Currents : Paladin Surcoat Woes

This week's story is still in the process of being written. Kinda takes longer since... well... I figured talking about how amazed I was about Ranger took the best of two paragraphs, so I grafted the next story right at the end of that. So yah... that other story is rather long-winded.

In the meanwhile, I'm giving out a Currents on what's up with me lately. Well, for starters, I'm currently trying to get my paws on a Gallant Surcoat. Not an easy endeavor, considering Three-Eye and One-Eye aren't exactly push-overs, and also rather protective of their village's well. I keep being reminded of Calcula's adventures over yonder, and it's kinda keeping my fur on edge.

Yesternight, I got offered some help by a Thief and Warrior. Cherron and Ashengard I believe their names were. They asked me if it would be ok if we could trio it. I guess what they wanted was to test their mettle against an equally murderous duo. I figured I can help them out a bit with some backup healing. However, once we arrived at the area, and cleared the regular guards, Ashengard somehow got sick, and couldn't fight anymore. We waited for him to get better, he got back, but underwent a second sickness spell and was out definitely. That left just the two of us.

Cherron >> Pop them.
Coeurl >> ...wait... you sure?
Cherron >> Sure I'm sure!
Coeurl >> But I doubt we'll survive the fight.
Cherron >> I know, but I want to see how strong they are.
Coeurl >> ...o...kay?
Cherron >> Don't worry, I have enough MPs to Teleport.
Cherron >> If we're in a bind, I'll 2-hr and whisk us away.
Coeurl >> Okay... here goes then.

Obviously, the two of us were no match to the combined strength of the two notorious well guards. I tried tanking One-Eye, but it was a losing battle. Charron had the presence of mind to fall into Perfect Dodge mode, and get the two of us out of the orcish village. I gotta admit, it was fun trying. As long as we didn't take a soil sample, I'm happy. =^-^=

Still need that damned Gallant Surcoat. Cherron offered to help me out again tonight. I hope I'll be able to recruit some extra help from my linkshell as well, last night they were all busy, and none were daring to try with a skeleton crew. Maybe if I tell them I have another two pairs of capable hands helping me out, they might consider coming.

If only it could have been as easy as my Gallant Breeches. That part was smooth sailing. We went into Beadeaux, got the coffer key within the first dozen kills, and the coffer was in the room where we kicked some turtle tail. Almost instant-AF! I profusively thanked Dalbenkrieg, Cinera and Sbec for their help. It was so quick Dalben wanted to follow it up with an excursion in Temple of Uggalepih, for some Dark Knight shield. His Thief friend couldn't make it, so I offered to tag along and provide the Steal opportunity he desired. We all walked away from that excursion happy.

At least, past that little bump in my road that is that quest at the village well in Davoi, there won't be much left to stop me from finally achieving my destiny: Level 75 in something.

Coeurl de Lionne, Windurst Ranger

Got the quest, watched the tiger die, got the old bones, completed the quest. Voilà!

...if only that was how it happened...

First off, I had to meet with our matriarch, the chieftain Perih Vashai. You see, only our chieftain is allowed to decide who learns the old Ways of Nature, which passed down from generation to generation within our race. It is only after the Crystal Wars, when all races bonded in unity, that Perih Vashai decreed the ways of our people to be spread beyond the scope of our clan.

Thus Ranger became a possible career choice for all. However, our Chieftain still retains the right to select who can and who can't learn the Ways of Nature. Even your humble servant had to undergo her examination, which is why I made a hasty return to Windurst after thanking Kinah profusively. That airship ride seemed longer than usual...

Upon landing, I walked to the chieftain's hut. Yes, walked, not ran. My tail and ears were twitching all the way. What if she deemed me not worthy of the teachings? What then? What would I do? This has been something I've dreamt about for a long time. This is what I've been training for. To gain the strength necessary to undergo the Revelation that would make me a Ranger. That 30th level is the prerequisite that was given to all applicants, as to encourage the maturing of the mind, enforce a pilgrimage of adventuring, and learn as much on the way so we are more likely to be ready as we return for our final lesson.

Coeurl >> Oh great Perih Vashai, I have come before...
Perih >> Please spare me the formalities.
Coeurl >> ...Uh?
Perih >> You are of my kin. You need not bow before me.
Coeurl >> ...yes, chieftain.
Perih >> ...

Perih >> So, young Coeurl de Lionne, why have you come?
Coeurl >> I am here to learn of the Revelation, chieftain.
Perih >> I see... have you ventured in the heart of Nature?
Coeurl >> Yes, chieftain.
Perih >> You must know by now Nature can be a harsh enemy.
Perih >> That it knows neither pity nor forgiveness.
Perih >> Are you certain you wish to learn its Ways?
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain.
Perih >> If it is so, then I have one request of you.
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain?
Perih >> In the Sauromugue Champain, there is a bone graveyard.
Perih >> I wish you see the Ways of Nature in action
Perih >> and retrieve the bones of a dead tiger.
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain.
Perih >> Please remember... This is part of your Revelation.
Perih >> Remain open to the Ways of Nature during your quest.
Perih >> Elseway, you will not be able to become a Ranger.
Coeurl >> ...yes, chieftain.

As I ran towards the chocobo stables, I couldn't help but ponder those last few words Perih Vashai gave me. So this was not a simple fetch-quest. In fact, it sounded more like a spiritual journey. That meant that even if I did retrieve the bones, I still might not have my Revelation. That would mean I'm not ready yet, and would have to do some more adventuring before I learn the Ways of Nature. That hardly comforted me. I drowned in a sea of doubt as I rode my rent-a-steed to Sauromugue.

Upon arrival, I realized something quite crucial. I had no idea where that boneyard could be found.

Coeurl >> Does anyone know where I can find the boneyard?
Sinner >> Boneyard?
Coeurl >> Yeah, that's where tigers go off to die in Sauromugue.
Qhatas >> Oh, that old smelly place? Sure I know where it is!
Coeurl >> Great! Where is it?
Qhatas >> I'll come and escort you, let me grab a choco.
Coeurl >> Thanks, but... this is something I must do alone.
Qhatas >> Don't worry, I'll be as discreet as possible.
Coeurl >> But...

There was no talking the Elvaan Dragoon out of it. Thankfully, she was in Jeuno at the time, so I didn't have to wait for too long. However, I had concerns that I might have trouble with my spiritual journey if she was nearby.

Qhatas >> It's this way, follow me!
Coeurl >> But you don't understand...
Coeurl >> I need to do this on my own.
Coeurl >> It's part of...
Qhatas >> the Revelation, right?
Coeurl >> ...how did..?
Qhatas >> Been there, done that.
Qhatas >> Don't worry about it, just get the bones for now.
Qhatas >> You can come up with a Revelation on the way back.
Coeurl >> ...that's not how it's supposed to work...
Qhatas >> Sure it is! I got to be a Ranger that way.
Coeurl >> But...
Qhatas >> We're here.

As we rode our steeds into a cave, I finally saw it. The stench was horrible, the odor of putrefaction filled my nostrils. I almost gagged. Qhatas didn't look as much incomodated. Upon seeing my questionning gaze (and probably my green face), she answered :

Qhatas >> I've spent a day farming Fetid Fleshes. You do the math.

It wasn't long before an aged sabertooth tiger came into the cave. It looked like it travelled a long way to come here. The way it was panting made me realize he was taking his last breaths. Indeed, its vitality seemed to be sapped away, as it slowly paced its way around the room, finding a place to give up its life. I found that fascinating, and yet scary at the same time. In all my adventuring, I've only seen beasts fight for their lives as I assaulted them, whether alone or with a training group. Now, to see one willingfully giving up on life, choosing how to die... That made me feel...

Qhatas used Jump
Qhatas defeats the Old Sabertooth Tiger

Coeurl >> =O.O=!?!
Qhatas >> ...what can I say? It took too long to die.
Coeurl >> B-B-But!!!
Qhatas >> Come on, pick up some bones and let's go!
Coeurl >> B-B-But!!!
Qhatas >> Hurry it up girl!
Coeurl >> ...

Coeurl resignedly dismounts her chocobo
Coeurl picks up a few bones

Qhatas >> Alright, let's head back to Jeuno.
Qhatas >> You can grab an airship to go back to your chieftain.

As we ran back to the Duchy, I couldn't help but feel I've come within inches of my Revelation. I didn't dare tell Qhatas, both because of the shock of the event, and because I didn't feel like contradicting on her idea that the Revelation is just some mumbo-jumbo initiation. I waved at her as we parted ways in front of the Windurst airship dock. The trip back to Windurst was even longer than earlier, as I tried grasping back that moment in the boneyard. That feeling I had... What was that?

Upon arrival, I was in no hurry to meet up with Perih Vashai. I trudgedly paced my way towards Windurst Woods.

Flaru >> ...Coeurly?

Coeurl sighs more dejectedly than usual

Flaru >> What's wrong?
Coeurl >> Oh... nothing...
Flaru >> That sur-aru doesn't look like nothing to me!
Flaru >> You know what ought-aru cheer you up?
Coeurl >> ...
Flaru >> Stories of my latest adventures!

Coeurl is about to faint from dispair

And there I stood, my mind still on that moment where the Revelation eluded me. And all that while, Flaru-Wuru told me about how he fought countless crawlers in the Maze of Shakrami. My ears heard the words, but my thoughts were all centered on that lost instant. It was within my grasp, I could feel it in my bones.

Flaru >> ...that's when I knew I was going to die.

Coeurl snaps out of her trance

Coeurl >> What did you say?
Flaru >> I said I was unlucky enough to mischarm twice in a row.
Flaru >> Gosh, what a bummer that was.
Coeurl >> No-no-no! After that!
Flaru >> ...that I was being played pinball by three crawlers?
Coeurl >> NO!!!
Coeurl >> THE LAST PART!!!
Flaru >> ...Geesh, you need to calm down kitty!
Coeurl >> ...please!
Flaru >> ...I forgot what that was.
Coeurl >> Please, it's important to me!

Flaru seems lost in thought

Flaru >> ...Oh yeah! That I was ready to die, was that it?
Coeurl >> YES!!!
Flaru >> ...wait, are you glad I ate dirt-aru or something?
Coeurl >> Please, I need your help to enlighten me.
Coeurl >> How did it feel like?
Flaru >> Well, you know...
Flaru >> the same way when you take a dirt-aru nap.
Flaru >> I'm sure you're no stranger to that.
Coeurl >> No... That's not what I meant.
Coeurl >> See, I'm never ready to lose consciousness.
Coeurl >> I need to know how it feels to resign to that fate.
Flaru >> Oh, that? Well... guess it comes with the territory.
Flaru >> You know, Beastmast-aru and all...
Flaru >> You kinda get used to it after a while...
Coeurl >> ...please, can't you share some wisdom on that?
Flaru >> ...You're strange today, kitty.
Flaru >> One moment you're all grumpy-wumpy.
Flaru >> And the next, you're all hyper-dyper.
Coeurl >> Please Flaru... I need your help with something.
Coeurl >> I need to understand how it feels to accept death.
Flaru >> Oh... well... you know, we don't really die...
Coeurl >> I know, but when you are "ready to die"...
Coeurl >> What do you think about?
Flaru >> Well... I guess you go all zen-like or something-aru.
Flaru >> It's like you understand there's no way out.
Flaru >> But you know you gave it your all,
Flaru >> so you don't have any hard feelings towards defeat.
Flaru >> You just accept that's how fate rolled the dice.

Coeurl seems lost in thought

Flaru >> ...Why did you need to know that-aru?
Coeurl >> ...I don't know if you'd understand if I told you.
Flaru >> Why don't-aru try me?
Coeurl >> Well... it's for a spiritual quest I'm on...
Flaru >> ...and?
Coeurl >> ...it involved death, so...
Coeurl >> I thought you might have some insight on the matter.
Flaru >> Okay... that's... nice... to know...
Coeurl >> I'll tell you more about it later,
Coeurl >> I currently have a date with destiny.
Flaru >> Oh... okay... can't say I'm not curious...
Coeurl >> Thanks Flaru, I think you helped.
Flaru >> No problem-aru... I think...

It's a very confused looking Tarutaru I left behind as I made my way to Perih Vashai's hut. I was still very nervous about it all. Was that the Revelation I should have had? To understand that fate is stronger than me, and that I should accept it rather than fight it? I guess I'd be seeing it soon enough.

Perih >> Ah, our young huntress returns.
Coeurl >> Yes, chieftain.
Coeurl >> I present to you the bones you requested, chieftain.

Coeurl trades the Old Tiger Bones to Perih Vashai

Perih >> I see you made the journey.
Perih >> Now, let me see the road you travelled.
Coeurl >> ...chieftain?
Perih >> Please look into my eyes.

Coeurl stares confusedly at Perih Vashai

Perih >> Aaah... I see you have witnessed Nature's work.
Perih >> However, there is confusion still in your mind.
Coeurl >> ...
Perih >> What troubles you, young huntress?
Coeurl >> Uh...
Perih >> Did you experience the Revelation?
Coeurl >> Yah... about that...
Coeurl >> I did experience something...
Coeurl >> But I don't know if I really had that Revelation.
Perih >> Oh? And why would you feel that way?
Coeurl >> Well... I came really close...
Coeurl >> But someone ended up farming the dying tiger.
Coeurl >> I asked a Beastmaster friend to help me figure it out.
Coeurl >> and I think I understand what should have happened next.

Perih laughs calmly.

Coeurl >> ...uh?
Perih >> Have no fear, young huntress, you have learned well.
Perih >> The Revelation did come to you,
Perih >> you simply can not understand it fully yet.
Coeurl >> ...oh?
Perih >> Many huntresses come back from their Revelation
Perih >> and can not pin words down to describe it.
Perih >> This Revelation is not the end of a training.
Perih >> It is the beginning of your journey as a Ranger.
Coeurl >> ...you mean..?
Perih >> Stand, Ranger Coeurl de Lionne.
Perih >> You are now ready for your journey.

Coeurl motions joyfully!

Perih >> Oh. And spend some time with your Beastmaster friend.
Perih >> I believe he may play an important role in your journey.
Coeurl >> ...drrrats.

Actually, I only thought up that line in my mind. What I actually said was "Yes chieftain." That did put some water on my burning passion all of a sudden. Flaru-Wuru, an important part of my journey?!? I'm sure most Rangers did fine without a Beastmaster friend.

...and to say I had to somehow explain I had some spiritual experience to him the next day over Windurstian Tea.

Out of inspiration

Sorry... This is really tough on me lately. Lots of things happening top-side, it's stressing the fleas out of my coat. I'm glad I got the chance to hit 55 on my Paladin duties, fighting something else than those damn Lesser Colibris. Can't a mithra have a chow with those pesky birds around?

So yah... did miss that update window last Monday, and today'll probably be another miss. Gosh, I'm really eager to get through my stories to the point I joined up in a static. I'm certain I won't be lacking any inspiration at that point. That gang of fellows were a lot of fun to train with.

Filler's the order of the day then... Wish I had more motivation in getting the story on how I got my Ranger job out. I'll give it another try, hopefully I can get it out by next Monday.

Gosh, what a drag my life's being lately...

Lost in Auto-Translation

And another day spent looking for a group, while being stared down by the local mithras... Joys...

I decided to check out the Nomad Moogles in the meanwhile. Sure enough, they weren't peddlers of exotic wares as I initially thought. In fact, the "Nomad" moniker of theirs doesn't refer to their lifestyle, seeing they've been posted out in Kazham for the longest time. It actually refers to the adventurers who need a Moogle service point abroad, far from the luxuries of the greater cities of Vana'diel.

I was amazed at something though... I've seen plenty of adventurers change jobs on the fly right in the middle of the village, then ask the Nomad Moogle for their gear. It's strange to see those little fuzzies pull out all sorts of items from under their desk. From small trinkets all the way to staves and spears, it seemed impossible to me for them to stuff all that sort of junk from such a cramped space. ...Gotta say, Moogle magic always amazes me. They travel from city to city faster than an airship, they can access my Mog Safe from wherever they are, and now someone else than Mogri has the same level of access?

My amazement was cut short as I received the tell-tale buzz on my crystal shard.

Leader >> {Excuse me...} {Party} {Do you need it?}
Coeurl >> Yah, sure!
Leader >> {Gather together} {Yuhtunga Jungle} H-6

I still didn't have a map yet, but even on a blank sheet, my crystal shard was able to project my position relatively to theirs, so it wasn't hard for me to find them. Party setup was nice: NIN (lead) / NIN / THF (me) / THF / WHM / BLM.

Leader >> {Hello!}
Coeurl >> Hiya!
Leader >> {I do not understand English} {Please use the auto-translator}
Coeurl >> The what?

Leader points at Coeurl's crystal shard

...Oooookay... I've heard of that stuff somewhere... Something about the crystal network's multi-lingual services... Ok...

Coeurl >> Euh... {My shirt is at the tailor's}...?
Leader >> ...
Leader >> Orz

Coeurl looks confused...

(Note: All the text in brackets are originally in Japanese, and due to my not understanding the language, only assumptions of what the other party members might have said.)

Thief >> [Never mind, I'll try talking to her in english]
Thief >> You Thief ok?
Coeurl >> ...Yes, I'm ok.
Thief >> {Skillchain} ok?
Coeurl >> ...Never tried those, I can give it a shot.
Thief >> {Please use simple words}
Coeurl >> Er... I am not very good with skillchains?
Thief >> [Sounds like the Thief doesn't know how to skillchain]
Leader >> [Oh for Altana's sake... Alright, let's give her a chance]
Thief >> {Ninja} {Leader} {Blade: Rin} >> {Thief} {Sneak Attack} {Fast Blade} ok?
Coeurl >> ...I can try.

Thief cheers Coeurldelionne

And so began our first fight against... HOLY PICKLES!!! NOT A SMITHY!!! Anything but those!!! Oh, I'm so dead... Or so I thought. The two Ninjas shared tanking duties, as we stood in an 'X' formation, and the White Mage gave us a healthy dose of Barfira to attenuate the ill effets of those pesky bombs. The fight ended with the other NIN / THF team pulling off their skillchain, and the BLM doing his Magic Burst onto that.

Leader >> {Ninja} {Blade: Rin} TP : 137%
Coeurl >> ...
Leader >> {Thief} TP?
Coeurl >> ...

Leader points at Coeurl

Coeurl >> ...Oh! Let me check... I'm at 87%
Leader >> TP {Macro} {can I have it?}
Coeurl >> O-okay... Hold on...

Coeurl fiddles with her crystal shard

Coeurl >> {Thief} TP = 87%
Coeurl >> ...Is that ok?
Leader >> {Thank you}
Leader >> [Wow, how did that girl get this far?]

And another Smithy was brought into the camp. They sure aren't as much fun as picking on mandies, it feels more like it's the other way around: us being picked on by the gobbies. But heh, that's how the ball rolls in the Jungles.

Leader >> {Ninja} {Blade: Rin} TP : 165%
Coeurl >> ...
Leader >> {Thief} TP?
Coeurl >> ... =O.O=!!!
Coeurl >> Oh! Right! Er...
Coeurl >> {Thief} TP = 105%
Leader >> {Blade: Rin} >> Goblin Smithy

Leader uses Blade: Rin on Goblin Smithy
Goblin Smithy takes 63 damage

Coeurl >> ...W-WAIT!!!
Coeurl >> C'mon girl, time this right...

Coeurl readies Sneak Attack
Coeurl uses Fast Blade on the Goblin Smithy
Critical hit! Goblin Smithy takes 122 damage

Coeurl >> ...
Coeurl >> ...did it work?

Leader bonks his head onto the ground
Thief comforts Leader

Thief >> [At least she's trying.]
Leader >> [If you're asking me, she's not trying hard enough.]
Leader >> [Can she even count up to three?]
Thief >> w [Might be she's counting too slow.]

Coeurl >> ... "w"?
Thief >> {/laugh}

Coeurl blushes in embarassment

Thief >> {Thief} try again.
Coeurl >> ...o-okay...

Coeurl fundles uncomfortably the hilt of her sword.

And another goblin came in. And again, it was mince-meated quickly by the other NIN / THF duo. I was taking mental notes on the actual timing between the two weapon skills. Then came a mandragora.

Leader >> {Ninja} {Blade: Rin} TP : 194%
Coeurl >> {Thief} TP = 112%
Leader >> {Blade: Rin} >> Goblin Smithy

Okay... Time it... Time it... ....GO!!!!

Coeurl uses Fast Blade on the Goblin Smithy
Goblin Smithy takes 47 damage
Distortion! Goblin Smithy takes 12 damage

Coeurl >> Woo-hoo!!! I did it!
Leader >> ...
Coeurl >> ...I didn't do it?
Leader >> ... {Sneak Attack}, {can I have it?}
Coeurl >> ...Oops?

Leader >> [Why did I have to invite a Rank 1 english-speaking Thief?]
Thief >> [She was the only one seeking that could do a good Distortion.]
Leader >> [Yes, I know that. But that's merely good on paper.]
Leader >> [...I really should have picked up that Dark Knight instead...]
Coeurl >> ...
Leader >> [What now...]
Thief >> Yes?
Coeurl >> ...I don't understand what you're saying
Thief >> {I'm sorry} {I understand a little} {English}
Coeurl >> That's what I mean...
Coeurl >> {I do not understand} {Japanese}

Thief nods

Coeurl >> So... did I miss something important?
Thief >> {Battle} {Ready!}
Coeurl >> Oh... oh... okay...

Gotta say, that was quite an awkward party on my behalf. Not understanding a thing they said, left to assume what was being said, not being sure if they were shaking their heads off because of me, or because they were out of pocky. In any case, I eventually got the rhythm of it down, alternating the skillchains in between the two teams of NIN / THF. I must have pulled off 4 skillchains every 5 attempts. My slashing arm was going sore after a while, but I endured the pain, and everything went smoothly. From 27 I've made my way to 29 easily, and slowly inched my way to L30. Promised land, here I come...

...Wait, why is the other Thief not pulling anymore?

Ninja >> [Sorry guys, but it's getting late for me.]
White Mage >> [Hmm... should we disband right now?]
Leader >> [Might as well, got a big day tomorrow.]
Thief >> [Oh well, guess I'll get my level another day.]

Coeurl stares curiously at the group.

Leader >> [Let's head back to Kazham and disband then.]
Ninja >> [Thank you, it's very much appreciated.]
Leader >> [You are welcome, and thank you for co-tanking with me.]
Thief >> [Yes, this party was quite productive.]

And they started walking together. That left me in a big {Huh?} state.

Coeurl >> What is happening?
Thief >> {Disband} {Party} {I'm sleepy}
Coeurl >> ...Oh. Well, thank you for the party then. =^-^=
Thief >> {Thank you} {Take care}

The party has disbanded

Oh well... Only had an hour of free time left. No biggie...

...wait...

...wait a friggin' minute...

...I'm left with 200 xp before I reach the almighty L30!!!

...WHAT A BUNCH OF JERKS!!!

Okay... okay... I realized I overreacted, but still, that feeling was still fresh in my mind. Damn it, 200 xp before unlocking my dream job.

Coeurl >> Curse this, I'm in a pickle...
Sinner >> What's the matter Coeurl?
Coeurl >> I had this awesome PT going,
Coeurl >> but it disbanded a few minutes ago.
Coeurl >> Now I'm sitting so close to my L30 it's itching me...
Sinner >> How close are we talking?
Coeurl >> 217 xp
Sinner >> Yah... That really isn't a lot left to go.

Coeurl sighs in disappointment

Kinah >> Hey Coeurly! I think I can help-aru out.
Kinah >> Come over to Jeuno, we'll go kill some beastmen.
Coeurl >> ...But aren't you like L60 or something?
Kinah >> Yeah, but as long as I don't fight it myself,
Kinah >> you should-aru get the full experience reward.
Coeurl >> ...ok, I'm coming over.
Coeurl >> Not like I have much to lose...
Kinah >> C'mon, have a little faith kitty!

I was a bit embarassing to be kindergartened through that last stretch, but a few kills was all it took before I finally made it to the point a slew of options opened up to me.

Coeurldelionne reaches level 30

Kinah >> {Congratulations!}

Coeurl blushes in embarassment

Coeurl >> Thanks, I owe you one. =^-^=

Sweetness gracious!!! Ranger, here I come!!!