Opening Cutscene

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

You can talk to a gate guard at any of the entrances to Bastok to receive your first mission. I chose to talk to Rashid, in Bastok Mines.

Rashid : I am in charge of assigning missions to Bastokers who wish to serve their country. Are you one of them?
Rashid : Good. This is your first time going on a mission, is it not?
Rashid : Your first assignment is not a difficult one. The details are as follows:
Rashid : You must go to the Zeruhn Mines in the western section of the Mines District. Once there, you are to collect a report from the overseer.
Rashid : You can consult the ‡²Mission‡³ section of the main menu to review your objectives. Speed and efficiency are your priorities. Dismissed.

You have accepted the mission. There's several NPCs in Zeruhn Mines, and it took some trial and error to find the right one. First, I spoke with Gavergo, near the entrance to Korroloka Tunnel.

Gavergo : I keep tellin' the guard to let me into the Korroloka Tunnel, but he says it's off-limits to guys like me. I'm sure that a little bit of monetary persuasion'd change his mind.
Gavergo : That's a sacred place for us Galka. I can't believe that he'd let a Hume with a little cash pass, but force me to stay on this side.

Next, I spoke with Drake Fang, who's guarding the Tunnel entrance.

Drake Fang : Shipments of mythril used to be ferried to this dock from the Palborough Mines, but it's been closed off since the Quadav took Palborough.

Venturing just a bit further into the Mines, I ran across Alaric and Vorzill:

Alaric : Wh-what, you got a problem? There's plenty of work up here. Why should I go deeper into those creepy mines!?

Vorzill : Oi, an adventurer! Whatcha wasting time up here for? Go down there and rid us of some pesky monsters, why don'tcha?

Still further in is Rasmus:

Rasmus : Yeah, I'm a foreman, too, but you want Makarim. She's waiting for you with her report. You can find her deeper in the mines.

Finally, you find Makarim:

Makarim : Ah, you must be the courier. I've been expecting you. My report is ready.
Makarim : Be careful on your way out. Remember, you should give my report to Naji, one of the Mythril Musketeers on post at the President's Office.

Obtained key item: Zeruhn report.

The President's Office is upstairs in the Metalworks, which is accessbible from the Markets district.

Naji : This area is off-limits to...oh, you've brought the report from the Zeruhn Mines. I'll take that.
Naji : This was your first mission, wasn't it? Good work. Normally, we--

He breaks off as Lucius approaches.

Naji : Sir Lucius! How may I help you?

Lucius : Naji...you mentioned a report?

Naji : Yes, sir! This adventurer just brought the last one. I was going to bring them all to you later, sir.

Lucius : Show it to me.

Lucius : 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 among them.
Lucius : These reports...keep bringing them to me, Naji. We would not want to bother the president with such trivial matters.

Naji : Yes, sir!

Lucius : As for you, adventurer, you have done well. Bastok needs more people like you.

Naji : Wow! Not many people get to speak to Sir Lucius after their first mission. He must see something in you. Keep up the good work!

The mission ends.

Bastok Mission 1-2: A Geological Survey

To start this mission, talk to any gate guard. I spoke with Cleades in the Markets district.

Cleades : The Chief Engineer is conducting new research, and has asked for someone to assist him. He can be found in the Metalworks, to the east of the administrative section.
Cleades : The Chief Engineer's laboratory is on the second floor of the Metalworks. You don't know his name!? And you call yourself a Bastoker!
Cleades : The Chief Engineer's name is Cid. Any Bastoker would know that! Now go and see him. He will give you the details of your mission.

You have accepted the mission. Entering the laboratory, you notice a Galka working some machinery, with the Chief Engineer further in. You go up to Cid and speak with him.

Cid : Yeah, what do you want? I'm a little busy right now.
Cid : Hmm? Yeah, I'm Cid. Oh, you're here about the mission! Right, I was expecting you.
Cid : Hey, Raibaht! Bring the thingamajig over here.

The quiet Galka retrieves the "thingamajig" and comes over to where you and Cid are conversing. He stands there patiently while Cid continues speaking to you.

Cid : This is only your second mission, huh? Most of the young ones in Bastok don't have the guts to go adventuring, so I'm counting on you. Do your best, hear?
Cid : Well, this mission's not all that tough. You just have to go out...
Cid : ...Raibaht, old buddy, if you brought the thing, don't just stand there, say something!

Raibaht : ...I brought the thing.

Cid : Gah! If you don't quit that, I'm gonna start calling you ‡²Silent Mountain‡³ or something!

Raibaht : You would not, Chief. You are not like the others. That is why I work for you.

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?
Cid : Anyway, here's what I want you to do. Take this blue acidity tester to the Dangruf Wadi near South Gustaberg.
Cid : Try to find a place in the Wadi where this blue acidity tester changes color. That's all.
Cid : What is it for? Well, in order for you to understand, I'd have to give you some lessons on the accrual patterns of sediments in the Wadi and the formation of gas pockets in the soil...
Cid : ...You're getting a blank expression on your face. I know, I know, you didn't become an adventurer to study geology, right? Don't worry, it's nothing dangerous, so get going!

Obtained key item: Blue acidity tester.

You venture to Dangruf Wadi, home to lizards, hares, and goblins. Shortly inside is a small geyser. Standing on the geyser will propel you up the small cliff next to it--and, in the process, your your acidity tester red. You can now return to Cid in Bastok.

Cid : Ah, you're back! Let's see it. Hmm...red, as I thought. And a very strong reaction, too.
Cid : Then we should be able to use it...but we must make sure to minimize the ecological repercussions of such work...

Volker enters 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.
Volker : 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.
Volker : I must 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 : 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!

The mission ends.

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 present all four items to me or one of my colleagues in order to complete the mission."

Palborough Mines is in the northeast corner of North Gustaberg. Subduing the Quadav there will yield the drops you need. Note that they've also made it so Quadav elsewhere drop the items as well--I got several pieces while leveling in Konschtat Highlands.

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.

Argus: 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 completed 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.

If you turn the quest in to Rashid in the Mines district, you get the following dialogue:

Rashid : Good, you've brought all four parts of the doll. 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 pose 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 acquire to guards, or by undertaking missions you've previously completed. Ask the High Guard near the gatehouse if you wish to hear more about conquests.

Iron Eater approaches and speaks to you.

Iron Eater : Welcome back. How was your battle with the Quadav?

Rashid : S-Sir Iron Eater! What brings you to this area?

Iron Eater : So, what is the situation with the Mines District?

Rashid : Sir! Nothing out of the ordinary, sir!

Iron Eater : Spare me the textbook answers. That is not what I asked. You know what I speak of... The disappearance of Werei.

Rashid : Yes sir! I have heard that he was your mentor, and that he has undertaken his journey of rebirth... My condolences, S-- It is said that he took his life while on his journey of rebirth...

Iron Eater : I did not come here to be told what I already know! I am concerned with the fear of the residents along Ore street.

Rashid : Yes sir! My apologies, sir! We will double our efforts to gather any information.

Iron Eater : ...Understood. I apologize for my temper.

Rashid : For someone once known as the immovable rock, it is unusual to see him so angered...

Rashid : Once a Galka, always a Galka. I guess they have a bond that we Humes will never understand.

(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. When I made a new alt, I purposely turned the quest in at the Mines district for that cutscene.)

Mission 2-1: The Crystal Line

After raising your rank points by trading crystals, the Rank 2 missions become available.

Rashid : Have you heard of a strange structure called the Crag of Dem? It is on the Konschtat Highlands, north of the Gustaberg Mountains.
Rashid : They say that crystals are drained of their power if you take them to a certain section of that structure.
Rashid : Chief Cid is currently investigating this strange phenomenon, and is asking for someone to bring back a faded crystal.
Rashid : Go see him for a more detailed explanation of your objectives.
Rashid : You want a crystal to use for this experiment? Are you not an adventurer? It should be easy for you to procure one.

You head to the Metalworks, where you talk to Cid:

Cid : Ah, you've been assigned to investigate the faded crystals?
Cid : There are many strange phenomena associated with that place, as you've heard.
Cid : I've scanned that area and I've found there is a strong crystal resonance on a straight line between that structure and Jeuno.
Cid : For now, I'm calling it the Crystal Line...
Cid : Never mind, you're getting that blank expression on your face again. I'll skip the details.
Cid : There are three places near the structure where you can get faded crystals. They're shining, raised platforms called Telepoints.
Cid : Place a crystal on a Telepoint, and the crystal will be drained of its power. Do that, and bring back the faded crystal to me.
Cid : Oh, one more thing. To put the crystal on a Telepoint, use Trade.

You do as Cid asks, then return to him:

Cid : Ah, it's you. You remember what I asked you to do, right?
Cid : Good, you've brought back a faded crystal. As I thought, its pattern of deterioration is almost identical to the one found in Beadeaux...
Cid : <Sigh> I just don't know what to make of all the strange occurrences that have been happening lately...
Cid : I wonder if this has anything to do with the shattered Telepoint we discovered recently...
Cid : Hm? Oh, sorry. Just talking to myself. Good job. You can...wait, can I ask you to do something else for me?
Cid : Do you remember Volker? He came here when you were reporting the results of your first mission to me.
Cid : It would be best if you could deliver this to him personally, but he's a busy man and hard to find.
Cid : Give it to one of his Mythril Musketeers instead. Ayame and Naji should be on guard near the President's Office. Either one will do.

Obtained key item: C. L. report.

(I opted to give the report to Ayame, even though she's further away, in a small barracks behind the President's Office.)

Ayame : You have a letter from the Chief Engineer? May I see it?
Ayame : This is a report on the investigation of the Crystal Line. It is addressed to our captain... This might mean our company is moving out soon.
Ayame : Thank you for bringing this to me. Your presence is very much appreciated. The Chief is a little busy these days to do such chores himself.
Ayame : I must ask you one thing, though. Why did you bring this to me, and not Naji? He is also a Mythril Musketeer, and posted closer to the entrance.

(You're given a few responses to choose from. I chose the one that said Ayame seemed more trustworthy.

Ayame : Thank you for the compliment. Mythril Musketeers are supposed to be reliable, but I wasn't sure if I could fit the role. Well, at least I do a little bit more than Naji.
Ayame : You're very perceptive; I like that in an adventurer. I guess I'll be seeing you around a lot more.

The mission ends.

Mission 2-2: Wading Beasts

(Wading Beasts is an optional mission but I did it for completeness' sake.)

Rashid : You are to collect a lizard egg from beasts in the Dangruf Wadi.
Rashid : Senator Alois is in need of some. Do not ask me why. He can be found in the President's Office.

You have accepted the mission.

(You can buy lizard eggs off the Auction House, but I chose to farm one myself in Dangruf Wadi. Once you acquire the egg, head to the Metalworks, where you find Senator Alois in a chamber off of the President's Office.)

Alois : Good senators like myself take time to listen to the pleas of the masses, unlike our young and inept president.
Alois : Oooh! You've brought me a lizard egg! I just love these cooked--
Alois : Uh...I mean, this is very important to the safety of Bastok, yes! It's imperative that you do not tell anyone you've brought this to me!
Alois : You have proven yourself to be a great patriot! I will be following your career with great interest.

Iron Eater : Senator, sir...you still haven't handed in your orders regarding--

Alois : Iron Eater! Wh-what are you doing here!? I am in the middle of a very important--

Iron Eater : Lizard eggs again, sir?

Alois : How did you know? Uh...I mean, get out! It's going to spoil if I don't cook it--

Iron Eater : <Sigh> Bon appetit, sir. Just hand in the papers to one of the Musketeers as soon as you're done.
Iron Eater : Tell me...do you not sometimes wonder if these missions are truly worth your time?

(You're given a few options of responses, which I don't have record of. I chose the option agreeing with Iron Eater.)

Iron Eater : Hah hah hah. You are an honest one. But it is not something you should say to a Mythril Musketeer, especially when you are near the President's Office.
Iron Eater : Either way, there is no question that you have done a great deal for the prosperity of Bastok, and that you will in the future as well.
Iron Eater : I must try to do the same...

Mission 2-3: The Emissary

(After trading enough crystals, Mission 2-3: The Emissary becomes available from the gate guards.)

Cleades : You've acquired quite a reputation. There is a new mission for you to tackle.
Cleades : First, speak to Sir Naji of the Mythril Musketeers at the President's Office. This mission is of great import to the welfare of our nation.

You have accepted the mission.

(You find Naji in his usual spot, guarding the stairs to the President's Office on top of the Metalworks.)

Naji : Good to see you again. I hear you're going overseas.
Naji : Usually, I would be giving you your orders, but this time, the president's aide wants to meet with you in person.
Naji : I don't know if the missions you've been on so far were tough for you...
Naji : But this time, I'm sure it's going to be a real challenge.
Naji : I mean, you're going to have to go to both San d'Oria and Windurst...
Naji : It's not like going somewhere nearby, like Gustaberg or the Konschtat Highlands. You'll have to travel by sea, too.
Naji : This is the President's Room. Remember to be polite.
Naji : (Oh, and make sure you don't say anything that might offend him... He's really touchy.)

Lucius : Ah, we have been expecting you. I remember meeting you after your first mission. Let me introduce you. This is Sir Karst--

Karst : President Karst. That is how you will address me.
Karst : Lucius, what was that about a first mission?

Lucius : The report from the Zeruhn Mines, sir. About the Talekeeper--

Karst : Hmph. Those Galka again. I was not informed you had met with the messenger, Lucius.

Lucius : I did not feel it was necessary to bother you with such trivial matters, sir.

Karst : President, Lucius.

Lucius : My apologies. I am sorry for not having informed you about the Galka, Mister President.

Karst : No matter. Here are your orders.
Karst : As you know, there are three other nations aside from our own in Vana'diel. The Kingdom of San d'Oria, the Federation of Windurst, and the Grand Duchy of Jeuno.

Karst : Jeuno is still professing neutrality, so I want you to go to San d'Oria and Windurst.
Karst : It does not matter which you go to first, as long as you go to both. I will give you a letter of introduction, which you will present to the consuls in both nations. Any questions?

(I asked why I was being sent.)

Karst : Why? Officially, to promote friendship between our nations. In reality, to investigate the internal state of those countries, and also to train you.
Karst : Any other questions?

(Next, I asked what I should do when I arrive in the other nations.)

Karst : The consuls in each country will tell you. Don't worry, we are not asking you to spy--the jobs you will be given will benefit those countries as much as ours.
Karst : Any other questions?

(I said I had no other questions.)

Karst : Good. Lucius, the letter.

Lucius : This is your letter of introduction. Present it to the consuls and they will give you further instructions.

Karst : Those are your orders. Depart quickly. You are dismissed.

Naji : So, how did it go? Did the president nag at you?
Naji : I still can't believe that Chief Cid actually backed that guy during the elections...
Naji : Oops. You didn't hear me say that, okay? I gotta go. Good luck on your mission!

Obtained key item: Letter to the consuls.

You have your choice which city-state to visit first. I chose to go to San d'Oria. Once you arrive in San d'Oria, you need to go to the Northern portion and visit the Bastokan Consulate there. Once there, you talk to the receptionist guarding the desk.

Baraka : You're here with business from the administration, correct? You should probably talk to Consul Helaku.

The inner door to the Consul's office opens, and a young woman dressed in yellow with flaming red hair exits. She's talking as she walks.

Lion : Really? You don't say... Thank you.

She turns and spots you.

Lion : You've come all the way from Bastok, have you? I'm Lion, a traveling adventurer, you might say.
Lion : Have you heard? The Orcs have a new forward base in Ghelsba, to the northwest. Now their greedy eyes are turned towards this land!
Lion : Orcs are cruel and violent. They attack wayfarers on the road, and steal children, all to inspire terror in the San d'Orian people.
Lion : But, there's one thing that just doesn't make sense.
Lion : Orcs never were known for their craft, but they carry even better armor and weapons lately.
Lion : I suspect there's someone behind the Orcs, pulling the strings, if you get me.
Lion : Someone has to figure out their plans and take action, before this country falls to an Orcish invasion!
Lion : People whisper in the streets of trouble in the royal house. They should focus on what's outside their walls first, if you ask me.
Lion : Well, I don't expect things will be getting any easier around here for a while yet, but you take care, all the same.

Lion leaves, and you enter the Consul's office.

Helaku : Hello there. I'm the consul from Bastok. Name's Helaku.
Helaku : You must be tired from your trip. But first, let me get you up to speed on the situation here in San d'Oria.
Helaku : Northwest of the city is an Orc village. They call it Ghelsba Outpost.
Helaku : Our reports tell us that the Orcs are using Ghelsba as a forward base for an upcoming invasion of San d'Oria, but there's a few things that just don't fit.
Helaku : We all know that Orcs are beastmen, right? To say they're low on brains would be an understatement.
Helaku : Which is why I wonder how they came by the high-quality armor and weapons they've been using. Not to mention the ranged weapons and devices!
Helaku : We suspect there's someone behind the beastmen calling the shots, but we've no idea who.
Helaku : I wish I could send you to Ghelsba immediately, but in this region official missions require San d'Orian approval.
Helaku : What I want you to do is go to Chateau d'Oraguille and speak to Monarlais Halver. He'll issue you a formal mission order.
Helaku : Leave this building, and you'll see a great fortress to the right. That's Chateau d'Oraguille. And be polite; San d'Orians can be quite touchy.

You enter the Chateau and speak with Halver.

Halver : An adventurer from Bastok, are you? Well, you have my respect for coming all the way here.
Halver : But know you this: our Kingdom of San d'Oria has no intention of showing a friendly facade to either Bastok or Windurst.
Halver : How you classless mobs could ever think to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Elvaan is, frankly, beyond me.
Halver : Yet on you come--impertinent stuttering shrimps, lumbering ore-heads, purring fur-balls! It's simply unacceptable.
Halver : But, enough of that...
Halver : Here is your mission: infiltrate Ghelsba Outpost, northwest of San d'Oria.
Halver : In the middle of the Ghelsba camps is a place called the highland encampment. We want you to defeat the camp head, a "Warchief Vatgit."
Halver : You'll find the encampment a little ways into Ghelsba. Go in, cross the river, and you'll see the camps up on a ridge to the east.
Halver : When you've finished, if you aren't Orc fodder, report back to your own consulate. We don't take kindly to foreigners loitering around the chateau, if you get my meaning.
Halver : The Orcs aren't so much of a problem that the Kingdom need worry about sending out knights. Let the adventurers clean them up for pocket change--that is our policy.

You follow Halver's instructions on how to find the encampment, and there confront Warchief Vatgit. Once you succeed in defeating the Warchief, you return to your consulate as directed.

Baraka : Welcome to the Consulate of Bastok.

Helaku : Welcome back! You didn't get hurt, did you?
Helaku : Monarlais Halver tells me you went to defeat Warchief Vatgit, eh?
Helaku : A lot of adventurers make their way into the Ghelsba Outpost, but most turn around once they get up to the higher encampment.
Helaku : Well, you've done a great job. As consul, I'm honored to congratulate you on a mission well done.
Helaku : I'll be sure San d'Oria makes you a certified adventurer, Amalberga.
Helaku : Now that that's settled, your next goal is Windurst! It's a wild world out there, so keep your wits about you.

As directed, you head to Windurst next, and seek out Bastok's Consulate.

Josef : Hiya! This is the Consulate of Bastok. It's a little piece of Bastok that's like an oasis in the midst of Windurst.

Ada : Oh, you have some business with Consul Melek? Then please head into her office through that door there.

You enter the inner office.

Melek : I am Melek, the consul of Bastok.
I trust you had a safe sail here?
Melek : So, you are Amalberga...?
I heard about your activities in San d'Oria and am expecting great things from you here too.
Melek : Well then, we should get straight to the matter at hand. Gold Skull, why don't you start by informing our fair citizen here about what the mission involves?

Gold Skull : Allow me to explain...
Gold Skull : The mission from our comrades in Windurst entails the extermination of a giant monster that appeared in the depths of Giddeus, the borderland to the theocracy of the Yagudo beastmen.
Gold Skull : You are to receive a key from Heavens Tower in the Windurst Walls district, and head to the innermost part of Giddeus.
Gold Skull : Your orders are to then defeat the heinous beast that lurks there.

Melek : You look perplexed.
Yes, well, I guess if you put it frankly, you are protecting a pack of Yagudo beastmen from a ferocious monster.
Melek : You see...in order to maintain the peace of their country, the Windurstians have formed amicable relations with the Yagudo.
Melek : But, as you've probably realized, it's hard to call their relationship amicable when you witness the outrageous behavior of the Yagudo.
Melek : But, in order to maintain the trust of Windurst, we have to participate in this preposterousness.
Melek : Well, good luck with your mission. I look forward to hearing of your success.

You next head for Heavens Tower, situated on an island in the middle of Windurst Walls. There, you speak with Kupipi.

Kupipi : Miss...Amalberga, is it?
I have received a repo~rt on your mission. You are the adventurer from Bastok who will be helping us today.
Kupipi : The Yagudo in Giddeus have a problem. A te~rrible monster has appeared deep within their caves.
Kupipi : Your mission is to travel a~ll the way to Giddeus and help the Yagudo rid themselves of this beast.
Kupipi : Here is the key you will need to get into the deeper-weeper parts of the Yagudo's dwellings.
Kupipi : Giddeus is a sca~ry-wary place. You would never catch me going there... Well, have a nice trip!

Obtained key item: Dark key.

You make your way to Balga's Dais, a burning circle deep within Giddeus. As you start the battle, a floating eye-type monster appears and speaks.

Searcher : Heh-heh-heh... I'm so glad you could come.
I didn't realize that little rumor I spread would be so effective.
Searcher : Yes, I'm the "ferocious monster" you were told about...
One who will rally the beastman hordes on a grand campaign to rid the world of you and your kind!

Semih Lafihna : "Rrrally t
he beastman hordes"?
Almost sounds as if you're planning to wage another Crystal War!
Searcher : Heh-heh-heh. I see you catch on quick.
Searcher : The day of reckoning will come, and the beastmen will be the ones to rule this world!
Not that you'll be there to see it...
Searcher : Because you'll already be dead!
Searcher : Arise, Wyrm of Darkness, Devourer of Light!
I command you! Smite my enemies where they stand!

Semih Lafihna : A spatial distorrrtion...?
This can only mean...!?
Semih Lafihna : A...a drrragon?
Semih Lafihna : Phew. Heh-heh...
I knew it couldn't have been old you-know-who.
I was getting carried away therrre.
Semih Lafihna : Hah! Is this all you can musterrr?
...Your pet drrragon?
Semih Lafihna : Hm...? Here come the reinforrrcements.
Looks like they'll be able to handle this.
I have more pressing matters than dealing with the likes of these.
I'll leave it in theirrr hands.

"The reinforcements" would be you and your party. The battle is fierce, but you manage to defeat them.

Searcher : This...this cannot be!
Me, defeated...by these weaklings!?

Lion enters the battlefield.

Lion : Oops, I guess I missed the show.
Lion : Hey, wait a minute. This dragon...
Lion : No doubt about it, it's a nether beast from the Northlands!
What's it doing here!?
Lion : Their kind haven't been seen ever since the Shadow Lord was destroyed and the Northlands sealed...
Lion : To see one here, with the beastmen, it's as if...

Searcher : The Shadow Lord will soon be brought back to this world.
I was merely making preparations for His return...

Lion : What!?
Who are you!?

Searcher : I am Searcher, a servant of the Shadow Lord.
The "Great Hero" that saved you twenty years ago is gone--none has the power to defeat Him now.
Searcher : While your peoples were busy squabbling with each other, we have been preparing for His return.
Searcher : And when He comes...He will destroy you all!
Searcher : Enjoy your lives...while they last...
Foolish...weaklings... Hah hah...hah...
Eye-eye-e~ye...!

Lion : The Shadow Lord...is coming back...
There's going to be another war...
Lion : Our days will be filled with hatred and sorrow once more...
Lion : Amalberga! You should head back to your country.
And don't forget to report what happened here!
If it's true the Shadow Lord is being resurrected, we can expect great trouble to follow!
Lion : I've got to get going.
I hope to see you around again someday, Amalberga.

Obtained key item: Kindred crest.

You return to Melek at the Bastokan Consulate.

Melek : ...!
The Shadow Lord...!?
Melek : Wait a moment...
I'll need you to rush back to the homeland.
Melek : Here... You understand what you must do? Take this report to the President's Office in Bastok.
Melek : On your way.
Please hurry to Bastok!

Obtained key item: Kindred report.

You hurry home to Bastok and enter the Metalworks. Making your way to the President's Office, you stop to speak with Naji at his usual post.

Naji : Wow! You've been to San d'Oria and Windurst already?
Let me escort you to the President's Office.
Naji : So, how was it?
Did the Orcs in Ghelsba or the Yagudo in Giddeus give you any trouble?
Naji : Man, I envy you. I'm a Mythril Musketeer, but all they make me do is stand guard at that door.
Naji : Captain Volker and Iron Eater get all the good missions, and Ayame always puts me down...
Naji : I'm a Mythril Musketeer, the cream of the crop!
Why do I have to do guard duty? It's just not fair...

Karst : Then perhaps I should order you to sweep the Quadav from Palborough...single-handedly.

Naji : M-Mister President!

Karst : Go back to your post, Naji.
That is an order.
Karst : Report. What have you learned of Windurst and San d'Oria?

You're given a series of options to choose from. Alas, I did not record what those options were before I chose them. The editor apologizes for her omission.

Karst : Oh, did you have a pleasant trip, then?
Bah! Do you mock me, adventurer? Tell me of the other nations, now!
Karst : Do you have anything else to report?
Karst : Hmph. So they are still trapped in their foolish traditions.
They are no better than the Orcs they fight with.
Karst : Do you have anything else to report?
Karst : Hmph. Then it would be foolish to expect any help from those cowards in fighting the beastmen...
Karst : Do you have anything else to report?
Karst : You mean that someone is leading the beastman hordes, then?
Karst : Lucius. Speak with Volker about this, and come back when you have a plan to deal with this situation.
And do not forget to watch the Quadav.
Karst : I have spared you all the time I can.
Lucius, stay and see what sense you can make of this--and do spare me all the trivial details when you report to me.

Lucius : Tell me more of what you have learned about the beastmen, please.
Lucius : I see... It does seem like there is someone controlling their movements.
But who could be powerful enough to unite those unruly hordes...?
Lucius : Good work.
We will probably ask you to undertake another important mission in a few days.
Lucius : The president, despite his harsh words, values you highly and will expect you to do well. As do I.

Obtained key item: Adventurer's Certificate.

Bastok Mission 3-1: The Four Musketeers

You accept the mission from a gate guard, who tells you to seek out Iron Eater.

Iron Eater : Ah, you must be the adventurer who is to join us on our mission. I have heard much about you.
Iron Eater : We would like to hold a briefing soon. You will be allowed time to prepare for the mission afterwards, but the briefing might take a bit of time. Are you ready now?
Iron Eater : Good. Come with me.
Iron Eater : Hold, Milady!
Where are you going!?

Cornelia : Oh, hi!
Don't mind me, I'm just going to the Mines District!

Iron Eater : Again? We Mythril Musketeers cannot chaperone you every time you decide to go on these excursions...

Cornelia : I know, that's why I'm going by myself! Don't worry, I'll be fine!
Bye!

Iron Eater : No, wait--
Drat!

Naji : Hey, where's she going?

Iron Eater : "Where's she going"!?
You, sir, were stationed to stop her!

Naji : But...but...

Ayame : No talking back to senior Musketeers, Naji--or should I call you, "Number Five"?

Naji : Urgh...
Naji : Come on, get in!

You enter the office.

Volker : Thank you all for coming on such short notice.
Here is your mission: You are to mount an assault on the Quadav stronghold in Beadeaux.
Volker : Be forewarned that this is only to be a limited strike.
Your main objectives are to coordinate tactics with experienced adventurers, and to familiarize yourselves with the local terrain.
Volker : As you see, some of our good adventuring friends have agreed to join the Musketeers on this operation.
Volker : Number Four, Ayame, planned this operation, so she will be in charge.
Volker : Number Five, Naji, will be assisting her.
All of you are to follow their orders during the operation.
Ayame, if you please?

Ayame : First, we are to rendezvous in Beadeaux, near the entrance to the Quadav stronghold.
Your targets are the Copper Quadav in charge of perimeter defense.
Ayame : Each of you are to defeat twenty Copper Quadav.
Once you have accomplished this objective, you are to disperse and retreat, then regroup at the entrance once again.

Naji : Don't forget, the rendezvous point is right inside Beadeaux!
Nobody get lost, now!

Iron Eater : You should talk. You'd even get lost in your own Mog House.

Volker : Once you are prepared, waste no time going to the rendezvous point.
Dismissed.

You travel to Beadeaux, and meet the others just inside the stronghold.

Ayame : Is everyone here, then?
We are in Beadeaux, near the Quadav stronghold.
Ayame : Our mission targets are the Copper Quadav, and only the Copper Quadav. We must eliminate twenty of them each, then retreat and regroup at the rendezvous point.
Ayame : We will disperse and attack from different sides to prevent the enemy from setting up an effective defense.
Ayame : As soon as you've achieved your mission goals, disengage and regroup in the Pashhow Marshlands, in the area just beyond this exit.

Naji : All right! Come and get me, Coppers!

Ayame : Do not follow his example, please...
Let us begin. Good hunting!

You defeat your required amount of Copper Quadav, and then exit Beadeaux to the rendezvous point in Pashhow Marshlands.

Ayame : Good. You have all done well.
We seem to be only missing Naji...
Ayame : Damn him, why is he always like this!?

Naji : Hey, guys!
Wait till you hear what I did!
Ayame : You are late!
You almost compromised our retreat!
Everyone was worried you might be injured!

Naji : I'm sorry, it's been a while since I got to bash on real enemies, so I couldn't just leave without getting some extra--

Ayame : This mission's over! You may each go back to Bastok at your own leisure. I will report our success to the captain. Dismissed.

Naji : W-wait, you're not angry at me, are you?

Hani : It may not seem so, but those two truly are great warriors.
Hani : They are both the youngest people to become Mythril Musketeers ever.
It almost seemed like this mission was a tedious chore to them.

Dalzakk : It seemed to me that this mission's objective was to test us adventurers, in order to select the best of us for a greater task...

Mission complete!

Bastok Mission 3-2: To the Forsaken Mines

(Editor's note: this mission is optional, but was done for completeness.)

Cleades : The Gusgen Mines in the Konschtat Highlands have been dug to the bare rock and abandoned for some time...
Cleades : But lately, there have been reports that a rare ore can be found in them.
No one has claimed this new vein yet.
Cleades : You are to bring back a sample of the ore to confirm these reports. A Galka adventurer named Davyad should be able to help you. He is said to have acquired a chunk of the ore when he was there last.
Cleades : The item that Davyad brought back was a chunk of glocolite. That is what you should seek as well.
Once you have the ore, hand them over to me or one of my colleagues.

You have accepted the mission. You can seek out Davyad in the Mines district for more information about how to obtain the ore.

Davyad : What? The Gusgen Mines?
Oh, you want to know about glocolite.
Davyad : I should warn you, it's not worth the risk.
But you're on official business, right?
Davyad : There are pools of groundwater in those mines. A special monster lives in one of them, but you'll have to lure it out.
Davyad : Trade some bait to a special spot on the ground, and it'll come.
Davyad : It likes slices of hare meat, so use one of those. All you have to do is defeat it and you'll get your chunk of glocolite.
There are a lot of rivers there, mind you, but only one spot where it appears. Anyway, good luck!

You travel to the Gusgen Mines and find the pool. The bait works, and you kill the monster to obtain the ore. You then return to Bastok and speak with a gate guard to complete the mission.

Rashid : You have succeeded in bringing back a chunk of glocolite.
Good work, adventurer. This discovery may help rejuvenate Bastok's economy!
Rashid : Sir Iron Eater!

Iron Eater : Have you found anything?
What is the situation in the Mines District?

Rashid : Sir!
We continued our investigation into the state of the Galka in the Mines District and found that there is definitely a feeling of unrest among most inhabitants of the area. However, we feel that it has not escalated into a problematic situation.

Iron Eater : Understood...

A young Galka named Detzo speaks up then.

Detzo : I can't believe it. Mister Iron Eater, how can you trust what that Hume is saying?
Detzo : Don't you see? You're our only hope!
We have no Talekeeper, no dark knight, no Werei to help us work things out... Only you!
Detzo : And what about Gumbah? He tries to act as if nothing happened, but I can tell he's really feeling down.

Iron Eater : I see...
You and Gumbah may not know this, but Gumbah and Werei were good friends in their former lives.
Iron Eater : Gumbah set out on his journey of rebirth before Werei did, but even with the loss of his memories, something drew him back to this town.
Iron Eater : And so began their strange new relationship.
So of course these new developments with Werei cannot be easy for Gumbah.

Detzo : I didn't know...

Iron Eater : A mere Musketeer like myself is limited in the things he can do.
However, I give you my word I will do anything I can to make things right.

Mission complete!

Bastok Mission 3-3: Jeuno

This mission becomes available after trading a sufficient amount of crystals to a Conquest Overseer. Talk to a gate guard to start the mission.

Rashid : You have heard of Jeuno, have you not? The Bastokan government is currently looking for someone to send there, and your name is on the list of candidates.
Rashid : The presidential aide, Sir Lucius himself, recommended you. It is a great honor--you should be proud!
Rashid : Sir Lucius wishes to see you as soon as possible. Go meet him in his office in the administrative section at the top of the Metalworks.

You have accepted the mission. You go to the Metalworks and find Lucius.

Lucius : Ah, you are here. Good.
Lucius : You must have heard this already, but we need someone reliable to take on missions centered around our embassy in Jeuno.
Lucius : I've talked to both the president and Captain Volker, and it is our unanimous opinion that you are the only person adequate for the task.
Lucius : We will give you a letter of introduction, which you will present at our embassy in Jeuno to receive further instructions.
Lucius : Hans, the letter.

Hans : Yes, sir. Here you go.

Lucius : Good luck.
I am counting on you.

Obtained key item: Letter to the ambassador.

You travel to Jeuno, up to Ru'Lude Gardens at the top of the city. There, you find the Bastokan Embassy.

Goggehn : Welcome to the Bastokan Embassy. Is there something we can help you with?
Goggehn : Oh, it's you, Amalberga... The administration gave us word of your coming.
Goggehn : Unfortunately, the ambassador isn't in right now.
Goggehn : You know where Delkfutt's Tower is, right? The ambassador's out investigating the area, but I think he's coming back soon.

One of Jeuno's guards, enters the embassy.

Wolfgang : Good day.

Goggehn : Why, Lord Wolfgang! What brings you here?

Wolfgang : I seek audience with your ambassador.

Goggehn : Oh, yeah? Well, he's out investigating Delkfutt's Tower.

Wolfgang : Delkfutt's Tower? What kind of investigation is it?
Wolfgang : I would ask your ambassador to avoid such dangerous places... Or is it by order of your nation?

An Elvaan doctor now enters the embassy as well.

Monberaux : Excuse me... Is the ambassador in residence?

Wolfgang : Monberaux! What business have you here?

Monberaux : Wolfgang. How have you been?
Monberaux : The ambassador has a rare affliction, and it's time for a checkup.

Wolfgang : I say this to you as a friend... Keep a safe distance from foreign dignitaries.

Monberaux : I've told you before that diseases know no borders. Every patient needs a doctor; nationality and status matter not.

Wolfgang : Hmph. You haven't changed a bit, have you? You should take special care, my friend, lest you come to regret it.
Wolfgang : Advise your ambassador against these careless adventures. I shall return later. Good day.

Wolfgang leaves.

Monberaux : Hmm...
Monberaux : Well, I can't give checkups without a patient. Please convey how sorry I was to miss the ambassador, and that I'll call again later.

Monberaux leaves as well.

Goggehn : Wolfgang's the captain of the guard for Archduke Kam'lanaut. Say, I wonder what he wanted with His Excellency...
Goggehn : Hey, I know! You can go to Delkfutt's Tower and tell us how he's doing. Not too shabby for your first assignment, huh?
Goggehn : I hear that place is crawling with fiends! Be sure to gear up in town. And don't even think of going solo, either.
Goggehn : I know you've served your country well, so I'm confident you'll do fine. Go get 'em, soldier!

Delkfutt's Tower is found in Qufim, the region north of Jeuno. You travel there and enter the Tower and begin your search for the ambassador. You climb up the ten floors of the tower, fighting Gigas, goblins and bats as you progress. On the tenth floor, you encounter Porphyrion, a large Gigas Notorious Monster. Once you vanquish him, he drops a key.

There's an elevator nearby, which you take back down. Making your way into the basement of the tower, you encounter a locked door. The key opens it. You enter the large basement room. Taking one of the offshoot tunnels, you find your ambassador in distress.

Altair : Un... Ungh...
Altair : Who are you? Not an enemy, at any rate.
I'm glad you found me.
I am ambassador Altair from Bastok.
Altair : What? You were sent on a mission for the embassy...?
I see. My apologies...if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have had to come to such a dangerous place.
Altair : I should never have let my guard down...I was struck from behind, and the next thing I knew, I woke up here.
I shudder to think at what would have happened to me if you hadn't come.
Altair : This place is dangerous...but not only because of the monsters. I sense something more ominous in the air...
Altair : In any case, we should get out of here as soon as possible.
I can find my way out. Come meet me at the embassy when you can.

You return to Jeuno and enter the Bastokan Embassy.

Goggehn : Welcome back! The ambassador's returned, and can't wait to see you. Step on into his office.

Altair : So, there you are.
Altair : Thank you so much for braving the dangers and finding me. I'm very thankful. Now, let's get down to business...
Altair : I hereby assign you, Amalberga, to the post of attachˆi of the Embassy to Jeuno.
Altair : Do all you can for your country and her friendship with Jeuno.
Altair : You know, there's a certain special task you may be interested in later. Now is not the time, but I'll keep you in mind.

The mission is completed.

Bastok Mission 4-1: Magicite

Speaking with the embassy secretary after the previous mention will yield the following info:

Goggehn : For now, the administration needs your help in the conquest and security of the regions bordering Jeuno.

This is your clue to trade crystals from high-level battles to one of the Conquest Overseers. Jeuno has Overseers in each district for your convenience. Once you trade enough crystals so your rank bar is nearly full, you can return to the embassy.

Goggehn : The ambassador wants you for a special operation. Get to the briefing, pronto!

Altair : Thanks for volunteering, Amalberga.
Altair : According to a message we received from the Court of Jeuno, they want someone for a special mission.
Altair : At Delkfutt's Tower, you demonstrated bravery above and beyond the call of duty. That's why I want you to spearhead this mission.

Goggehn : This kind of thing is a great honor, Amalberga. I'm sure you'll gain the archduke's trust.

Altair : That's the spirit!

Goggehn : Here's an archducal audience permit.

Altair : Our reputation with Jeuno depends on you. Don't let us down.

You accept the mission.
Obtained key item: Archducal audience permit.

You enter the Archducal estate and go up the stairs to the audience chamber, where you hand your permit to a guard, who lets you into the chamber.

Sitting before you is a stylish man with flowing blond hair. He's sitting casually with one leg crossed lazily over the other.

Kam'lanaut : So, you're the new attaché.
Kam'lanaut : I am Kam'lanaut, Archduke of Jeuno. I'd like your nation's help with a certain matter.

Eald'narche : Oh, a visitor?

Eald'narche appears to be a child, and from his looks, is related to Kam'lanaut.

Eald'narche : Hello there. My name's Eald'narche. Pleased to meet ya.

Kam'lanaut : This is my brother. Don't let him bother you.
Kam'lanaut : Now, let us get down to business. I summoned you here for a certain mission. Have you heard word of the Shadow Lord?

Eald'narche : My sources tell me that beastmen in Davoi, Beadeaux, and Castle Oztroja are conspiring to return him to Vana'diel.

Kam'lanaut : They seek to do so by harnessing the power of mysterious stones called magicite.
Kam'lanaut : To stop their nefarious plan, I want you to go to those three places and seize that magicite.
Kam'lanaut : Of course, I intend to reward you for a task of this magnitude. I will issue an airship pass upon receipt of the three magicite.
Kam'lanaut : With it, you can swiftly travel home, or to any civilized land, for that matter.

Eald'narche : So they're after magicite, are they? I wonder what this means... Take extra special care. The thought of a world under the control of the beastmen makes me shudder.
Eald'narche : I bet the beastmen have traps waiting. First, you've got to find out as much as you can.

Kam'lanaut : Eald'narche speaks the truth. Start by finding out what you can in town. I'm counting on you!

Mawl'gofaur : A moment, please.

The person speaking to you is robed, with a hood covering their face.

Mawl'gofaur : By the order of His Grace, we have decided to seek the assistance of the Tenshodo, the organization run by that Aldo fellow.
Mawl'gofaur : This secret dispatch outlines our wishes. Would you be so kind as to deliver it to him?
Mawl'gofaur : He is a man of many talents. It would be wise to seek his acquaintance. Good luck!

Obtained key item: Letter to Aldo.

If you have not already done so, you will need to join the Tenshodo at this time. The Tenshodo are a group of smugglers and who otherwise work with the black market. The simplest way to join is to buy an invite off the Auction House or obtain an invite from another player, and present it to the Mithra at the front desk. Once you have access, you can enter the inner chambers and find Aldo in his office.

Aldo : So you're the new diplomatic attaché. What, you've got a secret message from the archduke? Well, let me see it.
Aldo : I see. Thanks for getting this to me. It says I'm supposed to tell you about magicite.
Aldo : Magicite is found deep inside Castle Oztroja, Davoi, and Beadeaux. But those places are thick with beastmen, and those beastmen are quite cunning.
Aldo : You'll need this to get inside Beadeaux.

Verena : Aldo...

Verena, a young woman, enters the office.

Aldo : What is it, Verena? Can't you see I have a guest?

Verena : I know. That's what it's about.
Verena : I heard that the archduke has made a statement...

Aldo : He's ordered all beastmen out of Jeuno. He must not think it's safe to have them around anymore.

Verena : What? I think those creeps in the palace are a lot worse than any beastmen we have here!
Verena : It's like they're wearing masks...you can't tell what they're thinking. And their eyes are like cold stones. You're not gonna follow that order, are you?

Aldo : Well, I know how you feel, but with beastmen on the rampage out there, you can't blame people for feeling jittery about the ones in here.
Aldo : You've heard about all that, haven't you?

Verena : Yeah, I've heard. But the beastmen in town haven't ever hurt anybody!

Aldo : I know that, Verena... But I don't think the average Jeunoan would agree.

Verena : No...

Aldo : Maybe it's the wise thing to do. You know, taking action before things get out of hand.
Aldo : Well, I'll see if I can think up a better alternative. Don't worry. I'd be the last guy to chase them out of town.

Verena : Okay. You promised, remember!

Fickblix : Verena...

A goblin enters the room.

Aldo : Oh!

Verena : Fickie!
Verena : Fickie... Are you all right?

Fickblix : That's a weird thing to ask. I'm always all right. How about you? You look pale!

Verena : Oh, um... No. No, I'm fine.

Fickblix : Oh, all right. Well, let's get going!

Verena : Um, okay.

Obtained key item: Silver bell.

Stationed outside Aldo's office is a Tarutaru, whom you speak to next.

Sattal-Mansal : Wait, so all you got from Aldo was a silver bell? Kinda stingy-winjy of him, don't you think?
Sattal-Mansal : There's a place in Beadeaux where you need a coruscant rosary and a black matinee necklace just to get in. If you want, we can try to hook you up.
Sattal-Mansal : Tell you what. I'll trade you a coruscant rosary for a Quadav charm, and I'll let you have a black matinee necklace if you find me a Quadav augury shell.

The Quadav items drop from two Notorious Monsters in Beadeaux. Since I have played through the starter city missions numerous times, I took the liberty of getting those items on a previous visit to Beadeaux so had them in my inventory already. You trade the Quadav items ONE AT A TIME to the Tarutaru.

Obtained key item: Black matinee necklace.
Obtained key item: Coruscant rosary.

Your next stop is to Muckvix, a goblin in Lower Jeuno.

Muckvix : Castle Oztroja? What you gonna go there for? Well, you can go get killed for all I care. Ain't got nothin' to do with me!
Muckvix : But, hey, you gotta have a Yagudo torch to get in there. And not just any old torch... You need a special one from a tree on the Sauromugue Champaign!
Muckvix : And whaddaya know... We're all outta the stuff! Maybe Fickie's got some extra. He stops by Oztroja once in a while.
Muckvix : He's out on the streets again, ain't he? I can never figger out why he's gotta be so buddy-buddy with all them people!

In Upper Jeuno, you find a group of children gathered around what looks to be a flower bed, but nothing has bloomed yet.

Paya-Sabya : I'm helping Verena and Fickie grow flowers. We water them every-wevery day. I sure hope they bloom soon!
Paya-Sabya : Hi, Fickie! Hi, Verena!

Fickblix : So, still no sprout, huh?

Paya-Sabya : I know, it's such a bummer-wummer. I water them every-wevery day, though!

Geebeh : They'll never grow.
Geebeh : Water 'em all you want. No way Fickie's seeds'll ever sprout here in Jeuno. Ever!

Verena : Look, why don't you just hush! You never know till you try.

Geebeh : Oh! You're always on Fickie's side, aren't ya?

Fickblix : I think they'll sprout.

Verena : Huh?

Fickblix : Everyone talks to me now that I've planted them. That makes me so happy.
Fickblix : So, even if the flowers never bloom, it was still good.

Verena : Fickie...

Geebeh : Whatever!

Fickblix : I have to get back to Muck's. I'll see you guys tomorrow.

Verena : Take care, Fickblix. I'm going home, too.

Paya-Sabya : I hope they sprouty-wout tomorrow! Bye!

Fickblix : Thanks for everything.
Fickblix : And thanks for bringing the fertilizer, Geebeh.

Geebeh : Whatever! I'm not doing it for you.

You return to Muckvix in Lower Jeuno, who begins by repeating himself.

Muckvix : Castle Oztroja? What you gonna go there for? Well, you can go get killed for all I care. Ain't got nothin' to do with me!
Muckvix : But, hey, you gotta have a Yagudo torch to get in there. And not just any old torch... You need a special one from a tree on the Sauromugue Champaign!
Muckvix : And whaddaya know... We're all outta the stuff! Maybe Fickie's got some extra. He stops by Oztroja once in a while.
Muckvix : He's out on the streets again, ain't he? I can never figger out why he's gotta be so buddy-buddy with all them people!

Fickblix : Muck, I'm home!

Muckvix : Well, speak of the devil! Hey, you got a Yagudo torch on ya?

Fickblix : Yeah, I've got one.

Muckvix : Well, cough it up for this sweetheart right here.

Fickblix : No problem. I was just going to head out to Castle Oztroja right now.

Muckvix : Hey, whaddaya tryin' to say? I never asked you to head out there.

Fickblix : I was just playing with Verena, but she's feeling down. And I know why.
Fickblix : The beasties outside town are getting restless. That makes Verena worried. So I'm going to Oztroja and ask them to settle down.
Fickblix : I think the beasties outside can get along with people, like I could with Verena. I really believe so.

Muckvix : Yeah, maybe you got a point there.

Fickblix : Well, I'm off.

Muckvix : Hey, Fickie...

Fickblix : Yeah, Muck?

Muckvix : You be careful out there.

Fickblix : I'll be okay. They'll listen to me.

Muckvix : Yeah, my generation can't forget the war, so it's real hard to relate.
Muckvix : But you kids don't remember none of that. So I think you can bridge the gap. Yeah, for all of us!

Verena : Fickie? Is Fickie here?

Muckvix : Hey, you just missed him. Said somethin' about goin' to Castle Oztroja. You didn't see him on your way in here?

Verena : No, it's just... Some adventurers said they were going out to hunt beastmen, so I got so worried...
Verena : I always told him to stay here in town. I told him if people found him in a dungeon somewhere, they might mistake him for a bad beastman, and then they'd...

Muckvix : Ain't nothin' you can do. That kid's a beastie, and even the people in this town give us the cold shoulder.
Muckvix : Well, he don't belong out there none neither... But I still think he's safer out there than in here.

Verena : I'm so worried about him.

Muckvix : That girl understands things that only us beasties do. Maybe Fickie and her can break down the walls that keep us apart.
Muckvix : I just hope they watch out for those guys cravin' that mysterious power.
Muckvix : Oops... Hey, forget about it.

Obtained key item: Yagudo torch.

You return to Upper Jeuno, and find a boy standing outside a house. You speak to the boy.

Baudin : Say, are you heading to Davoi?
Baudin : Then you'll need this crest of Davoi. You can't break the inner seal without it.
Baudin : I want to trade this for a slice of coeurl meat. What do you say?
Baudin : All right! Thanks! You can find coeurls on the Sauromugue Champaign.

You obtain a slice of coeurl meat (you can either farm one or buy one off the Auction House) and return to Baudin.

Baudin : Ah, yes! This is what I need. Thanks!
Baudin : Alrighty. Here's the crest of Davoi, just like I promised.
Baudin : What? You want to know what I'm going to use this slice of coeurl meat for?
Baudin : To tell you the truth, my sister's not well.

Baudin enters the house and steps behind a wall, to where his sister is sitting slumped in a chair.

Baudin : Hey, Audia... It's me. Remember?

Audia : I want meat! Bring me a slice of coeurl meat, drenched in bright red blood!
Audia : Quickly... Make haste or I'll devour you!

Baudin : Okay, okay... I brought you some, so don't give me that evil look anymore!

Audia : Ahahaha... Such delicious-looking meat. The fat, so perfectly marbled!
Audia : Aumfch... Mmmm! Ahh... Fresh meat!

Baudin : My sister was so nice before she got sick. She was so looking forward to marrying Albrecht.
Baudin : But one day, after she came back from a picnic with Alista, she got a headache and stayed in bed. Then, she got like that.
Baudin : Everybody says she's under some kind of curse. Albrecht's been praying at the temple every day, hoping for relief.
Baudin : I heard the crest would lift the curse, but it didn't work either.
Baudin : But I don't think she's cursed at all! She's never done anything bad to get cursed like that!
Baudin : Oh, Audia...
Baudin : I don't like to show her like this, but I don't know what to do anymore.
Baudin : That fiancˆi of hers, Albrecht, is always at the temple.

Obtained key item: Crest of Davoi.

You now have all the necessary key items for this mission. First you head to Davoi, stronghold of the Orcs. You make your way inside to the Monastic Cavern. Deep in the Cavern is an open room, glittering with shining stones.
Several colored stones lie carefully arranged within a large circle. Hundreds of large Orc footprints can be made out around the area. You reach out and touch the Magicite, and as you do so, a flashback occurs. If this was FFXIV, I'd say your Warrior of Light was having an Echo moment, but it's not entirely clear from the cutscene if it's just the player who sees the scene, or if the player character sees it as well.

The scene opens in the Kingdom Of San d'Oria.

Francmage : You called for me, Your Majesty?

Destin : Francmage?
I was not expecting you so soon. Monarlais...tell him.

Periduque : Yes, sire.
Periduque : Francmage, I've summoned you here today to talk about one thing--the Northlands investigation.

Francmage : Oh, yes, that. Those Bastoker Humes are causing no end of trouble--saying they want to investigate here, there, and the other place...

Muchavatte : It is true! The Humes are fools, and no better. Can they truly believe that some ancient power lies hidden in that forsaken wasteland?
Muchavatte : Hah! Do they hope to find the gates to eternal Paradise there, in that lair of fiends most uncouth? Preposterous!

Periduque : We must take control of this situation immediately. Still, we cannot let them walk about the Northlands freely. Who knows what they're plotting under the guise of this "investigation."
Periduque : Francmage, listen. Go with the investigation party, and keep a close eye on what our foreign "friends" do. They are up to something, it is certain.
Periduque : I am sure nothing will come of this, but in case they do find something in that wasteland, do not let them take it. Understood?

Francmage : As you command, my lord. I would give the very blood that runs in my veins if it were to further the cause of our kingdom. You can rely on me.

Muchavatte : These foreigners are wily and faithless. Never let down your guard, and may the Goddess of the Dawn protect you in Her mercy.
Muchavatte : The king has taken a beautiful queen, and I think a splendid addition to the royal family is not far off. An heir, perhaps...
Muchavatte : We people of San d'Oria, too, must ever look to the future. The Elvaan must never fall behind foreigners, in power or faith.

Francmage : I understand, Your Grace.

Destin : Very good. Do well, Francmage.

Francmage : Yes, sire! My life for the Kingdom!

The scene shifts. Francmage is now standing in a snowy terrain. This is the Northlands.

Francmage : As I thought, there is nothing here...
Only barren wastelands as far as the eye can see.

Iru-Kuiru : But there is something wrong about this place, I can feel it.
I don't think-wink we should leave Xarcabard yet.

Rabntah : I agree. My nose has never failed me, but I don't smell anything. That's not normal.
Something really terrrible must've happened here a long time ago.

Francmage : Ridiculous. We cannot base our decisions on your feelings alone.
You can stay and look for whatever "terrible thing" is supposed to be here, but I--

He breaks off as Ulrich, a Hume, comes running up.

Ulrich : Help! Come quick!
Raogrimm and Cornelia, they--

Francmage : Ulrich? What happened!?

Ulrich : We were attacked by fiends, and Raogrimm and Cornelia fell down a crevice...

Iru-Kuiru : Oh, no! Oh, no!

Rabntah : Grr! Where!?

Ulrich : This way!

Iru-Kuiru : Raogrimm and Cornelia...where could they have gone?

Rabntah : We have to assume the worrrst. If I can't find them, no one can.

Francmage : Why must Humes and Galka be so irresponsible!?
It is their fault for wandering off without telling us!
Francmage : There are too few of us left to continue. I say we go back.
Besides, we would find nothing even if we stayed.

Rabntah : I second that.
I've had enough of this crrreepy place anyway.

Iru-Kuiru : B-but, there are still places we haven't looked--

Francmage : We have seen enough.
There is nothing here but dust and ruins.

Francmage : We accomplished nothing but losing two members of our party and wasting an extraordinary amount of time...

Ulrich : Yeah, you're right.
This whole expedition was a failure. Let's head back tomorrow.

Francmage : Ulrich.
Tell me something... Was it really an accident?

Ulrich : What do you mean?

Francmage : Is it not true that there is some...shall we say, tension, between Humes and Galka in Bastok these days?

Ulrich : Are you accusing me of something, Elvaan?

Francmage : Hah! Calm down. I do not care if it was an accident or not. I care even less about your little country's problems.
Francmage : Just...do not cause any more trouble with such trivial matters while I am around.
That is all.

Ulrich : ...

The scene shifts again. An old attendent is walking the hallways of Bostaunieux Oubliette, under the Chateau in San d'Oria. He encounters Francmage.

Courisaille : It is quite late to be up and about, Sir Francmage.
Is something wrong?

Francmage : Ah, Courisaille.
It's nothing. I could not sleep, so I decided to take a walk.
Leave me; I am fine.

Courisaille : Yes, sir.

Courisaille continues his patrol. Then, shouting...

Francmage : No! Not you...?
Raogrimm? What do you mean!?
He died in an accident! I know nothing!

Courisaille : Sir Francmage?
Are you all right, sir?

Francmage : Stop! Do not come any further!
No, nooo--

Courisaille : ...
S-Sir...Francmage?

The flashback ends.

Obtained key item: Magicite: Optistone.

Next, you travel to Beadeaux. As you are already aware from a previous mission, this is the stronghold of the Quadav. You make your way into the stronghold and find Qulun Dome. The silver bell, coruscant rosary, and black matinee necklace shine brightly! The door to the Dome opens.

Once again, you're in a large cavern with shining stones. You touch the magicite, and as before, a flashback occurs.

The scene opens in Bastok.

Blamor : Those "explosives"--pretty amazing, aren't they?

Omran : Indeed. Without them, we would not have been able to dig that mine.
Now, finally, we can compete with San d'Oria for power.

Blamor : Heh, Quadav aren't good enough to live in there! One blast should take care of them...

Babenn : ...

Raogrimm : What is the matter, Babenn?

Babenn : Lord Raogrimm... We've found the Quadav temple in the mines, as you suspected.
I-I could not stop them.

Raogrimm : That is unfortunate... As always, they don't even try to understand.

A flashback within the flashback occurs: Bastokan miners and Mythril Musketeers are in Palborough Mines, looking about.

Ulrich : Huh. Nothing.
With all the Quadav guarding the place, you think we'd find a treasure or two!
Ulrich : C'mon, let's move! Let's just finish this job and go.

Cornelia : Ulrich, wait!

Raogrimm looks down upon what is obviously a nest.

Raogrimm : As I thought...they were trying to protect their eggs...
Raogrimm : But they don't even try to understand...

The scene shifts. We're now in the Northlands, where Ulrich is angrily confronting Raogrimm.

Ulrich : Is that all you've got, Raogrimm!?

Raogrimm : Ulrich, why!?

Ulrich : Why? Because I never liked you, that's why!

Raogrimm : You will never get away with this, Ulrich!

Ulrich : Watch me!

Ulrich draws his weapon, and stabs at Raogrimm but Cornelia steps in front of the Galka, taking the blade instead.

Raogrimm : ...Cornelia!?

Ulrich : Wh-what have I done!?

Raogrimm : Why...!?

Cornelia : I...couldn't let you die here, Raogrimm... There are people who need you...

Raogrimm : Cornelia!!!
Raogrimm : No... NOOOOO!

The flashback ends.

Obtained key item: Magicite: Aurastone.

You make your way to the last beastman stronghold on your list: Castle Oztroja, home of the Yagudo. There, you find the Altar Room, but as you enter, you are alarmed to see a goblin laying prone on the ground.

Fickblix : Ungh...

Verena : Fickblix!
Verena : Fickblix?
What happened? Are you all right?

Fickblix : Oh... Verena...

Verena : What has happened here?
Who did this to you? Tell me who!

Fickblix : Nobody... Verena... Don't hate...them...

Verena : I know! I know! Hate will get us nowhere.
Verena : I understand how you feel. If only we all could. Then...then there'd be no more fighting.

Fickblix : Verena... Don't cry...

Verena : It's okay, Fickblix. You don't have to worry. I'll be...I'll be all right.

Fickblix : Yeah...

Verena : Shhh. Your courage needs no words. Even now I can feel the warmth of your heart. Just...just hang in there.

Fickblix : Something else...

Verena : Yes, Fickie, what is it?

Fickblix : Thank...you...

Verena : No, Fickie. Thank you. You've shown us our mistakes.

The goblin breaths his last.

Verena : Fickblix always told us that someday people and beastmen would get along.
Verena : I suppose you'll keep on hating them. No, not just hating, actually fighting them.
Verena : But just remember this one thing. Some beastmen think like Fickblix did.
Verena : There's more to life than what you see in front of you. We are all flowing on the river of life, not just watching from the banks.

After recomposing yourself, you make your way deeper into the Altar Room. As before, it's a large cavern full of glimmering stones. You touch the magicite, and a flashback occurs.

The scene opens on the Star Sibyl of the Federation of Windurst.

Star Sibyl : Summoning, you say?

Karaha-Baruha : Yes, I would like to name this magic "summoning."
Karaha-Baruha : The divine texts depict it in the form of the Star Sibyl commanding a great beast.
Karaha-Baruha : At any rate, we are very close. Soon, the magic of summoning will be complete.

Star Sibyl : Hmm...

Karaha-Baruha : Are you uneasy, Your Holiness?

Star Sibyl : Yes... Very.
Star Sibyl : Time is of the essence.
The lines of battle are at Tahrongi Canyon, and draw close to Sarutabaruta.
Star Sibyl : The attack on Oztroja shall fail, and many flames of life will be extinguished...like the Star Reading, long ago.

Karaha-Baruha : Place your trust in me, Your Holiness. Windurst shall escape its fate of ruin.
Karaha-Baruha : The Book of the Gods has taught me everything.
Karaha-Baruha : It told me the meaning of the tower and the fountain. And it has taught me how to command the greatest of beasts.

The scene shifts to the throne room in Castle Oztroja, where a lone Tarutaru ventures amongst the Yagudo.

Ajido-Marujido : Shoo! Shoo! Keep your grimy claws off of Windurst Orastery minister, Ajido-Marujido!

Yagudo Avatar : You are a fool for coming here to the throne room...alone.
Yagudo Avatar : You say you are the Windurst Orastery minister, Ajido-Marujido?

Yagudo Templar : Gawk! Orastery minister? And I am Aviatory minister!
How do we know what you speak is not lies? Gawk!
Yagudo Templar : I should cut you up and send you to Heavens Tower! Gawk! Gawk!

Yagudo Avatar : Kahk! Silence...
Our little friend came all the way from Windurst to greet us. Let us hear what he has to say.
Yagudo Avatar : Kahk-ka-ka! You came all this way to ask about the Full Moon Fountain?
Yagudo Avatar : Well, you Tarutaru have probably already realized why the Horutoto Ruins were built and why the Full Moon Fountain exists underneath them.
Yagudo Avatar : Those ruins are evil.
Yagudo Avatar : The towers sponge dry the areas around Sarutabaruta of all their magic.
Yagudo Avatar : You think that we Yagudo are the cause of these wastelands, but you only have yourselves to thank. You--the Tarutaru that activated those towers!

Ajido-Marujido : The towers are all damaged! How do you explain magic still being drained from the plains of Sarutabaruta?
Ajido-Marujido : What about you Yagudo? What are those things that you continue digging? Those stones...maybe they are the cause of all this?

Yagudo Avatar : Kahk-ka-ka...I commend you on your perceptiveness.
Yagudo Avatar : But the reason Sarutabaruta is becoming a wasteland has nothing to do with those stones.
Yagudo Avatar : That night, twenty years ago, when we were defeated by your armies, you made a grave mistake...
Yagudo Avatar : Kahk! Kahk! You still do not understand?
Yagudo Avatar : Make your way deep into the central tower of the Horutoto Ruins. There you will see first hand what the Star Sibyl and those summoners really did.
Yagudo Avatar : The moon and the stars no longer smile upon Windurst. Now, the world shall kneel before the Yagudo!

The scene shifts again, to the Star Sibyl praying in Heavens Tower.

Star Sibyl : Stars of the heavens, tell me what to do!
Star Sibyl : Tell me, Karaha-Baruha! Help me!

The flashback ends, and Lion approaches you.

Lion : What happened? Are you all right?
Lion : So, that's what magicite looks like.
Lion : What could they possibly want with it?
Lion : What the...!?

Shadow of Darkness : You are too late...
I have already awakened.
Shadow of Darkness : Your rage, cowardice, envy, arrogance, and apathy...from these I will spread the bane that will destroy Vana'diel.

Lion : Who are you!?

Shadow of Darkness : Your kind has awakened me...and this time, you will be destroyed!
Shadow of Darkness : You cannot stop me.
Vana'diel will be the grave for you and all your kind!

Lion : Was that a phantom?
An image...of the Shadow Lord?
Lion : The Shadow Lord? It can't be!
His powers can't have returned!
Lion : Then it is true.
The beastmen are trying to bring the Shadow Lord back.
Lion : You be careful, too.

Obtained key item: Magicite: Orastone.

All three Magicite obtained, it is now time to head back to the Palace in Jeuno.

Kam'lanaut : Magicite! Yes, these stones emit the same power as crystals. Though impure, that power is great indeed.
Kam'lanaut : Now it is clear why the beastmen gathered where they did. They were drawn to the magicite's great power!
Kam'lanaut : Yes, it is time to eradicate the beastman threat once and for all.
Kam'lanaut : I thank you for your service. Here is an airship pass. With it, you may travel to any nation you please.

Mawl'gofaur : The three stones are incomplete, but with the powers of the fourth stone that rests deep beneath Castle Zvahl...
Mawl'gofaur : Perhaps then the Shadow Lord will rise again.

Kareh'ayollio : Of course, the talisman that seals Zvahl's inner depths was put in place over twenty years ago. It would stop any attempt.
Kareh'ayollio : I've also read that the three keys to open the seal were kept safely by the three great nations...

High Wind : Your Grace!

Kam'lanaut : What is it?

High Wind : Dire news, Your Grace! The leaders of all three nations have been attacked!

Kam'lanaut : Attacked... By beastmen?

High Wind : Yes, Your Grace.

Kam'lanaut : Confound them! They're one step ahead of us.
Kam'lanaut : So, they seek to resurrect the Shadow Lord... Quite a lofty goal for beastmen.
Kam'lanaut : So be it, then. Perhaps you should return to your embassy.
Kam'lanaut : I will call for your aid again soon. Until then, be well.

You start to leave, but are stopped by Eald'narche.

Eald'narche : Hey, what's going on? Oh, you don't have to tell me.

He holds a hand out to you, reading your mind.

Eald'narche : Oh, so you went to Castle Oztroja and met a girl named Verena there.
Eald'narche : And she gets along with the beastmen. Wow, so maybe we could get along.
Eald'narche : Hey, Wolfgang! Wolfie, you here?

Wolfgang : What would you ask of me, Lord Eald'narche?

Eald'narche : Could you find someone named Verena and bring her here? I heard she's Aldo's little sister.

Wolfgang : Of course, my lord. But may I ask why? She seems of...questionable intentions.

Eald'narche : I think she has some nifty powers, so I just want to play with her. That's all.
Eald'narche : Oh, and don't tell this to Kam'lanaut. I want to surprise him.

Wolfgang : As you wish, my lord.

Eald'narche : Heh. I can't wait!

Obtained key item: Airship pass.

As directed, you return to the Bastokan Embassy.

Goggehn : Amalberga! You made it back in one piece!
Goggehn : No time for R&R, soldier! Your country needs you!
Goggehn : The ambassador's away, so you'll have to carry this back to the administration. Take the airship! I'll stay here to get to the bottom of this.

Obtained 10000 gil.
Obtained key item: Message to Jeuno.

Bastok Mission 5-1: Darkness Rising

You hurry back to Bastok and speak with Naji at his usual post on top the Metalworks.

Naji : You're back from Jeuno.
No time to chat. Come with me.

The two of you enter the foyer to the President's office.

Volker : You say someone snuck a familiar into the President's Office, but you were not warned of its presence?

Iron Eater : Yes, sir. We were taken by surprise.
I did not think anything like this was possible...

Volker : Sir Lucius did send me a report stating that our magical defenses were inadequate, but I didn't think that they would be so easy to break...

Iron Eater : ...

Cornelia : Father!?
Cid : Cornelia...

Cornelia : Uncle Cid!
Where's Father?

Cid : Calm down, Cornelia.
We have the situation under control.

Cornelia : Is Father...?
Please, tell me it's not true...!

Karst : Hmph.
Don't make a scene. I'm not dead yet.

Cornelia : Father!

Karst : Cornelia, this does not concern you.
Go to your room.
Karst : Lucius, explain what happened.

Lucius : The familiar used magic to infiltrate the building...then it proceeded to cross the office straight toward the president's private chambers.
Lucius : Fortunately, the president was awake at the time, and was not injured...
Lucius : But they took the talisman.

Cid : The talisman!?
The key to the Shadow Lord's seal!?

Lucius : Twenty years ago, our allied forces defeated the Shadow Lord in the Northlands and sealed him away from our world. Chief Cid and Captain Volker were there, I believe.
Lucius : The three parts of the key to the seal, the talismans, were given to each nation's leader for safekeeping.
But now, at least one of them is gone...

Volker : Who would do such a thing?

Karst : Have you not found the culprit yet?
Granted, there are many who bear ill feelings towards me...
Karst : But then again, those fools in the Senate are too busy squabbling with each other, and the Galka rebels are too savage to possess any magic skills...

Iron Eater : ...

Cornelia : Father! Don't talk about the Galka that way!

Karst : Why are you still here?
Did I not tell you to go to your room?

Cornelia : ...

Lucius : From the reports we have received from the other nations, we must assume that the Kindred are trying to bring the Shadow Lord back.

Volker : Then we must go to the Northlands to investigate!

Karst : The Senate would have to approve before I can let the Mythril Musketeers go so far away from the city.
Karst : It would take too much time, and time is a luxury we cannot afford.
Besides, the Senate has no sense of crisis--they would just reject my proposal.

Volker : Then...

Karst : We have to find someone with no legal constraints.
Karst : I am assigning you a mission, adventurer, and putting you under the Musketeers' jurisdiction.

Lucius : You do not have to answer right away, but do you accept?

I accepted the mission immediately.

Karst : Then let us talk in private.
Volker, come with us.

Lucius : First, let me tell you about your destination.
You are to journey to the cursed Northlands, to the ruins of Fei'Yin. You will find the ruins at the northeastern corner of the Beaucedine Glacier.
Lucius : The city of Fei'Yin was built in ancient times by a civilization far more advanced than ours.
Lucius : We believe they called themselves the Zilart.
There are many other ruins in Vana'diel thought to be of their making.
Lucius : Considering how long ago they were built, their state of preservation is astounding.
It is as if they are protected by some unseen force that defies time itself.
Lucius : Thirty years ago, a multinational team was sent to the Northlands to try to uncover the secrets of the Zilart's power.
Lucius : Ulrich, Volker's uncle--and the captain of the Mythril Musketeers at the time--led the Bastokan contingent of that expedition.
Lucius : Unfortunately, they came back empty-handed.

Volker : ...

Lucius : Captain Volker will tell you the way to your destination.
He undertook the same journey twenty years ago, near the end of the Great War.

Volker : Even before the war, Fei'Yin was overrun with fiends. We captured it from the Shadow Lord at the cost of many lives.
Volker : After the war, we set seals on both sides of the border to keep the Shadow Lord's minions at bay.
One seal in the ruined coliseum on the inside, and another in Fei'Yin on the outside.
Volker : That was twenty years ago. In those days, we could reach the Beaucedine Glacier from East Ronfaure through Ranguemont Pass.
Volker : That is still the only way there, but I believe San d'Oria is guarding that road now.
You will have to find some way through.

Lucius : Your objective is to ascertain that the seal in Fei'Yin is still intact.
If it is not, replace it with the one we will be providing you.

Karst : You do have an airship pass, do you not?
Karst : Head to Jeuno, and take the flight to San d'Oria as soon as possible.
You are dismissed.

Obtained key item: New Fei'Yin seal.

(Editor's note: it is no longer required to get to Fei'Yin by way of San d'Oria, as there are much easier methods of getting there now. I myself had previously been to Fei'Yin for the White Mage Artifact quests, so I chose to teleport to the homepoint in Fei'Yin. Once you arrive on the site, a cutscene occurs, showing Zeid and Lion speaking. You are not present during the cutscene.)

Zeid : Thirty years ago, the three nations--Windurst, Bastok and San d'Oria--sent an expedition to investigate this cursed land.
Zeid : The Galka swordsman Raogrimm, the Hume monk Cornelia, the Hume warrior Ulrich...
Zeid : The Elvaan knight Francmage, the Tarutaru white mage Iru-Kuiru, and the Mithra ranger Rabntah were the members of the expedition.
Zeid : All of them were great heroes of their people. But they had to cut the expedition short when an accident claimed two of their group.
Zeid : Raogrimm and Cornelia were the ones who died in the accident. The others are said to have suffered violent deaths themselves after their return.
Zeid : Perhaps they had awakened the curse that was said to be buried in this land... They may have called forth the ancient bane.

Lion : The ancient bane...
The Shadow of Darkness--an image of the Shadow Lord--told us...that our kinds were the ones that had awakened him.
Lion : That he would spread the bane that will destroy Vana'diel from our cowardice, rage, envy, arrogance, and apathy...

Zeid : His image?
I see...
Zeid : "The great bane will devour the fair land of Vana'diel..."
Zeid : "The ancient seal will be broken, awakening nightmares of ages past."
Zeid : "The blood of innocents will soak the earth, and the world will fall into fear and despair."

Lion : "But as one bright star shines through the clouds at night, and as one song rings clear above the roar of beasts, we hold to one hope in these darkest of times."
Lion : "That they will come, with the wisdom of ages and the strength of thousands, to deliver us from our plight. We await the awakening of the Warriors of the Crystal."
Lion : That's an old song... It's called "The Warriors of the Crystal," isn't it?

Zeid : Just an old wives' tale. I do not know why I mentioned it.
I must go. I do not expect to find much, but something troubles me...

You make your way deeper into Fei'Yin, to the Qu'Bia Arena. There, you enter a fight with Archlich Taber'quoan and several skeleton monsters. You only need to defeat the Archlich to win. Once you do, Zeid speaks with you.

Zeid : You fight well...but you should learn to pace yourself.
Battles are won by those who can still swing their swords at the end of the day.
Zeid : I am curious. What are you doing here?
The beastmen have been acting strangely...were you asked to spy on them?
Zeid : The seal of the Northlands?
Ah, that thing those Tarutaru did at the end of the Great War...
Zeid : I have seen no signs of it. It must have already been broken.
Hmph. I wish I could see the look on your superiors' faces when they find out.
Zeid : You say you have brought another seal?
You should not have bothered, as they are useless.
Zeid : Who am I? I am just a wandering knight.
I do not care what the beastmen do--nor should you.
Zeid : The Shadow Lord was killed twenty years ago and that is a fact.
These rumors of him returning are just plain nonsense.
Zeid : But Castle Zvahl is also called the Crossroad of Fates...
And yet, it cannot be.

Obtained key item: Burnt seal.

You report back to the Metalworks in Bastok.

Naji : Whoa! You made it back from Fei'Yin in one piece!
Come with me, quick!

Lucius : So...the seal in Fei'Yin was also broken.

Karst : Where were the San d'Orians!?
It was their duty to protect it!

Lucius : Mister President?
Should we ask the Senate about an incursion to Zvahl?

Karst : We seem to have no other choice.
But until they come to a decision, our hands are tied.

Lucius : We would like you to stand by for further orders.
We have preparations to make.

Volker : I heard you mention meeting a Galka dressed all in black in Fei'Yin.
Tell me more about him.
Volker : As I thought...it is Zeid.
Then he has been tracking the Kindred ever since he disappeared twenty years ago.
Volker : He was the Number Two Mythril Musketeer--the Galka named "War Cloud."
Ah...but he never liked being called by his Hume-given name.
Volker : He is the one who defeated the Shadow Lord... He should have been Captain, not I.
Volker : Still, why has he been hiding from us?
What is there in the Northlands that would change Zeid, and even my uncle, so much?
Volker : Ah, I apologize. It is not my place to ask these questions. I am but a Musketeer, a humble soldier of Bastok.

Bastok Mission 5-2: Xarcabard, Land of Truths

You can obtain the next mission from one of the gate guards - you may need to trade some crystals first to raise rank points.

Cleades : So, it has finally come to this... You are to infiltrate the Kindred's main stronghold of Zvahl.
Cleades : The president will brief you himself in his office.
Good luck, adventurer!

You have accepted the mission.

You make your way to the top of the Metalworks and enter the President's Office.

Karst : Good of you to come.
The reason why I didn't have Naji or Iron Eater bring you here is because the secrecy of this mission is paramount.
Karst : Volker will soon join us.
Let us talk in my private chambers.
Come.
Karst : Galina, tell Volker to come to my private chambers when he arrives.
Karst : We could not get the Senate's approval. The Musketeers won't be allowed to leave the city gates.
Those fools think that Bastok should not get itself involved...
Karst : "Let San d'Oria deal with the Northlands," they said! What do they think the Musketeers are for!? Surely they don't intend to use them in another war with San d'Oria!
Karst : I admit that Bastok would do anything for its own gain. That is how we have come so far--myself as well.
Karst : Bastok's success is a result of aggression and initiative. But with the Senate dawdling so, we may pay dearly for our lack of action.
Karst : Remember one thing: you are an adventurer, not a hero.
You have no duty to the majority--especially one that chooses to stay idle at a time like this.
Karst : Go on this mission for your own gain. That is the Bastokan way.
Do not concern yourself with responsibility--let a certain president and a Musketeer captain worry about that.
Karst : Volker.
Come.
Karst : Tell the adventurer what you know of Castle Zvahl.
We do not have much time. Be brief.

Volker : Cross the Beaucedine Glacier to the northernmost corner of Quon, the frozen land of Xarcabard.
Volker : There you will find Castle Zvahl, the Kindred's stronghold.
That is where our allied forces defeated the Shadow Lord twenty years ago.
Volker : But now, someone is trying to bring the Shadow Lord back.
We must stop them, no matter what the cost.
Volker : If you are too late, and they succeed...you and your friends must try to defeat the Shadow Lord yourselves, as Cid, Zeid, and I once did.
Volker : You adventurers hold the future of Vana'diel in your hands.
We cannot accompany you, but our hopes and hearts go with you.

Karst : Go finish your preparations and leave as soon as possible.
You are dismissed.

Volker : Wait... If you see Zeid, tell him that he has yet to best me in a fight...and that he should come back and challenge me.

Castle Zvahl is located in Xarcabard, which are the Northlands previously visited by the expedition thirty years ago. Once in the Castle, you make your way through the Bailey and into the Keep. Deep into the Keep is the Throne Room.

When you enter the Throne Room, you see pillars of glowing stone--magicite?--in front of a sarcophagus. The pillars glow brightly, and the sarcophagus slowly opens, letting out steam as the top slab rises.

Zeid : Could this be...
Zeid : Yes, it is the tomb of the Shadow Lord!

The tomb fully opens, and a horned figure in a purple light takes shape. The figure rises and takes the form of the Shadow Lord.

Shadow Lord : Ah, the dark knight...
It's been twenty years since we last met, Zeid.

Zeid : No! How is this possible? I defeated you!

Shadow Lord : I cannot die. Not until I have eradicated you and your kind from this world.

Zeid : So it is true... I suspected as much since we last met. You are a Galka!

Shadow Lord : Thirty years ago, I was in a group that came to this cursed land, seeking to uncover the secrets of a lost civilization.
Shadow Lord : And it is here that I fell, betrayed by one I trusted with my life.
Shadow Lord : My friend Ulrich could not abide the fact that I was the best swordsman of the Mythril Musketeers. That I was advocating peace with the beastmen at the time was not to his liking, either.
Shadow Lord : Cornelia died protecting me...
Shadow Lord : But I came back. Not even death could keep me from exacting revenge on those who wronged me.
Shadow Lord : A power hidden deep beneath the earth gave me a new form and granted me control over the nether beasts.
Shadow Lord : It was then that I became aware--that I was made aware--of the dark anger smoldering deep within my soul.
Shadow Lord : I realized it was not revenge that drove me, but the old, undying anger of our race: the wrath of the Galka!
Shadow Lord : Others cannot fathom the depth of our rage.
But I cast myself willingly into its flames, and broke the chains of mortality!
Shadow Lord : Your kind awoke the fury within me, and I was reborn into rage incarnate--as the Shadow Lord!
Shadow Lord : I swore to myself then to purge this world of your kind, and I will not rest until I crush every last one of you!
Shadow Lord : I underestimated you twenty years ago, but I will not make that mistake again!

The Shadow Lord casts a spell, and Zeid finds himself imprisoned in a circle of light.

Zeid : What!? No!

Shadow Lord : Stand there and watch, Zeid. Search within for the dark rage, the flame that burns in the souls of all Galka!
Shadow Lord : Now...I will cleanse this world of your filth, unless I am first consumed by fury!
Shadow Lord : Come, it is the hour of reckoning! Death itself failed to stay my wrath. Let us see if you can do any better!

You have a fierce battle with the Shadow Lord, but ultimately defeat him.

Shadow Lord : No...it is not over yet! I told you, even death cannot stop my revenge!
Shadow Lord : I will not fall! I will keep coming back, until the fires of wrath consume me!

Zeid calls out to the Shadow Lord from his prison of light.

Zeid : Raogrimm, stop! Listen to me, it is over!

Shadow Lord : "Rao...grimm"?
Shadow Lord : No, that is not my name! I am... I am the Shadow Lord!

Zeid : You are no such thing! Search your memories for your true self! You are Raogrimm, the Galka's greatest swordsman!

Shadow Lord : I...
Shadow Lord : I am...Rao...Raogrimm!? Aaargh!

A bright light envelops the scene. The Shadow Lord's shape has shifted to that of an ordinary Galka, crouched down, being cradled by Zeid who is now free of his prison.

Zeid : Do you remember?

Raogrimm : Yes... I do now.

Zeid : Raogrimm, it is good to have you back. How has all this come to be?

Raogrimm : As you know, I was the Talekeeper of the Galka--the keeper of our race's memories. But there was so much pain, so much anger...
Raogrimm : I let myself become trapped in a dark abyss of swirling rage and madness...

Zeid : Raogrimm...

Raogrimm : People are capable of kindness beyond angels, yet we also commit sins that would put a demon to shame...
Raogrimm : We all stand precariously on the edge between darkness and light... And when we fall, we are greeted by only madness and chaos.
Raogrimm : And so I have fallen...
Raogrimm : There is no salvation for me. The Raogrimm whom you once knew is gone, forever.
Raogrimm : I expect no forgiveness for what I have done, but...

The scene gets hazy and blurry, and shifts to show Lion beckoning to you from outside the Throne Room.

Lion : Come on! This way, hurry!
Raogrimm : My true self died thirty years ago... All that remains is an empty shell...
Raogrimm : Cornelia... Finally, we may meet again...

And so the Shadow Lord was defeated,
thanks to Amalberga's selfless courage and sacrifice.

Through the clouds shines a symbol of
newfound hope for the peoples of Vana'diel.
But none should forget that wherever there
is light, there is always shadow.

The legend goes on to say...
From the darkest depths of the earth
the Warriors of the Crystal rose...

The three of you have safely escaped.

Lion : So...I guess this is goodbye for now.
I hear they've started flights to the Outlands. If you ever get your hands on an airship pass for Kazham, come see me in Norg sometime.
Lion : I'll be seeing you, Amalberga. Bye!

Zeid : I, too, feel that our paths may cross again. Until then, I wish you farewell.

You return to Bastok to report in at the Metalworks.

Volker : You've done it!
You stopped them from bringing back the Shadow Lord!?

Cid : What are you talking about, Volker?
They probably defeated him and sent him back where he belongs!
Am I right?

Volker : What? Defeat him? But that's...

Lucius : Impossible? You find it hard to believe that some adventurer could defeat the Shadow Lord, Captain? Have you not heard what the townspeople are saying?

Cid : They're saying the Age of the Adventurers has come!

Karst : Hmph. Only historians, in posterity, have the privilege of saying such things.
Karst : And it does not matter if they only stopped the Shadow Lord from returning, or if they actually defeated him.
Karst : The important thing is that they kept the Kindred from gaining power.
And that, I believe, deserves a reward.
Karst : Good work. I am raising your rank.
And here is your well-deserved reward.

Lucius : The Shadow Lord may have been vanquished again, but the Kindred are far from defeated.
I have received reports of strange goings-on in the beastmen's strongholds.

Cid : You've probably heard this too many times, but...we're counting on you.
Cid : So that was who the Shadow Lord was...
Zeid must have known, and that's probably why he went off on his own.
Cid : Don't tell Volker about this. Ulrich's fate should also be kept from him, too. He may not be able to accept it yet.
Cid : He admired his grandfather a lot...that's why it pained him to hear people say that Volker, himself, only became Captain because Raogrimm was gone.
Cid : I know that hiding the truth from him is not a good thing, but most of us are not as strong as you. We need time to heal.

Lucius : Sorry to interrupt. What are you two talking about?

Cid : Uh...just saying that Karst really hasn't changed, even after all of this.

Volker : Yes, but I think I understand him better now.
I may have been judging him too harshly.

Lucius : Speaking of which...you still have not told us why you backed President Karst in the last elections, Chief.

Cid : Oh, that. Well... Fifteen years ago, even after I resigned my post as head of the Gunpowder Room, the Senate was still in chaos, trying to find more people to blame for the accident in Palborough.
Cid : But there was one junior senator there who proposed we abandon Palborough and reopen the Zeruhn Mines. That junior senator was Karst.
Cid : The miners stood to lose a lot, but at the time, his proposal was Bastok's best bet.
I'm an engineer, so I respect skill. And I felt that Karst's political skills could be trusted.
Cid : And he's a real Bastoker, too--very ambitious, and real easy to figure out.
I can still remember the eager look on his face when he announced his proposal to the Senate!

Mission 6-1: Return of the Talekeeper

After trading some crystals to a Conquest Overseer, you can now accept this next mission from the Gate Guard.

Rashid : There has been some commotion in the Mines District near Ore Street. People are saying that a new Talekeeper has appeared.
Rashid : It sounds fishy to me, but with the disappearance of their elder, Werei, anything could be possible. And the last thing we want is an uprising by the Galka.
Rashid : Go to Ore Street and talk to Medicine Eagle. He says he was there when the commotion started.

You have accepted the mission.

You find Medicine Eagle near the entrance to Ore Street.

Medicine Eagle : So you're the adventurer the guards sent. Let me tell you what I saw...

A flashback starts. Medicine Eagle approaches a group of gathered Galka.

Medicine Eagle : What's going on? Why is everyone here?

Deadly Spider : Why? Ask our new Talekeeper...

Medicine Eagle : Our new what!?

Gabbot : We Galka have been waiting for this boy ever since Raogrimm left us! He is our new Talekeeper!
Gabbot : I came across him in the Korroloka Tunnel. That is where I heard him recite two hundred years of our memories!

Povall : I can understand everyone being surprised. I too was taken aback when my destiny was made clear to me.
Povall : However, now I realize that I have been chosen to tell the tale of the Galka people. I am the Talekeeper.
Povall : I set out on my journey of rebirth to the far western edge of the Altepa Desert.

Echo Hawk : And why did you go there? Only adventurers are allowed clearance into those remote areas.

Povall : In my previous life, I was an adventurer.

Gabbot : The Talekeeper journeyed to our Galkan homeland for rebirth. At Revelation Rock he heard a voice from the heavens!

Povall : "Lead the stray sheep from the land of oppression." That is what I was told. Then the glowing Altepa moonpebble in my hand unlocked the two hundred years of Galkan memories in my head.

Davyad : So...you really are the Talekeeper?
Povall : Do you question the voice from the heavens?
Gerbaum : How are we to know that...
Povall : The Talekeeper speaks only truths.
Boytz : He does kind of remind me of Sir Raogrimm...
Echo Hawk : Yeah, now that you mention it...
Gabbot : There is no longer any need to search for Sir Raogrimm, Zeid, or Werei. Our Talekeeper has finally returned!
Gabbot : Now, is there a place where the Talekeeper may rest? He is exhausted from his journey.

Tall Mountain : It is normally off-limits, but I feel we can make an exception and open up the restricted area on Ore Street. Using an inn would only cause commotion among the city residents.

Gabbot : Very well. Lead us to this restricted area.

Medicine Eagle : And that is what I saw. To tell you the truth, I'm confused. I should be happy to see the return of the Talekeeper, but something tells me there's more to this story...
Medicine Eagle : And now there is talk of sending a party to investigate the Altepa Desert, but you should talk to Drake Fang in the Zeruhn Mines about that.

You trqavel to Zeruhn Mines and find Drake Fang guarding the Korroloka Tunnel.

Drake Fang : So you heard the details of the incident on Ore Street?
Drake Fang : That child who calls himself the Talekeeper... We need to find out if what he says is true, but they're still hammering out the details of the plan upstairs.
Drake Fang : If we assume from the beginning that he's a fake, it could cast a shadow on our pride. That's probably what's keeping the officials from making a quick decision.

Iron Eater : I will take responsibility for the adventurer's actions. Give her her orders.

Drake Fang : Sir Iron Eater! So, we have received clearance to send adventurers on this expedition?

Iron Eater : We have always had such clearance. Yet none of us knew the task to give the adventurers...until now.
Iron Eater : I want you to journey to the Altepa Desert and see if the so-called Talekeeper's story is true.
Iron Eater : He is saying that he found an Altepa moonpebble near the Revelation Rock himself.
Iron Eater : If it is real, there is no way a normal child could have gotten his hands on it. It may prove that he is indeed the true Talekeeper.
Iron Eater : And if it is a fake, I want you to try to find an Altepa moonpebble. This will more than likely be a difficult task.
Iron Eater : This is a very strange situation for me, but I would like to know the truth. That is all. Good luck on your mission.

Drake Fang : If you happen to find an Altepa moonpebble, take it to Tall Mountain, a guard in the off-limits area in the Mines District.

The site you're looking for is not on Revelation Rock itself, but nearby. Upon examining it, enemies appear. You defeat them and re-examine the spot to find an Altepa moonpebble.

Tall Mountain : What is this? You were told by Sir Iron Eater to bring this Altepa moonpebble back from the Altepa Desert?
Tall Mountain : Wait here.

Gabbot : What is the meaning of this, Tall Mountain?

Tall Mountain : Oh, just a personal request. I'd like to see the Altepa moonpebble that our Talekeeper found when he was on his journey of rebirth.
Tall Mountain : The moonpebble is a thing of Altepan legend. It's not every day that one gets to lay their eyes on a Galkan treasure.

Povall : ...

Gabbot : A-hah-hah. Is that all? Well, normally we wouldn't show it to just anyone, but because you have assisted us so much, I guess we can make an exception.

Tall Mountain : I see... Then it was all just...

Gabbot : What do you see? It was all just what?

Iron Eater : Just a hoax. That is what you meant to say, is it not, Tall Mountain?

Povall : Wh-who are you!?

Iron Eater : I guess I have much more work to do to get the keeper of two hundred years of memories to remember my name.

Gabbot : What business does a Mythril Musketeer have here? And how dare you call the Talekeeper a fake!

Iron Eater : This adventurer has succeeded in bringing back a real Altepa moonpebble. And by the looks of it, even a guard could tell that yours was not the true one.

Gabbot : Not the true one? How do you know that the adventurer's is not a fake? Eh!?
Gabbot : How could a Hume-tamed dog like you even tell the difference between a simple rock and an authentic Galkan treasure!?

Iron Eater : Are you finished?

Gumbah : Hello there, Talekeeper!

Iron Eater : Gumbah?

Povall : Wh-who are you?

Gumbah : I'm Gumbah. I just came by to meet the new Talekeeper.
Gumbah : Wow. Two hundred years of Galkan memories to carry around. Gee, that must be pretty tough.

Povall : Um...yeah...

Gumbah : I heard from my friend Werei that Talekeepers, well, don't...
Gumbah : ...really get to see many birthdays, if you know what I mean.

Povall : !!!

Gumbah : I don't know if Werei meant that the responsibilities of the title were the reason, or if it was just destiny...
Gumbah : Now that I think about it, the former Talekeeper, Raogrimm, also disappeared on a mission to the Northlands.
Gumbah : There's no way you would catch me being a Talekeeper. I don't think I could handle it!

Povall : What is he talking about, Mister Gabbot? You never told me anything about any dangerous missions. You just said if I stuck with you, I could get some delicious grilled mutton!

Gabbot : Shut your mouth, you imbecile! They're trying to trick you!

Povall : I'm out of here!

Gabbot : Hey! Wait!

Iron Eater : I would advise a quick departure from this city. And if I, or any of the guards, ever catch you back here again...

Gabbot : You won't have to worry about that.
I just didn't think you would all fall for my story so easily.

Iron Eater : I don't think I made myself clear. Would you like my axe to clear things up for you?

Gabbot : I-I get the picture!

Gabbot runs off.

Gumbah : I don't know. I thought he had potential...

Iron Eater : It is unusual for you to get so upset, Gumbah.

Gumbah : Upset? I wasn't upset. But when he said that we didn't need to search for Werei anymore...

Gumbah : How dare he say such things about my friend.

Iron Eater : Gumbah...

Bastok Mission 6-2: The Pirates' Cove

Cleades : I assume an adventurer of your caliber has heard of Norg.
Cleades : Well, the place is a haven for pirates. They even have ties with the Tenshodo. In any case, it's an area that cannot be looked upon lightly.
Cleades : That is why we want you to travel there as an emissary. Report to Sir Naji in the President's Office for details.

You have accepted the mission.

You find Naji at his usual post, guarding the door to the President's office.

Naji : Ah, Amalberga. It looks like you're ready for your next mission. I've heard that you're traveling to Norg this time.
Naji : What? I'm supposed to be giving you the details? That's funny. I don't remember being assigned to this mission...

Ayame : It looks as if the guard mixed the two of us up--as if that could happen. I'm the one who will be relaying the adventurer's orders.

Naji : As if that could happen!?

Ayame : Your mission to Norg is that of a trade emissary.
Ayame : Norg is constantly attempting to strengthen its ties with adventurers. They often rely on them to do certain jobs involving trade.
Ayame : Compared to Windurst and San d'Oria, Bastok's relations with Norg run much deeper. That is why, for the sake of our republic's commerce, we are sending adventurers to such a remote location.
Ayame : I was to accompany you on this mission, but first I must complete another small task.
Ayame : Travel to Norg and meet with their leader, Gilgamesh. He will give you further information on what you are to do. I will rendezvous with you in Norg when I have finished my current assignment.

Naji : And that's the gist of it...
Wait. Before you go, could you come over here for a second?
Naji : The reason I called you over here is that I want you to try to finish this mission ASAP...preferably, before Ayame arrives.
Naji : I know this must sound strange, but you've got to help me out here. Recently Ayame has been acting...well, strange. It's like she's missing that, that "something."
Naji : The other day, she was defeated by an enemy that, well, even you could take out.
Naji : And now she's using that as an excuse to restart her samurai training.
Naji : You can probably tell by looking at me, but we Mythril Musketeers don't spend much time out there on the front lines.
Naji : That makes it hard for us to keep our battle skills brushed up. I think that's what's bothering Ayame. She wants to get back what she thinks she has lost.
Naji : And now she wants to travel to Norg. That will just make things worse!
Naji : As much as I want to be number four, I don't want it because she leaves. That's why she's got to remain a Musketeer.

Naji : You know what you've got to do!
And keep quiet about this to Ayame...

You head to Norg and speak to Gilgamesh in his den.

Gilgamesh : Arrrg, so you're the landlubbin' adventurer that they sent from Bastok.
Gilgamesh : I'm a busy man, so let's cut with the chitchat and get right down to business.
Gilgamesh : Lately, you adventurers are making quite a killin' on items, weapons, and the like. We knew that you were out there, but we didn't think you'd be givin' us this much competition.
Gilgamesh : But rather than gettin' in each other's way, I thought that there might be a way we could work together. What I want ya t'do is give me an idea of what you adventurers are capable of.
Gilgamesh : There are a few items that me mateys couldn't acquire. I want ya t'go and get them.
Gilgamesh : Travel to one of them molten lava falls in Ifrit's Cauldron.
Gilgamesh : If you throw in a chunk of adaman ore, a monster will appear. Bring back the frag rock that the beast has on it.
Gilgamesh : Do ya think you can handle it, ya landlubber?

Ifrit's Cauldron is an active volcano to the north of Norg, in Yhoator Jungle. The lava fall you're looking for is not far from the zone entrance. Upon tossing the adaman ore into the lava fall, you get the following message:

Lava flows slowly through the rocks.
You have a bad feeling about this place.

Notorious monsters appear, including a bomb-type monster named Magma. Upon defeating the Magma, you receive a frag rock. You can now return to Gilgamesh.

Gilgamesh : Hah hah hah! Me landlubbin' adventurer brought back a frag rock. It looks like I need to find myself some new mateys! Hah hah hah!
Gilgamesh : I guess this means you've completed your mission. Now let me write you somethin' you can take back to...

Ayame : That won't be necessary, sir.

Gilgamesh : Arrrg, why if it ain't little Ayaya. Ya get prettier every time I sees ya.

Ayame : Gilgamesh. It was fine when you called me that when I was a child, but I'm twenty years old now.

Gilgamesh : So, what brings ya t'these here parts? Come to check up on your adventurer?

Ayame : That is one of the reasons. We wouldn't want you snatching up one of Bastok's best.

Gilgamesh : If I wanted to snatch up Bastok's best, I'd be snatching up the fine samurai standing in front of me. How about it, Ayaya? Leave that boring job of yours and join us!
Gilgamesh : We'd love t'have you. You'd have the chance t'wield your blade whenever you please, not when that president says you can. Arrrg, what d'ya say?

Ayame : While I am flattered by your offer, I am satisfied with, and hold pride in, my current post.
Ayame : I realize that I still have much to learn, but at the same time I feel that I must travel the roads I see fit to travel.
Ayame : Swords and muskets are not made to be drawn. That is what my parents taught me, and those are the words I wish to live by.

Gilgamesh : Ayaya...

Ayame : I have brought with me a document from the president himself. It covers the treatment of Bastokan adventurers, as well as overseas trade guidelines.
Ayame : You may want to read over the details at a later time. You need not give an answer now. However, I trust that Norg will take steps in the right direction.
Gilgamesh : Arrrg, ya don't leave much room fer choice now, do you?

Ayame : I'll take that as a compliment. I learned everything I needed to know from the years I spent here in training.

Gilgamesh : Okay, okay. You go back and tell the old president I said hello.
Oh, and don't ya forget t'talk to Ryoma before you leave. It's the least ya could do fer him.

Ayame : I'm sorry, but that will have to wait until another day... However, maybe next time I will bring along my younger sister.
Ayame : Your assignment in Norg is complete. You may return to Bastok now, and do not forget to report to Naji upon your arrival.

You return to Bastok and report back to Naji.

Naji : You're finally back from Norg.
So, did you see Ayame?
Naji : You mean, she said all of that?
Naji : I guess she went to Norg to reconfirm what she already knew deep down in her heart.
Naji : Hey, don't you go off telling her that I was worried about her, now!
Naji : It's just that, well, Ayame gets all the good missions while I get zilch. I wish I got to go to Norg...

Ayame : I don't think Norg needs any more
doorboys.
Naji : Yeah, you're probably right...
Naji : Wait a minute! What do you mean, "doorboy"!?

Ayame : You move one inch from your post and I'll have you on latrine duty!

Naji : Yes, ma'am.
All clear on the northern front...

Obtained 40000 gil.

Bastok Mission 7-1: The Final Image

You can obtain this mission by talking to a gate guard. When you do, the guard says:

Cleades : Currently, Chief Engineer Cid is conducting research on the architecture in Ro'Maeve near the Sanctuary of Zi'Tah. Your next mission is to travel there and assist him.
Cleades : Report to the Chief Engineer in the Metalworks for further details.

You have accepted the mission.

You find Cid in his workshop in the Metalworks.

Cid : Ah, it's nice to see you again. But enough with the greetings; let me tell you about your next mission.
Cid : You've heard of the ancient civilization of the Zilart, haven't you? Well, there are archeological remains of this civilization scattered about Vana'diel.
Cid : The Zilart used a material called cermet to construct many of these structures. This cermet is more advanced than anything found in Bastok.
Cid : Researching and reproducing this material would do wonders for Bastok's industry. Ancient cermet technology is the building block of the future, so to speak.
Cid : Deep within the Sanctuary of Zi'Tah you will find the entrance to Ro'Maeve. I want you to bring me some reinforced cermet from there.
Cid : I'll be waiting for you here.

To complete this mission, you'll need to travel to Ro'Maeve and look about for a ???. The ??? moves about, so it may take some searching to find it. Upon examining the spot, two doll-type enemies will spawn. Once defeated, examine the ??? again to retrieve the reinforced cermet. Note that the ??? may move again while fighting the dolls.

Once you have the cermet, you can return to Cid in his workshop.

Cid : Ha ha! You got your hands on some reinforced cermet! Now I can continue my cermet research.

Raibaht : Chief Cid...

Cid : Don't you go getting your feathers ruffled, Raibaht. I'm not going to be making any cuts in darksteel research.

Raibaht : Chief, we have a visitor.

Cornelia walks in.

Cid : What's wrong, Cornelia? Did you have a fight with your father again?

Cornelia : It's not anything like that...but it does have to do with my father.
Cornelia : Just a few minutes ago, I met with this young Galka.

A flashback occurs.

Gumbah : Oh! There you are, Cornelia!

Cornelia : Gumbah! Why did you follow me?

Gumbah : I had something I wanted to ask you, and I was worried about what I was going to do if I couldn't find you.

Cornelia : Hey, wait. You aren't going to send me on one of your weird quests, are you? I can't trust you after the last time.

Gumbah : I never made you do anything that weird! Anyway, this time is different. I want you to search for Werei for me.

Cornelia : You mean the same Werei that you lived with a while back? The same Werei that disappeared...

Gumbah : He hasn't disappeared... He's set out on his journey of rebirth. I don't expect to ever see him in the form of Werei again.
Gumbah : But, leaving without saying anything... It just doesn't make any sense. There must be some reason.
Gumbah : And so I thought that if I asked you, you might be able to do something. The situation in the Mines District is not getting any better, and any information would help.

Cornelia : But, I don't know if I could be of any help...

Gumbah : What do you mean? Your dad's the president. Couldn't you just ask him to help you out?

Cornelia : How did you know that...!?

Gumbah : You think I didn't already know? Everybody knows. Are you still in the dark?

Cornelia : Well...even if I am the president's daughter, I can't use my position like that. It wouldn't be right.

Gumbah : What do you mean? You're always saying that you want to help the Galka!
Gumbah : You weren't lying, were you? Or was that just your way of showing pity for us poor Galka?

Cornelia : Gumbah! How could you say that? Of course I want to help you, it's just that...

Gumbah : You're just saying that to make your ego feel better. Whether you like it or not, you are in a position of power.
Gumbah : Why don't you use that power? Stop trying to run from...it...

Cornelia : What!?
If you have something to say to me, say it!

Gumbah : I'm sorry, Cornelia. I didn't mean that...
Forget what I said. I'll try searching for Werei on my own.

The flashback ends.

Cornelia : That Gumbah! I can't believe him sometimes!

Cid : So, did you talk to your father?

Cornelia : No...
I couldn't ask him for help.

Cid : Cornelia. I'm just a simple engineer. I don't know what the best choice is here.
Cid : But I do know one thing...
Cid : Back in the days when Bastok was filled with old wooden houses, there was a big fire that wiped out most of the homes.
Cid : However, at that time Bastok was a poor country, and very few funds could be used for the rebuilding of the houses.
Cid : Two propositions were offered to the government. One was to collect donations.
Cid : The other was to give priority to the merchants of that area in exchange for contributions to the rebuilding. That was the plan proposed by your young father.
Cid : Which do you think is right, Cornelia?
Cornelia : Asking...for the donations of people?

Cid : I guess that is one way of solving the problem. That's what the president at that time chose, and it helped get him votes.
Cid : However, six months went by, and the rebuilding of the district was not even close to being finished. There were still people living out on the streets with no place to go.
Cid : Your father's plan was finally put into effect, and slowly but surely, the district began to take shape once again.
Cid : Maybe it's just the engineer in me talking, but I think that when you're too busy choosing the parts, you sometimes lose sight of what you're really trying to make.
Cid : Don't you go and forget what you're trying to make now, Cornelia. You have to decide what you're going to do.
Cid : Oh, Amalberga. I'm sorry you had to hear all that. You can go now. I'll make the report.
Cid : This reinforced cermet you brought me... This will help me get closer to what I'm really trying to make.

Bastok Mission 7-2: On My Way

As before, talk to a gate guard to get the mission:

Cleades : We are searching for an adventurer holding vital information dealing with a certain national investigation.
Cleades : The president himself has expressed great interest in this case. Proceed to the President's Office for the details of this mission.

You have accepted the mission.

You head to the President's Office on top of the Metalworks. After being let in to the office by Iron Eater, you speak with the President.

Karst : Thank you for coming, Amalberga. Currently, we are investigating the whereabouts of a certain Galka named Werei. You have heard of him, have you not?
Karst : It sounds like another aging Galka has just set off on his journey of rebirth, but the residents of the Mining District are not taking this very well.
Karst : There is so much bigotry when it comes to these racial problems, it is hard to act on anything.
Karst : However, there is one thing that interests me. There is a rumor that a certain adventurer has received a letter from this Werei.
Karst : I would like you to find this adventurer and find out what he knows. However...
Karst : Come, follow me.

Karst stops outside a door in a hallway. He motions to an attendent there, who calls out:

Franziska : Milady. An adventurer would like to speak with you.

Cornelia : Does this mean my father has finally agreed to start an investigation!?

Cornelia opens the door to find the President standing there with you.

Cornelia : Father! What is the meaning of this!?

Karst : Don't get me wrong, Cornelia. If you want to lock yourself up in this room, I won't stop you.
Karst : I have received a report from Iron Eater stating that finding the whereabouts of Werei may help calm down some of the Galka in the Mines District.
Karst : I am only here to gather information on the subject from those who may know something--namely you. I have no time for your petty games.

Cornelia : But, when I tried talking to you before, you wouldn't...

Karst : Do you have any information for me? If not, I will assign this adventurer to another mission, and that will be the end of things.

Cornelia : Wait...
I did hear something at the Steaming Sheep Restaurant. An adventurer named Hani...
Cornelia : This adventurer said he met Werei while traveling through the Korroloka Tunnel, and received a letter from him.
Cornelia : However, since then, no one has seen him.
Cornelia : The proprietor of the Steaming Sheep, Hilda, may know more...

Karst : Understood. Amalberga will take the investigation from here.

Cornelia : Wait, Father.
Cornelia : Am...am I foolish to think I can make a difference, or am I just a hypocrite?

Karst : Cornelia...
Karst : I once heard a Far Eastern legend that stated hypocrisy is born from the acts of good that one performs.
Karst : Whereas the word used to symbolize a simple act of human nature, over the years, the meaning of the word became warped to the negative tone that it holds today.
Karst : Whenever anyone tries to do anything, there will always be someone there to judge them. I have experienced that my whole life, but it has never stopped me from pursuing my goals.
Karst : I won't let anyone stand in my way.
Karst : You've got a good ten years before you can start complaining about what is right and what is wrong. Don't forget that.

Cornelia : Father...

Karst : Amalberga. You have your orders. Speak with Hilda at the Steaming Sheep Restaurant and find out more on this Hani character.

The Steaming Sheep is located in Port Bastok. Editor's note: Hilda is on the second floor, but there is no way to get up there as the stairs are blocked off. You need to stand at the counter underneath her and target her above you in order to talk to her.

Hilda : A Mister Hani? Now that you mention it, I do remember an adventurer going by that name... He was talking about a letter he received from some Galka.
Hilda : However, he seemed more interested in his next quest than that letter. He kept asking if I knew anything about the Palborough Mines.
Hilda : My late husband knew much of those mines. When I told him the stories my husband had told me, the adventurer got excited and said he was setting off for the Mines the next day.
Hilda : And that was the last I heard of him. I hope nothing terrible has happened to him...

You make your way to Waughroon Shrine, the Burning Circle deep inside Palborough Mines. Upon examining the circle, you'll be prompted to enter the battlefield for the mission. As soon as you enter, you see dialogue on the screen.

Hani : Hellllllp!

You thought you heard a call for help.

After buffing, you run forward and fight a group of Quadav beastmen. After they are vanquished, Hani thanks you.

Hani : Thank you so much!
You're pretty strong... Wait, have we met somewhere before?
Hani : Oh well, thanks anyway for your help.
I came to this Quadav shrine deep in the mine because I thought there would be some treasure.
But I ended up getting caught instead! Go figure!
Hani : So, why are you here?
What? You were looking for me? Is this about...the letter?
Hani : Oh, I completely forgot. Here, I'll give this to you. I have a feeling that if I don't, I'll forget again.
Hani : Give my regards to the president for me. I met him once, but I don't deal well with people who are always on edge like that.
Hani : Thank you again for all your help!

Obtained key item: Letter from Werei.

You now return to the President.

Karst : What is this you say? The Hani in question got himself caught by the Quadav? By the sounds of it, you adventurers have quite a carefree lifestyle.
Karst : Well, no matter. We can now be certain that Werei set out on his journey of his own free will. Let me reward you for your service and raise your rank.
Karst : The letter you carry--deliver it to the proper recipient. I am not going to let this problem escalate by meddling with it. Let the Galka see the truth with their own eyes.

Obtained 60000 gil.

Editor's note: The mission doesn't truly end until you deliver the letter... You find young Gumbah in a house in the Mines district and give him the letter.

Gumbah : This...this is a letter from Werei!
You say some adventurer had it?
Gumbah : Why would he do this? He could have just talked to me...

As Gumbah reads the letter, a ghostly image of Werei appears, as if reciting the words of the letter directly to Gumbah.

Werei : I apologize for leaving without any notice, but I can assume that you were already aware of my approaching journey.
Werei : Even now as I write this letter, I ponder over whether I should be sending it or not--whether this really is the best thing to do.
Werei : Gumbah. You have always embraced your freedom while turning your cheek to any form of responsibility.
Werei : However, among men who put too much pride in their race, you stand out as a light of reason.
Werei : I know how you must feel. The shock you received when you first realized the weight you must bear...
Werei : The weight the Talekeeper must bear...

Gumbah : You knew, Werei! And you didn't say anything...

Werei : You thought that after two hundred years of friendship, I wouldn't pick up on something as obvious as that?
Werei : However, I respect your will. You did not choose to bear the anger, pain, and suffering of the Galka people.
Werei : And it is true that those who have been bestowed with this task--including Raogrimm--have always perished before setting out on their journey of rebirth.
Werei : That may be destiny, so I can see why you would be afraid.
Werei : But let me say one thing. You may feel lost, but you must remember, there are things that only you can do.
Werei : Not that the Talekeeper can do, but that only you, Gumbah, can do. Do not forget this as you follow your path in life.
Werei : Only then will you realize why you must carry the two hundred years of Galkan memories.
Werei : I must continue on my journey now. I am looking forward to the day when we can fight again, side by side.
Do not forget, we shall always be friends.

The image of Werei fades.

Gumbah : Werei!
Gumbah : You can come out now, Cornelia. I know you're hiding there.

Cornelia : So, Gumbah, what are you going to do?

Gumbah : Do you think I know?

Cornelia : But I know you, Gumbah, and I know that you aren't going to run away from your destiny, like I have from mine.
Cornelia : You're different from the rest of us. No matter what you decide, I know that you'll face what lies before you. You're the one who taught me that.

Gumbah : I'm sorry... I think I just need to be alone...
Cornelia : Okay, Gumbah...

Bastok Mission 8-1: The Chains That Bind Us

Rashid : It looks like Bastok is really going to begin an investigation of the Galka homeland of Altepa.
Rashid : Your role in this investigation will have you traveling to the Quicksand Caves. Get the details of this mission from Iron Eater in the President's Office.

You have accepted the mission.

You go to the Metalworks and speak with Iron Eater, who's guarding the President's office.

Iron Eater : We've been expecting you. Captain Volker is awaiting your arrival in the Conference Room.

Volker : Ah, Amalberga. For your next mission, I would like you to travel to the Altepa Desert to investigate the Quicksand Caves. These caves are an important location amongst the ruins of the Galkan civilization.
Volker : Why, you ask, are we starting an investigation into the Galkan ruins?
Volker : It all started with a letter addressed to Iron Eater.

Iron Eater : "The time has come to unlock the past and step forth into the future. I await the adventurer near the statue of the Talekeeper in the Quicksand Caves."

Volker : There is no name on the letter, but I know who wrote it... Zeid.
Volker : If I could, I would like to go myself. However, if I did, Zeid would most certainly not show up.
Volker : You met with Zeid when you defeated the Shadow Lord. If he would talk with anyone, it would be you.
Volker : Your mission is to seek out this "statue of the Talekeeper" and find out what Zeid meant about "unlocking the past."

Iron Eater : The Quicksand Caves are shrouded in mystery. There is not much we know of the area. You may face many hardships during your investigation, but we are counting on your success.

You travel to the Altepa desert and make your way deep into the Quicksand Caves. You find the statue in a small chamber. Upon examining it, you sense something evil. A battle occurs against three Anticans. Once you defeat them, Zeid makes his presence known.

Zeid : Well done, Amalberga.
Zeid : The statue that stands before us is that of a Talekeeper who lived centuries ago.
Zeid : The Galkan Talekeeper is our prophet, our elder, our king. He embodies everything that makes us Galka.
Zeid : Not the memories of all eternity, but the memories of a mere two hundred years. With this, a young Galka must travel forth and bear the burden of his people.
Zeid : After leaving this place, I feel that Raogrimm was troubled by the constant reminders of the anger and grief of the Galkan people.
Zeid : However, while he could not run from those things, he also could not just stand there and do nothing.
Zeid : To break the chains binding the Talekeeper to this endless agony, we Galka must search out the truth that the Talekeeper holds within.
Zeid : Located on H-8 of your map is a mural painted on the walls of these ruins. I will be waiting for you there with words to take back with you to Bastok.

The mural is in another part of the Quicksand Caves. To find it, you need to exit the current area you're in back out to the desert and find the hidden entrance to the Caves in the southwest corner of the Western Altepa desert. Once you re-enter the Caves, you traverse through several passages until you find the mural.

Ancient letters are carved here, but you are unable to read them.

Zeid : This...this mural softly whispers the history of Altepa.
Zeid : This may appear to be ancient ruins, but these buildings were used up until a mere three generations ago.
Zeid : One force battles another...a situation necessary in any country's history. And, as you may have already guessed, there were two forces in Altepa as well. Zeid : The Galka mistakenly disturbed the Antica, who lived deep beneath Vana'diel. In the early stages of their battles, the Galka used their strength to gain the upper hand.
Zeid : However, it was not strength that decided the outcome of this conflict. The Antica, with their amazing reproductive ability, simply outnumbered the Galka.
Zeid : When a Galka senses his death, he sets out on a journey to climb a high mountain and await his final moments. There, guided by a magnificent light, he gains a new body, and with that body climbs down from the mountain.
Zeid : However, no one has ever seen this miracle take place. It may just be simple folklore.
Zeid : All we Galka see is one of our brothers setting off on a journey. Then, less than a year later, a new Galka child arrives in our camps.
Zeid : If they carry something with them from their previous life, they may be given their old name, but other than that, no reborn Galka have any recollection of their former selves.
Zeid : That is, all except one--one every generation.
Zeid : That one we call the Talekeeper.
After proving he truly holds two hundred years of memories, he is then appointed new leader of the Galka.
Zeid : Tradition binds this keeper of memories to his new position, and it is this tradition that the Galka have blindly followed for generations.
Zeid : This tradition is a great burden for those who must bear it. As you may already know, not one Talekeeper has ever lived long enough to set out on his journey of rebirth.
Zeid : One suffered from the fear that one day, he would lose hundreds of years of memories... Another could not handle the responsibility heaped upon him, and disappeared...never to be seen again.
Zeid : And one...one felt the anger of our race multiply within his heart until he could no longer control it, and finally became the Shadow Lord.
Zeid : The Galka need not be chained to this destiny. However, I feel the only one that can break these chains is the Talekeeper.
Zeid : The new Talekeeper will soon come forth of his own will. He will know when the time is right.
Zeid : Tell Iron Eater to look after him when that time comes.
Zeid : Only at that time will I finally be released from the responsibilities that bind me.
Zeid : And at that time, we Galka must swallow our pride and face the Humes, as I must face my old comrade, Volker...

With that, Zeid leaves. You return to Bastok and speak with Iron Eater again.

Iron Eater : I welcome you back from your journey. What did you find in the Quicksand Caves? Iron Eater : I see... The history of the Galka...
Iron Eater : Zeid must feel the same as I do--that this is a turning point in our history.
Iron Eater : However, his mention of the Talekeeper... Does he really believe that a new one is among us?
Iron Eater : And why would Zeid suddenly want to see Volker? What shall I tell the captain...?
Iron Eater : Ah, excuse me.
Excellent work on your mission. I will handle things from here. However, I feel that we may require your future services for an investigation of Zepwell Island.

The mission ends.

Bastok Mission 8-2: Enter the Talekeeper

Cleades : As a continuation of Bastok's investigation of Altepa, this time you will be traveling to Zepwell Island.
Cleades : You will be carrying out your part of the investigation in the Kuftal Tunnel, which connects Cape Teriggan to Zepwell Island. Report to Drake Fang in the Zeruhn Mines for details.

You have accepted the mission.

Zeruhn Mines is off the Bastok Mines district. You find Drake Fang a short way into the Zeruhn Mines, guarding the entrance to Korroloka Tunnel.

Drake Fang : Ah, you are the one we sent to Zepwell Island. I'm surprised you were so successful in revealing the true colors of that imposter.
Drake Fang : In any case, I just received a message stating that Sir Iron Eater is currently on his way here.

Iron Eater : I'm sorry about giving you all this extra work, Drake Fang. So, have there been any more complaints about not opening the Korroloka Tunnel to the public?
Drake Fang : I wish there were not, but we cannot allow civilians into such a dangerous place.

Iron Eater : People assume that locked doors always hide secrets, and there is little we can do to change that perception.
We need to get that investigation report finished as soon as possible...
Iron Eater : I was supposed to accompany the expeditionary trip to Zepwell Island myself, but I was worried about the happenings in the Mines District.
Iron Eater : It's almost like all the residents' discontent and hatred have come to a dangerous boil...
Iron Eater : And there is one other thing...something that Zeid said. It was like he was predicting the arrival of the true Talekeeper.
Iron Eater : In any case, I'm leaving this next expedition to you. This is not official, but we have heard that Werei had set off for the Kuftal Tunnel.
Iron Eater : We want you to go to the tunnel, find proof that he had been there, and bring it back to Drake Fang.

You travel to the tunnel as requested. Shortly into it, overlooking a cliff with a railing, something catches your eye. You bend down to pick it up but accidentally knock it over the cliff. It was a piece of wood.

You explore further into the tunnel and find the spot underneath the cliff. Searching around, you spot the piece of wood again, but when you go to pick it up, three ghosts appear. They are similar to the gray, nondescript Haunt-type arcana you passed on your way to this spot, but they bear names. You have no choice but to defeat them. Once you do, you examine the wood.

There is some writing on it...
"To whoever may find this...
Werei"

A ghostly image of Werei appears, as if reciting the words as you read them.

Werei : "My long journey is nearing an end. I have finally reached my destination."
Werei : "This is the land of tragedy and sorrow. The place where our forefathers ran when they were driven from their home by the Antica."
Werei : "All those who were chased to this cliff lost their lives. Some died by sword, others fell to the depths below."
Werei : "This place is filled with the pain and suffering of a people who set out to a new land searching for a new life."
Werei : "We Galka, with our new homes in Bastok, should not spend our time envying the life of our past brothers."
Werei : "My time in this life is coming to an end...
However, I hope that someday, someone may find my message and take it back to my people in Bastok."
Werei : "If one wishes to revisit the Galkan past, one must not forget those long ago who fought for their futures."

Obtained key item: Old piece of wood.

You travel back to Bastok and find Drake Fang still at his post in the Zeruhn Mines. You give him the piece of wood.

Drake Fang : Well, it looks like Werei left a message on this piece of wood. This is an important find in our investigation.
Drake Fang : Good. Now for--what? Is anything wrong, Foreman Makarim?

Makarim : Come quick! The Galka from the Mines District have forced their way up to the entrance of the mine!

Drake Fang : What!?

You hurry outside to the Mines District, where you find a mob of angry Galka gathered. A Hume is trying to fend them off.

Deidogg : Why are only adventurers allowed in the Korroloka Tunnel!? How long must we Galka live in the confines of that cramped Hume-hole!?

Pavvke : We mineworkers refuse to be tools of the government!

Drangord : You only let adventurers pass because there's something down there you don't want us Galka to know about!

Parraggoh : We're sick of being lied to by you Humes!

Mydon : H-hey, calm down...okay?

Amar : W-we're just keeping the tunnel closed to protect you...

Davyad : Huh!? How long do you think you can fool us!?

Iron Eater : What is going on here!?

Detzo : Sir Iron Eater! You must do something. If they would only open this tunnel to us, and not just adventurers, there wouldn't be any problem.

Iron Eater : Do these fools understand what they're saying?

Detzo : Oh! It's Gumbah!

Gumbah : Stop it! All of you!
Gumbah : When are you going to wake up and realize what you are doing is foolish!?
Gumbah : What is at the end of the Korroloka Tunnel? You already know! Nothing but desert! Do you still wish to believe that that is where we belong?

Gawful : Get out of here, child!

Echo Hawk : Big talk for such a little kid! So, what are you saying? You've been there?

Gumbah : One hundred years ago...I have.

Babenn : One hundred years ago!? You've only been around for twenty.

Gumbah : When Werei and I were still young, we snuck by the guards...
Gumbah : When we got through to the other side of the tunnel, all we saw was a vast desert and some sandy ruins.
Gumbah : Is that what you want to call home? Even if you were able to defeat the thousands of Antican warriors, would you really want to live in a place like that?
Gumbah : But don't you already know the answer?
When did the Talekeeper have to start making the decisions for everyone?

Detzo : Gumbah...

Iron Eater : Wait... You can't be...

Gumbah : Let me ask you! Are you willing to go to battle with the Antica just to divert your anger from the Humes?
Gumbah : Let me ask you! Do you really think that our home lies in that wasteland on the other side of this tunnel?
Gumbah : Let me ask you! Do we Galka really need a Talekeeper to remember the past?
Gumbah : Yes, there will be days when conflict will arise between us and the Humes. The world seen through their eyes is much different than the world seen through ours.
Gumbah : However, the same is true for all Galka. We all look at the world in a different way. No one in this world is exactly alike.
Gumbah : But there is one thing that can be said, and that is that we are all living together on this planet, Vana'diel. There is nothing that can change that.
Gumbah : Of course people are going to have different morals and ideals, but we all must learn to live together. There is only one Vana'diel!
Gumbah : The Galka future does not lie out in a desert. Bastok is our home!
Gumbah : Raogrimm, Werei, Zeid...they are all gone. However, we no longer need a Talekeeper to remember our past. We can do it ourselves--together.
Gumbah : There is no reason for any of you to rely on a kid who had the rotten luck of getting stuck with two hundred years of memories.
Gumbah : However, if it will help, I will try to do anything that I can--even if it means keeping two centuries of memories.
Gumbah : If that will show you that you don't need a Talekeeper to live happy lives...

Detzo : Gumbah...

Gumbah : Ha ha. It's been a while since I talked like an adult. It's pretty draining.
Gumbah : Now you can rest in peace...Werei...Raogrimm...

Obtained 80000 gil.

Bastok Mission 9-1: The Salt of the Earth

Cleades : Senator Alois has asked for your assistance.
Cleades : It is something about an expedition to Vollbow...
Cleades : I just hope he's not asking you to go get lizard eggs again... Wait, you didn't hear me say that.

You have accepted the mission.

You find the Senator in his usual place, in the conference room off the president's office.

Alois : Ah, you're finally here.
Now let me inform you of your next mission. There is a rare type of salt that can only be found in the Vollbow Region.
Alois : I would like you to retrieve some of this sumptuous sodium for me.

Iron Eater : Sir!
You are not sending our loyal citizens out on missions to obtain personal items again, are you?
Iron Eater : I cannot allow it. A line must be drawn between personal matters and matters of the state!

Alois : Watch your mouth, soldier! How dare a lowly Musketeer question my judgment!
Alois : I am thinking only of the well-being of the citizens of the Republic... Furthermore, the budget for this mission has already been approved by the Senate.
Iron Eater : The well-being of the citizens? Our nation's stock of rocksalt is plentiful. We do not need any more. If you want to focus on the well-being of the citizens, focus more on those starving in the Mines District!
Iron Eater : If you have enough gil in the budget to fund such a foolish mission, why not use some of that money to improve the output of the mills in Konschtat?

Gumbah : Calm down, Iron Eater.

Iron Eater : Gumbah?
Why are you here?

Gumbah : Oh, I just came to thank a friend.

Alois : What is a dirty little Galka doing in the President's Office?

Iron Eater : Dirty little Galka!?
You don't know anything about what happened in the Mines District?

Gumbah : That is of no matter, Iron Eater.
Senator Alois, this salt you are talking of--if I am not mistaken, it is called miraclesalt. I have heard many things of this seasoning.
Gumbah : Such as, it can slow the hands of aging on the clock of life.

Alois : Exactly.
At this age, I have to think of my health...

Iron Eater : I knew you were only thinking of yourself...

Alois : Ahem.
I have heard that the area it is found in is extremely dangerous. Therefore, rather than risking the lives of less experienced adventurers, I thought it would be in our best interest to send one more competent. Say, the one who defeated the Shadow Lord.

Iron Eater : I cannot even believe what I am hearing...

Gumbah : Hmmm...
That sounds like an excellent idea.

Iron Eater : What...?

Gumbah : (Don't worry. I know what I'm doing.)

Alois : Anyway, it does not matter whether you like it or not. The mission has already been approved by the Senate, and this fine adventurer has already accepted it.
Alois : Amalberga, you are to travel to Rabao and obtain further details on your task from Dancing Wolf. He has already been sent to investigate the location of the salt.

Gumbah : Iron Eater, I have a favor to ask of you. Come and see me later.

Iron Eater : Understood...
I will trust the judgment of our Talekeeper.

Gumbah : Talekeeper? That sounds so formal...
Gumbah : So, Amalberga, can I count on your help, too? Don't worry. I won't let this end up as a mere grocery run for our fine senator.

Rabao is a small settlement in the Altepa desert. You travel there are seek out Dancing Wolf as requested.

Dancing Wolf : Wait, you must be the adventurer that has been sent to aid me in the investigation.
Dancing Wolf : According to my research, the miraclesalt that the senator requires is only found in one place.

Gumbah : And that would be the Gustav Tunnel...am I right?

Dancing Wolf : Who are you...?

Iron Eater : He accompanied me, but that is a long story.

Dancing Wolf : Sir Iron Eater!

Gumbah : I told you I knew where it was. I remember Werei talking about it years ago.
Gumbah : There is an old Galkan legend that tells of our people setting off on journeys to find this miraclesalt and postpone their rebirth.
Gumbah : But what is more interesting is this: There is a theory that states the Galkan journey of rebirth originated from this journey to collect miraclesalt.
Gumbah : Now even I don't believe that, but there may be some connection between this obsession with rocksalt and the Galka's long history of mineworking.

Iron Eater : So the reason that you joined me on this mission was to learn more of the miraclesalt's role in Galkan legend...
Iron Eater : ...and to learn more of Werei's journey. You knew that he would want to learn more of the legend before he...

Gumbah : While on his journey, Werei...left many clues behind for us. The message that we found earlier was probably the last.
Gumbah : But I'm not satisfied with what he left, and I'm not giving up until I find out what really happened to him.

Iron Eater : Gumbah...

Gumbah : Oh, and there is one more reason why I stuck my nose into this mission, but that's still a secret. If everything goes as planned, you'll see what I mean.
Gumbah : I'm sorry, Mister Dancing Wolf. Please tell the adventurer what she needs to know.

Dancing Wolf : The miraclesalt that we are looking for only appears in the Gustav Tunnel where freshwater and saltwater mix.
Dancing Wolf : However, that cave is filled with hideous beasts. I would get killed if I even tried getting close.

Iron Eater : I see...
Then the senator was correct when saying that it would be dangerous to send an inexperienced adventurer.

Dancing Wolf : If you happen to find the miraclesalt, bring it to me before you return to Bastok. I'm required to write a report of your findings.

You travel to Gustav Tunnel, and find the pool where fresh and saltwater mix deep within. Upon examining the pool, a Gigaplasm spawns! This is an ooze-like monster that splits in two when defeated, first to a Macroplasm, then Microplasm, then Nanoplasms. This fight proved difficult for me, even with Trusts, because the Trusts are too dumb to attack unless you've claimed aggro on a monster. What this means is that aggro is mostly on YOU, and even as a WHM/SCH main, I couldn't keep up healing fast enough to survive.

It took me numerous attempts, but I finally managed to beat it with a party of selected Trusts: Valaineral for his AoE weaponskill, which would turn aggro onto him; Shantotto II for nuking; King of Hearts for RDM buffs; Karaha-Baruha as main healer; and me as WHM/BLM for backup healing and nuking. Even then, it was a close battle, but I managed to win on my main job without needing to level another!

Obtained key item: Miraclesalt.

Once you win and obtain the salt, you return to Dancing Wolf in Rabao as requested.

Dancing Wolf : Oh, I'm glad to see you back here in one piece. So this is the miraclesalt?
Dancing Wolf : Hmmm...
You know, it looks a lot like that...

Iron Eater : It looks a lot like what?

Gumbah : What did you see, Mister Dancing Wolf?

Dancing Wolf : One day when I was doing my research on miraclesalt, I met a strange Galkan child.
Dancing Wolf : An adventurer said she found the boy wandering about the desert carrying something that closely resembled miraclesalt.
Dancing Wolf : The boy had no memory of how he had gotten there, so we all assumed that he must have been on his way back from his journey of rebirth.
Dancing Wolf : Wait, there he is, over there.

Gumbah : Th-that's...

Iron Eater : Gumbah, what's wrong?

Gumbah : That's impossible... He couldn't have returned so quickly...
Gumbah : He... He looks the same as he did when we played together...two hundred years ago...
Gumbah : Werei!

Iron Eater : What!?

??? : Werei?
Did you just call me Werei? That's strange...

??? : That name sounds so familiar...
Hey, what's your name?

Gumbah : Gumbah...

??? : Gumbah? Now that's a weird name.

Gumbah : You...don't remember?

??? : Remember?
Remember what?
??? : I've gotta go. The caravan that I've been traveling with is about to set off.
??? : Always on the road... Never settling down... Now that's the life for me.
??? : Well, I'm off.
That name you called me--Warai--I liked it.

Gumbah : Werei...

??? : Yeah, yeah. That was it. Werei...
??? : I'll be seeing you around, Gumbah.
??? : Hey, why do you look so down? You should try smiling a little more, got it?
Well, bye!

Iron Eater : Gumbah...
Was that what I thought it was...?

Gumbah : Who does he think he is, shooting his mouth off at me like that...
Gumbah : But I guess I can't blame him. It was my fault that he was forced to live such a hard life...

Iron Eater : So he was the real Werei...?

Gumbah : I don't know, Iron Eater...
Gumbah : I never thought that this simple miraclesalt could bring about such a miracle.
Gumbah : On the other hand, it could have been that the two just simply looked alike..
. Gumbah : But I guess that is something we will never know. Not even a Talekeeper can remember his rebirth, so chasing after the memory of it would be foolish...
Gumbah : I guess some things are better left unknown.

Iron Eater : Gumbah...

Gumbah : A Galka named Werei has set out on his journey of life...
Gumbah : Isn't that enough?

Iron Eater : Excellent work, Amalberga.
Not only have you finished your work here, but you have also given us the opportunity to meet someone special.

Iron Eater : But your mission is not complete. Take the miraclesalt back to the senator. We'll see what Gumbah has in store for him.

You return to Bastok, and find Senator Alois where you left him.

Alois : Ah, I've already read the report from the guard in Rabao. I assume you're carrying the salt with you.
Alois : Yes... This salt will add another five years to my--I mean, our citizens' lives.

Lucius : That sounds wonderful, Alois.

Alois : Well, if it isn't the president's little pet. What business do you have here?

Lucius : I am pleased to know that you will be working hard to make sure that miraclesalt is used to better improve the lives and welfare of the citizens of Bastok.
Lucius : If I find that you have not, I will be sending a bill, covering all expenses, to your company.

Alois : Hm? I don't know what you're talking about.

Lucius : I have learned that the funds received for this mission and the further research of the salt have been deposited into one of your companies' accounts.
Lucius : If the results of your research are beneficial to the Bastokan Republic, I am sure no one will have any problem with this minute detail. However, if it is learned that nothing has come of this mission, you will be ordered to promptly return all the gil you have received...plus interest.
Lucius : But you should already know all this. It was announced at last month's senate meeting... Oh wait, if I recall, you were asleep for half of the session.

Alois : How...how dare you!

Lucius : And if you are considering putting pressure on the investigators of this case, you may want to reconsider. I shall personally be heading up the team.
Lucius : Finally, a piece of advice for you, senator. If you really want to live longer, you should cut down on the lizard eggs.

Alois : Why, I...I...

Iron Eater : And I guess that is that.
But how did Gumbah know what the senator was really up to...?
Iron Eater : Well, I guess that is of no concern to us.
I commend you on the completion of this mission. You will be informed when your services are again required.
Iron Eater : However, we may require your services sooner than you expect.
Iron Eater : It seems as if one of our adventurers was attacked while on an investigation in the Northlands...

The mission technically ends here, but you can get some extra dialogue by speaking with Iron Eater and Gumbah again.

Iron Eater : I never thought that Gumbah...
And to think that we could have been putting extra pressure on him without even knowing it.
Iron Eater : It is time to call forth an end to the era of one Galka holding on to ancient history.
Iron Eater : It is time that we start working towards carving a new history here, in Bastok.

Gumbah : Everybody still looks a little confused. They don't even know how to talk to me.
Gumbah : Well, I don't blame them. The Talekeeper is supposed to be a great, sacred presence. I was probably the last person they'd expect to be the Talekeeper.
Gumbah : But that's okay. They can think of me the way they always have--as an annoying little kid.

Bastok Mission 9-2: Where Two Paths Converge

As usual, you can talk to a gate guard to receive the mission. You may have to trade crystals first to an I.M.

Cleades : Recently, an adventurer who was sent to investigate the Northlands has been attacked.
Cleades : According to her report, the attacker resembled the dark knight Zeid.
Cleades : The strange thing is that the attacker passed a letter to the adventurer before letting her go. Now, this letter's content is causing quite a commotion in the President's Office.
Cleades : You have been asked to report directly to President Karst for further details.

Iron Eater : We've been waiting for you, Amalberga. Some unbelievable events have taken place recently...
Iron Eater : It seems as if the dark knight Zeid attacked one of our adventurers in the Northlands, and forced her to deliver a letter addressed to Captain Volker.
Iron Eater : Even more unbelievable is the content of that letter...
Iron Eater : But enough talking. We should enter the President's Office now.

Volker : What is the meaning of this!?
Volker : Give me one good reason why you were compelled to hide the truth about what my uncle did over thirty years ago!
Cid : Volker...
We weren't trying to hide it from you...

Volker : Wait...
You knew about this too?

Cid : Knew about...? Well...you see...

Volker : Oh, and the next thing you'll tell me is that Amalberga knew all about this as well!
Volker : So the only person who didn't know anything about it was the one with the cursed blood running through his veins! Me!

A flashback occurs: Ulrich and Raogrimm in the snow of the Northlands.

Ulrich : Is that all you've got, Raogrimm!?
Raogrimm : Ulrich, why!?
Ulrich : Why? Because I never liked you, that's why!
Raogrimm : You will never get away with this, Ulrich!
Ulrich : Watch me!

Ulrich moves to run Raogrimm through with his sword, but Cornelia steps in front of Raogrimm, taking the full blow.

Raogrimm : ...Cornelia!?
Ulrich : Wh-what have I done!?

The flashback ends.

Volker : I didn't join the Musketeers because of my uncle, but that didn't stop the rumors--the rumors that it was my uncle's influence that got me my position.
Volker : And so I was promoted to Mythril Musketeer, and then to captain...and what was waiting for me when I finally reached the top? The truth about my uncle and its cover-up! Who am I supposed to believe now!?

Karst : ...Are you done whining, Captain?

Volker : What...?

Karst : The only reason we did not inform you of what happened thirty years ago is because we thought you would react like this.
Karst : And look at yourself... Exactly what we expected.
Or maybe you want us to sit with you and cry over your cursed destiny?
Karst : You want us to comfort you and tell you that what happened thirty years ago has nothing to do with the present? Will that make you feel better?
Karst : It seems that I have overestimated your ability as captain, Volker.

Cid : Karst! That wasn't necessary!

Karst : You are no longer of any worth to Bastok. Iron Eater will take your place until we appoint a new captain. Now leave this office.

Iron Eater : President Karst!

Karst : And while you're gone, why don't you try finding Zeid and bringing him back to Bastok? He'd be a lot more useful around here than you.

Volker : Understood.
I will obey your orders.

Iron Eater : Captain!

Cid : It's all... It's all my fault. I should have told him a long time ago...

Karst : Hmph! If he couldn't handle that, then he certainly cannot handle the position of captain.
Karst : Amalberga! You heard what just transpired here. I have a feeling that Zeid's letter was just a ploy to get Volker to meet him.
Karst : However, by the looks of him, I'm not positive that Volker is ready to meet Zeid's challenge.
Karst : But we cannot wait for Volker to come to terms with the truth that lies before him. That's why I'm asking you to go capture the dark knight and bring him here.
Karst : Whether I make him Volker's replacement or throw him in jail is up to me.

Iron Eater : President Karst! You cannot do this! Think of what both have done for this country!

Cid : That's right, Karst! You're not the type to let your feelings control your actions!

Karst : I've...
I've given my orders and I'm not repeating myself.
Karst : Zeid has much popularity among our soldiers' ranks. And that is why I cannot allow this investigation to be headed up by the Musketeers.

Karst : Amalberga...
You were successful in defeating the Shadow Lord. I'm entrusting this next task to you.

Iron Eater : ...

Karst : Now be off with you. Your destination is Castle Zvahl!

So you head once more to the Throne Room in Castle Zvahl, and find Zeid waiting there... but no Volker.

Zeid : So, Volker is not with you...
Zeid : No matter how many of the Kindred are slain, the darkness that engulfs Bastok will remain until the past that haunts him is vanquished.
Zeid : The enemy lies within me.
Raogrimm stood up to rid himself of what plagued him. Now it is time for Volker to do the same.
Zeid : Take up your weapon...
I will not let Raogrimm's death be in vain. Where there is light, there is pain for Bastok...
Zeid : And now one of us must journey to the dark to wake those that still dwell in the light.
Zeid : Let the sound of our blades ring forth to Gustaberg...and to Volker's ears. You need not hold back. I am prepared to face whatever may come.

You have no choice: you must fight Zeid. The battle begins, and mighty blows ring out - but is it enough? Partway through the battle, Zeid speaks again:

Zeid : Is this the extent of your power? Why do you hesitate?
Zeid : This will not appease...
Zeid : ...!?

Zeid reacts as Volker appears by your side.

Zeid : Volker...

Volker : I apologize for making you wait.

Zeid : Wait? I've waited twenty years...

Volker : I want some answers, Zeid. Why are you doing this?<
Volker : Why do you have to play these games? If you want my position so badly, why don't you just come back to Bastok and take it? It's yours!

Zeid : I will answer your question with another. What has brought you here, Volker?

Volker : I...

Zeid : How dare you!
You vehemently deny that your success has been a result of your uncle's deeds; however, when you learn of the crime he has committed, you are at a loss for words.

Volker : What...?

Zeid : Do not mock me!
Do you not realize!? You are just another page in the bloody history of the Talekeeper!

Volker : You... How can you know the pain that I feel!?

Zeid : And if you cannot find within that pain the answers that you seek, then learn from my blade the true meaning of your pitiful existence!

Volker : If it is our destiny, then so be it...

Zeid : From this point, twenty years ago, our lives took different paths... And this is where those paths are to end!

The fight continues! With Volker's help, you are able to overcome Zeid.

Zeid : Ugh...

Volker : Zeid!

Zeid : You have become quite...a warrior, Volker.

Volker : It is only because this adventurer was with me. Alone, I could not have defeated you...

Zeid : You finally see...
You do not need to fight alone. Others will always be there to...

Volker : Zeid...

Zeid : Twenty years ago, when my blade met that of the Shadow Lord, I felt his anguish... That anguish forced me into the shadows.
Zeid : However, there I did not find what I sought. It was only then that I realized the answer lay in the light.
Zeid : While it is my destiny to remain trapped in the darkness of my soul, yours is not. Your place is out in the light. And that is why Bastok is better in your hands than mine.

Volker : What are you saying? Don't you realize how many people out there are waiting for your return?

Zeid : They only await my return because they do not have faith in yours. Look behind you, Volker. Look at the worry on their faces. Listen to the story those faces tell.

Volker : Why are you...

The camera view expands to show a trio of Muskateers standing behind Volker.

Naji : Captain!
It's not fair! Why didn't you tell us you were coming?
Naji : I would have given anything to go a few rounds with the legendary dark knight!

Ayame : And you wonder why you are still a doorboy...

Iron Eater : Our purpose is not to merely improve our skills as fighters, but to protect and ensure the happiness of the citizens of the Republic. We bring them hope.

Ayame : It is ironic, but it is our duty to create a society where people like Naji are forced to complain about "having nothing to pummel."

Naji : But if we only had something to pummel...

Zeid : The age of adventurers...
It is an age without heroes, as well as an age where anyone can become one.
Zeid : An age such as this requires a strong leader to help the people overcome their troubling pasts. You are best suited for that position.

Volker : But can I truly lead them...?

Zeid : You are the only one who can.
Zeid : I...I will now return to the shadows. I look forward to seeing how our country prospers under its leaders.

Iron Eater : Sir! The Galka still await your...

Zeid : If I were to return now, I would destroy everything Gumbah has attempted to build.
Zeid : The time for conflict between the Galka and the Humes is over. I ask you to support Gumbah in his efforts in bringing our people together.

Volker : Zeid...
When I have fulfilled my duties...I wish another round with you.
Zeid : Hmph. I accept your challenge, but on one condition--that you don't hold back like you did this time.

Zeid leaves, and Volker turns to you.

Volker : I'm sorry you had to see that.
Volker : I should head back to the President's Office now. I have a lot of explaining to do...
We will be waiting for you as well, Amalberga.

You return to the president's office as ordered.

Iron Eater : Welcome back from Castle Zvahl. You may enter.

Karst : Now that you're all here, I have just one question to ask... Why can't you Mythril Musketeers ever follow orders!?
Karst : I thought I told you to bring Zeid back here to Bastok!
Karst : And because you couldn't complete a simple task, what am I left to do? Reinstate this failure of a soldier as captain!?

Volker : President Karst...

Karst : I've heard enough. Leave my office.
Find something suitable for the adventurer's reward.

Naji : Do you think the president's mad because of us?

Lucius : You've got it backwards, Naji. I haven't seen him this happy in ages.

Cid : Ha ha. That man never could show his true feelings.

Volker : I thought that we might be punished more severely...

Ayame : Oh, do not worry, sir. Knowing the president, I am sure we will be getting a pay cut, or something of the like.

Naji : A pay cut!? C'mon! I still have sixteen more payments on my loan...

Iron Eater : Don't tell me you bought another sword...

Volker : I... I don't know how to thank all of you.
Volker : I can never be Zeid. I don't have the strength to carry the burdens that he does.
Volker : However, I have come to realize that there are some things that only I can accomplish.

Ayame : While there are many truths that can be seen while within the boundaries of a nation, there are some things that can only be viewed once one has left their native soil.
Ayame : That is why adventurers such as yourself are of great importance to our country.

Lucius : This is your reward, Amalberga. And with it I present to you our nation's highest honor: rank 10.

Iron Eater : I cannot begin to count the number of times I have thanked you for your services, but...thank you.

Naji : Some girls have all the luck... You? You get a reward. Me? I get a pay cut!
Naji : Oh yeah, I almost forgot. There's a letter for you.
Naji : Here. You'll know who it's from when you read it.

Dear Amalberga,

"Do you really like Bastok?"

A series of images appear: Cornelia, the president's daughter, writing the letter to you and speaking with people around Bastok.

Cornelia : I...
I hated my country.

Cornelia : A country ruled by gil...
A country where people don't care about anyone but themselves...

Cornelia : I tried to change it, but with each passing day, I came to think that maybe I really was powerless against the system.
Cornelia : But recently I've met a lot of different people, and I've come to realize that I'm not as powerless as I thought.
Cornelia : And that's why I've decided to listen to the voice of the people and ask them, "Do you really like Bastok?" Cornelia : As a matter of fact, I've already started asking. Here's what they had to say...

Michea : You sure do ask the strangest things, Cornelia.
Michea : Hmmm, well...
I haven't had the easiest life here in Bastok, but I don't think I could have pursued my dream anywhere else.
Michea : It may sound strange, but being in this country gives you the confidence to tell everybody, "I'll show you!"

Salimah : Of course. I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Bastok.
Salimah : Even though we are surrounded by malms of desert, I can still get all the ingredients I need for my family's meals.
Salimah : I think that this can only come from the freedom that this nation is built on.
Salimah : Some may criticize the money-hungry ways of the merchants and adventurers, but without them, where would Bastok be today?
Salimah : My only trouble is trying to decide what to make for dinner. I'd say that is a fairly carefree life.

Deidogg : What the hell kind of question is that? How could I like a country where Humes have stepped on us Galka for hundreds of years!?

Pavvke : The bridge between our people cannot be built in a day. But if we do not try, the spirits of our ancestors can never rest.
Pavvke : Everyone knows we must change our ways, but that is often easier said than done.

Gumbah : Love, hate... Does it really matter?
Gumbah : But when people try to live their lives without taking the rules that have been laid down before them, there are bound to be some problems.
Gumbah : I guess that's what you call "responsibility." You know, that word wasn't used that much by the ancient Galka.
Gumbah : Nobody really questioned the responsibility of the Talekeeper, just as no one really questions the responsibility of the gods.
Gumbah : If you are going to leave everything up to one person, responsibility is obsolete. However, if you try living in a community...
Gumbah : Now, if you, too, would start taking some responsibility...
Gumbah : Hey, you don't have to get that upset...!

Ayame : If I had no feelings for this country, I would probably still be refining my skills in Norg...
Ayame : But I feel that it is my duty to protect this nation. It may sound simple, but it is what drives me.

Cid : I just wanted a place where I could conduct my experiments...
Cid : I never thought they would make me so important. Ha ha.
Cid : The only thing I need out of life is the opportunity to give something back to the people...

Naji : Sure, I like Bastok. Where else could a guy like me become a Musketeer? This is the land of opportunity!
Naji : Now if they would just cut back my hours and give me a raise, I could be the star of hope for all the little children in the nation...

Lucius : As long as the enemy lurks on the outside, the battle to defend this nation must continue. And as long as the battle continues, the work for officials such as myself will never end.
Lucius : I do not think that we shall ever see a perfect Bastok, but that does not mean we should stop trying to build one.

Iron Eater : The day one can speak their true feelings for one's country is the day she realizes her true role there.
Iron Eater : With Sir Zeid away, I never stopped to think about what my role was...
Iron Eater : But now I have finally come to see what I must do, and I feel a step closer to being able to speak my true feelings about Bastok.

Karst : Wh-what is that supposed to mean!? Now stop asking foolish questions and get back to your room and study!

Volker : I love this country from the bottom of my heart. Sharing the pain, and the joy...
Volker : Denying pain and forcing it on another can only cause more pain, and joy will never be achieved.
Volker : The pain that I have suffered is the pain of all the citizens of Bastok, and I will continue my struggle until that pain has turned to happiness.

Cornelia : As for me...well, I don't know if I can answer yet, but I do know this--there is a lot more of this country that I want to learn about.
Cornelia : And maybe someday I can become somebody who will represent the people and bring change to Bastok. Maybe I'll even become... Wait. I'll leave that a secret.
Cornelia : Just look at Captain Volker. Compared to his uncle, he's accomplished so much. If he could do it...
Cornelia : I apologize for my rambling. I want to thank you again for all you have done.
Cornelia : Fighting for our nation, defeating the Shadow Lord...your accomplishments have benefited Bastok so much.
Cornelia : However, in addition, you have given us something more important.
Cornelia : You have taught us about what we were lacking. I now know the importance of sharing our joy as well as our pain, and I will work hard to make sure I never forget.
Cornelia : Until we meet again, Amalberga...

Cornelia

Obtained 100000 gil.
Obtained: Bastokan flag.