Sails Zhilong the Horizon
A Biography of the Ruby Sea’s most Dangerous Marauder

Chief Editor: Sima Qian [司馬遷]

The pirates of the Ruby Sea, known to westerners as the Confederates, and known to Othardi as Wako, or Wokuo, have been the masters of the waters between Yanxia and Hingashi for centuries. When tribes of coastal marauders first appeared on those waters, they earned a reputation for themselves as brutal murderers, pillaging, thieving and burning undefended seaside villages with a total disregard for spoken lives. However, nowadays, much like their counterparts in Vylbrand, the once savage corsairs of the Ruby Sea have dulled their fangs significantly, realizing that rather than taking things by force, it was far easier to simply function as toll keepers. Now, instead of ravaging the coasts of Doma and Hingashi, they simply have convinced the lords of those lands to pay a regular fee for the privilege of traversing the Ruby Sea without waylay.However, while the majority of modern Confederates now ascribe to this new, relatively peaceful and orderly system of cooperation with the nations of the far east, others have never given up their erstwhile bloodthirsty ways. Much like the pirates of Limsa Lominsa, the Confederates have long been a heterogeneous bunch, divided into many fleets, led by different captains- each of whom have their own objectives and values. One of these fleets: the Zheng Clique, is led by the patriarch Zheng Zhilong, who, to this day, remains one of the most deranged and dangerous men on the eastern seas.Zheng Zhilong was born in the village of Danshui (clearwater) in Southern Doma, along an upper tributary of the One River which flowed into the Ruby Sea. From the age of 7, it became evident that Zheng Zhilong had an inherent gift for geomancy, as even as a child, he was able to bend the winds and the river currents to his will, often subconsciously. Seeing potential in this, Zhilong's parents (who were considerably wealthy) hired priests and mystics across Doma to come to Danshui to help cultivate their young sons' gifts. Upon becoming a young man, Zhilong had grown into a very powerful magician. However, this strength had beget arrogance. Doman geomancy is inherently linked to the land's religion, which prescribes deep humility towards the Kami who inhabit the spirits of the mountains, the rivers, and the animals within. Zhilong spurned this element of geomancy. Why should he pay any homage to the Kami, when he could command nature and master it just as well as them?This hubris would lead to his downfall. Long had the villagers of Danshui worshiped a local spirit: an indomitable, six tusked boar. It was not long before this mighty pig God took note of Zhilongs aggressive impiety and began commanding hoards of wild boars to rampage around the Danshui in reprisal: trampling crops and flattening homes. Terrified, the villagers of Danshui cast Zhilong out of their village. Now without family or home, the young man did what many Othardi outcasts did before him: join the wokuo: Ruby Sea pirates of the confederacy.Due to his natural charisma and his might in geomancy, Zhilong quickly became a prominent captain within the confederacy, accumulating an entire fleet loyal to him. In the 30 years since he was banished from Doma, he has had many piratical exploits: plundering the coasts of Nagxia and Dalmasca, capturing Garlean ships, and even fighting both alongside and against the pirate fleets of Limsa Lominsa on separate occasions. Throughout all that time, he has nursed a seething hatred for the Kami, and seeks to undo them all, alongside the sycophantic mortal priests who are complicit in inspiring their worship.In Doma, the story of Zhilong is often used as a cautionary tale, of the type of monster one can become when one strays from the key Doman values of humility, temperance, and reverence for the spirits of the land. He remains a living symbol of the worst type of creature a man of Doma can become. Any Eorzeans travelling by sea to Othard should also be wary of his presence. If you are following the tradewinds along the Dalmasca-Hingashi route, and sea red sails with the character 鄭 on the horizon, then be prepared to sell your lives dearly. For the crimson sails of Zheng do not seek gil or bullion, it seeks blood.

Starlight in the Wake of All Saints
A Transition of Seasonal Traditions

Staff Writer: S’lyhhia Loha

With All Saints’ Wake having come to a close on the 1st Sun of the 6th Astral Moon, it is only natural that many an Eorzean will reflect on recent mischief and merriment before turning their attention to the transition of the seasons. Come the 6th Umbral Moon, Eorzeans along with people the star over will be celebrating the Starlight Festival. Belief in the Twelve, Eorzea’s patron deities, remains steadfast, as do the holidays and traditions tied to them. Of course, these practices have evolved from reverent observances in times of trouble to occasions of celebration and levity, which, in recent times, has been essential.When the Saints Go Marching
The All Saints’ Wake is celebrated at the height of the harvest season, when it is said the Twelve invited their saints to the heavens for a grand feast. Regarded as preservers of the realm, the absence of the saints and the distraction of the gods hosting them meant the star was left without the blessings and protections each provided. This potentially allowed for all manner of malevolent fiends to strike terror into the hearts of its inhabitants, even possibly drag them to whatever depths they came from. For this reason, many people remained in a sort of self-imposed house arrest throughout the feast. Those desperate enough to leave home donned monstrous costumes so that they might blend in unnoticed by those roaming the star during this godsforsaken time.It was the rise of the adventurer that helped transform the holiday into the festive celebration we know it as today. Brave souls who dared to stand guard during the nights of the feast came to realize that such creatures were nowhere to be seen. They took to quelling the fears of others, leaving some to take the opportunity to cheekily frighten their neighbors. As the terror and superstitions lifted, the holiday was celebrated as a time of well-deserved respite for the gods and their saints. Panic was replaced with playful pranking and sweet treats.From Haunted to Hopeful
In the early centuries of the Dragonsong War, Coerthan winters were especially cruel to children left homeless and orphaned by the violence. Chivalrous knights, moved by the plight of these children, sought them out during the freezing winter nights and sheltered them within their barracks - an act that was forbidden and, if caught, would see the knights punished severely. In an earnest act of discretion, these champions of the children hid them under the vibrant red coats of their uniforms, allowing them to receive sustenance, shelter, and sleep, before leaving at the light of day. A lull in the centuries long war saw the whispers of these defiant, heroic knights fade from memory, remembered only by the children fortunate enough to receive this care. Having grown up and banded together, they honored the memory of these generous souls by donning bright red robes and spreading gifts and joy to children.Despite its Coerthan origins in the early centuries of the Dragonsong War, the holiday is linked to Nymeia, the Spinner rather than Halone, the Fury. Legend states a knight captain, having discovered his soldiers aiding children, found joy in the generosity his knights displayed and responded with jovial laughter. Though his position demanded it, he refused to punish his men. His wisdom and empathy earned him an association with the goddess of fate and, eventually, the title of the Saint of Nymeia. This spirit awaits missives containing the hopes and dreams of children, which are placed beneath a beautifully decorated tree. The Saint then delivers them to the Spinner herself, which she spins their requests into their futures. Soon enough, we will encounter the Saint’s little helpers - those who decorate the trees, pass out presents, and help the children with their letters - spreading cheer and aid in the Eorzean City-States.
As we move from a time of bounty to a time of lack, pray keep in mind those who are in need. This coming holiday season, be certain to spread goodwill and cheer. Lend your strength in any manner you can. A meal, a gift, a garment - what may seem like naught to you may mean the world to another. Count your blessings. Smile. If the rules are being broken for the right reasons, turn a blind eye, smile, and laugh from deep within your belly.

• Front Page

Watch out for Adamantoise!
The Symbolism and Biology Greatshells

Staff Writer: Qilin Kha

(Chief Editor’s note: the following article has been published in its original, unedited form, as the publication believes this is the most authentic way to depict the unique Xaelic perspective of this piece)iF You ARE LiFE iN THANALAN You kNow MucH ABouT AbAMANToisE! THEY ARE tHE vERY LARjE sKALE KiNs THAT LivE tHEYR.... THEYR MoTHERs ARE FRoM THAvANAiR wHERE tHEY R cALLD kAccHApA.. tHEY DiD FiRsT AppEARED tHERE... FoR MucH oF THEYR LiFEs ADAMANToisEs sLEEp wHiLE THEy GRow ANd THEy LET pLANTs puT RooTs iN THE shELLs THAT wRAp THEYR BoDiEs.! THE pLANTs cRAwL ouT oF THEiR BELLy wHEN EATEN To LivE oN THE sHELL. THEsE pLANTs ARE vERy TASTy FoR THEM AND HELp THEM Lok LiKE Rock...... soME RARE pLANTs Do oNLy LiKE THE sHELLs To LivE oN..i MEETEb MANy AdAMANToisE oN My TRAvELs.. i DiD FoLLoW THEM ANb TAkE soME oF THEsE pLANTs To sTuDy THEM. THE sKALE KiNs iN THAWNAiR HAvE REd pETAL pLANTs THAT ARE spicE ANb soME pEopLE HARvEsT THEM FoR THis.... iN THANANALAN THE REd pETALs ARE NoT THEYR!!! THE THANALN ADAMANToisEs GRow BiTTER yELLLow PETELs THAT ARE GooD DRiNkiNG FoR FEvERs ANd THEY ALso GRoW REEds THAT MAkE GooD FLuTEs wHEN cuT......THEsE ScALEd KiiNs ARE vERy NicE BuT THEy ARE vERY FEERsE wARioRs wHEN THEy ARE ANGRY!!!! iF THEy ARE vERy MAd THEy wiLL spiN oN THEYR BELLis To FiGHT! THEy do THis sqiNNiNG FoR MANy THiNGs LikE diGGiNG! THE EREGTi (males; in Xaelic) spiN To FiGHT oNE ANoTHER BuT THE EmEGTEi (females; in Xaelic) Do THis To diG iN THE GRouNd FoR LAyiNG EGG. cHiLd AdAMANToisE doEs THis spiNNiNG MucH MoRE BcAusE iT is EAsiER FoR THEM.... THEYR bodiEs wEiGH !!MucH!! MoRE wHEN THEy ARE oLd...!. THE sckALE kiNds THAT ARE TAMED EAT MUCH cLouDpLANT iN THANLAN so THAT THEy do NoT wEiGH Tooooo MucH!!!!!iN -oooLdAGH- (the word is crossed out, next to a much more neatly-written 'Ul'dah') AdAMANtoisEs ARE soMETiMEs usEd As pAckiNG bEAsTs FoR FiRE ANd icE sHAmANs!! i spEAkEd wiTH oNE sMALL sHAMAns... HE Did sAy THAT puTiNg dRawiNGs iN THe AdAMANtoisE sHELL NEAR THEYR LEGs iT LETs THEM buRN FiRE LikE His owN MAjic. ANoTHER sHAMAN FRoM AMALjAA did sAy THAT THis BEAsT oF wARs wAs FiRsT BoNdEd By AMALjAA ANd THAT Ul DAH DiD LERN How To TAME ANd GivE FiREs To THE SkALE KiNs FRoM THEM wHEN Ul DAH did cApTuRE A RidER MANy yEARs AGo..... AbaMANToisE THAT cAN usE FiREs ARE !veRy!!!!!!!! RARE BuT THEY ARE powErFuL ANd LivE vERy! LoNGER THEN THEYR BRoTHERs!iN THE AsiM sTEp THERE ARE ALso vERy FiERsE SkALE kiN wiTH sHELL cALLEd MATTA MATTA!! THEy ARE NoT RouND oR cALM LikE AdAMANtoisE But THEY ARE BoTH vERy!!! GooD Luck To sEE! Aospisuis!! MAkiNG THE sHELLs oF THEsE BEAsTs iNTo ARMoR wiLL BRiNg you veRy! GooD FoRTuNEs BuT oNLy iF THE BATLE To sLAy THEM wAs FiGHT wiTH oNoR! THE pLANTs oN THE sHELL oF AdAMANToisE ARE LikE THE THREAD oN GooD cLoTHEs so THEy MusT BE TAkEN vERy NicE cARE oF To wEAR As ARMoR! AdAMaNToisE ARMoR sHouLD Be woRN FoR oNLY oNe MooN ANd THEN iT MusT BE BuRiEd... ALL AdAMANToisEs do TRy To BuRy THEMsELFs wHEN THEy diE so THEiR ARMoR SHouLD Be RETuRNEd To THE GRouNd wHEN iT is TiME To REst.

Ul’Dahn Jewellery
Gems and meanings, how to accessorise properly

Staff Writer: Kiku Sakimuri

Jewellery in Ul’dah: Where to start? This bustling city has a long love affair with metals and gems, the heat of the day making fussy fabrics and layered clothing a definite no from this Raen. Instead, opting for a simple and tasteful necklace or bracelet of metal embedded with stones is the perfect way to accessorise that chic new outfit you’re wearing! You really can’t go wrong with any type of gem, provided it matches your ensemble, though the sharper ear may hear talk of mystical properties behind each different stone. For example, the deep fiery reds of rubies and garnets are said to showcase one’s confidence and strength, while shimmering blues and whites of sapphires and opals bring the wearer peace and tranquillity. Luckily for the less affluent among you, even non-precious stones are very popular among the merchants of Ul’dah! A simple piece of sandstone, quartz, or even a seashell can be carved into a thing of unique beauty, providing a wide array of options for all.As some of our fashion-conscious readers may be aware, it’s not that you wear it, but how you wear it. An opulent necklace of gold and diamond may attract attention, but should you be pairing it with a frilly dress of large proportions the clean beauty of the jewellery will be easily lost and underappreciated. As an advocate of modern simplicity, this writer highly recommends pairing ornate pieces with smooth dresses or robes in gentle colours. It’s a must-do to colour coordinate, as a bracelet or armlet of the same metal will only highlight and bring attention to your impeccable choice in ornament. Thankfully, Ul’dah is the perfect place for simple outfits with plenty of skin showing, meaning you can wear as much or little jewellery as you deem appropriate; certainly the dancing girls know that fine balance between too much and too little! And do remember, dear readers, confidence in what you wear is the key to snappy accessorising, so visit your friendly Ul’dah neighbourhood jewellery merchant today!

World Jade Center
The rise in free-Jade agreements between Ul’dah and the Far East

Staff Writer: Reignmont Davoix

Introduction
Ul’dah has and remains the proud epicenter for Eorzea’s finest jewelry makers, goldsmiths, and craftspeople. Beneath Thanalan runs countless veins of quality ore, ripe for the miners of Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern whose hands are just as responsible for the city-states illustrious status as a mercantile paradise. The efforts of miners and jewelers alike are not contained solely within the Steps of Thal however. The expertises of these learned individuals have been exported to all lands, so that diamonds, rubies, and other exotic gems may be procured, refined, and adorned amongst the breasts and bosoms of individuals from Thanalan to Coerthas and beyond! The jewel du jour? If you, dear reader, assumed mainstays like diamonds or rubies continued their place amongst the Ul’dahn glitterati, you may be surprised to learn it is in fact the far-eastern elite of Kugane setting the tone with their creations bespoke with Imperial Jade.Production & Styling
Raw Imperial Jade may be found primarily in northern Yanxia, a stone’s throw away from the Ruby Sea, connecting the ports of Kugane to the outside world. Often believed to have medicinal properties that aid in healing infections, the gem has long been sought-after by those searching to remove toxins from the body, and has even been recommended to those trying for children. With Doma newly liberated, and the ever changing desires of fashion-forward Eorzeans, imperial jade has begun to adorn the hands, ears, and circlets of the Ul’dah’s upper-crust. A quick visit to the Goldsmith’s Guild will be met with a visual spectacle of craftspeople and miners exchanging cartons of glittering, green, goodies, while a particularly pointed, yet polite, attendee periodically informs passing-by patrons that, “No, we do not have any more [imperial jade products] at this time. Our artisans are working hard to only provide the finest quality pieces.”Whether it be for fertility or frivolity, or simply to invoke a sense of freshness, anyone looking for the trendiest way to embellish their wardrobe, may consider submitting a purchase order through their local jeweler for regalia de Imperial Jade. Be warned, however, that by the time you receive your custom bijoux, our far-eastern friends might just have moved on to their next crown jewel.

• Front Page

Children of the Sagolii
Living Among the Viper Tribe

Chief Editor: Sima Qian 司馬遷

There is a certain element of lingering mystique which pervades popular impressions of Seeker society. The Diurnal Miqo’te tribes are hardly a rare sight in Eorzea’s great cities, especially Ul’dah and Ala Mhigo, and yet, the Miqo’te who make their living in our continent’s grand metropolises tend to make a concentrated to assimilate into urban living. As a result, their traditionalist, desert-dwelling counterparts, despite living not all that far from the cities, remain a mystery to most of Eorzea’s urban peoples. Ignorance begets the creation of myth, and as such, if you were to ask your average Gridanian shopkeeper or Ul’dahn shoemaker what they knew of the Seekers of the Sun, they would likely spin you orientalized tales of hedonistic Nunhs lounging amidst a harem of veiled women, or of simple-minded savages to whom no dispute cannot be solved by a rock or a sharp stick.In my brief career as an itinerant journalist, I have had the honour of crossing paths and developing connections with many a compelling individual. However, among the brightest of these gems has been L’ihr Iahe, warrior, dancer, and huntress of the L-tribe. After joining forces with me to curb the worst excesses of certain members of Ul'dah's criminal underworld, L’ihr began telling me of her people, who lived out in the Sagolii desert, worshiped the cunning and deadly spirit of Vipers, and remained true to a way of life their ancestors had held to for thousands of years. My interest piqued, I eventually convinced L’ihr to take me south- to the great sandy dunes, where I would meet her tribe, and its leader, L’vhai Nunh: her brother.The Journey from Ul’dah took some few days, and at the end of the stretch, all signs of civilization had given way to the endless dune ocean of the Sagolii. Seemingly reading the clouds, L’ihr guides our Chocobo wagon over the sands, and sure enough, before long, we have arrived. It was a small village, stone brick buildings built low to the ground and hewn from a rocky mesa which cradled the cluster of domiciles like a mother cradles a child in her bosom. The sentries at the gates, all women, regarded our approach with suspicion, but upon seeing L’ihrs face, their wariness melted away, and we were welcomed in with open arms- she as a sister, and I as her honoured guest.As fortune would have it, I happened to arrive in the village at an opportune time: the name day of L’Vhai Nunh, and due to my status as L’ihr’s honored guest, I was afforded a place among the ceremonies and festivities. The next night, L’ihr leads me to the central plaza. She is dressed gorgeously in her traditional regalia, adorned in golden bangles, feathers, bone beads, a deep crimson dress of silk, and an intricate kaleidoscopic fabric of skin-painting she called ‘henna’. I am usually one for a humbler dress, but to show my respect to the formality of the occasion, I too put on my finest spring silk kimono, hakama, and tabi.When we arrived, most of the tribe, consisting entirely of women save for three young men, who L’ihr identifies as Tias, had gathered in the village square, clustered around their idol: a giant statue of the viper spirit, built against the cliff, with stretched out arms on either side of the village like a mother cradling a child. Ornate bejeweled trays have been set out before this shrine, upon which many worshippers have already placed burning candles and pots of smoldering incense as a symbol of their devotion. I feel a wave of comfortable familiarity, for similar offerings are performed in my home of Doma. Infact, for all I know, this Viper spirit who the L-tribe holds in such high regard may be the same kind of divinity as our bestial Auspices!Before long, the crowd took their seats upon the many pillows and carpets which had been laid out on the sands, and a procession of dignitaries entered the square. They are led by a female elder, adorned in golden bangles which gleam under the moonlit sky. Following her are two pale women who L’ihr introduces to me as X’rahna, the mother of her and L’vhai, and X’rava, L’vhai’s favoured mate. Finally, the Nunh himself, L’vhai, brought up the end of the procession."Viper," the Elder cried piously, causing the assembled to hush. "We humbly give you thanks for your guidance this year as we have been gathered in the safety of your coils. We ask that you continue to protect us with fang and venom from our enemies."I watched as the old shamaness pulled the lid off a wicker basket she was carrying, revealing, to me shock and awe, a live and deadly venomous viper. As this happens, L’ihr informs me that in her tribe, vipers are all venerated as sacred beings, not kept as pets, but respected as equals. The tribe keeps them safe and red, and in return, they provide the venom which provides lethality to the tribe’s weapons. I cannot help but touch the serpent brand which runs across my own face. In Doma, the mark of the snake is traditionally the brand of a criminal, an outcast. How fascinating it is that two cultures can see the same animal in such different lights.As the second part of the ritual, the Elder raises a large, communal basin of wine, in which she coaxes her viper to extract drops of its venom into. Remarkably, the wine bowl is then passed around, with Nunh L’vhai taking the first sip, before being passed around. L’ihr assures me the concoction won’t kill me, for the venom is too diluted to be deadly. Thus, when the basin is inevitably passed to me, I take my sip- and, as my readers can surely tell by the fact I am not, infact, dead, it goes as she says it would.After this ritual, the party begins. Food is served, and the dancing girls come out. I take this opportunity to pepper L’ihr with questions, questions she is happy to answer. Many stereotypes associated with the Seekers of the Sun, I find out, are infact misconceptions. Firstly, it is often assumed that in tribes where only one male has the right to mate with many females, the logical result is intergenerational inbreeding. L’ihr scoffs at this, pointing out the obvious, that firstly, larger tribes often have multiple Nunhs, and secondly, Nunhs often change as they are deposed by the Tias, which in turn changes the blood of the breeding stock. Another misconception she points out is that, when a Tia deposes a Nunh, death is not always the result. There are ways that old males, past their prime, can go into peaceful retirement after being deposed by the young.As the night gives way to a new dawn, and I find myself heavy on flatbreads, spiced meats and spiced wines, I realize that there is so much more to these peoples than those who dwell in the cities can know, and I resolved to learn more about these most ancient and noble tribespeople, who in a rapidly modernizing world, stay true to the ways of their ancient forebears.