Bhujerba - Lhusu Square

[As the party emerges from the mines, they see Lamont approach the the Archadian inspection party that is lingering outside. They hid behind the columns to watch.

Judge: I see you’ve been out walking without the company of your carriage… Lord Larsa.

[An Imperial steps aside to reveal Penelo is with the Imperial party.]

Judge: We caught her wandering out of the mines. You must take care with such undesirables about.

Penelo: I was kidnapped –

Judge: Silence!

Larsa: If it is a crime to wander on one’s own… then I, too, am guilty. Marquis. I trust that your estate can accommodate another guest?

Ondore: Why not?

Larsa: Judge Ghis, I shall heed your counsel. I will not travel unaccompanied any longer.

[Larsa takes a stunned Penelo's hand and walks away.]

Judge: That was unexpected.

Larsa: Thank you, Penelo.

Penelo: O-Of course.

[As the Imperial party leaves, Vaan & co. feel safe to come out.]

Vaan: What’s Penelo doing? And what’s the deal with that Lamont?

Balthier: That’s no “Lamont.” Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. Fourth son to Emperor Gramis… and brother to Vayne.

Vaan: What? That kid!?

Fran: Do not worry. I believe he will treat her well.

Balthier: Nobody knows men like Fran does.

Basch: Our purposes lead the same way: to Ondore. We must find means to approach him.

Balthier: The Marquis is channeling money to organizations opposing the Empire. We’ll start there.

Aekom: The one with the shiny armor, he was a Judge of Archadia, yes? Haa… More impressive than ever I imagined, he was! The Marquis must do as they say.

[Upon approaching the area at the top of the stairs…]

Basch: Marquis Ondore announced my execution 2 years ago. If news of my survival were to spread, the Marquis may find his position compromised.

Balthier: The men he’s been funding bear little love for the Empire. They won’t be thrilled to discover that rumors of your death were, in fact, greatly exaggerated. If we were to raise a clamor to that effect, we might just get their attention.

Vaan: Nothin’ to it! I’ll just go around town spreading the word. How ‘bout this?

[You are prompted to press the square button…]

Vaan: [yelling] I’m Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg of Dalmasca!

[The denizens of Lhusu Square turn heads at Vaan.]

Vaan: Well? What do you think?

Balthier: That certainly qualifies as a clamor. All right, Vaan, get to it. For the girl’s sake, eh? Oh, and the more people around to witness your little performance, the better. If we’re going to reach the Marquis, it’s up to you. We’ll be waiting here, if you need us.

Site 2 & Shaft Entry

Lamont: This is what I came here to see.

Vaan: What’s that?

Lamont: It’s nethicite. Manufacted nethicite.

Vaan: Nethicite?

Lamont: Unlike regular magicite, nethicite absorbs magickal energy. This is the fruit of research into the manufacture of nethicite. All at the hands of the Draklor Laboratory.

[Balthier perks up at the mention of Draklor.]

Lamont: So this is where they’re getting the magicite.

Balthier: Errand all attended to, then?

Lamont: Thank you. I’ll repay you shortly.

[Balthier approaches Lamont and corners him against the wall.]

Balthier: No, you’ll repay us now. We have too much on our hands to go on holding yours. So where did you hear this fairy tale about “nethicite”? And where did you get that sample you carry? What do you know about the Draklor Laboratories? Tell me: who are you?

Vaan: Balthier –

Ba’Gamnan: You kept us waiting, Balthier!

[The party turns to see Ba'Gamnan and his henchman walk into the cavern, armed.]

Ba’Gamnan: You slipped away in Nalbina. We missed you! First the Judge, and now this boy. The whole affair has the smell of money. I may have to wet my beak a little.

Balthier: Keep your snout in the trough where it belongs. This thinking ill befits you, Ba’Gamnan.

Ba’Gamnan: Balthier! Too long have I gone unpaid! I’ll carve my bounty out of that boy!

Vaan: Where’s Penelo? We’re taking her back!

Ba’Gamnan: The girl? Why keep the bait when you’ve landed the fish? We cut her loose on the way here and then off she ran, crying like a babe!

[While Ba'Gamnan is bragging, Lamont throws the stone in his hands at him. Ba'Gamnan stumbles in shock while Lamont bolts. The rest of the party takes the opportunity to follow Lamont. Ba'Gamnan orders his henchmen after them as he picks himself up.]

Shaft Entry

Fran: It would not seem they follow. We’ve lost them.

Balthier: Much more running about with bangaa at my heels… and I’m apt to give up sky pirating altogether.

Lhusu Mines - Shaft Entry

[Another party is heading in from the entrance. Vaan, Basch, Balthier, Fran, and Lamont all retreat into the shadows. One is identified as an Imperial Judge by his extravagant armor. The other you recognize once you hear the voice.]

Judge: You will forgive me for asking, but you are diverting the purest of the magicite –

Ondore: I can assure you it reaches Lord Vayne most discreetly.

Judge: You wear your saddle well.

Ondore: Be that as it may, I have no intention of being bridled, Your Honor.

Judge: Then you prefer the whip? Stubbornness will see not only you broken, Excellency, but Bhujerba as well.

Lamont: Halim Ondore IV, the Marquis of Bhujerba. The Marquis served as the mediator at the negotiations of Dalmasca’s surrender. It would appear that he is somewhat less neutral now.

Balthier: They say he’s been helping the Resistance.

Lamont: They say many things.

Balthier: You’re certainly well informed. Who did you say you were again?

Vaan: What difference does it make? We have to find Penelo.

Lamont: And Penelo is your –

Vaan: She’s a friend. She was kidnapped and taken here.

Lhusu Square

Miners’ Ender (woman leaning against wall, talking to man): I hear that the quality of the magicite taken from the mines has dropped, but this is most odd. All the Stones I have seen are of highest grade!

Lhusu Parivir: We are parivir, sworn to defend those who work the mines. Many raksas dwell in Lhusu! Very, very dangerous place. Thus are we needed. You have the look of someone new. You would do well to hire us, should you wish to enter Lhusu. Of course, not today, for the mines are closed.

Lhusu Miner (man with back against wall): You carry potions and elixirs, do you not? Haa… Their value cannot be overestimated! Better than magicks, many times. Especially for healing!

Lhusu Miner (man sitting cross-legged on crate): A friend of mine, he found a great treasure deep in the mines, but when he went to reach for it, ayi! It was a raksas! A most horrible fiend! Not all treasure is treasure, bhadra.

Street Vendor: Normally I sell my wares to the miners, bhadra, but with the mines closed, business is, how shall I say it? Dead. Take a look, won’t you? [shop menu]

Cartographers’ Guild: On a trip into the mines? Would you like to buy a map, kupo?

[Select a map to purchase.

Bhujerba 70

Lhusu Mines 650

Cancel]

So long, kupo!

Lhusu Parivir/Aekom: Today all work in the mines had stopped, bhadra. An inspection party has come from Archadia, yes. They have brought many guards. There is no need for our guild of bodyguards, the parivir.

Balthier: The Lhusu Mines: one of the richest veins in Ivalice.

Basch: Under Imperial guard, no doubt.

Lamont: Actually, no. With but few exceptions, the Imperial army is not permitted in Bhujerba. Well, shall we proceed?

[Balthier and Basch look at each other. Lamont heads for the mine entrance.]

Travica Way

Balthier: The Lhusu Mines are just up ahead. Though, I do hear there’s not much left there these days.

????: You’re on your way to the mines?

[The party looks in the direction of the speaker to see a boy perhaps a bit younger than Vaan and Penelo leaning on the wall. He hops down and approaches them.]

????: Then please, allow me to accompany you. I’ve an errand to attend to there.

Basch: What manner of errand?

????: What errand? I might ask the same of you.

Balthier: Right, come on then.

Vaan: What?

????: Excellent.

Balthier: Do me a favor and stay where I can keep my eye on you. Should be less trouble that way.

????: For us both.

Vaan: So what’s your name?

????: Oh, I – I’m Lamont.

Vaan: Don’t worry. I don’t know what’s in that mine, Lamont, but you’re in good hands. Right, Basch?

[Basch and Balthier look at each other in dismay as Vaan nonchalantly reveals Basch’s identity. Then Balthier smirks and shrugs. Lamont seems unsuspecting.]

[Lamont joins the party as a guest!]

Bhujerban (man in turban and brown & green shorts): Did you know that Bhujerba is the freest city in all Ivalice? His Excellency the Marquis Ondore treats with the Empire to ensure our sovereignty.

Bhujerban (woman in white pacing up and down bridge): It is most curious. I have lived here all my life, yet I often forget that Bhujerba is, indeed, a city in the sky. If one were to fall from here… kastam!

Bhujerban (moogle with green pom-pom sitting on wall): Did you know that House Ondore has maintained Bhujerba’s neutrality for ages, kupo? You did? Well did you know that Marquis Ondore’s estate is up the steps across the bridge, kupo? You did?

Bhujerban Sainikah: You may see Imperials on our streets, bhadra, but do not be alarmed. Bhujerba is neutral. Our ports are open to all.

Bhujerban (woman in white sitting on wall next to kid): Is it true where you come from, too, that young boys love the sky? My son, he wishes to become a pilot when he is older. Haa… a pilot!

Bhujerban (man in green, red, and blue leaning against wall, talking to woman): I moved here from Rabanastre, you know. How startled I was to see the Imperials here on such good behavior… not like those cretins back home.

Bhujerban (woman in green, pink, and brown sitting on ledge): Bhujerba is not great in size, but as our mines are rich in quality magicite, so are our lives rich. It is a good place to live. Did you know that the best magicite may be used in many applications? It is a most wonderful energy source. There is none greater!

Bhujerban (tan bangaa walking up and down stairs): Seen the Imperials scurrying about? Insects, they are. If I were the Marquis, I’d have given them the boot a long time ago.

Bhujerban Sainikah: Tell me, bhadra, why is it that you have come to Bhujerba? No, do not tell me. For I already know. It is to see her architecture, yes? Many are the travelers who visit us to see her arches and promenades, each built to take advantage of our most lofty position in the sky.

Archadian Wayfarer: That Ondore! He has the temerity to turn me, a citizen of the Empire, away at his gate? He needs to be taught a lesson in humility, he does. Eh? Ondore’s residence? Just up these steps and to the left. You’re not getting in, though. Trust me.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! Welcome! I am a parijanah, a sort of guide. May I be of assistance? The way to the Lhusu Mines? Haa, this is difficult. There are many Imperial blockades… It is a long way, but go southward along this road. You will find it most helpful to purchase a map at the Cartographers’. Of course, you may always ask a parijanah the way, should you become lost. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Cartographers’ Guild: How are you enjoying our beautiful city, kupo? Would you like to buy a map, kupo?

[Select a map to purchase.

Bhujerba                70

Lhusu Mines         650

Cancel]

So long, kupo!

Bhujerban (woman in white leaning against wall next to armory): The estate of Marquis Ondore is ahead from here. The Marquis’s house is as old as the royal family of Dalmasca, did you know? Perhaps it is now the oldest surviving House in Ivalice.

[If you try to enter Ondore’s estate…]

Bhujerban Sainikah: Beyond this point is the property of his Excellency the Marquis. I am so sorry, but I must ask you to leave, bhadra.

Rithil’s Protectives (sign): Under Charter of His Excellency, we proudly offer such Armors as might prove indispensable to those having Business within the Mines.

[If you try to approach any Imperial blockade…]

Imperial: Sorry, but this way is closed, on the authority of the Marquis. Why? Wouldn’t you like to know.

Bhujerban (man in hat and green & brown shorts): Along this road you may find arms, armor, and a seller of magicks, newly open. Many are the miners who come to buy here, for defense is needed against the raksas, or fiends, as you call them, in the mines.

Bhujerban Sainikah: Does the presence of Imperials give you concern? Worry not, Bhujerba is neutral. Should they violate our laws, they will be dealt with, bhadra.

Street Kid: Amba, she says the raksas Diabolos will come and take me away to the mines. Who is scared by such fables!? Not me.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! Welcome! I am a parijanah, a guide. May I be of assistance? You go to the Lhusu Mines? I am afraid that the hill road to Cloudborne Row is blockaded. I advise going southward down this boulevard. Should you become lost, ask a parijanah. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Bhujerban (woman in white sitting on crate outside weaponry): So many Imperials on the street today! I thought only those on holiday came to our high streets. What could have happened?

Targe’s Arms (sign): Under Charter of His Excellency, we proudly offer such Weapons as might prove indispensable to those having Business within the Mines.

[If you try to go the way of any Imperial blockades...]

Imperial: Sorry, but this way is closed, on the authority of the Marquis. Why? Wouldn’t you like to know.

Bhujerban (man sitting on crates right next to entrance of Targe’s Arms): My wife, she goes quite often into this shop of weapons. For many hours, she does not come out. She loves weapons. She must.

Bhujerban Sainikah: I was removed from my post by Imperial soldiers! They will stand guard in my place, however. I should be thankful for the rest.

City Parijanah: The Lhusu Mines? I warn you, that is not a place for the casual visitor. Go south down this road, and through Miners’ End. There are many parijanah guides to assist you. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Bhujerban (tan bangaa pacing boulevard): I’ve heard there’s an Imperial fleet gathering not far from Bhujerba. Now, maybe they’re just passin’ through… or maybe this’s a prelude to invasion?

Bhujerban (woman in green, pink, and brown leaning against wall): I do not approve of that magickery. The ladies there are all very young, and all very helpful. So do the men flock to their door! Hanta…

Bhujerban (moogle with green pom-pom sitting on crate next to magickery door): I came here from Rabanastre to visit a friend, kupo! Them Imperials can’t throw their weight around here, can they? That said… There sure are a lot of them running around today. And what’s with all these blockades, kupo!?

Shop Clerk: Svagatam! We are newly open. Come inside Mait’s Magicks! We have only the best at Mait’s!

Mait’s Magicks (sign): Under Charter of His Excellency, we purvey Magicks restorative and defensive with which to gird oneself before embarking into the Mines.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! I am a parijanah, a sort of guide to our wonderful city. You go to the Lhusu Mines? Then go south down this road, there to pass through Miners’ End. Of course, normally one could go straight down this road, but as you can see, it is blockaded. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Bhujerban (man in turban and green & brown shorts leaning against wall): You bear little love for the Empire? Then we have something in common. Thanks to the Empire, my home, Nabradia, is no more. Yes, that’s right, I’m Nabradian. For two years I’ve lived here, waiting… but for what?

Archadian Wayfarer: …I hate to admit this, but I fear I’m lost. Ridiculous! First I get lost in Rabanastre, now in Bhujerba! It’s poor urban planning, I tell you!

City Parijanah: Traveler! May I be of assistance? If you are to go to the Lhusu Mines, I suggest you head east from here, passing through Miners’ End on your way. There are many shops along the way, should you need anything. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Bhujerban (woman in white leaning against wall): Have you been to the Khus Skygrounds? They are to the west of here. The Lhusu Mines? They are to the east. Go through Miners’ End.

Bhujerban Sainikah: The parijanah guides you see around town are working for the state to make sure all visitors to Bhujerba enjoy their time among us.

Street Kid: Did you see the soldiers? There were so many!

City Parijanah: I am a parijanah. I am here to assist. If you make for the Lhusu Mines, go down this hill and through Miners’ End. There are many parijanah guides to help you find your way. Good journey to you, bhadra.