SpoilerA Primer to Ul'Dah for the Rattlepack Readers who Don't Know Better by Kululu Kulu
 
Greeting-weetings, friends!
 
Now, allow me to elucidate in established essay that especially established the essential city that is home to many a good kind folk! And while I applaud his (somewhat limited) perspective, I may wish to point out some particularly important and perhaps misplaced pieces of very pertinent information! To whit:
 
Kululu Kulu's Primer on Ul'Dah --or-- How The Desert Jewel Still Keeps it's Luster
 
Now, one point of rather important concept that is considered contentious (though curiously it shouldn't) is the discussion of the Syndicate. The misguided misbegotten writer would have you believe that they are a band of brigands and bullies who buy and purchase property and pierce many a heart the potency of a urganite's venom! But this is simply not so! Allow me to explain:
 
Throughout Ul'dah's history we have had the great and terrible fortune of having a wide variety of resources and opportunities! In fact, Ul'dah still remains one of the most advanced and innovative city-states of Eorzea. A feat that we proudly keep even in the face of the Calamity! For you see, for all the challenges of leaving in hotty-wotty desert, we also have a great abundance of resources such as the interesting rocks! The luscious fibers for silks and fine cloth! And a host of fittingly fantastic concoctions that fairly featureless fathers and foes will fall into a fit of fantasy and frivolity! In addition Ul'dah hosts more services and financial opportunities than any other city-state. It is here that innovators in arts, science, jewelry making, dance,music, and any number of things have the opportunity to find rich patrons that will make their rich arts all the more richer with rich coffers and richly provided riches! And while this may come as a bitter pill to swallow than one of Guildmaster Severian's potent poultices (especially the backwards muscle-men of Limsa Lominsa), the truth is Ul'dah provides the best opportunity for profit-minded men and women to reach their fortune.
 
Oh, but I am getting ahead of myself aren't I? You see,the Syndicate comprises of those among us who have taken a great position of supreme efficiency and effort to elevate themselves above the enumerated masses! For you see, they are currently three Syndicate members, and one former Syndicate member. Unfortunately, in the cloud of disorder that was the Calamity one member of the Syndicate passed away and another has been missing with neither height nor hair.

Let’s look at them, shall we? In the process of getting to know of our Syndicate, you will also see that the Syndicate is paramount to the future of Ul’dah, because the Syndicate has vested interests in many of the services and trade in Ul’dah. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Why yes Kululu Kulu,I do believe that is a good idea! Alrighty then!!

The foremost of the Syndicate is energetic and enigmatic and especially charming Chairman Lord Lolorito of the East Aldenard Trading Company. The East Aldenard Trading Company, by extension, is a firm investor of Esthaime Lapidaries and Sunsilk Tapestries, although most plebeian adventurers know them by their trade names The Goldsmithing Guild and the Weaver’s Guild. Through the dizzying wisdom of his Lordship, Chariman Lord Lolorito has extended trade relations to Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, Ishgard and even beyond! Why, from the Sea of Ash at the South of Ul’dah to the Farreach, our very own Lolorito has made business and trade with everyone! But ever the man of dignity, he recognized the danger the Garlean Empire had on our fair city and refused to trade with them.

Next in the list of Syndicate members is Prince Teledji Adeledji, and a prince he is! He is the owner and operator of The Mirage Trust. Though most adventurer’s will know this simply as The Platinum Mirage or even The Pugilist’s Guild. The Mirage’s interest lies in a variety of important ways! They provide loans and monetary opportunities to seed upcoming businesses and provide only the most modest of interest rates! In addition, the Mirage also has a hand in a variety of excitements with games of chance, and have also played a vital role in providing protection and bodyguard services to the fair city of Ul’dah!

The last member of the syndicate that is currently around(as silly as that may sound) is Chief Foreman Fyrgeiss of Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern. This is also known as the Miner’s Guild to those Adventurer’s that really ought to get to know more of our city (and perhaps spend some time in the lapidary shops?) In any event, Amajina & Sons have a vested claim in the mineral rights in Thanalan and in some places beyond. Through their interest in the mineralogical resources of the area, we can be sure that all sorts of interesting rocks come from! Oh and once upon a time, Amajina & Sons also had a very profitable showgirl display where many a young man would come and admire the buxom beauties Ul’dah has to offer! I myself had thought of providing a show, but my feminine sensibilities always made me shy away from that sort of attention. Tehehe

Now, regretfully, I must mention the two missing among our Syndicate members. They are Prior Dewlala of Milvaneth Sacrarium (currently missing). And Director Eolande of Frondale’s Phrontistery (currently deceased). But while their presence is not currently felt, the establishments are by no means absent! Milvaneth Sacrarium, as my dear, misguided, Oliwat Kokiwat pointed out, is the temple to Nald, the god of life. There, all the children of Nald’thal go there to seek pilgrimages and seek out homages. In their benevolence, for a small monetary fee they bestow wisdom and trinkets that is a surest sign of bringing luck and fortune in all you endeavors.  And truly, we all could use a bit more fortune, yes?

Frondale’s Phrontistery, also known as The Alchemist Guild, tends to the medical ails of the people of Ul’dah. Through the prodigious efforts of the alchemists, they have provided tinctures and medicines that is sure to cure every ail! And more excitedly, they are constantly seeking new concoctions to use and perfect on the sick and infirm. This is a very valuable endeavor, and makes sure that those who have the money to be well will always stay so. Finally, they provide a very valuable opportunity to those that in dire financial straits, as they are sure to accept any volunteers to test their new medicine. So not only will you be getting better, you’ll be paid, as well!

Now, while I am on the subject of the Syndicate, I should also mention that our very own Flame General Raubahn Aldynn was also a former member of the Syndicate! A true force in the Coliseum, he began as a refugee from Ala Mhigo and worked his way to become the grandest of champions Ul’dah has ever seen. With the money he gained through fame and fortune, he purchased the Coliseum that garnered him his fame. And this is the truest reason why Ul’dah is a gem among the sea: for where else can a man begin with nothing and become a member of the Syndicate?

So, as you can see, there is nothing devious or deceitful of the delightful deeds of our Ul’dah Syndicate! Indeed, their very presence ensures that we receive our services in a uniform and effective manner! Would you want to have clothes with holes in them? Or to have wild miners dig holes in your roads? Do you think that there will be many opportunities if money is unavailable? And what of your health?? Surely all these things are important and valuable to ensure that life is worth living!  And it shows the variety of opportunities and just how diverse the Ul’dah’s interest lies!

In fact, there was once at time in this little Lalafell’s memory that we would hold festivals of all kinds. Where flowers would spread through the street and the bustle and excitement would seem like anything was possible. There was dancers in the street, the sounds of trumpets everywhere, and music sung in praises of Ul’dah and her highness. Surely our perseverance and ingenuity places us as the premier city-state in Eorzea.

--Kululu
This manuscript sponsored by Lord Lolorito and the East Aldenard Trading Company