Balthier » War of the Lions

Balthier makes an appearance in the PSP port of Final Fantasy Tactics. The following script excerpts are taken from Gamefaqs.com.

[As Ramza walks through Dorter after hearing strange rumors.]

Ramza: A godless thief with designs upon the Church vaults. Could it be he seeks the stones? The road to auracite is barred by Templar swords. But it is the same road that leads to Alma.

[There is a quick flash of Alma looking back at Ramza.]

Ramza: I will walk whatever road I must to see you free.

[As Ramza passes a pillar we see a thief lying in wait. He pulls a knife and lunges at Ramza. He is joined by another man armed with a sword.]

Ramza: Even if it means walking headlong into a trap!

[Ramza crosses blades with one of his pursuers as another flies from the rooftops. Ramza is now fighting a three on one battle.]

Brigand #1: He took the bait! I told you he would!
Brigand #2: We've got the wrong man. This one's not the thief! But he's still a heretic!

[Amidst the sword battle a gun goes off, and the fighting ceases. One of the pursuers falls from a gunshot wound. We see the legs of a new character, Balthier.]

Balthier: Your mistakes were twofold, I'm afraid.

[The standing brigands hold their ground but focus on Balthier. The camera slowly pans across the image of a smoking gun.]

Balthier: You sprung your trap without looking to see if the game you hunted was the one you'd snare. And you sold me short. I'm no thief.

[We now see the main as he pulls his gun back and over his head.]

Bathier: I'm a sky pirate.
Brigand #2: It's him!
Balthier: Now that we've dispensed with the pleasantries. Tell me where I'll find the Cache of Glabados.
Ramza: The Cache of Glabados?
Brigand #1: (rising as he clutches his wounded arm) Two heretics instead of one. Rum luck, I say! We'll claim the bounty for them both!
Balthier: Oh, you'll have your reward for finding me.

[He walks cooly towards the brigands, who are still in arms.]

Balthier: And don't think about running off without collecting. My shot is faster.

[He aims his weapon.]

Balthier: Or my name's not Balthier.

[During the battle alongside Balthier.]

Balthier: They've numbers, if nothing else. Perhaps a brief alliance is in order? One hand washes the other and all that.
Ramza: I'll certainly not object!

[After the battle.]

Balthier: Such a warm welcome. I see my reputation precedes me.
Ramza: You are branded a heretic as well?
Balthier: Religion and I don't mix, I'm afraid. *sigh* Another false lead.
Ramza: Why do you seek this...Cache of Glabados?
Balthier: Women, treasure - does a man need reason to pursue beauty?
Ramza: The Church's treasure - it is not the prize you think it.
Balthier: Then you know it?
Ramza: No, it's only - you're better off not searching. The road is fraught with dangers you cannot know.
Balthier: Who do you think you're talking to? The leading man never balks at a little danger. Though, this does have more the feel of a cameo role...Nonetheless, I have my reasons for seeking that particular treasure. I found it once - laid my hands on it, and look where it's gotten me. If I find it again, I can put things back as they were. And since you seem to know something of it, you've gained yourself another traveling companion.
Ramza: Oh?
Balthier: Not to worry. I've some experience in the chaperoning of children.
Ramza: I'm no child!
Balthier: Yes, they all say that, don't they?
Ramza: And -you- say you are a sky pirate. Would you have me believe that you can fly? I see no wings.

[Ramza leaves while Balthier shrugs and shakes his head.]

Balthier: I seem to always find myself a pirate without a sky. At this rate, I'm like to forget how to fly altogether.

[He follows Ramza, and then joins the party.]

In any case, Balthier might be a little lower level than you, but he is amazing nonetheless. He has all of Mustadio's skills (thus making Mustadio obselete), and he does major damage with his gun... which is increased twice-fold once you learn Barrage. He also has improved versions of the Thief's Steal line of skills.