The Harbor Herald
Lominsan Fleet Makes Sail
The morning mist shrouded the Lominsan docks, lending shape to the air of tension that reigned supreme. Arrayed in splendid black livery and wearing a look of mythril resolve, Chief Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn strode up the gangway to take her place aboard the Triumph, the mighty galleass serving as the Maelstrom’s flagship.
Lovingly wrought by the master shipwrights of Naldiq & Vymelli’s, the newly christened vessel smelled of fresh paint and promise. Upon her yet spotless deck, beneath the rippling dragon galley ensign, stood score upon score of our nation’s stalwart defenders, who saluted their commander-in-chief as she performed the customary inspection. Nodding to them in acknowledgement, the Chief Admiral then bellowed the order to weigh anchor, her powerful voice piercing the solemn silence. So it was that the Triumph made sail to join her 28-strong fleet comprised of warships from the Maelstrom, the Lominsan Armada, and myriad pirating crews.
Bound for Destiny
Even as I put quill to parchment, this combined Lominsan fleet is en route to Vesper Bay, the maritime gateway to Thanalan, bearing a burden of soldiers. Upon making landfall, the Lominsans will merge with the forces of the Immortal Flames and the Order of the Twin Adder. Maelstrom officials have been tight-lipped about their plans thereafter, but all evidence suggests that the allied army will then march for the Carteneau Flats in Mor Dhona, where the VIIth Imperial Legion is presently entrenched. It would seem the final confrontation between the Eorzean Alliance and the Garlean Empire is just beyond the horizon.
As the main Lominsan host traverses the Strait of Merlthor on its way to the fields of reckoning, a second is in the midst of being assembled. At the heart of this auxiliary force is the Foreign Levy, the Maelstrom unit formed of adventurers and specializing in land warfare. Thus far in the conflict, adventurers have been instrumental in dealing with Garlean presence across the realm. With their strength joined to the main host, the Maelstrom will reach the zenith of its might—the least we will need if we are to smite the imperial invaders once and for all.
I urge all Lominsans to join together in prayer for the good fortune and safe return of our fighting men and women. May the Navigator guide them to the shores of victory!
Yumah Molkot
The Raven
Shadows of the Autumn War
The Autumn War is the name given to the conflict that erupted when the nation of Ala Mhigo invaded Gridania one hundred years ago. During this time of strife, our Gridanian ancestors were joined by troops from Ishgard, Ul'dah, and Limsa Lominsa, and, thus reinforced, succeeded in forcing the invaders back across the border.
And now, as the imperial army looms on our very doorstep, the disparate nations of Eorzea once more band together in common cause. Though Ishgard has shown no willingness to go to war, both Ul'dah and Limsa Lominsa have committed their soldiers to the Eorzean Alliance. Joint operations are already underway, and by all reports have proven most effective.
But the alliance leaders have only just begun—they are assembling an army so massive it will dwarf any force brought together in our realm’s history. With this great host they mean to march forth and smash the invading Garlean force. I wonder—as must you, gentle reader—if victory is truly within our reach.
An Eye on Archon Louisoix
The key to vanquishing the imperial war machine may be found in the hands of Archon Louisoix, a scholar who hails from Sharlayan, the great seat of knowledge. I put forth this presumption in light of news from well-placed sources, who claim that the Archon has joined the Eorzean Alliance to serve as its chief tactician.
Louisoix is known for his work alongside the Order of the Twin Adder, and the contributions he has made towards the downfall of the primals. He is also lauded as the foremost authority on the prophecies that surround the Seventh Umbral Era.
My sources also inform me that the alliance’s shift to the offensive is based on an initiative put forth by Louisoix himself, and that a legion of heroic adventurers—responsible for defeating the primals at his behest—is set to join the coming fray. Mere spectators that we are, we can but guess at what brilliant strategies the archon has contrived. Nevertheless, I pray to both the Matron and the elementals that this all-or-nothing gambit succeeds. For it is not only the lives of our soldiers, but the future of Eorzea that rides on the outcome of this fateful battle.
Oliver Goodfellow
The Mythril Eye
Pretext for War?
In recent days, the Immortal Flames’ manpower appears to be stretched quite thin. The bulk of the Grand Company’s strength has left Ul’dah, and the defense of the sultanate has been entrusted wholly to the Brass Blades.
Moreover, Lominsan warships have been sighted at Vesper Bay, unloading Maelstrom troops. Even now, soldiers emblazoned in the colors of the Order of the Twin Adder continue to stream forth from the Black Shroud. Based on these developments, I can only conclude that the three Grand Companies are amassing their forces in Western Thanalan.
In response to inquiries from The Mythril Eye, Grand Flame Marshal Eline Roaille* provided this written statement:
“The Grand Companies of Eorzea are staging joint military exercises to commemorate the revival of the three-nation alliance.”
However, even a cursory estimation of expenditures by the Immortal Flames casts doubt on this official explanation. The Grand Company’s recent acquisitions go far beyond what is necessary for field exercises, yet are approximately the quantities one would expect prior to a full-scale campaign.
Furthermore, the Free Brigade of foreign adventurers has been summoned to participate in these exercises alongside the main host. Indeed, I think it past doubt that the Immortal Flames are poised for total war.
Our sources within the military caravans report that light infantry units have already been dispatched to the Carteneau Flats, along the outskirts of Mor Dhona. Yet this region, while rumored to be occupied by the VIIth Imperial Legion, is a vast plain with minimal strategic value, which begs the question: why contest such territory?
While much about the situation remains unclear, it is certain that the battle to come will have a lasting impact upon the future of Eorzea. May Nald’thal smile favorably upon our valiant defenders and guide them to victory.
Osaku Ysaku
[Eline Roaille]
Second-in-command to Raubahn Aldynn and caretaker of the Hall of Flames. A renowned commander of Ishgardian descent and one of the Flame General’s most trusted advisors.