The Hot Forgotten Springs Episode

The party began their journey in Sirena's lair, finding themselves headed north in the desert. They continued onward for some time, finding themselves eventually within viewing distance of the nearest settlement, Forgotten Springs. The sun beat down on them from above, baking their bodies and scorching their spirits, but onward they progressed.

The party came upon an Amalj'aa warrior, already in fierce combat with a couple of Sand Orobons, and assisted him in killing the pair of delicious, gritty fish. The party expected reward, but instead were questioned - why were they poaching on sacred Brotherhood hunting grounds? The Amalj'aa, as he explained, was a member of the Brotherhood of Ash, and the Brotherhood did not welcome poachers on their lands. He challenged the party to battle, and the party nominated their mightiest warrior, Lulu, to face their foe. Lulu prevailed, and the warrior respected the party's strength and right to hunt on Brotherhood lands. He allowed the party passage, and gave them a small wand for their effort.

Eventually the party continued north, reaching viewing distance of the U tribe's camp, the only known way around Zan'rak. They soon found an abandoned cart in the desert, and as adventurers are wont to do, they searched it. Soon, a rumbling came from beneath the sand. An entire colony of sandworms, vicious beasts known to the settlers in the desert, emerged from the sands below. The party fought valiantly, and with the help of a few adventurers from the U tribe itself, managed to dispatch the beasts. The U tribe members were not pleased with the party's intrusion upon their hunt, but offered to escort them back to their tribe and tend to them for now.

U'odh Nuhn, leader of the U tribe, met with the party after healing the wounds of Mikey. He explained that the U tribe values strength above all else. The party proved itself weak by needing assistance to dispatch the sandworms, and so they offer little of value to him. Still, he offers them a chance to repay their debt and earn the favor of the Drakes - a small clan of young hunters recently went missing, far to the east, and he would like to hear of their fate. The group was hunting an antlion in the area, but should have already returned. He does not care if they are alive or dead, but knowing if they were killed by their quarry or by others is his concern. One of U'odh's many lovers approached the party as they left, explaining that the antlion the young hunters were seeking carries a powerful toxin that the U tribe needs to create medicine. Retrieving it in addition to finding the news of the young hunters would place the party in a place of much more respect.

The party headed east uneventfully. Eventually, they came upon a large ruin, finding a single Amalj'aa and the hunters. The Amalj'aa, however, merely laughed at the party's foolishness - he was truly a Voidsent, sent to retrieve what Sirena could not - the tome that was left behind at Woad Whisper Canyon. After a short encounter, the party dispatched the fiend, sending him back to whatever hell he came from. The hunters, unfortunately, were truly tempered, and as quickly as possible, the party granted them the only release they could: death.

Now, the party knew that the Void was coming for them. Still, they had a goal: finding the antlion and harvesting its venom.

You Can't Stop the Music (But They Did It Anyway)

The party left the future Moraby Drydocks with Ernestwyn at the helm after meeting Vereaux and Silent Wind at the pier. The two of them were in relatively good spirits despite everything they had been through in the last month, though Vereaux was forced to wear a clever glamour and Silent remained as weakened as ever. Mikey, ever the sharp Conjurer, deduced that Silent Wind was suffering the effects of Enervation - an effect tied to negative aether, that literally drains the experience and strength of a lifetime out of its carrier. Conjurers of sufficient skill can reverse the condition, so getting him to Gridania was nearly as critical as escorting Vereaux.

The party left the port with little trouble. About a day into their journey, they felt a sharp knock at the bottom of the ship, and soon after, a large Sahagin poked his head above water. He threatened to sink the vessel if they didn't turn over the crystals aboard - although Xyantha wisely figured out that he'd probably do it anyway, as Sahagin aren't known for being kind or fair. The party fought him off through cannonfire, spell, and melee combat, enraging the giant Sahagin by insulting his lack of a bachelor's degree.

The next day aboard the vessel, in the distance, the party noticed the aetherial form of a giant sea serpent. Correctly identified as the Sahagin primal Leviathan, the party could do little about it - he was headed in the opposite direction, for one, and the party would not be able to take on even a weakened Leviathan with their current strength. Ernestwyn decided to get the party to shore, then return to Limsa with as much haste as possible to let them know the news.

The party disembarked at the southern coast of Thanalan, heading north through the Sagolii Desert (not Dessert). Their first day was relatively uneventful, and that evening the party met a handsome (and oddly charming, though insistent) Lalafellin trader. The party eventually purchased some wares from the charming fellow, and he left them to continue his pursuit of ancient relics that he sells for jewelry. Jaerahn, after being contacted, thought this was the best course of action.

As the party moved further into the desert, they found themselves at an oasis of some kind - a pool and trees surrounded by sand. Hearing a beautiful voice below, the party met Sirena, a young, beautiful woman who told them she lived in the desert alone. One by one, the party resisted Sirena's charms, at least until Jinx met up with the party after a trip to the Golden Saucer. After a long battle against Sirena and her minions, however, the party prevailed - and then looted her stuff. After a short rest, they prepared to continue their journey north...

Shocked

This week, the party began their adventure by speaking with Ririka and Lady L'aura Lhaminn. Ririka and Ms. Lhaminn explained why they had contacted the party - Ririka, working for Ms. Lhaminn, was investigating a number of disappearances that had begun with her son's disappearance a few months prior to the start of the adventure. Ririka explained that she was investigating the cave when the party showed up, and she then tailed them for awhile while also exploring what was going on on her own. Once the party actually escaped from the cave, as she predicted, she decided that she needed to contact them and get all of the facts straight. The party spent a decent amount of time swapping information with the pair, and eventually Ririka and the party decided that getting to Gridania along with Vereaux and her party would be the best course of action.

The party travelled to Moraby Drydocks, or at least what would soon be that town. Along the way, they encountered a young woman who was under attack by some jackals. The party, despite their best attempts to tame a wild jackal, eventually drove the beasts off. Lulu offered the poor maiden, whose name was Edith, a large sum of gil. She spent the night with the party and eventually moved on. Tensions flared between Ririka and Jinx, however, and Jinx decided to move on without the party to Moraby for now.

The party arrived to find Jinx in Moraby, having already gathered a decent bit of information. Ririka apologized for her outbursts, then asked her old friend Captain Guldstrwyn if he could help the party get to Gridania. He said he could if the party could help them, warning that the journey would be tough, but doable. First, though, the party needed to get to some water crystals, located in a crater made by the Calamity.

The party arrived to the crater to find that the rumored Sahagin in the area were already dead, killed by yet another Allagan system gone haywire. The party fought hard and disabled the device, finding another Allagan tomestone and the water crystals they needed. Jaerahn was contacted, but the party bristled as his asking for additional materials without compensation - offended, Jaerahn ended the call then and there. The party then headed to Moraby once again, looking to begin their journey across the sea...

Pride and Duty (Will Lead You to the Mountain)

Upon arriving in Limsa Lominsa, the party discovered that their planned route to Lower La Noscea - the Tempest Gate - had been destroyed in a Kobold attack during the festival. The city, still recovering from the shock of a direct attack on their soil, hadn't begun repairing the damage yet. Given the extent of the damage, however, it was likely going to be several months before the gate was finished. Not gifted with the luxury of time, the party moved on to find a new way across.

They ran into Xyantha, a Half-Hyur Half-Elezen Minstrel, who had also been seeking passage to Lower La Noscea - for similar reasons. She decided to join the party in discovering the best way to cross the mountain path. The party purchased supplies, and found a helpful member of the Maelstrom who gave them advice on finding an easier way to cross the mountain.

The party began their journey to the mountain pass soon after. During the evening, a frog attacked the party, but was quickly dispatched. The following morning, the party began their journey, finding the pass easy at first, but quickly finding rougher terrain the higher up the mountain they traveled. At the first juncture, they encountered a baby green dragon, but it was placated quickly with a stuffed teddy bear won from the previous session's festivities.

After the party's successful ascent past the deadly vents, they moved forward into the mountain and discovered the pass that they had heard about. The party eventually stumbled upon some hot springs, finding themselves being accosted by two Mamool Ja. These ones were relatively friendly, and after some hot spring shenanigans, the party moved on.

Eventually, the path began to turn down the mountain once more, and just as the party thought they were leaving the mountain, they found themselves facing a group of extremely angry Kobolds. Enraged by the party's "trespass" upon their lands, the Kobolds fought fiercely against the party. Despite the Kobolds' attempts, however, they were vanquished, and the party moved on.

As the party arrived at their destination, they were greeted by a familiar face, and a woman dressed in clothes you would expect to see only on nobility...

Bananas & Hammocks

Our adventure began this week with the party in Limsa Lominsa, living in the temporary location of the Drowning Wench. After an attempted late-night burglary (which was aptly foiled by Lulu's watchful eyes), the party woke and spoke with Baderon Tenfingers himself. He still controlled the leve system - woefully underused in these times, he admits - and gave the party the local requests given to the adventurers guild. After harmlessly flirting with most of the party (and making a casual acquaintance out of Mikey), Baderon bid them well and sent them on their way. They met with a merchant who needed an escort to Summerford, and they got on their way.

The merchant was not the most appreciative sort, and got on the party's nerves a bit along the way. Nevertheless, the party managed to deal with a large wolf they encountered on the way, as well as managed to not get eaten by the legendary Skogs Fru. They safely deposited the merchant at Summerford, and headed to their next destination - the farms at Zephyr drift.

Upon arriving at Zephyr, the party encountered a shard of Dalamud lodged in a home. They contacted Jaerahn via their linkshell, but he was a bit intoxicated at the time. After reassuring the party that shards like this were located all over the world, the party moved on to their actual objective - a trio of Goobbues that were tearing up a local farm. After a noble but failed attempt at animal diplomacy, nearly being eaten, and Mikey's love of badgers once again being displayed in full, the Goobbues were defeated and the farm was saved.

The party returned to Baderon, rewards from their new adventures in hand. He told them that Commander Hisahn had asked about them and wanted him to tell them to head to the Moonfire Faire. Upon arrival, the Commander gave the party leave to participate in the Faire despite them not being able to perform their actual duties for the Storm. The party entered, and was told the prizes for participating - the true reward being a chocobo, just for them!

The party competed in a number of tasks, including an archery competition with a very, very lazy attendant. Azrael won by sticking the arrow straight into the bullseye. After, Lulu dazed the crowd with a victory over a very tough lalafell, and even facing Hamon Holyfist himself! Riju managed to win over the affections of the mysterious female contestant at the dating game, and the two spent many hours together playing pranks on the various carnival goers.

Eventually, the party managed to win their prized chocobo - a yalm and a half tall gigantic stuffed version, to be exact. They also received a variety of clothing items for their efforts, and Mikey received an exquisite staff made in the likeness of a Moogle, that said "Kupo" when swung.

The party sat down for dinner as the Festival approached its close. They received a letter from a Moogle, detailing the plight of Vereaux and her companions, and they decided to help. Soon after, however, a mysterious young woman asked the party to meet with her mistress at Moraby Bay, warning them that they are in terrible danger...

Out of the Dark, Into the Knight

The party began its adventure with a conversation. Silent Wind, the adventurer who had been captured by the mage leading the ritual, spoke with the party about his capture, explaining that he and his companions had been held there for several weeks, and that he was the third of the group to be taken back. He, Joe, Vereaux, and Calpernia, much like the party, joined the Storm about four weeks prior, and were overwhelmed by the forces stationed in the cave. They endured a grueling four weeks, where their bodies were tortured and their minds decimated, with Calpernia and Joe both being much less experienced - and much more broken - than Silent or Vereaux. The party and Silent deduce that Vereaux was the relatively friendly Voidsent that they had met, and they quickly met with her - trying to find a way to help her escape. Eventually, the party decided to leave Silent there for now, with him promising to send post once he understands how he, Joe, and Vereaux will move forward. Mikey seemed out of it for the entire adventure, muttering something about Penguins the entire time the party was adventuring.

The party left the mine, traveling along Woad Whisper Canyon and back to the Descent, they came across a scene they weren't quite expecting. An Auri Dark Knight, later known to be named Azrael, was fighting his way through a force of bandits who seemed intent on capturing him. The party quickly dispatched the bandits, and in the process, they found some loot - and they found a new party member. Azrael, being an Au Ra, had numerous encounters with those seeking to capture him for some reason. The party, recognizing that there may be a potential connection to their quest, allowed him to join.

As the party traveled up the Descent, they came across an innocuous looking treasure chest, and the party's two resident trapfinders examined it closely... only to find that it wasn't a treasure chest at all. The mimic sprung into action, quickly incapacitating the two. After a long and sticky battle, the party managed to kill the mimic, only to find that it melted into a pool of goo after its death. Jinx, being the savvy gilmaker that she is, collected some of the goo to sell to the crafters in Limsa Lominsa.

As the party rode back into Limsa, they found the beginnings of preparations for the Moonfire Faire, or at least an event similar to it. The road was now well-patrolled, with most of the Yellowjackets making regular rounds up and down the path between Limsa and Summerford Farms. Upon entering the city proper, the party was approached by Jaeranh Glidsmythin, a Roegadyn Sea Wolf who hailed from Sharlayan. He approached the party to inquire about the Allagan Tomestone they acquired, and explained a bit more about the Calamity and its relationship with Allagan. The party lent him the tomestone, with promises that he would later contact them if he needed their assistance at a later date.

The party made their way back to the Commander, explaining the situation and introducing the new members of their party. The Commander, clearly taken aback by the news they brought with their arrival, offered to allow them to stay in Limsa for a few days and work security for the Faire, rather than having them investigate the matter further. She explained that she wanted more experienced members to look into this, rather than risking the lives of novice adventurers once again. The party has accepted the accomodations offered, and is now waiting until their next orders come in...

Into the Dark of an Endless Night

We begin our journey with a small river adventure, our party navigating the treacherous waters of the canyon with little difficulty. They floated down the river, and stumbled upon a small cave - a cave which none of them could identify. Later, they would discover it was a mine of some sort, but without Mistral, their former companion, they couldn't identify it specifically. In any case, they entered the cave.

Upon entering, the darkness of the cave was overwhelming. A couple of party members could see fine in the darkness, but the majority required a light source to see anything. Along the walls, crystals shone faintly in the darkness. Unbeknownst to the party, a small goblin was also exploring the cave for her own reasons, and was stealthmaking her way past some elementals in the room. The adventurers, however, were not so sneaky. They alerted the elementals to their presence, and a battle ensued, ending in the defeat of the elementals and the acquisition of a few fire crystals. The Goblin, Smallthings, decided to join the party for her own reasons... Gobbiespeak is hard to decipher even for someone used to the language. 

To proceed further in the crystal mine, the party had to face one of their most daunting challenges yet - the dreaded 5-foot-chasm. The majority of the party made it across with little difficulty, but Lulu - her tiny body weighed down even more by the armor she carried - found herself falling into the pit. Mikey fell in as they tried to cross another precarious gap, but they managed to make it through with no deaths! As they attempted to cross, oddly alluring music floated from further down the hallway...

After the dreaded chasm, the party noticed some odd stonework that appeared to be a door, but with no means of opening it. They went further into the cave, and found themselves in an abandoned storage room, with old supplies and broken furniture, and a candle that oddly never seemed to burn out. A stench permeated the air, choking even the goblin through her mask! Eventually, the source of the smell - and the means of advancement for the party - was found. A pit, filled with decaying body parts... and the switch for the door. Smallthings climbed into the pit, hit the switch, and the party moved on.

Riju'ri, feeling jubilant at the newfound progress, rushed into the next room! As he passed through the hallway, howver, he felt an odd depression and a click, as a giant wooden beam hurtled towards him! He got hit fully with the dastardly trap's payload, but was not mortally injured. Moving forward, the party heard the odd singing once again - only much, much closer. Preparing for a fight, they cast protective wards and moved into the next room. 

As they entered, the singing stop, but turned into a screech! A splash of grease spilled on the floor, making movement impossible. The creature causing this disturbance was a lamia, a Voidsent that Riju'ri was well acquainted with. A relatively weak lamia, she still proved to be a devastating foe, attacking Keshalyi with reckless abandon, knocking her out cold. The party managed to subdue her, and noticed a prisoner in a cage. With some convincing, they managed to calm down the confused man, and he thanked them for their help before leaving the cave. 

The very exhausted party decided that it was a good time to rest, and various watches were established with no interruptions in rest. Mikey, however, was approached by a snake in his sleep. Feeling it crawling in his sleeping bag, he was initially frightened, but it was actually friendly - it saw him as a nice person, and decided to help him! For the rest of the dungeon, Mikey gained a new friend. 

The party woke the next day and found an underground river, which they crossed with relative ease (Lulu's weight allowing her to merely walk across the bottom of the slow-moving stream). They found another grease-like substance, and cautiously entered the pool. They fell through, finding themselves caught in a spider's next. The spider who caught them, however, was anything but ordinary.

"Welcome to my parlour! Can I get you all something to drink?" A drider, another voidsent, was standing before the party. However, she was not acting like a creature of the night, insisting that the party instead drink her drinks, her spiders, and her tea. She was clearly not a normal voidsent, but a changling - one who managed to hold on to her sense of self despite her changed form and mind. The party had no choice for now but to leave her behind, but they left wondering how she came to be.

Their questions were soon answered. They followed the trap door down to a small drop, which lead to a door. Smallthings and Keshalyi opened the door with no difficulty, and they stumbled upon a gruesome scene. A mage of some sort was performing a ritual, and a fellow adventurer was being drained to death by the orb of dark energy. Keshalyi and Riju'ri quickly recognized that to interrupt the ritual, the void aether being used to siphon energy away from the adventurer would need to be destroyed. 

Using a combination of corrupted aether crystals, holy water, and cure spells, the party managed to interrupt the ritual. The mage, sensing that his powers were too drained to deal with this situation, teleported away immediately, leaving behind little but the adventurer - and some gear he'd collected from others who had wandered into his lair. What reason could he have for consorting with the void?