Difference between revisions of "Loremonger:Golden Sacrifices"

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{{Loremquote|Gagaruna|link=y|{{Loremtextconditional|Welcome to the [[Platinum Mirage]], adventurer. If it is work you seek, you will find those you must speak with within. Pass through the door at the foot of the stairs.}}}}
 
{{Loremquote|Gagaruna|link=y|{{Loremtextconditional|Welcome to the [[Platinum Mirage]], adventurer. If it is work you seek, you will find those you must speak with within. Pass through the door at the foot of the stairs.}}}}
  
{{Loremquote|Mirage Attendant|link=y|Welcome, my {{Loremtextmale|lord|lady}}, to ''Paradise''! Within you will find the [[Platinum Mirage]]'s highest stakes, and every pleasure imaginable besides. We are required to conduct a thorough investigation into your history. Counterfeiters and spies from the other nations have sought to infiltrate the Mirage of late, so every precaution must be taken. Surely you understand.}}
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{{Loremquote|Gwenolie|link=y|Welcome, my {{Loremtextmale|lord|lady}}, to ''Paradise''! Within you will find the [[Platinum Mirage]]'s highest stakes, and every pleasure imaginable besides. We are required to conduct a thorough investigation into your history. Counterfeiters and spies from the other nations have sought to infiltrate the Mirage of late, so every precaution must be taken. Surely you understand.}}
  
 
=== Platinum Mirage Instance ===
 
=== Platinum Mirage Instance ===
{{Loremquote|Mirage Worker|link=y|Welcome to the [[Platinum Mirage]], where the sands turn to gil! Ah, so you have come about work? Then you had best go and speak to one of the masters.}}
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{{Loremquote|Qata Nelhah|link=y|Welcome to the [[Platinum Mirage]], where the sands turn to gil! Ah, so you have come about work? Then you had best go and speak to one of the masters.}}
  
{{Loremquote|Fortune Teller|link=y|'Nother wayward adventurer come to [[Ul'dah]] with naught but the gear on {{Loremtextmale|his|her}} back, am I right? Reading... Moon phase... Star lines... Guardian favor... A moment, please. A moment, please. You are what you love. Not what loves you.}}
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{{Loremquote|???|link=y|Reading... Moon phase... Star lines... Guardian favor... A moment, please. A moment, please. You are what you love. Not what loves you.}}
  
{{Loremquote|Gambler|link=y|I don't believe this! What have I gotta do to win? And why do I keep losin'!? I'll win it all back, you'll see. 'Cause I'm special. I was meant to win. I know it. I can feel it. I'm different from all these lackwits. Gambler's fallacy, my arse!}}
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{{Loremquote|Raginhart|link=y|I don't believe this! What have I gotta do to win? And why do I keep losin'!? I'll win it all back, you'll see. 'Cause I'm special. I was meant to win. I know it. I can feel it. I'm different from all these lackwits. Gambler's fallacy, my arse!}}
  
{{Loremquote|Mirage Worker|link=y|Are you lost? You seem a little too...impoverished to be wandering the halls of the Mirage. Ye're here for work, are ye not? Aye, I thought as much. Been here more years than I care to count, meself.}}
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{{Loremquote|Kochahca|link=y|Are you lost? You seem a little too...impoverished to be wandering the halls of the Mirage.}}
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 +
{{Loremquote|Patient Crow|link=y|Ye're here for work, are ye not? Aye, I thought as much. Been here more years than I care to count, meself. 'Nother wayward adventurer come to [[Ul'dah]] with naught but the gear on {{Loremtextmale|his|her}} back, am I right?}}
  
 
=== The Platinum Mirage ===
 
=== The Platinum Mirage ===

Revision as of 08:51, 7 September 2017

«Court in the Sands
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Ul'dah

The Quicksand

Looks like another criminal was exiled from the city. Some areas in the mines are off-limits for safety reasons. They're sayin' this latest ne'er-do-well got back there and caused a cave-in. And by the way, remember that flower you sold off to the goldsmiths? Well, seems certain beasts can't stand 'em. A ward against monsters is never a bad thing to have on hand, I reckon. Come to think of it, there was someone in town askin' about them flowers a while back. Ended up gettin' exiled, though, for some reason or another.


ECHO OF 1562 SIXTH ASTRAL ERA[1]


A flower to ward off the multiplying villainies of nature, you say?
No less. Seems Niellefresne's made it his business to collect 'em. Pretty valuable, I'd imagine. Then he went handin' 'em out to the townsfolk at the parade. Only had enough for a few streets, o' course, but 'twas generous of him all the same.
Yes, I do believe I recall said flowers.
Oh, but Thancred, I'd prefer one of your sweet songs to a flower any day. Hahaha!
Nonsense, my dear. Such a tender and delicate muse as yourself? I fancy the gods themselves made those flowers to protect you and you alone. If only they held the power to repel Garleans... With all this troubling talk of war, it seems ever more inevitable that the very ground upon which we stand will soon be a battlefield.
That reminds me! The heir of a rather influential Ul'dahn came callin' for you. Him and his mates reckon they've got evidence that Garlean spies have infiltrated the city.
An heir? Whomever could you mean, love?
I speak of Niellefresne—son to the Eshtaime guildmaster. Seems the shop's proprietor, Lord Lolorito, has taken quite a liking to him, as well. With connections like that, the boy won't want for opportunities.
I see. And he suspects Garlean espionage, does he? I assume that is why he is regularly to be seen out and about anights...on his way to clandestine meetings.
You don't miss much, do you? Aye, the heirs of Ul'dah have been congregatin' lately to discuss how best to go about dealin' with the Garleans. You know of the Platinum Mirage, yes? The gamblin' hall in north Ul'dah. Well, that's where they meet.
The Platinum Mirage! Now that sounds like a true Ul'dahn establishment. Such a grandoise and luxurious ring to it. Forgive my abruptness, but I feel the makings of a song coming on. If you would be so kind as to excuse me.

The Quicksand Instance

Heard the rumors of war with the Empire? Thought we were s'posed to be gettin' closer to peace--not farther from it.
I've heard it told the Garleans occupying the lands of Ala Mhigo dress in strange garb. But why distinguish themselves from us so? They could infiltrate the nations easily enough if they were less conspicuous.
If you ask me, it was the Garleans behind the incident at the parade, and no mistaking. They mean to wreck our economy with acts of sabotage before risking open war, the craven bastards!
I was standing at the front of the crowd when the beast began raging. I would have died for sure had Niellefresne not saved me—with a flower. This flower he picked and gave to me... I know he had hundreds of them, and gave them out to all—but then he had to, didn't he? It would have been obvious otherwise! Of course, I knew what that flower meant. Yes, his feelings for me were as clear as a spring morn. Oh, it's all so romantic! <sigh> My prince of flowers...
You've caught me in a gay mood this morning/day/evening, so I shall share with you this. I've heard reports that young Niellefresne and his companions have captured the Garlean in our midst...or tried to...or may be planning to try to...or...um... Oh dear, I've already forgotten the details. Niellefresne and his friends were definitely involved, though. In any event, there is no cause for concern. The future of Ul'dah is bright so long as it lies in their hands.
There is a famed room at the Platinum Mirage known as Paradise. Only the most privileged of patrons are allowed access. Smallfolk say that the famous and wealthy spend night after night there, gambling and indulging in gods know what manner of revelry. I myself have seen Greinfarr the Great and the songstress F'lhaminn come and go...if you take my meaning.
THE ECHO FADES


You, there. There's somethin' I wanted to tell you about. Word is there's an openin' for a mercenary over at the Platinum Mirage. I daresay they'd welcome an able-bodied adventurer like yourself. Why not head over there and find out what's on offer? You'll doubtless be charged with sortin' out problems relatin' to the day-to-day handlin' of Mirage funds. Sounds like an opportunity to get to know all sorts of folk, rich and poor alike. Chances to make coin come from gettin' out there and meetin' folk. Might be just the thing for you, no?
Word is there's an openin' for a mercenary over at the Platinum Mirage. I daresay they'd welcome an able-bodied adventurer like yourself. Why not head over there and find out what's on offer? Sounds like good coin to me. You'd regret it if you didn't have a sniff, that much I can promise you.


The Platinum Mirage

Welcome to the Platinum Mirage, sir. Home to all the pleasures in Eorzea—old and new, traditional and exotic! We strive to provide each of our quests with whatever their heart desires—and their coin commands! Momodi has spoken to you of the work available here? Very well. I shall make word of your coming known. Proceed through the door at the foot of the stairs within.
Welcome to the Platinum Mirage, adventurer. If it is work you seek, you will find those you must speak with within. Pass through the door at the foot of the stairs.
Welcome, my lord, to Paradise! Within you will find the Platinum Mirage's highest stakes, and every pleasure imaginable besides. We are required to conduct a thorough investigation into your history. Counterfeiters and spies from the other nations have sought to infiltrate the Mirage of late, so every precaution must be taken. Surely you understand.

Platinum Mirage Instance

Welcome to the Platinum Mirage, where the sands turn to gil! Ah, so you have come about work? Then you had best go and speak to one of the masters.
Reading... Moon phase... Star lines... Guardian favor... A moment, please. A moment, please. You are what you love. Not what loves you.
I don't believe this! What have I gotta do to win? And why do I keep losin'!? I'll win it all back, you'll see. 'Cause I'm special. I was meant to win. I know it. I can feel it. I'm different from all these lackwits. Gambler's fallacy, my arse!
Are you lost? You seem a little too...impoverished to be wandering the halls of the Mirage.
Ye're here for work, are ye not? Aye, I thought as much. Been here more years than I care to count, meself. 'Nother wayward adventurer come to Ul'dah with naught but the gear on his back, am I right?

The Platinum Mirage

Hello, there. I do not believe we've met, have we? I pride myself on never forgetting a face—especially those of our clientele. By the by, that room there costs a small fortune to put together. It's reserved for members only. But if you'd like to enter, the elite of Ul'dah are coming and going all the time. I suppose I could introduce you to some of them.
You cheatin' whoreson! Tryin' to swindle me out of my coin, are you!?
God's be good! What's going on in there!?


ECHO OF 1562 SIXTH ASTRAL ERA

Paradise Room

What's that, ten hands in a row, now? No one's that lucky! Not even a bloody bard!
Now, now, let us not lose our temper. I told you at the outset that I was born under an auspicious star, did I not?
Is this mummer's farce your doing, Qoqoba!?
You forget yourself, Greinfarr. Of course I had no hand in this. You know full well that sorcery is not possible within the Mirage.

Paradise Room Instance

What are you gawping at!? Get the bloody hells out of my way before I spill your rotten guts.
I locked the door, I'm sure of it... Are you a new employee of the Mirage?
Such luck! The Twelve are smiling upon him this day!
Leave. You have no business here.
Dirty rotten cheat! Ain't none of them damned bards to be trusted. Not a one!
I have never seen Niellefresne lose... I suppose given the stakes, it is no surprise things became so heated.
The Platinum Mirage has no tolerance for cheating. Still, Forename, you are bound to treat all you have witnessed here with utmost secrecy. Do you understand?

Paradise Room

A loss is a loss, Nielle. And a bet, a bet. Give the man his due and proper.
Excellent! Shall we lay it all bare, then? For clarity's sake. Clearly you are all opposed to war with the Empire. I have traveled to the northeast and observed firsthand the fate of Ala Mhigo with mine own eyes. I have heard accounts from the lips of her refugees, and I know now what strength the Garleans command. There are merchants here who would welcome this war, with an eye only for the profits it may yield them. And there are warriors who would gladly take up ares, blinded to the might of their enemy by lust for fame and glory. I am of the mind that it is precisely these people who must be warned of the true calamities such a war would surely invite upon them. But I was far too naive in my contrivances to go about this, my lords and lady. For it is you, Ul'dah's elite and her endowed, who are fanning the flames of this war. You are attempting to defame your mothers and your fathers, and in the process garner favor amongst the people and establish yourselves as their heroes. The incident at the festival—it was all part of this damnable ruse, was it not? You deliberately placed the people in danger that you might play the role of savior in their time of need.
Wh—!? Is this the truth of it!?
Your scheme was as childish as your motives. You likely considered the cost in terms of naught but coin. But one man has been made to pay with his life.
The man... He has dies?
He has. And left a daughter orphaned. A daughter with none to look after her, and no means for a proper funeral.
Enough. I will not sit here and listen to this ridiculous slander.
Do you mean to leave behind your chips? If I recall, that was not part of our wager.
Niellefresne
Hmph, do with it as you will. Give it to the girl, if you are truly moved by her plight.
That might serve, I think. Corguevais, see to it this money makes its way to the child.
A-Are you sure? But you—
Aye, the wager was never about the money. I sought only to confirm my suspicious, and I have done just that—the Syndicate seeks war.


THE ECHO FADES

The Platinum Mirage

Excuse me, sir? Sir, I'm sorry, you are not permitted to be here. I hope for you sake that you were not eavesdropping. I'm afraid I must insist that you come with me.
How'd you like the Mirage? No doubt you'd rather be rollin' the dice than guardin' the vaults, but work is work. By the by, F'lhaminn herself came by asking after you. Hells, I wouldn't have thought the likes of you to be friends with the Songstress of Ul'dah! You'll probably find her over at Sunsilk Tapestries. She's known for performances at the miner's alehouse, but she herself is of the weavers.

The Quicksand

I hope the Mirage was to your likin'. For now, it's all a hard-up adventurer like yourself can do to get work there. Give it time, though...give it time. In a few years, it may be you sittin' in that Paradise room they've got there. And gettin' cozy with F'lhaminn certainly don't hurt your chances. Best not keep our songstress waitin'. You're like to find her at Sunsilk Tapestries.

Sunsilk Tapestries

Ah, a customer. Oh, and an adventurer besides, from the looks of it. Have you come to reinvent yourself? To drape your frame in the latest fashions and trends? F'lhaminn? You are not a...crazed admirer, I hope? She is off practicing her song and dance, as always. The miners of Amajina & Sons are a vert demanding audience, you know? I suppose I can tell you where she is, but pray do not disturb her long. Come, show us your map.
You can find F'lhaminn at the location I've marked on your map. That area can be a bit dangerous at times, though. Do take care. Fortunately, the twins of the Mineral Concern are always good enough to see to it F'lhaminn has an armed escort.

Thanalan

Camp Black Brush

I've already told you... I haven't a mind to marry either of you.
But surely you don't mean to remain a maid for the rest of your days!?
Easy, brother.
Just promise us you'll think about it, F'lhaminn. That's all we ask.
There's only one person for whom I can sing. Oh, the adventurer! So good of you to come all this way. I heard from Momodi that you had a Velodyna Cosmos. Such a blossom is extremely rare, and valuable besides. I once held a basket full of them, believe it or not, and passed them out to people at a festival in town. But that day... That day ended in great tragedy.


ECHO OF 1562 SIXTH ASTRAL ERA

Camp Black Brush

F'lhaminn, F'lhaminn! I found one!
Did you, now? Quite a little treasure hunter, aren't you!? Where is it, then?
Who are you? I'm Ascilia, queen of the mines! If you ever want a stone of any kind, just ask me!
Oh my, this is a cat's-eye! And a lovely one, at that.
I told you I was a great miner!
Adventurers get to travel all over to all kinds of places, right? Have you ever been to Ala Mhigo? I was born there. Ah!
Please, don't run, child. You must allow me to explain. Your father and I were entrusted with the same mission.
No! Get away from me! Murderer!
No, you don't understand. I—
Corguevais? What are you doing here?
No, it isn't what you— I brought coin. T-To cover the funeral expenses. I...
I see. But still, surely you must...
There wouldn't be a funeral if it weren't for you! Father would still be alive! You killed him!
I'm sorry, Corguevais]. Let me explain things to the child. I will tell her that none of this was your doing.
Thank you, F'lhaminn. I am in your debt. Is she...? Will she be...?
There is no need for worry. I will look after her. I plan to stay by her side for a verrry long time.
It does me good to hear that.
<sigh> Things have become so muddled. But even I am not entirely free of blame in this, I fear. The child will heal in time, I hope. But I wonder how much longer this peace will last--for all of us. Perhaps you've heard some of the rumors. About the great danger Ul'dah will soon face? The truth is, Ascilia's father was returning from Ala Mhigo when he was killed. He was carrying important information, but it died with him. And so now we know nothing.


THE ECHO FADES


I appologize, my thoughts wandered for a moment... I sought you out at the Quicksand because there is a favor I would ask of you. Have you heard of the Order of Nald'thal? Their kind has practiced a dark manner of sorcery since ancient times. Some say they are are even able to converse with the dead. I wish to know more of their powers—of thaumaturgy. The Arrzaneth Ossuary often accepts adventurers into its ranks. I thought that perhaps you could join their sect without rousing any suspicion. I'll understand if you refuse. I certainly do not wish to endanger you in any way. I cannot even say for sure whether or not the rumors are true. But I would be ever grateful for anything at all you could tell me. I assure you, your efforts will not go unrewarded.
Manage to track down F'lhaminn, did you? Good. 'Tain't wise to keep a woman like that waitin'. The Thaumaturges? Aye, I know a bit of their ways. Theirs is the Order of Nald'thal. Split into two sects here in Ul'dah, it is. And each with its own temple—Milvaneth Sacrarium and Arrzaneth Ossuary. The Sacrarium's notorious for turnin' away visitors and novices. But the thaumaturges of the Ossuary welcome even lay adventurers into their halls to train. What with war seemin' more inevitable by the day, I'd imagine the Order's recruitin' anything' with a pulse to bolster Ul'dah's strength. That bein' so, it might be worth payin' Arrzaneth Ossuary a visit.

Ul'dah

Arrzaneth Ossuary

Duality lies at the essence of all things. The sun rises in the east, only to fall in the west. Just as life rises in birth, only to fall in death. Your own death draws nearer with every breath you take—this is known. But you must live right to die well. Let us help you, friend, to cross whole and full to the realm of Thal. Ah, yes. You must be the adventurer that Momodi spoke of. She informs us that you have taken an interest in thaumaturgy. What aspect of our art intrigued you, if I may ask? Resurrection of the dead!? That which has been given over to Thal shall not be taken back! Where did you hear of such madness?
Now, now. There is no reason to admonish our adventurer friend. He is simply curious. Remember that our ways are unknown to the majority. We must be grateful for any genuine interest.
Forgive me, Master Mumuepo. It was not my place to speak so.
So, you seek to give breath back to the breathless, do you? I should like to hear more of your desire. Please, follow me.
It is a privilege to be able to speak with one as wise as Master Mumuepo. Nald'thal must favor you to bestow such an honor. But the topic of which you spoke is taboo within the Order. None are to speak of it, thaumaturge or otherwise. Your words will not be without repercussions. Why Master Mumuepo does not simply do away with all you heretics who come asking about such sins and sacrileges, I will never know.
Now, set aside the worldly woes you carry, and put your mind at ease. Thaaat's it. It is becoming quiet now. Quiet and so veeery still... It is as I thought, then. F'lhaminn has sent you. Her desperation must be great. The songstress has expressed an unhealthy interest in our arts ever since...


ECHO OF 1562 SIXTH ASTRAL ERA


It is as I told you, F'lhaminn. There is no way to commune with the dead. At least no way known to us.
There must be something that can be done. This man was on his way to warn us of the danger threatening Ul'dah. That information could be our only home of surviving the coming war. We know from what Nielle and the others have learned that the man and his daughter came from Ala Mhigo. They believe they may have been carrying sensitive information concerning the Empire.
Sensitive? You mean news of a Garlean attack? And you think the Empire may have killed him lest their plans be revealed? It makes no matter. The thaumaturgy to accomplish what you desire simply does not exist. Still, I understand the gravity of the situation. The man's soul belongs to Thal now, but his remains belong to the Ossuary. I will...examine them further.
The Order bought the body!? To what end?
Oh, do not make a scene. And do not think of involving the Syndicate either. The Order is within its rights. Was it not I who stepped forward to help when there was no coin to be had for the man's funeral? Let the dead lie, F'lhaminn. Speaking is for the living. And the girl is still very much alive. There is much my arts could coax from her memory—things of which even she is unaware. Should you ever wish to discover more, I would gladly—
Ascilia will not be touched! The dark arts must never be used upon the young! Even those outside the Order know this. I will not allow it.

Arrzaneth Ossuary Instance

F'lhaminn has taken quite a liking to little Ascilia. The two are inseparable of late. Me? F'lhaminn asked me to attend since there were so few to invite. No family, no friends. It is tragic...
I oft wondered what form the funereal rites of the southrons took. Given the weather here, I assumed cremation rather than burial.
<sob> Wabutron! Oh, Wabutrooon! The world is already a darker place without you... <sob> War-button? Oh, Warburton, was it? Bah, it makes no matter. The gods are cruel! Now let us drink!
You're going to have to conjure up a few more tears if you expect to be paid in full.
Damielliot of the Phrontistery hired me to attend as a mourner. I need do no more than cry. It is an easy way to make gil, should you ever find yourself in financial difficulty.
It is rare to see so many mourners at so humble a funeral. How much coin are you getting to cry, friend?
You again? Hmph. I have come to pay my respects, no more. I heard the child was orphaned when her father passed and I... Hear me well—I had no hand in this man's death. None!
Leave me be. I had no hand in this man's death, and will suffer no more accusations to the contrary. If you are so intent on discovering guilt, I suggest you look for it with the Empire.

Arrzaneth Ossuary

So, you had made this man's acquaintance—this Warburton. And you too hail from Ala Mhigo, do you not?
I am Ala Mhigan, yes, Master Mumuepo. And I am also at fault for the accident which claimed Warburton's life. I therefore humbly ask that you place me in charge of settling his affairs.
What a good-natured soul you are. As a thaumaturge, it would be remiss of me to entrust matters of the dead to another...but I suppose exceptions can be made.
My apologies. I pray I have't kept you waiting long. Have you come to confess your sins?


THE ECHO FADES


As we were discussing previously, the thaumaturgical arts possess no means of corresponding with the dead. Such rumors proliferate due to the ignorance of those outside the Order. For they know naught other than that we hold a firm belief in a realm beyond this living one. Naturally, the study of said realm has preoccupied the Order for generations, and, as you might expect, we have frequently attempted to call forth and commune with the souls of the deceased. However, without exception, our efforts have always ended in failure. And so it is with a heavy heart that I must dissuade you from persisting in this folly any further. You are free, of course, to take the Order's vows and make of yourself a thaumaturge. Thereafter...who knows? You may well discover the method yourself. Our doors are always open to those who are eager to learn. Think on it. You need only speak to the attendants should you decide to join us.
What nonsense have you been spoutin' down at the Ossuary? Aye, news did get back to me. I want a word with you, sonny. Get yourself over to the Quicksand, sharpish.

The Quicksand

So what did you blather on about over at Arrzaneth Ossuary? A thaumaturge came by askin' about you not long after that. Told him you were harmless enough, but you can be damn sure the Order's eye's fixed on you now. You'd better bloody watch yourself, alright? Piss off the wrong person around here and you'll be exiled before you can say necromancy—again. But enough of that. There's other news, have you heard? A band of gladiators from the Coliseum and pugilists from the Mirage has been sent off on some secret business beyond the city walls. Don't bode well, if you ask me. Both sets serve to protect the city. For them to be runnin' off on missions and such... Well, I've a feelin' it could mean somethin' bad's on the horizon. They were seen leavin' the chocobo stables, but the gods alone know where they were headed.


«Court in the Sands

Footnotes & References

  1. Warburton's Journal confirms this date.