The Salt of the Earth

Mission Name	The Salt of the Earth
Number	9-1
Start NPC	Any Bastok Gate Guard
Level	70+
Reward	Rank points

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Enter the Talekeeper	Where Two Paths Converge

Replay Cutscenes
The Salt of the Earth (pt.1)	Taulluque Metalworks (I-8)
The Salt of the Earth (pt.1)	Zungutt Rabao (E-8)
The Salt of the Earth (pt.2)	Zungutt Rabao (E-8)
The Salt of the Earth (pt.2)	Taulluque Metalworks (I-8)

Walkthrough

• Trade 8 stacks of crystals to the Bastok Gate Guard.
  • Can also complete Wading Beasts twelve times to unlock the mission.
  • Get the mission from the gate guard.
• Talk to Alois in the "Conference Room" to the left of the President's Office for a cutscene.
• Talk to Dancing Wolf at (G-6) in Rabao.
• Go to Gustav Tunnel and go to (G-6) on the second map. Spawn the NM by clicking on the ???.
  • It is not possible to sneak pop the NM as in previous missions. The Gigaplasm will spawn claimed and immediately begin attacking the person who popped it.
• It is recommended that one person pops the NM slime by targeting the ??? in the water, and a BLM sleeps it right away to avoid aggro by the skeletons and pugils in the room.
• Can be completed with a balanced party of 6 level 75 members or more. An alliance is very recommended. However can be done with 2 level 75s if one is able to sleep the slimes (WHM, BLM, RDM, BRD, BLU, COR, SCH).
  • Very difficult battle if you don't have at least 2 BLMs with high Enfeebling skill. Because you need to keep many enemies slept, Sleepga is much more useful than normal Sleep.
• After popping the mob, sneak up again if necessary and run back to the camp (you will not lose sneak by popping the mob, unless you get hit). **H-7 tunnel is a safe fighting area**

• If whoever pops the Gigaplasm dies in a bad spot and is still dead after fight is over, do not Tractor him/her!! You must not zone or get tractored, otherwise you will need to fight the NM again.
• Should someone d/c after the fight is done, but before earning the key item, you will -not- have to do the fight again.
• If someone gets disconnected during the fight, sleep the last slime until they can be re-invited.

• The fight starts off with one Gigaplasm. Once you kill it, it turns into two Macroplasms. Each one of those turns into two Microplasms and each one of those turn into two Nanoplasms.
• Be sure your mages target only one plasm at a time, and have your Black Mages sleep the rest.
• The plasms do not build resistance to either sleep or lullaby.
• Recommended, Kill 1 Macroplasm while keeping the other slept, then kill 1 Microplasm keeping that other slept. Do away with all of the smaller plasms before moving back up to a bigger one again. The big ones attack slowly so it is easier to keep your tank alive that way. Turn off Command/autotarget to avoid waking up two mobs.

• As the plasms get smaller, they attack faster and faster. Nanoplasm have a delay of about 150.
• The smaller plasms' magic defense decreases greatly with each new stage. Thunder IV is capable of one-shotting the Microplasms. Firaga III can one-shot both Nanoplasms easily doing 1700+ damage with no potency merits; Burst II did over 2600; even a RDM can one-shot kill it with a Thunder III if used with Thunder Staff and Moldavite Earring. They are also very vulnerable to Gravity, making a duo with a BLM75 subbing RDM and another sleeper subbing BLM for Sleepga effective if the Gigaplasm is kited to the entrance.
• When a slime is killed, the smaller plasms will not aggro after the death of the larger slime unless somebody is standing near them or until action is taken on them. This makes it very easy to cast Sleepga after each progressive stage is defeated if you're fighting with only magic. They will link if attacked seperately. They will also attack whoever has hate on any living slime near enough for them to link to, so to be safe keep them apart while killing.
• If for what ever reason you wipe and there's atleast one Nano up. If you can get one person to zone it, and someone w/ RR up. Have the person zone to Valkurm dunes, then the remaining Nano will make it's way back to the spawn point, have the person with RR get up so he won't be weakened upon confrontation, kill the single Nano and it will be good enough to complete the mission.
• You can use the above point to use Carby Pull if you have a SMN or /SMN in your party. Kill the Gigaplasm with a nuke from far away. The 2 Macroplasms will have no aggro. Launch Carbuncle on one of the Plasms and wait for it to die. Only the attacked one will come to you. Even better, the other will depop after a time, so you just have to kill half of the Plasms.
• After you defeat all the Plasms, check the ??? at (G-6) for the Miraclesalt (key item).

• Return to Rabao and talk to Dancing Wolf for a cutscene after obtaining the key item.
• Return to the President's Office and talk to Alois again to complete the mission.

(see testimonials)

Game Description

Mission Orders

You have been assigned to an investigation in The Vollbow Region. Speak with senator Alois for further details.

SPOILER WARNING: Details about the Final Fantasy XI in-game storyline follow.

Cutscenes

«FFXI-Movie» 0052 Bas 9-1 - The Salt of the Earth

Script

The Salt of the Earth (pt.1) - Metalworks
Alois: Ah, you're finally here. Now let me inform you of your next mission. There is a rare type of salt that can only be found in the Vollbow Region. Alois: I would like you to retrieve some of this sumptuous sodium for me. Iron Eater: Sir! You are not sending our loyal citizens out on missions to obtain personal items again, are you? Iron Eater: I cannot allow it. A line must be drawn between personal matters and matters of the state! Alois: Watch your mouth, soldier! How dare a lowly Musketeer question my judgment! Alois: I am thinking only of the well-being of the citizens of the Republic... Furthermore, the budget for this mission has already been approved by the Senate. Iron Eater: The well-being of the citizens? Our nation's stock of rocksalt is plentiful. we do not need any more. If you want to focus on the well-being of the citizens, focus more on those starving in the Mines District! Iron Eater: If you have enough gil in the budget to fund such a foolish mission, why not use some of that money to improve the output of the mills in Konschtat? Gumbah: Calm down, Iron Eater. Iron Eater: Gumbah? Why are you here? Gumbah: Oh, I just came to thank a friend. Alois: What is a dirty little Galka doing in the President's Office? Iron Eater: Dirty little Galka!? You don't know anything about what happened in the Mines District? Gumbah: That is of no matter, Iron Eater. Senator Alois, this salt you are talking of--if I am not mistaken, it is called miraclesalt. I have heard many things of this seasoning. Gumbah: Such as, it can slow the hands of aging on the clock of life. Alois: Exactly. At this age, I have to think of my health... Iron Eater: I knew you were only thinking of yourself... Alois: Ahem. I have heard that the area it is found in is extremely dangerous. Therefore, rather than risking the lives of less experienced adventurers, I though it would be in our best interest to send one more competent. Say, the one who defeated the Shadow Lord. Iron Eater: I cannot even believe what I am hearing... Gumbah: Hmmm... That sounds like an excellent idea. Iron Eater: What...? Gumbah: (Don't worry. I know what I'm doing.) Alois: Anyway, it does not matter whether you like it or not. The mission has already been approved by the Senate, and this fine adventurer has already accepted it. Alois: Player name, you are to travel to Rabao and obtain further details on your task from Dancing Wolf. He has already been sent to investigate the location of the salt. Gumbah: Iron Eater, I have a favor to ask of you. Come and see me later. Iron Eater: Understood... I will trust the judgment of our Talekeeper. Gumbah: Talekeeper? That sounds so formal... Gumbah: So, Player name, can I count on your help, too? Don't worry. I won't let this end up as a mere grocery run for our fine senator.
The Salt of the Earth (pt.1) - Rabao
Dancing Wolf: Wait, you must be the adventurer that has been sent to aid me in the investigation. Dancing Wolf: According to my research, the miraclesalt that the senator requires is only found in one place. Gumbah: And that would be the Gustav Tunnel...am I right? Dancing Wolf: Who are you...? Iron Eater: He accompanied me, but that is a long story. Dancing Wolf: Sir Iron Eater! Gumbah: I told you I knew where it was. I remember Werei talking about it years ago. Gumbah: There is an old Galkan legend that tells of our people setting off on journeys to find this miraclesalt and postpone their rebirth. Gumbah: But what is more interesting is this: There is a theory that states the Galkan journey of rebirth originated from this journey to collect miraclesalt. Gumbah: Now even I don't believe that, but there may be some connection between this obsession with rocksalt and the Galka's long history of mineworking. Iron Eater: So the reason that you joined me on this mission was to learn more of the miraclesalt's role in Galkan legend... Iron Eater: ...and to learn more of Werei's journey. You knew that he would want to learn more of the legend before he... Gumbah: While on his journey, Werei...left many clues behind for us. The message that we round earlier was probably the last. Gumbah: But I'm not satisfied with what he left, and I'm not giving up until I find out what really happened to him. Iron Eater: Gumbah... Gumbah: Oh, and there is one more reason why I stuck my nose into this mission, but that's still a secret. If everything goes as planned, you'll see what I mean. Gumbah: I'm sorry, Mister Dancing Wolf. Please tell the adventurer what he/she needs to know. Dancing Wolf: The miraclesalt that we are looking for only appears in the Gustav Tunnel where freshwater and saltwater mix. Dancing Wolf: However, that cave is filled with hideous beasts. I would get killed if I even tried getting close. Iron Eater: I see... Then the senator was correct when saying that it would be dangerous to send an inexperienced adventurer. Dancing Wolf: If you happen to find the miraclesalt, bring it to me before you return to Bastok. I'm required to write a report of your findings.
The Salt of the Earth (pt.2) - Rabao
Dancing Wolf: Oh, I'm glad to see you back here in one piece. So this is the miraclesalt? Dancing Wolf: Hmmm... You know, it looks a lot like that... Iron Eater: It looks a lot like what? Gumbah: What did you see, Mister Dancing Wolf? Dancing Wolf: One day when I was doing my research on miraclesalt, I met a strange Galkan child. Dancing Wolf: An adventurer said she found the boy wandering about the desert carrying something that closely resembled miraclesalt. Dancing Wolf: The boy had no memory of how he had gotten there, so we all assumed that he must have been on his way back from his journey of rebirth. Dancing Wolf: Wait, there he is, over there. Gumbah: Th-that's... Iron Eater: Gumbah, what's wrong? Gumbah: That's impossible... He couldn't have returned so quickly... Gumbah: He... He looks the same as he did when we played together...two hundred years ago... Gumbah: Werei! Iron Eater: What!? ???: Werei? Did you just call me Werei? That's strange... ???: That name sounds so familiar... Hey, what's your name? Gumbah: Gumbah... ???: Gumbah? Now that's a weird name. Gumbah: You...don't remember? ???: Remember? Remember what? ???: I've gotta go. The caravan that I've been traveling with is about to set off. ???: Always on the road... Never settling down... Now that's the life for me. ???: Well, I'm off. That name you called me--Warai--I liked it. Gumbah: Werei... ???: Yeah, yeah. That was it. Werei... ???: I'll be seeing you around, Gumbah. ???: Hey, why do you look so down? You should try smiling a little more, got it? Well, bye! Iron Eater: Gumbah... Was that what I thought it was...? Gumbah: Who does he think he is, shooting his mouth off at me like that... Gumbah: But I guess I can't blame him. It was my fault that he was forced to live such a hard life... Iron Eater: So he was the real Werei...? Gumbah: I don't know, Iron Eater... Gumbah: I never thought that this simple miraclesalt could bring about such a miracle. Gumbah: On the other hand, it could have been that the two just simply looked alike... Gumbah: But I guess that is something we will never know. Not even a Talekeeper can remember his rebirth, so chasing after the memory of it would be foolish... Gumbah: I guess some things are better left unknown. Iron Eater: Gumbah... Gumbah: A Galka named Werei has set out on his journey of life... Gumbah: Isn't that enough? Iron Eater: Excellent work, Player name. Not only have you finished your work here, but you have also given us the opportunity to meet someone special. Iron Eater: But your mission is not complete. Take the miraclesalt back to the senator. We'll see what Gumbah has in store for him.
The Salt of the Earth (pt.2) - Metalworks
Alois: Ah, I've already read the report from the guard in Rabao. I assume you're carrying the salt with you. Alois: Yes... This salt will add another five years to my--I mean, our citizens' lives. Lucius: That sounds wonderful, Alois. Alois: Well, if it isn't the president's little pet. What business do you have here? Lucius: I am pleased to know that you will be working hard to make sure that miraclesalt is used to better improve the lives and welfare of the citizens of Bastok. Lucius: If I find that you have not, I will be sending a bill, covering all expenses, to your company. Alois: Hm? I don't know what you're talking about. Lucius: I have learned that the funds received for this mission and the further research of the salt have been deposited into one of your companies' accounts. Lucius: If the results of your research are beneficial to the Bastokan Republic, I am sure no one will have any problem with this minute detail. However, if it is learned that nothing has come of this mission, you will be ordered to promptly return all the gil you have received...plus interest. Lucius: But you should already know all this. It was announced at last month's senate meeting... Oh wait, if I recall, you were asleep for half of the session. Alois: How...how dare you! Lucius: And if you are considering putting pressure on the investigators of this case, you may want to reconsider. I shall personally be heading up the team. Lucius: Finally, a piece of advice for you, senator. If you really want to live longer, you should cut down on the lizard eggs. Alois: Why, I...I... Iron Eater: And I guess that is that. But how did Gumbah know what the senator was really up to...? Iron Eater: Well, I guess that is of no concern to us. I commend you on the completion of this mission. You will be informed when your services are again required. Iron Eater: However, we may require your services sooner than you expect. Iron Eater: It seems as if one of our adventurers was attacked while on an investigation in the Northlands...
The Salt of the Earth (pt.3) - Metalworks
Franziska: Lady Cornelia is in her room doing her studies. For once she isn't-- Cornelia: Oh, Player name. My father sent you, right? Franziska: The president! I...I apologize. Please proceed... Franziska: Wait... Milady! I have not heard of any meetings with any adventurers! You have tricked me! Milady! Cornelia: Franziska means well, but she's got to loosen up, don't you think? Cornelia: Anyway, you'll never guess who was here just a couple of days ago. Cornelia: I can't believe that my father would even let him near this place... Cornelia: Gumbah. Gumbah came here, to my room. He didn't say anything for the first few minutes, but when he opened his mouth, the first words out were "thank you." Cornelia: "Thank you." What did he mean? I haven't done anything worth thanking. I've only caused him pain and trouble. Cornelia: For someone who has lived more than two hundred years, he's not that good with telling people how he feels. But, you know, I'm kind of happy that he told me what he did... Cornelia: I've only been on Vana'diel for a tenth of time he has, so I can't really talk about being good at expressing feelings... Cornelia: Anyway, once the ice was broken, we started talking about all sorts of stuff. Cornelia: For some reason, he seemed really interested in one of Lucius' new programs. I wonder what that was all about? Franziska: Milady! It is time for your studies! Cornelia: Yes, Franziska! I know! Cornelia: You know, I think I'm going to start putting a little more effort into my studies. I think I finally know what I want to be when I get older. Cornelia: What do I want to be? I can't tell you yet. That's still a secret. Cornelia: Well, you should probably go before Franziska has Iron Eater drag you out. Thanks for coming and listening to me.