T w e n t y S i d e d

We open to the party being brought aboard Ghis’ flagship, the Dreadnought Leviathan. Hilariously, the little transport craft has these two protrusions on the front that look like someone welded two swords to the bumper. I can’t help but imagine this little bumper-car ship ramming dreadnoughts with its teensy little fender blades.

As the party is brought onto the bridge, who should be waiting for them but Amalia! Basch greets her as Majesty, and in response she slaps the taste out of his mouth, because nothing good can ever happen to Basch. Ghis confirms that she is indeed Ashelia B’nargin Dalmasca (*snicker* “B’nargin”), and everyone is shocked but Basch.

Ghis does note that, without any proof of her lineage, she’ll simply be hanged with the rest of the insurgents. Basch pipes up saying that he had a contingency for just such an occasion and that he and he alone knows the location of such proof, an artifact called the Dusk Shard. Which is to say, the Goddess Magicite Vaan has in his pocket. No really, it starts glowing right on cue and he pulls it on out. Does the Empire not frisk prisoners?! This is the second time! Judge Ghis finally gets the hint and yoinks it out of his hands, exclaiming, “Well shit, that cleared up quicker than I thought it would.”

Vaan demonstrates his trademark lack of self-awareness by demanding “no executions” before he hands over the stone. Ghis mutters to himself about Vayne wanting the stone for some purpose, and they are led away to the brig.

Continue reading ⟩⟩ “A Travelog of Ivalice, Part 5: Imperial Mercy and Other Lies”

The Rocketeer —PLEASE—STAND—BY—

As much through a stroke of good luck as anything, the bounty hunter Ba’Gamnan has at last drawn his target to him, and Balthier and co. arrive in Bhujerba. The Strahl’s flyover of the skycity is freakin’ gorgeous, too; Final Fantasy XII really is a beautiful game. At the airport, Balthier points out once again that it might be bad news if Basch’s identity gets out, which is emphasized immediately by a pack of stormtroopers running past looking for them (oddly yelling out “He’s not here!” as they’re still entering.)

Naturally, with Basch and Vaan delivered safely to their respective certain dooms, Balthier and Fran have no motivation to remain in Bhujerba, and they take their payment and leave promptly. After— wait, wait, that’s the opposite of what happens, sorry. Despite armed authorities literally swarming around looking for him, and knowing that his most dangerous enemy is waiting to trap him with bait he doesn’t care about, and despite the fact that sticking his neck out for no reason will, in but a short while, become a major sticking point for Balthier, he decides to not only tarry with the suicidal Dalmascans but aid them in whatever dangerous monkeyshines they get involved in.

Fran offers no objection because she has no character or personality beyond following Balthier like a simpleton.

Continue reading ⟩⟩ “A Travelog of Ivalice, Part 4: Point Me at the Sky”

The Rocketeer —PLEASE—STAND—BY—