The Ogir-Yensa Sandsea

Platform 1 – East Tanks

[A short cinematic introduces us to the Sandsea; Vaan approaches the shores and reaches into the murky brownish waves, cupping some of the “water”; when he brings his hand back out, grains of sand are sliding off his palm. As he gazes at the sea, Penelo calls his name, and his reluctantly returns to the party.]

Penelo: So, where exactly is Raithwall’s tomb?

Basch: Far to the west. We must first cross the Ogir Yensa Sandsea We must pace ourselves.

Penelo: You don’t have to worry about me. I’m tougher than I look.

Basch: You are at that.

Platform 1 - Refinery

[Vaan inquires about the tanks around whose catwalks the party is navigating.]

Basch: A construct to draw oil from the ground. Abandoned many years now, it seems.

Vaan: Did Dalmascans build this?

Basch: No. The Rozarrians. Their empire lies far to the west, ever at war with Archadia. Heedless of the kingdoms caught in their midst. Dalmasca. Nabradia. Landis.

Vossler: ‘Tis the small craft’s fate: to watch the list of the galleons and pray for light winds.

Basch: Vossler! Why are you here?

Vossler: Imagine my surprise… when upon my return to Bhujerba, I find both you and the Lady Ashe have vanished. I thought you above consorting with sky pirates.

Basch: Balthier is a man worthy of our trust, and it was the Lady Ashe’s decision. I am content to lend my arm. As I could not when Rasler died, when her throne was taken. Never again. I will defend her this time.

Vossler: You walk the knight’s path. The Lady Ashe?

[Basch turns in response. Vossler follows his gaze to Ashe, and approaches her. Meanwhile, Fran and Balthier stand a short distance away, looking out on the Sandsea.]

Fran: We should leave this place.

Balthier: Let me guess: sandstorm?

Fran: Something far worse.

[The camera switches to Vossler and Ashe.]

Vossler: I see… So the Dawn Shard does lie in King Raithwall’s tomb. The Marquis sympathizes with your plight, yet the Empire watches his every move. He can keep whispers of your “abduction” silent for only so long.

Ashe: Yes, but tell me, Vossler, what have you accomplished?

[Balthier interrupts their conversation.]

Balthier: We leave at once! This is Urutan-Yensa territory… and they are unfond of visitors.

[Another cinematic shows something in the sea thundering toward the promontories where the party is located. Strange, insect-like humanoids in raggedy cloaks ride large fish like steeds through the sandwaves. One raises its scimitar and whoops, having scented the party. The others echo his battle cry.]

[The party is now off and running.]

Balthier: Looks like we’ve attracted the wrong sort of attention. Let’s quit this place while we still can. Move!

[Ashe and Vossler are still standing where they were; Vossler starts forward, but Ashe stops him by calling him.]

Ashe: Vossler! Have you found the means to restore Dalmasca?

Vossler: First, we must claim the Dawn Shard. It all begins with that.

[Vossler joins the party as a guest!]