Sorry, friend, I didn't see you standing there."

"Aye, aye. The air up there makes ye a bit oblivious to your surroundings, no doubt." Gregorio prodded his young friend as he side-stepped him. "Now if you don't mind."

In due time, the two friends had both received local leves in the specialties of goldsmithing and armorsmithing, respectively. Niko eyed a few regional leves at the corresponding Camp Horizon, and pocketed them as well.

"I have a bit of work to do here in town, lad," Gregorio told Niko as they exited the inn. "But as soon as I am done, I'll make my way to Camp Horizon. See you there!"

"Not if I see you first," Niko bid farewell. He also had a bit of business to do in town. A Roegadyn on Merchant's Row was looking to commission a few bronze hoplons. Niko had never made a shield before, but with proper plans and the quality of his new implement, he was sure he could finish the job to his client's satisfaction.

Success! The black-robed Roegadyn was more than happy with the shields Niko constructed and paid him well for his effort. Bloodmoon was just tying a knot around the top of his coinpurse, when he saw something circling his feet frantically.

"What the?" Niko was taken aback. "A squirrel?" A small star marmot was running a figure-eight around his ankles. When the varment noticed he had successfully gained Niko's attention, he stood on his hind legs and squeeked insistantly at the adventurer.

"A note tied to your tail," Niko leaned over and tried several times to get his hand on a piece of rolled parchment which had been thonged to the squirrels caudal extremity. "Give it here, ya li'l bugger!"

Having finally been relieved of the apparent piece of correspondence, the squirrel scurried off down an alleyway. He was out of sight quite soon. More interested in the note in his hand than the varment's destination, Niko unfurled the parchment and began reading.

"Niko Bloodmoon," he began reciting. "I have heard many times of your adventures in La Noscea. So many of them sound exciting, but here there are important things to be done and so you should pay attention, okey? Many powerful enemies are roaming around Camp Horizon. I left my forest home to aid the people here, but I do not know much about Thanalan."

"This is tenth squirrel I try to send to meet you," Niko continued reading. "They must be getting killed before they get to you. Perhaps by fat ants around Thanalan. They are everywhere. Please, if you are willing, meet me at the Aetheryte in Ul'dah. I will be the pink-haired Miqo'te with nice new yellow tunic, which I just bought. Also, I have a new bow! See you soon!" The letter was signed, "Yuumi Timori."

"Her prose is a bit quirky," Niko noted. "...but endearing. I think I will help her."

Niko approached the square in which Ul'dah's aetheryte crystal could be found. As he neared the magical device he began scanning the crowd of travellers in and around the area.

"Yu, Niko!" the Elezen heard shouted from across the square. "Over here!" It was Yuumi Timori. She was an average-sized Miqo'te with a youthful appearance. She grinned widely. Her eyes squinted slightly, as if pleasantly pursed-shut by the intesity of such a bright smile. "Thank Gods tenth one found you! I was running out of squirrels!"

"Pleased to meet you, Yuumi." Niko bowed appropriately. "You and I both seem to have business that leads us to Camp Horizon. I shall happily assist you with your endeavors, provided you are willing to reciprocate and help me to complete a task there of my own."

"Assist *us*!" A small voice came from behind Niko, surprising him. "Did you forget about your old friend, Gregorio whilst planning this little adventure? Hmmm?"

"Hello, little man!" Timori waved happily at Gregorio. "I am Yuumi and you must be Gregorio Engelbritzon: 'Explorer Extraordinaire', Niko's sidekick!"

"'Sidekick'?" Gregorio was incensed. "I'll have ye know that this here city's been kept safe under me watch since before you or even this dhalmel-necked, spotlight-stealing, wildwoods-ing, pointy-eared bushwhacker ever stepped foot outdoors without the assurance o' yer security blanket!"

"He looks angry!" Yuumi pointed-out. Her ears perked acutely with curiosity. "You are not his sidekick?"

"Nay, lassie," Engelbritzon scowled harshly whilst he corrected the young lady. "We are partners, you hear? Equal work; equal share. We split everything right down the middle!"

"Oh," Timori seemed to understand that she had inadvertently insulted the Lalafell. She sauntered whimsically over to Gregorio and pressed her fingertip to his pursed brow. "Relax that angry face, okey?"

Gregorio conceded and offered a reconciling smile. He extended his hand to the Miqo'te, who gave her own.

"Right then, splendid." Niko interjected. "What say we talk more about it all whilst we make for Camp Horizon?" And with a nod of agreement from both Gregorio and Yuumi, the three were off.

They made their way north, then west through the rugged terrain of the region of Thanalan. "The coarse description offered by many wayfarers of this country," commented Niko "is superficially correct, at best. Majestic canyonsides line the spiraling trails carved into their crests. While sparse, the foliage here is very awe-inspiring in its simplicity. And the vibrant reds, greens and yellows of the low-lying flora are kin to an impressionist's painting. A natural work of art."

Arriving at Camp Horizon, the three adventurers undertook their respective leves. With a little effort spent in coordinating their tactics to accomodate for the differences in their unique methodologies, they managed to route a group of assassins whilst they made campfire on a cliffside near Horizon.

"Assassins, bah," Engelbritzon scoffed at their mention. "Didn't seem so stealthy once we laid 'em low! Try stabbin' me in the back from underneathe me boot heel!"

"Firestarter imps hiding amongst herds of the fat birds?" Timori seemed excited that their next bounty was rumored to be disguising himself as one of a flock of dodos. "Perhaps we will kill a fat bird for dinner too!"

"You're starting to remind me quite a bit of Alice," Niko remembered the first time he and his wife had encountered a dodo together. "All I saw was a dodo kicking up a dust cloud and my wife, Alice, close on its heel with nothing more than a knife and fork as her weapons!"

The evening was filled with adventure. Niko and Gregorio had made an unlikely ally in Yuumi Timori, but a welcome one regardless. At the end of the night, after having divvied-up the rewards and dined happily upon some plump roast dodo sprinkled with rosemary, pepper, and cracked salt, the three waved farewell to one another and made their ways home.

Cross Story: New Armor and a Strange Encounter

"This is nice craftsmanship," Niko commented as he stood on the dock awaiting the ferry from Thanalan to Limsa Lominsa examining two nice sets of bone scale mail in a tall Elezen woman's bazaar. "I'll take both for say...seventy-five thousand?"

"They are clearly marked forty thousand each, my friend." The woman was rather curt.

"Awww, c'mon." Niko looked positively hurt by the woman's refusal to barter with him. "You're supposed to haggle with me!"

"I don't want to," the Elezen woman replied. "They are quality pieces of body armor and I won't take less.

Niko wore the face of a small child who had just watched someone step on his favorite stuffed moogle. "Blah, what's the fun in this?" He questioned and, with that rhetoric, handed the woman eighty thousand gil for the two pieces of mail and bid her farewell.

"Eighty thousand is less than I woulda expected to pay anyways," he said to himself and boarded the recently-arrived ferry.

After a quiet journey across the channel from the mainland to the island country of La Noscea, Niko exited the arrival terminal and walked out onto the twisting suspended bridge walkways of Limsa Lominsa. Despite the recent trouble he had gotten himself into with the Krakens, the Sanguine Sirens and the Barracudas...and the surrounding controversies there-outlying, the bustling port city was beginning to feel like home.

He arrived at his estate shortly thereafter. Twisting the doorhandle, he found it to be locked tight. He retrieved a key from his pocket and opened the door. No lights were lit; he adjusted his eyes and stumbled over to a lamp.

"Alice?" He hollared, but was responded to only by the echo of his own voice. He wandered through the house, setting his belongings down here and there until he came to the kitchen table, upon which he found a piece of unfurled parchment. "A note," he said to himself. He picked it up and began reading.

"I have gone fishing at Aleport," he recited the letter aloud. "I hope your day of adventuring was prosperous! You had better have brought me home something nice from Ul'dah!" Niko looked over his shoulder to the two sets of scale mail he had bought.

"She loves it when we dress alike," Niko said to himself, though he found the practice to be a bit tacky. He continued reading. "The fish I'm going for don't come close to shore until the late hours before sunrise, so don't expect me home until late tomorrow morning. Cook yourself some supper and I'll see you tomorrow!"

Niko made himself a small meal and then played a card game that he and Alice ritually played after supper (he played her hand for her). Afterwards, he read the tribune until his eyes grew heavy. He went to their bedchamber, laid down and drifted fast to sleep.

"Don't pluck me feathers!" Niko exclaimed oddly, waking from his slumber to a start. He had been dreaming that he was a chocobo. He was surrounded by dozens of mischievous Lalafell who were trying to steal his feathers for their caps. Escaping the disorientation of waking, he placed his hands upon the landmarks of his upper body, to assure himself that he was, indeed, Elezen once more.

Finding this to be the case, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, got out of bed and did some squats and other stretches as was his morning regiment. After cleaning up and donning some clean clothing, he strapped on one of the new pieces of body armor he had purchased the day before.

"Lighter than my haubergeon," he noted as he buckled the last body strap and tested his motility. "More maneuverable. But I suppose I shall keep my chain armor for when the situation demands a bit more protection."

Niko decided to head out of town and train a bit near Camp Bearded Rock. He arrived at the encampment after a short stroll out Zephyr Gate and northward. He began doing a few preliminary stretches before heading out to test his new body armor. He had leaned down to make sure his boots were well-laced when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Niko Bloodmoon," A cold voice beckoned. It was of monotone timbre and, with the unexpectedness of the address, sent a bit of a shiver down Niko's spine.

Niko stood quickly upright and turned to see who had spoken. It was a man of medium physical stature. He wore blood red chain armor, gilded with silver buckles and ornamental polished steel shoulder pauldrons.
A hyur, by Niko's assessment; however, it was hard to tell. The man wore a full plate helmet which concealed his face entirely, except for two slits about the eyes. The headpiece was plain except for being adorned with a crown.

"Who's asking?" Niko demanded before devulging his identity.

The man pointed to his chest, upon the left breast of which he wore a silver badge. "I have some questions for you."

"Anything I can do to be of assistance, officer." Niko scratched the back of his head a bit, wondering introspectively what he must have done wrong.

"There have been complaints from citizens of several cities and their surrounding territories of dead squirrels being found at their doorsteps, near the perimeter of encampments, et cetera." The inspector
began. "Nine accounts in all."

"And what do I have to do with all of this?" Niko asked.

"All nine of these squirrels were reported to have correspondences tied to their tails," the officer continued. "All of which were signed by one Yuumi Timori, and addressed to you, Niko Bloodmoon."

Niko was both partially nervous, and yet, rather excited that his name was getting around Eorzea with a certain amount of notoriety.

"I can't see that I've done anything wrong in all of this," Niko protested.

"You're not being accused of anything, Mr. Bloodmoon." The officer replied. "However, we have not been able to locate Ms. Timori with regards to this matter, but we *have* found you."

"If you are in contact with Ms. Timori," the man continued, "Would you be so kind as to pass on a message to her?"

"I suppose I could," Niko chuckled a bit to himself as he pictured himself sending out dozens of courier marmots to every end of Eorzea
in order to carry-out the authority figure's request.

"Please inform her that, while the authority *does* encourage adventurers to work together in order to make Eorzea a better place to live, we simply cannot have dead squirrels piling-up in multitudes hither and thither."

"Right," Niko nodded, assuring the officer of his compliance. "'Twould create a dead rank smell, no doubt."

"Indeed." replied the man. "Not to mention the bacterial concerns. Noone wants another plague, Mr. Bloodmoon."

"Agreed, sir." Niko did his best to contain riotous laughter over being pursued by the authorities over such a silly occurrence. "I'll keep my eye out for Ms. Timori!"

"Right then," the crimson-vested figure concluded. "I shall consider this matter closed, and in the future, please encourage your friend, Ms. Timori, to utilize a linkpearl. They are much more efficient."

Unable to contain himself, Niko broke into rauccous laughter. "Would you mind taking a photograph with me, officer? I'd like to capture this moment for a page in my journal."

Without another word or gesture, the officer disappeared into thin air.

Niko looked all around for a trace of the man, but found none. He giggled and said to himself, "Guess that's GM for 'no'."

Engelbritzon and 'The Limsa Connection'

Today, I have sent a squirrel with message tied to its tail as usual in hope to reach Niko Bloodmoon, adventurer from Limsa Lominsa, squirrels seems to have hard time reaching Niko. Who could be eating them?

I was waiting in appointed location near Aetheryte in Uldah as usual in hope that my message was delivered.
After about a hour of waiting and poking random passing squirrels with a head of my arrow I have seen an elf with large axe on his back followed by a little guy in a hat as big as he was.
Could it be Niko Bloodmoon and Gregorio Engelbritzon?
Yes, its surely them, I waved their way with my hand.

We have greeted each other and had a little chat.
After a while, we taken upon tasks in adventurers guild and headed together towards the Camp Horizon.

It was quite a long walk trough the desert, but not much longer then my usual way from Gridania to the Camp Emerald Moss.

We have arrived safely to the Camp Horizon. Seems like there are quite a few adventurers other then us, maybe they are here to help with same tasks?

Our first and most important tasks is to find end eliminate dangerous shape shifting imps that have escaped from their confinement.
Without much wait, we have departed to the west in our search for small tricky imps.

But there was a catch, the road was guarded by assassins.
We have taken out 2 of them that were blocking our way, but these assassins are quite strong.
With our way partially cleared, we have sneaked past the rest of them and continued our search for imps.

Suddenly, I have noticed big birds walking around little afar.
Look, its dodos, many of them. Lets have a dinner, I whispered as I could hear my tummy growl.
We have silently approached a group of dodos and attacked.

Niko charged in middle of them with a wide swing of his large axe, sending them flying in all directions.
What? How come they changed into ladybugs? There did my dinner go?

They are going to pay for that! I yelled while me and Niko delivered a final blow to both creatures.

There evil things, that was supposed to be my dinner.
What about these?, I said while pointing to next group of dodos.

Suddenly they changed into small people. What? What about my dinner?

We have slowly walked to another group of dodos. These must be real or I starve to death.

The creature suddenly showed its true colors when it turned into imp.
Now I can clearly seen the evil they have done! No dinner, no mercy!

As the imp fallen, behind him strange wisp showed up. Considering him accomplice to the imp, he did not stand much of the chance before hungry adventurers.

We have finished our task and taken our all imps, but there is still one thing left to do.
That is, to fill our tummies.

While Gregorio pointed the way where we can find dodos in his homeland, Niko mentioned he will have to return as he have to Cook a dinner today.
I guess he needs to go, since he don't want to make his wife Alice angry.
After saying out goodbyes to Niko, we have departed our way to find real dodos.

As we followed the road to east, it did not took long until we found group of juicy looking dodos.

We have slowly sneaked to them.
While I was getting my bow ready, Gregorio suddenly chanted a spell...

...and hit the creature's tender spot. Ouch, that must hurt a lot, I said while looking at creatures painful expression.
That was quite evil, but surely effective.

But one sure is not enough to ease our hunger. Here we have another birdie.

After splitting the meat between me and Gregorio and putting some aside for Niko, we have said our goodbyes and returned to our home towns to enjoy our dinner.

But wait, I wondered. Where is my squirrel messanger??

Adventurer's story, part 2

...so I have took the road north.
I have walked all the way to the other side of the Gridania, where lies the Conjurers guild.
I was always interested in secrets of magic, knowing a little bit cant do any harm.
I have spend a long time listening to Conjurer master's explanation about the elements and how to control them.
It was indeed quite interesting, so I decided to start practicing right away.

But first, I will need a Conjurer's wand. I know where they sell them, its in carpentry guild.
Ah wait, I'm carpenter, am I not? I have never created a magic wand, but I could give it a try.

Upon my arrival to carpenters guild, I started asking about how to make a magic wand.
I have found out it is not so difficult. I will just need a log and a Growth Formula made by an alchemist.

After searching my bag, I have found out that I have both components.
That's strange, I must have picked up the growth formula somewhere in wilds. Maybe it does grow on trees? That's quite handy.
It did not took long until I had my new magic wand in my hand. It was quite easy actually, that must be some kind of magic. Oh wait, it is magic.

I have passed the Gridania gates in search of quiet place to practice.
There are many adventurers here, this may not be an easy task.

After a short search, I have found quiet place on east side of central forest.
Nobody is here, just squirrels, this will be the best place.

I have started by slowly and patiently repeating everything I have learned from Conjurer's master.

Oh, wopsie, squirrel is on fireeee!
*Splashed the squirrel with a water spell*
Now that's better.
*picks up a nearby stick and pokes a little squirrel*
Umm, its not moving...
Oh well, practice makes things better.

I have practiced without the rest for many hours *and put many squirrels on fire* and I finally got a the basics right.

Now would be a good time to travel to the north forest and give it a real try.

I may not be good in offensive spells, but I'm doing quite well with defensive ones.
That is to my liking anyway.

After taking out few dangerous looking creatures and few squirrels, I really started to like my new skills.
I was able to do everything with much more ease then before.

While I'm archer and I have learned skills that of mage, does it make me an Arch-Mage?
Well, probably not. But maybe one day...

Satisfied with my day, I have returned back to Gridania to get a good night rest.

Adventurer's story, part 1

It was a day like any other. I woke up to early sunshine in the flower field.

I was thinking, what should I do today?

I would like to get myself some new clothes, I would like to get better in carpentry.
There would be many things I would like to do, only if my purse would allow me.
One thing that I really need is a new bow. It is already time, but my carpentry skills are not good enough.
So I have decided to head for market wards as first thing in the morning.

When I first arrived, I have seen Nebiki waving my way.
With smile on her face, she gave me pouch of gil for sold bow which I have created not so long ago.
Oh wow, finally someone who like my work.
Hopefully someone will buy other bows and masks too, so we will not have to be so poor.

I have began looking for better bow in the wards, for hours, but did not had much luck.
I have decided to travel to Uldah. Market wards in Uldah are much larger then ones in my home town Gridania.

Upon my arrival, I began asking about a better bow.
Market here is surely larger, I spend a long time asking everybody but also without any luck.

After all, it could be good thing since I would probably not have enough gil to buy something too expansive.
It could also be that there are not so many skilled woodcrafters to create better bows.

Having nothing else to do in Uldah, I headed my way back to the Gridania.

I have met a bee swarm on my way back, they seems to be quite angry attacking anybody who approach them.

Not waiting for their initiative, I got my bow ready and fired my first arrow. They sure seem angry now.
To my surprise, I was able to hit all of them with just 4 arrows before they could reach me.

I have arrived safely to Gridania, but what to do now?
Oh yes, there has always been one thing I wanted to try, so I have took the road north...

Memories of the party

It was a rainy day, I was hiding before the rain in the Gridania inn drinking a cup of my favorite honey beverage.

It does not look like it will stop raining anytime soon. Lost in thoughts, I was suddenly disturbed by voice behind me.
I have looked behind me, there stood my friend Bosnian.

He must be looking for a shelter too in this rainy day, so I offered him a seat at my table.

We started talking about our past adventures in north forest.
In the past, we have taken upon many tasks together in the Camp Emerald Moss.

One of our tasks we to track down a couple of moles which were destroying their local fields.
Not so strange for moles to do that if you ask me, but work is a work.

It did not took long until we found them at appointed location west from the camp.
As expected, these moles can be little tricky to fight. They are able to bury and attack unexpectedly from under the ground.
But we did not gave up and fighted our best to learn them a lesson. Suddenly, one mole got scared and started to running away.
After a bit of chasing around it have stopped after entering into near plain.
This little has ran away to find its friends!
Learning about this being a larger conspiracy, we did not waited a bit and taught the moles a lesson they will never forget.

You next task were to take care of monkeys and mosquitoes who are endangering travelers north from the camp.
We have departed right away. Shortly, just on the first intersection we encountered first ones.
I wonder how these two different creatures are able to communicate with each other, nature is sure full of wonders.
Taking out the mosquito first, we gave some time to the monkey to come closer.
These monkeys are sure fast. Before I was able to realize what was going on, this little monkey ran all the way to me and kicked me flying back few meters.
All shaken up from what just happened I was trying to get back as fast as I could and seen Bosnian swinging his large axe above his head and suddenly hitting down the monkey with great force.
I have quickly drawn my arrows and fired.
Phew, that was some surprise. I would have ever imagine this little animal attacking with such power.

As we continues further into the forest, we seen strange creature. It was looking like ugly giant spider with really long left.
After observing a creating from afar, it suddenly decided to run away.
What was that thing? It surely looked silly running with those long thin legs.

Not so far we found another money and mosquito near the shallow river by the road.
But since we knew already what a little monkey is capable of, we have split, me taking on mosquito first and Bosnian going after the monkey.
This have worked out quite well and we were able to finish our task.

As we moved a little back and put away our weapons to heal our wounds, I have suddenly noticed that the long legged creature have come back and stood just above Bosnian.
I have slowly and silently walked backwards trying to gesticulate to move back.
Realizing Bosnian did not understood, I have quickly reached for my bow and fired my first arrow at the creature.
That was the moment when I realized how scary the Marauder really can be.
As the arrow whistled right next to him hitting the creature, without even looking behind him, he reached for his giant axe and with a long swing send one of the creature legs flying away.
Phew, I don't even know if it was Bosnian or the creature that was more scary.

Looking trough the window, we have seen that the rain finally stopped.

We have left the inn and I sit down outside near the chocobo stables watching Bosnian showing off his blacksmith skills.

Carpenter's story, part 2

I woke up refreshed with a clear goal in my mind. Today, I will do my best to get myself a new saw.

I have visited the carpentry guild again, asking them if they can introduce me to good blacksmith.
I was told about the master blacksmith living in Uldah, but price for borrowing his skills for inexperienced adventurer like me would be too high.

Knowing I don't have much of a choice, I went my way to market wards again.
Asking all merchants took me long time and all I was offered a bronze saw, but I wanted a better one.

Thinking over all my choices, I decided to depart to large market town, Uldah.
Starting with the preparations for my long journey right away, I have packed some dodo eggs, fresh vegetables, arrows and all valuables I had.

After double checking everything, I have departed to the south from Gridania where lies the town of Uldah.

On my way, shortly after the town gates, I seen a squirrel running towards me.
Now this seems strange, they don't usually do this.

I did not stand idle for a moment. I have drawn my arrow and send a little vicious creature flying away.
Now that was a surprise, something strange is going on here.

But I don't have time to stay here, its still a long way to Uldah. So I took my turn and continued walking.

After a long time, I have suddenly spotted some strange creature. I have walked my way to Uldah several times, but I never seen an Eft on my way there.
Come to think of it, this area does not seem to be familiar.

Oh my, I must have taken a wrong turn when I whacked that squirrel.
Baaad squirrel, confusing me like this.

Not having much of the choice, I have walked all the way back to the central forest and took the turn towards the south forest.

After a short detour, I have final arrived to Uldah and headed straight towards market wards.
There are many merchants in Uldah, it took a long time, but I found something that taken my attention.
It was a iron saw. This one is much better then the one I wanted and may be little too good for my skill, but it took a long time to find it.
When I asked about the price, I could not believe my ears. It was really expansive, more than I even had. But the quality seems to be good.
I have decided to take all my valuables and sell them in nearby store, after all, there does not seems to be many opportunities.
After selling almost everything valuable I had, I was able to get at least that much so I could afford it.

Walking away from the market with my new saw and just few gil in my pocket, I was heading back home to Gridania.

Not having much gil left, I decided to play with squirrels on my way back. After all, I need at least a little bit to borrow the facilities at carpenters guild.

After my arrival to Gridania, I have visited the inn asking for some new task to test out my new iron saw.
I have received a difficult one, one that should be too hard for me now. I have hesitated a little, but after a while I have decided to try.
As I started crafting, I was really surprised. My new saw is really sharp and easy to handle. I was able to finish the task without a little problem.

Testing out my skills, I have visited the carpentry guild and borrowed their facilities. Now it is time to make something and sell it to make a little gil.
With a little resources I had left, I was able to make one willow shortbow and half willow mask. It was so much easier now.

After handing over my new creations to my retainer, I have settled down at my favorite place in the flower field near the river.

Thinking about what a nice day it was, I have lowered my head and felt asleep.

Carpenter's story, part 1

My road as carpenter has been a rough one as of late.
I have been walking trough land of Eorzea offering my carpentry services in town of Gridania and Uldah.

There does not seem to be much diversity in tasks I'm asked to do. Usually I'm asked to craft items and deliver them to far places, but so far I have been enjoy traveling all around the forest to deliver much needed supplies.

Most request I received so far are ranging from simple planks to bows and shields.
I'm doing quite well with them, even if that is how I rate myself. After all, leve tasks are not all that difficult, at least for now.

But sometimes, caution is needed even with easy looking tasks.
There seems to be some leve requestors who try to make inexperienced adventurers deliver goods deep into dangerous locations.
They may do so to lower the price they have to pay, but it sure is a shameful act.

I just recently received a delivery request giving me a pile of logs and was asked to make planks out of them.
Delivery location was Camp Crimson Bark located in central part of the West forest, the pace I did not knew yet.
I did not had much trouble creating planks, but when I arrived on the edge of the West forest, it was guarded by wolves.
I had to return several times to this place until wolves left, but then just around the corner in a wider plain within the forest I have encountered vultures.
Carefully sneaking by past them took me a long time and in the end, payment for this tasks was not worth it at all.

While I seem to have quite a luck with tasks for other, crafting for myself does not works so good.
Just on other day I have used all my materials and most of my gil to craft single willow shortbow. I have failed so many times, but in the end I made it.
Shortly after, I was asked by another adventurers to make them two same bows. I hesitated for a while, but in the end they convinced me to try and I successfully made both of them on my first try.

Yesterday, while I was visiting the carpentry guild facilities I noticed adventurer near me using working on bows and masks.
He seems to have same skill as I do, but he was able to finish everything fast and successful.
Observing his work, I have noticed his saw, it was quite different from mine. Handle was made of bright wood and plate was shining in bronze color.
After asking, I was told it's named Chocobotail Saw and I was explained how it is important to use better tools once I'm more skilled in carpentry.
Umm, poor Chocobo.

Decided to get one for myself, I have headed to market wards.
After talking to every single retainer in all wards, I was not able to find it.

So I began looking for blacksmith. It did not took me long until I find one who explained the crafting process of Chocobotail Saw to me and told me all components that I need for making one. Trough he told me that he is not experienced enough to make one.

It sure is a long and difficult process, but it must be worth it.

Inhabitants of the forest

This evening I have sit down at one of the tables in Gridania inn for a cup of honey beverage.
I have took a map and notes out of my bag preparing to mark down which animals and creatures I have met on my travels at various location inside of the depths of The Black Shroud.

First thing anybody can notice when they go out to forest are...

...vicious jumping squirrels. They are everywhere in the forest and far beyond.

Starting with central forest, squirrels are dominant here. Same as in all other parts of the forest.

Another creature that is dominant in central forest are mushrooms. One may be easily misled with their appearance of larger regular mushroom. Caution while approaching one is needed as they are one of creatures with poisonous spores.

Rarely we can find swarms of bees over here and in other parts of the forest.

We can find these vicious raptors above the lake called The Mirror and in southwest part of the central forest.
There are the only ones that did not fall victims to predator squirrels and everyone should be in their full alert when they are near due to their excellent sight and fast legs.

Continuing to the East forest we can find several different inhabitants.

First one would be this small little raptor like creature. They may look a little dangerous, but they are not of aggressive nature.

In the shallow rivers that are crossing main road, we can find the crabs. While they look dangerous and are really large, they does not seem mind adventurers presence.

Further in the forest we can find these herbivorous animals. They are really cautious and will run away upon sensing somebody's presence.

What are these creatures, stays in wonders. While they does not look dangerous at all, when you approach them you can see their evil smile as they are staring at you.
Small does necessary have to be weak *runs away in fear*

Continuing travels to the west forest, we can find that this part is quite different from others.

I never tried to wander its depths due to its obvious dangers.
From afar I could see quite few animals and monsters which I would not like to cross a path with.
Successfully sneaking past few wolves and vicious carnivore plants I have seen vultures and big lone boar in the close plain.

Continuing to the north forest, we can see that most dominant here are the squirrels. They are everywhere in the lower part.

We can also find moles roaming this area.
They are not dangerous and seems to have somewhat sad expressions on their faces. Could it be because of squirrel takeover of the forest?

One creature to be careful of in this part of the forest are the slugs. They may not look to dangerous, but they learned the secrets of magic and don't like presence of others.

South part of the forest is kind of similar to the north part for its closest areas around the main road, but special attention is needed to not encounter one of vicious raptor that are in some places deeper in the forest.

In many places in the forest we can also find some hidden caves which are sometimes inhabited by strange dangerous looking creatures.
Inside them I could find various elementals and even animated skeletons.

There is also one really distinctive creature living in the forest.

It is very rare to come across one of these small fluffy creatures, many refer to encounter with one as a good omen.