NPCs Involved
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Maps
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Yugiri, Alphinaud, Soroban, Alisaie, Tataru, Gosetsu, Yotsuyu, Tansui, Rasho, Hiun, Shihoji, Yusui
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Mobs Involved
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Imperial Signifer, Imperial Eques, Imperial Hoplomachus, Magitek Rearguard, Imperial Centurion, Magitek Hexadrone
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- Gosetsu's trail leads to the sea, and that is where Yugiri would go.
- Having confirmed that Gosetsu and Yotsuyu are bound for Doma, it is time to seek Soroban at the pier and avail yourself of his boat.
- Soon after you arrive at the pier, Alisaie shares Gyodo's latest intelligence: the imperial contingent charged with finding Yotsuyu is preparing to deploy to the Ruby Sea. Plainly, the Garleans share your belief that their quarry is bound for Doma. Alphinaud's subsequent admission that he purchased Gosetsu's katana with Scion funds leaves Tataru aghast, but she sets aside her dismay and sends you off to continue your search. Your next stop is the Ruby Price. If Gosetsu and Yotsuyu have indeed set sail, there is a good chance the sentries there will have seen them.
- Before you can speak with the sentries, chaos erupts: the Empire has launched an attack against the Confederate stronghold on Sakazuki. Wasting no time, you hasten to join the defensive effort, and your heart skips a beat as you make out a familiar figure─Gosetsu. The old samurai lives still, but whether he does so much longer depends on you. Without breaking stride, you hurl yourself between him and his assailants, and at length succeed in beating them back.
- Having dealt with the immediate danger, you may turn your attention to your ailing comrade...and his unlikely traveling companion.
- At Alphinaud's prompting, Gosetsu recounts the miraculous tale of his survival. When the keep collapsed around them, he and Yotsuyu plunged into the One River and were swept out to sea where they drifted for days, before finally coming to rest on the shore of a desert island. Though she came through the ordeal whole of body, Yotsuyu awoke bereft of her memory, and Gosetsu, unable to decide her fate, resolved to deliver her to Hien for his judgment.
- Your most pressing questions thus answered, it is time to take your leave of Sakazuki. Alphinaud duly leads the way to the nearby pier, where he hopes Alisaie and Soroban will be waiting with the boat.
- Alisaie's joy at being reunited with Gosetsu is soured by the presence of Yotsuyu, whom she treats with unveiled suspicion. In a bid to diffuse the tension, Alphinaud loudly declares that the party should set sail without delay, and Soroban is happy to oblige, delivering everyone to the shore on the outskirts of Isari.
- After bidding the rest of the party farewell, Soroban asks that you grant him a moment to discuss a business venture which he claims will be extremely lucrative. It would, he adds, present a golden opportunity to recoup the Scion funds so carelessly spent on a certain katana and restore Tataru to good cheer besides. At last aware of the cost of his largesse, Alphinaud sheepishly encourages you to take Soroban up on his offer.
For all our success in tracing Gosetsu's movements, how he came to be traveling with Yotsuyu remains a mystery─to say nothing of this dango business...
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While doubts remain over the identity of Gosetsu's traveling companion, for now we can but follow the trail.
Come, let us away to the pier, and make ready to sail. With luck, Alisaie will already have joined Master Soroban and Mistress Tataru there.
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The others all did their part. I am truly blessed to have such dependable comrades.
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Apparently, Gyodo did his duty and then promptly excused himself. Couldn't bear another moment under Alisaie's withering gaze, I expect.
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I watched Gyodo meet with his imperial associate, and I have to say I'm impressed. He has sycophancy down to a fine art.
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While we were arranging the provisions, Soroban told me all about his many business ventures. Honestly, his nose for profit puts mine to shame!
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Cutscene start.
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Excellent timing, my friends. Mistress Alisaie arrived mere moments ago.
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All went well at my end. Gyodo met with an imperial officer and wheedled his way to some new information.
It seems the troops who recently arrived in Kugane came directly from Garlemald. The imperials based here have been kept in the dark.
And that's not all. A contingent of the aforementioned troops are preparing for deployment to the Ruby Sea. If I didn't know better, I'd say they'd picked up Gosetsu's trail.
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Then your information matches ours. We are quite certain that Gosetsu seeks to cross to the mainland.
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I'm sorry─did I hear that right? You used Scion funds to buy Gosetsu's katana...at the asking price?
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Aye, well, we were in some haste, and it seemed a worthwhile gesture. Speaking of which, here is the contract of sale. Pray see that the man is paid.
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Thal's...beard. You agreed to this? Give me strength...
<sigh> Well, it's not like the search can wait. You'd best be on your way.
But Alphinaud─we need to talk. I want you to come straight to the offices as soon as you get back. Promise me.
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Oh? Very well. I shall call upon you as soon as I return.
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First, let us go to the Ruby Price. If Gosetsu has already set sail, the sentries there are sure to have seen him.
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Cutscene end.
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Judging by her reaction, Mistress Tataru is none too pleased. I apologize if the katana has caused strife.
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(What is the going rate for a priceless weapon, I wonder... And now I know who not to ask.)
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Mistress Tataru seems in low spirits. Happily, my latest venture may prove just the tonic.
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Tataru seemed rather vexed, did she not? Ever the melodramatist. I am sure our finances can stretch to a single sword.
Remind me to explain the value of such gestures when we next see her. Ah, but I digress. We have work to do.
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Voiced cutscene start.
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Right. I suggest we begin by learning what we can from the sentries.
What's going on out there!?
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Travelers, are you? You may wish to postpone your plans. The Garleans have launched an attack on the Confederacy.
We have no reason to believe they'll turn their attention here, but for your own safety I suggest you return to Kugane.
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The Garleans bear no love for the Confederacy, but with Doma lost to them, why would they attack? Unless...
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Unless Yotsuyu is on that island.
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Even if she isn't, our allies are under attack, and they need our help.
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We will help them, while you remain with Soroban. Arguing will only delay us. Is that clear?
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Fine. But you haven't heard the last of this.
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Soroban─we may need to make a swift exit. See that the boat is ready to sail at a moment's notice.
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What, and you're going to swim there, are you?
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'Tis the quickest way. And you may rest assured I've been practicing!
Yyyyaaauuughhhh!
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Voiced cutscene end.
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| <sputter> Haha! <cough> <cough> I did it! <gasp> |
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| No time to rest, Master Alphinaud! Our allies are sorely pressed! |
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| Well, look who it is. I won't say no to the help, but I'm not best pleased that we need it.
You're here for the old man, yes? He's at the top. You'd best hurry. |
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Voiced cutscene start.
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Lady Yotsuyu, we're here to rescue you! Please come with us!
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Damn it! We took too long. Change of plan─eliminate hostiles!
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Voiced cutscene end.
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| Focus on the enemy! We'll see to Lady Yotsuyu when they're dead! |
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| Come, let us even the odds! |
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| Reinforcements! I need reinforcements! |
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| That they should still have magitek armor in reserve... Steel yourselves! |
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| Bah, we have no time for this! |
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| Watch out! He means to blow it up! |
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| Damn it! Reinforcements! I need more reinforcements! |
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| Two of them... We shall need a strategy.
Forename, draw the armor this way! |
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| Have care! We know not what we face!
Back! All of you! |
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| Mist and shade─take form and go forth! |
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| There are too many... Draw them to me─I shall finish this! |
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| Forename, my shadows and I shall tend to half. The rest is yours! |
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| All right─brace yourselves!
Stars above...rain destruction upon mine enemies! |
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Voiced cutscene start.
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Gosetsu! Thank the heavens!
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Yugiri, my friends... The kami were kind to guide your steps this way.
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It's over. The imperials are retreating. I suppose we have you to thank for that.
But they would never have come here were it not for her. I had a bad feeling the moment your samurai friend arrived with that woman in tow.
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Do not be afraid, Tsuyu. These people are my friends.
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Forgive me, but at the risk of souring the mood, I believe you owe us an explanation. You may start by telling us what happened at Doma Castle.
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Of course. I'll not begrudge you that. As you know, we were trapped inside the keep when it collapsed. But even as the roof crumbled above us, so too did the floor below.
We were swept out into the One River, where we would surely have drowned had a stout wooden door not chanced to float by, offering us a raft of sorts.
Exhausted, we drifted out to sea, at the mercy of the tides...which saw fit to dispense us on a desert island.
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She was with you the entire time?
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Aye. 'Twas her kimono which saved her from Hien's blade, believe it or not. Some Garlean witchcraft in the weave.
But it offered precious little protection against the fall. Though she survived, she awoke bereft of all her memories, and speaking like a child.
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That was my first thought, aye. And I contemplated cutting her down and being done with it. Contemplated it long and hard...
Yet the kami saw fit to deliver us from certain death. 'Twas their will that we survive. Both of us. Together. And together we shall go before our master. He shall be the one to judge.
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She's your prisoner, old man. Do with her as you will. Call her “Tsuyu” or whatever else tickles your fancy.
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'Twas a name given out of necessity whilst on the road. Nothing more.
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As you say.
But remember this: our people suffered much at that woman's hands. When the time comes, I trust you won't let emotion blind you to what needs to be done.
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Well, I must be going─I've an unholy mess to clean up. You should be on your way too, before the imperials decide to take another tilt. Oh...and we'll overlook the tithe this once. You're welcome.
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Voiced cutscene end.
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Word has reached me of the attack on Sakazuki. It seems we are in your debt yet again.
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Few suffered more at Yotsuyu's hands than Gosetsu. If this is his wish, so be it.
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With you and yours at our side, we have naught to fear. Thank you, my friend.
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...You still here? Do us a favor and take that damnable woman far away before she calls down more destruction upon us.
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That imperial craft appeared like a bolt out of the blue. By the time we had gathered our wits, it was already above our heads.
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Hmph, were I thirty years younger, I'd have made short work of the likes of them...
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Things could've been a lot worse. The imperials could've come here looking for blood.
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As Tansui says, we should move on. It would not do for Yotsuyu to be seen here.
Now, if I know my sister, she will already be waiting with the boat at the nearby pier. Let's go and see if I'm right.
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Gosetsu lives. All other considerations should pale next to that. And yet...
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I understand I have the Scions to thank for my katana's safe return. A samurai's blade is his soul, and no words will suffice to express my gratitude for reuniting me with mine.
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Everyone's staring at me...
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Are we certain she is the real Yotsuyu?
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And here she is, just as I anticipated. I am only surprised she agreed to hold off until the Empire withdrew.
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Cutscene start.
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Gosetsu! Thank the gods you're safe! It was all I could do to watch the battle from afar!
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And it was all I could do to restrain her.
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Can you blame me for worrying? Strong as Forename is, anything could happen in the chaos.
...But enough about me. We need to talk about her.
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They tell me you've lost your memory─and that's fine. But I want you to know something: I won't be taking my eyes off you. Not for a moment.
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These people are strange. Are you sure they're your friends?
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I am. They may behave...strangely, but I trust them with my life. You have naught to fear.
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All right, if you say so.
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R-Right! 'Tis past time we set sail! I for one would not keep Lord Hien waiting without due cause.
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Aye, and the longer we tarry, the more we risk inviting trouble. Lest you forget, the Red Kojin bear no love for Yotsuyu either.
I shall deliver you to familiar shores, near Isari but out of the villagers' sight.
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Cutscene end.
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Let us make haste to the city. Lord Hien must know of this.
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Though I only know Yotsuyu by reputation, this woman could scarce seem more different.
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We'd do well to give Isari a wide berth─for everyone's sake.
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Another time, Tsuyu. Our path takes us in a different direction.
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Are we going to that village? They might have dango!
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Here is where we part ways, my friends. I pray the remainder of your journey passes uneventfully.
Forename, when you are not otherwise occupied, I would speak with you about my next business venture.
It promises to be extremely lucrative, and I do not say so lightly.
After the prodigious sum spent acquiring a certain sword, it would present a fine opportunity to refill the Scions' coffers and restore the smile to Mistress Tataru's face!
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Oh, come along─Tataru was overreacting. How much could a single katana possibly cost?
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Far more than you think, plainly.
A blade like Gosetsu's is worth a fortune. Enough to buy a house and furnish it. Which you would know had you bothered to check the price.
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What? I-I had no idea...
Th-This business venture of Soroban's─you will give it fair hearing, I trust? He has been good to us, after all! As for me, I...I think I shall look into drawing upon my personal funds...
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You, Alphinaud (And his newer Moonstone Carbuncle that casts Luminous Lance), and Yugiri Mistwalker will join several Confederate Lancers fighting three Imperial Eques and an Imperial Signifer. Deal with the Signifer first, but a Cermet Pile from a Magitek Rearguard nearby will soon hit all the lancers and draw them off to the bigger fight to the north where two more lancers and Tansui the foxed are facing the rearguard, two Imperail Hoplomachus, and three more Imperial Signifers. Take out the smaller adds as best you can, preferably with AoE attacks, before tackling the Rearguard. It should be noted that as the Signifers are squishy thaumaturges, the Eques are sturdier lancers, and the Hoplomachuses are even sturdier gladiators, you should take them out in that order if not using AoEs.
After a cutscene you'll be up top against an Imperial Eques, Imperial Signifer, Imperial Hoplomachus, and an Imperial Centurion. The centurion is your main foe here and significantly more sturdy than the rest, so deal with him last to cut down on the incoming damage. More reinforcements will appear as the fight progresses, including another Rearguard. The Rearguard takes priority as it will begin casting Self-destruct after a while. Failure to take it out will deal heavy damage and inflict a stack of vulnerability up to you and all your allies. Use AoE attacks as well if possible to prevent the other adds from building up.
The next wave will include two rearguards, and Yugiri will ask you to lead them to her. Do as she asks. She'll use a special variant of Doton that will inflict Slow on all enemies within it, making it more feasible to defeat them before they both blow up.
The wave after that will just be a lone Magitek Hexadrone. Dodge its 2-tonze Magitek Missile and Circle of Death AoEs, and be ready when it casts a standard Magitek Missile. This will mark you while several Magitek Mines spawn. After a brief delay the mines will all ready self-desctruct, and your marker will turn into a proximity AoE. Lay it as far from your allies as you can and run to safety yourself. He'll keep repeating these moves for the rest of the fight, so just deal with them as best you can until the Hexadrone falls.
The centurion is likely long gone by now, but the fight isn't quite over. Three more imperials will spawn, and shortly after FOUR Rearguards will spawn, and Tuned Magitek Turrets will fire Assault Cannons at you. Thankfully, Alphinaud has his LB. You and Yugiri should drag the whole pack over to the AoE circle while Alphinaud readies Starstorm and hold them until it goes off. This will massively damage all of them, leaving the rearguards are little health. They'll all begin casting self-destruct so take them out ASAP. Once you do, the fight will finally be over.
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