The Man in Black
Kipih Jakkya
Greetings, adventurer. I'm Kipih Jakkya, reporter for The Raven, Gridania's leading tabloid. I'm hoping that I can rely on your kind assistance.
You see, a certain rumor has been making its rounds of late.
No few travelers passing through Thanalan report seeing an unusual black vehicle along with peculiar mechanical soldiers. Do you happen to know anything about them?
No? Let me tell you, then, that there is growing concern that they might be some unknown type of Garlean weaponry. Why, even the good people of Garlond Ironworks have been called upon to investigate.
This promises to be a most compelling story, and I intend to be the first reporter to tell it. But in order to do that, I require the contribution of good folk such as yourself.
Lest you wonder, the black vehicle was most recently sighted near Black Brush, in central Thanalan. Should you come into any information, I ask that you bring me word without delay!
The most recent sightings of the black vehicle took place near Black Brush, in central Thanalan. Should you come into any information, I ask that you bring me word without delay!
Young Man's Voice
Gah! Why won't you move, damn it?
Man in Black
Hey, do you know if there's a garage nearby?
<sigh> Just my luck to have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere... What is this place, anyway?
Thanalan? Eorzea? That's on no map I've ever seen.
I'm not sure how I got here, and I've got no idea where I need to go...but I'm going nowhere at this rate. Isn't there anyone around here who can fix cars?
What will you say?
Garlond Ironworks might be able to handle it.
Seriously!? Man, what a relief...
If anyone can get you mouving, it'll be Cid.
Wait, what? Cid is here too!? What in the world's going on...?
Anyway, might as well keep pushing her along.
Hey, mind giving me a hand? She's heavier than she looks.
What's your name, by the way?
Noctis
Appreciate the help, Muscadel. My name's Noctis, but you can call me Noct.
And now that we're introduced, let's put our backs into it. <sigh> Talk about deja vu... Un. Believable.
Ironworks Hand
Oho, if it isn't Master Muscadel!
B-By the gods, she's magnificent! Such elegance, such refinement!
Ah, as you may have heard, we were tasked by the Alliance with investigating the mystery vehicle.
Master Cid himself should be close. If you'll excuse me a moment, I will direct him hither.
Cid
Muscadel! Why am I not surprised that you're here already?
So this is the machine... At a glance, it doesn't appear to be of Garlean make.
The young fellow there─I take it he's the owner?
And Noctis doesn't seem to know anything about Eorzea, you say? Peculiar...
Might he have lost his memories like I did?
Noctis
Hey, I'm right here, you know? Now, if you're done talking about me─you're Cid, right?
Not quite the Cid I was expecting, but if you can fix the Regalia, then it's all good.
Cid
I will be honest with you: this is technology I am unfamiliar with. I can't make any promises, but I will try my best.
Noctis
Appreciate it. There's...er, just one little problem. I don't have any money.
Cid
Never you mind that. To be able to work on a unique machine such as this is its own reward.
Noctis
Seriously? You're a lifesaver!
Cid
Oh, and Muscadel. I trust you also heard about the mechanical soldiers.
We're tasked with investigating them as well. By all accounts, they appear to be simply men, albeit armored head to toe and bearing advanced firearms. What betrays them is the unnatural efficiency with which they move.
Noctis
Sounds like MTs to me.
Cid
Em-tees?
Noctis
Magitek troopers. Robotic soldiers created by the Niflheim Empire.
Come to think of it, the last thing I remember is being at a Niff base. It's kinda hazy...but there was a strange machine. And before I knew it, I was here, in this place you call Eorzea.
Cid
That's quite an unusual tale, but then again I'm in the presence of unusual technology. I have no reason to doubt your words. You may have inadvertently activated a teleportation device and been sent to our world.
At any rate, you seem to be acquainted with these mechanical soldiers. Perhaps you could investigate in our stead? They were most recently sighted near the Unholy Heir, not far to the east of here.
Noctis
Hmmm... If they really are MTs, they might hold some clue on how to return home...
Alright, leave them to me.
Cid
W-Wait!
It wouldn't do to leave our visitor to wander a strange land alone. Could you accompany him, Muscadel? Rest assured I'll tend to the Regalia in the meantime.
Ironworks Hand
The mechanical soldiers of rumor─some people say they're a new type of imperial weaponry. Well, there's only one way to confirm this: we take one apart! For science!
[ Participate in the FATE at the Unholy Heir. ]
Noctis
Oh, hey. Curious about the MTs too, are you?
This oughta be the right place.
C'mon, then.
Let's find us some MTs.
There they are!
They brought the big guns too!? Gimme a break...
Try this!
It's over!
You obtain 287 Storm Seals.
You obtain 2 pieces of unidentified magitek.
Noctis
That's all she wrote.
Noctis: Hmmm, no clues here... Guess I'll keep looking.
Noctis
MTs, just as I thought. And a magitek armor to boot. They must have crossed over when I did.
But I couldn't find any clues on how I might cross back. Gah, what am I supposed to do now?
What will you say?
Let's consult Cid.
That old geezer? Well, he did seem to know his stuff.
Let's consult Kipih.
A reporter? That's...actually not a bad idea. She's bound to have loads of connections.
You're coming along, right? Let's go check in on the Regalia.
Cid
So, how fared you? Were you able to find the mechanical soldiers?
You fought them!? So the rumors were true...
That being the case, I would very much like to examine the technology with my own eyes.
I have a favor to ask, Muscadel. The next time you encounter these soldiers, could you salvage their parts?
Ironworks Hand
Ahem! Master Muscadel, may I ask that you bring said parts to either myself or my colleagues in the three city-states?
We will pass them along to the chief─after he has completed his long list of outstanding tasks!
Noctis
Hey, where's my car?
Cid
Don't worry, she's in a safe place. A reporter came sniffing about while you were away, so I decided to move her to the Dispatch Yard that we might carry out the repairs undisturbed.
I'm pleased to say I was able to identify the problem, and I believe it can be fixed. However, it may take some time to fashion the replacement part.
Noctis
I see. That's good to know.
Woman's Voice
<gasp> You must be the mystery man!
Kipih Jakkya
Ooh, I'm no fashion correspondent, but I like your look! A simple silhouette with an emphasis on the details!
Noctis
What's the deal with you?
Kipih Jakkya
Ah, where are my manners? Kipih Jakkya, reporter for The Raven, at your service!
You are the owner of the mysterious black vehicle, yes?Noctis: What, you mean the Regalia?
The Rega... I beg your pardon?
Noctis
Re-ga-lia.
Kipih Jakkya
Ah, so that's what she's called! A stately name!
She's like nothing anyone has ever seen in Eorzea. May I ask where you hail from and how you came to be here?
Noctis
I'm from... far away. I was on a journey. We were fighting. Then suddenly I was here.
I really need to find my way back. There's so much I have to do...
Kipih Jakkya
A mysterious young man, come from another world, desperately seeking a way home... A promising premise! Now then, may I ask what manner of journey you were on?
Noctis
Well, I was traveling with my friends. We were on our way to meet...someone important to me.
Kipih Jakkya
Someone important to you? Could you please elaborate on the nature of your relationship with this individual?
Noctis
H-Hold on just a second. You're not the only one with questions, you know. I've got loads of my own.
Kipih Jakkya
Well, sir, The Raven has many eyes and ears, and I would be happy to call upon them all for the answers you seek─if you'll agree to grant me an exclusive interview!
Noctis
Yeah, sure, whatever.
Kipih Jakkya
Then it's settled! If you would accompany me to Ul'dah, we may continue our conversation while I put my connections to work.
Cid
I'll begin working on the replacement part for the Regalia, but it will take a while. Feel free to go about your own business in the meantime.
Noctis
Whew... That wasn't an interview─it was an interrogation.
Kipih Jakkya
Noctis was very cooperative, and I have lots of juicy morsels for my feature article. Lest you wonder, he was on his way to meet his beloved fiancée.
Will the two sweethearts be reunited? With such a timeless tale of romance, the next edition of The Raven is certain to fly off the stands!
C-Come now, don't look at me so. It's been so long since I last graced the front page. And as promised, I will help Noctis find the answers he seeks.
I've already put the word out to my colleagues, and I expect to hear back from them any moment now.
Ah, speak of the devil!
...Yes, Kipih here. What do you have for me?
...Truly!? Thank you so much!
See, what did I tell you? We have a hopeful lead!
We'll need to take a little trip together, the three of us. See to your preparations and let me know when you're ready to depart!
[The FATE “Like Clockwork” will appear at the Clutch in central Thanalan over the course of the seasonal event.
Completing this FATE will reward players with pieces of unidentified magitek.
These items may be exchanged for various goods by speaking with an Ironworks hand.
Ironworks hands are posted at Black Brush and in each of the three city-states.]
[You obtain a Lucian prince's fingerless glove.]
In the Dark of Night
Kipih Jakkya
Ready to depart? Excellent! Our destination is the Twelveswood─more of those mechanical soldiers have been sighted there.
To be sure, my colleague only heard the rumors. I suggest first heading to Gridania and seeking out the witnesses.
Noctis
Sounds good. Let's get going.
Kipih Jakkya
Ah, wait! New as you are to Eorzea, you may struggle to find your way around. Permit me to show you to Gridania.
Noctis
Alrighty. Lead the way.
Marcquelort
My brother Hadrefort and I oversee the Rosewood Stalls, while that Ul'dahn merchant Rishushu is responsible for the Ebony Stalls. 'Course, Master Parsemontret holds the real power in the markets.
Hadrefort thinks Rishushu is a decent enough lass, but I say that Ul'dahn wench can't be trusted. Aye, she's always dealt fairly with me, but it doesn't pay to ignore one's instincts in business...
Hadrefort
Mechanical soldiers? My apologies, but I'm not familiar with the rumors.
Well, I am. Fellow I know claims he came upon them near the Hawthorne Hut in the East Shroud. At first he thought they were men, but on closer inspection, he says they were more like dolls.
And you didn't think to share this little tidbit with me, Brother? If I were to fall victim to these abominations, I shall consider my death on your head.
I pray I do not run afoul of these mechanical monstrosities alone in the forest. The mere thought chills me to the spine...
As I said, the fellow I know claims he came upon the mechanical soldiers near the Hawthorne Hut in the East Shroud. At first he thought they were men, but on closer inspection, he says they were more like dolls.
Mitainie
Mechanical soldiers? As a matter of fact, one of our sentries at Amarissaix's Spire reported encountering them while patrolling the Bramble Patch.
At first he took them to be scarecrows, but as he approached them, they suddenly sprang to life and set upon him. We suspect that they are some heretofore unknown imperial weapon, and we are deliberating a response even as we speak.
If your path takes you near that area, you would do well to exercise all caution. One of our sentries at Amarissaix's Spire reported encountering the mechanical soldiers. We suspect that they are some heretofore unknown imperial weapon, and we are deliberating a response even as we speak.
Roustebant
Heard about the mechanical soldiers, have you? Indeed, they have been sighted in the East Shroud.
While I do not personally know the details, the Wood Wailers are in a state of heightened vigilance throughout the Twelveswood.
Noctis
Cat-people... Cat-people everywhere... Y'jhimei wasn't kidding.
Kipih Jakkya
So, were you able to learn anything about the mechanical soldiers?
What will you say?
A man saw them near the Hawthorne Hut.
A Wood Wailer encountered them at the Bramble Patch.
I see! In that case, if we were to keep watch at the Bramble Patch, we should be able to find them eventually.
Noctis
Well then, what're we waiting for?
Kipih Jakkya
Wait just a─
Please hurry after Noctis! The Twelveswood can be a veritable maze even for the locals, and it wouldn't do if he were to lose his way!
Please hurry after Noctis! The Twelveswood can be a veritable maze even for the locals, and it wouldn't do if he were to lose his way!
Noctis
This the area, is it?
No luck so far. Guess we play the waiting game.
You hear that!? C'mon, let's check it out!
What the─!? That's a daemon!
That thing's dangerous. We can't leave it running around.
Heh, you're up for it too, eh? Come on then, let's do it!
Noctis
Careful! That's not your average monster!
I don't like the looks of that pillar!
Whoa, so that's how it works! I owe you one!
Two pillars this time! I'll take one, you take the other!
Nothin' to it!
Noctis
First magitek troopers, now a daemon... What the hell's going on?
What will you say?
Let's take a rest for now
Noctis: Yeah, after a fight like that, I could certainly use a break.
All that fighting made me hungry...
Now that you mention it, I'm pretty hungry too.
Right, let's set up camp!
Noctis
So, what's your story? Why do you go around doing what you do?
What's your purpose?
Protecting those dear to me.
Supporting those dear to me.
Supporting, huh? Come to think of it, you do give off Ignis vibes. Specs is always hovering around, ready to pick up after us.
Just being with my friends.
What, you just wanna hang out with your friends? Heh, you're Prompto all over again. He's the life of the party, always ready with a quip to make us smile.
We were traveling together─me and him and a couple of others. Hearing your story, I couldn't help but be reminded of them...
...My purpose? That's a tough one. I guess you could say...it's keeping a promise.
But I can't do that while I'm here. I have to get back to my own world.
Somehow...
Noctis
It's good that we took care of the daemon, but there weren't any clues this time either. <sigh>
Kipih Jakkya
So, how did you fare? Were you able to find your answers?
Noctis
Nope. We found only more questions.
Like how the hell a daemon ended up here as well.
Kipih Jakkya
A daemon?
Noctis
It's...a kind of monster.
Kipih Jakkya
From your world, I assume. And it somehow came to be here, in Eorzea...
I'm no naturalist, but I imagine it being similar to a voidsent.
And if even a monster such as that could find its way to our world, then surely─surely you can find your way back too!
Noctis
Yeah, I hope so...
Kipih Jakkya
I'll keep working with my colleagues to find new leads. So just sit tight for now.
Noctis
Actually, I'd rather go for a walk, check out the area a little. That's cool, yeah?
Kipih Jakkya
Well, it should be safe enough if you keep close to the city...
Noctis
Great. See ya later.
Kipih Jakkya
Ah! Wait just a─
<sigh> There he goes again...
Though I do not think that Noctis would disappear on us, I would feel much better knowing you were with him. Will you go and keep him company?
I promise to have new information to share before long, so see that you both return soon, all right?
I promise to have new information to share before long. See that you both return soon, all right?
Noctis
Oh, hey. What's up?
Well, you can tell Kipih she doesn't need to worry. I can take care of myself, and I'm not about to run off somewhere.
I was just checking out the clothing at this stall here. And as I was browsing, the shopkeeper offered me some stuff for free.
Maisenta
Your friend has a fine physique and exceptional fashion sense. Having an attractive young man such as him model our garments is the best form of advertisement.
Noctis
Thanks, lady.
Anyway, I wanna explore some more. You're cool to hang out for a bit, yeah?
You obtain a pair of Lucian prince's bottoms.
Messenger of the Winds
Noctis
After all that, I still don't have any idea how I'm supposed to get home...
For now, it looks like there's nothing I can do except wait for Kipih to dig up clues.
So I was thinking, I've come all this way to this beautiful place. I might as well try to see what I can of it, so I've got something to tell my friends.
...It may not look like it, but I'm kinda crazy about fishing. I go whenever I have time, and I've got time now, so I'm gonna hit up a place nearby. You should come too.
Noctis
What took you so long? I've already reeled in a dozen.
To be honest with you, I'm worried. I keep thinking, what if I never found my way back? And it gets me down.
But being here in this tranquil forest and casting the line... It calms me. Helps me focus.
I have to get back. People are counting on me.
And I'm counting on you.
Oh hey, let's take a photo together. That massive waterwheel over there would make for a great backdrop.
What will you say?
Sure!
Great.
Take a pho-what?
Huh, guess you don't have cameras here. So, a photo is a... Actually, let me just show you.
You ready? Here we go!
Nice! I can practically hear Prompto say “Love the lighting!” Can't wait to show this to the fellas when I get back.
You're right, we should be getting back ourselves. Come on, let's go.
Kipih Jakkya
Muscadel, Noctis! Thank the gods you're back!
Noctis
What's the matter?
Kipih Jakkya
I've just learned from a colleague that the mechanical soldiers have also appeared in Ixali territory.
That in itself wouldn't be a cause for concern, but the beastmen responded with alarm to the trespassers and have summoned forth Garuda!
Noctis
That bird lady? Pretty sure we already took care of her. Back in my world, anyway.
Kipih Jakkya
What!? You mean to say you are a primal-slayer like Muscadel!?
Noctis
Primal? Is that like an Astral or a Messenger?
Well, whatever it is, we'll take care of it one way or another. So, where's Garuda supposed to have appeared exactly?
Kipih Jakkya
At the Howling Eye, her domain to the north. But it's nigh impossible to venture near, for Garuda shrouds her sanctuary with violent winds.
If you are determined to face her, however, I will contact the Ironworks and request a loan of an airship.
Very well, then. While you see to your preparations, I will secure your transportation.
When you are ready, come and meet me in front of the Carline Canopy.
Noctis
You've proven yourself a friend. If we're gonna face Garuda together, I'll lend you the power of kings.
It's a special power that I have, but I can share it with others.
With it, you can quickly warp around, like you've seen me do. Might take some getting used to, but I'm sure you've got what it takes.
Garuda's causing trouble because of the MTs, and I feel responsible for bringing them here. Let's go make things right!
Noctis
Ready when you are!
Kipih Jakkya
The airship is ready to bear you and Noctis into battle! Are your preparations in order?
Without further ado, then!
Fleet-footed Ixal
Squawwwkkk! Run! Run for your lives!
Flustered Ixal
Like our goddess, it is...yet our goddess, it is not!
Frightened Ixal
Nay, something else, that thing is! Flee this place, we must!
Garuda-like Being
Clamorous creatures... Why have they summoned me? And what strange land is this?
Ahhh, the Chosen King, Noctis. So that is the way of it.
Yours was the presence that drew me hither.
Very well. Take up your weapon, Chosen King, and face me. We shall see if you are worthy of my power.
The Active Help entry Duty Actions has been added under the category Duty.
Noctis
Alright, Muscadel, it's time to put your new power to use.
You'll get the hang of it in no time. We'll warp circles around Garuda!
Use the duty action Warp-strike to attack Garuda from a distance and move swiftly around the battlefield.
Noctis
Get ready, Muscadel! We warp in to strike together!
Now!
Yeah, that's what I call teamwork! Keep it up!
Perform a warp-strike together with Noctis to trigger a link-strike and deal more damage!
Noctis
Get ready, Muscadel! We warp in to strike together!
Now!
Nice!
Link-strike triggered!
Noctis
How's that!?
Something big's comin'! Quick, get clear!
Running's too slow! Warp to the pillar!
Of all the places...
Warp to the monolith to get clear of Garuda's attack!
Noctis
Nailed it!
Son of a─! Hang on, Muscadel!
I'll take it from here!
Noctis
You pack a serious punch, Muscadel. I'm impressed.
Garuda
The Crystal has chosen well indeed. I acknowledge your strength, Noctis. Yours and your companion's both.
Noctis
Man, what is it with gods and trials? Do you always have to be so skeptical?
Garuda
So it is decreed. At the world's peril do we grant our power unto the untested.
Cid
Apologies for the delay!
She's unlike anything I've seen before, so it took me a while to get acquainted, but the Regalia is as good as new.
Noctis
Seriously? I owe you big time!
Garuda
Noctis. There is much you have left undone on Eos.
Your presence here is an anchor, allowing me to link the two worlds. For you, I shall open the way.
Tarry not, for the gate cannot remain for long.
Noctis
Got it. Thanks.
Divinities... One minute they're trying to kill you, the next they're helping you. I'll never understand them.
Thanks for the company, Muscadel. It was nice going around with you.
What will you say?
I had fun! Let's do it again sometime!
Yeah, definitely. We gotta hang out again.
Take care of business back home!
You bet I will. And when everything's sorted, maybe we can hang out again.
Well, I better get moving. I've got a promise to keep, after all. Take care, now!
Kipih Jakkya
Before Noctis went into the portal, I could've sworn I saw a woman amidst the light. An ethereal beauty dressed all in white.
Cid
I saw her too. It seemed to me she was waiting for Noctis. Guiding him. I can only assume they share a deep bond.
Kipih Jakkya
Oh! Then perhaps that was his fiancée!
Cid
Perhaps so...and perhaps not. The sole person who could've enlightened us has vanished into the light.
Kipih Jakkya
Well, whoever and wherever Noctis's fiancée may be, I do hope they are reunited.
Right! While events are still fresh in my mind, I shall return to my office and put pen to parchment. Master Cid, many thanks for your cooperation!
But the most thanks of all, I reserve for you, my dear adventurer. In no small part due to your help, Noctis managed to find his way home, and my article can reach a climactic conclusion. See that you do not miss it!
Cid
A strangely charismatic young man, was Noctis... In the end, we never learned the circumstances of his coming here.
But if he has things he must do back home, as that Garuda-like being said, perhaps this was a trial that he had to overcome along his journey.
At any rate, old friend, I believe our work here is done. Wherever the long road may lead him, may Noctis ever ride in the light of the Crystal.
[You can now exchange MGP for special items by speaking with the Ironworks vendor at the Gold Saucer.
※Available for a limited time only.]
You obtain a Lucian prince's jacket.
You obtain a pair of Lucian prince's boots.
You earn the achievement “Brother from Another Mothercrystal”!
You obtain a Regalia Type-G title.
You can now summon the Regalia Type-G mount.