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The Waking Sands
Hello everyone and welcome back. Do you smell that? It smells like fresh patch content!
I take it you've come to study the tomes as well? It's very, very important to broaden your knowledge, as Y'shtola says. (Take me with you, Ginger, please! I said I wanted to take on greater responsibilities, but I didn't expect her to heap tomes on my desk in response...)
Fresh patch content, for what it's worth, smells like fresh-faced players lining up to receive emotional trauma from the MSQ. It's a very distinct smell.
Truly, there is no rest for the weary. Scarce had I begun to make myself at home when I received a request for assistance from Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern. It would appear their storehouse in Horizon has been the target of a series of covert robberies.
Minor as they seemed in isolation, occasional discrepancies in the manifests were long dismissed as clerical errors. It was only during the Concern's annual audit that a pattern became apparent...
I need hardly tell you what that may imply.
Ginger's "oh shit" look says it all.
The Brass Blades charged with investigating the thefts believe that someone within the Concern is selling the crystals for profit. Alas, they have as yet been unable to identify a likely suspect, and the Concern's proprietors have grown frustrated by their lack of progress.
Needless to say, I would not have agreed to intervene had the stolen goods been of merely monetary value. If there is even a possibility that the thief acts not out of self-interest but in service to a primal, we can ill afford to wait for the Blades to realize their mistake.
Pray depart for Horizon at your earliest convenience. Rendezvous with Y'shtola when you arrive. She and Thancred have already begun a preliminary investigation. I have every confidence that the three of you will get to the bottom of these thefts. I only hope our fears prove unfounded when you do.
This is Ginger caught mid-nod.
Yes, I'm using Sanguinia's idea of taking screenshots of the dialogue boxes. It's a little more work than just copying from my transcript, but it's also better than showing a samey background with just text. So it's the best of both worlds!
Off to Horizon once again.
So we've already hit our first difference. In the Old Times, this quest would have had us go all the way out to Eastern Thanalan to talk to Thancred, who would then point us at Horizon.
Ah, Ginger. Your assistance is most welcome. I have already spoken at length with the Brass Blades of the Rose-albeit to little avail. It would seem that the thieves took great pains to conceal their activities.
I could go into further detail, but your time might better be spent in conversation with Fufulupa. He is the officer charged with leading the investigation, and I would only be repeating that which he related to me. If aught eluded my attention, mayhap it will not elude yours.
Fufulupa, if you don't remember, is the very emotionally sensitive commander of the Blades stationed out of Horizon. Ginger met him all the way back in update 14 or so.
Fracture
Ginger! What a pleasure to see you again. Y'shtola said to expect you. Terrible business, these thefts. We have yet to confirm the quantity of crystals stolen, but I daresay it may be greater than-
Ah, but never mind that! I have news to share! A short while ago, the driver of a heavily laden carriage refused to halt for inspection and broke through one of our checkpoints on the Royal Allagan Sunway.
The cart bolted off toward eastern Thanalan, where-thank the gods-I hear that our colleagues were able to apprehend them without further incident.
...A speeding carriage? That would seem a curious choice for thieves of such proven cunning. Yet the Amalj'aa do have a foothold in eastern Thanalan. Hmmm. And what of their cargo? Did they carry the crystals we seek?
We should be receiving a report any moment now, but I fail to see what else it could-
...Thancred. Wherever have you been off to?
I figured you had everything under control here, so I just took a brief excursion to the east to check up on our Amalj'aa friends. And wouldn't you believe it? I happened upon a runaway carriage on the way, and even was able to do my small part to help my friends in the Brass Blades intercept it.
In all my years, I have never seen such a prodigious quantity of somnus. The Blades were calling it one of the greatest hauls they've ever seen. The stolen crystals, on the other hand, were nowhere to be found.
Is that so? Alas...I suppose we have no choice but to resume our search elsewhere.
We should reassess our options as well. Come with us, Ginger.
...And so we find ourselves back where we began. <sigh> What have I overlooked...?
Against all expectation, it would seem the Amalj'aa are innocent of this particular spate of crimes. By all indications, they have yet to replenish the stores of crystals exhausted during their last attempt to summon Ifrit.
What I can't fathom is why anyone else would go to such lengths to obtain crystals-and in such quantities. It cannot be that we are dealing with simple thieves. If their motive were profit, why would they limit their trade to crystals alone...? Plainly, we are missing something.
While you think about what it might be, I shall inform Urianger of our progress-or lack thereof.
'Tis I. The situation may be more complicated than we anticipated.
Daring Dalliances
Ere thou goest-another matter requireth thine attention. A young maiden, full eager to-
Wherefore inquirest thou of her fairness!? Very well. Be she damsel or devil, I shall direct her steps to Revenant's Toll.
...Save thine insinuations for one given to such impropriety. Thou shalt not find me amenable.
A commotion outside attracts Urianger's attention.
Conundrum
Some very obviously foreign guests are disembarking a ship.
Far across the sea, from the land of Doma, have we traveled. We seek audience with the ruler of these lands. Who here speaks for you?
We'll meet more of this lady in purple quite soon enough. But first, some more intrigue!
Any bright ideas? A solitary flash of insight?
*shrugs*
...No? Well then, for want of a better suggestion, I say we try picking Fufulupa's brain again. Who knows, if we work together, we may yet find something of use nestled away within it.
I'm flattered that you enjoy my company so much, Ginger, but talking to me isn't going to get us anywhere. Come, let's have a word with Fufulupa.
Mayhap a more subtle approach is in order...
I see Fufulupa hasn't changed an iota.
Calm yourself, Fufulupa. What is this disturbing possibility of which you speak?
I was contemplating as to how the thieves' activities escaped our notice for so long, and then it came to me! What if there is someone among our own ranks conspiring with them-a traitor in our own midst!?
Indeed. If, for reasons of security, the Concern decided to transfer the remaining crystals stored in Horizon to another location, their plans would be discovered the moment the Brass Blades were informed.
Ah, but such a shipment would surely be well guarded. Would thieves as wily as ours risk open confrontation?
Mayhap not. But neither would the Concern be eager to present them with such an obvious target. Nay, they might instead elect to carry out the transfer in secret-to entrust the goods to, let us say, a lone Miqo'te miner, traveling without escort so as not to attract undue attention.
This is something I've long had a headcanon about, but miqo'te are basically the perfect spies in Eorzea. They're everywhere and most people hardly take note of them. It's like Mass Effect's Thane using children as a way to source leads. Nobody pays the slightest bit of attention to street rat kids, so they let their guards down around them.
But who- Ahhh, I see! Yes, the Concern may well elect to do that. But to travel with so much cargo would be a strenuous task indeed, and this miner would certainly need to rest upon the way. Mayhap...north of the bridge to Hammerlea?
A fine spot for a rest-would you not agree, Ginger? You lie in wait to the north, and I shall do the same to the south.
*nods*
Ahem! Forgive me, my friends, but I have received new orders! I must inform my men at once!
Call me a cynic, but I would be surprised if these thieves lay down their arms and surrender. See that you come prepared to offer them some encouragement.
Y'shtola's mining outfit is adorable.
Meanin' no offense, miss-I'd sooner be left in peace.
Hiding down south of Y'shtola...
What are you doing, Ginger!? If the thieves approach from the north, there will be no one there to stop them!
And Ginger's spot is up here.
These bandits are kind of dumb.
Especially with Ginger's incredibly potent one-two red magic combination. A few groups try to attack Ginger, but she dispatches them easily.
It was no problem~
A gang of Sea Wolf thieves, and in Thanalan, no less. I suppose there's a first time for everything...
Sea Wolves? All of them?
Aye, and all with the same taste in facial tattoos. Blue, in case you were wondering.
...Our thieves are a long way from home.
I just wanted to give one more shot of Y'shtola's cute mining outfit. 
Thancred-if you would be so good as to attend to the outstanding matters in Horizon... I have inquiries to make.
To Horizon, then. Fufulupa will want to hear about your meeting with the thieves.
This tale does not require a bard's embellishment. Simply tell Fufulupa what transpired.
On behalf of the Brass Blades of the Rose, I thank you for your service to Horizon! Ah, but we have not been idle! While you were afield, we succeeded in identifying the traitor within our ranks!
Is that so? Then, by your leave, I should very much like to have a word with the fellow in private.
Ah...no. I am afraid that will not be possible. Regrettably, he, um...managed to subdue the unit of Blades dispatched to detain him, and made good his escape.
Oh, for the love of- And how did he manage that, exactly? Your men haven't been sampling that somnus we confiscated, have they? Or was he a giant in disguise?
N-No...but he was quite strong! A Sea Wolf-Lominsan born and raised, I believe. But do not worry-we will find him, you have my word on that!
I see... Pray keep me apprised of any developments.
*ring ring*
Yes? ...She's standing next to me. ...Understood.
...You might try to look a little disappointed! Or do you mean to give me another one of your stoic nods? You do, don't you? <sigh>
*the world's most smug stoic nod*
The Antecedent bid me tell you to make for Vesper Bay, where young Alphinaud awaits your coming most eagerly. It was he who requested your assistance.
Some commotion or incident-I am not privy to the details. While you do whatever it is that Alphinaud has planned for you, I shall endeavor to track down our traitorous Brass Blade. And when I do, you may rest assured that we will have our answers.
Alphinaud could have easily met us in Horizon.
You are late. No matter-I know where our visitors are headed. From what I have been able to gather, this vessel belongs to a band of Domans who seek an audience with the sultana. You are familiar with Doma, yes? In Othard?
Well, like the rest of the nations of the eastern continent, it is ruled by the Garlean Empire. Given our visitors' unannounced arrival, as well as the state of their ship, I suspect they did not leave their homeland under the best circumstances. Needless to say, I should be very interested to hear their tale and, more importantly, what they know of the current state of affairs in the Empire. Such information could prove most useful.
We would be fools not to pursue this opportunity, do you not think? Come with me to Ul'dah, Ginger. Unless I am mistaken-and I am rarely mistaken-we will find the Domans bickering with a Sultansworn on the Royal Promenade.
So...
...You are uncertain of your role in the proceedings? Insurance. If our guests are not themselves imperial agents, it seems fair to assume that they may be being pursued by some. And if not, who better than you to have on hand in the event of an unforeseen diplomatic incident?
Besides, I do so enjoy your sparkling repartee. Satisfied? Good. I shall see you in Ul'dah.
*flips Alphi off as he walks past*
All the way over in Ul'dah, up near the Fragrant Chamber...
It matters not how many times you ask! Without the necessary permissions, none shall pass!
Pray understand, good sir! We have not the leisure to lodge a formal petition. Time is of the essence. All I ask is that you summon your superior. Allow me to plead my case. Surely you can grant us that small kindness?
You know not what you do...
I gather your pleas fell upon deaf ears.
A loyal man with a cold heart. I know his kind well.
I hope that you will find me more to your liking. Alphinaud Leveilleur, at your service. A friend.
Which, I believe, makes me very nearly unique-in this part of the world, at least. Few indeed are your allies in Ul'dah. Yet you will need some if you wish to endear yourselves to the wealthy and powerful. Pray join me and my associate at the Quicksand. There you may explain your situation to us, and we shall see if there is aught we can do to help.
Ginger's stoically nodding again. Mostly to be passive aggressive at Alphi.
It has been ever so long since we last set foot on dry land. I truly hope this marks the end of our journey.
We would be most grateful for any assistance you and Master Alphinaud can offer.
Master Alphinaud's associate, yes? We have been waiting for you. I trust you are ready to begin?
Canticle
We have traveled some several thousand malms across the sea, from the nation of Doma, in hopes that we might find sanctuary in these lands.
Sanctuary, Lady Yugiri?
Aye. Lying within Othard, Doma was under the dominion of the Garlean Empire, as I am sure you are aware. When the war of succession broke out in Garlemald, we espied an opportunity to free ourselves from the yoke of imperial oppression, and took up arms.
...Only to be crushed. And so I gathered what few Domans escaped the reckoning, and guided them hither to your shores.
...War of succession? 
Garlemald is having a succession crisis?
A war of succession...? Then the Emperor... Forgive me, you said that Doma "was" under imperial rule, did you not?
Twelve have mercy... And your people?
On a ship anchored in Vesper Bay, flying borrowed colors. Many were complicit in the rebellion, or are kin to those who were. They will not come ashore until I send word that it is safe to do so. I sought an audience with your rulers, but was summarily refused.
The lords of Ul'dah are not wont to entertain foreign refugees without suitable encouragement.
Mayhap I was foolish to expect otherwise. But our supplies run low, and we have young ones in urgent need of care. I have seen the tents outside the gates, however. We are not the first to seek asylum, nor will we be the last.
...Be that as it may, Ul'dah is no friend to Garlemald. Your tale would stir the hearts of many men and women here. The sultana and the Syndicate will not be so easily swayed-but I shall see that you are granted an opportunity to plead your case.
This is within your power?
Well...far be it from me to boast, but I do have the ear of certain influential individuals.
I am in your debt.
Master of the humblebrag, Aphinaud.
Lady Yugiri, forgive me for observing, but...your choice of attire seems like to evoke feelings of mistrust.
Men are wont to fear the unfamiliar. We know this from experience.
We seek only to spare the people of Ul'dah unnecessary disquiet.
I shall defer to your experience, then.
I thank you for your understanding.
It seems I have urgent business with the Flame General. I leave our guests in your capable hands.
We are grateful beyond measure for this kindness.
Lady Yugiri labors day and night for the good of our people. She is an inspiration to us all...yet I worry for her health.
If I may, madam-as I said earlier, we have been at sea for some several moons, and our supplies are all but spent. I have not the heart to repeat the tales of our tribulations, nor would it please you to listen to them, I think. Suffice it to say, however...sacrifices have been made.
Though it shames me to beg for more when you have already offered so much, desperation compels me... Good madam, if you or your associates could spare any provisions-anything at all-it would go a long way to lessen the suffering of my people.
Let me ask around real quick. Stay put, alright?
...Hells, why didn't you say so sooner, Ginger? 'Course I'll help! You couldn't have picked a better day, to tell the truth! A wealthy merchant an' his entourage were due to have a banquet here on the morrow, see, but just sent word they can't come, meanin' I've got a boatload of foodstuffs an' no one to feed. Best of all, they paid for the lot in advance! Hah hah!
Go an' call on Fridurih an' Katherine at the Sapphire Avenue Exchange. Tell 'em I said to ship the little prince's order to the Wakin' Sands. Oh, an' if they argue, just show 'em those letters. That should set 'em straight.
It's so weird seeing snow in Ul'dah. It's only because I recorded this on the last day of Starlight.
She's in the business of feedin' refugees now? I ain't normally one to question Mistress Momodi's judgment, but that doesn't seem wise to me.
I didn't ask for your opinion. Check the papers.
I'll not speak for the children, but if you ask me, any man what can't earn a crust deserves to go hungry.
I pray you never find yourself in the position these folks are in. Asshole.
My, that's a rather odd request. Mayhap you misheard her instructions?
No, I heard her just fine. Orders are right here.
You know, you shouldn't encourage them like this. They'll start to expect it, you mark my words!
Kindly die.
They didn't give you any trouble, did they? Good. Now go an' tell Lady Yugiri it's all in hand.
I...I dared not hope for such magnanimity, much less expect it! Mistress Momodi is generous indeed... I shall be sure to thank her most humbly.
Lady Yugiri, I briefed the Flame General on your situation. I think you will be pleased with his reply.
We have been granted an audience?
Before the sultana and the Syndicate both. We should return to the Royal Promenade at once.
You have done much for us, Master Alphinaud. I swear we shall return the favor.
Naught is owed, Lady Yugiri, for naught has been given. This small favor, you fairly won with your words. And it is with words that you must win the favor of the Syndicate.
Then I shall choose them with care.
(to Ginger) You will be accompanying us, yes? Good. Your presence may serve to remind the Syndicate of the true meaning of philanthropy-and that nothing so unpalatable will be required of them, assuming the Domans are willing to earn their keep. Come, the Flame General awaits us on the Royal Promenade.
In the interests of keeping the remaining updates more breezy, I'm gonna be cutting this one here. The cutscenes to follow are pretty long and if I don't, then we'll be here until the update is double this length.
NEXT TIME: Meet The Syndicate!