It Can Be Cruel Sometimes

It Can Be Cruel Sometimes

Quest giver

Alpa

Location

The Fringes (X:21.7, Y:26.2)

Quest line

Ananta Quests
┗ Ananta Main Quests

Level

60 

Required items

1   Mark XLII Grenades

Requirements

Respected Reputation maxed

Experience

 66,250-80,387

Gil

 1,523

Previous quest

Chance of Gales

Next quest

Schism between Sisters

Patch

4.2

Links

EDB GT TC

“

Alpa's list of quandaries grows ever longer.

※The difficulty of this quest will be synced to your current level.

— In-game description

Rewards

Unlocks

• 
  Ananta Reputation Up (Honored)
•   Call Me Snake III

Steps

• Speak with M'zhet Tia at Pike Falls.
• Throw a Mark XLII grenade at M'zhet Tia.
• Throw another Mark XLII grenade at M'zhet Tia.
• Throw yet another Mark XLII grenade at M'zhet Tia.
• Speak with Orella in Rhalgr's Reach.
• Rendezvous with Alpa in East End.
• Aid Alpa.
• Speak with Alpa at Castellum Velodyna.

Journal

• Alpa's list of quandaries grows ever longer.
  • ※The difficulty of this quest will be synced to your current level.

• An Ala Mhigan traveler returning to his homeland has fallen ill while staying at Castellum Velodyna. While Alpa and J'olhmyn are discussing his condition, M'zhet Tia, self-proclaimed future nunh of the M tribe, makes an unexpected appearance and reveals that he has in fact volunteered to aid the Gatekeepers. He also claims that the stricken guest is in fact lovesick, a concept Alpa finds hard to grasp. With total disregard for more immediate concerns, M'zhet asks the group to meet him at Pike Falls, where he will demonstrate the power of love.
  • ※Please note that the difficulty of this quest has been synced to your current level. Furthermore, you may not proceed with a class or job that is different from when you accepted this quest.

• After gathering an audience, the would-be nunh of the M tribe insists that the power of love can protect him from anything, including imperial grenades. In spite of Alpa's apparent concern, he asks you to pelt him with explosives in order to prove his point. He also makes it clear that he wants you to continue throwing, even if he tells you to stop.

• M'zhet was supposed to have removed some of the powder from the grenades to reduce their destructive force. However, it seems he neglected to do so, resulting in a powerful blast. Of course, it is entirely possible that the remaining explosives will produce the desired effect...

• You confirm that the grenades still contain the original amount of powder. Although M'zhet seems to be in a considerable amount of pain, you prepare to throw some more.

• M'zhet miraculously survives the final grenade while J'olhmyn comes to the conclusion that the power of love has little to do with one's resilience to explosions. Meanwhile, the bedridden traveler has still not received any treatment, so the group decides to call on the expertise of Orella, the Resistance's resident physician.

• Orella has a hunch that the disease can be cured with a mixture that includes lightning caps. However, Orella's stock has been depleted, so you head to East End with Alpa to gather these rare mushrooms.

• While gathering lightning caps, Alpa is suddenly attacked by deadly flora. Luckily, you arrive to prevent her untimely demise. After disposing of the woodland predators, you rush to her aid.

• It seems that only Alpa's pride was wounded and she recovers quickly. Despite her unfortunate encounter, the lightning caps she has gathered are still intact. All that remains is to deliver them to Orella at Castellum Velodyna.

• You return to the castellum, where Alpa informs you that she has given the mushrooms to Orella. The medicine that she prepares takes effect with astonishing rapidity, healing the stricken traveler almost instantly. However, he reveals that he is suffering from lovesickness following his encounter with Orella and chases after her to confess his feelings. If Alpa has learned anything from this episode, it is that even in times of relative peace, people are still prone to injury and disease. She comes to the conclusion that an infirmary would be a worthy addition to the castellum.

Dialogue

(Optional)
J'olhmyn: With Alpa as captain, we had enough strangeness to deal with already. Now that we've got this Gales bloke, it looks like things'll get even weirder around here... 

Accepting the Quest (Cutscene)

Alpa: Oh, there you are, [Forename]. We have the latest report on Mother's molting. J'olhmyn, if you'd be ssso kind?

J'olhmyn: "The broodmother's skin has become dry and slightly rough."

Alpa: She'll be shedding her ssskin before long.
Alpa: I'm not worried though. Even if Mother were to arrive now, I think the castellum would pass muster. The guest rooms we made have proven quite popular!

J'olhmyn: Yes, but you're forgetting one thing. What about that poor sod who's taken ill? Your mother might find his moaning and groaning a bit off-putting...

Alpa: I was just about to mention that. An Ala Mhigan fellow on his way home from Gridania stayed overnight, but he's come down with sssomething. We can't tell what's caused it, but he's in a terrible state.

J'olhmyn: At first, we thought the shortness of breath and flushed cheeks were just signs of fatigue. We normally give medicinal tea in cases like this, but that hasn't seemed to work.

Alpa: We'll have to try sssomething else.

M'zhet Tia: Hark! Is that the sound of damsels in distress? Fear not! Your cries of despair will not go unanswered! For the future nunh of the M tribe, M'zhet Tia, has arrived!
M'zhet Tia: What are you doing, J'olhmyn? Is that any way to treat your would-be savior?

J'olhmyn: Savior? You can "save" me the trouble of trouncing you again by buggering off and never coming back!

M'zhet Tia: Unghhh... Not quite the welcome I was expecting. Wait—is that you, [Forename]?

< What will you say? >
< You're looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. >
< I'm amazed you're not dead yet. >

< You're looking bright–eyed and bushy–tailed. >
M'zhet Tia: And you're looking well too! You know, when I signed up to assist the Gatekeepers, I didn't expect to see you here!

< I'm amazed you're not dead yet. >
M'zhet Tia: Ha ha! Amazing people is my specialty! So you're helping the Gatekeepers too, eh? It's true what they say. Great minds think alike!

(Both)
Alpa: You two have met before?
Alpa: Ssso that's how you know each other...

M'zhet Tia: Know? Our bond goes beyond that of mere acquaintances. Why, we're like [siblings/brothers]!

Alpa: If you're [siblings/brothers], it's clear to see which one got all the brains. Is he always this ssstupid?

M'zhet Tia: Ahem! I think we can discuss my virtues some other time. Captain Alpa, am I to understand a man has been struck down with a fever of some kind? If so, I may have useful information to impart.

Alpa: Go on then, tell usss!

M'zhet Tia: This unfortunate soul is lovesick! I'm absolutely certain of it!
M'zhet Tia: J'olhmyn! Your violent outbursts notwithstanding, I must admit you possess a rather charming demeanor. Perhaps your convalescent guest has fallen for your feminine wiles and cannot bring himself to part from you!

J'olhmyn: My "feminine wiles"? I'm a soldier. Hardly the sort that has secret admirers.

M'zhet Tia: Now, now! There's no need to be shy. If you ask me, you're the belle of the Resistance!

Alpa: M'zhet, what were you saying about our guest being "lovesick"? What kind of love makes you sssick?

M'zhet Tia: The romantic kind, of course! A love that unites those destined to spend eternity together, awakening their true potential. There is nothing it cannot conquer!
M'zhet Tia: But don't take my word for it. I will demonstrate the power of love! Come to Pike Falls and bear witness to its splendor.

Optional

J'olhmyn: I have no idea what's going on, but there's one thing I'm certain of: he's the biggest idiot I've ever met. And I've met a lot of idiots.

Alpa: Why are we here?

Speaking with M'zhet Tia at Pike Falls

M'zhet Tia: Remember these? That's right—they're grenades left behind by the Garleans.
M'zhet Tia: I want you to throw them at me just like last time!

Alpa: Ssstop this nonsense! You'll get yourself killed!

M'zhet Tia: Killed? I think not. I have the power of love on my side! Watch closely everyone—especially you, J'olhmyn. These explosions will be like water off an eft's back!
M'zhet Tia: (I nearly died the last time I tried this, but you needn't worry! I've definitely removed enough of the powder. Yes, no doubt about it.)
M'zhet Tia: [Forename], I'm ready. Just keep flinging those grenades, even if I tell you stop!

(Optional)
Alpa: I don't think thisss is going to end well...

Throwing a Mark XLII grenade at M'zhet Tia

M'zhet Tia: Don't hesitate! Just throw!
<Use Mark XLII Grenades>
M'zhet Tia: Aaaiiieeeeeeeee!
M'zhet Tia: Ack! Gah! (Did I forget to take out some of the powder?) I'm perfectly fine! Let's try that again, [Forename]!

Optional

Alpa: Are you really going to throw that?

J'olhmyn: That looked really painful. Is the next one ready? 

Throwing another Mark XLII grenade at M'zhet Tia

M'zhet Tia: That had a bit more "bang" than I was expecting. Could you try throwing another one?
<Using Mark XLII grenade>
M'zhet Tia: Gaaaaaaaaagh!

J'olhmyn: This seems like quite a dangerous way to prove the power of love. Why don't you just write a poem or something?

M'zhet Tia: Nnngh... That one was a full-sized explosion as well! [Forename], stop for a moment!

Throwing yet another Mark XLII grenade at M'xhet Tia

M'zhet Tia: Forget what I said at the beginning! I really do want you to stop!
<Use Mark XLII grenades>
M'zhet Tia: Aaaaaarrrggghhh!
M'zhet Tia: No... I had so much to live for... 

Cutscene

M'zhet Tia: ...

Alpa: He's not dead, is he?

M'zhet Tia: I cannot die here! Not today, not like this. The M tribe needs me!

Alpa: Hooray! He's alive! And it's all because of the power of love!

J'olhmyn: Did the power of love really protect you from being blown to pieces? Perhaps your feelings for me are genuine after all...

M'zhet Tia: What!? No, no! You've got it all wrong! One day I'll be nunh, and I'll have to serve the needs of every eligible woman in the tribe. I can't commit to just one girl!

J'olhmyn: So that means the reason you survived has nothing to do with love. It must be something else... Well, even if you did have eyes for me, I'd poke them out with my spear.

Gales: Ah, there you are, Alpa. A certain matter has come to light and—
Gales: Who's this?

< What will you say? >
< A lonely tia doomed to a life of solitude. >
< A misguided fool whose attempts to impress J'olhmyn failed miserably. >

(Both)
M'zhet Tia: That's entirely inaccurate!

Gales: There's no need to be ashamed. You're not alone. My attempts to woo members of the fairer sex always end in disaster... I'll never find a wife at this rate.

M'zhet Tia: Gods be good! A man can reach your age and still be a bachelor?

Gales: In my line of work, I meet women from far and wide. But as soon as I try to talk to them, they run a malm.

M'zhet Tia: The same thing happens to me! Except in my case, I think they find my exuberant nature a tad overwhelming... Come friend, let us share our woes!

J'olhmyn: Why do I get the feeling this was a complete waste of time? And we're not an ilm closer to helping our bedridden patron. Perhaps we should consult a proper chirurgeon.

Alpa: Now that you mention it, M'zhet's injuries might need some attention too. Although he ssseems rather well considering...

J'olhmyn: Forget about him, he'll be fine. He's got Gales's shoulder to cry on now. Let's go to the Reach and ask Orella. She'll know what to do.

Optional

M'zhet Tia: To think that Gales is still single after all these years! What is the world coming to?

Gales: I can't believe I've found someone whose lack of romantic experience rivals my own!

Alpa: You've met Orella before, haven't you?

J'olhmyn: Sadly, Alpa counts as one of Orella's "regulars." She's forever eating things she finds lying around and then wondering why she gets a stomachache. Orella's medicine usually sorts her out though.

Speaking with Orella in Rhalgr's Reach

Orella: Would I be correct in guessing this isn't a social call?
Orella: I can't say for sure, but it sounds like he's fallen victim to pleurisy.
Orella: The medicine he needs is fairly simple to make, but unfortunately my supply of lightning cap mushrooms has been exhausted. I'll need you to gather some from East End. Once I've got my things together, I'll go straight to Velodyna.

Alpa: Understood! J'olhmyn, stay with Orella and keep her sssafe!

Optional

Orella: While the disease is not life-threatening, I'm sure our patient would prefer that we avoid any unnecessary dillydallying.

J'olhmyn: No harm will come to Orella or her expensive-looking medical supplies as long as she's with me!

Aiding Alpa

Alpa: <pant> I'm lucky you arrived when you did. I know I'm not much of a fighter, but I didn't expect to be beaten by those ssstraggly-looking beasties!
Alpa: Ssstill, I managed to get the lightning caps! We'd better get these to Orella right away! 

Optional

M'zhet Tia: My, my! While Gales and I were exchanging sob stories, it looks like you've been rather busy.

Gales: M'zhet has such a cheerful outlook despite losing his father at such a young age. My own problems pale in comparison.

Speaking with Alpa at Castellum Velodyna

Alpa: Ah, there you are. I've handed the mushrooms to Orella, who is brewing her concoction as we ssspeak. All we can do now is wait.

Cutscene

Alpa: What's taking Orella so long? I hope everything's all right...

M'zhet Tia: Have a little faith, Alpa! Ah, here they come now!

Orella: You'll be pleased to hear that the treatment was a success.

Alpa: How do you feel?

Stricken Traveler: That medicine worked wonders! One moment I'm at death's door, and the next I'm right as rain! Nothing can stop me finishing the last leg of my journey now.

Orella: Just don't overexert yourself, do you hear? It's still too early to say you've fully recovered. If you get so much as a runny nose, be sure to come and see me.

Alpa: Orella, we appreciate you coming all the way here. Eshana will arrange an essscort back to the Reach.

M'zhet Tia: Well, I'd say that came to a satisfactory conclusion!

J'olhmyn: <sigh> No thanks to you!

M'zhet Tia: But I could've sworn he showed signs of being lovesick...

Stricken Traveler: <gasp> How did you know?

M'zhet Tia: Know what?

Stricken Traveler: >> That I'm in love! I've never beheld such grace, such elegance, such...unfathomable beauty! Surely, she is an incarnation of Menphina herself! <<

J'olhmyn: That's very flattering, but you're embarrassing me!

Stricken Traveler: >> My fever may be gone, but I yet yearn for your healing touch to ease my aching heart! Orella, my love, wait for meeeeee! <<

J'olhmyn: I...I beg your pardon!?

M'zhet Tia: Don't get downhearted! "Plenty more sea in the fish" and all that!

Alpa: If you ask me, this "love" thing all seems rather sssilly. As far as I can tell, it leads to a lot of unnecessary bother.
Alpa: In just a short ssspan of time, we've had a guest fall ill, I've nearly been eaten by carnivorous plants, and M'zhet has been blown up and beaten several times.
Alpa: I'd say it's high time this place had its own infirmary. We should get it ready before Mother returns.

System: Castellum Velodyna now has its own infirmary.

System: You have achieved Honored reputation with the Vira.
System: New Vira society daily quests are now available from Eshana at Castellum Velodyna.
System: Furthermore, you will be able to undertake three additional quests from Eshana as a reputation bonus. This bonus is available until the daily reset time for allied society quests.
System: These additional quests will become available after accepting all current daily quests from Eshana. Please be advised that you cannot undertake these quests if you have no remaining allowances.
System: You now have access to a wider selection of wares from Madhura.