Let's Play the BEST GAME EVER!!! (FFIX)

So as some of you may know, FINAL FANTASY IX IS THE GREATEST GAME IN EXISTENCE. Okay, that's a bit subjective, but it's a super solid RPG and really the game that got me as in to the genre, and video games in general. I wouldn't be where I am now without this game. It was always there for me in good times and bad and yada yada it has a special place in my heart, blah blah, ~*~MAJESTIC~*~

So here we go, Imma play some FFIX for yous guises! Enjoy :jess:
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/tEA1DRU.png

I am soooooo hype. This is the Steam version so I am excite to see what they've improved.

So we start off with a cutscene involving a ship being tossed around the raging seas. The camera zooms in finally for us to see a woman and a young girl.

http://i.imgur.com/1yFCuS3.png

As you can see, the real-time graphics are done by Akira Fujii. Thank you Mr. Fujii.

Alas, twas all but a dream and we are greeted to the face of a beautiful princess awakening from her slumber and opening up the windows to the kingdom below. Queendom, I guess.

http://i.imgur.com/HqY6Djc.png

Don't compare those two images too hard.

So anyway, we learn who did the character modeling while an airship sails in to the kingdom.

http://i.imgur.com/4Hoitel.png

On it, we take control for the first time of a monkey-tailed young man.

http://i.imgur.com/9zrktmu.png

Ugh, dem graphics. I know some people have already seen the crisper, cleaned up graphics by playing on emulators but this is my first time not playing it on the PS1 discs and it is AMAZING. I can actually see Cinna's ugly mug!

I am all butterflie-y all over again.

I figure in the interest of being open, I will let you all know that I am doing the max gil option in the game. I've played it many times before, I'll still be grinding, I didn't do the levels or abilities or any of that. But dang it if I don't want to be rich! I didn't change much else, just sped up the battles and a few other preference based options.

Here is our young mystery man:

http://i.imgur.com/bu7EMzb.png

So after poking around the airship while the game harasses me to light a candle, we get some info!

http://i.imgur.com/wZbwjhv.png

Afterwards, we finally light the candle and are greeted by 3 dudes. We now get to choose our name.

http://i.imgur.com/7BaUIHU.png

I normally name my characters in this game other things, but with the Let's Play I'll just stick to default.

Note: The game may or may not have already lied to you.

I am liking the new name input screen, looks pretty smooth.

After naming our character, our little group is attacked by a weirdo in a dragon mask.

http://i.imgur.com/LiEotHC.png

To battle! Which means stealing for 15 minutes while Cinna dies.

http://i.imgur.com/MOmJh46.png

For those of you who are not familiar with the game, it means stealing for 15 minutes while Cinna dies.

http://i.imgur.com/1fp03vG.png

After the battle we get laughed at by this jackass and rounded up in to the meeting room. It is time for... THE PLAN!

http://i.imgur.com/Rrf5QsV.png
http://i.imgur.com/CBSA131.png

How will we accomplish this? By posing as a theater troupe!

http://i.imgur.com/viDWLrW.png

Now anyone who has played this game knows that this is the point when you troll the Boss by repeatedly asking if you're supposed to kidnap Queen Brahne.

http://i.imgur.com/UiuzSz9.png

Keep doing it for about 15 minutes AAAAAAANNNNDDD

http://i.imgur.com/0r65MNe.png

Ruby shows up and you get one extra line of dialogue!

Worth it.

After finally confirming the actual kidnap target, the Prima Vista docks in Alexandria, revealing the best character in the best game:

http://i.imgur.com/BGscOfT.png

*hype intensifies*

Oh, also the logo and whatevs

http://i.imgur.com/4NaixFB.png

We now get to take control of the cute little dude I just showed you. He is immediately bumped in to and falls over, upon which a nice little girl returns to him his dropped ticket.

http://i.imgur.com/u6x02Pt.png

The grace. The dignity.

http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngTip for beginners: Instead of walking forward when you take control of the little dude, exit the screen behind you for a whole other area.

So we quickly learn that a play is going on in Alexandria (the one Tantalus is performing) and the nobles have come to watch it while the peasants scrimp and save to maybe afford a ticket to the show. Most watch from the rooftops.

Also, some more info:

http://i.imgur.com/HVLrdaB.png

Good Guy FFIX acknowledging the historical contributions of women.

http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngTip for beginners: Search around the walls and such to find hidden treasures!

Here's our new fella, by the way, Best Character McGee:

http://i.imgur.com/g0MGMPx.png

And upon exploring, we find more info:

http://i.imgur.com/BojMn6C.png

There will be a quiz. I also get to suck at jump rope, yay! I'm not used to using a keyboard for this game. That is the only reason I am not good at the jump rope mini-game.

The ONLY reasons :shifty:

http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngTip for beginners: Make sure to explore the whole city before going to the ticket booth!

So after exploring and stealing Hippaul's secret treasure, we head to the ticket booth for some info dump:

http://i.imgur.com/z8CpUVU.png
http://i.imgur.com/jws3IXF.png

It is finally time to show our ticket but it turns out...

http://i.imgur.com/VTNf1nm.png
http://i.imgur.com/z09Rgfs.png

And that's how we didn't get away with forgery.

Anyway, we run in to a rat-faced kid who bumped in to us earlier and he has a proposition for us.

http://i.imgur.com/42LF0X5.png
http://i.imgur.com/16ePQTp.png

That sounds reasonable! So with our help, the rat-faced kid steals a ladder.

http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngTip for beginners: Stick around in the alley for a second to meet Alleyway Jack who will teach you about a card game. Don't linger for too long though or he'll steal some of your gil.

http://i.imgur.com/PBUbxaY.png

After learning about cards from Gilgaaaaaaaa......lleyway Jack, we head back to the rat kid who sends us up the bell tower, which is interrupted when a Moogle falls on us.

http://i.imgur.com/LyOw6EX.png

We get to meet our first moogle friend and also see Stiltzkin, the great traveling moogle!

http://i.imgur.com/luOK72R.png

The moogles act as your save points and also

http://i.imgur.com/3hJFMiD.png

We get to deliver mail for the moogles :jess:!

I'm going to stop here for now because it's 2 am on a Tuesday, but gosh I love this game.

Will Tantalus kidnap the Princess? Will the point-hat boy get to see the play? Tune in next time!!

Aaaaah dem graphics!!!

I sooo want to follow this but I haven't played FFIX yet!

"Let's play the BEST GAME EVER!!!"

Oh, boy, here we go. We haven't even started and I'm gonna be having an argument!

"-(FFIX)"

...Oh, OK, you actually are using the best game ever. That's cool, please continue about your business!

Wow, I never knew you could get an extra line by trolling Baku hahaha. I know about the save moogle but it never occurred to me to try it here. I love this game.

I would so do this with you, but I have no working controllers right now.

We're back with our pointy-hated friend, following after the rat faced boy who leads us to the rooftops.
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/fGKyLot.png

Indeed we are, luckily the boy has some reassuring words for us

http://i.imgur.com/vPgLQVy.png
http://i.imgur.com/WXIYSgq.png

:stare:

So anyway, as we continue to follow him, we realize we haven't made introductions yet!

http://i.imgur.com/00mUDx4.png
http://i.imgur.com/l5Tknmb.png
http://i.imgur.com/8zmdufF.png

And now we have a name for the best character ever!

And puck.

http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngBeginner tip: Explore the rooftops for extra treasures!

Finally the show begins and Vivi and Puck manage to sneak their way in

http://i.imgur.com/xmV5pNM.png

Queen Brahne is rather excited for the celebration.

http://i.imgur.com/ec8BMtC.png

Not everyone, however, is showing the same enthusiasm.

http://i.imgur.com/MeFWKVg.png

That's one sad princess.

http://i.imgur.com/ZsR4vQf.png

Look at this goob.

http://i.imgur.com/IKqRMXY.png
http://i.imgur.com/RDlN9Aj.png

The play begins but I won't show you much of it because go play the game!!!! IT'S SUPER GOOD!!!

Basically at some point we have a sword duel.

http://i.imgur.com/YdZRrhy.png

And gosh was it harder on the keyboard for me. I'm so used to the PlayStation controller. I got a decent score the second time around though:

http://i.imgur.com/a2eFeRN.png

So anyway, Zidane and Blank make their exit stage left and begin to put their kidnapping scheme in to action.

http://i.imgur.com/idMKrlm.png
http://i.imgur.com/ntoiBoB.png

However, on the way, Zidane runs in to a hooded-girl whom he immediately begins to shamelessly flirt with.

http://i.imgur.com/9zR5SLG.png
http://i.imgur.com/2RiFjmx.png

Smooooth operator~

When Blank shows up to ask what's going on, the girl takes the opportunity to bolt it.

http://i.imgur.com/BIkoMet.png

Zorn and Thorn, the court jesters, aka the video game characters my boyfriend despises most in the world, let General Beatrix know that Garnet is in trouble. Beatrix informs the queen.

http://i.imgur.com/PAhvZFu.png

She orders Beatrix and

http://i.imgur.com/2dQy3Ze.png

And Captain memorable here

http://i.imgur.com/sSwWMDd.png

Steiner, to retrieve the Princess at one. Steiner, being the Captain of the Knights of Pluto, orders his troops to assemble.

http://i.imgur.com/0hq2m3K.png

Unfortunately only two show up and they happen to be in their undies.

http://i.imgur.com/gXAPp01.png

And now we begin to search for the Princess!

http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngBeginner tip: Try to find all of the Knights. If you do you'll get a nice reward. Also, when you report them in, take note of what is said about each, it will come in handy later on.

http://i.imgur.com/rNEjlPH.png

Here is our handy dandy list of knights to find. I do find them all. I won't show you every one but let's just say that most aren't super enthused about their jobs.

http://i.imgur.com/KbXEQv3.png

This one with the patch face and no name is not sketchy at all!

http://i.imgur.com/Y0DjXy4.png

Also who is this goofy goof?

http://i.imgur.com/bROoASl.png

http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngBeginner tip: Go see Brahne again during your search for an item!

After searching around, Steiner finally finds the Princess being hounded by a ne'er-do-well.

http://i.imgur.com/xLHgr25.png

Just as Zidane is about to catch her, she kills herself by jumping off of the castle tower.

http://i.imgur.com/4IaruzY.png

And thus ends our story.

Really though, she's just fine and Zidane goes after her.

http://i.imgur.com/j2FAmP8.png
http://i.imgur.com/q2UQ4Ak.png

Steiner attempts the same trick only to go crashing in to the Prima Vista.

Garnet escapes in to the airship, knocking in to Ruby along the way.

http://i.imgur.com/XWe5hAn.png

Zidane comes along shortly, only to be blocked by Ruby who needs to vent about the Princess' rude behaviour.

http://i.imgur.com/zjh0BGF.png

Zidane finally catches up with the hooded girl.

http://i.imgur.com/ekos49n.png

OH-EM-GEE IT'S THE PRINCESS WHAT A TWIST

http://i.imgur.com/fMlCuiu.png

That is a bit more of a surprise though.

http://i.imgur.com/pyaHVlC.png

And that's how babies are made~

Their chat session is interrupted by Cinna, who leads them to an escape hatch just as Steiner busts in looking for Garnet.

http://i.imgur.com/A38yXvB.png

He is joined by one of his knights who conveniently gets stuck in the escape hatch trying to chase after them.

http://i.imgur.com/10PZDKI.png

http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngBeginner tip: While escaping through the engine room, turn the wheel on the engine for extra treasures!

Unfortunately for us, Steiner finds a way to cut us off anyway. On the brightside, the sketchy knight was actually Blank in disguise!

http://i.imgur.com/IkKwDHB.png

A boss battle ensues during which Cinna almost dies again and then Steiner slashes the armour off of Blank, revealing the oglop bugs Blank was hiding in there.

http://i.imgur.com/ynSjaVk.png
http://i.imgur.com/KdYNb8P.png

Thankfully for us, everyone hates oglops.

http://i.imgur.com/e5lT00r.png

It doesn't take long for the others to catch up, so we're stuck heading up to the stage and improvising the play.

http://i.imgur.com/8wcS3E1.png

Meanwhile, Vivi and Puck are enjoying the show when the guards notice them where they shouldn't be and begin to chase them around. Vivi trips and Puck ditches him, so Vivi has to run on stage, where he casts a fire spell to defend himself. Sadly, the Princess is in the way and her hood catches on fire. She flings it off, blowing everyone's cover.

http://i.imgur.com/VwfCk7x.png
http://i.imgur.com/F6aGpwl.png

Always quick on the uptake, that Steiner. Garnet tells him to leave her alone, but he doesn't listen.

http://i.imgur.com/Jwux3Af.png

Another boss fight ensues, after which the Tantalus theater troop prepares to take off with the Princess.

http://i.imgur.com/RmSXWEX.png

Queen Brahne does not take kindly to this and orders the Prima Vista to be fired on.

http://i.imgur.com/af6HkVo.png

Explosions and stuff

http://i.imgur.com/uo3ARZe.png
http://i.imgur.com/kfSFLLX.png
http://i.imgur.com/0VWBa9E.png

Eventually she fires a Bomb, meaning an actual Bomb enemy at the ship.

http://i.imgur.com/J8WJoRr.png

It looks much more impressive there than in the game itself. Steiner keeps trying to fight us while we try and convince him that there is a bomb behind him that's going to explode.

http://i.imgur.com/kXrbREJ.png

The battle menu is different. It's not bad, but I'm not fully sure what I think of it yet. Anyway, finally the Bomb grows large enough to blow up and Steiner FINALLY notices it.

http://i.imgur.com/y051LVj.png

Another explosion happens, but thankfully the Prima Vista makes it out.

http://i.imgur.com/sgx5B8c.png
http://i.imgur.com/XmU9HkA.png

Brahne is quite upset.

http://i.imgur.com/LAP4TFe.png

The Prima Vista doesn't make it out without issue, however.

http://i.imgur.com/rWkXfCw.png

And it makes a crash landing in a nearby forest.

http://i.imgur.com/bgBvZpR.png
http://i.imgur.com/eqr3stH.png

There's Zorn and Thorn in the background. And here is the state of the Prima Vista:

http://i.imgur.com/7l7Ag4l.png

It'll probably buff out.

Cinna and the rest of Tantalus are ordered to put out fires and make sure everyone is okay, but they unfortunately can't find the Princess.

http://i.imgur.com/omTgLwj.png

Zidane had been thrown off during the impact, but quickly reunites with Cinna to get an idea of the situation.

Meanwhile, we are shown our first Active Time Event, which depicts scenes of what's going on elsewhere with our other characters.

http://i.imgur.com/D0CnaEL.png

And that's where we will end for today after that hectic opening. Tune in next time!

I don't think Umineko is particularly suited for Let's Playing tbh.

But Final Fantasy IX works =P

Welcome to the Evil Forest~!
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/aYu72g5.png

When we left off, Zidane left in search of the princess. Well, we do find her. Sort of. Steiner is also there.

http://i.imgur.com/kYnYAHC.png

This leads to a battle which introduces the largely useless Trance system.

http://i.imgur.com/UhjagUL.png

Trance leads to an increase of abilities that varies from character to character. The bummer is that it activates when your Trance gauge fills after being hit so many times, and you can't save it. So usually it will activate on some random encounter when you don't even need it. Anyway, in this fight and the next one, the monster drains the HP of the character so you'll need to keep them healed. After defeating this thing the first time, it runs off with Garnet.

http://i.imgur.com/cIFu0o0.png
http://i.imgur.com/WDUo2Ry.png

Afterwards, it comes right back to snatch up Vivi. Fortunately, Vivi can defend himself by casting Fire from the inside of the creature.

http://i.imgur.com/0tAkngi.png

Vivi is pretty rad.

Just to add insult to injury though, after the thing is killed it decides to poisonously fart on everyone.

http://i.imgur.com/uS9u2cL.png

Zidane luckily... backflips... over the gas but the other two aren't so fortunate. Vivi ends up bedridden back at the Prima Vista whereas Steiner gets locked in a storage room.

Blank goes to Vivi to administer him some magical medicine.

http://i.imgur.com/nY1s1wf.png

After hearing that creepy news, Vivi understandably asks if he's going to die.

The answer is yes, Vivi, we all die eventually.

(I just summed up Vivi's entire story in one sentence. You're welcome.)

http://i.imgur.com/veK8WY3.png

Steiner is also given some magical medicine, which is finds highly suspect.

http://i.imgur.com/5ymtnRl.png

In the end though, he decides its worth the risk.

http://i.imgur.com/9HUjhNg.png

Zidane, meanwhile, is talking to Boss Baku about rescuing the Princess. Baku, however, decides to prioritize his men and get the heck out of the Evil Forest ASAP.

http://i.imgur.com/0hlBXPf.png

We get some ATE's around this time:

Ruby is left behind,

http://i.imgur.com/Ys26ypB.png

Steiner finds a Garnet doll,

http://i.imgur.com/1XkOy3Q.png

SHE'S 16 NOW SHE JUST HAD HER BIRTHDAY, he feels the need to explain to himself.

And Cinna, meanwhile

http://i.imgur.com/GXXKQDb.png

Zidane goes to pay a visit to Vivi.

http://i.imgur.com/KPFMMWO.png

Zidane disagrees with Vivi's harsh self-criticism and compliments his fire conjuring skills.

http://i.imgur.com/m2oyO9m.png
http://i.imgur.com/IkzLdCJ.png

This conversation leads Zidane to an inner debate about whether or not he should go against the Boss and get Garnet back.

http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: After the flashback to how Zidane met Garnet, choose not to go after her for a second scene.

Zidane, renewed in his resolve to save the Princess, decides to venture back in to the Evil Forest.

http://i.imgur.com/6ZOlfsP.png
http://i.imgur.com/eQp6UjM.png

Turns out that Baku was actually expecting this to happen and waits for Zidane.

http://i.imgur.com/hEZhSzV.png

Predictably, this leads to a fight:

http://i.imgur.com/eetXjUu.png

After winning the fight and getting punched in the gut, Baku gives his blessings.

http://i.imgur.com/aYrRbYM.png

The next order of business is to recruit Steiner to the cause.

http://i.imgur.com/RoSkuV5.png

Things are off to a good start.

http://i.imgur.com/DmIhiJ2.png

Zidane, being the tactful gentleman he is, proceeds to insult Steiner by calling him Rusty.

http://i.imgur.com/uNz8IWH.png

(The sound of Steiner's armour clanking is the best, btw.)

Steiner makes it clear he won't work with thieving kidnapping... thieves, when Zidane explains that this is something he's doing on his own.

http://i.imgur.com/jfS2zRG.png

He eventually convinces Steiner to come along.

http://i.imgur.com/qSeSLft.png
http://i.imgur.com/MlUG8yO.png

Steiner, from the get-go, has a strong respect for Vivi. So off to see out little black mage friend!

http://i.imgur.com/TDaYtWh.png

While Vivi is still hard on himself, the other two assure him that his Black Magic is an invaluable asset to them.

http://i.imgur.com/8dvZC4A.png

Zidane and Steiner are friends!

After convincing Vivi to help out, Steiner pulls him aside with a request:

http://i.imgur.com/6OFw55I.png
http://i.imgur.com/2YMxdbY.png

And thus we gain an invaluable skill for the next boss battle.

On our way out, Blank decides to give us a ribbing.

http://i.imgur.com/A03sjOa.png

Turns out he is not jealous, but actually wanted to give us some medicine in case we get plant-monster inseminated again. As you do.

http://i.imgur.com/T3SHLb4.png

After getting Blank's version of a blessing, we set off in to the Evil Forest again. But not before mail time!

http://i.imgur.com/TjhU0xO.png

Yay!

So anyways, we head in to the forest and get a little ATE where the Tantalus band starts playing to improve moral.

http://i.imgur.com/IaJCC1i.png

Then we come across a small clearing in the woods where we can relax and take a breather.

Fun fact: I did not run in to a single random encounter in this forest. Not one. Before and after this point. Making me paranoid.

http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: You can recover HP/MP at the spring the moogle was drinking from.

Speaking of moogles, MAIL TIME AGAIN!

http://i.imgur.com/amfFY8x.png
http://i.imgur.com/VLysXM6.png

http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: Make sure you select Mognet from the moogle menu more than once in order to get everything!

And another ATE of Tantalus getting ready for their departure:

http://i.imgur.com/byoNJ3r.png

After leaving the forest clearing and STILL NOT GETTING IN ANY FIGHTS, we get a sneak peak at the boss:

http://i.imgur.com/t3rguiH.png

Which we then get to fight! (Yes, it looks much more impressive in the FMV.)

http://i.imgur.com/0OYIkM2.png

http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: Fire and that magic sword skill come in handy this fight!

After a little bit, Blank comes in to join the fight as well!

http://i.imgur.com/n8RzQg7.png

This fight took me a while because of the stealing, but since I used Focus on Vivi a ton of times, it actually only took two hits to beat it. Not too shabby!

http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: Focus is broken. Use it.

http://i.imgur.com/C9kcUHf.png

Garnet starts to come to, but we're unfortunately not out of the woods (teehee) yet.

http://i.imgur.com/F794t5F.png

These weird thangs start to chase us and the forest starts to attack us.

http://i.imgur.com/Kd5MIBW.png

Not only that but the forest starts to petrify.

http://i.imgur.com/DzYzBde.png

Zidane is almost caught by a plant monster before Blank shoves him out of the way.

http://i.imgur.com/RJESTgG.png

Dat ass.

Blank is unfortunately caught but as Zidane is running away, he throws the map at his friend, who is reluctant to leave him, ensuring that Zidane gets it.

http://i.imgur.com/KSYBlzQ.png

The Evil Forest soon petrifies, as does our poor friend Blank :(

http://i.imgur.com/w7EepPX.png
http://i.imgur.com/48VWN3M.png

Zidane is understandably upset but gets a camp started for Garnet and the others. After being fussed at by Steiner for being dastardly and not morally upstanding, Garnet comes to.

http://i.imgur.com/Won9LVo.png

Steiner fusses more.

http://i.imgur.com/C22ydWg.png

Garnet tells Steiner to stop fussing and that she wanted to be kidnapped. Steiner doesn't believe it!

http://i.imgur.com/Xv7g9rt.png

He does agree that he will keep watch over the camp though in the name of protecting the Princess, but he and Zidane argue about what to do next. Zidane suggests resting because Garnet hasn't recovered her full strength, whereas Steiner wants to get going because they're low down topographically, meaning they're surrounded by dangerous mist. This is called the Mist Continent by the way.

http://i.imgur.com/7O4XUt1.png

Zidane and Garnet talk about Blank's sacrifice.

http://i.imgur.com/vTr69MK.png
http://i.imgur.com/dMMzR6I.png
http://i.imgur.com/RniMVCN.png
http://i.imgur.com/Dxwdlvo.png

In the morning, we set off, but not before a moogle friend shows up.

http://i.imgur.com/qDSMjMT.png
http://i.imgur.com/GdCnQww.png

This flute allows us to save our game anywhere on the world map! It also has unlimited uses, so go crazy!

http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: Literally go crazy with it. Your moogle friend will get increasingly less and less patient with you if you call many many times in a row without actually saving or doing anything. Try it out!

With our flute in hand, we set off for the cavern!

http://i.imgur.com/8xIMJ7w.png

Tune in next time~

Dat moogle will murder you!

I actually found it easier on the PC version to get 100 out of 100

Also if you had a corded xbox controller, you can plug it in and play the game with a controller. It makes it sooo much easier

Wow as if you would just ask me if I have a corded xbox controller

I'm a lady, how rude

SEE IF I TRY TO HELP AGAIN

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Freya

Dat moogle will murder you!

I actually found it easier on the PC version to get 100 out of 100

Also if you had a corded xbox controller, you can plug it in and play the game with a controller. It makes it sooo much easier

---

I play basically all my games on PC (not that I play many, mind) with a plug-in controller. It feels much more natural than having to use key-bindings. I pretty much only play The Sims with a keyboard and mouse.

I HOPE YOU'RE FOLLOWING THIS LP FORMY

Oh, I will be! I just saw the last comment and thought I'd answer. I'll give an in-depth reading of it now!

Which reminds me. I need to update my FFIV LP. How do you take screenshots in Steam, by the way? I've never figured it out.

I think you press like F12 or something but I just printscreen and paint

We left off after Evil Forest and Blank got petrified and now we're headed for the Ice Cavern. But first, being good RPG players, we will explore and find another area! There's not much to do here but we get some extra scenes.
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/asLT77W.png
http://i.imgur.com/oUkbdxU.png
http://i.imgur.com/EgKTMK1.png

Surely nothing can be amiss here! No siree!

http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: If you go examine the gate and persist with it, you'll be able to talk to someone.

After checking around, we head for our destination!

http://i.imgur.com/VZs8gCH.png
http://i.imgur.com/of3yu57.png
http://i.imgur.com/GKIISfR.png
http://i.imgur.com/z5dwPGL.png
http://i.imgur.com/Co5hMid.png

After that awkward mood killer (thanks Vivi) we head inside the cavern, which a few of them are not dressed appropriately for.

http://i.imgur.com/LU7FbcS.png

Upon entering, Garnet is already excite about seeing everything, while Steiner fusses at her for not being cautious enough or whatever.

http://i.imgur.com/2Fj8KYK.png
http://i.imgur.com/XDm0Eqj.png

He would be. Look at him, he has no sleeves.

http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: There will be areas where the mist is thicker in the Cavern and then it will fade away. Stepping in to the mist will almost guarantee a battle whereas waiting for it to clear will usually save you from one. Use this to your advantage whether you want to fight or avoid doing so.

Along the way we find some ice walls, which Vivi can helpfully burn down with his magic.

http://i.imgur.com/iPy6lu7.png
http://i.imgur.com/b12awh4.png
http://i.imgur.com/mSNyPZv.png

There's quite a few of these areas so pay attention!

It's actually a rather short dungeon and before long we arrive at a fork in the road, with one path looking clear while the other one has a raging blizzard coming from it. We go to the safe one first to find a moogle friend trapped in the ice.

http://i.imgur.com/zZZKByB.png

After being freed by Vivi, he calls us bastards before thanking us and giving us another letter to deliver. Afterwards we head to the obviously ominous path.

Unfortunately, it's super cold and our party starts dropping like flies.

http://i.imgur.com/3zBJJUs.png
http://i.imgur.com/RBjCbrD.png

The screen goes black before the sound of a bell can be heard. Zidane wakes up.

http://i.imgur.com/omK3a18.png

http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: You're probably going to want to make sure you're fully healed right about now.

Going to the next area, Zidane finds this pleasant looking fellow who admits to causing the blizzard:

http://i.imgur.com/cd5mnye.png

This leads to one of my least favourite boss fights in the whole game. Our Black Waltz friend here summons a Sealion:

http://i.imgur.com/V7b9uRS.png

And the only character you get to use is Zidane:

http://i.imgur.com/sIg8F01.png

Unfortunately, if you're trying to steal from them both, this will be a long fight. Not only because you have two bosses to steal from but because you'll probably have to stop and heal a few times. If you get Trance, like I did, the fight can be ended in a few moves. Unfortunately I didn't get to steal but that's okay, I know I can get the items later.

http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: Defeat the Black Waltz first or he'll just summon more Sealions. Also, the gem in the middle of the Sealion changes colours depending on how much damage you've done, and when it's in the red he'll start using more powerful moves.

After finishing this annoying boss fight, we hear voices.

http://i.imgur.com/O0KvOBL.png

Zidane's a bit freaked at first but then just leaves like it's nothing.

http://i.imgur.com/603t8Bi.png

It's THOSE two.

After returning to the previous area, Zidane finds his friends (and Steiner) awake and confused.

http://i.imgur.com/LOPveZ6.png
http://i.imgur.com/IuFpqdE.png
http://i.imgur.com/G0aJqsN.png

Aside from the terrible accusations, Zidane does stupidly decide to say that nothing really happened, no big deal, let's move on. Like maybe, just MAYBE, the Black Waltz and the comments about there being more on the way to come get the Princess might be worth mentioning. Just a thought.

Anyways, we finally get to leave the Ice Cavern even though that little waterfall area was pretty!

http://i.imgur.com/59U1q1o.png

I don't know what Vivi is doing there. They spot a village in the distance.

http://i.imgur.com/8iyORT8.png
http://i.imgur.com/VzjYRIw.png

Garnet is excited to get going but Zidane tells her to hold her horses, being a wanted Princess and all.

http://i.imgur.com/yJM56KA.png

Steiner, however, disagrees with this. Because of course he does.

http://i.imgur.com/yvwhATb.png

The Princess fusses at him and he looks temporarily ashamed.

http://i.imgur.com/dytHW7x.png
http://i.imgur.com/T7RN1Uq.png

Zidane and Steiner of course get in to a fight and Zidane's dagger falls to Garnet's feet. Vivi's also visibly on the sidelines like "dese jackasses"

So anyway, Garnet picks up the dagger and asks Zidane what it is.

http://i.imgur.com/4WglDfM.png
http://i.imgur.com/5HHYZk6.png

Before interrupting him and deciding on her new name.

http://i.imgur.com/mFoZKAA.png

Yup, Dagger. I've played this game so many times that I don't even remember if it's weird or not.

http://i.imgur.com/QVe7dtO.png

After more fussing from Steiner, the group heads out.

As usual, be sure to explore a bit first! You can find South Gate although you can't go through without a border pass.

http://i.imgur.com/OLWKZqo.png

http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: You can call for a girl named Mary and wait a little bit and she'll let you rest and buy items!

Also, if you head to the observatory you can activate a sidequest by looking at the old man's theater ship model.

http://i.imgur.com/dC0rusB.png
http://i.imgur.com/Fn084Fl.png

We also run in to our first friendly monster who wants some ore in exchange for AP!

http://i.imgur.com/TzJBs2s.png

He also sends his regard to the next friendly monster you meet. Keep your ore's, they'll come in handy. AP are the points needed to learn skills and abilities. You get very good amounts from these monsters.

http://i.imgur.com/vfIdSqu.png

After all of that is done, we finally head to the next town.

http://i.imgur.com/nyQ3Gvk.png

Vivi is immediately smitten with the windmills but Zidane urges them to go rest first.

http://i.imgur.com/3uGjOOR.png

Despite his attempt at assertiveness, Zidane brings them to the Inn. The Innkeeper is asleep so Zidane wakes him up.

http://i.imgur.com/Hq6DKJR.png
http://i.imgur.com/uFtA74k.png

Dagger is a bit uncomfortable with everyone sharing a room, but that's country living for ya! So they head inside and Zidane asks Dagger why she wanted to be kidnapped.

http://i.imgur.com/AdX5w8n.png

She says she wants to go to Lindblum. This unfortunately means border crossing, which isn't something one can do all willy-nilly on the Mist Continent.

http://i.imgur.com/PfvD2cP.png

Dagger won't give us the exact reason she wishes to depart, but asks that we trust her.

http://i.imgur.com/wwQffrt.png

This of course leads to an argument between Steiner and Zidane before Zidane gets struck with Chronic Hero Syndrome, an unfortunate disease that affects hundreds of protagonists everywhere.

http://i.imgur.com/gMlL2Ev.png
http://i.imgur.com/1ou9yMa.png

After seeing Vivi dozed off, because he ain't got time for dat, they all decide to get some sleep.

Zidane wakes up the next morning to the sound of a singing voice and everyone has already left the Inn.

http://i.imgur.com/SCPAoId.png

He guesses Dagger is doing the singing. We get to explore the Inn a bit, learn our lucky colour for today (green) and see some Easy Money type books. We also get a few scenes of our friends. Dagger is pondering to herself about her situation:

http://i.imgur.com/mqHat9d.png
http://i.imgur.com/cSyRW3y.png

Dagger takes this opportunity to converse with the farmer when an oglop hops her way.

http://i.imgur.com/fROk3qv.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ce7NvV3.png
http://i.imgur.com/wOtIvRv.png

After remembering his advice, Dagger throws the oglop in to the air and screams.

http://i.imgur.com/f32Kwbh.png

Vivi, meanwhile, is having his own troubles.

http://i.imgur.com/GzOWjXn.png

The kids in town start to run away from him when he gets too close.

http://i.imgur.com/rN3rIhz.png

Aww, why is poor, sweet Vivi being bullied :(

FIND OUT NEXT TIME!!!

But first, a word from our moogles:

http://i.imgur.com/XhwdExt.png

Tune in next time to learn the ugly truth behind a peaceful village~

http://i.imgur.com/VZs8gCH.png
http://i.imgur.com/of3yu57.png

"Oh really Garnet, wherever did you get that idea from?"

So while we go explore Dali, the Innkeeper is being a bit sketchy.
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/9DDzraR.png
http://i.imgur.com/05zylDj.png

Wonder what's going on here...

Dagger, meanwhile, is trying to pick up some casual conversation.

http://i.imgur.com/9zXogcy.png
http://i.imgur.com/vCuUYWC.png

While we explore town, we can check out the Mayor's office, which we promptly get kicked out of.

http://i.imgur.com/G4RovRP.png

We can also get our first Stellazzio coin, collectable zodiac coins we can trade in for treasures!

http://i.imgur.com/If6Axt2.png

Afterwards, we head back to the item shop to find Dagger staring at the shelves. After Zidane imitates her for a bit, she finally realizes he's there.

http://i.imgur.com/zN21mx2.png
http://i.imgur.com/552pWE5.png

Because we nice people, we compliment Dagger's efforts by saying "It's Ruby!"

http://i.imgur.com/x6aSXE6.png
http://i.imgur.com/dolENUO.png
http://i.imgur.com/s8pNoYi.png
http://i.imgur.com/bYi2Jzv.png

"Be yourself but don't really we need you to pretend you're someone else so we can sneak around."

http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: If you can afford it, buy at least 2 of every piece of equipment. It'll come in handy later on.

Meanwhile, the Innkeeper is still being sketchy. He made a special call...

http://i.imgur.com/bLjLnOy.png

We send Dagger back to the Inn and go look for Vivi, who is staring at the windmills. After Zidane awkwardly guesses he's having girl troubles, an issue Vivi couldn't care less about, Vivi talks about the noises he's been hearing.

http://i.imgur.com/zp3rftq.png

Final Fantasy fans know that this means Chocobo, although none can be seen.

http://i.imgur.com/cuS0MvD.png

After that conversation, Vivi agrees to head back soon and Zidane walks off. Unfortunately...

http://i.imgur.com/wBxyw31.png

Vivi is magenapped, very sad :(

Also, if you creep on Dagger through the Inn window, you'll see her practicing her speech some more!

http://i.imgur.com/4jtgTBU.png

Pictured above: Garnet, being herself.

We return to the Inn and let Dagger know the situation.

http://i.imgur.com/LLPPNtO.png

Turns out the Princess has been quite enjoying herself.

http://i.imgur.com/VmTlXXV.png

But she isn't without her suspicions either.

http://i.imgur.com/3QroEAK.png

They're not nearly as cute as the kids, especially the little girls in this village, so who cares, really.

http://i.imgur.com/cSI4GiX.png

Putting the issues aside, Zidane lets the Princess know that he is a man with a plan.

http://i.imgur.com/emZ5aaU.png

Unfortunately, it doesn't involve Steiner.

After a brief time skip, we see Zidane boring Dagger to death with his lame stories, when she insists she is TOTALLY INTERESTED but where the heck is Vivi though?

http://i.imgur.com/DQ1yOuF.png

Of course we can't ditch our adorable amigo, so we head out to go look for him.

Steiner meanwhile has been keeping himself busy by helping out at the bar!

http://i.imgur.com/wUYs4FR.png
http://i.imgur.com/Jc7kT6K.png

Steiner then switches gears to try and figure out how to get the Princess back to Alexandria castle.

http://i.imgur.com/4MY1uEO.png

When she learns that he's a knight from the castle, she decides to share some info with him.

http://i.imgur.com/Knf10bJ.png

Isn't she just precious?

So anyways, back to the search for Vivi, we go check the area he was last seen, but there is no sign of him.

http://i.imgur.com/yE7g1sm.png

They do pick up some crying sounds though coming from a pipe sticking out of the ground.

http://i.imgur.com/Z8mJnMk.png

He tells us how some man came and grabbed him.

http://i.imgur.com/gm75ddv.png

So we of course promise to go rescue our scared little friend.

CONVENIENTLY for us, the little hatch that was always guarded is suddenly unattended!

http://i.imgur.com/QFq69oU.png

So we head down to some strange underground factory area. We overhear two dudes talking about something ambiguous and why something was just moving around.

http://i.imgur.com/FJXo30d.png

They also discuss the Mayor's brother, the Innkeeper.

http://i.imgur.com/hYWKY1i.png
http://i.imgur.com/i9LK4kA.png

After the conversation, we see the two men pushing Vivi out.

http://i.imgur.com/c5SVbrg.png

Zidane takes a fit and goes to attack but Dagger silences him and drags him off to the side. She says she wants to know what's going on and how it relates to the castle. She urges him to not cause any trouble yet, and Zidane agrees on the condition that he will jump in if Vivi is in danger.

http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: There's some good treasures, make sure you pick them up!

As we explore deeper in to the factory, we discover some pretty sketch stuff.

http://i.imgur.com/5OtCssf.png

We find Vivi, stuffed in a crate. Vivi is having himself a bad day.

http://i.imgur.com/aHXpLD8.png
http://i.imgur.com/So0Jdhb.png

Zidane tells him to try and do something next time, to stand up for himself.

http://i.imgur.com/n6IUGcY.png

With Vivi found, we head further in to investigate what exactly is going on.

We learn that soylent green is PEOPLE!!

http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: There will be a door with mist coming out from under it. If you open it, you can go get some treasures, but it will also cause random encounters to appear in the dungeon.

What we actually find further in is some more weird machines.

http://i.imgur.com/OAEK5zi.png

As you can kind of see, there is mist being sprayed on the eggs, and then they start hatching. What's in the eggs you ask?

http://i.imgur.com/QRvx2jl.png

Imagine the existential crisis you would have if you found a factory full of yourself like this? Vivi's day just got worse!

http://i.imgur.com/897hr5d.png

Before we can get in to the details, we hear some voices and Zidane shoves everyone in to the machine to hide.

http://i.imgur.com/TswZaX0.png

This leads to our heroes being shoved in crates and packaged in to a giant barrel.

http://i.imgur.com/3hVsiFR.png

Steiner, meanwhile, is trying to arrange transportation for himself and the Princess back to Alexandria castle.

http://i.imgur.com/5s1xzIP.png

Old man Morrid, however, gives zero craps about anything not related to coffee.

http://i.imgur.com/XXSpdhm.png

Morrid gives absolutely zero craps.

After following him to his house, because Steiner is an intense fellow, he offers us some coffee, which Steiner gratefully accepts before remembering his mission.

http://i.imgur.com/4dE84sX.png
http://i.imgur.com/FZnnFfc.png
http://i.imgur.com/EIzIsy9.png

Morrid's crap count remains at zero. After Steiner pleads with him to tell when the cargo ship is arriving, and being made fun of some more, he explains to Morrid that this is a matter of right and wrong.

http://i.imgur.com/lm1PGOs.png

Everyone knows right from wrong, explains Steiner, who simply gets chuckled at by Morrid.

http://i.imgur.com/b5NB8SD.png

Finally having the necessary information, Steiner heads to check out the cargo ship, which he spots in the distance.

http://i.imgur.com/m18VZ3a.png

Noticing some stuff coming out of the ground, he charges his way over to the cargo ship to investigate.

http://i.imgur.com/QzsB77E.png

He notices a giant barrel which he decides to try stabbing because why not. That's what I do when I spot barrels.

http://i.imgur.com/w3GJM2Q.png

Turns out the barrel hosts out heroes. Zidane and Steiner argue some more because of course they do, but Vivi is the one really having a rough time.

http://i.imgur.com/A0CWARO.png

Zidane only says they should stick by him before asking Steiner where the cargo ship is headed.

http://i.imgur.com/f86ZGde.png

LIAR

LIARRRRRRRR

Before we have time to react though, we get a new friend!

http://i.imgur.com/hJlzi8G.png

"Oh no, not another one!" exclaims Zidane.

http://i.imgur.com/qQvtg7o.png

AND YOU DIDN'T THINK TO TELL US THIS EARLY WHEN WE SPECIFICALLY ASKED YOU IF SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED?

But for some reason no one fusses at him and we instead get a boss fight.

http://i.imgur.com/Ej5RQGr.png

http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: He won't attack Dagger so she can focus on healing the others. Also, he will counter Vivi's magic, so either use Focus a few times to make your shots worth it, focus on using only the magic sword with Steiner, or just be ready to heal after Vivi's turns.

After the fight, Dagger's doubt about her mother continues to grow, while Steiner's loyalty remains forever strong as he refuses to believe the Queen would have anything to do with whatever is going on.

http://i.imgur.com/tdS3xUe.png
http://i.imgur.com/M9aWXFO.png

We choose to rest at the Inn again before leaving, where the Innkeeper is shocked to see Vivi still up and around.

http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: If you forgot to do anything underground now is your last chance to go back.

And that's all for this time. Stay tuned next time when we'll board the cargo ship and learn more about the dolls we saw in Dali!

I've been enjoying this and it is making me want to replay this gem.

It isnt subjective. Ff ix IS the best game in existence. Anyone who disagrees is actually from jupiter. Where ffxiii is the best game in existence

I'm awfully tempted to play this after finishing FFIV! Especially now that I'm actually using my Steam account.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galuf

It isnt subjective. Ff ix IS the best game in existence. Anyone who disagrees is actually from jupiter. Where ffxiii is the best game in existence

---

Nope, Xenogears. :D

The cargo ship is where my first copy of FFIX would always crash. The disc was damaged so after the South Gate FMV it would die.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fox

The cargo ship is where my first copy of FFIX would always crash. The disc was damaged so after the South Gate FMV it would die.

---

Same except it would crash just before vivi blasted black waltz and it was the ps1 problem whivh I found out here to fix it was to uh turn the ps1 upside down... kinda weird. And it worked

I have the next update ready but imgur is giving me some troubles today. Next update should be soon!

Alrighty, we're back!

Next stop, the airship! Steiner insists that he will go speak to the cargo ship crew to get them on board. Dagger is starting to realize he's being a bit sketchy.
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/CNLC7tL.png
http://i.imgur.com/ni0m0RJ.png

Zidane already caught on to the fact that the cargo ship is actually headed back to Alexadria, but he asks Dagger to trust him because he has a plan.

http://i.imgur.com/SoFHUqf.png

Vivi, meanwhile, is still struggling with what they saw underground.

http://i.imgur.com/fKcahPD.png

Before they can discuss too much though, the cargo ship starts taking off and our crew has to hurry up and get on.

http://i.imgur.com/0chGT0E.png

After some accidental butt groping and fussing, they head in to the cargo ship. Vivi is still afraid of heights.

http://i.imgur.com/wiJMogX.png

Unfortunately, all is not well with our little buddy even when he goes inside when they realize that the airship crew is those Black Mages they saw. He tries to talk with them but they are completely unresponsive.

http://i.imgur.com/t7jOaGA.png
http://i.imgur.com/NxN1a3v.png

Zidane asks Dagger to support Vivi and then plans to get the ship to go to Lindblum.

http://i.imgur.com/1NuJ78u.png
http://i.imgur.com/eLQH9kw.png

On the deck we find Steiner wallowing in misery.

http://i.imgur.com/SkpLLHh.png

Zidane quickly tells him off, which upsets Steiner until he realizes that Dagger is on the ship like he wanted. The he reveals his ~master plan~ of using the airship to go back to Alexandria. He sure did pull a fast one on nobody.

http://i.imgur.com/5fDcNol.png

That's pretty harsh. Zidane, meanwhile, gives limited craps and only wants to go get the ship turned around. Steiner, being the standup fellow he is, starts to consider a more lenient sentence for Zidane, who has helped keep the Princess safe.

http://i.imgur.com/34qFKPO.png

Meanwhile, trouble's-a-brewin.

http://i.imgur.com/5YCSA3L.png
http://i.imgur.com/lalS709.png

That's a face you can trust.

Zidane commandeers the cargo ship and turns it around, which greatly upsets Steiner.

http://i.imgur.com/xJRBsB9.png

The Black Mages start to react to this, to the confusion of everyone.

http://i.imgur.com/IS5TNdB.png

Dagger and Vivi had made their way up to the deck but unfortunately, Black Waltz #3 decides to drop in and electrocute poor Vivi.

http://i.imgur.com/qVaMXRx.png
http://i.imgur.com/iNWuHxU.png

Vivi has some unexpected allies thankfully and the Black Mages show up to shield him.

http://i.imgur.com/3fS9Ozv.png
http://i.imgur.com/N2X14Tv.png

At this he starts killing the Black Mages with his super magic or whatever.

http://i.imgur.com/dbSGfac.png

This makes Vivi sad :(

http://i.imgur.com/kzd5LnB.png
http://i.imgur.com/B8SQxIL.png

Black Waltz doesn't care about how sad Vivi is though and so he MUST BE DESTROYED

http://i.imgur.com/2EX4Hv4.png

Vivi, upset at what happened, goes rushing out to confront the foe. Steiner and Zidane soon follow.

http://i.imgur.com/4nhSZyl.png
http://i.imgur.com/r2PUXRy.png

Leaving their destination in Dagger's hands, the other three confront the Black Waltz.

http://i.imgur.com/xZArQV2.png

The Black Waltz calls the Black Mages mere tools and Steiner calls his actions reprehensible whether they were his allies or not.

http://i.imgur.com/U7bYVRI.png

And then of course we have a BOSS FIGHT!

http://i.imgur.com/haqnPr8.png

http://i.imgur.com/nQSZVV2.pngBeginner tips: This will either be a very easy fight or a very hard one. The last thing you can steal will take a long time to steal unless you have luck on your side. You'll also use many items. If you want to save Vivi's auto-Trance for after you've stolen, you can use Square (or equivalent) to switch to other characters with active ATB bars.

So after a stupidly long fight in which all three of my characters ended up in Trance, the final Black Waltz is defeated!

http://i.imgur.com/7cIJw6c.png

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Turns out we did not defeat the Black Waltz.

http://i.imgur.com/WYdilWq.png

Zorn and Thorn decide to hightail it while the Black Waltz steals their ship.

http://i.imgur.com/O0Sy7yu.png

Nothing concerning there.

It doesn't take long for the others to notice the impending threat.

http://i.imgur.com/kez8nSC.png
http://i.imgur.com/VeRdJqL.png
http://i.imgur.com/0sjHmC5.png

Vivi stands sadly on the dock, sad about the loss of his people as the Black Waltz closes in.

http://i.imgur.com/BZSCCZg.png
http://i.imgur.com/ycoTSRC.png
http://i.imgur.com/MKFmgKc.png

~Intense faces~

The Black Waltz makes its way to the cargo ship and resumes his attack.

http://i.imgur.com/iH2LpkL.png

This time Vivi is having none of it and manages to blow the Black Waltz back a bit.

http://i.imgur.com/xKpMcDH.png

Unfortunately, having used up his energy, Vivi collapses. Zidane rescues him just in the nick of time as they begin to pass through South Gate, still pursued by the crazed Black Waltz.

http://i.imgur.com/jVsyVeS.png

It follows them in to the gate where it begins to cast a spell, which in the close quarters of the gate just goes awry and sets his own ship aflame.

http://i.imgur.com/POh5uJW.png

This causes a massive explosion that propels the cargo ship forward and out of South Gate just in time.

http://i.imgur.com/G21sRhE.png

While everyone else is down about what just happened, Zidane is as cheery as ever.

http://i.imgur.com/6e7VSfO.png
http://i.imgur.com/AFcFJQr.png
http://i.imgur.com/PhYrCER.png

But I mean, aside from all of that...

http://i.imgur.com/C6aYMO2.png

Vivi is still pontificating about how similar he is to those Black Mages and for once its Steiner to the rescue.

http://i.imgur.com/sIZenTJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/H9vSI4g.png
http://i.imgur.com/rvCsuhq.png

Don't piggyback off of Steiner finally saying something smart!

Anyways we now pull up to the massive industrial city of Lindblum, a whole city inside of a castle.

http://i.imgur.com/MoVvCZP.png
http://i.imgur.com/kbQkpsZ.png

There's also a castle in the castle.

http://i.imgur.com/n2SPiud.png

We dock in the castle castle and meet some soldiers who find us pretty suspicious.

http://i.imgur.com/z5nO9kr.png

Everyone is super impressed with the castle except for Dagger, who has been here before.

http://i.imgur.com/QCjNICS.png

Anyways, Dagger tells the guards she wishes to speak to Regent Cid and shows her Falcon's Claw, a national treasure, as proof of her identity since she's traveling in a cargo ship with weirdos. They call Minister Artania who recognizes her immediately. She's obviously familiar with him as well as she calls him Uncle Artania.

http://i.imgur.com/QCjNICS.png

Next time we will be going to meet the Regent, but first, here's an update on our traveling moogle friend Stiltzkin!

http://i.imgur.com/pctMxzt.png

Okay so we have a big info dump this update. Pretty interesting stuff though

Honestly I kind of drag my feet around this part. It's my least favourite of Disc 1. The beginning does the stage setting and in Dali and the airship you really get to see your group binding and everything. After this part the story really starts to pick up. But Lindblum at first just kind of doesn't make me as excited about the rest and the Festival of the Hunt is always a source of stress for me.

BUT ANYWAY

Let's get some info, shall we?
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/vQsIKgA.png

Cid VIII was the regent before the current one. If you notice an image of the airship in my last update, it wasn't flying above the clouds but above very thick mist. That's why it's called the mist continent! So using it as a resource was something special.

http://i.imgur.com/eJGhVjq.pngBeginner tip: Head to the aircab area. It won't let you leave the castle yet, but you'll get an extra little scene!

Before going to see the regent, we meet an airman.

http://i.imgur.com/d8v1p0H.png
http://i.imgur.com/hiS1GGI.png

Uh oh, what's going on here?!

Zidane doesn't care though and just starts flirting with her instead.

PRIORITIES

http://i.imgur.com/LAGBlvD.png

She quickly makes her escape and we head to the elevator where Dagger heaps praise on to the regent.

http://i.imgur.com/t3bZl0Z.png

So we head upstairs but something seems amiss.

http://i.imgur.com/pX9tzEK.png

In case you can't tell, the throne is a little on the small side.

http://i.imgur.com/q023Kz3.png

Also the regent seems to be an oglop (those bug things we saw before).

Steiner doesn't take well to this and punches him across the room, which I'm pretty sure is grounds for beheading.

http://i.imgur.com/6UYP5gH.png

For some reason though, no beheading is done and we are told that this IS, in fact, Regent Cid. Steiner, being Steiner, does not believe it and thinks that the Princess is being mocked.

http://i.imgur.com/bkGMGbN.png

Vivi with the best commentary.

http://i.imgur.com/EFmNCAn.png
http://i.imgur.com/tKMKpkB.png

And Regent Cid is positively identified by his moustache, which leads to Steiner backing off a bit.

But why is the regent an oglop?!?! you might be asking. WELL they're about to explain that!

http://i.imgur.com/J5GNFL1.png
http://i.imgur.com/wmtijoa.png

After remarking how crazy that is, Dagger tries to get to the point of why she came to Lindblum. Cid urges them all to rest first after their journey and have some lunch.

http://i.imgur.com/OCsXIl7.png

Zidane decides that the castle food is not up to his absurd standards and heads to a bar in town instead.

http://i.imgur.com/1f3SajG.png

After exchanging some familiar words with the bartender, indicating that he regularly patrons this establishment, he starts flirting with a waitress.

http://i.imgur.com/iPCJ3f8.png

Apparently Zidane is ovulating or something because his flirting has been excessive lately. This also annoys someone at the bar.

http://i.imgur.com/sEyTcoY.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ma1tBGI.png

Dose racial slurs tho D:

http://i.imgur.com/VfjRufP.png

Thems fightin words.

Turns out that Zidane and the woman are actually friends and he takes this time to tease her a bit.

http://i.imgur.com/mbvH698.png
http://i.imgur.com/V2gRqsO.png
http://i.imgur.com/icTCvR5.png

You get the idea. Eventually he drops the act and we get to name our next playable character!!!

http://i.imgur.com/QHN0b4u.png
http://i.imgur.com/Xb44AUA.png

I didn't know her race was actually Burmecian. I mean I know that that's where she's from but I didn't know that's what they were called. Better then rat-people, I guess? What about the Cleyrans, are they also considered Burmecians even though they are also rat-people but live somewhere also? I dunno, Steam FFIX has raised more questions for me. The graphics are excellent though, I can actually see details now, which is super nice.

ANYWAYS, Zidane and Freya sit down for a chat.

http://i.imgur.com/4uJDm2P.png
http://i.imgur.com/bUy21wg.png

Aw :( They share that it's been 3 years since Zidane and Freya last saw each other and Zidane asks what brings her to Lindblum.

http://i.imgur.com/cYe4m0J.png

Ugh that festival. UGH TIME LIMITS. UGH.

So Zidane offers her some words of encouragement regarding finding her boyfriend and asks if she's going to return to Burmecia.

http://i.imgur.com/txaVdYH.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ndtmg6y.png

Meanwhile at the castle, Dagger and the regent are discussing the happenings.

http://i.imgur.com/ETcJXIB.png
http://i.imgur.com/KVisPhl.png

Dagger says she's worried her mother is up to no good and starting to make trouble in the neighbourhood, but when she tries to tell anyone, they just chalk it up to grief over losing her father.

http://i.imgur.com/Pu4fShr.png

But as it turns out, the theater ship was going to kidnap her.

http://i.imgur.com/OfvD4RI.png
http://i.imgur.com/vlC1Gh0.png

Turns out the regent and Baku go way back.

http://i.imgur.com/KDPFTSf.png

He states that while he knew something sketch was going on, he couldn't act directly or it would start a war.

http://i.imgur.com/wop7EvM.png
http://i.imgur.com/2fPq7x3.png

He assures her that he will help as her Uncle Cid.

After that, they head for the airship docks, which are very much empty.

http://i.imgur.com/OXIRfhp.png
http://i.imgur.com/Xu9BAl2.png

That means they could go to places where there was no mist. Dagger asks if the ship was taken by the man who attacked him.

http://i.imgur.com/acPlG8l.png

..........................................................................................

http://i.imgur.com/qePfUCv.png
http://i.imgur.com/KtGOaa6.png

(His wife is named Hilda)

http://i.imgur.com/BgTmI9U.png

And thus we get to hear the TRUE story of what exactly happened to Regent Cid and his airship.

Cid agrees that once the Hilda Garde 2 is up and running, they'll go speak to Queen Brahne.

The next day, Zidane and Vivi wake up at the Inn.

http://i.imgur.com/JSLuIAS.png

Zidane explains to Vivi that people come to Lindblum from all over the world to pursue careers in art and engineering. He also shares that he doesn't even remember when he first came to Lindblum.

http://i.imgur.com/gk8OBXM.png

He says he's going to go check out their HQ and invites Vivi along, who politely declines, saying he wants to go explore the city by himself.

Also Ruby gets in touch.

http://i.imgur.com/yXupxbE.png

Stay tuned next time when we slaughter monsters that are released on the town for sport and points!

I really liked reaching Lindblum when I played the game for the first time. There's something pretty impressive about the city itself, and the music is great. The Festival was kind of fun too, although I kinda wish it'd been more clear how it works.

Sorry guys, I've been busy with irl stuff, but I should have another update up on Thursday and Friday and hopefully one more after that before I leave for a bit~

I named Freya Helga or Rachel one time just for the lulz.

Today we will be exploring Lindblum before the festival begins!
(SPOILER)
Turns out SOMEONE is a terrible moogle hater

http://i.imgur.com/prp33Qu.png

Anyways, Steiner is wandering around town, generally getting himself lost

http://i.imgur.com/4QueVGL.png
http://i.imgur.com/4P1XcyV.png

Female Red Mage is having none of that! Being Steiner though he is rather oblivious to what just happened and turns his attention to a street stall.

http://i.imgur.com/d0UDQ3D.png
http://i.imgur.com/fW7K8Z8.png
http://i.imgur.com/eugKNKf.png

FACT. Steiner decides, what the heck, he already drank poison back in the Evil Forest, might as well.

http://i.imgur.com/WvmgZ6r.png
http://i.imgur.com/1LZB5ho.png

And thus begins Steiner's love affair with pickles~

Zidane, meanwhile, does some shopping.

http://i.imgur.com/d2N8hgH.png

Who indeed

This is why I told you to buy extra equipment if possible, because you can now use that for synthesis! Speaking of which, there's a little story between the synthesis shop owner and his son that goes throughout the game.

http://i.imgur.com/PtQmrdb.png

As the son's skills improve, so to does the available equipment. It's a neat little detail that help bring the people to life.

http://i.imgur.com/k6yBjJN.pngBeginner tip: When you exit the Inn, there's a screen towards the south where you can have a bit more conversation. Also be sure to THOROUGHLY explore Lindblum within the next little while if you care about finding everything because some of it will become inaccessible for the rest of the game.

http://i.imgur.com/FIIdvHi.png

We get to read some nice statues, and learn more about Lindblum culture, which is broken down in 2 four districts. The first is the business district which is where you do your shopping and also houses the Church and an angry little dog. The industrial district is where the bar was where we met Freya and is the center of engineering. The theatre district is where all of the upper-class art types hang out and is also where Tantalus headquarters is located.

http://i.imgur.com/B4ucqY6.png

*sad violin*

So anyway, Vivi is also out doing some shopping

http://i.imgur.com/C21N0P0.png
http://i.imgur.com/2hgvd0I.png
http://i.imgur.com/jaTMQZV.png

She gives it to Vivi for free because he's adorable and Vivi had earlier taken note of a sign in the shop.

http://i.imgur.com/pD3B3C0.png

He decides to inquire

http://i.imgur.com/fDrjsRG.png
http://i.imgur.com/yjIMoik.png
http://i.imgur.com/o74ezER.png

This is where a miscommunication happens because Vivi runs off excitedly, assuming that puppies are going to be released in town for snuggles or something when that really isn't the case.

http://i.imgur.com/ahRtACx.png

If you're wondering where Steiner is during all of this, the answer is "Still lost."

http://i.imgur.com/JcazmEU.png

He does meet an old gentleman who tells him he's at the bridge where the airship docks connect to the castle.

http://i.imgur.com/1Q7RY9M.png
http://i.imgur.com/fFm0aCC.png

The old man explains that the Hilda Garde 2 will run on steam instead of mist and Steiner finds this PREPOSTEROUS, which causes the old man to tell him he's living in the past.

We head to the theatre district where a bunch of fangirls are... fangirling all over an actor.

http://i.imgur.com/RV0Qvab.png

FFIX dealing with issues of transspeciesism way back in 2000.

http://i.imgur.com/9Swva4w.png

After Zidane tries to get them to fangirl all over him, which fails, the prestigious Lowell arrives on the scene for like 10 seconds. After which time he bails and may or may not come back in a moogle costume to get away from the crowd

http://i.imgur.com/ON72hkP.png

Sure enough, the disguise receives nothing but disdain from his unknowing fans, allowing him to escape.

http://i.imgur.com/Jmu6t5N.png

....................

SO ANYWAY

We head to Tantalus headquarters to find no one there.

http://i.imgur.com/XYTsAQA.png

As the bell rings out over Lindblum, Zidane wonders what Dagger is up to.

http://i.imgur.com/PDqgOme.png

Dagger, it turns out, is trapped in her room.

http://i.imgur.com/aoNV5gN.png
http://i.imgur.com/G6OtJjo.png

She is upset by this, reminding herself that she came here to figure out what's happening with her mother, not to be protected.

Back at Tantalus HQ, two kids come in and greet Zidane

http://i.imgur.com/dOGJg5j.png
http://i.imgur.com/PTVQdSE.png

After establishing their de facto membership, they ask Zidane some questions about the kidnapping plan. Then, in typical kid fashion, they just blurt out whatever they want to.

http://i.imgur.com/ZQcvKL8.png
http://i.imgur.com/VddAKO4.png

The kids tell him that she probably misses him and he should go see her before they scamper off.

http://i.imgur.com/w7wmbKn.png

And now we see Zidane trying to find excuses to actually go and see her.

In case you were worried about Tantalus, rest assured that they managed to escape.

http://i.imgur.com/fYfppXp.png

"I can't believe I got to drop some exposition!"

http://i.imgur.com/JhvHmIs.png
http://i.imgur.com/ehVbw9Q.png
http://i.imgur.com/c5uV1nW.png

Despite its flaws, this is actually a good scene because it helps the player out later on when they arrive here. It shows Cinna drinking from a spring which makes the "HP restored" chime noise. It shows Blank open the treasure chest so you know why it's already open when you get there, and it talks about Cinna making coffee off in the corner, which if you recall, pertains to a certain sidequest...

Zidane heads to Lindblum castle to find the Princess is not in her room

http://i.imgur.com/QimYijC.png

Steiner is already there, apparently having found his way, and immediately blames Zidane for what's happening before running off to find her.

http://i.imgur.com/322mwSV.png

He hears her singing the same song she was singing in Dali and realizes she's upstairs. There's unfortunately a problem.

http://i.imgur.com/Sr9TD78.png

He can't use the lift to go upstairs because its guarded by the man with the face of a 12-year-old. Luckily for us there's a sleeping, suggestable guard whom we can wake up and trick.

http://i.imgur.com/qQrybAv.png

So after beating him up and taking his clothes, we get to go upstairs.

http://i.imgur.com/JpLugmN.png

Zidane takes off his disguise ON THE LIFT because why not, apparently? I mean sure, there are guards upstairs, but we can conveniently get past them without a disguise!

We do find Dagger upstairs singing to the birds before Zidane scares them all away.

http://i.imgur.com/SuJwuh3.png

After a bit of awkward conversation, Zidane points out the giant telescope we can use to look around the surrounding area.

http://i.imgur.com/uyLURwC.png
http://i.imgur.com/gmFDNU7.png

This looks much better than the actual overworld, btw

Dagger asks to use it and spends that time berating herself internally.

http://i.imgur.com/ditW0Gl.png
http://i.imgur.com/VXU4Anp.png
http://i.imgur.com/0Ys0RS7.png

She asks him if he just did it because his boss ordered him to, and he explains that his boss didn't want him to and he had to leave Tantalus because of it, which he shares that he's done before.

She changes the suject to ask how Tantalus was planning on kidnapping her and he says that they were going to put sleeping weed in her tea, but since she came along willingly, they didn't need it.

http://i.imgur.com/YDeviPG.png
http://i.imgur.com/jwGsKz4.png

She calls him out on his shameless flirting, so he shifts gears to ask about the song she's been singing

http://i.imgur.com/HQFcyFh.png
http://i.imgur.com/6gXqCaI.png

While she sings, we get to see what everyone else is up to.

http://i.imgur.com/fcjUtvm.png

While admiring that FINE piece of armour, Steiner overhears another customer badmouthing Queen Brahne.

http://i.imgur.com/fcjUtvm.png
http://i.imgur.com/RrHQrGs.png

Vivi finds some toys that some kids were playing with.

http://i.imgur.com/c0lIvwb.png

And Freya is jumping from rooftop to rooftop, as you do.

http://i.imgur.com/WtH7rKh.png

She then expresses some vulnerability when she asks Sir Fratley where he is because she needs him.

Back at the castle, Zidane makes a fool of himself.

http://i.imgur.com/kD3wN9c.png

If you recall, he asked a different girl about that...

Smoooth operatoooorrrr~~

http://i.imgur.com/EFlgiXX.png

After some passive-aggressive comments, Zidane once again tries to recover with idiocy.

http://i.imgur.com/nETnPt1.png

But because she's already smitten with him, she agrees.

FESTIVAL OF THE HUNT PREP

And Freya is here because why not. We got to name her so we already know she's going to be a party member.

http://i.imgur.com/P4KiUAF.png

Ugh time limits. UGH STRESS

Also he signed up Vivi without his permission

http://i.imgur.com/1glDndL.png

And offers him to date Dagger if Vivi wins which NEITHER OF THEM WANT and he didn't even ask if she was okay with this. Man Zidane's kind of a butt sometimes, huh?

And so the bests, some of whom are adorable (Mus) are released on to the town!

http://i.imgur.com/CXjmCxr.png

Next time we get to Festival of the Hunt which is bleh, but the story really starts to pick up with the bigger plot afterwards so that'll be fun!

Stay tuned~

Always wondered whether "I Want To Be Your Canary" was just a dumb name or a bad translation.

And so begins the Festival of the Hunt!
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/vOdj6f5.png
http://i.imgur.com/NbgXkt7.png
http://i.imgur.com/6yBGfEa.png

After some spectating on the part of Dagger and Steiner, the hunt begins! I have 12 minutes to win this thing. If you, loyal viewer, want to win, just follow these easy peasy tips! Send money to

Okay, seriously though, these are good tips to win.

http://i.imgur.com/M4nEDUC.pngFestival of the Hunt tips~
*Optimize Zidane's equipment. You can skill grind later but this will be useful to prevent damage, which will save time spent healing, and, if you have The Ogre weapon, should allow you to one-shot kill all of the enemies other than the big hunt.
*Your goal is to get to the end of the business district around the 4 minute mark if you want an almost guaranteed win
*Don't take that to mean you can slack off before then, you'll still need other points to win, you just won't have to try as hard
*Different monsters are worth different amounts of points. The Trick Sparrows are worth the least and generally take the longest to initiate battle with. If you can run in to one right away, go for it, otherwise just leave them for clean up if you have time
*You should have time to do a general sweep of the Theatre Dsitrict followed by the Industrial District before leaving for the Business Dsitrict
*Depending on how much time you have, head over to the Buisness district with about 6 minutes remaining and do a general sweep of the area EXCEPT for the shop area
*Once the timer has gone below 4 minutes, head to the shop area to find a small scene with the big hunt

http://i.imgur.com/cNg4xpm.png

During the scene, Freya will jump in to help you while giving you the points for the kill because she's a better person than Zidane.

http://i.imgur.com/BOJcYbe.png

Don't worry about stealing, you'll encounter these as regular enemies later in the game. Have Freya jump to deal decent damage and avoid damage in return. It does take longer for her to attack that way though, so keep that in mind.

I also noticed a reference to the Strange Gourmand or something like that, which made me chuckle. It's funny how many references there are to Quina before s/he joins your party.

If you have any time left, like I did, just go clean up those Trick Sparrows you left in order to further secure your lead. After 12 minutes, the Festival is over!

http://i.imgur.com/QlKepsz.png
http://i.imgur.com/L3i5c1W.png

Unfortunately the celebration is interrupted by something terrible.

http://i.imgur.com/2HWOO4A.png

This is where the story really starts to pick up and go in to its bigger plot, so I'm pretty excite! Minister Artania warns Cid not to approach in his current form, but Cid is not concerned.

http://i.imgur.com/XNmgcQH.png
http://i.imgur.com/QCM4xz0.png
http://i.imgur.com/h5JwqhW.png

Uh oh, Spaghetti-O!

The man sadly passes away before they can get him to the infirmary.

http://i.imgur.com/5ydTgxw.png

Well that's a bummer.

http://i.imgur.com/dRIQyEG.png
http://i.imgur.com/P6E21Dt.png

Freya, meanwhile can't wait for reinforcements while her homeland is in danger.

http://i.imgur.com/CLtxum4.png

Zidane offers to go to, an offer which Freya initially rejects.

http://i.imgur.com/tLDyKWk.png

Eventually she thanks him and then Vivi speaks up.

http://i.imgur.com/zlX0MMQ.png

He's having that whole Black Mage identity crisis if you recall correctly.

http://i.imgur.com/R6JEml7.png

Unfortunately for Dagger, who just inserted herself in to this situation, the others don't exactly encourage her to go.

http://i.imgur.com/BaquomF.png

She is worried, however, that if her mother IS starting a war, she has to stop her and do something to help prevent more people from being killed. A noble sentiment, but turns out that even Zidane isn't on her side for this one.

http://i.imgur.com/Qk1YVTn.png
http://i.imgur.com/QhyF1eS.png

Cid tries to calm them down for the moment and asks them to enjoy the Festival feast while they wait for the gate to open.

http://i.imgur.com/9oHZw9N.png

So they head downstairs for a hearty celebration meal.

http://i.imgur.com/bCQZn2E.png

After some reluctance to eat, they eventually all decide to dig in and enjoy the feast.

http://i.imgur.com/CkUY3qK.png

Turns out that this isn't the food-coma type of sleepiness, but rather something else at work. Everyone starts dropping like flies.

http://i.imgur.com/C3b9lzV.png
http://i.imgur.com/my0DTjL.png

Everyone except for...

http://i.imgur.com/CXel7sP.png
http://i.imgur.com/TgNqa9B.png

Steiner's a treat, isn't he?

http://i.imgur.com/ggiPQzf.png
http://i.imgur.com/rSCfy4x.png

So yes, Dagger has drugged them all so that she can leave on her quest of justice. Steiner voices his objections in one of his rare early moments of insight.

http://i.imgur.com/bkVejeq.png

But he eventually agrees to go with her after she talks about how she needs to stop her mother from starting a war with the three great nations.

http://i.imgur.com/x73DwNC.png

And with that, they sneak out.

http://i.imgur.com/9NwxI0Q.png

The others wake up a short time later and wonder if Dagger went to Burmecia on her own.

http://i.imgur.com/AntVVNk.png

Thinking that's where she went, they agree to try and catch up to her.

http://i.imgur.com/m9AKPDO.png

It's time for some more
http://i.imgur.com/M4nEDUC.pngTips for beginners~
*This is a really good time to ability grind the equipment you have. There's a free healing spring you can use to your heart's content, an easily accessible shop, it's easy enough to return to Lindblum if need be, and the next boss is a toughie, so grinding a bit can help.
*You can also begin your Chocobo side-questing at this point and recruit another character early.

And so we will end with a new mognet from Stiltzkin!

http://i.imgur.com/BT7iPbA.png

Unfortunately my next update won't be for a while. On top of going out of town soon, I'll also be doing that grinding I just finished talking about. But hopefully it won't be too long before the next update. See you next time~

So the forum ate my last post but that's okay! We just picked up Quina last time.
(SPOILER)
Now it is off to Chocobo's Forest!

http://i.imgur.com/FSOGg9v.png
http://i.imgur.com/HKLw5HD.png

But we are on a mission, it is not the time to play with Chocobos!

http://i.imgur.com/QQb3ekT.png
http://i.imgur.com/ksHSGSZ.png

Oh okay.

http://i.imgur.com/FTlefFw.png

Apparently it is time to play with Chocobos. Choco initially runs away from me and I have to go get him with ghysal greens

http://i.imgur.com/FrQTGJk.png

He sure does like me, that's why he ran away! But anywho, if you go back you can play the best Chocobo Hot & Cold which is all kinds of awesome!

http://i.imgur.com/FTlefFw.png

So basically you dig around for treasure and Choco, the best Chocobo, will give you an indication of how close you are. Sometimes you'll dig up treasure maps for outside of the forest where you can find super good items~

After messing around with the best minigame, it is time to continue on with the story which is less upbeat right now. We head to Gizamaluke's Grotto and Freya finds some of her companions dead.

http://i.imgur.com/9aqNlJ0.png
http://i.imgur.com/8kBNKVm.png
http://i.imgur.com/BQJZF9d.png

This comment of course makes Vivi feel bad.

http://i.imgur.com/R1H7LbJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/vc840uh.png

"My friend Freya's buds were killed and her homeland is in danger. Sure hope Dagger's okay."

So we head inside to find more dying people (there's a trend here)

http://i.imgur.com/5z1LXSi.png

And we get these bells that open doors and shatter when you use them. I actually love the item description though.

http://i.imgur.com/3JUEavN.png

It sounds so uplifting and then you see how it says it's a warning and it's just a quote with a lot of depth, I feel

Going further in we find some more soldiers being killed by Black Mages

http://i.imgur.com/SPhaskX.png

Lalala~

We also find Zorn and Thorn in charge of the whole ordeal and they don't seem to remember Zidane at all, although he seems familiar.

http://i.imgur.com/JkCEVNV.png

After defeating the Black Mages they send after us, they get spooked and run away because Zorn and Thorn.

Eventually we meet a moogle in distress.

http://i.imgur.com/KZ1Blj5.png
http://i.imgur.com/TLIGoSH.png

And they just got married too, how sad

http://i.imgur.com/O7ALgQp.png

Oh no, what will we do? Well, Vivi to the rescue!

http://i.imgur.com/TY5rLzT.png

Well it turns out her husband LOOOVVVESSS Kupo Nuts, so after giving the nut to her, she lets her husband know that she has a delicious surprise for him, after which he bursts out of the bell like it's nothing

http://i.imgur.com/QVs0qFM.png

He then takes the nut and runs away in to another room. After following him, we get a new mognet message

http://i.imgur.com/ye0kx6w.png

Her husband also gives us the Holy Bell we need to continue in to the boss room.

http://i.imgur.com/I6dak8j.png

And if you do bring them more Kupo Nuts, they have more babies!

Don't think about that one too hard.

So in to the boss room!

http://i.imgur.com/PkG74B7.png

Master Gizamaluke, for the record, is this lovely creature here!

http://i.imgur.com/cLvWTxi.png

He can be tough but if you grinded earlier when I told you too you should be just fine~ Especially if you recruited Quina and got yourself another party member.

After defeating him, we get something completely different!

http://i.imgur.com/TuLfy9h.png

http://i.imgur.com/7O6juD4.png

Garnet is in the bag in case you're wondering

But to cross the border, they need to do a bag check

http://i.imgur.com/BrbMVml.png

............no..................

http://i.imgur.com/2JnIcjR.png

UH OH

http://i.imgur.com/QLf51iI.png

That's right. He packed the princess in with a bunch of stinky pickles. Short guard cannot stand it so we get sent inside the gate.

Let's talk to some people!

http://i.imgur.com/qV3snGH.png

Exposition~~

And here's an adorable interaction between Part-time Worker Mary and the newly Jobless Jeff who just lost his store

http://i.imgur.com/b3UvHLO.png
http://i.imgur.com/j9LyX2d.png

too relatable

So anyway, we go and free Garnet from her pickle prison but first

http://i.imgur.com/UOaP993.png
http://i.imgur.com/FNzgYVh.png

I love Short Guard

So anyway, Garnet is finally set free for us to continue our adventure

http://i.imgur.com/eTl80e2.png

(Don't worry that won't last for more than 10 minutes)

So we head to the tram/train/lift thing which is about to head back in to Alexandria where Garnet plans to go to have a talk with her mother

http://i.imgur.com/PKY0fpl.png
http://i.imgur.com/1HpjVwe.png

See, I told you it wouldn't last long

Tune in next time to see whate else Steiner and Garnet get up to~

Alrighty then, Garnet and Steiner have finally made their way to the cable car to head back to Alexandria.
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/ZbiKvex.png

Part time worker Mary thanked us for telling her to follow her heart or whatever happened before. After taking a seat, Steiner called Garnet Princess again and she fusses at him.

http://i.imgur.com/w9PexuZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/7H8R6ze.png

Steiner, the notorious Zidane hater talks about his terrible foul mouth but admits he's not as dumb as he thought he would be.

After that convo, we're brought back to Gizamaluke's Grotto to see what happened after our big boss fight.

http://i.imgur.com/D0jG3J3.png

So of course we have to head to Bermecia. But not before grabbing Choco and finding a treasure chest! Note that you'll have to walk a little bit to get to his footprints with this one.

http://i.imgur.com/BiDOwCL.png

And then Choco was drugged and he died. No, actually he just went to a ~magical place~

http://i.imgur.com/h6Ikd4P.png
http://i.imgur.com/IuRZfyn.png

This isn't weird or anything

http://i.imgur.com/A21AMj9.png

BUT Choco evolves in to river Choco and now we can cross rivers with him, yay~~

Choco is so awesome

We make another pit stop on the way to Bermecia.

http://i.imgur.com/Hq45cXZ.png

Freya is obviously worried about this but Quina decides this is too depressing and he needs to stop and smell the flowers. Literally.

http://i.imgur.com/ai1eABS.png

The strong powerful Dragoon looking up to Quina the frog gourmand. I mean... sure.

Tbf Quina is my second favourite character in this game, s/he is just a hoot.

With that, we make our way over to Bermecia.

http://i.imgur.com/3wXl3A4.png

...since I decided to reminisce during a crisis like this.

http://i.imgur.com/WGidsDy.png
http://i.imgur.com/hYSA25j.png

But not until I monologue a little bit! So with that, we finally head in to the wrecked city of Bermecia, once one of the four great powers of the Mist Continent.

http://i.imgur.com/iUKLQ9r.png

Yup, it rains here. Forever.

Kidding aside, this section is one of the most memorable to me. It's got such great atmosphere and it's a turning point in the story to show that things are more serious than just runaway Princesses and moogles. I mean, those things are there too, but something about corpses all over the rainy streets just makes things a tad more serious feeling.

Also we get cancer

http://i.imgur.com/OdslMS4.png

The Zodiac Stellazio coin, I meant.

Zorn and Thorn make another appearance and after defeating the Black Mages they send after us, they take a fit in a way that basically equates to "I'm telling my dad!"

http://i.imgur.com/ZkZzBQu.png

After meeting up with a dying man who tells us to search under the bed, we get another bell/key to proceed further in to Bermecia.

http://i.imgur.com/UNbuYxl.png

I just love some of these item descriptions, I'm telling you.

Further in, Freya and Vivi have a conversation about the killer Black Mages going around and if he's okay to continue on.

http://i.imgur.com/0GlWk08.png
http://i.imgur.com/sNHiACe.png
http://i.imgur.com/ncB1hMN.png

This is why I love Vivi. Finds others like him being manufactured on a weird farm after getting kidnapped, sees them being used as weapons of mass murder, decides he's going to press on no matter how painful it is. You go Vivi!

http://i.imgur.com/CaRKsez.png

Quina is helping.

A Bermecian family rushes over to us, ready to pick a fight since we have a Black Mage with us, but Freya talks them down.

http://i.imgur.com/2FMKp8I.png
http://i.imgur.com/C9cp8IJ.png

He advises us to ditch everything and GTFO because we aren't going to win this one, but Freya has resolved to go on.

http://i.imgur.com/c6tHr8K.png

Freya is a true patriot.

Further in we meet another struggling family.

http://i.imgur.com/yiMPPHP.png
http://i.imgur.com/EefWntY.png
http://i.imgur.com/uF2s8ef.png

Aww and she's preggers too. He keeps telling her to leave but she sticks by his side. Luckily hero Zidane arrives in the knick of time to save him from the collapsing ugly frog statue thing.

http://i.imgur.com/rl0n372.png

He's happy we saved him and tells us to come and visit him in Lindblum after his kid is born. He and his wife escape safely.

http://i.imgur.com/Rvbkol1.pngBeginner's Tip: There are mimics in Bermecia. If you see a chest positioned diagonally instead of straight, it's a mimic. If you want to fight them, cool, but if you're low on supplies and want to save up, avoid those chests.

Further in, we meet another moogle and deliver one of the letters we had.

http://i.imgur.com/5VcePjW.png

SPEAKING OF, guess who decides to show up!

http://i.imgur.com/AhVWixp.png

Keep buying supplies from him to keep getting better stuff as his journey continues! There's also a moogle shop here with new equipment and remember to buy at least 2 of everything if you can afford it~

We also find a new nifty spear for Freya to beat up some Black Mages, which of course makes Vivi a bit sad.

Onward to the palace.

http://i.imgur.com/tsgv7Yp.png

After deciding to leave her alone, she suddenly hears something and effortlessly jumps 5 stories in the air.

http://i.imgur.com/RGfyQFq.png

Needless to say, the other party members struggle a bit more.

http://i.imgur.com/rofUMj8.png

Once Zidane and Freya make it to the top, we see Brahne and someone else conversing.

http://i.imgur.com/u3nRos4.png
http://i.imgur.com/Bd3vjJd.png

The name Beatrix sends Freya in to reminisce mode again.

http://i.imgur.com/pMcPIBE.png
http://i.imgur.com/y1hggeF.png

Fratley is so fancy. He tells her he doesn't know if he's strong enough to protect Bermecia and so he must travel.

http://i.imgur.com/tNzyhIL.png
http://i.imgur.com/IxXIvdL.png

He promises once again before leaving.

http://i.imgur.com/Wz8hQtu.png
http://i.imgur.com/1UvMJxh.png

Geez that hits the feels :(

http://i.imgur.com/bdiTcXI.png

But before the conversation continues, a ~fabulous~ man appears.

http://i.imgur.com/KAE0geP.png

Brahne and Beatrix talk about how they've been searching for the king but to no avail.

http://i.imgur.com/KuUCxjq.png
http://i.imgur.com/8HKYuQm.png
http://i.imgur.com/JvgclKX.png

Cleyra is protected by a giant sandstorm you see. But apparently Kuja has a plan.

http://i.imgur.com/VdNo0Sl.png

Zidane asks Freya about Cleyra and why they call it the City of Illusion.

http://i.imgur.com/EgnqEth.png
http://i.imgur.com/KXRGAyw.png

This time the conversation is interrupted by a Bermecian soldier attempting to take on the baddies solo. Zidane and Freya step in to save him.

http://i.imgur.com/yU0EzVB.png
http://i.imgur.com/bKABjlj.png

Vivi and Quina also show up just then because sure.

Note for this fight: You cannot beat Beatrix. The best you can do is stay alive long enough to steal all of her stuff and hope she doesn't end the fight too early. I only got 2 of her items but oh well.

This fight sadly leads to a crushing defeat for our heroes.

http://i.imgur.com/Yh7i0ks.png

Kuja also takes this opportunity to make commentary, look down on us fabulously, and escape on his Silver Dragon.

http://i.imgur.com/dWOOqHM.png

Behold Kuja in all of his glory!

http://i.imgur.com/xc4ragf.png
http://i.imgur.com/cYS8BnQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/Y0XoaC3.png

And off he flies in to the... uh... whatever is going on there.

And thus we come to the end of Disc 1!

Before we go though, let's check in on what's going on elsewhere.

Short Guard and Tall Guard, whom you may remember from South Gate, are talking about the crazy stuff that's been happening. Tall Guard asks short guard if the pickle dude was suspicious.

http://i.imgur.com/O7jUy0C.png

Words of wisdom.

Tall Guard tells Short Guard what an odd man he is because he was the one who was initially suspicious of Steiner, and Short Guard tells us that's how he wound up where he is!

What a beautiful story.

http://i.imgur.com/V4gRVno.png

Steiner is still in denial before we reach Alexandria.

http://i.imgur.com/L3T5H4M.png

And we get another mognet message delivered!

http://i.imgur.com/ZUsSqHq.png

Next time, Garnet and Steiner meet up with some unexpected allies! Stay tuned~

I always found the end of discs to be really exciting times. Full of changes and new plot threads!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Formalhaut

I always found the end of discs to be really exciting times. Full of changes and new plot threads!

---

I agree with this. I also miss playing Final Fantasy games and this year marks the series 30th anniversary.

Maybe I like compartmentalising games and stories into sections, but I just really like the disc format. There's just something about seeing something huge happen on screen, followed by the splash screen of 'End of Disc One, Please Insert Disc Two'.

I don't know, I think it's really cool.

So Garnet and Steiner disembark in Alexandria and meet some old friends
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/nNjxWu8.png

Heading back inside, we strike up a conversation. Or at least try to amidst the fussing from Steiner.

http://i.imgur.com/qmD2Tkc.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ovv0oWI.png

After being fussed at, Steiner backs off and the cable car arrives.

http://i.imgur.com/6I1NUub.png

Marcus and Cinna say their goodbyes because one is heading to Lindblum and the other...

http://i.imgur.com/pE7Viiy.png

Exactly. But why, you might ask. Well, Garnet had the same question

http://i.imgur.com/L8AAZjq.png

Well, Marcus can answer that for himself.

http://i.imgur.com/G0qAJIe.png

Brother = Blank

http://i.imgur.com/5yi8nzr.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ubdhg21.png

Or at least he would be if he wasn't hanging around the station eating cake. Garnet decides she wants in on this cure the petrification plan, but Marcus is not as enthused about the idea.

http://i.imgur.com/6rZ9Uv8.png

http://i.imgur.com/iKvqv37.png

Garnet explains how she drugged him and ditched him, as a lady does.

http://i.imgur.com/WRJSj8E.png

And then she blames him

But before we can get in to all dat drama, something happens with the cable car!

http://i.imgur.com/nzKKfIV.png

How rude. They prefer to be called alternate saints.

Hearing this, our ensemble heads outside.

http://i.imgur.com/JOGsVDH.png

Oh look, it's our old friend Black Waltz #3!

http://i.imgur.com/TFzlbDP.png

Unfortunately we are lured in to another boss fight with no answers from the damaged Black Waltz.

This fight can be pretty annoying, especially with the steal rate but he doesn't have anything you can't get soon enough anyway so don't beat yourself up over stealing everything with this one.

So we defeat the Black Waltz once and for all

http://i.imgur.com/nC1yWys.png
http://i.imgur.com/XQUTqJ2.png

Marcus, full of tact, decides this is the time to bring it up. Steiner is like WHO COULD HAVE DONE THAT

http://i.imgur.com/ggo5oGx.png

Honestly I don't think he was doing it for her benefit, I think he's that oblivious and blindly loyal.

http://i.imgur.com/qW2uUOj.png

That'll stop her for sure. Nothing wrong with this plan!

Anyways, we head back on the cable car. I keep forgetting what it's called and had to scroll up to remember

http://i.imgur.com/EFA1fsa.png

"What, you mean the mass drugging?"

http://i.imgur.com/78o9C8c.png

Or that

http://i.imgur.com/WgHnXQZ.png

Marcus knows what she's getting at with this

http://i.imgur.com/32Rq81A.png

Basically, yes.

http://i.imgur.com/R8TlCc4.png
http://i.imgur.com/P4w1NrY.png

Before we head to Treno though, we make a quick stop by Dali!

http://i.imgur.com/m3zqWTR.png

It has been a whole disc

There's not much new going on. The farm lady fusses about the new factory and the lack of farming and Garnet vows to help her out.

We also run in to another friendly monster, yay!

http://i.imgur.com/xNMy62U.png

Also take your time getting around here, Steiner and Garnet will probably be a good bit lower in levels than Zidane and co. if you did stop and grind. So get some exp on your way around and learn some abilities.

So we finally arrive in Treno, the City of Nobles

http://i.imgur.com/P8iNTZw.png

I JUST SAID THAT

http://i.imgur.com/tEzsvsb.png
http://i.imgur.com/khRVdVA.png

While those two fuss, because Steiner can't help but fuss, Garnet takes off on her own.

http://i.imgur.com/FqQzBXy.png

And while Steiner freaks out about that, Marcus takes off too, leaving poor Ol' Rusty all alone.

There's actually a good bit of side things to do here. By putting 10 gil in the fountain many times you get another Zodiac!

http://i.imgur.com/3o6K2sB.png

D'aww

Afterwards you get this lovely ATE where Garnet is robbed

http://i.imgur.com/g5l4exf.png

She loses 1000 gil but if you follow the ATE's properly, you'll get your money's worth.

http://i.imgur.com/hgdhCLb.png
http://i.imgur.com/EJmggZs.png

..............

http://i.imgur.com/8d4TS6H.png

...................................................

http://i.imgur.com/Zu1EYNc.png

And there you have it! This won't be the last we see of this dastardly dude.

We also meet some interesting characters

http://i.imgur.com/e7t68Oh.png

How... fun and not depressing

And these two kids who are fussing about the nobles taking their land and detailing their plan to get rich and become nobles themselves and rule the town

http://i.imgur.com/432p5Hs.png
http://i.imgur.com/iSxBFnt.png

Kids these days, amirite?

We also get another letter from Stilitzkin

http://i.imgur.com/px4Y59G.png

Hmm...

While in Treno, it's a good time to make a shopping list because they have a good weapon shop and synthesis shop if you have the cash monie

We eventually find Garnet in the auction house. Steiner yells out how he was worried and she says she doesn't know how she's supposed to find the supersoft with him running around shouting like that.

Garnet is very sassy toward Steiner

http://i.imgur.com/epXPP5e.png
http://i.imgur.com/XjfSaAo.png

Brutal.

We also got to see Kuja in an earlier ATE, watching her from the auction house balcony...

http://i.imgur.com/s5ZhGnj.png

Speaking of auction house, you can buy some super great items here. You'll probably have to come back later when you've built up more cash but since I used the max monies cheat I could afford some goodies right off the bat.

I got some good equipment and these special items:

http://i.imgur.com/QnNTn8b.png
http://i.imgur.com/TeSfg15.png

Earlier FF references~

http://i.imgur.com/cAaXu80.png
http://i.imgur.com/Huvyi2a.png

We also find another Zodiac thing in Treno

http://i.imgur.com/HjJixHY.png

Overcompensating much, Taurus?

This is also the city where you can trade them in for prizes but Imma hang on to them for now.

At this point you can leave the city, follow the forest outside of town, and find another special place before going on with the game.

http://i.imgur.com/bMFklTL.png

We find another coin there

http://i.imgur.com/SxiuwEF.png

And some special info...

http://i.imgur.com/p4nC8dd.png
http://i.imgur.com/NFLkC7O.png

And I will leave you to ponder that while you wait for the next update~

Will they find the supersoft? Will Garnet convince her mom to not be a power crazy warmonger? Will Steiner stop getting in to a tiff with everyone? Find out next time!

Good update!

I was genuinely surprised you go back and cure Blank of his petrification. It's certainly more thoughtful than what happens in FFIV...

Okay so back with Garnet and Steiner, we meet back up with Marcus in Treno and it does indeed seem that he has a lead on the Supersoft. So Garnet follows him while Steiner yells at her while following closely behind.
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/ZiUWONE.png

Baku also meets us there and checks to make sure Garnet is okay with becoming a criminal.

http://i.imgur.com/5nSXcjV.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZyQLXyl.png

Steiner's response sets Baku on a bit of a tangent.

http://i.imgur.com/t04lF3y.png
http://i.imgur.com/4D3QAID.png
http://i.imgur.com/NesGqpp.png

Steiner is, as expected, totally confused.

Meanwhile, at the auction house, the auctioneer asks Kuja how things went in Bermecia

http://i.imgur.com/k326lOJ.png

He also mentions seeing Garnet in the crowd earlier and the auctioneer asks if he wants a meeting arranged.

http://i.imgur.com/10EwYP4.png
http://i.imgur.com/AouRo9r.png
http://i.imgur.com/GHBM14b.png

o.o

So anyway, back on the little boat, Steiner and Garnet are having some introspection

http://i.imgur.com/XQULE6n.png
http://i.imgur.com/DAoxJZb.png
http://i.imgur.com/FDNLSlH.png

Worried slightly about what Baku said, Steiner tries to push those thoughts aside, while Garnet has some thoughts of her own.

http://i.imgur.com/RQS3y3R.png

She questions why she's even here with Zidane's friends trying to save Blank's life

http://i.imgur.com/n4C11S8.png
http://i.imgur.com/LljRWJp.png

We head in to the synthesis shop after hours to start looking for the Supersoft, but it isn't long before someone shows up

http://i.imgur.com/0LU4yK4.png

Turns out, it's an old friend of Garnet's looking for some ink.

http://i.imgur.com/Rp53GKl.png
http://i.imgur.com/AzVCQFe.png

Steiner assures him that they are not doing anything illegal at all, but Garnet explains what they're looking for.

http://i.imgur.com/fZPNsZJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/NeNFdDl.png

Another voice calls down, wondering what the ruckus is, and Dr. Tot quickly agrees to help us while taking care of the synthesis shop owner by pretending the noise was all him.

http://i.imgur.com/Ydh5X5V.png

Giving some time for Dr. Tot to prepare, we head back to report to Baku.

http://i.imgur.com/FENzhGw.png
http://i.imgur.com/dMUrUkz.png

How awkward, she's standing right there. Fortunately (or unfortunately?), Baku is a very honest man and doesn't try to play off his comment.

http://i.imgur.com/QEEQnjy.png
http://i.imgur.com/pXZKDRu.png

We head over to Dr. Tot's house and make pleasantries while Steiner apologize for what happened earlier.

http://i.imgur.com/42iiuEM.png
http://i.imgur.com/qx5qRIs.png

Marcus quickly does help himself, since that's the whole reason he's here.

http://i.imgur.com/ntg5hAC.png

Woo, good job team!

While here, Garnet asks what brings the good scholar to Treno, and it turns out he has a sponsor here. She also asks about the giant globe in the middle of the room and they go check it out from the inside.

http://i.imgur.com/CACd50S.png

It is slightly damaged, but, you know. This leads to Garnet reminiscing about when she was a child.

The memory starts with Dr. Tot rambling about Eidolons and stones that disappeared from texts 500 years ago.

http://i.imgur.com/SZGq3uv.png

He thinks that the royal jewel in the Alexandrian royal family is to small to be the one from legend.

http://i.imgur.com/5FMUcKb.png

Oh well, I'm sure it doesn't matter and that this will not tie in to the plot in any way whatsoever!

Little Garnet pops down to complain about how she doesn't like books except for that 'I Want to be Your Canary' one by Lord Byron.

http://i.imgur.com/j1p3vgA.png

Oh children. So precious. So stupid.

Back in the present, Dr. Tootsie assures Garnet of his loyalty to her if she ever needs any help.

http://i.imgur.com/DRA1fve.png

Also, don't look at her butt you perv, she's 16!!!

Taking him up on his offer, Garnet explains to him a little bit about what's been going on.

http://i.imgur.com/C0UI1k4.png
http://i.imgur.com/kRnNXCP.png

He tells her about an underground passage way leading back to Alexandria because of course.

http://i.imgur.com/9scKVeP.png

And so Marcus stays with us a bit longer too.

http://i.imgur.com/6Gy40c7.png

We also get to deliver a letter and find out about this love hexagon

http://i.imgur.com/1lxuyRA.png
http://i.imgur.com/6slPCuH.png

This is another good area to grind, especially since Steiner and Garnet are at a lower level than your previous party probably. It's super easy to just go back in to town and buy more stuff or rest at the Inn and there's a save moogle right there. It can be pretty dull though because there are only like 3 screens, but I would recommend doing some grinding here.

It's time to flip a few switches when ready

http://i.imgur.com/w9mqALP.png

The gargant is indeed a giant insect that kind of follows the tunnels. But there are ways to get it to change course by using food. By flipping the right switches, we get the gargant to stop for us so we can hope in it's nifty trolley and head back to Alexandria.

http://i.imgur.com/EniMOUt.png

Dr. Tot asks Steiner to protect the Princess

http://i.imgur.com/xNsNlNp.png

He says that he will always protect her but that he, a lowly knight, cannot exceed his authority. Dr. Tot seems to know which way the wind is blowing though and asks him to think long and hard about that and make up his own mind.

With that, we head out on the gargant. Not long after, it gets stopped by a weird beasty thing.

http://i.imgur.com/rQrBKAV.png

If you did grind this should be a pretty easy fight. Whack it a few times after you steal and it'll run away, or you can just wait a while and it'll also decide to run away.

After defeating the beasty, we head back on the trolley and stop off at Alexandria.

http://i.imgur.com/ZqRA8Ws.png

I guess it wasn't a part of the tour when he signed on as a knight.

http://i.imgur.com/5xtA8wt.png
http://i.imgur.com/i3vkrju.png
http://i.imgur.com/9cSh8TY.png

Steiner quickly came to regret not listening to the Princess.

http://i.imgur.com/RrMm7z9.png

He of course blames Marcus like Marcus could somehow do this? But unfortunately, while they fuss, another gate opens in front of them.

http://i.imgur.com/OFr8Enz.png

At this point, our two buddies Zorn and Thorn show up to tell us we're all under arrest.

http://i.imgur.com/YKU4FlG.png
http://i.imgur.com/6o8hte3.png

Seems that they have order to cease the Princess. Everyone exclaims in shock!

Meanwhile...

http://i.imgur.com/u9pk2kJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/axP78m4.png
http://i.imgur.com/lrwjvGZ.png

As you'll come to find out, he is 100% correct on this.

So with the agreement that they'll head to Cleyra, they stop and ponder where Garnet could be.

http://i.imgur.com/NjuqRR3.png

And despite putting on a brave face for the others, we learn that Zidane is actually very worried on the inside.

Stay tuned for next time~

I apologize in advance because this is going to be a massive update. It's a pretty climactic point in the story though so I guess it is what it is! Hopefully you can still enjoy it~
(SPOILER)
First we arrive in Cleyra

http://i.imgur.com/bnK0qAr.png

And have to climb aaaalll the way up that trunk to get to the settlement up top. Quina can learn Auto-Life and White Wind, both of which I would recommend snatching up while you're here. This area is also a prime example of how FFIX expects you to walk up against walls, because not all treasures can be seen. Also, make absolutely sure you do everything you want to do while you're here.

We get a mognet delivered:

http://i.imgur.com/zCnDi52.png

And then we eventually make our way up to Cleyra settlement

http://i.imgur.com/B7mqqKB.png

It's actually super pretty up here. Two Oracles were awaiting our arrival.

http://i.imgur.com/2OqLNvD.png
http://i.imgur.com/KnqBEud.png

I gathered. With that, we're offered a tour, which you can accept or decline. If this is your first time, I would highly recommend taking note of the path you follow during the tour. It might come in handy in a little bit.

http://i.imgur.com/gbyVn7B.png
http://i.imgur.com/mWZKIKp.png
http://i.imgur.com/vjf03L9.png
http://i.imgur.com/Fph2Bsn.png

After the tour of the pretty town, we're dropped back off where we started and we can begin exploring at our leisure. Visiting the Inn gets us this nifty letter from our friend Ruby!

http://i.imgur.com/0gjwDeF.png

This also brings a few ATE's out.

Quina, it seems, is not having a good time.

http://i.imgur.com/op7PEj5.png

S/e starts harassing the locals

http://i.imgur.com/uY7gSjp.png

Vivi, meanwhile, is being harassed

http://i.imgur.com/aDBdIyL.png
http://i.imgur.com/17X2U1D.png

They bully and chase poor Vivi in to the Inn :(

http://i.imgur.com/lrZtlt5.png
http://i.imgur.com/GIBkVIM.png

Thankfully the situation gets resolved and they see that Vivi is not their enemy. But at this point you can go check up at him in the Inn and he's still not feeling great, understandably.

Quina seems to be doing a bit better

http://i.imgur.com/5sFBUJm.png
http://i.imgur.com/oRITw8t.png

And we learn a bit more about the town

http://i.imgur.com/mRpiT3h.png

I dare you to just go out and say this to someone in public. This is the most fantasy nonsense ever.

http://i.imgur.com/9z07fEq.png
http://i.imgur.com/aSU5lcV.png

We go to meet up with Freya who asks us to head back to the Inn because she'll be a while. But on the way there we seem to find out about some kind of an emergency.

http://i.imgur.com/lN7qrPK.png

Well that doesn't seem like a good thing

http://i.imgur.com/jnz6abF.png
http://i.imgur.com/38ysfur.png

So while the oracle goes and does... uh... that, we rush off to rescue the kid. We run in to our other party members there because they wouldn't want us to do another boss fight solo right now.

http://i.imgur.com/26vr8Qo.png
http://i.imgur.com/7Snc284.png
http://i.imgur.com/26Y3Yfl.png
http://i.imgur.com/0rqwwNE.png

Oh look, it's our old friend Puck!

That whole scene was just magical btw

So we fight the Antlion. It's pretty simple, just Focus with Vivi while you Steal with Zidane and a few good Blizzara's should do the trick depending on how long stealing takes. I wouldn't worry about keeping your health at max because he'll just lower it with his sandstorm attack.

So we rescued Puck, who turns out to be a missing brat Prince

http://i.imgur.com/0k7MX0r.png

After Freya tells Puck that they should go check in with his father, the King, Puck decides to bolt it

http://i.imgur.com/7a9WOJq.png
http://i.imgur.com/1CjEPFG.png

He enslaved me and then ditched me when we got caught doing the illegal thing he put me up to doing and laughed at me when I almost fell to my death.

Good times.

Freya reports to the king that she found his son, who is still as mischievous as ever

http://i.imgur.com/uaJdr0q.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZNfO5sm.png

And he looks like he's 5 so I mean, good on him for leaving and adventuring from that young age.

http://i.imgur.com/a20neXg.png

That's right. It's dance party time.

http://i.imgur.com/1NZM7Bu.png

And thus the dancetastic ritual begins

http://i.imgur.com/0Up4nTo.png

One of these dancers is not like the others~

Unfortunately, a bad omen comes to be during the ceremonial dance

http://i.imgur.com/WTuWFtT.png

What does that mean?

It means this giant blue light appears and removes the protective sandstorm

http://i.imgur.com/pHuTBiF.png
http://i.imgur.com/NJRUl5b.png

Which is, you know, not good.

MEANWHILE

http://i.imgur.com/EAssOlf.png
http://i.imgur.com/lqFyNMC.png

Heh heh

Garnet is also at the castle, being upset about general goings on

http://i.imgur.com/tFzURie.png
http://i.imgur.com/x4bubYw.png

That's also around the time Kuja started showing up, if you can believe it.

Zorn and Thorn show up and order the Princess to go see the Queen

http://i.imgur.com/TUFWr6k.png

When that doesn't work to stop them, she tries another tactic

http://i.imgur.com/XgDmsgg.png

Unfortunately, her newly acquired slang simply confuses them and they drag her off

http://i.imgur.com/DPU06p7.png
http://i.imgur.com/RfHN5wh.png
http://i.imgur.com/Sl19JE6.png

Whether you choose to believe her obvious lie or not, Kuja decides to step in and be a creeper

http://i.imgur.com/ddYTvW6.png

And so he magic drugs her and puts her in a coma or something

http://i.imgur.com/JhkCrnd.png

So Zorn and Thorn drag her off to the basement

http://i.imgur.com/FeYicrT.png

And so they too start performing a ritualistic dance because that's apparently what the creators were in to at the time

http://i.imgur.com/7lHm62x.png

Back in Cleyra

http://i.imgur.com/rdy4MIj.png

But hey, at least you can see the sky now? And you won't get sand in your eyes as often?

No?

We also find out that some Alexandrian soldiers are headed up the trunk, as this mognet puts it.

http://i.imgur.com/ruQb1lY.png

You get to control Freya for a little bit, so make sure you check the mognet moogle in the Inn during this time and buy some goods from Stiltzkin. Head to the town entrance when you're prepared

The group meets up at the entrance

http://i.imgur.com/VXtaK83.png

Er... yeah.

And they start heading down while fighting off Alexandrian soldiers. That's when Freya notices that something is wrong right as Puck shows up

http://i.imgur.com/dY02Th6.png
http://i.imgur.com/KwaUDRW.png

And so we rush back to town to find it in chaos and being attacked by Black Mages

http://i.imgur.com/QMIBIhs.png

At this point, you'll have to guide survivors to the cathedral by giving them directions. They risk dying if you do it wrong and you'll get less goodies from them later. How do you know which way to go? It's the same way you went on your tour! Hope you were paying attention~

Also the moogle is off to the side where the Antlion was if you want to save and rest up.

Once we reach the top we find ourselves surrounded

http://i.imgur.com/xnQHPOb.png

And all of that rescue work went to waste!





Is what you might think, but an unlikely hero saves the day!

http://i.imgur.com/wgnhnCx.png

...rather poetically, for some reason?

Yup! It's Freya's long lost lover, Sir Fratley!

http://i.imgur.com/SAmzXwd.png
http://i.imgur.com/NXomu5h.png

...........................ouch

Turns out poor Sir Fratley has amnesia. Puck found him and he had no memory of anything, but still felt patriotic towards his duty as a dragon knight, so Puck brought him back to Cleyra

http://i.imgur.com/CoxZnkc.png

Vivi tries to check on Freya, who isn't the happiest at the moment

http://i.imgur.com/2uvglYV.png
http://i.imgur.com/KjFv8RW.png
http://i.imgur.com/sIL5Z1f.png
http://i.imgur.com/SF4L4GZ.png

As sad as that is though, we don't have much time to focus on it, because Beatrix decides to show up and steal the precious jewel!

http://i.imgur.com/8OAblIy.png

And so we chase her outside, but not before talking to the survivors and getting goodies and stuff. Also this would be a great time to remove equipment on Quina that you might want to have access to after Cleyra

Once outside, she kicks my butt again.

http://i.imgur.com/Xoi8X2Y.png

And they do withdraw using the magical floating, shimmering balls of plot coupon

http://i.imgur.com/y8zZCqT.png

So Zidane, Freya, and Vivi all decide to use the magical plot coupon and end up on Queen Brahne's airship

http://i.imgur.com/OLVrS9L.png

Quina decides not to come along

The Queen is rather enjoying herself

http://i.imgur.com/afV9Ggs.png

And she uses this opportunity to summon the Odin she stole from Garnet in that earlier scene

http://i.imgur.com/P5CCYtB.png

And Odin decides to throw his lance right at Cleyra, causing a few problems

http://i.imgur.com/jXjYEus.png
http://i.imgur.com/uu12oTw.png

Those problems being the complete and utter decimation of Cleyra.

http://i.imgur.com/tIL7xuN.png

And the Queen is absolutely giddy about it

Our heroes witnessed all of this and are understandably not coping well

http://i.imgur.com/7GYdEC0.png
http://i.imgur.com/BqkNygX.png

At that moment, Beatrix can be heard. She talks to one of her soldiers and shoots down the ass kissing she finds herself on the receiving end of

http://i.imgur.com/2pWKd5A.png

After sending the soldier away, she wonders about why Brahne would use the Eidolons and the Black Mages when he forces should have been enough

http://i.imgur.com/VlnM5ov.png

A few Black Mages go past, being told they're getting in the plot coupon pods to warp to Alexandria

http://i.imgur.com/DWXDMMP.png

Beatrix goes to report to the Queen, who snatches the jewel out of her hand without a word of gratitude

http://i.imgur.com/Va3WGnx.png
http://i.imgur.com/khY1SFr.png
http://i.imgur.com/aL8rvQ5.png

She states that Garnet will be executed when she gets back to Alexandria. Beatrix is visibly disturbed by this, and Zidane takes a fit from his eavesdropping spot

http://i.imgur.com/bDMTPDT.png

Vivi has a plan and takes them down to the pods.

Once you head downstairs, head back up and to the door where you were eavesdropping and you'll find a moogle friend there with another letter:

http://i.imgur.com/blKPTMJ.png

And that is where we will end things for now! Stay tuned for next time~

Alrighty, so Vivi, Zidane and Freya are in some escape pod nonsense things heading to Alexandria. In Alexandria...
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/xhxzRIH.png

YEAH!

So then you have to do this like swinging minigame which is more fun than it should be in order to crash in to the side and smash your way out of your prison cage.

http://i.imgur.com/nGYs9z0.png

After Steiner and Marcus escape, Marcus decides to ditch poor ol' Rusty

http://i.imgur.com/LHXxmbG.png

Luckily, and totally believably, our other heroes happen to teleport drop right beside him

http://i.imgur.com/SSY00PP.png

Steiner is overall not super excited to see them because he's a man on a mission

http://i.imgur.com/xiWIDlJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/jsacsjD.png

Of course, Steiner doesn't believe Zidane and so he must hear it straight from Vivi before he'll let it sink in

http://i.imgur.com/Eg8vwQP.png
http://i.imgur.com/9RVjJlG.png

Don't worry, this is more than enough time. Frustratingly, if you finish in 10 minutes she'll still show up very shortly afterwards. What happened to my other 20 minutes?!

During our escape Marcus provides us with a bit of help and gives a quick update to Zidane

http://i.imgur.com/Q0uX2y5.png
http://i.imgur.com/3RyCMci.png

At this point we run through the castle being "chased" by incompetent guards who take forever to react to you and won't follow you to the next screen.

"Oh no, they went in to the other room! No way I could follow them!"

Finally we arrive in the Queen's chambers or something

http://i.imgur.com/2FL5Q6g.png

Flipping the switch on the wall opens up a secret passage through the fireplace in to the dungeon below, where we find Garnet!

http://i.imgur.com/I0YvpS3.png

This leads to a laughably easy fight with Zorn and Thorn. Just focus with Vivi while stealing with Zidane. They both go down when one goes down. Also you can cancel out all of their spells by attacking the one who is charging the spell. It is entirely possible to avoid taking a single hit this whole fight.

http://i.imgur.com/Cqs9UA9.png

And so we rush over to the Princess to see her laying on the cold, hard, stone floor, and that just can't be comfortable.

http://i.imgur.com/CzGl7c6.png

Steiner doesn't handle it well

http://i.imgur.com/sRn8KFq.png

Freya has some good news though

http://i.imgur.com/ti82tyt.png
http://i.imgur.com/vmhMHzA.png

Look at Steiner's pitiful face back there

After that we get to heroically carry Garnet all the way back upstairs and we also get another mognet!

http://i.imgur.com/LkwPOkW.png

Meanwhile

http://i.imgur.com/WcIBHFF.png

You go Marcus!

Back with our heroes, Steiner is finally starting to realize that maybe blind loyalty isn't always the best thing

http://i.imgur.com/w4zAjwP.png

Zidane struggles with what's happened to Garnet

http://i.imgur.com/9ORBbNZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/udMJHqO.png
http://i.imgur.com/TTlFgEB.png
http://i.imgur.com/LFXepIJ.png

I sense character development~

Before too much of that can happen though, Beatrix arrives to kick our butts

http://i.imgur.com/RfWbufQ.png

Can I just say how amazing Beatrix's hair and coat are?

http://i.imgur.com/bF7BPQq.png

So she beats us up again

http://i.imgur.com/UzgjnhK.png

Zidane decides to try words this time because fighting her obviously doesn't work

http://i.imgur.com/yqdBKIa.png

Poor Vivi over there

He also asks her what her duty is

http://i.imgur.com/DpaXLsk.png

He then points out the comatose Princess on the couch

http://i.imgur.com/xTGePmh.png

Anyone else like how Zorn and Thorn are just chillin there while this is all going on?

She tells them about how the Queen was planning to execute Garnet when she got back

http://i.imgur.com/6kbjiSp.png
http://i.imgur.com/BM30ntQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/0DnDdMN.png

Freya tells her it's too late to seek forgiveness (because of the whole mass destruction of both of her homes)

http://i.imgur.com/HTcg0QN.png

And so she tries with a little bit of encouragement from the jesters

http://i.imgur.com/UbFU5ga.png

Thankfully they are wrong and the Princess comes to

http://i.imgur.com/WcnDi5D.png

Brahne also chooses this moment to come check up on us

http://i.imgur.com/CC4u5F0.png

And like children, Zorn and Thorn tattle on us

http://i.imgur.com/6wqP5vw.png

This time though, Beatrix decides enough is enough

http://i.imgur.com/D3ZhAcs.png

Freya also stays behind to help out and allow the others time to escape and we get to do a few fights with Beatrix in the next section, yaaay

So we run all the way back down to escape when Steiner decides to get all existential on us

http://i.imgur.com/RbUJGef.png

Well, there are many theories, Steiner. Some think it's the work of a higher being, whereas other...

http://i.imgur.com/v851LyW.png
http://i.imgur.com/hJ0O9Wr.png

Oh you meant why aren't you fighting with them. Oh, my bad.

http://i.imgur.com/7S2SEcl.png

And with that, he rushes back up to help the ladies who could probably curb stomp him if they wanted to

http://i.imgur.com/vXXPVj7.png
http://i.imgur.com/g7b8xc4.png

Freya and Beatrix are slightly higher up, still fighting the good fight

http://i.imgur.com/WBfdCEB.png

SPOILER! It is

But even if it wasn't, the Knight in Rusted Armour has arrived!

http://i.imgur.com/M1HtGBn.png
http://i.imgur.com/nU6esXk.png

Zidane, Vivi, and Garnet, meanwhile, get stuck in the same trap as earlier. Oh, also, when you're passing by the door where you found Garnet, it's a good idea to go save, tent, and mognet at this time

http://i.imgur.com/NiUO093.png

This time in the trap, Marcus saves us again with the help of the newly freed Blank!

http://i.imgur.com/NL2N3Rz.png

They say their hellos and explain what happened

http://i.imgur.com/YGW7GFc.png
http://i.imgur.com/jZIXjoH.png

Blank is, understandably, a little behind the times.

Anyways, they hold up the enemy so we can get to the gargan. Seeing everyone staying behind and fighting, Garnet feels conflicted

http://i.imgur.com/o9Ip7TR.png
http://i.imgur.com/WHhgLag.png

I also like how Vivi's already chillin in the seat like "I mean, I'm getting out of here so..."

So off we go on the gargan, destination Treno, since Steiner actually entrusted Zidane with the Princess amazingly

http://i.imgur.com/bCEC1jd.png

Sadly the poor gargan finds itself one again harassed by an ugly snake thing

http://i.imgur.com/I6jZYEm.png

This boss fight is a bit more annoying since he likes to cast mini on your part but not too difficult. We defeat the monster and get back on the gargan, but it still isn't smooth sailing from there

http://i.imgur.com/l71tnYh.png

And because it's chasing us...

http://i.imgur.com/dt8FQRg.png

We fly right by Treno

Not only that, but it seems we've reached the end of the line

http://i.imgur.com/m9OJVuo.png

And fall we do.

Back at Alexandria Castle, Queen Brahne is expecting some guests

http://i.imgur.com/Q3glbkY.png

Uh oh~

Anyways, her guests

http://i.imgur.com/URg9huL.png

Yeah...

http://i.imgur.com/dtzwWNM.png
http://i.imgur.com/1XDJpwE.png

As much as I dislike Lani, that was a pretty slick response

So the two bounty hunters get their orders

http://i.imgur.com/L77FrMm.png
http://i.imgur.com/ryRp7V9.png

NO NOT VIVI D:!!!!

She also specifies that it's the pendant she wants and she couldn't care less about Garnet's fate. The other bounty hunter is only really interested in Zidane, who he heard was traveling with the Princess

Our heroes at this point have crash landed

http://i.imgur.com/AUlzT5i.png

Yeah

http://i.imgur.com/NttzRsq.png
http://i.imgur.com/24ntQCt.png

But before our plans can be put in to motion, we meet an unexpected celebrity

http://i.imgur.com/RUGnVla.png
http://i.imgur.com/gBjg2Nq.png

He makes Garnet feel guilty and powerless and asks her what she wants to do

http://i.imgur.com/Y8qf7Cc.png

After being reassured by her that she doesn't want to use her summon magic to cause more destruction, Ramuh considers lending her his power

http://i.imgur.com/8Dt0bPN.png

We have to find all 5 Ramuh's who will each give us a piece of a story, which we the have to compile!

We also get another mognet!

http://i.imgur.com/Qqou0aj.png

See you next time~

~exciting~ plot stuff!

Worrying about Quina though! Hope they made it out okay!

Yeah the scene where my favourite character Quina dies. Is so heartwrenching. Its in my top 5 saddest moments in ff for sure. Rip quina you will be missed. Not by many. But by me atleast!

(SPOILER) What do you mean she doesnt die? Pfft way to ruin the moment!

also oh god I envy those graphics. they are so... smooothhh

So we go around Pinnacle Rock looking for the 5 story pieces but PLOT TWIST
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/5rFpVsc.png

We only need 4! There are actually two different endings to choose from. Here is the story:

http://i.imgur.com/T7dgyks.png
http://i.imgur.com/ILsOjOG.png
http://i.imgur.com/xvZOtKn.png

(Shoutouts to FFII)

And the two possible endings:

http://i.imgur.com/zcG3q9F.png
http://i.imgur.com/AjuNdCX.png

But I won't tell you which one I picked, I'll just leave that up to you to choose which one you like more!

With the story properly compiled, Ramuh agrees to help Garnet

http://i.imgur.com/kbaZUjq.png

Yay summon~

http://i.imgur.com/Cn224Ht.png

FFIX just casually dropping incredibly valuable life lessons in one sentence

http://i.imgur.com/y2emjPM.png
http://i.imgur.com/rcU2u2r.png

Ramuh's voice magically appears to answer Zidane while also dropping some more great life lessons

http://i.imgur.com/GXYVKZG.png
http://i.imgur.com/vcuZskf.png
http://i.imgur.com/RG9Eu6e.png

Aww how happy is this. Finally things are going good!

http://i.imgur.com/sXp6qrZ.png

Well I hope you're not getting too happy because I have some bad news

http://i.imgur.com/HLTGGdA.png

It sure is buddy! Here to bomb the crap out of Lindblum!

http://i.imgur.com/NaHrqUo.png

Brahne also sends in the black mages, of course

http://i.imgur.com/bypcgMT.png

Which leads Zidane to noting some similarities to what's happening here and what happened in Cleyra

http://i.imgur.com/yMjM4e3.png

So Garnet and the others rush off but something stops Garnet in her tracks

http://i.imgur.com/Z3a1nTd.png

Oh look, Zidane was right

http://i.imgur.com/p4gOOqX.png

Atomos is just friggin creepy looking, isn't he?

So anyways, gravity Eidolon Atomos shows up to suck up a huge chunk of Lindblum

http://i.imgur.com/BkVrTcR.png

Imagine looking outside and seeing that how terrifying that would be

Sadly, all our heroes can do is watch on

http://i.imgur.com/Gdg6PFI.png
http://i.imgur.com/AfcsMDD.png

Garnet's face is just heartbreaking

We head to the heavily damaged Lindblum where Vivi is told to stay back

http://i.imgur.com/YIykUps.png

Because of the whole Black Mage thing

We learn that things are not going well in Lindblum. Some soldiers are pretty happy

http://i.imgur.com/mLc2dgW.png

And people everywhere have lost family

http://i.imgur.com/sArlXL8.png

Zidane also stumbles upon a group that seems to want to torture one of the Black Mages

http://i.imgur.com/k0PvjNm.png
http://i.imgur.com/c4zdzqN.png

Unfortunately, they don't take well to Zidane's interference

http://i.imgur.com/SZbfxeZ.png

You can also stop by the Inn to get some more Mognets

http://i.imgur.com/k5pWncG.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ld10t8L.png

You can actually find Lowell in the Theatre District in a little bit when the cable cars run again before setting off. You can also find a woman panicking over finding her husband who was in the Industrial District which is 100% gone now. And he daughter is just there wondering why her mom is crying.

Ugh. The feels

http://i.imgur.com/wC2DnsG.png

See?

So after meeting up with Minister Artania, he takes us to see the Regent

http://i.imgur.com/RuIJKal.png
http://i.imgur.com/6xc3zLP.png

Garnet is still worried about those who were left behind

http://i.imgur.com/cGZfv4s.png
http://i.imgur.com/Oe5W4M7.png

Around this time, poor Vivi shows up in custody of the Lindblum soldiers

http://i.imgur.com/WJY2esC.png
http://i.imgur.com/5duk8b4.png

They pretend Vivi is disguised to fool the enemy. Poor Vivi being discriminated against

So now it's time to get down to business

http://i.imgur.com/gPEuWxX.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZGcKLio.png

So that means

http://i.imgur.com/cRZIRbK.png

And where do we find Kuja?

http://i.imgur.com/5DO1ja6.png

Oooh~ But how will we get there? Zidane suggests an airship

http://i.imgur.com/xOMT2Rc.png

So he asks about the new airship that can fly without mist. Seems that's also a no go

http://i.imgur.com/2WEmQjH.png
http://i.imgur.com/X11Ttwq.png
http://i.imgur.com/HsOO2tC.png

The harbour is also a no go because Brahne also has that seized. So how are we supposed to get there?

http://i.imgur.com/jxcRgtS.png
http://i.imgur.com/7imxiLO.png

Sure that sounds like a really good and not at all unreliable plan. Luckily for us, we're in a video game and 99% of rumours are true!

Before you head out you can go to the Theatre District to get Lowell, check on your two mini-thief friends at the Tantalus hideout, and pick up some stuff, including new things available for synthesis.

Speaking of synthesis, you may remember the shopkeeps son not taking his job seriously and making the flame too hot. Well now his dad's hands were badly burned by Black Mages, so he's trying to make a serious go at taking over since his dad can't synthesize anymore. He still has a ways to go unfortunately

http://i.imgur.com/4Y2P1ZX.png

BUT he is getting better and as a result, new stuff can be synthesized!

Once you're ready, it's time to sneak in to the castle and head to the Falcon's Gate, where Garnet expresses concern about venturing in to largely unexplored territory. She also worries that she'll lose Zidane and Vivi and wonders if she could manage by herself

http://i.imgur.com/BSqiQ93.png
http://i.imgur.com/pFNb26J.png

We also see that Brahne and the Alexandrian troops are planning a long sea journey...

When we arrive downstairs, Cid shows up after having sabotaged the enemy

http://i.imgur.com/NO0VBnc.png

Having bought us some time, he gives us a world map and sends us on our way

We stop on the way for another mognet

http://i.imgur.com/wI2UY56.png

And head to Qu's Marsh to look for the cave

BUUUUUT we can't get help to the Outer Continent without a little help from an old friend

http://i.imgur.com/qLIpg1r.png
http://i.imgur.com/2oOdw9R.png

And so Quina agrees to help us look because more yummy yummies.

(This is also the point where Quina becomes mandatory, everything before this was optional)

And now is a good time for a bit more grinding and side activities, so the next update might take a bit longer

Stay tuned~

Oh so Quina was optional before this? Interesting! Glad to see they're alive again!

Also, wow this game is getting seriously dark now.

LONG LIVE THE QUIN (a)

formy your awesome because most people want to see her die :cry:

So now that you're back on the world map, you can do some more Chocobo Hot & Cold and get a few more items! Also collect any chocographs you may have missed
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/RObLSQ8.png

And we get to show off Choco's new look!

http://i.imgur.com/YP4jfym.png
http://i.imgur.com/yr4wP35.png

Alright then.

This is also a good time for some frog catching and grinding. You won't gain much exp but you can get a good 2 AP per fight around chocobo's forest most of the time. If you have equipment that teaches Ability Up, absolutely prioritize learning that for everyone you can and make sure to equip it. I'd learn and equip level up second.

So we head back to Qu's Marsh and speak with our old friend

http://i.imgur.com/A6jEsxk.png

After Quale's usually maybe, maybe not thing, he gives us some info

http://i.imgur.com/pUp6f9c.png

So leave his house and head to the far right to trigger a scene

http://i.imgur.com/BguR2At.png
http://i.imgur.com/w59idQK.png

This leads to the entrance we seek as Quina blasts though the chains guarding it while chasing frogs

http://i.imgur.com/OXxHric.png
http://i.imgur.com/IZs4WnZ.png

S/he does lose the frog though :(

http://i.imgur.com/t8aVixT.png

Frog heartbreak aside, it is time to venture forth!

http://i.imgur.com/Na8wyUw.png

Yaaaay!

Except we immediately get chased by this ugly thing when we enter

http://i.imgur.com/XS74nYz.png

Booo!

After dodging axes, the thing falls in to a pit

Yaaaay!

http://i.imgur.com/Ivq954V.png

But we're not out of danger yet!

http://i.imgur.com/bSylPRZ.png

Man this has been an emotional rollercoaster

Bounty Hunter Lani appears and Zidane begins flirting before being scolded

http://i.imgur.com/S77ZaOX.png
http://i.imgur.com/raKeP4G.png
http://i.imgur.com/qv2RJ8Y.png

Buuuuut Lani isn't there to return Garnet to Alexandria

http://i.imgur.com/OFgRsLT.png
http://i.imgur.com/qUjpBqz.png

This leads to a boss fight. Lani's going to mostly target Garnet so keep her healed up

After the fight, Lani withdraws

http://i.imgur.com/tOLTTHA.png

And we get to further explore Fossil Roo! We find some untamed garngans which can be used to ravel around

http://i.imgur.com/hO2O5Yt.png

And we also meet a treasure hunter

http://i.imgur.com/CbkudTu.png

He gives us some helpful tips to explain the water and switch system used to navigate Fossil Roo

http://i.imgur.com/QDVKG6h.png
http://i.imgur.com/mRREnUE.png

We also run in to our friend Stiltzkin!

http://i.imgur.com/hyXDa6W.png

And get another mognet

http://i.imgur.com/MKoGNeQ.png

Sure enough, you can find this moogle through an excavating mini game. Just go to the far right wall on the top level when you're offered to dig in exchange for potions. There's also some good treasures around here and a few more black magic spells Quina can learn

Eventually, after flipping the right switches...

http://i.imgur.com/kyePZZi.png

Our friends are amazed at the lack of mist as they emerge on to the outer continent. Our first stop is

http://i.imgur.com/03xEpMR.png
http://i.imgur.com/i3Tx2uO.png

Quina runs off, excited about the prospect of new food and Zidane makes a comment about food being all s/he cares about

http://i.imgur.com/fE0V3ki.png

Roasted

http://i.imgur.com/mar86rV.png

Zidane tries to be smooth before realizing Garnet has already walked off and Vivi's the only one left

http://i.imgur.com/SrC5CPx.png
http://i.imgur.com/0Dq86lU.png

So anyway, in to Conde Petie we go!

http://i.imgur.com/vac7bT6.png

After an attempted greeting of Rally-Ho, Garnet and Vivi are allowed to enter the town, but Zidane is being a bit more stubborn

http://i.imgur.com/sKI6zIm.png

With that out of the way, let's explore the new town!

Vivi gets in the middle of a marital disagreement

http://i.imgur.com/li3EFqD.png
http://i.imgur.com/WMsGUV1.png

But is surprised to find the dwarfs are not afraid of him

http://i.imgur.com/A3I3JWj.png
http://i.imgur.com/ICOtTi9.png

Quina gets mistaken for the thief that's been ravaging the town

http://i.imgur.com/kGEJWd2.png
http://i.imgur.com/2xKfS6b.png
http://i.imgur.com/eqbgpOt.png
http://i.imgur.com/9SFITs7.png

Poor Quina

Zidane searches for information

http://i.imgur.com/4kmvAre.png
http://i.imgur.com/n1VOKRg.png

Without much luck

Garnet gets swept up in a conversation about someone looking for a wife for their son and suggesting maybe Garnet

http://i.imgur.com/ERTtgB2.png
http://i.imgur.com/eYF8Wpd.png

We also get a strange visitor in town...

http://i.imgur.com/CdT2DtU.png

And speaking of that thief that's been ravaging the town

http://i.imgur.com/TzvSXnY.png
http://i.imgur.com/BEF6581.png

Hmm~

While out shopping, we run in to the strange visitor

http://i.imgur.com/6YMvUhQ.png

Vivi is quite excited, but the Black Mage gets spooked and runs away

Thankfully, the locals have some helpful information for us

http://i.imgur.com/HuF3KZF.png

Next time, we go see what's going on with these Black Mages

Stay tuned~

BTW Pumpkin, I read on reddit that there's an HD Backgrounds mod out for FFIX Steam!

Interesting!

Ok. Soon we will see 10000 screenshots of every turn pumkin has trying to get the fairy flute from hillgigars


also I really like how square actually like. Understood our speak and gave it to the dwarves. Its funny

pff

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galuf

Ok. Soon we will see 10000 screenshots of every jump pumpkin has on the jump rope

---

ftfy

I know she's been saving it up

On our way to track down the Black Mages, we run in to another friendly creature!

(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/JEQGEiY.png

And then we arrive in a strange forest

http://i.imgur.com/xOnfFio.png

Basically you walk back and forth until all of the owls fly away. After that, you'll catch up with the Black Mage, who is using magic to show that the apparently dead forest is actually lush and beautiful

http://i.imgur.com/aMnqiWN.png

We follow him to find that this was covering a special village

http://i.imgur.com/cHapIs7.png

This is one of my favourite sections of the game, it's so wonderful

Our arrival, however, is not taken very well by the locals

http://i.imgur.com/f8tfoh7.png

Vivi is obviously quite excited and runs off to chase the runaway Black Mages. Garnet chases after him, and Quina goes to try and eat a chocobo egg being housed in the village

http://i.imgur.com/WC0i0BL.png

Vivi meets up with some other black mages

http://i.imgur.com/u3nXUyJ.png

After deciding it's okay to talk to him, Vivi asks how they got here.

http://i.imgur.com/FUh1hOa.png
http://i.imgur.com/3ROm3Gv.png

When Vivi asks what the place is where they're currently standing, he gets a very straight answer

http://i.imgur.com/qCFhkTL.png

He also gets a story from Mr. 56 explaining things a bit further

http://i.imgur.com/12IcLlp.png
http://i.imgur.com/D9hMI23.png
http://i.imgur.com/1Jhsi9n.png
http://i.imgur.com/2zGbpPt.png

Garnet meanwhile is having some trouble conversing with the locals at first, who don't trust her and think humans are just out to use them. Eventually she wins them over, though

We also find Virgo

http://i.imgur.com/k6K02g1.png

And then head over to check on Garnet

http://i.imgur.com/mU2aLxb.png

She goes out to check for him and we find Vivi running off, obviously upset. We go see Mr. 288 to learn a bit more about the situation

http://i.imgur.com/uV1aWdn.png
http://i.imgur.com/O10ToPZ.png

When Zidane answers no, Mr. 288 explains it was the same for him. One day he just became aware

http://i.imgur.com/NqWDvtp.png
http://i.imgur.com/9g1Gvux.png

Imagine just waking up one day to find you murdered people. That would be terrifying

http://i.imgur.com/uFJmD12.png

We also learn a bit more about what happened since

http://i.imgur.com/SPE8gPW.png

With a bit of a clue as to why Vivi is upset, we go see him in the Inn

http://i.imgur.com/eaMXYYP.png

Vivi makes it clear that he doesn't want to talk about it right now by pretending everything is fine, so we decide to call it a day

During the night, Garnet sees Vivi leave alone and gets concerned

http://i.imgur.com/Cn0TWrK.png
http://i.imgur.com/UKoTAbc.png

Joking aside, Zidane has a more serious explanation of what's probably going on

http://i.imgur.com/Q4KfqPO.png
http://i.imgur.com/vbDUZnP.png

So what might he be looking for?

http://i.imgur.com/Ad8bnNz.png

This also leads in to a story Zidane has about a man looking for his home

http://i.imgur.com/WAe65Ox.png
http://i.imgur.com/49Vh40I.png
http://i.imgur.com/th8DkVS.png

Gee, I wonder who this story is about

http://i.imgur.com/EYoXmTE.png
http://i.imgur.com/0u5ngPs.png

Unfortunately, he didn't succeed in finding his birthplace

http://i.imgur.com/VHH7tWS.png
http://i.imgur.com/3rbDKkC.png
http://i.imgur.com/QCJ7nGa.png
http://i.imgur.com/du6Qd81.png
http://i.imgur.com/GkSSov9.png

After that... sad story, we see Vivi has gone back to talk to Mr. 288 again

http://i.imgur.com/gn1TMLf.png
http://i.imgur.com/ri8dOAX.png
http://i.imgur.com/8ltVxkV.png
http://i.imgur.com/3IwJLrW.png

And thus poor, sweet, innocent Vivi has to start facing the fact that he too will die someday

http://i.imgur.com/cSjgOaP.png
http://i.imgur.com/mNxIz84.png

Maybe someday soon :(

Mr. 288 himself is still not sure how he feels about dying

http://i.imgur.com/V18skk6.png
http://i.imgur.com/O5zoaZv.png
http://i.imgur.com/7vXTASo.png

Aww

The next morning, we get some intel from one of our new Black Mage friends

http://i.imgur.com/Rfy50Rk.png
http://i.imgur.com/VbKcgLz.png

Just as the group wonders if Vivi is going to choose to stay here with his fellow Black Mages, he runs up to us

http://i.imgur.com/VFsty32.png

And so we once again embark on our journey after meeting new friends

http://i.imgur.com/iheWFT7.png

And getting another letter

http://i.imgur.com/K3ggRF9.png

Wasn't that a wonderful bit of story?

Stay tuned for next time where there may or may not be a super weird wedding between two characters~

Watch out. This is where the game gets sad. Maybe just me though lol.

also if you see yeti... tell him he is not ugly. He is on the edge of despair right now he can use any help he can get :(



Also goodluck on condie petie lol.

Before heading back to Conde Petie, we say goodbye to the villagers
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/6TwWeWE.png

I'm right there with you, buddy

Also in all of my playthroughs, I never checked these paintings before

http://i.imgur.com/WohiLOU.png

That's neat.

So we head back to Conde Petie

http://i.imgur.com/BYM3bWn.png

But unfortunately we cannot pass

http://i.imgur.com/GnF9yLR.png
http://i.imgur.com/RsjHjJe.png

And we have to go speak tae His Holiness who is wandering around a hallway and worrying

http://i.imgur.com/cE0s1AU.png

He also tells us we cannot pass, unless...

http://i.imgur.com/AjKCgiy.png
http://i.imgur.com/2HX1sTg.png

Zidane jokingly tells Garnet they should go for it to get through to the Sanctuary

http://i.imgur.com/xEYbEUc.png

Zidane is quite shocked by this, saying that this isn't enough reason to get married, but Garnet is determined to go through with it

http://i.imgur.com/dGP0lva.png
http://i.imgur.com/f2NpNYD.png

Important questions to ask during a wedding

http://i.imgur.com/YDpckcf.png

.....................................

So anyway, Garnet and Zidane get married

http://i.imgur.com/nsSX6vS.png
http://i.imgur.com/8S79rR4.png

Aw

http://i.imgur.com/tTiHqxT.png

Pretty sure that's what they say in Vegas

But that still leaves another matter

http://i.imgur.com/j6hfJQz.png
http://i.imgur.com/heHPwRQ.png

Mueheheheehehehe

http://i.imgur.com/GjGmJfq.png
http://i.imgur.com/Cf3wyCQ.png

So after a rather awkward ceremony, Quina and Vivi tie the knot. Quina decides to be a good sport about things

http://i.imgur.com/f8LCXIi.png

Awww

So we head to see the twins but we're soon interrupted by another matter

http://i.imgur.com/vtLfk1K.png
http://i.imgur.com/AkmXT5Q.png

And so the tiny thief and her moogle collaborator dash off and we chase after them. This would be a good time to unequip Quina btw

http://i.imgur.com/YUom2qq.png

We catch up to her pretty quickly because she got stuck on a branch over a cliff. When he moogle sees us, she runs away

http://i.imgur.com/WPxKJxL.png
http://i.imgur.com/hLGyWJy.png

The little girl gets spooked and urges us not to eat her because she tastes bad

http://i.imgur.com/SLTjzFK.png

Not totally deterred, Quina goes chasing off after the escaped moogle and knocks the girl down in the process

http://i.imgur.com/w6SVwGd.png

She immediately starts picking on Vivi for being smaller than her because she's not a "kid" like him and then picks on him because she introduces herself first and says he should introduce himself to a lady first

http://i.imgur.com/xoAtJBm.png

And thus we get our newest party member!

http://i.imgur.com/pluVkkh.png
http://i.imgur.com/zJsu4RU.png

Valid reason

Garnet decides its a good idea to take Eiko home, and when Zidane agrees while indicating that they're newlyweds, Eiko gets curious

http://i.imgur.com/8NHC4kP.png
http://i.imgur.com/XjZt3cb.png
http://i.imgur.com/pwnQutG.png

The Zidane rejection train continues

http://i.imgur.com/AaHRwNx.png

And so we start heading to Eiko's house, getting a look at the Sanctuary on our way

http://i.imgur.com/pxBWnkA.png

We learn from Eiko that it's actually valled the Iifa Tree

http://i.imgur.com/jy4fG0q.png

Turns out only the dwarfs call it that

There's also another mognet letter

http://i.imgur.com/tVP3Hl2.png

And we once again meet up with Stiltzkin

http://i.imgur.com/jj8aoUS.png

Further on our way to Eiko's house we run in to a terribly annoying boss fight

http://i.imgur.com/WR6R8Fb.png

This fool. If you care about stealing, be prepared for a long one. Get a sandwich and a drink and a blanket and settle in for a little while

During the boss fight, we learn that Eiko can also use summon magic

http://i.imgur.com/8Z6JKpK.png
http://i.imgur.com/dNhL1Ql.png
http://i.imgur.com/P5su9PN.png

And thus a bond is formed!

Imma end here because stealing that stupid flute took way too long, but next time we will head to Eiko's house!

Wow pumpkin... didnt know youd resort to cheating just to pretend you stole the flute. Im reporting you to shauna.

Just looking at images of this game makes me feel good.

Today we learn more about our new friend Eiko as we take her home!
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/ODoBlhm.png
http://i.imgur.com/OndwWje.png

Zidane, as polite as ever

http://i.imgur.com/BEYT3JN.png

Since Eiko is home, her moogle friends come out to greet her

http://i.imgur.com/oDl8B9s.png

Mog comes out of hiding and gets fussed at

http://i.imgur.com/Uj6tWV4.png

We head further in to the village and Eiko is all about her hero Zidane

http://i.imgur.com/hnAMLSN.png

Zidane has some questions of his own for the tiny summoner

http://i.imgur.com/ByXDUCR.png

But instead of answering, she barrages him with questions

http://i.imgur.com/MYxWA3E.png

Since he doesn't get a chance to answer, I will try to answer for him!

He doesn't know
16
Steal
After Kuja

http://i.imgur.com/y3W7yUi.png

The kind that doesn't have sleeping weed in it
???
???
Garnet

Noticing that Garnet seems a little out of it, Zidane goes to check on her and thinks maybe she's jealous

http://i.imgur.com/gdJ2COm.png
http://i.imgur.com/fyn5hwg.png
http://i.imgur.com/Qa9K58q.png

With that, Eiko invites us to dinner

http://i.imgur.com/ZUtNBMO.png

Speaking of Vivi, he's stuck tackling with the recent news about how Black Mages have been dying

http://i.imgur.com/R42hWmu.png
http://i.imgur.com/N1L4CJ6.png

And he starts asking the questions we've been asking ourselves forever

http://i.imgur.com/YYT4OUS.png
http://i.imgur.com/sp9oY24.png

Eiko, meanwhile, starts prepping for dinner

http://i.imgur.com/lyh1aF2.png
http://i.imgur.com/QPkYIRN.png

Er... yeah

http://i.imgur.com/jRWgbxW.png

Puehehe

http://i.imgur.com/4k82TaJ.png

As everyone gets to their tasks of helping, Eiko looks up at the sky and asks her Grandpa for help

http://i.imgur.com/vjsc0xa.png

While in Madain Sari, we also get another piece of our Zodiac story!

http://i.imgur.com/i7NdD1A.png

And we see that Garnet is having some struggles of her own

http://i.imgur.com/hvzuHi0.png
http://i.imgur.com/o18F17k.png
http://i.imgur.com/FHGhsLz.png

And you thought you had parental issues

http://i.imgur.com/YUNxral.png
http://i.imgur.com/QHJEdVg.png
http://i.imgur.com/6YXNaD5.png

And so two of our characters needed to go to a whole new continent to learn more about themselves.

This is why they tell you to travel after high school!

We head to Eidolon Wall to find that access is restricted. But we do see an old friend

http://i.imgur.com/l0pgPbI.png

Upset by the subpar sand, Quina jumps in to a river

Where s/he is soon fished out

http://i.imgur.com/wgrcjq1.png
http://i.imgur.com/8WgUqih.png

Speaking of which, when cooking with Eiko, make sure to prepare enough water for at least 11 people and help the moogle out when they're fishing in order to fish out Quina

Still not done cooking, we are offered a tour of Eidolon Wall

http://i.imgur.com/wRDmwI4.png

We also go get Garnet, figuring she'd like to see this

http://i.imgur.com/FkoyHFu.png
http://i.imgur.com/qOnE3jg.png

While Garnet learns more about the eidolons, we learn more about the summoners as well

http://i.imgur.com/48QGk0W.png
http://i.imgur.com/9Ch1c9y.png

Meanwhile, after fishing up Quina

http://i.imgur.com/JlMIz4X.png
http://i.imgur.com/obnffFv.png

Quina quickly clears up the misunderstanding, more concerned with helping Eiko prepare a proper meal

http://i.imgur.com/BaXim9H.png
http://i.imgur.com/8Sb0gVu.png

With Quina and Vivi's help, dinner is finally prepared and it is amazing

http://i.imgur.com/Mv5zQ24.png
http://i.imgur.com/r7MJtYp.png

And my screencap got photobombed by a moogle apparently

During dinner we ask Eiko more about herself and this place

http://i.imgur.com/YBoMv7h.png
http://i.imgur.com/vD60ynT.png

(That means they're dead)

http://i.imgur.com/1A6XdCk.png

Aww poor child

Although living with moogles doesn't seem like a bad time tbh

http://i.imgur.com/PsKg2sG.png

(That means she's six)

http://i.imgur.com/CzCghom.png

So most of them died and after her grandpa... well she was the last one left

http://i.imgur.com/gNdcnAC.png
http://i.imgur.com/p9YhqBi.png

We also learn about the horn on her forehead

http://i.imgur.com/9PnoXBP.png

Afterwards, her and Garnet chat about literature that they're surprised Eiko has copies of since she's so far away from the Mist Continent.

After dinner, Eiko asks if Zidane wants to eat her cooking everyday and he says sure. Not satisfied with his half-assed answer, she asks us to help with the cleaning

http://i.imgur.com/Ws3osWh.png

While helping (or in this case standing there holding a pot) we ask her more about the Iifa Tree

http://i.imgur.com/5ucxOU9.png
http://i.imgur.com/xy47f8D.png

We ask her if she'll break the seal for us and she says no

Later that night, Vivi and Zidane do some male bonding

http://i.imgur.com/nbx3cQ8.png
http://i.imgur.com/Hq3LNUh.png

Time for a Zidane peptalk!

http://i.imgur.com/MGla25p.png
http://i.imgur.com/ffsjZ2p.png
http://i.imgur.com/9purhz4.png

He then tells Vivi that he just wants to protect those he cares about

Eiko, who was eavesdropping, decides that she's going to follow her heart and come with us when we leave

http://i.imgur.com/m1Kppvg.png

Meanwhile

http://i.imgur.com/rxDjjVt.png

Zidane and Vivi decide to pee under the stars

How... romantic or something I don't know

The next morning, Garnet tells us she wants to come back here because she feels a sense of comfort with this place

http://i.imgur.com/wk8XzUG.png

Eiko sneaks up and tells us we need her to unlock the seal and asks Zidane if we want her with us, to which he replies of course he does

http://i.imgur.com/uPyBVi7.png

Garnet walks away after asking Zidane why he needs to be so nice to everyone, and Zidane asks Vivi if he's settled his feelings on what was worrying him. He says he hasn't

http://i.imgur.com/AR3d99S.png

And the next update will be a while because this is a good place to grind (free healing) and Eiko has a loooot of catching up to do, but next time we head to the Iifa Tree!

Stay tuned~

Alright so before we head to the Iifa tree, we can get another one of our special coffees for Morrid in Eiko's kitchen
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/8JxjqB7.png

After that it's time to head to....

http://i.imgur.com/y8pPcqi.png

Yeah!

http://i.imgur.com/lw6RmJR.png

Either that or teens hang out here to vape

So anyway, there's a barrier protecting the tree, which we knew, and after Zidane bodyslams it to no avail, he asks Eiko for help

http://i.imgur.com/0iid6Op.png

She does a whole little boom boom spell thing

http://i.imgur.com/Dheky9A.png
http://i.imgur.com/tZzzjJc.png
http://i.imgur.com/aGqBLUe.png
http://i.imgur.com/opUvpoo.png

And so Garnet starts to feel insecure about her lack of a horn

We head inside the Iifa Tree and deliver another mognet

http://i.imgur.com/1AyKio8.png

Speaking of Vivi, he's not doing so hot

http://i.imgur.com/983tE0v.png

I'm right there with you, bro

Eiko takes this opportunity to act as his big sister and tells him to stay close. Zidane asks Eiko if she has any info on this weird mechanical/natural tree

http://i.imgur.com/dklDBuH.png

Zidane does the obvious thing and steps on the big circle with the triangle on it

http://i.imgur.com/JtRtHXE.png

And finds that it goes down like an elevator

http://i.imgur.com/HF7IWuR.png

After waiting for it to come back up, they all head down, further in to the Iifa Tree. One of my least fave dungeons. It's just kinda super linear and ugly and the monsters are pretty annoying. Anyway

So we end up somewhere more vibrant looking

http://i.imgur.com/QAZk0Af.png
http://i.imgur.com/KqV7wow.png

So Eiko hops on a sketchy looking leaf and it doesn't move. So we decide to all hop on it and then it moves because sure

http://i.imgur.com/6WZkx2Q.png

I guess you need to weigh more than like 12 lbs. Also poor Vivi again.

So anyway, Eiko explains that moogles are like fairies (very plump fairies) she asks her friend Mog, who hides away in her dress, what she senses.

http://i.imgur.com/mfh9Ub8.png
http://i.imgur.com/RTw0IhK.png

Good job Mog. Good job.

So after random battles with zombies and zombie dragons, we get to talking about the mist

http://i.imgur.com/uRxBxCh.png
http://i.imgur.com/unLPNtt.png

Those seem like excellent and complicated questions that certainly won't be straight up answered in like 10 minutes

http://i.imgur.com/ScTlhGo.png
http://i.imgur.com/x4w9Kre.png

Eiko asks for an update and Garnet explains how Black Mages were being made there before apologizing to Vivi

http://i.imgur.com/51lDSVw.png
http://i.imgur.com/Rih4CMq.png

He's so smart and precious

So we reach the bottom of the leaf.... thing and arrive and yet another high up place. Eiko asks Vivi for his company as she goes to scout things

http://i.imgur.com/TmhaVAY.png

"Helpless"

Zidane and Garnet also chat about how the tree seems alive but also like part machine and also like super old

http://i.imgur.com/C8LROs3.png

Eiko asks Zidane to romantically gaze down below with her

http://i.imgur.com/ovvcQ5I.png

It's very... green. But it turns out Eiko wasn't looking anyway

http://i.imgur.com/KIz8Sys.png
http://i.imgur.com/DxS1WnY.png

There there buddy

But before Eiko can creep Zidane out further, something happens

http://i.imgur.com/hzmiDNL.png

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No.

IT'S ZOMBIE TREEEE

http://i.imgur.com/QdKoCge.png
http://i.imgur.com/YuwL3JB.png

BUT WHY

http://i.imgur.com/lUEZAYS.png
http://i.imgur.com/QvJLgbO.png

Say what you will about Evil Zombie Tree, but man is he easy to get answers out of. None of that vague villain stuff for him. Just straight answers

But how does this tie in to Kuja?

http://i.imgur.com/QvRG3lC.png
http://i.imgur.com/AVXIgP5.png
http://i.imgur.com/wjsqoEV.png

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNN

http://i.imgur.com/F6suZEc.png

And if no more mist flows, that means there will be no more Black Mages...

http://i.imgur.com/F7kh6Gt.png

And so we get a boss fight and I will give you a hint for making it super easy. He's a Zombie Tree. Maybe if you have some restorative items to spare...

So with Evil Zombie Tree defeated, the mist begins to recede

http://i.imgur.com/6ezyBzT.png

Not just here but also back on the Mist Continent

http://i.imgur.com/KWJmGPh.png
http://i.imgur.com/2M2sifq.png
http://i.imgur.com/KyIYV00.png

They're gonna have to rename it now

http://i.imgur.com/YZjFgwV.png

Oh we're being serious again

http://i.imgur.com/hjTskwA.png
http://i.imgur.com/aHQSma3.png
http://i.imgur.com/EToyYux.png

Poor Vivi. He wonders if this will make his fellow Black Mages hate him

http://i.imgur.com/AcxCouh.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ccqm3mn.png

Eiko can be a sweetie when she wants to be. Honestly I like her more and more everytime I play the game. I have mad respect for this six year old who lost her whole tribe and whose whole family died and it's up to her to keep the summoner legacy going and these people show up one day tangled up in this massive mess and she's like "I gotchu"

So the gang decides to wait for Kuja, figuring he'll show up with his mist supply gone, but unfortunately Eiko gets some bad news from one of her moogle friends

http://i.imgur.com/UFwsBnY.png
http://i.imgur.com/owKp9mE.png

And because we're her new besties, we decide to go with her

Stay tuned next time to find out what's going on back in Madain Sari~!

Yay we are at the same spot in the game 😀

Alrighty, we head back to Madain Sari to see what happened
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/dq1vpyv.png
http://i.imgur.com/tNslg9R.png

Seeing that she's upset, Zidane tells her she can cry if she wants to

http://i.imgur.com/bE7hsix.png

Six is pretty grown up

Nah I'm not trying to sell her short, she is pretty grown up for her age. But at the end of the day, she's still a small child. Poor thing

http://i.imgur.com/0XU1PUo.png

She wonders if it's her fault because she left the village and broke the seal on the Iifa Tree. Zidane comforts her

http://i.imgur.com/LzkXcZV.png

Eiko agrees and reiterates that she was not going to cry because she's a grown up and grown ups don't cry. Tell that to me when I play a sad game.

http://i.imgur.com/or30ftm.png
http://i.imgur.com/EviRNV4.png

After she leaves, Zidane puts the moves on Dagger and tells her he always has a shoulder if she feels like crying

http://i.imgur.com/zscDtzn.png

And so he starts teasing her again

http://i.imgur.com/Eu2xWqV.png

What a goof. But before more flirtatious shenanigans can happen...

http://i.imgur.com/Bdkjrz6.png
http://i.imgur.com/OZJu2Qu.png

Uh oh

Sure enough, our old friend is back

http://i.imgur.com/DKEPvfP.png

Zidane tries to get Mog to help him with an Eiko rescue plan but Mog is too much of a coward, so we have no choice but to confront Lani head on.

Lani has since drugged Eiko with some sleeping weed since she was so rambunctious. Zidane gives Garnet the side eye

http://i.imgur.com/kFcC2pn.png

Lani says this is too good of an opportunity to pass up however. She came here trying to get Garnet's pendant and found one just like it here. She asks Garnet where her pendant is now and Zidane confesses to having it

http://i.imgur.com/EJLVBWp.png

However, sensing that Zidane is up to no good, she tells Vivi to bring it to her, which he reluctantly does.

BUT THEN

http://i.imgur.com/mA3FbUS.png

A mysterious hero comes to our rescue, opposing the dastardly Lani

http://i.imgur.com/ENyP4xM.png

Who is this mysterious man??

http://i.imgur.com/jZosAFo.png

Lani asks him what his shedealio is and why he's betraying her like this

It's super embarrassing

http://i.imgur.com/4pKUHSJ.png

And so, not wanting to take everyone on, she takes off threatening to collect his bounty some day

As for our hero

http://i.imgur.com/LUoPmN3.png

SURE

So after we beat him up with just Zidane, pretty easy fight, he asks us to kill him because it's what you do when you lose a fight

http://i.imgur.com/W3i9xAk.png

Zidane doesn't really care about that though and just wants Eiko's treasure back

http://i.imgur.com/rOeSmty.png

The dude is still all like WHY HAVE I NOT BEEN KILLED YET

http://i.imgur.com/5OgyQGI.png
http://i.imgur.com/kw7yvsx.png
http://i.imgur.com/f37wZml.png

At this point the guy is just a broken record

http://i.imgur.com/rQGeolx.png

And now Zidane is just tryna sound cool

So the dude leaves and Eiko demands Vivi follows after her when she goes back to where the treasure was being held

http://i.imgur.com/8ySIkJp.png

We also follow after Eiko to see how she's holding up

http://i.imgur.com/0rKBHcl.png
http://i.imgur.com/E7LA4fs.png

Friendship is hard

Eiko is struggling with a tough decision

http://i.imgur.com/0ovklSX.png

But she wants to travel with us

http://i.imgur.com/ZyHYEC1.png

It doesn't matter what you say though because-

http://i.imgur.com/JQ9QQHd.png

Yeah

http://i.imgur.com/dVtEXzg.png
http://i.imgur.com/8zApnHW.png

Aww Vivi. Too presh for this world

http://i.imgur.com/qEiWaEo.png

Mog is worried that Eiko is mad at her

http://i.imgur.com/dV75Fiu.png

But at the end of the day, they're both still besties

http://i.imgur.com/36Jqysl.png

Not only are they besties, but they're like sisters

http://i.imgur.com/6ejV33D.png

They even have matching ribbons they made for each other

http://i.imgur.com/h3p7yP3.png

She asks Zidane if he'll dance with her when that day comes

http://i.imgur.com/sFR9AAd.png

Smooth

Later on, Zidane finds Garnet in a little boat under Eiko's house

http://i.imgur.com/PdflRjn.png
http://i.imgur.com/5g5NGOk.png

Muehehe

But before long it goes to more serious talks

http://i.imgur.com/4EGhBhw.png
http://i.imgur.com/mWQA19l.png

Zidane says that they did all help, but they also each had their own paths to walk

http://i.imgur.com/KoL2Zis.png

OH YAY IT'S STORY TIME

http://i.imgur.com/PJMkkU6.png
http://i.imgur.com/elMMg5f.png
http://i.imgur.com/hy7u4HT.png

After venturing together so far, Ipsen asked Colin

http://i.imgur.com/LhY0L6f.png

And the answer?

http://i.imgur.com/5a95Ovn.png

D'awww :3

As the boat drifts out to sea, Garnet hears the song she sings that no one else knows

http://i.imgur.com/x4V6B66.png

And finds some of her memories triggered

http://i.imgur.com/Bj54Ijk.png
http://i.imgur.com/yfmCEep.png

And so we see a memory of Madain Sari undergoing a disaster

http://i.imgur.com/frwgvk0.png

And a small girl and her mother escaping on a boat

http://i.imgur.com/FlvjskL.png
http://i.imgur.com/s0TqE8L.png

So Garnet tells us some more about her past

http://i.imgur.com/YXIcE8k.png

And before then...

http://i.imgur.com/iTiyTfU.png
http://i.imgur.com/nu0Zxsf.png

Garnet wants to ask Dr. Tot more when she gets home about who her mother was, how she got to Alexandria, and why she doesn't have a horn

http://i.imgur.com/dd8Qc1E.png
http://i.imgur.com/TrpaKU1.png

With that, Eiko makes up her mind to join us on our quest, which surprises Vivi the next morning since he slept through all of this

http://i.imgur.com/omWkV3K.png
http://i.imgur.com/5WQoXm5.png

But before we can leave, our friend comes back

http://i.imgur.com/GTUaWTS.png

OH MY GAAAWWWWWSSSSHSHHHHHHHHHHHH

http://i.imgur.com/TNb9Cjw.png

And that's a good idea said no one ever

http://i.imgur.com/kyoL7d0.png
http://i.imgur.com/BMuuXo9.png

"Human"

And so we get our last party member.

Next time, we finish up disc 2!

Stay tuned~

Theres amarant for you formy :). He is a wee bit odd.

After grinding Amarant a bit we head back to the Iifa Tree, where our newest party member wants an update
(SPOILER)

http://i.imgur.com/tfHMcEw.png
http://i.imgur.com/tz5X8Qs.png

Kuja decides to show up at this point, pretty unconcerned about the mist being gone

http://i.imgur.com/ociF04k.png
http://i.imgur.com/7bNWVxd.png

They keep calling it a silver dragon, but it looks pretty green to me. Especially right next to Kuja

Our heroes heroically rush up the Iifa Tree in pursuit of Kuja, since that's the whole reason we came to this continent, but we hit a snag when most of the party can't climb up the steep trunk

http://i.imgur.com/dzqopd1.png

But this of course is not a plan Zidane approves of, so he comes up with a different one

http://i.imgur.com/KAbNqQe.png

But now it's Amarant's turn to dispute the plan

http://i.imgur.com/4BCGr2f.png

And so off he goes with a child in each arm

http://i.imgur.com/13abVUo.png

Yeah, "spirit." Zidane grabs Garnet on a piggy back and away they go!

Kuja, meanwhile, is monologuing about how the strong imprison the weak or something. Very Darwinian

http://i.imgur.com/J2qeqLc.png

The party catches up to him and has some questions

http://i.imgur.com/dPOVwQW.png

He denies it, claiming he simply gave her a push. And the Black Mages?

http://i.imgur.com/W9qoNCB.png
http://i.imgur.com/RoAIIwt.png

Vivi, upset by what he's saying, tells him to stop

http://i.imgur.com/yzVa4jo.png

Zidane takes this to mean the dregs of souls is the mist. Garnet asks how he can be so heartless about everything he's done, but he doesn't see the big deal, saying people die all the time. He continues to deny that he made Brahne go all psycho

http://i.imgur.com/fkxaeDF.png

As if to prove him right, Brahne's ship fleet arrives

http://i.imgur.com/n7osdJF.png

The Queen herself seems ready to betray Kuja, something he was anticipating

http://i.imgur.com/Hipq7TI.png
http://i.imgur.com/kw7r4PD.png
http://i.imgur.com/IkRsm5x.png

And so Kuja leaves to go fight Brahne and her fleet of ships full of Black Mages

http://i.imgur.com/B6CEhzk.png
http://i.imgur.com/vqCzLme.png

Now, I know what you're thinking, and so is Zidane

http://i.imgur.com/swIn4bI.png

They argue for a bit about this

http://i.imgur.com/r7Msrar.png

And this part actually gets me because I have similar issues with my mom. I mean, she didn't try to kill me or anything, but we've had a lot of troubles. Yet still some part of me cares about her when I wish I didn't

SO ANYWAY

http://i.imgur.com/Xst9eKi.png

When Eiko points the way, Garnet runs off on her own to try and get the Eidolon to save her mom and the rest of us have to chase after her while being pursued by weird mist monsters

http://i.imgur.com/ARxSQK4.png

She arrives to the sealed Eidolon, Leviathan and asks for his power

http://i.imgur.com/Vveab4F.png

But unfortunately...

http://i.imgur.com/1VKE9XA.png

Brahne isn't out of the fight yet though, and she has a trick up her sleeve. A trick Kuja was waiting for her to pull out

http://i.imgur.com/ez90m9q.png
http://i.imgur.com/TfXKw8o.png
http://i.imgur.com/LWg4SQF.png

Bahamut faces off against Kuja and the Silver Dragon

http://i.imgur.com/ZMoAU3n.png
http://i.imgur.com/ove03Mt.png
http://i.imgur.com/sw4dGBN.png

And while it seems like Kuja probably lost that one, he's not out either

http://i.imgur.com/9A18svC.png

So pretty graphics for PS1 era~

But if you're wondering if Kuja made it out uninjured, well...

http://i.imgur.com/BkptpnJ.png

Not... entirely.

The fact that Bahamut is fighting on Brahne's side gets Garnet excited, although Mog is quite concerned

http://i.imgur.com/iyzqeSO.png

Kuja himself is quite pleased that Bahamut has made an appearance

http://i.imgur.com/WXYJYJn.png

He starts monologuing again about how Brahne's time in this play has come to an end

http://i.imgur.com/CAekSat.png

And so Kuja pulls out his own Ace

http://i.imgur.com/k0QP3yE.png

A giant eyeball in the sky! Gee, where have we seen that before

So the eye does something weird to Bahamut

http://i.imgur.com/Yx0JtkJ.png

And basically kills the black mages on Brahne's fleet. And that is when, to her horror, Bahamut betrays Queen Brahne and begins attacking her fleet

http://i.imgur.com/gBJdE5x.png

Before disappearing. Kuja leaves looking quite pleased with himself

http://i.imgur.com/YcGexxi.png

Also he's finally sitting down, good for him

We don't know why Bahamut betrayed Brahne

http://i.imgur.com/KFtcFYD.png

This part always gets to me

http://i.imgur.com/XloBoAv.png
http://i.imgur.com/NpGVFKJ.png

Such genuine, human emotion. Grieving for someone who has hurt you and feeling empathy because that person was loved by a friend. It's just beautifully tragic

http://i.imgur.com/QXUko0E.png
http://i.imgur.com/9MCNW9w.png

After telling her daughter that she will make a much better Queen, Brahne dies

http://i.imgur.com/lYRxY14.png

They took Garnet's mother with them

And now I hope you're ready for disc 3, whoo~

http://i.imgur.com/p1EFRWh.png
http://i.imgur.com/gvNFKkK.png

We get to see Beatrix and Steiner again, both wholeheartedly agreeing to help Garnet

The citizens of Alexandria made a pretty rose bouquet for Brahne because even though she went a bit psycho, they remember the better days. After placing the wreath on her mother's grave, Garnet walks away and towards the kingdom she will now be ruling

http://i.imgur.com/7GPibIR.png
http://i.imgur.com/M1Rardc.png

After saying goodbye to Brahne, they head back to the castle

http://i.imgur.com/jt3pDWp.png

Zidane, meanwhile, is pouting in a bar

http://i.imgur.com/MRcJ9X2.png

Figuring he doesn't want to talk (because he literally doesn't) Cinna asks Ruby about the new mini-theatre she just opened up. They all leave to go see it and Ruby tells Zidane to come along when he's ready. On the way out, they run in to Vivi and Blank explains how Beatrix, Freya, and Steiner fought so hard after the party split up that they had to carry them out on their backs

Now we get to be Vivi again, wandering the streets of Alexandria just like we did when the game started. Except a lot has happened since then.

Blank and Marcus talk about how difficult it must be to be in love with someone who is about to be Queen

http://i.imgur.com/4GvtW1C.png

And we finally meet the moogle who was supposed to be delivering all of the letters we've been delivering

http://i.imgur.com/S7zMEln.png
http://i.imgur.com/7CSUvOZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/FBsce1d.png

Stilitzkin has some more stuff for sale so he can continue on his journey

http://i.imgur.com/FU23WGv.png

And we get a few mognets, one of which was actually delivered by Artemicion!

http://i.imgur.com/VLzTkdx.png
http://i.imgur.com/YuNnDfw.png

Tune in next time as we continue in to my favourite disc of the whole game!

That's some heavy plot stuff right there.

So when we left off we were Vivi in Alexandria and you can do some nifty things like race a hippo.
(SPOILER)
You can also see that Alexandria has changed some since we were here last

http://i.imgur.com/75b90gw.png

We also see the dumbest and most tragic misunderstanding ever

http://i.imgur.com/8ehQvLp.png
http://i.imgur.com/Hi2yc6s.png

We also see the Mayor of Dali is visiting Alexandria

http://i.imgur.com/aASBWOM.png

And not having a good time.

Eiko is amazed at the castle

http://i.imgur.com/Mx9TUdr.png

A gigantic house indeed

Meanwhile, Blank wants us to go watch Ruby's play with them

http://i.imgur.com/qVwa295.png

Because he's late and doesn't want Ruby to notice him sneaking in. How dare he use Vivi as a pawn in his game?

So Vivi goes in and introduces himself to Ruby, who likes him because who wouldn't like Vivi? And he sees Cinna again and calls him Uncle Cinna, which Cinna is not a fan of

http://i.imgur.com/l1agX9p.png

Blank takes this opportunity to sneak in

http://i.imgur.com/bDp5LVi.png
http://i.imgur.com/S5XsqnR.png

OR NOT

Back at the castle

http://i.imgur.com/NTXgrnS.png

Steiner tells Garnet she has better things to do than talk to Zidane. Dr. Tot comes in and gives us some gemstones

http://i.imgur.com/ofjMa5g.png

Awkward~

So Beatrix stays with Garnet to help get her in to her fancy coronation dress, and Garnet asks her if she can see Zidane, which also gets a no. Poor Garnet

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the castle

http://i.imgur.com/UlT4JuQ.png

And so she decides to write him a letter, a foolproof plan. Conveniently, Dr. Tot appears

http://i.imgur.com/DMGaCHq.png

After calling his hat nerdy, she enlists his help in writing a love letter

http://i.imgur.com/yq8L995.png

The horn sends him to memory lane, remembering a ship that washed up with a dead woman and a little girl inside

http://i.imgur.com/0rijQWI.png

And the girl

http://i.imgur.com/FOKMGTA.png

Except for one small detail

http://i.imgur.com/I8wPt1c.png
http://i.imgur.com/erOyX4C.png
http://i.imgur.com/5WxQwYz.png

And then all of the other Ronso made fun of her with chants of HORNLESS, HORNLESS

Speaking of being adopted, Garnet decides to tell Beatrix, who takes the news rather well

http://i.imgur.com/bIYOW4o.png
http://i.imgur.com/x7QROaZ.png

Back with Eiko

http://i.imgur.com/IHkxNtp.png

That's how love letters work, apparently

She thanks Dr. Tot, introduces herself, and takes off to deliver the letter, leaving Dr. Tot rather confused about where she said she lives

http://i.imgur.com/isJ08lh.png

On the way to deliver the letter, however, Baku ends up bumping in to Eiko and his huge belly sends her flying

http://i.imgur.com/bWzwCJh.png

And because it's Eiko, she gets caught on something and can't get down

http://i.imgur.com/XxwUfOc.png

And that's how Baku nearly killed Eiko

http://i.imgur.com/glaTXnz.png

Not that he cares much...

Eiko's bad luck doesn't end there though

http://i.imgur.com/phU3npv.png

And so she asks Baku to deliver it to Zidane for her

On his way out, Baku and Steiner get in to an argument

http://i.imgur.com/v84cM4g.png
http://i.imgur.com/AZcLsY4.png

During the argument, he drops Eiko's love letter and both he and Steiner take off in a huff

As for who finds the letter...

http://i.imgur.com/kWt6uO9.png
http://i.imgur.com/7j1S8oF.png
http://i.imgur.com/NJDAzmR.png

Zidane, meanwhile...

http://i.imgur.com/AUlJXsw.png

...is still pouting

His friends show up to try and console him but he isn't having it

http://i.imgur.com/qpzQrn5.png

Baku comes in and, desperate to get his mind on something else, Zidane begs him to be let back in to Tantalus

http://i.imgur.com/I2bHPYI.png

Unfortunately, Baku doesn't accept

http://i.imgur.com/qz78LpW.png

Vivi comes in and breaks the tension as he does so well

http://i.imgur.com/0beP3iw.png
http://i.imgur.com/ApULVnk.png

And Zidane, being who he is, puts on a brave face for Vivi and agrees that they should go and encourage her before she becomes Queen

So off we go to the castle while Baku remembers he forgot something

http://i.imgur.com/gFET2qQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/9gDZTDs.png

What a carefree man

We also get another mognet

http://i.imgur.com/52sEMYu.png

And so Stiltzkin is off on another adventure~

Freya and Amarant meet

http://i.imgur.com/EfFAD2T.png

It goes well

They start fighting and Zidane has to break it up, only to learn that Freya is pretty upset at him

http://i.imgur.com/OmELoTz.png

She says that Kuja will probably come after Garnet next, but Zidane says she doesn't need him anymore

http://i.imgur.com/T2nNZ38.png

While exploring the castle we also get more of the Stellazzio story!

http://i.imgur.com/HN3DqBT.png

We also arrive just in time to see Eiko being kicked out of the castle by Steiner who as we all know is very against fun

http://i.imgur.com/wxtD31P.png

Steiner then fusses at us for our general existence in the area before Vivi tells him they want to see Garnet

http://i.imgur.com/KaHCXkq.png

So Garnet comes out in her mega dress and everyone is like WOW SO BEAUTY but Zidane says nothing. Before Garnet walks away, Eiko runs up to say her goodbyes

http://i.imgur.com/SndLIWS.png
http://i.imgur.com/MUjTnHM.png
http://i.imgur.com/KC2mbYC.png

D'aww

http://i.imgur.com/WjvakWH.png

And so with gems traded, Garnet heads back to do... I dunno, get ready for her Queenly duties, I guess. Zidane then lets out his feels about how he made a whole big speech for her but it would be a lie and he couldn't bring himself to do it

http://i.imgur.com/UpMjEJ4.png
http://i.imgur.com/p52BbWn.png

That is one troubled young dude

I hope you didn't forget about the whole love letter affair because later that night

http://i.imgur.com/jLLSc8D.png

Eiko decides she's mad at him and wants to take off before Zidane can show up (not knowing he never got the letter) but she hides when more people appear

http://i.imgur.com/ziZs7lU.png

It turns out that Blank somehow got a hold of the love letter too

So while Blank goes on about what a stud he is, yet more people arrive and the two of them have to hide

http://i.imgur.com/TrfR39M.png

Rushing to hide they accidentally, you guessed it, DROP THE LOVE LETTER

Which is promptly found by Steiner who is out on patrol

http://i.imgur.com/65o8GQX.png

Good catch Steiner

Beatrix then arrives, since she got the love letter earlier asking her to be here

http://i.imgur.com/2T8SWMc.png

The two of them get close as the hidden onlookers get more and more invested

http://i.imgur.com/Tybc6rb.png
http://i.imgur.com/KcFASse.png

But in the end, Baku ruins this like he ruins everything

http://i.imgur.com/AdV7nu1.png
http://i.imgur.com/POeNgGs.png

So anyway, Eiko storms off, pursued by Dr. Tot who has some questions for her

http://i.imgur.com/aBcV0Fx.png

She says she will be glad to answer his questions and asks if they can go to his house to do so

http://i.imgur.com/dve0Xho.png
http://i.imgur.com/AJrNBNW.png

And so we all decide to go to Treno using the Gargan Roo transportation method

That night, as they travel to Treno...

http://i.imgur.com/BhRGK9G.png

But when they see Blank and Marcus patrolling...

http://i.imgur.com/cuxqzWW.png

And so off they go, as quickly as they arrived

Before Eiko answers some questions, she decides she wants to go sightseeing and drags Vivi along with her

http://i.imgur.com/CKERsBR.png

After she runs off, Vivi meets an old friend who helped him get to Alexandria at the beginning of the game

http://i.imgur.com/qUg1J11.png

Who convinces him that maybe he should stop by his house

Amarant runs in to some trouble from the dude who scammed Garnet earlier on

http://i.imgur.com/NhGogke.png

Scared away by his reputation, he runs off as Eiko walks up

http://i.imgur.com/aK4nQCg.png
http://i.imgur.com/KMJLYkc.png

So he plans to use a little girl to collect the bounty on Amarant

http://i.imgur.com/PsKOglW.png

What a creeper jackass

After his offers to help her sightsee fail, he offers her food.

Which has a rather unintended consequence

http://i.imgur.com/kbwGcw4.png
http://i.imgur.com/0mMBATO.png
http://i.imgur.com/DktSiiV.png

Muehehe

And finally, we get another mognet!

http://i.imgur.com/IfRB5UF.png

Next time we explore some more of Treno~

Stay tuned!