City of Stone
You can guess what I did the next day. With a chocobo riding licence in hand, and a few hundred Gil in the other, I went ahead and rented a chocobo for a ride. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! =^-^=
...but where to go?
San d'Oria was a big no-no. Last thing I wanted was to face those snotty Elvaan city guards again. They've been annoying me to no end.
Windurst? I was glad I left. In spite of the big story of me streaking through the port area after Home Pointing dying down over time, I was still given a few leers by some perticular individuals. So... no thank you on that account.
That left Bastok as the only destination left. I thought it was a good idea, seeing that's the only civilized city I haven't visited yet. I've heard about the technological prowesses originating from there, so I might want to see what the fuss was all about. And off I went!
...I won't go about describing my chocobo ride. Only notable item of interest was how I was laughing uncontrollably whenever I passed near a goblin. I mean, for once I can woosh right past them under their nose, and they can't do anything to me! Even when I stopped right next to them they didn't even think of throwing a bomb my way. I'm guessing that's because they tend to look at the ground and only see the chocobo's thick legs and belly, never thinking that there might be a rider on top of it.
Anyways, fussing about the feelings and poor sight of goblins isn't worth it. Upon arrival into the area of Gustaberg, I felt a bit disappointed. All I could see off the distance was rocks and mud. And the occasional withering tree. Not exactly a pleasant sight. I could have only hoped the city would put some color into this environment.
...Gosh, was I wrong... The city is so... so...
...Gray. No wonder Galkas live there.
Travelling from district to district, I wondered how people managed to live in such a bland city. Practically no vegetation, nothing but stone roads and brick settlements... It was really depressing. From the port to the mine, there was nary a sight of interest. Heck, the elevator might have been more interesting to see if it wasn't located smack next in the metalworks. I had to leave that place prematurely seeing how I couldn't stand the stench of brimstone for long.
I was getting bored, and fast. Thankfully, checking on the crystal network, I saw a familiar name pop up in my contacts list.
Coeurl >> Hey sister!
Rosaly >> Hiya little sis!
(Note: Rosaly's not really my sister, but rather my childhood bestest friend. As I was orphaned during the war, her parents took me in, and I became part of her family.)
Coeurl >> How's it going?
Rosaly >> Slow but steady, as usual! You?
Coeurl >> ...I'm bored...
Rosaly >> How come?
Coeurl >> See, I thought I'd visit Bastok
Coeurl >> but there's nothing worth my attention here.
Rosaly >> Yah, I admit it's not as beautiful as our homeland.
Coeurl >> ...I miss Windurst...
Coeurl >> ...but I don't want to go back...
Rosaly >> Still worried about that first page you made?
Coeurl >> You know it...
Rosaly >> Hey sis, don't let that get to you that easily.
Rosaly >> Besides, that is so two moons ago.
Coeurl >> ...Really?
Rosaly >> Sis, did I ever tell you any lies?
Coeurl >> Well... there's that time you told me
Coeurl >> I could ask miss Shantoto for help with my homework.
Rosaly >> ...That time doesn't count.
Rosaly >> Besides, that made for one heck of a Show'n'Tell.
Coeurl >> ...And that time you had me ride a dhalmel...
Rosaly >> How would I have known they wouldn't like being ridden?
Coeurl >> ...And when you had me "borrow" that book at the Optistery...
Rosaly >> Ok! Ok! I get it! I made a few blunders in the past.
Rosaly >> But you have to let it go! It's water under the bridge now!
Rosaly >> Besides, it's not like you can avoid your hometown forever.
Coeurl >> ...Yah...
So much for hanging in that town. Technology really wasn't my thing, so I started heading back towards the Chocobo Stables.
Rosaly >> So... how's the "I'm going to get rich" thing going?
Coeurl >> ...not so well.
Coeurl >> Adventuring takes a huge investment out of my profits
Rosaly >> Oh. Ever thought of crafting?
Coeurl >> Not really. Looks complicated.
Rosaly >> Nonsense! It can be quite a profit actually!
Coeurl >> Oh? How do I get started then?
Rosaly >> Why don't you try the Alchemy Guild in Bastok?
Rosaly >> That way, your trip won't be for naught.
Coeurl >> ...Thanks sis, I'll give it a shot.
Rosaly >> No prob! Take care lil' sis!
Finding the guild was a bit harder than I initially expected. Sure enough, I had a map of the place, but the alley in which the guild was located kinda got me guessing a few times at where the guild was, and how to get down in the alley below. Finally found my way inside, and got up the stairs to meed the professional alchemists running the place.
Coeurl >> Uh... Hi.
Abd-al-Raziq >> Hello.
Coeurl >> Is this the alchemist's guild?
I mentally kicked myself when I realized how stupid the question was.
Abdy >> Of course! Interested in joining, are you?
Coeurl >> ...Sorta, heard it's a nice craft.
Abdy >> It certainly is. We make all sorts of medecines here.
Coeurl >> ...uh... That doesn't sound so thrilling...
Abdy >> You'd think that, wouldn't you?
Abdy >> I suppose you never went on missions, did you?
Coeurl >> Well... not really
Coeurl >> Had to leave my hometown so never got around to that.
Abdy >> Let me tell you, young girl.
Abdy >> All adventurers eventually wish they were alchemists.
Coeurl >> How come?
Abdy >> Why, everyone needs some medecine at some point!
Abdy >> Antidotes for curing poisons...
Abdy >> Echo Drops for silence...
Abdy >> ...are you a mage per chance?
Coeurl >> ...No?
Abdy >> Then you'll need Oils and Prisms, my dear!
Coeurl >> Oils and whats?
Abdy >> Prisms! They turn you invisible!
Coeurl >> ...I can be invisible?!?
Right there, I was thinking of all the nasty tricks I could pull back on Rosaly. From planting evidence on her, to making her think she's being haunted by ghosts... That'd be sweet!!!
Coeurl >> WHERE DO I SIGN UP?!?
Abdy >> Hey! Calm down little girl!
Abdy >> You can sign your name in the guild book over there.
Coeurl >> ...are there any binding terms?
Abdy >> None whatsoever! You can join other guilds too!
Coeurl >> ...so I can be an alchemist and a clothcrafter?
Abdy >> Of course! Though don't expect to excell in both now.
Coeurl signs the guild's book of amateur alchemists.
Coeurl >> When can I start crafting?
Abdy >> Any time you want!
Coeurl >> Cool! Can I do those Primsy thingies?
Abdy >> ...I'm afraid not, young girl.
Coeurl >> ...why not?!
Abdy >> It does take a certain amount of skill to do that.
Abdy >> Why don't you start practicing making ninja tools?
Coeurl >> ...but I'm not a ninja!
Abdy >> Bah! That's not important!
Abdy >> You just need to start on an easy recipe.
Abdy >> And I've got just the thing for you!
Abdy gives a stack of Rock Salts to Coeurl
Abdy gives a stack of Distilled Water to Coeurl
Abdy gives an ice crystal to Coeurl
Coeurl >> What am I supposed to do with those?
Abdy >> Two parts distilled water for one part rock salt
Abdy >> Just combine them with an ice crystal
Abdy >> You can then sell the result on the auction house
Coeurl >> ...sounds simple enough...
Coeurl uses an ice crystal
Coeurl synthesized 33 Tsuraras
Coeurl >> ...that *was* simple enough!
Abdy >> Congratulations! You've done alchemy!
Coeurl >> Cool! Can I do something more complicated now?
Abdy >> ...no, you have to gain more skill first.
Coeurl >> Ok. Can I get another Ice Crystal now?
Abdy >> ...no, you have to purchase them yourself.
Coeurl >> But you just gave...
Abdy >> That was an introductory offer for joining our guild.
Abdy >> You are the mistress of your own training.
Abdy >> Now go forth, young girl! Make us proud!
And I did. As far as the auction house, buying a stack of ice crystals.
Coeurl uses an ice crystal
Synthesis failed
Coeurl lost a Rock Salt
...My wiskers hurt from the cold discharge of the crystal, I travelled back to the Alchemists' Guild
Coeurl >> How come I failed?
Abdy >> Oh, that happens from time to time.
Abdy >> If you want, we offer synthesis Imagery support services.
Coeurl >> Oh cool? Can I have it?
Abdy >> Of course! ...Though it's not entirely free.
Coeurl >> ...uh-huh... I wondered why you were so friendly before.
Abdy >> Nonsense! We *do* offer free synthesis support
Abdy >> but it's the cheap kind, won't do much good.
Abdy >> The real stuff is still a minimal charge
Coeurl >> ...How much?
Abdy >> Really not much. For your skill level, it'd come to 100 Gil.
Coeurl >> ...Oh, sign me up for that then.
Abdy >> Okay, close your eyes now...
Coeurl pays up the 100 Gil fee
Coeurl gains the effect Advanced Synthesis Imagery support
Abdy >> There you go!
Coeurl >> Alright, thanks!
Abdy >> No problem, anything to help a fledging new alchemist!
I did a few more crafts, all of which succeeded, but quickly ran out of materials. Off to the local bar to get more distilled water. I then ran out of crystals and rock salts. So back to the auction house again.
Coeurl's Advanced Synthesis Imagery Support wears off.
...I made a detour to the Alchemists' Guild.
Coeurl >> DID YOU GIVE ME CHEAP IMAGERY OR WHAT?!?
Abdy >> ...sorry?
Coeurl >> IT ALREADY WORE OFF!!!
Abdy >> Well, synthesis imagery usually doesn't last too long.
Coeurl >> THEN WHY DID YOU OFFER ME THAT?!?
Abdy >> I thought it would help you out for your first few crafts.
Coeurl >> I WANT A REFUND NOW!!!
Abdy >> Sorry, we have a "no refunds" policy at the guild
Coeurl >> THIS SUCKS!!!
Abdy >> Please, consider all other guilds offer the very same services.
Abdy >> So we're not trying to screw over amateur crafters
Abdy >> elseway they won't come back when they grow more experienced.
Coeurl >> ...!
Abdy >> Calm down a bit, and try out the standard imagery service.
Abdy >> Like I said, it's not as good as the advanced type
Abdy >> but if you run on a tight budget, might be more your thing.
Coeurl >> ...No, thank you. I ran out of materials anyways.
Abdy >> I see... There's bound to be more rock salt on the auction h...
Coeurl >> No. I don't think I'll stick to crafting.
Coeurl >> I barely got half a skill level so far.
Coeurl >> I can see how that might get expensive later on.
Abdy >> ...I won't push you into becoming an expert crafter.
Abdy >> Just think of it as a hobby rather than a job.
Coeurl >> ...Yah, though you shouldn't expect to see me come back
Coeurl >> for a long, looooooong time.
Abdy >> No worries.
Abdy >> However, don't knock it off just over some initial difficulties.
Abdy >> Someday, you might look back on our encounter and laugh about it.
Coeurl >> ...Yeah, right...
And I left Bastok, heading back for Jeuno. Training seemed the only way I'd get anywhere in this age of adventurers. But looking back on that conversation, I can't help but laugh a bit. I mean, I'm currently an Artisan for the Alchemist's guild, on the verge of becoming an Adept, if I just get the time to pass the next test. Much like Abdy said, I've done this as a hobby, so over time, I steadily grew more talented at mixing reagants together.
...However, Rosaly saw right through my ruse when I pretended her weapon was being possessed. Oh well, more prism powders for sneaking about dungeons, I suppose.
...but where to go?
San d'Oria was a big no-no. Last thing I wanted was to face those snotty Elvaan city guards again. They've been annoying me to no end.
Windurst? I was glad I left. In spite of the big story of me streaking through the port area after Home Pointing dying down over time, I was still given a few leers by some perticular individuals. So... no thank you on that account.
That left Bastok as the only destination left. I thought it was a good idea, seeing that's the only civilized city I haven't visited yet. I've heard about the technological prowesses originating from there, so I might want to see what the fuss was all about. And off I went!
...I won't go about describing my chocobo ride. Only notable item of interest was how I was laughing uncontrollably whenever I passed near a goblin. I mean, for once I can woosh right past them under their nose, and they can't do anything to me! Even when I stopped right next to them they didn't even think of throwing a bomb my way. I'm guessing that's because they tend to look at the ground and only see the chocobo's thick legs and belly, never thinking that there might be a rider on top of it.
Anyways, fussing about the feelings and poor sight of goblins isn't worth it. Upon arrival into the area of Gustaberg, I felt a bit disappointed. All I could see off the distance was rocks and mud. And the occasional withering tree. Not exactly a pleasant sight. I could have only hoped the city would put some color into this environment.
...Gosh, was I wrong... The city is so... so...
...Gray. No wonder Galkas live there.
Travelling from district to district, I wondered how people managed to live in such a bland city. Practically no vegetation, nothing but stone roads and brick settlements... It was really depressing. From the port to the mine, there was nary a sight of interest. Heck, the elevator might have been more interesting to see if it wasn't located smack next in the metalworks. I had to leave that place prematurely seeing how I couldn't stand the stench of brimstone for long.
I was getting bored, and fast. Thankfully, checking on the crystal network, I saw a familiar name pop up in my contacts list.
Coeurl >> Hey sister!
Rosaly >> Hiya little sis!
(Note: Rosaly's not really my sister, but rather my childhood bestest friend. As I was orphaned during the war, her parents took me in, and I became part of her family.)
Coeurl >> How's it going?
Rosaly >> Slow but steady, as usual! You?
Coeurl >> ...I'm bored...
Rosaly >> How come?
Coeurl >> See, I thought I'd visit Bastok
Coeurl >> but there's nothing worth my attention here.
Rosaly >> Yah, I admit it's not as beautiful as our homeland.
Coeurl >> ...I miss Windurst...
Coeurl >> ...but I don't want to go back...
Rosaly >> Still worried about that first page you made?
Coeurl >> You know it...
Rosaly >> Hey sis, don't let that get to you that easily.
Rosaly >> Besides, that is so two moons ago.
Coeurl >> ...Really?
Rosaly >> Sis, did I ever tell you any lies?
Coeurl >> Well... there's that time you told me
Coeurl >> I could ask miss Shantoto for help with my homework.
Rosaly >> ...That time doesn't count.
Rosaly >> Besides, that made for one heck of a Show'n'Tell.
Coeurl >> ...And that time you had me ride a dhalmel...
Rosaly >> How would I have known they wouldn't like being ridden?
Coeurl >> ...And when you had me "borrow" that book at the Optistery...
Rosaly >> Ok! Ok! I get it! I made a few blunders in the past.
Rosaly >> But you have to let it go! It's water under the bridge now!
Rosaly >> Besides, it's not like you can avoid your hometown forever.
Coeurl >> ...Yah...
So much for hanging in that town. Technology really wasn't my thing, so I started heading back towards the Chocobo Stables.
Rosaly >> So... how's the "I'm going to get rich" thing going?
Coeurl >> ...not so well.
Coeurl >> Adventuring takes a huge investment out of my profits
Rosaly >> Oh. Ever thought of crafting?
Coeurl >> Not really. Looks complicated.
Rosaly >> Nonsense! It can be quite a profit actually!
Coeurl >> Oh? How do I get started then?
Rosaly >> Why don't you try the Alchemy Guild in Bastok?
Rosaly >> That way, your trip won't be for naught.
Coeurl >> ...Thanks sis, I'll give it a shot.
Rosaly >> No prob! Take care lil' sis!
Finding the guild was a bit harder than I initially expected. Sure enough, I had a map of the place, but the alley in which the guild was located kinda got me guessing a few times at where the guild was, and how to get down in the alley below. Finally found my way inside, and got up the stairs to meed the professional alchemists running the place.
Coeurl >> Uh... Hi.
Abd-al-Raziq >> Hello.
Coeurl >> Is this the alchemist's guild?
I mentally kicked myself when I realized how stupid the question was.
Abdy >> Of course! Interested in joining, are you?
Coeurl >> ...Sorta, heard it's a nice craft.
Abdy >> It certainly is. We make all sorts of medecines here.
Coeurl >> ...uh... That doesn't sound so thrilling...
Abdy >> You'd think that, wouldn't you?
Abdy >> I suppose you never went on missions, did you?
Coeurl >> Well... not really
Coeurl >> Had to leave my hometown so never got around to that.
Abdy >> Let me tell you, young girl.
Abdy >> All adventurers eventually wish they were alchemists.
Coeurl >> How come?
Abdy >> Why, everyone needs some medecine at some point!
Abdy >> Antidotes for curing poisons...
Abdy >> Echo Drops for silence...
Abdy >> ...are you a mage per chance?
Coeurl >> ...No?
Abdy >> Then you'll need Oils and Prisms, my dear!
Coeurl >> Oils and whats?
Abdy >> Prisms! They turn you invisible!
Coeurl >> ...I can be invisible?!?
Right there, I was thinking of all the nasty tricks I could pull back on Rosaly. From planting evidence on her, to making her think she's being haunted by ghosts... That'd be sweet!!!
Coeurl >> WHERE DO I SIGN UP?!?
Abdy >> Hey! Calm down little girl!
Abdy >> You can sign your name in the guild book over there.
Coeurl >> ...are there any binding terms?
Abdy >> None whatsoever! You can join other guilds too!
Coeurl >> ...so I can be an alchemist and a clothcrafter?
Abdy >> Of course! Though don't expect to excell in both now.
Coeurl signs the guild's book of amateur alchemists.
Coeurl >> When can I start crafting?
Abdy >> Any time you want!
Coeurl >> Cool! Can I do those Primsy thingies?
Abdy >> ...I'm afraid not, young girl.
Coeurl >> ...why not?!
Abdy >> It does take a certain amount of skill to do that.
Abdy >> Why don't you start practicing making ninja tools?
Coeurl >> ...but I'm not a ninja!
Abdy >> Bah! That's not important!
Abdy >> You just need to start on an easy recipe.
Abdy >> And I've got just the thing for you!
Abdy gives a stack of Rock Salts to Coeurl
Abdy gives a stack of Distilled Water to Coeurl
Abdy gives an ice crystal to Coeurl
Coeurl >> What am I supposed to do with those?
Abdy >> Two parts distilled water for one part rock salt
Abdy >> Just combine them with an ice crystal
Abdy >> You can then sell the result on the auction house
Coeurl >> ...sounds simple enough...
Coeurl uses an ice crystal
Coeurl synthesized 33 Tsuraras
Coeurl >> ...that *was* simple enough!
Abdy >> Congratulations! You've done alchemy!
Coeurl >> Cool! Can I do something more complicated now?
Abdy >> ...no, you have to gain more skill first.
Coeurl >> Ok. Can I get another Ice Crystal now?
Abdy >> ...no, you have to purchase them yourself.
Coeurl >> But you just gave...
Abdy >> That was an introductory offer for joining our guild.
Abdy >> You are the mistress of your own training.
Abdy >> Now go forth, young girl! Make us proud!
And I did. As far as the auction house, buying a stack of ice crystals.
Coeurl uses an ice crystal
Synthesis failed
Coeurl lost a Rock Salt
...My wiskers hurt from the cold discharge of the crystal, I travelled back to the Alchemists' Guild
Coeurl >> How come I failed?
Abdy >> Oh, that happens from time to time.
Abdy >> If you want, we offer synthesis Imagery support services.
Coeurl >> Oh cool? Can I have it?
Abdy >> Of course! ...Though it's not entirely free.
Coeurl >> ...uh-huh... I wondered why you were so friendly before.
Abdy >> Nonsense! We *do* offer free synthesis support
Abdy >> but it's the cheap kind, won't do much good.
Abdy >> The real stuff is still a minimal charge
Coeurl >> ...How much?
Abdy >> Really not much. For your skill level, it'd come to 100 Gil.
Coeurl >> ...Oh, sign me up for that then.
Abdy >> Okay, close your eyes now...
Coeurl pays up the 100 Gil fee
Coeurl gains the effect Advanced Synthesis Imagery support
Abdy >> There you go!
Coeurl >> Alright, thanks!
Abdy >> No problem, anything to help a fledging new alchemist!
I did a few more crafts, all of which succeeded, but quickly ran out of materials. Off to the local bar to get more distilled water. I then ran out of crystals and rock salts. So back to the auction house again.
Coeurl's Advanced Synthesis Imagery Support wears off.
...I made a detour to the Alchemists' Guild.
Coeurl >> DID YOU GIVE ME CHEAP IMAGERY OR WHAT?!?
Abdy >> ...sorry?
Coeurl >> IT ALREADY WORE OFF!!!
Abdy >> Well, synthesis imagery usually doesn't last too long.
Coeurl >> THEN WHY DID YOU OFFER ME THAT?!?
Abdy >> I thought it would help you out for your first few crafts.
Coeurl >> I WANT A REFUND NOW!!!
Abdy >> Sorry, we have a "no refunds" policy at the guild
Coeurl >> THIS SUCKS!!!
Abdy >> Please, consider all other guilds offer the very same services.
Abdy >> So we're not trying to screw over amateur crafters
Abdy >> elseway they won't come back when they grow more experienced.
Coeurl >> ...!
Abdy >> Calm down a bit, and try out the standard imagery service.
Abdy >> Like I said, it's not as good as the advanced type
Abdy >> but if you run on a tight budget, might be more your thing.
Coeurl >> ...No, thank you. I ran out of materials anyways.
Abdy >> I see... There's bound to be more rock salt on the auction h...
Coeurl >> No. I don't think I'll stick to crafting.
Coeurl >> I barely got half a skill level so far.
Coeurl >> I can see how that might get expensive later on.
Abdy >> ...I won't push you into becoming an expert crafter.
Abdy >> Just think of it as a hobby rather than a job.
Coeurl >> ...Yah, though you shouldn't expect to see me come back
Coeurl >> for a long, looooooong time.
Abdy >> No worries.
Abdy >> However, don't knock it off just over some initial difficulties.
Abdy >> Someday, you might look back on our encounter and laugh about it.
Coeurl >> ...Yeah, right...
And I left Bastok, heading back for Jeuno. Training seemed the only way I'd get anywhere in this age of adventurers. But looking back on that conversation, I can't help but laugh a bit. I mean, I'm currently an Artisan for the Alchemist's guild, on the verge of becoming an Adept, if I just get the time to pass the next test. Much like Abdy said, I've done this as a hobby, so over time, I steadily grew more talented at mixing reagants together.
...However, Rosaly saw right through my ruse when I pretended her weapon was being possessed. Oh well, more prism powders for sneaking about dungeons, I suppose.
posted by Coeurl de Lionne | 2:23 p.m.
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