Fit for a Queen

If Misija yet lacks what is required to fulfill her plans, then we must either wrest the blade from her grasp or destroy it. Should the situation call for it, we may need to cut her down in the process.

What if it were possible to take both Misija and the blade into our custody without conflict?

As I understand it, there have been markedly fewer sightings of the queen's apparition, correct?

Yes, and with good reason. With no means of combating such a foe, our troops have barely set foot outside of our encampments.

I believe that Misija has her own reasons for making only sporadic appearances. She must use the crystal focus to conjure Queen Gunnhildr, and therein lies the rub, for its reserves of aether are not without limitation.

Then perhaps she fears the crystal focus nears exhaustion. But what prevents her from simply restoring its aether and resuming her assault?

Well, it just so happens the crystal focus requires aether of a very specific sort. We were only able to find one source, and that's still depleted from when we used it.

Before we returned, Forename and I chanced to spy Misija commanding Queen Gunnhildr to enslave a group of soldiers, but the apparition vanished after turning only one of them. I suspect the crystal lacked the energies necessary to complete the task.

Gerolt

That's all well an' good, lass, but Misija ain't no fool. Until she figures out how to get the crystal focus workin' again, she won't be showin' her face again.

She will. At least...I think she will. Forename and I shared another vision of the future.

Heading to the ruins in the midst of a storm? But for what?

Well, it looks like that part of the vision is already coming true. Thunderclouds are gathering above the southern front, and a nasty downpour won't be far behind!

Then we must make ready before the rains come in earnest. Marsak, ready the men.

I understand your trepidation, Mikoto, but you must have faith in your gift. We will stop Misija. I promise you that.

It was not by Forename's hand alone that we survived our ordeal in Rabanastre, lest you forget. We each have our part to play, and yours is no less important than any other.

Gerolt

Speakin' o' which, you'd best join the others and set out afore the rains come.

Yes, of course.

End of cutscene.

Quest Accepted

Optional dialogue

After careful instruction from Mikoto, our soldiers are ready to depart. When you are ready, Blade Surname, we will make for the ruins.

So this is it, then? You and the others are off? I wish I could go with you, but goodness knows I'd only slow you down. Good luck, Forename.

I may no longer be of the Dalmascan Royal Fusiliers, but my aim is no less sharp, I assure you. Let us put an end to the imperials' schemes, yes?

If Mikoto's vision of the future is true, this may be our only opportunity to apprehend Misija and reclaim Save the Queen.

Speak with Mikoto

Everything appears to be in order. Are you ready, Forename?

Upon speaking with Mikoto, several cutscenes will play in sequence.

It is recommended that you set aside sufficient time to view these scenes in their entirety.

You must be a Disciple of War or Magic of level 80 or above to proceed.

What will you say?

I'll be with you in two shakes of a Hrothgar's tail.

Dialogue ends

Am I ready? I was waiting for you!

Start of cutscene.

>> Not another step! We have you surrounded! <<

>> It's over, Misija. We know full well the crystal's power is spent! <<

Forward, men!

A trap!?

>> Come out, Mikoto! I know you're here! <<

>> You thought your visions of the future would offer an advantage, but you are not the only one possessed of such gifts. Not any longer. <<

>> A scholar you may be, but you were a fool to come here. Your precious knowledge will avail you naught against the kiss of cold steel! <<

>> Do not be unnerved. Without the queen to aid them, victory may yet be ours! To arms! <<

End of cutscene.

Solo Duty

Take no prisoners. I want them all dead!

Admirable... But futile nonetheless. Ready the delta armor!

Bajsaljen the Righteous

New magitek armor!? When did they find the time to─
No matter. We've come too far to retreat now.

Marsak the Stalwart

We must divide and conquer, Blade Surname. I will draw this one's attention!

Start of cutscene.

Well? Have you broken the lock yet!?

4th Legion Soldier

>> Yes, ma'am! Opening it now! <<

Seasoned Gunbreaker

I hope you don't mind me butting in.

>> Rostik!? What are you doing here? <<

>> I couldn't let you lot have all the fun! <<

Another one come crawling out of the woodwork!

>> Gunnhildr's Blades, to me! You are to protect this blade with your lives, in the name of the queen! <<

Where are they going?

>> Go on ahead. Leave their toys to us! <<

>> We'll be right behind you. Now go─Mikoto needs you! <<

You can now participate in the 24-player duty Delubrum Reginae.

This duty can be joined solo, as a party, or as an alliance by speaking with Mikoto in the underground ruins or Sjeros in Gangos.

Players will be matched automatically even after leaving the underground ruins or Gangos.

It should be noted that, although this duty is in a separate instance, lost actions can still be used after entering.

Be sure to prepare lost actions from the lost finds cache, as they may prove key to turning the tide of battle.

You may also speak with Mikoto and Sjeros for further details about Delubrum Reginae before entering the duty.

End of cutscene.

Enter Delubrum Reginae

Extraordinary... To think such vast ruins could endure underground for all these years. I pray we can find Misija before it's too late.

Hmmm... How are we to pass?

<gasp>

Is that...!? Heavens forfend. Careful, everyone!

Trinity Seeker

We are the Blades of the Verdant Path. Three who fight as one. All who trespass must be purged, in the name of the queen!

The Verdant Path...? Then this amalgamation of aether I sense is... Oh no!

Blaz's Voice

Before our blade, you are nothing.

Velibor's Voice

You would forgo our mercy? Then suffer by our baleful blade!

I... I recognize their─I mean, its aether. But how could this be?

Velibor's Voice

It's too late for you!

Aggie's Voice

We shall break you with fists of iron!

Hyah!

Blaz's Voice

Submit, that we might offer you a merciful end.

Before our blade, you are nothing.

A futile endeavor.

Velibor's Voice

You would forgo our mercy? Then suffer by our baleful blade!

Trinity Seeker

Three...as one. Now and...forever...more...

I pray your spirit may at last find rest.

I care not for this strange energy emanating from the floor...

Well fought, Forename.

It would seem they are intent on blocking our path.

Queen's Knight

Halt! By order of Queen Gunnhildr, the punishment for trespassing is death!

Are they too under the influence of Save the Queen? I suppose we have no choice but to fight.

Do not be fooled by his illusions! Look closely, and you will see the truth of their stratagems.

Queen's Knight

You shall perish long before our defenses are breached.

This does not bode well, Forename. We have to stop them!

Queen's Knight

Fall back! Fall back! The queen cannot be left unguarded!

They've...retreated...?

If they were placed here to protect Save the Queen, then Misija must be ahead. Quickly!

Spirits!? Even in death they are denied solace... Let us lay them to rest!

Bozjan Phantom

Who dares disturb our slumber?

At last... Our souls...may rest...

May they find peace in the aetherial sea.

Have care where you step. I sense more foul magicks nearby.

These stairs appear to be safe.

Careful. There may yet be more traps here.

I believe the worst is past. Though there is still no sign of Misija.

Another of the tempered Blades... Gods, what has Misija done?

Death to those who dare defy the queen. So it is decreed, and so it shall be!

More souls made thrall to Misija and Queen Gunnhildr... Why did it come to this?

Xeven's Voice

No matter the cost, you must be dealt with.

A ruin of ice and fire upon thee!

Its magicks have destabilized our thermoregulatory─ Ahem... We must return our body temperatures to normal.

Perhaps these aetherial agglomerations can help us. If you feel overly hot or cold, seek one whose temperature is an opposing extremity.

Isolde's Voice

Surrender now and perhaps we will show mercy.

The queen's decree must needs be fulfilled! We will bathe this chamber in flames if we must!

Bathed in flame!? Fall back, Forename!

Isolde's Voice

I have you now!

Stanik's Voice

Like animals to slaughter, we shall cut you down.

Very well... Perhaps you would rather fall by our sword.

Its magicks have warped the blade somehow...

Let our magick become flesh, a redoubtable vessel to fulfill the queen's will!

Xeven's Voice

No matter the cost, you must be dealt with.

You doubt our power!? Behold...!

We...have failed... Our duty... Our queen...

These ruins are endless. Where could she be?

What is that light...?

Start of cutscene.

At last... the power to reclaim what is mine. What is ours...

The will of Queen Gunnhildr shall not be denied.
All who oppose Bozja must fall.

By the gods...She has become a vessel for the blade's power!

End of cutscene.

I am Gunnhildr... I am queen! Bozja is mine to rule, now and forevermore!

She's become a vessel for the blades' power... Forename, I'm afraid she must be slain. There is no other way.

Lady of blades, bring forth my betrayers. Purify their hearts, and return them to glory!

Hearken now to the clarion call of war! The time for battle has come.

Prepare yourself, Forename. She compels them to march.

You think yourself beyond judgment!?

Never again shall Bozja come to harm. I will not allow it!

Mine is the just path. The righteous path! And I will not suffer a second betrayal!

Are you all right, everyone?

How can this be!? No... No, I will not let it end like this!

Lady of blades, I beseech you─grant me the strength to overcome our oppressors! To reclaim what is rightfully ours!

Your queen has spoken. Now, march!

Dire consequences await those who defy me.

As strange as this may sound, I suspect we must march as well if we mean to avoid coming to harm.

To me, my subjects!

Your queen has spoken. Now, march!

Start of cutscene.

No... No we have suffered too long for it to end this way.
Bozja is ours! If we cannot have it, no one will!

End of cutscene.

Start of cutscene.

Blade Surname! Mikoto! Are you all right?

Is she...?

No, merely unconscious.

Let us take her with us back to Utya's Aegis without delay. I fear imperial reinforcements will be upon us ere long.

It was far from easy, but thanks to the two of you, we have succeeded in reclaiming Save the Queen.

But it was a victory bought with great sacrifice. Under the blade's influence, many of Gunnhildr's Blades were transformed beyond recognition. At least now their suffering is at an end...

A heavy loss for the Resistance, 'tis true, but having wrested Save the Queen from the hands of the IVth Legion, we may resume our offensive unimpeded.

And we must do so quickly, while they remain few in number.

What will become of Misija?

For now, she will remain in solitary confinement in Gangos.

First and foremost we must deal with the threat of the IVth Imperial Legion. Once they have been routed, she will be made to stand trial for her crimes.

Espionage, primal summoning, the tempering of Gunnhildr's Blades... She has much to atone for.

As do many of our people, I would say. For it was the callousness and cruelty of those seeking the glory of our forebears that drove her to side with the Empire. Nevertheless, it is no excuse for her transgressions.

As for Save the Queen, it should go without saying we mustn't allow it to fall into the wrong hands again.

I thought perhaps it could be destroyed, but I've yet to leave so much as a scratch on the accursed thing.

I think it best if you were to take it, Mikoto. No doubt its study would prove a most illuminating experience for you. Unless, of course, you would rather it be locked away. I shall defer to your judgment.

echo vision

Frantic Voice

>> Mikoto, nooo!!! <<

echo end

Mikoto! Is something wrong?

No... No, I am fine. Merely tired is all.

Then I bid you return to Gangos and rest. You have more than earned it.

Wh-What in the world!?

Lyon rem Helsos

About damned time. Now that we command the skies, they're done for.

Quickly─we must withdraw to Gangos!

Menenius sas Lanatus

At last, victory is within our grasp.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

And here I thought our work might finally be finished. I've seen warships like that before in Dalmasca. This does not bode well for the Resistance...

I'm sorry. Was there something you wished to talk about?

The imperial reinforcements we have dreaded for so long have arrived at last, though it remains to be seen why they yet refuse to strike.

If it is true that the IVth Legion has cut ties with Garlemald, this will quite likely be their last attempt to drive us out.

Failure is not an option. We must ready our defenses, and petition our Far Eastern allies for additional aid if possible. I have no doubt our next battle will decide the fate of Bozja.

I will leave you to your preparations, unless there is something you wish to discuss?

Save the Queen is possessed of a terrible power, and under normal circumstances I would not hesitate to recommend destroying such a relic. Considering its profound significance to the people of Bozja, however, we have decided instead to find a way to seal its powers.

I will be consulting the Studium in the hopes of expediting our search for a suitable ward. Once we are certain of its safety, it will be returned here that it may continue to serve as a symbol of hope for the people.

But that is a matter for another time. Is there something else you wished to discuss?

Hah, I knew it. Even with Save the Queen, Misija never stood a chance against you. <sniffle> Sorry. Something's in my eye.

Did you need something, Forename?

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the holy blade Save the Queen would one day find its way into my hands. We are fortunate to have recovered it before the enemy's main host arrived.

Speak with Marsak

Start of cutscene.

Gods preserve us. I did not think they would go so far as to deploy a warship.

Though the odds are stacked against us, we have come too far to abandon our home. I will send word to Lord Hien, that we may begin preparations to make a final stand.

If we fail, it will be the end for Bozja. When the final battle is upon us, I pray we can count on your aid one last time.

You can now exchange Bozjan coins for gear by speaking with the Resistance supplier at Gangos.

For subsequent ventures into Delubrum Reginae, speak with Sjeros in Gangos.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue