A Parley with Pirates

is a Quest in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
==Journal==
* Encouraged by the success you experienced in both Gridania and Ul'dah, Francel has high hopes that negotiations in your final destination─Limsa Lominsa─will likewise bear fruit. Lord Charlemend, still deeply bitter about the disappearance of his son at sea some twenty years ago, is not keen to pay a visit to a den of pirates, but swallows his pride in hopes of avenging his loss by securing a trade agreement that will bring prosperity to his house and homeland alike. With a mixture of trepidation and anticipation, you set off for Limsa's Bulwark Hall to reunite with your companions.
* You arrive in Limsa, where Lord Charlemend─as is his wont─is quick to express his displeasure with his surroundings. Francel, however, cannot help but remark that the count's temperament seems to have mellowed some over the course of the journey. You make for Mealvaan's Gate, eager to break new ground in your mission.
* At Mealvaan's Gate, an uncharacteristically diplomatic Lord Charlemend inquires with an assessor as to whether anyone in town might be willing to discuss a potential trade agreement with Ishgard. Though visibly dismayed to find out that this will involve a parley with pirates, he nevertheless resigns himself to the task. For your part, you resolve to follow him and Francel to the Missing Member to see if the Sanguine Sirens might be amenable to the offer.
* You accompany your friends to the Missing Member, where Lord Charlemend's best efforts to negotiate with Captain Rhoswen fall embarrassingly short of the mark. Doubtless lacking in experience dealing with rougher types, the nobleman is somewhat shaken, but not quite ready to abandon his efforts. Together with Lord Francel, you follow the count to the Seventh Sage, in hopes that the Krakens might prove a more receptive audience.
* Though the receptionist at the Seventh Sage is less overtly hostile than was Rhoswen, she makes it clear that─for reasons that are not entirely evident─she has been strictly forbidden from conducting business of any sort with Ishgard. Just when you fear all hope is lost, the conversation is interrupted by a message from none other than the captain himself, who apparently has agreed to entertain the offer, on the condition that it is you and you alone who presents it. Curious as to the reason for this, but not wishing to waste the opportunity, you make your way to the balcony for a parley with the pirate leader.
* Welcoming you to his inner sanctum, Carvallain carefully weighs your offer, eventually agreeing to the terms presented. It would appear that, despite his many misgivings, he is willing to invest in the idea that the nation of Ishgard has truly entered a new age of enlightenment, and that a partnership─albeit a limited one─with the Count de Durendaire might be for the best, after all. Forcing you to swear a promise that you will divulge not his name nor anything about him to your associates, the pirate captain provides you with a written agreement to deliver to Lord Charlemend, and sends you on your way.
* You hand over the document to Lord Charlemend, who is overcome with astonishment at hearing that your negotiation was a success. Though doubtless wishing he could have done the deed himself, the results are impossible for him to argue with, and─in uncharacteristic fashion─he expresses his sincere gratitude for your efforts on his house's behalf. Lord Francel, for his part, is delighted as well, as it is now clear that your mission has been an unqualified success─it is but a matter of time now until the markets of Featherfall flourish with a lively exchange of wares from all corners of Eorzea.
==Objectives==
* Speak with Charlemend at Bulwark Hall in Limsa Lominsa.
* Speak with Charlemend.
* Speak with Charlemend in front of the Missing Member.
* Speak with Charlemend once more.
* Speak with Carvallain.
* Deliver the contract to Charlemend.
==Script==
script 	script
 	
Francel 	Are you ready to take to the road again, [Player Name]? Our final destination awaits us─Limsa Lominsa!
Charlemend 	Hmph...if we must.
Charlemend 	...Though if you truly expect to find a reliable trading partner in that den of pirates and ruffians, you are even more of a fool than I thought.
Francel 	Believe me, Lord Charlemend, when I say that I bear no love for barbarous outlaws. That said, by all accounts things have changed much in the years since Admiral Bloefhiswyn rose to power.
Charlemend 	I have spoken of my son's disappearance to you in the past, have I not? If by chance you have forgotten, it was those accursed pirates who took him from me, and for that I will never forgive them.
Charlemend 	It was twenty long years ago. He was a boy of great promise, possessed of a curious mind and a burning desire to see the world. Then a murderous band of sea reavers raided his vessel, and...just like that, he was gone.
Charlemend 	To this day, the rumors reach my ears. That he rots in a gaol deep beneath the city. Or that someone resembling him has been seen wandering the streets. As his father, I want to believe he still lives somewhere, but there is only so long a man can...
Charlemend 	...Ahem. What I mean to say is, I would not trust a pirate half as far as I could throw him. They are the scourge of our realm and my house, and I will have nothing to do with them.
Francel 	You have my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your son, Lord Charlemend.
Francel 	By no means do I wish to open old wounds and stir up painful memories. Pray return to Ishgard ahead of us. [Player Name] and I shall handle matters from here.
Charlemend 	...No. I will accompany you.
Charlemend 	Regardless of what happened─nay, precisely because of it─I will not shirk my duty as lord of House Durendaire.
Charlemend 	I will march into that wretched hive of murder and villainy and seize from it a new age of prosperity for my house as due retribution for all they have taken from me.
Francel 	If it is what you wish, my lord. Let us be on our way.
Francel 	My preliminary research has led me to conclude that the area known as Bulwark Hall, a stone's throw from the airship landing, would make for a suitable place to commence our efforts.
 	
Charlemend 	Drunkards and ruffians, the lot of them. Rumors be damned, how anyone could even imply that my son might be found among them is beyond me...
Charlemend 	I still remember the sparkle in his eye the day he told me he meant to leave the See on a journey around the...
Charlemend 	...Ahem. I would thank you to leave me alone with my thoughts for a while.
 	
Francel 	So this is Limsa Lominsa! Why, it is even livelier than I imagined!
 	
Charlemend 	<sniff> The Fury take me...how can all these people abide that gods-awful stench of salt and brine in the air!?
Charlemend 	Let us conclude our business swiftly and take our leave of this place. Lord Francel...I trust that your research has enlightened you as to where we might find a suitable trading partner?
Francel 	Indeed it has, Lord Charlemend! I have read that all goods incoming and outgoing must pass inspection at a place called Mealvaan's Gate. No doubt that would be a productive place to begin our inquiry.
Charlemend 	...Hmph, I see. Very well, then, let us be off to this Mealvaan's Gate, or whatever the place was called.
Francel 	Perhaps it is but wishful thinking on my part, but would you not say Lord Charlemend has softened some since we arrived here in Limsa? Why, he even waited for me to complete a full utterance before dashing off. Could it be that we have earned his trust?
 	
Francel 	So this is where they conduct inspections on all goods imported to Limsa Lominsa. Most fascinating! I simply must take notes for future reference...
 	
Customs03957 	Yes? What business have ye at Mealvaan's Gate?
 	
Charlemend 	You are employed here, yes? My companions and I hail from Ishgard, and we have come to Limsa to discuss matters of trade.
Customs03957 	Then ye've most definitely come to the right place! Any inquiries ye may have regarding duties, tariffs, prohibited goods, and what-have-ye, I or one of my fellow assessors would be more than happy to enlighten ye!
 	
Charlemend 	...I see. To be precise, we seek to introduce wares from your nation to our own homeland, where we believe such items would be in demand. Might you be able to recommend to us a trader dealing in such wares?
Customs03957 	Aye, but of course! Why didn't ye say so sooner, my good man!? In that case, ye'll be wantin' to talk to one o' the three great pirate powers here in town.
Charlemend 	...Pirates!?
Customs03957 	Aye! 'Course, since the signin' of the Galadion Accord, they're more of an officially sanctioned agency, raidin' the Garleans at the Admiral's behest, takin' part in honest trade, and the like.
Customs03957 	'Least, that much can be said o' the Sanguine Sirens and the Krakens. The Bloody Executioners are a whole 'nother matter, so I'd recommend ye limit any dealin' and negotiatin' ye feel like partakin' in to the former two.
Customs03957 	I reckon the Sanguine Sirens would be as good a start as any, as they're known to be a bit more welcomin' to outsiders like yerselves. Ye'll find them over in the tavern known as the Missin' Member, if ye're up for a parley.
Charlemend 	...Yes, I do believe I've heard enough. Thank you for your time, and good day.
Charlemend 	I can scarce believe it has come to this, but I suppose we have no recourse. Well, Lord Francel? I trust you know the way to this “Missing Member”...
 	
Customs03957 	Should ye cut yourself a deal, don't forget to report all yer imports and exports to Mealvaan's Gate. Otherwise, we'll claim what's due one way or the other...
 	
Francel 	This is my first time visiting an actual den of pirates. I must confess, I am rather excited and intimidated by it all!
Charlemend 	Everyone is here, yes? Then let us be on our way.
Charlemend 	By the Fury! Why, it's a veritable haven of pirate wenches...
Charlemend 	...But I will not back down from this challenge. Watch closely, Lord Francel, and let me show you how a deal is made.
Melkoko 	Greetings, and welcome to the Missing Member! Do you have a reservation, sir?
Charlemend 	I...I do not. I have come from Ishgard to discuss matters of trade with the captain of the esteemed Sanguine Sirens, and I was told I might find her here.
Melkoko 	You were, were you? Why, yes...I suppose you might. Make yourself comfortable and I'll go let the captain know that she's got a new vict─er, visitor.
Rhoswen 	The 'ells ye want, drylanders? State yer business quick, and ye'd best hope it's worth my while, else me Sirens'll see ye gutted and sleepin' with the fishes before ye knew what cuffed ye!
Charlemend 	P-Pray stay your hand, ah...my lady. I meant only to consult with you on a p-potential business proposition that might prove...ahem...mutually b-beneficial.
Charlemend 	I hail from the nation of Ishgard, and I...ah, do believe that your fine wares would be most highly s-sought after in our nation.
Rhoswen 	Ishgard!? Ye must be daft to think any pirate in 'er right mind would have even 'alf a mind to set one foot in some bleedin' snow-swept wasteland at the edge o' the world!
Rhoswen 	Ye must have me confused with that puffy-shirted captain o' the Krakens, or someone else who's got more swagger than sense. Now get out o' my sight before I cut out yer blabbin' tongue an' toss it into tonight's stew!
Charlemend 	A thousand p-pardons, my lady. I shall take my leave anon and s-seek out these K-Krakens of whom you speak.
Charlemend 	I th-thank you for your kindness, and wish you and your S-Sirens all the─
Rhoswen 	I said get out of my─wait a bleedin' minute. Why does that self-righteous face o' yers seem so bloody familiar...?
Rhoswen 	Bah, never mind. I've bigger fish to gut. Now begone from here, or ye'll be joinin' 'em!
Melkoko 	If I were you, I'd be taking her advice to heart. You'll find the Krakens at the Seventh Sage, just past here and beyond the Drowning Wench. I do hope your parley there proves more...fruitful.
 	
Francel 	Considering his son's tragic disappearance at sea, one can only imagine the complex emotions the count must be feeling. Let us tread lightly, friend.
 	
Rhoswen 	I could swear I've seen that smug old bastard's self-satisfied mug somewhere before, but bugger me if I could tell ye where...
 	
Melkoko 	Have you been to the Seventh Sage yet? I suspect the Krakens will give you a warmer welcome than you found here.
Zranmaia 	Welcome to the Seventh Sage! Would you care to peruse our diverse array of exotic herbs and spices?
Charlemend 	...Ahem. Pardon me, my good lady. I am Charlemend of House Durendaire, and I have traveled to your fair nation from Ishgard.
Charlemend 	Might you or any of your colleagues perchance be interested in selling your fine spices in my homeland? I can assure you many of my countrymen would be willing to pay a handsome price for them.
Zranmaia 	D-Durendaire, did you say!? I, ah...
Zranmaia 	...My sincere apologies, good sir, but in accordance with...ah...company policy, we are not entering into partnerships with parties from the Holy See at this time.
Charlemend 	No parties from the Holy See...? What insular, closed-minded nonsense is─
Charlemend 	...Ahem. What I mean to say is, we are prepared to make the arrangement most appetizing to you. As appetizing as salted harbor herring, one might say.
Charlemend 	To wit: our astrologians have devised a method to accurately gauge one's present location and bearing regardless of the season, a technique which I do believe would be most beneficial to esteemed privateers such as yourselves.
Carvallain 	To think the old man would be willing to reveal a treasured house secret to outsiders─dastardly, despicable pirates, no less...
Carvallain 	...Perhaps there's hope for Ishgard yet.
Zranmaia 	...Ahem. Pray excuse me for a moment.
Zranmaia 	C-Captain!? Why, yes. Worry not. I was just about to bid our guest farewell, as per your explicit orders not to─
Zranmaia 	Wh-What's that? Are you certain? ...I see. I'll convey the message, then. Forgive me for my hasty decision.
Zranmaia 	...Ahem. The captain says he will entertain your proposition, but on one condition: he will only speak to the adventurer here.
Charlemend 	...I see. In that case, I have little choice. [Player Name], was it? I have done little to deserve your charity, but I would ask you this one favor. Might I entrust the negotiations to you?
Zranmaia 	Very well, then. If you would come this way...
Zranmaia 	Captain Carvallain of the Krakens awaits you atop the stairs.
Zranmaia 	One more thing: you are by no means to speak his name, nor describe his face to anyone from Ishgard, or he will personally have you keelhauled. No hard feelings, of course.
 	
Francel 	I place my full trust in you, [Player Name]. May the negotiations be a success!
 	
Charlemend 	I know not what you have done to earn a pirate captain's trust, but─in this rarest of cases─I am most thankful for it.
 	
Carvallain 	My associate has apprised me of the situation. So this delegation from the See wishes to establish trade relations with us, do they?
Carvallain 	The Ishgardians...consumed only with their petty war...living out their days in that gloomy, frigid land devoid of passion or imagination... Just thinking back to my dreary days in that miserable place is enough to make me ill.
Carvallain 	But with the war's end, it would appear that a new wind blows in my homeland...
Carvallain 	While I am not so naive to assume that they have left their past entirely behind, I will trust that the See's desire to change─as well as that of the man who has come to me on their behalf─is sincere.
Carvallain 	...Besides, it would not hurt to be owed a debt of gratitude by one of Eorzea's greatest heroes, no?
Carvallain 	Anything to keep that most fearsome Lalafellin acquaintance of yours from making things difficult for me...
Carvallain 	Gerald! The document.
Carvallain 	This here is an agreement consenting to the formal commencement of trade between the Krakens and House Durendaire of Ishgard. It is in Gerald's name, and marked with our official seal to authorize the transaction.
Carvallain 	I would appreciate if you could deliver this to the Count de Durendaire on my behalf.
Gerald 	Are you quite sure about this, Captain?
Carvallain 	Let us be thankful for that adventurer showing up when s/he did. If that man had forced his way to my office, I shudder to think of what might have ensued.
Carvallain 	'Tis strange, though... For long years the mere sight of the man's face filled me with loathing. But seeing it again now, I feel only this odd sense of...nostalgia.
Carvallain 	And yet, I dare not entertain the thought of doing anything more. It would only serve to undo all I have accomplished.
Carvallain 	...No, I have no mind to give up my freedom for whatever I might gain in its place. Yes, this will do...
 	
Francel 	Dare I ask how you fared in there, [Player Name]?
 	
Carvallain 	The Count de Durendaire is waiting. I suggest you deliver the document with all speed─I have it on good account that he is not a patient man.
 	
Charlemend 	Well? Do you have anything to show for your efforts?
Charlemend 	Why, this is...more than I dared to hope we would achieve! However did you manage this!?
Charlemend 	You mean...he was listening in on our discussion? I...I am not quite sure what to say...
Charlemend 	He did? Pirate or no, this man clearly has done his research on our great nation, and I commend him for his wisdom and prescience.
Charlemend 	An offer? What sort of─ Hm, never mind. I will trust that you have more experience in these matters than I.
Charlemend 	At any rate, I have finally accomplished that which I sought to here in Eorzea, and can finally return to Ishgard in triumph, as befitting the lord of the highest of houses.
Francel 	I am in your debt, Lord Charlemend. And you, [Player Name]. With this, the day that the finest goods from the realm over are traded freely in the markets of Featherfall is all but upon us!
Quest complete.	Quest complete.
Category:Side Story Quests in Final Fantasy XIV