Cloudborne Row & The Cloudborne

Cloudborne Row

Cloudborne Kid: My sister works at the Cloudborne, though she is no bar-wench, but the taverner. Very busy, very strict. Best not to trouble her, no. Especially now that her man, Havharo, is so busy. Yes, no time for my sister, none at all. We shall see how much time she has for him later, yes?

Bhujerban Sainkah: So many travelers, so many draughts of win. Those from Archades fall into their cups the swiftest, I find. Haa… the burdens of Empire…

Archadian Wayfarer: How many cups have I drunk? Sweet Bhujerban Madhu, I am yours! Once I thought the world revolved around Archades, but now I know… It spins around ME! (hic)

Cloudborne Patron (light blue seeq): I’m tryin’ to get me friend here to join me for a drink. We’re one step away from goin’ in… it’s just that this step seems to be takin’ a while.

Bhujerban Guru: I have not seen Havharo for many days now. Does he no longer come to the Cloudborne? I worry for Melisa. She did seem quite fond of him.

Lhusu Miner: The Lhusu Mines have been quiet for a time. I hear much talk of raksas running wild, and broken machinery. No talk of the truth.

Cloudborne Resident (tan bangaa in green vest):  Even were there a resistance welling in Bhujerba, who would be fool enough to speak of it? Anyone could be a spy for the Empire… even you!

Archadian Wayfarer: I came here to see the Lhusu Mines, yet the locals here speak of some monstrosities running amok… I had so wanted to see natural magicite! (sigh)

City Parijanah: The Marquis prepares the Resistance out in the marches. I ask that you do nothing to interfere with our plans. Are we understood, bhadra?

Cloudborne Resident (woman talking with bangaa and seeq): Marquis Ondore has left his post due to illness… I pray for his Excellency’s swift recovery. He is the only one who might stand against the Empire!

Cloudborne Resident (man sitting on crate talking to moogle): My merchant friend tells me arms and munitions sell quite well these days, yet it is not the Empire which buys them. Does another army form?

Cloudborne Resident (light blue seeq): You take care in the Cloudborne. The folks in there, they’d do anything to keep their little organization a secret. Anything.

The Cloudborne

City Parijanah (talking to woman at table): Though I should not say this too loudly, the day I leave to join the Resistance fleet is nigh. I would have an answer of my love before then!

Shop Clerk (moogle with green pom-pom): We get customers from all over Ivalice in here, kupo! Oh, the Bhujerban Madhu is a pow’rful draw! And… our customers get pow’rful drunk.

Cloudborne Patron (woman sitting at table with two others): The Marquis is gone from Bhujerba, have you heard? They say he is on the mend from some illness, but I believe there is more to it.

Cloudborne Patron (moogle with yellow pom-pom): Think it strange to see a moogle drinking? Well, I’ll have you know that the spirits where I come from are ten times as strong as Bhujerban Madhu! Show me a moogle in his cups from drinking this hume-brew and I’ll show you a lightweight! I mean… a lighter weight, kupo!

City Parijanah (talking to red bangaa): Here I sit, pretending to drink off duty, while, in reality, I pass notes to others in the Resistance, you see. The drunken bangaa is my comrade. He, too, merely acts as though he were in his cups. I think.

Melisa: Haa. Hello again. Havharo? He’s not here. Why, I’d say he’s off in the sky with the Marquis by now…

City Parijanah (with blue jacket): Even the poorest man may earn a title for himself in the Imperial army, if he is able. So are the soldiers enthusiastic, and the officers skilled.

Cloudborne Patron (leaning on bar, talking to woman): The Leviathan and her fleet destroyed? I cannot believe this, bhadra. Yet, even were it true, the Empire has many more fleets. I have heard their 1st Fleet, in particular, cannot be defeated!

Timorous Bangaa: Hrrm? Oh, it’s you. Sounds like you’ve been puttin’ it to the Empire, eh? Sorry if I came across a little gruff before.

The Cloudborne

City Parijanah (standing beside the Timorous Bangaa): If it is directions which you wish, bhadra, ask another parijanah. I am off duty. I am always off duty, you say? Is this a problem?

Cloudborne Patron (man leaning on bar, speaking to woman): Have you seen it, bhadra, the giant Leviathan? And the Empire has many more like her. Bhujerba could not hope to war against that.

City Parijanah (one with the blue jacket at bar): Do you know the biggest fools in Bhujerba? It is the Imperials, bhadra. You see, many of them are country folk from Valendia. Haa, the prices our vendors charge them! It is quite humorous… Of course, if they took too much, it would cause problems. This is why we recommend some restraint.

Cloudborne Patron (blue seeq at bar): Have you tasted the spirit known as Bhujerban Madhu? It is a local favorite! Only reluctantly do we allow outsiders to drink it. Of course, now the Imperials are here buying it up, there is little left for us! Kastam!

Shop Clerk (woman in green, pink, and brown walking around): Bhujerban Madhu, you want? Well, keep searching! Those Imperial murkha have taken every last drop, bhadra! And Magu, does he work? No! Hanta…

Shop Clerk (moogle with green pom-pom): We’ve quite run out of Bhujerban Madhu, kupo… So very, very sor – Erm… you’re too young to drink anyway, kupo! And there I was apologizing…

Cloudborne Patron (man in white shorts speaking to woman sitting on barrel): If you seek posted bills for hunting marks, you can find them at the far end of the tavern, bhadra. Be warned: there is much competition. Why, I have even heard of camps where hunters gather who think such marks sport! Professionals, they are.

City Parijanah (talking to woman sitting at table): Though I do not know for certain, the day will doubtlessly soon come when I am to leave here and join our organization’s efforts elsewhere. Before that day, I would have an answer of my love…

Cloudborne Row

City Parijanah: Ahead and to the left you shall find the great Lhusu Mines. But, take care, for it is a place of considerable danger these days. I recommend a stop at Miners’ End to outfit yourself before venturing inside.

Bhujerban Sainikah: With mining halted in Lhusu, so halts the flow of Stones to the Empire. Will they stand and allow this state of affairs to continue? I think not.

Lhusu Miner (man leaning against wall talking to woman): The mines have stopped. It is because those men from the Empire came, I am sure of it. I can only hope they will reopen in due course.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! Just up these steps is Travica Way, where one can find Mait’s Magicks, and some very lovely young – Ah, it is you. I must ask that you refrain from such displays, young Master Ronsenburg. I cannot guarantee that a tavern visit will be the worst that befalls you next time.

Cloudborne Resident (woman speaking to group outside Staras residence): Inspectors from the Empire, a Judge no less, and the entire 8th Fleet in port… Is Bhujerba nothing more than an Imperial colony? I fear a life in seclusion on Bur-Omisace may be the only path left to people like me…

Cloudborne Resident (man sitting on crate, talking with moogle): The Leviathan and her fleet came to Bhujerba quite recently. Many goods did they buy. “Out, Empire!” I say, “but by all means leave your gil!”

Cloudborne Resident (tan bangaa walking up and down street): Some fool thought to trespass upon the Marquis’s estate. Such rudeness! He was given to that Judge, I hear. The last we will see of him, no doubt.

Bhujerban Guru: Do you know the leader of the parijanah guides, Havharo? Very mysterious, very handsome… and very friendly with Melisa at the Cloudborne.

Cloudborne Resident (moogle in gold with orange pom-pom outside tavern): The Cloudborne… den of mystery and danger! How thrilling, kupo! Well now… which door to go in through today? Choices, choices…

Cloudborne Patron (man standing beside collapsed bangaa): Witness the fate of one who drinks unwisely. Rivers pass across his tongue, but he tastes not a drop! A waste of good Bhujerban Madhu, that.

Bhujerban Sainikah: Why is it that so many come to our fine city only to drink their sorrows away? Many these days from Rabanastre, there are. The yoke of Empire must make men thirsty.

Cloudborne Resident (woman in white leaning against wall): If Captain Basch is alive, then does this mean the Lady Ashe, too, still lives? But then, why would the Marquis lie to his own people?

Cloudborne Resident (tan seeq with turquoise horn talking to bangaa): You say Captain Ronsenburg lives? Pah! Pigswill spread by the Empire. They hope to erode our trust in the Marquis! I wish them luck.

Cloudborne Resident (tan bangaa in green vest talking to seeq): If it is true that this Basch of Dalmasca lives, then the Marquis fed his own people lies! He is nothing but a puppet of the Empire.

Cloudborne Resident (man in turban and green and brown shorts): This is but a back alley, yet of late I see many travelers wandering here. Perhaps the parijanah do not do their job well?

City Parijanah: Many of our people question the Marquis for working with the Empire, but I know the man. His own people’s criticisms are but a shield to blind the Empire’s eyes from the truth, you see.

The Staras Residence

Niray: Good day, bhadra. No… no, it is not a good day, for my son has run away from home! Should you see him, please, tell him to come back. My son’s name is Yrlon, you see. I’m afraid I was too harsh on him for breaking my prized bottle of Bhujerban Madhu…

Kait: I know where my brother has gone, bhadra… But I cannot tell you. He would be very cross.

The Cloudborne

City Parijanah (talking to patrons at table): Pardon. As you can see, I am occupied. If you have a question, you may ask another parijanah, please. This said, all the parijanah here are off duty, I should hope.

Shop Clerk (woman in green and pink top walking around): Hanta… I am so busy! It is because of that lazy Magu! He is that seeq in his cups and out of his wits by the barrel there. He is paid for this!?

Shop Clerk (moogle with green pom-pom): Care for some Bhujerban Madhu? It’s a local favorite, kupo! Oh, wait, you’re far too young, kupo. Come back later! Much later!

Cloudborne Patron (man leaning against wall talking to woman sitting on barrel): If you seek posted bills for hunting marks, you can find them on the board at the far end of the tavern, bhadra. Would you make a name for yourself? Then you’d do well to check there early, so another does not hunt all the marks before you!

Cloudborne Patron (woman sitting at table with two others): The Marquis supporting a resistance against the Empire? It is best not to speak of such nonsense in a place like this, bhadra. You never know who might be listening.

Cloudborne Patron (man in orange-brown shorts sitting at table with woman): When the Imperials were here, it was hard to relax and enjoy a cup. Now, I can drink to my heart’s content. As it so happens, my heart’s quite thirsty.

Cloudborne Patron (light blue seeq at bar): Have you tasted the spirit known as Bhujerban Madhu? It is a local favorite! Only reluctantly do we allow outsiders to drink it. Especially not boys! Come back when you are a man grown, and we shall see then.

Magu: Harrum? Melisa call for me? Kah!? A resist-er-rance? Mmrrrph. (snort) What’s that? Is it good eatin’?

Cloudborne Patron (moogle with yellow pom-pom): Oh, I’m here to meet a friend, kupo! But… he’s nowhere to be seen. I’m thirsty!

Melisa: Welcome to the Cloudborne, traveler, where all Bhujerba comes to forget the worries of the day. I’m the taverner, Melisa, at your service. Sit down, rest your feet, boy… Kah? A resistance? Crazy! All right, who gave this boy here a sip of the madhu?

City Parijanah (in blue jacket, talking to Melisa): A resistance against the Empire, bhadra? Surely, there are many in our city who dislike the Empire, yet the Marquis has ever remained neutral. Were such a group to form, why, they would all be arrested with due haste, I think.

Cloudborne Patron (man standing at bar talking to woman): There are many who believe that Bhujerba might defy the Empire with economic superiority, bhadra, but I disagree. Were the Imperials to block off our trade routes, the city would starve. It is an undeniable fact.

City Parijanah (talking to red bangaa): Begging your pardon, bhadra, but I am off duty, you see. Kah? An organization? His Excellency the Marquis Ondore against the Empire? Many big words, bhadra. Can you say this again, ten times, fast?

City Parijanah (leaning against bar with arms crossed): If it is directions which you seek, bhadra, ask another parijanah. I am off duty. Kah? A resistance against the Empire? Please, I am in no mood for such japery today.

Timorous Bangaa: Hold it, friend. Hrrm? A “Resistance”…? Bah! Nothing of the sort here, traveler. (Why do I always get the odd ones…)

Cloudborne Row

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! Welcome to Cloudborne Row. Turn the corner, and you will find the Cloudborne, purveyor of fine Bhujerban Madhu!

Cloudborne Resident (man in turban and green & brown shorts): This street is not a place for travelers, bhadra. It does not do to wander the back alleys. You might become lost. You might find trouble.

Cloudborne Resident (tan bangaa in green vest): How is it that Judges walk our streets as though they belonged here, their soldiers with them? The Marquis is a fair-weather friend to his people!

Cloudborne Resident (tan seeq with turquoise horn): I saw the Marquis Ondore and a Judge pass by not moments ago. The Marquis… any lesser man would quail before a Judge, but he stood proud.

Cloudborne Kid: My sister works at the Cloudborne, though she is no bar-wench, but the taverner. Very busy, very strict. Best not to trouble her, no.

Bhujerban Sainikah: Back here, bhadra, it is not lost travelers, but lost drinkers whom we must care for. Take the spirits, but care the spirits do not take you.

Cloudborne Resident (woman in white leaning against wall): I have just heard that Captain Ronsenburg of Dalmasca was spotted in Lhusu Square! Drivel from the mouths of drunkards!

Archadian Wayfarer: P-Pardon… Please, stop shouting like that… Urgh, my head, it pounds! Bhujerban Madhu is as sweet as her maids, and as strong as her Stones!

Cloudborne Resident (moogle in gold with orange pom-pom pacing in front of tavern): My first ever visit to the Cloudborne. It’s been a long time coming. I’m going in, kupo! With a friend. Once we can find the door.

Cloudborne Patron (light blue seeq talking to woman sitting on crate): Yer not from around here, are you? Well, this here’s the Cloudborne, favored watering-hole of miner and traveler alike. Those guides you see around, the parijanah, they hold meetings here, too.

Cloudborne Patron (man standing beside collapsed bangaa outside tavern): Every time we drink, this! I tell him, count the cups, count the cups, and does he count them? Yes! If only he would stop counting…

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! If it is shopping you desire, do see Travica Way. Why, Targe’s Arms is just up the stairs here, you see. Here… this is more of an alley, to tell the truth. Most come here only for drinking… that would be at the tavern down the slope. Good journey!

Bhujerban Guru: Haa… I have recently met the leader of the parijanah guides, Havharo. Very mysterious, very handsome! He frequents the Cloudborne, you know.

Cloudborne Resident (tan bangaa talking to blue seeq): The other day, a man in his cups was shouting of the Marquis’s “involvement” with some anti-Imperial resistance. Now… he is gone. The lesson: show the fool’s coin, pay the fool’s price.

Lhusu Miner: They say the Lhusu Mines are silent today. People talk of important men from the Empire come to see the mines. The ones in armor, perhaps?

Bhujerban Sainikah: I have heard that the quality of our Stones is dropping, but this is because the Empire buys all the best. I trust the Empire not, with their laboratories and their experiments. What are they up to?

Archadian Wayfarer: I came to see the source of the power that keeps this land of Dorstonis afloat, yet with the Lhusu Mines closed…

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! Welcome to Bhujerba! Wish you to see the estate of his Excellency the Marquis? Then go you down Travica Way. You can see the estate at the north end of the Way from most parts of Bhujerba. It is quite impressive, and a useful landmark, if you are lost.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! You have been to Travica Way? It is right up these steps. And Mait’s Magicks is at its end. I recommend stopping there, oh yes.

Cloudborne Resident (woman talking to red bangaa and blue seeq): Have the inspectors from the Empire left? I mistrust the Empire. After what I saw in Nalbina, who wouldn’t?

Cloudborne Resident (moogle in gold with orange pom-pom sitting on crates): This building here? Why, this is the Staras residence, kupo. House Staras has long controlled the Lhusu Mines. They’re nobility!

Cloudborne Resident (man in dark pants sitting on crate next to moogle): I hear an Imperial fleet is to put in to port quite soon. Each fleet arrival is a great opportunity for our merchants to sell, you see.

Cloudborne Resident (light blue seeq): Careful on these streets. Gets dangerous ‘round here at night. Bunch o’ drunks gave me a right beatin’ just the other night. Think they were part of this resistance group I been hearing about.