The Great Horn Heist
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Beg pardon, my good sir, but might I ask your assistance with a matter most grave?
Wait...I know that face! You're the one who apprehended the murderer in that mystery event we held some time back. I'm Ollier, the attendant who recruited your services at the time. You remember me, yes?
I'm afraid to say that we have another most confounding case on our hands─and this time, it's not just for show! Yes, we're dealing with an honest-to-gods robbery in the halls of the Gold Saucer. Why, the Brass Blades are investigating even as we speak.
My name is Ollier, and I have the pleasure and honor of serving as one of Lord Manderville's earnest attendants at the Gold Saucer. Just between you and me, I must confess that we're dealing with a bit of a situation at the moment. It appears that a robbery has taken place in the Saucer's hallowed halls. Why, the Brass Blades are investigating even as we speak. And as if that weren't bad enough, one of my closest friends and colleagues from among the Saucer's staff has been named the prime suspect! I can assure you that he is absolutely innocent of all charges─why, the man wouldn't even think of committing a crime! That said, we are sadly lacking in incontrovertible evidence to that end. Which is where you come in─or at least, where I hope you come in. What say you, my friend? I realize the request is quite sudden, but might you be so kind as to entertain me? Oh, thank you, good sir! In that case, pray accompany me to the Manderville Lounge, that I might explain to you the situation in full detail. |
...Oh, but I've gotten ahead of myself. If you've yet to visit the Gold Saucer, you'll be needing a ticket for admission. In that case, I recommend you try speaking with that young man over there. He's been gloating endlessly of his winnings, and seems to be in the mood to share his good fortune.
Thank you so much for coming, my friend. Your offer of assistance means the world to me. Look over there. There you will see my dear friend Hugue, in the process of being unceremoniously and brusquely interrogated by those boorish Brass Blades. |
You there! Can't you see we're in the middle of an investigation? It'd serve you well not to interfere!
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Now, now. Who said anything about interfering?
Well, now, if it isn't Master Surname! Always a pleasure to welcome you to the Gold Saucer. Welcome, dear guest, to the Gold Saucer. I am Roland, and I have the honor of overseeing day-to-day operations here in Lord Manderville's stead. Now, if I might ask, whatever brings you here today? ...I see. In that event, your assistance in the matter is indeed most welcome. I trust my man Ollier has apprised you on the details of the case? |
Ah! Pray forgive me, Master Roland...I was just getting to that.
A short while ago, an invaluable Sabotender Emperador horn was stolen from the prize vault just behind our main counter. Needless to say, this area is guarded heavily and strictly off-limits to all customers. So it was that, naturally, the staff came under suspicion─in particular, poor Hugue, who had the misfortune of being the one manning the prize exchange booth at the precise time of the theft. My friend swears he is innocent, of course, and a more honest man I have never known. Yet, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary─or any leads suggesting another possibility─the Brass Blades have all but assumed that he is the culprit. You see, although he's a most diligent worker and beloved by his peers, truth be told...it appears he was arrested for petty theft once, years ago. Still, that's no reason to assume he's to blame this time! It's unconscionable, I tell you! Why, if they persist with their interrogation, I fear Hugue will be coerced to confess to a crime he never committed! Oh, is there nothing that can be done!? |
I, too, can speak for Hugue's character. The man would sooner lop off his own hand than steal even a single gil.
Might we ask you to look into the matter and glean what evidence you may, that we might prove our trusted employee innocent of any wrongdoing? You have my gratitude. I will speak to the Brass Blades and inform them that you have our full permission to conduct your own investigation of the premises. And with that, I must return to my duties. I assume the matter is in good hands with you, Ollier? |
So you're the adventurer Master Roland dragged into this, eh? Investigate all you like─we're sure that we've got the right man. |
I swear, I have stolen nothing! Why will they not believe me!? |
To think that such a theft could occur here at the Gold Saucer. And I thought our vaults were the best guarded in the entire realm... |
...Ah. Before I forget, I want you to have this.
If you come across evidence or anything of interest in your search, pray record it in this inspector's journal. Should you ever find yourself at a loss, you may find it helpful to review what you have already learned. And with that, I do believe you have all you need to get started. If I might offer a word of advice, why not begin by questioning that rather flustered-looking fellow over there? That attendant over by the table appears quite concerned about something. Perhaps he knows something about the case? |
I was tasked with selling Mini Cactpot tickets, and was standing behind the counter at the time of the crime. To think that something like this could happen here at the Gold Saucer!
I said the same to Captain Daluce and Pipimaya─ah, they're the two Brass Blade officers questioning Hugue over there─but I don't recall anything out of the ordinary at the time. It's festival season, of course, which means that our halls are even more packed with customers than usual, but other than that, I can't think of anything worthy of note. Yet I guarantee you that no unauthorized persons were allowed to slip behind the counter. From my vantage point, I would have noticed in an instant if that were the case. |
Well? Did you record the man's testimony in your journal?
Excellent! Keep asking around, and you're sure to arrive at the truth behind the incident in due time. And then, at long last, poor Hugue's innocence will be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt! |
Pipimaya
We all know you did it. Why not confess and save us all some trouble? |
That Hyuran attendant, you say? If I recall, he left his post for a time to escort a customer some place or another.
Thought it odd to see no one manning the counter, but I suppose it happens from time to time? Or perhaps not... |
Given its sheer size, we believe the thief has hidden the stolen horn somewhere around the premises until such time as they can arrange to smuggle it out. Though, for the life of me, I can't find the godsdamned thing anywhere...
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Oh, whatever to do? Whatever to do!?
Shush! Have you lost your wits!? Don't say that so loud! If anyone heard that I'd misplaced my uniform, why there'd be hells to─oh, I should probably quiet down, myself. Needless to say, those uniforms are issued to official Gold Saucer staff alone. When not wearing them, we're instructed to guard them as if our lives depended on it. If it were to get out that I lost mine... Just before, I checked with the cleaning staff to make sure that it wasn't accidentally disposed of somehow. The man said he'd seen nothing, nor have any articles of clothing been delivered to the lost and found. Oh, wherever could my uniform have gone!? |
The investigation? Hah. We already know that sorry wretch named Hugue did it. I've got more interesting matters to think about.
The investigation? Hah. We already know that sorry wretch named Hugue did it. I've got more interesting matters to think about. Say, have you heard any good rumors lately? Pipimaya flat-out ignored a friendly invitation and went off to the chocobo races alone, you say? That's somethin' you don't hear every day... Never known the man to say no to anyone. Why, one time a new recruit started calling him “Mayapipi,” and he didn't even bat an eyelash. On the contrary, he just went along with it like it was his new favorite nickname! Since then, all the newcomers have taken to calling him “Master Mayapipi,” and Pipimaya's as happy as a chocobo gettin' scratched behind the ears! To think he'd turn a deaf ear to one of his subordinates─that's a juicy rumor if I ever heard one! |
Have I noticed anything out of the ordinary, you ask? Well, now that you mention it─I doubt it has anything to do with the incident, but...
My colleague who works at the Cactpot Board mentioned that his uniform had gone missing. I could scarce believe it─the man's a veteran, and as careful as anyone I know. We're instructed to guard those outfits with our lives, you know. If my colleague doesn't find his soon, Master Roland is like to give him a chewing out like he'd never believe... |
Around the time the robbery happened, I was just getting off active duty. I had a mind to go to the chocobo races with Pipimaya, so I gave him a yell. But would you believe it? He just walked off to the racetrack as if he never heard me!
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Pipimaya, you say? I'd heard his brother was known to place a few coins on the birds from time to time, but never knew Pipimaya had an interest as well.
Still, for a friendly chap like ol' Pipimaya to just ignore you like that...reckon he must have had a big bet on his mind, eh? |
Have you met Pipimaya? He's one of the Brass Blades investigating the theft for us, but he's no stranger to the Gold Saucer. Why, I've seen him at the chocobo races more than once!
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You sure that's not his brother? They're the spitting image of each other, and I hear it's the brother who's a regular patron here. They say he can rack up the MGP like you wouldn't believe...
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His brother, you say? Why, I didn't even know he had a brother! From what I saw, they could almost be twins!
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Hah! Someone needs to get around a bit more, it seems. Anyhow, the brother's a regular here if I ever saw one. Seeing the sheer single-minded devotion with which he attacks those games, I reckon he's got his eyes on an exclusive prize.
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Notes on the crime scene at the time of the theft. | According to the attendant handling Mini Cactpot tickets at the time, there was nothing particularly unusual about the scene behind the counter before and after the incident, save for the larger-than-usual crowd on hand to take part in the festivities.
Furthermore, the attendant was certain that no individuals other than fellow staff were seen behind the counter, as it would be instantly and blatantly obvious were a non-uniform personage to breach this high-security location. |
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Testimony from a witness in the area at the time. | According to a customer who happened to be observing the counter at the time, Hugue left his post briefly to show a guest around the floor. As far as the witness could see, no other staff came to fill the post during Hugue's absence. |
Notes from a conversation with a brusque Brass Blade. | A sour-tempered sellsword charged with tracking down the stolen horn groused and grumbled that he has searched everywhere for the invaluable object, but cannot find it for the life of him. |
On the appearance of the crime scene from a different angle. | Surveying the general area of the crime scene, you could not help but feel that object visible from a certain angle might be hidden from sight when viewed from others. Could this be relevant, somehow? |
Notes from a conversation with a frantic attendant. | A Lalafellin attendant was in a panic upon discovering that their official uniform - a possession which gold saucer staff are instructed to protect with their lives - had gone missing, and has yet to be recovered.
He has searched high and low, and asked his fellow staff members if they had seen it, but to no avail. Furthermore, it would seem no missing items have been delivered to the lost and found yet today. |
Notes from a conversation with a blabbering Brass Blade. | A garrulous sellsword shared with you a story about Pipimaya, a senior member of the Brass Blades involved in the investigation. Pipimaya is an amiable fellow nicknamed "Master Mayapipi" by his subordinates. As the man tells it is Unthinkable that he would ever ignore a friendly greeting. |
Notes from a conversation with an astute attendant. | The attendant was shocked and surprised to hear of the missing uniform, as the victim is a veteran employee widely known as one of the most careful and circumspect of all the Saucer staff. |
Notes from a conversation with two Brass Blades. | A junior member of the Brass Blades shared his disappointment and dismay at having invited Pipimaya to the chocobo races for some off-duty entertainment, only to have his superior brusquely rush off without even acknowledging the poor newcomers words.
Furthermore, his comrade mentioned that Pipimaya has a brother who is widely known as one of the saucers most frequent patrons. |
Notes from a conversation with two effusive attendants. | Some particularly talkative attendance were discussing Pipimaya's brother, a gold saucer regular who's single-minded dedication to earning massive quantities of MGP has only intensified as of late. The latest rumors among the staff say that he's set his sights on an invaluable prize.
Furthermore, it would seem the sibling bears a striking resemblance to Pipimaya himself, as one of the employees appears to have confused the two for each other. |
Nothing. |
How fares the investigation, my friend? You look as if the whole matter still has you a bit puzzled. Have you gotten any closer to the truth?
Ah, there you are. Observing from afar, I couldn't help but notice just how thorough you've been in your investigation. Pray tell, do you believe you've arrived at the truth? |
It's all clear to me now! | I'm not entirely sure... | ||
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Captain Daluce, I thank you for allowing me to oversee the proceedings. By the power invested in me by Lord Manderville, I promise to consider well all the evidence at hand, and render a fair judgment regarding this unfortunate incident. I trust this is acceptable to you?
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I see no reason to object. After all, we only wish to arrive at the truth─same as you.
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Master Surname, I trust that you, too, have no objections to my participation here?
Very well, then let us begin. Captain Daluce, pray summarize the details of the incident for us once more. |
Gladly. A few bells ago, a Sabotender Emperador horn went missing from the Gold Saucer's prize vault, located behind the main counter. It was noticed by a sharp-eyed attendant whose shift followed that of Hugue.
Thorough questioning of all witnesses in the area at the time revealed that no other persons─attendant or customer alike─were seen behind the counter at the time. Investigating our records, we further learned that Hugue was arrested once for petty theft before being employed here at the Saucer. We have named him a primary suspect, and an interrogation is being conducted as we speak. That is all. |
Thank you, Captain Daluce
Master Surname. Ollier has informed me that you, too, have been investigating the matter on our behalf. Have you any objections to Captain Daluce's testimony? |
The true culprit is still out there! | What proof do you have that Hugue did it? | ||
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There's always a true culprit! | Call it a hunch, I guess...? | One of the attendant's uniforms has gone missing! | ||
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...Oho. Then let us proceed to the next topic at hand. Captain Daluce and his men are all but convinced that Hugue is the thief. Have you uncovered any evidence to lead you to believe otherwise?
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Just look at those innocent eyes! | He says he didn't do it! | If you're so sure he did it, then where is the horn? | ||
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I'm not sure, but it was worth a shot. | I propose...the horn just vanished into thin air! | The horn was stolen while Hugue was still on duty! | ||||
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Well, now. I do believe we've come to the heart of the matter. Master Surname, if you would...just who do you believe is truly responsible for the crime?
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M-Me!? Is this some kind of a joke!? I'm no thief! I'm an officer of the law!
You'd best have some proof behind these accusations, or I'll have you hauled in gaol faster than you can say “Godbert Manderville!” |
My adventurer's sense is never wrong! | Just look at that suspicious look on his face! | The stolen uniform was Lalafell-sized! | ||
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But not all have a brother with eyes only for MGP. | Come to think of it, he has a point... | Hmmmmmmmmm... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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So you would have us believe the true culprit is to be found elsewhere. Have you any evidence to support your words?
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This is all just circumstantial evidence! | Let me reconsider the matter. | I... I... | |||
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N-No! Say it isn't so!
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...I knew it. For all your lofty investigative work, all you've done is prove our case for us.
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Pipimaya
Yes, precisely as we orchestrated...
(Negative Outcome)
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You're not serious...are you?
At any rate, it's clear we've been wasting our time. Take the suspect away. |
Pipimaya
Yes, precisely as we orchestrated...
(Negative Outcome)
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Could Hugue indeed be guilty? Despite all the evidence saying as much, I still cannot believe it...
At any rate, we may have arrived at a less-than-ideal conclusion, but I thank you for your cooperation nonetheless. To that end, we have prepared a small token of gratitude for your assistance. You may claim it from my stern-faced colleague here. |
I can't thank you enough for absolving dear Hugue of blame. Though it puts me ill at ease to know that the true culprit is still out there somewhere...
...Ah well. I suppose I should count my blessings. At any rate, I'm happy to say that we've prepared a token of gratitude for your assistance. You may claim it from my stern-faced colleague here. |
Simply incredible! Thanks to your peerless detective work, my dear friend's innocence has been proven, and fair justice has been served to one and all.
Lord Manderville granted Pipimaya and Sasapano a brief reprieve before beginning their sentence, that they might deliver the Sabotender Emperador to their brother in person. I can only imagine how his eyes will alight at the sight! Truly, you have saved the day in more ways than one, and all of us here at the Gold Saucer are in your debt. As a token of our most sincere gratitude, I have prepared a special gift for you─pray claim it from my stern-faced colleague here. |