A Parley with Pirates

A Parley with Pirates

Quest giver

Francel

Location

Ul'dah - Steps of Nald (X:11.5, Y:9.1)

Quest line

Records of Unusual Endeavors Quests
┗ Ishgardian Restoration Main Quests

Level

60

Required items

1   Signed Contract

Experience

 25,000

Gil

 940

Previous quest

Dealings in the Desert

Next quest

May Featherfall Flourish

Patch

5.35

Links

EDB GT TC

“

Francel has his eyes set on your next and final destination.

— In-game description

Steps

• 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.

Journal

• Francel has his eyes set on your next and final destination.

• 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.

Dialogue

Accepting the Quest (Cutscene)

Francel: Are you ready to take to the road again, [Forename]? Our final destination awaits us ─ Limsa Lominsa!
Charlemend de Durendaire:Hmph...if we must.
Charlemend de Durendaire:...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 de Durendaire: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 de Durendaire: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 de Durendaire: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 de Durendaire:...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. [Forename] and I shall handle matters from here.
Charlemend de Durendaire: ...No. I will accompany you.
Charlemend de Durendaire:Regardless of what happened ─ nay, precisely because of it ─ I will not shirk my duty as lord of House Durendaire.
Charlemend de Durendaire: 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.

Optional dialogue

Francel: So this is Limsa Lominsa! Why, it is even livelier than I imagined!

Speak with Charlemend at Bulwark Hall in Limsa Lominsa.

Charlemend de Durendaire: <sniff> The Fury take me...how can all these people abide that gods-awful stench of salt and brine in the air!?
Charlemend de Durendaire: 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 de Durendaire:...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?

Optional dialogue

Mealvaan's Gate Assessor: Yes? What business have ye at Mealvaan's Gate?

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...

Speak with Charlemend.

Charlemend de Durendaire:You are employed here, yes? My companions and I hail from Ishgard, and we have come to Limsa to discuss matters of trade.
Mealvaan's Gate Assessor: 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 de Durendaire:...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?
Mealvaan's Gate Assessor: 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 de Durendaire:...Pirates!?
Mealvaan's Gate Assessor: 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.
Mealvaan's Gate Assessor: '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.
Mealvaan's Gate Assessor: 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 yer up for a parley.
Charlemend de Durendaire:...Yes, I do believe I've heard enough. Thank you for your time, and good day.

Charlemend de Durendaire: 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”...

Optional dialogue

Mealvaan's Gate Assessor: 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!

Speak with Charlemend in front of the Missing Member.

Charlemend de Durendaire: Everyone is here, yes? Then let us be on our way.

(Cutscene)
Charlemend de Durendaire: By the Fury! Why, it's a veritable haven of pirate wenches...
Charlemend de Durendaire: ...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 de Durendaire: 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 de Durendaire: 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 de Durendaire: 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 de Durendaire: A thousand p-pardons, my lady. I shall take my leave anon and s-seek out these K-Krakens of whom you speak.
Charlemend de Durendaire: 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.

Optional dialogue

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.

Speak with Charlemend once more. (Cutscene)

Z'ranmaia: Welcome to the Seventh Sage! Would you care to peruse our diverse array of exotic herbs and spices?
Charlemend de Durendaire: ...Ahem. Pardon me, my good lady. I am Charlemend of House Durendaire, and I have traveled to your fair nation from Ishgard.
Charlemend de Durendaire: 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.
Z'ranmaia: D-Durendaire, did you say!? I, ah...
Z'ranmaia: ...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 de Durendaire: No parties from the Holy See...? What insular, closed-minded nonsense is─
Charlemend de Durendaire: ...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 de Durendaire: 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.
Z'ranmaia's linkshell rings.
Z'ranmaia: ...Ahem. Pray excuse me for a moment.
Z'ranmaia: C-Captain!? Why, yes. Worry not. I was just about to bid our guest farewell, as per your explicit orders not to─
Z'ranmaia: Wh-What's that? Are you certain? ...I see. I'll convey the message, then. Forgive me for my hasty decision.
Z'ranmaia: ...Ahem. The captain says he will entertain your proposition, but on one condition: he will only speak to the adventurer here.
Charlemend de Durendaire: ...I see. In that case, I have little choice. [Forename], 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?
Z'ranmaia: Very well, then. If you would come this way...
Z'ranmaia: Captain Carvallain of the Krakens awaits you atop the stairs.
Z'ranmaia: 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.

Optional dialogue

Charlemend de Durendaire: 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.

Francel: I place my full trust in you, [Forename]. May the negotiations be a success!

Speak with Carvallain (Cutscene)

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: 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 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...

Optional dialogue

Francel: Dare I ask how you fared in there, [Forename]?

Deliver the contract to Charlemend.

Charlemend de Durendaire: Well? Do you have anything to show for your efforts? [Item Request: Signed Contract]
Charlemend de Durendaire: Why, this is...more than I dared to hope we would achieve! However did you manage this!?

 What will you say?
> Your passionate plea won him over.
> He chose to believe in Ishgard's future.
   Charlemend de Durendaire: 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.
> I made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Charlemend de Durendaire: 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.
Charlemend de Durendaire: I am in your debt, Lord Charlemend. And you, [Forename]. 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!