Varhine Side Quests

Hello, sir?

Huh? Me? You're calling me sir?!

Okay, you. Do you know about the Pendant of Courage? It's supposed to give courage to anyone who wears it.

Huh? That's a thing?

Yup! You see, it's my dream to travel the world as an adventurer with my friend Peter.

But he's too much of a scaredy-cat to become an adventurer.

Please find me materials to make the pendant so he can have courage!

Oh, so you're serious? I mean, what materials do you need?

Uh... an Orc Warrior's hair and an Orc Raider's fangs?

Huh. Kind of a gruesome ask from such a little kid.

So, we need... an Orc Warrior's hair and an Orc Raider's fangs...?

Ugh, what do they have to do with courage?

Are we done then?

I kind of feel bad for these orcs...

I just want Peter to be braver.

Did you find all the materials?

Did you find the key material?

Yay, thank you!

Now I have all the basic materials I need to make the pendant!

B-basic? Does that mean you still need more stuff?

Yup! I still need the key material, the most important one!

This doesn't bode well...

It's from the rock-smashing mountain... what was it?

Why are you asking us?!

My grandpa knows! His name is Charlie!

So, where is Grandpa Charlie?

He's always in front of our house. It's the one by the fountain with an orange roof!

Huh? What did you say? Were you talking to me?

Zoe asked us to do something for her, and we have a question for you!

Did you say Zoe?

Yes. She said that you knew about the key material for making a Pendant of Courage.

A Pendant of Courage? Oh, so she's going for it, huh?

She said something about the rock-smashing mountain place...

Legends say the Pendant of Courage was forged long ago by an extremely cowardly adventurer...

Apparently, he used a Mountaintaur's Nose Ring to make the pendant.

M-Mountaintaur?

If he could fight a Mountaintaur, I don't think he was a coward...

Well, people have different standards, you know...

I suppose...

Are you really going after a Mountaintaur?

I want to support that little girl's dream!

Sorry, but I need your nose ring!

You're amazing! You defeated a Mountaintaur!

Now we have everything we need, including the key material.

All that's left is transmutation.

Transmutation? Not just plain old crafting?

No, the Pendant of Courage is the result of combining great magic and powerful alchemy!

You can't just slap it together and call it a day.

Wow, that sounds fascinating! So, what do we need to do now?

Go to the alchemy shop.

Verona is a top-tier alchemist. It should be a piece of cake for her!

A piece of cake, huh... Sounds pretty easy for something so powerful.

A Pendant of Courage? Don't waste my time!

Oh, no need to get so worked up. Just tell us what to do.

That pendant doesn't need magic or alchemy. It's not transmutation, it's crafting! Just hammer it out!

Hammer it out?

Go see Saiga, the blacksmith over there! Hammering things is his specialty.

Geez, Verona's temper's as short as she is. Is it so hard to explain things calmly?

Though she may not look it, she's supposedly over a hundred years old... You can never tell what she's thinking.

At any rate, crafting a pendant isn't too hard. Just make a hole here, link them like this, close the gap... done!

This is it? What about its magic? And courage?

Well, why don't you just deliver it first and see what happens?

I'm starting to have some doubts now...

Zoe! The pendant is finished!

Wow! Thank you! I have one more request... Just one tiiiiiny little favor.

Again? What more do you need? We finished making the pendant!

Could you... give this pendant to Peter?

Why don't you give it to him yourself?

Can't you tell? She's too shy. Looks like she's the one who needs extra courage, not Peter.

Please! I'm counting on you!

You're Peter, right? Zoe wants you to have this.

Huh? What's this? It looks weird! Smells bad, too...

This is a Pendant of Courage to make you brave!

Oh, awesome. Whoa, I think I feel courage surging inside me! I can do it!

I can travel the world with Zoe now! I can do it!

Wow, that actually worked! Though... I think there's more to it than just the pendant.

*Sigh...* Nia...

Excuse me... do you know Nia by any chance?

Actually, I do. I met her in Vestigia!

Wow! For real? That's great!

I'm a member of Clovers, a fan club for Nia.

A fan club? She's just an innkeeper...

Just an innkeeper?! Show some respect!

Nia is our idol! We all adore her!

Huh?

At any rate, I can't make it all the way to the Maid & Clover Inn to see her myself, so...

Could you please get me her autograph? Even better, you could also get me one of her cherished personal items!

Somebody wants my autograph and one of my cherished personal items?

Yes, seriously. Some people are just so weird.

Well, signing an autograph is no big deal, but... a cherished personal item? What would that be...?

How about that apron or the bag at your waist?

This? It's just my work gear; it's all worn out because I wear it every day.

Worn and well-used items are the best keepsakes!

How do you know this stuff?

I'm willing to give it away, but... I'll need a new one for work.

It'll be easy enough to make one as long as I have wolf pelts and Shellymander tears...

Leave it to us!

She said he needed some wolf pelts, right?

I guess that waist bag is fancier than it looks...

Now, we need... Shellymander tears? How do we collect those?

Looks like we've got no choice... A solid punch is the quickest way to draw out some tears!

Oh, so much work to do!

Did you get all the materials for my new waist bag?

Now I can make a new waist bag.

Alright. Here's my autograph and old waist bag.

Thank you! I'm sure Meril will be happy with them.

Also, could you pass on a message from me?

What kind of message?

That I'm offering these with just one request: please stop bothering Esther.

Wow, ice cold...

Did you get Nia's autograph? And a personal item?

Here you go. Nia's autograph and her waist bag.

Oh! This adorable little waist bag has clung to Nia's slender hips!

She also had a message for you...

She wants you to stop bothering Esther.

Oh? Do you have any proof that members of Clovers have been doing that?

I didn't say anything about the fan club.

I'm sure Esther already knows. You'd better stop unless you want to meet the business end of her broom.

Ugh... Esther, that sly fox...!

Bring it on!

I'm mad. So mad! Sure, I wasn't myself, but still, I can't believe I got caught!

Oh? Are you feeling all better from your Void corruption?

Yes! I'm all better now, so let's go again! I want a hide-and-seek rematch!

Wow, she's so fired up. Cloud, what do you say?

Of course, I'm in! My pride is on the line!

Alright. I'll hide somewhere you'll never-ever think to look!

Nero, Jerome! Ready to hide?!

Uh-huh...

I'm on it!

Now, I'm counting to ten. Find your best hiding spot.

One, two, three... nine, ten...

Ready or not, here I come!

Huh? Why didn't you hide?

I'm better at seeking than hiding.

Hiding's not much fun. I just end up squished in some weird barrel and my clothes get all dirty.

I see. Where did the other kids go?

Jerome went north, and... I'm not sure about Nitta.

Finding Nitta won't be easy.

Did you see a boy about this tall?

I did see a kid run off toward the gathering hub just now.

The gathering hub? Thank you!

Sir, did you see a little boy come running this way?

Sure did. But don't call me sir.

Which way did he go, sir?

He went around the gathering hub. And I said don't call me sir!

Thank you, sir!

Footprints?

He sure was fast, but wasn't very careful!

Found you!

Hahaha! It's nearly impossible to hide from the all-seeing Cloud!

Aww! Bummer... Should have picked a better spot...

It won't be as easy with Nitta. She's... really serious about hide-and-seek.

Are you ready to look for Nitta?

Her dedication to hide-and-seek is out of this world.

And she hides really well.

But she always drops little clues before hiding.

She passed through here earlier, so might have left one around here, too.

There's a note inside...?

It says the alchemy shop! Let's head there!

Grrr! This is frustrating! Who even does this?!

Verona, what's the matter now?

Someone threw a rock into my shop, wrapped up in some stupid paper!

Could it be a letter of challenge?

Let me see that!

To the ones following me, I invite you to the village of warriors...

Ugh! I hate playing stupid games!

The village of warriors? And for a stupid game, aren't you pretty into it..?

Don't tell me... Nitta used her secret technique in the Orc Camp...?

She's hiding in the Orc Camp? You guys are nuts!

If she's willing to risk her neck... then I've got no choice but to follow suit!

Cloud!

Hey, did a human kid come through here?

Grrr... Intruders! Why do you keep invading our home!

Please, leave us alone! No more bloodshed!

We'll go away as soon as we find her. Please work with us.

Our pride's been crushed beyond repair! We're not listening to your pathetic excuses!

Oof... That could have gone better.

This is bad. We can't just go beating up innocent orcs over a silly game.

As much as it pains me to admit... We've got to end the game here.

Olly-olly-oxenfree! Where are you?

What's that... huh?

It says, "Victory is mine today." Well, that settles it. Let's go back!

What just happened...?

I admitted defeat. Some things are more important than winning...

Hah! That settles it! I'm the supreme hide-and-seek champion!

As expected, really.

Congrats. You're not hurt or anything, right?

I never get hurt when I'm playing hide-and-seek!

If no one can find me, no one can hurt me!

Sure... Still, promise me you won't go someplace so dangerous again, okay?

That was a great match!

Thank you.

What for?

If Nitta had lost again, she'd have sulked the whole day away.

Well, when your pride is on the line... that can't be helped.

No, I think you guys are just weird.

Well, Verna... you don't like losing, either!

Let's have a rematch soon! I'll be the seeker!

Sure... just count me out next time...

The port is a mess!

Port Vellum used to be the most bustling port in all of Solismenamus.

But now... it seems like it's failing to serve its purpose.

Since the knights already came to assess things, help should be on the way.

Still, the Living Octopus Club has always taken matters into our own hands when it comes to this port.

As long as we young folks stick together, there's no problem we can't handle.

The Living Octopus Club...? What do you do?

It's a club for young adults! But with all this chaos, I can't find the other members anywhere.

Please find my friends Neves, Bono, and Jooang!

With them by my side, we can bring the town back to the way it was.

Are you... Neves?

Who... are you?

Malcolm is looking for you. You're a member of the Living Octopus Club, right?

Malcolm! I knew he'd be safe.

Malcolm will be waiting for you by the clearing in front of the north entrance of the village. Go there.

Thank you. Have you found Bono yet?

He's a carpenter who works on ships, so he's probably around the repair yard.

Oof, that was close... Where did they all come from...?

Are you hurt anywhere?

Hey, when you work with sawdust for a living, getting scraped and bruised is just part of the deal.

Still got all my arms and legs, and I'm walking just fine.

That's a relief. Malcolm asked us to find his friends.

Oh, I should have gone back to him instead of hiding all this time. But there's a problem...

What's the matter?

I lost track of my tools when those guys in black attacked! A carpenter without his tools would just be dead weight in the Living Octopus Club...!

Please, look around here for my hammer, saw, and level.

Hammer, saw, level... did we get them all?

Oh, my precious extensions of my hands and feet!

We need to go look for the next friend now. The name was Joo... Joo... what was it? Jooen?

Jooang? He should be at the dry dock on the north side of town.

He's really fragile...

Alright. We'll hurry there!

The darkness inside me is surging...

Blank eyes... and utter nonsense... These are clear signs of corruption!

Oh, what do we do? Should we reach out to the Feline Order?

$CAT_NAME$, it's your moment to shine!

Oh, that's right! $CAT_NAME$! You can do it, right?

Meow!

Ugh... What happened?

There was a black wind, and I blacked out. Am I dead?

No, Jooang. You're alive.

Ugh... I feel like my deepest, darkest desires have all been aired out.

While my mind is clear again... I can't walk. My legs are too weak.

I feel like a real Living Octopus... Please, take me to Malcolm.

Are we sure his corruption's been cleared?

At last, all members of the Living Octopus Club are together once again!

Thank you. I really appreciate it.

Now, it's time to begin rebuilding Port Vellum.

With these friends, we can overcome any challenge!

Good luck! If you ever need more help, just let us know.

Ugh, he's gone again. He wouldn't seriously skip paying and run, would he?

This is bad. Really bad. A guest named Jeff has been behind on his room charges.

I just went up to clean his room, and he's gone, bags and all.

Could you please track him down? He was still here this morning, so he can't have gone that far.

He owes over a week's rent, plus food and laundry charges. He really made the most of his stay.

If we don't catch him soon... there's going to be a big trouble. I'm serious.

Excuse us... We're looking for someone. An adult man of average height, brown hair, and pale skin...?

How would that description help?

Are you talking about that slacker who stayed at the inn?

I saw him heading toward the market square. I know his face. He was always hanging around doing nothing.

Thank you!

You're looking for someone?

Yes, his name is Jeff, and he was staying at the inn just over there. About average height, brown hair... and pale skin?

Oh, I saw him head toward the village entrance just now.

Seemed like he even got a porter. Must be planning on a long journey.

Long journey? Oh, no. We can't let him get away!

Hey, you! Where's Jeff?

Huh? Who are you? Jeff isn't here...

He's got a hefty tab at the inn. He's not just skipping out, is he?

Nah, I doubt it. He left all his stuff with me, so he's gotta come back.

Then where is he now?

He said he's got treasure and gold hidden somewhere only he knows, and he went to dig it up.

Sounds fishy to me...

Maybe, but he even shared some kind of riddle about it. Sounded pretty convincing. Let me think...

It was something like, in Mt. Proelium, over the pointed peak that touches the skies, when the round moon sets and the stars rise, start your hunt to get your prize.

Well, we'll see about that.

If the treasure's real, everybody will be happy.

Sure, if it's actually real.

Look, over there! A Treasure Chest!

Over the pointed peak that touches the skies, when the round moon sets and the stars rise, start your hunt to get your prize. The first button is...

Over the pointed peak that touches the skies, when the round moon sets and the stars rise, start your hunt to get your prize The second button is...

Over the pointed peak that touches the skies, when the round moon sets and the stars rise, start your hunt to get your prize. The third button is...

That wasn't it. Let's think again.

Something clicked inside the chest.

Something clicked inside the chest.

Something clicked inside the chest. All the locks must be undone.

Let's see... Huh? What's this? A note...

Are you sad because you couldn't find any treasure? The real treasure is the friends you made along the way. What's that supposed to mean? It means you got duped, sucker! - Jeff

Argh! I knew this would happen!

Ack! Verna, did we just get played?

Let's go! Once I catch him... Aaaaaaargh!

Emil! We lost Jeff. He tricked us!

Once I catch him, he's dead meat!

There's no need, Verna.

Jeff's at the inn now.

What? Then let's get hi...

That won't be necessary. He's already facing consequences.

What do you mean by that?

Esther caught him. So they're having a little one-on-one session in the basement.

The screams stopped about half an hour ago.

So this was the big trouble you were worried about.

I guess he's got all the punishment he needs.

Squishy-Smoothy-Bouncy-Bubbly-Cutie-Brighty-Cleary-Eyed...

What are you doing?

Oh, hello. I was calling my Slimelet.

Squishy-Smoothy-Bouncy-Bubbly-Cutie-Brighty-Cleary-Eyed the Slimelet.

That's quite a mouthful. Why does it have such a long name?

The story is about just as long as the name itself...

If you really want to know, could you ask me again in a moment?

This one used to be called "James."

Sounds normal. Why'd you change its name?

When its name was James, it used to get hurt and sick a lot.

Then, I came across a renowned name designer, Granny Naime, and she gave it a new name.

That Squashy-Tangy-Chewy... whatever?

Close enough. Yeah.

After its name was changed to Squishy-Smoothy-Bouncy-Bubbly-Cutie-Brighty-Cleary-Eyed the Slimelet.... *huff, huff*

Squishy-Smoothy...

The Slimelet.

Yes, my Slimelet never got hurt or sick again. It's truly a lucky name.

Wow! Verna! Let's go find this name designer granny.

You want to change your name?

Not mine; this one's!

Meow?

Hey, Spongy-Softy-Burpy... the Slimelet?

...!!

Ah, didn't mean to startle you. I just have a question!

Do you like your name? That Smushy... whatever.

......!!...

You like that your human takes a long time to say your name? It's fun to watch him run out of breath?

!!...!!

Oh, it makes you feel that much more loved and cared for?

I guess that wasn't really the intention, but the name is still good.

Excuse us... Are you Granny Naime? We're...

Hah! What's this kitty's name?!

It's $CAT_NAME$. Why? I named it.

Tsh, tsk, tsk. That name carries a stormy fate! Like thunder crashing down on a barren mountain top!

Thunder on a mountain top...? What does that even mean?

I'll give it a new name, but first, answer my questions!

A monster's name should reflect its master's nature! Now, when you eat chicken, which cut do you go for first?

Where do you like to escape for a bit of rest and relaxation?

When you're in the mood for a little change, what color socks do you wear?

A name holds the power to shape one's fate.

Ah, I see you have refined tastes.

Now, one more question...

Good. Something's coming to me...

Now... Let me see...

A name... that will change the fate of this round kitty...

Done. Its new name is...

Fluffy-Roundy-Tail-Twitchy-Twinkly-Eyed Kitty! You see, monsters with names starting with "Fluffy" lead good lives.

Here. Take it and memorize it!

Oh, so changing its name to this will keep it from getting sick and ensure a long life?

How do we repay you...?

No need. I'm just doing this for fun. Or you could help me with some household chores.

Of course, we'll help!

This doesn't seem like a common weed...

Granny Naime! We pulled some weeds and sorted all the grain sacks!

Did anyone ask you to do that?

Should we just put everything back the way it was, then?

You've got a fiery fate. Definitely need a name change!

No, thank you...

Verna, let's go. Time to change $CAT_NAME$'s name!

Hmm... Are we really changing it?

Nyan!

$CAT_NAME$, what is it?

Meow!

What is it? You don't want to go further in?

Meow. Mew-mew. Meeeeeooooow!

The new name's fine, but...

Meow, meow, meeooow. Meow!

You like the name we gave you when we first met better?

$CAT_NAME$, awww! That touches my heart.

I wasn't thinking straight. Our bond is more important than some stupid fate!

Meeoow!

Nothing to report!

Oh, adventurers? Great timing. We could use a hand.

You've heard about the recent mess in Port Vellum, right? That black wind or whatever...

Well, taking advantage of the situation, poachers have been out in force, snatching up wild animals left and right...

I tried to dismantle the traps, but the Shellymanders became really agitated and rushed at me.

Could you remove the traps for me?

Sure! Leave it to us!

Let me remind you that the Shellymanders will be very aggressive. They'll attack you if you get close.

Please, try to restrain them gently. They're probably just on edge because of the traps...!

Seriously, how could they be so cruel?

I see another trap over there!

This one's much bigger than the rest of them. Just what kind of giant beast are they after?

Look. There's some sort of symbol carved into it.

What could it mean? Maybe it represents their poaching ring?

This might be a clue; let's take it to Aria.

How's the trap removal going?

I think we got rid of most of the traps along the coast. Could you take a look at this symbol?

A symbol? I've never seen it before...

If it was on the traps... it might help us track down the poachers.

Go to the Port Vellum docks and find Logistics Manager Kidde.

Since he deals with all kinds of cargo passing through the port, he might recognize that symbol.

What? A symbol? Let me see.

So... ah, I know this one.

Heh, what is it about?

It's the mark of the blacksmith guild over in Baek-Ah, across the sea.

They're known for producing sturdy, high-quality gear.

This was one of the traps set up by the poachers. Can you find out who used it?

Well, if I recall correctly, something like this hasn't come through here in ages. Which means this was likely smuggled in.

As for tracking smuggled goods... asking the vendors directly would be the best bet.

I see. Thanks for your help!

So, it's been smuggled from Baek-Ah? Well, we can't go after the poaching ring right now, then.

Still, I'll report this to our local guards and those in Baek-Ah.

The Shellymanders should stop being so aggressive once those poachers stop messing with them.

Oof, my head...

Have you heard? Port Vellum is reopening soon.

That's good to hear.

Yes, but there's a problem. We're short on rum stock.

Can't you just brew more?

If only it were that simple. Ugh, my head...

Could you talk to me again in a little bit? My head is throbbing.

You see, my rum isn't just for fun and games.

It's for recovery and keeping sailors healthy! It's as vital for long voyages as any conventional medicine.

Wow, sounds impressive.

Anyway, we just don't have enough oak barrels to brew rum.

We can't make more rum without those oak barrels. So, I was thinking...

Could you deliver this order form to Mera, the Orc Oak Barrel supplier in Vestigia?

Orc Oak Barrels? Haha, sure thing.

Are you the Oak Barrel supplier, Mera?

Wrong! It's not just Oak Barrels, but Orc Oak Barrels!

Huh? I just thought Hamel had stuttered...

Nope. Orc Oak Barrels are so-called because they're oak barrels made by orcs.

They're made by orcs? Cool.

Long ago, I helped an orc named Doramu who had collapsed along a mountain trail.

To thank me, Doramu invited me into his home, and that's where I first saw an Orc Oak Barrel.

Even water stored in one of those barrels would restore your strength. They're imbued with mysterious power.

I made a supply deal with Doramu that very day, and we kept trading right up until recently.

After the recent orc invasion was pushed back, my supply suddenly stopped. I don't even know if Doramu is alive.

Could you go check on Doramu and see if we can get more of his barrels?

Grrr... Who... who are you?!

Are you Doramu? Mera sent us. She wanted us to see if you were safe.

Mera did? Oh, I see. It's about time for more Orc Oak Barrels.

But I can't send any right now.

After the last battle with the humans, some orcs have been stopping anyone from trading with them.

I see. Sounds tough.

Might not be that tough.

Look, they're trading with humans again! Traitor!

Traitor! Kill them! Kill humans!

Aaaah!

Hey, they made the first move. Works for us!

Guess things... escalated quickly?

They were the ones blocking my shipments. I wasn't strong enough to take them myself.

But now that they're gone, we can begin trading again.

I'll send more Orc Oak Barrels to Mera. Thank you.

So Doramu is safe. Thank you for helping him.

Since you kept him safe, I'll make sure the first shipment of Orc Oak Barrels goes straight to Port Vellum.

Hamel will be pleased.

I received a letter from Mera about sending more Orc Oak Barrels. How did you do it? You're impressive!

It was... easy. There was a problem, but that problem attacked us first.

The problem attacked you?

It makes things much easier when the problem comes to us like that.

I'm not sure I follow, but thanks anyway. Once the rum is ready, I'll give you a nice discount!

Oh, thanks, but we're just happy to help.

M-mander, mander... Mander...

What's this Shellymander crying for?

Are you sure that's a Shellymander? It doesn't have a shell.

Sometimes they lose their shells. I'm sure there's a reason for it.

Then go ahead and ask her.

Kid, why are you crying? What's your name?

M-m-mander... mander, mander. M-m-mander, mander, mander...

Your name is Pring, and you argued with your mom... so you ran away... but the world is so scary?

Your mom wouldn't let you leave Port Vellum... and now you understand what she was so worried about?

Even monsters run away from home?

M-m-mander, mander...

You want us to help you go home? Sure! We'll help you!

So, we just need to take her to Port Vellum?

Mander! Man, man, mander... Mander...

She needs to get her shell back. Apparently, that's how they recognize each other.

No way. Surely her mother would recognize her own daughter?

Yes way. I bet my mom wouldn't recognize me, either, if she saw me now.

Whatever...

M-m-m-mander, mander maaaaandeeer!

You weren't paying attention to where you were going, and then you realized your shell was missing?

Man, man, mander!

Well, we should start by helping you find that shell. Let's go!

I see a shell over there. Is that not it?

Mander, mander...

It's not yours?

Maybe there's another one nearby. Let's keep looking.

There's another shell over there!

Mander, maaander...

Not this one, either? What shall we do?

Maybe your mom will know something? You know, grown-ups have a lot more life experience and such.

Yeah. Let's go see your mom. Can you lead us to her, Pring?

Man, mander!

Maaandeeer! Maaandeer!

Huh? Could that shell be it?

Maaandeeer!

Wow, she really doesn't recognize her own daughter right in front of her eyes.

So, once we place the shell on Pring...!

Man, mander!

Mander!

Mander, maaandeer, m-m-mander, mander!

Maaandeer, mander, mander!

What a lovely ending.

Pring, don't you ever run away again!

Ah, now I miss my mom. Even though I don't remember her.

I miss my mom, too...