Llymlaen’s Winds have been performing together for five years and have blended the varying musical talents of their members increasingly well over that time. They recently returned to their home state of Gridania after spending the last year touring Eorzea and scheduled a performance at the amphitheater to celebrate their return. Their set included old favorites such as “The Old Goblet” and “Nomad Part of Town” as well as some of their newer pieces, including “Flower of the Shroud.”

The group consists of four members, each with their own unique musical talents. Their vocalist, Ry’nia Jarrah is in possession of a haunting voice which lends itself well to a melancholy ballad. The lute is played by Wyergbart, utilizing a custom-built instrument better suited to his larger handspan. Their drummer, Kiruru, has a boundless enthusiasm combined with a stage presence that one would not expect given her diminutive stature. The final member is John Malynn, an expert in both the fiddle and hammered dulcimer.

I last saw the Winds perform a year and a half ago and it is plain to see the improvement within the group since. When last I witnessed them there was raw potential, but they were still somewhat unbalanced. At the time, Malynn was still new to the group having replaced their previous leading man who went only by the name of “Shau.” Shau quit the group in a dramatic departure that threatened to tear them apart, but the addition of Malynn has benefited their performances to no end. In fact, it appears that the egotism of their former member was holding them back from truly unifying their sound – Malynn has managed to fit in seamlessly with the other three in a way that the showboating Shau never did.

Their set was well thought out, starting off with the lively “Murray’s Wife” and keeping up the tempo through “The Carpenter” and “The Captain’s Grog” before moving into a slower segment, starting out with “Forget-me-not.” Their performance of “Flower of the Shroud” was particularly moving, bringing a fresh take on a traditional song which has seen many variations by different ensembles over the years. Afterward, they moved to a slightly faster pace with a never before heard piece entitled “She had a Moogle’s eyes, but a Goobbue’s breath.” They rounded out their set with a spirited performance of their most popular song, “Wanderlust” which had many in the assembled crowd dancing and singing along. The crowd called for an encore which the Winds were happy to provide – although instead of performing any of their written pieces they chose to simply start playing and see where the music took them. What followed was an interesting experience which was somewhat hit-and-miss. While at times they were truly energizing, at others they felt somewhat disjointed. However, I find it hard to truly criticize them for this…it was a bold move when they could have simply repeated an earlier song and some of the segments deserved to be expanded out into proper pieces.

Gridanian stage.

The Winds now plan to take time off to recover from their tour and work on new material, which will include a new direction for the group. While they have historically focused almost exclusively on reworking traditional Gridanian songs, during their travels they picked up several numbers from Ul’dah and Limsa Lominsa which they now plan to adapt into their own musical style. A tune I am particularly keen to see their rendition of is an old favorite of mine, “Ul’dah Wedding.” This is a group which we will certainly see more of in the future and one I expect great things from.

(Donovaine Gaidal is the new musical correspondent for the Tonberry’s Lantern. He spent over forty years as a traveling bard and presently resides in Gridania with his wife, Mirielle. He continues to write music and occasionally still performs.)

A horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of the sun, moon, and stars used to predict a person’s future. A moon’s lifespan is four cycles of the eight suns equaling thirty-two days or one month. A year is complete when the moons go around the world’s astral and umbral poles, encompassing each of the six elements. Each new moon is ruled over by a specific god or goddess and the element they embody. When a person is born under the rule of a particular deity, it is said their personality and events in their life is determined by the configuration of the constellations they were born under.

It is imperative to note that while you may choose to worship whichever guardian you please, your horoscope is determined by the deity you were born under.

1st Astral Moon : Halone (Ice)
Adventuring is very rewarding this month, yet you will still manage to find ways to break the routine. You are very busy expanding your world view, whether it’s through actual travel or listening to others stories this month. In conversation you may come across as opinionated, but it’s more likely enthusiasm for sharing your thoughts. Romance is to be found when you are enjoying non-routine activities. This month presents a nice balance of recognition and accomplishment, as well as recreation and love. A stellar romantic opportunity occurs on the first week of the month, and professional rewards arrive later that week. Don’t wait to make resolutions regarding health and fitness—the time is now.

1st Umbral Moon : Menphina (Ice)
Sharing, intimacy, finances, and power plays all figure strongly for you this month. In the first three weeks of the month, you are thinking strategically, making plans, and watching others around you more than you are participating. Your observations will serve you well and your credibility will soar! The last week of the month brings with it an abundance of educational opportunities, most likely involving a friend, who has been going through a lot of changes recently. Seize the opportunity when it presents itself and you will not be sorry! This person has a lot to share with you and will benefit even more from your insight.

2nd Astral Moon : Thaliak (Water)
Balancing your needs with those around you involves plenty of compromise this month. Times like these require a certain amount of tact and a need to let others take center stage for the time being. Your time is coming very soon and it may be in your best interest to sit back and relax! A loan or repayment is likely to make headlines for you towards the middle of the month. Make sure you accept it graciously as your tact will enable you in the future. At this time an intimate conversation with someone will turn out unexpected results! A personal project could prove a great success around the end of the month. Lay low but be ready to dive into business endeavors with vigor.

2nd Umbral Moon : Nymeia (Water)
Health, fitness, and well-being should be your aims this month. The time is now to make sure you’re taking care of yourself! You are raring to go, ready to completely rework your daily life. You have more energy than usual for work, projects, and anything that involves reorganizing and restructuring. This is a great time to focus on honing your crafting skills. Taking care of details is what’s on your mind now. The last week of the month brings intense energy to a partnership or significant relationship. The need for changes in your approach to a partnership becomes apparent now.

3rd Astral Moon : Llymlaen (Wind)
The first three weeks of the month are exciting and stimulating for you. This is a highly romantic and creative period for you. You have special magnetic appeal, extra energy, and a real yearning for excitement now. Those with creative endeavors will be on a roll, producing more than ever, and publishing opportunities may be forthcoming. Perhaps it’s a good time to start looking at writing for a newspaper, magazine or another creative project to help you shine. The last week of the month features a job offer or opportunity, possibly an incredible adventuring party experience. Your charisma knows no bounds during this time and you have all the energy in the world to meet expectations.

3rd Umbral Moon : Oschon (Wind)
A scurry of activity with your friends is in store for you this month. You are busy with preparations, repairs, and re-organizing—and enjoying every minute of it! It’s a fabulous time to get your crafting and endeavors in order and functioning smoothly. The last week of the month is positively intense for romance and intimacy. An exciting proposal or opportunity regarding love, recreation, and creativity comes your way. This time of the year is likely to be especially magical and memorable. Love will find it’s way to you!

4th Astral Moon : Byregot (Lightning)
An especially busy schedule is in store for you in the first three weeks of the month. It may get a little hectic with several errands to run and you’ll have more ideas then you can realistically implement. You can look forward to plenty of contact with friends, siblings, and neighbors during the month. This the time for you to focus on socializing, and you’ll come across very smoothly. The last week of the month is revealing and perhaps intense for family matters. Someone you care for in your family needs your help and you’ll be primed to take on the challenges they bring you. Although all of this may sound very draining, from the middle of the month forward you can expect great energy for attraction, entertainment, and romance.

4th Umbral Moon : Rhalgr (Lightning)
Your communication skills are excellent this month! Don’t be afraid to put together an adventuring group and dive into the role of leader. In many ways, this is a “money month” for you as well. You enjoy renewed energy and enthusiasm for increasing your income so get down to the Market Wards! Don’t be surprised if you get that extra bonus in a guild leve or that treasure chest that truly makes a difference in your life! However, you could also be taking on a bigger work load if you’re not careful with your business endeavors. If you’re waiting for money in the form of a loan or repayment of a debt to you, it’s likely to arrive around the Full Moon. This is a banner month for finances, communications, and learning.

5th Astral Moon : Azeyma (Fire)
Energy, verve, and confidence are with you this month, until the last week when your life winds down, quite appropriately! Until then, it’s hustle and bustle, and matters are definitely working in your favor. A new proposal involving money comes to you in the last week of the month so be ready to listen. A love interest seems to have your best interests at heart, however, this may be false so be wary of those who may take advantage of you. This is a time to be pursuing your own personal endeavors. Writers and artists are especially inspired during this period so make sure you set aside time to let those creative juices flow!

5th Umbral Moon : Nald’thal (Fire)
Issues revolving around your family and the past capture too much of your attention right now. It’s a great time for reflecting on what has gone right with your life. While others are racing around, you are enjoying a sense of peace. The last week of the month begins a power period that you will carry with you for a long time. Tremendous energy and initiative is with you as you embark on a journey of internal change and personal discovery. Don’t be afraid to spend some time on spirituality and treating yourself well. Now is a time to focus on your own interests and put love on the back burner for a while. The key to harnessing your energy is focus—a natural talent for you! This month you can move mountains.

6th Astral Moon : Nophica (Earth)
This month is ripe with opportunity for envisioning new projects and goals for your future. Friends, acquaintances, and linkshells will certainly keep you busy. Romance, however, is mostly quiet until after the middle of the month when Menphina, the goddess of love, enters your sign. She stays there for several weeks, bestowing upon you beautiful energy for attracting what and who you want into your life. It’s a mostly easy time, save for some impulsive energy mid-month, when overspending or speculation could be costly. Steer clear of impulse buys in the Market Wards!

6th Umbral Moon : Althyk (Earth)
In most ways, this is a high profile month for you, except for on a romantic level, which is satisfyingly private. You may be put “in charge” of a private matter. Secrets are revealed that may help your bank balance as well as your social credibility. Intense energy comes from a friend in the last week of the month. It’s virtually impossible to escape professional attention! The middle of the month is especially fortunate for work and financial matters. Your work is recognized and rewarded, you come across as especially competent, and you experience a professional peak of sorts. Make sure to invite a few friends along next time you pick up a guild leve. It will not disappoint!

It’s that time of year again! The denizens of Eorzea are scurrying to prepare for one of the most looked forward to times of the year: The Starlight Celebration.

Model wearing dream outfit.

The end of the year festivities are expected to be bigger than ever, including wide-spread decorations and newly created costumes. The holiday cheer is in the air all around as each city-state prepares for the festivities.

While there are still few concrete rumors circulating about this year’s festivities, there have been leaks of the newly designed costumes. Weaved from beautiful red and white pre-cut cloth, the dream tunic, boots, and hat are as festive as an outfit can possibly get. Even local chocobos will likely be getting makeovers for the festival.

Communities are preparing their own celebrations for the festivities as well. Secret gift exchanges are perhaps the most popular form of celebration in these smaller communities. An increasingly prominent group known as Sanctus Refero* is attempting to host such an event on a grand scale with some slight twists related to guessing who the gift came from and getting yet another gift upon a correct guess.

A festive chocobo from last year's festival.

A winter gala* is also scheduled to go along with the festivities, being hosted at the Mavanix mansion in Ul’dah on the 11th sun of the 12th moon. The masquerade is expected to have a large turnout based on the large-scale marketing.

Other communities focus on gift exchanges, being thankful for their friends and family. And of course, the city-states are planning their own little festivities to bring even more holiday joy to their citizens.

Let’s not forget that the new year is also just around the corner after this festival. So everyone enjoy happy and safe holidays!

((*The Sanctus Refero and masquerade events are taking place only on the unofficial RP server, Besaid. See the RPC’s Bulletin Board for details.))

If you’ve lived in Ul’dah long enough, you’ve no doubt heard stories of the goblins. A member of the beast tribes, goblins are rumored to be both hostile and amicable, depending on the individual goblin.

Healer Vavaki of Frondale’s Phrontistery has spent much of her time researching genealogies of the beast tribes. Likely inspired by the works of Frandelont Raimdelle (author of the Raimdelle Codex), Vavaki was willing to divulge her own notes on the topic of goblins.

“The goblins are short little monstrosities, though amicable enough. Time was they could be seen throughout the streets of Ul’dah peddling wares. You will certainly know one if you come across them. They never take off their distinctive masks, and always bear seemingly unbearable packs on their back.

But I fear you won’t come across them. None have, in fact, for quite some years now. Some say they only make one great pilgrimage every hundred years to the cities of man. But who is to say? Perhaps the recent rise in adventurers among us will bring them back once again.”

Artist's depiction of a goblin

Having not been seen for years now, one can’t help but wonder if goblins even really exist anymore. If so, where are they hiding? Caves? Jungles? Icelands? Unlike many of the other beast tribes, goblins are rumored to be quite adaptable, able to live in just about any environment…so long as there’s something to be gained from being there.

Interestingly enough, there are no concrete rumors about -what- lies behind their distinctive masks. Several theories exist as to -why- they wear the masks though. Some think the beasts simply wish to hide their disfigured faces from the rest of the world. Other more interesting theories link the wearing of the masks to a form of religious worship. The most scientific explanation is that they need the masks to filter out toxic gases from the caves and tunnels in which they hide in. Though that begs the question of why they continue wearing the masks when outside of the caves.

The massive packs the creatures bear on their backs are said to be filled with the various wares in which they peddle, wares that only the goblins often know how to obtain. Of course, it is said that nothing is free when it comes to the goblins. Rumored to be masters of information, some goblins have no doubt sold their wares for more than just simple gil. Sometimes they may require something more such as pertinent information or some mundane task on their behalf. Regardless, many of them were known to be gatherers or crafters that supported Eorzea’s economy outside city walls.

Greedy monstrosities or innovative survivors? Until the goblins choose to make their presence known to man again, we can only speculate. The rise of adventurers could very well be enough for the profit-seeking goblins to return to the surface world. In fact, there are already rumors abuzz regarding the sighting of goblins out in the wilds again. If they truly are making a return, you can bet that scholars of all varieties will be ready to obtain more information on them and their culture.

In a society where gil makes the world go ‘round, there are those who have no problem taking advantage of the masses for financial gain. Greed and lust for power are often the primary roots for many merchants. But this story focuses on a group who, so far, has managed to elude such a reputation: The Silver Anvil.

The Silver Anvil was founded by a somewhat mysterious woman known today simply as Mistress Hiname. Mistress Hiname, as the story goes, became frustrated over her wares being used for deeds of heroism without any credit being pointed to her own craftsmanship. The guild she would go on to form had a simple task, but a grand goal: One day, being the greatest goods distributor on all of Eorzea.

While the guild has yet to reach that point, it has continued to make progress. The only catch is that it’s doing so without its founder. Mistress Hiname suddenly vanished not but 3 moons ago, leaving the fate of the Silver Anvil in the hands of its second-in-command, proprietor Nikolai Petrilio.

Skilled in mathematics and various sciences, the young Sir Petrilio seems an unlikely successor for a business oriented guild. Yet he has brought the group into the public eye with near ease. The Anvil’s regularly scheduled auctions tend to draw crowds and sometimes the auctions even give birth to rather competitive and fierce bids.

Typical Silver Anvil auction.

But amidst this commercial distributor lies a group willing to make sacrifices for their customers. The items in their auctions often sell for far less than the going prices in the city market wards.

Presently the Anvil is seeking carpenters, tanners, culinarians, and alchemists to further expand its horizons. The group is also seeking mercenaries to further assist in the acquisition of new materials and the ease of deliveries.

Nikolai Petrilio was unavailable for an interview.

The Silver Bazaar got some extra attention from adventurers recently. A “test of courage” was hosted there by adventurer Oria Argall and the turnout was quite impressive.

Gathering together around a campfire, the hostess started the event with a tragic story of love and betrayal. This would set the mood for the actual test.

The story goes that one day a miqo’te came to Ul’dah. Her fur was solid black like the night and her eyes shone like the stars. She was brave and fearless, her prowess said to be unmatched. But she was weak to love. She fell, and fell hard for the son of a wealthy merchant. The son was quite taken with the miqo’te woman and pledged his love and loyalty to her. However, the weight of their differences slowly became noticeable and the two decided to run away from Ul’dah. One night the two, holding hands, fled the city and escaped as far as the Silver Bazaar. They were unaware that the young man’s father had heard of this affair and grew furious. The merchant hired a group of mercenaries and sent them out to find his son and bring him back to Ul’dah…and kill the woman who kidnapped his heir.

Test of Courage participants gather for the ghost story.

The couple, startled by the arrival of the mercenaries, fled into a nearby cave hoping to elude the men. The cave had no exit though and the two were trapped. The couple fought tooth and nail against the mercenaries. The man would see no harm come to his beloved and she would not be separated from him. It was a lost battle from the beginning and the love birds were slain on the spot, their blood covering the ground.

Following the story, adventurers were to go inside the cave and tell what they saw. The story of the dead couple remained at their forethoughts as each group went in one after another.

Amalthea Ghoulheart went first, prepared to do battle! All she saw was a dark shadow in the water. She tried to touch it and splashed the water but it only shied away.

Zink Spink went next and came running from the cave screaming. He said he had touched the monster in the water and said it had glowing eyes.

Vale Hartstrong and Ami Faye volunteered to go next and came back scared, they said the monster spoke to them and said their “mommas wear combat boots” and to “send in a bard.”

Endemerrin Rosethorne, the bard, sighed and went into the cave. He came back with a shrug and said the monster asked for something of beauty to come in next.

Reslon Icewind, feeling quite beautiful, sauntered into the cave but when he came back he was disappointed. All he saw was a cave full of drakes.

Renaise Galwind and Coralie Nettle went in after Reslon. The group outside the cave heard a loud boom from inside the cave and began to worry for the two, about to go inside right before Renaise and Coralie returned. Apparently Renaise had seen something shining in the water and attempted to grab it when he was struck by lightning.

Kimi Lachiel and Lurial Vashir decided to brave the cave next. They claimed to have seem the ghost of the miqo’te from the story, the wind supposedly picking up in the cave as they heard the sound of wailing. They said the miqo’te woman only wanted friends.

Oria Argall decided to go last and egged Castiel Mavainx into accompanying her. Castiel came out with tattered clothes carrying an unconscious Oria! He said they had been attacked by a wight. The event quickly came to an abrupt end as Miss Argall was taken back to town. She is said to have made a full recovery from the attack and was not available for further questions on the matter.

Silver Bazaar officials insist that they have never seen a wight in the cave and remain befuddled over the mysterious attack.

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.

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%.

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.

For many moons now merchants, artisans, and commerce-minded citizens have awaited the long-promised opening of the Limsa Lominsa auction house. Despite the ever mounting outcries that the marketplace becomes more chaotic with each passing day, the admiralty remains strangely quiet on the subject.

Limsa Lominsa's auction house, presently with restricted access.

The lack of a formalized institution to monitor market trends in the cost of commodities was not an issue at first, but the ever-increasing flow of skilled adventurers has brought merchants to the port from near and far. The lack of a formalized market infrastructure has caused a near collapse in local trade on more than one occasion in the last months. Recent restructuring of the market wards has helped to alleviate the problem slightly, but the economic chaos ensues and thrives.

Merchants locally and abroad, as well as upset consumers, have tried to pry answers about the progress from the musketeer guarding the locked gates of the promised auction house, but to no avail. A recent statement from a spokesperson for the admiralty further called on all people to embrace the new wards system for the time being, insisting that if people just follow the recent zoning changes that the problems would be largely resolved. When it was pointed out that the wards are overcrowded with not enough stalls for everyone and hardly any room to move, even if the zoning regulations are followed, the government had no comment. Rumors have been circling for some time over the possibility of more work contracts for retainers to help organize the shopping stalls in the wards further, but what the public really wants to know is why the silence over the auction house.

The current state of affairs is set to only get worse as times goes on, especially if the rumors about upcoming changes in the teaching and operating practices of the crafting guilds are true. Whispers among artisans in Limsa Lominsa, as well as those heard on caravans landing at the docks, seem to support the idea that big changes are in the works which will see a sharp rise in both the quantity and the quality of manufactured items. More on that story will be revealed as events develop, but for the time being, one thing is clear, Limsa Lominsa’s marketplace needs a real renovation or two if they are to have any hope of maintaining their proud position as a leader in the world economy.