Part 89: Sidequesting before Zaude, Part 3

Okay, so, PS3 exclusive sidequests. They are a very mixed bag if you ask me. Some of them are kinda interesting, like this one in Mantaic:







The two men assume battle position.

Boy: Aah!





Fade to black and back in.



Boy: Yes, thank you very much! Hehe, I'm happy I got saved by a knight. I wanna be just like you!
Man, this town is full of reckless kids.
Right. You know, if we didn't happen to pass by here, you would have been done for.
Boy: But I couldn't just let him get away with that.
He's got a strong sense of justice.
...
Boy: I'm going to be a knight when I grow up! That means I can't let evildoers go free!
It isn't easy being a knight. Just because you want to be one, doesn't mean you will.
Boy: Huh? What do you mean?
You just tried to take on two adult men unarmed. You do understand what would have happened if we hadn't saved you, correct?
Boy: ...
B-but Flynn...
You have to be aware of your own limits. If you're up against an impossible situation, you'll need to ask for assistance. A knight can't afford to falter if there's someone he needs to protect.
Boy: But...
Asking for help is uncool.
Boy: Y-yeah!



You can't worry about if what you're doing is cool or not. If you want to be a knight because you think it's cool, you're underestimating the value of a knight's role.
Boy: ...
However, what you did takes a lot of courage. Even grown men would hesitate in that situation. As long as you work hard and don't become overconfident, I'm sure the path to knighthood will open to you.
Boy: Really?
Yeah.
Boy: I'll work really hard! Work hard, and join the knights! Thank you, Sir Knight!



Phew, that was nerve-wracking.
I kind of feel like I just saw a reflection of myself.
Yeah... When we first started travelling together, you were kinda like that.
The way you were talking, I thought you were going to smash his dream into smithereens.
You were pretty tough on him...
I wanted to give him some realistic advice.
As a knight, I feel your advice was very appropriate, Flynn.
Well, it's not like you said anything that wasn't true, and everything turned out fine in the end.


Some are useful by actually giving a good reward, like this one, triggered by resting on the world map:





Okay, you're the lookout tonight, Yuri.
All right.
Thanks. Good night.
Night.












Oh, sorry to interrupt.
I don't mind. Did I wake you up?
Nah. I'm up because I wanted to do some training, too.
In that case, want to join me?
Really!? All right!
But, I'm surprised. Even though you're so strong, you're using time meant for sleep to train.



I still have lots to work to do in order to achieve my goal of changing the empire. I need to improve myself. I want my strength to be unwavering in my goals.
You mean you need more than just skill with the sword?
Yeah. Both physical and spiritual strength are important. While tempering one's skill with the sword, it's important to also temper one's beliefs. Power without conviction only brings violence.
Yeah, you're right. If you believe in something enough, you can stand against violence any day.
Woof!



Repede, are you here to help us train?
Woof!
May as well get these old bones movin' as well.



I would be most pleased to spar with you, Raven.
I believe knights often fight in groups. Perhaps you'd enjoy some company to practice some group tactics?
Aye! The bad guys aren't going to let you fight one on one!



Judith and Patty too?
Can we join in as well?
That's fine, but why?
Me? Well, I've wanted to try going up against you at least once.
The best way to take down a commander is to aim for the horse!
W-well I guess that was to be expected...
Haha. I don't mind what your reasons are. Thanks.
My, what an interesting fellow. There's no need to thank us. We just happened to have the same goal in mind.
You're right. Well then, let's get started.




Guess that's where I come in.
Hey, you should all be sleeping.
...That goes for you, too.


This gives Flynn the Cyclone Beam arte:



I already showed it off back when Flynn joined before Baction.


Some sidequests are funny, like this one in Dahngrest:



It's getting pretty late. How about we stay the night here in Dahngrest?
You're right. It has been pretty hectic lately. Some rest will be good for us.



I'm planning on patrolling the town tonight, so I'm going to the Union to ask for permission. I may be away from my troops, but I still have a duty to act as a knight.
Why do you want to patrol Dahngrest? That's the Union's job.
I doubt the Union has been functioning properly since the Don passed away. Even the knights have caught wind of the crumbling public order here.
There has been growing friction between the guilds since the Don passed away. The Union really has to get their act together and deal with them.
Right. But, until then, I figure I should do my part as a knight and keep a look out.



Man, Flynn, you're so uptight! It's relaxin' time! We should take a load off and enjoy ourselves! Life's too short to pass up.
Flynn doesn't really know how to change gears.
Perhaps you should take a look in the mirror, Yuri.
Leave it ta me! I'll take ya somewhere real nice, trust me!
It's fine. I'm going to go on patrol so--
Stick with me, kid. Let me tell ya, every experience's a life lesson!



W-Whoa, Raven!



You think this is a good idea? This is the old man we're talking about. I'm sure you can imagine what kind of place he'll take Flynn.
Flynn could use a lesson on being a little less stiff. I'm willing to take my chances.




Woman A: You like playing dress up? You better be careful! If you keep dressing like a knight, a real one might arrest you!
Woman B: Every knight I've met has been a big headed idiot! You're just way to cute to be a real knight! Teeheehee! ☆
Woman C: Do the girls crawl all over you at the capital when you call yourself a knight? Aw, but too bad! This is Dahngrest.
No, uh...
Woman D: You don't have to be so nervous. If you're not sure of something, I'll be sure to help you out personally.
Woman A: I really can't believe that someone like you is here with Raven.
Um...
Woman B: You're only having juice? You're such a child! But that just makes you all the more cute. ♥
Um, I...
Woman C: Come on, relax. ♥ Tonight, we'll have fun together all night. ♪






Good morning!
Good morning. Did I keep you waiting?
No, you didn't. Wait, were you two out all night?
It was dawn before I knew it. I've stayed up all night a number of times as a knight, so there's no need to worry. It won't interfere with my performance in battle.
Sounds like you had a lot of fun.
I did. Thanks to Raven, my time was very well spent.
Really now?
Raven must have wanted to be as close to you as Yuri is.
Yeah. It would have been great if Yuri had come too.



Flynn's totally the worst wingman! I'm never gonna go on a night on the town with him again. He's too strong of a chick magnet. The girls ignore everything else when he's around.
Yeah, it's always been like that. He's pretty used to women hitting on him.



Nothing. So you had fun?
Yeah. I got to hear plenty of stories that don't normally reach a knight's ears. I've learned that it's sometimes necessary to let loose and listen to what the people have to say.
I doubt your own objectives were that admirable, old man. Well, looks like you learned your lesson.
No kidding.


Skit: Commander's Dignity
You know, Flynn, whenever I look at you, I can't help but think you totally look the part of an imperial knight captain.
Unlike Raven. Even when he was in his knight captain get-up, he didn't look like it at all.
It wouldn't matter what he wore, that old man would look shady either way.
Oh? He may just be using that "shadiness" of his to cover up his real, knightly self.
Yeah, right. There's no way I'd believe that!
*Whine*
Captain Schwann was a dignified and wonderful person. He was such a good knight that he was always trusted with top-secret missions. There wasn't a single knight who did not know his name. In fact, he fulfilled his missions with such dignity and loyalty that many knights admired him.
Are you serious?
On top of that, despite his solemn disposition, he treated his troops well, so the trust between them ran very deep.
That's true. From the three we've seen, it's obvious they were quite smitten with him.
The more you talk about Schwann, the less he sounds like the old man.
Like I've been sayin', I'm not Schwann.
Wah! When did you get here?!
Geez, I turn around for one second and yer all runnin' yer mouths!
But, at times, I think I can hear a little bit of Captain Schwann in what you say. I'm sure you're still secretly carrying around a little piece of him inside.
Come on, give me a break.


Some sidequests are just kinda pointless, like this one in Capua Torim featuring a very angry Rita for a reason I don't know:



What's wrong?
Someone you know, Patty?
Nope. I just felt sorry for him after I heard him sigh like that.
Hey now.
Are you worried about something?
He's probably just down in the dumps because his store is doing badly.
Rita! That's rude!
Shopkeeper: No, she's quite right. Oh! Could it be? Do you want to buy something?!
Not really.
Shopkeeper: I see... *Sigh*
What sort of shop is this?
Shopkeeper: It's a juice stand.
Juice? Why not fish? I mean, this is Torim, the best place to get fresh fish around. It's weird you're not selling it.
Yeah. Torim's famous for its delicious fish.

Is it just me or is this line of thinking Patty has here very bizarre? I mean, if everyone's selling fish, wouldn't that just lead to oversaturation? Shouldn't shops also sell other stuff?

Great, so how about you start selling fish juice. Are we done here?



Don't get ahead of yourself. You'll only draw in cats.
Yeah, a normal person would consider someone selling fish juice pretty fishy.
Fish juice is out, but we can do something with Torim's fish. Rather than explain, I'll show you first hand. Leave the menu to me!
Shopkeeper: R-really?!
My word is my bond.
Hey, don't just get everyone involved on a whim.
I think she's got a thing for fish juice. She probably sees this as a challenge.
Everyone, here's a list of ingredients we need to gather!
Don't drag me into this mess!
I think it's too late for that now.
We should give it a try. It sounds like fun, and the shopkeeper is delighted. Besides, Rita, you're the one who brought up fish juice in the first place.
Ugh...
What do we need to get?
I need one of each of the following: Cabbage, tofu, kelp, scallops, salmon, squid, and shrimp.
All right.
Once we've got everything, we'll come back here and prepare it.
Shopkeeper: I'm counting on you!

All of these are common cooking ingredients, so you'll probably have them on hand.

Shopkeeper: Welcome back, everyone!



First, we need to cut up the fish. Could you lend us a fillet knife?
Shopkeeper: I don't have one.
You don't?
Shopkeeper: Sorry. This shop's is a juice stand, after all.
Why don't you just use that apple peeling knife over there?
Uh, Rita, I don't think yer gonna get far usin' a fruit knife on fish.



Huh? I've got a kitchen knife if you need one.
It has to be a fillet knife. Freshness is the very life of seafood! In order to preserve that freshness, we need a knife that can quickly and nimbly fillet the fish. The fishies will cry if they're not cut up in a way to make them most delicious!
Indeed, I couldn't agree more.
But where are we gonna get a knife like that?
Couldn't a blacksmith guild make one?
Don'tcha think the best place ta find a guild for that would be the Union?
I guess this'll be the first time we put a request in rather than fulfil one. How about we ask around at the bar in Dahngrest?
I guess that does sound faster than finding a blacksmith guild directly.
Yeah, we can contact someone from the Union at the bar.
We should get the ingredients before we make the request.
A Sharp Blade and a Flare Stone are needed for making a knife.
A Sharp Blade and a Flare Stone? We can probably get those somewhere.
After we get everything, let's head for Dahngrest. Sound like a plan?



A quick flight to Dahngrest, and entering the western bar there...



Barkeeper: Hello, Mr. Raven. What will it be?
This young lady has a job for you.
I'd like you to make a fillet knife out of these materials.
Barkeeper: A fillet knife? That might take some time to have made.
We don't really have time to waste. Is there anything you can do for us?
Barkeeper: Hm... I know. How about we trade you our shop's knife for your materials?
I'm sure one of your knives will do the job.
Barkeeper: Here you go, then.



What is it, Patty?
What an amazing all-purpose knife! Aye, this knife is sure to make any dish delicious.
Are you sure we can have this?
Barkeeper: I'm more than capable of cooking with or without that knife! Besides, I can always ask the Soul Smiths to make me another. You gave me the materials, after all.

Somehow, I don't think this a good trade for the barkeeper! But alright, whatever.

Thank you!
How nice.
Aye.



This knife increases the success of cooking. In the 360 version you can just synth it, but in the PS3 version you'll have to get it from here. I'm pretty sure we synthed it quite a while ago in the 360 version in this LP, actually.

Guess we should head back to Torim now.

Guess we should indeed.



Shopkeeper: So you got a knife?
Which means it's time to take care of the ingredients.
So, what exactly is on the menu anyway?
A favorite at sea, Seafood Stew.
Stew? I don't have a lot of experience with that...
It's a secret recipe of fishermen everywhere. They often eat it at sea. Goes great with sake.
Yes, the broth has a pleasant, savory taste. It really capitalizes on the taste of the fish. I think it's a great idea.
Stew? Not a bad idea. All you have to do is toss the ingredients in a pot, boil it, season it and you're done. Got it? Good. We'll leave it to you!
Don't make light of stew! Stew is a profound dish that varies with the slightest change in the order in which you add ingredients.



Rita, are you familiar with the phrase, "Kicking the hornet's nest"?
Shut up!
The old man and Karol will be in charge of vegetables. Judy, I'll count on you for the broth.
You're assigning positions? I thought you were going to take care of everything yourself.
I said I would teach you all the true meaning of stew!
Ugh, Rita...
Rita, you're on dish washing duty. Estelle, take care of the rice. Yuri, you cut the fish.
Looks like I got the lead role.
Then, I'll take care of the seasoning...
Flynn, you're with me. There's a lot of fish to cut up.
Okay.
I'll do the seasoning.






It's done!



Miss Kaufman!
I've heard the whole story. Looks like an all new menu. Mind if I have a bowl as well?
Please.
Thanks. I'll help myself.



Tantalizing! It's bold, with no wasted flavor. A magnificent dish.
Do you think it's fit for the new menu?
Yes. This place will make a name for itself in Torim.



That's the spirit. Good luck!
If this stew becomes famous, I'm sure Torim's tourism business will boom, and we'll all see an increase in profit.
I see your game. Shrewd as ever.
Thank you for the compliment.
Well, it's my Seafood Stew! I'm sure it'll do well. If it doesn't bring a grin to a customer's face, I'll eat my hat!



Completing this gives us the Seafood Stew recipe, one of the few new recipes in the PS3 version.


Skit: As Schwann
Mr. Raven...
Hm? What is it, youngin'?
I'd like to ask you something as a fellow knight, even though you may not want to talk about it.
Lemme guess. Why did Schwann obey Alexei?
Captain Schwann, of all people, was in the best position to see through Alexei's actions.
You're overestimating Schwann. The thought never crossed his mind. His head was completely empty.
It didn't matter to Schwann whether he was being used as a pawn or not. All he did was carry out his mission.
The real Schwann died 10 years ago.
You still felt that way, even with the situation at the time?
Well, I didn't expect that huge blastia to just appear.
But, even if I did, I might have still followed Alexei to the end.
Honestly, I don't even know anymore.
Are you trying to settle things now because you decided to live as Raven?
Well, there's a bunch of folks lookin' out for me right now. I couldn't die even if I wanted to.
If I'm gonna live, I better take care of what Schwann started, right?
It looks like you were fortunate enough to meet people that changed you.
Heh. I'm telling you, it's no big deal.


And lastly, some sidequests are just dumb, like this one we start in Capua Nor:





Zarashawn: I'm from the fortune telling guild, Softboiled Pons. Zarashawn, at your service. I will foretell your worries. Yes, stay still, just like that...
Hm?
Zarashawn: Woo woo woo... There!



Oh, amazing! You're right!
Zarashawn: And if you want that love to succeed... woo woo... You yourself must practice what you preach!
You mean the Sea Doctrines?
What are those?
They're the doctrines Aifread based his motto upon.
So, by going by those doctrines, you think her wish will be granted?
Zarashawn: Only if she herself practices them!



What? There's a fee?
Zarashawn: Hey, nothing's free in the world.
This kinda feels like we're being swindled. I mean, she just spoke to us as we were walking by, and now she wants money?
Yeah...



We actually get a choice here, but to proceed the sidequest, we have to pay. Pretty bullshit but it's not like 1000 Gald is a lot by this point.

Zarashawn: Thank you for your patronage! As reward, I'll tell you one last thing before you go. The item that will bring you the most fortune is one you must drag up from the depths of the ocean.
From the depths of the ocean? Yeah, that'll be easy to find.
Zarashawn: That's all I can see. Farewell. I wish you the best in your love life.



Hey, I've still got all my marbles.
An item at the bottom of the ocean... Perhaps we need to use the salvage crane?
Sea Doctrine No. 18! "There are many perils on the sea. But do not fear encountering the unknown!"
Huh?
Love is like the sea: a domain full of unknowns. But I won't hold back. I will salvage your heart!
...Yeah, all right. Whatever floats your boat.

To continue, we have to search this search point, roughly south of Dahngrest and Heliord.











Huh? Oh, you mean that item the woman from the fortune telling guild was talking about?
But, you know, it doesn't really look like anything special.
It's special because it was brought up from the sea!
I'll steal Yuri's heart by making him home made food!
What kind?
Oden!
Wait, Patty. It would be unbecoming to prepare something so manly.
Sea Doctrine No. 24! "Face a tough adversary in your own domain."
I think you need to show a more feminine side to win him over.
A feminine side?



Sweets?
I just got a great idea!




I pulled out all the stops and made you something sweet!
Something sweet?
Tadaaa!



Uh... What is that?
It's an oden cake!
An oden...
Aye. The batter is composed of shredded radish and oden broth, all covered in sweet chocolate. A lovely medley of flavor! Now then, go ahead and eat up!
Um... I think I'll pass for now.



Oh? Don't you know it's dangerous to spur a girl's love?



It's dangerous.
Judy, this is your handy-work. Don't lead people in the wrong direction.



Give it a try!
Karol, I'll leave the rest to you.









Aw, he got away from me.
I guess oden doesn't mesh very well with sweets.
Hmm, how could the Sea Doctrines lead me astray?


I suppose the spread is not actually that different from the original 360 cutscenes, but I still don't like Patty's personality, and most of the new scenes kinda center on her and Flynn.

And that's it for PS3 exclusive sidequests available at the moment. Next time, we'll actually go to Zaude.