Suggestion for future sidequest on Silver Bazaar and P'molminn (1 of 3)

[Dagget]

Here is a suggestion of some side content I think would be an interesting addition to the game. It involves 2 stories that have opportunities for progression and perhaps conclusion. These scenarios could also possibly be played out by roleplaying on some servers.

The principal story here is the situation with the Silver Bazaar and it's owner, Kikipu. Those who have done the low level quests in that area know that unknown forces have been trying to drive Kikipu from the site and take over the property. Our adventurer did take steps to chase off the baddies once, but the source of the problem has not been rooted out.

The second story involves the Dancer-turned-Adventurer P'molminn. I'll get to how that could link into the Silver Bazaar story further in.

To try and understand the dire situation at the Silver Bazaar, let's 1st look at what facts we have from the past and present. We know from Kikipu and Momodi that the Silver Bazaar was once a bustling market. When one surveys the area, the reasons seem fairly clear. There is a great lighthouse overshadowing the port, providing guidance for ships. The road to Ul'Dah is short and safe, with one small checkpoint just outside the city. While the Calamity has damaged routes in many places, there does not appear to be any such problems with the road between Ul'Dah and the Silver Bazaar - in short, one would expect things to be as they always have.

In terms of competition, we have Vesper Bay, with it's prominent statue of Lord Lolorito (and mention by locals of his funding it's development). Vesper Bay would seem to have a number of shortcomings compared to the Silver Bazaar and only 1 advantage. The route to Ul'Dah is long, and involves crossing an area that seems prone to flooding, as well as a bridge that might be collapsed by natural events or hostile attacks. It has no guiding lighthouse and sits in the shadow of a Garlean outpost, enabling easy monitoring of port activities by the Garleans. There is also the town of Horizon along the route, another checkpoint which might serve for additional inspections and application of duties. The one advantage Vesper Bay has is a deep water port for larger ships.

[Dagget]

Speculation and theories now:

Looking at the route to Vesper Bay, it's heavy rails and proximity to mines like Copperbell Mines, one might conclude that the port has been primarily used for the export of bulk stone and minerals to other regions and possibly the import of lumber from Gridania.

The Silver Bazaar, on the other hand, would seem more suitable for the import and export of high value items like silks and spices from the far East, rare corals and fish from Limsa, etc; as well as a straightforward route for dignitaries and other persons of import traveling on the seas with minimal checkpoints and oversight.

There is also the presence now of building activity along the route between the Bazaar and Ul'dah. With the equipment and effort seen being put forth here I think it is safe to say it is not going to be housing for Ala Mhigan refugees, but more likely upscale housing for the well-to-do. Such well heeled customers would enjoy having an exclusive upscale market close by and a private port as well.

Here we can begin to see why someone might want to chase Kikipu off the property, so as to take over control and rebuild it to their own benefit. The question becomes now what person, or persons are behind this effort, and how to expose them and halt their efforts and keep Kikipu in control of her Bazaar. If the housing develops as expected, Kikipu should be the one to reap the benefits of the new clientel and port activity.

The presence of increased activity at Lolorito-funded Vesper Bay at the cost to business at the Silver Bazaar strongly suggests he is either behind the effort to take over the Silver Bazaar, or at the least pulling strings to benefit fellow Syndicate members. What one would want to investigate is whether those efforts include such things as bribing ship captains to use Vesper Bay over the Silver Bazaar as a port of call, or whether merchants at home and afar are being pressured to not do business with Kikipu. This along with who's behind the ongoing thuggery aimed at chasing her off the land.

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[Dagget]

As for P'molminn, the only background we have on her is a reference to having lived at 'the mud flats'. Whether she as a new adventurer headed back to there, or elsewhere we cannot be certain, but it is reasonable to expect her to stay fairly close to Ul'dah as she would have numerous possible contacts from which to get adventuring jobs. I don't expect her to have developed into a WoL but more likely has carved out a living doing less demanding tasks in the region with a modicum of success. Us investigating the situation at the Silver Bazaar might bring us into contact with P'molminn as a source of information on activities and gossip in the area. Perhaps while on some contract she has seen or overheard some skulldoggery related to getting rid of Kikipu and has come to you to act on the information, kicking off the whole investigation. In the process of the storyline we may get to know some of the ups and downs P'molminn has encountered in her efforts to become an true adventurer.

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As for results/conclusion to the side story I would like to have gotten caught up on P'molminn's situation, as well has brought enough evidence forth to ensure Kikipu is no longer under threat and is ensured to carry forward with the Silver Bazaar into a much brighter future. Perhaps Lolorito was caught crossing enough Syndicate rules to have gotten a good hand slap and some exposure. Possibly have a minor 'rebuilding' with some of the Silver Bazaars' structures rebuilt and cleaned up, much like the Saltery in Ala Mhigo.

Anyway, that is my idea for a future side story/quest that makes use of one or more of the 'old' zones. This could also be played out in a fashion from a roleplay standpoint, with players taking roles as merchants and ship captains and thugs, etc.