Starlight Is Upon Us!

Dear Friends,

It is that time of year again! The Starlight Celebration! It seems that the unseasonably warm weather got the better of us, and the celebrations started late this year. No bells to ring, and no gifts to deliver this year. Instead, everyone is worrying about the late change of seasons as the Starlight decorations are erected in the various towns. Rumors are abound that the warm temperatures are due to the unrest of the elementals, and the strange color of Dalamud in the sky.

Taking suggestions from the Ala Mhigan refugees, the conjurers of the Stillglade Fane have decided to participate in a traditional Ala Mhigo ceremony said to usher in the snows of winter. It's quite silly actually, using snow made from ice crystals, a giant snowman was erected in the northern shroud. It seems everyone got into the spirit and a huge snowball fight ensued. I have to admit even I joined into the festivities. Haha!

After it was all over, we donned reindeer suits and drank a little too much ale. Don't judge me! Happy Starlight to all!

~Kiji

Recruiting!

Dear Friends,

Today I was called on by the Lancer's guild to help recruit champions to bolster our defenses against a possible Imperial invasion. I was sent to Ul'dah to speak with the pugilists and plea for any assistance they can offer.

These guys are certainly a tough lot! They expressed discontent over the dangerous roads through the black shroud that lead into Gridania. Only after letting it be known that I wasn't there to take any crap did I win over enough respect to make them listen to me. The puglists agreed to send a caravan with some goods and volunteers, assuming the roads were free of danger.

Upon returning to the guild in Gridania, we received word that the caravan was experiencing problems in the Twelveswood. Unless we were able to guarantee a safe passage, the deal was off!  This left me no choice, with haste I rode the aether to rendezvous with the caravan near of the of the camps and escorted them. It wasn't long before we ran into trouble. Overhead, and enormous flying machine hovered over the treeline... I have NEVER seen anything like it. It was immense and very loud! I have no doubt is was some type of Imperial device. Needless to say, it spooked the wildlife in the forest. A herd of frightened deer came blasting out of the brush and slammed into the caravan. Upon impact, a pudgy little moogle fell from somewhere off the back of the carriage! The poor thing became trampled by the deer! What was it doing there?! As of now, that remain a mystery unsolved, but we took it Gridania where it would be cared for.

~Kiji

Reach For The Stars

Dear Friends,

I've been busy flirting with Ariadne (the Mi'qote I mentioned before) and training myself in various weapons. It's strange how seemingly overnight every thing you know about combat can change with the times. Sometimes, I wear I have to learn new techniques and it's like starting over with a new weapon. It's a bit frustrating at times!

That being said, after talking with several people around Eorzea today it's nice to finally be recognized for all my accomplishments! It only motivates me to try harder!


~Kiji

Diplomatic Solutions

Dear Friends,

My assistance was again required by my companions at the Path of the Twelve. This time I was summoned to assist a similar guild known as the Ashcrown Consortium, located in Gridania. The consortium is responsible for regulating the trading of crystals among the nations of Eorzea. It seems that a majority of the crystals are provided by the beastmen tribes in exchange for various goods and services. It is thru this manner, that the fragile peace is kept between the beastmen and the city-states.

However, lately the beastmen have been reluctant to exchange their crystals. It has recently been uncovered that instead of trading them, the various beastmen are hording them as an offering to their gods (also known as Primals).

Aerylia and I were tasked with the mission of assisting the consortium in negotiating with the beastmen in attempt to resume normal trading.

We arrived at the scene a little late it seems. All manner of hell was breaking loose. A band of Amalj'aa and Ixal were in a very heated argument with some members of the consortium. It seems even the beastmen fear invasion by the Empire and do not trust the three nations to keep them safe. The arguments became so intense that the beastmen were on the verge of summoning the avatars of their primals over the dispute! I was able to talk sides out of such an extreme solution. By the Twelve, I'd hate to ever have to battle such powerful beings!

Before the negotiations could continue, a strange creature appeared outside of the cave and frightened off both groups of beastmen. It was terrifying! It was a ghostly, demonic looking thing! Shrouded in black robes with wings of bone! I was told by one of our Sylvan friends that the creature in question was an "Ascian". This is a being I have never heard of, and the Sylphs were not willing to provide and details. I wish they had more forthcoming, but it was their magicks that were able to conceal our presence from the terrible creature until is passed.

I was disheartened that we were not able to fully resolve this crisis. But, the effort was not all wasted. In their haste, the beastmen left behind a sack of the valuble crystals. We delivered them to the consortium with a full report.


~Kiji

Montage III

Dear Friends,

It seems all I ever do is train! Haha! That and run errands for the Twin Adders!

~Kiji