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Hello everyone and welcome back! Today's update is gonna start building to the climax of the Ul'dah intro. We only have a few more of these before the "tutorial" of the game finally ends and we're set loose on the world proper!
I hate that the title card for this quest is long gone. It's among those dropped frames from my previous recording. This one, I assure you, is smooth as butter. It's using the same recording method I used for the PGL quests from last time. But because I can't show the in-game title card, have the wiki's recreation instead!
Hrm. This title card is reminding me that I left the King's Quest game with the same title hanging. That's something I'll have to fix sometime.
(Leofric) I thought I told you to get out of here. What, looking for a chance to do some good? <sigh> I guess I can't force you to leave. Damn stubborn adventurers, the lot of you. Fine, then. Listen well. A band of outlaws has taken up residence at the Quiveron Manse on the ridge to the south. Their leader has styled himself heir to Eolande Quiveron, the Syndicate member who died in the Calamity. <spit>
(Leofric) The baron and his cronies are naught more than a pack of jackals. They prey on the people of Lost Hope, robbing them of what little they have. I myself cannot act without endangering the refugees, as they know my face and will retaliate against Lost Hope. You, however, are not known to the bandits or their allies. If you wish to help us, then deal with the baron.
Lost Hope is a refugee camp outside of Black Brush station, which is where the 11th update came to a close. Anyway, this quest is pretty unremarkable. We just have to go kill a corrupt bandit lord. In the old 2.0, you had to kill several of the Baron's guards as well, but the objective was changed to just him. 
I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but these purple fog clouds or whatever mark where quests will take place. Most of the time we see this, we've been sent to rescue someone and they'll be found in the center of these little "arenas."
Once we step in, the quest target will spawn which, I'm sure you'll agree, is a much more elegant solution than WoW's "all quest bosses are just regular-ass mobs out in the world."
Back to Leofric, our quest giver, we go!
(Leofric) So it is done? Good. I hope that wretch died screaming. Ul'dah is more prosperous than ever, some say. That may be true for the Syndicate, but none of that wealth has trickled down to the smallfolk. It's all a mummer's farce. One day, I refused to play my part-and so I was made to leave the stage. Aye, my time has passed. The Brass Blades of the Rose must look to others for guidance.
The Brass Blades, if you don't remember, are the personal private security force of the most powerful (and thus richest) man in Ul'dah. They're corrupt as fuck and this guy grew a conscience. For that he was consigned to a dead-end posting for the rest of his career. If it hasn't been mentioned lately, Ul'dah is a shitty place to live!
(Leofric) As you may have noticed, I'm in no shape to leave Lost Hope right now. So, in my stead, I'd like you to return to Horizon and give this dagger to Fufulupa. Although it's just an old, ornamental dagger, it belongs with the Brass Blades of the Rose. Aye, I should've given it to the boy before I came here...
This is a fed-ex quest just telling us to return to Horizon a single quest after we arrived at Lost Hope. I understand why the previous quest was here, because it's meant to set up the finale to this little mini-arc, but it does feel like a huge waste of time regardless.
It doesn't cost me any money because Horizon is gonna be my free teleport until I find a better spot later on. So whatever, it's not like we're losing anything in the deal!
(Fufulupa) Ah, Ginger! I received word from Captain Leofric the other day. Thank you for delivering the letter for me!
*hands over the antique dagger*
(Fufulupa) Wh-Why do you have that dagger!? Only a captain of the Brass Blades of the Rose is permitted to possess it! Captain Leofric says I am to have it? There must be some mistake! He couldn't possibly mean to tell me that- No, no, of course not. I am not worthy to wield it. Nevertheless, I shall respect the captain's wishes and take the dagger into safekeeping until he comes to reclaim it.
He's a nice kid, but damn is he dumb.
Most of these quests I've been taking the money option because it's worth more than gear that will get replaced later on in this very update!
(Fufulupa) The Brass Blades of the Rose have need of your assistance once more, Ginger! Thaumaturges from the Ossuary are presently surveying the Footfalls for ancient relics. As the area is rife with wild beasts, the Horizon garrison has been charged with their security. But Captain Baldewyn sent only a handful of Brass Blades! Despite his assurances to the contrary, such a small unit cannot possibly be sufficient to protect our patrons. I would have you offer your assistance to my comrades. Pray travel to the Footfalls and speak with Totoruna.
Yet another fed-ex quest. This is just how the opening originally was! There's only one more change for the opening and we'll see eventually. This is setting up more stuff for later, so it's difficult to cut out, and the rework seems averse to compressing mulitple quests into one.
(Totoruna) A bleedin' 'venturer, come to help? I ain't heard nothin' from Cap'n Baldewyn 'bout this. He said trusted men only... Anyroad, we've got this under control-an' besides, this operation ain't got nothin' to do with Fufulupa. Boy's got a stick up his arse the size of a sabotender. It's no wonder the cap'n told him to stay at Horizon...
This Captin Baldewyn seems pretty sketchy, not gonna lie. He's taking money from the THM guild to protect them and is leaving them a skeleton crew to do the job. I don't like it one bit.
If I was smart, I would have done things in a different order. I would have continued following this quest chain to its conclusion in two whole quests. Instead, I took Ginger's newly-minted level 15 butt back to town...
You see, in addition to the continuation of the PGL saga from last time, a new feature has just unlocked for us and I mean to take full advantage of it!
This is also a very long and tedious process, so I'm going to link to it here as its own separate sub-update! It involves a lot of MMO jargon and is literally a tutorial on how to do stuff in group content. You can safely skip it if you want. If you do choose to skip it, just know that Ginger got a very nice set of very powerful gear from it... stuff that will last her until around level 30!
Hall of the Novice
After all that nonsense is concluded, we're safe to continue as normal. So let's go train some more at the PGL guild!
Ugh... christ. The Gamerescape wiki doesn't have any of this dialogue transcribed.
Ah, there you are, Ginger! I hope you've come prepared for a lesson. Today, I want you to go and fight the toxic toads that nest at the Unholy Heir. Make no mistake, lass--these toads are huge, which means they have huge guts. But that's beside the point. The point is, you'll need to use your head to overcome them. As proof that you've defeated the toads, I want you to bring me five of their legs. Chuchuto and I will be waiting for you at Black Brush Station. Your lesson continues there.
We just need to kill five toads. This enemy type, by the way, is one of the most annoying in the game. You see, they have a pretty large aggro radius and when they see you're there...
We haven't even seen the most annoying variant of them yet. There's ones much later on that swarm a road you have to travel a bunch for the MSQ. And there's nothing quite so infuriating as to suddenly be pulled a good 30 feet back because some toad spotted you as you passed. Anyway, we need to kill five of these bastards.
I'm taking part in today's lesson as well. Good luck to the both of us!
So did you bring me the toad legs?
*hands over meat*
Aye, this is the stuff all right! <slurp> Now, I just need some butter, a slice of sun lemon, and a pinch of--
Um... Master?
...Ahem. What I meant to say was, you've done well to defeat the toxic toads, Ginger. For the next part of your lesson, you'll be putting your endurance to the test against--
I think we just got conned into getting Hamon his dinner and he's calling it training.
<gasp> The talk was true! Hamon Holyfist is really here!
Hah hah hah! I can take nary a step outside the guild without being flocked by fans. Such is the price of fame!
(Nanajapi) Please, sir! I have grave need of your legendary skills! Somnus is being smuggled through Black Brush Station! I reported this to the Brass Blades and the Stone Torches--asked them to put an end to it--but they both turn a blind eye!
Somnus... That's the mind-warping substance made from dream flowers. Those who overindulge are said to fall into an eternal slumber.
(Nanajapi) A dear friend suffered that very fate--that's why I want to put an end to the smuggling. But I'm just an ordinary person, and there's precious little I can do...
Hah hah hah! You've done enough to bring word to me, friend. For as surely as Hamon Holyfist is my name, I'll see the smuggler scum thrown in the dungeon before the bell is through! Hah hah hah! Slight change of plans, Ginger. In place of the endurance test, we're going to find and apprehend the smugglers. But first, we must gather information. You two, find out what you can from the people of Black Brush Station. Report back once you've learned something.
Anyway, we just need to talk to some people in town. No use in showing a bunch of extraneous screenshots, so...
(Zuzumeda) Searching for somnus smugglers, you say? Word is they are associated with the Alacran, a coalition of cold-blooded criminals. But beware--they always act in alliance!
(Osbert) There is an abandoned Qiqirn lair a short distance west of the Coffer & Coffin. Decent folk tend to give that place a wide berth. Ideal for a smuggling operation, wouldn't you say?
It appears a silver-haired Lalafell was seen skulking about the station recently. He was headed west, bearing a suspicious burden...
Like as not, the smugglers operate out of the abandoned Qiqirn lair west of the Coffer & Coffin. We'll lie in wait for them there.
Time for a solo duty! These are usually pretty fun.
Thal's balls! Th-that's...
We finally get a pretty good look at Ginger's outfit. I like the dark gray!
Save the talk. We have crates to move.
Rurukuta! It is you, isn't it!?
Chuchuto... and Master It's been a while.
Rurukuta was the missing apprentice mentioned in the last PGL quest.
You vanish from the guild with nary a word, and we find you here smuggling somnus with those villains!? What is the meaning of this!?
Rurukuta, my boy. I didn't teach you how to fight so that you could become a pox on society. My student or no, you must be held accountable.
Chuchuto, Ginger, your lesson begins! Apprehend the smugglers!
You lot, take care of these meddlers!
There's not much to say about this duty. We just neet to beat up a bunch of bad guys.
The first wave are all level 20, which is several levels above what this duty syncs to. Yes, level sync. If we're above level 18 for this level 15 duty, our level and stats are synced down to level 18 for its duration.
Anyway, chuchuto three shots these bad guys. And as more spawn, they're lower levels and so we can actually fight them.
It takes like three minutes, all-told. So that's not too terrible!
Rurukuta tries to run away, but...
Hamon Holyfist moves to block his escape!
(Faceless mook Servant of the Alacran) Hamon Holyfist!? Just our luck...
If you know who I am, then you'll know what's good for you. Come quietly, or there will be trouble.
Holyfist? Don't make me laugh! You're being fooled, all of you!
Who's fooling who? What in the world are you talking about?
It was a dark night several moons ago. I was out in the wilds, training alone.
From a distance, I caught sight of Master leaving the tavern and turning for the city. Thinking to accompany him back, I followed on his heels, and was about to call out when I... when I saw... this.
Hm? You would challenge the Holyfist? You have fighting spirit, I'll grant you that, but you'd do well to know your limits.
It's difficult to catch in stills, and gifs are much too large thanks to the detail... but Hamon is missing every attack on the marmot... by a pretty wide margin!
M-Master!?
<huff> <puff> You read my every move... You're no ordinary marmot...
The marmot headbutts him and knocks him flat.
Master!!!
<gasp> All I wanted... was to be surrounded by scantily clad maidens... when my time came... <sigh> The gods are cruel...
Master! What is the meaning of this!? Explain yourself!
Now you've seen it with your own eyes! Master was beaten by a marmot--a common bleeding marmot! He would remind us how strong he was at every turn, but he was lying through his teeth!
(Servant of the Alacran) Gahaha! I can scarce believe my eyes! Wait till Master Weggfarr learns of this!
I can't believe it... When--how did Master become so weak?
Forgive me, Chuchuto, Ginger... I didn't mean to deceive anyone... least of all my students. Hamon Holyfist conquered every foe that stood before him, but he couldn't conquer old age. My strength, my reflexes, my endurance--they've all left me. There's nothing here but a decrepit old man. I would be alone for a while. I'll make my own way back to the guild. From now on, you're to do as Chuchuto bids, Ginger.
Poor Hamon. It's bad enough that he had to face the reality of getting older and losing his edge, but for it to happen in so public a fashion... I feel bad for the guy.
Back at the guild...
I've been doing some thinking, Ginger. While 'tis true that Master had been deceiving us, he meant us no harm. Besides, I owe him my life. Had he not taken me in all those years ago, I would have died in some ditch. I could never bring myself to hate him. Even if he were an ordinary old man, I would still respect him. Alas, with the truth of his condition revealed, Master Hamon has lost his sense of purpose--his will to teach. I cannot bear to see him like this. I want him to regain his confidence, but for this he needs to regain his former strength.
Listen, Ginger. Master ever said that you remind him of his younger self. Were you to continue showing rapid improvement, I dare to hope that it would rekindle his fighting spirit. To this end, I will teach you a new technique, one which Master Hamon used to great effect his prizefighting days. Fists of Earth, it's called, and with it you can shore up your defenses to be as unyielding as the earth itself.
Make this technique your own, Ginger, and strive to grow stronger still. When next Master Hamon beholds you, he will surely be moved to action!
Fists of Earth, our new skill, reduces damage taken by 10% while it's active! Handy, but not exactly useful once we get another stance.
Anyway, let's end this update by finishing up the current mini-arc.
(Nunuzofu) Hey, adventurer! Mind runnin' a message to Crescent Cove for us? Captain Baldewyn's plannin' some festivities for the thaumaturges, see, and he wants 'em treated to the finest food and drink. Nothin' but the best for our distinguished guests, eh? Head west and south to the village and tell Raffe that he's to deliver a bounty of fresh fish to Horizon for the feast.
In case you've forgotten because it calls back to the beginning of the update, we were sent to help this fellow babysit some Thaumaturges that were out here doing a field trip or something. I kinda have doubts that these Thaumaturges are gonna benefit from this feast at all.
Crescent Cove is a tiny, impoverished fishing village. And if you do some of the sidequests here you learn that their life sucks because there's no fishing to be had and their nets constantly tear. And also that a lot of trash from Limsa Lominsa washes up here. So you can imagine it's really a top notch place to live.
(Raffe) F-Fresh fish for Captain Baldewyn? Of course, of course! We will do our best, madam. U-Unfortunately, we've had a poor catch in recent days on account of the rough seas. More boats should be returning soon, but I cannot promise that their catch will please. But don't worry, madam! The captain will have his fish! I swear it!
Given how terrified this guy sounds at an order from Baldewyn, I think we can start putting together an idea of how this Blades captain operates. Like I said... corrupt as fuck.
The next quest is over here. It's a little weird to have a new quest elsewhere, but this is a hallmark of the way the MSQ was split up. You see, there used to be another quest from Raffe there, where he told us to go out and kill six monsters out near the road and then bring them over to Merilda here.
I'm not sorry to see it go.
(Merilda) You are an adventurer, are you not? I know this is sudden, but I have no one else to turn to.
(Merilda) When the bandits were in their cups, I overheard them discussing their plans... It seems they've come to collect gemstones stolen from Copperbell Mines. Nashachite, I think I heard one say. They are to meet with their co-conspirator soon, at the Footfalls-
Wh-Wh-What did you say!?
Ah Fufulupa...
(Fufulupa) Illicit exchanges and shadowy dealings! The Brass Blades cannot abide such malfeasance! Forgive my eavesdropping, Ginger--I came to Crescent Cove merely to thank you in person. I never imagined I'd uncover a criminal conspiracy right outside Horizon's gates! We must act quickly if we are to apprehend these thieves! I will notify Captain Baldewyn at once!
(Merilda) No, wait! You mustn't! Oh, gods... You must stop him before it's too late! Captain Baldewyn himself is working with the bandits!
Out near the road we find a duty marker and Baldewyn and his men standing guard.
(Fufulupa) Captain Baldewyn, sir! I've discovered something shocking, something horrible! Someone has been stealing gemstones from Copperbell Mines and- Wait, those gauntlets, those boots--why, you're one of Quiveron's men! Sir, that man is a thief and a scoundrel!
(Baldewyn) ...And? What of it? His coin's good, and that's what counts.
The game gets better about this. Right now we don't know Baldewyn from Adam. We can infer that he's a corrupt prick (because he's a member of the Brass Blades) but we don't SEE it in action.
(Baldewyn) I told you to stay in Horizon, Fufulupa. It didn't have to be like this... They'd get their Nashachite, I'd get my gil, and none would be the wiser.
(Fufulupa) B-B-But, sir, what if your crimes are uncovered!? What if Lord Lolorito finds out!?
(Baldewyn) You godsdamned fool, don't you see!? I am acting under the authority of Lord Lolorito himself!
(Fufulupa) No... No! That can't be true...
(Baldewyn) Why do you think people join the Brass Blades, Fufulupa? To serve and protect? Hah! We're not the bloody Flames here! We do this for the coin!
Earlier in this very arc, not two updates ago, we were sent to the Copperbell Mines to get some Nashachite for traders who needed it. It would have been simple to have Baldewyn as the point of contact for the delivery of the ore, thus setting this scene up. It's a small thing, but it's just such wasted potential. They don't set this villain up at all, and so his betrayal while devastating to Fufulupa is met with a very "who are you again?" reaction from us.
Speaking of which...
(Baron von Quiveron IV) You there, adventurer! Do you remember me? Well, I remember you! I am Sir Baron von Quiveron IV Esquire! You killed my brother, and now I'm going to return the favor!
I didn't even mention the guy's name at the time, but we killed this guy's brother at the start of the update. That's all. I just thought you wanted to know. He's gonna die in the coming duty and we'll never have to think about him again.
(Baldewyn) Well, that settles it! It's clearly in everyone's best interests that both of you die!
This duty assumes you're level 13 with shit gear. We're level 17 with damn near best-in-slot for the level. We're as close to twinked out as it's possible to be as a baby sprout still in the tutorial stage of the game.
First the Baron goes down before he has a chance to do anything worthwhile...
Followed by the jobber Blades...
Baldewyn then spends his entire time attacking us. He doesn't do a very good job at it.
I'm pretty sure I could stand in this, at my current health, and survive it. Even with his guaranteed crit buff. Baldewyn is not a difficult "boss".
(Leofric) That's enough, Baldewyn!
Leofric, if you can't remember, is the guy who paid us to kill the former Baron's brother... at the start of the update. He was also Baldewyn's and Fufulupa's former Captain.
(Leofric) Your partner is dead and your plans are undone. You've no reason left to fight.
(Baldewyn) Stay out of this, Leofric! I don't take orders from you! I may have spared your life before, but if you interfere, I will not show you mercy!
(Leofric) And what mercy will he show you, I wonder? You who have done so much in another man's name.
(Baldewyn) What are you blathering on about!?
(Leofric) Every fisherman in Crescent Cove knew about your meeting, you arrogant fool. Quiveron's men couldn't keep their mouths shut. Imagine Lord Lolorito's surprise when he learned that a rank-and-file Brass Blade was using his name to advance a personal agenda...
(Baldewyn) He knows!? Seven hells! But I'm a captain, he wouldn't-
There's one sin in Ul'dah greater than treason... and it's costing Lolorito money. He generally doesn't care what his Blades do as long as it makes HIM richer. But when a Captain in his employ tries to skim some off the top for himself...
Baldewyn is a dead man.
(Leofric) I was once a captain too, remember? And we both know what happened to me. (To Fufulupa) Well fought, boy. You've done the Brass Blades of the Rose proud.
(Fufulupa) Captain Leofric! Captain Baldewyn, he...he said that Lord Lolorito-
(Leofric) Lord Lolorito wouldn't waste his time on a small-scale smuggling operation. This is all Baldewyn's doing. What else did he say? That all our brethren are no better, and that each and every one cares for naught but coin? Hah! Mere excuses to justify his schemes.
(Leofric) Aye, we've no shortage of greedy sods, some who'd probably sell their own mothers into slavery if the price was right. But there are men like you, Fufulupa-men good and true, whom the smallfolk respect. Which is why I gave you the dagger. The Brass Blades of the Rose need a leader with honor, and you're the most honorable man I know.
(Fufulupa) <sniffle> <sob> Captaaaaaain!
(Fufulupa) Thank you for all your help, Ginger! The captain and I will escort Captain Baldewyn back to Horizon. Pray visit me in town when next you return!
Back to town we go. Also I've stopped keeping track of the number of times we've visited Horizon. I'll explain why more in detail (much) later, but for now suffice it to say that the developers heard the bitching from the community and solved the problem handily in probably the best way they could.
(Fufulupa) Welcome back, Ginger! So much has happened! Captain-ahem, Baldewyn has been arrested and stripped of rank, which means the Brass Blades of the Rose no longer have a captain. Until a new one is designated, I've been ordered to serve as acting captain of the Horizon garrison. Though doubtless this is only a temporary arrangement, I will do my utmost to represent my brethren and protect the people of Horizon! Thank you, Ginger, for your service to the sultanate. You are a true hero!
(Fufulupa) I salute you, honored friend. As acting captain, I should be much obliged if you would grant me a personal request. In our efforts to ascertain the full extent of the former captain's corruption, we have been poring over his personal correspondence. Our search unearthed this sealed letter addressed to a man named Owyne. But he is one of the Sultansworn elite! I can think of no reason why he should have any dealings with Baldewyn!
(Fufulupa) We now know that the former captain was consorting with a coalition of criminals... Could it be that Owyne was, too!? This letter may well serve as evidence of their collusion, and so I dare not tamper with it myself. But given the events of recent days, I knew not whom to trust with this information-until now.
(Fufulupa) I have chosen you, Ginger. Pray bear the letter to Mistress Momodi of the Quicksand, and relate the circumstances of its discovery. Not only is she a staunch supporter of the sultana, but she is well acquainted with the Sultansworn. She will know how best to proceed.
And that's the last time we'll see Fufulupa until we're well into the postgame patch content. I guarantee I'll have no fucking idea who he is next time we have to talk to him. When you're around update 70 or 80 or more, what's the chance you're going to remember a random questgiver from updates 11 and 13?
Anyway, nobody needs to see the return trip to Ul'dah, so...
Ah, Ginger! It's been too long! Dadanen tells me you've been keepin' busy in Horizon. I want you to know that I'm grateful for everythin' you've done for the people of Ul'dah. Even though you've seen the seedier side of our city, you've continued to help your fellow man. Believe me, the folk around here love you for it. Hmmm? What is it? You look like you've got somethin' to say.
*hands over the letter*
...So that's what this is all about. Fufulupa's thinkin' Owyne might've been in league with Baldewyn--that this letter could be proof of somethin' shady. Well he needn't worry. Owyne's as loyal a Sultansworn as I've ever known. I haven't the foggiest what this says, but--
Wait a minute. Wasn't Owyne the one who...? Oh, hells... I've got a bad feelin' about this. Listen, Ginger--I think I know what this is all about, but I need you to swear to keep it quiet. If you'd rather wash your hands of this business, I won't hold it against you. But if you're determined to see it through to the bitter end, say the word and I'll explain.
