By MaryBeth Zofan

A new age in Eorzea is quickly coming to fruition. Adventurers are taking front and center stage, handling crisis after crisis on behalf of the city-states and their citizens.

The Adventurer’s Guild has thus far managed to keep these new brazen wanderers organized under its guildleve system, handing out jobs on behalf of the local citizens and government. But the role of adventurers extends well beyond conducting tasks for the denizens of Eorzea. Some are simply in it for the thrill of adventure. Others seek profit or glory. Others seek to fill a void in their lives. Whatever their reasons, adventurers have become a central focus on Eorzean life.

The rise of this new era brings about challenges renewed though. As adventurers take to the wilds, new threats have begun to emerge. Monster activities have begun to rapidly evolve and fierce notorious monsters are making their presence known once again.

Battle between adventurer and great buffalo, prior to the adventurer's fortunate escape.

Recent reports make known the emergence of massive buffalo large enough to squash anything beneath their hooves. Originally quarantined on a remote island, their sudden resurgence remains a mystery.

Other reports speak of the sighting of once legendary peistes with silvery, reflective scales. Said to be servants of the sun goddess herself, their scales are worth plenty of gil. But their deadly venom is said to be enough to drop even the largest of roegadyn in mere seconds. More reports of these deadly beasts continue to roll in as adventurers continue discovering the horrifying creatures, their strength near impossible to gauge at first glance.

Amalj'aa weaponry.

Other threats continue to exist as well, including the rise of the beast tribes. The Amalj’aa seem to be stirring, revealing deadly new weapons that could prove fatal to Ul’dah. Among such weapons are rumored to be mighty drakes modified through alchemical arts so that their scales are highly resistant to magic.

As all of these many threats and more are revealed, Eorzean denizens look to adventurers to quell their fears in an age filled with both hope and despair. Will this new era be one forged in terror and blood as man and beast cross paths? Or will the adventurers be able to usher in new hope through heroic and life-changing deeds? Only time will tell.

By Mirara

A major news announcement has recently surfaced from representatives of Ul’dah, Limsa Lominsa, and Gridania. The nation leaders have finally come to a consensus on the issue of the much debated Eorzean Olympics, an event that has been in the making for the last two years.

Damitrio Valazor, a wealthy aristocrat hailing from Ishgard, has volunteered to fund approximately 30% of the event with help from other wealthy friends. The three nations will split the remainder of the tab. As such, Sir Valezor has been named the first Chairman of the Eorzean Olympics Committee.

Archers preparing for the Olympics.

The idea behind the Eorzean Olympics was originally suggested by officials from Ul’dah a little over two years ago. It was viewed as a means to bring the nations together for friendly competition, flexing their muscles without using military force. Competitions will likely range from racing to fishing to monster slaying and various other activities.

“This is a major victory for those of us wanting to bring the nations together through friendly sport,” said Sir Valazor when interviewed on the topic. “This will breathe a lot of life into the land and help alleviate the constant fears of Garlean invasion, political disputes, and paranoia about the beast tribes, even if just for a moment. Eorzea needs this more than ever.”

The event is scheduled to begin in approximately three to four moons from now. It will likely begin with a parade in each nation followed by two to three weeks of scheduled competitions. The event will then culminate with the awards ceremony and a wrap party in each nation. The estimated cost of the entire event is presently set at about 5.3 billion gil. Sir Valazor has promised to approach various wealthy families in Eorzea to help lessen the strain on three nations’ pocketbooks.

Gladiator training for the Olympics.

Interestingly enough, the actual physical trophy awards have already supposedly been designed. A master goldsmith will soon be hired to make the concept into reality. But the physical award is only the tip of the iceberg. Winners will also have their names permanently etched into a hall of fame, forever putting themselves into the scrolls of history. In addition, Sir Valazor has hinted at other potential prizes to be handed out.

Sir Valazor will be assembling the rest of the planning committee in the very near future. They will be in charge of setting the schedules as well as planning and coordinating the events.

A more detailed announcement will come at a later time.

By Mingue

Strange happenings have been afoot, as fire was seen spreading rapidly through an old fortress on Vylbrand’s coast not but 3 moons ago, according to crew members of an unnamed trading vessel. The fires were visible on the 22nd sun of the 8th moon.

Mystery Fortress off the coast of Vylbrand.

Locals have reported that the fortress belonged to an ancient cult and is said to be several hundred years old. Others believe it is used by a group of maddened alchemists. Curiously, there is no visible path to the fortress and it can only be seen from the sea, as it was quite literally built into the sheer cliffs themselves.

Commodore Hansred could not be reached for comment.

In other potentially related news, it seems that gillionaire philanthropist and merchant consortium head Seventh Pillar has gone on another of his famed walkabouts, missing several public events. It is believed that his disappearance could possibly be related to the fires seen on Vylbrand and authorities have been seeking him for further questioning on the matter. Consortium VP Shahtar refused a request for an interview but unbent enough to state he is confident Seventh will return soon, mentioning he has disappeared in the past and always returned within months, usually with some genius plan for the consortium. Shahtar also stated that there is likely no connection whatsoever between Seventh Pillar’s disappearance and the mysterious fire seen on Vylbrand.