Mistbeard's true Spirit and Generations of pirate kings (Call of Booty sidequest)

[Onizuka]

Hello again, voidsents of the localization team!

I'd like to talk a bit about the legendary pirate Mistbeard. ...Now that I think about it, I don't remember if it was ever mentioned that was his name or surname, and if his complete name was ever revealed? *already tries to trick the loc team in giving tidbits*

In the Call of Booty quest we're introduced to the Shposhae dungeon, and I've to say I really liked its backstory as well as the setting of the place: I had a lot of fun to explore it and learn its secrets, trying to find Mistbeard treasure (of course, I imagined I was really in the pirate king's cove), something I'll talk about in my journal in the next days.


Anyroad... Among the loot Mistbeard stole during the sultan of Ul'dah's royal wedding, rumors say that his greatest conquest was the virgin bride's maidenhood.
And the strikin' resemblance (citing Hasthwab) the current sultana has with Mistbeard left me with a great doubt:

Did Mistbeard... violate the sultan's bride just before her wedding?

Hasthwab refers to him as a “handsome pirate”, so I though: “Maybe he seduced the bride, who maybe was forced to get married and this was a great (consensual) one-night adventure for her.”. You know, like in one of those fairy tales with the sad virgin bride forced by her parents to marry a man... This would be OK.

On the other hand, F'ongho of the Salthounds refers to Mistbeard as a “black-hearted bastard”, who she thinks might as well fed his own crew to the fiends in Shposhae.

So, what is the truth?

I would like to know this, to learn if Mistbeard is one to be respected or not. If he's a black-hearted bastard, then I fear he might indeed have violated the bride, and that wouldn't be a good story!


Hasthwab also said that for 10 years no one entered Shposhae... so this means Mistbeard left the place 10 summers past? In this case, he might indeed be still around...

In conclusion, I hope in the future there will be more on Mistbeard.
What happend to him?
Is he a Lalafell? The sultana of Ul'dah is a Lalafell, so... although I can't imagine the legendary Mistbeard as a Lalaf... oh my Nald...
I learned that every generation has its own pirate king, so who's the current one?
Argh, the lore-squirrel in my head...! All right, I'll stop.

Mistbeard Cove is my favourite dungeon and learning more on this pirate with every new patch is surely Great. I always had this feeling he wasn't such a cruel pirate, that's why I was left a bit speechless when learning of “his biggest prize” obtained during that raid in the sultanate and how he might have obtained it (her).
Therefore, I hope my first fairy tale-like theory is what happened.

Other adventurers' thoughts are also welcome.

Thanks for reading!

Cloudio Onizuka


P.S.: Fernie, I'll take your one-eyed word for more tidbits on the “Admiral vs sultana” capitalization you mentioned here. I'll be waiting for it.

Also, about the legend you hinted at here, I wonder if those ships will be hidden in Mistbeard Cove... I hope one day we adventurers will be able to explore the secret areas there and, who knows, maybe even board one of the last (?) pirate king's ships...!

[Anonymoose]

Just to help out your cause a little bit, you're right about two things.

1) Information on Mistbeard is contradictory (but what legendary figure's history isn't?)
2) He's way too important to be mentioned so seldomly.

My only fear is that Ferne can't clear up too, too much with us at this time because the Limsa storyline dealt with a vast treasure hidden on Seal Rock and its recent discovery. I'm betting Mistbeard has something to do with its history.

When I get home tonight, I'll see what's in my lore collection about him and let you know.

[Anonymoose]

As promised, I dug through my records and came up with plenty to say about Mistbeard (including his name) So, hold tight and I'll put this all together.

EDIT: (But not the one you're waiting for)
As soon as I posted this last night, my girlfriend walked into the room with dinner and was like, "Movie time!" so... I mean, I can't really say 'no' to the gorgeous girl who is willing to watch me pretend to fish in exchange for fake currency for hours at a time...

EDIT: (LEGIT)
Posted!

[Fernehalwes]

Thanks for the monster post, Onizuka!

The story behind Mistbeard is a messy one that, as Anonymoose correctly stated, is filled with contradictions. As with any tale of remarkable deeds, the details get blown out of proportion every time it is told, hence the complete and utter craziness. Did Mistbeard steal 50 pure-bred black chocobo skins and 400 gold ingots? Did he work his charms on the sultan's blushing bride, luring her into relations most unsavory on the night of her wedding? Perhaps, or perhaps not. But the rumors have become part of the legend...and there's no legend like a colorful one. We also have to take into consideration the fact that the glamorizing of his deeds have been done mainly by other pirates, who aren't really known for their honesty!

Now, this isn't to say that the legend of Mistbeard is completely false. We do know that he (or at least someone using the Mistbeard name) crashed the royal wedding, stole a lot of loot, and hid it right under everyone's noses. As for the remaining facts...well, they're out there (or will be!) but you'll have to rummage through a lot of rocks before finding any gold nuggets.

I'm sure that Anonymoose will soon be providing everyone with a few details that he's (I apologize if that's supposed to be a "she's") uncovered!

[Anonymoose]

It's 'he' indeed, and no offence taken, kind sir. I've returned wi... I mean... ahrm hrhhch - YAARRRR. I come bearin' tales of the grea'est pirate what e'er liv'd!

Mistbeard: A History... of rumors.

When Captain Rycharde Mistbeard returned from a voyage with naught a member of his crew, he had quite a story to tell all who would listen: He and his men had sought out the legendary sirens (mythical creatures whose song drove men into the deep, entranced, and never left a survivor) and rid the world of them once and for all. In his own words, he carved them up and ate them in a seaweed stew.

The tale brought the attention of many, giving him fame, a strong reputation, and the willingness of other pirates to join his new crew. However, not all believe his story. Some say that he made the story up himself to cover up coming back alone - that he doesn't want the real story of what happened to his crew (be it his own incompetence or something more sinister) to be revealed. There is one man with a deaf ear, affiliated with Naldiq and Vymelli's (Blacksmith/Armorer Guild) who claims he lost his hearing in a mortal scuffle with the sirens while serving as Mistbeard's cabin boy. The question remains... Did they really defeat the sirens, or are these just two tall tales of two sad men who cannot accept the loss of their dignity?

Mistbeard was surely the culprit behind many great capers to come, including the theft of the Heart of Infinity from a Gridanian caravan, a jewel they had only just recently acquired that is said to contain a legendary elemental of the Twelveswood capable of bringing great power to Gridania. Though considered a legend, the dark times falling on Gridania now at the hands of the empire, and the discovery of a treasure trove possibly hidden by Mistbeard himself, have renewed interest in the tale.

The most famous of Mistbeard's capers took place at the previous ruler of Ul'dah's wedding. It is said that Mistbeard plundered everything in the palace he found valuable - 200 Gold Ingots, 55 Black Chocobo Skins, a ten pound diamond from Meracydia, and the bride's... maidenhood. Some say this is another largely exaggerated tale, others say the current Sultana of Ul'dah, the previous sultan's daughter, looks mighty like a certain handsome pirate...

But what is most puzzling is that after Mistbeard had acquired this loot and other great treasures, his crew was never heard from again. Some thought the treasure was gone forever, but a recent discovery of coins minted by the lost Allagan Empire (like those stolen from Ul'dah) in a cave that Mistbeard himself said to never enter due to sahagins and other horrors, has made people believe that the treasure has finally been found...

To answer your questions... Mistbeard may be many things... in my opinion, he was a lowly captain who made up tall tales to explain the loss of his crew - and in return it made him famous. He probably used the notoriety to build a career as a pirate, took the name of last generations Pirate King, and used the fear caused by the stories of his great successes to aid him in getting away with bigger and bigger capers until he finally stumbled upon one he couldn't handle.

Where is he now? He might even still be alive...

If I had to guess on his race, I would say he's Sea Wolf roegadyn for one major reason: the fact that Merylwyb carries Death Penalty and Annihilator (rumored to be Mistbeard's muskets) leads some to believe that she's his daughter. But are they really his muskets, or is she playing Mistbeard's game and making up stories to solidify her credibility? And what of the Sultana of Ul'dah? Lalafell, you say? (Hmmm.) Well, that would be --erhm... complicated...

I don't believe that Mistbeard was truly a black-hearted bastard. It just doesn't fit with his character. If he was that big a d-bag, you gotta figure if he came back alone he wouldn't cover for anyone or tell a cover story, he'd just say flat out that they were weak and worthless and he'll find better people. You also have to figure that it's not too easy to get away with... stealing home ... from a girl INSIDE a royal palace. Guards everywhere, and whatnot, there would have to be some sustained hush hush. I'm thinking she went willingly.

But, which story is true? Both? Neither? We'll find out someday.

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I hope that gets us somewhere! Let me know if there's more questions. Personally, I think Mistbeard is going to turn up someday. There has to be some reason that Mistbeard Cove currently has those locked doors and blocked passages - SOMEONE is still helping with upkeep.

I've been thinking of starting up a place for people to ask questions and discuss lore like this... I wonder if the time has come?

[Onizuka]

Yes! Now I remember when Mimidoa mentioned Mistbeard's first name in the level 36 Blacksmith/Armorer quest, the one with the good trip to the beautiful Hope's Bourn. Thanks for reminding it, lore mate, and for rounding up the informations!
I also mentioned Mistbeard in my last journal entry, as I really enjoyed its story when I visited the dungeon (except for that doubt on the bride's maidenhood, but oh well).

Also, as an additional info on the pirate king, it was really ol' Mimodoa, adept blacksmith of Naldiq & Vymelli, who was actually the cannonboy on his flagship! There he lost the hearing from his right Lala-ear.

While about the Heart of Infinity... I don't remember it at the moment, uhm... In which sidequest/quest was it mentioned? Maybe one I've yet to do (or another temporary memory loss of the squirrel...).

Reading again some of my lore data, I noticed that Shposhae is a Sahagin word. I guess the words are Shpo and Shae, whatever they might mean, eh, Fernie? But I'm sure we'll know in due time with the full explanation on Roegadyns' and other races' meaning of names when the Great Library/Ishgardian library with balcony *cough cough* will open up.


Anyway, the sultana of Ul'dah should be a Lalafell if I remember correctly, as the prince himself is one. And thinking about a Roegadyn mating with a Lalafell... oh my Nald, the horror!
Now that I think about it, I always had a doubt about race crossbreeding and wanted to inquire about it... Like, what would happen if a Roegadyn and a Hyur mate? Like Lonsygg and Ethelinda.
Of course, I'm talking about crossbreeding of the five races of Eorzea, so we'll leave out Lonsygg and the Opo-Opos for now. Please.




Last but not least, thanks Ferne for your answer. Yes, legends are good for that reason, hehe... That's why I like Mistbeard's story so much.
I'm ready with my Dated (but not for long) Pickaxe to rummage through all the rocks necessary to learn, one day, the truth behind the pirate king!

[Anonymoose]

As you can imagine, even though the quests overlap between companies, the reasons that the companies want in on it are different. Remember when Yoshida-san said to choose the company that you best resonate with? This is why - if you identify with Limsa's storyline but join Gridana, the story's gonna be totally different than what you're used to (and like.) The excuse the Twin Adders have for wanting into Shposhae is different than everyone else.

It's rumored that Mistbeard is the man who stole the Heart of Infinity once upon a time, so now that rumors of Mistbeards treasure have been announced, they feel like they might have a chance to get the Heart back if they go. Therefore, it's the same quest as you're on but from a different company.

[Catapult]

Just chiming in to confirm that the current sultana Nanamo Ul Namo is indeed a lalafell - you get to see her in the Level 21 sidequest "There Might Be Blood" which introduces both her and Raubahn to players not yet eligible to join a grand company outright.

Mind you, if a certain old smith at the guild was crewman to Mistbeard, the infamous pirate may have indeed been Lalafell himself...

Helps with sneaking.

[Anonymoose]

LOC Team; I know it's not customary to have different characters share the same name in Square-Enix's MMOs, so I have to ask....

Rycharde (Mistbeard, the Pirate King) and Rycharde (The Syndicate of Ul'dah) = Same guy? Different guys?

[Catapult]

LOC Team; I know it's not customary to have different characters share the same name in Square-Enix's MMOs, so I have to ask....

Rycharde (Mistbeard, the Pirate King) and Rycharde (The Syndicate of Ul'dah) = Same guy? Different guys?

CONSPIRACY THEORY!!!!