The Furball

Hunting the Chea… Sheep

Come out wherever you are, I said in a low voice, trying not to scare away any of the sheep in the vicinity. I was a little flustered by all the bustle in Vomp Hills. These parts are usually very calm, with adventurers no longer taking the time to climb the hill. It’s kind of sad since you have the view at the very top is great. You can easily look at the mountain range around Konschtat Highlands—but only on a nice day of course.

I had just shined my armor, dusting off the Koenig Shield I haven’t used in a long time. I haven’t really given my Paladin the attention it deserves lately, which leaves me with the sad feel of regret. This armor, which I used to wear with such pride, has been left hanging on my mannequin for far too long, and I hope I get to use it a lot more. My gear is maybe not as good as some of the more seasoned Paladin’s, but it’ll do. There is no doubt in my mind that I could easily fend off the attacks from the lesser gods in sky. I wish they’d let me get a Sattva, a Tamas and a Rajas ring.

It had been raining all morning, so I wasn’t at all surprised that I was the only one on the hill. The sky was still covered with heavy clouds, and I feared there would be another rain soon. It was still only noon, so anything could happen at this point. I looked around, carefully scanning the monsters strolling around up here: a few goblins patrolling and a herd of sheep. For a moment I thought that a stew would be purrrfect right now, deciding to go by the tavern in Bastok to see what today’s special were later.

Rumors has it that an old, ragged ram roam in these parts. Carnero, as some of the elderly in Bastok calls him, is said to have tormented children playing in Gustaberg for years. But, this was many years ago, and few know if the stories are actually true. I for one had decided to climb these hills, in hope of learning the truth. My step-mother, Sarah, once told me that if you investigate a folk story, you’ll usually find some truth to them regardless of how silly they may sound.

A herd of seven sheep were standing some sixty feet away from me, and I decided I’d use them to lure out Carnero—if such a monster even exist. I closed my eyes, concentrated for a brief moment before casting a bright flashing light above the herd. Flash ought to do it, I told myself. Moments later, the herd started running away, frightened by the sudden flash. I chased after them, trying not to let them get away.

The herd ran toward a path leading to the very top of the hill. Purrrfect, I thought to myself, now I can corner them with ease. My armor was heavy, but with years of training I no longer have a problem running. I remember how I almost fell over the first time I put it on. I cast another round of flash to keep them going in the direction I wanted.

We were nearly at the very top when I heard a roaring sound. A towering ram was standing at the top of the path, staring right through me. I stopped for a moment, trying to examine it further. The ram was in rage, and judging by all the cuts and bruises on it’s body I just knew that it had to be old Carnero.

The ram charged at me, hitting me with it’s sturdy horns. I barely blocked the attack with my shield, narrowly escaping a “hollow death”. I took a few steps back, staring intensely at it for a few seconds. The rest of the herd was hiding in the back, patiently waiting to see the outcome of the battle.

I pointed my sword at the old ram and said: Purrr! You’re mine! The ram started scraping one of it’s hoof against the ground. Moments later it charged against me, trying to put an end to me. Again I moved away, dodging the ram’s attack. I swung my sword as hard as I could into it’s thigh, turning around in an instant and launching an aerial attack, often referred to as a Savage Attack. The ram roared in pain as it fell to the ground, incapacitated. The ram was in great pain, but it’s life dwindled in but a few seconds.

I carefully looked through it’s remains. To my surprise I found a katana sword in purrrfect shape: the fabled “Katayama Ichimonji.” I thought something was fishie about how the ram died, but to think it had a katana in it…

A Most Troublesome Situation

The ground shook violently as several rounds of mortar shells hit the ground seemingly feet away. The shockwave from the explosions caused bricks crack and fragments fall from the roof. An elderly woman fell to the ground, unable to get back up again. People were making their way further into the Eldieme Necropolis, trying desperately to get into safety.

The battle between the Allied Forces and the beastmen had reached a peek in the past few days, and it was no longer safe to wander around in Batallia Downs. People from far and near had come here to take shelter from the beastmen attacks, but many hundred lives had been lost on the journey to get here. The allied forces had suffered numerous losses on the battlefield as well, and the shortage of troops was alarming at best.

I was exhausted and could no longer remember how long it had been since my last decent meal. I hadn’t slept for two or three days, but my will to continue helping these people never wavered. There were many wounded people inside, but me and the other healers had already tended to most of them. «There you go,» I said to a little boy, smiling as I sent him back to his parents. It’s just a light sprain, but it should heal in just a few days, I explained to his parents. Goddess bless you, adventurer. I bowed respectfully before the group of people before I walked toward the inner parts of the catacombs.

So tired, I thought to myself as I walked down the long hallways. The whole place was in a bad shape, but it was the safest place short of Jeuno at the time. The gates to Jeuno had been barricaded and all entries to the city long since restricted, leaving thousands of people to fend for themselves. People in these parts were bitter about the decision to close the gates, and some were not afraid to share their anger.

I found Erlene at one of the junctions leading further into the catacombs. I waved to her as I walked toward her. Nyaa~, I said to her. She looked at me for a few moments, smiling. Thank you for your hard work today, Kimiko, she said. I nodded to her, trying to wipe a yawn off my face. I was beyond tired to say the least, but I knew she had been working day and night for weeks, getting little sleep. I was in no position to complain around her.

Erlene looked at me, worried. Do you have a moment, she asked me. I nodded again. It may be unwise to speak here. Come, follow me, she continued, showing me the way to a more secluded area. We entered a huge hall, filled with flowers in memory of those who had succumbed to this pointless war.

Perhaps you have heard, but the educated and wise mages of the Allied Forces have been disappearing as of late, she explained. I asked her if they could’ve fallen victim to a beastmen attack on the battlefield, but she shook her head. In many cases it is happening right at our very own bases and encampments, she continued. I was startled by her answer, and worried about my fellow mages’ well being. She explained how this wasn’t isolated incidents and that all three nations had begun to investigate the matter further—with no result so far. I would like to ask you, Kimiko, to assist our colleagues in the investigation. I fear that it may be a somewhat dangerous task, so I will understand if you refuse, she continued. I told her I’d be happy to help, asking her where the meeting between the scholars participating in the investigation was scheduled.

<<<<<>>>>>

It was early morning by the time I made it to the beautiful city of San d’Oria. My feet ached as I walked across the street paved with stone setts. I much prefer the feel of a meadow or the soft ground found in say Windurst or Kazham.

As I reached the plaza I was greeted by a group of Scholars standing by one of the food stalls. Hello there, ummm…new…pupil, Ulbrecht said, waving to me. I sighed, feeling like a total idiot. Machudiaux, an elvaan scholar standing in the back, fumed at his colleague. I do say, Ulbrecht, the least you could do is attempt to remember some of the new pupils’ names. The tarutaru scholar, standing on top of a crate, didn’t seem surprised at all. Oh, he’s just doing it on purpose. I believe he enjoys coming across a bit aloof.

I didn’t really know what to make of the situation, but listened carefully to the scholars discussing the situation. They were worried that one of their friends, Fhen, may have fallen victim to the beastmen’s attacks as well. Ulbrecht tried to calm them down, explaining how she was the professor’s best student. I would gladly put my gil on her, should any beastman be foolish enough to cross her path. Everyone nodded their head, agreeing that it was hard to believe that something ill could happen to her. So, what do you propose we do, Machudiaux asked. Ulbrecht looked at everyone, thinking for a moment. The main roads between Windurst and here should be scoured with a fine-toothed comb, he explained, telling us that would be the best place to start.

The meeting ended with everyone going their separate ways, searching an area each in hopes of finding their lost colleague. I thought it would be best to talk with Erlene about the meeting, so I asked a representative of the Allied Forces to teleport me to Eldieme.

<<<<<>>>>>

The sun was setting in the distance, and it was already beginning to get a little chilly outside. A faint breeze swept through the Sauromugue countryside. I really enjoyed the fresh air as I had become all too familiar with the stale air inside Eldieme. A simple thing like fresh air can put a smile on my face, and the calm I felt made me purrr. I was still really tired, but I tried not to pay any attention to it.

Dozing off, are we? Ulbrecht said, welcoming me. The scholars I had met in San d’Oria earlier had already gathered together, only short of Machudiaux. Ulbrecht explained that he was simply making sweeping the area and would be back shortly.

Machudiaux explained that the soldiers watching the area had found Fhen’s tracks up until she arrived in Sauromugue. We’ve taken into account all possible routes from Windurst. And checked every questionable area along the way. And still we found nothing, he explained. In all likelihood, she was somewhere here in the champaign when she went missing.

Ulbrecht asked everyone to begin searching for their feline colleague. I expressed my concern with everyone searching individually and proposed that we search together. Ulbrecht shook his head and told me it would be far more efficient to split up and commence the search for Fhen.

A little worried about my own well being, I started searching for Fhen. I searched high and low, trying to stay clear of the beastmen forces in the area. I prayed that she would be safe and sound, but I had an eerie feeling that something bad was happening. These parts are dangerous even for the most experienced adventurer, so I hoped that her confidence hadn’t gotten the best of her.

Suddenly, as I was running up a little hill, I felt a weird sensation. I looked around me, trying to find the cause of the disturbing feeling. I walked over to some suspicious rubble. A faint light was shimmering from the ground, and I could feel it make my whiskers tingle. What’s this, I asked myself, examining the light further.

The light suddenly expanded, growing bigger and bigger. I was stuck, unable to move even the slightest. I panicked and quickly tried to cast a teleportation spell. Suddenly everything went black…

<<<<<>>>>>

When I came to again, I found myself in a dark cavern. I looked around, but the place looked unfamiliar to me. What happened, I thought to myself. I couldn’t see any exits, and I was too weak to attempt to cast another teleportation spell.

… Kimiko. I should have expected as much. It was Ulbrecht’s voice. I gasped in horror as I saw Ulbrecht standing over Machudiaux’s body. Well, despite your record of punctuality, it would seem this time you are a tad late. I hissed at him, expressing my rage over his actions. Allow me to bid you welcome to Ghoyu’s Reverie. Final destination of all those missing magi that you so relentlessly seek.

Suddenly Ulbrecht turns toward me and casts a binding spell unlike any I have experienced before. And while I’m at it… I suppose you would make a fine addition to that select group! He walked toward me, but I was unable to move. My body was terrorized, unwilling to move. I’m not really sure what happened after that as the rest of what happened is still a big blur. I found myself outside again, unharmed but shaken by what had happened.

I quickly made my way to Erlene who was still in Eldieme. What is it, Kimiko? Your expression does not bode well, she asked me, worried sick. I explained to her what had transpired, and she was appalled by my findings. But that cannot be! All the pupils, she cried out. I showed her Ulbrecht’s hat which was lying beside me when I came to again. What has that fool gone and done now, she asked, disturbed by the mere thought.

Blessed by the Aurora

There was snow as far as the eye could see, and a chilly wind swept over the glacier as adventurers trudged through the new snow tirelessly. The wind was the least of their worries, as some had brought extra sweaters under their sturdy armors. Everyone were breathing heavy as they traversed the snowy plains, making their way toward the ancient city of Fei’Yin. The sky was dark green, and a radiant aurora shone in the sky. It was quite a spectacular show, and many adventurers were lost in admiration of the scenery.

Teraamhia, a good linkshell friend of mine, sneezed. Her nose was running, and I felt rather sorry for her. I walked over to her and patted her comfortingly on the shoulder. Altana bless you, I said to her while looking through my bag. There we are, I said, pulling out a muffler made of silk. I wrapped it around Teraamhia’s neck, telling her she could borrow it for as long as she wanted. Truth be told, I was quite happy that the silken garment I made just last winter could finally be put to good use. Teraamhia blushed at the unexpected gesture; thanking me for letting borrow it as she had completely forgotten to bring her own.

A wave of yagudo warriors charged toward us as we all gathered up around one of the towers in the west. I had been dedicated to Sparroweye’s party this afternoon, and I worked diligently to keep our party strong and healthy. With good help from Chicora, I was able to heal everyone’s wounds and keep everyone out of harms way. Sparroweye is kind to his fellow adventurers and constantly giving his all, which is more than I can say about the average tank. I’m inclined to question some of his choices of armor though. But although he may have looked like Mr. Lobsterman™, he did an awesome job parrying the yagudos’ attacks with his sword, striking back at every chance. The yagudos didn’t stand a chance against our linkshell as we overwhelmed their forces completely.

Our leaders had decided to dedicate today’s run to farming instead of just going for the win and losing valuable time fighting the Angra. We were all dazzled by the number of relic armors salvaged during the run, and everyone seemed eager to fight on, hoping that they would eventually get a piece of their own.

We slowly but surely made our way toward the entrances of Fei’Yin, defeating the continuous attacks by the kindred forces. The deep crevasses of the glacier made the trip long and tiring, and we had to take a few breaks to catch our breaths. I was eating on some of Chicora’s delicious roasted mackerels with apple sauce, and I wished more people would get to taste Chicora’s wonderful cooking as her cooking is nothing short of spectacular.

The kindred forces showed both skill and cunning in their last stand to defend the ruins of Fei’Yin, but had to retreat in the end. Our linkshell, counting no less than thirty six, showed the monsters no mercy. And just as everyone had finally made their way to the little pond, just short of Fei’Yin, the leaders ordered us to fall back toward the Xarcabard entrance where we would use the remaining time to fight the Hydra forces. I heard some people grumble, as some were tired from all the running. Their dissatisfaction was unwarranted though, as we had still an hour and a half to farm and everyone was eager to see if their shiney~ would drop.

Our trip back to the top of the glacier was long, and the weary adventurers were relieved to learn that we would basically be using the same camp from now on. Some of the people that had been groaning earlier cheered, happy that there wouldn’t be any more running. Sadly, there wouldn’t be too many more relic pieces either, as they were too badly damaged to be salvaged once their former owner fell dead to the ground.

Toward the end of our long journey through the glacier, I saw a familiar piece that I had been hoping would drop. As a Scholar, I had prayed to Altana that she would grant me an Argute Gown. I really didn’t expect to get one, though, as I had only just begun my studies of the ancient texts of Grimoire. I cheered, as the leaders told me it was mine. (O.O;)

The Bewildered and the Sleeping Beauty

Pink flower petals soared through the air, dancing in the stagnant air. Hundreds of petals carried the faint scent of roses—quite the contrast to the unpleasant smell of the barren emptiness, that is Apollyon. The emptiness, although untouched by time and space, was filled with decay and the remains of lost souls, trapped forever in this dreaded realm.

I felt drowsy, and the weight of my eyelids was unbearable. Just a moment wouldn’t hurt, I thought to myself as I fell asleep. The sounds around me disappeared, and I felt calm and happy on the inside. This is purrrfect, I thought to myself, and I could feel all my worries and weariness be swept away.

Wake up, kitten! I shook as I were abruptly woken up. I looked around, confused by the ruckus around me. Riykere, my galkan Red Mage, looked down at me, smiling. Tsk tsk, sleeping on the job he asked me looking all serious. A little annoyed, I poked him for making fun of my misfortunes. I took a few steps back, to make sure I was well outside the mandragoras’ Dream Flower range.

Our party was showing the mandragoras a world of pain, kicking and stabbing them till they couldn’t fight back anymore. As they tumbled over, unconscious, they made a whistling squeal. The people standing next to the mandragora were all muddled by the high pitched noise. Sparroweye, a tall and handsome elvaan, were trying eagerly to attract the mandragoras’ attention, but couldn’t quite concentrate in his bewildered state. I saw him struggle and told him not to worry. I closed my eyes, trying to visualize Sparroweye’s clouded mind. I molded my mana into a sprinkling shower of brilliant lights.

Everyone’s attacks seemed more focused now, so I could get back to tending their wounds. I looked over the remains of each of the monsters, finding a few Ancient Beastcoins. You won’t be needing that anymore, I said to the fallen monsters, closing their eyelids with my hands. I felt kind of bad for them, as I find the mandragoras to be really cute.

As our group defeated the last mandragora, a vortex opened, sending us to the next layer in the vast emptiness. We were now surrounded by birds. Sparroweye walked up to me and patted me on the shoulders, it’s not feeding time yet. I looked at him and shrugged, telling him that I wasn’t really getting my hopes up for any big feasts in here tonight. The stagnant air and the horrid smell felt unpleasant and I was in no mood to eat.

We quickly progressed to the next floor, where Magic Urns and Apollyon Sweepers, a kind of mechanical dolls, were stationed. The magical urns made a humming sound while rotating around. It was hovering about a foot above the floor, charging at us with a sudden sweep. Sparroweye parried the attack, thrusting his sword toward the urn. I could hear a clashing sound as he hit the monster, who continued rotating appearing unaffected by the continuous attacks. Our two Monks, Slugg and Greever, continued to strike it with all their might, kicking and screaming to put the monster out of it’s misery—or so they said at least.

My pouch of ancient beastcoins were growing bigger by each layer we cleared, and as we all cheered as when we finally cleared the last floor and returned victorious to the entrance of Apollyon. I began to count the beastcoins, and asked everyone to roll their dices. My roll wasn’t exactly stellar, but I wasn’t in the bottom three so I were lucky enough to get seven shiney coins I could sell in Whitegate. Having all three earrings I no longer need the coins.

I was also lucky enough to finally get my paws on my first Black Mage upgrade item, after having seen months go by without a single drop:

A Crossroad, and a Wonderful Moment

Deep within the frozen valleys of Xarcabard lies the entrance to a shadow world: Dynamis. A world engulfed in darkness, forever banished from the grace of light, and the scene of a dreadful incident. Adventurers gather here, and other entrances, to battle against the shadow army.

Nyaa~, I said to Chicora, excited to see her again. Chicora was sitting in the snow, eating on an orange kuchen—her favorite dish. I smiled to her and sat down besides her. May I have some, I asked her, hoping that she would share. And what if I say no, she asked me, obviously teasing me. I’d cry… a lot. She smiled and gave me a slice of her orange cake. You are the best, I told her, giving her a hug in appreciation. I know, she grinned.

Chicora has been a friend of mine since I was but a kitten, and she is almost like a sister to me. We were both sitting there, happily purrring as we ate our cake. Our linkshell was still gathering, and our group grew bigger. I told Chicora how happy I am to finally be able to do Dynamis – Xarcabard since we have been working so hard in the cities lately. She nodded to me, hoping that it would be a good night.

Hello girls, Darrius said as he walked up to us. Would you like to team up, he asked us, bowing gallantly. Me and Chicora looked at each other, nodded and accepted Darrius’ offer. I knew Sparroweye would be a little upset as he prefers to have me as his White Mage, but right now I really wanted to party with Chicora. She is not only a good friend, but also my favorite Red Mage by far. We make an excellent team, and she does a great job whenever we party.

When the leaders finally gave the order to enter Dynamis, we were all filled with excitement and hope. Xarcabard holds a great many excellent relic armor pieces, and we were all eager to see what was in store for us. Our parties lined up in their designated spots, fending off the kindred army’s wave of attacks. Ravenclaw, my linkshell leader and a good friend, did a great job pulling, and he knows the zone very well.

The sky was cloudy, and the moon had a red shade to it, and the valley was engulfed in an bone-chilling darkness. The air was dry, and it was at times outright creepy to be there.

We were left in awe, though. as relic piece after relic piece dropped, and we were all excited about getting so many so quickly. I kept praying inside myself that a Black Mage would drop, but I didn’t get my hopes up as I’m like number four or five on the list. I was in a good mood though, and I didn’t let the drop list bother me as Dynamis is my favorite event of the week.

Some of our attacks proved futile, sometimes leaving us eating a dirt sandwich after being overrun by the kindred forces. But we were determined to go on, raising everyone quickly to get the most out of the time allotted.

Chicora did an awesome job, keeping me refreshed at all times, providing cures and debuffing the monsters when needed. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed by Altana, as a rare item finally dropped—an item my friend Chicora has been longing for, for months:

Congratulations, I said cheeringly to Chicora, hugging her to show how happy I was for her. Now, please, please, burn that Vermillion Cloak of yours, I told her jokingly. Chicora was speechless, as all her hard work had finally paid off. Now, let us see you try it on, Darrius plead. I nodded, excited to see how it looked on her. Chicora was holding her new hat in her hands, looking carefully at it, crying with joy. I patted Chicora on the back and congratulated her again, before I slowly took the hat and put it on her head. How prrrettyful~, I cheered.

Chicora began to dance in joy, which brought back a lot of fond memories from our childhood. Chicora is an excellent dancer, and I’ve always been a little jealous of her. I guess I’m just too clumsy to dance well.

As the time was about to run out, a pair of Cleric’s Mitts dropped. Fladnag, our Dynamis leader, announced that my friend Nicia was the lucky owner of the mitts. Nicia shook her head and told Fladnag she wanted someone else to have it, and moments later he congratulated me through the linkshell so everyone could hear: Congratulations, kitten, the mitts are yours.

I jumped for joy, even though I quite frankly don’t have a need for them. It is nice to be able to store the relic armor set with the Armor Depository Service, but I’m most excited about finally being 5/5. Actually, that is my second 5/5 as I also have a complete Paladin set.