From the desk of Inspector Charleston Gusteau, well traveled connoisseur:

Greetings good people. I can only hope that you all are well, and ready to hear about the much talked-of city of Ul’dah.

For those of my readership who will be picking up this copy from Limsa Lominsa or Gridania, you may have never imagined a place where the land is so barren and the seas so harsh. Still, amid such adversity sits Ul’dah, jewel of Thanalan and the only location that any gentleman or lady may find themselves a cup of tea of any value. You may be thinking to yourselves, as did I before I first came here so many years ago, that the city is but a wasteful dirt clod, uncultured in comparison to my fair home in Limsa Lominsa.

However, it is not entirely so, as I was more than happy to find out. However, finding the cultural gems is a difficult thing, as one struggles to make their way among the many homes and stalls that fill up the stone streets of the city. Perhaps, though, I get ahead of myself.

Jewel of Thanalan at night.

There is no access to Ul’dah from the sea, so one is forced to hike among the dunes and dirt for quite a ways to get to it. If coming from Limsa Lominsa it is a little easier, as the greater length of the journey is by ferry before one must walk for a few malms to its gates. Woe to the traveler from Gridania however as, short of a ride via Chocobo, the journey will be a long one. Either way, one sees its towering spires and grand domes at a distance, rising above the surrounding mountain. This traveler arrived at night, finding its great windows sparkling against the black of the skies.

After spending the night in one of the city’s many accommodations, I began my exploration of its streets. I made my first mistake in traveling to the Dunes district, in which the underclass makes its home, a sordid mixture of peasants, drunkards, and thieves. However, perhaps the best deals in the city may be made here, though one must first sort through hundreds of merchants standing willy nilly among the market wards without any sense of organization. It is quite frustrating and the humidity in the lower sections is nigh intolerable. Still, one is apt to find a diamond in the rough, walking away with a prize undervalued by half. The shrewd buyer shall at any rate. The less shrewd may end up with a trinket overpriced by as much, none the wiser.

An Ul'dahn temple.

Above, in the district known as the Fronds, the more established merchants make their sales in stalls and booths, mostly the sort who represent the guilds. Though there is little exotic to be found, the prices are, as one would expect, fair. Sapphire Avenue and Ruby Road are the places for these, while a merchant may be spotted here and there in their own stores such as the Rudia. For the spiritually inclined there are representatives of Nald and Thal at either end of the main thoroughfare, and the faithful can be seen marching along on their way. The calls for alms are likewise present, though not intrusive, and the atmosphere is calm and peaceful.

Guilds of all sorts are here, best represented by the goldsmiths, miners, as well as pugilists. Those interested in partaking of some of the more ‘elicit’ entertainment may find gambling establishments upon the thoroughfare, as well as exciting combat at the Gladiator’s Guild. Place your bets wisely in either case. Still the most common destination is the Hourglass, a bar of good repute and varying company, as it houses the Quicksand, home of adventurers. These lot, as everywhere, are of varying quality, and one would be wise to keep a close eye on their pockets. Still, the drinks are good and priced well. The cool stone area is well ventilated and in the evening things calm somewhat as people settle to their own. Simply beware the occasional brawl.

Residential street, with towers of the wealthy in the background.

Above even the Fronds are the homes of only the wealthiest elite, dwelling in the spires that are beyond the reach of the masses below. Though it is beyond the visitation of most travelers, I can at least vouch for its holdings, as it is home to only the wealthiest and the classiest of sorts. As readers of my adventures will know, I am of somewhat good reputation in all parts of this good land of ours and I was welcomed to homes of luxurious couches, fine foods, and wines. If you are visiting with a significant holding of money, you too may be able to see the utmost wealth of the city of Ul’dah. As for me? I can only say that the finest is reserved for the city’s utmost heights, a reserve for the wealthy and those of the finest culture.

Though there is some lacking in comparison to my good home in Limsa Lominsa, there is also much to see and do. I would invite you to visit, if you have the coin, for Ul’dah is a place of thrills and excitement. Though it takes much to see its greatest sights, those sights are well worth the money.

Do join me again as I travel our fair continent, for I always welcome the adventurous.

By Mirara

Location, location, location. That’s what countless families have to consider when they decide to move to a new city. Job opportunities, weather, and the native way of life are just a few of the things one must examine when making the bold decision to settle down. But the number one issue in this decision can often be safety.

How safe is the town you’re living in or looking to live in? A recent survey revealed some startling results.

In a poll asked to natives (and adventurers) of Ul’dah, Limsa Lominsa, and Gridania, we found out exactly how the cities were perceived. When asked what one believed the safest city to live in was, a shocking 71% of respondents cast their vote for Gridania. 28% of respondents voted Ul’dah as the safest city. And Limsa Lominsa? Only less than 1% of respondents view the port as the safest city.

What does this all mean exactly? Is Limsa Lominsa really full of cutthroat pirates and thieves ready to pounce on anyone for a quick gil? Is Gridania truly a heavenly forest bathed in the eternal protection of the elementals?

Despite the safe feeling that emits from being within Gridania, one can’t help but wonder why the dangerous forest outside the city gates seems to intimidate neither natives nor outsiders as much as one would think they would. Perhaps the forest is perceived by many as a work of beauty and art more so than a dangerous threat. But some respondents seemed to hint that they were quite aware of the dangers of the woods. Their real vote of confidence went to their local protectors.

“I’d have to say Gridania myself,” says local conjurer Sair Gammonari. “We have the Wood Wailers who keep the city safe, but real credit goes to the conjurers and of course, the Elementals.”

Ul’dah’s place in the polls likely comes as little surprise to most. There’s constant talk in the streets regarding war with the Garlean Empire. The massive walls help protect the city from external threats. But inside the city, it’s a different story.

“One need just take a left turn in most any part of that city and you’ll find cutthroats, or rabble, or females interested in faux companionship,” says adventurer Satisiun Desain on Ul’dah. “…the Sultansworn, whom guard the city for the most part, care more about those with coin than those who lack it.”

And then there’s Limsa Lominsa, known to harbor pirates both within the city as well as in the surrounding waters. But pirates aren’t the only thing that make the city unsafe. Some respondents noted that the very layout of the city is dangerous, lacking rails in many places and making it easy for a drunken local to fall into the waters and drown.

“Assuming you’re safe here is like assuming a pie left with a starving child will still be uneaten when you get back in an hour,” said Limsa Lominsa resident Kimiji West.

A guild in Gridania

One must bear in mind that this poll only reveals perception. However, a great scholar once said that perception is nine-tenths reality. Gridania’s perceived current state will certainly make it a hot spot for retired couples and new families alike. The leaders of Limsa Lominsa definitely have their work cut out for them if they’re to recover their reputation. That is, if they even want to.

*Please note that only Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, and Ul’dah were selectable choices in this survey. Due to Ishgard’s present locked down state and due to beast tribe assaults on other hamlets, no other choices were added to the poll. Statistics have a margin of error of +/- 4%.

By Mason Lermontov

Many younger adventurers can be seen honing new skills around the camps. Many take on up to eight leves at a time! What do they do after completing them? They find groups to team up with, sharing their quests for glory, fortune, and whatever else. As I look upon the faces of these young adventurers however, I often find no happiness– only fatigue! The camps are often full of groans as adventurers haul their bodies up from the ground to start another adventure.

Adventurer stretching.

I decided to investigate this phenomenon! Most complained of sore muscles, although hesitantly. I found gladiators harder to question as they saw their pain as a weakness that must be overcome. Others viewed it as something that makes you stronger and thus the more muscle pain, the better. These misinformed responses made me wince quite a bit myself. Although I didn’t pull my hamstring.

Muscle soreness is natural, this much is true. However, there are ways to minimize its effects! Having pain in your joints is no test of a great warrior, it’s poor health. One way to prevent serious muscle soreness and cut down on the time you may feel it is to simply warm up and cool down properly. No, I don’t mean a quick stretch before taking up a guild leve!

Take your time. Stretch your arms, torso, back and legs for at least twenty minutes before starting any leves. Do the same once you’re done for the day. These stretches will hurt, especially at first, but it’s important to press on, or else your muscles will knot up for days! This is a good habit to keep even as one gets more experienced. Your body will use less energy to move if you can stretch well, as there will be less natural resistance from your muscles and joints. If you have time, go for a quick jog in addition to stretching. Another suggestion (which will probably be scoffed at) is do fewer leves when you start out so that you don’t fatigue your body completely every day.

Hope you feel better adventurers!

Dr. Mason Lermontov

Questions and Answers:

Table in the alchemist's guild.

Q: Are you aware of one possible affliction of the body where the whole body feels cold to the touch and is unable to retain warmth? Is there any way to cure a condition such as this?
-A Fidgeting Fellow
A: The only records of such affliction carries references to “Curse”, a magical spell which only certain monsters cast. There are cures for this within the realm of Alchemy and Healing magic. However if the question is about a persistent state, then there are no known cures. I suggest visiting the Alchemist’s guild in Ul’dah. Temporary relief should come from laying in warm (not hot!) water.

Q: My older brother recently decided do adopt a little miqo’te baby girl. However, he is an elezen. As her aunt I feel concerned about the mental health of this poor girl. Obviously she’ll realize sooner or later that my brother can’t exactly claim to be her biological parent. But yet my brother is absolutely stubborn, he wants to raise the little girl. I fear the poor girl could end up being ostracized from her fellow miqo’te! How can we make sure the little girl can live a normal life and bear no permanent stigma from her upbringing?

Thank you for the help,
-A concerned Sister and Aunt

A: Why not just make her acceptable to the community at large? I understand that the miqo’te have their ways, but clearly your brother loves his daughter (yes, she is his daughter) and that is more than she would have had on the street. You can sit her down and explain that she is a miqo’te, who are different from elezen. Picture books help! You didn’t mention her age, but if she is indeed young (less than five) she will easily adapt to her new family. Don’t get hung up on how she will fit in with other miqo’te. Perhaps she won’t and that’s fine too. I would suggest helping your brother raise the little girl. I’m sure she will turn out just fine.

Q: How can a nocturnal person adapt to the day life of the big city without risking insomnia and related problems?
-A concerned Keeper of the Moon

A: But the day life of the city is nowhere near exciting as the night! Oh, but you still have to go about your business? Alright well, I suggest getting your business taken care of in the early morning. Keepers of the Moon tend to start to lose their energy then. By noon, if you are efficient, you can sleep. Try to sleep well into the night, however hard that may seem. Over time your body will adapt to waking up at night and falling asleep by noon. This may be difficult, as the morning hours are (at first!) extremely hard to stay awake through. Keep it at, Keepers!

Q: I got this really bad rash on my toe from walking around in the Black Shroud recently. I keep hearing about this Greenswrath stuff, is that what this is? How do I make it go away?
-An Itchy Hyur

A: It’s most likely poison ivy. There are a number of other sources which can give one a rash while marching around in Black Shroud Forest. A simple ointment, if applied right away, can cure the rash within a day or two. Other more “traditional” remedies include wrapping the region with grounded up spices or applying alcohol! Do not scratch the itch.

Aetheryte plaza in Limsa Lominsa

Q: What potential side effects can using aether for travel have after someone has received severe cranial trauma?
-Lalafell of No Significance

A: The number of cases which outline this exact procedure note that it took the patient longer time to come to awareness. Their condition remained stable however, and there are no recorded deaths. However there are not many cases on record, and traveling through the aether with any serious injuries is generally ill-advised.

Q: My ears itch for days after getting sand in them while traveling in the desert. Is this dangerous?”
-Miffed Miqo’te

A: Wash your ears.