This is the second main quest for the Arcanist Guild.
Picking up the Quest
To begin it, speak with the Guild Mistress, Thubyrgeim, back in the Alchemists Guild. (X 4.6 Y 11.4)
Ah, Melody, isn't it? Are you eating well? An empty stomach distracts the mind and leads to hurried judgement. I must oft remind my arcanists to take meals, so ensconced do they become in their studies.
Speaking of such, have you been practicing your studies with the Carbuncle? I believe it is time to assess the improvement of your skills. As with your previous trial, I would have you defeat foes in Lower La Noscea - three wild Dodos and three tiny mandragoras, to be precise.
Watch carefully the behaviour of your opponents, and utilize your arcane energy to its fullest potential. I expect you back in time for dinner.
After she has said her piece, it is time to hunt down these beings and deliver to them the arcanists judgement. In other words, go to Lower La Noscea and kill yourself:
- Three Wild Dodos
- Three Tiny Mandragoras.
Doing the Quest
As with the first quest, this starts by heading through the tempest gate. If you have picked up all the aetherytes, this is as simple as running to the nearest one and teleporting to the correct gate. If you have yet to gather all the aetherytes, you'll find the tempest gate exit on the upper floors of Limsa at X11.7 and Y 14.6.
When you get outside you want to head to X 27.3 Y 21.4 to find the Dodos, the dodos are simple enough to take down so log as you take 'em one at a time.
Once you have killed three dodos, continue to follow the path until you come across the Mandragora patch. You want to kill three of these little guys as well. Don't underestimate them because of their size, if the mandragora fate pops up (as it oft does in this area) they are mean little beggers. If they gang up on you, your health will quickly dissolve.
Once they have been suitably destroyed return to the guild, you should know where it is by now. Limsa Lominsa, lower decks, through Hawker's Alley.
Returning to Thubyrgeim
Welcome back, Melody. It appears your coordination with Carbuncle is progressing at a satisfactory pace. Shall we test your growing acumen with a more practical examination?
Our work at Maelvaan's gate requires us to inspect and record the contents of incoming cargo. To simulate such a task I have had several crates transported to the cliff south of the Zephyr Gate. I want you to examine the crates then return the inspected cargo here to me.
You will be surprised at the depths to which some merchants will sink to deter our customs agents from performing thorough investigations. False bottoms, rotting foodstuffs, flesh-eating vilekin. I suggest you be prepared for any eventuality.
Inspecting the Crates
Zephyr gate leads to middle La Noscea. It can be found on the lower decks at X12.1 Y11.2.
Once through the gates you will find the crates down the hill on your immediate right. X 21.6 Y24.9. Approach the crates and interact with them to assess them.
Two slugs will attack you when you begin your inspection. Dispatch the slugs, watch out for the AOE and interact with the crates again. Cue cutscene,
???: I am not a threat! Pray ignore my presence for the present and allow me a moment to cogitate.
The reaction to my sudden appearance was within expected parameters. But I must admit I did not expect so proficient a performance against the enemies set against you!
Yet, effective though your tactics were, I spied much room for improvement. As I watched you battle, the wheels of my mind whirled into motion, as they are wont to do, inventing other possible strategies you might have employed.
Let's see... Taking into account your current level of ability, factoring in the aetheric constant, multiplying by the number of opponents, then applying your tactics to other potential combat scenarios... Oh dear. My calculations indicate failure upon encountering threat level 9,785.
Well, we'll have to see what we can do about that!
K'lyhia: Though the opportune window to do so has passed, I would, nevertheless, introduce myself. I am K'lyhia, a Maelvaan's gate assessor. Acting Guild master Thubyrgeim elected me to oversee your training, and provide any necessary guidance and instruction in the field of arcanima.
From what I have observed so far, you have an admirable grasp of the fundamentals. I do, however, wish to confirm one small detail. Regarding your choice of arcane geometries, what factor most influences your actions during battle?
Here you have a choice:
- Desire to outwit an ememy
- Potential for amusement
- I simply do what feels right.
I have gone with: I simply do what feels right.
K'lyhia: Aha! Just as I predicted. And now I have the final element to perform another calculation. Hmmm, the probability of you becoming an arcanist of note is... 90%! Give or take half a percent.
Yes. The certainty is quite high. Afterall, I only know of one other practitioner who responded to my question in the same manner. It was the man who bestowed upon me this Grimoire - the guild master himself. While our inscrutable leader is, as I'm sure you've heard, on an indefinite leave of absence, he did leave us with his most notorious saying to date: "Strategy is a tool used to manipulate one's situation into the desired reality."
No matter how gifted you and I might be, however, the instantaneous manipulation of reality that might suddenly cause us to be mighty arcanists is beyond our present abilities. Discipline and experience is the finest stratergy in this case.
I suggest you continue to focus on refining your aptitude with Carbuncle. Mastery with an arcane entity will greatly imporve your success as a wielder of arcanima.
Here ends your lesson for today. Pray return directly to the guild - I believe Mistress Thubyrgeim is awaiting some inspected cargo/.
And what of myself? I'm off to the fields, of course! The tactics I reasoned out earlier must be attempted in real life scenarios. Theory is all well and good, but their is no substitute for actual combat. We will meet again soon.
Return to the guild.
Ending the Quest
Speak to Mistress Thubyrgeim once more.
Ah, Melody. Have you returned with the Cargo?
Yes, everything seems to be in order - relatively clear of blood and other gore. That can be something of a problem in our profession, you understand. I also had word from K'lyhia regarding your performance. She seemed eager to continue your training.
An odd lass, I'll admit, but the guild can boast no finer mind for tactics. You would do well to heed the instruction she offers, particularly that which touches on the diligent approach to our art.
Did you perhaps notice the battered tome K'lyhia carries? That initiates grimoire has served her from the moment she entered the guild. She has her reasons, but it's admittedly strange to see it kept all the way to her present position as foreseer. I fear such an intense focus on arcanima has led her to overlook other important aspects of life... As our master strategist guides your arcanist training, I hope that you might return the favour and help her broaden her perspective, somewhat.
But enough of such matters for the moment. You have done well this day, Melody. Continue your practice with Carbuncle, as K'lyhia has bid. I will be here when the time comes for your next lesson.
Your next class quest Tactical Planning will be available from level 10. Go do some MSQs or side quests for a bit.
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