Not from Around Here
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Not from Around Here
- Quest giver
- Hildibrand
- Location
- Thavnair (X:15.2, Y:15.1)
- Quest line
Hildibrand Sidequests
┗ Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures Quests- Level
- 90
- Experience
0- Gil
3,330- Previous quest
By Agents Unknown- Next quest
- A Spirited Reforging Of Duplicity and Duplication
- Patch
- 6.45
- Links
- EDB GT TC
Hildibrand is keen to embark on the next leg of your investigation.
— In-game description
Rewards
Steps
- Speak with Hildibrand in Old Sharlayan.
- Speak with Hildibrand.
- Speak with Hildibrand at the Archeion.
- Gather information at Meryall Agronomics.
- Speak with Hildibrand.
- Speak with Hildibrand in Radz-at-Han.
- Speak with Delion.
Journal
- Hildibrand is keen to embark on the next leg of your investigation.
- In order to pursue the Case of the Silent Correspondent once more, you prepare to ship off to Sharlayan. Or teleport, as the case may be. Assuming they follow your advice, Hildibrand and the rest of your party should be waiting to meet you near the Confluence.
- Despite it being their first time traveling by experimental aetheryte, most of your companions appear to be unaffected by aetherial sickness. Delion is the notable exception, though it is unclear if his suffering is due to some intrinsic quality, or because the gods were feeling capricious. In any event, the editor in chief is determined to push through his nausea, proposing an immediate investigation of the Sharlayans' “underground military facility”─an idea onto which the inspector latches with characteristic enthusiasm. The Hall of Artifice awaits.
- Lacking the proper permissions to board the lift, Hildibrand's foray into Labyrinthos appears to be over as soon as it began. It is fortunate, then, that Godbert arrives at this very moment to exert his ambassadorial authority, affording your companions access as part of the Syndicate member's entourage. Next stop: the Archeion.
- Your initial inquiries into archived alien starships meet with no success. A custodian does, however, mention having seen a PuPu-like visitor at Meryall Agronomics. With renewed vigor, your party descends to the Medial Circuit with the intention of interviewing the local laborers.
- Your in-depth interrogations reveal that an individual resembling PuPu─and not merely another mandragora─did indeed visit the Labyrinthos farm in the company of a decidedly less-alien acquaintance. Hildibrand will wish to corroborate your findings.
- The information you extracted matches what the inspector has learned, and you are soon joined by the gleaner responsible for guiding the oddly paired visitors into Labyrinthos.
- It transpires that one was a Hannish apothecary who, upon giving up on his mercantile endeavors in war-torn Garlemald, came across a wrecked vessel and its unusual pilot stranded in the snow. The gleaner met said apothecary in Thavnair, the man having returned to his homeland with both broken craft and alien occupant in tow. Wishing to offer assistance with repairs, the gleaner then escorted them to Sharlayan─and Thaumazein's famed engineers. Once the vessel was restored, however, the pair departed and have not been seen since.
- You remain one step behind, but for now it is enough to know that PuPu's friend is very much alive, and likely to be found in the company of the alchemist. With these clues in hand, your party elects to return to Radz-at-Han and continue the search.
- Back in Radz-at-Han you are joined by Godbert, who has succeeded in locating a missing family relic. PuPu recognizes the recovered artifact as a device made by Mandervillians─a technologically advanced alien race─and offers to access and present to everyone whatever images may be stored within it. Thus do all gather in a darkened room to view the recording, where you are blindsided by the revelation that Godbrand, the founding lord of House Manderville, was the last surviving member of the starfaring Mandervillians. Manderville weaponry, too, appears to be the product of extraterrestrial innovation. While initially flabbergasted, Hildibrand and Godbert accept their cosmic roots without question, and vow to uphold their ancestor's heartfelt wishes to aid the people of this star. Before returning to his labors, however, Godbert asks that you meet him at the aetheryte plaza, hinting at a gift of some kind...
- Before Godbert makes his appearance, Delion approaches you to express contrition at his misjudgment of the Sharlayan people, as the discovery he has devoted readers among the scholars has done much to improve his perception of them. His low opinion of PuPu, on the other hand, has not changed whatsoever, and he bids you stand ready for the moment the alien reveals his true colors. It is then that Godbert arrives to present you with a clockwork version of everyone's favorite little blue man. More than ever, the goldsmith is determined to progress with his weaponsmithing endeavor, and he remains amenable to your expert assistance.
Dialogue
Nice teamwork, Forename!
Brandihild told me you all went in search of ingredients for my medicine. I am so very grateful!
The time has come, Forename. Sharlayan is the beating heart of this conspiracy, and I won't let them hide their machinations any longer!
My calculations may have failed me, but my companions did not. 'Twas your quick thinking that saw the villain laid low—with a tremendous flourish, no less.
Sharlayan awaits! We need only charter a suitable sea vessel.
Of course, but...does not the city lie many days' sail to the north? Is there no swifter means of reaching our destination?
So this “experimental aetheryte” will allow us to teleport thither even absent attunement? Splendid! Then we shall avail ourselves of the technological marvel forthwith!
Urgh... Oh gods... Save me...
I hope Delion wasn't too attached to his dinner/breakfast/lunch!
How severe is your aether sickness, Master PuPu?
Oh, when you've traveled the cosmos as much as I have, teleportation is not the least bit disconcerting.
So this is the city of learning. A sophisticated gentleman should feel right at home here!
Ulp...ugh...h-how are you all not...s-sick to your stomachs?
Experimental aetherytes make travel exponentially more fun!
Sometimes I feel as though I am the only normal person in this group of eccentrics...
B-But...ulp...this is not the time to succumb to nausea. Not here, in the belly of the beast.
Rumor has it the Sharlayans' secret agents travel the star in search of “specimens,” which they collect and bring home in service to a confidential research project. Said project is conducted in a huge underground military facility. If we're to find answers, then that's where we need to look.
What will you say?
Secret agents? You mean...gleaners?
Labyrinthos. Not a military facility...
These “gleaner” chaps sound like they might know a thing or two. I say we pay them a visit in their little underground base.
I say, this “Labyrinthos” sounds promising. I say we head down there and make inquiries as to the whereabouts of our missing alien friend.
We simply take a lift from the Hall of Artifice, yes? Then let us be on our way!
If you're still feeling poorly, my all-purpose cure can perk you right up!
Ah, no-no-no thank you! I am much recovered!
The city's archives are said to be bursting with knowledge of countless peoples accumulated over the centuries. I should very much like to peruse the shelves—once we have attended to our main mission.
What beautiful architecture. Sharlayan is clearly one of your more advanced civilizations.
Ah, these must be the lifts in question.
Do you wish to descend into Labyrinthos, madam/sir?
My apologies, but each of your companions must also secure the proper permissions before we can allow them entrance.
If it is assurances you need, then surely a single glance is all you require to judge us trustworthy!
I could certainly make some...judgments, but that is neither here nor there. Admission to Labyrinthos is subject to Forum policy.
You're the ones who should be judged! I know you're hiding aliens and xenotechnology in that underground base of yours! Admit it!
Xenotechnology...? I sincerely have no idea what you're talking about.
Oho, yet again do our paths cross in most serendipitous fashion!
F-Father! What business brings you to Sharlayan!?
I am in search of a certain object—one crucial to the continued refinement of the Manderville weaponry. My investigations lead me to believe it is to be found here, in Labyrinthos.
And as you also seem to have business down below...
This is my son and his bosom companions. If I vouch for their character, will you kindly allow them to board the lift?
Ah, Master Godbert Manderville. The Forum sent word of your impending arrival.
As a member of the Syndicate, your ambassadorial status affords you an entourage of up to five members. Pray consider their permissions arranged.
I know not your current mission, but for the time being, I suggest you accompany me to the Archeion.
An underground archive with such an extravagant recreation of an outdoor habitat? What “innocent” purpose could it possibly serve!?
Oh—but of course! They're performing simulations to hone their strategy for aiding the aliens in their invasion of the world above!
We're underground...but aboveground at the same time!
What an incredible vault of accumulated curiosities. I should very much like to return here once our mission is complete.
Ah, they have transformed this subterranean environment into one more suited to surface beings. I am reminded of the orbital stations built by my own home star.
Sharlayan structures truly are works of art. Simply inspiring.
From what Father tells me, this storage facility is replete with samples and specimens collected from every land on Etheirys. If anyone has information concerning visiting aliens and crashed starships, it will be these studious folk.
A shiny silver saucer? I'm sorry, but we have no record of any such object in our archives, either whole or in part.
Or so you would have us believe! But the purpose of this complex—this military fortress—is plain! You cannot deny that you're conducting secret research on alien starships!
We are not conducting secret research on alien starships. Yes, we did build a starfaring vessel in Thaumazein, but it was neither for military purposes nor of extraterrestrial origin.
Disguising your foul lies with a sprinkling of the truth, are we? Fine. I'll dig up the facts myself, and then everyone will hear what you're really up to!
While I cannot assist you with your missing craft, I do recall seeing an individual of like appearance to your companion here.
You do!? And where was this, pray tell!?
At Meryall Agronomics, in the Medial Circuit. The lift at the back of the building will take you down there.
Many thanks, my good man!
Well, well, it seems you've found yourselves a solid lead. I have my own search to attend to, so I shall bid you good hunting and good day...
Another round of in-depth inquiries by the agent of enquiry—and friends—is in order. To Meryall Agronomics we go!
What fine and juicy-looking grapes...
Mark my words, I'll find the evidence I require. They can't hide all traces of their alien alliance...
Master PuPu has found a new friend! Maybe they can help us find the old one!
How could anyone ever mistake me for a mandragora? We look nothing alike...
If I may, have you perchance come across an individual resembling this delightful blue ragamuffin here?
Actually, now that you mention it...
Your description would lead me to believe you're looking for one of the mandragoras hereabouts.
But if, as you say, it's something else you're after, then I'm not sure if I can be of much help. I've only just started working here, so you may have more luck asking the older hands.
Ah, you must be talking about one of those new mandragora strains. We whipped up a batch of bright-blue stray onions, but I'm afraid they started to rot almost immediately.
Hm? Not a mandra, you say? Well, the only other bluish things I can think of around here are the grapes—look how luscious this crop turned out!
Yes, the little blue man. Saw him with my own two eyes, I did, and it was no mandragora.
A gleaner in the company of an outside visitor passed through a little while back. Nothing too unusual there, only this, uh, friend you described was scuttling along with them.
I know not what purpose brought them to the farm, but whatever it was, they didn't tarry here long.
I am sorry, but I honestly have no idea what to make of your story...
So...not looking for a new species of mandragora, and you've no interest in grapes. It seems I've nothing for you.
As I said, your missing comrade was here, albeit briefly. So at least you're on the right track!
...And that's all I know.
Wonderful! That corroborates the information I but moments ago skillfully squirreled out of this farmer.
She claims to be an acquaintance of the gleaner in question, in fact, and will bring him to talk to us shortly.
Let's round up the others—we should all be present to hear what revelations this professional collector has to share.
You're the folk asking about the little blue man, yes?
Oh, and you've brought someone who's practically identical! You must be the same species, surely.
My friend was really here, then...?
They certainly were. If you've a moment or three, I'll tell you the whole tale...
To begin at the beginning, I was in Thavnair on a procurement mission when I crossed paths with an apothecary and his unusual companion.
As I mentioned, the companion was almost your twin in appearance, and the wagon they rode upon bore a damaged vessel the likes of which I'd never seen before.
Could it be...?
As a collector by trade I have a certain weakness for oddities, thus did I hail the apothecary to inquire after his company and his cargo.
The man was only too happy to share his story. He had, it seemed, quite recklessly plunged into the war-torn lands of Garlemald to sell his wares, reasoning that where there was conflict, there would be a need for medicinal goods.
The state of affairs was rather more volatile than he'd anticipated, however, and he was soon forced to abandon his venture. And so the apothecary began his long trek home, only to shortly thereafter discover a strange silvery ship—and its shaken pilot—crash-landed in a snowfield.
It cannot be a coincidence...
The story continues. After extricating the battered vessel and its occupant from the snow, he brought them home to Radz–at–Han. His guest wished to make repairs to the craft, yet even amongst the wonders of the bazaar, they struggled to find suitable parts.
Hearing this, I suggested they bring the wreckage itself to Labyrinthos, and after they agreed to the idea, I escorted them here myself.
Alas, even the Thaumazein engineers who worked on the ark were stymied by the exotic ship, finding its technology impossible to comprehend, let alone replicate.
The little blue fellow eventually resorted to drafting schematics. While the engineers followed these step by step to craft the essential bits and bobs, the apothecary and his companion were waiting here at Meryall.
And then what happened...?
Well, once our industrious visitor had what they needed, they repaired the vessel in a twinkling. The pair then departed almost immediately, and I've seen neither hide nor hair of them since.
I'm told the apothecary paid a handsome sum for the engineers' services, but, being typical Sharlayans, I wager they would've happily forfeited the coin for a chance to pore over every square ilm of that ship.
Now, I'm no scientist, but I'm beginning to think such an incredible vessel must've been some kind of starfaring craft. And that little blue man, well...
He must've been an alien from another world!
Or so I'd like to believe. I'm an avid reader of The Thavnairian Truth, you see, and love to entertain these idle flights of fancy...
But I've rambled on too long. There are errands to attend to, and I really must take my leave. Good fortune to you!
C-Can it be true!? I have a readership in Sharlayan!
Perhaps I've misjudged these people...
'Twould seem your comrade is hale and healthy, Master PuPu! And in the company of a Hannish alchemist of undisclosed description...
Yes, this is wonderful news! I am grateful indeed that we made the journey.
I've a feeling this case will soon draw to a close! Come, let us return to Radz–at–Han and continue the search.
There and back again, in the blink of an eye!
It's a relief to see that Miss Nashu is hale and whole and still fetching. I wasn't able to sneak into Labyrinthos, so I couldn't watch over her like usual. But I'm here for her now! Now and forever...
To summarize our findings, we now know Master PuPu's friend is safe and in the company of a Hannish gentleman—and possibly here on this very isle...
Oho, that does sound promising!
Father! You've returned to the city? I trust this means your own investigation was successful?
That it was...although laying hands on the object of my desire has been a long and frustrating ordeal, to say the least.
Much painstaking research revealed to me the existence of a hereditary Manderville relic, within which slumbers the secrets of weapon augmentation. Yet though I turned our ancestral home upside down, I failed to unearth the artifact in question.
The reason for its absence became clear when I chanced upon the journal of one of our forefathers. He wrote of a visiting scholar's keen interest in the relic, and how he thus surrendered it into Sharlayan's safekeeping for study.
The trail led me to Labyrinthos. As it turns out, the Sharlayans never did find time to conduct their analysis. The custodian and I found the curio tucked away in a dusty corner of the Archeion, still awaiting processing.
And here it is: an oddity every bit as perplexing as Godbrand's cipher-bound manual. How are we to liberate its hidden wisdom...?
Oh, I can help you with that. These devices were made by the Mandervillians—a starfaring race with whom we once traded.
S-Starfaring...?
...Mandervillians!?
Yes, a highly evolved species with a mastery of advanced technologies. Our peoples shared ideas and inventions, so I am quite familiar with your family's “relic.”
If you so wish, I can have the device project whatever images were stored upon it. A darkened room would afford us the clearest view, however...
Then let us retire to our rooms in Kama and dim the lanterns. We must behold these secrets in optimal conditions!
Mandervillians... A coincidental naming, or is there some deeper connection?
Everyone comfortable? Let's see what the device has for us.
I am Godbrand, wanderer of stars and weaponsmith extraordinaire!
First lord of House Manderville...
This is the Godbrand? Our founding father!?
I record this message that my descendants may know the truth of their cosmic origins. The tale is long, but I bid you watch until the very end!
Heirs of mine, I am not a man born of this star...or even a man at all. I am of the Mandervillians, a race which hails from the far side of the great expanse.
Mandervillians are parasitic symbionts—we can only survive by bonding with other life-forms.
Once our essence has taken root, we supplant the host's mind and strengthen its physical structures, imbuing our new form with a steel-like resilience.
I knew there was something alien about that impossible imperviousness...
Then, through the conjoining of compatible host bodies, we produce offspring which harbor the next generation of Mandervillians.
This symbiotic variant eventually takes to the stars in search of potential new vessels, adapting and multiplying. So it was that our race proliferated and spread throughout the cosmos...
Until, tragically, our flourishing civilization was brought to an abrupt end.
Every planet upon which we Mandervillians resided was visited by an inexplicable calamity. Our societies were brought to ruin by life-forms suddenly twisted into horrific nightmares.
That sounds rather familiar. So even stars far removed in time and space were ravaged by the Final Days...
Desperate to avoid the same fate, a comrade and I boarded a ship, and fled upwards into the starry night.
We flew and flew until we found a planet—your planet—untouched by the phenomenon, but the rigors of the journey had so damaged our craft that we were forced to make an uncontrolled descent.
I alone crawled from the wreckage, badly injured and near death. But even as I resigned myself to perishing on this unfamiliar world, I was found by a man who had come looking for the “falling star.”
As a rule, Mandervillians do not take intelligent life-forms for hosts. After hearing my story, however, this sympathetic gentleman offered to become my vessel of his own accord.
He was himself afflicted by an incurable malady, and with little time left to live, seemed content to know that his ailing body could provide safe haven for another.
With his blessing I set about transferring my essence. The man's form was revitalized and purged of its fatal frailty, yet the mind which dwelled within was now my own.
I went on to build a new home for myself here, making use of my people's technology to ply the blacksmith's trade. I wed a local lass, and together we had a child.
Although not pure Mandervillian, our offspring exhibits the same enhanced physiology—a boon I suspect shall be passed down for generations through the bloodline of “House Manderville.”
My dear descendants, the folk of this star are most fragile. Yet as the first man I encountered did demonstrate, they are nevertheless capable of surpassing love and generosity.
As the last of the Mandervillians, I have but one request to make of you.
Pray employ your superlative attributes—and my armory of Manderville armaments—for the benefit of these wonderful peoples whom I hold in the highest regard.
What an astounding development...
I, Hildibrand Helidor Maximilian Manderville, shall heed the passionate plea of my illustrious forebear!
No case is too big nor too small should it be in service to my fellow man!
He learns he's descended from an extraterrestrial being and it's still business as usual...
But...wait a minute. Then why is Lady Julyan so monstrously strong? Is she a descendant of aliens, too?
Well, well, this is most unexpected. Never did it cross my mind that our esteemed ancestor might hail from beyond the heavens.
But I do wonder if that selfsame blood still runs thick in our veins. The family tree I glanced over some years ago suggests that—ah, but 'tis unimportant.
My present purpose remains unchanged.
I will bring our Manderville weaponry to the peak of perfection! For Godbrand! And for the good of our star!
Ah, before I forget, I have a gift for you, Forename. Pray await me at the aetheryte plaza and I shall bring it to you forthwith.
Some truths can shatter the foundations of our beliefs when brought to light. But I have to say, this wasn't one of them.
The more staggering discovery was that I have devoted readers in Sharlayan. Those who peruse my publication are allies against the ever-expanding webs of lies and deception, without exception!
I have misjudged the Sharlayan people. They are not collaborators or the architects of conspiracy. They are but seekers of knowledge unafraid to plumb the depths of the unknown.
That Master PuPu, though—that one still has ulterior motives. I'd bet my life on it! Stand ready, for we shall have need of your strength when he shows his true colors.
I hope you've not been waiting long!
This is the gift I mentioned.
Master PuPu's earnest quest inspired me to indulge in a spot of clockwork craftsmanship between weaponsmithing sessions.
I thought it only fitting that you be the one to care for this diminutive simulacrum. Consider it a memento of your adventures together.
As for our Manderville weaponry project, your assistance is still very much welcome whensoever you can spare the time.
Ah, and as for our Manderville weaponry project, I believe my ancestor's artifact has unlocked the door to the next stage of improvements.
Should you find time to offer your assistance, announce yourself to Master Gerolt and I shall endeavor to join you with utmost celerity.
Until then, my dear Forename!
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Thavnair...
Lord Vanhudi, I come with ill tidings. Professor Lugae set an ambush for his nemesis, but was once more defeated. His current whereabouts are...unclear.
That blithering dolt!
...No matter. Preparations are well underway—the manifestation will proceed as planned.
Extraterrestrial calamity♪
Cosmically altered physiology♪
A gentleman's man♪
The first of their clan♪
An ancestor of quality—our Godbrand Manderville♪
The first of their clan♪
An ancestor of quality—our Godbrand Manderville♪
Truth can be stranger than the tallest tale♪