The Skye’s The Limit

A Final Fantasy XIV Travelogue

Today’s Grimoire Entry

Mon Grimoire bien-aimé,

When I joined the Immortal Flames, I was expecting to be thrust into the fore, defending Ul’dah from monstres terribles, agents pervers, and worse!

What I saw, though, was… far less exciting? For the pomp and the fire, the Flames asked that I put my other talents to use… crafting goodies for them, and fighting small bands of evildoers for Company Seals.

Quelles anti-climatique.

Anyroad, it is not all bad. Before I could be sworn in, I was asked to help a pair of engineers from a far-off land, whose airship had fallen near Horizon. The two, Biggs and Wedge, were shot down by the Empire, who had brought a massive, mechanized monstre as backup. Together, we fought bravely, driving the group off and saving our new guests!

Shortly after I started, I was approached by a superior officer, who admired the tireless work I had done. In appreciation, he signed me up for a fast-track approval to receive my very own chocobo! I am not lying! He walked me to the Quartermaster, where I handed in just two hundred of my seals, and received adoption papers! Je n’arrive toujours pas à y croire! My very own chocobo! I rushed to the Chocobokeep, who had mi nouvel ami à plumes waiting. I named him Merveilleux, because that is exactly what he is.

We rode across Thanalan for what felt like days… exploring the lands, and visiting friends long forgotten. And, to be honest, I almost forgot about my other duties! For a while, I even spent time helping the people of Ul’dah, making new clothes, new tools, and what have you. I had found a little slice of heaven in the mundane.

I was brought back to reality after a trip to Drybone, when I received un message from MInfilia. As I rushed back into the gates of Ul’dah, though, I saw someone in trouble; a Lalafel who had fallen on sad spirits. I asked him what was wrong, and he explained that he wanted nothing more than to become the next Senor Sabotender… but was unable to do so. He had made so many attempts to don the green suit, attended seven auditions! Still, he failed every single time.

Little did we know, Monsieur Manderville, himself, was listening! He stomped over… and my eyes went to that homme’s tuxedo with tight shorts, because who wears those in public?!

Still, I must admit that he does know how to work that style, and… Wait. What am I saying?!

ANYROAD! Anyroad. Anyroad… (Mon dieu…)

Monsieur Manderville suggested that we visit Black Brush Station and meet with somebody named Ririzan. Before Monsieur Manderville could finish speaking, the Lalafel, Monsieur Nanaphon, was offering profuse thankings, as he started running off. The two of us shared a sigh, and I was asked to travel along… just in case this fellow got himself into trouble.

I gave a worried nod, before rushing toward the Gate of the Sultana. As I ran, I called Merveilleux forth, and hopped on, making haste toward Black Brush Station.

I must admit… that quirky homme made it unscathed… and in record time! Monsieur Ririzan was already waiting for us… and do not think either of us was ready for what was to come. This little homme, this simple fellow, he was the very first Senor Sabotender!

I know! I am as shocked as you are! And he spent all day teaching us how to do the Sabotender Shuffle! It was an honor and a pleasure to learn from the maestro, himself! As the sun began to loom low, Monsieur Nanaphon had a gleam in his eye.

He was ready.

I couldn’t not see this through by now. I had trained by him with the Maestro, and I had felt the determination as it burned brightly within us. We boarded the first airship to the Gold Saucer, where… Nanaphon had papillons dans son estomac. I calmed his nerves and reminded him what Monsieur Ririzan had said: BE the Sabotender. With a steely resolve, he stepped forth, steely silent, ready to perform. One moment passed… then two… then five… I thought he had locked up, but just then, he gave une danse parfaite! The judge was impressed, to say lightly… he was in.

I let out a cheer, and heard two very loud voices join in behind me! I looked, and saw Monsieur Ririzan and Monsieur Manderville, brimming with just as much excitement.

Monsieur Manderville motioned toward ma poche. I looked in my things, and saw two new certificates. The first read “For exemplary heroism (and being a kind soul), I, Ririzan, grant you a perpetual license to perform the Sabotender Shuffle. Spread the joy of Senor Sabotender wherever you may find yourself!”

The latter said “You are a paragon among citizens. Please accept this voucher for 30,000 MGP as a token of my appreciation.” I couldn’t help but smile, as we all said our goodbyes and parted ways once more.

Still, one thing did linger in my mind: Why… why did Monsieur Manderville wear such tight shorts, and why did they look so good on him?!

Today’s Blog Post

Okay, I’ll admit it: I had to have a bit of fun at this one. The Make It Rain quest is just a delightful little celebration that I’m glad that I was able to catch. The rewards are lovely and, really, it’s beyond easy to complete. I highly recommend getting in on this before the event ends on June 24!

Now, that said, the big development this time is that I finally reached the point where I got my first mount. The Chocobo is far faster than walking, and helps to really make some of the idle running between destinations a bit more tolerable. While it’s not as hands-off as the porter, your personal chocobo allows you to go places where you likely wouldn’t dare without a way to quickly shake off your opponents. It’s a big milestone, which has tangible benefits for pretty much every adventurer.

There are literally no down-sides to this arrangement, so I’d suggest that, as soon as you join with a Grand Company, I’d suggest raising the 200 stamps and holding them until the Chocobo quest appears. This is a very small cost, on the whole, and will pay for itself in terms of time savings alone.