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Born of the Sky

@bornofthesky / bornofthesky.tumblr.com

Character blog: Antares Silversong
Anonymous asked:

What do we know about Meracydia? There's very little material to be found in the average search.

The Southern Continent of Meracydia

General Lore and Modern Trade

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Far to the south of the Three Great Continents, beyond the equatorial line, lies the second of Hydaelyn’s three landmasses - Meracydia. Five millennia ago at the close of the Third Astral Era, the Allagan Empire, unsatisfied with controlling merely Aldenard, Ilsabard, and Othard, set their sights to the south and began an invasion that would end with nearly the entire continent being rendered a wasteland. While some areas remain uninhabitable even today, those which have been repopulated remain recluse and very rarely welcome contact with the civilizations of the northern hemisphere, ofttimes attacking any who approach, whether it be by sea or by air. Because of this, very little of the region is known, including even the most basic of geographical information.”
Mahi-Mahi: “Its name meaning ‘stalwart’ in the Lalafellin tongue, this deep-sea predator is not only massive, but deceptively fast. Some sailors swear that a mahi-mahi can make the journey from Meracydia to the Cieldales in less than a fortnight, though knowing most sailors, that claim may be slightly exaggerated.”

Note: Real world mahi-mahi can swim as fast as 50 knots (92 km/h or 57 mph), however, most naval vessels from the Age of Sail could only reach speeds of 10-15 knots. So even if the claim that a mahi-mahi could swim across the Rhotano Sea in a fortnight is exaggerated, it would take a Lominsan galley up to 2-3x as long to make the journey. Putting the voyage to Meracydia from Eorzea at roughly 4-6 weeks, or 1-1.5 moons with favorable conditions. This has not seemed to deter trade between the two:

Exports of Import: “Quality materials crafted by the skilled alchemists of Eorzea are highly sought-after in the faraway land of Meracydia. The Seventry-seven Caravans is currently preparing a shipment bound for the southern continent via Limsa Lominsa, but is still far from meeting its quota. Alchemists with the skill to craft the items are being sought to assist in the creation of the remainder of the order. Those interested are to speak with Caravan stockist Claroise Auberle for details.”
Quick as Silver: “Quality quicksilver crafted by the skilled alchemists of Eorzea is a highly sought-after item in the far-away land of Meracydia. The Seventy-seven Caravans is currently preparing a shipment bound for the southern continent via Limsa Lominsa, but is still far from meeting its quota. Alchemists with the skill to craft the liquid metal are being sought to assist in the creation of the remainder of the order. Those interested are to speak with Caravan stockist Claroise Auberle for details.”
Right as Rubber: “Quality rubber soles crafted by the skilled alchemists of Eorzea is a highly sought-after item in the faraway land of Meracydia. The Seventy-seven Caravans is currently preparing a shipment bound for the southern continent via Limsa Lominsa, but is still far from meeting its quota. Alchemists with the skill to craft the items are being sought to assist in the creation of the remainder of the order. Those interested are to speak with Caravan stockist Claroise Auberle for details.”
Tuning In: “The Jolly Raptor is planning a shipment of gnat antennae to the witch doctors of Meracydia. Yet despite offering a reasonable reward, the traders have been unable to find sellswords willing or able to travel to the Nanawa Mines and slay the vilekin. To those seeking immediate employment, this an opportune chance to line your pockets with coin.”
Undercutting the Competition: “An informant from Ul'dah had provided representatives from Black Rabbit Traders with a rumor that the Jolly Raptor is planning a shipment of gnat antennae to the witch doctors of Meracydia, and that the company has been promised an exorbitant sum of gil upon its delivery. The Black Rabbit does not believe that their rivals should have the privilege to horde all the profits, and so has begun planning a shipment of their own. To carry out their plan, they require the assistance of able-bodied adventurers to travel to the Mun-Tuy Cellars and collect as many of the antennae as possible, as quickly as possible, for time is of the essence!”
Lost Treasures - Kple Kple: “This staff is said to have been created by a powerful conjurer who took the taproot of an ancient rosewood tree burned to the ground by a levinbolt, and fixed to it a ceremonial sun mask used by the primitive tribes on the distant southern continent of Meracydia. The magicked weapon is said to grant its wielder the ability to hear the whispers of the elementals.”
Carvallain de Gorgagne: “In a game of Meracydian chess, the first move is always the most important. While there is no one correct move, there are many which are incorrect. Make the incorrect move and you will never win. The same is true in the game of piracy.”
Hasthwab: “Anyroad, the most recent one─that’s ol’ Mistbeard─got it into ‘is ‘ead to raid the Sultan of Ul'dah’s royal weddin’, and, bein’ a darin’ sort o’ soul, went an’ bloody did it. ‘Tis said, once the final tally was taken, the cap'n an’ 'is crew made off with ten score gold ingots, five an’ fifty pure-bred black chocobo skins, a ten-ponze diamond from th’ wastes of Meracydia…an’ th’ biggest prize of all─th’ virgin bride’s maiden'ead! Now, I cannot rightly vouch fer that last claim, but there be some what say the current Sultana bears a strikin’ resemblance to a certain 'andsome bandit. Heh heh heh!
But, instead of returnin’ t’ Limsa as livin’ legends, the cap'n an’ 'is crew simply up an’ vanished…along with the booty. Since then, every pirate on th’ five seas 'as been searchin’ for that bloody stash. Why, there be merchants in Limsa what make a decent livin’ 'awkin’ fake maps t’ deep-pocketed fortune 'unters! But try as they might, no one 'ad found so much as a single gil…'til a few nights agone.”
Ahlduwil: “Lookee here, thatsh a full bottle! I had one of thoshe around here before. I think shummin’ happened to it. Thanksh! You’re the best app'rition I ever sheen. Shupposed to be other cargo too─cheshts full of electrum bars ‘n’ the like for trading with the Easht and Merash… Merashummin’. Me, I’ll take the wine…”
Elflada: “But I digress! So easy to do that about dresses, don’t you find? Especially about Meracydian samite and this wonderfully fine lace made by tiny Lalafellin children. There I go again! I meant to ask you about wind sprites, do pardon me.”

Hope this helps, anon! ^^ More lore on the southern continent’s tribes, as well as lore on the ancient Allagan campaign, the Warring Triad, and Bahamut’s fall is in the Read More below.

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