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Welcome back! Without further ado, let’s add a nice bit of plot to the proceedings.
It is good you have come, Orokin. Your talents are needed for a commission. The client asked for you by name, in fact. It would seem that the adventurer-turned-carpenter has earned herself a reputation. You are to craft a walnut cane of unparalleled quality. When it is ready, bring it to me. I will not permit you to deliver anything less than perfection.
Orokin actually still has the walnut lumber for this from the last quest, as NG+ does not remove turned-in items from your inventory. (I would have preferred not having to make them at all, but such courtesy is only extended to the gathering quests.) The only other material is sold by the residential material supplier, so we get this prepared in no time.
Have you made the cane, Orokin?
… You've done well, Orokin. The gentle curve of the crook appears natural, as if it was destined to take such a shape. Indeed, your skillful application of growth formula has imbued this cane with new life, giving it the appearance of unworked wood. Wands and canes are perhaps the purest expression of the carpenter's creed, in that the finished product is a celebration of the wood's past life. Conjurers are, of course, highly attuned to the natural world. Hence it is no small coup to craft a cane that satisfies.
But your cane should meet with the client's approval. You may go and deliver it to him at the Adders' Nest.
The Adders’ Nest of course being the headquarters that is just up the road, where a strong-jawed man awaits us.
Yes, I am waiting for a carpenter from the guild. Why do you ask?
Here, check out this magic stick.
So this is Beatin's famed disciple... It pleases me that I can finally put a face to the name. I am Gairhard. Though I myself have no talent for conjury, it is plain to see that this cane is exquisitely wrought.
Aye, the cane is not for me. It is meant for a conjurer recently assigned to my unit. Her name is Ponette, a talented but stubborn soul who has thus far resisted my every attempt to integrate her into our ranks. I have been here long enough to know that Gridanians can be rather protective of their city, and that this can manifest itself in a deep mistrust of outsiders. However, I cannot simply order her to set aside her prejudices─I need her to trust me of her own volition. It is my hope that by giving her this cane, she will at least accept my leadership. You will find her in Stillglade Fane. Please give it to her on my behalf.
Gridania’s xenophobia is an unfortunate issue that cannot be solely blamed upon the elementals, but Gairhard here is in an even trickier situation. You may already be able to guess why, seeing as he’s a Highlander Hyur.
His subordinate is all the way down inside the Conjurer’s Guild, right next to reception.
How long does the captain intend to keep me waiting? Does he have any idea how little time a conjurer has to spare?
Oi, here you go.
A gift!? That Ala Mhigan kept me waiting this long for some trinket he did not even see fit to deliver himself? Typical. These foreigners truly don't have the first idea about─
<gasp> Gods! It can't be... A walnut cane!? And one so finely wrought that I scarce believe it man-made. To conjurers, our canes are the physical representation of our connection with the living world. They provide a focus for us to channel the forces of nature and weave spells. To possess a cane made of walnut is a dream most conjurers share. And I am no different. I see the beauty of this cane, and the heart of the woman who made it.
That an outsider could craft this flawless cane… I… Forgive my impropriety, adventurer. I have never paid outsiders any mind, imagining them incapable of comprehending Gridanian tradition. Yet it seems that it was I who failed to comprehend. You have humbled me, adventurer, and opened my eyes. It is clear that you have worked hard to learn our ways...as has Captain Gairhard. I cannot thank you both enough. Though I do not deserve this cane, I swear that I will do my utmost to earn it. My thanks again, adventurer. Should you meet with the captain before I do, please convey my gratitude.
So yes, Gairhard was probably having particular difficulty here because he’s Ala Mhigan. It’s a sticky situation, and an issue that will surely come up again in Ginger’s adventures, one way or another.
I knew it would not be easy pleasing her, but I never doubted that Beatin's finest could deliver. Heh, I wonder...how is he? Still working too hard, I presume? So it goes. Anyway, duty calls. Thank you again, Orokin. Please give my regards to the timbermaster.
Gairhard then bows, and leaves. And so we report back.
Welcome back, Orokin. Was the client satisfied? Interesting. So the client was not a conjurer himself… In any case, I am glad to hear that the intended recipient was satisfied. I must know, Orokin: who was this client? I only received their messenger, and I cannot fathom why they would not come in person.
...Gairhard!? You are certain? I thought him far from Gridania, on campaign. When did he return? And why would he not greet me in person? We have known each other for so many years... Well, I can only assume that his duties leave no time for such niceties. I am glad to hear he is home and well. Thank you for attending to his request, Orokin. I look forward to our next meeting.
As you may guess, this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Gairhard. So, let’s keep on trucking along.
Was a little overeager on this one… But that’s par for the course.
Well, well, if it isn't Orokin! You grow more popular with every commission. Take that walnut cane, for example. You remember, don't you? The one you crafted not long ago.
If you mean about two minutes ago, sure.
It must have left quite the impression on Gairhard, because he has once again requested your services. This time, he would have you craft an oak longbow─a quality longbow, but I presume you already knew that. Gairhard's squad is considered one of the finest units in the Yellow Serpents. They are oft tasked with dangerous missions which carry them deep into hostile territory. Our soldiers should never want for the best materiel. I trust you will not disappoint, Orokin.
Now we have an interesting case; the materials for this bow are listed with a Shop Selling Price, but aside from the Ash Branch available right here, the other three materials are listed as ‘Restricted’. This means that the ability to buy these with gil has to be unlocked somehow.
As a sidenote: if there’s an alternate way to buy a material with something other than gil, the Shop Selling Price listing will not help you. Yet another thing worth checking on external sources, such as the ever useful garlandtools database.
In ARR, seeing that a crafting material is restricted usually means that it is stocked by one of the Beast Tribe vendors; they always unlock new wares as you rank up with their tribe. In this case, Orokin buys the yarn from the Sylphs…
...buzzes on up to the Ixal encampment for some lumber…
...and hits up the Amalj’aa for the steel she needs. And then it’s back once again to get Beatin’s approval of her work.
.
Have you the longbow, Orokin?
Marvelous, simply marvelous! Some carpenters claim that oak is ill-suited for use in longbows, and that other woods are far preferable. But I would say you've chosen your materials well. This particular specimen is both hard and elastic, and I see no reason to believe it will take a permanent bend.
Of course, we have you to thank for that. The finest materials are nothing without a skilled craftsman to mold them. Indeed, this longbow is a testament to your ever-growing skills. Gairhard will approve. You may take it to him at the Adders' Nest.
Over in the same place as last time…
Ah, Orokin! Do you have that longbow I requested?
Fresh off the sawhorse!
My word! I see my faith in you was not misplaced. I have a young archer under my command who will be thrilled to receive this. It's of critical importance that my squad keeps its weapons and armor in good shape. Our reconnaissance missions often require that we spend weeks in isolation, without any form of support. In fact, we leave for our next mission on the morrow.
Unfortunately, this means I must once again postpone my visit to the guild. If Beatin complains, just give him a piece of quality lumber on my behalf. That should provide ample distraction. He's always been more passionate about his work than anything else… But I imagine you learned that long ago. Until we meet again, Orokin.
Gairhard was satisfied, then? Good, good… Hm? Another mission? I...I understand. We are both professionals, with responsibilities that cannot be ignored. Even so, it always gives me cause for worry. I do not question his ability as a commander or as an archer. But, irrational as it may be, I… Ah, forgive me. I am cursed with an overactive imagination. It is nothing, never mind. We shall speak again when next I have a commission for you.
It’s entirely understandable that Beatin has concerns for his old friend’s well-being, even when they haven’t seen each other for a while.
Right, continuing on.
Orokin, you minx! If I didn't know better, I'd say Gairhard was smitten with you. He's given you another commission─this time for an oak composite bow. In case you were unaware, such a bow can only be wielded by a master archer, with years upon years of experience in the field.
Don't you see? You are to craft a bow for Gairhard himself! You are to give this commission your undivided attention, Orokin. While simply crafting an oak composite bow is no small feat, I will not permit you to present anything less than perfection. Have I made myself clear? Good. Now, go.
By the power of beast tribes, this is a nice easy one. The lumber is from the Ixal, the sinew is from housing vendors or popping over to the Leatherworker’s guild, and the horn is sold by Kobolds… or dropped quite frequently just outside Drybone in Eastern Thanalan.
Only perfection will suffice, Orokin. If you have it, then show me.
Even experienced carpenters can find constructing a composite bow to be a daunting task, given the complexity of the design and the variety of materials required. But the resulting product is well worth the price. This union of wood, bone, and sinew possesses the power of a self bow more than twice its size. This makes it ideal for archers who must travel with minimal supplies and cannot afford to carry heavier equipment.
No matter how much I search, I cannot find flaw with your craftsmanship. Your materials, your execution...it is all, for want of a better word, perfect. It comforts me to know that Gairhard will wield this formidable weapon. Deliver it to him with my blessings.
Hmmm… Well, back to the Adders’ Nest.
Greetings, Orokin. I believe you have a delivery for me?
Sure do!
Now this is a fine bow, worthy of the Bowlord himself! The girl will be pleased. What's that? Beatin thought this was for me? Oh no, this is for another one of my archers. I have a perfectly serviceable bow which has served me for many years. Beatin ought to know─he made it.
Ah, those were the days. He the young initiate, I the aspiring Serpent. He wasn't always so damn cocksure, you know. Back then, he was full of doubts and questions… The maple longbow he made me might not look like much to you, but to me it's the perfect weapon. I intend to use it until the day I die. Not that I intend to die any time soon, of course!
Now then, I believe I have a delivery of my own to make. If you'll excuse me, Orokin.
Yeah, you all saw that bait and switch coming. Let’s deliver the news.
Welcome back, Orokin. Was Gairhard well?
What!? He still uses that longbow I made as an initiate? I didn't think he kept it… But a Twin Adder captain deserves a far finer weapon. I should offer to craft him a new one.
“Until the day I die.” Hmph. What nonsense. Surely that longbow is no more than a mangled stick at this point. If it were to break during battle, he would only have himself to blame. Ugh, but I cannot stand idly by while he... <sigh> No, no, I will give this no more thought. He is an experienced soldier; he would never be so reckless...
Oh! I did not realize you were still here, Orokin. You may go. I have nothing else for you today.
Woo, some tension! Time to see how this progresses…
(The sixth astral moon would be the eleventh month, so that’s Gone till November. Koji is a menace.)
<sigh> Not now, Orokin. I have too much on my mind. I did not intend for things to become so...heated. Yet Gairhard refused to listen to reason, and I… Never mind. Leave me to my work. If you still desire company, perhaps young Nicoliaux will serve.
Seems that tension led to some conflict… We’ll have to turn to little Nico again for more details.
I remember you! Orokin, right? Let me guess: Beatin told you to go away again. He's been like that since Gairhard left. He had some commission for the guild, but Beatin wouldn't accept it because of an old bow or something. There was shouting, and Beatin threw him out. They were both acting like younglings…
I don't know if it'll help, but maybe you should talk with Gairhard about what happened. I think he went back to the Adders' Nest. Leave old Beatin to me. I'll talk some sense into him.
Orokin? What brings you here? ...So you heard about what happened at the guild. It is unfortunate that the children bore witness to our dispute. <sigh> And it is even more unfortunate that I must ask you to become involved. My request was intended for the timbermaster himself, but since he has refused me, I have no choice. I need a cobalt halberd, a jade crook, and a yew longbow─your best quality, and as fast as possible.
This equipment is required for a mission of grave import, which is why I first approached the timbermaster. But you are also a proven artisan, Orokin, so I think I can safely entrust it to you. Nevertheless, I must ask that you present the finished items to Beatin for inspection. If he judges them acceptable, then I will gladly accept.
Alrighty, now for the real tests! The L45 quest always asks for three or four different items, so you need to put in a bit more work this time around. It’s also where materials may not be available even from beast tribe vendors, so you’re gonna have to do this the hard way… or really shell out for the HQ goods on the marketboard. People know that they can always get some decent coin off of those too lazy to do certain steps themselves!
As shown in this screenshot from garlandtools, the materials needed for these three weapons are spread out across… at least seven different zones. So it’s time for a quick world tour.
I’ll spare you the gritty details and instead point out that even at 80 with a top notch pickaxe, Orokin still take three to four auto-attacks to kill a L16 mob. Gathering gear really ain’t meant for combat.
Much later, in Coerthas… Orokin has all the raw materials, and it’s time to put it all together. We’ve managed to avoid it via buying the intermediary crafts so far, but now she has to use a full four other crafting classes to make other things she needs. This is why it’s generally a good idea to level all the crafters somewhat evenly, so that you don’t get stuck having to ask people to assemble bits and bobs for you.
Right, time to see how Beatin takes this now that Nico’s had time to talk with him.
<sigh> I feel it necessary to apologize for my earlier behavior, Orokin. It was unbecoming of a timbermaster. ...Ah, so you agreed to fill Gairhard's order. Very well, let me see what you have wrought.
You chose your bow staves wisely. I see no imperfections in the yew which would interfere with performance. The rosewood reinforcements appear solid, and the sinew bowstring is of excellent quality. I have no objections to this bow.
And I believe this is the first time I have judged a halberd of your creation. Fascinating weapons, halberds. Did you know they were a Hellsguard invention? Their marauders first used them to repel mounted units. A skilled wielder could easily pull a rider from his saddle. As for this particular halberd, I have no criticisms. In fact, given the quality of the axe blade, I can't help but wonder if you've been studying blacksmithing…
Though, even if you were pursuing other disciplines, this crook proves that you have not neglected your carpentry. The luxurious reddish browns of the mahogany, the entrancing greens of the jadeite… It is a true expression of Gridanian philosophy, a triumph of craftsmanship made only with the necessary materials. Bravo, Orokin.
I was wrong to deny Gairhard. But, thanks to you, his squad will not suffer for my stubbornness. I only pray that he reconsiders my offer... Ah, yes─you may proceed with the delivery.
Well, this has been mostly successful so far. Time to see if Gairhard listens to reason.
Beatin had no objections? Excellent! Then if you would hand me the weapons…
Good luck holding all three at once without special adventurer’s bags.
When we first met, the quality of your work was already impressive. I must say, though, that looking at your most recent products, it's clear even to me that you have grown tremendously, both professionally and personally. Or maybe it's more obvious when contrasted with Beatin's─ <sigh> No, that is hypocritical of me to say. I am as much to blame for our squabble as he. I swear, when we fought, it was as though nothing had ever changed.
In any case, I thank you for your hard work. This next mission may be our most dangerous yet, and it gives me great comfort to know my squad is equipped with the finest weapons. It may be some time before I see you and Beatin again. Please give him my regards.
...Oh dear. Well, this can’t end well.
Was he pleased, Orokin? ...Oh. Once again, he fails to deliver his farewells in person. Yet a soldier must serve, and a carpenter must craft. These are the lives we have chosen.
I tried to reason with him. I offered to replace his longbow. But he refuses to face reality. That bow will not last another moon, if even that. But my fervent protestations fell on deaf ears. I allowed my temper to overwhelm me, and I said many things I now regret. When he returns to Gridania, we should have much to discuss. I pray that day comes soon.
One more, folks. One more quest.
Oh, Orokin! It's horrible! It's so horrible! An officer from the Adders' Nest came to speak with me. In the North Shroud, near Ixali territory, they...they found… Gairhard's longbow! I saw the fragments myself. It was the selfsame maple longbow I made all those years ago. Which means… He... Gairhard is...
I wish to be alone right now, Orokin. Go... Be with your loved ones, or play with the younglings in the Acorn Orchard.
Poor guy. Hopefully Nico can help with this.
Hey, Orokin. It's good you weren't here earlier when Beatin heard the news. He went on a rampage in the workshop, howling like an animal and breaking anything within reach with his bare hands! I don't think we can help him this time... But if you want to try, you could give him some really, really good wood─like, say, the best length of rosewood lumber you can make. Maybe that would work?
That may not be enough this time… Rosewood logs are easily found in the middle of the East Shroud; Orokin needed some for the Yew Longbow previously.
Why...why have you returned? I told you, I wish to be alone.
Here, just… look at this for a minute.
This...this is… This is an exquisite length of rosewood lumber. Truly, the culmination of decades of growth and maturation…
<sigh> I know you mean well, Orokin, but it is no use. My thoughts remain with Gairhard. Like a young sapling, he matured into a magnificent tree...only to be cut down before his─
...Wait, what am I saying? Gairhard was no sapling. He was one of our finest. And the scouts...the scouts found signs of a skirmish, but no bodies! Do you not see? He must still be alive! He and his squad are out there somewhere, isolated and likely low on supplies. I know for a fact that he only carries one bow, so if that weapon has been broken... Matron forfend, he could be defenseless! He must needs be sent a new one straightaway! But...I fear I am in no condition to craft it. In my earlier foolish tantrum, I injured my hand, and have not the strength to grip a saw.
You must be the one to craft Gairhard's bow, Orokin. I beg of you, make him a peerless crab bow and affix to it a savage aim materia of the third grade. Once finished, seek out Gairhard and his men in the North Shroud. The fragments of his old longbow were found not far from Alder Springs. If the Matron is merciful, you will find him not far from there. Please, Orokin. You are my one and only hope.
And so we are given our final task: to create a weapon that will help save Gairhard’s life.
The Crab Bow actually requires an Oak Composite Bow as one of its materials, and is one of the rare recipes that need coral, something only a Fisher can get. This has the potential to be quite the sticking point.
But worse is the need for a Savage Aim III materia. Most of the crafter L50 quests require a specific grade III materia, so these can be pricey if you don’t have any extracted from your levelling gear.
Time is of the essence, so some quick crafting and melding later…
Gairhard is out in the middle of Ixal territory in the North Shroud, looking a bit worse for wear.
What do you think you're doing here!? Take cover, you fool─there are Ixal about!
In an actual action scene, the game pans across a bunch of Ixal and Adders clashing nearby.
Dammit, Orokin, this is no place for a carpenter!
Shut up and take this!
A bow? Did Beatin send you all this way just to deliver a bow?
*nods stoically*
That... He... Gods bless that stubborn fool! I should have listened when he said my maple longbow was at its limit.
My thanks, Orokin. If it weren't for you, I don't know what I would've done. Now keep your head down! I've a chieftain to slay!
Ngaaah!
Gairhard stops at the end of the bridge… He’s sighted the Chieftain.
He takes aim…
The arrow flies...
...and meets its mark, right between the Chieftain’s eyes.
The remaining Ixal are not terribly enthused by this turn of events.
And so they beat a hasty retreat.
A job well done, once Gairhard had the right tool to work with.
You saved lives this eve. I cannot thank you enough, Orokin. Please let Beatin know that we are fine, and that I will see him again soon.
Mission Complete!
I could kiss you, Orokin! He lives! Gairhard lives! I owe you a debt that can never be repaid. A thousand times over, I thank you.
You came to us as a seedling, yet now you are as a heavenspillar. There is naught else I have to teach you. In fact, you have inspired me to reflect on mine own deficiencies. Minor though they may be, I would be remiss if I neglected personal development.
Though you are no longer under my tutelage, I trust you will continue to hone your craft as well. Best of luck to you, Orokin.
This concludes the carpenter quests for FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. In order to undertake the next series of quests, you must first meet the following requirements: ※ You must have completed the main scenario quest “Before the Dawn.” Once you have done so, the next carpenter quest will be available from Beatin.
And that has been a look at the ARR questline for Carpenters, folks! Next time, we’ll be heading over to Limsa Lominsa and looking into becoming a Blacksmith!