Road to the Golden City

It's never too late to let go of prejudice. No matter how difficult it may seem, it can be done.

This is my first time meeting Ketenramm. A Roegadyn if I ever saw one.

Tankwa does look similar to some Eorzean sailors I've seen, but I never would have guessed he was Ketenramm!

We ought to speak with Ketenramm before we do anything else.

Of all the things I expected to discover in Tural, Eorzea's most legendary sailor was not among them...

Accepting the quest

This ain't no place for a proper chat.

Me cabin's just north of the city. “Blue-eyes' Abode,” as people here call it on account of me dazzlin' twinklers.

Optional dialogue

The man values his privacy...

A rather humble residence for a legendary explorer. I would've expected a manor decorated with exotic treasures.

I've heard that upon Ketenramm's disappearance, explorers from across Eorzea banded together in search of him. But I doubt they ever thought to look here...

I wonder how long it's been since he settled down here...

Naught but four walls and a roof, but enough for most folk. Make yerselves comfortable.

Speak with Wuk Lamat.

Start of cutscene.

Why did you choose to settle down in Mamook? They haven't exactly been welcoming to outsiders─legendary explorer or otherwise.

All the more reason to keep a weather eye on 'em. Though seein' how ye've won them over, methinks I'll have less need for vigilance.

I'm here at Gulool Ja Ja's behest to ensure his hard-won peace is kept. And, incidentally, to remind Zereel Ja of his duty as elector should he have forgotten it.

My old man ordered you to stay here? That's no way to treat an honored guest...

Heh. I'd say I'm more than yer father's “guest” by now. Or didn't ye see the sepulchre atop Worqor Zormor?

That's right...“Ketenramm” was one of the names!

Yer father and I fought shoulder to shoulder in many a battle, Valigarmanda bein' but one of our triumphs. He and I are brothers.

So when yer brother tells you to stand watch, ye stand watch. Ye trust in his judgment an' his strength of will─even if that means ye have to sit out the occasional scrap.

Surely you understand such a bond? Surrounded as ye are by all these bright an' eager faces.

I do. My comrades are my strength─and it's thanks to them that I understand Papa's hopes for this nation. What I must continue to protect.

Then prove yer readiness for the throne, Wuk Lamat. Find the golden city!

Oh, I will. With these ones beside me, even uncovering a legend should be child's play!

Especially since I believe I already have.

All by yourself!? How!? When!?

Well, as you know, electors are forbidden from giving unfair advantage to claimants.

So when Hunmu Rruk refused to divulge why my grandfather passed through Iq Br'aax twenty years ago, his silence spoke volumes.

You think Galuf's visit had something to do with the golden city?

Precisely. Moreover, only the Yok Huy who lived in Yak T'el ever dreamt those golden dreams.

When exposed to certain triggers, those with magical aptitude have been known to receive visions.

And if Gurfurlur's abilities are at all representative, the Yok Huy are no stranger to the arcane...

Which means the dreamers of eld likely owe their experiences to their inherent qualities and their proximity to the city itself. Here, in these forests.

Then all we need to do is search Yak T'el from top to bottom, right?

It would behoove us to try and narrow our focus. To that end, I propose we return to Mamook and make inquiries.

While there, we can all take the opportunity to see to any necessary travel preparations. When everyone is ready, let us assemble at the aetheryte.

...You're Cahciua's boy, ain't ye?

She told me about you. Said she tasked ye with findin' the golden city.

Aye. I might even succeed, despite my best efforts.

I had begun to think it was a fool's errand. My own fruitless search in my youth proved as much.

Yet here you are, older and wiser, playin' the fool again.

Courtesy of the company I've been keeping, perhaps. Wuk Lamat's not the only one to have grown thanks to her comrades.

We'll find it. Together.

Heh. Was I ever that young...?

End of cutscene.

Speak with Erenville.

You waited for me? It seems Ketenramm knows my mentor, so we chatted for a bit longer.

Alphinaud said to meet by the aetheryte, so I'll see you there.

Optional dialogue

Back at Ketenramm's house

So you're the Forename Surname I've heard so much about. Seems every time I visit the capital, I hear another tale of yer derrin'-do from traders and dockhands.

Wuk Lamat chose her team well, indeed.

Wait at the designated location.

Start of cutscene.

The merchants were more than happy to mend my gear and sell me supplies.

One would hardly believe that they were ever averse to aiding visitors.

Hehe! You won't believe how many najool they gave me!

Now all we need is a hint to point us in the right direction. City of gold, here we come!

I think I can offer that much.

I have an inkling of where the golden city might be.

Miilal Ja! A-And Zereel Ja!? You've come to help us?

Zereel Ja

As an elector, I am forbidden from speaking of the golden city. ...But my wife is beholden to no such constraints.

Then anything you can tell us would be greatly appreciated.

Our people have lived here for centuries. There is no corner of this forest we do not intimately know─save for one.

Do you recall the place I showed you, where my son confessed the truth of blessed siblings?

That stone pier stands at the entrance of the Skydeep Cenote. The final resting place for children we lost to our zealotry.

Precious few are permitted beyond the cenotaph doors, and we have not explored its deepest recesses. If the golden city is in Yak T'el, it may well be hidden there.

Will you permit us to search for it?

Zereel Ja

...I have no reason to refuse you.

No longer will we rely on blessed siblings, nor will we conceal the sacrifices made to conceive them.

The cenote is no longer under our protection. It is a dismal burial ground...and our children deserve better. Their bodies will be moved to a place of comfort and peace.

I'm sure Bakool Ja Ja would appreciate that. And we're here to offer any help, if you need it.

Your father also visited the cenote, come to think of it.

It was many years ago by now, but a notable affair due to the foreigner he brought with him. A mage, I believe.

Truly!?

Zereel Ja

The Dawnservant did not disclose his reasons, but he descended past our cenotaph and into the old Yok Huy quarries.

Doubtless the very same ones excavated by Vorporlor's dreamers.

Then the golden city must be there.

In the depths of the Skydeep Cenote!

Thank you, both of you. We'll set out straightaway!

You will find a winged beast or two lingering in Gok Draak Descent. They will carry you below.

I believe in you, Third Promise. You will make a magnificent Dawnservant.

This is it, everyone. To the Skydeep Cenote!

End of cutscene.

Ride the imposing beast.

Ride the beast to the Skydeep Cenote? (Yes/No)

Start of cutscene.

This is the cenotaph. Which means that beyond these doors is...

Rite of succession or no, disturbing the souls that rest here feels wrong.

I know...but I can't turn back. Let's pay our respects, at the very least.

Let's go.

I'm ready to complete my journey.

The Skydeep Cenote now accessible

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

I confess, I anticipated my duty as a guide with no little weariness.

I knew our journey might change the course of my nation, but...I did not think it would change the course of my own life.

Cenotaphs are notorious for attracting malefic creatures. We must exercise all due caution.

Part of me is sad to see our journey end...but I have to see what's waiting for us in there!

Wuk Evu, Mablu...so many people have helped us reach this moment. Let us honor their generosity and find the golden city at last!

I don't know what's down there, but I'm eager to see it with my own eyes.

Enter the Skydeep Cenote.

Duty dialogue

Unsung Elegy (boss 1)

You are cursed to be a nuisance to the party...

Feather Ray produces copious bubbles...

Vurgar Armory (area 2)

Speaking Stone

Rats... There are rats!

Workers, arise! Eliminate the rats!

Smash them! Smear them into pulp!

Silence... Our workers have fallen... Activate Firearms!

Vurgar Mettlegrounds (boss 2)

Speaking Stone

Core engaged... Firearms is risen!

Firearms

Hahaha, such power! Destroy, destroy, destroy!

By enchanted sledge, intruders begone! Begone, begone, begone!

Burn upon the mettlegrounds! Burn, burn, burn!

Crumble beneath my full might! Die, die, die!

Gatekeep's Anvil (boss 3)

Maulskull draws power from its fists!

Optional post-duty pop-ups

Optional dialogue

Then that must be...

That light...

We must be very deep underground by now.

I've never seen a place like this before.

Strikingly different from the rest of the cenote...

Duty Support dialogue

Optional dialogue

Tearspent (area 1)

Let's go, everyone.

Stay on your guard. There's no telling what we might encounter.

Look at all those roots...

So many urns...

Beneath the water...

We won't forget these children. Not ever.

Unsung Elegy (boss 1)

A ray? In a place like this?

Looks like a species of ray...

Whatever it is, we have to fight it.

Does anyone else feel...itchy?

I fear we've been cursed...

Whoa!

So the attacks are coordinated...

Well, that's irritating.

I mustn't let everyone down...

These bubbles...!

Prioritize evasive measure!

Argh! Enough already!

Everyone, keep your focus!

Coming through!

After the fight

Didn't stand a chance!

Everyone all right? Then let us proceed.

Miners' Mark and Vurgar Armory (area 2)

We must have reached the Yok Huy quarries.

Then we're on the right track.

This must be the quarry. We're on our way.

Do you get the feeling we're being watched?

Look at all of these statues...

Everyone stay alert. Something's amiss...

I knew it. It's a trap!

Good thing we're ready for them.

Vurgar Mettlegrounds (boss 2)

That little one just hopped right in!

It can dream as big as it likes—we're still toppling it!

Whoops!

I see—the attacks reflect!

Ha! Nice try!

Peculiar technology, to be sure...

Pardon me!

Again!?

We have more to be wary of now...

Once we determine a pattern, we can avoid its attacks.

After the fight

All right! We did it!

Let's keep moving.

Path of Dying Light (area 3)

Now this is peculiar...

That glowing stone...is it infused with aether?

What is that?

That golden light...

Gatekeep's Anvil (boss 3)

I-It's huge!

Time to test our mettle, then.

Th-The sheer force it's mustering!

Stay alert! Keep moving!

Watch out, everyone!

That was a close one!

Is everyone all right!?

Get caught in that, and you're done for...

What immeasurable strength!

Dodge its attacks, then resume the offensive!

Post-duty cutscene

Start of voiced cutscene.

I thought this place was of Yok Huy origin...but is this glowing stone their creation as well?

I don't believe so. I've never seen anything like it.

Then it's from an even older time?

Don't tell me it's the Allagans again...

While careful study would be required to confirm, it does not appear to be reminiscent of their designs.

A golden light... Could it be...?

There's a platform on the other side. But how do we get over there...?

Wuk Lamat steps on a hidden panel, and a path forms.

That's how, apparently.

Right then. Let's go and take a look.

The party approaches the barrier.

That seal... That's Sharlayan and no mistake!

How do we open it?

Come and look at this.

Alphinaud notices the altar with seven recesses.

Your tablets might be a good fit, wouldn't you say?

Wuk Lamat places her tablets on the altar, and the barrier disappears.

Leave it to Alphinaud!

The party proceeds to the Skydeep Cenote Inner Chamber, where they see a sealed gate made with advanced technology.

Is this it? The golden city?

Though there is some resemblance, it doesn't quite live up to what the Yok Huy described from their dreams...

Aaahahaha! Well done. Well done, indeed!

Gulool Ja Ja arrives.

You, my dear daughter, have found the entrance to the city of gold and triumphed in the rite of succession.

So we did it...

We made it to the end!

Gulool Ja Ja addresses Krile.

You seem more perplexed than joyous.

It's just...this place is unlike anything we've seen in Tural, never mind the peculiar stone.

So I am given to wonder...what exactly lies beyond that gate?

Nothing less than the golden city of legend, I assure you─though circumstance prevents us from opening the gate.

As to what the city is and what Galuf Baldesion discovered all those years ago...

This knowledge and more I will share with you after your ascension. What you choose to do with it will be up to you.

The golden city is real...

It took a while, but I finally found it...

Come, let us return to Tuliyollal!

Home at last!

End of cutscene.

The player is transported to the For'ard Cabins main desk.

Optional dialogue

It feels as though we have more questions than we set out with. But for now, returning in one piece is cause enough for celebration.

That was wholly unlike what I imagined in my youth... Since when did a place like that exist in Yok Tural?

I understand now why the Students of Baldesion were petitioned...

But what were my grandfather's findings? Not only regarding that stone, but that gate...

Speak with Alphinaud.