Granblue Story Archives

Gran and crew arrive at Libertaria Island as dawn breaks. After watching the battleships dock, the crew land their ship at a different port. They learn Libertaria is the Istavion Kingdom's island of entertainment, then decide to split up to investigate the location more thoroughly. They leave Rackam to keep the Grandcypher primed and ready while the rest of them head into the island proper.

A secret chase between Istavion battleships and the Grandcypher ensues in the clouds of Oarlyegrande.

At the break of dawn, one of the kingdom's seven islands comes into view.

Rackam

Damn... That's gotta be a military port.

To Rackam's dismay, the battleships have brought the captive BLF ship to a heavily fortified installation.

Rackam

And all the other ships are more or less warships. We get spotted, and we're swiss cheese.

Katalina

It'll be nearly impossible to rescue Lejos and his friends if this entire island turns out to be a military base.

Eugen

Hm, I don't think it is.

Eugen

Check out that tacky-lookin' ship. Don't know 'bout you, but it screams tourist to me.

Eugen

If certain docks are for military use only, then there's gotta be ports for civvies.

For the time being, the crew retreats to the island's outskirts to observe other airships while careful not to arouse suspicion.

They manage to slip into a stream of civilian traffic and pull into a port on the outer edge of the island.

Once the Grandcypher completes its mooring, an attendant comes bounding over and greets the crew with a warm smile.

Port Attendant

Welcome to Libertaria Island!

Port Attendant

Um, first time visiting these parts for you folks?

Dialogue Option

Yep, first time.

Port Attendant

Say no more! I'll get y'all squared away on the dos and don'ts we got here, but first could I check your IDs?

Dialogue Option

What kind of island is this?

Port Attendant

Hm... I'm afraid I don't catch your meaning.

Noticing the puzzled look on the attendant's face, Vyrn quickly whispers into Gran's ear.

Vyrn

We're supposed to be from Istavion, remember? Don't you think it sounds suspicious if we don't even know which island this is?

Oh, you know, like is it hot or cold, what should we wear—stuff like that.

Rosetta

I would hate to fly all the way here only to have my vacation ruined by feeling under the weather.

Port Attendant

Ah, no need to worry about that, ma'am! Every building is equipped with an air cooling system, so you can have fun without breaking a sweat.

Port Attendant

Before I go over what to expect on the island, may I see your IDs please?

The attendant doesn't even bother looking at most of the information written on the IDs, skipping straight to verifying their ages.

Port Attendant

Looks like everything's in order.

Port Attendant

Some establishments will refuse service to minors, so plan accordingly.

Vyrn

ID checks are more relaxed here than on Magmell.

Lyria

That works out for us, I think.

Port Attendant

Here are your IDs back. Explore the wonders of Libertaria, and have the time of your lives!

Then the attendant skips away from the Grandcypher.

Eugen

Have the time of our lives, huh...

Alliah

Seven islands in total form the entirety of Istavion.

Alliah

The island of New Utopia serves as the political foundation and nucleus of the kingdom.

Alliah

The other six islands preside over their own assigned functions, such as education, entertainment, and economics.

Gran is reminded of Alliah's explanation of the kingdom's structure.

Dialogue Option

An island of entertainment...

Rackam

Definitely looks like it. No wonder there're so many tourist ships whizzin' around.

Katalina

Which begs the question...

Katalina

Why were the resistance members brought to an island devoted to entertainment rather than the main island or the one that oversees laws?

Maybe because this was the closest one at the time?

So after taking a short breather here, I guess they'll move them to another island or something.

Lyria

Then we'd better hurry!

Agreeing with Lyria, the crew devises a simple plan of action.

Rosetta

We need to learn how to blend in with our surroundings.

Rosetta

With an island this big, it might be a good idea to split up.

Rackam

Ah, hate to throw a wrench in the plan, but mind lettin' me stay with the ship?

Rackam

Never know when we might have to make an emergency getaway.

Rackam

Plus, I'm not leaving our only lifeline to the outside world alone on an unknown island. That's suicidal.

Rackam

This isn't where the BLF was trying to take us. Far as I can tell, we've got no friends here.

Dialogue Option

Good point.

Vyrn

Yeah, at least on Magmell, Raclitus was there to help us...

Dialogue Option

Take care of her, Rackam!

Rackam

You got it! I'll protect the Grandcypher with my life.

Knowing what they have to do, the crew members huddle together to get psyched.

Eugen

All right, gang. Let's see if Istavion's vaunted isle o' fun is all it's cracked up to be!

They raise a cheer and set off into the bustling streets of the entertainment capital of Istavion.

The colorful, flashy decorations in the streets of Libertaria Island catch the crew's attention, as well as the strange masks people exchange throughout town. Lyria reveals that the masks have the faint aura of a primal beast in them, and the crew guesses that the masks must be the work of the island's composite primal beast. In one of the backstreets, Gran and friends come across a young woman named Alba and help her fend off a drunkard. As thanks for their assistance, Alba invites them to enter the establishment she works at.

From the moment the crew leave port, they're bombarded with flashy signs and colorful decorations plastered along the streets.

Vyrn

Talk about awesome! This whole block looks just like the Jewel Resort casino!

I still can't believe it. I always pictured everything in Istavion to be all stuffy.

Rosetta

They're really trying to hammer home that they've got the entire kingdom's entertainment needs covered.

Rosetta points to a seemingly endless row of elegant shops.

Lyria

Wow! So many pretty boutiques!

Eugen

Buyin' stuff counts as entertainment too. Can't shop on an empty stomach, so you bet your patooties this place has restaurants and bars out the wazoo.

Katalina

This is the island of Libertaria, a land where fun is the name of the game.

The crew leisurely strolls down Main Street. They take in the fantastic sights with a healthy dose of caution.

Vyrn

I'm pretty sure this street'll lead straight to that huge building over there!

Vyrn points to what seems to be the biggest building on the island.

Eugen

Easily the most conspicuous building on the island and on prime real estate connected to a main street? Oh yeah, it's gotta be important.

Katalina

It's probably home to this island's viceroy.

Katalina

I can understand bringing the resistance members before the person in charge.

Rosetta

For a round of interrogation, no doubt. Still, I'm not sure why you'd want to do that on this particular island.

Still wandering the main street with many questions in their heads, the crew members come across a strange scene.

Say, what's going on over there?

Io points to a man and woman seated in a cafe terrace sharing a boisterous conversation.

Cafe Patron 1

Oh! I once saw this street performer bend in ways you would not believe!

Cafe Patron 1

Here, I gotta show it to you!

The excited woman holds her hand in front of her face, and a mask suddenly appears out of nowhere.

She removes the mask as if it were any other everyday accessory and passes it to her friend.

Cafe Patron 1

Aaah, I'll never forget how amazing it was! I swear the guy was a wizard!

Cafe Patron 2

Geez, don't spoil it. Give me a chance to see for myself.

The man chides the woman before putting on the mask.

Cafe Patron 2

...

Vyrn

What are they doing?

Something to do with magic? Can't really tell from here.

Katalina

If it is magic, I think it's linked to this island in some way.

Katalina

Look around us. Those masks are everywhere. I don't remember seeing anything like them on Magmell.

Pedestrians left and right are manifesting masks and exchanging them with each other much in the same way as one would exchange a handshake.

Lyria

Hm... I feel a small trace of a primal beast coming from the masks.

Katalina

You do? Does that mean...

Rosetta

That the masks belong to the primal beast that has a pact with Libertaria Island?

Rosetta

I wonder if it's another composite like Phronesis.

Rosetta

Or at the very least it's the primal's power that is manifesting those masks.

Katalina

Governing an island with a primal beast, which it itself is easily controlled... It's all part of a chain.

The people of Istavion don't seem to fear this primal beast's power, but the crew feels otherwise. As they wonder about the primal, Vyrn suddenly looks around.

Vyrn

Er, where'd Eugen wander off to?

Eugen

Hey, come check this out. I found somethin' interesting.

The others regroup with Eugen in a backstreet away from the crowded thoroughfare.

Here a number of street stalls choose to conduct their business discreetly, out of the limelight.

Lyria

Are they selling masks?

Eugen

If we're goin' with the theory that those masks are part of some primal beast's power...

Eugen

Then this island is even more nuts than I thought for buyin' and sellin' the screwy things.

Here's a crazy idea: what if we tried to buy one for ourselves?

Vyrn

You're right—that is crazy!

Vyrn

But then again, it seems normal to everyone else on this island.

Then there's nothing to worry about, right? I mean, if everyone's doing it, it's probably safe...

Vyrn

I don't know, Io... Doesn't sit right with me...

The crew continue to debate what to do about the masks when they hear a disturbance.

???

Please control yourself!

Eugen

Uh-oh. Sounds like trouble.

Lyria

It came from over there!

Following the distressed voice through the winding alleyways, the crew finally comes across a beautifully dressed Draph woman arguing with a man who's had one too many.

???

That's enough! This kind of behavior isn't tolerated outside the club.

Boozy Patron

What's the big deal? It ain't like I'm tryin' to drag you off.

Boozy Patron

I jus' wanna show you this watering hole that's all the rage! C'mon, go barhopping with me. Don't you ladies give that kinda extra service?

???

Our club offers no such thing!

???

Besides, meeting customers outside of work is going to piss off my manager...

Boozy Patron

Who says your manager has to know? I think you're startin' to come around.

???

...! You slimy—

Just as the man is about to wrap his mitts around the lady, Gran steps in and claps him on the shoulder.

Boozy Patron

What the!

Dialogue Option

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

Boozy Patron

Sh-shaddup! I ain't gonna take no guff from a kid—

Eugen

Forget about findin' your next drink, pal. You oughta focus on soberin' up.

Eugen

Trust me; you don't wanna keep barkin' up the wrong tree.

Dialogue Option

The lady said no.

Katalina

We've clearly never met before.

Katalina

However, if that woman is asking for assistance, then as a knight, I have no reason to refuse.

Boozy Patron

Aaaah!

Confronted by many indignant faces, the inebriated man stumbles off with haste.

Rosetta

Are you all right? Did he hurt you?

???

Nope, I'm fine. Thank you! Luckily, you folks got here before I had to take matters into my own hands...

Alba

I'm Alba, and this is the club I work at.

Alba

Have you all already had a bite to eat? If not, why don't you come in?

Alba

I'll make sure you get the works for helping me out of a bad situation!

Lyria

Yay! Thank you very much!

Since the offer hasn't been officially accepted yet, Io whispers to Gran.

Actually, I am kinda hungry. We could ask her about the island while we eat. What do you think?

The captain nods, and the crew decides to visit Alba's club.

Alba

Great! We're going to need a table for six guests and one... um, pet! This way, please!

The cheerful woman leads the crew into the establishment.

Gran and company learn about the island through Alba as they enjoy her hospitality. She tells them there are three main areas, with the main one being the theater district, and the crew hypothesize that the captured Blue Liberation Front members were taken to Central Theater, the big building in the island's center. Alba goes on to recommend a few indie theaters, conjures a mask into her hand, then holds it out to the crew.

Alba

Welcome, lovelies! Settle in, and let Alba take care of all your worldly desires!

Lyria & Vyrn

...

Alba

Yeah, so that's our signature greeting.

Alba

I'm required to give any customer who walks through the door the same spiel.

Katalina

Just what kind of establishment is this, if I might ask?

Alba's workplace is certainly new to the crew.

It and other establishments like it are clustered in a small block away from the main street.

Alba

Hm? Well, it's, erm...

Alba

It's a place where classy gentlemen and ladies can strike up a conversation over drinks with someone new, I guess?

Alba

At its core, it's more or less just a bar. Which means we serve food too! Order up! This meal's on the house!

Eugen

Problem is, we don't know the first thing about this island.

Eugen

Mind givin' us a rundown of what we can expect to find here?

Alba

Oh, sure. No problem. Kind of rare to get visitors like you though.

Alba

Not that travelers who've been to other skydoms don't come here, but the ones that wander into our club are few and far between.

Alba

I mean, you guys must be amazing to traverse skydoms.

Katalina

Well... I don't know what to tell you.

The crew tries to get information about Libertaria without exposing their true identities to Alba.

Alba

Anyway, you said you're curious about the island. The craziness of this place can totally make any first-timer's head spin.

Alba

I'll do my best to help you from getting lost.

Alba takes several empty glasses of varying sizes and arranges them on the table.

Alba

Libertaria is split into three major districts.

Alba

Here's us in the nightlife district.

Alba

This is where you'll find places like ours to wet your whistle, in addition to the many casinos for those who wanna try their luck.

Alba

Generally speaking, minors aren't allowed. Security will kick them out if they're not with a chaperone. Remember that.

Alba slides over a second glass.

Alba

The second major area is the tournament district, with the main attraction being the coliseum.

Alba

If there's a sporting event or fight you want to watch, it'll probably be held in this district.

Alba

And hey, since you guys have flown everywhere, you might wanna consider entering an event if you're confident in your skills.

Alba

Last but not least is the theatrical district. Here you'll find Central Theater, the shining beacon of the entire island.

Of the three glasses Alba has lined up, the one representing the theatrical district is the largest.

Alba

Central Theater is the biggest building on the island, and it's right on the main street.

Alba

It houses the viceroy and other government offices, so it's no wonder we call it the heart of Libertaria.

Alba

And obviously it's still a theater too. You should at least check it out once while you're here.

Alba

In my opinion, the hottest play right now is the Legend of the Sky-Flying Hero. It's sooo good!

Alba

It's about a young boy who ventures to a bunch of islands with his pals. Sounds like a play you guys can relate to.

After Alba finishes her mini tour of the island, the crew collect their thoughts.

Rosetta

From dramas to sports to nightclubs, this island has no shortage of delights to choose from.

Eugen

Credit where credit's due. Seems like the island lives up to the hype.

Katalina addresses the crew in a low voice so as not to draw attention from Alba.

Katalina

I think it's safe to assume the resistance members were taken to the central part of the island.

Katalina

Considering it's where the viceroy lives, security has to be tight. If only there were an easy way inside...

Say, Alba, is there anything else special about Central Theater?

Alba

Special? Let me think...

Alba

Oh, here's a fun fact. It's actually pretty cramped inside.

Vyrn

Cramped? How can a building that huge feel cramped?

Alba

The actual theater part is pretty spacious. It features a lot of different sets and stage equipment.

Alba

See, Central used to be just a big theater, until officials wanted to make it the island's center of attention. In comes construction to renovate here and make additions there.

Alba

Only the most essential administrative offices were crammed inside. Things like jail cells and document storage were built elsewhere.

Alba

That's why Central Theater has rules about limited admission. Just something to watch out for.

Lyria

Does that mean we need special IDs to get in like when we first arrived at the island?

Alba

Oh, no, no! Keep in mind Central Theater is the place to go for shows on Libertaria.

Alba

Just imagine the crowds fighting for a ticket. They have to limit how many people can attend each show.

Alba

A group can only be two to three people if I remember correctly. I'm not up on the rules though, since I usually go by myself.

Katalina

(Restricting the number of attendees also mitigates the risk of a large-scale attack...)

The crew's disappointment after hearing about Central Theater's strict security measures seems to show. Alba, not knowing their ulterior motives, tries to cheer them up.

Alba

Don't worry, there are plenty of smaller venues that give Central Theater a run for its money!

Alba

They don't have admission restrictions either, so they're your best bet for getting seats together.

Alba

Downside is they aren't that easy to find since they're off the beaten path.

Alba holds her palm over her face, and a mask suddenly appears.

Alba

Here, I'll give you this! All my favorite hidden gems are in here. It'll tell you everything you need to know!

Alba

The venues might look shabby on the outside, but trust me, real theater buffs will tell you that—

Tuning out the rest of Alba's words, Gran's attention is trained solely on the mask.

The crew members simply stare at it without a clue what to do.

Alba explains that each mask contains the memories of the person who creates it, and whoever wears it can experience those memories firsthand. Seeking more information, the crew decides to split into groups. Io and Rosetta go to the tournament district, Katalina and Eugen explore the nightlife district, and Gran, Vyrn, and Lyria take the theater district.

Alba

So don't expect indie theaters to have sweet features like Central does.

Alba

But if you want pure acting and story without the extra glitz and glamor, can't go wrong with smaller budget stuff.

Psst... What do we do with the mask?

Vyrn

Um, wear it? That's what we saw everyone else in the streets doing...

Katalina

No, that sounds risky. It's reckless to use something we've never seen before.

Alba notices the crew whispering among themselves.

Alba

Um... Is there anything I can help you with?

Dialogue Option

What's the deal with this mask?

Alba

Huh? I just told you it'll show you where my favorite smaller venues are...

Dialogue Option

Explain this mask to me.

Alba

Uh... I don't know what you mean...

Alba

Ah! Right, right, right. It all makes sense now!

Alba claps her hands together, proud that she's cracked the mystery.

Alba

I forgot you said this was your first time in Libertaria.

Alba

Which is kind of weird actually... I could've sworn they touched on this stuff in school...

Vyrn

Th-the thing about that is Gran grew up in a different skydom.

Alba

Hm... Is that right?

Um, getting back to the mask... What exactly is it?

Alba

It's... hard to explain. Closest thing I can compare it to is a letter or a diary... Something like that?

Judging by the blank looks staring back at her, Alba tries a different approach. She manifests a new mask over her face.

Alba

As they say, the best way to learn is to do! Here, try this on!

Gran adorns Alba's new mask, and the world goes black.

The darkness doesn't last long. Gran is soon treated to an unbelievable sight.

Boozy Patron

Whew, how many glasses wazzat? When I'm with you, Alba, somehow the booze never stops flowing!

Alba

Thanks! You really guzzled down tonight. Please be careful on your way home.

Boozy Patron

Whoa, I ain't callin' it a night! Whaddya say we hit up another bar?

Alba

Oh, I'm afraid I can't. I'm only supposed to walk you to the door and say goodbye. I'm still on duty...

Boozy Patron

Aw, come on. Don't be such a drag. Come keep a lonely middle-aged man company.

Alba

Ahaha... You're more than welcome to stop by the club and have another drink with me another time...

Boozy Patron

I've already drank enough to clear out a liquor store! Let's get outta here, Alba!

Alba

Please control yourself!

Boozy Patron

Yeesh, keep it down, will ya? You're making me look like a bad guy.

Boozy Patron

Let's not start a scene, 'kay? Let me hold your hand, and we'll call it even...

Alba

That's enough! This kind of behavior isn't tolerated outside the club.

Boozy Patron

What's the big deal? It ain't like I'm tryin' to drag you off.

Boozy Patron

I jus' wanna show you this watering hole that's all the rage! C'mon, go barhopping with me. Don't you ladies give that kinda extra service?

Alba

Our club offers no such thing!

Alba

Besides, meeting customers outside of work is going to piss off my manager...

Boozy Patron

Who says your manager has to know? I think you're startin' to come around.

Alba

Finished? I think you get the gist of the masks now, right?

Dialogue Option

Didn't that just happen?

Alba

Yep. That man was so pushy. Thanks again for helping me out.

Dialogue Option

Did I relive your memory?

Alba

Sure did. Now you know what it's like for a short person like me to have to look up at people all the time.

As Gran holds the mask in disbelief, Alba summarizes what it can do.

Alba

Basically the mask reproduces the memories of whoever creates it.

Alba

Anyone who puts it on can relive a moment in the creator's past. It even copies sounds and smells.

Alba

It's way more immersive than any novel or play could ever be.

Alba

As long as you're on the island, anyone can create a mask.

Alba

Finding one other person to trade with is all it takes to jump into many new experiences.

Katalina muses over what Alba has just told them.

Katalina

Then instead of a map, we can replay your memories via the mask to find the small theaters you've already been to.

Alba

Bingo, bango. Can't beat that speed.

Vyrn

Yeah, 'specially since maps can be badly drawn and hard to read!

Lyria

Sharing your memories with anyone in that much detail sounds amazing.

Alba

By sharing our experiences, we double our happiness and halve our sorrows.

Alba

That's the concept of ultimate pleasure Libertaria Island was built on. I'm paraphrasing of course.

After thanking Alba for her hospitality and information, the crew leave the club and revise their strategy.

Katalina

Turns out Central Theater is where we needed to go after all. The limited admission rule is going to be a problem though.

Eugen

Alba said Central doesn't have any jail cells.

Eugen

And a lot of BLF members were on the captured ship.

Eugen

Since space is a premium inside the theater, any extra prisoners could've been taken somewhere else on the island.

Rosetta

With three districts to investigate, we'll cover more ground by splitting up.

Io and Rosetta agree to check out the tournament district while Katalina and Eugen remain in the nightlife district.

That leaves Gran, Vyrn, and Lyria to head over to the theatrical district.