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Chapter LXIII: All Good Things
Aggro has finally defeated Titan, leaving the situation in La Noscea resolved. We still need to escape The Navel where Titan was summoned.
Titan winces back in pain after the beating we serve him, but it's not over yet.
The party has to prepare for Titan's next ultimate attack: his sneeze.
Finally, the Primal collapses, disappearing into the aether.
Left behind in Titan's wake is a small crystal, similar in colour to the corrupted aether below Aggro. It's a little hard to see.
Here we go again.
We're following the usual pattern. After defeating an empowered enemy—this time yet another Primal—Aggro has collected a small crystal.
Titan's crystal makes for the fourth one she's collected so far. Two remaining.
It's still not entirely clear what we're doing, but the light in this aetherial realm keeps becoming stronger. Are we perhaps powering up the mothercrystal, Hydaelyn?
Regardless, we're now back in The Navel with little time passed. It's about time Aggro thought about leaving here. I'm sure the Kobolds aren't pleased by what she's achieved today.
Cease your aggression, or never will there be peace! Until our dying breaths, we shall defy you—deny, decry, defy!
The Kobolds aren't wrong. Ultimately, the responsibility for all of this lies with Limsa Lominsa, but we still can't stand by and let a Primal roam. Titan isn't dangerous just for those with blood on their hands.
It looks like Aggro is safe for now, though the next concern is getting out of the labyrinthine O'Ghomoro Mines.
Music: Imperial Will
Meanwhile, the Garleans watch from somewhere nearby as usual.
Are you sure that is wise, my lord? Your... curiosity is untested and unproven. We do not yet know its true capabilities.
Then trust in mine, Rhitahtyn. My curiosity, as you so eloquently put it, would have bested Titan in the blink of an eye.
As Nero speaks, he turns opposite of the camera to address the dark portal that is now opening beside them.
Lahabrea, the Ascian we previously hunted, reveals himself to the Garleans. It seems like they're in league.
What you say may well be true. But while such devices may win battles, I do not believe they will serve to change the course of this war.
Oh but they will. Have a little faith, my friend.
...I cannot endorse this course of action.
Rhitahtyn leaves as Nero shrugs. This get together is over.
I'm assuming that Aggro spacing out suggests this exchange happens while she's delivering the fourth crystal in the aetherial realm.
Carry on, crystal bearer. Far though you have come, your work is far from done.
Music: Fever Dream
Presumably here to offer assistance and secure Aggro's escape, Y'shtola witnesses the little Garlean-Ascian exchange. When the doofus Lahabrea notices, he decides to quickly bail from the scene.
And naught remained to mark his passing... Well, the Ascians are nothing if not elusive. It is of little wonder that they should cast advanced teleportation magicks at will. But that they would choose to consort with the Empire...
Soundtrack ends.
I feared I might arrive too late, but I see you had the matter well in hand. I have taken measures to ensure we are not pursued, yet I cannot say how long they will hold. Take your leave while the kobolds are still in disarray. I will follow anon.
Aggro nods stoically.
Music: Saltswept
Leaving the duty teleports us right into a group of enemies, so we'll just flee and get back to Camp Bronze Lake.
Y'shtola is already here. Speaking to her completes the Lord of Crags quest while opening up the sidequests of Camp Bronze Lake. While I usually skip the sidequests—putting them aside for when we level another job—we're not going to progress the story just yet. There is one optional quest I'd like to do before we leave Camp Bronze Lake.
While not the quest I intend to do today, I should also point out the sidequest Blaugybal has for us. It's nothing notable at the moment, but this will take us into Outer La Noscea. We won't be there as part of the main scenario any time soon, and the rewards for the quest line include a level 34 weapon. We don't have any need for that at the moment.
Today's quest involves speaking to Rukusa Farusa, who is having trouble dealing with an Ul'dahn goldsmith who believes that Camp Bronze Lake is actually a resort for rich people. The goldsmith is looking for some Salamander Oil, but they're currently out of stock. I guess it's time to go murdering some Salamanders.
Salamanders are located right outside the Camp. You may recognise their family from Brayflox's Longstop. There's not much to say about them, but they'll have an AoE that targets a circular area around Aggro called Bog Bomb.
It's as gross as it sounds.
We'll find the Goldsmith hanging out in some hot spring ruins. Most players who've played the game will recognise this man. Godbert shows up in a number of seasonal events around Christmas time, but most importantly, he shows up in a very popular side story throughout each expansion. He's the entire reason I'm doing this now. That, and there's a neat little reward at the end of this questline.
We hand over the Salamander Oil. He promptly responds with the reason he needs it.
I had a need of a large horn and made the grievous error of visiting a great buffalo with a handsaw. He liked it not and I sustained a most horrific scratch. It smarted so, and the ache!
That sounds pretty rough. It's no wonder he's in a hospital camp after all.
...Oh no, I was not thrown, I am not so green as that! No, when the beast shook its head, I stepped backwards, slipped, and fell. Then I fell again later, strolling back to the dogcart. No need to be shy, you are an adventurer and I am a goldsmith! The body is simply an instrument, in occasional need of oiling! Oil, madam, oil, I say!
Does this old man really want Aggro to oil him up? What kind of quest is this?
The relief! Again, I say!
Aggro, the ever-so-diligent adventurer simply complies. We've got to use the oil on Godbert twice.
Ahhh, I can feel soothing fingers working into every knot—that is your cue, madam, soothing fingers now, please!
Next, the expectant goldsmith has Aggro rub the oil for him. The whole while, Godbert just compliments Aggro on her handiwork. This can't get any weirder.
By the Twelve, that feels good. Now quickly, with the rubbing!
Zzz... Ah, pardon me. Your skill was so great that I was quite transported. Truly, no Ul'dahn attendant could have done better. Sublime!
We're finally done! Let's hope there's a good reward for this.
We only get the usual level-scaled quest reward (at level 34 that's 8,385 exp and 1,760 gil), but of course, I did mention this was a quest line didn't I?
First one thing, then another! That goldsmith passed out from too much heat. We have warned him time and again this past week not to stay in so long! Honestly, I do not trust myself to tend to this fool, for I've a mind to strangle him. If a poke revives him not, throw a bucket of lake water on him. There was ice on it this morning!
Eorzea must not be having the same heatwave our planet is having.
When we find Godbert, he's lying down in the hot spring water. Taking the previous Lalafell's advice, Aggro tries using /poke on him, but it doesn't seem to work.
Next, we've got to use the Lake Water that I'm thankful the game didn't have us collect. After the second bucket, Godbert begins to stir.
Hrrrm...?
He still doesn't wake. We've only got one bucket left, so let's hope this does the trick.
This does the trick.
Oh, it's you! She of strong-yet-tender fingers! I was lost, I freely confess it! I came to this retreat an artisan whose craft had lost its savor, enriching myself by indulging customers' grossest tastes. I was ready to suffer privations, and I did! But today...
Several hours into the ordeal of the scalding water, my life flashed before my eyes. There, I saw forms exquisite—filigree masks, steel cut to shine like diamonds, graceful galleries of electrum where emeralds took the air with pearly suitors... I must return to Ul'dah, to my workshop!
With his inspiration back, Godbert finally leaves Camp Bronze Lake. Let's report to Rukusa Farusa. I'm sure he'll be elated to hear that the goldsmith is gone.
The stone is taken from a fragment of Dalamud itself, creating in abiding faith that out of the worst may come beauty. It sounded as though he lost something—or someone—in the Calamity. "The ring is the only thing I have made in the last five years," he said, "and now I would like Aggro to have it." Extraordinary.
Besides our scaled rewards, we also get this Meteor Survivor Ring. Aggro won't have any use for it, since I have no plans to grind Spiritbond for materia. Still, it's a nice reward all the same.
Anyway. We're done with the detours. Completing the MSQ unlocked two other quests, but we'll return here another day. It's time we returned to Y'shtola and progressed a little bit more.
Our adventure in La Noscea has come to a close. Since joining the Scions, we've revisited Thanalan, the Black Shroud, and La Noscea. If there was ever a sign we're nearing the end, it's the fact we've had a full arc in each of the three city-states locations and nearly completed their maps. It's time to see what comes next.
Music: Maelstrom Command
R'ashaht Rhiki is back where we last saw her in Maelstrom Command.
I shall relay the details of your report to the Admiral forthwith. Please send my regards to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Until next time, Private.
Maelstrom Command erupts into applause and cheers for Aggro. In amidst all the noise, Aggro picks up on the sound of her linkshell. Minfilia is calling in.
You have won a great victory for the people of Eorzea, one that shall not be forgotten. And what is more, both you and Y'shtola emerged from O'Ghomoro unscathed. Why, Tataru and the others seemed as glad of that as they did of Titan's fall!
Looks like Y'shtola has already gotten back. That was fairly quick of her.
You can look forward to a hero's welcome! We'll be awaiting your return at the Waking Sands. There is much to discuss. Godsspeed.
Minfilia wants us to return to the Waking Sands quickly, but I think Aggro has earned some rest and relaxation. It's been a tough job for her. Let's take the scenic route, yeah?
Soundtrack ends.
We set sail for Vesper Bay. You know, I actually missed the concept of waiting on the ship in real time back when I first played the game. I don't even know why. I guess it was just a neat little thing to see the port you're traveling to slowly appear over the horizon. I'm now glad it's just a cutscene. If I recall correctly, it was a solid 15 minutes of travel in 1.0?
Also, what's with the goofy ass outfit the captain is wearing? That dude seriously needs a new wardrobe.
It's still night time when we arrive in Vesper Bay. It sometimes feels like random chance whether soundtrack plays or not. Tonight, Vesper Bay is very still and quiet. I feel like the game used to guarantee soundtrack when you entered an area in night time.
The pleasure cruise is over. It's time for business, Aggro style.
... I don't even know what that means.
Hmm? What's with the gathering outside the Waking Sands? Did they hear about Aggro's latest escapades?
... Was that screaming I heard? I'm not sure I want to know...
You hear that commotion just now? What in the seven hells were they doin' in there? Wrestlin' a peiste!? You look like the adventurous type. Mind takin' a quick look?
Oh no.
Save for another adventurer, likely also drawn in by the noise, the usual reception area is empty. Tataru is nowhere in sight. We better get inside.
Music: Fever Dream
Chapter Summary (Contains Side Quest)
KIA
Clive, Student of Baldesion.
Haribehrt, former Ala Mhigan rebel and refugee.
Liavinne, former adventurer whose party was defeated in Tam Tara Deepcroft.
A'aba Tia, recruited to the Scions at the same time as Aggro.
Aulie, recruited to the Scions at the same time as Aggro.
Real identity unknown, the Scions Mender.
Una Tayuun, previously a member of the Circle of Knowing—the incarnation of the Scions prior to the Calamity.
Percevains, Una Tayuun's comrade and previously a member of the Circle of Knowing.
Identity unknown. A new recruit.
Identity unknown. A new recruit.
Identity unknown. Dariustel's friend and a new recruit.
Identity unknown. Member of the Students of Baldesion.
Satzfloh, former member of the Circle of Knowing and Una Tayuun's comrade.
Identity unknown. A new recruit.
Guards identities, unknown.
MIA:
Arenvald, Dariustel, Haneko Burneko, Noraxia, Biggs, Wedge, Urianger, Papalymo, Yda, Y'shtola, Thancred, and Minfilia.