The Republic of Bastok Missions

In the Gustaberg Mountains of
Southern Quon lies the industrial
nation known as the Republic of Bastok.

Compared to San d'Oria, with its legendary
orders of knights, or Windurst, with its
ancient institutes of magic, Bastok is still
but a newborn nation.

But advanced technology and near limitless
underground resources have allowed Bastok
to rival the other two nations in power.

Innovative and adaptable Humes make up
more than half the population of Bastok.

With their flair for industry, economy,
and politics, they were the driving force
behind Bastok's rapid growth. Even now,
Humes hold key positions in those areas.

The Galka, a race of hulking humanoids,
comprise a third of Bastok's population.
Originally hailing from Zepwell, they came
to this land over six hundred years ago.

Without their incomparable strength,
the countless ore mines that drive Bastok's
economy would never have been dug.

Adventurers seeking fame and fortune
flock to rising nations like Bastok.
You are one of them.

Your story begins here, amid the smoke
and bustle of the industrial city of Bastok.

---

The scene you see when starting the game differs depending on which zone the game dumps you into.

Starting in Port Bastok

(Documenter's note: I don't have the exact dialogue for this scene, but here is a summary!)

When you first start the game, you're at one of the gates in Bastok--this one in Port Bastok. Cornelia is pleading with the gate guards to let her out to Gustaberg, but they refuse. She spots you, says that it was embarrassing that you were watching, and that she needs to find a way out of town. She then leaves.

The gate guard asks you what you plan to do. I said "Help people", and he suggests helping Cornelia, who has gone off in the direction of the Tenshodo headquarters. He also gives you an adventuring coupon, to trade to an NPC to help start your adventures.

When trading the coupon to the NPC, you get 50 gil, and are told to talk to a galka named Gulldago near the gate in the Bastok Markets.

Starting in Bastok Mines

You start off in Bastok Mines, near the ramp down to the residential area. A Hume with the look of a lost adventurer attempts to question a Galka.

Hani : Excuse me...
Hani : How do I get to the residential area?
Hani : ...

Upon getting no response, Hani turns to you.

Hani : Uh, hello. I'm new in Bastok.
Can you tell me where the residential area is?
Hani : Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were new here, too.
Hani : I guess I'll have to find my way there myself.
People aren't too friendly around here, are they?
Hani : Anyways, good luck to the both of us!

Hani wanders off, and the Galka (Deidogg) approaches you.

Deidogg : Pesky Hume... Where does he think he is, Windurst?
Some day this is turning out to be.
Deidogg : You're not from around here either, huh? No use denying it... I can smell it.
Deidogg : If you don't want to get hurt, turn around and go back where you came from.

A young Galka, nearby, then pipes up, speaking to Deidogg.

Gumbah : Hey, hey! There's no need to be rude.
Deidogg : Oh? Since when do you care what happens to outsiders, Gumbah?
Gumbah : I'm just saying that one such as you shouldn't bother with their like, O Great Warrior Deidogg.
Deidogg : Hrmph. Whatever.
Deidogg : You just remember, outsider, I won't go so easy on you next time.

Deidogg leaves.

Gumbah : Sorry about that.
People can be so hard-headed around here sometimes.
Gumbah : Hey, why the glum look? Don't like being talked to like some new recruit? But it is your first time here, isn't it?
Gumbah : Is there anything you want to know? Anything you want to do?
Maybe I can point you in the right direction.

You have your choice of what to ask. The game log doesn't include the options, but I believe they were similar to:

* Fight monsters!
* Make money.
* Look for work.

I chose "Look for work."

Gumbah : Good call. You should start with a short-term goal to get yourself on track.
What kind of work are you looking for?

Again, you are given some options, not logged by the client, but they were along the lines of:

* Work for Bastok.
* Help people.
* Make riches.

I chose "Help people".

Gumbah : That's the spirit!
Could you do me a favor then, and help a friend of mine?
Gumbah : It's the first house down the road through that big arch.
Gumbah : Oh, and take this. It's an adventurer coupon.
Arva should give you money for it. She's standing around the rear of the general goods store.
Gumbah : Don't worry, it's not mine. I just found it.
Arva should be somewhere around...
Gumbah : Here.
You can check your map again by selecting "Map" from the main menu on the right.
Gumbah : If you want to know where Arva is, open the "Map" menu, choose "Markers," and press the right arrow key. She should be somewhere in that list.
Gumbah : Oh, I'm sure you know this already, but if you want to give items to people in town, use "Trade" from the main menu.
Gumbah : I guess that's it. I have to run now, but I'm sure we'll meet again!

Obtained: Adventurer coupon.

While running around looking for Arva (I mistakenly thought they were in a house), I stumbled across Gumbah again in one of the houses, who had this to say:

Gumbah : Werei...set out on his journey of rebirth.
Gumbah : I'm not upset. I knew it had to happen sooner or later.
Gumbah : He wasn't feeling that good, but he would always hide it whenever someone would visit.
Gumbah : I guess he was just worried about the people he would leave behind.
He was always like that.

When you eventually find Arva and trade her the Adventuring Coupon, she gives you a bit of gil to start off with, and suggests you talk to Gulldago, in Bastok Markets.

Tutorial Quests

You can unlock Records of Eminence now by talking to Isakoth:

Isakoth : Attention!
My name's Isakoth, and for today's lesson we're going to learn about...

You can say or do one of the following options:
* Impart to me your knowledge!
* I don't have to listen to you.
* Nothing. Just walk away.

I chose the first option.

Isakoth : That's the spirit! You're an adventurer in my spitting image...at least when it comes to passion.
Isakoth : Today's lesson is all about Records of Eminence, so break out your textbook and turn to page five!
Isakoth : What's that?
Tsk, tsk, tsk. If you've forgotten your textbook, you'll have to share with the person next to you.

The camera pans to the right, showing an ugly-looking doll floating there. The memorandoll nods in agreement.

Isakoth : Let's get this show on the road.
Records of Eminence is, in a word...
Isakoth : ...fighting spirit!
Isakoth : So what if that's two words!? That illustrates my point all the more. Adventurers need to give it eighty-thousand percent at all times if they want to uphold justice!
Isakoth : Class dismissed! Now go out there and do me proud.

Your choices of response are:
* Yessir!
* That's it?

I chose the second option.

Isakoth : That curiosity of yours will really take you places, lass. It's positively indispensable for any child of the Goddess.
Isakoth : To tell the truth, though, you're already well on your way to prominence!
Isakoth : You even completed your first objective simply by talking to me. Furthermore, my experience tells me you'll be rewarded with some unusual type of compensation.
Isakoth : Now, take the next step on your journey and try setting an objective all by yourself!
Isakoth : No need to break out in a sweat--your eminent teacher will guide you. Just choose an objective under the "Objective List" in the "Records of Eminence" section of the Quests menu.
Isakoth : I hear you can even repeat certain ones. I'll let you figure out which ones they are on your own, though. I wouldn't want you to just regurgitate the answers I give you, now, would I?
Isakoth : Like I hinted at before, you gain "sparks of eminence" that quantify your achievements. Trade them to me and I'll give you back some tokens of gratitude.
Isakoth : Whoa, now. I teach more advanced subjects than you're able to understand at the moment. Try talking to Gulldago to learn the basics first.
Isakoth : By the way, this little bugger here, which we call a memorandoll, records all your eminent feats for you.
Isakoth : Hm? Oh.
Yes, I too sometimes become unsettled by its constant and intense glaring.
Isakoth : Luckily, all you need to do is to clap your hands together like so and...
Isakoth : ...it vanishes into thin air. See, even this soulless machination possesses a fighting spirit. How else could it disappear instantaneously like that?
Isakoth : Just kidding. I'm only trying to cover up the fact that I don't know how it works. As my mentor always said, "When you don't know the answer to a question, distract the person with a joke."
Isakoth : Well, I've officially taught you all I know. Go out into the world with your trusty memorandoll and prove how esteemed you truly are!
Isakoth : ...I always get a little teary-eyed when I see my disciples go off to bigger and better things...<sniffle>

You have completed the following Records of Eminence objective: First Step Forward.
As a first-time bonus, you receive 300 sparks of eminence for a total of 300!
Amalberga gains 300 experience points.
As a special bonus for your valiant efforts, you have been awarded the following: strip of meat jerky x6!
Obtained key item: Memorandoll.

You next talk to Gulldago, who charges you with first getting Signet from a gate guard. This is a buff that helps with Conquest and other things. Once done, he gives you some strips of meat jerky to use. You're then tasked with exiting the city and starting to battle enemies, until you unlock your first weapon skill at Weapon Skill Level 5.

Unlocking Trusts On a Brand-New Character

You will likely gain a few job levels while skilling up your weapon. At job level 5, you can unlock Trusts - there's a Records of Eminence objective related to this, too. Setting the Records of Eminence objective will direct you to the NPC in your starting city who handles Trust Magic. For Bastok, that's Clarion Star:

Clarion Star : Hey! You there!
I've got a proposition of sorts for a fresh-faced adventurer such as yourself!
Clarion Star : You can call me Clarion Star. I've come from Jeuno, the lovely city in the northeast that connects the Quon and Mindartia continents.
Clarion Star : Specifically, I'm a representative of sorts from the Jeuno Institute of Magical Studies. You could call me a headhunter!
Clarion Star : Bwahaha! And the heads I am hunting today are those of bright-eyed explorers like yourself!
Clarion Star : So here's the deal. Not too long ago, the institute held an international symposium of sorts, at which we announced the development of a fascinatingly useful new type of magic.
Clarion Star : We made it available for everyone to utilize, and so we are trying it out here in Bastok and other places throughout Vana'diel.
Clarion Star : We've chosen to call the new magic "Trust," and as an official delegate of the institute, I want adventurers of your caliber to be the lucky first participants.
Clarion Star : So? What about it?
Want to try it out?

You can either say:
* What have I got to lose?
* Magic scares me.

I chose the first line.

Clarion Star : That's the kind of spunk I like!
Clarion Star : You're surely aware that Bastok is no stranger to developing new technologies, and as such Cid and the Mythril Musketeers are conducting research of sorts into the application of this new magic.
Clarion Star : You know how they are--always at odds with the Beastman Confederate. They think that Trust might be able to help "bolster their forces," they say.
Clarion Star : However! Not just anyone can use Trust.
Clarion Star : As you can imagine, the institute is thus collecting data of sorts in San d'Oria and Windurst, too, trying to get as many people as possible to participate.
Clarion Star : It should come as no surprise, then, that we have other representatives in those two nations. If you'd rather head over there, then we've got nothing more to discuss...
Clarion Star : But I'm sure the Mythril Musketeers here would appreciate any help you could give 'em.
Clarion Star : Let's cut to the quick. Helping them earns you the aid of a powerful warrior of sorts, which can only help you in your travels.

You've given another set of options, which I didn't record but the top option was a confirmation to help Bastok out, which I chose.

Clarion Star : Bwahaha! Perfect response!
Clarion Star : If that's the case, let's get right to it. Before we go any further, let me give you this.
Clarion Star : Your first task of sorts is to speak with Naji of the Mythril Musketeers, in the Metalworks. He can guide you further.
Clarion Star : Do you know where it is? Just head up the staircase behind me and cross the bridge to the west. Someone in the markets just past there can guide you further.
Clarion Star : Take the lift up to the second floor, where you'll find him waiting by the staircase that leads to the president's office. No one across the land is as faithful or skilled a guard as he.

Obtained key item: Blue institute card.

Upon finding Naji in the Metalworks and talking to him, a cutscene starts:

Naji : This stupid thing is so damn complicated.
Naji : "Come on, Naji!" "It'll be easy, Naji!"
<Grumble> Why did I even agree to this?
Naji : Who exactly volunteered me, anyway?
Naji : And now I've got someone bothering me. What is it?

You hand Naji the Blue institute card.

Naji : By Altana! Someone has actually come to me about this "Trust" thing?
Naji : Taking the buffalo by the horns, are we? I suppose I can find some time in my busy schedule.
Naji : Let me be up front with you--I've got absolutely no idea how this works. They told me something about trust and friendship, but what exactly is that supposed to mean?
Naji : But if it works, you'll be able to summon an "alter ego" of me who'll fight by your side. And let's be honest--who better than me?
Naji : That's what I'm led to believe, anyway. Pretty amazing stuff!
Naji : But I don't know you from a crying street urchin, so it probably won't work. Tough luck, kid.
Naji : Iron Eater always called me dumb as a tree stump and simple as a wooden spear, but I'll have you know I am both complex and intricate!
Naji : So don't blame me if this fails. It's all on your head.
Naji : Now, concentrate, my compatriot! Focus on your feelings of trust and friendship!
Naji : If you won't believe in me, then believe in the fact that I believe in you!
Wait, what did I just say?

You concentrate, then kneel on one knee and begin what looks like the synthesis process. A glowing light emanates from between your focused hands, and suddenly there's another Naji standing there.

Naji : This is all that it took? That idiot Clarion Star gave such a long explanation "of sorts" that I was ready to stand here for hours and hours!

Naji 2 : But I'll be damned if this doesn't feel good. Let's try it out!

The duplicate Naji begins to walk away.

Naji : Hey, you little--get back here!!!
Naji : Phew! That could have ended very badly. At least I can control the thing.
Naji : Ha! Now I can guard two doors at the same time! Wait...why am I getting excited about that?
Naji 2 : I am the quintessential warrior, number five in the Mythril Musketeer hierarchy, and if I ever catch you referring to me as a doorman, I'll bite your head off!
Naji : Ugggh...this "doorman" thing hits a little too close to home.
Naji 2: I'm pumped and ready to go! Now, to catch Ayame and tell her how I really feel!
Naji : Gah!
I'm fine with this thing inheriting my many talents, but some things are better kept under wraps!
Naji : Now, to keep it from getting me into trouble!

The duplicate vanishes.

Naji : Congratulations on your tremendous success!
And before I forget, I've got to give this to you. You earned it, pal!
Naji : You can use it to summon an alter ego of the strongest Mythril Musketeer--me--at any time.
Naji : Give it a shake outside of town. Maybe North or South Gustaberg, for instance. I'm sure you'll be more than pleased with the result.
Naji : And far be it from me to confess my weakness...but I'm a bit curious as to whether it will actually work. Come back to me once you've tried it out.

You learned Trust: Naji!

Bastok Mission 1-1: The Zeruhn Report

Your first mission comes from one of the gate guards: venturing into Zeruhn Mines to retrieve a report from the overseer there. Once you talk to the overseer and retrieve the report, he tells you to take it to Naji in the Metalworks. Naji is standing outside the President's office. You give him the report, and he starts to say something but is interrupted by Lucius, who walks down the stairs from the office and asks Naji for the reports. Upon reading the reports, Lucius says, "So... more and more Galka are starting to believe in their Talekeeper's return. Naji: "The Talekeeper, sir? But I thought that was just some Galka myth, sir." Lucius: "If that were only true... I've received reports that the Talekeeper is already back amongst them. These reports... keep bringing them to me, Naji. We would not want to bother the president with such trivial matters." Lucius then turns to you and says you've done a good job, and keep up the good work. Naji is impressed - not many adventurers get the attention of Lucius.

Bastok Mission 1-2: A Geological Survey

For your second mission, you are charged with seeing Cid, the Chief Engineer who has a labratory in the Metalworks. Cid is a bit curt when you first talk to him, saying he is busy, but once he realizes you are the adventurer here for the mission, he calls over Raibaht (his Galka assistant), asking Raibaht to bring over the thingamajig. Raibaht does, but doesn't speak once he's next to Cid. Cid chides him for not speaking, and says, "If you don't quit that, I'm gonna start calling you 'Silent Mountain' or something!" Raibaht: "You would not, Chief. You are not like the others. That is why I work for you." Raibaht then returns to his post. Cid: "Sheesh... I like the guy--he works hard, he's thorough in his research and all--but if only he was a little more talkative, you know? Anyway, here's what I want you to do. Take this blue acidity tester to Dangruf Wadi near South Gastaberg. Try to find a place in the Wadi where this tester changes color." So you venture to Dangruf Wadi. The zone has some geysers that are powerful enough to lift you up in the air. Riding one of the geysers changes the tester from blue to red. Upon venturing back to town, you stop in the Tenshodo headquarters. Most of the Tenshodo tell you to scram, but Talib is slightly more friendly: Talib: Hmm? What's a rookie like you doing in here? Cornelia: Hey! Talib: Oh, no. Not you again... Cornelia: Parraggoh's already given you three out of the four you asked for? Why aren't you giving him his reward!? Talib: As I've said, business is business. Nothing personal. There's only one of these, and I can't give it to him unless he brings me the four he promised me. If you want to help him, go and bring me the last one. Cornelia: I told you I can't! Cornelia then turns to you. Cornelia: Hey, you look like... you're an adventurer, right? Can I ask you a favor? Can you go get me a chunk of zinc ore? I've heard that monsters in Gustaberg drop them. Thanks! Talib, this person will bring you the last one, okay? Talib: All right, that's fine by me. I don't know why anyone would bother helping a Galka, but... it's your life. Cornelia: Thanks! I'll see you! You then return to Cid in the Metalworks. Cid: Ah, you're back! Let's see it. Hmm... red, as I thought. And a very strong reaction, too. Then we should be able to use it... but we must make sure to minimize the ecological repercussions of such work... A man then walks into the lab. Volker: Busy as always, Chief? Cid: Volker, you old dog! When did you get back? Volker: Just recently, sir. I had business in the Metalworks today, so I thought I'd drop by. Cid: You must have some great stories to tell! Come on, out with them! Volker: Chief, were you not speaking to this person before I interrupted? Cid: Oh, right! Sorry. It's been a long time since he and I had a chance to talk. Volker: Let me introduce myself. I am Volker, captain of the Mythril Musketeers. You must be an adventurer... and new to Bastok too, are you not? I hope you do well. Bastok is in need of good people. Cid: Yeah, for your second mission, you've done very well. I'll tell the guard at the gatehouse myself. Volker: Well, I should be going. I will drop by again later, Chief. I mst go lend an ear to the president's gripes again. Cid: Come on, he needs support, especially from you. It might not look like it, but I"m sure he's doing his best. (Cid then turns to you.) Cid: I'm sorry to have kept you here so long. Thanks again, and good work. Oh, and I might need your help again soon, so stay in touch!

Bastok Mission 1-3: Fetichism

Your third mission comes from one of the gate guards, who says: "The Palborough Mines, once our main source of mythril, have been under beastman control for some time. We want you to hunt these beastmen, the Quadav, and bring back a Quadav fetich head, a Quadav fetich torso, a pair of Quadav fetich arms, and a pair of Quadav fetich legs as proof of your accomplishments. You must presentg all four items to me or one of my colleagues in order to complete the mission. If you turn the mission in to the Argus, the gate guard in Port Bastok, you get the following dialogue:

Argus: Good, you've brought all four parts of the doll. I am raising your rank to 2 for completing the mission. Congratulations. If you've been to the Palborough Mines, you must know now the serious nature of the threat these beastmen post to our civilization. As a Bastoker, you are expected to take on more missions and go on conquests to preserve Bastok's brilliant future! But I cannot give you a new mission at this time. You need to collect rank points before taking on new missions. You can receive rank points by participating in conquests and donating the crystals you acquare to guards, or by undertaking missions you've previously completed. Ask the High Guard near the gatehosue if you wish to hear more about conquests. Cid: I see you're working hard. Argue: Ch...Chief Cid! Cid: Oh, you don't have to go and be all formal. Have there been any changes around here? Argus: No sir! There has been an increase in the number of adventurers using the arship, as well as an all-around increase in exports, but no signs of any disturbances. Truly, Chief Cid's wonderful innovations have brought wealth and prosperity to the Port Distr-- Cid: Enough with the flattery! THat airship was just one invention, like many others. What we need to worry about is the unrest in the Mines District. I'm concerned that the trouble down there is going to spill over into Port Bastok. The escalation in activity around Norg also troubles me. Soon there will be airships going to the Outlands. Who knows what those adventurers will be up to when that starts? Ah, and what about the Steaming Sheep Restaurant? THat old place still doing fine? I mean... it's making money, right? There aren't any strange guys hanging around the propriestor... are there? Argus: Sir? I stop in every day after my duties are complete, and business seems decent as usual... Cid: Good... good. Forget what I said. (Cid walks away.) Argus: I wonder what's wrong with Chief Cid. Tiger Tooth: You mean you haven't heard? Cid's got the hots for the lady at the tavern. Word has it that she's a widow... Argus: Wow. Maybe Chief Cid's got a soft spot after all.

If you turn in the mission in the Bastok Markets district, you get the following dialogue:

Cleades: I am raising your rank to 2 for completing this mission. Congratulations. If you've been to the Palborough Mines, you must know now the serious nature of the threat these beastmen post to our civilization. As a Bastoker, you are expected to take on more missions and go on conquests to preserve Bastok's brilliant future! But I cannot give you a new mission at this time. You need to collect rank points before taking on new missions. You can receive rank points by participating in conquests and donating the crystals you acquare to guards, or by undertaking missions you've previously completed. Ask the High Guard near the gatehosue if you wish to hear more about conquests. Dalzakk: We have compelted our mission as well. Cleades: Oh, if it isn't Dalzakk. I see that you've made it home safely. Dalzakk: Did anything strange happen in the Mines DIstrict while I was away? I have a bad feeling about that place. Cleades: It's nothing official, but I did hear from a guard there that... (A young Galka runs up.) Gwill: Mister Dalzakk! Werei has... Werei has... Dalzakk: Werei has what, Gwill? Michea: It seems as if Werei has left on his journey of rebirth. Dalzakk: I see. We all knew this day would come eventually, but the Galka in the Mines District will still be sorrowful... Gwill: What should we do, Mister Dalzakk? Dalzakk: Keep calm, Gwill. You cannot live your life always depending on others. However, we are all worried. I will make preparations to set out again and investigate Werei's disappearance.

(Editor's note: the reason I knew about the difference in dialogue between zones was because I had a full inventory when I talked to the first guard, and couldn't complete the mission because of it. I offloaded some stuff on the Auction House and triggered the scene with a different guard. Was surprised to see the difference. I'd be interested to find out the dialogue if you talk to a guard in the Mines district instead.)