Suspicious activity and speculations!

I’d spent much time with a Tarutaru ambassador from Windurst. She went under the name “Karababa” and obviously assumed I was a complete fool. She may not have recognised me, but I certainly recognise Shantotto, wherever she goes.

She was interested in particular aspects of Al Zahbi knowledge. Especially knowledge pertaining to Automatons, and the possible development of the Cardians into even more powerful creatures. Very interesting concepts indeed.

But thanks to my missions helping her, I gained the unwanted attention of a spy, a particularly nasty little Imp spy, who comes and goes in the blink of an eye. I am aghast that my privacy is so openly denied.

I suited up Tournefoux in his Ranged guise, and had him track this wily demon. Eventually catching up with him in Caedarva mire, and angrily beating him into a pulp.

To weak to teleport away, he flew away very swiftly, and following Tourne once more, we tracked him all the way through Arrapego. My previous experience as a ninja served me well, despite my somewhat less-than-stealthy attire. I watched as he glided aboard the ship mentioned in my last entry. And peering through the windows of the ship, I watched as he reported to the supposed “Prince” (Its definetely a woman).

And the prince unvealed a mysterious tapesty, that completely validates my previous opinions on the origins of Alzadeel.

If I may surmise that The Dark Rider seen throughout the land is indeed Odin, pictured above. Then with my knowledge of celestial beings, I may also surmise the being of light to be none other than Alexander.

The creator of Automaton technology was fascinated when they discovered Alzadeel, because the same oil he used within automatons could be found everywhere. Even on the windows.

My investigations in Al Zahbi led me to believe that the people of Alzadeel were once feared. For although a small city, they commanded “a large technological man”. Automaton oil, technological man?

The question on my mind right now – Have I been walking around inside a slumbering celestial avatar?

For I was lost…

This Taru was plunged into dark despair, as my reasoning for constant adventuring was called into question. At long last, I chose friendship, and thus; will continue to find a new adventure on each corner of Vanadiel.

In the last few weeks, I and my colleagues have accomplished many many things! I took a collection of my most beloved through many trial missions, until they were at last rewarded with sparkly rings of their choice. Promathia never learns, it doesn’t seem like long ago that I sank my Joyeuse into his face. And there he was, bright as a button, asking for more.

I obliged, I obliged with complete bloody enthusiasm! The world was saved once more. But this is a story you have heard before, so I shan’t bore you with repeats.

The group of malcontents I command within my linkshell have recently stumbled upon a high level of skill. We weeded out a few bad seeds, and sat with popcorn through some rather juicy drama’s. But quite frankly, I’d rather have my chocobo nibble on my perfectly formed Taru legs, than listen to Illustrious and another of his incomprendible diatribes.

I then followed a mission given to me by the less than delightful Naja Salaheem, and investigated the Ashu Talif. But I am confused. My past dealings with the Seagull Phratrie led me to believe that “The Black Coffin” was their ship, which had been immobilised in a naval battle with Al Zahbi’s forces. So why am I then being informed that the Ashu Talif ghost ship, is infact The Black Coffin? Have I been lied too?! Or has there merely been confusion somewhere? I’d ask the Empress, but you know.. the Al Zahbi officials don’t really like the Corsair’s much. So I’ll continue my disguise as a puppetmaster, and push for more information!

After all the tiring battles, and the constant soul destroying drama I settled down for a cup of tea, and a nice chat with some fellow employee’s of the Salaheem Wench.

We tried to discover the mysteries slowly being unlocked in Al Zahbi. Everywhere I go, I find enigma’s wrapped in conspiracy. And I find myself intrigued. Treasure, glory, fame, and money await, I can feel it!

How much do you think I’d get on Auction for a stolen Astral Candescance? I could always steal it, and replace it with the fake replica I found…

Pretend you didn’t hear that! Farewell!

Knack for Adventure

I was sitting happily in my moghouse earlier, just chilling out, going through all my storage to tidy it up and find a few things. I was having a bit of trouble finding my shiny new Osode, couldn’t remember where I had put it. So I opened my Armoire… lets just say that ten minutes and an avalanche of beastman seals later, I was back on my feet.

I decided it was time to finally put these things to use. Seriously, think how many more outfits I could store with all that space! Oh, and no worries! Buried under the mountain of Beastman seals was my Osode, so I felt better.

So I called together the council of gay Taru’s, and we decided to target a Coeurl that had stolen a bunch of sparkly belts and ran off to hide in Giddeus. I’m not sure why he stole them, I’d always thought Coeurls were smarter than the standard beast, Guess I was wrong! Though he did cast a lot of spells, perhaps he sought to enhance his “Burst” spell. Either way I decided to refresh my amazing Ninja skills, and together with the healing power of Bernz, and the summoning capabilities of Cook, we rained down a fierce assault upon the idiotic Coeurl.

It followed the same attack pattern again and again, so the battle was very simple. After charging a powerful spell (which would miss due to my amazing ninja shadow skills) it would then attempt to turn me to stone with a blast of petrifying breath. Fortunately Bernz was able to remedy the situation quickly. So no harm done.

We were able to discover a stash of Penitent’s Ropes, the very same ones stolen earlier. But we decided that the money spent in obtaining them needed to be refunded, so we sold the belts to some aspiring Black Mages in Al Zahbi, and purchased a sparkly new Vermillion Cloak for Bernz! A fashionable item he’d wanted for as long as I can remember.

All this fun as my Ninja certainly rekindled the flame within, I may need to hang up my Corsair’s Tricorne and re-experiment with the Ninja. Sometimes my inability to make a clear decision without changing mid-way is painful (Especially on the wallet).

Yeah yeah, some secret bond.. gimme my hat dammit.

And so I stepped up as a Puppetmaster of Vanadiel. And clearly surpassed the other puppetmasters I met in my quests. A puppetmaster who allows his puppet to pull his strings, and an elvaan with crushed orange sleeves in tight trousers with a puppet that pirouettes endlessly in a dizzying fashion. Not much competition really.

I was instructed by the Elvaan mentioned previously (Shamarmaan, or something to that effect) to discover a true secret behind puppetmaster excellence. And this would apparently help me rekindle the bond between Iruki-Waraki and his automaton Elisabeth. He then deactivated his automaton, and gave me the chip from inside. Advising me that I would need to find a Toggle Switch also.

So for some reason I found this Automaton Toggle Switch in a heap in a very random part of Mount Zhayolm. I don’t know what drew me there, but thats where I got it. I left quickly, I don’t like Volcano’s, too long in Ifrit’s Cauldron with ashes in my eyes and smoke in my lungs, never again! Also, I can’t afford to get my shiny new Osode dirty, I could never forgive myself. If its standard going price is between 30-50 million, what would the dry cleaners bill be?! (Note: I did not buy my Osode, I tore it from Kirin when we released his soul from confinement)

But I recruited my friendly neighbourhood ninja Veronica. A cutey by all means, but certainly very ‘well known’ by all the neighbourhood. mmhmm

And Bernz, the all-singing-all-dancing self confessed infamous star! And we trecked out to Tallaca cove and whatever enemies awaited us there. Unsurprisingly we were confronted by an automaton, though it appeared somewhat rusted, and mercilessly abandoned. And I inserted the memory chip, and then toggled the switch.

The Automaton took a dusty step forwards, and in a fragmented metallic voice declared itself on a mission, a mission to destroy me! Better monsters than this rust bucket have tried, and obviously failed.

So I sat back and watched the water lapping against the shore while Veronica dealt with the furious puppet. (We named it Barbie). And Bernz sang songs to keep Veronica on his (long story..) toes.

And eventually we claimed victory, the doll started asking me questions, but I ignored them and ran away as it self destructed without reason.

Shamarmaan in a wave of psychic energy must have sensed my victory, for he knew all about it when I returned. And he told me exactly what it is that makes a puppetmaster great. Sadly all the hot Bastokan boys coming out of the mines in Subligars diverted my attention, and I missed the general gist of what he was saying. No big deal.

Went back to the sad Taru Iruki, and relayed a short message from the Bastokan Puppetmaster. And after being forced to endure a terrible dancing performance for those hideous Qiqirn, I managed to escape to civilisation and scored myself a nice new hat. Its suave, it has feathers.
Seriously though, if Tournefoux thinks he’s gonna be dancing for crowds, he has another thing coming. He’s my battle dolly, and he’ll need to live with it!

Of faint shadows, and constant humming.

Quickly gathering my dust collected axes from my Moogle guarded Storage I set out. My aim, to decimate an area filled to the brim with experimental monsters. Hideous beasts created by the Zilartians, or the self-pitying Kuluu, in their quest for glory over the Vanadiel species!

Either way, my target was Al’Taieu. Accessed through a portal that was nothing more than a corrupted Crag Crystal. And in the blink of my eyes, the windy highlands of Konschtat were far behind. And the salty warm breeze of the Artificial Al’Taieu was spread out before me.

We explored this new area of Al’Taieu, carefully evading Yovra’s and Phaubo’s as they continued their search for any unsuspecting Hpemde to lunch upon. And before our very eyes, the clean waters were concealed beneath a thick fog of expanding darkness. An abyss. Our target.

Armed with the items needed to plunge into battle, we settled on South West Apollyon, and thus we began our battles.

We were greeted by Fomors. An unusual race within Vanadiel. They have a secret culture involving subligars and random cloths and ingots. And write with chicken-scratch writing in Codex’s no-one can understand.

But regardless of that culture, like a wave of barbaric force, we cleaved through them. Rewarded with but a few Ancient Beastcoins, clearly we had found the cheapskate Fomor’s…

However we were able to sweep down upon their treasure and escape deeper into the abyss. Awarded with a few extra coins, and a mysterious strand of thread enchanted for Black Mage armour for our efforts. We gave it to someone, either Pindaro or Kyata. I’m not certain whom.

The next level of Apollyon was plagued with Treant’s, many many Treant’s. With a twist however, they had animals LIVING on them. Makes sense I guess. For each Treant we defeated, we were assailed by Crawlers, Birds, Opo-Opo’s, Bee’s. And things of that nature. However, with the strength of this young Taru. We killed them anyway.

However we then discovered another Treant, bereft of of leafy foliage in his branches. And looking considerably meaner than the local Treant’s we had just mercilessly slain. He fought with incredible strength and rage; fortunately Hulktified handled it well, his big Galkan muscles rippling under his taut skin. Its really a shame about the standard Galkan face. I need a paper bag over here, stat!

Sadly though, our Cosmo-cleanse was wearing off, and without it, the darkness in Apollyon can swallow you entirely. Probably forcing you to become one of those cheapskate Fomors with only 1 Ancient Beastcoin to your name. (Least now we know what happened to Sethe, eh?)

So we were thrown back out into the fresh air of Al’Taieu. And there we distributed our meager rewards amongst everyone gathered.

Be careful Apollyon. My band of Konohan adventurers are becoming more proficient. Soon I will command an alliance within Apollyon, and you will fall defeated beneath me!

And then we will investigate the source of the accursed “Faint Hum” that plagues us!

Tangled strings

And so I sat patiently in Jeuno, sipping an Orange juice sent to me earlier by the delightful Windurstian Chef – Eiren. When I considered my chances at an adventuring party. Standard set-up would be fine, someone to cure, someone to get bruised, and me, punching away quite happily.

However I noticed a rival Puppetmaster also awaiting an invite to develop his skills, and further his experience. Initially I was annoyed, I don’t like competition, especially when invites are so thin! However I quickly considered the situation and certain of my own surprising strength, I thought we should perhaps train our skills together. Put aside the invite-seeking rivalry and actually gain the experience as a team. It worked incredibly well.

We strolled through Misereaux Coast until we reached the river, and there we set our automatons into battle with a collection of local fauna. The crabs and pugils were surprisingly easy, and we very quickly managed to clear the riverbank.

Now obviously my new-found colleague – Astarin, was then forced to live up to my very high standards. And as I mashed monsters into pulp while Tournefoux barraged them with a magical assault, he tried his best to keep up. Humes..

It was great fun, and the combination of Stormwaker body and Valoredge head made it all the more efficient.

I would like to focus my skills into Blue Magic for a short time, at least until I earn the right to equip the full range of equipment. Unfortunately lesser skilled poorly equipped wannabe’s keep stealing my invites, and so I continue to decimate random area’s with my hand-to-hand brilliance.

Dust on the marionette

Lately I’ve taken a break from upper class plunder and wild gunslinging to pursue some simple enjoyment with Tournefoux. And despite an entire collection of events going wrong, we managed to secure ourselves an entirely new level of experience. However this level has cost me my once vast love for the rainforest. If ever I decide upon the path of the blackmage, Yuhtunga and Yhoator will be the first to go.

I was disheartened by the incredible delay in invites from other adventurers. Its been almost a week since I last tested my puppeteer skills in an actual experience party, and I don’t doubt I’ll be left waiting substancially longer.

Fortunately this Taru is as stubborn as they come, and I’ll continue to solo my way for as long as I need to do so.

In a complete off-the-wall idea, I decided to test my long dormant Blue magic skills, and was supplied with a multitude of quests from a “fortune teller” who apparently considers himself secretly disguised. This Corsair saw right through the disguise however. Two men, both with Ahriman lenses in their eyes, and they are both as bald as a newborn baby? Coincidence? I think not!

However he warned me that the dormant blue magic skills held within me may consume me at any moment. Obviously I was moderately concerned about this news. And somewhat irate I hadn’t been informed sooner. But I listened to what they had to say while admiring the red sparkle of the grand visier’s armour, and decided it was perhaps in my best interests to go get the shoes that will apparently play a part in the saving of my life.

I strolled through Halvung and petted Cerberus on the head as I headed to the gloomy execution chamber. I did consider it strange that an Immortal (Corsairs bitter enemy) spoke in a concerned manner with me (While I stood nonchalantly adorned in Corsair attire) and then proceeded to send me on a perilous quest to save myself from being swallowed by the essence of the beast! It seriously sounds scarier than it is. So there I am, sworn enemy of the immortals, following the orders to walk bravely into an execution chamber… I’m not sure if perhaps I was drunk when I agreed. But I went anyway.

Fortunately the situation was not as ominous as you would expect. I was greeted in the chamber by an amorphous purple blob with a face, and my eternal bodyguard – Carrie, charged into battle to protect me, while I surveyed the area for anything expensive.

I was disappointed by the lack of troll treasures at the end of this long boring walk. But I had defeated the flan anyway. Which had apparently defeated many of the imperial troops (It really doesnt shock me that Al Zahbi is losing the war with the Far East…) and so I returned to Al Zahbi as the usual victorious hero, and was advised I had passed “the test”.

So I’m sent to a local shop to retrieve my Magus attire. I am greeted at the shop by an incompetent oaf of a girl, who sent me away to find the owner of the shop as she was completely useless and couldnt make my shoes.

So I trundle off to Aydeewa, somewhat pissed off that my continental treck around the Al Zahbi landscape was rewarded with a game of hide-and-seek. And finally I find him, dressed in a swimsuit lying in a pond. And what does he do? Offer to help me right away and appologise for the inconvenience? No! He shouts at me for disturbing his sleep, calls me a liar, and then uses a Warp Scroll.

Its safe to assume I was in a fury when I returned to Al Zahbi. And I once again return to the shop to find the stuttering fool gazing at me gormlessly. The shop owner (hearing her mental collapse) deigned to grace me with his appearance.

One of the following must have occured. And I’m not sure which.

Either this craftsman was able to use the warp scroll, return to Al Zahbi, change his outfit and make my shoes in the 5 minutes it took me to walk back to town.

Or the bitch lied to me and just couldn’t be bothered getting off her arse to get my boots from storage in the back of the shop.

If its option A, then why do I need to wait an entire Vanadiel week for my trousers? If its B… I’m sure I can arrange a late-night visit from CourierCarrie for the little lady.

Anyways, that about sums up todays adventures. Or misadventures… whichever you prefer.

Soft golden feathers, and bloody hands

As my colleagues and myself put away our weapons for the duration of the weekend, we were struck with the sudden realisation that we were considerably less wealthy! Terrified of being evicted into the Al Zahbi commoners ward, I decided to take action.

I paid the warping whore of a Taru, and found myself back in Windurst enjoying the fresh sea breeze. I stopped into the local tea house, and met with a long-lost member of the phratrie. She’s a Mithra, so I try to avoid her when possible. But she’s my Windurst contact, so what can I do?

I discover much to my jubilation a theft had occured. Well.. not so much a theft, more of a massacre. But thats besides the point. Many gloves woven by the windurstian Clothcraft guild, specifically for foreign races (God knows Windurst likes to kiss Elvaan and Hume ass. Lousy Star Sibyl…) were stolen by a band of Gigas. I’m not certain how a band of huge lumbering gigas managed to ambush a group of Mithra. But then it also doesn’t surprise me.

I thought about the situation. As a Windurstian I decided it was my mission to avenge the deed! However, as a Corsair, I decided I would sell the gloves for my own profit. Who’s to know the difference?

So I had Marius track their progress, he is a rather spiffy Ranger you know. And we discovered the great brutes hiding in Fei Yin. Yes, I’m aware, thats a very long walk for a bunch of slowass Gigas. Maybe they warp hacked.

Swooping into action in my usual style, we decimated the Gigas. Unusually my party members were prone to fall in love with the leader of the gigas. And they had to be restrained while we defeated him, before the infatuation wore off. Most unusual.

As the gigas were defeated, we prided ourselves in the vengeance we had reaped. Oh, and the profits we had made secretly (Of course!).

So I return to Windurst, I was on my way home when I found the phratrie Mithra waiting for me at my mog house. Embarrassed to be seen with her, I took a detour over to the chocobo stables to check on the progress of my egg. Much to my surprise and delight it hatched! And I was the proud owner of a brand new little girl Chocobo. And she’s so sweet! I named her Joy, because she brought me joy in that moment.

I was further elated when I took her for a walk and she befriended another chocobo. It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. Guess my paternal beastmaster instincts are still intact. It was her first day on Vanadiel, so I showed her a few things. And then let her rest, she was very tired.

One day she’ll be a money maker! If not, she’ll at least be a method of escape from my latest beastman robbery!

Half a dozen eggs and a silk cloth later…

Aydeewa Subterrane is a very intriguing area. And similar to all area’s it houses untold secrets, and most likely untold treasures not yet discovered. There are many creatures to be found there, mostly just natural blundering beasts, the odd curious Qiqirn planting a mine innocently in a bush of flowers and tottering off to watch the mayhem from a distance.

Its also a supposed secret gathering place of the Immortals, pompous clowns that they are, but as a Corsair, I steered clear of that area. I was here for a purpose, not a crucifiction!

I found myself leading my group of lemmings into the stangant air of the underground sanctuary to wage war temporarily on the Flytraps and Defoliators in the area. Why? We’d been informed earlier that a very important type of vegetation in this area was being swiftly destroyed by the beasts! So, concerned for the general public we decided it was our duty to the people to ensure these medicinal herbs survived. If we made a little silk profit, who cares?! It wouldn’t cover the bullet costs anyway. I used the time to practise my gun skills. As I’d earlier been working with my puppet frames and attachments in Windurst, I was rather rushed when I prepared for this excursion, and as such, forgot not only my brand new Moldavite earring, but every single elemental Quick Draw card that I have. Yes… good job me.

However, the Defoliators were a fantastic source of experience. My gun skills were greatly increased just seeking out the weakpoints in the dauntless Crawler’s armour. My fortune was decent, lady luck was rather indifferent about my performance tonight, it would seem.

The accuracy I picked up from my Peacock charm was a definite bonus. And the surprise purchase of the very rare Beater’s earring was icing on the cake. This trigger happy Taru doesn’t like to miss. And although both of these items cost a mighty amount of gil, this investment narrows down all future Corsair purchases greatly. In short – I am almost complete.

Lesson of the day: Blasting 5 bullets at a time may be fun, but it dents the wallet fast!

Tomorrow I embrace some time with Tournefoux and push onwards in hope of recognition from that strange perverted Taru Puppetmaster. However, the tales of his perversions is a story for another day.

Quest for the treasures that sparkle

As a fully fledged member of the Phratrie I am obviously focused upon one thing. The one thing a pirate is always obsessed with. Treasure! Combine my love of treasure, with my insatiable love for high quality items, and you have an expensive addiction!

This pirate has had fantastic fortune lately in procuring rare and delightful treasures from each corner of Vanadiel.

However, before I touch upon the treasure I have found and been awarded with, I must mention yet another worldly threat that was diminished at the edge of my sword. Lady Yve’noile rewarded my fellow adventurer’s most generously upon our defeat of the legendary Crystal Warriors. Crystalline embodiments of the 5 races of Vanadiel.

I simply could not tolerate this insult of the Arch Angel Tarutaru. How dare he accuse me of cowardice! This Taru hasn’t been a coward once in his entire life!

As my colleagues directed a co-ordinated assault on the other Arch Angels, I focused my attention on keeping the very dangerous Hume Embodiment distracted with a flurry of insults and gouging bright lights. Eventually my allies took this task from my hands, and the Crystal Hume was defeated.

Yes, yes. I know what you are thinking “Does this Taru ever rest?!” But the answer is no. I am clearly a global hero and as such, my every moment is plagued with drama and delight unlike any other!

Fortunately, deities that ask odd favours, also reward you very nicely and my feats lately have rewarded me with some very respectable treasures.

The item above was my reward for cleansing Ru’Aun Gardens of the Crystal Warrior threat.

The item above was my reward for saving the world from the Twilight God – Promathia.

And all my recent treasure hunting has yielded a nice amount of gil, which is keeping me in my expensive lifestyle on Vanadiel! And I was able to treat myself to a nice pair of rare and perfectly crafted gloves, that I will someday uncurse and wear with pride on my Corsair.

And that concludes my recent activities. I will be taking a few colleagues out to hunt Crawler’s and Flytraps tomorrow, I must seek to further my experiences on Corsair! And I mean to test the effects of a certain new Moldavite earring on my already spectacular Quick Draw’s.

Until next time! I have coffers to plunder.