Toggle Background Color



Been waitin' fer ye to come an' see me, lass. Seems ye've got yerself an admirer! An' I ain't talkin' about me, neither─I'm talkin' about someone else! 'Twas only a matter o' time before folk started askin' questions about who was responsible fer the guild's recent change in fortunes. You heard o' Costa del Sol─out in Bloodshore? 'Cause that's where yer new admirer lives. 'Case ye don't know the place, it's a favorite resort of Ul'dah's rich an' famous. Aye, that's right─I'm talkin' about one o' them! Asked fer you by name, they did. Said they wished to commission the great Orokin Reactor and no other! Hah hah!

(...Gods, I hope it isn’t Gegeruju.)

This could be yer chance, lass! It ain't every day ye get invited to curry favor with such a wealthy bleedin' client. At first I thought it was just Byregot who was watchin' over ye, but I'm beginnin' to think that two-faced bugger Nald'thal might've taken an interest, an' all! Anyway, ye'll do it, won't ye? Bah! 'Course ye bloody will! Ye'd be a godsdamned fool to refuse! Ye'll need to trouble that bastard Faezahr fer the details... Oh, an' though it sticks in me throat to say it, I reckon ye should prob'ly thank the chocobo's arse while yer at it─he's the one as made this happen.

We’re moving on up in the world, folks! For lack of a central issue to deal with, the Blacksmith ‘plot’ is gonna give us some more interesting client requests. For now, it’s outside again to Faezahr.

Well met, smith. I gather you've heard about your commission? I trust you understand what an honor this is… As well as what's at stake. The client in question is a distinguished personage with tremendously high expectations. Should you fail to live up to them, it will reflect poorly on both you and your guild. As for myself, the last thing I need is a well-connected Ul'dahn telling his associates not to buy your products─products, I need hardly add, which I should very much like to sell them. In short: don't fail.
Now then, I believe I saw Miss Khuswyb arrive a moment ago. She is our client's representative. Go inside and introduce yourself to her. She will explain the commission.

Ah, joy. Orokin’s probably about to get asked to make some loser noble a fancy sword he’ll never use.



At least their representative looks nice enough. And I see the guild is trying to win her over with tea and biscuits, a time-honoured strategy.

I've heard a great deal about you, Orokin Reactor. As you may have heard, my master was captivated by the tales of your exceptional craftsmanship, and thought you the ideal candidate to undertake a commission of particular import to him.
By way of an introduction, my master's estate boasts the most spectacular gardens in all of Costa del Sol. Its many botanical marvels owe much to the efforts of our chief groundsman, who has nurtured them since he was a lad. The dear old fellow has been with the family for generations now, and my master feels it is past time that his years of faithful service be recognized. And what better way to honor the tireless efforts of one's loyal servant than to present him with an exquisitely wrought example of the tool of his beloved trade?
In short, Miss Reactor, my master would like to commission a plumed iron hatchet of the first order. Know that anything less than perfection will be deemed unacceptable. We trust you will not disappoint us.

...Oh, well that’s a nicer scenario than expected. The hatchet itself just requires a quick jaunt out to Quarrymill; for whatever reason, the bushes near there are where you can find a Chocobo Feather to use for the plume.

Do you have the hatchet?



My... Though I count myself no expert in such matters, even I am sensible to this hatchet's quality. It is...magnificent. Master Faezahr's words did not do you justice. You are a veritable prodigy, madam.
Your hatchet is more a work of art than a tool. When I run my fingers along its smooth leather grip and gaze upon its flawless, sparkling blade, I find that I am…moved. It seems a great shame to allow such a masterpiece to be used for mere gardening. But...tools are made for a purpose. Mayhap, as the blade dulls and the grip wears, it will gain a different sort of beauty...
Ah, but I am beginning to sound like our chief groundsman. Such a gentle soul... I am quite sure that he will see the artistry in your creation. Why, it may even serve to inspire him in his own craft. You should be proud. On behalf of my lord, I thank you, Orokin Reactor. Pray give my regards to Master Faezahr.

Hopefully the old man gets many years’ worth of service out of this new tool. And back outside to Faezahr…

You certainly rose to the occasion. Expertly done, smith. And it seems Miss Khuswyb has marked you out as a crafter of outstanding skill. If her master agrees with her assessment, this may well be the first of many such commissions. You have every right to be proud.
I suppose your mentor will want to know what's transpired. <sigh> I swear, your talents are truly wasted serving that fool. You may tell him I said so, if you wish. You're a damn good smith, Orokin. You can do better.

Still not on very good terms with our buddy Brithael, sadly.

Ah, there you are, lass! Well tell us how it went, then! ...Eh? He said that, did he? Cheeky sod! Talkin' like he knows what it means to be a smitty... There ain't no one as knows better than me, an' I've only ever wanted what's best fer ye! I still remember the day ye first walked in here, ye know... 'Twas clear to me even then that ye'd got a will of iron. Somethin' in yer eyes, there was─somethin' as told me ye'd give yer all to the craft, not fer coin or fer fame, but fer the sake o' makin' somethin' good. An' that's jus' what we need 'round here. So don't let us down, Orokin. Stick with us, and we'll do right by ye.

You got it, chief. Now for the next job!



Set Fae… Damn it, Koji.

Ugh... Somethin' evil's brewin' in me belly, I tell ye. Can't seem to─hurk─keep anythin' down. Too many at the Wench, I reckon.

Somehow I’m not surprised…

Couldn't have come at a worse time either, with Faezahr breathin' down me neck… Now when it comes to the market, ye've never met a tighter miser than ol' Faezahr, but at the Coliseum, the man throws gold at fighters like water at a fire. They know it, too! So they ask their patron fer a new blade. An' once they get their blade, now it's a bigger, sharper, shinier blade. Before you know it, I'm wastin' me wakin' bells forgin' weapons fer folk what ain't got arms enough to wield 'em all! Don't get me wrong─I'd gladly take the whoreson's coin. But I ain't up to it this time, on account o' me condition. Which is why I need ye to make whatever needs makin' in me stead. Have a word with Faezahr an' see what he wants.

Ah, the traditionally upper-class pastime of being someone’s patron, giving them the backing they need to pursue their craft. You know, that thing Patreon covers these days? Yeah, that. So let’s go see who Faezahr is patronising today.

So, Brithael sends you to me yet again? I am flattered he holds me in such esteem. As you may have heard, I have an eye for able warriors. Yet without the proper arms and armaments, ability is for naught. Forge me one steel bhuj of equal parts splendor and might, and you and Brithael shall know the bounty of my generosity. But fail me, Orokin, and I may be forced to reconsider my arrangement with Naldiq & Vymelli's.

We both know that’s an idle threat. When have I ever failed to get a job done?

<ahem> The steel bhuj is another easy craft, just requiring iron and steel ingots, plus a piece of oak lumber. The logs come from near Camp Tranquil.

One steel bhuj, Orokin. Make the greatest weapon you've ever made, then throw it away and make me a better one!

Verrry funny.

You've come with my gift? Excellent. Let us have a look, shall we?



I demanded nothing short of perfection, and you have exceeded my every expectation, Orokin. A finer bhuj I have never seen. A well-wrought oak haft with a solid steel blade, more than sharp enough to slice through sinew and bone. Many an aurochs' neck shall it cleave. I cannot wait to see it wielded. Yes, the glory of the steel bhuj you have forged for me shall be sung in the screams of all who stand before it!

Uhhh…

Ahem. I see my trust in you was not misplaced, Orokin. And I trust I shall have need of your skills in the future.

Right, well… Now that we’re experienced bhuj, let’s move onto the next job.



Ye know, Orokin, the contracts ye've helped the guild secure ought to make us a fortune─if we can find the hands to keep up with demand, that is! Quite a name ye've made fer yerself in the process. Ye've got yer head in the forge, so ye don't hear what I do. All over the ports I hear the chatter o' sailors an' merchants extollin' the fabled wares from Orokin's forge. An' I assure ye they ain't alone! Hells, it's gotten to the point where half yer fellow smitties are askin' that ye forge their smithin' tools! As if ye've time to make 'em one by one!



So I told 'em the most they could hope fer would be one wrapped crowsbeak hammer, a true example o' shinin' excellence to which all of its kind would be held. What say ye, lass? Reckon ye can do yer forgemates this favor?



The wrapped crowsbeak hammer looks like a nice simple recipe. A bit of steel, some boar leather (something that Leatherworker will use a lot if making gear), and the hammer to be wrapped.



But this other hammer requires velveteen and linseed oil, which are Weaver and Alchemist recipes. Both require Flax, which grows around Camp Tranquil. That’s five different crafters needed for this one!

All I'm askin' fer is a single wrapped crowsbeak hammer─o' the finest quality, o' course─so I can show yer fellow smitties how it's done.



By Byregot's beard! Who'd've thought that the brutish tools o' force could possess such beauty! The hammer's claw evokes the elegance an' ruthless efficiency of a golden beak pluckin' worms from the ground. An' it's flawlessly counterbalanced asymmetrically by the face… Not in me wildest forgin' fantasies could I ever envision layin' hands or eyes on such a perfect hammer.
...Hells, I reckon it's too perfect to show to that lot. To look upon the dauntin' heights o' such peak perfection would surely discourage even the boldest o' buddin' blacksmiths. On the other hand, it ought to put those uppity smitties in their place! Besides, it'd be a crime to keep this hammer hidden away from the world. With any luck, it'll serve as inspiration to yer forgemates, an' maybe even motivate one to follow in yer footsteps!

Well, no commission this time, but we made something to inspire/intimidate our fellows with. I did say that Blacksmith is a little lighter on plot than the rest. But we have two more quests to cover…



I’d make a joke here, but my last experience with Beauty and the Beast was when I played Kingdom Hearts II. Which is the most recent KH game I’ve ever played.

'Tis a good time to be a smitty, Orokin! Clients're bangin' down our doors, clamorin' fer our wares… And to think it's all 'cause one fateful day, I had the foresight to let ye join our ranks... Smartest thing I ever done! Aye, in prosperous times such as these, ye can't help but be in high spirits. Even yer most hated enemies start to seem like decent folk. Why, just the other day, I downed a few pints with ol' Faezahr!

...Did the seven hells freeze over while I wasn’t looking?

Oh, speakin' o' which… Faezahr was goin' on an' on about this lady gladiator what caught his eye, one he'd like to lavish with gifts. Said he'd a mind to have ye forge the weapons. Ah, but you know him. Demanded to speak to ye in person. Best go on an' oblige the bastard.



Let’s see what ol’ Faezahr wants for his crush gladiator today.

Orokin, good of you to come. I knew no other whom I could call upon. Her name is Muriel. She is both muse and genius─a portrait of grace and beauty amid the carnage of war, expertly versed in every technical discipline of combat. Muriel is more than a mere gladiator─she is an artist. If she is to paint the battlefield red, only the finest of instruments will suffice. And such instruments can only be created by the greatest of blacksmiths.
Thus, I would ask of you a pair of cobalt knuckles, a buccaneer's bardiche, and a cobalt shamshir with which she might reign over the Coliseum like the goddess she is. I will inspect your work when it is complete. Though I have little reason to doubt your capabilities, I will not present to Muriel anything less than perfection.

Oh buddy, you got it bad, huh. The three weapons he wants from us all take cobalt ingots to make, which means grabbing the ore from Northern Thanalan. Horn Glue made from the Aldgoats in Eastern Thanalan is also required, as well as an unglued horn and some more boar leather. Oh, and one rosewood branch from the East Shroud. Nothing too taxing, even in these late ARR recipes… for these disciplines.

Knuckles, a bardiche, and a shamshir. They must be fit for a goddess.

I’ve got them here, but I strongly suggest you don’t call Muriel that to her face.

Hm. While your weapons look most impressive, I must properly appraise your work. Inside.



Ah, the knuckles. A sturdy and stable design for a straightforward weapon. The lack of superfluous ornamentation speaks to an emphasis on function.



Next, we come to the bardiche. A brutish, base weapon likely born of the beast tribes. Initially, I feared its barbaric origins might sully Muriel's angelic hands, but I firmly believe there is no weapon her feminine touch cannot civilize.



And lastly, the shamshir. The seductive curvature of the blade is sinister in its simplicity. You have taken notoriously obstinate cobalt and bent it to your will.
Again you exceed my every expectation. I can only imagine Muriel's joy upon seeing such splendid wares. Let her gaze upon the face of the one who forged them. You will find her aboard the Astalicia.

Remember way, way back when Ginger learned how to step-dance from pirates on the deck of a ship? That’s the Astalicia.



Muriel isn’t hard to spot once you get there.

Hm? Ah, yes, the gifts I was promised. It is good to know Faezahr is a man of his word, though personally I prefer a woman of action. Show me what you've got.

<flex>

Most impressive indeed! I am humbled. With your weapons in my grip, victory is all but assured. Faezahr certainly possesses an eye for the finer things. Yet the eye that finds beauty interests me less than the hands that craft it─the strong, skilled hands of an artisan like yourself...
Gladiator and blacksmith make quite a pair, do we not? What is a weapon without a wielder? Or a wielder without a weapon? We complete each other. I came to Limsa Lominsa to see your wares at the old man's behest, and found everything he promised and more. Know that in the heat of battle, as I clutch them tightly in my hands, my thoughts will be of you.

Oh-hoh, seems we have a fan! But now there’s just one more thing to take care of… Is this where the plot’s been hiding?



Good news, Orokin! That gladiator ye outfitted, Muriel? Done the work of a million merchants fer us since! Her name's on the lips of every Coliseum fan, as is the name o' the smitty what forged her armaments! Our wares're sellin' faster than we can forge 'em, an' every member o' the guild is reapin' the benefits! Aye, the ale'll flow like wine at the Wench tonight!
O' course, customers, they've been askin' for ye by name, but I tell 'em ye ain't got the time to personally craft all their butcher's knives an' bric-a-brac. I've certainly no intention o' shovelin' that drudgery off on ye. But there's one commission what requires yer personal attention, I reckon. This one comes to us by way o' Faezahr, so pay the man a visit. Before ye go, a word o' warnin': Faezahr's a solemn soul to begin with, but this job's got him wound tighter than ever, judgin' from his countenance. Best be prepared fer a bleedin' tough challenge.

Ah, something serious at last. One more trip out to the balcony.

There you are! Hear me, Orokin─none other than the finest blacksmith in all Vylbrand will do for this task. So renowned are your weapons that your name echoes through the distant wood of Gridania. So powerful your forge that it has bent their disdain for steel into admiration. As such, a former champion of the Coliseum living amid the leaves has contacted me in hopes of engaging your services.

A former champion, huh? Intriguing...

That is all I can say. The rest she would tell you herself. The client wishes to meet with you in private, and will be waiting for you on the platform just below the Drowning Wench. Pray do not keep her waiting.



The balcony below the Wench is where Ginger once disarmed bombs back in the Rogue capstone quest, and is home to… whatever the heck shady dealings are going on over there. At the very end, we find a ‘Well-travelled Miqo’te’.



An honor, Orokin Reactor. I appreciate you coming all this way to meet with me. I am told you are a blacksmith without peer. It is for this reason that I have come to seek your assistance. The sword I would have you forge must befit a storied Coliseum champion─rather, a man who would become one once more.
This gladiator is recently returned to Ul'dah, and has chosen to fight under a different name, you see. Perhaps you are familiar with the Bronze Bull? I thought not. His performance on the bloodsands has been less than stellar. Despite his wealth of experience, he struggles. I have seen him fight; his weapons are his weakness. But I fear he thinks himself at fault.
Which brings me to my request: I wish to arm the Bronze Bull with a quality cobalt winglet, strengthened with a savage might materia of the third grade. He is a far greater gladiator than his record suggests, and deserves better than the rubbish he wields. When the sword is ready, deliver it to Faezahr. He shall see that the Bronze Bull receives it.

So, who is this, and why is she unnamed? Something to ponder for a moment.



The sword she requested is straightforward enough; although it does randomly need this tellin from a level 20 node, which is only used in five recipes. ARR’s kinda weird like that.



Unrelatedly: High-quality crafts seem like a great way to blind yourself.



Orokin smashes in the materia, and away we go.

I am aware of the client's specifications. As soon as I verify that your sword is to her satisfaction, I shall contact the intended recipient.

Here ya go, stun gun.

You have outdone yourself yet again. Your task is almost complete. In a most peculiar request, the client wishes to be on hand, yet out of sight, for the purveyance of her gift. I shall attend to the arrangements. You need only be ready.



Time for a proper cutscene, since this is the L50 quest. Orokin’s got her work set up on display, waiting for the Bronze Bull’s arrival.



Good thing he was willing to come out here on a rainy night. (My timing is just as good as DN’s, if you hadn’t noticed.)



Since when have you taken a fancy to a male gladiator, Faezahr? What's all this really about?



I assure you, you will not be displeased. Quite the opposite, I should hope.

Pleased, then?

Precisely. We come bearing a gift.



A gift? For me? Hah! Give it to someone who deserves it. I'm in no mood to be fawned over.

Due to your mounting defeats, no doubt.

I know my record, merchant.

Ah, but that is the very reason I believe this gift will lift your spirits. Behold the cure for your recent woes─a sword like no other!





The Bronze Bull walks on over and picks up the sword now, studying it for a moment.

This blade, I've...I've never seen its equal. Did you forge this, smith?

<smiles and nods>



The bull turns and pulls out his old sword, looking at how it pales in comparison.

I would be proud to call it my own.

I believe that is precisely what our patron intended.



Care to tell me who your patron is? And why he sees fit to confer upon me such a treasure?

I can say only that she prays for your success. It is her hope that with this sword you will win new glory, and that these words will help you to remember that of old:
“The way of the sword is such that all who walk it become lost.”



…Her words, eh? Well, I don't see why she had to orchestrate this mummer's farce. I would've gladly accepted the sword from her in person.

Oh?

Aye. I thought the Calamity had claimed her life. Heh, I should've known better than to think the Hellfire Phoenix would die so easily.



The Bronze Bull dramatically plunges his old sword into the floorboards...



...and with one mighty swing…





...cleaves it in two, while Orokin’s eyes widen in surprise.



And now it is my turn to take wing.



He sheathes his sword dramatically, making the Phoenix nod her approval and slip out of view.

On my honor, I shall one day stand atop the Coliseum, and do this sword justice.



And we fade to black as the Bronze Bull takes his leave, waving back to Orokin and Faezahr.



The Hellfire Phoenix is still waiting inside though, and she has a little more to say.

Greinfarr's no fool. I suspect he knew I was present the moment his words left Faezahr's lips. Hm? Why not give him the sword in person? It is...complicated. Simply put, I will not involve myself directly in Coliseum affairs. Long ago, I swore never again to take up sword or spear for sport.
I have entrusted the forgemaster with your honorarium. Please accept it with my heartfelt thanks.

So, there’s actually a fair bit to talk about here. Including the unstated fact that this Miqo’te lady’s name is J’moldva, just for future reference.

The short version is that Greinfarr (the Bronze Bull, formerly ‘Greinfarr the Great’) and J’moldva (the Hellfire Phoenix) were both characters in 1.0. The two of them clashed for the championship in Ul’dah’s bloodsands, but things got out of hand in the crowd and J’moldva was badly injured. Greinfarr took her to Gridania for treatment, where she remained and served as part of the Lancer quests. Both accomplish more during 1.0, but these are the relevant parts to the Blacksmith quests.



After bowing and taking her leave, the Phoenix leaves us with one final task: reporting back to Brithael once more.



Well, look who's back from bringin' in another fortune! I don't know how ye do it, Orokin, but I'm glad yer doin' it fer us. If ye hadn't come along when ye did an' helped us turn things around with yer quality smithin', I reckon I'd be another workless drunk drownin' me sorrows at the Wench. Instead, I'm a happily employed drunk celebratin' me successes at the Wench!

Ha, can hardly argue with that.

Ye know, any lout with a tool can put passion into her work, but to have it come out the other side an' affect folk is true artistry. An' make no mistake, lass: the impact of what ye've done fer the guild will be felt fer years to come. Yer one o' the best godsdamned smitties I've had the pleasure o' knowin', Orokin. There ain't nothin' more to say than that.

In the spirit of the moment, let’s raise a toast!

And then next time, we’ll take a look at Armorer, the more sober and yet more interesting side of things here at Naldiq & Vymelli's. Hope to see you then!