The Mythril Eye

"Never blinking and all-seeing, The Mythril Eye misses naught that transpires within the lustrous domain of coin."

The premier paper in the commercial hub of Ul'dah, the Mythril Eye employs expert teams of financial correspondents and economists who gather and analyze information on the latest market trends.

Ever-laden with trade forecasts, it commands a dedicated readership among Ul'dahns and any else with aspirations for profit. Of especial interest to the paper are incidents of potential impact upon the Eorzean economy.

The Eye is known for its high editorial standards and painstakingly researched articles, including Havak Alvak's regular column on words and language ("The Living Lexicon"), and military commentator Osaku Ysaku's cogent critiques of wartime affairs. On the lighter side, features such as the popular reporter Ellie Ryse's coverage of the phantom thief case enjoy great appeal among the general populace.

The Mythril Eye 01 - Disaster at the Darkhold

Imperial Interlopers in Ishgard

Word has arrived from our northern field correspondent directing us to a disconcerting disturbance unfolding in Ishgardian Coerthas. House Fortemps, one of the financially foremost families of the Holy See of Ishgard, has apparently assembled a substantial military contingent at the hamlet of Owl’s Nest. If this information has reached us in full fidelity—and there is no indication otherwise—the contingent, formed of knights and sellswords, has been mobilized for a most mystifying motive: the liberation of the Dzemael Darkhold.

Before I proceed, pray permit me to ponder a pair of points. First, it is common knowledge that the Dzemael Darkhold was intended to be Ishgard’s bastion in their continuing conflict against dragonkind, a flawless fortification from where they would wage war against their ancient adversaries. Second, it had earlier been revealed that the Ishgardians had met with a quandary in the quarrying effort, which should have triggered a tangible tightening of defenses. What formidable force, then, could have mastered the martially minded Ishgardians in a position as well-defended as the Darkhold?

In endeavoring to establish an explanation, our correspondent tracked down a man-at-arms who was witness to the fall of the Dzemael Darkhold. According to the scar-streaked sellsword, work had been proceeding purposefully to prime the cavernous cavities and craggy corridors of the Darkhold for use as a fortification. All this came to a screeching halt, however, when what appeared to be an expertly etched effigy of a fiend was turned up in the midst of mining. The Ishgardians set about excavating it, only to have the seemingly soulless statue suddenly spring to life the instant they tried to move it. Lifeless no more, the fiend flew into a fit of frenzy, murdering a motley of miners and injuring innumerable others.

Knights and hired hands alike hurled themselves into the fray in a venture to vanquish the virulent fiend. Unbeknownst to them, however, at the precise moment they rallied to arms against the malevolent menace, Imperial troopers had stormed the Darkhold’s entrance. The clash—if it could be called such—was sealed in a score of seconds. The Ishgardians swiftly succumbed with scarcely a struggle, and it was all our interviewee could do to flee with his life.

After several years spent in silent slumber, has the Empire really roused to resume its march on Eorzea? If so, what implications could this hold on the province of profit? Commenting on the conceivable consequences, Mythril Eye economist Tzetzelun speculates that the anticipation of armed conflict will send the price of wheat, grains, and other sundry supplies soaring. The armaments market, on the other hand, can expect to undergo furious fluctuations for the foreseeable future.

An event of far-reaching impact has been set in motion, but the hour is yet young. The Mythril Eye shall sustain its surveillance of the situation in Coerthas, that our readers might be properly prepared to confront the coming chaos in the commercial climate.

Havak Alvak

The Mythril Eye 02 - Mutamix's Materia

Of Beasts and Branding

“Beast tribe” is a designation of Garlean origin, given to those races the Empire deems detestable. Equivalent to an earmarking for extermination, the label is attached on account of association with primals—beatific beings who, amid certain circles, command godlike reverence. In stark contrast, the primals are held in highest hatred by the Garleans, who, besides calling them by the derogatory denomination eikon, have sought to suppress with startling single-mindedness any species suspected to summon them.

It was approximately ten years ago that the last of the beastmen was driven out from Ul’dah. Faced with an impending imperial invasion, the Syndicate passed a policy to purge the sultanate of all beastmen, who found themselves unceremoniously banished by the bevy. Overnight, the sight of sylvan crystal merchants and goblin junk dealers alike up and vanished from the Sapphire Avenue Exchange. Despite the decree’s dubiousness, it was warmly welcomed by the majority of merchants, who regarded reduced rivalry with relish.

Of late, however, the disputed decision of a decade past is threatening to float to the fore, engendered by the emergence of a grizzled goblin geomancer named Mutamix Bubblypots...

Of Mutamix and Materia

According to adventurer accounts, Mutamix first appeared in the wilds of Thanalan less than a moon past with his apprentices in tow, a rag-tag band calling themselves Carriers of the Cauldron. Wasting no time in setting up shop, he proceeded to promote a peculiar matter called materia, which is claimed to be capable of galvanizing gear. Before long, word of Mutamix and his miracle method for augmenting arms and armor had spread like wildfire across the adventurer population.

Inevitably, Ul’dahn merchants, too, came to know of this new player in the field. Unsurprisingly, there were those who felt fearful of Mutamix, convinced that the goblin would incite instability in a market governed by protectionist policies. Such is the acuteness of their aversion, they went so far as to petition the Immortal Flames for the expeditious eradication of all goblins roaming the region.

In contrast to this knee-jerk reaction of self-preservation, there are those who expressly endorse materia, considering it a catalyst for expediting economic expansion. Even now, the market is astir with tolerant traders who are making to maximize their monies by means of the matter, and who have taken a stand against actions that are like to damage Ul’dah-goblin relations.

Sultanate decree distinctly dictates that no goblins are to set foot on Ul’dahn soil. Naught, however, is stipulated of their presence outside her walls. And now two factions stand opposed: those who desire the decimation of goblins versus those who believe it would best behoove the nation to leave them in peace. I, for one, envy not in the least the Immortal Flames’ prickly position.

Our city-state stands at the crossroads of a commercial crisis, and The Mythril Eye will continue to closely monitor the movement of all individuals involved in the unfolding drama.

Havak Alvak

The Mythril Eye 03 - Flames Burn for Talent

Foreign Flames to Make the Difference

The Foundation Day celebrations marked the commencement in earnest of recruitment efforts by the Immortal Flames. Although a proud Ul’dahn institution, it appears the Grand Company is banking heavily on Ala Mhigan refugees and adventurers to answer its call. More than a few folk are certain to be perplexed as to why the Immortal Flames would forgo Ul’dahn nationals in favor of foreigners. To unravel this mystery, let us hearken back to a proposition brought before the Syndicate that never saw the light of day.

It is commonly known that the Brass Blades, our keepers of the peace, are a band of organized mercenaries financed by influential figures in the sultanate. Chief among these benefactors are Lord Lolorito of the East Aldenard Trading Company and Prince Teledji Adeledji of the Mirage Trust—members of the Syndicate known by the masses as the Monetarists. Theirs is a faction which openly advocates an Ul’dah governed by those possessed of the means—that is to say, coin—to bring about change. Standing in opposition to this wealth-driven coterie is none other than Raubahn Aldynn, rekindler of the Immortal Flames and former champion gladiator, who remains loyal to the monarchy despite his seat in the Syndicate.

Prior to the reformation of the Immortal Flames, it was proposed that the Grand Company would fill its ranks by absorbing the existing contingents of the Brass Blades and the Stone Torches. However, this motion met with fierce resistance from the Monetarists and never came to pass. Thus refused access to local talent, the Immortal Flames had no recourse but to seek alternate routes to secure sword arms.

As you are no doubt already aware, it costs a sultan’s ransom for foreigners to acquire Ul’dahn citizenship. Of the Ala Mhigans who have successfully amassed the funds to do so, the vast majority are career soldiers who risked life and limb to earn the privilege. It was to these men and women of proven steel and leadership that Flame General Raubahn Aldynn turned to lay the foundation of the rekindled Immortal Flames. Being of Ala Mhigan origin himself, it must have been the most natural of things to do.

At the same time, Aldynn put out the word that he welcomed transfers from other units, and in so doing was able to fan the Immortal Flames into a formidable force comprised of three brigades. Not content to stop there, the Flame General proposed that military exercises be held, his own people pitted against the Brass Blades and the Stone Torches. In so doing, it is believed that Aldynn means to raise the overall caliber of the sultanate’s soldiery.

Despite threatening to gutter out at an early stage, the Immortal Flames have roared into a respectable host. Yet doubt runs rampant among the populace whether it will suffice to stay the dual threat of the Garleans and the Amalj’aa. According to our sources, there is movement within the Grand Company to establish a reserve unit, one formed exclusively of foreigners. By expanding the sphere of recruitment to include those not of Ul’dahn nationality, the Immortal Flames hope to tap into a vast sea of talent. And tap it they will, from among doughty Ala Mhigan refugees and intrepid adventurers eager to prove their mettle.

Those who would be a part of history in the making, with body and mind forged of tempered steel—whatever your country or creed, you are invited to make yourselves known at the Hall of Flames.

Osaku Ysaku

The Mythril Eye 04 - Immortal Flames Afire

Flame General Sets Hearts Alight

The recently rekindled Immortal Flames held a ceremony the day past to relish the return of a proud Ul’dahn tradition. In attendance were citizens spanning the entire social spectrum, from preeminent personages in the Syndicate to lowly laborers. All present looked on with bated breath as former champion gladiator Raubahn Aldynn stepped up to make his maiden monologue as the Flame General.

With the selfsame efficiency that won him fame and fortune as a gladiator, Aldynn took his point and drove it home—right down to the hilt. A look of newfound understanding spread through the crowd as the magnificently muscled model of manhood spoke that the Garlean threat is a blessing in disguise, an opportunity to win great glory and profuse profit. He urged all Ul’dahns to cast their lot with the Immortal Flames, regardless of whether one is given to combat or crafting. Others still may contribute to the cause by way of wealth, for it is funds that fuel the fighting.

The Ala Mhigan native saw the citizens for their inner merchants, and strummed steadily on their heartstrings. His showmanship, acquired through years of pleasing people on the bloodsands, shone as he brought the event to an exhilarating end, deftly delivering a persuasive peroration.

All the while the speech was unfolding, The Mythril Eye kept its focus firmly fixed upon the reactions of Syndicate members. Prior Dewlala’s restrained response was in keeping with his neutral stance within the cabal, and came as no surprise. Chief Foreman Fyrgeiss of Amajina & Sons Mineral Concerns, however, raised a mythril eyebrow with his apparent approval of Raubahn’s speech—an unforeseen turn by a marked Monetarist. A man of hawkish humour, it was none other than he who founded the Stone Torches to supervise the security of mining operations. If he were to redirect his resources towards the Immortal Flames, the nation’s defenses would be substantially strengthened.

This leaves us with Prince Teledji Adeledji of the Mirage Trust and Chairman Lolorito of the East Aldenard Trading Company, both of whom wore flinty faces and abstained from announcing allegiance. It is broadly believed that a flow of funds from either party would have immense impact upon the arms market, and serve to fan the flames of frantic fluctuations in closely connected industries. The influence possessed by this duo of dignitaries is such that their movement will be meticulously monitored in the moons to come.

With fatalistic fears running rampant that the Seventh Umbral Era looms large, it is too easy to let ourselves be swept away in a tide of monetary meekness. However, if we hold to the Flame General’s ardent assertion that peril and profit are but two sides of the same coin, then our task is crystal clear: ensuring that the sole satisfactory side surfaces when that coin lands.

Havak Alvak

The Mythril Eye 05 - Ifrit Rising

The Demon of Mythril Pit T-3

All hells broke loose in eastern Thanalan eight summers past, in the Year 1564 of the Sixth Astral Era. The alarm was raised at Mythril Pit T-3, an excavation site superintended by Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern. The Stone Torches, the standing security force, were promptly dispatched to deal with the disturbance. Alas, upon arriving at the scene, they were shocked into stunned silence—the mine had been gutted by an inferno. Nary a stretch of its serpentine system of shafts and vaults was left unscathed. The charred corpses of deceased diggers bestrewed the ash-lined floor, locked in poses that told of terrible torment.

In a stroke of serendipity, a sole survivor was discovered amidst the devastation, wedged within a hollow hardly wide enough to hold a Hyur child. Regaining consciousness, the man recounted in sputters and shrieks the abrupt appearance of an enormous, fire-breathing fiend, dreadful to behold. This encounter would emerge as the earliest recorded sighting of the primal Ifrit on Eorzean soil.

Out of the Skillet into the Inferno

Recent years have seen the Amalj’aa threat grow gradually to pose a perennial problem for Ul’dah alongside the advancing Garlean Empire. Bad blood has boiled between us and the lizardmen for generations, born of an ongoing dispute over demesne. Hostility on the Amalj’aa’s part would peak pronouncedly in the wake of the tragedy at Mythril Pit T-3, a trend academics ascribe to the appearance of Ifrit.

The primal holds sway over the humours of the lizardmen, this much is manfiest. By that logic, it can be surmised that subjugating the summoned being is tantamount to taming the enemy. Which seems a sound strategy, save for the small detail that primals are immortal after a fashion—even if defeated, they can be called forth, time and again. A permanent solution still eludes us, and for the foreseeable future we must rely upon the brave men and women of the Immortal Flames to keep Ifrit in check.

Whispers are widespread of late that the anomalies exhibited by Dalamud are the result of Ifrit’s swelling strength. Some take this theory further, proclaiming that the phenomenon portends the Seventh Umbral Era. An enduring economy is built upon consumer confidence, which is in turn dependent upon peace of mind. If the sultanate’s financial fitness is to be preserved, action must be taken to stymie the spread of public perturbation.

But why stop there? Even as I put pen to parchment, the other city-states struggle to suppress the likes of Garuda and Leviathan. In the midst of mounting mayhem, Ul’dah stands to profit profusely as the premier purveyor of primal countermeasures. An opportunity to win riches and renown hangs ripe before our eyes—we need only to reach out and take it.

Havak Alvak

[A Deathless Dilemma]

A handful of years ago, a Lominsan pirating crew called the Company of Heroes garnered great glory by vanquishing Leviathan and Titan, the primals of the Sahagin and the kobolds respectively. Before the season had turned, however, the two beast tribes were reported to have called forth their gods once more, neither of whom was any worse for the wear. Such is the conundrum confronted by those who seek to smite summoned beings.

The Mythril Eye 06 - Alvak's Spyglass - Much Ado about Aether

Much Ado about Aether

As is broadly believed, aether is the essence of existence, the fount of life wherewith the stars stay suspended in the stellar sphere. Bereft of its boon, magic would be naught but a fruit of fiction, and our lives would doubtless detail double the drudgery.

According to ancient Miqo’te mystics, aetheric energy permeates all creation even as it exists in its own distinct dimension, parted from the physical plane. If Eorzea might be compared to a colossal creature, aether would be the lifeblood that courses through its veins, supplying it with sustenance.

The people of the past were adept in the application of aetheric energy. Not only did they possess the proficiency to pinpoint those places with high concentrations of aether; they had the expertise to exploit that power, and thereby created the gateways that allow us to travel tremendous distances in hardly a hairy heartbeat. Thought to have been long lost to mankind, this knowledge is in the midst of a revival, brought about by the beneficent backing of the Circle of Knowing.

Under the supervision of the Sharlayan natives, a plan is in progress to install an intra-city teleportation network. The purpose at present is purely military, but its channeling for civil and commercial use cannot be ruled out as an eventuality.

The Mythril Eye 07 - Alvak's Spyglass - In with the Old

In with the Old

Amidst the ripples raised by the revival of the Grand Companies of Eorzea, a cultural current has surfaced that seeks to propagate the peculiarities of past periods. Of particular popularity are such curios as realistic replicas of relics along with ancient artifacts dating back to the Allagan Empire, both of which command premium prices on the market. It must be noted, however, that this trend in taste serves not simply to sate the needs for nostalgia of the nobility.

Since the dawn of conflict, man has aspired to new approaches wherewith to attain an advantage over his adversary. Myriad martial methods were born of this endeavor, although a notable number have come to languish deep within the sands of time. The relatively recent rise of guilds as axes of activity for Disciples of War and Magic serves to safeguard such skills for the profit of posterity. However, by methodizing mastery, it was inevitable that certain techniques and traditions would fall out of favor. I speak of those age-old arts that demand drastic degrees of dedication, and whose acquisition requires that the practitioner prevail over perils in plenitude. Of late, rumors are rampant regarding the resurgence of such arts. Whether this proves to be but a fleeting fixation or a development to define the era will be observed with acute attentiveness.

The Mythril Eye 08 - Alvak's Spyglass - An Alliance Actually

An Alliance Actually

When the Garlean Empire first reared its repugnant head in Eorzea, swiftly stripping Ala Mhigo of its sovereignty by way of subterfuge, the surviving city-states were compelled to come together in coalition. Named the Eorzean Alliance, the coalition had ambitious aspirations for the defense of its dominions. Alas, such schemes soon suffered a severe setback—the Holy See of Ishgard withdrew from the treaty, leaving the fledging fraternity to founder and fade into feebleness. Today, the common consensus of the citizenry is that the alliance exists only in name.

Recent developments, however, may well warrant a weighing up anew of that assumption. Of late, the Eorzean Alliance has appreciably accelerated its activities, playing a pivotal part in the production of protectives for man and mount both. Presently, it is in the process of perfecting a progressive new method of enhancing equipment. Referred to by pertinent personnel as simply “sanction,” the method entails etching emblems of empowerment upon arms and armor in order to prime them as containers for conjurations. A custom charm is then cast upon these articles, whose efficacy is ephemerally enhanced thereby. Our sources in the Immortal Flames report that the mass manufacture of such sanctioned supplies is scheduled to commence shortly, with their arrival to the frontlines to follow closely behind.

The Mythril Eye 09 - Alvak's Spyglass - Clarion Call to the Commission of Officer

Clarion Call to the Commission of Officer

Near all now know of the Eorzean Alliance—that adamant and ambitious accord recently reached by the Grand Companies of the realms’ three most potent political powers. That to which the miscognizant multitudes may not be privy is the system of shared stations and regimented ranks within the Immortal Flames, Maelstrom, and Order of the Twin Adder. Days so dire demand organization and order, and so the ranks and their commissions were constructed to create a clear chain of command.

We shall speak here on the commission of officer, for on the sturdy shoulders of these samsonian souls sits a great responsibility—the leading of our alliance’s armies to fight and foray on the frontlines of battle. Initial intentions indicated only those well-studied in the ways of waging war were to be named worthy of the officer commission, yet the Grand Companies have since taken to promoting to these proud posts the best and brightest of the adventurers among them. Droves of these daring and dauntless heroes have more than proven their merit and mettle in both combat and command capacities. Their awesome accomplishments have boldly blazed a trail for the intrepid—for any and all possessed of these sorely sought and sovereign skills to rise in rank and claim the commission of officer

The Grand Companies have proclaimed the provision of painstakingly produced panoplies and other gear befitting the epic endeavors of their officers. This author had chance to see several such souls bedecked in their newly acquired arms and armor on a recent visit to the Hall of Flames. What with whispers of war with Garlemald turning to talk of a decisive battle on the horizon, perhaps these heroes’ hands hold our only hope.

The Mythril Eye 10 - Prognostications of the Prophetess

Ascertaining the Association between Atomos and the Auguries

Before the blood-red moon began to bloat above Eorzea, a migratory man of mysterious motives arrived at aetheryte camps, panicking people as he preached prophecy of death and doom. Myself and many others thought this ominous orator to be outrageous, and his ponderous proclamations naught more than the notions of a nonsensical nomad.
In light of the lingering luminosity of Dalamud, I have come to doubt my earlier denunciations, as the words of this weird wanderer appear all too applicable.

“Ne'er till land consumes sun can sea bear moons, heavens spew crimson flame, hells seep black dooms.”

The first portion of this prophecy pertains to the progression of eras, namely the ending of the Astral and the beginning of the Umbral. The subsequent section speaks of the swelling of the sanguine Dalamud and the recent rain of red rocks.

Astute adventurers might then ask, "What of the final frightening fragment?"

This renowned reporter has conclusively concluded that the massively mawed monster which beckons the brilliantly blazing beasts is the black doom!

Since the advent of attacks by this alarming abomination, I have independently investigated its inscrutable intentions. Though I am unable to anticipate its appearance with any accuracy, I have assembled (with the aid of adventurers most admirable) a copious cornucopia of information which has confirmed my convictions.

Contemplate the circumstances of the creatures and you will no doubt concur: the harsh hells which harbor horrors is surely the void of which the scholars speak, and the floating fiend is doubtless the doom described.

The terrors that trouble us are truly tremendous, but I have cause to claim we will surmount this situation.

“Stray seeds quicken in ash's grey embrace, Valiant blades forged under the Twelve's good grace.”

In short, the seeds of our salvation shall survive the struggle and deliver us from total destruction. I remain confident that, even if Dalamud descends, Ul’dah will recover and rebuild.

I believe the citizens of this great city are particularly pragmatic and more than capable of coping with calamitous circumstances. Even if driven to ground, we will grope for grains of gold with our hands and find new fortunes with our fingertips─for in loss one may find profit, or so the saying goes.

Let us remain strong and make ready to raise these stray seeds, for it is through their cultivation that we will harvest our hope for the future.

Dural Tharal

The Mythril Eye 11 - On the Eve of Battle

Pretext for War?

In recent days, the Immortal Flames’ manpower appears to be stretched quite thin. The bulk of the Grand Company’s strength has left Ul’dah, and the defense of the sultanate has been entrusted wholly to the Brass Blades.
Moreover, Lominsan warships have been sighted at Vesper Bay, unloading Maelstrom troops. Even now, soldiers emblazoned in the colors of the Order of the Twin Adder continue to stream forth from the Black Shroud. Based on these developments, I can only conclude that the three Grand Companies are amassing their forces in Western Thanalan.

In response to inquiries from The Mythril Eye, Grand Flame Marshal Eline Roaille* provided this written statement:

“The Grand Companies of Eorzea are staging joint military exercises to commemorate the revival of the three-nation alliance.”

However, even a cursory estimation of expenditures by the Immortal Flames casts doubt on this official explanation. The Grand Company’s recent acquisitions go far beyond what is necessary for field exercises, yet are approximately the quantities one would expect prior to a full-scale campaign.

Furthermore, the Free Brigade of foreign adventurers has been summoned to participate in these exercises alongside the main host. Indeed, I think it past doubt that the Immortal Flames are poised for total war.

Our sources within the military caravans report that light infantry units have already been dispatched to the Carteneau Flats, along the outskirts of Mor Dhona. Yet this region, while rumored to be occupied by the VIIth Imperial Legion, is a vast plain with minimal strategic value, which begs the question: why contest such territory?

While much about the situation remains unclear, it is certain that the battle to come will have a lasting impact upon the future of Eorzea. May Nald’thal smile favorably upon our valiant defenders and guide them to victory.

Osaku Ysaku

[Eline Roaille]

Second-in-command to Raubahn Aldynn and caretaker of the Hall of Flames. A renowned commander of Ishgardian descent and one of the Flame General’s most trusted advisors.