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Hello everyone and welcome back. This is another arc that I'm not looking forward to covering. It's pretty bad. It's not nearly as bad as Titan, but it still commits the same cardinal sins. Unlike Titan, I can't work up the energy to really get full of righteous fury regarding it.
Probably because the arc has 12 quests in it and if they cut out all the cruft, then there'd be like four quests total. As much as it pains me, wasting time here at least gives things a progression. It's basically manufacturing a reason to introduce you to the various high level areas in Eorzea.
It calms me to look at her. It's as though I've been reunited with a part of me I never knew was missing...
I bear good news! The Seedseers have granted our request to house the Enterprise. We may take as long as we require to repair her. Of course, it would be rank folly to take one moment more than we require. Garuda, lest we forget, grows stronger by the hour. If we are to have any hope of wresting this benighted realm from her talons, it must needs be soon. Though I am no expert on the workings of airships, it seems plain to me that the Enterprise suffered much from her time in the wilderness. Am I not correct, Cid?
You are. Frankly, it's a miracle she carried us this far.
As you know, the Howling Eye is encircled by a raging tempest, apt to turn proud trees to matchwood. Our battle will end before it begins if the Enterprise cannot weather the storm.
Ah the three words that belie lazy storytelling: "as you know." Meaning, "you already know this, but I'm expositing for the sake of any omnipotent external viewers."
Given time, I believe I can fully repair her... But if this tempest is as fearsome as you say, even that may not be enough.
<sigh> Confound it. There must be a way...a way to brave the fury of the elements...
...The elements. But of course! That's it! We work upon the element itself! Using the power of a corrupted crystal, we could clear a path through the storm, and spare the Enterprise a battering!
I see! You propose to utilize the properties of a crystal to alter the elemental aspect of the barrier! It seems so childishly simple in retrospect! Though mayhap not to you, Ginger. We speak of the manifestations of over-aspected aether that can be found throughout Eorzea.
Why does every academic around her think that Ginger is dumb as a bag of hammers?
Since the Calamity disrupted the land's aetheric currents, such crystals have become comparatively commonplace. ...Which has been a cause of great woe, as they are known to warp aetheric energies, including those of living organisms.
The point is, we could theoretically use a corrupted crystal to convert the wind-aspected aether comprising Garuda's barrier into aether of another aspect-one she cannot control. With certain modifications, the Enterprise should be able to deliver us to the Howling Eye in comfort, however hard Garuda blows...
But we are getting ahead of ourselves. All of this rests upon our ability to procure a crystal with the necessary properties. Have you any idea where we might acquire one?
No. But I know a man who might. A scholar by the name of Lamberteint, who resides in Camp Drybone. Strange as it may sound, I met him during my time at the church. Well, Marques met him, I suppose. Whether out of pity, or for want of a more willing listener, he would talk to me for hours at a time about his aetheric studies, corrupted crystals being his pet subject. It was as a result of these conversations that poor Marques was observed to possess an uncommon knack for theoretical science...
Ginger, I need you to return to Thanalan and seek out this scholar. Cid and I will set about repairing the Enterprise in your absence.
Translation: Alphinaud will supervise and Cid will do all the heavy lifting.
This door in an obscure corner of Camp Drybone...
Hm? Why yes, I am Professor Lamberteint. Beg pardon? You wish to hear about my research on corrupted crystals? ...Truly? Well, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to discuss my work with a fellow woman of science!
There was a deleted quest here. This jerk used to make us trek clear across Thanalan to find a clay pot. Now we don't have to do that anymore. This arc was hit really hard by the changes and reductions made with patch 5.3 nearly a year ago now. It feels like less of a time-wasting slog.
Ahhh, so rare it is to find fellow intellectuals in this region. 'Tis even rarer to find one capable of comprehending the nature of corrupted crystals. Come to think of it, there was another-a hermit to whom the church had given sanctuary. Curious fellow. Unsociable, rather daft at first impression, yet possessed of an amazing affinity towards the scientific pursuits...
But to the matter at hand-did you say you wish not to conduct field observations, but to harvest a corrupted crystal? Egads, woman! At least take the necessary precautions so that you do not suffer from exposure to its harmful energies! I'm beginning to wonder if you've sufficient qualifications to handle such hazardous materials...
Still, your ignorance is somehow endearing. Luckily for you, I have precisely the means by which these inherent dangers may be averted. Simply store the crystal you seek within this warded pot to protect yourself from its deleterious effects. Though I suppose you will be bombarded with its energies until you place it within the vessel...
Well, perhaps it shall motivate you to work quickly. In any case, take the pot to Hahasako, a student of mine monitoring the flow of aether at Highbridge. Explain to him your quest, and he shall instruct you in the finer points of crystal harvesting.
Been a while since we've been to Highbridge as a destination. This guy I presume has always been here, but how often do you climb on the scaffolding below the bridge?
How many times must I be made to explain myself!? I am not contemplating suicide, you imbecile-I have chosen this precise position to perform scientific measurements!
If I show you this will it shut you up?
What have we here...a containment vessel!? Why, this is the handiwork of Professor Lamberteint! You thieving knave, I shall call for the-
*smacks him upside the head* Stop being a dumbass.
Oh, you say the man himself lent it to you... Then you must have sought me out per his instruction...which means he believes me experienced enough to expound upon his explanations! At last, the recognition I so rightfully deserve!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! That I should be chosen to guide this woman. Yes, I, Hahasako, greatest of Professor Lamberteint's pupils, shall see that you successfully quarry your quarry. Your timing is impeccable, in fact, for I was just preparing to procure corrupted crystals from the Burning Wall for my personal research. There, the devastating destruction caused by the Calamity has blessed us with a bounty of sublime specimens.
But something tells me that naught but a perfect piece will satisfy your high standards. In which case, you must needs descend to the deepest depths. Amidst the flowing waters and the murderous mirrorknights lies the most fantastic formation I have found thus far.
Take this highly advanced researcher's tool and use it to separate a small fragment from the large cluster. Place it within the warded pot and bear it back to me for inspection. The path which leads from Burgundy Falls to the base of the Burning Wall is treacherous and terrifying, but advance with appropriate caution and you shall surely survive.
The far eastern part of East Thanalan is a level 42+ area. Our quest target is in the deepest part of that area! ...In more ways than one, at that.
This random cave will eventually be important. This is where Ginger will go to get her Black Mage job quests, whenever I get around to doing them.
These glowing crystals make the area really pretty at least.
Just gotta keep going downward and toward the quest marker.
Way down at the bottom of the zone is the cluster we need a piece of. I really like how this area looks at night. It's just a pity that nothing really happens here beside like one sidequest and a handful of job quests that briefly visit here.
Hahasako gave us a sledgehammer, so let's smash off a piece of crystal.
...and then return!
I see you've come galumphing back. Have you the crystal then?
Check it out!
What a prodigiously large and lovely crystal! Professor Lamberteint will doubtless chortle with joy when you present it to him in person. Oh, and upon your return, do remember to recount how I helped you with your harvesting.
My keen scholar's sense tells me that you've obtained a corrupted crystal. Am I right?
Got it right here.
If you would grant me a moment to examine the crystal... Ah, it is as you desired. A corrupted crystal overflowing with wind-aspected aether.
Hmmm... Remind me, for what purpose did you intend to use this crystal again? What!? To breach a barrier comprised of wind-aspected aether? Oh dear... That may prove problematic, as this crystal would only serve to strengthen the barrier. I suppose I am at fault for not inquiring as to your objectives from the start. Had I known your intent, I would have never sent you to Hahasako. But what is science if not trial and error? And can you truly say that this failure has taught you nothing?
Think, woman-you now understand the methods necessary to safely collect a corrupted crystal! You will doubtless have no difficulty doing so once more. What's more, the crystal you collected can serve as an invaluable resource for the aetherial studies conducted by the Students of Baldesion.
You've heard of them? Well, I don't mean to boast, but I've a professional relationship with the organization. Not as equals, of course-I would never be so bold as to claim that level of expertise... Are you all right? Your eyes seem to have glazed over for a moment. Anyway, I shan't keep you from your task. You've still a corrupted crystal to find!
The joke so nice, they tell it thrice. I'm serious. This whole major branch of the MSQ is just Ginger going to several of this guy's students and each one making her get a crystal of the wrong type.
Corrupted crystals of sufficient size and strength are not all that common, I fear. Fortunately, one of my other students, Ceana, claims to have discovered another promising site in eastern La Noscea. Wait, that's not correct. Eastern La Noscea was where she was nearly killed when wandering too close to an imperial castrum. Hah hah, now that made for an amusing anecdote! It was western La Noscea-Pharos Sirius, on the Isles of Umbra, to be precise.
I can't recall her exact reasoning-something to do with one of Dalamud's Talons or some such nonsense. What I can say for certain is that she is still in Aleport, attempting to gain access to the isles. Why not travel there and see if Ceana's inquiries bear fruit? If you can look past the crass and violent ways of the local pirates, you might find your time there to be quite pleasurable. Oh, and do not forget to take your makeshift warded pot, lest she think you unprepared for the task.
Ceana is right in town.
She's up on a ledge overlooking the bay.
Eh? Corrupted crystals!? Madam, I've no interest in being the butt of your jokes, so if you've no other reason for addressing me, kindly leave me be.
Oh gods. Look...
Well, I'll be damned, Professor Lamberteint did send you! Beg your pardon, it seems we got off on the wrong foot. I'm Ceana-greatest of the professor's pupils, which is doubtless why he bid you seek me out. Indeed, I am an accomplished scholar with an extensive background in-
<yawn> Oh gods, just listen to me prattle on and on. I must have given this introduction a dozen times by now...
As I told the professor in my many missives, I believe that the area surrounding Pharos Sirius is replete with corrupted crystals of exceptional strength. Unfortunately, I've yet to test my hypothesis, as all access to the Isles of Umbra is prohibited at present, for reasons unknown to me.
You see, my attempts to acquire this information are often met with annoyance and disdain. It's rather puzzling, since I always take the time to explain my motivations in great detail to the subjects of my questioning. Mayhap you will have better luck wresting information from these Yellowjackets. I've all but given up at this point.
This arc goes some weird places in between jerking you around over crystals.
This catgirl is up above Ceana.
Ah, you startled me! Don't you know better than to sneak up on a person at a time like this, what with all this fatuous gossip of spirits and specters haunting the Isles of Umbra!? Just because I know it's nonsense doesn't make it any less frightening!
This guy's across from the aetheryte...
Yer keen on travelin' to the Isles of Umbra? Bloody 'ells, lass, are ye drunk or jus' crazy? Ain't nothin' there but death, death, an' more death!
All the way down on the bottom of the western end, near the jail cells, is the last guy.
The Isles of Umbra? What interest have you in that godsforsaken place? Ever since we were forced to abandon Pharos Sirius, the isles have become naught more than a graveyard for ships unable to navigate the shores-and a purgatory for the souls dragged down to the depths with 'em.
Ah, Ginger, you've returned! Tell me of your findings.
Sounds like there's an undead problem...
R-R-Really!? Infested with the undead, you say. That...that is a very, very interesting development. Excuse me for a moment while I gather my thoughts.
This, believe it or not, is seriously the halfway point of the arc. Yeah. To be fair, the last quest is really backloaded and there's a lot of stuff going on there. But in terms of the number of quests, this is 6/12.
W-W-Worry not, my friend! I've given your findings some thought, and I've concluded that this talk of spirits is naught more than local folklore. As for why all travel to the Isles of Umbra is restricted, well...mayhap it's considered too dangerous, owing to the abandonment of Pharos Sirius? Yes, well, anyway-while you were questioning those Yellowjackets, I paid a visit to the local pub, since even an esteemed scholar like myself enjoys dulling her wits on occasion.
It was there that I heard tell of a man named Skyfryn, who was recently detained after returning from-wait for it-the Isles of Umbra! This is the first I've heard of someone actually traveling to and from there, so I'm curious as to how he obtained permission. Mind having a chat with him in my stead? He was arrested, after all, so I'm somewhat reticent to approach him myself...
We have to return to the jail to talk to this guy.
I...I have to go back. She calls to me...sings to me... Ugh... Tell Mimidoa I'm sorry. Give him this. He was...he was right... Or...or you could release me? Yes...yes...release me. I will go and tell her... Let me...let me go to her...
He's got it bad.
What did Skyfryn have to say? Hm, that's not terribly helpful. I couldn't care less how much he misses his favorite bar wench. But what was that about a man named Mimidoa?
Wait...I know that name! That's that bastard who grabbed my arse the other day at the pub! Well, if you want to give him that feather, be my guest-I'm not going anywhere near him and his wandering hands.
Mimidoa is a weirdly prolific half senile Lalafell who pops up here in the MSQ, for the unlock quest for one of the postgame dungeons, and a random sidequest clear across Vylbrand from here. 
'Nother 'nitiate, are ye? No? Then what are ye? Speak up, missy, I can't hear ye!
Do you want this yellow feather?
Eh!? Bugger me, is this what I think it is? Nah, couldn't be... Ye found this, ye say? Where'd ye say ye found it? Skyfryn, ye say? Was hopin' to have a word with the lad, but it sounds like there's naught left 'twixt his ears. He was s'posed to help patch up Pharos Sirius, he was. Company sent me to supervise the lot of 'em. Weren't gettin' work done on their own, see-half of 'em walked off, half of 'em ran off, an' half of 'em up an' vanished.
What's that? Ye be lookin' fer passage to the Isles of Umbra!? Why didn't ye say so-I've been thinkin' o' dispatchin' someone to take a look on behalf of ol' Mimidoa. Tell him how the land lies. Ain't nobody been interested till you came a-callin'. Whole port's up in arms 'bout spirits an' so forth. If I had the gil, I'd hire some sellswords an' let 'em sort it out...
But ye'll do in a pinch, ye will. Show this parchment to the skipper an' he'll see ye there an' back.
Well that worked out oddly well. I think he's having an odd moment of clarity here.
Gotta return to Ceana instead of going ourselves because ???
So you went and had a word with Mimidoa. I hope the valuable time you saw fit to waste amounted to something.
He actually gave me a pass to go.
You mean that disgusting creature was Skyfryn's superior? I find that hard to believe. But this writ of passage does appear to be genuine, so it must be true... I must say, it is a relief to work with such an industrious woman as you. I look forward to hearing of the discoveries you will make on the Isles of Umbra...without me.
<sigh> Fine, fine! I fail to see the justification for dragging me along on your journey, but if you insist, I will go as well. But Twelve as my witness, if you leave me behind to be devoured by some horrid abomination, I...I shall come back to haunt you!
Normally we use this guy to return to Limsa, but now we can use him to go to a haunted island. 
Hah! "Take me to the Isles of Umbra," she bids! As if it's as simple as- Oh, I see you've got a writ of passage. All right, then, climb aboard.
Th-Th-This doesn't seem all that bad... I'm not saying I'd like to build a summer home here, but- Oh, the hells with this. Here, take your pot and go on without me.
You've harvested corrupted crystals before, right? So it isn't as though you require my assistance. Speak to the man guarding the gate-I'm sure he'll let you in. Now, if you would please excuse me...
These quests are all so short. I like it!
Beg your pardon, madam, but how did you come here? Access to this island is currently restricted...
I have a clay pot that says I'm allowed to be here!
An old pot? I'm not sure I follow. ...Oh, I see. You wish to harvest a corrupted crystal. Sorry, friend, but you may have to return empty-handed.
The writ Master Mimidoa gave you may grant you access to the island, but only authorized personnel may proceed past this point. Why, you ask? Look up and see for yourself. When that giant mass of crystal struck the lighthouse, it caused severe damage to both the structure and the machinery within that once powered the beacon.
Aye, contrary to what the smallfolk would have you believe, the fires of Pharos Sirius were not the product of a mage's thaumaturgy or a colossal arcane bomb, but an elaborate contraption fueled by aetherial energy. Repairs are still ongoing, but it's anyone's guess when they'll be complete. What's worse, all work has ceased since rumors of the walking dead drove off our entire crew.
Not that those rumors are incorrect-I've observed the fiends from a distance, at the Ship Graveyard to the south. What's drawn them to our shores is still a mystery, though. I'll make you a deal, Ginger: help me unravel this mystery, and I'll bring you your corrupted crystal. In fact, I shall begin searching for one that satisfies your requirements.
As for where to begin your inquiries into the situation, it so happens that a party of three adventurers came ashore not long ago, seeking to scavenge valuable trinkets at the Ship Graveyard. I'd be surprised if they knew nothing of the undead infestation, so it might behoove you to question them.
I think the reason this arc doesn't gall nearly as badly as Titan is, first, because it's so freaking short. Second, everyone you meet is happy to help you, they just are a little misguided. The """"joke"""" of the wrong crystal wears thin really damn quickly, but on top of that you also have this investigation of strange undead found on the isle.
These three give us some more insight to the undead plaguing the island.
Itsh all there fer the takin'! Five bleedin' yearsh worth of wrecksh and their cargo. But thoshe queer dead thingsh...and that voice... Actually, the voice was quite nice...
You saw 'em too, right? Dead people. Just shambling about, without a care in the world. Except when they do seem to care, that is, and start shuffling towards the water...
Gods, that voice, that single fleeting verse... I can still hear it... Stay clear of the southern shore, friend. It took every onze of my strength to resist.
Hmmm... This talk of an alluring voice is disturbingly familiar, as if... But that's impossible, they're all dead...aren't they?
An alluring voice from the sea? That can be only one "classic" Final Fantasy summon...
...But if they have returned, that would mean- Oh, beg your pardon, I was just, um...thinking about something. Which reminds me-I received word that Master Mimidoa would be arriving any moment.
Apparently, he grew frustrated waiting for the "sweet young lass with skin as soft as phoenix down" to return-which I'm assuming is you. I don't know what sort of arrangement you had, but you should probably go and explain yourself.
I'm trying to decide exactly what this structure coming out of the lighthouse even is. It's a giant arch, but I'm not sure it's a bridge. And I can't think of a single reason why a lighthouse needs an aqueduct.
Anyway, here's Mimidoa.
What's been keepin' ye, 'nitiate? I ain't gettin' any younger, ye know... Eh? Some honey-voiced harlot's been callin' out to folk what wander near the Ship Graveyard? An' it's stirred up the dead an' all? Bloody hells... This takes me back to me days as a cannonboy, sailin' under ol' Mistbeard...
...But they wouldn't dare, would they? Not after the lesson we learned 'em last time... Bah, they bloody would, though, wouldn't they, brazen ol' biddies... <sigh> Some folk said as the first purge would be the last, but I knew...knew deep down in me bones as this day would come. An' come it has. Aye...I'd bet me bum ear a siren's behind all this.
It's kind of out of nowhere, but I like that in the middle of dealing with Garuda, we have to deal with a Siren as well.
Nay, not one o' the Sanguine variety, 'nitiate. I speak o' the other kind-them what's got feathers, an' lure sailors to a watery grave with their sweet, sweet song. Ohhh, but it don't end there... No, drownin's just the start. See, even in death, a man stays bound to the beast, forced to do her biddin' till his corpse can't do it no more. 'Tis a fate I wouldn't wish on me worst enemy-'cept maybe in drink, an' I'd regret it after. Anyroad, 'tis up to us to stop this hells-born hussy afore she takes another soul!
'Course, we can't send ye marchin' off to war without these. The siren don't have no power o'er a man as can't hear her song. 'Tis lucky fer you I carry a spare pair-an' lucky fer the both of us I'm a superstitious ol' sod, eh? Well, she ain't comin' to us, so we'd best head o'er to her. To the Ship Graveyard, 'nitiate!
FATE JOINED
If she passes near the shore, she's sure to spy the campfire an' come lookin'... Just a matter o' waitin', now.
This duty is kinda neat.
Friggin skeletons what can't mind their own damn business. Fuck off I got a siren to kill!
<yawn> Hmph. I'm beginnin' to wonder if some sly bugger ain't spun us a yarn, here...
Quiet! D'ye hear that? 'Tis her!
Look! Out o'er the water! She's come, 'nitiate! She's come!
Quick, lass-shove them plugs in yer ears, an' get ready fer a fight! Soon as she realizes yer deaf to her ditties, she'll call on her thralls, an' we'll be up to our necks in corpses afore ye know it!
My Soul to Keep (This shit's pretty creepy and you should listen to it for this duty because 
)
...hither...embrace...mine everything...all...♫
...true love spurned...her cruelty's reward...♫
We just need to beat up some dead sailors.
Cast out...callous soul...dead to desire...♫
Spare...mournful mistress...distress...♫
Wave after wave of the bastards.
...melody...last breath...of death...the rhythm...♫
Dost thou not...to relent...regret...forever alone...♫
Eventually bubbles start spawning. They pose the biggest threat here because they're capable of actually causing damage to Ginger.
Finally a boss spawns. He goes down quickly as well.
My love...a river...one look...soul shiver...♫
No more...dark...eclipse...the heart...♫
After the Siren runs out of dead, she fucks off.
Eh? Am I all right? Hah! I'm better'n that, 'nitiate! Happy as a sailor in a whorehouse, I am! ...'Course, I'd be happy as a sailor with two wotsits if we'd gutted the songstress-but ye can't have everythin', can ye? She'll not come croonin' 'round here again, though-not fer a while, anyroad. An' if she does...well, we know what to do, don't we?
Thanks for the help, uh... Bugger me, I've clean forgot yer name! Remind me. Ginger? Don't recall havin' no 'nitiate by that name. But if yer not me ol' mate, er...wossname, why've ye been so bloody helpful? Ah, never mind. Be seein' ye, lassie.
At least he kept his mind long enough to prevent Ginger from falling victim to the siren.
You mean it was a siren!? But how were you able to resist her song? ...I see. I had heard that Master Mimidoa was involved in the first purge, but I never actually... Hm. Having survived an ordeal like that, I can't blame him for carrying earplugs around with him...
Anyway, I have something for you: the corrupted crystal you wanted, safely sealed within the pot, just as you requested. Please, take it with my compliments.
And then we'll end the update by returning to Ceana.
Oh, it's you! Welcome back, Ginger. You're looking remarkably hale, I must say-and, more importantly, alive! You are alive, aren't you? Aha! The conquering hero returns bearing a gift! Might I have a closer look?
Killed a siren and got a crystal for my troubles.
Impressive...very impressive indeed. Yes...I think you'll be quite pleased with this specimen. Congratulations, Ginger! Seldom if ever have I encountered a corrupted crystal composed of such a volatile overabundance of fire-aspected aether.
Oh for the love of...
What? You wanted a corrupted crystal composed of ice-aspected aether to counteract the effects of a raging wind? Ah...ahaha. Well, this specimen won't help you there. Anyone who knows anything about the elements could tell you that. You'll just have to keep looking, I suppose!
I'm gonna end the update here before this drags on for too long.
NEXT TIME: We reach the end of this game of grab-ass.