Part 32: Chapter 2 Sidequests (2): Love and Compassion and violence.
Welcome back. Last time, before heading off to the Jenis Academy to help with the play, we got started on the veritable slew of sidequests sent down our way. There’s a reason I said “slew”, and not “small and easily tackled amount” though, so we’ve got more on the way.
First, we’ve got a bounty to take care of south of Ruan.
Our target this time is a large group of Helmet Crabs. Although they don’t look like much, this is actually a pretty tough fight. If you’re fighting on autopilot you can easily find yourself cornered unexpectedly. Hell, I don’t need to talk about it, you can watch it instead.
Here’s their first (and most annoying) trick. They can summon backup, and more importantly, they will summon backup. All. the. fucking. time.
When you’ve got a certain amount of enemies on the map, area of effects spells are guaranteed to be effective by sheer number of targets.
At least they would be effective, if the Helmet Crabs didn’t have a chance of causing Seal with their default attacks. Estelle is truly all staff, all the time now.
Joshua casts a new spell, Chaos Brand, the only mirage aligned spell in the game. Unlike most status spells, which are Damage + 20% chance of status, Chaos Brand doesn’t do any damage but inflicts Confuse so long so as they don’t resist it.
I’ve personally never really used it, so I can’t comment too much on how effective it is. My gut feeling is not very, but feel free to correct me and call me bad at video games.
Anyway, Estelle’s switching over to Hurricane to deal damage.
Uh...
So yeah, the Helmet Crabs reflect all Physical damage...
And the Mint Poms absorb EP. Are you beginning to see how it all comes together? The main enemies can only be damaged by magic, and they summon backup which absorbs EP, and can Seal your magic by attacking. They’re basically minmaxed enemies. It’s actually a really clever setup; I’m a fan of this fight.
Still, this fight can be done before Kloe joins. Kloe is basically a massive trump card, she’s a near endless supply of EP and heavy magical damage.
Satisfying.
Anyway, things are going well. We’re killing some Helmet Crabs, and keeping above water.
And then a Mint Pom gets off a cast of Diamond Dust, kills Estelle and freezes Joshua. Freeze is a pretty crippling status effect; instead of taking a turn you take damage, which is a much worse thing to take.
Kloe: Takin’ names and saving days.
And reviving, via Revive, a spell which revives. And if I say revive anymore it won’t sound like a real word.
And then Estelle dies again and Joshua gets swarmed.
It gives us a chance to use Kloe’s S-Craft though.
Radiant Plash (an archaic word for splash), is the almighty of all sandbagging techniques. It heals a sizeable amount of HP, cures all status effects and revives all allies in a large radius. (Estelle was just outside it.) Furthermore, if used at 200CP, it boosts Defense.
Radiant Plash turns the momentum in our favor, and we finally win.
The Zero Shot (X) is a fantastic weapon for Olivier, with around 2 times as many strength as anybody else’s weapons. Its only drawback is that Olivier is, y’know, currently drunk in Rolent. Its actual use is to complete a sidequest, and although you could hold onto it until Olivier joins again, it won’t be ahead of the curve by then, and you’ll miss out on a sidequest.
Estelle died and Joshua is out of EP, so we’re going to keep heading south to the Air-Letten checkpoint, which is both the site of a sidequest and free healing, as well as Nial’s muse for terrible puns. (I’m still chapped about that.)
Lindsay: Dammit, what's going on?
Bartholomew: Is the Royal Army really going to just roll over for some bigwig?
What are they doing?
By the looks of them, I'd say they're just ordinary travelers... However...
However? However what?
I have to wonder why there isn't a single guard.
Now that you mention it...
Maybe something big is going on...? That, I do not know... ...but I think we should ask a guard when we find one. Sounds good to me.
Air-Letten really does have some pretty scenery. Unfortunately, I think the Duke just might be here, which could sour the prettiest of scenery.
He is not the sort to do so, once he has decided on something. In light of that, I believe he'll be staying here.Hahn: Hmm... I see. Then we'll have to wait for the bracers to arrive before we can do anything more.
I'm afraid so. If that's all, then, I shall take my leave.Hahn: Wish us luck.
I think I know that guy...
Hahn: Oh, it's you! You're bracers, aren't you? Thank Aidios you're here. The name's Sergeant Hahn.
It's nice to meet you. I'm Estelle, bracer in training. And I'm Joshua...also in training. The bulletin board said that a traveler was causing trouble...?Hahn: Yes, I'm afraid so. We do have an unsavory character... and dealing with him is proving most difficult. Do you think you might be able to help us out?
Of course! I don’t see any reason why dealing with the Duke might be unpleasant. This might change when I actually see the Duke.
Sure. Why not?Hahn: Thank you. You'll be doing us a big favor. Okay, let me fill you in on the details...
Hahn: They're the victims of this current little issue. The traveler in question is currently in the dining hall.
In the dining hall...?Hahn: Yes, we're hoping that food will persuade him... for the sake of the others here.
Persuade him...? Okay, just who is this troublesome traveler?Hahn: Well, to be honest...
Bartholomew Are you just going to let this kind of bullying go unchallenged?
Lindsay: The Royal Army is supposed to be on the side of the citizens, right? If so, then do something about this!
Hahn: Now, hold on, all of you...
I understand. Just please, take a step ba-- Joshua! Are you okay?!
I'm... I'm fine... For now, I want you two to check on the dining hall! O-okay... We will. Come on, let's go.
...All right.Sorry Josh, you’re on your own here!
Caesar: If you reserve all the rooms AND the dining hall, what will I tell the other guests? Why can't you see where I'm coming from?
Your Excellency, I feel I must agree with him. Perhaps we should return to Ruan, as originally planned?
Quiet, Phillip! I like it here. 
Particularly since it has such a lovely view of Air-Letten's waterfall.Caesar: But, sir...
It’s like Indiana Jones and snakes except the Duke is slightly slimier. And not at all thin
You're that self-centered duke guy from before!
Kientz: Well, well...If it isn't the bracers. You're late. We've been waiting for you.
Don't tell me... THAT'S your troublesome traveler?Kientz: Do you see anyone else here?
*sigh* Fine. It's no wonder we recognized the guy who was talking to the commander.Kientz: The duke there says he intends to stay here. He insists he has to rent all the rooms as well as the dining hall.
He really is as selfish as selfish gets, isn't he?
Oh dear... He is a troublesome fellow.Kientz: Royalty or not, what does he expect us to do? Make everyone else go camping? ...And that's where you come in, hopefully. Can you do something to help? Ideally, convince him to go back to Ruan. (Or give him a little nudge over the falls...)
Murder is normally extra, but this one? This one’ll be on the house.
You want ME to do it?!Also I like how the way these lines are set up makes it seem like Estelle is reacting to the “nudge over the falls” part.
Kientz: Isn't tactical negotiation part of your job? We're just soldiers, you know. We train with guns and swords, and negotiating with a sword can be somewhat...messy.
A-and what makes you think I'm any different? I'm good at hitting stuff, not talking!
They usually teach that stuff to someone with a knack for it... (Joshua's the guy with the silver tongue, not me...) But Estelle...we can't just stand by while this is going on... Hmm...Kientz: Please? Even if you can't convince him with words, there's always your staff...
Kientz really wants us to hurt the Duke. He’s alright in my book.
*grumble* Okay, okay... Argh...I hate this kinda stuff.Kientz: Well, I have faith in you, at least.
Let me give it to you straight: you can have all the faith in the world, but I don't. So, don't get your hopes up.
I'm sure you'll do fine. W-well...thanks for that.
Okay...here goes nothing!
Hey... Uh, fancy seeing you here. Where you go, trouble follows, huh? Hmm? Who are you talking to, Phillip? (Okay, gotta start this off right...)
fuckthatcameoutwrong.
Hey there, Duke-guy! ...Harrumph. You really should have more respect when addressing your future king, young lady. Hmph...but no matter. What do you want? I came to pick you up.
Pick me up? I don't recall ordering someone to do so. And where did you travel from?
The mayor’s estate. He asked for me to come here. Hmph, I see. That was most courteous of him. I’ve already decided to stay here, at Air-Letten. But the dinner party at the estate is starting soon. I heard that everyone is waiting for the arrival of the future king... Ah, in that case, they will continue to wait indefinitely. I'm tired of dinner parties. I have no intention of going. 
If I stay here, I get a lovely view of the waterfall, and that is far more interesting. Ha ha ha... Such are the refined tastes of the nobility. B-but... Isn't this place a little low-class for the future king to be staying at? I don't even think they offer fine dining here... Hmm... Well, that much is true. Then, if only for the sake of proper accommodation... ...Phillip! Y-yes, sir? You are to arrange for lodging as soon as possible. Notify the hotel in Ruan to deliver the bed as far as the checkpoint. And have them ready their best chef with the best ingredients for my arrival. H-huh?! And then, have the soldiers set about cleaning the dining hall. Your Excellency, perhaps that is going a trifle far...
Silence, Phillip! As the next king, I will have proper lodging! As is my right, might I add
Oh, cut the crap already.Messing up the dialogue options gives us the failure version of this sidequest, which is pretty damn entertaining. More so than the successful version, which is actually pretty good too.
I...BEG your pardon!
I've been all nice and courteous, and you STILL act like a spoiled brat! If you didn't have Phillip around, you'd probably just starve!
(*sigh* Typical Estelle... I wonder if this is really her idea of 'nice and courteous'...) Grrrr... You insolent whelp! You! Soldiers! What do you think you're doing? Hurry up and arrest this brat! The only one who needs arresting here...
This is a perfect moment.
Estelle! Don't!
Hyaaaaahhhh!!
*sigh* I guess it really doesn't matter. Come, Phillip. Let us return to Ruan. Yes, sir! As you wish, sir...
And thank you. I am simply glad that the duke was not hurt in any way.I’m not
That would be thanks to this young lady here. Her reflexes are remarkable. I'm not certain I would have been able to hold back like that...Phillip looks at Kloe as he says this.
Duke Dunan: Phillip! What are you doing?!
If you'll please pardon me.
Phew... Finally. *sigh* He's finally gone...
Kientz: She had that rod of hers aimed full tilt right at his noggin! I so thought she was gonna do it! If you could have only seen it...! And after all that, it took just one girl to settle it.
Hahn: Hmm... I see. I have some concerns about resorting to such... bombastic methods... But I suppose no real harm was done.
Caesar: It was like you subdued a criminal, close enough.
I'm really ashamed of myself... We're sorry.Hahn: No, no. None of this would have happened, were it not for the duke's selfishness. You did only what you felt was necessary. I do hope that you'll try more DIPLOMATIC behavior in the future, though.
*gulp* I'll try my best.
Thanks for stopping me, Kloe. It's no trouble at all. I don't approve of violence... but the duke's behavior was utterly reprehensible.Hahn: Perhaps there were other means available, but you did help the other guests. And for that, we are truly grateful.
Thank you...err, you're welcome. Hee hee... All right! Hearing you say that makes me feel a little better.
I swear, you can't stay upset for more than three seconds. But I guess that's what makes you who you are.
*giggle*Hahn: Well, thank you again for your help today. May you be equally as determined in your future duties.
Yep. Take care. Well, then... If you'll excuse us.That was pretty fun, but we can do better. Time leap GO!
Greetings, Your Excellency. I'm here to collect you. Collect me? I don't recall ordering someone to do so. And where did you travel from?
This choice is a freebie.
The mayor's estate. He asked for me to come here. Ahh... I see. That is quite admirable of him. But I have no desire to return to Ruan on this evening. I've already decided to stay here, at Air-Letten. (Okay, double or nothing... Gotta change his mind, but make him feel like it's his idea...)
This is probably the hardest choice; fortunately Estelle gives you a pretty good hint.
You really intend to stay at this junky old place? I mean, look around. I don't think this place deserves the business of the next king. Hmph. You declare things I already know to be true. I never believed this place to be worthy of my presence. It is, however, occasionally interesting to live as the common folk do...briefly. Well, I get that... But I don't think they even have a high-class chef here. Not to mention...I'll bet it's not even very sanitary.
I’m sorry buddy. You can’t make an omelette without hurting the feelings of a couple of chefs.
You...think so? Yes, now that you bring it to my attention, the place DOES look a bit on the filthy side. Hmm... I suppose I simply cannot stay at such a place. (Aaaand now for the sales pitch!)
This one’s also pretty tough, since we don’t quite know what Estelle is going for with the second choice. The formal dialogue is your best clue that choice two is the way to go.
Your Excellency, by your foot... Hmm? What about my foot? ...There's a huge cockroach.
Y-Yes, sir!
Wh-where's the roach? Where is it?! Hurry! Hurry up and kill it!!
*sigh* Surely, sir, you can expect no better from the common peasantry. Why, I'd wager they even have monsters infesting the--
EEEEEEK! E-enough! Phillip! We're leaving! Yes, sir! As you wish, sir...
Think nothing of it.
Kientz: [Cockroach.] Classic. And she had the guts to say that to his face...! Ha! Yeah... I needed a good laugh.
Hahn: Hmm... Really? That's a relief. I'd been worried that we might have to get rough with him... But from what Kientz has told me, everything seems to have worked out.
Caesar: Speaking ill of my establishment certainly seemed to do the trick, didn't it?
Ummm... Ha ha... Sorry about that. I didn't see any other way to get to him other than to tell a little white lie or two.
Still, it was unexpected. I didn't know you had it in you to be that sneaky.
Ha. You never know what I'm capable of, when the situation calls for it. To be honest, I just tried to channel Joshua. Ha ha. It certainly seemed like that to me. Yeah...and if not, I'd never have been able to lie with a straight face like that.
Kientz: Ha ha ha... Well, lies come in all shades. You did it to help others, so I'm sure that Aidios will forgive you for it. Yes, we greatly appreciate it. May you be equally as determined in your future duties.
Yep. Take care. Well, then...if you'll excuse us.
Suck it Henry Kissinger, we are the true masters of diplomacy.
And with that, we can go onward to greater things. Near where we fought the Helmet Crabs we find the Sapphirl Tower. Unlike the Esmelas and the Amberl Towers, there really isn’t anything official to do here. There’s no sidequest or anything, it’s entirely a bonus dungeon. A such, to keep these sidequest updates from going on forever, we’re going to go through this fast.
It’s pretty and blue and has some more Helmet Crabs inside, although none are as strong as the ones fought for the bounty.
Like always, there are some chests guarded by Robber Trappers (my shameful secret is that I didn’t get that name until I started this LP.) They still self-destruct, so don’t attack up close. Use magic.
The voices in my lid said you’d return.
Now Joshua and Estelle can have matching outfits!
You came back! I knew you would!
Army Boots have three more points of defense and one more point of move then our old, store-bought boots. As is the law with sneakers, Estelle has first dibs.
Hey, close my lid! What, were you born in a barn?!
There have been rumors...
Anyway, the Flamberge is a pretty powerful weapon for Kloe, giving +50 Str (20 more than her old weapon). It’s strong enough that Kloe is our hardest hitter.
From a statistical standpoint, that is. Joshua and Dual Strike will still do more damage.
The roof. It’s got a nice view of the ocean.
<Insert treasure here>
That’s not how it works. We take treasure. Someone else inserts treasure. Not sure who.
Range 1 boosts the effective radius of area of effect spells. This is pretty useful, especially for Kloe, since La Tear(a) has a pretty small radius.
I don’t end up equipping it for a while though, because for some reason I thought it increased the casting distance of spells. And I’ve never had a problem with that, so I figured it was worthless. Of course, the reason I never had a problem with that is because spells have infinite range. Whoops.
It’s empty! Treachery!
You seem to be laboring under the hope that something else will magically appear in this empty chest. Let me quash that for you right now.
This chest doesn’t only dish out delicious chicken, it also dishes out harsh truths.
(Hot Fried Chicken restores 700Hp and cures seal.)
So, when do you plan on giving me my stuff back?
Again, not how this works.
Never equip Scent. It has some good elemental values (x3 Wind, x2 Space), but it causes enemies to charge at you as soon as they spawn. It’s incredibly obnoxious.
With that done, we’ve looted the entire place. Moving on!
Hey, that’s a thing we did.
Karl: I've lost a prototype, and you might run across it there. I’m planning to go back to Zeiss very soon. Please, hurry...
Hey, do you think... Is this the prototype gun?Handed over Zero Shot (X).
Karl: Whoa...! H-how...?! How did you get your hands on this?
A monster near the Sapphirl Tower had it. It probably wanted it for the septium mechanism.Karl: In Aidios' name, thank you so much! Ohhh...I don't have the words! I could give you each a huge hug and a kiss!
Ack... I-I'm okay! A-as am I... No, but thank you.So polite.
Karl: Even the manly girl with pigtails turned me down... *sniffle*
Is the prototype really that important?Karl: Most certainly. It's being actively worked on at the Zeiss Central Lab. It's not ready for public sale and distribution yet.
Wow, it must be really effective, then.Karl: Are you interested in weaponry? Ha, I guess that's a stupid question. As bracers, of course you'd be interested in them. Well, then, let me give you this quartz as a token of my appreciation. I'm sure it should come in handy.
Received Attack 2 Quartz.
Attack 2 boosts Strength by 10% and reduces Defense by 10%. It goes straight on Estelle replacing Attack 1.
I'm sorry, but we can't accept something this nice...Like hell we can’t.
Karl: Oh, please. It's the least I can do. And of course, the guild will pay you for your time and effort, as well.
In mira, I hope!Karl: Certainly. You needn't worry. Right from the Central Lab's coffers to your wallets!
I just meant, instead of hugs and kisses...Karl: It's quite all right. You should simply accept your reward at times like these. Again, thank you for what you've done today. I'm sure you'll hear from me again, should anything else come up.
And another one bites the dust. We’re almost there...
Tobias: Oh, this is about the Maintenance Kit, no? Your timing is exemplary! Will you be able to make the delivery post haste?
Hastily is the only way we do things.
I’m not sure how to do something postily.
Tobias: Well, then... This brick of a thing is all yours!
Brick...of a thing?Tobias: Are you daft? I'm telling you it's heavy! Very, very heavy! Here-- feel for yourself!
Received Maintenance Kit.
Tobias: You okay with it? No bone fractures forming, to your knowledge? It's filled to the brim with replacement parts and every tool you can imagine for replacing an orbment light of that size.
It's no big deal at all. I'm stronger than I look, believe me! We just need to carry this to the lighthouse, right?Tobias: Indeed. To Vogt, the lighthouse keeper. He's expecting it. Its contents are quite valuable, so please be as careful as you can.
Tobias: ...I still can't believe it. Such responsibility! Such strength! Such grace! Ah, youth!
Uh...what?Tobias: Jean told me about you two, but seeing for myself just how peppy you are lifts my spirits to the sky.
Peppy? No, no, we're just...uh... professional?Tobias: You're young, that's what you are! And naturally, I was worried entrusting something so valuable to potentially reckless youths...but I worry no more!
Hmph... We may be young, but that doesn't automatically mean we're reckless!Tobias: Oh...no, no! You've got it all wrong! I just meant that I wasn't sure how old man Vogt would take it.
Ahh, yeah, that's a good point.Tobias: What, you know Vogt?
Yeah, we helped him out when he was in a bit of a pickle. Let's...just leave it at that, yeah.Tobias: Ha ha ha. He leave the door open again? Either way, you know what I'm talking about, it seems! Just try to understand where he's coming from. Being a lighthouse keeper is lonely work, so a little eccentricity is to be expected.
The lighthouse is crucial for ships to be able to navigate safely... So the keeper's work is a very big responsibility. Gotcha. So, really important work.Tobias: When he was a fisherman, he used to down plenty of drinks at Lavantar. Now that he lives at the lighthouse, though, he rarely gets a chance to have his favorite drink. It's pretty sad. I'd really like to go ahead with getting him what he wants, but...
Tobias: ...well, I've probably said too much. Either way, don't let the old man's unpleasantness get to you, okay?
Okay, got it. Is there anything else before we go?Tobias: Nothing in particular. Once you're done, I'd like you to return here. Take care, and I'll see you later.
We could head straight for the lighthouse, but last time Vogt gave us a lot of grief about LOVE and COMPASSION, and damn it! We’re going to show him we’ve got what it takes, and he’ll have a mancrush on Estelle instead of Cassius.
That's right. We have to deliver something to Mr. Vogt, the lighthouse keeper.Primo: Is that so? I figured as much, from the look of that bag. The old man went to the lighthouse a long time ago. I guess he's still doing okay...
He used to come in here a lot, right?Primo: He's a fisherman. He loves his drink and he loves to gamble. He especially loves a good Azelia Rose, which is a cocktail made with fruit juice. He's missed around this place... We'd love to see him again, but he never comes down to have a drink. It's a rough job he has.
Yeah...sounds like it.Primo: Oh, right... So, if it's no trouble, would you mind bringing him one?
One what?Primo: Why, one of those cocktails, seeing as you're heading to the lighthouse an' all. I'm not making a formal request or anything. If it gets to be a pain to carry, you can just dump it out on the way.
So, basically just dropping off supplies, right? No, I don't see it being an issue. You're such a gentleman. Ha ha...indeed, he is.Primo: Great! Just take it to the old man.
Received [Azelia Rose].
Primo: It could really use something salty to go with it, but I don't have anything like that right now... This season's great for Manoria's specialty, salted anchovies. Ah, well. Guess it's just the drink, for right now. See you later, then. Good luck.
Thanks.The game’s given us another hint here: We need to get Vogt a Spicy Anchovy too. I buy at least one of every new ingredient, so I already have one. Since I’m so on the ball, we’re ready to deliver.
Later, at the lighthouse:
Vogt: Huh? Aren't ya them kids from before...?
Tee hee. It's been a while since we were last up this way. And today, we're here on another job. A request came in to the Bracer Guild, so we're here to deliver this Maintenance Kit. Here ya go. It's a little heavy, though, so be careful lifting it!Handed over Maintenance Kit.
Vogt: Yep, everything's here all right. I appreciate ya bringin' this all the way over here.
Oh, no worries. It's our job, after all! Uh, on another note, we actually have something else for you.Vogt: Ohh?
Here you are, sir. It was entrusted to our care by Primo, from Lavantar.Handed over Azelia Rose.
Vogt: Oh, my, my, my! It's Azelia Rose! I used to drink this all the time while munching on anchovy dishes.
Handed over Spicy Anchovy.
Vogt: Ohh! OHHHH!! You've even brought me some munchies to go with it! What thoughtful bracers ya are! Man, this takes me back. How are Primo and the others? Are they doing well?
You bet! They're all worried about you, too, Gramps. Work must be tough, so take care of yourself, okay? Don't overexert those old bones of yours!Vogt: I...uh...won't? Well, blunt or no, thank ya for the concern. I value that even more than anchovies! ...So does this mean you're startin' to understand what it means to possess a caring soul?
Uh...nope! Not really! I'm no good with those touchy- feely concepts, I guess.Vogt: Well, I thought ya did a fine job today. O' course, you could always do better. Oh, that reminds me... Wait right there for a moment, if ya would.
Vogt: I have something for ya. Something I once used a long, long time ago... I'd be pleased as plum if you'd accept these for bringing all of these things out here for me. They may be a little old, but like me, they'll still do the job, sure as the day ya were born!
Received Work Helmet.
The Work Helmet is an accessory that boosts Defense by 3.
Received Gladiator Headband.
You only get the Gladiator Headband if you bring both the Azelia Rose and the Anchovy. It boosts CP recovery by 10%, which is really useful. Especially since there aren’t many good accesories.
Whoa, awesome! Thanks! You sure we can have these?Vogt: Absolutely! Not like I'll be setting sail for wild, exotic lands again anytime soon! ...Anyway, thank ya for bringing this stuff all the way up here. Now, I'd best get back to work. I've basically been playing hooky this whole time we've been talking! I stay here any longer, and somebody's bound to notice!
The multiple shipwrecks were their first clue.
Please take care of yourself. Take care, you old coot! Please excuse us.And there we have it. Sort of. We actually have one more sidequest left, but I’ll just put it into the next update. This one’s getting a bit long.
Next time: We meet an old