Retainer Ad-Venture Contest (EU) - Entry Thread

Character name: Kiro Moth
World Name: Moogle(EU)
Choice of in game prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

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Am... Am I being shaken? I... I think I am

"Stop that" I groaned, being forcefully pulled from the bliss of a drunken blackout into the harsh reality of a hangover.

I sat up in my seat, lifting my head from the bar table and turning to face my attacker head on, ready to show them the power of a hung-over master fisher.

Luckily today would not be the day I showed the world the power of my fishers limit break, it was not a thief, drunken idiot or primal, it was simply a barmaid come to wake me.

"You've only got 30 minutes left to collect something for you master!" she exclaimed in her soft miqo'te voice.

"Only 30?!" I shouted, jumping from my chair as fast as my little Lalafell legs could manage.

Normally I'd have a few hours, enough to catch a few 'semi-decent fish' as my master would say, or if I was really struggling for a catch I'd simply detach a roof from a nearby house, but none of this was possible in a mere 30 minutes.

"What are you going to do? Even you can't possibly go out, catch something and get back in time" She said, smiling as if she was enjoying this, enjoying the pain of my situation that was 100% out of my control, all you can drink for 1 venture token? How is anyone to resist that!

"I need something that's quick and easy to get... But not common" I thought out loud to the barmaid.

The barmaid smirked and reached into a pocket, pulling out 5 silver pieces. "Here, this might help you out" she said, handing me the allagan silver.

"Thank you! But this isn't enough... I need to get something else to go with this..."

As I said this I felt something brush against my waist. I turned in panic to find a chubby looking cat.

"My my, by the size of him you better watch that you don't get eaten!" the barmaid joked.

Keeping my distance I circled him, this was by far the largest cat I'd ever seen, it looked fuzzy and warm, a happy little cat, no wonder it was so big with all the food it must have been getting from random people simply for being adorable.

"This could work" I said, with an evil grin. "You don't happen to have a large sack or anything, I've got the perfect thing in mind to bring back to my master"

http://i.imgur.com/iOe5nUZ.png


Hart looks down at a small sack in his hands and brings it closer to his face for inspection. Scratching one of his horns he sighs “Really, Estein? La Noscean Lettuce Seeds. Again?”

The beaming Lala smile on Estein’s face falls to a thin line.

“You know I’m not a gardener” Hart continues “Sure, others in the FC might be, but still! What am I to do with this?”

Estein crosses his arms “I thought you like it.”

Hart tosses the sack to Estein “Put that in your chest with the rest of them would you? Look, lately you’ve been coming up short”

“Is that a joke?”

Hart rolls his eyes “No. I know I’m sending you out on quick explorations but you keep bringing back these small useless things”

Estein’s eyes narrow “So you want me to bring back some tall things?”

Hart’s shoulders slump “Big. Something big, something good, something at least useful. I don’t need more pies or Jack-o’-lanterns or fish. Frankly, I don’t how fresh these can be or where you’re getting these from as I know you’re sure no culinarian or fisher…”

Estein shrugs “We both have our ways.”

Hart nods “Exactly, so use them to bring back something I may want. The hero of light wants not for scraps from others.” Pulling out two ventures he flicks them towards Estein “I have to go keep the world safe from darkness. The least you can do is pull your weight and be back on time.”

Estein catches the coins “Sure. Fine then. Run along, you better not keep Eorzea waiting.”

Grimacing, Hart turns and walks towards the gate of Thal.

Estein pulls an unsightly face in Hart’s direction before walking the other way through the market crowd and grumbling to himself “What does the overgrown lizard oaf expect? He only gives me an hour.” A sly smirk creeps across his face “Alright. You want something big?”

~~~***~~~

Hart struts back into the market, a skip in his step and a little over 20,000MGP in his purse. Leaning down, he taps the summoning bell, its twin chimes ringing out. Looking around Estein is nowhere to be seen. Ringing it repeatedly, Hart hears a shout from the distance.

“I get it, hold you bloody chocobos!”

Walking out to the middle of the market walkway Hart looks off into the distance. “What in Haedelyn…”

As Estein comes into view ropes can be seen tied around his waist and chest which connect to a massive trailing structure behind him. People clear a path as the object barely fits through the central gates.

Walking over Hart looks at Estein wide-eyed “Where did you get this?”

Estein laughs while panting and undoes the rope ties “We have our ways… right? It’s a new Riveria house wall”

Hart blinks slowly, looking between the walling and the Lala “How… but… wait. The FC is cottage sized anyway!”

Estein throws his hands up “Well. I guess it’s not too small then, huh?!”

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Character Name: Hart Stryer
World Name: Tonberry
Item: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Character name: Neuflune Mochiko
World name: Carbuncle
In-game Prize: Mandragora Choker
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Oh, the tales that I could tell you about that venture…

But what’s the point in continuing? My mistress is looking at me with such bright and wide eyes and all I can do is… is… hand over this chicken stock. It wasn’t much of an adventure, I just nabbed it from someone’s kitchen. Ah, but my mistress does not seem too disappointed; as always, she’s just sending me out again with a ‘Do your best!’ cheer.

Sure, why not? I'll give it a go!

She thanked me even though what I brought back was barely worth anything.

Always a pleasure, Mistress.

I’m not really sure where to head off to though. Hmm, that neighbor’s roof looks nice! Wait, someone else’s retainer beat me to it. I wish I could catch fish like my senior Schwarzze… fat cats tend to follow him around with all that fish in his bag. But at least I can bring back whatever I like, unlike that one time when my mistress was obsessed with bear fat… oh man, just thinking about it makes me cringe! I would have preferred being sent out for fleece or-

- wait, is that the Mog King?! Oh no oh no! What should I do?! He hasn’t noticed me yet since he seems to be busy dealing with that little group of adventurers. Do they need help? Welp, their white mage just died- oh, and there goes the paladin! Six people remain… will they be able to beat the King? Oho! Good work Mister Astrologian! You ascended the paladin! Wow their team work is really great, that summoner just resurrected the fallen white mage! Man, I wish my ventures were always this cool.

Eek! One of the mogs just looked over here! Thank the Twelve for this massive tree root that for some reason is jutting out of the ground in the most unlikely of places. My heart is pounding in my chest but I want to watch this to the end! The sounds of fighting have not died down so maybe if I peer just a bit I can keep watching… there! Wow they got the King down to its knees! Go on! Land the finishing blow! Go ninja’s foreign runes and lots of daggers big attack! Thal’s balls! They really did it!

ringringringcloudbananaphone

Huh? What’s that sound- oh shoot! I’m being called back! No no wait! I’m in the middle of a venture! The Kingly Whisker just dropped! I must take it-NOOO!

Can't say I was expecting this. What can I do for you?

My mistress is staring at me blankly. Did I stutter? RNGsus H Christ, she was just checking on me?!

I suppose you'll be wanting me to finish that venture too, yes? Right, right. Don't know why I bothered asking...

Yeah yeah, I’ll bring back something good. That is- if you stopped calling for me while I am in the middle of a venture!

Waterside Exploration XVI

http://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acci...941c998670.jpg

Uramii, the lovely fisher Seawolf Roegadyn, sets out on the boat from Fisherman’s Bottom. She arrives at Aleport and walks along the path towards Swiftperch.

She walks around to the back of the lighthouse and seats herself down. She drops her pack to her side, hooks a small shrimp to her line and casts it out into the ocean.

She sneezes, the fish on her line rips the shrimp off the hook and swims away.

A fat cat sticks his head into her pack and emerges with a mouth full of fish bait. Uramii sneezes again, she glares at the cat and snatches her pack from him. The cat looks up at her with yearning eyes and places a paw against her leg. She stares down at him and sneezes again. He rubs up against her leg and she sneezes.

She looks down at him, “Ya, furry little bugger.” She scratches his ear, he pushes his head into her hand and purrs. “I can’t catch any fish with ya making me sneeze all the time.”

Uramii sighs, she shoulders her pack and fishing rod. She sneezes as she picks the fat cat up.

“I s’pose I’ll have to take ya back with me instead.”

She heads back to the road to Aleport with the cat in her arms, he rubs her face and purrs. She sneezes again and again into the sunset.

Sorry for double post.
Name: Fairy Tumet
World: Tonberry
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Handed to Missmewmew was a pair of venture coins, happily and carefree Missmewmew accepted and began to explore.
This time around she decided to search the mountains of coerthus. High and low she searched for whatever piqued her curiosity, but eventually it got dark and Missmewmew had set a tent and camp fire with a warm bowel of broth.
Still a bit hungry Missmewmew prepares a 2nd bowel but she heard a rustling in the bushes. Hastily and frightened she picked up the hatchet her master Kaylie gave her and approached. She poked around and found a frightened young yeti starving and alone. Feeling sorry for the poor thing she lured it out with her broth and sat it by the warm fire.
Later that night while resting Missmewmew heard movement outside the tent, the young yeti hid under the blankets scared and Missmewmew grabbed her master’s hatchet and slowly exits to check. Upon peeking out Missmewmew noticed 2 men a hyur and a roegaydn sneaking around suspiciously. Missmewmew crept out quietly to get closer.
Hiding behind a tree Missmewmew overheard them talk
Hyur: the tracks lead here, that tiny beast’s here
Roegaydn: it better be or the boss will have our arse for losing the million gil runt
Realising they were poachers after the young yeti Missmewmew held her hatchet ready to fend them off but things took a turn for the worst when she heard a yawn behind her by the baby yeti giving away their position. Desperately Missmewmew picked up the yeti and ran.
Barely escaping the poachers, Missmewmew discovered the poacher’s camp seeing many wildlife caged and tortured. Not long after the poachers from before spotted them and called for backup.
With the baby in her arms Missmewmew ran but was soon cornered bellow some cliffs
Roegaydn: boss we found this adventurer nearby in a campsite, she gave us a little trouble when reclaiming runt
A lalafel stepped forwards
Lalafel: this girly here gave you trouble? She’s no adventurer she’s just a lackey and you’re a buffoon for letting her get away with the prize
Roegaydn: sorry boss….
Lalafel: kill her
Missmewmew backed against the wall as the poachers with weapons in hand walked closer.
A growling howl echoed loudly and was getting closer. From the distance a yeti covered in blood and arrows charged with pure rage and fought the poachers off. The poachers were massacred and the yeti breathed heavy falling to the ground, out of Missmewmew’s arms leapt the baby and ran to it. The yetis eyes slowly closed as mother and child had a teary goodbye.
Traveling back to complete her venture Missmewmew took a break to eat broth with the child. She thought where she would take it, staring at the venture coins in her hand a thought came to mind who better than both the slayer of primals and leader of an FC, and so traveling back she handed the child to her master to protect and said farewell.

character: Kaylie Smith
server: shiva
prize: scarf of wondrous wit

Character Name: Aedrict Solkaiser
World: Ragnarok, Chaos Datacenter
Choice: Ahriman Choker


Oh No Ventures

A notice posted on the Free Company House of the Art of Fighters and it Reads

To Aedrict of the Solkaisers.
It has came into our attention that your Retainer had been lounging about yet again at the Hour Glass for several hours a day. We would like to ask your kind office to pay the said amount of gil, to the proprietress, for the different ale's consumed on your behalf.

Aedrict's only reply is a "O.o"

Several moons ago, before this incident took place.

"String instrument music at the background, a pint of ale and one dull afternoon, I find myself staring blankly into space again but I just cannot seem to rouse myself off of this seat. What was that again? That part where Aedrict told me to go out and gather? I am so lazy, this arrangement is not to my liking at all!

I was there, comfortably sitting still in one of the market stalls of Ishgard but someone has to give him ideas that I need to go out and gather materials. My excuses are getting stale now, but sooner or later I need to give him another random item and a vivid story about how I just spent my 17 hours. The thing is, I am running out of ideas more so items to hand in. I may just have to buy yet another high quality item of some sort over the market board.

How should I tell my tale upon my return? The last time I was 'delightfully' out on a 'field exploration' I was fighting a Chimera and gave him one Level 1 strength materia. And that despite of this riveting tale of swash bukling adventure, I did not even leveled up. To be honest, that materia was on sale, and I have not a gil to spend on any other thing."

"Everything all done?" A charming lalafelin girl asked this strange man, who happened to have been ever so frequent at the Hour Glass of Uldah.

"Ah, yeah... all is well, hey can you bill this on Aedrict's tab? I am out of gil for now."

"I will do kind sir." She replied.

"Well! Better go back then! Aedrict should be up and about around this time."

Character Name: Orghana Kha
World: Hyperion
Choice: Mandragora Choker

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Sometimes, Alyrsmhid wondered why he hadn't taken up a much safer job. Maybe he could've worked as an armourer, or a culinarian. Even blacksmithing seemed safer than working as a retainer. Especially as a retainer to the Warrior of Light.

Sure, the pay was good. And the Warrior - an axe-wielding Au Ra woman named Orghana - was always polite and friendly. She provided him with sturdy gear, that is, when she wasn't dumping legendary swords, unique armour, various materials and even more varying materia in his care. She let him take plenty of time off, too.

Although, now that he thought about it, that was more likely due to her absent-mindedness more than anything.

Still, it wasn't as though he had a bad boss. Just an awful job, he thought to himself, as he nervously held his axe before a ravenous morbol. Alyrsmhid was no warrior - he could hold his own in combat, but he didn't have the battle skills of Orghana. And the number of times he'd seen her soaked in the blood of her enemies - well, he was okay with his lack of battle skill. Still, being a Roegadyn, he was expected to fight. The other retainer, a Lalafell, got to spend all his time fishing. "Lucky bugger," Alyrsmhid groaned, as the hideous creature's Bad Breath overtook him. Drawing in a deep breath, he raised his axe and cleaved a Brutal Swing through the creature, stunning it long enough for Alyrsmhid to take a swig of a hi-potion Orghana had given to him to hold on to for her. He didn't think she'd notice.

Staggering, Alyrsmhid landed a deathblow on the morbol. Sighing in relief, he carefully cut off a couple of the vines, keeping them in perfect condition, before making his way back to Fallgourd Float, where a couple of onlookers promised to buy him drinks for the feat. The Twelve only knew, he needed one.

---

"How'd you go?" Orghana asked, with a smile on her face as she tended to her greatsword, stained in the blood of - well, Alyrsmhid didn't know what it was and he wasn't sure he wanted to.

"Here," he said, gruffly, handing the vines over to her. The Warrior wrinkled her nose at the smell, before looking back up at the Roegadyn man. She was too busy killing things to ever spend the time levelling crafting skills - no doubt the vines would end up with the coins he'd received from some impressed onlookers, in the hands of a merchant.

"Alyrsmhid...um, thanks. Uh...you should probably go have a shower." She passed him a few bracelets she'd picked up from goodness knows where and a new axe, along with a couple of ventures as payment, and toddled off, her axe looking ridiculously large in comparison to her small frame.

"When this is over," Alysmhid muttered, out of her earshot, "I'm taking a long, long holiday in Costa del Sol."

Whoops, wrote greatsword instead of greataxe. <__<

Character Name: Ako Chocolat
World: Faerie
Choice: Mandragora Choker
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"Quick Venture, again? Aye aye, cap'n.. Ye chose the right woman fer the job!"

Aentwyb liked this adventurer - No details, only results.
The young Roegadyn decided to take her venture through the Mist today. She'd had "words" with a member of a newly formed Free Company that had just bought a premium plot not three moons ago. Fancy place, supposedly.
The half-conscious bugger'd prattled for upwards an hour about his and his company's exploits and riches, and of their plans!
The group was heading into some giant gods-forsaken bloody fortress they were calling Ale Handler or some tripe. They'd be away from their mansion for hours!
Aent grinned to herself. Adventurers were so easy - offer them free ale and they start singing like a Colibri, and what was it about them and always leaving their valuables just lying about in unlocked hearths!

Not even a bell had gone by before she spotted the mansion in question - it was twice as impressive seeing it firsthand, hard as it was to make out half of what the daft bastard was trying to say after that 7th pint.
"For rich folk, their garden's utter shite! Proper bare.." she mused, getting closer.
She took position, posing as one of the nearby Maelstrom watch on duty as the adventurers slowly left their mansion to huddle in their barren courtyard.

One by one, the band of adventurers whisked away to go face Malicks Slander and his evil minions or whatever bollocks they were up to.
Aentwyb swiftly made her way to the doors, slinking inside unseen by passing Maelstrom eyes.
Closing the door behind her, she gazed around, eyes widening in shock.
"Y.. Ye can't be serious!" she gasped, covering her face with her palm.
Empty.
Completely empty.
"Y..Yer kiddin' me!!"
She stormed up the stairs, anger rising with each passing second.
Every room was completely bare.
"Who in the seven hells buys a mansion without any gods-damned Furniture!?", slamming her fist into the wall. She'd only 43 minutes left, no leads, and like hell was she going to fight some beast for a trinket.
"Fine. There's two always plan B." letting out a sigh of irritation, she pulled her rope and wrench from her pack and made for the door.

"I've got the goods, cap'n!" she smiled at the Lalafell.
"A good haul, in all." Aent handed over the Stone-style Oasis Mansion Roof she had "acquired" to the small Monk.
"I still don't understand how ye can haul that around in yer pockets, cap'n." motioning to the wee warrior of light effortlessly fitting the entire thing into her pack.
"Nor can I fathom why ye keep sendin' me on these daft Quick Ventures. S'not like I'm gonna waltz into some bloody Primal at the beach and snatch away with his claw or somethin' to that effect, I'm a bloody gardener for Oschon's sake!"
Answering only with a silent nod, there was no reasoning with her.
"Aye aye, cap'n.." She sighed to herself.

Let me tell you my story, as a caution to all you retainers. It was just like any other day when the adventurer called in to send me for a venture. I took it as an opportunity to get away from the market; selling rubber never was something I enjoyed. I always liked ventures- traveling through the beauties and the beasts of Eorzea.

That day I had decided to travel to Limsa Lominsa, when I stumbled upon the tribe of Kobold. I was always intrigued by beastman cultures, so I concealed my presence and observed them. It was at that moment when I saw the horrific scene. The Kobolds were dying their clothes brown. Such disgusting choice of color, I just couldn't understand. Have they no sense of fashion? At that point, something came over me and I felt like that day would be more than a simple venture: it would be an ad-venture.

I had to do something about this monstrosity. I needed to distract them and take away that dye. I dressed up a log that I was planning to take to the adventurer to look like a threatening lowly adventurer. I than threw the “adventurer” towards them, aiming at one of their head to make it look like they were being attacked. As they were merrily disintegrating the “adventurer”, which I did feel somewhat sorry for, I took away the brown Kobold dye and ran away as quickly as I could.

After I was at a safe distance, I let out a cheer of joy... only to realize that I had completely forgotten about my venture! I was panicking, desperately trying to think about what I could take back to the adventurer. Then, an idea came to mind. I would give this dye to the adventurer, and some change I found on the roads, and that will be the end of it. He will not use the dye, obviously, but he can’t refuse it as well. Two birds with one stone... or so I though.

The adventurer was thrilled to get the dye and before I knew it, he was dying his clothes with that hideous dye and had a huge smug on his face. I was in utter awe and couldn’t believe what was happening. I couldn’t stop him as well – I was paralyzed with shock. And so my fellow retainers, that's why you should never give the adventurers unbearably ugly dye. They WILL use it. Just give them some leaves and pocket change, that's what I do now. They can not refuse to take it.

Character name: Gorkem Aus
World: Unicorn
Prize: Scarf of wondrous wit

Alleo the fishing Roegadyn retainer found catching fish all day long really boring, even though her masters eyes always lit up with tears of happiness after she brought back another Malm Kelp. This time she was really proud of herself after she got this strange stone-like thing that her master calls materia. It looked so pretty. She got it while she was trying to catch another nice fish for her master. A adventurer was standing near her fighting some monsters. Suddenly he began to undress his trouser which was quite a shock for her. Believing that he was some kind of pervert she took a stone and threw it at him. At the same time a strange thing happened and instead of the trouser there was that materia. He might have been surprised too about this or maybe he was a really bad adventurer but the stone that she threw, hit him in the head and he was knocked out. The materia rolled away from him. Alleo thought that if she would catch it with her fishing pole it would be hers so she did that. Since she had still some time left she went to the coast and relaxed on the beach where she saw other retainers trying to catch some fish too.

After giving her master the materia she thought to herself that maybe next time she might try to catch the furniture of the neighbors that are barely even visiting their houses. It's not like they need them. Maybe she even might be able to get that one roof she liked. That's the kind of fishing she loves.

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Character: Light Khah
World: Moogle
Price: Bluebird Earring

I hope it still counts, i loved it ^^

Another rainy day in Gridania. Clouds are heavy and so dark that it is seems Odin himself is riding above them and his horse's mane is darkening the sky in its waving. Lhei looked up to the sky, breathed in cold fresh air and stepped out of the house just to meet her retainer - and a good friend - Rakiki. The little Lalafell was already there, hiding from the rain under a small tree in the garden.

As Lhei approached her Rakiki smiled happily, bowed and pointed to a big package standing beside her twice the Lalafell's height.

"Look what I brought you!"

The rain was getting heavier and Lhei's tail was already wet. She took of the packaging paper and it took all her patience and self-control not to show how angry and disappointed she was.

"Rakiki, dear... A window?"

"I made it myself!!!" - the girl was so proud and happy that Lhei couldn't be angry at her.

"But... ah... I don't have a house, Rakiki! Where would I place that window? I've got a room at our company's house but it's an inside room, there are no windows there. "

"Oh..." - now she looked so upset and broken that Lhei wanted to comfort her, say that they could sell this window for money and buy Rakiki a new dress.
But the moment she opened her mouth they heard a man running and shouting towards them. In a second the man stepped out of the rainy mist and showed himself. To Lhei's greatest surprise the man was no one but Beatin, the chief carpenter of all Eorzea.

"Oh Lhei! I see you've already met her!"

"Beatin? Met who?!"

"Our new star of course!" - he pointed at Rakiki.

"What?!" - the girls cried.

"Look at that window! When I saw her working at our guild quarters I thought it was yet another novice, but then I saw what she did! It's a perfection! Look at those little features, the way the lumber was made and... bah! No need for words, you see it yourself! A star!"

"But.. ugh... Beatin, I thought I was the best carpenter! You told me so!" - cried Lhei as Beatin was taking Rakiki away into the rain.

"Hahaha, you're just a sapling comparing to mistress Rakiki!" - and they disappeared in the rainy mist leaving Lhei wet, cold and shocked. And friendless.
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Character: Lhei Kholia
World: Lich
Prize: Mandragora Choker

Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks, East Hawkers' Alley

During the night, some posters have been affixed on the walls aside the marketboards.

This is what's written on them.

WARNING

We've been warned that it's common use for the Adventurers to manipulate, use, eat and sell much of the material their own Retainers bring them back from those 1-day long missions and errands that we like to call “Quick Ventures”.

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM DOING THAT.

Differently from other ventures, where retainers get to travel and to work for several days abroad (usually for a period that goes past the two weeks), these errands usually have DUSTBINS and GARBAGE PILES as their final destination.
That is the main reason why many obsolete weapons, other than many other kind of trash or even VERMINS inhabiting the filth are what's usually brought back home.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Rest assured we're trying to resolve the issue right now, even though the Retainer Syndicate is debating on “how are Retainers supposed to bring back quality stuff in such a short amount of time?” and similar topics.

So, refrain from using stuff brought back through quick ventures... or at least, rinse it twice.

Frydwyb,
Limsa Lominsa Retainer Vocate


----------------------------------------------------
Character: Gwion Meiklejohn
World: Phoenix
Prize: Mandragora Choker

Ding Ding
Kyat’a sighed, she was only 10 minutes into a venture and already he was summoning her. Hmm, maybe the Grilled Trout I brought him last time wasn’t such a great idea.

“You know I’ve not finished the venture yet, rrright?” She knew she was being rude, but seriously, who summons their retainer after 10 minutes?

“I just wanted to check something” V’iuji said, and started riffling through her carry bags. He grabbed the Grilled Trout, looked at it in disgust, gave her a questioning look and discarded it right then and there. “This time Kyat’a, I want something that is actually useful, you realise that I can’t keep eating fish like this? The last 10 ventures have all resulted in fish! I’m starting to think that there may be someone more qualified for this job..”

Kyat’a looked at him in shock, she knew that she had been lazy the last few times, but when you’re a Thaumaturge and can just use thunder on the water, catching fish is easy. “I told you I’d take care of it, so stop worrying.” She replied and went back to her duties.

Kyat’a was furious as she left V’iuji. He wants something useful does he? He wants something valuable does he? Fine! She thought, I’ll get him something useful, just not useful to him.

As she walked through the streets of Mist she passed by a rather rundown looking cottage, it looked like it had been abandoned for quite some time., but it was still standing. Kyat’a looked inside and saw another one of V’iuji’s retainers putting a large candelabra in his carry pack. Now what was he doing in there? “N’tuami!” Kyat’a called out “what the hell are you doing!?”

N’tuami looked around in surprise “Kyat’a! How are you! You won’t believe it! This place is abandoned!” N’tuami gave Kyat’a a big grin and showed her the candelabra in his pack. “A few of the other retainers told me about it. Seems some poor old soul couldn’t keep up on the repayments and hasn’t been seen ‘round here for some time! It’s a goldmine!” Kyat’a looked around and sure enough, could see signs of where a plant used to be, or where a wall should be.

“hmm” Kyat’a thought out loud “So, we can just take stuff..?” “Sure!” N’tuami” replied, “I’ve been taking stuff from here the last 4 days for V’iuji. I started small at first, but took him a wall yesterday!” N’tuami laughed with delight “He was so happy he had me put it up for sale straight away!”

Kyat’a smiled to herself, she sent N’tuami to one corner of the room and stood in the other corner. Using her mage skills she froze the entire roof, lifted it and started walking away, back to V’iuji.

“What the hell are you doing!?” Ntuami shouted at her. “He wants something useful” Kyat’a replied “What’s more useful than a roof?” Kyat’a smiled to herself “Just not useful to him”

Ding Ding

Character: V'iuji Za'xary
World: Tonberry
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

The Coeurl seemed to give up its assault and jump back onto all fours, before making a desperate charge at Haerstyrm, galloping towards him and leaping, jaw opening wide to bite into him. The Roegadyn waited patiently until at the last moment he crouched and flicked his lance up, catching the beast in the stomach with the blunt end and lifting it off the ground and over the heads of the group. He called out as he stuck.

“Charlie! Ye got incoming!”

Charles stepped back out of position as the Coeurl twisted itself back around in midair, reaching out its claws to try to claim a victim despite its already failed attack. The man gave a wry smile as it approached then flicked his sword up in a quick slash, dragging sparks as it scraped along the stone floor. The beast howled out in pain and crashed into the wall. It picked itself up, limping slightly as it crawled back onto all fours, raising its head to give a loud howl of rage which echoed through the dungeon.

Silvaire breathed a sigh of relief and cast a glance over at the woman on the rocky outcrop of a throne, who scowled at him, a look of disappointment on her face. The Elezen responded with his own glare and turned back to focus on the Coeurl. It had begun to patrol around the group again, much more wary about attacking again. them as they shifted around, holding their ground. The beast’s whiskers and tail flicked, and Silvaire knew who it was going for. He hadn’t worked it out fast enough though, too slow to intercept the creature as it charged recklessly at Caitlyn.

What the Coeurl probably hadn’t anticipated was the bolt of scorching fire that struck at its chest, causing it to fall onto its side and skid limply along the dungeon floor. It stopped motionless at Caitlyn’s feet, the Hyur still holding her thaumaturge’s sceptre out, pointing at where the Coeurl had once been. Everyone seemed to relax, their fight over. The Highlander who had been watching stood up, clapping slowly, while the group sheathed their weapons with a smile on each of their faces.

“A fine performance indeed; yet you did not come to this trial for praise alone, I know this. Which of you will accept your champion’s prize?”

Silvaire stepped forward, adjusting his scabbard. “I will.”
The woman held her hand out, the prize in her palm.

Silvaire gave a blank look. “Sorry…this is-”

“Your prize, yes. Now take it and leave.”

The Elezen thought to protest, but remembered how little time he had left before he needed to return. He held his hand out, taking the slightly wet Rainbow Trout.

Venture complete. Now he had to explain to the others why he was giving his - or rather - their prize to a woman they didn’t know. All for a silver coin.

He hoped it would pay for a round of drinks.

Character: Ludivine Goultard
World: Balmung
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Character name: Locrian Mode
World name: Ragnarok
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

--

The Song

5th Sun, 2nd Astral

The Twelve's blessings are with me, for I have been hired as what they call a ”retainer”. I am not entirely sure what this entails, but I've seen these retainers bumbling about in the cities and in the wilderness performing petty tasks. Seems simple enough, and I need the coin -- I will be satisfied as long as it doesn't get in the way of my mission.

9th Sun, 2nd Astral

Retainer work appears to be but mindless busywork, but it allows me to blend and walk amongst the commonfolk as equals. Ah, the facade of normalcy, a guise most effective! I get to travel around the world and see people, and truth be told, it's all quite exciting; there is so much beauty in the world! It's as if the whole world was my muse; so many ideas, so many people to save! As luck would have it, the everflowing sang to me once again, and the songs it sang were of someone in need of salvation. I can only hope I will do the songs justice.

18th Sun, 2nd Astral

The songs have been satisfied, and the precious gift of salvation bestowed to yet another. To have been allowed to be the instrument of salvation; my heart races of delight and eyes tear of profound emotion. It's not recognition or wealth I seek, no -- I only want to do the right thing, I want to help. I mustn't be stopped until my work is done, for how could they understand it, its importance? They have only two eyes, and two ears. They may not understand, but I'm sure they will learn to appreciate.

11th Sun, 2nd Umbral

Lately I've been sent fishing. It's relaxing and nostalgic no doubt, but leaving the bustle of a big city behind makes it quite obvious that I have not heard the song in a while. There is only silence. Is this a good thing? Is my work done? I'm ready to carry out your will, I'm ready. Please let me hear your song once again.

16th Sun, 2nd Umbral

I need to find a new employer. The sanguine sang to me again, but this time, it insisted, it demanded, it left me with no choice. Regardless of any attachment I may have built during this time, I need not weep though, for I have saved them. What is that, if not the ultimate expression of friendship?

Character name: Yuna' Spira
World name: Shiva
Prize: Mandragora Choker
(This is the 500 word entry)

-Ul’dah Steps of Thal-

Yuna’ sighed as her retainer Angelina brought back a clam. Yuna scoled her retainer. Angelina apologised but Yuna’ held up her hand to silence the retainer.

“You have one last chance or you’re fired.” Yuna’ said as she assigned ventures before leaving.

Angelina went through her various options to keep her job when a sound broke her concentration.

“Meow”

Angelina looked over to the source of the noise to where she found an overweight cat. The fat cat was lying down. The poor thing looked like it could hardly move with its weight and hungry too. Angelina walked over to the poor unfortunate cat and petted it.

“Meow…”

“Hold on kitty, I’ve got just the thing for you” Angelina said with a smile on her face while she fished through her inventory for a fish that Yuna’ had rejected the other day.

Angelina fed the cat the fish and smiled as the cat started purring. She said goodbye and set off for North Thanalan. Yuna’ was looking for Basilisk eggs.

-North Thanalan-

Angelina was tired and battle worn, but had got a high quality Basilisk egg. What happened next was all blur for Angelina but she was chasing the cat that had stolen their egg.

“AFTER THAT DAMN CAT!” Angelina shouted.

Angelina chased the creature throughout North Thanalan. They found the egg near some train tracks and the cat was nowhere to be seen. The carbuncle was delighted, she hoped it was eaten by a monster.

“Meow”

Angelina was annoyed now, she found it sitting on top of rock formation, an area out of her range and harm’s way. This cat had more than nine lives.

Something had suddenly caught Angelina’s view out of the corner of her eye. The carbuncle was scared. She hesitantly turned to see what was behind them.

“GORGIMERA!!!!” Angelina screamed.

-Ul’dah Steps of Thal-

“Has anyone seen Angelina?” Yuna’ asked with concern.

“I’M HERE!!” a hoarse, angry voice roared.

Angelina staggered towards Yuna’. Angelina had needles sticking out of her gear, her hair was frizzy as if she’d been electrocuted and shoes and gloves had what looked like ice frozen onto them. Angelina’s poor carbuncle Madison had a rather large bump on its head, her fur was singed and her poor tail was black.

“What happened?!” Yuna’ asked.

“THAT HAPPENED!!!” Angelina shouted pointing at the fat cat purring happily behind them.

Angelina relayed the events of what occurred while Stiles worked his healing magic on the two battle worn and bruised pair.

“So what you’re trying to tell me is that you went quite literally to hell and back just get me a cat?” Yuna’ asked petting the evil creature. Angelina was about to inform her of the truth when,

“OH MY TWELVE! THIS IS LIKE THE BEST PRESENT EVER!!! I LOVE IT!!!” Yuna’ cheered.

“You’ve earned yourself a few days off. Come on kitty lets go show you off” Yuna’ said taking the cat.

Name: Acedia Rose
World: Lich
Reward: Ahriman Choker

A tale of fish and moogles.
Lanka was a noble retainer of the miqo'te race, she and her sister Ma'Hanah had spent many a day doing odd jobs to get by and now they had been chosen as Retainers for Acedia Rose. He had sent the on odd jobs every now and then and even trained Lanka in the art of the lancer as he had been. For so long she had wanted to go on a venture and finally she had been told to. "Go forth and bring me the spoils of battle Lanka, Make me proud." Were the words of Acedia she hold dear as she had set off into the world for the first time. So many sights and sounds new to her, seeing other adventurers off hunting and gathering she was so excited. However in her excitement she had wasted much of her time she had been given and in a panic she grabbed the nearest item she could and returned to her master.

Upon her arrival home she handed her prize to Acedia with a meek smile. He sighed, "A good first adventure, however i was expecting more than a herring Lanka." He told her.

Lanka's ears fell flat she had failed him, the next venture she was given she did her best but sadly all she found was more fish, time and time again until Acedia stop sending her out.

Many weeks past and no ventures but one day upon her masters arrival he handed her a token and said once again, "Go and bring me the spoils of battle!". With renewed fire in her heart Lanka went out, much time passed and as the time ticked by she had found naught. "No i won't fail him again!" Lanka had heard rumours of a powerful being in the twelveswood and set out to find it. Upon her arrival she found Good King Moggle Mog, raising her spear she engaged in combat with. With her masters words rining in her ears she defeated him sending him back to the aether and claiming a whisker as a prize.

She returned hurriedly to her master and handed him her trophy. "My dear this is amazing, I am so proud of you!" Acedia said as he embraced her in a hug. Lanka smiled and from that day on vowed to never return with fish again!

Drin drin!! (summoning bell Goblet)

-Retainer Tarusclera: I HAVE A LIFE OUTSIDE OF YOU, YOU KNOW.
-Me: Was thinking about selling some stuff to clean my inventory.
-R.T: ((OMG i'm a lvl60 nin was killing King Moglee and disbanded for that.. bah!! And look at him.. dressed like a disco dancer laying here in his garden eating mitchabob.. i deserve a new job..))
OHH What do you want to sell?
-Me: Check that.. uh 4 gill no i trade it.. that? 1gill.. that? 10 gill
I think it's enough for now.. cya
-R.T: WE SHALL MEET AGAIN, OLD FRIEND. BUT NOW I MUST STEAL AWAY INTO THE NIGHT.


(( run lalla run.. maybe they still alive and you can steal the LB3 to that drg who spam his blu pet))

FULL PARTY !!

-R.T.: back sry my master call me for some... stuff..
-Party: wb wb wb wb..

pew pew pew pew peww-- LB3 NINJA !!!! peeeeeewwwwww
-DRG: -.-'

-R.T: DROOOOOOOOOOOP yeaah !!! got the whisker 18m on hyperion!!! yeaah..


Drin drin!! (summoning bell Idyllshire)

-R.T: ((OMG I HAVE TO RUN TILL THERE... run lalla run ...damn short legs.. run lalla run..))

-R.T: I HAVE A LIFE OUTSIDE OF YOU, YOU KNOW.
-Me: Check have a Dyremite web to sell i remember they sell good. 99 gill . oh well.. sell it.
-R T: WE SHALL MEET AGAIN, OLD FRIEND. BUT NOW I MUST STEAL AWAY INTO THE NIGHT.


-R.T: ((so.. 10 minutes till the venture end.. i run to LIMSA and sell that KINGLY WHISKER at black market.. he got 99 gill no need 18m.. so maybe he learn to call me every 5 minutes.. but meh.. what to bring to him.. think lalla.. think.. got it !! He will like that Jack'O Lantern ihihihihi))

SECRET RETAINER PUB IN LIMSA.

-R.T: BARMAN Triple Cream Coffee and Ginger Cookies for everyone of my retainers friends here.. Don't look me like that i will not pay you in ventures.. i have 18m gill to spend don't worry.. and.. you know what i mean.. take out some XXX drink from your desk YOSHI will never know that!" MUUUAHAHAHA !!:cool:

http://i.imgsafe.org/067badb.png

---------------------------
Taru Sclera
Hyperion
Mandragora Choker

I know it's somewhere around here... Oh jeez, i always forget what my master asks me to bring, Last time it was an Ink and quill so i could write things down but she threw it away in disgust! Mind you, it was about the 100th time i brought one to her. Would of been handy now however. Oh well i suppose i'll just bring her this tasty looking crayfish, what with all that adventuring she does and i've never seen her eat.

~memoirs of Sandwich the retainer

Rikku Greywolf
Cerberus
Bluebird earrings

Another day, another complaint. "Only two Emporer fish!? I can catch a hundred times that in the time you were gone, what were you doing for eighteen hours!?". I felt I let my secret love down. I understand her grief. The seven others who work for her had all brought her chubs of the lowest quality. I begged and pleaded for one more chance and I saw the apologetic look in her eye. It was just a bad day. She loaned me her fishing gear, I couldn't believe the faith she had in me after my blunder, and off I went.
Now I must admit I am not the best of fishers, sixteen hours into my quest to please my love and still nothing more than furniture and Chubs, I had two hours left and I knew my return would be eagerly awaited. I couldn't fail her, I couldn't!
It struck me! The single greatest idea I think anyone has ever had! I cant fish so great. But cats...cats can!!
I rushed around and found a poor hungry stray cat, and I offered to let him eat some fish if he brought me a big one. His rubbing against me happily seemed to indicate a yes. I took some soft rope wrapping it around his abdomen and held him over the water.
We sat for what seemed like an eternity until the cat started thrashing, no! It wasn't the cat! He had something! It was HUGE! And I didnt see it in my Miqo'te loves filled fishing handbook! Was it a new kind!? She would love that I thought. I revelled in my victory too soon as the cat took a huge bite out of it! I died a little on the inside.
Fifty minutes left from what I could tell of the sun. The day was inching away and the cat had eaten the single greatest fish anyone could have captured. But at least the cat looked happy as he gave an approving nod and jumped back into the water, he must have sensed my distress. One last chance I thought. "We can do this!" I shouted in encouragement.
Twenty minutes to go and realised my arms were getting heavier by the second yet no more fish.
I had to start getting back. I pulled the cat from the water, he must have weighed a tonne he was so fat! He looked towards me sadly as if he was sorry, shaking his head in disappointment. But how could I be mad he was hungry for some time.
*DING DING* How would I explain this one!? I hung my head in shame. I started the explanation about my idea but before I could finish my Miqo'te looked at the cat and then embraced me saying it was the most wonderful gift ever. I couldn't believe my luck.
The Fat Cat now has a home, though next time I think i'll use a more trust worthy animal! Like a dog!

Character: - Ceourlie'da Kyuubi
Server: - Zalera
Choice: - Mandragora Choker
Thank you for reading ^-^

“I did not expect when my mistress took me into her employ that I would fall in love with her.”

Marceaux sighed into his cup while recounting his tale to the interviewer from the Mythril Eye. The verbal buzz of the Quicksand served well to drown out his story from any would-be eavesdroppers. “Surely, you understand: a native son of Gridania is expected to keep to his own kind. Were my family to hear me speak of my love in this way, they would be beside themselves. A Wildwood… smitten with his Lalafellin employer. Yet… even she does not know. Not yet.

“I was emboldened, once, to tell… no, to show her how I felt. Ah, but how awry it went… One day, my mistress bade me go forth on an adventure to bring back some manner of rare curio to her. I was given leave to travel far afield, but I knew precisely where I wished to go.

“I brought myself to the Goldsmiths’ Guild of Ul’dah, where I decided I would barter for practically all of my venture wages, if I must, to commission a ring for my mistress. And, it was there that I discovered the Guild has little interest in the exchange of ventures for pure coin. Or, more to the point, that there was considerable debate as to what my hard-earned ventures would be worth in gil. After a couple hours of pleading and beseeching in negotiation, we could come to no compromise or agreement. I departed promptly thereafter, seeking another way to retrieve a token that would both show the depth of my feelings for my mistress and speak to her heart.

“When I speak of the notion now, I feel foolish, but… I decided that if I could not have the finest goldsmiths in Eorzea create something, then I would do it myself. I have no skill with metals, so I returned to the Greatloam Growery in Gridania, where I sought out the finest and most robust crop of Gysahl greens – recalling the days when children would weave jewellery from grass, reeds… and yes, even Gysahl greens.

“I toiled for hours. My fingers struggled to recall the memories of the techniques from nigh on 30 years ago. And, after almost twelve hours of effort, I completed it: a Gysahl Ring. My plan was, when my lady summoned me again, I would present it to her – along with the confession of my feelings.”

“And I’m guessin’ that didn’t go accordin’ to plan?” the interviewer asked.

“No.” Marceaux shook his head. “When I presented it to my mistress, I had scarce a moment to explain the nature of it before an errant linkpearl message caught her attention. ‘Sorry, Marceaux! Gotta go!’ she said, interrupting my explanation, ‘Thanks for the ring. Never seen anything like it!’

“The lives of adventurers and retainers move so quickly,” Marceaux lamented. “But one day… one day she will know how I feel. By Menphina, I swear it.”
___
Character: Momone Mone
Server: Balmung
Prize: Bluebird Earring

Once upon a time,
there was a wonderful and strong miqo'te, Jaquen... pity he was lazy and fussy.

One day Silyvain arrives, and he really liked her... and he started to do the shopping for her and carry all her things around (just the not smelly ones).

And then came the Ventures Time....

A Disaster. Full.
After tree nice maps and a precious ink from Jaquen, she gave him the disappointment look, and Shalin-Lala-i-smile-and-work-hard received a green tea with cookies.

...But there is always a Lazy-Solution...

*Jaquen starts hitting and stealing from FC Members Retainers in the beach*

Not a still of blood, not a bead of sweat... and Mistress loves Him!

*voices from other FC Members
-Malm keep? AGAIN?

Character Name : Silyvain Xilys
World : Chaos, Ragnarok
Choice : Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Of the four Retainers under Onion's employ, Beansprout was his favourite. Not that he'd ever say that out loud. Lettuce, Pepper, and Popoto were all Lala's after his own heart.. But Beansprout, that tall powerful Roegadyn just held a warm place within. Perhaps it was the fat cat he brought back the other moon.

As always, Beansprout set off towards adventure and acquisition. His task today was to find something special for his master. But what would you get for the Onion Knight who had it all? Well, most everything. Well.. A few things and a nice suit for fancy occasions. Ser Sprout found himself wandering The Goblet. It was a warm, sunny day. The Roegadyn found himself by a small stream of water and sat to rest his feet. He'd been a busy bear, after all. Not that he was a bear, that is. He was too gentle. Maybe I'll just rest my eyes for a moment.. he thought, sitting down by the water before laying back and closing his eyes. This was the life, a lovely day and a lovely location to enjoy the peace.

Beansprout sat up, stretching. Had he dozed off? If so, how long had it been? Hopefully not too long.. His venture was only to be a bell, after all. He looked up to the sky and staggered before jumping up to his feet. The sky was darkening, he'd been out almost the entire afternoon! Poor Master Onion must've been waiting by the bell for several bells by now! Beansprout panicked, wondering what to do. He gazed around hurriedly, hoping to find something that may please his master. Then he saw it, something that nobody could be without! The Roegadyn saw his prize and snuck up behind it, not wanting to lose his chance..


It had been almost eight bells since Onion sent Beansprout off on his quest. The poor Lalafell worried harder than he had before. Sprouty had never been gone this long before. What if something bad had happened to him? What if he'd gotten lost or hurt? The thoughts were too much to bear! Again, Onion was not a bear either.

"Master Onion! Ah've got yer prize! I'm late but it's worth it!" The panted yells came from behind, and the Onion Knight turned around to see his Retainer running towards him with his "prize" in hand.. Evening came close to an end and Onion and his retainers all sat around at a table, enjoying a drink as a celebration for Beansprouts' return. He'd never dare to ask, but Onion would forever wonder how and why Beansprout came to bring him the rather sheepish looking Elezen man sat beside them at the table sipping away at an ale. Nor, for that matter, why said Elezen had decided to stay. Whatever the case, he was very pretty. If you like that sort've thing. Onion nodded in response to his own thoughts and went back to his tea.


-
Character: Onion Brave
Server: Balmung
Prize: Scarf Of Wondrous Wit!

One would be hard pressed to find a better employer than my mistress. She gives me sixteen hours, at the very least, to find something that I believe will take her fancy every day. I do my best to oblige her and in return, she outfits me with gear that is greater than money can buy and grants me a good deal in ventures. Sometimes I feel as if my adventures are just as grand as hers, as i often tussle with foes that not even she has contended with before in order to please her. I've even made a rival out of one such creature, one that I contended with just today in fact.

I was indulging myself in a nice beverage at the tavern in Mor Dhona, sharing tales of my most recent exploits to the locals as I often do. Many who heard my tales doubt their legitimacy, as it is difficult for many to imagine someone of my small, lalafellin stature being capable of wrestling with foes on par with the warrior of light. I swiftly proved my point to those patrons by demonstrating my prowess with a little wager on a friendly duel. More often than not, I would earn my keep of allagan silvers that way, a nice little bonus that always pleases the mistress. And so the merriment continued until the air turned to gloom, signalling that it was time to catch my quarry.

I made my way to the lesser explored southern half of the area, where I saw him emerge from the thick purple gloom. Dodore, the legendary ahriman voidsent from ages past, and he was none too happy to see me again. I quickly stepped away from his advance, avoiding his gaze, and mounted the beast by its tail. The creature thrashed around, trying to throw me off as I held its rear appendage for dear life. Through practiced strength and sheer force of will, I climbed up the tail onto the voidsent's back, where I landed a few good blows to disorient it. With Dodore briefly discombobulated, I grabbed a hold of his still beating wing and ripped it from its socket. No longer able to sustain flight with one wing, the creature and I fell to the ground. Knowing his shadow magic could still easily sear me through, I shoved my claws deep into his retina for good measure. Grounded and blinded, the creature had little choice but to scurry away back into the gloom, allowing me to walk away with my prize.

And so it was that I could return to my mistress shaken, exhausted, and covered in voidsent vitreous fluid, with Dodore's wing in hand. I knew she would make good use of it since she is a skilled leatherworker. She was happy with my contribution as she always is and looks forward to my next one, but I think I'll be spending half of my next venture in a comfy feather bed.


Character name: Triani Assami
World name: Lamia
Preferred Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Niet

Another day, another (ad-)Venture (499 words)
Character name: Rentho'ra Niet
World name: Cerberus
Prize: Bluebird Earring

---

I always know when my master wakes: ringing the bell to summon me is early in his morning routine. Once more I must inform him that the markets are stale; nothing has sold. He seems okay with this and simply requests that I keep the items as they are. Moving on to today's hunt, I'm expecting Amphipteres again, but no. Today he's deploying me to Azys Lla for Chimera Manes. I guess 326 freshly skinned Amphipteres are enough. Well, whatever he's planning to craft is not my business, so I take my Venture and promptly leave.

Azys Lla, once impenetrably sealed, now conveniently accessible via Aetheryte. I beam in at Helix and am immediately approached by an Aetheryte Node demanding payment. I present my Retainer badge. Thankfully the Adventurer's Guild had been swift to reprogram the Nodes to comply with their policies: it recognises my badge and deactivates itself.

Chimerae nest in the Beta Quadrant, so I travel to the Matter Conduit. It's a long trek, and I am constantly tormented by the sight of adventurers riding Griffins overhead, but I press on. Finally, I have eyes on my quarry.

I open my Hive Grimoire, a gift from my master, to a familiar page. There is written the geometry for summoning Emerald Carbuncle. A familiar page indeed, get it? Bad puns aside, I trace the pattern, drawing power from my Emerald Ring in the process. "Come to me, Silent!" I speak as I complete the arcanum. In a flash of aetheric energy, my fluffy and faithful Carbuncle appears.

Our power combined makes a formidable force, especially as my master equipped me well. I can feel my Asuran gear amplifying my aether as I cast Miasma, Bio II and Bio on my target. "Silent, if you please," I say to my pet, and he emits Shining Emerald to extend my enfeeblements. I unleash Bane to snatch a second Chimera with the same effects. They bear down on me but I stand unflinching as I barrage them with Ruin, while Silent helps take them down. The fight is soon over, with my prey overwhelmed by my arcana.

I sheathe my Grimoire and set about harvesting their manes. The thick, bristly hair could be woven into a felt having strong properties, and would craft into high-end gear. It would certainly fetch a good price. I should consider hunting these in free time to sell for myself...

My absent-mindedness is sharply interrupted as Silent suddenly vaults over my shoulder and releases a powerful Backdraft on a third Chimera, which had been approaching with vengeful thoughts in its primitive mind. I whip out my Grimoire once again and engage. Together we make short work of it, but were it not for my dear Silent's vigilance and swift reactions, this story would have ended quite abruptly!

I finish collecting the manes for my master, give Silent a soft pat before dismissing him back to the aether, and prepare to Teleport back to civilisation. Venture complete.

http://img.pokefarm.org/~Admin/ffxiv...2141_thumb.png

A Dangerous Game

"So, there I was, fighting my way out of the Shroud with this small band of mercenaries I joined up with, trying to get away from this band of delusional Moogles . With The Wanderers' Luck itself on my side I manage to snag along an axe so I could take SOMETHING back to my contract..." The Lalafellin woman peered at her cards, waiting for the four others at her table to make their move before she continued.
"And when I finally give him this Moogle-made axe, he looks at it and and has the guts to tell me he rather hoped for one of those fancy Allagan beanbags... I fold..." She huffed and put her cards away.
"That's a godsdamned shame... I call." The Hyur to her left said while sliding over some Ventures.
The center of the table was filled with Venture tokens while a crate to the side read 'Prize Bin'. The game they played was simple; whomever had the most tokens at the end got to pick from the crate first, followed by the runner-up and so on. The small stack of tokens in front of her said she was going to be picking the bottom of the proverbial barrel though.
Two Elezen put down their hand first, neither of them looking very happy. At least one of them still had three Kings, the other had clearly been bluffing.
Next up was a Roegadyn who had been grinning ever since his hand was dealt. The man was impossible to read with his big dumb smile and had been winning so big she'd almost think he was cheating.
"Read and despair..." He boomed across the table "This old marauder is going to Flush the winnings Straight into his pocket." He put down his cards starting with an Ace, followed by a well-made image of Raubahn. He was in the middle of showing his next card, represented by Nanamo when an alarum suddenly went off.
"Thall's Balls!" the Hyur called out, "Time!"
And with those words the game was called short. The Venture tokens on the table were completely forgotten when almost everyone made a mad dash for the crate and grabbed the first thing they could get their hands on, leaving the diminutive fifth to sigh softly. She gathered the coin left there by the others, seeing no need in letting good venture tokens go to waste and tipped over the crate to see what was left for her.
...
"A... flounder... thanks..." The words from the adventurer taking the fish in his hands could not be more disappointed and she knew the poor creature would be reduced to a handful of sand the moment she left the Lavender Beds. "Here's some more tokens... Try and do your best, I guess."
She took the two bits and secured them with the rest of her stash before bowing and heading back towards Ul'Dah. Determined to do her best and play better this time.

--------------------------------------------------
497 words
Character Name: Taross Blackburn
World: Excalibur, Primal Datacenter
Prize Choice: Scarf of Wondrous Wit
--------------------------------------------------

Tyo Molkoh
Balmung
Bluebird Earring


==

Open cupboard. Blue suit. red tie. Grey pants. Part hair with perfumed gel from a grey cup. Brush teeth, examine bored reflection of plain boring man. Spit. Rinse.

Grab acceptable pickaxe for work. Keys in hand head out to catch the chocobo keep, three streets away. Stand in sliver of shade, eyes squinted against the glare of morning. Scratch together few gil remaining, stink of horsebird for the rest of the day.

Groups of people, dressed in uniform, splashes of acceptable colour here and there but nothing outrageous. Nothing new. The same tired graffiti etching the walls of boring buildings and the same creamy gum, hardened by the hot western sun, stuck to the same spots on the same seats.

Usual boring chatter in Backroom. waiting to be pulled away by obnoxious twang of the silver button. People stand, leave in unison, mouths moving with no words. Hand slips into my pocket and I quiver.The soft touch Allagan Silk on calloused pads ...my mind slips back.

The Master had looked at me strangely, green eyes full of judgment. A trained miner, even when decked in suit and tie, usually had grit on his pants and sweat on his brow. He was probably more confused to what I had been doing in for the last hour. I slipped my hands behind my back, a single sheet of silk crumpled in my trembling hand as, voice wavering, I replied “No...nothing of interest.”

A few fumbled venture transactions later and I had my prize, hidden safely in the depths of my pocket and a pallor crawling up my neck as slick as the sheen on my spontaneous theft . It was forbidden .But when I saw it, caught prettily on a washing line... how could I hand it to him?

Only the retainer waiting room looming out of the grey masses dribbling along the footpath could squash my new found high, at once reality crawled back under my skin with the intent of dashing me against the flagstones underfoot.A stolen venture? I would be arrested.

A public restroom, the stench of chemical and something foul decaying beneath the unwashed sink. The burning, bitter taste of nervous bile, rising, rising. The door swings shut and the lock clicks duly, engaged. My feet hit the suspiciously marked floor softly, before unsteady hands remove MY silk from its hiding place . I steady myself. Each frantic breath slowing and calming as I press it to my sun-aged cheeks.

Who knew why I had chosen that particular venture, or why the crinkle of the of the creamy silk had caught my eye. I felt liberated, awakened from the monotonous dream of my daily existence. I was no longer a faceless number carving tracks along the litter stretched roads; plodding onward to the Master’s bell ring and slinking home with my tarnished collection of venture coins and the remnants of a lonely dinner stuck to my blue jacket.

I wonder if the rogue’s guild has openings?

http://tinypic.com/r/2vuzlp0/8

Uploaded a broken link! -pats on back- Good job Tyo, good job.

http://i.imgur.com/3qCuNOy.jpg?1

Full Party
or Why You Should Be Happy With Your Seven Tin Pieces and an Abalathian Smelt.

It had been a long time since me and the others had met up. Several months in fact. The mistress had hired all eight of us, some time ago, starting out with just two of us, on her seemingly unending mission to solve all the world's problems on her own or, at the very least, with a group of friends no larger than those who sat with me now, at a table in a cut-stone pub in the desolate, but central, Revenant's Toll.
"So she's shelling out for all of us at once now?" Toumlona was as rough-edged a Sea Wolf as you could expect, which didn't fit at all with her profession of sitting around all day waiting for something to bite. We called her Tommy.
"Guess you could put it that way," said Galelma, Au Ra like our mistress, and bearing a striking resemblance to the woman herself. Thanks to our lady's tendency to have Galelma model clothes for her on the go, we took to calling her Glam. By we, I mean me. I love nicknames.
"We get to go on an adventure together? Hurray!" Nobody was surprised by Memelo's happy outbursts. Her pink hair was always in view to keep us well aware of how upbeat such a not-tall person could be, which was why her surprising tendency to be mean in a scrap always came as the bigger surprise.
"We should have a plan, I don't want anyone getting unnecessarily hurt," muttered Enya. Shorter only than Tommy, Enya, a Highlander, was our resident worrywart, taking after mistress studies in arcanima to better control a situation and, more importantly to her, protect her friends. "What has mistress contracted us for in any case?"
"In truest terms, mistress has contracted us each individually. Her terms were not particularly clear." Quipette, consummate Elezen noble wannabe, had been brought up in the butt end of Limsa, but then, with Mealvaan's Gate just around the corner, she picked up a book and soon was more travelled - and better spoken - than any of us. Don't let her bookishness fool you, she's no arcanist, she liked getting her hands dirty. The dusty, mud-coated pickaxe leaning against the table told the truth of that. I called her Pet.
Ikyutsuu, our quiet, newest member, immigrant with the Doman population just last year, gave an agreeing nod. We would give her a nickname, but we're not sure if she knew how to use that hatchet for more than logging, or what her temperament was like. Honestly we knew very little about her. She was a short, braided red-haired Hyur, that much we did know.
"We can pool our skills though, right? You don't think mistress would be upset? Maybe we're overstepping... what do you think, T'kni?" Flo was Flo, I wanted to give her a nickname too but Twelve help me I couldn't think of one that didn't make her name longer. She's a Midlander with a taste in dark clothes, dark makeup, and she would apologise for the weather if it rained.
"No worries!" I chipped in, my ears and tail standing to attention. "We'll just team up, split the spoils and report back separately!" I grinned. "Aint a reason mistress has to know we teamed up."

So that was how I, a marauder and our resident token happy kitty, teamed up with a tiny pugilist, a huge fisher, a lanky arcanist, a bored bard, a thaumaturge who apologised for every spell, a super-polite rockbreaker and a woodswoman who barely ever spoke. We set out North, donning warmer clothes and passing through the Doman refugee camp toward Coerthas. Glam was picking at her bowstring in a tune to make the malms go faster, she learned every song she knew from mistress, which wasn't many, because mistress didn't often play for our kind of crowd. Honestly, we all learned from mistress, she was a woman of many talents.
Snowcloak is a series of caverns in a mind-boggling arrangement, and it has only recently been claimed and held by the city-state of Ishgard. With all those thousand-thousand passageways, it wasn't a surprise that the local town of Whitebrim was hiring any capable looking sorts to start work on mapping the cave system. It was perfect - I could help Enya keep everyone safe, Memelo, Flo and Glam could deal with threats in the rear, and we could rely on our gatherer's knowledge of water (frozen or otherwise) stone and vegetation to keep a good track of where we were going. We set out into the caves through the entrance and into the network, branching off far before the place where, once, in one of her more giving moods, mistress had told us the story of her journey through - that night was one of the ones where she plucked at a harp and sat with us, and Glam had plucked at her bow in tune, learning by ear.
Exploration is long, and tedious, so it was just as well something interesting happened not twenty minutes after we got in. It started with a cave in.
"Everyone please, remain calm," Pet said to us, surveying the way back.
Okay, so when I said interesting I might have meant terrifying. The ice was on all sides of us, and Pet and Tommy were giving both ice-falls a once over. Tommy was the first to speak.
"Hey ho, check this one out," she smirked. "You hear the water? We're under a glacial melt - you know there are fish that love this stuff."
"A melt?" Pet sighed. "We can't mine ahead then, back is the only way. It could take us hours to get through ahead and we may well find ourselves under a river when we do."
"Umm," Flo raised her hand nervously. "Sorry if this is a dumb idea," see? Apologising. "but ice melts, right? I could melt through it."
"We're on a downward slope," said Tommy, "it's a solid plan if we go forward, follow the flow of the melt."
"Alright," Enya announced, putting on her leader voice. I love it when she does that. "We keep close and Flo, you take the lead, T'kni," she looked to me, my ear twitched. Sorry, but she once told me off in that voice and it still stings. "be ready to pull Flo out of the way if things go south."
"Got'cha," I gave Enya a thumbs up, and winked at Flo. "I got you Floflo." Nope, still sounds dumb. Better luck next time.
"Quipette, you bring up the rear make sure the heat isn't going to bring the rest caving in behind us."

We made our way out of Snowcloak the fast way. It took us about the same time to get out, but that was because as much as Pet might know about rocks and preventing cave-ins once we were well past the first obstacle she wouldn't have been able to do anything unless she stayed behind, and Enya wasn't letting that happen. We had just broken out into a wide, white landscape that looked nothing like the Central Highlands when we heard a familiar roar behind us. Tommy started laughing from the middle of the pack.
"Saddle up kiddies, we're going for a ride!" I grabbed Flo immediately, and I saw Memelo do some kind of Ala Mhigan martial somersault onto Tommy's shoulders. Just as the water hit I saw Glam drawing her bow and aiming, and then the world was a churning mess. Has anyone ever told you how difficult it is to swim in heavy armour? Difficult! Mostly I was scrambling sideways to try and get out of the melt. When I finally burst out, Flo sputtering in my arms, I could see Glam holding a rope attached to the side of a cliff by an arrow, still in the tide of the raging water but in control, looking about for others. I saw a pink blur come sailing out of the murk and Glam grabbed at Memelo's hand and threw her my way, to the bank of what looked like a new river. Memelo landed gracefully, then struck a pose, grinning.
"Best. Adventure. Ever!" She was laughing, rolling around next to Flo, who was still coughing up water, like me, but I still managed a laugh between coughs. I saw Tommy clambering along Glam's rope toward shore, Glam was holding on to a shivering Pet.
"Where's," I coughed, "where's Enya and Ikyu?!" Glam gave me a look, something that seemed to scream 'calm down'. Weird how well it works when your eyes literally glow with that amazing ring around them. Glam set Pet to clambering up the rope, which she did in good time by using her pick as an extra handhold in the ice below.
Then I saw the surging shape - red hair and a green hooded robe, plowing downstream. I ignored the water in my lungs and started running. Memelo and Tommy joined me, but we weren't catching up, and I could see a drop ahead, where water had only just started surging over into whatever land was far below it.
The shape came to a stop smack bang in the middle of the melt, practically on the precepice. It took a good few minutes for the water to slow, and by that time the others had joined us. Memelo donated one of her heavy Horas to Glam, who was about to swing the rope with the weight attached when Tommy stopped her.
"What, stealing my thunder? Fishing's my gig, twinkly eyes, move over." Glam nodded with a small smile, knowing that in spite of Tommy's boistrous argument, she wanted to make sure there was the best chance of casting this very important line the right distance.

We reeled in Ikyutsuu and Enya and the Arcanist, after coughing up her body weight in fresh water, made sure everyone was okay. Ikyutsuu sat the whole time looking toward the newly formed waterfall, and Pet was whistling in amazement at something below.
"What's up?" I asked our quiet botanist.
"My axe," she said, and I could see what she meant. "Mistress gave it to me, but it dislodged just as the rope reached us." It was the most I had ever heard her say, and it was clear that it meant a lot to her.
"No problemo, we'll get down the bottom and fish it out, Tommy can fish up anything, even people, didn't you know?" I grinned at her. I was vaguely aware of Tommy saying that she wished I'd stop calling her that.
"Doesn't matter," Ikyutsuu said, "I'll get another, as long as it's the same." - She didn't say another word, but I found a letter from Ikyu the next day among my things, for the record, which quite elegantly (in brushed script) said that it didn't matter whether it was the exact axe - that axe had fueled her since she came to Eorzea, but losing it to keep other people alive was worth more than the coin it had cost mistress and more than what it had meant to her. Losing the axe - she said - was worth being given a thousand.

After a long trek, some interesting rope-shooting from Glam, and an encounter with a recently-roused Polar bear during which Memelo had decimated it with strength that I have no idea where it came from, we found ourselves clambering up into the area called Behemoth's Dominion, which, due to its unsettling rumours lead us to rush quickly toward Whitebrim. It was on this journey that Tommy noticed a fish had been caught in Enya's hood, and after about ten minutes of the arcanist curling into a ball and expressing her disgust, Tommy managed to tell us that we had, quite by accident, caught a rare variety of Abalathian Smelt called The Matriarch.
"We're selling it," Enya said immediately. "Ikyutsuu needs a new axe, we can't have her turning up to mistress asking for another, mistress does enough for us already."
"Unnecessary," Ikyu mumbled, but I thought I saw a glint in her eyes that told of her gratitude.

The fish sold for an amount of Gil that left most of us flabbergasted, and we discussed with great glee what we could buy for mistress that could appropriately demonstrate the majesty of the quest, the trial we had just undergone, we bought Ikyu a new axe, just as shiny as the one mistress had given her, and chattered all the way back to the square, but that was before we met with the levemete who had overseen the job we were given.
"You were hired to explore," he said, "not to adjust the landscape of the Western Highlands' lower reaches and cause irreparable property damage to an outpost of... of some importance." I almost argued, Pet had told us about the old wooden watchtower down in the valley that had been carried away by the melt. But Flo was already apologising profusely.

When it was over, and we had been suitably fined, we had just enough gil to buy another Smelt, and then we exchanged the rest with a local trader for some Allagan Tin and started back out for Vylbrand and mistress' home in Mist, Enya holding - in spite of her protests - the fish that she was going to present to the mistress.

How in the seven hells are we going to explain this?



Character: Phoenicia Malquir
World: Lich
Desired item: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

After coming back from sunbathing in Costa del Sol, Ageofenvy takes a load of her feet but before she could catch her breath she hears the ring of the retainer bell along with her master’s voice

"Ageofenvy, where the hell are you, you lazy miqo'te".

She thinks to herself "oh god not already and I don't want to know what slutty outfit he has for me to model this time".

Ageofenvy jumps to her feet and approaches the retainer bell were a male miqo'te stood in a black short robes.

"I did my best, just like i said " Ageofenvy said.

She hands over a Sea Pickle to her master and was greeted with a look of disappointment on her master's face. Age ofwar hands her a blood red Thavnairian Bustier set and said to her

“put this on, kitty”

Ageofenvy promptly heads to her room and puts on the Thavnairian Bustier and heads back to the retainer bell.

Ageofenvy puts her left arm on her waist and waits for her master’s response.

After staring at her for 30 mins, Age ofwar hands over 2 venture along with a dragonskin map to sell.

Ageofenvy says under her breath “When the master’s away, the cat will play” and left.

After changing back into her black robes, Ageofenvy heads to Coerthas Central Highlands and on entering the area she runs into Ageofsirens and Ageoflust.

Ageofenvy say to them "For the Warrior of light, that Age ofwar is a jerk"

To which Ageofsirens and Ageoflust responds "don't we know it"

At this point Ageofenvy leaves Ageofsirens and Ageoflust and heads for the Howling Eye.

On entering the Howling Eye a green figure suddenly drops from the sky.

"HA HA HA ha, SURRENDER YOURSELF UNTO ME, NONE SHALL STAND AGAINST THE WIND"

No sooner had Garuda finished she was hit with a Fire III along with a volley of Fire I.

Garuda's response to this was to attack with her claws. Before Garuda's attack could connect Ageofenvy manages to avoid the attack and returned with a Blizzard III followed by a Fire III and another volley of Fire I.

Garuda at this point was getting more anger than normal and unleashes her Aerial Blast attack.

Ageofenvy in return summons a Manaward before being knocked from her feet.

Using the last of her power Ageofenvy casts one final Fire III which knocks Garuda from the sky into the Aether from which she came from leaving behind Garuda’s Van.

Ageofenvy picks up Garuda’s Van puts in on her back with her Kujo staff and heads back to Ishgard.

No sooner had Ageofenvy returned to Ishgard she hears the ringing of the retainer bell.

Ageofenvy staggers to the retainer bell and responses “I did my best, just like i said”

and hands over the Garuda’s Van

Age ofwar praises Ageofenvy and gives her another 2 ventures and says “take your time with this one” and leaves.



Character: Age ofwar
World: Hyperion
Desired item: Ahriman Choker

An Hour Isn't Enough

Tick... Tick...

“Thall's balls!...” The woman's lips stirred vehemently into a stream of soft breath. Two sculpted white brows knotted together. A shroud of ashen debris crept upon the ground. Arachne dared not raise her breath from it's caught and exasperated state.
The pages of her grimoire were heavy. How many times had her ink ran, or her conviction wavered just enough to surrender her fortitude? Two white ears twitched atop her head, setting the ribbons of her snowy strands ajar with their movement. The beast still lived.

A cloak of hot autumnal winds was enveloped the stretch of blackened earth, ungraciously intoxicating the air with the moisture and fumes erupting beneath like the drawing of moisture from a stone painted wharf rat. In a state of perpetual dawn a writhing structure palpitated above lavishing the ceiling in it's luminescence.
Not three yalms from her form the great bug lingered, writhing in the state of his perpetuated aether. Her breast was heavy so tightly woven into her Doman garb. She had asked for this.
“I have no idea why I'm here... She should have paid me more for this...” Linings of a smile twisted the edges of a softened feline smile. Staring down at this beast of bugs wrought nothing but a sour taste to her unbridled tongue. Soft skin, paled by the natural half light of the greatly illuminated cavern vibrating from the insects hum. Two bright blue eyes had grown milky at their outermost edges, stringing with dust along the twister lower lashes. One gloves hand ran the length of the tome's spine, spreading out her fingers and raising it upward. The primal was huge.

Tick... Tick...

“Thou art strong warrior. Accepting thy challenge was was not for nought! Bask in the frivolity of it!” A dense strong of shelled vocal chords irradiated outward, filling the plain of dusted rock, partially illuminated by pyres of the fallen, with the sound of his reverence.
She dashed forth. Surrounded by the fallen frame of discarded wooden planks each inhalation was splintering, every footfall was daunting. Ravana, clutching at the exoskeleton structure. The beast twisted himself back. Streams of hot air span around his shifting weight. The harshness of his blue hues so swiftly growing red rapidly altered the state of sight within the small, inept, arena.

Tick... Tick...

RING RING!

Barely capable of breath her tiny frame span in the air, falling with a thud to the ground. Her carefully smoothed features falling, as if unamused by her own blasphemes in the face of endangerment. “Curse the Twelve!” It seemed almost startling how such a small woman could bellow a shout so scorned.
One slender hand cupped at a patch of earth, twisting it within her grasp, feeling the moisture in it's texture. Her breath left her apathetically as she spoke.
“Ma'am, enjoy your handful of muddy water. I'm done with this, I'm becoming a fisher.”

Ravana was left dazed and confused.

~~

Words: 496
Character Name: Agynngoht Eidindynsyn
World: Zodiark
Prize of choice: Bluebird Earnings

Final Fantasia

"Another Lightning Shard Venture..." Florelle sighed, looking over to Axon, "And I'm no closer to going on an Exploration Venture than the day I was hired!"
"It's what Boss needs, be lucky we're not sent out to East Shroud. Morbols Florelle, Morbols," Axon shivered.
"She doesn't even need any more of them! She comes back, uses the bell, takes her forty Lightning Shards, and then just sends us out again without a second thought! I've seen her inventory buddy, she's got hundreds, maybe thousands!"

Axon and Florelle walked along the Sapphire Avenue Exchange, dressed in basic gear and toting a basic hatchet and pickaxe respectively. They had long since surpassed the equipment they were wearing, their outfits were starting to smell.
"And why did she make you the Botanist? Look at me! How many Lalafell's you see mining? And you, a great hulking Roegadyn picking at blummin' flowers!" Florelle growled.
"I would like to be smaller," Axon admitted.
"That's the ticket buddy. And to that end, I have a plan!" Florelle snickered, "Follow me,"
Florelle led him to a Market Board, gil in hand.

"We're going on our own venture, to find a Retainer Fantasia. You can be the Lalafell you've always been destined to be, and I can be the Roegaydn you've always wanted to be!" she said.
"First to buy some Lightning Shards, so she doesn't suspect anything. I've got some gil saved from before I started taking Venture coins as payment. What about you?" Florelle asked.
"My Gil is gone, an addiction to Mashed Popotoes you see," Axon said, frowning.
"Jeez, aren't you helpful?" Florelle groaned.
Florelle took a look at the Market Board and searched it, her eyes darted across the prices.

"20,000 Gil for 80 Lightning Shards!? This is daylight robbery!" Florelle shouted, she looked around at the other adventurers around her accusingly, "Greedy good-for-nothing adventurers, they'd do just about anything for a rare item or gil! FINE!"
She tapped the market board and dropped in the Gil. A hatch opened and dropped the Lightning Shards into her hands.
"Now we search?" Axon smiled.

Axon and Florelle searched all over Thanalan, they ducked across the dunes. Dodging Amal'jaa's and Peiste's, Imps and Buzzards they searched and searched, opened chests containing potions and ethers, and stopped to dine on the occasional dish of mashed popotoe. They stumbled into Fates and Dungeons, running from Primals that were summoned over and over again. Yet they found nothing, luck was not on their side.

They slumped against the Hall of Flames, watching the comers and goers.
"Sorry Florelle," Axon said earnestly, "Maybe we'll change classes one day,"
"Yeah...maybe," Florelle said, a single tear falling down her cheek.
The two Retainers sat there for a time, until eventually a shadow cast over them. They looked up to their Master standing before them, offering two items.
"For us?" Axon said.
"M-Master?" Florelle choked.
Their Master merely nodded, silently handing over the two Retainer Fantasia's whilst Florelle hugged her.
"Thank you Master!!!"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Character name: Lucina Firon
World name: Lich
In-game Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Character Name: Lunaak Firespring
World: Cerberus
Item Request: Mandragora Choker


He's here. Like always, he's here. Just when I think that maybe for a second I'll be able to rest a little... he's here. He's here ready to send me back out there. I punched Titan back into the aether stream before Master's fancy Scion friends even knew the beast had materialised again. I'm the real hero! But no. It's never enough. He's here again ready to accept the day's spoils and ship me out for another run. He's always here...

Time to go, Mikuru. Time to try something new.

Each and every day I board the ship back to Central Shroud from the home that never really feels like home; I'm greeted less and less by other 'retainers' going the same way. Each day they come home in a hurry with a couple of sardines in one hand and a basket in the other blurting out "I'm sure Master will love today's bounty!" For them their judgement seems just. For me? Only death would give me a day in bed...

With no Chocobo on hand it takes a long time to reach even South Shroud. Luckily, however, I've managed to save up enough to make a little stop off on the way! Buscarron's Druthers, they call it. I seem to remember Master telling tales of the barkeep he met here in his early days - not even staying mute on the details of the rare Bacchus wine Buscarron keeps under the decks for those after the good stuff. I'm not sure if Ianna counts as a 'friend in high places', but she's certainly helpful when it comes to convincing the old man to dust off the vintage!

14 hours left? That's enough. Calling time is easy when a band of drunken Roegadyn offer to buy you a candlelit dinner of 'Mashed Popotoes' from the wench waiting the tables. Their slow wink is enough for me to direct a nervous smile their way. Courtesy at its finest. Sorry, Gents, but I can't stay.

The long walk through Thanalan isn't without its burdens, but the blistering desert heat was enough to convince me that my plan was in the best interests of my aching body -- interests that were starting to materialise on the horizon. The Forgotten Springs were in sight and I knew U'rahtalo could smell the bottled vineyard I'd promised so long ago. A very long soak in Hamon-sensei's favorite spot was in order and all I had to do was scuff up my armour. Good plan!

Buscarron even had some fine Grilled Carp waiting on tap for my return trip. Master's present! I already knew the troubles of keeping it away from the pudgy cats snapping at my ankles wouldn't be worth the trip back to the Lavender Beds, but life isn't always easy!

Of course he's here.

He's always here...

http://i.imgur.com/1wEwlRy.jpg?1

Character: Crystal Dreams
World: Ragnarok
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

******************************************

Crystal called me to the summoning bell at her house in the Mist. As usual, she wanted to know what I'd been able to find in the last hour so I tossed her another peace of seaweed from the beach. She scolded me, also as usual, and then sent me back on my way.

As I headed back towards the beach with another well earned venture coin in my pocket, I heard some cheering coming from a small crowd up the street ahead of me. Approaching the group, I saw that Ally was at it again.

Today, she was a little more ambitious as she examined the roof of the large house from her perch atop the chocobo stable. Usually she just took small rooftops or windows.

Despite the daunting task ahead of her, she simply nodded and pulled out her hatchet. The crowd of my fellow retainers continued to watch from a safe distance as Ally worked her way around the roof. Eventually, she succeeded in the impossible looking task.

Next, she blew her whistles and horns. She must have had 10 of them hidden away. That many flying chocobos and dragons and other flying creatures surrounded the house and began to lift the roof off of the walls. They carried the roof down in front of the house.

Then I heard the familiar ring of a bell from within that very same house. Ally went and knocked on the door. Her boss welcomed her at first but started yelling when she saw the roof just outside. These people are never satisfied! She'd worked hard for the last hour!

I simply shook my head and walked on towards the beach. There was sure to be some more seaweed around. I wasn't going to work as hard as Ally, just to be equally shouted at. Hurriedly, I grabbed the first malm kelp I saw and then rushed back to Crystal's place, arriving just as she rang her bell.

Shala Finfright
Gilgamesh
Scarf of Wondrous Wit

https://i.gyazo.com/893caccbada37892...cac210231a.png

The Miquo’te brushed the snow out of his dull blonde hair, and raised his gaze to the sky, where a flock of wyvern were circling. Slipping the map into his clothes, he placed the mask over his face, and removed his warmer, but weaker, gloves. Finally, he unclasped his book, and charged the spells to protect him, and bless his skin with stone-like strength. The Arcanist was ready.

Charging a spell, a circle of magic emerged on the ground, bathing the area in a purple light, and alerting the wyverns. Two dove, and he crouched in the center of the field. Diving to the side, an unaspected spell passed through his fingers from the letters on the page. The first wyvern flinched slightly, but continued its charge.

Avoiding an icy breath from one, he fired another bolt of magic off at the second wyvern as a yellow shape charged for the first one. Diving forward, he began to run around the second wyvern, dodging ice breath and tail swipes with practiced ease. Glancing to his yellow companion, he flipped the page, and fired off a spell toward the first wyvern.

Both wyverns roared, and the Arcanist glanced upward as a larger wyvern, dwarfing the size of the other two, slammed into the ground. Sliding on the snow, he gripped it with frostbitten fingers, and dove out of the way of a new breath; purple and black mist that seeped into the yellow companion’s mouth, poisoning it.

Gritting his teeth, the Arcanist turned the page, and quickly sent a healing spell toward his yellow companion. However, the two baby wyverns attacked, and he got assaulted by twice the amount of ice flame as a result. Chilled to below freezing, the Arcanist began to slow down, and the wyverns began to speed up. The yellow companion suffered immense damage, and vanished. Gritting his teeth, the Arcanist faced the three wyverns.

Rearing up, the three began to charge their breath attacks, and the Arcanist looked to the wings. With death fast approaching, he pulled out a potion, a rare potion of max potency, a gift from his client, and dove at the wyverns. The flame hit him, and he drunk the fluid, feeling it heal his insides seconds after they were burned away.

Diving behind the wyverns, the Arcanist slammed his book upon the ground, calling upon a dome of purple around all three wyverns. All three roared, and turned to face him. Focusing on a target, the Arcanist attacked the weakest wyvern, dodging and weaving through sub-zero ice breaths, and fogs of poison that were beginning to shroud the area.
________________________________

“Was it everything you hoped it would be?” Holding out six wyvern wings, the Arcanist watched his client take them, and then pull out one more coin. Giving a bow, the Arcanist took it, listening as, once more, she ordered more wyvern wings.

“You will be most pleased with the result. I guarantee it!”

Quote:

---

Character: Hieki Shinzui
World: Behemoth
Choice: Ahriman Chocker

---

"Yes, I will do just as you say!" ChibiHie said and waved energetically at her boss who was disappearing behind the door of their home in Mist.

The boss had given the order. ChibiHie and Flamie had two hours to bring something back, and it'd better NOT be fish. Yet another beautiful sunny day at Mist and they got sent out for work again. ChibiHie looked longingly at the sparkling water outside their window. Flamie knew just what she wanted. But work was work, there was nothing he can do about it so he quietly gathered his equipment and got ready to go.

"Let's go to the beach!" She turned to her partner with sparkling puppy eyes.

"No more fish!" Flamie stressed on each word. "You heard the boss said."

"But it's sunny outside, and the ocean is calling." ChibiHie whined. "And who knows, we might pick up some rare fish and she will be happy."
Flamie frowned at her "Are you a fisher?"

ChibiHie shaked her head. Just like their boss, none of them was fisher.

"Do I look like I can fish up a rare fish?" He said and opened the door. They only had 2 hours, there was no time to waste arguing with ChibiHie.

"We won't know unless we tryyyyy." ChibiHie clung onto his arm, refused to let go.

By "we", she meant "HE". But Flamie knew his partner would cling onto him, stopping him from doing anything until he agreed to her terms. So next thing he knew, she was dragging him straight to the beach. As soon as their feet touched the white sand, her face was shining like the sun itself, and her eyes sparkled like the colour of the sea. And that was when he gave in. They changed into swim suits and set up a small fire away from the water and started fishing. ChibiHie, of course, abandoned the task in less than 5 minutes and started splashing about, which forced Flamie to move to the bridge.

Two hours passed like a second and Flamie could hear his summoning bell ringing. He picked up his bucket and went to get ChibiHie. At least he got some Fullmoon Sardine, they were sold for decent price on the market. But as he reached the campfire, the smell of burnt sardine rushed into his nose. He panicked and checked his bucket; all that remained was two Blue Octopi. ChibiHie had taken the sardines when he didn’t look and she didn’t even do a good job cooking them. Now they have no other choice but to give her the octopi, at least they are not fish. Flamie sighed and sneaked up to the house when the boss was bathing in the basement, left the Octopi at the Summoning Bell and sneaked out. He hoped she wouldn’t figure out that they were having a beach party instead of working... Meanwhile, ChibiHie was still splashing in the water, completely forgot about the sardine and the boss.

Name: Eilonwyn Hallison
World: Cerberus (EU)
Prize Choice: Mandragora Choker

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"If you bring me back another chub, it is getting shoved somewhere unpleasant!"

Maithieu sighed. He looked longingly at the Agelyss River winding its way through Eastern La Noscea. He wanted to make his master happy, truly, but he was constantly denied his passion for fishing.

Of course the fishing goes to GwenGwen. Lalas just love all that stuff.

He recalled the day Eilonwyn had picked him and Gwen to be her retainers. She'd already made quite the name for herself as a worthy adventurer. His master was a tall, formidable Elezen.

"Maithieu, you will be the Archer. Gwen, you will get me Fatcats. All of the Fatcats."

Maithieus face fell at the memory, and he turned his gaze to the towering crystals North of his location.

Once he reached the Garlean outpost, he dropped to the ground. He'd been coming here for weeks. Perfecting his way into the Coil of Bahamut. Everyday he fought his way through Asclepius. He enraged ADS constanly, happily enduring the shocks. He got sick from the bouncing in what his Master called 'T3'. Relentlessy he AoE'd everything in that infernal lift, until finally he made it.

Oak Longbow in hand, Maithieu prepared himself. Tackling 4 dragons all alone was a mighty task. Eilonwyn had mentioned several times in grumblings as she shoved Materia at his face for him to sell about 'Twintits' and how stupid Divebombs and Twisters are.

Bravely, the Hyur stepped onto Bahamuts claw. He stared up at Twintania, she stared at him. The tension crackled in the atmosphere. The Great Dragon flew down and landed with a loud thump in front of Maithieu. He smiled and extended out his hand, petting the dragon on the head.
"No more fighting eh?" He asked, sighing thankfully. "Finally ready to give it up?"

Twintania snorted and lowered her head in a crude form of a nod. She stepped to the side, revealing the glowing orb he had been after for months.
Maithieu swiped the orb and thanked the Dragon. "You will be at peace now, Twintania. I shan't bug you again."
With that he left and traveled all the way back to the Goblet, where his Master resided.

The familiar bell rung, just as he had made it back. Gleefully he approached the Elezen, who had already folded her arms, expecting to have to provide another lecture about why he was not the fisher.
"If this is another Pike, Matt, I swear..." She grumbled before leaping back in shock. He had heeld out the Orb to her, a proud smirk on his face.

"An ADS Illuminant!? Those are worth Millions! Thank you! Here, have this gear upgrade I was saving."

Maithieu accepted the upgrade grciously. He was glad to see Eilonwyn so happy. So glad in fact, he chanced his luck.

"Can I be a fisher now?"

"No."


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