Tea and Spirits
An Interview with the Otherworldly

Staff Writer: Xanatos Tiva

If all yall lovely readers are anything like this Viera, Spirits are not something you think of that often. Voidsent? Sure. Loads of them about these days. But spirits? Well for all you readers out there, the Torii Times gave me the perfect chance to learn all about them for yall. Today’s interview was with Mister Tetsuro Wulf, the leader and founder of the Free Company Night Raid. NightRaid is a Free Company established in the Far East, whilst primarily identified as an organization of bounty hunters and mercenaries, they employ a wide array of individuals that emerge from all walks of life seeking for work and home.Mister Wulf was a truly wonderful host to both myself and my partner, Miss Nyieth Mewrilah, with some rather interesting insights into a field of study I shall be diving deeper into on my own personal time. But without further rambling, allow me to present you all with our conversation.Both myself and my partner were shown into a beautiful tea room and served fantastic tea.“So then, Mister Wulf, why don't we start with a bit about you, and then about this place as well?"TW: “That sounds good to me. To properly introduce myself.. I'm Tetsuro Wulf, the head and founder of NightRaid, both the Network and the Free Company. Prominently, I'm known as a mentor n' spiritual counselor to many, and a samurai to heart. In the Far East, specifically Hingashi n' Othard, I'm known as the Okami Deity of Balance. Such a title comes from the fact that a huge part of my job alongside the bounties, hunts, and odd jobs provided.. would be the assurance and exposure of Yokai co-existing amongst mortals within our world.""So I read about that in my briefing, but it is definitely not a term even I hear too much. In your own words, what is a Yokai? Are they similar to Voidsent? Different? If so, how?"TW: "“Yokai” is the term used for most supernatural entities and spirits referred to within the Far East. Looking back at the origin of yokai centuries and centuries ago.. The people once described it as; 'when something strange happens and the mortal mind can not understand it, it was said to have been caused by a yokai.' Different regions throughout the Far East described such vastly differing yokai that would spawn or.. Appear in small villages.. Towns.. Cities. Little by little, yokai became part of the Far East’s everyday life through tradition and culture. And many have come to know this term through Nightraid Network's exposure of yokai.. helping them, aiding them, understanding them, befriending them.""So its more similar perhaps to creatures like Sylphs, or Fairies, you might say?”TW: "In a way, I would say so, aye. Just as Sylphs n' Fairies are more commonly heard in other regions, Hingashi is quite aware of the presence of yokai.""I see, thank you for the clarification. So what put you in a position to handle such matters? Or to be more precise, what brought you to this line of work?"TW: "Let's see.. I'll start off by referencing that I'm not quite of this world. In fact, I hail from the realm of yokai as a Servant to what the Far East refers to as 'Kami'. Followers of a 'God' in Eorzean terms. But I've lived here long enough to develop a passion towards martial art, towards mortals, towards aiding those of this world with all that I've come to learn. This brought me into the field of being a mercenary. One of Nightraid's sayings would be 'we take the jobs others cannot take, and face the forces others cannot face'. This falling upon the fact that exposure to the supernatural, not just named 'yokai' but all over that myself and my comrades faced in many different scenarios. I wanted to create a designated 'home' for everyone to seek jobs similar to what we've experienced, gain experience and adventure, and exposure through such ways. Ultimately.. I was named to take up the mantle of my Okami Lineage, which is what we refer to in the Far East as 'Wolf'. Balance stems from the fact that throughout our regions, our realms.. there exists a Spiritual Balance. This stems from a co-existence of yokai and mortals.""I see, Mister Wulf...the Wolf. So you aim to bring that balance here as well?"TW: "Aye.. It starts with education n' exposure, in my mind. Exposure to these beings is what educates the people. And I offer seminars and advice while doing so. Seminars explaining what yokai are.. introducing them to my patrons and my community, and so forth! Plenty of yokai exist in our community, living alongside our mortal friends. They aren't just 'beasts or monsters' as they are often betrayed. They feel emotions, they eat, they struggle. There are groups known to take on 'Old Ways' where the belief is to kill or hunt ALL yokai. Just like people, there are good yokai, and there are bad yokai. But it doesn't take just one person to make that change of perspective. There have come people who have joined me on elite jobs, and people who have become my 'Sohei of Balance'. They dedicate their time n' effort towards aiding yokai that exists in the world we share together n' work alongside me, or learn from me. Really.. anyone can become one. And many strive to do the same nowadays.""Well....you sold me! But in all seriousness, because of my own studies I do tend to agree quite a bit with that ideology. Knowledge is something that should be shared, and it sounds like you not only share, but show how to apply that knowledge. If one wished to learn from you, do you have information to share with our readers as to how they may do so?"TW:"It's a good mindset to have, especially with things not many are exposed to outside of our current region.. they even exist beyond Hingashi n' Othard. Yokai that is. Just as people travel. As one tends to say.. to expose yourself to yokai, 'find them'. But lately, it seems they find /you/ first… To learn from me, the doors of NightRaid's headquarters are always welcome. Be it if you seek to visit my seminars, we post on our bulletin the time and date. Or if you're a humble mercenary, or one simply looking to make coin.. we run Bounty Call. A time where folks are free to seek n' sign up jobs to safely and assuredly earn coin. I'll always be present at those times, for chat n' any questions. On top of that, I'm always happily seeking more to call my 'Sohei'. Soon enough.. I'll do my best to get a written book out there to spread more awareness."NM: "Pardon me', but what advice would ya' offer our reader if they should happen' to encounter a less than uh friendly Yokai?"TW: "I'm glad you asked.. Because with yokai, their natures differeniate. Between Malevolent, Benevolent, n' sometimes neutral." A pause. "Encountering a malevolent yokai.. you're better off not engaging if you can, and defending yourself from them just as you would any attacker."NM: "Thank ya'. Seems most sensible like, tactic but as ya'll said already best ta educate."“So then, their attacks are physical, rather than supernatural?"TW: "Quite right. An extension of the seminars I provide, comes with how to deal with those deemed Malevolent. Classified as the yokai that are overall malicious, evil, dark, corrupted.. where their nature is extreme to the point of where they may need to be aided, exorcised, or cleansed. As for how they may attack.. Yokai are /VAST/ in variety. Many different types, as you will. So they can range from physical, magical, n' supernatural capability. Some tend to even have very.. specific weaknesses that most would acknowledge as odd.""I see, so best advice remains the most common sense one: If you don't know what your fighting, don't fight if you don't have to. Get away safe first and foremost."TW: "Precisely. And honestly, to help further.. one should call for an expert in handling malevolent yokai; either an onmyoji or an exorcist.""Well, that seems pretty thorough! Any further questions you have on that topic, Miss Mewrilah?"NM: "Hm... none at 'this time, but I am tempted ter come an'd visit for one of these seminars. Ya' host those often?"TW: "Around once a month, I'd say_""Thats wonderful to hear! I usually try to experience anything the paper has me look into, so perhaps we should return for the next one we can, now that I know it interests you, Miss Mewrilah."NM: "Excellent, I'll bear tha't in mind. I am sur'e it would be most enlightenin."TW: Of course! I'll be sure to send you both a flyer when the time comes. I'd be more than happy to have you both!"“I would be most appreciative! Now...I have two final questions but they should be pretty easy! Is there anything upcoming or exciting that you would like us to tell our readers about to get them excited for?"TW: “Ah! Somethin' to get excited for, I would say soon to be a Spirit-themed Swords Festival. Those who wield their katana true to the far eastern art are welcome. The date isn't solidified quite yet.. but hopefully by the end of summer, or beginning of fall! To add on, a fresh new haul of hunts will be lining our board at the start of next moon.~"NM: “My' that sounds quite excitin'!""Indeed! Perhaps you might see us there as well! Now for the final question, is there anything that you yourself would like to say to all our readers?"TW: "Thank you for taking the time to look into a rather niche, but growing topic regarding the existence of Yokai. I would advise strongly, especially if you are one who often visits the Far East, or resides in the Far East, I do hope that the next time you may encounter one not from our world, to treat them as you would another person. The Balance where the co-existence of our people thrives off of, can be contributed by everyone. No matter how little or small. And it doesn't take an expert to have a part in it. You do not have to be a religious individual, or a follower of a Deity. And as I tell all of my loved ones and strangers, set ablaze your heart, as you go forward."Our time with Mister Wulf was nothing if not inspiring and my partner and I both left feeling relaxed and yet eager to learn more. You will see me among the first in line when Mister Wulf completes his book, and I strongly encourage any to visit his seminars! You might just catch sight of myself and my partner!For now, be careful adventurers. There are many stories out there, but all stories must end.Don't let them be yours! Take in all the information you can, whenever you can!

The View From Below - Family

Staff Writer: Susuni Suni

It will come as no surprise to anyone that Ishgard’s recent history has been largely consumed by a variety of conflicts. The other City-states have had their warlike periods, whether driven by the actions of Garlimald or solely by an avaricious need to expand into lands that belong to other people in the belief that it more fairly belongs to you. Few kingdoms take the warlike martial virtues to heart like the Ishgardians, nor do they pursue them with such a single-minded devotion.All such civilizations like their stories of wars and heroes, and often spend as much time documenting them as fighting them. The hero’s virtue is defined as much by how well known his or her deeds might be as by the deeds themselves. The Lords are reserved and refined, the knights heedlessly bold, and the Templars devotedly dour, but all hire scribes as their personal finances permit. What good is it, after all, to be the pinnacle of humility if it is not widely known just how humble you truly are?For all that, even the devoted historian of Ishgard would not be faulted for not knowing of Moreau’s rebellion. Few that were not directly involved have a reason to care about a minor noble house rising up against its proper liege-lord, fighting a dirty war, before eventually being defeated. This is doubly so when you find that the rebellion was finally put down in 1572, the year the Calamity came to Ishgard and froze the life and hearts of most who lived there.The scribes being busy with more pressing matters, it was left to those who did the fighting to documents their own deeds to a land that was for once more worried about having enough food to survive than any knightly virtues. Their writings say much more than the normal professional sanitized propaganda ever could.Being no historian, I will summarize the details of the rebellion itself. Event he summarized tale is long though, and not without its own moral turns.The records show that House Moreau had its lands foreclosed upon by House Harcourt for some great offence against feudal obligations, perhaps backed by charges of cowardice or any other social structure offence that serves mostly to offend the hearer. House Moreau appealed, and due to court politics, bribes, or perhaps the general tendency of nobility to not care about anyone of even a marginally lesser station to themselves, their appeals were denied and they were cast out of lands that had been theirs for generations.This accomplished however, Lord Harcourt discovered that like the glutton that chokes on a chunk of meat greedily bitten off but too large to swallow, that his aggression would bring more woe to him than favor. The four Moreau siblings retreated to the hills briefly, before starting a rebellion that was as much as gratuitous demolition of everything they could find as it was an attempt to change social structures.No mere raiders, their driven and justified crusade absorbed all who had complaint with any aspect of the rank-based society that had ever done them wrong, and they became something like an army. Initially denounced as a rabble, they still chewed up House Harcourt’s men-at-arms, knights, and estates. Ishgard responded eventually with some Army soldiers, and during the height of the conflict even Temple Knights were involved. The Moreau forces took on anyone who opposed them, paying no attention to rank or family.Finally in a battle so pitched and vicious that few would have believed civilized people could descend to such a level of violence, the eldest of the Moreau brothers and the youngest sister were wounded and captured. The eldest brother then held the House Moreau family title by primogeniture. The sister, who had only seen sixteen summers, had equal to any of her brothers proven herself not a woman to be trifled with. Attempting to warn others of the price of rebellion, they were both subjected to tortures that would have been out of place in a far more brutal age, followed an execution so appalling that even its use as an example could only be seen as an ignoble substitute for justice.For a time, that sufficed to handle the rebellion. Lacking the eldest’s clear leadership, the rag-tag army mostly dispersed and for a time there was a heavily policed peace in the land.Then the killings started.No longer an open revolution, what remained of House Moreau eschewed armies and pitched battles and instead took up a campaign of terror. Any who would dare to take up a manor in House Moreau’s prior lands were likely to awaken initially with their fields burned and their livestock poisoned. Those who remained despite these violent warnings would be found weeks later slaughtered in their beds, with little regard given to guilt, innocence, or age. It was as if a goal was no longer in mind, save that all who walked on the land must bleed.The armies of Ishgard and its Temple Knights were again called upon, fumbling their initial attempts to deal with what was essentially a murder spree rather than a revolution they deployed as best they could, hoping for an opportunity to strike back against an elusive foe that refused to take the field against them.The revolt, or whatever it had become at this point, came to a head one night with an attack on a manor house where Lord Harcourt and most of his family were sleeping. Guarded as it was, the house was a hard target, but the swift, organized attack succeeded nonetheless. When all was over the only living heir to the Harcourt title was a child barely old enough to walk, and she only remained alive as she was in another location at the time of the attack.Given the bloody nature of this affront, pursuit was immediate and the elezen racing after the remaining raiders followed them to an isolated cave complex. The air was growing colder as the full repercussion of The Calamity, an event occurring far away and beyond any of the combatant’s considerations, began to take hold. As they descended into the cave complex the knights could not help but feel it as a change not just in their life, but to life in general.The resulting battle was one of grappling fights in the darkness with short blades and sudden deaths. The defenders had the advantage of knowing the terrain and having no reason to give or expect any quarter. The attackers had equipment and numbers on their side, along with the knowledge that victory here might end a war that had gone beyond anything any sane person would have expected or wanted.The final claustrophobic battle found several Temple Knights facing off against the two surviving Moreau brothers and a third warrior than none of them knew. The two brothers fought well enough but were no match for dedicated and experienced temple knights. The third warrior fought like a voidspawn possessed by a more powerful and enraged voidspawn. Fighting on after enduring what any observer would consider mortal wounds, his final kill was to bare-handedly choke the life out of a celebrated temple night while five other temple knights stabbed him in a desperate attempt to end his life. When the light finally died in his eyes, he had still managed to stab another knight twice with his own dagger. His corpse lying on the ground still looked angry and none of the remaining knights would go near it until it was cold.It was a victory, but the price paid for it was entirely out of proportion with the results achieved. It wasn’t war. It wasn’t even battle. It was murder compounding on the costs of earlier murders, but executed on a grand scale.The survivors of the battle wrote of their experiences in the hopes that when the world again made sense a scribe could come explain what they had experienced. Only an incomplete judgement was to come, since from the perspective of most Ishgardians the world has yet to really make sense again.The two captured Moreau brothers steadfastly refused to speak. They would provide their names, and little else. Asked about the third warrior that veterans of that desperate cave battle remembered with fear and awe the brothers would only say that the dead man could not explain himself to those that mattered and chose death instead. Beyond this they would only say that if their interrogators had other questions, they should address them to his corpse. Then they would say no more.The two brothers were quickly beheaded and buried in a common grave, with the body of their feared third companion thrown in with them as an afterthought. While this seemed to be a situation the demanded answers, it was over and with the cataclysm closing in everyone just turned to the other trials that were coming. Moreau’s rebellion was over, and the details could wait until time was convenient.It was years later when the survival of Ishgard itself was more insured that powerful political forces again turned to figure out how things had gotten so bad so fast and stayed that way for so long after they should have ended.A bit of research revealed that there had not been four Moreau siblings, but five. Apparently the second oldest brother had fallen in love with a woman of common birth and had been quietly removed from all aspects of House Moreau, in the hopes that he could simply be forgotten. The second eldest of a minor house was, after all, not really anyone of importance.So second-born noble son Cabot Moreau had become common townsman Henri Montfort. He had married Henrietta, his common love, moved into the city. He opened a shop as as a silversmith, where he and his wife welcomed two daughters. They were by all accounts well-liked and entirely mundane in behavior and effect. All this information was easy to track down by anyone who cared enough to do so. The question remained how such a restrained townsman and father had become the violent beast that even veteran Temple Guard spoke of in hushed tones.A dusty box containing Cabot Moreau’s belongings at the time of his death was brought out of Temple storage. It consisted of a few books, some random papers, the Moreau Family signet ring, and several partial letters. The letters all began “Beloved, I…” or “Dear Wife, I…”, but seldom got beyond that. After much searching one was found that got as far as “Beloved. I said I would explain, and I have tried.”, but the rest of the page was blank.While these letters did not provide much information, with some work the inquisitors were able to follow the Monfort name to a run-down apartment in the Brune. Taking a drawing of the deceased man with him he went to pay a visit to Madam Monfort in the hopes that she could clear up a mystery that nobody other than himself cared about.She initially refused to speak on the matter, but with some prodding broke down. She looked at the image of the dead man, broke down in tears and sent her children away. The man, she said, was her husband Henri, whom she had not seen in many years. Pressed she spoke of a letter that he had received one afternoon that had sent him into a great melancholy, which he said he would explain later. The morning following the letter’s arrival she would find him gone and only a note on the table that said: “I will explain when I can.” She had not seen him since.She produced the letter, which had no envelope having arrived by a messenger. The letter was short, saying only:“Cabot, the situation is desperate or per your wish I would not have contacted you. Matis and Elise have been taken, tortured, and killed. Your family needs you. I beg your forgiveness and your help.”It was signed at the bottom “Garnet Moreau”, who was the elder of the two remaining Morueal brothers who had escaped the last battle.Madam Monfort said her husband had always been shy to explain his past, but he had told her his old life was over and would not bother them again. She suspected that he had another name and another life before, but he was an excellent husband and father to their two children, so she took him at his word and let the issue lie. He had never let her down, until the night he vanished completely. Madam Montfort bid the inquisitors to take these papers away and leave her to try to raise her children in the peace she had left. She did not wish to know any more.The inquisitors were reminded of the Moreau brothers’ comments after Cabot fell in the final battle. He could not explain himself to those that mattered…his wife and children he’d left behind to serve in a bloody rebellion against those who had done such harm to the family he had earlier willingly abandoned.Yet he had returned to this old family, and in doing so he had abandoned ten years of a life with Madam Montfort and their children. He had done this to lead a rebellion that turned so vicious even hardened warriors grow weary when asked to speak of it. The devoted family man had turned to a life of heinous murders in service to a noble house that for all effective purposes no longer existed, and that he had previously walked away from.The inquisitors were asked to explain what they found to the Holy See, and…they could not.It was clear that in the end he had accomplished his mission of killing everyone in House Harcourt old enough to be able to speak their own name. After that, he chose to make it impossible for others to force him to face justice, or to answer questions. Especially, as the letters showed, the questions of Madam Montfort.Was Cabot Moreau a good man or a bad man for abandoning his new family for his old family? Was he wrong or right to pursue a lost war in a way that the best result was the annihilation of both sides? Did he as a noble owe more to his family name or to Ishgard itself? Did his brothers or his House name have a greater claim to his service than his wife and children did? Was the vicious nature of his final campaign reflective of the impossibility of his situation? Why did he even respond to their letter?The final judgement rendered to the Holy See was that Cabot Moreau had lost his mind on hearing of his sister’s death, and had pursued an insane path of destruction against those he deemed responsible. Final proper order had been restored by the noble Temple Knights. The fact that he had been loyal to his noble house was judged unimportant compared to the offense of his rebellion against proper authority. Any truth in this statement is incidental to its use as a pleasing explanation to the victors.The judgement of those not fortunate enough to have a family name that means more that the handful of coins in our purse is a harder thing. He avenged his fallen noble family but cast his chosen family into a state of near-poverty and denied them any answers as to his fate.On the other hand, his noble family is dead and in disgrace, whereas the Montfort family continues. Choosing between them seems to be one of those impossible decisions for anybody who has ever been close to a similar situation.Family is anywhere you are around people that care deeply about you. Those people may care that you are their wife or husband, parent or child, lover or friend, or they may care because you are the last hope to lead a bloody rebellion when all else has failed. The value in it, seen from below, is that you should value the family you have, but keep in mind that no family lasts forever, and that only luck determines if your choices there will be easy ones.

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Thistle Be Interesting

Staff Writer: Syrenead Tormelodos

Did you ever wonder where the Carline Canopy in Gridania got its name? Would it surprise you to know that it came from a flower? That’s right, Carline is a flower, more specifically it is a thistle. It is easily identified by its bright yellow spiky flowers atop a brown-green stem with prickly leaves. As Carline first starts growing, it is much like the dandelion in which it forms a rosette style formation of oblong leaves before growing upwards, hugging the stem. It is then capped with a distinctive golden brown flower that looks like a fading daisy. When it is kissed by the sun, it tends to glisten a silvery gold and is often found in the warm summer months into early autumn. It has a rather pungent odor when it is fresh, but is fairly aromatic after it has been left to dry. Harvesting often is in the autumn months, allowing it to dry out for several weeks before being turned into the many medicines that can be made from it.Medicinally, thistles have been used for a variety of things. Carline is no different in that it is able to help with several medically related conditions It is a well known purgative plant when consuming the roots and leaves. This means that it will purge, not though always violently, the body of excess fluids. It could be through sweating, a higher urine output, or even vomiting.Often when a plague or pestilence comes about, infusions and tinctures are often the best way to aid the many who are affected by way of bringing out the fever. It can be used as an antiseptic wash for wounds and ulcers, and gives pain relief to toothaches when swished in the mouth much like water after brushing one's teeth.

In literature, art, and mythology, Carline is often used as a subject for paintings, floral arrangements and legends. One such legend is that carline was formed from the tears of a fairy who was mourning the death of a lover. Another states that it is a food item for the magical and mythical Unicorn. It is an important part of the realm in that it allows butterflies to feed, bees to pollinate, like most wild flowers and it adds a striking detail to the landscaping around the footpaths of Gridania. Furthermore, it is a fairly good weather predictor as it will draw its petals closed and protect itself from the hard rains and winds that come in with storms.Culinarily, the head of the thistle can be cooked and eaten much in the same way as an artichoke, but much much smaller. It is said, and this is strictly a legend as there is very little proof, that men who consume this plant will gain sexual strength and potency of an Azem Steppe stallion. Its taste is a touch bitter, but floral and herbaceous when cooked correctly.In closing, Carline and other thistles are highly beneficial be it medicinally or simply visually and are beautiful both in growth and dried stages. But have caution when picking for it may bite back and as always, consult your local botanist guild in order to make proper identifications and above all else, do not consume what you cannot identify.

Bringing New Life into the World: A Journey through Childbirth

Staff Writer: L'ihr Iahe

Ah, childbirth! The miraculous event that brings forth new life, accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions, unexpected moments, and some serious hero-level powers. Join me on a lighthearted expedition through the rollercoaster ride that is childbirth - from the anticipation of labor to the moment of triumphant arrival.Let's kick things off with the anticipation phase, where a mother-to-be experiences a mix of excitement and trepidation. Pregnancy cravings are the stuff of legends during this time. Forget pickles and ice cream; we're talking about cravings for peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, topped with a scoop of hot fudge! Expectant mothers are unstoppable culinary explorers, and they're not afraid to push the boundaries of culinary creativity.As the due date approaches, nesting instincts kick in. The nursery becomes a whirlwind of chaos, with parents-to-be meticulously organizing tiny clothes, plush toys, and enough diapers to supply a small army. It's a sight to behold, and one can't help but wonder if they're preparing for a baby or a full-scale royal coronation.Then, the big day arrives, and it's time for the main event: labor! Labor is like a marathon, but instead of running on a path, you're navigating an obstacle course of contractions. It's a challenging endeavor, but here's where the hero powers come into play. Super strength? Check. Telepathic communication with the unborn child? You bet!. Time-bending abilities? Well, let's just say that bells can feel like minutes when you're in the thick of it.The birthing room becomes a stage for the most epic performance of a lifetime. Expectant fathers transform into coaches, providing words of encouragement that would put a motivational speaker to shame. They master the art of back rubs and ice chip delivery, being put through the paces as if participating in one of the events at the Gold Saucer.Of course, no birthing experience is complete without the medical professionals who play the role of superheroes in their own right. These skilled experts gracefully handle the most delicate situations, performing medical magic tricks and saving the day. Amidst the intensity of labor, their calm and reassuring presence provides a lifeline for the parents-to-be.Let's not forget the unexpected moments that make childbirth a real adventure. We're talking about water-breaking mishaps that could rival a comedic skit and the legendary "oops" moment when the father-to-be faints at the sight of the birthing room. It's all part of the journey, and these stories become family folklore passed down through generations.
Finally, after what seems like both an eternity and the blink of an eye, it's time for the grand finale: the baby's arrival! There's nothing quite like that first cry, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for the family. In this instant, all the chaos, discomfort, and unexpected surprises fade into the background, and pure joy takes center stage.Childbirth is undoubtedly an extraordinary experience, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. It's a journey that showcases the resilience and strength of both parents and serves as a reminder that life's most magical moments can arise from the most challenging circumstances.So, as we conclude our whimsical exploration of childbirth, let's raise a toast to all the parents out there, past, present, and future. May your birthing stories be filled with humor, love, and an abundance of happy endings. Here's to the incredible adventure of bringing new life into the world - the ultimate tale of magic and wonder!

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Freedom Through Technology
An interview with Garlond Ironworks: Exploring the “Magitekization” of Eorzean Society

Editor-in-Chief: Sima Qian 司馬遷

A wise man once said, there are centuries where no progress is made, and years when centuries of progress are made. We live in the latter. Eorzea is changing rapidly. While sorcerers and the aetherically gifted still dominate society in most of her cities, Magitek is rapidly gaining ground. Suffice to say, Magitek did not create the best of first impressions with most Eorzeans, whose introduction to the technology largely came in the form of destructive war machina piloted by Imperialistic soldiery void-bent on conquering their homelands. However, with the Garlean Empire now a moribund state, the machinery they once used to bring most of the world to its knees is now, ironically, being rapidly adopted by the very people who it was meant to subjugate.Indeed, Eorzeans have come around to Magitek in the last few years, not just in its applications in warfare, but also in daily civilian life, as much of the heating, running water, and automated appliances common in today’s modern Eorzean homes are generated by Ceruleum power. To further explore the phenomenon of Eorzea’s ongoing technological revolution, I was lucky enough to secure an interview with two well-regarded employees of the Garlond Ironworks Company, founded by the titular prodigy and Imperial Defector, Cid Garlond, and principally responsible for pioneering Eorzea’s access to Magitek.The two employees I had the privilege to sit down with were the beautiful and mannerly Miss Sera Thea, and the stoic and stalwart Mister Graeme Sinclair. Invited into their office, and sitting together over a cup of tea, I began my inquiries: “Let us begin with the basics, would you mind telling my audience your name, your company, and the role you play within it?”Miss Thea replies first: “Certainly. I am Sera Thea - chief of security here at Garlond Ironworks. The safety of our employees and our goods is my primary concern, though of late I have been afforded enough freedom to safeguard the good people of Eorzea as well. Magitek is our domain, and it is an unfortunate reality of this star that not all who employ it do so with pure intentions.”Next, Mister Sinclair chimes in: “I am Graeme Sinclair. The deputy head of security beneath Chief Thea. I manage the day to day security at our outpost.”With introductions thusly covered, I move on to my next query: “Could you perhaps walk us through some examples of the magitek technology you pioneer and produce here at the Ironworks? No need for an exhaustive list, just some of the things you are most proud of.”This question seems to immediately ignite Miss Thea’s enthusiasm, and she responds quickly and eagerly: “Our airships are our pride and joy, of course - we've been pioneers in the field since our inception, and even today we stand head and shoulders above the competition. But... you know, I like to think our more modest inventions are just as important. Our ceruleum heaters, for instance, have spared a great many impoverished Coerthans from freezing to death. And of course, we've an ever-expanding line of toys to delight the children. I fear our catalogue is simply too vast to list.”I believe this reply to be meaningful, for in Eorzea, Magitek is traditionally (and understandably) assumed to be purely a force of destruction. However, the technology has vast applications beyond warfare, and Miss Thea’s pride in how her company has utilized it to provide comfort and simply joys to peoples’ lives is a telling example of how Eorzea’s perception of Magitek is beginning to change.
In any case, I move on to my next question: “Traditionally, magitek technology has had very little presence in Eorzea for a variety of reasons, including the fact that the peoples' of this land have long relied on magic, more than technology, to better their lives. However, recently, I have noticed this has begun to change. Do you believe there has been an exponential increase lately in the prevalence of Magitek technology in Eorzean society lately?”This causes Miss Thea to light up and grin, nodding enthusiastically. “Oh, absolutely, and I couldn't be happier about it. The simple fact is that even some of the most rudimentary magic requires extensive training and practice. Its use is also inherently prejudicial - some are simply born with a great affinity for aether manipulation, while others are born with no potential for it all. Magitek, in my view, is the great equalizer. Anyone, no matter their experience or ability, can utilize our products to their fullest. I sincerely hope this trend continues, and long to see the day when magitek is ubiquitous in all corners of Eorzea.”Looking on thoughtfully, the taciturn Mister Sinclair finally chimes in again: "The sheer convenience is a big factor, of course… With the advent of ceruleum powered heaters, the Brumefolk will find their accommodations more appealing, for example.”These are all true and valid statements, and legitimate reasons to welcome new technology into our daily lives. However, the fact of the matter still remains that, the last time a society underwent a Magitek revolution, it caused a 50-year-old global war which saw lives ruined from Ala Mhigo to Doma. This leads me to my next question: “Outside of Garlemald, Magitek has a dubious reputation as the tool of the oppressor. What are some things Garlond Ironworks does to change Magitek’s image in the perception of the Eorzean public?”Understandably, Miss Thea and Mister Sinclair’s faces go solemn at this sobering question. Miss Thea replies first: “Mr. Qian, you've unwittingly stumbled upon the very reason I'm so passionate about our Security Department. The unfortunate truth is that, in some cases, magitek is still a tool of the oppressor. Only now, rather than being wielded by a single tyrannical Empire, it is wielded by countless bands of opportunists and rogues. Airships provide Eorzeans with boundless opportunity and freedom, but when one falls into the wrong hands, it is all too often used to commit acts of piracy. Similarly, magitek sold on the black market can become tools of terrorists and criminals to take innocent lives. I have personally taken it upon myself to change this. As manufacturers and distributors of magitek, it should also be our responsibility to /police/ its use. And I'm proud to say that our Security Department is making great strides in bringing sky pirates and other such rogues to justice.”Mister Sinclair nods eruditely: "It is my hope that our actions will show the people of Eorzea that Magitek is merely a tool - a means to an end. Where one uses theirs to harm, we will use ours to shield.” He replies pithily.I offer them both a nod at that: “Not inherently good or bad, a tool, which- as Miss Thea suggests, when properly policed and regulated, can be a useful and orderly way to improve our society, yes?”Miss Thea grins, her levity returning: "That's absolutely right.”To cap off what thus far has been an enlightening and productive conversation, I posit a final thought-experiment to my two interviewees: “If Magitek continues to grow in popularity and common use at the rate it currently is, what do you think the cities of Eorzea will look like in say, 10 years? Or even further in the future?”Mister Sinclair surprises me by answering almost immediately, evidently, this is a question he has paid a lot of thought to before. “Already, Ironworks outposts and stations make use of Perimeter Nodes to handle inventories, process information, among other tasks… With enough time, Garlond Ironworks will be supplying businesses from Highwind Skyways to Naldiq & Vymelli's with the tools they need to increase production greatly. Really, this sort of equipment has existed in Garlemald for a number of years. We aim to make it more affordable for the Eorzean public.”Progress and prosperity is the picture Mister Sinclair paints of a technologically advanced Eorzean society in the near future. Miss Thea, however, takes on this question with an angle focused more on reassurance: “Speaking of Garlemald, I suspect a lot of people are concerned that the increasing prevalence of magitek will ultimately result in Eorzea becoming its spitting image. But come on - can you imagine a dour gray skyscraper in the middle of Ul'dah? No, I believe the changes magitek ushers in will be rather more subtle. Over the next ten years, I foresee great strides in sanitation, irrigation, communication... you know, there's this thing called a 'toilet' on the horizon that I really think people are going to love, but it's probably best if we don't get too specific about that.”
I laugh. “I think I’ll stick to my dirt hole in the ground, thank you very much.”At that, I conclude the interview. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the thoughtful, articulate discussion that I had with Miss Thea and Mister Sinclair. Moreover, their unilaterally positive, if cautious attitude they have taken towards the technologification of Eorzean society has left me pleasantly optimistic about the future. If Eorzea is to become a land of steel and ceruleum, I truly believe that men and women like Miss Thea and Mister Sinclair will lead such a transition in the van, and ensure that it results in the improvement of common lives, rather than the empowerment of the corrupt.