A Legacy of Light and Laughter

In the verdant woodlands of Gridania, the paths of two unlikely warriors converged: Ava Spellweaver, a stalwart Miqo’te paladin with a heart as immense as her courage, and Thandarin Spellweaver, a sharp-shooting Machinist whose wit was as quick as his trigger finger. Their partnership began as a simple adventuring companionship but soon blossomed into a love story sung in taverns across Eorzea.

One fateful day during a mission to the Sagolii Desert, they stumbled upon a curious sight—a Lalafell child abandoned near a caravan wreckage. The child clutched a half-eaten sandwich in her tiny hands, her determined glare defying the tears streaking her dusty face.

Thandarin crouched beside her, his rifle slung across his back. “What’s your name, little one?”

She sniffed. “Manetoya Sandwich. And you’re not taking my lunch!”

Ava chuckled, kneeling to her level. “We’ve no intention of stealing your sandwich, love. You’ve got a spirit that would put a Coeurl to shame.”

From that day forward, Manetoya became their daughter, raised amidst the whispers of the Twelveswood and the roaring fires of Gridania’s training halls. Under Ava’s tutelage, she learned the tenets of loyalty and honor. From Thandarin, she absorbed the art of precision and resourcefulness. And from herself? Well, Manetoya nurtured a dream as unconventional as her family.

The Miqo’te’s Tail

By the time she came of age, Manetoya had ventured across Eorzea, crafting her identity as a Lalafell with a penchant for theatrics and leadership. Settling in Ul’dah, she opened The Miqo’te’s Tail, a brothel famed not for its lewdness but for its commitment to consensual escapism and impeccable hospitality. Beneath its silk-lined walls, adventurers found a space of safety and comfort—an oasis amidst Ul’dah’s cutthroat sands.

Ava and Thandarin couldn’t have been prouder, though their frequent visits often led to… peculiar misunderstandings.

“Your parents are here,” one of the Miqo’te boys whispered nervously to Manetoya.

She sighed, adjusting her ornate Madame’s hat. “Do they have swords drawn, or are they just here to check on the catering again?”

The Quicksand Crusade

Despite their pride in Manetoya, Ava and Thandarin had no patience for those who sullied Eorzea’s reputation with unseemly conduct. Their crusade against the infamous ERP scourge in Balmung’s Quicksand was legendary.

One evening, Ava burst into the Quicksand’s main hall, her elegant armor catching the dim lamplight. “By the Fury, if I see one more unsolicited emote about ‘rippling abs,’ there will be consequences.”

Thandarin followed, his rifle resting casually on his shoulder. “Indeed. And we’ve brought consequences with us.” He waved toward a squadron of Immortal Flames guards, summoned under a pretense of ‘urgent moral maintenance.’

As the culprits scattered, Manetoya arrived, sipping from a delicately gilded teacup. “You two are going to give me gray hairs. Do you know how much paperwork these raids generate?”

Ava shrugged, planting a firm hand on her hip. “Someone has to keep the streets clean, darling.”

“And if you want fewer raids,” Thandarin added with a smirk, “perhaps you could lend us a few boys from The Tail to infiltrate their ranks. Spycraft is so underrated these days.”

Manetoya groaned but couldn’t suppress a smile. “I’ll consider it—for a cut of the gil.”

Eorzea’s Brightest Stars

Through all their antics, one truth remained: the Spellweavers were a family bound by love, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose. Whether defending the honor of Ul’dah’s streets or nurturing the dreams of their unconventional daughter, Ava and Thandarin proved that even in the chaos of Eorzea, a family’s strength shines brighter than any star in the sky.

And as for Manetoya? Her legacy as Madame of The Miqo’te’s Tail would endure, celebrated for her unmatched charisma, her unshakable confidence, and the unwavering support of two of Eorzea’s most eccentric heroes.

An ode to honey b lovely

“B is for Bitch” by Death Merchants of Eorzea

(Verse 1)
B is for the buzz that’s driving us mad,
Every sweet little smile just makes us more sad.
You flutter through the air like you’re some kind of queen,
But you’re nothing but a nuisance, the worst we’ve seen.

(Pre-Chorus)
We’ve had enough of your sugar-coated lies,
Behind those bright eyes, a venomous disguise.
Honey drips from your tongue, but it’s all fake,
The bitter taste of your sweetness is more than we can take.

(Chorus)
B is for Bitch, and that’s just what you are,
Spreading your poison, leaving scars.
You think you’re so lovely, with your sugary flair,
But we see through it all, and we just don’t care.

(Verse 2)
You lead your little bees, your swarm of deceit,
But we’re coming for you, prepare for defeat.
No more honeyed words, no more dancing around,
We’ll tear off those wings, bring you down to the ground.

(Pre-Chorus)
We’ve seen enough of your sticky, sweet charade,
Your charm is just a blade that cuts both ways.
Honey B Lovely, it’s time to face the truth,
The only thing that’s sweet is the end of your ruse.

(Chorus)
B is for Bitch, and that’s just what you are,
Spreading your poison, leaving scars.
You think you’re so lovely, with your sugary flair,
But we see through it all, and we just don’t care.

(Bridge)
We’re the Death Merchants, we don’t play nice,
We’ll crush your hive, no matter the price.
You can buzz all you want, but your time is done,
We’re the dark that’ll blot out your sun.

(Final Chorus)
B is for Bitch, and that’s just what you are,
Spreading your poison, leaving scars.
You think you’re so lovely, with your sugary flair,
But we see through it all, and we just don’t care.

(Outro)
So fly away, Honey B, while you still can,
Before the Death Merchants take your final stand.
B is for Bitch, and you’ll remember this tune,
When we crush your hive beneath the blackened moon.

28th sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon

I took the first boat to Old Sharlayan and arrived this morning. I made my way swiftly the Baldesian Annex to meet with Krile and Graha and to finalize our plans before we set sail tomorrow.

Once done with our meeting I plan on stopping in Labyrinthos to say my farewells to the Gleaners and Residents I had aided over the past few months. Then I will make my way to the Studium to see Debroye for some of her Archon Loaves, which are amongst the best I have ever had.

To top off my last day, I shall have a nice read in the Scholars Harbor. The fresh sea breeze and the rythmic sway of the waters will give me a nice respite before the chaos that I know will inevitably be awaiting me tomorrow.

72 Hours Remain…well kind of

So in roughly 57 hours from the writing of this post, Warriors of light from all over the world will be heading to the New World to have marvelous new adventures with old friends and those we have yet to meet. The anticipation is palpable in the community.

We wont hear from Mini today but instead you will hear from me (Shira!). But I know if she were here to talk to us, she would also be sharing her excitement for what lies ahead of us.

There will be new Dungeons, Trials, Raids (Both normal/savage and the 24man), beast tribes, classes to level, achievements to be earned. I hope you all have a fantastic launch, and remember to stay hydrated and to eat some food! Don’t feel you have to rush to the end. We wont have the harder content for two weeks so please enjoy the wonderfully crafted story Yoshi-P and the team have made for us.

While we are nearing the start to the 48 hour Maintanence, what do you plan to do with the down time? I posed this question on Mastodon last night, but I am still curious to know what everyone will be doing :)

For me, Napping and playing Elden Ring will pass my 48 hour torture.

Oh before I go, please be respectful and kind (As I know our community can be) and refrain from posting spoilers on social media and in Discords. Not everyone is going to be able to jump in during early access as soon as the servers go up.

Well with that I bid thee farewell and will see you Friday morning!!

–Shira

25th sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon

I was awakened at noon by the sounds of clients arriving at the start of the day. I grogilly dressed and made my way out to greet some familiar faces. Hramal, one of the most beautiful Miqo’te I had ever laid eyes on, greeted me and made my favorite breakfast. A simple omlette with cheese and a bowl of wheat porridge with cream and sugar.

No one in all of Aldenard, Ilsabard, or Othard could cook as well as Hramal. Many could come close, but alas that title he held onto without any fear of having it clutched from his well sharpened claws.

I had no sooner finished my meal, when through the door waddled in Tataru and her Hyur Cohort Hancock. After being filled in on the recent goings on in Kugane and Shirogane, they politely bowed out and returned to lining their pockets. I took my leave not long after and made my way to Doman Enclave.

Lord Hien greeted me and we discussed the progress made in Bozja. While some progress had been made in restoring things post Garlean retreat, news had been sparse especially when concerning Dalmasca. While I am very much concerned with the goings on there and in Werlyt, there simply isn’t enough time for me to busy myself on that, at least for the time being.

By the time we made it back to the aetheryte plaza, the sun had dipped below the horizon. For now I am going to make my way back to Limsa before the apointed day. I am not sure when next I will log as the journey back to Vylbrand will be most uneventful. I suspect when next I write I will be cutting through the waters on my way to the New World.

24th Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon

I awoke before dawn noticing the Blizzard had waned and now only still quiet enveloped the highlands. I flew the Zu I was offered to Ishgard. My first stop was to visit Count Fortemps. Apparently news of my arrival made its way through the Brume and to Lord Aymeric who made his way with the swiftness to Fortemps Manor. Ever the gracious host, Count Fortemps had us stay for one of the best meals I had enjoyed in some time, and would like to again.

After we dined and caught up on the goings of the Holy See, I bid farewell to my dearest friends and made my way for the Astrologicum to see my fellow Astrologians one last time before my departure. Leveva and Jannequinard had already read the portents of my arrival and were standing out of doors to greet me. While we made pleasantries some children approached, throwing snow balls and making merry. Good fortunes had finally befell Ishgard, touching even these who were not long ago living in squallor and begging for scraps to eat. I decided to entertain their notion of frivolity and conjured ice orbs and dazzling snow flakes large as my Deneb and sent them dancing over head as they laughed and cavorted.

I noticed the sun was dipping low and dusk was upon us, so I bid farewell to my friends and made my way to the Skysteel Manufactury where Cid had a manacutter with some modifications awaiting to convey me at last to Kugane. Biggs lifted me up with such ease and set me comfortably in the Manacutter and after familiarizing myself with the controls, I made haste towards Kugane with anticipation welling up inside me. To set myself down at the Miqo’tes Tail and see my club after being away for so long was spurring me on, even though I was starting to feel quite exhausted.

It was well after midnight that I arrived in Kugane and stumbled my way to the Miqo’tes Tail. I can see the sun slowly peaking over the horizon, so I will go to bed now. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day!

23rd Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon

I arrived in Gridania this morning and was greeted by the Elder Seed-Seer. We patrolled Gridania and she brought me up to speed with the status of the Elementals, and their growing calm. It seems all is well as well with their beastmen.

We discussed at length my upcoming trip to the New World. Our meeting truly left me with a sense of renewed peace knowing that after all the trials and tribulations thee past few years, meant something. Eorzea was no longer at constant war with the beastment and dealing with stolen caches of Aether Rich Crystals and Primal summonings. Kan-E-Senna even relayed that sightings of the Elder Primal Odin have dwindled.

After a brief lunch at the Carline Canopy, I rented a Chocobo and set off through the Blue Badger Gate into the Central Shroud. Through the South Shroud and then to the East, and eventually through the North Shroud I took in the Golden Light dancing through the veil of the towering forest, like threads of pure fairy gold. Long many days were spent here in the Shroud. Putting down vilekin and voidsent. Dealing with things forgotten by the Amdapori and Gelmorans. How long would it be before I set foot beneath these trees again?

After stopping for a spell at the Bobbing Cork, I made my way onwards towards Coerthas. Perhaps my fortunes were less than I had envisioned, as upon entering from the Shroud I was met with a Blizzard that forced me to go no further for the day, and shelter at Oberservatorium rather than press on to Camp Dragonhead. Should the blizzard pass by morning I will be able to take a Zu to Ishgard to see Lord Aymeric, then to Idyllshire and then Kugane before returning by Air Ship to Limsa on the 28th Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon to depart for Tural.

22nd Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon

I arrived in the lower decks of Limsa Lominsa early this morning. I had a few drinks in the Drowning Wench and met with a few friends before heading out to begin my tour through Vylbrand.

Seeing the vast seas surrounding the Island got me to thinking about the impending voyage to the new world. Remembering when I firs set foot on this Island a couple years ago, the excitement I felt, the bonds I forged. Even after all this time I found myself coming back to Limsa whenever I had spare time. The wiley nature of the Limsans always paired well with my own bawdy sensibilities.

Perhaps the best thing of this particular trip was seeing the positive relations with the beast tribes. There were many miles to go in terms of where I would ideally like to see relations, but when the members of the Maelstrom are working side by side with the Beastmen instead of taking up sword against, that is a victory.

I ended my tour back at Limsa Lominsa, at Maelstrom Command. I wished to see my Squadron one last time before I made my way to the Black Shroud. My squadron, the best rag tag group of Lalafell in Eorzea, eagerly greeted me. They had come so far from the discontended ruffians who my superiors sent to me. They had matured, learned discipline, and had become to each other and myself, family.

Once we had said all that needed to be said, I made my way to the Airship Landing to Gridania. First I will see the Elder Seedseer and then make my way through the shroud to Coerthas where I will stay at Camp Dragonhead before heading into Ishgard and beyond. Till Sea Swalls All

20th sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon

I began visiting old friends today, finishing unfinished business where possible. I began in Uldah, visiting The Quicksand for a drink with Momodi and Otapa. Afterwards I returned to the Waking Sands to bid farewell to those still holding down the fort, as well as my friends in Vesper Bay.

It’s hard to believe it was but a few short years ago how much time I spent in our little enclave, and how infrequently now I darken its doorstep. That’s the life of an adventurer though. I know it comes with the territory, but it doesn’t make the sting any less.

I am about to take a boat from Vesper Bay to Limsa to begin my Vylbrand leg of the farewell tour. Hopefully I can keep the pace and make it to the Black Shroud and then off to Coerthas, Dravania and then lastly to Ilsabard and Othard.