Wizened Testimony
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Wizened Testimony
- Quest giver
- Nashu Mhakaracca
- Location
- Solution Nine (X:18.5, Y:13.6)
- Quest line
Hildibrand Sidequests
┗ Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures Quests- Level
- 100
- Required items
- 1
Starship Illustation - Experience
0- Gil
1,230- Previous quest
Crossroads
The Case of the Displaced Inspector- Next quest
- The Case of the Fiendish Fugitives
- Patch
- 7.25
- Links
- EDB GT TC
“Nashu Mhakaracca's expression is equal parts consternation and anticipation.
— In-game description
Steps
- Speak with Hardiboiled.
- Speak with Hardiboiled and have him accompany you.
- Question middle-aged and older inhabitants of the residential sector while Hardiboiled is accompanying you. 0/3
- Question the Shetona man of indeterminate age while Hardiboiled is accompanying you.
- Speak with Nashu while Hardiboiled is accompanying you.
- Speak with the accommodating reforger at the driftdowns.
- Speak with Hardiboiled in Yuweyawata.
- Search for leads on the starship. 0/3
- Speak with Hardiboiled.
Journal
- Nashu Mhakaracca's expression is equal parts consternation and anticipation.
- As if awaiting his cue, Hardiboiled appears just as you approach the anxiously awaiting Nashu. The detective's search for the missing Hildibrand has proven unsuccessful, but after encouraging you to retell the tale of your journey thus far, he pounces on the idea of tracking down the starship instead. To that end, you make your way over to the residential sector, hoping to interview older natives of your world who may have witnessed the original crash landing.
- Nashu produces a copy of the starship illustration─complete with her own hand-drawn portrait of Inspector Hildibrand─to aid in your investigation. As she only has one other copy for herself, she insists that you share yours with Detective Hardiboiled.
- The detective is eager to begin questioning the park-goers. He suggests showing Nashu's picture to older Hyune and Hhetsarro that might have originally hailed from outside the dome.
- ※You must be accompanied by Hardiboiled to complete this task. Speak with him again should you become separated.
- Despite your best efforts to jog their memories, the elder residents are unable to help you in your search. Hardiboiled is unwilling to give up, however, and directs you towards a Shetona man he spotted heading towards the 9-14 radius.
- As fortune might have it, the Shetona gentleman recalls the exact moment he saw the flying disc crashing down somewhere in Yuweyawata, to the north. Armed with this new information, you and the detective set off to find Nashu.
- You realize some method of transportation is required in order to cross the lake and reach Yuweyawata on the other side. Hardiboiled soon solves this problem by contacting a reforger acquaintance at the driftdowns who is willing to lend you the use of her hover cargo.
- You board the hover cargo and venture across the lake to Yuweyawata. Hardiboiled stands in the entrance to the research facility, taking in the gloomy interior.
- ※In the event that you leave the area, you may return by speaking with the accommodating reforger at the driftdowns.
- Satisfied that the place is relatively free of roaming threats, Hardiboiled urges you to take a look around. Somewhere in the mess and debris of the facility may be found a clue as to what became of the starship.
- A series of confidential records helps you piece together the story of the starship's discovery and the subsequent experiments performed upon its comatose─yet miraculously unharmed─occupant. Believing you have found Inspector Hildibrand's last known location, you set out to find Detective Hardiboiled and share your promising lead.
- Verification key in hand, Hardiboiled leads you to the room where the researchers have been preserving Hildibrand in a specimen capsule. Rather than fuss with finding a manual to open this advanced containment unit, however, an explosive egg proffered by Nashu suffices to at last reunite you with the indomitable inspector.
Hildibrand seems none the worse for wear after three decades of hibernation. Hardiboiled marvels at the inspector's still youthful appearance, not to mention his taming of the zombie horde drawn by the commotion, but there appears to be no love lost between the hard-bitten detective and the gentlemanly agent of enquiry. Differences (and similarities) aside, Hardiboiled is nonetheless willing to share the details of the new case he stumbled across within the ominous facility.
Dialogue
Accepting the quest (cutscene)
Nashu Mhakaracca: Forename! Here to help again, are you? As things stand, I'm still waiting on word from─
Hardiboiled: Yours truly, I assume. Hardiboiled: Since parting ways, I've searched every alley and dive bar in Everkeep for signs of this Phildigrand character.
Nashu Mhakaracca: It's pronounced “Hildibrand.”
Hardiboiled: Well, however you say it, he was nowhere to be found.
Nashu Mhakaracca: Oh, where could the inspector be...?
Hardiboiled: Chin up, dollface─the case ain't over yet, and I always get my man. Hardiboiled: When the trail goes cold, the trick is to go back to the beginning. I want you to tell me the whole story again─and leave nothing out. No matter how unimportant it might seem.
Hardiboiled: So, you followed rumors of the flying disc which nabbed your friend, and that led you to the place where it most likely crashed down. Here. Hardiboiled: You also think he was caught inside the dome when it appeared, and─from your perspective─went through thirty years in the blink of an eye? Sounds like crazy talk. Hardiboiled: But I've seen enough strangeness in my line of work that I've learned to give clients the benefit of the doubt. And since we've got no leads on the man himself, I say we try jogging memories about the shiny starship instead. Hardiboiled: We'll want to question older people native to your world who might have witnessed the original crash landing thirty years ago. Folks that age seem to enjoy parks...like the one outside the residential radii. Let's go.
Optional Dialogue
Nashu Mhakaracca: What a lovely place to interrogate our elders!
Speak with Hardiboiled
Hardiboiled: Old-timers aplenty, as promised. Pick a prune and get to it.
Nashu Mhakaracca: Oh, I still have that illustration I lent to you last time. Showing it around should help nudge some ancient noggins. Nashu Mhakaracca: I added a sketch of the inspector's face to make things even easier! Nashu Mhakaracca: I have another copy for myself, but that only makes two. Forename, you and Detective Hardiboiled will have to share.
Hardiboiled: We are talking three decades ago here, so having a picture should come in handy...even if the dame's work is on the same level as a finger-painting toddler's magnum opus. Hardiboiled: Forename, was it? Well, you let me know when you're ready to bother some park-goers.
Speak with Hardiboiled and have him accompany you
Hardiboiled: Right, let's start showing that picture around then. Keep an eye out for older Hyune and Hhetsarro that might have hailed from outside the dome. Oh, and don't forget the Shetona.
Small talk
Hardiboiled: If this Hildibrand really does look like me... I look forward to meeting him in the flesh, if only to see if the resemblance is more than skin deep.
Part ways
Hardiboiled: Eh? Hell of a time to run personal errands, but I guess I can cool my heels in this disgustingly well-manicured grass until you get back.
Hardiboiled: Still got that picture handy, I hope? Remember: we're looking for old-timers of the Hyune, Hhetsarro, and Shetona persuasion.
Discuss the vending machines
Hardiboiled: Vending machines caught your eye? Yeah, you could buy yourself a coffee or an energy drink, but luxuries like that make you soft. Hardiboiled: When I'm alone, walking through the darkest, dingiest parts of the city, I need something as weathered and weary as I am. I'll stick to my eggs, thanks.
Middle-aged Hhetsarro Man: May I help you...?
Middle-aged Hhetsarro Man: I'm sorry, but thirty years ago I was practically an infant. Far too young to remember much of anything. Middle-aged Hhetsarro Man: That picture is very cute, though. Did your child draw it for you?
Optional Dialogue
Middle-aged Hhetsarro Man: No, nothing comes to mind, I'm afraid. Perhaps try asking someone who was a little older at the time...?
Elderly Hyune Woman: Hm? What can this old lady do for you?
Elderly Hyune Woman: Thirty years ago...? I honestly don't recall. My memories of that time are faded at best, my dears. Elderly Hyune Woman: That is a lovely drawing of you, though, sir. Really captures your essence.
Hardiboiled: That slack-jawed mug? You gotta be kidding me...
Optional Dialogue
Elderly Hyune Woman: Such a long time ago. Such a long, long time ago...
Elderly Hyune Man: What would you be wantin' with me, then?
Elderly Hyune Man: Can't say as I'm familiar with it. Ah, but I do remember three decades ago, when I was still in the bloom o' youth... Well, middle-age. Elderly Hyune Man: Say, I remember you. The clever git who took back me phurble tonic from that thievin' whoreson! That was a good bit o' sleuthin', it was!
Hardiboiled: No need for all that, was just doing my job. Sorry to see that the tonic didn't do its job though...
Elderly Hyune Man: It's not about growin' me hair back. It's about the routine─about forty years of massagin' me scalp and baskin' in the same fragrant aromas every morning. Doesn't feel right to start the day without it.
Hardiboiled: Forty years of using an Everkeep-made product...? Ah, that's right. You're Alexandrian, born and bred, same as me. There's no way you could've seen the starship we're after. Sorry to bother you, sir. Hardiboiled: Well, no one said it would be easy dredging up eyewitness accounts from so long ago. This is where grit and persistence comes into it. Hardiboiled: I spied a Shetona fella heading towards the 9-14 radius. Hard to guess his age with how long they live, but who knows? Maybe we'll get lucky this time.
Optional Dialogue
Elderly Hyune Man: Yer workin' with one clever detective. I'm sure you'll find whatever it is yer lookin' for.
Optional Dialogue
Nashu Mhakaracca: This would have been thirty years ago, but did you happen to see a flying craft like the one in this picture...?
Question the Shetona man of indeterminate age while Hardiboiled is accompanying you
Shetona Man of Indeterminate Age: Lovely day, isn't it...?
Shetona Man of Indeterminate Age: Hrmmm, I'm not sure I recognize the man. Hard to tell with such a, uh, simple drawing.
Hardiboiled: Forget about the drawing. We're more interested in what you know about the flying disc.
Shetona Man of Indeterminate Age: Ah yes, the craft I do recall seeing. When I yet felt the sun upon my face. I was living a very different kind of life at the time... Shetona Man of Indeterminate Age: It was during a hunt that I spotted it. Flying machines were a rare sight back then, so I remember it well, even now.
Hardiboiled: And do you remember where it was headed?
Shetona Man of Indeterminate Age: It appeared to crash somewhere in Yuweyawata, to the north. I was of a mind to seek out the wreckage, but then the dome suddenly appeared, and I had far, far stranger things to worry about.
Hardiboiled: There, what'd I tell you? Let's find your pal, Nashu, and share the good news.
Optional Dialogue
Shetona Man of Indeterminate Age: As I said, I believe your flying disc crashed down somewhere in the vicinity of Yuweyawata. If I hadn't been distracted by the dome, I wonder if I would have found it...
Speak with Nashu while Hardiboiled is accompanying you (cutscene)
Nashu Mhakaracca: No one seems to know anything about the starship. Did you fare any better? Nashu Mhakaracca: So it came down somewhere near this You-wear-a-yukata place. I don't suppose either of you have been there before?
Hardiboiled: A research facility, you say? If some unidentified shiny object fell from the sky nearby, then I'd wager their people soon scooped it up. Hardiboiled: It seems we have our destination. But how to get across the lake?
What will you say? > We could ask a reforger. > We could take a hover cargo.
< We could ask a reforger. > Hardiboiled: A reforger...? Of course, they have those hover cargos. And I just so happen to know one of an accommodating disposition.
< We could take a hover cargo. > Hardiboiled: That we could. The reforgers have a few, and I happen to know one of an accommodating disposition.
Hardiboiled: Right, that's our transportation sorted. Hardiboiled: What I'm stuck on, though, is how you've already been to this Yuweyawata when I'm only just learning such a place even existed. What's your deal, anyway?
What will you say? > I'm Forename, Agent of Adventure. > I'm simply an ardent admirer of Inspector Hildibrand.
< I'm Forename, Agent of Adventure. > Hardiboiled: You adventure for a living, is that it? Well, it's clear you're no fresh-faced mook.
< I'm simply an ardent admirer of Inspector Hildibrand. > Hardiboiled: Can't imagine why anyone'd admire the man, at least from what you two have told me so far. Still, it's clear you're no fresh-faced mook.
Hardiboiled: Let's press on with the investigation. My reforger friend should have a hover cargo waiting for us at the driftdowns.
Nashu Mhakaracca: I better pack a dose of Nashu's Delights!
Hardiboiled: Those explosives of yours? Leave 'em behind. Don't need no dizzy dame blowing herself up on my watch─or me for that matter.
Optional Dialogue
Hardiboiled: This is the reforger pal I was telling you about. She keeps tabs on the Heritage Found scene and was a big help when I needed information for a case that spilled outside of Everkeep.
Nashu Mhakaracca: Cor, that's a big, watery lake!
Speak with the accommodating reforger at the driftdowns
Accommodating Reforger: I hear you need transport to Yuweyawata. The hover cargo is ready if you are...?
Travel to Yuweyawata? (yes/no)
Accommodating Reforger: If you need to head back to Yuweyawata, just say the word.
Optional Dialogue
Nashu Mhakaracca: They must like it dark in here!
Speak with Hardiboiled in Yuweyawata
Hardiboiled: This place is a mess, but I don't see any monsters roaming the halls, at least. Should be safe to split up and have a look around...
Search for leads on the starship
Unlocked Cabinet Drawer
System: Shuffling through the various documents in the cabinet, you find one entitled “Confidential Files Addendum 1.”
Confidential Files Addendum 1: According to an associate native to these lands, the unidentified vessel we recovered near Yuweyawata had flown into the region not long before the dome manifested. Confidential Files Addendum 1: Their testimony was corroborated by a thorough examination of the wreckage, which yielded not a single sliver of electrope. The vessel was, without a doubt, manufactured using technology fundamentally unlike our own. Confidential Files Addendum 1: This mystery was further compounded by the discovery of a Hyune survivor within the craft. Despite the apparent force of the impact, the lone male occupant had sustained no visible injuries.
Scattered Documents
System: Skimming through the various documents, you find one entitled “Confidential Files Addendum 2.”
Confidential Files Addendum 2: The Hyune male we extracted from the wreckage is an abnormal specimen indeed. While physically unharmed and in clear possession of a soul, he yet remains in a comatose state. Confidential Files Addendum 2: The absence of reaction to any and all external stimuli is indicative of temporal stasis. Every method we have attempted─be it electric shock, a hot bath, or a sharp slap across the face─has failed to wake the subject. Confidential Files Addendum 2: Is his remarkable corporeal fortitude an innate natural quality, or was it acquired with the aid of unknown technology? My enthusiasm for this research knows no bounds.
Abandoned Clipboard
System: The document held by the clipboard is entitled “Confidential Files Addendum 3.”
Confidential Files Addendum 3: I cannot understate the incalculable potential I see in our mystery subject. If we could but unlock the secret of his preternatural resilience, then we would never again need risk the dangers inherent in the transfer of monstrous souls. Confidential Files Addendum 3: While some of my colleagues insist that vivisection is our only recourse, such an extreme measure would mean forsaking the knowledge the man might impart to us regarding his equally intriguing flying vessel. Confidential Files Addendum 3: For the time being, we have decided to suspend all research related to this subject. The specimen will be preserved in a bio-capsule in Sector 51 and placed under observation in the hopes that he will one day regain consciousness.
Optional Dialogue
Nashu Mhakaracca: A lot of people being pickled in here, but Inspector Hildibrand isn't among them. Speaking of which, did you see where Detective Hardiboiled went...?
Speak with Hardiboiled
Hardiboiled: Forename. Sorry, something else in the records caught my attention, and it led me to a different floor. Hardiboiled: Had to rustle up a verification key first, so I haven't spent any time on your starship mystery. Did you turn up anything yet? Hardiboiled: They were keeping him in Sector 51? The key I found should let us access that area─let's grab your pal, Nashu, and head there now.
Cutscene
Nashu Mhakaracca: Inspector Hildibrand! There you are!
Hardiboiled: You two been yanking my chain? This clown doesn't look anything like me! Hardiboiled: Well, opinions aside, we've located our man. A hard-boiled egg would really hit the spot right now...
Nashu Mhakaracca: Here, give this to the detective...
What will you say? > From the lady. > A present just for you. > ...
Hardiboiled: Appreciate it. Hardiboiled: I never could refuse the kindness of strangers... Hardiboiled: These punks must be feeling lucky.
Hildibrand: There is no need for firearms nor fisticuffs. I shall resolve this altercation in a manner that behooves a gentleman! Hildibrand: Attention, everyone! Follow my lead, if you please! Hildibrand: Splendid, most splendid! Let us remember to always comport ourselves in a gentlemanly manner! Hildibrand: I fear I may have overslept a trifle... Hildibrand: But I, Hildibrand, well-rested agent of enquiry, now stand before you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! Hildibrand: By the by, who is this austere-looking fellow? A new admirer of mine, mayhap?
Nashu Mhakaracca: This is Detective Hardiboiled, your soul-twin from another world!
Hildibrand: Why, my dear Nashu, this man possesses nary a speck of my singular aplomb. He does not resemble me in the slightest.
Hardiboiled: I couldn't agree more. My sweet old grandmother has more grit in her pinky finger.
Nashu Mhakaracca: That's odd. Maybe I need new glasses, but the two of you seem practically identical...
Hardiboiled: The odd thing here is how you look too damn young for a fella who's been sleeping for thirty years...and don't get me started on how you charmed those shambling corpses. What kinda crime against nature are you?
Nashu Mhakaracca: The inspector has a very unique physique, for one. And as for the zombies, he's had an excellent rapport with them ever since his brief stint as an undead overlord extraordinaire!
Hardiboiled: That...raises more questions than answers. Still, we can consider your missing person case closed. Hardiboiled: Which leaves me to chew on the “something else” that caught my attention earlier. I smell a new case brewing, and I mean to follow my nose...
Hildibrand: A case, you say? Then allow me to offer the services of Hildibrand, inspector extraordinaire!
Hardiboiled: “Undead overlord” seems more plausible to me at this juncture, but I'll bite. What does a fella like you even inspect?
Nashu Mhakaracca: Impenetrable mysteries and unsolved cases, of course!
Hardiboiled: So we're in the same business, eh? Makes me wonder how this gentleman act of yours actually helps you get the job done...
Hildibrand: I, too, am curious to see if beneath that leathery gumshoe exterior, you have the gumption to handle the truly difficult cases...
Hardiboiled: The dame... She's your assistant?
Nashu Mhakaracca: Loyal and steadfast!
Hardiboiled: I had an assistant once... Hardiboiled: But now ain't the time to reminisce. We have a new case to work on. Hardiboiled: This'll be just the thing to prove your sleuthing chops, “Inspector.” Let's get out of here and get down to brass tacks.
Optional Dialogue
Nashu Mhakaracca: I always have a spare set of the inspector's clothes on hand!
Hildibrand: Hildibrand, agent of enquiry and inspector extraordinaire, is up and full of beans!