Operation: Sparkly Bracelet

Ever tried climbing the Delkfut tower? The dated construct of the long defeated Zilart became the unofficial home of the Gigas who invaded Qufim island during the crystal wars. Their attempts to retreat back to the far North failed, and thus they took residance in the ancient tower.

Wandering amidst a labyrinth of twisting corridors carved into the cermet. Clusters of bats bursting out of the shadows and flapping those thin leathery wings in your face as they seek to escape to safety. The ghosts of vengeful Gigas victims haunt halls, attacking any living person with bitter resentment.

Needless to say, for the standard adventurer, this is not a playground. But then, I’m hardly the average adventurer, am I?

So I ran through the twisting corridors, into huge rooms full of gormless Gigas. Teleporters catapulted me back and forth throughout the many levels of the tower. Wave upon wave of green giants fell at my feet. Ascending staircases, descending staircases. Until at last arriving at the final teleporter console. I stepped on, the sudden lurch of energy released me as I soared swiftly upwards and my stomach lurched with the speed.

I stopped. My eyes settled upon yet another collection of polished cermet corridors. I knew the way from here. Rushing throughout the tunnels at the right-hand side of the room, I rushed through a large cermet door, and after just a short walk upstairs, I was finally there.

The Jotunn. Powerful white Gigas, the highest ranking of the Gigas led by Pallas, and Alkyoneus. These 2 Gigas are notorious for their strength, Pallas commanded mighty pets during the crystal wars, the cry of his tigers struck fear into the heart of many a fighter. And Alkyoneus was a horrific foe, mighty axe hewing many a warrior simultaniously while he roared furiously. Daunting foes, one would say.

My mission had begun. The rumours of Gigas bracelets were already well known amongst my adventuring peers. Gigas are obviously massively powerful beasts, huge bulging muscles deliver mighty blows to many a foe. However its also well known that their strength is greatly enhanced by the bracelets they wear. The bracelets of Alkyoneus are particularly potent, Pallas’ being a close second place.

So I drew my sainti, and with Tournefoux at my side, I drove down wave upon wave of Jotunn, in the hopes of forcing Pallas or Alkyoneus to arrive and attempt to drive me away. Days passed, I continued to stay at the top of the tower, munching on whatever food I had as sustenance. No luck, my vigilant camping will continue.

PUP breakdown.

Forenote: No-one ever quits FFXI officially. I got dragged back into the game by my beloved Bernie. So consider my previous emo post a thing of the past.

I finally managed to secure lvl 75 on PUP (yeah yeah, lolpup, etc.) and have been experimenting with different solo equipment sets. Access to Utsusemi: Ni at 74 made a big difference to PUP solo. Especially with an evasion build. I have completely forgotten what it feels like to party on PUP, I got 1 single party in 1-75. That was a whole lot of solo. Slow -yes. Good for the guard skill though.

• Weapon: Gem Sainti
• Ranged: Turbo Animator/Trollbane
• Head: O.hat (.dat swapped)
• Body: Aketon+1
• Hands: Master Caster Mitt’s
• Legs: Pahluwan Seraweels (C class hand-to-hand requires acc compensation.)
• Feet: Dance Shoes
• Earrings: Evasion earring/Elusive Earring
• Rings: Sniper’s/Rajas/Jelly Ring (Varies)
• Back: Boxer’s Mantle
• Neck: Evasion Torque
• Waist: Potent Belt (C class hand-to-hand requires acc compensation.)

Note: Hades Sainti are an objective, /NIN hampers my Enmity somewhat, which makes holding enmity difficult during Duo/trio, etc.

I’ll continue with my RP-like entries further down the line, I’m gonna break down my PUP progress too. As its a job everyone laughs at, I wanna try to push its limits. Especially with the new tier2 merits on the horizon.

Mystery unravelled! (Spoilers)

And so the Mighty Aht Urghan came crawling once again to the Offices of that arrogant Wildcat looking for my almighty assistance. They begged me to use my immense resources to find their lost Puppetmaster, the lady Aphmau. I suited up in my Valor armour, grabbed my Joyeuse, and off I went with my beloved Bernz, to begin our investigations.

Remembering that we had found her months ago in Aydeewa, we returned there once more to begin our search. We found an immortal also on her trail, though he had been knocked unconcious by an unknown assailant. There were a few dusty coloured feathers on the ground nearby, and as a Windurstian I am programmed never to trust a Yagudo. So I quite obviously deducted the culprit almost immediately. I returned to the city with Rishfee, and investigated the Walahra Temple, a place Aphmau had lived for most of her life. Where better to hide from someone than directly under their noses? I found her there. She was understandable distraught at the loss of Ovjang recently. Her beloved Stormwaker had felt the need for a brief walk, apparently.

At that exact moment we were interrupted by a certain Eastern Yagudo, Gessho. I knew my impressions of him were true! It was nothing to do with racism, Yagudo and Beastmen can rarely be trusted. He tried to double cross us with lies, but we followed him and discovered the truth behind his intentions. To crumble Al Zahbi with a simultanious attack from East and West! And then to seize power of the sleeping scattered collosus, the ancient and unknown remnants of Alexander!

We interrupted a conference between the Mamool lords, whereupon we discovered that Ovjang had infact been kidnapped by the treacherous Yagudo (God I hate him), and in a fit of rage the lancelord attacked us.

Rishfee became badly injured saving that idiotic girl from a charging beast, and I was forced to step-in and show some Western sophistication.

We very easily fought off his attack, masterfully utilising my amazingly wonderful swordsmanship, and Paladin excellence. However before we were able to celebrate we were interrupted by the intrusion of the dead pirates! Price Luzaf and his Imp companion cloaked by spells of invisibility stole the Automatons, and teleported away. Aphmau followed without hesitation, and the portal closed directly behind her (Of course it did) leaving me to walk all the way to Arrapego Reef to track her down. Let me tell you, trudging great distances with heavy Paladin armour is not a desirable task, I miss my soft Puppetmaster armours already.

Once again, surprise surprise, A group of individuals threatens to destroy the world. I swear, I never ever get a moments peace. If its not some divinity with ideas spawned from an eternity sitting in the dark, or some dead thing that decided it wanted revenge and snuck passed Cerberus at the gates of Hades to get it, then its some maniacal long-lived eccentric lord/lady with delusions of grandier. But regardless what it is, its ALWAYS a matter of global destruction.

Guess I better get my hero outfit back from the dry cleaners.

Desert distractions!

I spent a lot of time today with Bernz in the Deserts of Altepa. A vast blistering desert of blazing sun and countless dunes of burning sand. Hunting Dhalmel and Beetles together, we were able to vastly develop our skills in Thief and Samurai arts. Both of us must have been struck with a touch of sunstroke, as we are both incredibly sleepy now. So much so that I have no alternative but to indulge this desire.So I will retire for now to my moghouse, lie in the soft sheets of my bed, and listen to the sounds of running water.

Steam & Coral

I always thought Korroloka Tunnel was ugly, a dank tunnel full of salty pools, haunted by a stinging cold breeze. But everything is beautiful if you merely look, instead of merely escaping to the next zone as quickly as possible. I was growing tired of smelling like Blue Rafflesia’s, from the Opo-crown quest.Opo-opo’s loved the smell, but the sullen and aggressive Mithra’s of Kazham were grating on my nerves, so I took a trip down to the hotsprings with Bernz, and we rested in the warm waters together until the smell no longer plagued us.

While settled in the warm water, I realised the steamy cave was beautiful, full of old coral formations, and odd plants thriving in the heavy steam. It was an eye opening experience, and a much deserved rest.

Feathers & Gold

And so I received an egg from the young chocobo breeder in Jeuno. Joy having spent the week in the company of the mysterious red sire. I quickly took the egg to Pulonolo in Windurst, full of hopes of high breeding! I considered raising my chocobo in another city, for a change of scenery. But patriotism for my great nation (and inert laziness) forced me into my decision to raise in Windurst once more.

I asked her for in-depth information regarding breeding. But she’s a little airheaded. General opinion from colleagues leads me to believe that I have no guarantee that the chick will indeed be red, depends on dominant or recessive traits! I can’t really say. Fingers crossed though.

I decided to pursue a little excitement in the western hemisphere. Having grown somewhat tired of the accents of the eastern nation. And the landscape. Nothing beats the breezes of Mindartia and the flowing water of Saruta. I can’t stay away for very long!

I took a long walk through Tahrongi. Enjoying the heavy sun, and the deep cobalt sky. Watching the Dhalmel herds as they nibbled on the Papaka grass and wandered the plains. I met a group of young adventurers as they worked together to defeat some Yagudo camping in the Canyons. They informed me of rumours towards great treasures hidden in the Yagudo stronghold of Castle Oztroja. My old corsair instincts flared up, and my eyes flashed with images of gold, but for a second..

So I decided to investigate! I crept through Meriphataud Mountains, climbing up and down cliffs, and defeating a few hungry Raptors who stumbled upon me. Finally I arrived at the Western mountains having fought the terrain and a hideous sandstorm, and found myself at the carved entrance of the formidable castle. And plodded inside.

Defeating waves and waves of Yagudo with relative ease, I finally stumbled upon a sealed chest in a corner near the top of the Castle. It was guarded by a few more powerful Yagudo, but aided by Tournefoux, I wiped them out, and plucked the key I needed from their corpses.

A sunstone. Nothing more, nothing less. It gleamed like a Ruby,  but was obviously far less expensive. I was disappointed. But the red glow warmed my heart, enough so to justify my long journey to the castle. And as such, I awarded it to Bernz as a gift. A beautiful gift for a beautiful Taru.

My long trek earned me a rest in Windurst, and I sat on the dock savoring the breeze, and thinking of my next adventures.

Alzadaal

 

Alzadaal holds secrets yet undiscovered. It hints towards forgotten power, and lost technology. It fills me with uncertainty. I feel it will play a large part in some adventure slowly unfolding.. In an effort to ease my own mind, I decided to walk through the labyrinth of Olduum technology in search of a hint towards its origins or its purpose..

 

 

 

Bernz and I explored thoroughly together, unable to discover anything. I assume Al Zahbi officials would have recovered and hidden anything substancial before opening the Ruins anyway. But that doesn’t explain why Qiqirn reside here. Treasure is scarce, what else are they looking for?

An Astral Candescence perhaps? I’m formulating idea’s……

Beguiling Breeding

And so I turned my attention to Chocobo Breeding. Looking for a break from excitement and adventure, I wanted to pass my time in the sea breezes of Windurst. With the laughter of children, and the bustle of new adventurers completing minor quests around me.

I named my first Chocobo “Joy”, for her cuteness brought me much joy! She was an average Chocobo by VCS standards. She was very loving and we learned a lot about breeding fundimentals together, but she grew tired of the stables, so I passed her to the pastures at VCS.

Before she left though, I bred her with Marius’ chocobo, and a few days of nursing the pale white egg in the stables yielded another little chocobo chick. Though not as cute as Joy! I loved him nonetheless. I named him Autumn. He was very average looking, so I simply named him after my favourite season, in hopes of inspiring myself to love him. He worked very hard, and became very impressive in strength, and impressive in his endurance.. however he too succumbed to the chocobo’s wild instincts, and grew restless in the stables.

I took pity upon him, and finally let him out into the VCS pastures, where he undoubtedly met his mother.

From a breeding standpoint, I was aiming for the very rare Red Sire. AutumnStorm was a failure, and a waste of time no less. I finally found a breeder with a Red Male and I settled on re-using Joy for my breeding needs. Settling on a dating plan that encouraged the new born to inherit the traits of the male.

I aim towards a Receptive Chocobo with expertise in digging and treasure hunting. I find the options to immerse myself with something slow-paced and enjoyable a welcome addition to my dragon-slaying lifestyle! Egg will be born tomorrow, star tuned!

Battles lost in shadow

Delving in shadows. Fighting beasts long lost, and long forgotten. In a realm where shadow presides, and light is forever fading. We could hear the hum. The ever constant hum. That infernal hum - of Apollyon!

It can mean only one thing. Omega has been repaired.

We endevoured into the depths of the dark realm. Questing for the defeat of the beast, and whatever treasures he may be holding. A quest for extraordinarily rare currencies and materials. Items to enchant and delight all of vanadiel with shimmering brilliance. Thats why my allies were there. For me? This was merely a test, a delightful test of Automaton magical prowess.

And watching Tournefoux, as his skills become honed and fine, nuking with a vigour on the beasts that lay in the darkness. It was refreshing. He ran his blade like a silver breeze through the dead air. He charged with complete bravery into battle with assortments of beasts. And I was impressed.

All that time in Caedarva mire is paying off. But I must continue to push my automaton. And I must continue to push myself. Al Zahbi has trials ahead for me, and with Tournefoux by my side. I need to be the best Puppetmaster I can be.

Things that go “sqeak” in the night

Nashmau, a colorful city in the Arrapego islands. Once a stronghold for corsairs as they valiantly fought for the Kingdom of Ephramad’s freedom from the tyrannical Al Zahbi empress. A place of mystery, a place of secret. But in reality - a place of disappointment.

Anyone who has been forced to put up with a Qiqirn will understand the huge level of patience required. They are inquisitive creatures, with a rustic grasp of English. They slur words and are obsessed with shining items. I hate them.

Nashmau should be the central target of the Chebukki’s next “Meteor”.

Anyways, I was mocked by a Qiqirn inside Nashmau, as he considered my puppet to be nothing more than an object. And despite Tournefoux’s convincing argument, the idiotic rat continued to poke and pull at his various attachments. Mere filthy rats dare even dream of approaching me? I saved the world for crying out loud! Back off and show me respect.

I quickly departed out of Nashmau, tragic capital of a nation long since fallen, now nothing more than a flea bitten rat hole. And wandered around Caedarva Mire. My intention was to hone Tournefoux’s melee skills, and maybe burn of the calories from the Midwinter Dream cake I had shared with Bernz the night before. We targeted local birds for a few hours, as Tournefoux’s scissors blurred and whirred, I felt accomplished. And we settled next to a quiet stream for a rest.

Moments later we were assaulted by the very same idiotic Qiqirn that had previously insulted me. Needless to say - my rage was absolute. But the situation escalated further. He pulled out a knife, and ordered that I hand Tournefoux to him. Declaring my beloved Automaton to be his new “shiny”. Neither of us were amused.

In a blur of martial arts excellence, and automaton strength we tossed the silly Qiqirn aside like yesterdays garbage.

Are beastman getting dumber, or does my reputation as the savior of the world, the conquerer of fate, the warrior of the crystal elude me? I am a respected Windurstian citizen from the West, and the Eastern nations had best learn how to treat me properly, or there will be hell to pay!