Chains of Promathia is the second expansion of Final Fantasy XI. It tells the story of Altana (the Dawn Goddess) and Promathia (the Twilight God). Much of the story deals with the "Keeper of the Apocalypse" - but just who is the Keeper, and what is their purpose?
I remember having fun with this expansion when I first played it twelve-plus years ago, but I didn't remember much of the story. The zones, yes--those stood out in my mind. It was a real treat to revisit the story and play it again with fresh eyes--especially eyes that have seen Final Fantasy XIV. There's some themes in Chains of Promathia that are revisited in FFXIV, and it was really fun to see where those influences came from.
And now, I present to you: Chains of Promathia. Enjoy!
The expansion starts with the camera panning over Qufim, showing off the tower and the land. The "Chains of Promathia" title appears on the screen. Driving music then begins to play, and you see Wolfgang and the Ducal guard running into Qufim from the southern tunnel. Wolfgang turns and speaks.
Wolfgang : Listen up, adventurers! You are to keep clear of Delkfutt's Tower! That's an order!
He runs towards the tower. The camera pans up to the sky, which is storming. Another title appears: "Chapter 1 - Ancient Flames Beckon".
The scene shifts to inside the tower. An alarm is sounding, and we see a robed figure standing in front of some kind of device. As he's using the device, he looks up, worried, and speaks.
??? : The northern line... The flow of energy has begun to reverse!
??? : That's impossible!
As the second voice speaks, the scene shifts to another chamber of the tower. Hooded figures are running about, and there is a red column of light in the center of the room. The column was flowing downward, but now shifts to flow upward.
The scene shifts to show the Sea of Shu'Meyo, where a line in the water begins to froth and churn. A purple light bursts from the water, and a huge column of water shoots upward. A dragon suddenly surfaces from the water and flies up in the air, where he hovers and speaks.
Bahamut : Children of Vana'diel, I, Bahamut, ruler of the skies, have come to deliver you a warning!
Bahamut : The time has come... The arrival of the Keeper of the Apocalypse is near!
Bahamut : Come forth, my minions! Let the blood of the gods spill forth on the soil of their creation.
The scene shifts again, and we now see the Ducal Guard standing outside a cermet door in the tower.
Crooked Arrow : Why do we have to wait out here? What do they think we are, door boys? It's like they don't trust us...
Wolfgang : Quiet, soldier. You were ordered to stand by, not whine like a child.
Crooked Arrow : Sir, yes sir!
Wolfgang walks a bit out into a cross hallway, where he is by himself.
Wolfgang : But what really is going on in there...? Why did the society call for our assistance...?
Wolfgang turns back to face the door as a glow fills the corridor from the direction the door is in. There is a shock wave, and Wolfgang is thrown back against the wall as the shock wave knocks him over. After taking a moment to regain his senses, he stands and runs towards his men.
Wolfgang : Crooked Arrow! Men! Ready your weapons and fall in!
Neraf-Najiruf : Captain! The door...
The door has been obliterated. Wolfgang and his Tarutaru guard stare down into the newly opened corridor, which holds a set of descending stairs.
Wolfgang : Follow me and keep on guard!
They run down the stairs, and enter the chamber where the column of red light flowed. The light column is now yellow and following upward slowly.
Wolfgang : What the...!?
Wolfgang : What the hell happened here...? Are there any survivors?
Pherimociel : Captain!
Wolfgang : What is it, soldier?
Pherimociel : I've found someone. He's...he's just a boy.
Wolfgang and the other guards run foward and crouch down by the boy, who's laying facedown on the ground. The boy has silver hair and pale white skin and is dressed in black.
Wolfgang : He's still breathing. If we can revive him, he might be able to tell us what on Vana'diel happened here.
Pherimociel : What are your orders, sir?
Wolfgang : Get me Monber... Someone call the infirmary!
The cutscenes end for now. You return to Jeuno and go to the upper level, where the infirmary is. Another cutscene starts as you approach it, showing the boy laying on his back in a bed, his eyes closed. The camera pans out to show Monberaux, the doctor, standing over the boy, watching him. Monberaux then turns and leaves the room. As he exits the room and the doors close behind him, Wolfgang walks up to him.
Wolfgang : How is he doing?
Monberaux : Well, there don't seem to be any external wounds. To tell you the truth, I don't exactly know what is wrong with him.
Wolfgang : You don't exactly know? So you have some sort of theory?
Monberaux : ... I'm sorry, but I'm not inclined to speak of a patient's condition. Not even to the captain of the Ducal Guard.
Wolfgang : As you wish. But that boy is an important witness. When he comes to, he will be taken in for questioning. Has he shown any signs of consciousness?
Monberaux : I'm afraid not...
Monberaux : Wolfgang, what really happened back in that room? What was that device, and what were Jeuno's scientists trying to do with it? You know something, don't you?
Wolfgang : You need not worry yourself with the affairs of the Duchy.
Monberaux : I see... I suppose some things are better left unknown. I often ponder over whether to inform a patient when their disease is incurable. However, if there still remains even a thread of hope to cure that disease...
Wolfgang : If you are trying to say that Jeuno is ill, you are quite mistaken.
Monberaux : <Sigh> Let me rephrase my question.
Monberaux : Friend to friend, what simply happened that day?
Wolfgang : I... I truly do not know. That is why it is crucial we question that boy.
Wolfgang : If there is nothing wrong with him, then there is no reason why we cannot move him to the Grand Duke Palace immediately. Monberaux, make the preparations for his transport.
Wolfgang leaves the infirmary, and the scene fades out.
You then enter the infirmary speak with Monberaux.
Monberaux : Ah, it's you... As much as I'd like to sit and chat about your adventures over a nice pot of San d'Orian tea, now is not quite the time.
Monberaux : Wait. Perhaps you know something of what took place near the Sea of Shu'Meyo. Recently I have been hearing some strange rumors...
Leillaine : Doctor Monberaux, there is much commotion outside the infirmary. Do you think the Ducal Guards have returned?
Monberaux : Those selfish bastards! Do they think of nothing but their own gain?
Monberaux : I apologize, but there is something I must first take care of.
Monberaux leaves, and the camera zooms in on you. You turn towards the door and find the boy standing there. He begins to walk towards you, then stops, holding out one hand in which lays a blue amulet of some kind. You look down at it, then back at him. He nods, closing his eyes, and when he opens his eyes again, they glow bright blue. You see a vision of a strange land. There's a cermet building and ramp, not unlike the crags, but the ground is translucent, as if you are standing on a still ocean. The camera zooms over the scene, and it's all blues and purples.
The vision ends, showing you kneeling in the infirmary room. You stand, and walk towards the door. The boy is gone.
The scene shifts to the street outside the infirmary, where a man in black robes and blond hair is ordering Monberaux around.
Nag'molada : And we cannot get any answers without the boy awake and in custody! Hand him over! That is an order!
Monberaux : You can order me all you wish, but I will not allow you to wake that boy!
Wolfgang : Men, you have your orders.
Monberaux : Wait, Wolfgang! What are you planning on doing to him!? I won't allow you to manhandle my patients like this!
The camera is pointed at Wolfgang, so the door to the infirmary is back behind the camera. The Ducal Guard moves forward towards the stairs of the infirmary, but come to a sudden stop.
Wolfgang : What is going on!? ...!?
The camera now swings about to show the doorstep of the infirmary. The pale boy is standing on the step. The camera zooms in on him dramatically. The boy starts down the stairs. When he reaches the Ducal Guards, he vanishes but for a moment, as if he walked through them while invisible or uncorporeal. He appears again, and begins to run down the street, away from the guards.
Crooked Arrow : He... He just vanished!
The Ducal Guard start to give chase, but the boy vanishes again.
Wolfgang : Don't just stand there! Seal off the area! I don't want any man, woman, dog, or cat leaving Upper Jeuno. That boy can't hide for long.
As the camera drifts off the guard, Nag'molada steps into view. He stops for a minute, considering.
Nag'molada : I've seen that child somewhere before...
Nag'molada then walks off. The camera switches to Monberaux, who then speaks.
Monberaux : I don't understand. No signs of consciousness for hours, and then he just wakes up and runs off... There must be an explanation for this...
Monberaux turns to address you, as you've just walked out the infirmary front doors.
Monberaux : I'm sorry you had to witness that exchange. I'd like to better inform you of what just happened, but even I'm puzzled by the events that have transpired today.
Monberaux : Are you all right? You look slightly pale.
You shrug and shake your head.
Monberaux : Well, I hope it is nothing serious.
Monberaux : That amulet you hold. It belongs to the boy, does it not? What's this? You say he gave it to you?
Monberaux : I suggest that you hold on to it. It may give us some clues as to what is really going on. It also may...
Monberaux : ...Never mind.
He turns away from you then, glancing down the street.
Monberaux : Perhaps I should begin my rounds in the Ru'Lude Gardens. I may be able to collect some valuable information. I've a feeling the situation up there may be even tenser than it is here...
Obtained key item: Mysterious amulet.
You head to Ru'Lude Gardens yourself, and enter the Ducal Guard Post in the Palace--a small chamber off to the left of the grand staircase. You begin to speak to one of the guards--Pherimociel--but two other guards are gossiping nearby and you overhear what they say.
Neraf-Najiruf : Did you hear? Some of the Telepoint crystals in Holla, Mea, and Dem have broken into a million pieces!
Adolie : So that's why Captain Wolfgang has been on edge lately... But what is really going on at those crags?
Pherimociel now directs his attention to you, and speaks.
Pherimociel : I see you have begun to show some interest in the strange occurrences that have been taking place in the past few weeks.
Pherimociel : Let me tell you a little of what I have heard... Recently, the Duchy has been abuzz with strange tales of travelers being drawn into strange whirlpools located in the Valkurm Dunes and on Qufim Island...and never coming back.
Pherimociel : From what I gather, the ducal scientists believe this phenomenon has something to do with the shattered Telepoints at the Crags of Holla, Dem, and Mea.
Pherimociel : To collect data, a group of Ducal Guards is to be dispatched any day.
Pherimociel : Strange whirlpools in Valkurm and Qufim... Shattered Telepoints... What could it all mean?
You next speak with Rainhard, one of the guards outside the audience chamber.
Rainhard : If you have any business with the archduke or the ducal scientists, please leave your message with us and we will relay it to the proper authorities.
Rainhard : However, we cannot guarantee that you will receive a hasty reply.
Rainhard : There is a man from the Alchemists' Guild who has been waiting to speak with the scientists for a number of days.
Rainhard : I believe he is still waiting somewhere near the archduke's quarters. Pour soul...
You find the alchemist inside the foyer of the archduke's quarters. You attempt to question him, but he only mutters to himself.
Harith : ...Emptiness...... ......Possible weaknesses... Hmmm......
You being an adventurer--and naturally curious--you go to investigate the crags yourself, going first to the Crag of Dem in Konschtat Highlands. The Crag is a large white cermet building with three sides. On one side is a working telepoint crystal. On another side, the telepoint has been shattered into a thousand pieces... You examine the shattered telepoint, and fade out as a teleporation spell takes effect....
You find yourself in what's know as the Hall of Transference. Stairs lead up to a closed cermet grate. On either side of the stairs are two large apparatuses of some kind. You step into the left apparatus. As you do so, the hexagonagal impression on the apparatus begins to glow. Green light swirls around you, as if you are being scanned. You step off the apparatus, and the cermet grate at the top of the stairs opens.
As you move towards the staircase, two of the mysterious black-robed figures run out, as if exiting the interior. An inky, swirling darkness emerges from the open doorway, pulling them back in. They cry out:
??? : Nooo!!!
??? : Wha...? Aaagghh!
You run up the stairs after them but are stopped by the gate, which has closed. You stand there a moment, and again, the hexagonagal impression on the gate glows green. The gate opens and the world spins...
A camera flies over the terrain in the interior of the crag. Thin patches of land float in the air at various levels, and the scenery is suggestive of the Gustaberg and Konschtat regions near Bastok. As the camera zooms, you hear a mysterious voice.
...Come, Amalberga...
...It is...time...
...Return...
...to the darkness......
You find yourself on the lowest level of Promyvion - Dem. It is a dark, creepy place with strange mobs wandering about. The monsters' cores all glow as if with an elemental light.
You do what an adventurer does best: explore. Eventually you come to a weird device: a bouncing ball of light, called a Memory Receptacle, inhabits a small columned structure. You enter the structure and attack the Receptacle. If you are lucky, once the Receptacle is defeated, an inky black "Memory Stream" will spawn. Stepping into the stream transports you to the next higher level of Promyvion.
Three times, you defeat receptacle and enter the stream. On the fourth floor is a large structure, not unlike the capital of Jeuno. Entering it leads to an area known as the Spire of Dem. There's a wall with strange glowing runes on it. Examining the runes transports you into another chamber, where you face a boss fight: the Progenerator. After you win, you step into a glowing circle and kneel in it.
You're transported into yet another room. In front of you is a large crystal--a Mothercrystal? It glows with a blue light. You're standing there, taking it in, when a voice speaks.
??? : You shouldn't move any closer...
You turn, and see Nag'molada, flanked by two of the mysterious robed figures. He continues speaking as the trio walks towards you.
Nag'molada : Amazing. I don't know who you are, but I commend you on your ability to make it this far.
Nag'molada : There she is. The mothercrystal. Well, what do you think?
Nag'molada : Can't you feel her power? Can't you feel her marvelous light streaming through your body? Can't you feel the endless joy she brings?
Nag'molada : The light from this crystal feeds our souls and keeps us alive... It keeps the whole world alive.
Nag'molada : And that is why we cannot forgive any who attempt to harm the crystal.
As he says this last line, he holds out a hand which glows with magic, clearly intending to strike you down, but suddenly startles and drops his hand.
Nag'molada : !? Who are... What are you doing here!?
The camera switches back to the mothercrystal, where the pale boy has suddenly appeared. The camera zooms in on him, showing a serious look on his face.
Suddenly, balls of dark energy appear about the room.
Nag'molada : That... That darkness...!
The boy walks towards you, and holds out a hand. The screen goes white, and you have another vision. It shows a really large apparatus in cermet. The center of the apparatus glows blue with a symbol that looks almost like a five-petaled flower. The camera then pulls back to show a woman dressed in red standing in front of the apparatus, with two guards in white behind her. A voice speaks:
??? : The end of Vana'diel... The world stands on the brink of oblivion.
??? : The final battle betwixt the Twilight God and the Dawn Goddess is at hand.
??? : And not a single soul shall escape its devastation...
The screen goes white. You cannot remember when exactly, but you have obtained the light of Dem! You now find yourself standing on the platform with the broken telepoint, having somehow been teleported out of Promyvion.
Your next stop is La Thein Plateau, where the Crag of Holla lies. You're examining its shattered telepoint when a group from Bastok rides up on chocobos.
Ayame : Hm...? Someone seems to have arrived here before us.
If your starting city is Bastok, Ayame addresses you by name, like so:
Ayame : Amalberga, state your reason for coming here.
Otherwise, she says the following:
Ayame : You! What are you doing here?
Cid : Calm down, Ayame. She's an adventurer. It's her job to go adventuring.
Cid then addresses you.
Cid : We're here to investigate something. It could get pretty dangerous, so I suggest taking a few steps back if you know what's good for you.
As he says this, another group approaches the shattered telepoint. It's the Ducal Guard with Wolfgang in the lead.
Wolfgang : Why, Cid. What business do you have here today?
Cid : Well, if it isn't little Wolfgang. How have you been?
Cid : We're here to check out the Crystal Line. Recently I've been receiving some very strange readings from this area.
Cid : According to the data retrieved by a Republican party that visited here last month, the once stable energy flow has begun to fluctuate.
Cid : I've never seen such high readings...
Cid : The flow of energy is so overwhelming that the Telepoint you see over there was shattered to pieces! And now there are reports that a giant beast appeared over the sea, just to the north of Delkfutt's Tower.
Cid : I have a bad feeling that these two events are connected, and that they're warning us of something worse to come.
Wolfgang : ... I understand that research inclines you to pursue these matters. However, I ask that you leave the investigation to the Duchy.
Cid : Eh? So the Duchy knows the cause of all these strange phenomena?
Wolfgang : Not exactly. We have numerous parties investigating the situation. However, many of those sent into the field have...vanished.
Wolfgang : We cannot allow any more accidents. The damage to Vana'diel would be great if we were to lose such an important engineer as you, Cid.
Cid : Hah! Let me guess... The scientists back in Jeuno told you to get rid of all those who got in their way.
Cid : Who do they think they are!? Come to think of it, I have good reason to believe that it's those lunatics that are causing all this trouble!
The ground beings to shake! Ayame turns her chocobo around in alarm.
Ayame : Wh-what is going on!?
The ground continues shaking. The camera focuses on you, still standing at the shattered telepoint. You'd been looking out at the parties gathered below, but turn now back towards the telepoint. There is a glow as you are teleported inside. As before, the camera zooms over the interior and you hear that voice again.
...Wheels are...in motion...
...Darkness......calls...
...Heed...your destiny......
Once more, you find yourself on the lowest level of Promyvion, this time in Holla. You repeat the same process as in Dem, seeking out the Memory Receptacles and defeating them to make your way to the Spire. Inside the Spire, you face a boss fight again an enemy known as Wreaker. You defeat it.
As before, you step into a glowing circle and kneel. You're transported in the chamber with the mothercrystal -- but the boy is laying there, prone. You begin to run towards him and the camera twists as the screen goes white.
You see another vision. The camera flies over the snowy terrain of Beaucedine Glacier, zooming in on a large tree-like structure that has an opening in its base. The camera zooms through the opening, showing a gated staircase leading down.
The scene shifts, now showing a square platform in a room filled with a purple haze. A voice speaks.
??? : ......... ...can...feel it... .........
??? : ...... ...This dream...... ......Whose...can it...be...? ......
As the voice says this last, you see a vision of a young Elvaan girl, floating in the air as if she's unconcious. Light emanates from her chest in a white glow.
The screen goes dark as the vision ends. You cannot remember when exactly, but you have obtained the light of Holla! You're now standing again at the shattered telepoint in La Theine Plateau.
There's one more crag to investigate: the crag of Mea, located in Tahrongi Canyon. You go there and once again examine the shattered telepoint. After you do, you find yourself in the Hall of Transference... but you are not alone.
Nag'molada : Hah, so you've finally arrived. I heard that you were poking your nose into matters at the second crag, so I naturally assumed that this would be the next place you'd visit.
Nag'molada : Hm? Alone, are we? Well, I see you are not as foolish as I thought. You may think you have the upper hand now, but I, too, have a few tricks up my sleeve.
He strikes your face with an open first, and you kneel in shock.
Nag'molada : The only thing I care about is that boy. One less adventurer in my way would only be a benefit to me.
Nag'molada looks over his shoulder at someone, and the camera zooms out to show Wolfgang is also there.
Nag'molada : Wolfgang. Kill her.
Wolfgang : But sir... While she was seen with the boy, our research on her has turned up no evidence of any other connections. I do not feel that Amalberga's crimes warrant her death.
Nag'molada : Wolfgang, you asked what the purpose behind this place was, and I'm certain I explained matters clearly.
Nag'molada : It is a citadel, built to protect the mother of all life on Vana'diel--the crystal.
Nag'molada : Only we know that secret--and as the secret's keepers, we are eternally bound to this place as her protectors.
Nag'molada : However, darkness has already befallen the crystals within two of the crags. The boy was present at both, and it was Amalberga who led him.
You stand and shake your head.
Wolfgang : B-but...what of proof?
Nag'molada : Proof? What more proof do we need? Where Amalberga is, the boy is sure to follow.
Nag'molada turns away from Wolfgang to look back at you. He spots something over your shoulder.
Nag'molada : And here he is now.
You turn, and the boy walks up to you. He's still got that serious look on his face.
Nag'molada : You, boy without a name, you know the darkness of which I speak. The darkness that the Dawnmaidens have feared for thousands of years.
Nag'molada : The darkness that eats away at the very soul of Vana'diel. The darkness known as the "Emptiness."
Nag'molada : And you. You were born with the Emptiness. You brought it with you into our world. From where did you bring it?
??? : ...
The boy remains silent.
Nag'molada : Not going to answer, are we? Wolfgang, do you need any more proof?
Nag'molada : Do not forget your duty as the captain of the Ducal Guard. Any more hesitation in your decision-making and you'll end up like your father...
Wolfgang puts his hand on his sword. Nag'molada turns and walks up the stairs leading to the cermet grate. As he does so, he addresses the two robed figures who accompanied him here.
Nag'molada : You. Does the specimen need to be alive for us to collect sufficient data?
??? : Of course not, sir.
Wolfgang draws his sword and rushes the camera. The scene goes white, and you hear the sound of a sword slashing something. There is a loud thump. The scene returns, the camera below Wolfgang, angled up towards his face where he's clearly looking down at something. The camera pivots behind Wolfgang, and you see the boy laying prone on the ground over Wolfgang's shoulder.
Wolfgang : He... He didn't fight back? Why...?
Nag'molada : !?
Nag'molada, still on the staircase, now turns at a noise. The boy stirs, then shuffles to one knee. He lifts his head and stares with that cold, serious gaze. One of his fists is on the ground to prop himself up, and now black, inky darkness emanates in a pool from that fist.
The scene goes dark a moment. Then once again, you see the camera zooming over Promyvion, and that same voice speaks.
...Come, Amalberga...
...Why...do you struggle...?
...Face...the darkness...
...Face...your inner...self.......
Once more, you must climb Promyvion to reach the Spire, where you face a boss battle against the Delver. You defeat it, and step again in a glowing circle and kneel.
You're transported into the room with the mothercrystal. You're standing there looking at it, but turn as you sense someone coming up behind you. Nag'molada stumbles into the room, holding his chest as if in pain. He's not looking at you as he speaks.
Nag'molada : That evil boy has released the darkness!
Nag'molada lifts his head, and you turn back towards the mothercrystal. Balls of darkness suddenly appear. Nag'molada speaks on, still clutching his chest.
Nag'molada : The Emptiness is destruction that knows not of its destructive force. Even the Dawnmaidens, who fear neither man nor god, tremble in the presence of this hideous darkness.
The Darkness swirls right in front of you. The scene glows white, and you can't quite make out what happens in that instant.
Nag'molada : The Emptiness is...?
The scene clears to show the large blue mothercrystal. Floating before it is the boy, who has a hand out to it as if to touch it.
Nag'molada : How...!
Nag'molada : Why can he touch the crystal!?
The scene goes white again, and you see a flashback or vision, showing a blond-haired young boy standing in front of the mothercrystal. Those who have played Rise of the Zilart will recognize him--this is Eald'narche. He's turned a bit as to speak to someone over his shoulder, behind him, but it's not 100% clear who speaks the next lines.
??? : You... You will never betray me.
??? : The will of the crystal is aligned with the will of this world.
??? : Yes... That which was broken into five parts...
The scene flashes white again, then fades into the statue of the Dawn Goddess in the Hall of the Gods. Whoever was speaking continues on.
??? : There will be no salvation.
The camera pivots suddenly to another statue, then pans down to show a woman in red walking in the hall. You might recognize her as Yve'noile. Is it her that speaks now?
??? : It exists within the soul of every living person. We are all "vessels."
??? : Let us pray. To the goddess... To all the gods...
You now see a green gem, something swirling inside it. The gem is embedded in a wall with other gemstones, the camera very zoomed in so you can't quite see the full device. The screen goes white, then black. You cannot remember when exactly, but you have obtained the light of Mea!
The chapter title appears superimposed on a stormy sky. The camera slowly pans down, and Nag'molada steps into the scene. He's turned three-quarters away from the camera, and holds his left hand up to his left ear, perhaps using a linkpearl or the strange device he wears over his left ear and eye.
Nag'molada : Ugh... Where is this place?
Nag'molada : Somewhere far to the west, I feel...
The camera pans over the terrain, showing meadows ending in cliffs above water. There's a twinkle in the sky, like as a star, and then a sudden cracking sound as a streak of purple light zooms out of it and across the sky.
Nag'molada : What in the...!?
The screen blackens for a moment. When the scene returns, it's shifted to show three young Tarutaru standing in a pathway between cliffs. They too see the streak of purple light.
Cherukiki : Look at that!
Makki-Chebukki : Wow! Just...wow!
Kukki-Chebukki : The sky is tearing!
They run forward in the direction of the streak as they say these lines, and the screen darkens once more. There is a loud thump. When the scene returns, the green-haired Tarutaru is laying face down on the meadow, obviously having tripped over... well, you, laying prone on your side on the grass.
Makki-Chebukki : Ow!
Kukki-Chebukki : Ooh! A castaway!
Cherukiki : Huh? Where'd this one wash up from?
Makki-Chebukki : We gotta go tell someone!
Makki-Chebukki : But before we do... <rustle, rustle>
The camera pans up as they trio riffle through your belongings. The mysterious amulet has been stolen!
You stir, and stand, then make your way westward (the only way you can go) past frolicking sheep, meanancing Orcs, and large Buggards. Eventually you cross a wooden suspension bridge. Walking further, you enter a passage in the rocks that surprisinly leads to a quite large inner chamber. You spy Nag'molada standing in the mid distance away, his back turned to you. He turns as he senses you.
Nag'molada : You... I thought you had perished!
Nag'molada : Hmph. I see the boy is not with you...
Nag'molada : Very well. Let us put our differences aside for the moment. However, I suggest that you do not make any sudden movements, as we are being watched...
You see the feet of someone dressed in red, with Nag'molada in the distance looking at them. You take a few steps out from behind Nag'molada for a better view. The person dressed in red then speaks.
Justinius : Travelers. This place is nothing but a memory fleeting on the edge of time. There is little we have to offer outsiders.
Justinius : And so I must ask of you these questions: From where have you come, and to where do you go? If your conscience is clean and your intentions just, you should have no reason not to provide me with answers.
The camera switches to show the three Tarutaru running up to you.
Kukki-Chebukki : Yeah! Prove that you're innocent!
Makki-Chebukki : Yeah! A fight to the death!
You point to the Tarutaru in an accusing manner and say something to Justinius.
Justinius : What, you say that these Tarutaru stole something from you?
Justinius looks down at the trio in disgust. One of them starts to speak.
Makki-Chebukki : But that was...
The screen blackens for a moment, and there is a sound of someone being hit.
Makki-Chebukki : Ow-ow-ouch!
The scene returns with Makki-Chebukki, the green-haired Tarutaru, holding his head and rocking back and forth.
Justinius : Stealing items from an unconscious stranger! What were you three thinking!?
Cherukiki : But that amulet is Prishe's! I bet that funny-looking adventurer stole it from her!
Justinius : It does closely resemble the one Prishe had in her possession...
Nag'molada : Amulet!? So that explains...
Justinius : We shall wait for Prishe's return. She will know whether the amulet is hers or not. Until that time, I suggest that you rest here in the safehold.
Justinius : However, remember that you are not welcome, and the moment the issue at hand is solved, you will be asked to leave and never come back.
The Safehold consists of a round inner chamber with ramps and passages leading off from it. You wander up the ramp to the top floor, and enter a Walnut Door where you find an elder Elvaan. This is Despachiare, leader of Tavnazia.
Despachiaire : Welcome to our humble city, though there is little left of it... I heard from Justinius the details of your predicament.
Despachiaire : He mentioned that you were from the mainland.
Despachiaire : Tell me, what is the situation beyond the churning seas?
The screen blackens as you explain. When the scene returns, Despachiaire is walking away from you as he speaks. He comes to a stop at the stairs, his back to you.
Despachiaire : I see... Even after the Shadow Lord's defeat, the struggle for peace continues.
Despachiaire : No one has the time to wonder about the fates of their lost brothers...
Despachiaire : This is Tavnazia... A new Tavnazia, built from the ruins of the once mighty Marquisate. For twenty years, the survivors of the Great War toiled to create what you see here.
Despachiaire : For twenty years, we have dug and carved our way up from a narrow storageway below the Tavnazian Cathedral...
Despachiaire : As an adventurer, I am sure you have heard tales of the Pearl of Zafmlug--the renowned Tavnazian Marquisate.
Despachiaire : Her wide harbors would welcome ships from all corners of Vana'diel, carrying never-before-seen goods and treasures.
Despachiaire : A mecca of trade. A place where dreams of wealth and success could become reality... It was the golden age of Tavnazia.
Despachiaire : But it all came to a close twenty years ago. The beastman hordes concentrated their attack on our fair nation, and when they were through, there was nothing left but a wasteland uninhabitable by even the foulest of creatures.
Despachiaire : We, too, should have met the same fate as the Marquisate...
Despachiaire : Late in our escape from the peninsula, we made for the cathedral, where we awaited our deaths at the hands of the Orcs.
Despachiaire : However, it was not the Orcs who arrived, but the cardinal, Mildaurion C Giloumet.
Despachiaire : She tended to our wounded bodies and spirits, and informed us how to escape.
Despachiaire : She opened the gates to the lower parts of the cathedral, and told us to follow the delivery tunnels to the city.
Despachiaire : We did as we were told, and it was not long before we arrived at the subterranean harbor deep beneath this place.
Despachiaire : However, by the time we had arrived, the boats had already gone, and a terrible explosion had destroyed the landbridge to Quon... We were trapped...
Despachiaire : But even with our backs against the wall of despair, the courage and faith we had received from the cardinal remained in our hearts.
Despachiaire : For the past twenty years we have survived on the belief that Altana will save us. It is that belief that has helped us to come together and rebuild our nation.
Despachiaire : However, we still struggle to provide for even ourselves. I am sorry we cannot offer you any more than a warm welcome.
Despachiaire : But please, feel free to utilize any of our facilities.
Despachiaire : I pray that the powers that led you to Tavnazia become a blessing for both our peoples.
The cutscene ends. If you talk to him once more, he'll say the following lines:
Despachiaire : I realize that back on the mainland, no one has the time to wonder about the fates of their lost brothers.
Despachiaire : However, I pray that the powers that led you to Tavnazia turn out to be a blessing for both our peoples.
Despachiaire : ...By the way, where is the other traveler that arrived with you here in the safehold?
Despachiaire : I wish to hear his tales of the mainland as well...
You leave Despachiaire's chambers, and walk down the nearby ramp, where you find Justinius at the ramp's turn.
Justinius : You say that Nag'molada fellow is not an acquaintance of yours?
Justinius : Well, that is of no matter. If you happen to see him again, I strongly suggest you warn him not to go anywhere near the door leading to the aqueducts.
Being a curious sort, of COURSE you go to check out the door to the aqueducts. You're standing at the door, staring at it, as Nag'molada walks up to you.
Nag'molada : So this is what remains of the mighty nation of Tavnazia... Its people alone behind these walls, struggling to stay alive for the past twenty years...
The Tarutaru trio run up and speak accusingly to Nag'molada.
Kukki-Chebukki : Hey you! We know who you really are! Tell us who you really are!
Makki-Chebukki : You're one of those bad, bad rogues!
Cherukiki : You're one of those red lion traitors!
Kukki-Chebukki : You're one of those evil black mages!
Makki-Chebukki : It's time for you to be punished!
Justinius then walks up and speaks to the trio.
Justinius : Is this any place for the "Defenders of Tavnazia" to be?
Justinius : I thought you were supposed to be guarding the city in Prishe's absence.
Justinius : What if she were to find out that you were wandering about outside, leaving the safehold vulnerable to an attack? I could inform her when she returns...
Makki-Chebukki : You wouldn't do that, Justinius!
Kukki-Chebukki : You couldn't do that, Justinius!
The trio runs off, and Justinius now speaks to the two of you.
Justinius : I ask that you two keep your distance from that gate.
Justinius : On the other side lie the Phomiuna Aqueducts, located beneath the cathedral. It was once a peaceful place. However, now it is nothing more than a haven for fiends.
Justinius : There are even rumors that a terrible minotaur has taken nest in the aqueducts' depths.
Justinius : It is only a matter of time before the beast breaks through the gate and comes to terrorize our city. There have been talks of sending a party down to slay the monster; however, we cannot take action until Prishe has returned.
Nag'molada : The Tavnazian Cathedral...
The camera switches to the trio, who hadn't ran far.
Makki-Chebukki : I know! We can use these two as bait for the minotaur!
Kukki-Chebukki : Yeah! They'll surely be sentenced to death once Prishe gets back, right?
Cherukiki : If they're gonna die anyway, why not put them to good use!?
Justinius : Quiet, you three!
He then speaks to the two of you again.
Justinius : You need not worry. I doubt your punishment will be that harsh.
Justinius : In the past, there have been others like you who washed up on our shores. Most of them still reside amongst us.
Nag'molada : No... Why not let us attempt to rid your city of its pest problem?
Justinius : What is this you say?
Nag'molada : Adventurers travel the world in search of new challenges. If defeating this minotaur can help us gain the trust of your people, we would be fools not to try.
Justinius : Do you really think you will be able to defeat the monster?
Justinius : I do not know the extent of your skills in this world, but I can guarantee things will not be the same once you pass through that gate.
There is a prompt here, asking you to "Accept the challenge?". After you say yes, Justinius continues.
Justinius : Understood. This key will open the gate and allow you passage to the aqueducts. We shall see if you are to be trusted.
Justinius : However, I warn you. Do not venture deeper than you must, for great evil lurks in the darkness. There will be no rescue parties in the event that you fail to return.
You've now been given leave to explore the Phomiuna Aqueducts. This mission has two parts. For the first part, you must make your way deep into the Aqueducts, climbing ladders and exploring passages until you find the Minotaur. Originally, this dungeon was level capped at 40, and as you approached the Minotaur, it would pull the party in from a distance. The level cap has since been removed, making this boss nearly trivial; the only danger is that it can Doom you, which is hard to remove with Cursna. I fought him with Trusts and it Doomed my tank, but I remained safe.
Your second task brings you even deeper into the Aqueducts. You must either farm a bronze key from Fomor enemies so you can unlock a grate, or pick the lock with THF or /THF. Eventually, you run into Nag'molada, who has some words for you.
Nag'molada : Oh, it's you. Have you finished your task?
Nag'molada : A much easier battle than you expected, yes?
Nag'molada : Fortunately for you, I had cast an additional seal upon the creature.
Nag'molada : However, that task was merely a secondary objective. If my information is correct, our goal lies beyond this point...
You make your way even deeper, and eventually reach a short passage with lamps along one wall. The lamps have symbols engraved on their bases, and depending on the Vana'diel day, you must light a particular pair of lamps. Doing so correctly will open a secret door along the wall.
When you enter the next room, you find Nag'molada standing in front of an altar. On the altar is a box-shaped relic of some kind.
Nag'molada : So this is the precious vessel...
Nag'molada : But what is such an important object doing in a place like this?
Nag'molada : In any case, it should prove to be a valuable asset.
Nag'molada : My only problem is that the circumstances have changed this time.
Nag'molada : What is this? You came here looking for me?
Nag'molada : Very well. Let us return to the safehold...
You return to the Safehold and report your success to Justinius.
Justinius : I can't believe you actually managed to slay that beast. It seems I have underestimated you.
Justinius : Those who reside here live in constant fear of monsters, so it is with glad hearts that we welcome stalwart heroes such as yourself.
Justinius : Ah, your timing is excellent. Our leader has returned.
Prishe : I'm back!
Mengrenaux : Prishe! You're safe!
Tressia : You were gone so long, we were starting to worry.
Prishe : You wouldn't believe the hell I've been through!
Prishe : Listen up, you lot! A bunch of nasty critters have gathered on Cape Riverne.
Prishe : I'd keep away from that place if you like your organs on the inside of your body. Those monsters don't play nice.
Ondieulix : What's this? What is going on out there?
Parelbriaux : Prishe, I saw a weird cloud stretching out towards Cape Riverne. Do you have any idea of what it was?
Prishe : Oh, that. I just caught a glimpse of it, but I'm pretty sure that was the vapor trail of some huge goddamn dragon.
Prishe : But don't you worry your little heads about it. I'm going out again after I check our provisions.
Prishe : Heh heh! And this time I'm gonna head in a whole lot further.
Prishe : By the way, have any of you seen Justinius?
Justinius : There you are, Prishe! Sorry to bother you right after you get back, but you need to take a look at what the cat dragged in!
Justinius : Two people have washed up on the Lufaise Meadows...
Prishe : Castaways?
Ulmia : It seems our guests have noticed the attention.
Prishe : What's with that getup? Someone from the mainland?
Cherukiki : Prishe, that one had collapsed in front of the eastern caves.
Kukki-Chebukki : She was carrying an amulet just like yours.
Prishe : What's that? An amulet like mine!?
Makki-Chebukki : She stole your amulet, Prishe! We should hang her upside down off a cliff! Rotten thief!
Prishe : You idiots! What do you think this is, huh?
Makki-Chebukki : Uh? Uh-oh...
Prishe : You guys have screwed up again!
Kukki-Chebukki : Run!
Makki-Chebukki : Flee!
Cherukiki : Exit stage left!
Prishe : But why would she have the same kind of amulet...?
Justinius : Prishe, listen to me. These two could be of some use.
Justinius : While you were away, they defeated that minotaur in the aqueducts by themselves.
Prishe : Huh. Not too shabby. Guess we'd better welcome them on board, then.
Prishe : I'm Prishe. I'll be in my quarters, so drop on by later and say hi.
Justinius : Were you surprised when you met Prishe? She might look like a little girl, but she's the strongest member of the Tavnazian Patrol.
Justinius : It is strange that you should carry the same amulet. It seems that fate has taken a hand here.
Justinius : But Prishe despises words like "fate." You should head to her quarters before she starts to get impatient.
As ordered, you visit Prishe in her quarters.
Prishe : So you finally decided to show up. I've heard all about you from Justinius. Sounds like you've had a hell of a time since you got here.She goes to hand the amulet back to you, but it suddenly glows with a white light and there's the sense of electricity emanating from it. Prishe drops the amulet.
Prishe : What did you...
Despachiaire : Prishe, do you have a moment?
Prishe : What's wrong, Despachiaire? You never come to my quarters.
Prishe : I'm the "abhorrent one." I thought if you talked to me you'd be punished by the goddess.
Despachiaire : ...
Prishe : Whatever. Anyway, what is it that you want?
Despachiaire : I heard of what transpired on Cape Riverne--that a great dragon appeared.
Prishe : That's exactly what happened! I'd never seen anything like it. If that monster decided to attack us, there wouldn't be a trace of this place left.
Despachiaire : Prishe... Do you think that the dragon you saw may be the same one portrayed in the painting of Al'Taieu?
Prishe : Al'Taieu?
Despachiaire : Do you not remember the painting brought back by Grezzo from the Tenshodo?
Despachiaire : Cardinal Mildaurion told us of the tale that unfolded on the canvas.
Prishe : But if the dragon I saw was the same as in the painting, then that would mean the beast was...Bahamut!?
Prishe : I've got to check this out! You, find Ulmia and bring her back here quick!
Obtained key item: Mysterious amulet.
You can ask Justinius for the whereabouts of Ulmia. He responds:
Justinius : Ulmia? I just saw her leaving the safehold. Any time she wants to be alone, Ulmia usually goes to Snowmint Point, located on the Misareaux Coast...
So you head to Misareaux Coast. Upon checking a dilapidated gate there, a cutscene starts. You find Ulmia standing on a cliff, singing.
It all began with a stone, or so the legend says.
In ages past, a sentient jewel, enormous and beautiful, banished the darkness.
Its many-colored light filled the world with life and brought forth mighty gods.
Bathed in that light, the world entered an age of bliss until, after a time, the gods fell into slumber.
That world was called Vana'diel.
Our world, Vana'diel...
Ulmia stops singing and turns to face you.
Ulmia : Ah, you must be...
Ulmia : You are Amalberga, correct? My name is Ulmia.
Ulmia : Hm? You wish to know the name of the song?
Ulmia : It is called the "Lay of the Immortals." It has been passed down through the Tavnazian Cathedral since ancient times.
Ulmia : The history of our people may often be lost to the flames of war and catastrophe. However, this song of guidance shall never be forgotten...
Nag'molada walks up to the two of you then.
Nag'molada : Are you the one who was singing just now?
Ulmia : Nag'molada...was it not?
Nag'molada : Even after the longest of trials, there are some things that will never be lost. How very nostalgic.
Nag'molada : In a place quite similar to this one, a song was born in an age when such things did not exist. Amazing to hear the birth of song, the first song...
Ulmia : The birth of song...?
Ulmia : Is it possible that you know of this lay?
Nag'molada : Yes, I know it well. It is known as the "Memoria de la S^tona." There is another verse.
He sings:
However, this age will not last. The great bane will devour the fair land of Vana'diel.
The ancient seal will be broken, awakening nightmares of ages past.
A tragic age of darkness will reign. And yet, the gods will not wake from their slumber...
That world was called Vana'diel.
Nag'molada : This is no fabrication. The memory of the crystal is the memory of Vana'diel. No one, mortal or immortal, can warp the truth of these words.
Ulmia : ...
Nag'molada reacts to some unknown stimulus, putting his hand to his ear device.
Nag'molada : ...! My apologies, I must be on my way...
Ulmia : One moment! You must tell me one thing. Is that how the song ends...?
Nag'molada : No, the song continues.
Nag'molada : But the next verse is beyond the limits of your mortal voice. Only the gods are allowed to sing forth its melody.
Ulmia : The gods... Whatever could he mean...?
Ulmia : Hm? Prishe has summoned me? Very well, let us return to town.
You return to the Safehold, where a cutscene starts as soon as you approach the bridge on the main level.
Justinius : Prishe! Did you look at the sky!? Something left a second strange trail...and the trail leads right to Cape Riverne!
Prishe : Yeah, I saw it. Left by another dragon, right? How many of those things are there, anyway?
Ulmia : Prishe... I still do not know if I can believe what you have just told me.
Ulmia : Have the Gates of Paradise truly begun to open...?
Prishe : How the hell should I know? That's why we're going to ask Bahamut, right?
Prishe : Everybody, listen up! We're heading to Riverne! Anybody with enough guts to come with me, step forward!
Prishe : Hm... You'd think at least those troublemaking Tarutaru would want to come. Where are they, anyway?
Ulmia : Yes, where could they have run off to?
Justinius : Now that you mention it, that stranger is not here, either.
Tressia : Wait a second--I just saw him outside. The creepy-looking guy in the black robe, right?
Prishe : Where did you say you saw him?
Mengrenaux : I saw the stranger as well. He was speaking with the three Tarutaru.
Parelbriaux : Prishe, they packed their bags and left the safehold a few minutes ago!
Prishe : Huh!? Why, those conniving...!
Ulmia : Do you think they could have set off for Cape Riverne? But why...?
Prishe : There's only one reason. They smell an adventure! C'mon! We've got no time to lose!
You head to Misareaux Coast and find another dilapidated gate. Once you enter it, you see Prishe march into the field with Ulmia trailing her. Prishe comes to a stop and surveys the scenery, which shows large chunks of earth floating in the sky.
Prishe : !?
Prishe : Whoa! What the hell happened here!?
Ulmia : Is this... Cape Riverne...!?
Prishe : And what the hell is this thing!?
Prishe approaches a white glowing object that almost looks like a tear in the fabric of the sky. When she gets close, it expands.
Prishe : Ahhh!
Ulmia : Prishe!?
Prishe was sucked into the displacement! Ulmia hurries after her.
The camera now switches to show you entering the field. There's nothing for you to do but follow them! After you enter the displacement, the following cutscene occurs.
Prishe : Hah hah! I found you! Come on out!
Prishe points accusingly to the Tarutaru trio, who've been following Nag'molada who's some distance ahead. They now turn towards Prishe, alarmed.
Makki-Chebukki : She's found us, and boy, does she look mad!
Kukki-Chebukki : She's found us, and boy, does she look ugly!
Prishe : Ugly!? That's what you'll be once I'm done pounding your faces in! Now get outta here if you know what's good for you!
Ulmia : Yes, off with you children! Unless you want to see Prishe become truly upset.
Cherukiki : We'll go home, but only if Prishe promises not to punish us!
Prishe : Punish you!? Go home now, and I might just not kill you!
Prishe : How many times have I told you that you're too young to go off adventuring on your own!?
Ulmia : Exactly! Do you not remember the last time you went out alone? It took over a month for your wounds to heal!
Ulmia : And these are not the fields outside the safehold. Who knows what horrors lie in the deeper parts of this strange place...
Prishe : Yeah, there might be some big, hungry tiger with a craving for juicy Tarutaru hiding behind that tree right over there! Until I've checked this place out first, I want you three back in your rooms!
Ulmia : Prishe... You are not worried about them at all, are you? You just...
Prishe : Hell right, I'm not worried. Why should I worry about what happens to those traitors? I don't care who they are--if they're in my way, they're not on my side!
Makki-Chebukki : You're so mean!
Kukki-Chebukki : You're so terrible!
Cherukiki : You're so ugly!
Prishe : Ugly!? Why, you little creeps! I'll show you ugly!
Prishe : What the--? Where did they go!?
Prishe : Oooh, when I get my hands on those three...
Ulmia : Let us continue. We must try and catch up with them...
You now must find your way to Monarch Linn, the domain of Bahamut. To do so, you will need to traverse Riverne and go through some Spatial Displacements. Two of the Displacements will be unstable; to enter those, you will need to kill Firedrakes until they drop a Giant Scale. You will need two Giant Scales. Trading one to an Unstable Displacement makes it grow bigger for a short time, allowing you to enter it.
Once you reach Monarch Linn, you enter the battlefield for "Ancient Vows". A cutscene occurs before the battle begins.
Prishe : Huh? Where the hell is that singing coming from?
Ulmia : This...this melody...
Ulmia : "Memoria de la...S^tona"?
The camera zooms through the opening in the stone to show Nag'molada standing on one of the rocky cliffs, singing. The Tarataru trio is standing behind him. As he sings, there's a large displacement in the air, and Bahamut appears.
Bahamut : How wonderful! I did not realize the Kuluu still tread the soil of Vana'diel!
Nag'molada : Almighty conqueror of the skies! I never imagined that my people would have the opportunity to stand before you once again!
Nag'molada : Many millennia ago, when the Gates of Paradise were on the brink of opening, you sacrificed yourself and became the bar that held it shut. When I witnessed you fall to the north sea...
Nag'molada : In the decades that passed since I arose from my sleep, I have never been as happy as I am this moment.
Bahamut : I, too, feel the same, my Kuluu companion. I will never forget the battles we fought--side by side.
Bahamut : Over the centuries, the world has become cluttered with several new forms of man.
Bahamut : However, if the Kuluu still exist, then I can assume our pact remains intact.
Nag'molada : Our pact?
Bahamut : Of course. The will of evil has unlocked the door to the abyssal nightmare, unleashing the Keeper of the Apocalypse.
Bahamut : And the darkness brought forth by the keeper shall signal the end of the age of man.
Nag'molada : Darkness... The... The Emptiness!?
Bahamut : Yes, I recall the Dawnmaiden Yve'noile giving that name to the darkness. She succeeded in locating the source of the Emptiness that lies within all mortals and immortals.
Bahamut : And then she created the terrible "Chamber of Eventide" and left it in the celestial capital.
Prishe : The Chamber of...Eventide?
As Prishe says this, an airship rises up over the cliffs. The camera focuses on a large cannon on the airship, then moves to the deck, where a blond-haired woman in black stands before an array of Jeunoan scientists (those weird figures in black themselves). The woman motions with her arm, and the weird figures are teleported to the ground. They run forward. Bahamut reacts with alarm as the figures teleport again.
Bahamut : !?
Nag'molada : !
The figures appear on juts of land surrounding Bahamut. They each cast a spell, and yellow webs of magic shoot forward, capturing Bahamut in its trap. The Wyrmking flaps his wings, trying to escape, and Nag'molada braces himself against the sudden wind. The Tarutaru trio go tumbling backwards.
Bahamut : Zilart! So it was not only the Kuluu who survived!
Prishe : Whoa! What was that!?
Prishe runs forward out of the cave, but three of the Jeunoan scientists (identified as Mammets in the upcoming battle) run up and stop her.
Prishe : These guys don't look like anything I've seen before!
Ulmia : Prishe!?
Makki-Chebukki : Things are starting to look a little crazy!
Kukki-Chebukki : I think it's time to make things a little more crazy!
Cherukiki : A lot more crazy!
The camera focuses on the blond woman on the airship, who's surveying the scene below.
??? : That girl...
BATTLE BEGINS! You fight three Mammets. At level cap, this was an interesting fight in which you needed to use an item to weaken their defenses, allowing you to damage them for a few minutes. With the level cap removed, the battle is trivial - I killed each in a few hits.
Prishe : Surprise!
Prishe says that after the last mammet is defeated. She then creeps forward steathily towards one of the scients that has ensnared Bahamut. She gives him a knuckle sandwich from behind, and the web encasing Bahamut is broken.
Bahamut : Foolish children! You will never break free from the chains of Promathia!
As he says this, you, Ulmia, and Prishe have a bubble of magic envelop you, and you disappear from Monarch Linn.
The scene shifts to show a snowy area with cliffs. The scene is hazy, as if you are experiencing someone else's memories.
Bahamut : It matters not how many times you come here; the result will be the same.
Bahamut : Even with the power of the living immortals, your people will not be saved.
Bahamut : You have already perished. The body you inhabit is nothing more than a decaying shell.
As Bahamut speaks, the camera zooms in to show the strange pale boy standing on one of the cliffs. The boy now speaks!
??? : Enough, Bahamut! We have not given up hope!
??? : We are alive! We were born for the purpose of living!
The scene--or memory--shifts, showing the boy walking in a large chamber that you don't recognize. He approaches what looks like a door, and holds out his hand to it. Light emerges from the center of the door and shoots up the walls for a moment; the light them fades and a jewel shines briefly in the door before the door... disappears. The boy begins to walk through the door.
??? : The Paradise of Al'Taieu is no more, and the history of the Zilart is at an end.
??? : But now people will be set free. Free from the chains of Promathia...
??? : Goodbye, Vana'diel.
The scene shifts yet again, now showing you the control chamber in Delkfutt's Tower. Jeunoan scientists are working at terminals, and the blond-haired woman stands in the center. Nag'molada enters and speaks to the woman.
Nag'molada : What has become of Bahamut?
??? : It seems he has transported himself elsewhere.
??? : But I believe he will return to that land. It is woven into the destiny of his kind.
Nag'molada : ...
??? : More importantly, Nag'molada, why did you go there?
??? : Was there something you wished to discuss with Bahamut alone?
??? : It was thanks to you that Bahamut slipped through our fingers.
Nag'molada : Are you concerned because I am Kuluu? Can you still not accept the fact that your people have fallen as far as mine?
Nag'molada : Your stance is foolish, given that this obstinacy is proof of your degradation.
??? : I am not concerned for you. What concerns me is the welfare of the people living in this world of Vana'diel.
Nag'molada : Is that so? Now that a certain personage has left this world, I wouldn't think there would be time for you to be concerned with others.
??? : You speak of your own shortcomings, Nag'molada.
??? : You have failed three times. The issues concerning the boy must be resolved.
Nag'molada : Do not worry. I know how to deal with him.
Nag'molada : And I have an idea on how to contain the Emptiness, as well.
??? : You're not serious...!?
The memories end as the screen goes black.
The scene starts in blackness. Someone is calling your name.
??? : ...!
??? : Amalberga!
??? : Wake up, Amalberga! This is no time for napping!
You now see Prishe scratching her head. She's standing next to you, prone on the ground, unconscious or asleep.
Prishe : Hm... Maybe she's really dead...
Prishe : Wh-what the...!? A flying boat?
Prishe : That's the contraption that dragged me all the way to this dusty hellhole!
Prishe : Hey, wait up! Come back and fight like a man!
Prishe runs off, and the camera pans up to show South Gustaberg. The chapter title, "A Transient Dream", appears over the scene.
Now awakened, you make your way into town in pursuit of Prishe. You find her in Port Bastok outside the airship agency, talking to two employees. Their uniforms include berets.
Prishe : Hey you! Yeah, I'm talkin' to you! Is that big hunk of junk yours?
Carey : Huh...?
Klaus : Um...?
Prishe : I said, is that thing yours? Don't make me repeat myself again, if you know what's good for you!
Carey : This thing... Do you mean the airship?
Prishe : No, I mean the funny thing you're wearing on your head... Of course I mean the airship!
Klaus : Well, yes. This airship was built by the Republic's top engineer, Cid.
Prishe : Alright, where is this Cid guy? C'mon, bring him on out!
Carey : Ah... Um... If you are looking for Cid, he should be in his laboratory in the Metalworks...
Prishe : Got it! Now how the hell am I supposed to find this Mentalworks place...?
Prishe runs off again, not seeing you nearby. You can talk to the two employees for a bit of extra dialogue.
Klaus : Recently there have been reports of airships colliding with large, unidentified objects in the sky.
Klaus : Luckily, these incidents have been isolated and have not involved any commercial flights. However, if something is not done immediately, a terrible accident is bound to occur.
Carey : Who was that girl? It was like a hurricane hit the agency!
Carey : I just wanted to get rid of her, so I told her where the Metalworks was. I hope that Cid doesn't get too mad at me...
Your next stop is to Cid's Laboratory, which is devoid of a certain loud Elvaan girl.
Cid : Well, that was exciting... Hm? You're looking for that rude and crude little girl?
Cid : Well, why didn't you say so!? We thought she might go causing trouble, so...
Naji : So we threw the vagrant into one of our holding cells.
Naji walks up and salutes, followed by Ayame who also salutes.
Ayame : Lady Cornelia has been keeping the girl company. Master Cid, have you sustained any injuries?
Cid : I'm fine. I'm fine. But it's our little guest that I'm worried about. She seems pretty confused and upset. I was going to let her rest a while before I tried talking to her.
Naji and Ayame depart, and Cid turns to you.
Cid : Oh, don't worry. She hasn't done anything wrong, and there are no plans of punishing her any further.
Cid : She'll be let go once we've sorted a few things out... Do you know what she was yelling about earlier?
Cid : All this nonsense about airships and Wyrmkings... I couldn't make heads or tails of it...
Cid : What!? Armored airships? Hooded scientists?
Cid : Well... The scientists are probably the ones from Jeuno. As for the airships, all I can think is that they might be the ones modified for battle during the Great War. But that project was canceled after the allied forces defeated the Shadow Lord's armies.
Cid : I know because I was a member of the project!
Cid : Twenty years ago, I get this invitation from the duke himself to work on a secret project for the Duchy. Minus myself and a few other scientists from Windurst, all the rest of the people assigned to the project are these creepy, pale-faced men in dark, hooded robes.
Cid : They rarely showed their faces in public, but from what I saw, the knowledge and technology they possessed was far superior to anything I had ever seen anywhere on Vana'diel.
Cid : Why, the "crystal propulsion unit" that they had developed was years ahead of its time.
Cid : But it required an energy source more powerful than that which the eight elemental crystals found on Vana'diel could provide.
Cid : What were the Jeunoan scientists using to power their unit, and where did they discover that power?
Cid : I was determined to find out, so I started watching them every chance I got.
Cid : It wasn't long before I noticed that they were conducting a lot of strange experim
ents around the Crag of Holla, but I couldn't put my finger on exactly what they were doing...
Cid : And now they've restarted the project! But why are they sending the airships to Tavnazia...?
Prishe : To catch Bahamut, that's why!
Prishe now enters with Cornelia at her side.
Cid : !?
Cornelia : Cid, this is Prishe. She's feeling much better than she was before. I think she's ready to talk.
Cid : Thanks, Cornelia. So, Prishe. First, let me apologize for keeping you locked up for so long. No hard feelings, alright? But I need you to tell me, who is this Bahamut you keep talking about?
Prishe : Oh, you mean the Wyrmking. Well, everything was all fine and dandy until one day, all of a sudden, this huge dragon appears over my hometown.
Prishe : We were going to meet this dragon and try to knock some sense into him when out of nowhere, a huge airship contraption with all these guns and cannons flies up.
Prishe : We were right in the middle of giving the guys from that ship a sound beating until poof, I'm warped to this hellhole.
Cornelia : What!? You were actually fighting against the Duchy?
Prishe : Hey, we weren't just going to sit there and let them kill Bahamut! Anyway, it was Jeuno who took the first shots.
Prishe : If I only had a little more time, I could have found out what the Wyrmking meant when he was talking about the Keeper of the Apocalypse...
Cornelia : Keeper of the Apocalypse... I've heard that name somewhere before...
Cid : Hmmm... I'm not sure what it is exactly, but I can sense that something big is going down.
Cid : At the same time that the Telepoint at Dem shattered, I heard a report of a giant dragon appearing over the sea north of Jeuno.
Cid : If that dragon was actually Bahamut, then we can conclude that the two events are in some way connected.
Prishe : Then that's all the more reason to get back to Riverne and try meeting with the Wyrmking one more time! C'mon, let's head for Jeuno!
Cid : Jeuno? After all that's happened, why would you want to go there?
Prishe : I've got an old friend who works at the Tenshodo. If I ask him, he'll be more than happy to ready a boat back to Tavnazia.
Prishe : Well, I'll be seeing you guys around! Thanks for all the hospitality!
Cornelia : Hey, wait! How do you plan on traveling to Jeuno? Do you even know how far it is!?
Prishe has run off again, and the cutscene ends. If you talk to Cid once more, he has a few lines to say.
Cid : Bahamut... Tavnazia...
Cid : My ears still doubt the conversation I just heard. Could it all be true?
Cid : I guess the only way to find out would be to tag along with that Prishe a little while longer. She said she was going to Jeuno to meet a friend... Who do you suppose she knows in the Duchy?
Since Prishe mentioned the Tenshodo, you head to Neptune's Spire, their headquarters in Lower Jeuno. You're just about to enter the inner chambers when you are ordered to stop.
Wolfgang : Wait right there!
Wolfgang : You must be extremely confident or extremely stupid to stroll back into Jeuno like this, Amalberga.
Wolfgang : We just received final authorization from your home nation. You are under arrest. The charge is treason.
The doors to the inner chamber open, and Aldo steps out.
Aldo : How's a man supposed to sit back and enjoy a nice glass of Opo-opo brew with all this commotion? Now is someone going to tell me what is going on here?
Wolfgang : Aldo, I apologize for my sudden intrusion. We are not here to cause any trouble for your business. We have only come to escort this criminal back to the palace.
Aldo : Criminal?
Prishe pokes her head around the corner, peeking out at the commotion.
Prishe : Ah! It's the dead lady!
Prishe : Hey! It's me! Don't you remember...
Prishe : Whoa!
Somebody pulls Prishe away. (You can't clearly see who it is as they are partially out of frame, but it's someone small, perhaps a Tarutaru, Goblin, or puppet.)
Aldo : Wolfgang, Wolfgang, Wolfgang... Take a look around you. Does this look like a courthouse? This is my home, and all those in my home are my guests. You wouldn't be calling my guests criminals, now, would you?
Wolfgang : Aldo, this adventurer is not just some petty thief. She is suspected of committing treason against the Duchy. If you are thinking of harboring this menace to society, the Ducal Guard will be forced to take action.
Aldo : Action? If you want to see some action, just try laying a finger on one of my guests.
Wolfgang : Hmph... You never change, Aldo. Adventurer! If you know what's good for you, you'll come to the Grand Palace and turn yourself in once you're finished here.
Wolfgang : And don't even think about running. The warrant for your arrest has already been sent out across Vana'diel. There's nowhere to hide, Amalberga.
Wolfgang leaves, and Aldo turns and enters the headquarters. You follow. The scene then shifts to Aldo's office, where Prishe has been waiting.
Prishe : Wow, so you are a criminal. Let me guess, they dumped you on Tavnazia as part of your punishment, right?
Prishe : So what did you do? Robbery? Murder? Both...?
Aldo : I see you two know each other.
Prishe : Yeah. This shabby-looking adventurer washed up dead on my private beach. I helped bring her back to life.
Prishe : Hey, wait a minute. Aldo, why not ask this lady? She'll tell you I'm not a liar.
Aldo : Alright. Amalberga, is it true that a small group of survivors has been living on the southern tip of Tavnazia for the past twenty years?
You give the classic "stoic adventurer" nod.
Prishe : See! Now do you believe me?
Prishe : This thickheaded buffoon wouldn't listen to a word I had to say!
Aldo : Hah! Some strange girl comes breaking down my door, screaming the name of my father, Altana rest his soul--what was I supposed to do?
Prishe : What were you supposed to do? What was I supposed to do? The only person I could trust--hell, the only person I knew on the mainland--was Grezzo.
Prishe : He told me that any time I was in trouble, he and the Tenshodo would help me out.
Prishe : But now he's gone and...
Prishe : Oh well, you'll still get us a boat so we can go home, right?
As Aldo answers, he turns and walks to his wall, where a nautical chart hangs.
Aldo : Hmmm... That's not going to be as easy as it sounds. I still have nautical maps charting the way to the Sealion's Den, but they're outdated. The currents in that area have changed a lot over the past twenty years...
Aldo : It would take one hell of a navigator to make it to Tavnazia in one piece. But then again, I only employ the best of the best.
Aldo : You may be in luck. Just a few days ago, another customer came to me asking to take him to Tavnazia. I was ready to tell him no as well...until I saw the bag of gil he was offering.
Prishe : Another customer? Why would anyone else want to go to Tavnazia?
Aldo : I don't know. I'm not in the business of asking questions, young lady. As long as I get paid, I could care less what he does over there. And I don't care if you tag along, but that's not for me to decide. You'll have to get the customer's permission.
Prishe : Oh well. As much as I was looking forward to a private cruise, I guess I can't complain.
Aldo : How thoughtful...
Aldo : And you, Amalberga. Why don't you go back to Tavnazia as well? You could lay low there for a while until Wolfgang's cooled off.
Prishe : No way! Amalberga! If you're a real woman, you'll march your butt up to the Grand Duke Palace and face your crimes!
Aldo : Tough on everyone but yourself, I see... Very well. It will take some time to prepare the ship. I will send a messenger when everything is ready. Until then, why don't you take a look around the city?
Prishe : Got it. Thanks, Aldo.
Prishe : Alright! Now it's time to have some fun!
Prishe : See ya, Amalberga! Maybe we can get together again sometime...if you're still alive!
Prishe runs off, and Aldo turns to you.
Aldo : Well, it looks like you should probably turn yourself in. This may be the only chance to try and prove your innocence.
You follow Aldo's suggestion, and head to the Palace in Ru'Lude Gardens. As you enter it and approach the Grand Staircase, Wolfgang calls to you from the top of the stairs.
Wolfgang : We were beginning to wonder when you would arrive, Amalberga.
Wolfgang : The duke vicarious is meeting a messenger from the East as we speak. When she is finished, you shall be next. Until then, you shall be kept in custody.
Two guards start down the stairs towards you. The scene fades to black, then shifts to inside the audience chamber, where the blond-haired woman who was on the airship attacking Bahamut stands. She is identified in the dialogue now as Esha'ntarl. A samurai kneels before her.
Esha'ntarl : I apologize for the absence of Grand Duke Kam'lanaut. I, Esha'ntarl, shall serve in his stead.
Esha'ntarl : I hear that you have come from the Eastern Empire to ask something of our nation. State your name and your request.
Tenzen : ...I am Tenzen. Born and raised in the Far East, I serve as a samurai under the mighty dynasty.
Tenzen : Lady Esha'ntarl, may I ask why my audience was not met by the duke himself?
Esha'ntarl : Even after the defeat of the Shadow Lord, the grand duke has been overwhelmed with his duties to the people of this land.
Esha'ntarl : However, you need not worry. I will take the responsibility of relaying your words directly to Lord Kam'lanaut.
Esha'ntarl : These two shall be witness to that.
She motions to the two Jeunoan scientists - those strange black-robed figures - flanking her on either side.
Tenzen : ...
Tenzen : While short, my message is not a simple one. It is critical that the duke fully understands the grave nature of the situation that lies before us.
Tenzen : What I am about to say does not only affect my homeland, but the countries to the south and west, as well as this fair land.
Tenzen : The Emptiness is closing in. It has already appeared in the far reaches of the Eastern Empire. I can assume that the same is true of the outlying areas in the southern and western lands.
Tenzen : The phenomenon started small, but in recent months it has begun to grow. Like sap oozes slowly from a tree, the Emptiness spreads across my country, swallowing whole the hills and forests.
Tenzen : As it approaches, the children begin to dream. When it arrives, it is not long before the adults, too, begin to dream.
Tenzen : The dream is always the same... It tells us...the Keeper of the Apocalypse will soon appear, and bring with him the end of Vana'diel.
Esha'ntarl : The Keeper of the Apocalypse... A frightening name, is it not?
Esha'ntarl : Your report of this "darkness"--this Emptiness--it is not news to us. In recent weeks, there have been reports of similar phenomena occurring in the areas around Jeuno.
Esha'ntarl : However, these reports state that the Emptiness, as you call it, is localized. That is why we have chosen to withhold this information from the public until it can be further researched. If it is true that the Emptiness has begun to spread, though, an immediate investigation may be necessary.
Esha'ntarl : Shall the Duchy prepare a team?
Tenzen : ... You...do not know why the Emptiness has appeared?
Esha'ntarl : Unfortunately, our scientists have not yet come to any concrete conclusions. If your empire has any definite data, we would be delighted to hear it.
Tenzen : Are you suggesting that the cause of the Emptiness may be found in my land? Do not tell me that you are unaware that the five shards of legend rest here!
Tenzen : Do not tell me that you are unaware that it is the power of the five shards that protects Vana'diel from the Emptiness!
Esha'ntarl : Tenzen of the East... You are very straightforward with your accusations.
Esha'ntarl : Let me see... You feel that Jeuno is the cause of the Emptiness's growth. You feel that our attempts to harness the power of the crystals have resulted in the spread of the darkness, am I correct?
Esha'ntarl : Well, I am sorry to say that you are quite mistaken. Jeuno is fully aware of the power that the crystals radiate forth.
Esha'ntarl : The five shards--the mothercrystals--are what support our world.
Esha'ntarl : We, the Duchy, have taken it upon ourselves to inherit the will of the ancients and protect the Zilartian ruins and the crystals they hold.
Esha'ntarl : We have kept this information from the nations of Bastok, Windurst, and San d'Oria to shield the mothercrystals from those who may wish to wrongly use their power for personal gain.
Esha'ntarl : I see that the Eastern Empire has learned of the crystals' existence, and therefore we can no longer trust you, either.
Esha'ntarl : Jeuno cannot allow the power of the mothercrystals to fall into the hands of those who may exploit it.
Tenzen : My country's only wish is to prevent the Emptiness from taking away any more than it already has!
Esha'ntarl : Seeing, with your own eyes, the darkness drain the life from your homeland... I can understand why you may not agree with our nation's stance.
Esha'ntarl : Very well. I can tell you one thing. The Duchy is currently in search of a boy. This boy is thought to be connected in some way to the Emptiness.
Esha'ntarl : Even though he is not one of us, he has already found a way into three of the Zilartian ruins, the Emptiness following in his path.
Esha'ntarl : We here believe that this boy is the Keeper of the Apocalypse of which you speak.
Tenzen : A boy? Could he be a messenger from another nation?
Esha'ntarl : That we do not know. However...
Esha'ntarl : Wolfgang. Show the adventurer in.
You are brought into the room. (During the next bit of dialogue, your home nation is mentioned. My alt is from Bastok, hence the dialogue about the Republic.)
Esha'ntarl : This adventurer was with the boy when he appeared near the mothercrystals. She hails from the nation of Bastok.
Tenzen : The Republic! What could the president be conspiring!?
Esha'ntarl : Of course, Bastok has denied all ties to the boy.
Esha'ntarl : As has this adventurer.
Esha'ntarl : However, if we learn that the Republic is behind this threat to the mothercrystals and the well-being of all those residing on Vana'diel...
Esha'ntarl : Whether allies or not, Jeuno will be forced to take action against the nation. We will destroy them.
Esha'ntarl : But this is still nothing more than speculation. If we had the time to conduct a proper investigation, it would be the first thing we did. Unfortunately, time is one luxury we do not have.
Tenzen : And that is why we must capture the boy immediately to learn of what he knows...
Esha'ntarl : Exactly. And that is why I offer you a chance--a chance to prove your country's true intents by joining this battle to save your nation--no, all of Vana'diel.
Esha'ntarl : Adventurer. Travel to the fourth crystal and wait for the boy. When he arrives, capture him and bring him here.
Esha'ntarl : Unlike the first three crystals, the fourth lies deep beneath Vana'diel's surface, somewhere below the glaciers of the Northlands.
Esha'ntarl : Thirty years ago, an allied expedition visited the Northlands. If you could find one of the original members, you may be able to obtain some valuable information.
Esha'ntarl : Francmage M Mistalle, of the Knights Mistalle in San d'Oria... Iru-Kuiru, from the Rhinostery in Windurst... Mythril Musketeer captain, Ulrich, from Bastok...
Having been given some leads by Esha'ntarl, you choose to pursue them. I started off investigating into the San d'Orian member, Francmage M Mistalle. You see a cutscene as you zone into Northern San d'Oria.
Ulmia : So this is the San d'Orian Cathedral... Together with the Tavnazian Cathedral, they form the pillars of our faith.
Ulmia : If anyone is truly attempting to open the Gates of Paradise, I am certain it is someone in there...
She heads towards the Cathedral, and the cutscene ends. You follow her there, and speak with the priest at the altar, Arnau
Arnau : Have you lost your way on the path of life? Come, listen to our sermon. Let us be your guide to the light of Paradise.
Arnau : What is this? You wish to know of the Multinational Expedition and its search for the Gate of the Gods?
Arnau : That is quite odd... Not but a few moments ago, another came asking the same questions. I believe her name was Ulmia. Be she an acquaintance of yours?
You've given a choice to answer yes or no. I answered in the affirmative.
Arnau : I see. Ulmia, too, wished to learn more of the Gate of the Gods, so I recommended that she attend the upcoming sermon on the subject.
Arnau : Yes, by all means you may attend as well. My sermon will begin momentarily.
The cutscene shifts to show Ulmia standing at the back of the Cathedral while Arnau gives his sermon. The scene is hazy, as if viewing a memory.
Arnau : Eschew all desire and embrace Altana. Only then will she bless you in her glory.
Arnau : That is all for today's sermon. May Paradise open its gates to you.
The haziness clears as Ulmia approaches the priest.
Ulmia : I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to hear your sermon.
Ulmia : However, there are still many things I do not understand. Would you be so kind as to spare a few moments to answer my questions?
Arnau : Of course, my child. What is it you wish to know?
Ulmia : When I was young, I often heard the stories of Paradise.
Ulmia : A legendary land where the gods slumber... A gate leading to that land, discovered by the ancients...
Ulmia : However, according to the stories I heard, the ancients angered the Twilight God by attempting to open the forbidden gate. As punishment, he cast a terrible curse upon them all...
Ulmia : If this hideous tale is true, then why is the San d'Orian Cathedral attempting to convince people that we should open the gates...?
Ulmia : Or has the cathedral discovered a method to soothe the wrath of the gods?
Arnau looks stern as he speaks.
Arnau : ... I must assume that you are not of our kingdom.
Ulmia : That is correct. I was born in the Marquisate of Tavnazia, and baptized by the Tavnazian Cathedral.
Ulmia : Our church, too, teaches of the Gates of the Gods--the Gates of Paradise. However, we are told it is a line that the children of Vana'diel have been forbidden to cross.
Ulmia : The exact opposite of what the San d'Orian Cathedral teaches...
Arnau : For the past twenty years, we have searched tirelessly for an entrance to Paradise.
Arnau : And it is during that search we realized that the only path to soothing the Twilight God's wrath is to eschew all desire and embrace Altana.
Ulmia : That is all...?
Arnau : I apologize, but I must prepare for my next sermon. If you wish to learn more, inquire with one of the high priests.
Arnau : It is the lifework of our missionaries to enlighten. May they lead you in the direction of truth...
You head to the Manuscript Room and speak with one of the high priests there.
Chasalvige : Welcome, travelers. Even after listening to the vicasque's sermon, you still have questions regarding Paradise?
Chasalvige : Very well. Please, step this way and I will try to quench your thirst for knowledge.
He leads you into the cathedral's basement.
Chasalvige : This is the cathedral Reliquary. It was built in remembrance of one of our former papsques, Muchavatte P Couchiret.
Chasalvige : During his papacy, the papsque devoted himself to healing the wounds in the hearts of man--wounds left by the flames of war.
Chasalvige : The Dawn Goddess watched over him and his work, and blessed him with her glory.
Chasalvige : However, that is not all she gave him. Before his passing, Altana showed the papsque the path to Paradise.
Ulmia : The path to Paradise...?
Chasalvige : Yes. His final words told us that to obtain Paradise, one must eschew all desire and embrace the Dawn Goddess.
Chasalvige : For many years, we believed that the path to Paradise and gates guarding it were things that actually existed on Vana'diel.
Chasalvige : The cathedral scoured through the ancient tomes and documents in our vaults, went to war with other nations...
Chasalvige : I have heard that San d'Oria even attacked the Tavnazian Cathedral... All this to find a Paradise that was only meant to exist in our hearts...
Chasalvige : Instilling fear to find a land where mankind could live without fear. This paradox ultimately put distance between us and Altana.
Chasalvige : But thanks to the teachings of Muchavatte, we have realized the error of our ways and thus made it our mission to enlighten our brothers and sisters regarding the true path to Paradise.
Chasalvige : Do you understand?
Ulmia : Yes, I believe I do.
Ulmia : However, I have one last question. How are we to break free from the curse of the Twilight God?
Chasalvige : That is...
Chasalvige : It is forbidden to speak of the abhorrent one.
Chasalvige : Of all things, you should know this well, child of Tavnazia.
Ulmia : ...
Chasalvige : Travelers, you need not worry.
Chasalvige : It is our duty to serve Altana and introduce her blessed light to the unfortunate masses.
Chasalvige : If we follow the teachings of the Dawn Goddess and do not stray from the path of righteousness, the chains of evil will be broken and the Gates of Paradise will open.
Ulmia : Yes... I see now... Thank you very much for your kindness in explaining this all to us.
Chasalvige : No, you need not thank me. I am simply pleased to know that you now understand the truth behind Paradise.
Chasalvige : Wait...
Chasalvige : You said that you seek the Royal Knight Francmage M Mistalle, did you not?
Chasalvige : If I am not mistaken, I recall a section of Jugner Forest known as Carpenters' Landing being owned by the Knights Mistalle.
Chasalvige : I do not believe you will be able to reach the manor, but you may find some of his hands by the water collecting firewood.
To get to Carpenters' Landing, you must travel to Jugner Forest first and enter the Landing via a tunnel near the pond in the northwest of the forest. Once passing through the Landing's tunnels, you come out to an opening by a river. There is an elderly gentleman standing, staring at the river. You ask him about the Knights Mistalle.
Guilloud : You wish to know of the Knights Mistalle?
Guilloud : You're just like everyone else! A maggot looking for a scandal! Well, it's time for me to squash another worm!
Overgrown Ivy -- a Malboro-type monster--appears! You defeat it.
Guilloud : How...how could you defeat...
Guilloud : Come! Strike me down! I am not afraid of death! There is nothing I could want more than to die in the service of my master.
Louverance : Stop this foolishness!
A knight with silver haid, wearing a brigandine and purple headgear, approaches.
Guilloud : Sir Louverance!
Louverance : Do you truly feel your actions here today would please Count Francmage?
Louverance : Noble adventurer, please forgive this man. The Knights Mistalle were once a proud family of knights...until certain happenings within the Kingdom left the count's name scarred with disgrace.
Louverance : The family vowed revenge... However, without a target for that revenge, they were never able to prove their innocence, and their nobility was stripped from them.
Louverance : San d'Oria is a country built upon honor. Thirty years have passed since ill fate befell the Knights Mistalle, but the contempt towards the family remains.
Guilloud : And now I'm just an old man...
Louverance : What answers have you come in search of today? What do you wish to know of the count?
You speak.
Louverance : Ah, the Multinational Expedition to the Northlands. What were they searching for?
Louverance : I assume their purpose was to investigate the Gates of Paradise. Detailed information on the subject can more than likely be found in the San d'Orian Cathedral.
Louverance : However, even if they did exist, not even a marquis, let alone a count could lay his eyes on the documents without direct permission from the papsque.
Louverance : Though things were quite different when the cathedral was led by the former papsque...Muchavatte...
Louverance : Muchavatte P Couchiret had strong ties with Count Caffaule. While the count passed away many years ago, his wife, Hinaree, still lives alone in their manor in Southern San d'Oria.
Louverance : Perhaps she knows something that may be of use to you. If you mention my name, she should be delighted to assist you.
Louverance : Take my words, adventurer, in exchange for the forgiveness of this old man's sins. Until we meet again...
You return to Southern San d'Oria. On its western edge is a manor house, where you find Hinaree.
Hinaree : You say you met with Louverance? How was the young fellow?
Hinaree : I see... He rarely visits any more. I have been so worried. If anything were to happen to him, my late husband would be devastated.
Hinaree : Hm? The Multinational Expedition? Why, I have not heard that name for thirty years...
Hinaree : Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday... Back then, my husband and I lived in a manor just outside of the village of La Vaule, though I think the area is called Davoi now.
Hinaree : There was a monastery in the center of the village. When Muchavatte, the papsque at the time, visited the monastery, he would often stop by our residence.
Hinaree : I recall His Holiness mentioning that the expedition was called to ascertain certain information brought forth by the Bastokan government.
Hinaree : At that time, the Humes claimed that there was a powerful force of some sort hidden deep within the forbidden Northlands.
Hinaree : Of course, the papsque could not fully believe the stories of those conniving Bastokers.
Hinaree : However, it was my husband who suggested that this powerful force could be the Gates of Paradise...
Ulmia bursts into the room.
Ulmia : Lady Hinaree! So you mean to say the cathedral had located the gates?
Hinaree : Why, it is...!
Hinaree : Oh, how our little guest from Tavnazia has grown! And just look at how beautiful you've become!
Hinaree : I can assume that this adventurer is your acquaintance?
Ulmia : I apologize for my intrusion, Lady Hinaree. When I heard you speak of the Gates of Paradise, I could not control myself...
Hinaree : It is all right, my child. I am just so overwhelmed. I never imagined that we would meet again. What has it been, twenty years?
Ulmia : Yes. And I must once again express my greatest thanks for the kindness you showed me then.
Hinaree : Oh, such a display of humility is not necessary. According to Mildaurion C Giloumet, you were a very special guest.
Hinaree : I can still hear her words, "Please welcome into your home the world-renowned minstrel, Lady Ulmia."
Hinaree : <Laugh> You were still so young, I wondered how and when you had become "world-renowned." It was then you told me that you were traveling with the cardinal as you wished to see Vana'diel.
Ulmia : Again, I apologize...
Hinaree : Yes, I remember now... Was there not another young lady with you?
Ulmia : ...
Hinaree : Oh, I am so sorry. I was not thinking. I did not realize that she...
Ulmia : No, that is all right. She is still alive. She managed to escape the flames of the war with me.
Hinaree : Oh, it is so relieving to hear that another child of Vana'diel has been blessed by the light of the Dawn Goddess.
Hinaree : Yes, things were much better thirty years ago, when both Muchavatte and Mildaurion were still with us...
Hinaree : They would sit in the study with my husband and chatter till the wee hours of the morning, discussing the existence of the Gates of Paradise.
Ulmia : Lady Hinaree, would it be too much to ask what you know of the gates?
Ulmia : The reason I have traveled here from Tavnazia is to inquire with the cathedral on the subject.
Hinaree : ...
Ulmia : The explanation given to the masses was more vague and misleading than any of my canticles.
Ulmia : I have heard tales that the explanation was a message from Altana, given to the papsque on his deathbed. However, I have also heard much to contradict this.
Ulmia : Please. Tell me if there is more to the story.
Hinaree : Ulmia, Paradise is a beautiful place--a magnificent place with neither death nor fear.
Hinaree : When my village was attacked by the Orcs, the bloody hands of destiny ripped my husband away from me. The faith in Paradise that the papsque instilled in me--that is what saved my life.
Hinaree : You sing the words of the heart, Ulmia. You should know that truth is not what always saves us.
Ulmia : But if it is the only thing that offers salvation, then there is nothing more important.
Ulmia : Cardinal Mildaurion told me that the courage to face the truth is what will ultimately save us.
Hinaree : The cardinal said that...?
Hinaree : Very well... There is one thing that His Holiness mentioned when I visited him after he had fallen ill.
Hinaree : "I was forced to abandon the truth."
Ulmia : Abandon...the truth?
Hinaree : The look on his face when he told me this was that of a man who was standing at the gates of the afterlife. I did not have the courage to ask him what he meant by his words.
Ulmia : ...
Hinaree : I cannot know if the "truth" which the papsque spoke of had any relation to the Gates of Paradise.
Hinaree : However, it was not long after this meeting that Cardinal Mildaurion revoked her own nobility and disappeared from the Kingdom. Now that I think of it, this event may have some relation with Muchavatte's words.
Ulmia : The cardinal revoked her nobility? When did this occur?
Hinaree : Nearly twenty years ago, of course. I believe it was just a few days after the Orcs' surprise attack on the Marquisate. Did you not know?
Ulmia : No, I did not. I thought Cardinal Mildaurion was a victim of the assault. The last time I saw her, she was standing in Tavnazia as it crumbled and burned.
Hinaree : It seems as if the light of Altana has blessed the cardinal as well.
Ulmia : Yes... It does... Lady Hinaree, do you happen to know where she headed after revoking her nobility?
Hinaree : That I do not know. However, I did hear that the cathedral has sent a knight to investigate her whereabouts.
Hinaree : That knight's name is Louverance--one of the direct descendants of the former Knights Mistalle. I say "former" because the family was stripped of its royalty years ago. It is said that Louverance himself was once a member of the Royal Knights.
You and Ulmia leave Hinaree's room. As you descend the stairs, Ulmia ponders.
Ulmia : Abandon the truth...
Ulmia : Is that truth connected in some way with the Gates of Paradise, or could it be something else? Truth of the expedition, perhaps?
Ulmia : And Cardinal Mildaurion... I never knew she was still alive. But if it is true, why has she not returned to Tavnazia?
Ulmia : Has she forgotten about us...about me?
This ends the San d'Oria fork of the mission. To continue, you must travel to Windurst Waters. When you do, you see the following scene:
Windu`rst!
Makki-Chebukki : Oho`
Makki-Chebukki : Ohoho`
Makki-Chebukki : So this is our homeland?
Cherukiki : Nope, this is our daddy's homeland!
Kukki-Chebukki : Nah, you're wrong, it's our mom's homeland!
Makki-Chebukki : Which means...
Kukki-Chebukki : That this is our homeland, too?
Cherukiki : You're hopeless!
Kukki-Chebukki : I'm kinda hungry.
Cherukiki : Yeah, me too.
Makki-Chebukki : ...
Makki-Chebukki : Let's go look for our father!
Kukki-Chebukki : Dad!?
Cherukiki : Daddy!?
Makki-Chebukki : Our father would be a genius, just like us.
Kukki-Chebukki : Our dad would be powerful, just like us.
Cherukiki : Our daddy would be someone really important.
Makki-Chebukki : Father!
Cherukiki : Daddy!
Kukki-Chebukki : Dad!
They run off. You now are standing in Windurst Waters yourself. You were told to seek out Iru-Kuiru from the Rhinostery, so you head there first.
Ohbiru-Dohbiru : What's that? You want to know about the allied expedition?
Kenapa-Keppa : Iru-Kuiru...a...researcher...from...the...Rhinostery...
Kenapa-Keppa : ...was the...representative...from...Windurst.
Ohbiru-Dohbiru : He was banished from the Rhinostery and lostaru his life somewhere in the Outlands.
Ohbiru-Dohbiru : If you want to know more about him, you should have a chitchat with Doctor Yoran-Oran in Windurst Walls.
Ohbiru-Dohbiru : I'm not sure he'll be willing to tell you what Iru-Kuiru was researching, mind you. It's probably super-duper-confidential information.
You next head to Windurst Walls and find Yoran-Oran's abode. You enter, and he speaks with you.
Yoran-Oran : Can I help-ethy you? I am Yoran-Oran, former Minister of the Rhinostery...
Before the two of you can say anything further, the Tarutaru trio burst in!
Cherukiki : Father!
Kukki-Chebukki : Dad, we missed you!
Makki-Chebukki : Daddy, your beautiful children are here!
Yoran-Oran : Wh-wh-what...what-ethy?
Yoran-Oran : What is the meaning of this barging-ethy into people's homes? And why are you calling-ethy me "Daddy"?
Makki-Chebukki : You probably didn't know it, Father, but we were in Mother's tummy when you were separated.
Cherukiki : In Mommy's tummy!
Kukki-Chebukki : And that's why we've been looking for you all this time!
Cherukiki : Looking for you, Daddy!
The door opens again, and Koru-Moru and Doctor Shantotto enter.
Koru-Moru : Why, Doctor-doodly Yoran-Oran! Who would've thought you'd have such cute-tootlin' kiddly-winks!?
Shantotto : So many children, you devious creature! We must have the Tarutaru Times write up a feature!
Yoran-Oran : I have-ethy no idea what's going on here! There must-ethy be some sort of mistake!
Shantotto : Ohoho! You men are all the same. Not one of you ever wants to take the blame!
Yoran-Oran : I understand-ethy now. Yes, I did travel to Tavnazia once, many years ago.
Yoran-Oran : But that was only for the purpose-ethy of appraising a rare discovery.
Yoran-Oran : Pirates, thieves, and all kinds of treasure hunters had brought-ethy unusual items from all over the world to the Marquisate...
Yoran-Oran : These items had been hidden-ethy in a chamber beneath the Tavnazian Sacrarium.
Yoran-Oran : I was led-ethy to that reliquiarium only after agreeing-ethy to never speak of the objects I would see.
Yoran-Oran : When we entered the chamber, I was asked to look at a frightening-ethy statue that had been dug up from some goddess-forsaken labyrinth...
Koru-Moru : Frightening statue? Well, spring-spillingly-spill it, man! What kind of slap-daddily statue was it?
Yoran-Oran : I...I'm not sure.
Shantotto : You were invited to the faraway land of Tavnazia and you gave them a "not sure"? All I have to say is, "What an amateur!"
Shantotto : An embarrassment to the ministers of Windurst, an absolutaru disgrace. You've gone and smeared mud on our collective face.
Shantotto : And now hear these poor fatherless children's wailings. Is there no end to your dismal failings?
Yoran-Oran : I'm telling-ethy you, I am not their father!
Yoran-Oran : And I was not called-ethy to Tavnazia to appraise the nature of that statue.
Yoran-Oran : My task was to discern-ethy where it had been excavated from by analyzing the traces of soil that still clung-ethy to its surface.
Koru-Moru : And did you flang-fig-figurey out where the soil was from?
Yoran-Oran : Of course I did. It was silt from the bottom-ethy of the sea. From the Sea of Shu'Meyo, I believe.
Koru-Moru : The Sea of Shu'Meyo... The inland-ified sea north of Jeuno.
Koru-Moru : Isn't that body of water non-stoppingly-notorious for ships sinking on even the calm-balmiest of days?
Yoran-Oran : It is indeed-ethy. What's more, the statue was said to be found-ethy not in the sea, but deep-ethy within the earth.
Shantotto : What a fascinating tale, I must conclude. And after unfurling this mystery, you were elated enough to start your own brood?
Yoran-Oran : Would you give it a rest-ethy!
Yoran-Oran turns to the trio.
Yoran-Oran : Do you see-ethy what you've done! My reputation is in ruins!
Yoran-Oran : Now explain-ethy yourselves!
Cherukiki : We're sta`rving.
Kukki-Chebukki : I feel...faint. No energy...to talk.
Makki-Chebukki : I feel dizzy...
Yoran-Oran : Fine! There's a restaurant in Windurst Waters. Come back-ethy after you've had something to eat!
Makki-Chebukki : Yay!
Kukki-Chebukki : All right!
Cherukiki : Food!
Yoran-Oran : Why me...?
Yoran-Oran : What-ethy a calamity! My pristine-ethy image has been sullied!
Yoran-Oran : No good-ethy! No good-ethy! I must restore-ethy my high standing in the community!
Yoran-Oran : That's it! The Mimeo Mirror! Its memory-viewing powers are perfect-ethy for this situation!
Yoran-Oran : I'll use the mirror to show-ethy all my memories of Tavnazia! I'll prove-ethy my innocence to the world!
Yoran-Oran : Now if I can just remember-ethy the person who owned a Mimeo Mirror. I seem to recall-ethy a rather unpleasant personage boasting about his possessions a while back...
Yoran-Oran : Calm-ethy yourself, Yoran-Oran. You're too worked up-ethy to think straight...
The trail next leads you back to Windurst Waters, where you visit the restaurant.
Kyume-Romeh : Munch-munch...chew-chew... What's that? You have a question you want to ask me, the man on the spot?
Kyume-Romeh : You wanna know if three Tarutaru wearing strange clothing were here while I was stewing over my stew?
Kyume-Romeh : I did see three Tarutaru with appetites almost as big as mine, if that helps. Munch-munch...chew-chew...slurp...
We see a flashback of the trio leaving the restaurant.
Cherukiki : Ooh, I'm stuffed.
Kukki-Chebukki : I think I've gone up three belly sizes.
Makki-Chebukki : I shouldn't have had that last roast rarab...
Kukki-Chebukki : Wow, I thought our number was up when that humongous dragon got his claws into us.
Cherukiki : That big lizard left us without two gil to rub together.
Makki-Chebukki : ... You know, I've been thinking...
Makki-Chebukki : I don't think that guy was our father.
Kukki-Chebukki : Nah, not our dad.
Cherukiki : Nope, not our daddy.
Makki-Chebukki : Our father would be someone with a lot more cash.
Kukki-Chebukki : Yeah, our mom had that huge gem, after all.
Cherukiki : And that lovely fur coat.
Makki-Chebukki : Right, then. Let's go look for our real father!
Cherukiki : Ready or not!
Kukki-Chebukki : Here we come, Dad!
The flashback ends, leaving you talking to the reporter again.
Kyume-Romeh : ...And that's when they took off towards the south part of Windurst Waters. Munch-munch...chew-chew...
So you head for the houses in southern Windurst Waters, and enter one of the upper levels. You barely have a chance to question its owner when the trio burst in.
Honoi-Gomoi : What do you want? This is the house of the ridiculously wealthy Honoi-Gomoi!
Makki-Chebukki : Father!
Kukki-Chebukki : Dad, we missed you!
Cherukiki : Daddy, your beautiful children are here!
Honoi-Gomoi : What in blazes are you three babbling aboutaru!?
Makki-Chebukki : You probably didn't know it, Father, but we were in Mother's tummy when you were separated.
Cherukiki : In Mommy's tummy!
Kukki-Chebukki : And that's why we've been looking for you all this time!
Cherukiki : Looking for you, Daddy!
Kyume-Romeh : Munch-munch...chew-chew... I heard everything! I knew it was a good idea to follow those unnaturally hungry Tarutaru in the search for their long-lost father!
Kyume-Romeh : This scoop is going to mean another Pulitzer-Bulitzer Prize for the man on the spot!
Honoi-Gomoi : Now justaru a darn second there, newspaper boy!
Honoi-Gomoi : This is all your fault, you nonsense-spouting troublemakers! What annoying pit did you crawl out of!?
Cherukiki : We're from Tavnazia!
Kukki-Chebukki : We were blown through the air, over the seas and mountains!
Makki-Chebukki : We came to meet you, Father!
Honoi-Gomoi : Tavnazia? That former city, now big hole in the ground, Tavnazia? I mean, I used to travel there quite often on business before it was destroyed...
Kyume-Romeh : Munch-munch...chew-chew... You admit it! You've been to Tavnazia!
Kyume-Romeh : Then these three really are your children...
Honoi-Gomoi : I thought I told you to hold on a darn second! You've got the wrong Tarutaru! On my trips to Tavnazia, I only ever met with the scoundrels in Atarefaunet's band!
Honoi-Gomoi : Do you three know anything aboutaru Atarefaunet's band of thieves?
Honoi-Gomoi : The name hasn't come up so often since the leader, Atarefaunet, got himself executarued...
Honoi-Gomoi : Just hearing that name was enough to make children wail in fear! A ruthless gang of banditarus, if ever there was one!
Honoi-Gomoi : Because of my dealings with Atarefaunet's band, the Tavnazian Cathedral put out a warrant for my arrestaru. I had no time for dates or dilly-dallying!
Kyume-Romeh : Munch-munch...chew-chew... What a juicy story!
Kyume-Romeh : Another scoop for the man on the spot! "Honoi-Gomoi Confesses to Deeds Unsavory!"
Honoi-Gomoi : Don'taru get ahead of yourself! You've got no proof! If you write any filthy articles about me, I'll have you thrown in jail for libel!
Honoi-Gomoi : Proof! Yes! Where's your proof!?
Honoi-Gomoi : Show me proof that I'm your father!
Cherukiki : We don't have anything around here, Daddy.
Kukki-Chebukki : We have proof in Tavnazia, Dad.
Makki-Chebukki : But we don't have any money to get back there, Father.
Honoi-Gomoi : You don't have the money to take an airship?
Honoi-Gomoi : I'll give you as much as you need! Justaru get out of my house! Out!
Kyume-Romeh : Munch-munch...chew-chew... Hold on a momentaru! The man on the spot would like to ask you a few questions!
Honoi-Gomoi : Why does this have to happen to me!?
Honoi-Gomoi : I'll sue the pants off that journalist if he writes anything incriminating...
Honoi-Gomoi : What's that? Yoran-Oran said a Mimeo Mirror could help clear up any doubts?
Honoi-Gomoi : I...I've got one of those! It's a little cracked, though...
Honoi-Gomoi : Take this to Yoran-Oran. He should be able to fix it!
Obtained key item: Cracked Mimeo Mirror.
You schlep back to Windurst Walls and speak with Yoran-Oran again.
Yoran-Oran : Hm!? Honoi-Gomoi entrusted-ethy you with a cracked Mimeo Mirror? But this is no good-ethy if it's broken!
Yoran-Oran : No good-ethy! No good-ethy! Think-ethy, Yoran-Oran! Think-ethy!
Yoran-Oran : I have it! To fix the Mimeo Mirror, we will need-ethy a Mimeo Feather formed from a Mimeo Jewel. Better make that three of them!
Yoran-Oran : Adventurer! You must-ethy go to the Attohwa Chasm and obtain-ethy yourself some Mimeo Jewels!
Yoran-Oran : Then take-ethy them to the tippity-top of Parradamo Tor to transform-ethy them into Mimeo Feathers! Remember, I need-ethy three of them!
Yoran-Oran : It will take-ethy all your skills and more to accomplish-ethy this task, but I know you can do it! You must-ethy be able to do it! I need-ethy you to be able to do it!
For this task, you first must travel to Attohwa Chasm and find the Loose Sand. Examining the sand will spawn an Antlion monster that you must defeat. After defeating the monster, examine the sand again to obtain the Mimeo Jewels.
This starts a timer: you now have 30 Earth minutes to reach the top of Parradamo Tor. The path up the mountain is tricky. First, the path is just wide enough to walk on - it's more of a ledge than a path. There's several switchbacks where you need to reverse the direction you were walking, and at some points, the ledge ends and you need to DROP DOWN to another ledge. Walking up this path is a must - you will not do yourself any favors by attempting to run.
Once you make it to the top, find the Cradle of Rebirth. Click it to throw the jewels in, and they will be returned to you as Mimeo Feathers.
You can now return to Yoran-Oran in Windurst Walls.
Yoran-Oran : Excellent, this is everything I need-ethy! I'll get straight-ethy to work!
Yoran-Oran : Oh, and make sure you find-ethy those three troublemakers before I finish repairing-ethy the mirror!
Yoran-Oran : I must fix-ethy this mirror! I need to fix-ethy this mirror! I will fix-ethy this mirror!
So you do as he asks, and set out to find the Tarutaru trio. You wander into Port Windurst, where a newspaper salesperson is hawking her wares. You stop to question her.
Yujuju : Extra! Extra! Hear all about it! ô "Magic Paradise Weekly" is chock-a-block full of the latest news in Windu `rst! ô The next special feature is...
Yujuju : Huh? Three Tarutaru wearing clothing from another country? How come you know all aboutaru our next special feature?
Yujuju : If you're looking for them, they were justaru sitting on top of the air travel agency, sighing as they watched the airships come and go.
The scene then switches to the trio in a flashback.
Makki-Chebukki : Those big boats are called "airships," right?
Kukki-Chebukki : I wonder if one of those could take us home.
Cherukiki : But as soon as we get home we're gonna be in big trouble.
Makki-Chebukki : ... Prishe is never lazy with her punishments, either.
Kukki-Chebukki : ... Nope, she definitely doesn't hold back.
Cherukiki : She really gets ugly, that's for sure.
Makki-Chebukki : You know, I've been thinking...
Makki-Chebukki : I don't think that guy was our father.
Kukki-Chebukki : Nah, not our dad.
Cherukiki : Nope, not our daddy.
Makki-Chebukki : Our father would be someone a lot more powerful.
Kukki-Chebukki : Yeah, he is our dad, after all.
Cherukiki : Our daddy would have to be a super-duper, double-whammy, extra-wizzy wizard.
Makki-Chebukki : Father!
Kukki-Chebukki : Dad!
Cherukiki : Daddy!
The scene returns to the present.
Yujuju : ...And then they wentaru looking for a super-duper, double-whammy, extra-wizzy wizard somewhere in Windurst Waters.
Yujuju : Extra! Extra! Hear all about it! ô This has been a Windurst news update from your friendly "Magic Paradise Weekly" journalist! ô
You follow the trail to Windurst Waters, and there enter the Optistery, where you find Tosuka-Porika talking to himself.
Tosuka-Porika : Hrm. Hrmmm... Hrrrmmmmmm...hrm!
Tosuka-Porika : I can't seem to concentrate on my work today. Why do I keep having this strange feeling that something...
Makki-Chebukki : Father!
Kukki-Chebukki : Dad, we missed you!
Cherukiki : Daddy, your beautiful children are here!
Tosuka-Porika : Hrm!? Who are you three supposed to be!?
Makki-Chebukki : You probably didn't know it, Father, but we were in Mother's tummy when you were separated.
Cherukiki : In Mommy's tummy!
Kukki-Chebukki : And that's why we've been looking for you all this time!
Cherukiki : Looking for you, Daddy!
Tosuka-Porika : H-hold on a moment! You think that I'm your father!? I'm old enough to be your grandfather!
Cherukiki : Grandpappy?
Kukki-Chebukki : Could he be our grandpa?
Makki-Chebukki : We've come all the way from Tavnazia to look for our father...
Tosuka-Porika : Hrmmmm!? Tavnazia!? I'm afraid neither I nor my daughter have ever been to Tavnazia...
Makki-Chebukki : That's weird. We heard that our father was the Minister of the Optistery...
Kukki-Chebukki : You're not our dad, Minister Karaha-Baruha!?
Tosuka-Porika : Hrm!? Karaha-Baruha!? You three are the children of Karaha-Baruha!?
Makki-Chebukki : That's right! Our father is Karaha-Baruha!
Kukki-Chebukki : That's why our lives are in danger!
Cherukiki : That's why we came looking for our daddy to help us!
Tosuka-Porika : How could Karaha-Baruha have children... I'm flabbergasted... Now that I think about it, he did mention something about a trip to Tavnazia...
Tosuka-Porika : He said he'd had an encounter that would change the history of Vana'diel's people. Could he have meant his meeting with your mother? Hrm!
Tosuka-Porika : Oh, my poor little ones. I have some terrible news for you.
Tosuka-Porika : The great and powerful Karaha-Baruha passed away twenty years ago...
Tosuka-Porika : He perished from the incredible summoning magic he used to save our beloved Windurst.
Cherukiki : Karaha-Baruha is dead!?
Kukki-Chebukki : He died from using summoning magic!?
Makki-Chebukki : We're doomed!
Tosuka-Porika : I'm sure you are terribly-werribly shaken by all this... My sincere condolences, children of Karaha-Baruha.
Tosuka-Porika : But do not despair. As the successor of all matters relating to the Optistery, I will do everything in my power to aid you.
Makki-Chebukki : Everything in your power?
Kukki-Chebukki : You don't seem to be powerful at all, Grandpa.
Cherukiki : And you don't look rich either, Grandpappy.
Tosuka-Porika : Hrm! I suppose I have no more power or money than most people...
Tosuka-Porika : However, I am known as the "Fountain of Knowledge"! All the information in the books you see before you is indelibly etched into my magnificent memory!
Tosuka-Porika : Go ahead, ask me anything you wish to know.
Makki-Chebukki : Hmmm. Okay, who are the Kuluu?
Tosuka-Porika : The Kuluu were an ancient race that no longer exists in our time.
Kukki-Chebukki : What about the Zilart?
Tosuka-Porika : That is also the name of an ancient race that no longer exists in our time.
Cherukiki : How about Bahamut?
Tosuka-Porika : That would be the name of the ancient king of the wyrms that no longer exists in our time.
Makki-Chebukki : Amazing.
Kukki-Chebukki : You managed to get every question wrong.
Tosuka-Porika : What!? What are you talking about!?
Cherukiki : One more question: Who is Nag'molada?
Tosuka-Porika : Nag'molada... Hrm!? Isn't that the name of a Jeunoan diplomat? I believe he was responsible for adjudicating talks between the three nations during the time of the war...
Makki-Chebukki : Wow! I knew he was somebody important!
Kukki-Chebukki : He's important, powerful, and rich!
Cherukiki : He could've been our daddy if he were a Tarutaru!
Tosuka-Porika : What are you whispering about? Have you come to realize my greatness, children of Karaha-Baruha?
Makki-Chebukki : Um, yeah. We're gonna head for Jeuno now, Grandfather!
Kukki-Chebukki : Head for Jeuno!
Cherukiki : Jeuno!
And the trio runs out and away...
You visit Yoran-Oran in Windurst Walls one last time, to check on his progress with the Mimeo mirror.
Yoran-Oran : It's fixed! I've fixed it! I've repaired-ethy the mirror!
Yoran-Oran : Now, adventurer, it is time to put-ethy these false accusations to rest.
Yoran-Oran : We must bring-ethy everyone here. Professor Koru-Moru, Doctor Shantotto, the Tarutaru Times, and of course, those three reputation-ruining children from Tavnazia...
Yoran-Oran : What-ethy? They've already left!? What about-ethy this matter of questionable parentage!?
Yoran-Oran : Simply astonishing-ethy. Who would've guessed-ethy they were the children of Karaha-Baruha...
Yoran-Oran : Oh dear-ethy. I think-ethy all this excitement has finally caught up to me... So, what was it you wanted from me, then?
Yoran-Oran : The Rhinostery directed-ethy you here? Ah, you wish to know-ethy about the allied expedition to the Northlands?
Yoran-Oran : Since you assisted-ethy me in my recent crisis, I suppose-ethy I can tell you what I know. I must-ethy warn you, though, that precious little was discovered.
Yoran-Oran : That expedition mostly served to prove-ethy the evil of the Northlands when two of the musketeers from the Bastokan contingent failed-ethy to return.
Yoran-Oran : The terrible power in that land has been whispered-ethy about for many years, but I do not believe-ethy that anyone has yet managed to discern where or what this power truly is.
Yoran-Oran : Minister Rukususu of the Rhinostery is continuing the investigation of the Northlands, but has discovered-ethy nothing more than a few trivial elements...
Yoran-Oran : All I know-ethy is that it was the suspicious actions of Bastok that interfered-ethy with the original expedition.
Yoran-Oran : But as for the details of what really happened-ethy back then, you should take-ethy your questions to Bastok or San d'Oria.
The trail circles around: you return to Cid in the Metalworks in Bastok and question him.
Cid : What, you want to hear about the Multinational Expedition?
Cid : What is there to know? Everybody that went on that damned mission passed away or was...
Cid : I usually don't believe in anything crazy like magic or curses, but after hearing the stories about what happened up there in the Northlands, I don't think there may be any other explanation.
Cid : You already heard from the other two nations that the expedition was formed on the suggestion of the Republic, right?
Cid : <Sigh> Maybe it's time that I face up to my past crimes... I was the one that pressured the government into sending a party to the Northlands.
Cid : Thirty years ago, a man brought a strange stone to the Metalworks.
Cid : It wasn't any bigger than my fist, but just by standing near it you could feel the power flowing from its facets.
Cid : That power was greater than that of any crystal I had ever seen. I was shocked and amazed by what lay before my eyes.
Cid : When the man told me that it was a fragment of a crystal that was found in the Northlands, I was convinced that something more was hiding up there.
Cid : I thought if I could find that energy source and bring it back to Bastok, the Republic would thrive, ultimately becoming the strongest, most advanced nation in the world.
Cid : So I told my discovery to the president at the time, and suggested that he ready an expedition led by a party of musketeers.
Cid : It was supposed to be top-secret, but somehow the information leaked to the other two nations, and...
Cid : And in the end, the expedition turned up nothing, and we lost more than we could ever have imagined...
Cid : Now that I think of it, the energy from that stone might have been enough to power the crystal propulsion unit.
Cid : Could Jeuno have already found a new source of energy in the Northlands?
Cid : If I only had that rock... Unfortunately, it disappeared thirty years ago...right around the time of the expedition.
Cid : The man who sold me the stone--a stone which he called "magicite"--said that he brought it from Tavnazia, and that it was a piece of a larger gem known as the "Star of Tavnazia."
Cid : Maybe that crazy blue-haired girl from the island knows something about that gem.
Cid : Do you think you could ask her for me?
Coming Soon!