Sudul Eht Nioj

Sudul Eht Nioj

Quest giver

Deputy Postmoogle

Location

Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:10.4, Y:11.3)

Quest line

Delivery Moogle Quests

Level

50

Experience

 0

Gil

 2,136

Patch

2.38

“

For one who has done much to ensure the continued flow of Eorzeans' mail, the Deputy Postmoogle has a special reward.

— In-game description

Walkthrough

Notes

The quest title is "Join the ludus" backwards. A ludus was an ancient Roman gladiatorial school.

Steps

• Deliver the stack of letters to Franz at the Gladiators' Guild.
• Hand out the Coliseum flyers on the Steps of Nald.
• Post the Coliseum placards inside the Coliseum.
• Speak with Bubudoga at the Gladiators' Guild.
• Extend Genevieve a warm /welcome.
• Aid U'linbho on the Steps of Nald.
• Search for Langloisiert
• Search for Franz in central Thanalan.
• Speak with Franz.

Journal

• For one who has done much to ensure the continued flow of Eorzeans' mail, the deputy postmoogle has a special reward.

• The prince of the bloodsands, Franz the Fair, is a regular recipient of copious amounts of fan mail. In recognition of your service to the Moogle Delivery Service, the honor of delivering this day's batch has been awarded to you. Franz is training for an upcoming Coliseum match and can likely be found at the Gladiators' Guild in Ul'dah.

• A popular gladiator must contend with threats both inside and outside the Coliseum-- a truth which becomes apparent when a morbol seedling emerges from one of the missives addressed to Franz. The gladiator's comrades suspect one of their own, a former noxius named Langloisiert, may be responsible, but their lanista, Bubudoga, is convinced that other gladiators are responsible. Bubudoga also believes that the culprits may attempt to masquerade as fans to gain access to Franz and do him harm. Therefore, the lanista bids you surreptitiously investigate fans in the Coliseum and on the Steps of Nald by first placing placards and distributing flyers and then observing their reactions.

• Gladiatorial combat attracts an eclectic crowd, but none you encounter appear to bear Franz ill will. Nevertheless, there is a nervous energy in the air which cannot be put down to mere pre-match excitement, and you feel eyes upon you on several occasions. Whether or not these observations will serve to satisfy Bubudoga remains to be seen.

• After learning that the bundle you delivered contained a score of threatening letters, Silent Moss and U'linbo decided to go and look after Franz. While you await their return, Bubudoga would have you continue your covert surveillance of the Coliseum by acting as his representative and extending a warm /welcome to the more prestigious patrons, starting with Lady Genevieve just outside the Gladiators' Guild.

• U'linbho's anguished scream from the Steps of Nald cuts your conversation with the Lady Genevieve short. Rush to her aid and see what has given her cause to cry out.

• Before being felled by a sharp blow from behind, the Miqo'te observed Franz making his way towards Emerald Avenue, and Langloisiert following him at a distance. Convinced that the Duskwight is plotting to do Franz harm, she implores you to pursue Langloisiert and stop him before it is too late.

• It would seem that U'linbho was too quick to presume malicious intent on the part of Langloisiert. The former noxius had long made a habit of watching over Franz, for fear of his rivals attacking in reprisal. Alas, on this occasion, Langloisiert and Silent Moss were unable to subdue the masked gladiators stalking Franz, and the two wounded companions bid you protect their beauteous comrade in their stead. Seek out Franz and his pursuers in central Thanalan.

• The masked gladiators are unprepared to fend off another protector, and you have no difficulty besting them. All that remains is to confirm the condition of the fair-faced Franz.

• Are we truly deserving of the accolades we receive? Franz the Fair had begun to ask himself this very question. Fearing that his fame was the product of Syndicate machinations, the young gladiator goaded his less scrupulous opponents to attack him outside the Coliseum, so that he might at last learn whether or not his reputation was legitimate. Now aware of his secret intentions, his comrades scold him for doubting the validity of his accomplishments, and convince him that the prince of the bloodsands, the pride of Ul'dah, the suave southern dandy is anything but a fraud. The party subsequently departs for their upcoming match, after which they will return to Halatali, where they will eagerly welcome you should you choose to join their training.

Dialogue

Accepting the Quest

Deputy Postmoogle:  Have I got an assignment for you, kupo! Fan letters addressed to one of Ul'dah's preeminent gladiators─the prince of the bloodsands, the one and only Franz the Fair!
Deputy Postmoogle:  After all you've done on my behalf I think it only fair to reward you just so! So charismatic he is that even a moogle unacquainted with the games cannot help but swoon when delivering the daily batch, kupo!
Deputy Postmoogle:  Franz is training for an upcoming match, so you can probably find him at the Gladiators' Guild in Ul'dah, kupo!

Optional Dialogue

Deputy Postmoogle:  If you don't hurry, you might miss your chance! Look for Franz at the Gladiators' Guild in Ul'dah!

Bubudoga: The spectacular specimens arrayed before you are the finest to grace the bloodsands. What visionary could pluck these prizes from the great gaggle of gladiators clamoring for glory? Bubudoga, who else!?

Silent Moss the Solemn: In the crucial moments prior to a match, a gladiator must not be distracted. You have been warned; disregard my words, and there will be repercussions.

U'linbho the Sand Devil: A prezzie for me? Oh, ya shouldn't've...unless it's one of them new Eshtaime's rings that─ Oh, bugger. It's for Franz, ain't it?

Langloisiert the Lionheart: ...If yer expectin' me to entertain ye like the boy, then piss off.

Delivering the stack of letters to Franz at the Gladiators' Guild (Cutscene)

Franz the Fair: And what can I do for you this most beauteous evening? Shall I sign your flyer with my mark, perhaps?
<Hand Over Stack of Letters>

Cutscene Start

Bubudoga: >> Cease that transaction this instant, my provisional postman! I will not permit you to endanger the well-being of my prize gladiator! <<

Franz the Fair: Ever the lanista, our Bubudoga. Lately he's been more like an overly concerned father, though.

Bubudoga: With ample cause! Every day brings us more disconcerting missives from disgruntled fans and dishonored opponents, with ever more elaborate threats!

U'linbho the Sand Devil: Hah! I fear not jealousy and envy from my enemies! Will them words leap from the parchment and do Franz harm? 
U'linbho the Sand Devil: >> Wh-What in the seven hells is that horrid stench!? <<

Bubudoga: The foul fruit of poisonous intent─a morbol seedling concealed within the letters! Pray hold your breath whilst I dispose of the creature.

Silent Moss the Solemn: The wages of fame and fortune, mayhap. Franz cannot help but attract the adoration of misguided souls who covet him body and soul.

Franz the Fair: Melodrama does not become you, my dear. A doe-eyed maiden's affections are no match for an opponent's blade─and both have yet to leave a mark.

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Ain't the womenfolk ye need to fear, pretty boy, but their husbands an' the sellswords what they hire to gut ye in yer sleep! Hells, for enough gil, I'd take the job meself!

Bubudoga: <cough> <cough> His mutinous phrasing notwithstanding, Langloisiert's suppositions are closest to mine own. 
Bubudoga: The language of past letters is most telling. “You're all face, pretty boy.” “Stay out of the Coliseum.” “If you step onto the bloodsands again, I'll rip your head off and─” Well, I needn't continue. Suffice it to say, other gladiators are whom I deem to be the most likely culprits.

Franz the Fair: If so, then these fine upstanding gentlemen and women are more than welcome to seek recompense in the Coliseum. Anyway, I've heard enough─I must clear my head before the match.

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Pretty boy's got the right idea there. Think I'll have a drink afore we go to work.

U'linbho the Sand Devil:Come now, ya have to admit that was awfully suspicious! Are ya sure Lang ain't behind the threats? He's obviously jealous of Franz's popularity!

Silent Moss the Solemn: I will not attempt to speak to his feelings. That said...Langloisiert and his brethren committed many terrible crimes in the Black Shroud. He may have since “paid” his dues, but how far can we trust a man such as he?

Bubudoga: After running afoul of the Brass Blades some time ago, Langloisiert was declared a noxius. I was fortunate enough to witness an early performance, during which his glorious potential became apparent to me. Hence, I saw him properly armed and given into my care, where he flourished─like all my charges─and earned enough to purchase his freedom.
Bubudoga: In any case, I firmly believe that these letters are the work of others. Moreover, I am certain that these cretins will make further attempts to harass Franz, or worse, which is why I would engage your services, good postman, to ensure his safety.
Bubudoga: I should not be surprised if our enemies attempt to masquerade as devoted fans in order to gain access to Franz. Therefore, I would have you investigate our fans surreptitiously to see if any are behaving suspiciously.
Bubudoga: Post these placards on the walls of the Coliseum and distribute these flyers to fans on the Steps of Nald. If you notice aught out of the ordinary, pray inform me, and we shall discuss our next move.

Optional Dialogue

Bubudoga: Observe closely the reactions of the fans as you post the placards and distribute the flyers. If these fiends detest Franz as much as I believe, your actions may drive them to reveal their intent.
Bubudoga: Or perhaps, like the others, you think Langloisiert responsible? I think not, and for one unassailable reason: Langloisiert was once condemned to the Marasaja Pit for ghastly, violent crimes. It was that selfsame propensity for violence which saw him declared a noxius and earned him his freedom.
Bubudoga: If truly he wished to do Franz harm, he would be far more direct, I should think.

Silent Moss the Solemn: Men are not wont to change, particularly when they continue to be rewarded for their faults.

U'linbho the Sand Devil: On the bloodsands? I'd trust him, no question. Anywhere else? Hells no.

Handing out the Coliseum flyers on the Steps of Nald

Franx Fanatic: What to get for the man who has everything... Oh, is that a Franz the Fair flyer in your hand? I must have it!
<Hand Over Coliseum Flyer>
Franx Fanatic: Look at the way the artist has captured his trademark grin! How he glares at his opponents with disdain!
Franx Fanatic: I cannot wait to see this vision become reality in the arena, wielding his─ Oh, that should be splendid! I shall send him the finest sword money can buy!
(Optional)
Franx Fanatic: I shall have the sword inscribed with my name as well, so that he never forgets the name of his beloved benefactor.

Jenet: More than a few gladiators take after Franz the Fair, like this fellow here. Of course, there's no substitute for the real thing!
<Hand Over Coliseum Flyer>
Jenet: Oh my, I had no idea Franz was fighting so soon! I was so taken with this imitation that I nearly missed the genuine article. What to wear, what to wear... I must prepare the perfect ensemble to catch his eye and seduce him from─
Jenet: Ah! Did you feel that? I just had the strangest sensation that someone was staring daggers at us...
(Optional)
Jenet: Oh gods, I know what it is! Another woman must have overheard my plan, and now she plots to ruin me! Well, I won't let that sway me from my mission! Mark my words: Franz will be mine!

Posting the Coliseum placards inside the Coliseum

<Use Coliseum Placard>
Franz Fanatics: Would you look at that, boys! A new Franz the Fair placard! Cor, look at the beauties they drew cheerin' him on!
Franz Fanatics: He's swivin' your wife, he's swivin' your wife! Franz the Fair, he's swivin' your wife!
(Optional)
Franz Fanatic: The match is almost upon us, boys, so make sure ye know the chants by heart! And don't let me catch either of ye sober when the match starts─this is a godsdamned fight, not a bleedin' service at the Ossuary! 

<Use Coliseum Placard>
Franz Fanatic: Is...is that a new Franz the Fair placard!? <huff> <puff> Calm yourself, fool! When the time is right, we shall remove it from the wall and add it to the collection...
Franz Fanatic: W-Wait! What is this sensation? Is someone watching us? N-No, not us...we are of no concern to anyone. It is the placard they want, like we do.
(Optional)
Franz Fanatic: Pay me no mind, good miss/sir. I am but another adoring fan of Franz the Fair─like you, I presume. I would certainly never engage in untoward activities in the pursuit of my hobbies.

Speaking with Bubudoga at the Gladiators' Guild

Bubudoga: So tell me, did you notice aught amiss? Aside from the usual shenanigans preceding a Coliseum match, that is.
Bubudoga: I see... Well, it so happens that I sorted through the remainder of Franz's mail and found a score of new threatening letters.
Bubudoga: I had no choice but to inform Silent Moss and U'linbho, who were so overwhelmed with concern that they took to the streets in search of their companion.
Bubudoga: While we await their return, I would have you continue your covert surveillance of the Coliseum by consorting with our more prestigious guests as my representative.
Bubudoga: You may begin with Lady Genevieve. Extend to her your warmest welcome on my behalf─but remain ever vigilant to your surroundings.
(Optional)
Bubudoga: There are few who revel in the spectacle of bloodsport as Lady Genevieve. Afford her every courtesy and welcome her as one would welcome a sultana.
Bubudoga: However, do not lose sight of your true purpose. You must remain vigilant for any would-be assailants.

Extending Genevieve a warm /welcome

Genevieve: Do you expect me to welcome your intrusion? You will know that I do not.
 /welcome 
Genevieve: Save your pleasantries for another time! My beloved Franz shall walk upon the bloodsands soon, and I would not miss his triumphant return for the world!

U'linbho the Sand Devil: >> Aaargh! <<

Genevieve: That voice just now, from the Steps of Nald... Ahahaha! Some misfortune must have befallen that lowbred Miqo'te! It is past time, I say─she is not fit to fight alongside my Franz!

(Optional)
Genevieve: I've never understood why Franz needs to fight alongside others in the first place. He's more than capable of dispatching his foes in a beauteous fashion single-handedly!

Aiding U'linbho on the Steps of Nald

U'linbho the Sand Devil: Uggghhh... I'm fine, I'm fine. One of the bastard's partners must've cracked me on the head from behind. Still can't see straight, but I saw well enough.
U'linbho the Sand Devil: Franz was walking towards Emerald Avenue, and Lang was following him at a distance...
U'linbho the Sand Devil: How could he!? After everything that Franz and Bubudoga did for him...
U'linbho the Sand Devil: Even Mumuepo can't fight his way out of a sentence! If it wasn't for Franz, Lang would've died a noxius!
U'linbho the Sand Devil: And that's what'll happen if he's fool enough to kill Franz...but ya won't let him, will ya!?

Optional Dialogue

 U'linbho the Sand Devil: Don't worry about me─worry about Franz! Find Lang before he does something foolish!

Silent Moss the Solemn: No...no choice. Too many innocents. It was all we could do to defend ourselves...

Searching for Langlosiert (Cutscene)

Langloisiert the Lionheart: What in the seven hells are ye blabberin' about? Kill Franz!? Did the girl take a tumble an' bash her noggin?

Silent Moss the Solemn: We were wrong, postman. Langloisiert was tracking the gladiators hunting Franz. 
Silent Moss the Solemn: It would seem he's been keeping watch over the boy since the moment he left the guild...

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Pretty boy's got talent, but he's raw. Knows how to deal with enemies he can see, but hasn't an inklin' how to deal with those he can't. So's I make a habit of followin' him from time to time. 'Course, he's a slippery one an' often gets away.

Silent Moss the Solemn: Credit for this particular failure goes not to Franz, though. The gladiators noticed our presence. We were unprepared, and there were too many innocents.

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Sod it. I ain't makin' excuses.
Langloisiert the Lionheart: All's I wanted to do was keep him safe. I owe him that much.
Langloisiert the Lionheart: Gil, ale, women─'tain't naught compared to freedom. A man what helps you win that is a man you owe for life.
Langloisiert the Lionheart: Oi, postman─you're the only one still standin'. Help an ol' whoreson keep his honor an' go after the pretty boy. Him an' the others went out the Gate of Nald.

Silent Moss the Solemn: They wore masks and fought with the fury of Coliseum gladiators. We will need time to recover.

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Hmph. More than me body, me pride's in a bad way... 

Optional Dialogue

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Quit dallyin' and go after the boy! They went out the Gate of Nald!

Silent Moss the Solemn: You'll know them by their masks and their tempers. Be careful.

Speaking with Franz (Cutscene)

Franz the Fair: So...so unbeauteous, how all my friends have suffered for my sake.
Franz the Fair: But you, good postman─you were magnificent in battle. Beauteous, even─more so than me, to be sure. How did you become such as you are? I must know.
Franz the Fair: My fans, they cheer for me. They believe me beautiful. Yet, in truth, I could never live up to their expectations if put to a true test. Long have I suspected that the Syndicate conspires to have my party face lesser opponents to ensure our victory...
Franz the Fair: So when I learned of the gladiators' threats, I was overjoyed! I stoked the fires of their jealousy to invite an attack. Long had I craved a true challenge, and soon I would have it! 
Franz the Fair: 'Twas to be my quest alone; none were to be involved, much less hurt. Alas, out of fear for my safety, all have suffered on my account─

Langloisiert the Lionheart: >> Bugger me! If ye wanted a beatin', all ye had to do was ask! <<

U'linbho the Sand Devil: Hells, I've a mind to give him one anyway! There's to be no more moping or sneaking about, is that clear?

Silent Moss the Solemn: This crisis of confidence is hardly warranted, Franz. You're a formidable gladiator─not to mention the soul of this team.

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Godsdamned right! We weren't tryin' to protect ye 'cause we thought ye were weak─we were doin' it 'cause that's what yer mates're supposed to do!

U'linbho the Sand Devil: Ya hearin' all this, prince of the bloodsands? The pride of Ul'dah? The suave southern dandy? Quit contemplatin' your navel and accept that you're pretty damn good at this gladiator business.

Franz the Fair: Yeah... YEAH! I am pretty damn good, aren't I!? Beauteous, even! I don't know what came over me...

Bubudoga: And with that, I believe it is time for your beauteous return to the shores of gladitoriana.

Franz the Fair: I'll fight in this match solo. The others are in no condition to participate.

Silent Moss the Solemn: And just like that, he regresses and attempts to shoulder the burden by himself once more. Lest you forget, I am also “pretty good” at this conjury business.

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Those weaklings in the Coliseum don't stand a chance against us, even as we are now. Let's just earn our pay an' get back to the training grounds.

Bubudoga: Try not to be too efficient. Remember that it's not about if you win, but how you win─the style, the improvisation. Give the crowd something to remember. Then you may return to Halatali.

Franz the Fair: Say, you should come and join us afterwards, postman! I would love nothing more than to pit my beauteous skills against yours.

Langloisiert the Lionheart: Aye, aye! Halatali ain't as glamorous as the bloodsands, but I guarantee ye'll have a grand ol' time!

System: With your successful delivery, your reputation as a letter carrier has grown!