A Vandal in the Wild
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A Vandal in the Wild
- Quest giver
- Hardiboiled
- Location
- Solution Nine (X:17.0, Y:18.4)
- Quest line
Hildibrand Sidequests
┗ Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures Quests- Level
- 100
- Requirements
- Disciples of War or Magic
- Gil
1,697- Previous quest
The Case of the Fiendish Fugitives- Next quest
- On the Trail of Destruction
- Patch
- 7.35
- Links
- EDB GT TC
“Hardiboiled's stoic silhouette is a fixture amidst the bright lights and bustle of True Vue.
— In-game description
Steps
- Speak with Mymond.
- Speak with Hardiboiled in East Yyasulani.
- Speak with Hardiboiled.
- Speak with Hardiboiled again.
- Gather information in Sheshenewezi Springs.
- Speak with Hardiboiled.
- Search for Nashu Mhakaracca.
Journal
- Hardiboiled's stoic silhouette is a fixture amidst the bright lights and bustle of True Vue.
- Inspector's Log:
No sooner did I emerge from a thirty-year slumber than I found myself at the heart of a mystery most diabolical: the Case of the Fiendish Fugitives! A secretive researcher has been imbuing monsters with the souls of criminals, who are then set loose in Alexandria to commit their favored felony. With the cooperation of the surly-if-well-meaning Detective Hardiboiled─whom I feel compelled to reiterate resembles me not in the slightest─we were able to apprehend one such villain, an eyeclops with an eye for larceny. Though the fugitive knew naught of the researcher's grand scheme, it is only a matter of time─and the investigative genius of Hildibrand Helidor Maximilian Manderville─ere all is brought before the light of gentlemanly justice!
* * *
Hardiboiled has extracted more data from the storage device recovered from Yuweyawata, identifying a new fugitive-turned-fiend for your crew to pursue. The criminal in question has assumed the form of a cauahealoa, a bipedal wolf, and it is believed that it will be committing acts of wanton vandalism, for which it had earned notoriety as a man. While the fiend is like to avoid densely populated areas, for want of other leads, Hardiboiled suggests calling on one of his trusted sources, a man named Mymond. Setting aside the similarity to a certain information broker in Ul'dah for now, you make your way across the recreation zone to meet with the individual. - In a development that would perhaps be amazing were it not but another of the countless curiosities you have experienced in the presence of Inspector Hildibrand, Mymond turns out to be the spitting image of Wymond. From the purveyor of information, you learn that a cauahealoa has been sighted entering yet not emerging from Vanguard. Furthermore, its mannerisms marked it as more man than beast. This is enough to convince Hardiboiled that your target has gone to Shaaloani, and you and companions set off for the barrier's exit.
- During your passage through Vanguard, Hardiboiled betrays an irrational fear for oglops when he loses his characteristic cool in an encounter with the verminous insects. Your timely provision of a boiled egg thankfully suffices for him to regain composure, and you continue on to Shaaloani without further incident.
- Upon arriving in Shaaloani, Hardiboiled proposes that you begin by gathering information in settlements. Sheshenewezi Springs lies a short distance to the south, and it is there that your crew first makes its way.
- You and your companions split up to question the people of Sheshenewezi Springs about acts of vandalism in the area. Such incidents would serve to confirm the presence of your fugitive.
- Through your inquiries, you have learned that there has been a spate of vandalism targeting equipment and barns. Though the Dustwatch has no lead as yet, the culprit is believed to be an outsider. Armed with this knowledge, you go to seek out Hardiboiled.
- You report your findings to Hardiboiled, who says that he has heard much the same. When Hildibrand then wonders after Nashu's whereabouts, Hardiboiled expresses his exasperation before proposing that you split up to search for the inspector's absent-minded assistant.
- At the outskirts of Sheshenewezi Springs, you find Nashu being accosted by ruffians who, having seen her polishing her “medicine,” wish to take her in as the wanted vandal. As the confrontation heats up, Hardiboiled challenges the leader to settle matters the old-fashioned way, and the two subsequently square off for a duel in the middle of town. With his superior experience and skill, Hardiboiled gets the better of his brash young opponent before further dodging a spray of bullets from the remaining ruffians. The commotion draws out Kemakka, who deems Hardiboiled innocent for his part in an unlawful gunfight, but when Hildibrand accidentally ignites one of Nashu's Delights in his presence, the sheriff decides to arrest her as a vandal suspect. As his assistant is led away in shackles, the inspector manages to extricate himself from the ground in time to swear that he will clear her name.
Dialogue
Accepting the quest (cutscene)
Hardiboiled: If it isn't Forename. Been keeping yourself sharp, I trust?
Q: What will you say?
> Sharp as a razor! > Reasonably! > I've been sharper...
< Sharp as a razor! > < Reasonably! > Hardiboiled: Good to hear. In our line of work, you gotta stay in peak condition and be ready for anything.
< I've been sharper... > Hardiboiled: That's no good. In our line of work, you gotta stay in peak condition and be ready for anything.
Hardiboiled: In any case, you picked a good moment to come by. I've managed to recover more data and learned about another experimental subject.
Hildibrand: Oho! I daresay that is the cue for us to lend our investigative skills once more!
Hardiboiled: It seems this criminal had his soul put into the body of a cauahealoa. That's a two-legged wolf, in case you weren't familiar. Hardiboiled: Prior to that, the man was a notorious vandal who went around causing wanton destruction, targeting everything from shops to government facilities. Didn't have any grand motive─was all for the thrill of it. A real piece of work. Hardiboiled: Like the sticky-fingered eyeclops, odds are he's up to his old antics in his new body, and is a pawn of the mysterious researcher.
Hildibrand: Such a fiend wreaking havoc in a densely populated area would swiftly attract attention. If our wolfman were to make mischief, I expect it would be somewhere outside this city.
Hardiboiled: Heh, not half bad reasoning for a soft-boiled dope. As you say, the fiend's likely to strike places outside of Solution Nine. Hardiboiled: We don't have any leads beyond that, though, so I've a mind to pay one of my trusted sources a visit. Hardiboiled: Mymond's his name, and his business is “knowin' every bugger else's.” Come on, he ought to be at his usual spot nearby.
Hildibrand: Mymond... Does that not remind you of our friend Wymond?
Nashu Mhakaracca: It does! Do you suppose we'll get to meet a Yourmond too?
Optional Dialogue
Hardiboiled: That there's Mymond. Let's see if he knows anything about a fiend with an appetite for destruction.
Hildibrand: Good gods, he even looks like Wymond...
Nashu Mhakaracca: Cor, he could be a clone of Wymond! I've never seen anything like it...except for the time Mister PuPu made all those clones of the inspector!
Speak with Mymond (cutscene)
Mymond: Ain't often I see you with company, Detective. What can I do you for today? Mymond: A thrill-seekin' vandal in the body of a fiend... Sounds like a recipe for trouble alright. Mymond: Now, can't say as I've heard any talk of vandalism, neither in or around Everkeep. Mymond: But there's a hunter who caught sight of a solitary cauahealoa near the barrier recently. It went into Vanguard an' didn't come back out, so he assumed it went to Shaaloani. Mymond: What struck him the most, though, was the queer way it moved. Seemed more man than beast, he said.
Hardiboiled: Cauahealoas are fiercely territorial creatures that live in packs. This lone wolf's our vandal, I'd wager my gun on it. Hardiboiled: We'll head to Shaaloani right away. Thanks for the lead, Mymond.
Hildibrand: 'Tis truly uncanny indeed, the resemblance you bear to my friend. His name is Wymond, and information is his stock and trade as well.
Mymond: Eh? Not only do we have similar faces and names, but we're in the same business besides? Well, bugger me with a lightning rod... Mymond: You know, you look rather like the detective yourself, only you're either younger or have a better skin care regimen. You brothers or somethin'?
Hildibrand and Hardiboiled: Ridiculous!
Hildibrand: Detective Hardiboiled and I are not the least bit alike!
Hardiboiled: Damn right! Don't compare me to this preening ninny!
Mymond: Alright, alright. Didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. Mymond: But you, lass... Somethin' about you reminds me of the detective's assistant. Takes me back, it does...
Hardiboiled: We should get going. Let's gather in front of Vanguard before heading to Shaaloani.
Optional Dialogue
Mymond: We go a ways back, me and Hardiboiled and his assistant. They're the reason I fell into this trade, you might say.
Hildibrand: We chanced to see a cow-halo en route here. They have a rather endearing appearance, I must say!
Nashu Mhakaracca: That wolf fiend is so adorable, what with their spiky leg armor and giant sword! Do you think they like being scratched behind the ears?
Speak with Hardiboiled in East Yyasulani
Hardiboiled: This'll be my first time beyond the barrier. Wonder if I can find a quiet bar that doesn't water down its drinks...
Cutscene
Hildibrand: Hnnngh...!
Nashu Mhakaracca: Inspector, you're all glowy-tingly!
Hardiboiled: Must be the lightning round I hit you with. The aftereffects can linger a while, I'm afraid.
Hildibrand: No need for concern. Far from causing discomfort, the lightning appears to have improved my circulation. I feel haler than I have in recent memory!
Hardiboiled: Hmph, you really are an oddball... Hardiboiled: Uwaaaaaah!
Hildibrand: I must say, Detective, I hadn't expected your hardened self to suffer from a fear of insects.
Nashu Mhakaracca: And such adorable ones too!
Hardiboiled: Th-They're not just any insect! They're oglops─bringers of death and disease! Hardiboiled: <pant> <pant> Get a hold of yourself, now... An egg... An egg'll set you straight... Hardiboiled: You fool... You didn't bring any... Not a single one... Damn it aaaaaall!
Hildibrand: Oh dear... Never have I seen such a severe case of egg withdrawal...
Nashu Mhakaracca: Think you could boil this to the good detective's liking?
Q: How long will you boil the egg?
> Six minutes. > Twelve minutes. > Twenty minutes.
Hardiboiled: Th-This isn't another trick, is it? Hardiboiled: Bah, I'll chance it!
< Six minutes. > Hardiboiled: I'd barely popped the egg in my mouth when it caved and the yolk came pouring out, like blood from a fresh gunshot wound. It was a two-bit punk with no fight in it. All bark and no bite. Hardiboiled: You don't get it, do you, Forename? What it takes to survive on the mean streets of Solution Nine. Nashu Mhakaracca: Looks like you didn't boil it long enough...
< Twelve minutes. > Hardiboiled: The texture of the yolk, firm and assured... Not untested but not broken down by the weight of the world... The essence of a survivor. Hardiboiled: You're a woman/man that knows the score, Forename. I'm glad to have you at my back. Nashu Mhakaracca: Looks like you boiled it just right! Well done!
< Twenty minutes. > Hardiboiled: The rubbery white... The pungent, crumbling yolk... Like a stubborn old coot who refuses to change with the times. Hardiboiled: You don't get it, do you, Forename? What it takes to survive on the mean streets of Solution Nine. Nashu Mhakaracca: Looks like you boiled it too long...
Hardiboiled: At any rate, I feel like myself again. Appreciate it, Forename.
Hildibrand: I had every confidence you could aid the good detective, my dear assistants. Come, let us continue on!
Optional Dialogue
Hildibrand: The landscape is reminiscent of Thanalan, is it not? I'm put in mind of my youth, when I trained by running through the wilds whilst carrying a chocobo upon my shoulders.
Nashu Mhakaracca: Wherever I go, I always make sure I bring food with me. After all, one can't investigate on an empty stomach!
Speak with Hardiboiled
Hardiboiled: So this is the outside world... It's gonna take some getting used to being under a sky without limits. Hardiboiled: Right, we should begin by talking to the locals. That a town I see over there? Hardiboiled: Sheshenewezi Springs, eh? As good a place as any. C'mon, let's go.
Optional Dialogue
Hildibrand: I see they drill for ceruleum here, just like in Thanalan. The similarity is more than soil deep!
Nashu Mhakaracca: I'm feeling hunger pangs... I wonder if I can get a bite to eat somewhere...
Speak with Hardiboiled again
Hardiboiled: An old-fashioned place, this, but it's got a ruggedness that speaks to me. A man could get used to it. Hardiboiled: Anyway, let's split up and ask around─see if there's been any acts of vandalism in these parts. You learn something, you come and tell me.
Gather information in Sheshenewezi Springs
Sheeho: Oh yes, I heard that a barn was destroyed the other day─smashed to pieces, by all accounts. Why would anyone do such a senseless thing?
Sheeho: I really don't understand vandals. What do they get out of such destruction?
Kepayuwte: Vandalism? Don't get me started! Some miscreant busted up some of our drilling equipment! I pour my blood, sweat, and tears into keeping everything running, so it had me seeing red! Kepayuwte: Ceruleum's our livelihood, so the perpetrator can't possibly be a local. It's an outsider, mark my words!
Kepayuwte: No local would dare damage our drilling equipment. Not when our livelihoods depend on it. The perpetrator's an outsider, and that's a fact!
Tonawawtan Officer: As a matter of fact, there's been a spate of vandalism targeting barns and equipment. The culprit strikes when no one's around and leaves no trace, so we don't have so much as a lead. Tonawawtan Officer: Baffled as we are, we've posted a generous bounty. Information's welcome too, of course, so if you see any suspicious activity, be sure to let us know.
Tonawawtan Officer: We've put a generous bounty on the vandal, but information leading to their capture may earn you a reward as well. Don't hesitate to inform us of any suspicious activity you witness.
Optional Dialogue
Hildibrand: Have you perchance seen an endearing, wolflike fiend that walks on its hind legs?
Hardiboiled: Has anything been destroyed in these parts lately?
Speak with Hardiboiled
Hardiboiled: Hey. Manage to learn anything? Hardiboiled: We heard much the same. Our vandal's been busy.
Hildibrand: By the by, have you seen Nashu? I'm not sure where she's gone...
Hardiboiled: You serious? How can you not know where your own assistant is... <sigh> We better split up and find her.
Optional Dialogue
Cocky Ruffian: We know it's you! Just admit it already!
Search for Nashu Mhakaracca
Nashu Mhakaracca: Oh, hello there, Forename! I could use a little help!
Cutscene
Hildibrand: I say, Nashu, have you been making new friends?
Cocky Ruffian: Know her, do you? And all the chaos she's been sowin' too, no doubt.
Hildibrand: Wh-Whatever do you mean?
Cocky Ruffian: Don't play the fool. We saw her polishin' them bombs.
Fierce Ruffian: That's right. She's the one been blowin' things up! We're takin' her in and collectin' the bounty.
Nashu Mhakaracca: For the umpteenth time, they're not bombs! They're medicine!
Hildibrand: Y-Yea, verily! Though they may look─and indeed explode─like bombs, they are in fact potent restoratives! My assistant is not the vandal you seek!
Cocky Ruffian: That's the stupidest shit I've ever heard! Exploding medicine!? Hah!
Hardiboiled: Let's all take a deep breath now... Hardiboiled: No need to get so hot and bothered. We can talk this through─resolve things peacefully.
Cocky Ruffian: I don't know who you are, but we're done talkin' here. Cocky Ruffian: She's the vandal, and that's that. You'll stand aside if you know what's good for you!
Hardiboiled: Hmph. If you're not willing to be civil, then we'll have to settle this the old-fashioned way.
Hildibrand: Detective, wait! I am emphatically opposed to violence. I must insist that we resolve this in a gentlemanly manner.
Hardiboiled: These kids wouldn't know a gentleman if he shot 'em in the rear. Don't waste your breath.
Cocky Ruffian: Grrr, you asked for it, old man! You want a duel, I'll give you a duel!
Hardiboiled: Just remember that you had other options. Now, we're gonna need witnesses, so let's take it elsewhere. Hardiboiled: Don't worry your little head. It ain't to the death.
Hildibrand: Ill at ease though I am with Detective Hardiboiled's chosen approach, it seems we must defer to him...
Hardiboiled: He puts on a brave face, but he's nervous. Watch the eyes─he'll rush to finish it. Hardiboiled: What's that red smudge? Had yourself some poached eggs smothered in tomato sauce, did you? Hmph. A soft choice for a soft bastard. Hardiboiled: Not the least bit fazed. Hard recognizes hard, and I can tell you're a woman/man who's been to hell and back. Even I could learn a thing or two from you... Hardiboiled: Whoa, whoa, you kidding me? All this fuss over you, and you're having a snooze? Heh, you've got moxie, dollface...just like her. Dream sweet dreams, now. Hardiboiled: Still charged with lightning... That's...impressive in its own way. But never mind that oaf for now. I've got a job to do. Hardiboiled: An old-fashioned firearm like most carried in these parts. Watch the barrel, dodge the bullet. Hardiboiled: Luscious locks for a roughneck. Don't know what fancy hair treatment you use, sweet prince, but a bar of soap is all I need. Hardiboiled: I've seen enough. This one's in the bag.
Fierce Ruffian: Piss on the old laws! Long as you win, it don't matter how! Fierce Ruffian: Wh-Who the hell are you?
Kemakka: What's going on here!? Kemakka: So that's the way of it. But nonlethal rounds or no, the law forbids dueling in town. Kemakka: As such, this will be treated as an illegal gunfight, and the guilt falls on the side that drew first. You lot are coming with me. Kemakka: Now, it seems this all began when they saw the lady with what looked like bombs, and assumed she was the vandal. While you don't strike me as a miscreant, I'd like to examine the objects for good measure. Kemakka: I must say it does look like a bomb...
Hildibrand: Ahahaha! An understandable if unfortunate misunderstanding. Despite its worrisome appearance, I assure you, good sir, that this is a bespoke medicine that rejuvenates me when I am feeling poorly.
Kemakka: That's a bomb, or I was born yesterday.
Hildibrand: Ahhh, I feel like a new man! 'Tis as if I walk upon a cloud!
Kemakka: Enough of that hogwash! While this alone doesn't prove she's the vandal, we're going to keep her in the jailhouse till we know more.
Nashu Mhakaracca: Are meals served at this jailhouse?
Kemakka: W-Well, that they are...
Nashu Mhakaracca: See you!
Hildibrand: I will come for you, Nashu! I will find the true criminal and clear your good name, this I swear!
Optional Dialogue
Hardiboiled: Why did it have to be oglops...