Stranger from Paradise

Quest giver: Shallow Moor
Location: Old Sharlayan (X:12.0, Y:13.3)
Quest line: Records of Unusual Endeavors Quests
┗ Variant Dungeons Quests
Level: 90
Required quest: A Satrap's Duty
An Odd Job
Experience: 0
Gil: 5,055
Next quest: A Fish a Day
Patch: 6.51
Links: EDB GT TC

“

Shallow Moor has a job for a certain adventurer.

— In-game description

Rewards

Unlocks

Steps

Speak with Pasasun at the Great Work.
Speak with Pasasun at Yedlihmad.
Enter Aloalo Island.
Speak with Pasasun.
Speak with Shallow Moor at Old Sharlayan.

Journal

Shallow Moor has a job for a certain adventurer.
The gleaners have received an odd job with your name on it-literally. The alchemist Pasasun, writing on behalf of the fisherman Matsya, has asked for help in extricating his friend from a spot of unspecified trouble. Shallow Moor informs you that the alchemist can likely be found at the Great Work, if and when you decide to answer his call to action.
Pasasun wastes no time in bringing you to Matsya, upon whose head is perched a mysterious bird fluent in the common tongue. Kalika, as he names himself, hails from an isle to the south known as Aloalo, which has long been a verdant paradise home to many animals and men both. However, in the wake of the inhabitants' abrupt departure a century ago, the animals have been free to eat and breed unchecked, and now hordes of ravenous beasts threaten to destroy the balance of nature. Thus did Kalika brave the ocean waves to seek a hunter brave and true—hero he proclaims to be none other than Matsya. Matsya, unsurprisingly, begs to differ, and entreats you to accompany him on an expedition to Aloalo. You agree, and so Pasasun goes to charter a boat that will deliver you to the island, and bids you meet him in Yedlihmad once you are ready to depart.
Pasasun informs you that a trio of bandits stole a ship from the Yedlihmad docks shortly before your arrival. While it was not the vessel the alchemist commissioned-and thus its loss shall not hinder your plans-the timing of the theft is curious indeed. Regardless, you must turn your attention to Aloalo and the coming journey with your fisherman-turned-hero companion.
- ※Aloalo Island can be accessed via the V&C Dungeon Finder.
- ※To open the V&C Dungeon Finder, speak with the Yedlihmad skipper or select the option located under Duty in the main menu.
You brave the verdant wilds of Aloalo, illuminating its secrets and redressing the natural balance. Now that you have returned from your journey, you may seek out Pasasun in Yedlihmad to share with him your experiences on the south sea isle.
Pasasun is overjoyed to receive you and Matsya, and you regale him with the tale of your exciting expedition. Though the Arkasodara found the adventure rewarding in the end, he is nevertheless relieved to be home once more...until Kalika observes that a single hunt will not suffice to keep the beasts in check. The Speaker's servant implores you both to visit the isle many times more-and indeed, the unexplored remainder and resilient fauna ensure that Pasasun will be busy taking notes for many days to come. But before you embark upon your next expedition, it is only prudent that you report your success to Shallow Moor.
Shallow Moor listens to your story with rapt interest, unable to suppress a smile when you speak of Matsya's quest to find fish for Nidhana. She congratulates you on a job well done and encourages you to return to Aloalo Island, for the sake of both alchemical knowledge and unrequited love.

Dialogue

Shallow Moor: [Forename]! In the mood for an odd job, are we? Your arrival is most fortuitous, for I received a request for your assistance but a moment ago.
Shallow Moor: It was written by Pasasun, a Thavnairian alchemist, on behalf of an acquaintance of yours. What was his name, again...?
Shallow Moor: ...Ah, yes, Matsya! Rings familiar, I hope?
Shallow Moor: Good, good. It seems your fisher friend is in a spot of trouble, and this Pasasun believes you're the one to get him out of it. That is, of course, assuming you have room in your schedule.

What will you say?
> I would gladly help a friend in need, especially one to whom I'm indebted.
Shallow Moor: That's a "yes," then! Thank you, [Forename]!
> He doesn't want me to peddle his wares again, does he...?
Shallow Moor: I really couldn't say, though I would have thought a merchant with your backing could sell ice crystals to fire sprites.

Shallow Moor: While I myself am not familiar with the details of the request, Pasasun should be happy to explain everything. I believe he can be found in the Great Work.
Shallow Moor: May the job prove free off hitches, hindrances, and headaches!

Pasasun: Oh, you must be [Forename]. Have the gleaners sent you here?
Pasasun: Very good. You have no idea how relieved I am that you've come.
Pasasun: As you may have guessed, I am Pasasun. I work as an alchemist here at the Great Work, and Matsya is one of my oldest and dearest friends.
Pasasun: His is a problem which has proven quite difficult to unravel. Nevertheless, he is loath to ask you for help...
Pasasun: And so I took it upon myself to reach out to you without his knowledge. For both his sake and the sake of the little one fate has brought into our lives.
Pasasun: He'll be along soon to sell his most recent catch, which should prove the perfect opportunity to convince him that we require your aid.
Pasasun: We'll be sure to catch his attention if we wait outside. Follow me, [Forename].

Matsya: Is that...[Forename]? Why, I didn't know you and Pasasun were acquainted.
Talking Bird: Master Matsya, who is this mighty hunter? Her arms are thick, mighty roots, unlike Pasasun's limp seaweed limbs which shrivel in the sun.
Pasasun: I would have you know that I am an alchemist by trade―I work with my mind, not my body. And need I remind you, it was my knowledge which allowed me to nurse you back to health. Surely a little respect isn't too much to ask...
Pasasun: By the look on your face, I take it you understood Kalika's commentary. This is the little one I mentioned to you before. In spite of his...forthright nature, Matsya and I have become quite taken with him.
Pasasun: I apologize for contacting [Forename] without consulting you beforehand. I know toy didn't want to burden her with these troubles, but I'm afraid I see no other recourse.
Matsya: Well, since you've come all this way, I suppose it would be foolish of me not to tell you everything. That is, of course, if you would like to hear it?
Matsya: Very well. Several days ago, I found this tiny bird on the shore, breathing faintly and unconscious. Pasasun and I took him in and watched over him day and night, unsure if he would ever awake. For a mercy, he did―and then, to our surprise, he spoke: "Go to the southern isles..."
Matsya: What isles are these, you may wonder. Kalika, would you explain?
Kalika: Certainly, Master Matsya! Your wish is my command!
Kalika: The "south sea isles," I believe your kind call them. Remote and mysterious, 'tis said.
Kalika: I hail from there―from one in the west by the name of Aloalo.
Kalika: It was home to a people thousands of years ago of whom now no trace remains, save for a grand shrine, and the great statue of the Speaker enshrined within.
Kalika: The statue was embedded with a glorious gemstone which bestowed vitality and beauty to the island. Nowhere else did nature thrive so! Long after the builders vanished, others would cross the sea to bask in this bounty.
Kalika: However, a century ago, from the ocean deep roiling flames burst forth, forcing the residents of Aloalo to flee. And so the animals, who no longer had to fear the hunters' arrows, laid claim to the island's gifts.
Kalika: As Aloalo healed, ravenous beasts grew plentiful, and the rivers became choked with fish. The breed and feast unchecked, and not even the Speaker's blessing can forestall the island's gradual descent into a barren waste.
Kalika: As the Speaker's servant, it fell to me to go forth and save my dear home, so I rode the waves upon a floating coconut in search of a mighty hunter!
Kalika: Although the ocean could have swallowed me whole at any moment, I looked to the horizon without fear. I had faith that the Speaker would guide me true, and I was right! Master Matsya is the very hunter who will save Aloalo!
Matsya: You see now the source of my distress. The very thought of facing ravenous beasts makes my trunk shiver in fear.
Matsya: But you could be the hunter our little friend seeks―and sate your hunger for exploration besides. Admittedly, I did not ask because I thought such a trifling task would be beneath you, but...

What will you say?
> You had me at "grand shrine."
Kalika: If you are as accomplished as Master Matsya says, I would welcome you to Aloalo with open wings! There is one catch, however...
> Well, if you went alone, you wouldn't come back...
Kalika: Your concern for Master Matsya's well-being is plain―and I should be glad to call upon so accomplished a hunter as I am told you are. There is one catch, however...

Kalika: Master Matsya must come, you see. The Speaker guided me into his embrace, and that is a sign I cannot ignore.
Pasasun: I have ever had a soft spot for small, defenseless creatures. And while I am no man of action, I possess knowledge of the south seas which may put wind in your sails, as it were.
Pasasun: Many of the fish native to the isles are prized for their rare properties and would make a fine gift for any alchemist. Nidhana would be most impressed if you were to brave unknown waters and bring her a few.
Matsya: A g-g-gift? For...Nidhana!?
Matsya: Y-Yes, I'll go! I'll go and find the plumpest fish I can find!
Matsya: As for you, [Forename], it seems I must burden you with my troubles after all. I know it's a lot to ask, but please...travel with me to Aloalo Island!
Kalika: Master Matsya, you wear resolve well! Every moment I become more certain of your success!
Kalika: Now, let us depart before this swell of courage recedes. Aloalo is south from here as the albatross flies. You will know it by the unusually lush canopies!
Pasasun: No, Kalika, you must stay here. The wounds you suffered have yet to heal.
Kalika: Hmm, rather presumptuous of you to command me thus, but you are right. I can scarcelt lift my wings for the pain...
Pasasun: Fear not. Your instructions were more than clear enough to guide [Forename] and Matsya to Aloalo Island.
Pasasun: Since I can't accompany you, I'll see to the commissioning of a vessel for your voyage. Once you're ready to depart, let us rendezvous at Yedlihmad.

Energetic Miqo'te Girl: Did you hear that, Zozone!? A jewel bigger than you, just waiting for someone to sail to that island and give it a new home!
Zozone: Can't say I made out every little bit, J'jhimei, but I got the salient points. Treasure in the south sea isles, ripe for the pluckin', aye?
Zozone: Seems you were onto somethin' with this wild chocobo chase, Whasbyrm. Rumors of wild riches rarely pay off this well!
Whasbyrm: Aye, but that lot might be after the same thing. We'd be in for some competition...
J'jhimei: No need to get your smallclothes in a twist over one fisherman and his hired help! These ears aren't just for show, you know―I heard them spill the exact location!
Zozone: This score smells bigger than the Mealvaan's Gate one. I wager we'll be richer than kings!
Zozone: Get your gear in order, you two! We're commandeerin' the first skiff we lay eyes on!

Optional dialogue

Yedlihmad Skipper: Pasasun's told me everythin'. I'll see you safely to this island of yours, you have my word!

Kalika: How cruel to have been entrusted with this sacred duty, yet forced to wait and pray for another's success...

Pasasun: There you are. Did you spy the commotion on your way here?
Pasasun: It seems a trio of masked scoundrels absconded with one of the smaller ships. The Radiant Host is attempting to track them down, but the sea is vast, and the thieves long gone. Let us give thanks that they did not choose our vessel.
Pasasun: Ah, yes. Matsya wanted me to tell you that he has returned to Akyaali to wrap up some loose ends while you make ready to depart.
Pasasun: Now that you've arrived, I shall send word. Kalika and I may be staying behind, but that doesn't mean we can't make ourselves useful.
Pasasun: We've given the skipper directions to Aloalo Island, and she is confident that she can deliver you there without issue. The rest depends on you, my friend.

Trivia

The name of the quest is based on Square Enix's 2022 action RPG: Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin.