Let's play Star Ocean 3! Part 21

This update's gonna be a bit of a mix between side content and story content! Some side content opens up right after we sort things out in Airyglyph, so we're going to do that first before we get on with the story. We have some PAs, and a sidequest that takes place in fives parts: the first three open up right now, the fourth opens up at the beginning of part 22 (so I'll show it right now already), and the fifth isn't until a good chunk of the way through disc 2 so we'll have to wait for that pay-off.

The other important optional thing that opens up right now is that we start having to worry about optional party members. Like I mentioned in the opening post, the game has a total of 10 possible party members, but only 8 slots for them. 6 of them are mandatory, so that leaves us to pick 2 out of the remaining 4. Those four characters are Nel, Albel, Roger, and Peppita. Specifically, our 7th party member is going to have to be one of Nel, Albel, or Roger.

The way the "choice" works, is that if you see a special cutscene for Roger, he's automatically your 7th (and I believe takes precedence over Albel's scene), and if you see a special cutscene for Albel (and give the right response) instead, he'll be your 7th. If you see neither before finishing the Urssa Lava Caves, which is quite likely if you're playing through the game blind, you get Nel. You don't see the effects of this until a little bit later, though, since all three are currently still in our party. Anyway, since this is an LP, let's go see both those cutscenes, shall we.

Roger's cutscene requires him to have joined the party temporarily during Duggus Forest, and then picked him up and invited him again when we visited Surferio. We go find him in Lucien's house in Surferio to trigger this:


Lucien: I thought maybe you were hidin' somewhere cuz you can't beat me.
Roger: Who'd you say can't beat you? Ha, you're pretty funny, aren't ya?
Lucien: I was talking about you, goofball. Hey, Lezard. What's the score sheet say?
Lezard: ... 48 wins for you, 47 wins for the goofball, and 1,504 ties!
Lucien: So, there you go, goofball.
Roger: Hey, wait a second! That can't be right! I won last time, so shouldn't that be 47 wins for you, and 48 wins for me!?
Lucien: You talkin' about that Real Man Contest we had in Duggus?
Roger: Yeah, that!
Lucien: I won that one.
Roger: What are you talking about!? I'm the one who stole that statuette from the boss of the Moonshadow Clan!
Lucien: Don't think I don't know! You had help from someone!
Lezard: Yeah, that's what my information says. Lessee... It was a blue-haired swordsman, a blond warrior, and a red-haired secret agent...
Roger: Huh? How did you know all that?
Lezard: Hehehe... The leopard never changes his spots... Just remember that I have my sources!
Vellion: Wow, Lezard... You're like, some kinda villain.
Lezard: What are you talking about, Vellion? What about me is like a villain?
Vellion: Well, um... Er... You're dressed all in dark colors, and your mouth is kinda twisted, like a sneer...
Lezard: VEL-LI-ON!
Vellion: Bu-bu-bu-t...
Lezard: No buts! If you keep talking back to me like that, there'll be no more of your favorite donuts for you, how about that!
Vellion: So-so-so-rrr-y-y-...
Lezard: Well, all right then.
Roger: Heh, you guys never change...
Lucien: Heh, who cares about donuts, anyway? In any case, you can't get help from anyone. That's against the rules!
Roger: Yeah, but... There are reasons for that, mountains of 'em...
Lucien: Still, you broke the rules, so you forfeited. In other words, I won. Lezard?
Lezard: Yep... You won 48 times, the goofball won 47 times, and there were 1,504 ties!
Lucien: Hehehehehe!!! I guess you're not match for me after all, eh goofball?
Roger: Oooh, you make me so mad...


Lucien: Huh? Who the heck are you?
Lezard: Blue... hair? Could it be that swordsman!?


Lucien: W-w-, what is it?
Fayt: He helped me out a little while ago.
Lucien: He helped you?
Fayt: We were looking for a girl who collapsed in Duggus Forest. That's when we met Roger. When he heard about our problem, he decided to help us, no matter what happened to the contest. Well, we happened to run into the boss of the bandits, so that's why we helped him, but...
Lucien: Hmm?
Fayt: Don't you think that's the sort of thing a real man would do?
Lucien: Well, yes, you could say that.
Fayt: I know he broke the rules. But he showed us he's a real man. So, can't you just strike that last contest from the record?
Lucien: Hmm?
Lezard: Hmph. Of course we can't accept that kind of excuse.
Lucien: Okay. I don't mind.
Lezard: Wh-what, are you kidding? Lucien!? You're gonna accept that...?
Lucien: Yep. You can't call it a loss when a guy bows out of a Real Man Contest to help someone who's in trouble.
Lucien: But next time! Next time, no matter what the reason is, remember that the rules are the rules!
Roger: O-okay!
Lezard: Gee... Some guys'll believe anything. Throwing away a victory like that!
Vellion: Even more proof that Lucy's the better man. Hehehe...
Lezard: Vellion, what are you so happy about...
Vellion: Uh...
Lucien: Hey, Vellion! How many times do I have to tell you, never call me Lucy!!!
Vellion: But, that's your name ain't it? It's Lucy, right?
Lucien: You little punk...


Fayt: Heh, well. It was nothing. You did help us out, after all.
Roger: You're a good dude, I can tell.

And with that, Roger is guaranteed to be our 7th party member! Guess he liked us that much for being a good big buddy :)

Albel's cutscene requires sleeping at the Peterny inn, at which point a cutscene plays instead of letting you sleep as usual:




Fayt: What do you think you're tryin' to pull!? That's dangerous!
Albel: Heh, it's not like I was trying to hit you. I was just testing my aim.
Fayt: Just testing your aim!?
Albel: Shut up and come over here, fool.
Fayt: What's going on?


Fayt: What kinda question is that...?
Albel: Just answer the question, fool.
Fayt: All right...



[If we choose I hate you.]

Fayt: Yeah, you know I hate you.
Fayt: Even though you act under the banner of war, you hurt too many people. It's just so you can brag about how strong you are. I'll never accept that.
Albel: Heh, no surprise there.
Fayt: But now's not the time to act based on personal feelings alone. The situation is too serious to allow us such luxury. ... Why did you ask anyway?
Albel: Heh, don't fre about it, worm. Dawn's not far off. You'd better get some sleep.

Albel starts walking off mid-line.

Fayt: Now he tells me to sleep... after waking me up...

[If we choose Not really.]

Fayt: Not really.
Albel: Why not? I've hurt lots of your friends. Shouldn't you hate me by now?
Fayt: Yeah, but that was not your intention, was it? It was war, after all.
Albel: ...
Fayt: It's true, it is kinda scary how obsessed you are. I guess you're one of those guys who has to prove himself by fighting.
Fayt: But, the idea of only trying to be strong... It's something I can't do, and it's something I can't even relate to, but...
Fayt: But I don't think there's anything wrong with someone else living that way.
Albel: Heh...
Fayt: And I have a feeling you won't just hurt people for no reason anymore.
Albel: But I could attack you right now, just like before.
Fayt: It's all right. I trust you.
Albel: What a happy little world you live in. Dream on, fool. Dream on.

Albel starts walking off mid-line, and Fayt shrugs.

This scene is actually a PA on top of determining whether he'll permanently join, but Albel only joins if you say you don't hate him.

And while we're in Peterny, there's another PA if we talk to him right outside at any time after recruiting him:


Albel: Try as we might, we were unable to destroy Aquaria. In other words, we failed. There was something lacking that prevented us from winning. Do you know what it was? It's really quite simple.
Fayt: Are you referring to why Aquaria won?
Albel: That's right. Despite the very real differences in strength between our kingdoms, we waged war against you because we thought we had a chance of winning. However, you can see the outcome. Why do you think this happened?



[If we choose You lacked compassion for others.]

Fayt: You lacked compassion for others. If the Glyphians had been able to see things from the Aquarian's standpoint, surely the outcome would've been different.
Albel: Ha! That sounds like something read straight from a textbook. Spare me your sentimental drivel! Compassion? Seeing things from another's standpoint? You know nothing about the real world.
Albel: What if someone important to you were starving right before your eyes? Would you still be concerned about people you'd never even seen before? Are you saying you'd continue to lead a life of hardship just to help people you don't even know!? Listen up, Fayt! After all is said and done, we are creatures that are only able to think about ourselves and a very limited number of people around us.
Albel: Only those who have never gone hungry speak such foolishness as compassion for others. Or perhaps you are suggesting we can use that compassion to fill our bellies?
Fayt: (Albel certainly has a point. The people of this kingdom are far better off than the people of Airyglyph. There is almost no one in Aquaria who has suffered through cold and hunger. I suppose it's only natural for the Glyphians to want to lead a better life like the Aquarians. Even so...)
Fayt: You may be right, Albel. However... Even if compassion won't satisfy your hunger, it will satisfy your soul. To me, that is a thousand times better than repeatedly waging senseless wars.
Albel: What nonsense. What's the point if you can't make yourself, your friends, and the woman you love happy? You intend to force that hare-brained idea of the 'good life' on the people around you?
Fayt: I have no intention of forcing anything on anyone! It's just... I want you to see my point.
Albel: You mean you want to force me to see it. What nonsense.

Albel: You can just go on living your pampered life. Well... I suppose you will wake up to reality one day.

[If we choose I suppose it was bad luck.]

Fayt: I suppose it was bad luck. Both Airyglyph and Aquaria were fighting for their people. This outcome is nothing more than the whim of the gods.
Albel: Luck, hmm... I suppose that's one way to look at it.
Albel: But what exactly is this luck you speak of, Fayt? If you try everything and still lose, I suppose you could chalk it up to bad luck. But that is not the way it really is. The losing side always lacks something. They might lack back-breaking effort and unrelenting action, or the ability to analyze and select the best course of action and make split-second decisions. The only people who say it was bad luck are those who try to divert attention from the real reason why they lost.
Albel: However, in this case I can understand how you'd want to attribute everything to such a random force. After all, who'd have thought such unimaginable things would happen?

Albel: All I can say is that Airyglyph was unlucky this time. But there's nothing that can be done about it.

[If we choose The king should've been more ruthless.]

Fayt: The king should've been more ruthless. Ruling a kingdom requires making tough decisions. It is important for a ruler to always consider the big picture and sometimes even be heartless.
Albel: Well... You do have a brain in that head of yours. There is no end to people's desires. If you want to control the masses, you have to throw away the carrot and use the stick!
Fayt: And Airyglyph had two big carrots for its masses to chew on: plenty of food and stable government. But that was the beginning of their mistake. To the people of Airyglyph, their standing wasn't something they had to fight for, rather it was something given to them by their eminent leader.
Albel: That's correct. Manipulating the masses doesn't require hope for the future. Rather than hope, we should have instilled fear among the masses about Aquaria itself. Kill or be killed, as they say.
Albel: The king is an eminent leader to a fault. That is why he yielded to the masses. The king's indulgence of the people ruined our kingdom. What utter foolishness.

Albel: I put everything I had into bettering Airyglyph... But I've made this place into nothing but a nest for spineless maggots. It's utterly ridiculous.

Let's give him a minute.

And before we move on to the sidequest, there's another important PA worth checking out in Kirlsa, if we go visit Woltar's mansion now, which opened up to us during part 20, and head up to his study.


Woltar: We've released all political prisoners, just as we promised. Are you satisfied now?
Nel: You've kept your promise. I've confirmed it myself. With this, the alliance between our two kingdoms is official at last.
Woltar: I would never lie in matters concerning faith between kingdoms. Of course, there are sometimes matters for which the entire truth cannot be told.
Nel: Is that so...? In all the Kingdom of Airyglyph, you may appear to be the most noble of people, but you really are the most treacherous. Compared to you, that snake Vox was somewhat easier to read.
Woltar: You overestimate me. It's nothing more than the wisdom of age.
Nel: Well, it doesn't matter really. What matters is our conditions: guaranteed freedom to spear the word of the Church of Apris, the release of all those wrongly imprisoned, and formal punishment for the war crimes committed by Vox and his men. We'll be satisfied as long as these conditions are met.
Nel: Well, thanks for your time. I'm short on time as well, so I must be off.
Woltar: W-wait a moment. No matter how hurried you may be, there is always time to talk. You have no questions to ask about your father?
Nel: No - nothing in particular. When your Storm Brigade attacked my father, he tried to divert the attention of your forces himself so that as many of his men as possible could escape. He's not been seen since. I've heard at least that much from those who served under my father.
Nel: Ultimately, I suppose he was killed, but such is the way of the battlefield. No matter how I might feel personally, I don't have the right to criticize what you people did, do I?
Woltar: It was I who personally defeated your father. Still of a mind to keep your criticisms to yourself?
Nel: I stand before you as Nel Zelpher, Crimson Blade, and humble servant of Her Majesty the Queen. I do not intend to let personal feelings influence the fate of our kingdom.
Woltar: Yes, I understand.
Woltar: Your restraint it most impressive. Now that I know how you feel, I suppose you would not mind if I gave you something.
Nel: Huh...?


Woltar: I believe they are known as the Blades of Ryusen. They were the swords your father wielded. I was asked to give them to you once you became worthy of the honor.
Nel: My father... But why? Speak the truth, Lord Woltar. You wanted the swords for yourself, didn't you? There's no reason for you to abide by a promise no one else knew about, especially one made with your foe.
Woltar: It was a promise made between two men of valor who crossed swords in a deadly duel to the death. How could I break my oath and still call myself a warrior?
Nel: You do realize that there's no guarantee that these swords won't once again be taken up and wielded against you and your kingdom. Will you still give them to me knowing that?
Woltar: If it once again comes to that, I shall simply lay claim to them once more. Until the next time their keeper enters these halls in anger, it belongs to your kingdom.
Nel: All right then. I'll take back my father's swords. And I pray that we'll never have to wield them against your kingdom again.



Now for the sidequest! This quest is really easy to miss, because while picking up the first part of it is fairly straightforward, it's really easy to not realize that you need to finish the second (and third!) parts before finishing the Urssa Lava Caves. And after that it's also really easy to miss the fourth part, since it has a very tight window. For our first part, we just go visit the king in Airyglyph at any point after we get access to the castle (so, end of part 20):


Fayt: Wait, it wasn't like I did anything rude...
Airyglyph XIII: Our kingdom, too, lost a great deal of its people. Under such circumstances even I, the king, must help with daily affairs myself.
Fayt: Oh... I...
Airyglyph XIII: In any case, you have your own circumstances as I have mine. It was not my intention to chastise you. Rather, the fault lies with us. It is nothing you need worry about. However, as king of these lands, it is quite difficult for me to acknowledge the errors of our ways...
Fayt: ... I understand. You don't have to say any more.
Airyglyph XIII: Hmm... Perhaps there was a good reason for you to disturb me here after all. I would ask a favor of you. Will you hear me out?
Fayt: A favor!? What could I possibly do for you? After all, you are the king.
Airyglyph XIII: It is no great matter. I was referring to this letter here. I would like you to deliver it to someone.

He places a letter on the desk.

Airyglyph XIII: It has nothing to do with politics. Please think of this as a personal favor to me as an individual, rather than as the rule of the Kingdom of Airyglyph. Can I count on you?
Fayt: Uhh... So who exactly am I supposed to take that letter to?
Airyglyph XIII: Are you acquainted with a woman named Elena Frahm? From what I have heard, she serves as the head of the Runological Weapon Development Division.
Airyglyph XIII: I would ask you to deliver the letter to her.
Fayt: Did you just say... Elena?
Airyglyph XIII: That is correct. Is something wrong?
Fayt: No... It's just... I didn't expect to hear her name.
Airyglyph XIII: Hmm, unexpected, you say. I see... I understand why you might say that.



[If we choose Okay, I'll deliver the letter.]

Fayt: Okay, I'll deliver the letter.
Airyglyph XIII: Do not fear. The letter is not about trying to lure her away or anything of the sort. As I said earlier, it is purely a personal matter.
Fayt: I will not fail to deliver it for you.
Airyglyph XIII: I must apologize for having to burden you such, as you are n ot even one of my subjects.

[If we choose I'm sorry, but I must refuse.]

Fayt: I'm sorry, but I must refuse. Your Majesty says it's purely a personal matter... But why can't you just send it as an official letter from the ruler of the Kingdom of Airyglyph?
Fayt: Although relationships between Airyglyph and Aquaria have improved lately, I wouldn't say they were friendly. Under such circumstances, I couldn't possibly imagine a kingdom's ruler taking any sort of action that might cause needless disturbances. People are weak at heart. Even if what Your Majesty has written is true, that doesn't mean everyone else will take it that way.
Airyglyph XIII: I see... You are right.
Airyglyph XIII: I have been foolish. I must thank you for having the foresight to stop me.
Fayt: No, I should apologize for being so rude. Please forgive me.

Obviously, if we refuse the quest ends right there, so we say yes and go walk ALL THE WAY to Aquios to deliver it to Elena. This is the first part that's easy to miss because we have absolutely no other reason to go to Aquios right now. But we do, and we find Elena:


Elena: What is it? I thought you had gone off to capture a great dragon.
Fayt: That was the plan, but someone asked me to deliver something to you.
Elena: Deliver something... to me?
Fayt: Yes. King Airyglyph XIII asked me to.
Elena: Airyglyph... Who's that?
Fayt: You mean you don't know? He's the ruler of the Kingdom of Airyglyph...
Elena: Hmm? Airyglyph, you say? Hmm... Airyglyph... Oh!
Elena: You must mean Arzy. I couldn't figure out who you were talking about when you said Airyglyph XIII. It sounds so important.
Fayt: Arzy!? Is that what you really call him?
Elena: It seems he has an impressive title now, but his real name is Arzei. I used to call him 'Arzy'.
Fayt: Oh... I see.
Fayt: Well this 'Arzy'... er... the King asked me to deliver this to you.
Elena: A letter?
Fayt: He said the letter was a private matter, not an affair of the state.
Elena: Okay...



Elena rips the letters into pieces and throws them to the side.

Fayt: Lady Elena!? What's wrong!?
Elena: It's not that I don't know who he is... But I have my own pride, too.
Elena: So, you see, I cannot accept this letter now... ... Especially if it deals with matters that require him to deliver it in such a clandestine manner.
Elena: Still, I don't want to cause any trouble for you, Fayt. Let me see... Would you please tell Arzy this: 'if there's something you'd like to talk about, come say it yourself, you fool!'
Fayt: Huh!? You really want me to tell him that!?
Elena: That's right. I'm counting on you.

... And now we run all the way back to Airyglyph again to tell the king, which is another easy step to forget, because this still has to be done before the caves. At least it's fast to go there from Airyglyph.


Fayt: Umm... You see...


Airyglyph XIII: Hmm... So if I have something I want to speak about, then we should meet personally... Is that what she said?
Fayt: Yes.
Airyglyph XIII: Ha ha ha... It is quite like her to say that. Yes indeed. She is just as I remembered.
Airyglyph XIII: I must apologize. It seems I have caused you to suffer needlessly.
Fayt: No... I should apologize, as it seems I've been no help.
Airyglyph XIII: That is not so. You have been quite helpful. Ha ha ha ha ha...
Fayt: (?)

The next part of the quest technically happens right after finishing the Urssa Lava Caves (at the beginning of part 22), but it's a lot less flow-breaking to show it now so I might as well. This requires visiting Elena's room during the free-roam section early in part 22, which is again pretty easy to miss.



Elena: Besides, I know where everything is. It's easier this way.
Airyglyph XIII: You'll never change, Elena.
Elena: Well, you've changed too much. Trying to look so important with that silly moustache...
Airyglyph XIII: What do you know? Appearances are important, after all.
Elena: It seems that it was quite cold in your kingdom this summer. If nothing is done, this winter might see some of your people starve, I hear?
Airyglyph XIII: Yes.
Elena: Vox must have taken advantage of the situation. Am I wrong?
Airyglyph XIII: I cannot deny it. However, the final decision was mine. I take full responsibility.
Elena: Well... You're just saying whatever you think will justify your actions. But there is no excuse for what you've done.
Elena: I'll be satisfied as long as you understand that. So... What brings you here today? I assume you didn't come merely to visit an old friend.
Airyglyph XIII: Let me get straight to the point. When this latest matter is settled, how about visiting my kingdom? There is nothing much to see, for it is but a cold and barren land. However, I...
Elena: That's out of the question. There are other things both you and I must do. You know that.
Elena: Many have suffered because of what we've done. We must make amends for that.
Airyglyph XIII: Perhaps you are right. However...
Elena: Arzei... I think we were not meant to be happy. I think our right to happiness, bestowed by the gods, was burned to ashes in the flames of war.
Airyglyph XIII: I see. So you've made up your mind, then?

Elena nods.

Elena: Don't look so disappointed. Anyway, I'll be unhappy right along with you. Understand?


Fayt: (...)

And that's that for that sidequest until something like 10-15 hours from now, as you do.

With all that side content out of the way, let's actually go up to Barr Mountains. A cutscene plays right as we enter.


Nel: An old legend says people used to live in these mountains.
Maria: With the dragons!?
Fayt: They probably had some way of communicating with them.

The Barr Mountains are technically a dungeon area and not a field area, and they're not too huge but they are very very easy to get lost in on account of being pretty twisty. We find our way to a big cave with a big dragon in it soon enough though.



This is a really weird boss battle, because the sort of smoke you can see around the boss deals damage if you're standing in it, which you're always going to be doing if you're playing melee. So you're best off either using ranged characters or playing chicken with your health bar. Outside that it's not too bad because it's pretty slow.


Maria: ... Dragon skeletons!
Cliff: It must be a dragon graveyard.

A strange cry is heard.

Cliff: Sounds like an air dragon! Where the heck is it?
Nel: There's no need to panic.


Fayt: It's a dragon's windpipe.
Nel: A dragon's windpipe is quite a valuable item. I've heard that flutes made from them can produce special sounds.
Albel: Hrmm...

There's a workshop just down the mountain, so we use that real quick to fashion a flute out of the windpipe (screenshot missing). The flute is a... puzzle mechanic of sorts? It can play 4 different tunes, based on whether the O button is pressed soft or hard, and short or long. We can hear what the tunes are if we try it right now, but we don't really have context for what they mean, so let's explore a bit more.

If we stand around in a dragon nest too long we get carried off, it's cool.




Fayt: This doesn't look good. I think we'd better find somewhere safe.

This area is a nightmare to navigate because there's a million little dragonlings running everywhere and they are roughly as densely packed as that screenshot, so you start a fight every 3 seconds when you're trying to cross the area. Thankfully there's a cave near here that they won't enter.



Fayt: A baby dragon?
Fayt: I wonder if it wants us to follow.

This baby dragon will stand near the exit to the cave harmlessly, and serves as a tutorial for the flute. If we play the flute near it, it'll react with an emotion, which lets us figure out which song is which:




I know I normally don't go into a ton of detail about puzzles but I just think the baby dragon is really cute. I like to walk up to it and play the happy song. This part is entirely optional and it's actually really easy to miss on account of the "standing around in a dragon nest with a looming shadow overhead" part.

Now that we've figured out the songs, we can address this weird painting in a cave in the mountains:



We play the happy song and the relief disappears, letting us in. This next area is a combination cool old ruins and abandoned research lab.


Fayt: They entered the dragons' lair, hunted them down, and then performed all kinds of experiments on them.
Cliff: Seems so. If they were really living together, they wouldn't mercilessly slaughter them like this.
Nel: How terrible.
Albel: Hmph.
Nel: Something wrong?
Albel: Do you realize how many dragons we've killed so far?
Nel: But we-!
Albel: 'We had no choice', is what you were going to say, right?
Albel: Either way you look at it, there's really not much of a difference.
Fayt: ...

There's an even bigger relief painting a little further in (and another puzzle).


Maria: Yeah.
Nel: There's something written here. It looks like Dragon Runes.
Nel: 'Offer the dragon's cranium while within the cross. The dragon reliefs seek nothing more than their favorite sound.' What could that mean?

It means play the angry song in front of the dragon painting to make it disappear, then run around the dungeon stepping on those light-up stones, and go back to the lab area to grab a cranium. Once we do that, the door in the next room opens up, but trying to go through starts a cutscene.



Winged Boy: It's gonna be fun having somebody to beat up again!

Hello you little jerk! This fight is one of the hardest fights to date, because not only is he very fast and has several AoE attacks, he heals from any wind damage you deal to him (which, if you're not lucky, might be some of the skills you have equipped). If you're well-geared and good at the game it's not too bad, but if you're not you're going to be feeling it.

Beating him lets us through into the Lava Caves though! They're caves that are full of lava. Standing on the half-hardened lava makes you take damage.



We wander around a little bit to find a weird rabbit-shaped monument, behind which is a key.



And after more wandering, a matching door.


Fayt: Look! There's something written on the door.

No Monsters Allowed
Don't go looking for a spare key!
By the Bunny

Fayt: Wonder if it's talking about the Rabbit Ears Key. Let's give it a try.


Fayt: Guess we'll have to feel our way.

This area is by far the worst thing to try to navigate in this game, because every time you move, the camera wobbles side-to-side so that you're never actually walking straight forward, and it's REALLY hard to keep going in the direction you mean to, you're constantly running into walls. We do find another door a little further in, which seems like someone's house.


Fayt: Spare key?
Maria: He probably means the Rabbit Ears Key.
Fayt: Oh, yeah. That key.
Rabbit-Like Humanoid: Well, no matter. Besides, you don't seem to be monsters. So, what do you want?
Fayt: First, let's introduce ourselves.
Fayt: I'm Fayt.
Fayt: This is Maria.


Cliff: Hey, I have a name, too, you know!
Rabbit-Like Humanoid: I'm Vanilla. Pleased to meet you.
Fayt: We've come to speak with the Marquis, the dragon who lives somewhere in these caves.
Vanilla: Speak with... him? Hmm...
Vanilla: The entrance to his lair is blocked by volcanic rock. You can't get in.
Fayt: Aren't you in charge of these caves?
Vanilla: I have nothing to do with this place. I'm just an uninvited guest.
Albel: Bah... I told you this place was a waste of time. Fool.
Nel: I don't remember you saying that.
Albel: Me neither.
Nel: ...
Fayt: Is there any way to remove the volcanic rock?
Vanilla: There's a way, but... I'll need a glowstone to make a Ring of Disintegration. You could use that to remove it.
Maria: A Ring of Disintegration?
Vanilla: 'Disintegration' refers to a special runological force that makes objects disappear forever. A Ring of Disintegration is an item with just such a power. Anyone can use it.
Fayt: Are you saying you can make a Ring of Disintegration for us?
Vanilla: Well, I am an inventor, appearances notwithstanding.
Vanilla: A glowstone... Hmm... Do you know the Airyglyph Aqueducts? I believe there's one hidden in the ice-covered room there.
Vanilla: Do you really want a Ring of Disintegration that badly?
Fayt: Yep. We have to speak with the Marquis.
Vanilla: ...
Vanilla: When do you need it by?
Maria: Then you'll make one for us!?
Vanilla: Well, it'll put food on the table. So, when do you need it by?
Maria: As soon as possible.
Vanilla: How much will you pay me to make it?
Fayt: Umm... Let's see...



[If we choose We'll pay 1,000 Fol.]

Vanilla: Very funny. Let's just forget we ever had this conversation.

[If we choose We'll pay 10,000 Fol.]

Vanilla: Well, that's a fair price, I suppose. It's a deal.

[If we choose We'll pay 30,000 Fol.]

Vanilla: Really? You'll pay that much? Yippee!
Fayt: Oh, uhh... Hold on a sec.
Vanilla: A man never goes back on his word. Isn't that right, young lady?
Maria: ...

Vanilla: All right then, the entrance to the room where you'll find the glowstone is covered in ice. Use these disintegration bombs to break through, and then bring the glowstone back to me. I'm only giving you ten, so don't go wasting them.
Vanilla: Oh, and... Take this, too. Equipping it will give you more experience for beating even weak enemies. Of course, it makes them more challenging, too.
Fayt: Thanks.
Vanilla: I'll be waiting right here.

Before you ask: no, there is no shortcut available. We have to run all the way out of Urssa Lava Caves, all the way through the Barr Ruins, all the way down the Barr Mountains, then back to Airyglyph (though there is a dragon right outside the mountains that will take us back to just outside the city, at least). And then run all the way back. And Barr is an area that is REALLY hard to dodge monsters in, to boot.

Vanilla: I see you've brought the glowstone. All right, wait just a moment. I'll make the ring for you.
Vanilla: Done! Here's your Ring of Disintegration.
Vanilla: This is something that really requires more time and money. But, since both are in short supply, I only could make a ring that disintegrates certain things. Time and money are far more important than talent, so it couldn't be helped.
Fayt: ...

We only have a tiny bit left of the Lava Caves (the boss!) but given that it puts a bunch of story things in motion I'd rather take a breather here for the time being, since this is already a pretty long update.

Next time: we go fight a really big dragon!

Let's play Star Ocean 3! Part 22

Since we did the totally reasonable thing of stopping right before the dungeon boss on this last update, let's get to that now. With the Ring of Disintegration in hand, we can clear the door to the Marquis's lair.


Maria: Now that's just too big.


Cliff: I can see why they call him the Marquis. Impressive.
Nel: I really hope he'll go along with our proposal...
Albel: It won't be that easy, fool.
Nel: What did you call me!?
Fayt: Huh!? It moved!


Cliff: Whoa! The dragon talks!?
Dragon: ... Another ill-mannered human, I see.
Dragon: Do you believe you are the masters of all creation? Why are you so surprised that other creatures can speak? You act as though you know everything. Ages pass, yet you humans never learn.


Dragon: A maiden of Aquaria? Speak your purpose.
Nel: Yes, Your Excellency. A great threat is menacing these lands. We need Your Excellency's help to stop it.
Dragon: Hmph. I sensed the restlessness outside. What would you have me do?
Nel: We'd like you to bear the runological weapon we developed, so that we can deal with this threat.
Dragon: Imbeciles! You would have me bear on my own back something made by human hands!? Do not insult me, humans. I am great and ancient, and you are nothing. How could you think I would acquiesce to such a foolish request?
Nel: Even so, we cannot leave until you agree!
Dragon: I could not care less!
Cliff: Nel, forget it. Turkeys like this need to be smacked around a bit before they'll listen.
Albel: Now that's a first. We're both of the same opinion.
Maria: I agree that humans are nothing special. But I wonder if you are as great as you say you are. Perhaps you need a lesson in humility.
Fayt: Your Excellency... Is there no way you'll agree to cooperate?
Dragon: None!
Fayt: Oh well. We'll have to force you to listen!
Dragon: You are free to try. Convince me of your worth and I shall listen to all you have to say!
Maria: We'll hold you to your word, Your Excellency!
Dragon: It is a promise I shall not have to keep!



The Marquis is REALLY BIG. He is so big that you will take damage when he steps on or around you, and he essentially doesn't stagger. If he starts stomping around and you're not out of the way, it's really easy to get stunlocked to death because you won't have an easy way back out of the attack. He thankfully doesn't have a ton of HP, but it's easy to run into trouble especially if you're playing an all-melee party.



Surprise! If you thought you had beat him, there's a second fight against him immediately after the first one. That's the more difficult part, not because that second fight is tougher or anything, but because it's easy to not be in great shape after the first one, and you're not given time to heal or anything. We get him pretty okay though.


Maria: You'll keep your word, right?
Dragon: Though it is humiliating to serve your kind, breaking one's word is a despicable act. I have no choice.
Nel: All right then.
Dragon: You may ride on my back, small but powerful humans. I shall bear you wherever you desire.


Dragon: Call me Crosell, little one.
Fayt: Well then, Crosell. Would you start by heading towards Castle Aquaria to the east?
Crosell: As you wish!



Runologists: Yes, Lady Nel.
Fayt: This may be hard for you, but please bear with us.
Crosell: There is no other choice.
Maria: That's right. Besides, the strong must be magnanimous toward the weak.
Crosell: This young lady speaks the truth.


Aquaria XXVII: You have done well.
Airyglyph XIII: To think you were actually able to capture him...
Crosell: No one captured me. I just agreed to help you a bit. Do not misread the situation, foolish king.
Airyglyph XIII: Hmph, it matters not. So, Romeria, who shall ride the Marquis?
Aquaria XXVII: A good question, indeed... I was hoping you would lend us the services of someone from the Dragon Brigade.
Crosell: That is unacceptable. Only those who personally requested my help may ride me.
Aquaria XXVII: Then we must let them decide who will ride.
Airyglyph XIII: It seems we have no choice. Anyway, the Dragon Brigade is short on men. They are already too taxed trying to form a unit bearing runological weapons.
Aquaria XXVII: That settles it, then. Nel, I must ask you and the others to handle this.
Nel: Yes, Your Majesty.

At this point, the runologists need a little bit to get Crosell ready, so we're free to roam around Aquios, but we're not allowed out of the city. This is the time where we can visit Elena for the sidequest from part 21. The requirement for the runologists to finish readying up is to talk to every party member, all of whom are wandering around the castle/city. I constantly forget where Roger and Adray are because I've often done playthroughs where I didn't grab them.

Nel is in her room in the castle:
Nel: What's wrong? Feeling restless? Me, too... But it won't help to rush things. We can only do what we can right now.
Nel: Hopefully, they'll finish modifying the Thunder Arrow before the enemy mounts a full-blown attack. Go directly to the garden behind the audience chamber if anything goes wrong.

Adray is in Clair's room in the castle:
Adray: I just experienced my first ride in a flying vessel. It was fairly enjoyable. Now I think I understand why Glyphians admire the Dragon Brigade so much.

Mirage is in the room Cliff and Fayt shared in the castle:
Mirage: The Diplo's Marietta and I will transmit the coordinate trace and data. The Diplo will be within range to transport us up in as little as 4 minutes and 30 seconds. But i'll most likely be in about 5 minutes. We only need that much more time. Don't do anything rash.
Mirage: The Diplo may look like a diplomatic flagship, but she's made from 100% military hardware. That means she has speed, firepower, and defenses rivaling a corsair. So, shaking off a Vendeeni ship is by no means impossible. If we can get within the region controlled by the Federation, they won't be able to pursue us any further.

Cliff is just walking around in one of the castle hallways:
Cliff: Relax. I'll keep you safe. Even a battleship wouldn't have it easy against me.

Albel is standing in the main street of Aquios, somewhat close to another NPC:
Albel: Hmph. These people keep casting reproachful glances my way. If they have something to say to me, they should just come over and say it! The people of this city are nothing but useless garbage!

... And if we talk to said NPC:
Earnest Youth: Umm... That man over there keeps glaring at me, and it's quite frightening. Have I done something wrong? He's not going to suddenly attack me, is he? I sure hope he won't.

Roger is hanging out in the Aquios grocer:
Roger: I'm not directly tied to this feud or anything, but ya can count on me to stand with you till the end. Anyway, this is a cause worth fightin' for!

And Maria is in the castle chapel:
Maria: Oh, Fayt. Saying your final prayers? Well, I can kinda relate. I mean, if the gods could guarantee that our strategy would succeed, even I'd become a believer in an instant.

Once we've talked to everyone, we can go back to the castle garden, where everyone is ready to go.


Maria: All right. Keep in mind that there may be a Vendeeni ship lurking nearby. Put us into low orbit.
Marietta: That will increase atmospheric friction. Are you sure?
Maria: Our enemy will have the same problem. Stay on your guard.
Marietta: Roger!

Maria nods at Fayt and they both start walking off.

A quick note: this next section is all a pre-rendered cutscene, and it does NOT have any captioning in-game. As such, these transcripts might not be 100% accurate (including who the speaker is) because I had to try to caption by ear and I am very bad at that, and several lines specifically gave me trouble so, mea culpa if anything seems off.



Marietta: Captain! Three Vendeeni ships are closing in!
Maria: Prepare for battle. We'll provide backup down here.
Marietta: Backup? With what?
Maria: There's no time to explain. Just hang in there, we'll cover you from here.
Marietta: Roger!


Maria: Crosell, head towards that huge object over there.
Crosell: Yes, little one.



Maria: Okay, fire when you get within range.
Nel: Got it.


Maria: Don't give up! Keep firing.
Nel: I know, I'm trying!


Cliff: Argh, come on and blow up already!
Fayt: Don't worry, it must be working, just keep it up!


Fayt: What was that!? That wasn't the-
Maria: No, it wasn't the diplo. I think they've pulled it off!
Fayt: Yes! We've got a chance now!
Nel: What's this? There!
Crosell: They're retreating.


Marietta: Captain! We're history unless we do something fast!
Maria: Make a run for it. We're coming to help!
Cliff: Man, this is bad!
Fayt: Crosell, hurry!
Crosell: I AM hurrying!
Maria: Diplo!




The pre-rendered cutscene stops here and we return to regular cutscenes.


Cliff: What was that?
Marietta: Captain.
Maria: Marietta! Are you okay!?
Marietta: Yes, thankfully... Did you see that?
Maria: What was it? Do we have a computer analysis?
Marietta: Hold on a second... Here it is. What!?
Maria: What's wrong?
Marietta: I don't believe it! The computer says that narrow beam of light was packing an energy magnitude of 3.2!
Cliff: Did she say magnitude 3.2!?
Fayt: That can't be... Even the creation cannons on the latest Federation battleships can only emit an energy magnitude of 2, tops!
Cliff: So what the hell was it?
Maria: Marietta, can you determine the light beam's origin?
Marietta: No. All I can tell is it's somwhere extremely far away. Even the Diplo's sensors couldn't detect the source.
Marietta: Oh!!! Hold on a second.
Marietta: Captain, our sensors have picked up multiple instances of the same type of energy reaction! They're all heading in the same direction! One of them is exceeding magnitude 4!
Maria: Magnitude 4!? Where are they headed!?
Marietta: Earth!!!


Cliff: Not a chance. Do you think a Vendeeni weapon could do what we just saw? Or an Aldian weapon for that matter?
Fayt: ... True. It's highly unlikely that either has an energy source exceeding the magnitude of creation energy.
Maria: But if it's some new weapon, we're in big trouble. I'm not even sure the Earth's planetary defense shield could block it.
Fayt: Let's get back to the castle. We're wasting time here.
Maria: You're right. Marietta... Give me a damage report on the Diplo.
Marietta: The gravitic warp engine's been damaged. ... Repairs should take about six hours.
Maria: Do it in four. I have a bad feeling about this...
Marietta: Roger. We'll try our best.
Maria: I'm counting on you.
Marietta: Understood.



Fayt bows.

Fayt: I am very sorry for causing all this trouble.
Aquaria XXVII: On the contrary. We have learned that there are entire civilizations out there beyond our world. And we have learned this is not the time for foolish struggles between our countries.
Airyglyph XIII: Precisely. In order to avoid bringing the final prophecy of Apris to fruition in its worst form, we must not wage war.
Aquaria XXVII: Indeed.

At this point, the cutscene diverges a little bit, but I'm not entirely sure based on what (either some flags or affection values), and there's three different versions, one for each of the optional Elicooran characters.

[If you get Nel's variant]

Fayt: Okay, everyone, we're off. Again, I'm sorry for all the trouble.
Maria: I'm glad we got a chance to know each other, even though our time together was brief.
Nel: I'm glad, too. I'm glad Apris granted me the opportunity to meet you all. I wish you could stay.
Maria: Unfortunately, that's not an option. As you have your world, we have ours as well.
Nel: I thought you might say something of the kind... I pray for your success in rescuing your father.
Fayt: Thanks.

[If you get Roger's variant]

Fayt: Okay, everyone, we're off. Again, I'm sorry for all the trouble.
Maria: I'm glad we got a chance to know each other, even though our time together was brief.
Roger: Me too. Are you sure I can't go with you?
Maria: Unfortunately, that's not an option. As you have your world, we have ours as well.
Roger: Well, yeah...
Fayt: Thanks for everything.
Roger: Aww, you're making me blush! ... I hope you rescue your dad okay!
Fayt: Yeah, thanks.

[If you get Albel's variant]

Fayt: Huh? Where's Albel?
Woltar: He went back home. Said something like, 'The danger's past, so there's no need for me to stay here'.
Maria: He didn't even say good-bye... He'll never change.
Woltar: Ah, don't say that.
Fayt: I wanted to at least say good-bye.
Airyglyph XIII: We will tell him for you.
Fayt: Thank you very much.
Airyglyph XIII: No, it is we who should thank you.

[All variants merge here]

Maria gets a transmission on her communicator.

Maria: It's me.
Marietta: The repairs are complete, ma'am.
Maria: Already? That was fast.
Marietta: We did our best.
Maria: Thanks. I owe you one. Be ready to receive four via transportation in one minute.
Marietta: Roger.




Everyone warps away.



Maria: Good work, everyone.
Lieber: I'm so happy you made it back safely. I've been worried sick... I haven't been able to sleep a wink!
Maria: No time for chitchat. Any progress analyzing that energy?
Lieber: Uhh... yeah. It appears that blast of energy came from neither Federation, Aldian, nor Vendeeni forces.
Maria: How do you know that?
Lieber: We don't have much information right now, but according to intercepted communications, all three groups are currently under attack by another entity.
Cliff: From where?
Lieber: Don't know yet. There are limits to the communications we can intercept at this distance. Marietta is continuing to analyze the data.
Maria: I don't know if they're friend or foe, but they sure did a number on those Vendeeni. Let's take advantage of the situation. And keep gathering that data for analysis.
Lieber: Leave it to me!
Maria: I'm going to the bridge.

We can wander around the Diplo a little bit but there isn't anything super fancy to see so we follow Maria.


Maria: Let's proceed as planned to point S317. All hands standby!
Marietta: Right!
Fayt: W-wait a sec... 'Secure Dr. Leingod'? So you know where my father is?
Maria: That's right. He's being held in a cave on a planet located at point S317.
Maria: It's been cleverly disguised, but it'sa secret Vendeeni base, no doubt.
Fayt: A secret base!? How do you know about it then?
Maria: Don't underestimate Quark's information network. We'll be entering gravitic warp at once. Go sit over there.
Fayt: Oh, okay.
Maria: Set a course to point S317 via gravitic warp. Break out of orbit with one-quarter thrust.
Mirage: Okay. Breaking out of orbit with one-quarter thrust.





\o/

That's it for disc 1! We're officially halfway(-ish) through the game!

Next time: DISC 2 BABY. Also we're finally in space again after 14 updates on the same space rock.