Final Fantasy XII - 28 - Archades

Overview: It's big... AND FULL OF SHOPS. And lots, lots of people. So what to do? I recommend throwing away a lot of gil first. New Spells, for one. Technicks, just the good ones mind you. Finally, arms and armor. You can finally purchase a Greatsword, and lots of good armor to buy. After you're done shopping, head over to Nilbasse and hop a cab to Central.... or not. I mean, unless you just have 1 million gil sitting around. Yeah, I don't either. It appears you're going to need some chops. Thankfully, Jules appears to explain... for a fee. Fork it over. So, time to swap gossip. Most everyone you can talk to, not all, but most, have something to say that's worth something to someone else. Talk to someone with something worthwhile and you can commit the tale to memory. A summary title of what you have will appear in the upper left corner. Now, you must take what you know to the right person, and they'll give you a chop for your trouble. And it is trouble. People walk around, and many people have the same title, until you talk to them. My advice: Pick an area, such as Nilbasse, where you learn about chops, and talk to every NPC, then they will have a useful title over their head. Don't bother committing anything to memory yet, just get everyone identified, then start working on exchanges. The good news is, the exchanges always happen on the same map, so if you pick up a story somewhere, the person who wants it is on the same map. A final note: While you only need 9 chops to ride to Central, don't stop at 9, go ahead and get all the chops in the city and trade up to a Sandalwood Chop. It's worth it.

Archades/ Trant

Guide: So, swapping tales, as I said above, talk your way around and get their proper titles, then start swapping stories. Use the list below to see who wants what.

Learn the Story From - Give the Story to

Smitten Man - Smitten Woman

Boutiquere - Moneyed Gentleman

Farce-Goer - Girl on an Errand

Historian - Perceptive Man

Music Appreciator - Lutenist

Builder - Artisan Architect

Archades/ Rienna

Guide: Earn those chops!

Learn the Story From - Give the Story to

Tarot Reader - Happy Novelist

Lazy Profiteer - Researcher's Wife

Greenseller - Vegetable Seller

Good Brother - Waiting Woman

Philosopher of Cuisine - Dangerous Chef

Tour Leader - Bhujerban Lady

Lucky Man - Romantic Lady

Archades/ Molberry

Guide: Earn those chops!

Learn the Story From - Give the Story to

Reminiscing Lady - Family-minded Girl

Daughter-in-law - Man from Giza

Avid Traveler - Travelling Gentleman

Ardent Woman - Ardent Man

Talented Woman - Akademician

Look-Alike - Look-Alike

Proud Mother - Tutor

Poor Husband - Poor Wife

Would-be Judge - Judge's Wife

Archades/ Nilbasse

Guide: Earn those chops!

Learn the Story From - Give the Story to

Determined Researcher - Ex-Researcher

Senior Researcher - Failed Researcher

Worried Husband - Materialistic Woman

Aspiring Starlet - Faded Star

Athletic Woman - Avid Reader

Gentleman Onlooker - Eager Crier

Guide: When you've got them all taken care of, go into the Weapon store here and find the Chop Dealer in the back. Exchange your Pinewood Chops for a single Sandalwood Chop. Now you're sitting pretty. To Central!

Archades/ Tsenoble

Guide: When you arrive, you're greeted by Balthier, who has a plan to get you into Draklor, by way of a light airship. But first, hang a left and make use of the Teleport Crystal, then head east. Alas, the way is blocked. Time for Jules to appear! That wretch. Well, looks like Draklor is going to be challenging. Also, if you weren't paying close attention, you might have missed that Balthier's real name is Ffamran Bunansa. Man, I'd change my name too.

So, save up, and when you're good and ready, talk to the Cab Guide and tell him 'You know where to go' then off to Draklor.