Hunter's Moon: The Curse of Dalamud (09/02/2011)

[Richardd]

http://lodestone.finalfantasyxiv.com...436b40e7fd7b90

The inexplicable happenings assailing Eorzea of late seem to know no cease; as one incident begins to fade into the dark reaches of memory, another emerges to take its place.

Recent moons have seen the nation in the grip of apprehension at the changes exhibited by Dalamud. Those who have an interest in astrology will know Dalamud to be the celestial body that orbits the moon in perpetual dance. For others the name will recall childhood tales of the loyal hound of the moon goddess Menphina, who would put to flight in a flurry of torn flesh and gushing blood those who meant his mistress harm.

Whatever it is Dalamud conjures up in your mind, lately it has taken on such an angry red hue, even those ordinarily indifferent to the affairs of the heavens have been hard-pressed to ignore the change. Verily, a growing number of citizens are seeing this as an evil portent. With a sanguinary eye seeming to glare down at all creation, you can scarce begrudge folk their sense of foreboding.

For some, it would seem this so-called “curse of Dalamud” has already become grim reality. During my investigation, I came upon rumors of a small company of Ul'dahn goldsmiths whose entire shipment of earrings was stolen—earrings themed upon the twin moons withal. My curiosity roused, I sought a meeting with the leader, one Master Joldewin, who related with unrestrained misery the misfortune that befell him and his two apprentices.

The earrings had been commissioned by the Adventurers' Guild, he began, and were meant as gifts of gratitude to be presented to adventurers for their part in vanquishing the Bombards of the summer past. The earring's design, which Joldewin proudly explained is of his own devising, comprises a single lustrous pearl to which a smaller crimson gemstone, wrought of meteorite found during the Bombard outbreak, is joined in a tasteful homage to the Keeper of the Twin Moons.

The goldsmiths toiled many a sleepless night that they might fulfill the order by the stipulated deadline. Here, and ever so briefly, an expression of joy formed on the veteran goldsmith's face as he recounted the day the fruits of their labor were borne away by delivery caravans. Alas, the earrings never arrived at their intended destinations. En route to each city-state, the caravans were beset by—and I quote—“packs of overgrown white rodents,” who made off with every last earring.

As I sat dumbstruck, struggling to visualize a pack of rats bearing away ornate earrings—four to a crate, perhaps—Joldewin's voice shrilled in anger as he revealed to me the loathsome individual he suspects to be mastermind behind the theft: the Lord of the Rats. Aye, you read true—that thief of legend said to hold dominion over all rodentkind, whose imaginary exploits have served to fascinate and frighten many a youngling at bedtime.

Most folk, upon hearing Joldewin's story, would doubtless be inclined to think that he and his crew, despairing of meeting the deadline, fabricated an excuse out of their desperation to save face. I would be lying if I said the selfsame suspicion had not crossed my mind. Yet stranger things have happened, and I, for one, will not rush to pass judgment. Should your travels bring you within earshot of lamenting goldsmiths, dear readers, mayhap you could lend an ear to their side of the story, that you might discern for yourself the truth of the matter.

And here I take my leave of you. Till next time, may the Twelve watch over you.


Kipih Jakkya

Schedule
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 1:00 a.m. – Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 7:59 a.m. (PDT)

Location
During the event, special monsters will appear in the vicinity of the following locations:

La Noscea
Red Rooster Stead / Bloodshore, Eastern La Noscea (36,25)
Halfstone / Bald Knoll, Western La Noscea (7,20)

Thanalan
Mythril Pit T-8 / Halatali, Eastern Thanalan (40,28)
The Coffer & Coffin / Horizon's Edge, Western Thanalan (9,27)

The Black Shroud
Buscarron's Fold / Tranquil Paths, South Shroud (35,43)
The Hawthorne Hut / Nine Ivies, East Shroud (50,32)

what is this...I just don't even..

[Archadius]

I hope we get to kill the rats and they drop U/U earrings, or at least give us those earrings as a quest reward....

[Richardd]

I want a Bahamut V.2 but with a giant rat instead and then we can KC zerg it down and everyone can get their Ethereal Earrings.

[Perrin_Aybarra]

looks like a fun and friendly event to me ^^ can't wait for it to start!

Wonder if we will have awsome music that will become obnoxious after several days of hearing it non-stop :P

[MariyaShidou]

It's a follow up of Bombard event, like the Archon Egg one before that. I think starting from now on events will be two phases.

[Xmbei]

also maybe a set up for caravan escort quests.

[Perrin_Aybarra]

It's a follow up of Bombard event, like the Archon Egg one before that. I think starting from now on events will be two phases.

what is fun about those events is that, even if they appear to be a "no threat" they are all linked together and hints to something bigger tramming in the background. I love it ^^

[Archadius]

Personally I'm rather shocked we're getting this instead of a Halloween-themed event. But hey, any event that isn't bell-ringing is a +1 for me.

[Richardd]

Personally I'm rather shocked we're getting this instead of a Halloween-themed event. But hey, any event that isn't bell-ringing is a +1 for me.

That will likely come in October. What is MOST surprising is that this was a) not planned b) does not coincide with any seasonal holiday in Japan/US or with any FFXI event.

pretty awesome.

[Chezen]

Looks like fun. ^^