Dragon Quest XI S Script: 2D NPC Text

 

This platform can be used to move through the air, but for some reason it isn't working.

 

*: Tick-tock, tick-tock! Oh dear, oh dear! I shall be too late, I fear!

 

*: If someone doesn't step in to save the day, Tickington's time is well and truly up!

 

 

*: Tick-tock, the clock won't stop! It really is five minutes to midnight! If only there were someone who could come to our aid!

 

 

*: Hold on a tick! You've clocked me, am I right? Can it be true!? Can you really see me!?<yesno>

 

*: Well, it's about time—I was beginning to think I was totally invisible!

 

*: Oh come now! That really ticks me off! There's no time for that nonsense! Of course you can see me!

 

*: This can only mean one thing—you're a hero, aren't you? Oh, tickety-boo! You're finally here, and not a moment too soon!

 

 

*: It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Hero! My name's Ickle. I'm a tockle, from over Tickington way...and we need your help!

Ickle the Tockle

We're having a terrible time of it at the moment. Can I ask you to come and be the hero of the hour?<yesno>

Ickle the Tockle

...What!? We don't have time for your silliness! You're a hero! You've got to help us! It's your job!

Ickle the Tockle

Whew! Thank you, Mister Hero! I knew it wouldn't take you more than a moment's thought to agree!

Erik

Uh...<pc>? Are you talking to yourself now?

Veronica

Has the sun gone to your head or something?

Ickle the Tockle

Well, the clock is ticking! Come on! It's time to show you and your friends the way to Tickington! Follow me!

 

Ickle the Tockle

Oh, but wait—before we head off, this might be a good time to record your journey in an adventure log. Shall I do that for you? It won't take two ticks! <yesno>

Ickle the Tockle

You're not ready to record an adventure log? Then perhaps this just isn't a good time... Why don't you come back when you are, and we can trundle off to Tickington together then?

Ickle the Tockle

There we go! All done! Now, let's make our way to Tickington, shall we? We'll be there in no time flat!

Ickle the Tockle

Ah! I knew it would only be a matter of time before you came back! Let's record your journey in an adventure log and head for Tickington, shall we?

Ickle the Tockle

Hey! Where are you going!? The clock's ticking, you know!

 

*: I'm Tickle, Ickle's uncle. Come and talk to me when you decide the time is right for a trip to Tickington.

 

Tickle the Tockle

...What's that? You've never heard of Tickington, or of dear little Ickle!? Hold on a second—that can't be right.

 

Tickle the Tockle

All sorts of things get lost in the mists of time, of course, but I never thought the Luminary would forget about us...

 

Tickle the Tockle

Anyway, I don't have time to stand around trying to jog your memory. I'm sure it'll all come flooding back once you've made it to Tickington and clocked our Ickle.

 

Tickle the Tockle

This seems as good a moment as any. Let's make our way over there, shall we?

Tickle the Tockle

Ah, but you'll need to record your journey in an adventure log before we go, of course. A stitch in time saves nine, after all! Shall I take down the details of your progress?<yesno>

Tickle the Tockle

Hm. Timing not quite right for you, eh? Well, do what you've got to do and come back at a more convenient moment.

Tickle the Tockle

There we go! All done. Now, let's not waste any more time—Tickington, here we come!

Tickle the Tockle

Decided it's time to travel to Tickington, have you? Very well. I'll have you there in just a second!

 

*: Welcome back, Luminary! I heard you took a moment to listen to the Mayor's request for assistance. Thank you, and good luck!

 

 

*: I'm Tickle, Ickle's uncle. Come and talk to me when you decide the time is right for a trip to Tickington.

 

Tickle the Tockle

Oh, wait a second! The Mayor had something he wanted me to pass on. I'd get a proper ticking off if I forgot!

Tickle the Tockle

Tick-tock... Tick-tock... Bring back the past, turn back the clock!

 

<pc> remembers the locations of the tockles who are searching for pastwords!

Tickle the Tockle

Press  and select ‘Pastwords’ from the Info menu to get some hints on where to find the tockles you're looking for!

 

Tickle the Tockle

Once you've tracked down a tockle, have them teach you their pastword. It's as simple as that! I'm sure you'll have a fine time of it! Good luck!

Tickle the Tockle

Welcome back, Luminary! I heard you took a moment to listen to the Mayor's request for assistance. Thank you, and good luck!

 

Tickle the Tockle

Wait—don't tell me you've forgotten? You must be having quite a time of it at the moment for something like that to slip your mind! Let me see if I can jog your memory...

Tickle the Tockle

Tick-tock... Tick-tock... Bring back the past, turn back the clock!

 

<pc> remembers the locations of the tockles who are searching for pastwords!

Tickle the Tockle

Press  and select ‘Pastwords’ from the Info menu to get some hints on where to find the tockles you're looking for!

 

Tickle the Tockle

Once you've tracked down a tockle, have them teach you their pastword. It's as simple as that! I'm sure you'll have a fine time of it! Good luck!

Tickle the Tockle

Decided it's time to travel to Tickington, have you? Very well. I'll have you there in just a second!

 

Tickle the Tockle

Ah, but you'll need to record your journey in an adventure log before we go, of course. A stitch in time saves nine, after all! Shall I take down the details of your progress?<yesno>

Tickle the Tockle

Hm. Timing not quite right for you, eh? Well, do what you've got to do and come back at a more convenient moment.

Tickle the Tockle

There we go! All done. Now, let's not waste any more time—Tickington, here we come!

 

 

*: Oh! Fancy clocking the Luminary in a place like this! I'm Tickle, Ickle's uncle from over in Tickington.

 

Tickle the Tockle

I've been looking for you ever since Yggdrasil disappeared. I've not had the easiest time of it, either!

 

Tickle the Tockle

...What's that? You've never heard of Tickington, or of dear little Ickle!? Hold on a second—that can't be right.

 

Tickle the Tockle

 

Wait a minute—don't tell me the fall of Yggdrasil has caused you to lose your memory!?

 

Tickle the Tockle

What an untimely pickle... Perhaps the only thing to do is to take you to Tickington and hope that the sight of our Ickle helps you to remember...

 

Tickle the Tockle

Well, this seems as good a time as any. Let's make our way over there now, shall we?

 

Tickle the Tockle

Ah, but you'll need to record your journey in an adventure log before we go, of course. A stitch in time saves nine, after all! Shall I take down the details of your progress?<yesno>

Tickle the Tockle

Hm. Timing not quite right for you, eh? Well, do what you've got to do and come back at a more convenient moment.

Tickle the Tockle

There we go! All done. Now, let's not waste any more time—Tickington, here we come!

 

 

*: Oh! Fancy clocking the Luminary in a place like this! I'm Tickle, Ickle's uncle from over in Tickington.

 

Tickle the Tockle

I've been looking for you ever since Yggdrasil disappeared. I've not had the easiest time of it, either!

 

Tickle the Tockle

That goes for Tickington as a whole, to be honest...but it looks like I've found you in the nick of time! We need your help, you see...

 

Tickle the Tockle

Just let me know when you're ready to make the trip, and I'll whisk you over there in two ticks!

Tickle the Tockle

Decided it's time to travel to Tickington, have you? Very well. I'll have you there in just a second!

 

Tickle the Tockle

Ah, but you'll need to record your journey in an adventure log before we go, of course. A stitch in time saves nine, after all! Shall I take down the details of your progress?<yesno>

Tickle the Tockle

Hm. Timing not quite right for you, eh? Well, do what you've got to do and come back at a more convenient moment.

Tickle the Tockle

There we go! All done. Now, let's not waste any more time—Tickington, here we come!

 

*: Welcome back, Luminary! I heard you took a moment to listen to the Mayor's request for assistance. Thank you, and good luck!

 

Tickle the Tockle

Wait—don't tell me you've forgotten? You must be having quite a time of it at the moment for something like that to slip your mind! Let me see if I can jog your memory...

Tickle the Tockle

Tick-tock... Tick-tock... Bring back the past, turn back the clock!

 

<pc> remembers the locations of the tockles who are searching for pastwords!

Tickle the Tockle

Press  and select ‘Pastwords’ from the Info menu to get some hints on where to find the tockles you're looking for!

 

Tickle the Tockle

Once you've tracked down a tockle, have them teach you their pastword. It's as simple as that! I'm sure you'll have a fine time of it! Good luck!

 

*: Tock-tock-tock! You've clocked me, haven't you!? Please don't eat me—I don't taste very good! Just act like you never saw me!

 

*: Just a second... You're the Luminary, aren't you? Oh, praise the one who controls the clocks! But what am I waiting for? The pastword I found is...

 

*: Tut-tut-tock! Who's this disturbing my precious few seconds of sleep!?

 

*: Oh, wait a minute. You're the Luminary, are you not? I was, umm, just taking a nap after spending tons of time searching for a pastword. Speaking of which, allow me to share the one I found with you!

 

*: This Erdrea place is such fun the time just flies by! I wonder what I should do next...?

 

*: Tickle-tuckle-tock! If it isn't the Luminary himself! How long were you standi— Actually, never mind that! I'll tell you my pastword if you promise not to tell the Mayor I was slacking off!

 

*: Tick-tick-tock! Perfect timing, Mr Luminary! I just found a pastword not two seconds before you appeared!

 

*: Goes to show that even a timid tockle like me can be of use! Now, allow me to share it with you!

 

*: Time waits for no man! <LM_.|><LM_LF>But we have a plan! <LM_.|><LM_LF>It may require a caravan! <LM_.|>

 

*: Tickety-tick-tock! Why, if it isn't the Luminary! I was just indulging in a spot of singing—helps lift the spirits, don't you know? Allow me to pass on the pastword I found!

 

*: Oh, tut-tut-tick! I finally found a pastword, but now I'm completely lost! Where am I? And who ar—

 

*: Hold on a minute—you're the Luminary! My luck has turned at last! Here, listen to the pastword I got my hands on!

 

*: Oh, tickle-tock! Master Luminary! You'll never believe the high jinks involved in getting my mitts on this pastword! Allow me to regale you with the—

 

*: Ah. Another time, you say? Yes, but of course. The pastword is...

 

*: Hello there, Mister Luminary! I took my ticking time, but I found a pastword for you!

 

*: I'm going to go ahead and say it now, so make sure you're paying attention. It's...

 

The tockle tells <pc> the pastword it's found!

 

He can now visit <Kako_Place> via the <Kako_Saidan>!

 

*: Tockety-tick! You can use that pastword I gave you to visit another world from the Echo Chamber in Tickington!

 

*: Tock-tock! Go and speak with the Mayor of Tickington and he'll tell you how to use the pastword I gave you properly!

 

*: Tockety-boo! Looks like that was the last pastword you were looking for! Thank you so much for finding everyone! It can't have been easy knowing the clock was ticking the whole time!

 

*: There are more tockles out there whiling away the hours searching for pastwords, you know! Be sure to take a moment to talk to them if you come across any!

 

*: And with that, I'm clocking off and trundling back to Tickington! It was lovely meeting you, and good luck with the rest of your adventure! Tick-tock!

 

The Mayor of Tickington wants to speak to you. He's waiting in the Echo Chamber at the top of the stairs.

The Friend of Time

Now then, young man, what do you think you're doing? You should be heading off to defeat Calasmos, not wasting your time around here! You and your friends have what it takes, you know!

The Friend of Time

...What's that? You'd like to take me on one more time?

The Friend of Time

Well then, hurry up and clobber Calasmos! The clock's ticking for the people of Erdrea, you know—they can't be made to wait another second for the Luminary to save the day!

The Friend of Time

Really? Well...I suppose I could spare a moment for another bout. It's not as though I'm ever going to run out of time, after all...

The Friend of Time

Alright, then! Seconds out, here comes the bell!

The Friend of Time

Let me take you to the End of Time!

The Friend of Time

You beat me again! Crikey! I suppose you deserve a reward for your derring-do!

 

<pc> receives <LM_IndefSgl_Item>!

The Friend of Time

Now, that's enough fun and games for the time being. I'd better take you back to Tickington.

The Friend of Time

You need to get on and defeat Calasmos. It shouldn't be a problem for you—you defeated me, after all!

The Friend of Time

Best of luck, Luminary! Till next time!

Stickle

Tick-tock, tick-tock! Look what I clocked just lying on the ground!

Stickle

Maybe the time will come when it will prove useful to you. Here, it is yours!

 

<pc> receives the spectrum nectar from Stickle the Tockle.

 

It's probably best not to keep Princess Gwaelin waiting—hurry up and take it to Tantegel Castle!

 

「…………。

 

The bed looks warm and comfortable. Lie down for a rest?

Stickle

From the moment you give me a pastword, that particular door to times gone by will remain open indefinitely.

Stickle

Simply examine one of the tomes containing the adventure logs of old to take a glimpse into another time and place. Good luck, Luminary...

Stickle

In order to undo the damage that's been done to the sacred tomes, you'll need to find the tockles who've been dispatched to Erdrea and ask them for their pastwords.

Stickle

Once you've learned one, just travel to the place it unlocks, set time back on its correct course by solving whatever problems you encounter there, and all will be well again.

Stickle

I am, of course, aware that the timing of all this may not be ideal. You do have a quest of your own, after all.

Stickle

Something tells me you might want to devote some time to that before worrying about us. You can trundle back here to Tickington when you have a moment to spare.

Stickle

Tickety-boo! One of the books is back to normal! You've saved the day again! Thank you, Mr Hero! Thank you!

Stickle

Have you clocked our new statue? It commemorates a Luminary from an age gone by. Your heroics in the past have restored it, you see.

Stickle

But it's not quite time to be taking a tick to rest just yet—you need to keep helping the people from the legends of old to put time straight again!

Stickle

We won't be able to carry out our sacred duty of making sure the past flows properly into the future without your continued help, you know!

Stickle

Tickety-boo! Half the books are back to normal thanks to your hard work, Luminary!

Stickle

But it's not quite time to be taking a tick to rest just yet—you need to keep helping the people from the legends of old to put time straight again!

Stickle

We won't be able to carry out our sacred duty of making sure the past flows properly into the future without your continued help, you know!

Stickle

Oh, tickety-very-boo! All ten books are back to normal!

Stickle

Now we'll be able to fulfil our duties and ensure that future generations continue to learn of the heroic deeds performed in the past!

Stickle

...But I'm sure you've clocked the mysterious staircase that's suddenly appeared in the Echo Chamber.

Stickle

And no doubt you felt the same sense of foreboding as I did the moment it materialised.

Stickle

Well, this is the last time, I promise—we don't want you getting ticked off with our endless requests—but I'm going to have to ask you to find out what's at the top of it.

Stickle

I know we ask a lot of you, but you're the only one who can save the day. Good luck, Luminary!

Stickle

So the Friend of Time defaced all the books as a kind of trial for you, did he? Tickle-tock...

Stickle

It all seems a bit excessive, I must say, but this is no time to be griping. Life in Tickington is back to normal, and it's all thanks to you!

Stickle

Thank you, Mister Luminary! You really are the hero of the hour!

Ickle the Tockle

That pastword I taught you will whisk you to a town called Galenholm faster than the clock can tick! Whoosh!

Ickle the Tockle

I don't have any idea what's going on there at the moment, but I'm sure you'll sort it all out in no time at all. Good luck, Mister Luminary!

Ickle the Tockle

I really thought that our time was up, but you've brought hope back to every tockle in Tickington, Mister Hero!

Ickle the Tockle

If you're running out of tomes to bring back to normal, you'll need to take some time out to find more pastword-hunting tockles in Erdrea.

Ickle the Tockle

That or take a turn around the places from the past you've unlocked already and see if you missed anyone in need of help the first time!

Ickle the Tockle

This is a terrible time for all of us! Ever since those strange stairs appeared, we can hardly sleep for more than two ticks at a time!

Ickle the Tockle

Please, Mister Hero, you need to step up and save the day once again! One more time for luck!

Ickle the Tockle

Thank you, Mister Luminary! You saved our village! We'll always be grateful to you—till the end of time!

Ickle the Tockle

To be honest, I still can't believe you aced all the Friend of Time's trials! You really are amazing!

Ickle the Tockle

I've decided that I want to be just like you when I grow up! I know it will be years yet, but when the time comes, I'll be all wound up and ready to go!

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Zzz...

 

The tockle priest is fast asleep. If you'd like to record an adventure log, you'll need to return to Erdrea.

 

Leave Tickington?

 

*: The Echo Chamber's full of precious and important books, and it's my job to keep them in tickety-boo condition! I've got a system, and it runs like clockwork!

 

*: ...Or it did, at least. I've been having a hard time focusing on my duties since I heard about what happened.

 

*: The Echo Chamber's full of precious and important books, and it's my job to keep them in tickety-boo condition! I've got a system, and it runs like clockwork!

 

*: Well, it does usually. I thought you'd gone and fixed everything, but I seem to have been a little hasty...

 

*: The Echo Chamber's full of precious and important books, and it's my job to keep them in tickety-boo condition! I've got a system, and it runs like clockwork!

 

*: And now you've brought them all back to us, I'm going to dedicate every spare second to my task!

 

*: Greetings, traveller, and welcome to the Tickington Tavern, where tockles come in search of a relaxing moment away from the relentless passage of time!

 

*: We've a fine range of beverages, including many human favourites, so be sure to take a second or two to peruse our menu!

 

*: Greetings, traveller, and welcome to the Tickington Tavern, where tockles come in search of a relaxing moment away from the relentless passage of time!

 

*: I don't think you'll be wanting to sit down and unwind just yet, though—I've heard there's something strange going on in the Echo Chamber...

 

*: Gosh! You can count the number of times I've had a human in here on the hands of one clock!

 

*: You must be tired, eh? It can take a while to get used to life in Tickington. Feel free to use that bed if you need to take a lie down.

 

*: You must be tired, eh? It takes a bit of time to get used to life in Tickington. Feel free to use that bed if you need to take a lie down.

 

*: Gosh... You really are the Luminary, aren't you? I clocked it the second you arrived in the village. There's just something...different about you.

 

*: But don't let me take up any more of your time. The Mayor's waiting up in the Echo Chamber, and he's ever so keen to meet you!

 

*: Tockles have been dispatched to every corner of Erdrea to search for pastwords. Should you clock one on your travels, be sure to say hello!

 

*: Have you heard!? A mysterious staircase has appeared in the Echo Chamber! I bet it's only a matter of time before something horrible comes slithering down it!

 

*: I heard you turned up right at the moment we needed someone to help bring the books back to normal! Talk about a timely intervention!

 

*: I've never really met anyone like you before, you know... There's just something about you that makes me want to spend more time in your company...

 

*: Well, this really is a day that will go down in history! It's been an age since we last had humans here in Tickington!

 

*: At least, I think it has—time flows differently here, you see...

 

*: Ah! The hero of the hour! I always knew there was something special about you! I clocked it the very first second I saw you!

 

*: All this tome-ruining business up at the Echo Chamber has been thoroughly ticking off everyone in town, but now you're here to help, I'm sure things will be better in no time!

 

*: Whichever sacrilegious so-and-so scrawled all over the sacred tomes has sent the past swerving all over the place.

 

*: But who would do a thing like that!? Who would take the most celebrated stories of the ages and try to ruin them?

 

*: The Friend of Time's been around since before anyone can remember. He's the one who originally entrusted us tockles with the task of telling the world about the heroes of the past.

 

*: I was really relieved to hear it was him who scrawled all over our sacred books. He'd never do anything to harm us, you see.

 

*: I only wish I hadn't wasted all that time worrying—it waits for no woman, after all!

 

*: We tockles have been doing what we do since time immemorial, and we've never failed in our duties before. Not once!

 

*: Humans can't see us tockles, so we tend to have a rare old time of it when we visit the human world.

 

*: You may not clock it just from looking, but we're a cheeky little lot who love playing pranks! Next time something strange happens and you don't know why, it might be a tockle playing a trick!

 

*: It's been said that we tockles, with our hands on the tiller of history, are personifications of time itself.

 

*: After all, we were born at the same time as time, and we live alongside it, and help point it in the right direction... Maybe we don't steer the flow of time—maybe we ARE the flow of time...

 

*: Since time immemorial, we tockles have carried out the sacred duties bequeathed to us by our ancestors. We've overcome countless obstacles and hardship in order to do so...

 

*: But this time it's different. This time, I fear we're going to fail... The moment may have finally come where the work our ancestors began can no longer continue...

 

*: Ah! You're the Luminary, aren't you? You've arrived just in the nick of time, I must say!

 

*: I was worried for a tick there that we might fail in our duty to keep time on the straight and narrow! Not any more, though!

 

*: Since we've had to put our time-steering tockling duties on hold, I've decided to focus on farming for the moment instead. It's a lot more fun than I expected!

 

*: But it's no more than a stopgap while we wait for you to fix everything. May the one who controls the clocks guide you on your journey!

 

*: It's just one problem after another, regular as clockwork... I don't know what it is about that Echo Chamber, but it seems there's always something odd happening there...

 

*: I wish we could just turn back the clock and live normal, peaceful lives again!

 

*: They've built a statue of you in the Echo Chamber, <pc>, just like all those other heroes from olden times! You look great, I must say!

 

*: Tickle-tock... Daddy seems to be having a really hard time of it. He keeps talking about how we're going to fail in our duties and let down our ancestors...

 

*: Are these duties really that important? Maybe I'm just too young to understand what keeps things ticking here in Tickington...

 

*: I wanted to go to Erdrea to help look for pastwords too, but Daddy wouldn't let me. It really ticked me off, to be honest.

 

*: I mean, he said there'd be plenty of time for that kind of thing when I'm older, but why do I have to wait? I wish I could go and have adventures like you...

 

*: I wonder what's going on in the Echo Chamber. I heard the Mayor bellowing something about a staircase. I hope everything's tickety-boo.

 

*: It's the first time I've ever heard the Mayor shout like that. I'm only a little tockle, though—maybe this kind of thing happens once in a while...

 

*: I heard you met the Friend of Time! Tickety-boo! I'm too young to know much about him, but he sounds like a lot of fun!

 

*: Maybe you could take me with you next time you visit him? I'd love to see what he looks like!

 

*: Tickety-boo! Ickle's back, and not a moment too soon! Does this mean he managed to find the Luminary, I wonder?

 

*: I must say, I'd all but resigned myself to the day having come where we finally let down our ancestors. But if the Luminary's taken time out of his busy schedule to help, maybe there's still hope!

 

*: Did you know that Ickle is the Mayor's grandson? They're closer than the hands on a clock too!

 

*: When the time comes for me to have grandchildren, I hope we're able to tick along together half as happily as those two!

 

*: It's great that you managed to bring all ten books back to normal in double quick time, but what I keep wondering is, who went and defaced them in the first place?

 

*: Maybe the answer's to be found at the top of that staircase in the Echo Chamber. I could be wrong, though. It wouldn't be the first time...

 

*: I've been thinking about how the Friend of Time entrusted us tockles with the task of telling future generations about the heroes of the past.

 

*: In a way, that means it's our job to keep memories alive, isn't it?

 

*: After all, even the most vivid memories fade away over time. Without us tockles, people would probably forget everything that ever happened!

 

*: I've never really realised how important our work was until now. I suppose it takes a moment of crisis to make you appreciate things like that!

 

*: Ickle's told me all about you! You're the Luminary, aren't you? Welcome to Tickington!

 

*: You mustn't waste time talking to me, though! The Mayor wants to speak to you! You'll probably find him upstairs, in the Echo Chamber.

 

*: Welcome to Tickington, home of the tockles! It's our duty to watch over the passage of time, and ensure that it flows as it's meant to.

 

*: Welcome to Tickington, home of the tockles! It's our duty to watch over the passage of time, and ensure that it flows as it's meant to.

 

*: We're not doing much of that at the moment, though. Everyone's too worried about the staircase that's appeared in the Echo Chamber! I even clocked the Mayor looking concerned!

 

*: Now would probably be a good time to go and try to put his mind at ease. He'll be in his usual spot in the chamber, I'd imagine. Go on—it'll only take two ticks!

 

*: Welcome to Tickington, home of the tockles! It's our duty to watch over the passage of time, and ensure that it flows as it's meant to.

 

*: ...And that duty's become a great deal easier now all the adventure logs of old are back to normal! The peaceful times are here to stay!

 

*: Tockle-tick... Give me a second—I think I might have a panic attack... The Mayor's asked me to go to Erdrea, but I'm far too faint-hearted to do something like that.

 

*: I know it's high time I grew a backbone, but to be honest I doubt I ever will...

 

*: It's strange, but rather comforting... The more time I spend in your company, the more courageous I seem to feel...

 

*: Have you heard? A mysterious staircase has appeared in the Echo Chamber! This is the first time in history any of us tockles have seen anything like it!

 

*: It's the first time I've ever sensed such an air of evil too. I don't like to imagine what's lurking at the top of it...

 

*: I know you'll be wanting to venture up there, being a hero and all, but will you try and be careful, at least? Take your time, and don't do anything hasty.

 

*: Have you clocked the statue of you they've put up in the Echo Chamber? The sculptor's really captured your heroic aura, I must say.

 

*: We'll keep it nice and shiny for you, don't worry. After all, we've been taking care of statues of heroes since time immemorial!

 

*: Well, they say there's a first time for everything...and this is the first time I've clocked a real live human!

 

*: Every tockle is unique, and each of us has different talents. My special skill is looking sharp! As soon as the ladies clock me, their hearts start ticking fit to burst!

 

*: ...Hm? Oh, I know what you're thinking—we all look the same to you, don't we? Well, if you stop for a second and look properly, you'll soon see what makes each of us an individual.

 

*: Every tockle is unique, and each of us has different talents. My special skill is looking sharp! As soon as the ladies clock me, their hearts start ticking fit to burst!

 

*: Mind you, lately all anyone seems to want to talk about is <LM_6>Luminary<LM_9> this and <LM_6>Luminary<LM_9> that! You're not making my job any easier, that's for certain!

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Zzz...

 

The tockle priest is fast asleep. If you'd like to record an adventure log, you'll need to return to Erdrea.

 

Leave Tickington?

 

*: Ka ka ka ka kah! Burn! Burn, fiery flames! Turn this icy cave into a flaming furnace!

 

*: Turn this treasure chest into a pile of ashes! Ka ka kah!

 

*: Be warned, human—interfere, and you'll walk away with more than just singed eyebrows!

 

*: Ka ka ka ka kah! You've returned to be burned once more!? Foolish human! You'll be cinders before you know it!

 

The flamethrower is defeated, and the temperature inside the cave begins to plummet.

 

The chest contains a feverfew seed. <pc> leaves it untouched and closes the lid.

Erik

Uhh... You sure about this, <pc>? You want me to play the bride?

Erik

Gah, make your mind up, will you? You're driving me crazy here!

Erik

R-Really? Wow, I...wasn't expecting this...

Erik

I mean sure, we get along well enough, and we've had a lot of fun together, but do you really think I'm the best choice for something like this?

Erik

Oh... Uh, I mean, sure. ...Huh? No, no, I'm not disappointed! It's... Well, I was just thinking maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all...

Erik

...Ahh, what the heck? You only live once, right? Let's make our legendary bond official!

Erik

Here's to a whole new adventure!

Erik

...Hm? Oh, yeah. Sure, I know it's just a rehearsal, but what's the point if you don't pretend like it's the real thing, right?

Erik

And besides, I meant what I said—we DO have a legendary bond!

Erik

You, uhh... You want me to be your bride?

Erik

Right. Of course not. Sorry, I don't really understand what's going on...

Erik

R-Really? M-Me? But we hardly know each other!

Erik

...Or do we? I just don't know any more... You're sure about this?

Erik

Right... Yeah, I think maybe that's for the best...

Erik

You are? Wow... I mean... I'm just some guy with no memory... What's so special about me...? I... Thanks... (sniff)

Erik

I'm sorry... (sniff) It's just... It's hard when you can't remember anything... You feel so alone... (sniff) Thanks, <pc>. You don't know how much this means.

Erik

I mean, I know it's just a rehearsal...but what's a wedding without a few tears, right? (sniff)

Erik

Sorry you had to see me like this, with my nose all running and... Heh, I'm a total mess...

Erik

I'm going to get all my memories back one day, but even when I do...I think this'll still be one of the happiest! (sniff)

Veronica

Well now! Picking me, are you, <pc>?

Veronica

Oh, for goodness' sake! It's just like you to toy with a girl's emotions!

Veronica

Really? Gosh... I didn't really expect this... I mean, I've never, you know, thought of you in that way...

Veronica

Don't you want to wait until I'm back to my full-sized self first? I know it's only a rehearsal, but...are you sure?

Veronica

Honestly! What are you playing at!? This stupid rehearsal's never going to end if you can't make your mind up!

Veronica

Hee hee! Oh, go on, then! This should be fun! It's not every day a great sage gets married, you know!

Veronica

And aren't you lucky, marrying someone who's sworn to protect you? I certainly won't be going anywhere now!

Veronica

I'm joking, <pc>! I know this is just a rehearsal...but there's no harm in getting in character, is there!

Veronica

And rehearsal or not, I really am glad you chose me! Thanks, <pc>! Or should I say...hubby! Tee hee!

Serena

O-Oh! Oh, gosh... You...want me to be your bride, <pc>...?

Serena

Ah, umm...no, of course not. Why in the world would you choose me? Ha ha... I, well... Oh dear. I seem to have got myself rather worked up...

Serena

Y-You do? Really? Goodness, this is... This is wonderful! I could jump for joy!

Serena

I always did enjoy reading about romantic proposals and big weddings when I was a little girl, and now it's happening to me! ...You are absolutely sure about this, aren't you?

Serena

Y-You were just teasing? That's... That's awful! It's really not nice to get a girl's hopes up and then dash them like that! I thought better of you...

Serena

Wonderful! You know, now that I think of it, you do look like the hero from one of my stories. Strong and handsome, with a heart of gold...

Serena

I'm not sure I'm entirely worthy of such a husband...but I'll do my best!

Serena

I, I mean, I mustn't get carried away, of course. It's just a rehearsal, after all... But it's so much more fun when you take these things seriously, don't you think?

Serena

Thank you, <pc>! I've dreamed of this day since I was a little girl, and now it's all coming true!

Sylvando

...Huh? Why are you looking at me like that, darling? Wait...are you saying you want me to be the blushing bride?

Sylvando

...Oh. Silly me. Well, if you change your mind, I'm right here. You know if anyone can make a wedding an event to remember, it's me!

Sylvando

Oh, goody! I was hoping you'd pick me, but I didn't think it would actually happen!

Sylvando

Before I get too carried away, though, I'd better check—because heaven knows I've been burnt before—you do actually mean it, don't you, honey?

Sylvando

Hmph! Getting people's hopes up and then dashing them on the rocks is your idea of fun, is it!? Good luck getting married with that attitude!

Sylvando

Fabulous! This is going to be the performance of a lifetime! I'll have the entire congregation in tears, just you wait and see!

Sylvando

We're going to be so happy together! We'll have happiness to spare—happiness to share with all the world!

Sylvando

...Hm? Oh, honey! Of course I know it's just a rehearsal! But every performer knows that the secret to a successful practice run is to treat it just like it's the real thing!

Sylvando

So let's get out there and give these people a show to remember! Handkerchiefs at the ready, everybody!

Rab

What's that, laddie? Ye want ME to be yer bride?

Rab

Good! I'm too old to be the centre of attention! Ask someone else, eh?

Rab

Jings! Ye're actually serious! Me! A bride! Fancy that!

Rab

But, laddie...this isnae gonnae work. I cannae be swanning round in a veil at my age. There must be someone a wee bit younger ye could pick instead?

Rab

Still, I'll not stop ye if it means that much to ye. Ye've really set yer heart on marrying auld Rab, have ye?

Rab

Och, thank heavens for that! It wouldnae be much of a rehearsal with me standing next to ye—the congregation would've been in stitches!

Rab

Well, far be it from me to spoil yer fun, then.

Rab

Course, I'd always pictured myself walking down the aisle with one of the beauties from the Ogler's Digest, but...ye'll do, laddie, ye'll do!

Rab

Suppose it was a dream I was gonnae have to give up on in the end...

Rab

Ach, what am I gibbering on about? It's only a rehearsal anyway! Listen to me, going on like it's the real thing!

Rab

Sorry, laddie! Ye'll have to forgive an auld man for getting a wee bit carried away!

Jade

Not now, <pc>! You need to make a decision. You can't keep Mr Briscoletti waiting, it's— Hold on...you're not asking me to be the bride, are you?

Jade

No, I didn't think so. It'd be like marrying your sister or something. Now hurry up and make your decision!

Jade

What!? You're joking, surely... You can't seriously be picking me...?

Jade

I mean, I'm basically your older sister. Is that really who you want as your bride?

Jade

No, I didn't think so. There are far more suitable candidates around. Now stop wasting time and go and pick one of them!

Jade

O-Oh. That IS what you want. Well, umm, alright...

Jade

I suppose... I mean, it's your choice, and well... I... I can't really say no... Ahem...

Jade

Oh, wait—it's just a rehearsal anyway, right? Sorry, err...got a bit carried away there...

Jade

It's not as if you'd want me to be your wife in real life or anything, is it? Could you even imagine!?

Hendrik

You require my assistance, <pc>? I rather think this is a choice you must make yourself. ...Hm? Did I hear you correctly? You wish for me to be your bride!?

Hendrik

Of course not. Forgive me. Now, you had better hurry—you have a decision to make.

Hendrik

Wh-What...!? I, I... I do not know what to say...

Hendrik

As your sworn shield and protector, I cannot help but feel that this might...complicate matters. Are you certain that this is what you wish?

Hendrik

It is probably for the best. But why would you even entertain such a possibility? If this is a jest at my expense, I must say that I find it in poor taste...

Hendrik

Very well. You appear to be serious, and I have a duty to take you upon your word. I shall consider your proposal carefully.

Hendrik

However, I feel compelled to mention that marriage is a sacred bond, one that is not to be made in haste. Perhaps we had ought to become better acquainted before—

Hendrik

...Hm? O-Oh! It is but a rehearsal! H-Ha ha! Well... This changes things entirely!

Hendrik

I had thought you truly meant us to... Ahem. On with the ceremony!

 

*: Oooh... All those years of waiting, and I finally get let out...only to get gibbon the hiding of a lifetime... So much for enjoying my freedom... Urgh...

 

The monster that placed the curse on the Briscoletti household has been defeated! Head back to Mr Briscoletti to share the good news!

Princess Gwaelin

Lo! Thou has brought the precious nectar I seek, hast thou not?

Princess Gwaelin

Prithee, hand it to me without delay! My beloved father hath suffered in silence for too long already!

 

Give the spectrum nectar to Princess Gwaelin?

Princess Gwaelin

Th-Thou wilt not...? Hmph! (pout)

Princess Gwaelin

Yea and verily, my eternal gratitude is thine! Now to hand it to him, that he might speak once more at last!

 

Princess Gwaelin gives her father a spoonful of spectrum nectar.

 

*: Ahhh... Uhhh...

 

*: La-la-la-la! Hem-hem! Haw!

 

*: ...'Tis a miracle! I am cured! I can speak once more!

Princess Gwaelin

Father! Thy voice boometh forth, loud and true!

 

*: Gwaelin! Apple of mine eye! How it paineth me to have put you through this trying time! But hark—my voice hath returned to me, and I daresay it doth resonate more mightily than e'er it did before!

 

*: Noble stranger, truly thou hast performed a great service unto this land. How can we ever hope to repay thee?

 

*: ...But of course! Now that I am in command of my voice once more, what better way to celebrate than to grant thee the inestimable honour of revelling in my magnificent baritone!

 

The King serenades <pc> with a delightful ditty.

 

*: ...Lo, ne'er have I sung with such conviction! And it is just as well, for once the Dragonlord is defeated and the hero agrees to take my crown, I intend to regale him with this very ditty at his coronation!

Princess Gwaelin

Noble stranger, truly thou wert sent unto us by a higher power! Prithee, accept this small token of our eternal gratitude...

Princess Gwaelin

My father's voice is returned, and with it, his ability to discuss a matter of the utmost import with the hero of our land! Verily, words fail me... Thank you! Thank you, oh, thank you!

Veronica

Hey! There's someone over by that bonfire, <pc>!

 

*: Ah-phew... Ah-phew... Hmm...? Boo boo... Go away! Let me go back to sleep!

 

*: ...Hmm? Ugh! Humans!

Veronica

Wait! We're not going to hurt you! Why don't you tell us who you are?

 

*: Huh!? You... You can see me?

Veronica

Of course I can see you, silly! Why wouldn't I be able to?

 

*: Oh! Well? What do you want?

 

Veronica tells the faerie about what's been happening elsewhere in the Neverglade.

 

*: I see! Well, that would explain why I've been feeling so sleepy lately! Tee hee! This won't do, though. This won't do at all!

 

*: You people seem...alright. Yes, you'll do. Come on—I'll show you to the place where I've been feeling sleepiest. It's probably near there...

Veronica

Come on, <pc>! This way!

Veronica

Hurry up, <pc>!

Veronica

There's something fishy about those flowers, <pc>. Let's go and take a closer look...

 

One of the flowers has a rather unsettling appearance. Give it a poke?

 

*: Bleuuurgh... Owww!

 

*: What do you think you're doing!? Don't you know it's rude to go jabbing at a lady!? Heurgh heurgh!

 

*: Anyway, what do you want? I've got an important assignment to be getting on with. A certain someone asked me to fill this forest with sleep-inducing pollen, and I've no intention of letting them down!

 

*: If you insist on getting in my way, I'll just have to put you to sleep as well—forever! Heurgh heurgh!

 

The dazey has been defeated! Return to the entrance of the forest and tell the dwarf the good news!

 

The dazey has been defeated! Return to the entrance of the forest and tell the dwarf the good news!

Veronica

Well, that's that dealt with! I doubt we'd have found our way here without that faerie, though. Being a child does have some advantages, I suppose!

Veronica

Now, shall we go and tell our dwarf friend that the forest's safe again?

 

*: You stopped my horse and me from getting turned into monsters! I can't thank you enough!

 

*: It looks like the statue of Pegasus is back to normal now as well. Hopefully it won't be trying to steal the hearts of any more innocent people.

 

*: I still have no idea why this happened, though. What evil power might have possessed it and caused it to act the way it did?

 

*: Not that that's any of your concern. Thank you once again for saving us. We really are eternally grateful.

 

*: We certainly are! This is one gift horse we've no intention of looking in the mouth!

 

*: We'll be trotting back down the tower now. Come and talk to us at the entrance and we'll give you a little something by way of thanks!

 

The man and his horse are safe and sound thanks to you! Head down to the tower entrance to collect your reward!

 

<pc> finds the Soul Sigil!

 

...But it seems best left for the people of this world, so he puts it back where he found it.

 

<pc> finds the thunderbolt blade!

 

...But it seems best left for the people of this world, so he puts it back where he found it.

 

<pc> finds Erdrick's armour!

 

...But it seems best left for the people of this world, so he puts it back where he found it.

Rose

Waaah! S-Sir Roseguardin! Stop it, please!

 

*: (slurp) Help us! Please!

Sir Roseguardin

Must...destroy...—Clank!<LM_LF>Must...destroy...everything!

 

*: Hey, you! Stop right there!

 

*: Our most valuable treasure is kept down this way. There's no question of letting anyone through while there's a monster loose in the village!

Eliza

(wibble) Please! I'm not a monster! I'm a gooman! My name's Eliza!

Eliza

...Oh! It's you! Thank gooness you're here! Did you bring me the supreme sage's staff I asked you for?

Eliza

(wobble) Oh... Oh dear... Please, you have to hurry! I'm not gooing to be able to keep this up much longer!

Eliza

I have to ooze the supreme sage's staff to turn myself back into a gooman before the villagers find me, or I'm gooing to get squished!

Eliza

Oh, gooreat! Yes... This looks like it's full of holy gooness! It should lift that nasty curse no problem! Would you mind giving it a try for me?

 

<pc> uses the supreme sage's staff!

 

It emits a pale light that gently engulfs the slime...

 

Eliza's curse is lifted, and she returns to human form!

Eliza

It...worked! Oh, thank you so much! I'm human again, and it's all because of you!

Eliza

Please, take this by way of thanks! It's the least I can goo—err, do!

 

*: E-Eliza!? Is that you!?

 

*: It is! And you're alive and well! We've been looking for you everywhere! What did that awful monster do to you!?

 

*: Hang on—isn't it a bit odd that the moment that horrible slime finally disappears, Eliza comes home with some stranger?

 

*: There's only one explanation! The two of them must have been in cahoots!

 

*: O-Of course! You fiend! You and that thing worked together to kidnap our Eliza!

 

*: I knew it! I knew it all along! What were we thinking, letting a stranger into the village!?

Eliza

No, wait! You've got it all wrong! Let me explain. This young man, he—

 

*: Out of the way, Eliza! It's time this scoundrel answered for his actions!

Eliza

They won't listen to me! It's too dangerous to stay in the village with them like this! We'll have to get out of here for a while!

Eliza

There. We should be safe now. Thanks again for saving my life. There's no way I'm letting anyone touch a hair on your head after what you did for me!

 

Eliza casts Morph!

Eliza

The people in the village don't know I've been practising this spell. That's why they can't get their head around what happened. It's not surprising, really.

Eliza

They'll be fine once I explain the situation to them, though. You just wait here, alright? I won't be long.

 

Eliza explains everything to the villagers, and the unfortunate misunderstanding is resolved.

 

The little mountain hamlet is soon at peace once more...

 

*: Look, everyone in the village is grateful for what you did—saving Eliza and so on...

 

*: But I still can't let you through here. This is where we keep our most valuable treasure, and even though you're a hero, you're also an outsider. Sorry, but that's just the way it is.

Eliza

Thanks again for saving me! The village is all peaceful again now because of you!

Eliza

I'm still practising my magic, though. One little bit of bad luck isn't going to put me off! Hey, if you've got time, why don't I show you how Morph works?

Eliza

Oh, alright. I suppose you've got plenty to be getting on with. Let me know if you ever come back to the village, though. We can practise then!

Eliza

Great! Let's give it a try...

Eliza

...Morph!

Eliza

Heh heh! Well? What do you think? I'm getting better, aren't I?

Eliza

Morph is such an amazing spell. I can think of all kinds of uses for it. If I keep practising, I just know I'm going to be able to use it to help someone some day!

 

*: You're after some fashion tips as well, are you?

 

*: Well, all I can tell you is...don't lose hope! I was once a desperately unstylish lump just like you, but look at me now!

 

*: You're after some fashion tips as well, are you?

 

*: Well, all I can tell you is...don't lose hope! I was once a desperately unstylish lump just like you, but look at me now!

 

Use the bodura grass on the impostor?

 

<pc> throws the bodura grass all over the person pretending to be Tania's brother!

 

*: Hyyyaaaaaarrrgh! What are you...!? Hyyyaaarrrghhh!

 

*: Gyah!? Wh-What have you done to me!? I, I'm... I'm so UGLY!!!

 

*: My master goes to the trouble of turning me into a suave young man, then you come along and ruin everything! You're going to pay for this!

 

The monster seems to be very angry... Engage it in battle?

 

*: All I wanted was to look nice so that Tania would be kind to me, and now you've gone and ruined everything!

 

*: Well, you've bitten off more than you can chew, mister. You're going to regret sticking your oar in!

Tania

Thank you ever so much, <pc>! Not only did you go and find the bodura grass, you also took care of the monster who was pretending to be my brother!

 

Tania

Tania

My big brother is plenty cool already—he doesn't need some silly city clothes to prove it!

Tania

Anyway, thanks again for stepping in to save the day. I'd like you to take this as a token of my appreciation.

Tania

Speaking of my brother, though, I am starting to wonder where he's got to. He should have come back by now...

Tania

Well, he'll be here soon enough, I'm sure. I'd better get on with festival preparations while I wait. See you again soon, I hope!

 

You can't leave until you've chosen a bride!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Ah! There you are, lad. I actually have another favour to ask you, if you don't mind...

Rodrigo Briscoletti

As you know, the man who is to be married will be returning soon, and he hasn't actually proposed to his bride-to-be yet.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

I'd hate for this important moment to go wrong, so I'd like to do everything I can to make sure we're properly prepared.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

As such, I was hoping to hold a little rehearsal, and I was wondering if you and your friends would be willing to help?

Rodrigo Briscoletti

...No? Ah, very well. It's a lot to ask, I suppose. I'm sorry for putting you on the spot.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

You would? Ah, grazie mille, my boy! I knew I could count on you!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

<pc>, you will play the part of the groom, capisce? Simply approach one of your friends and make your proposal!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

That's all there is to it! I'll reward you for your trouble, of course!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Now, shall we get started? <pc>, the floor is yours! Go ahead and select your blushing bride-to-be!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

...Ah, but I see that your friends are not with you at the moment.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

You can't practise proposing if there's no one to propose to, lad! Come back again with your friends in tow, per favore!

 

*: Grah hah hahhh! Yea, even the mightiest monster in Rendarak standeth not—Clank!—the slightest of chances against my pitiless blade!

 

*: ...But wait! What have we here? Dost thou desire to—Clank!—face me? Very well—thou seemest a worthy opponent. I will welcome the chance to display my matchless skills!

 

*: My lord and master did guide me here, whereupon I availed myself of the—Clank!—finest of knightly trappings: the thunderbolt blade, the Soul Sigil and the armour of none other than Erdrick himself!

 

*: And lo, in donning his fabled garb, I am become as mighty as he! None shall best me now!

 

*: Now, the time is upon us! I must unleash my newfound—Clank!—powers and aid my master in reducing this realm to naught but a shattered wasteland! Grah hah hah hah haaah!

 

With the fiend who filched them defeated, Erdrick's armour, the Soul Sigil and the thunderbolt blade begin to glow with a lustrous light.

 

You should go and tell the guard at the cave entrance that the restless armour is no more!

 

<pc> examines the ground at his feet...

 

It looks like someone has dug up something that once laid buried here.

Prince of Cannock

Well met, stranger! Allow me to introduce myself—I am the Prince of Cannock.

Prince of Cannock

Might I be so bold as to surmise that thou art none other than he whom I seek—the Prince of Midenhall?

Prince of Cannock

Aye, there is something noble indeed in thy bearing... Royal blood floweth in thy veins, of that there can be no doubt! Thou art he, I am certain of it!

Prince of Cannock

...Hm? Do mine ears deceive me? Thou art indeed a prince, but not of the kingdom of Midenhall? Thou hailest from a realm named Dundrasil?

Prince of Cannock

Then can it be that this is another false dawn, and I am no closer to succeeding in my quest to join forces with my royal peers...?

Prince of Cannock

How far have I come...? I can scarce recall... I have journeyed hither and yon on what has thus far been an utterly fruitless quest, guided by that eerie, disembodied voice...

Prince of Cannock

To think that it would lead me here, to this wretched, never-ending forest... Perhaps I am no adventurer after all... Aye, 'twere better that I had never left the safety of the castle...

 

The mark on <pc>'s hand is glowing!

 

Use the power of the Luminary to return the Prince of Cannock to his world?

Prince of Cannock

Th-This light...! Wh-What devilry is this...!? ...Waaaaaah!

 

The Prince is bathed in a blinding light, and transported back to Cannock Castle.

 

Now that his son has been returned safely to him, this might be a good time to go back and speak to the King.

Prince of Cannock

Well met, stranger! Allow me to introduce myself—I am the Prince of Cannock.

Prince of Cannock

Might I be so bold as to surmise that thou art none other than he whom I seek—the Prince of Midenhall?

Prince of Cannock

Aye, there is something noble indeed in thy bearing... Royal blood floweth in thy veins, of that there can be no doubt! Thou art he, I am certain of it!

Prince of Cannock

...Hm? Do mine ears deceive me? Thou art indeed a prince, but not of the kingdom of Midenhall? Thou hailest from a realm named Dundrasil?

Prince of Cannock

Then can it be that this is another false dawn, and I am no closer to succeeding in my quest to join forces with my royal peers...?

Prince of Cannock

How far have I come...? I can scarce recall... I have journeyed hither and yon on what has thus far been an utterly fruitless quest, guided by that eerie, disembodied voice...

Prince of Cannock

To think that it would lead me here, to this wretched, never-ending forest... Perhaps I am no adventurer after all... Aye, 'twere better that I had never left the safety of the castle...

 

The faint traces of the Luminary's power that <pc> still possesses seem to be responding to the desperation in the Prince's voice...

 

The mark on <pc>'s hand is glowing!

 

Use the power of the Luminary to return the Prince of Cannock to his world?

 

<pc> chooses not to use his power.

 

It seems the power of the Luminary has now vanished entirely...

Prince of Cannock

Th-This light...! Wh-What devilry is this...!? ...Waaaaaah!

 

The Prince is bathed in a blinding light, and transported back to Cannock Castle.

 

It seems the power of the Luminary has now vanished entirely.

 

Now that his son has been returned safely to him, this might be a good time to go back and speak to the King.

The Revivalist

Friend, you find yourself in the presence of the one, the only, the Revivalist! Hallllllellllllujah! I'm a seeker, friend, and right now, I'm seeking the Lyre of Ire so I can bring all the monsters into the fold!

The Revivalist

But wait—the holy spirit speaks to me... What's that it says? The soul I see before me has been sent by some troublemakers from Tenton to drive out my monstrous ministry? Devils! Sinners! Heathens!

The Revivalist

Our mission here is sacred, friend! We're under orders from a higher power, praise His name! Hallllllellllllujah!

The Revivalist

That's right, I've been chosen! But if you want to take on one marked for greatness by the Big Man Himself, be my guest! Beat me, and my flock and I will find us another corner to preach on!

The Revivalist

I, I lost... But... I was chosen...wasn't I?

The Revivalist

I thought if I only kept the faith, my flock would keep those sinners from Tenton being born again... Guess sometimes believing...ain't enough... Ngurgh...!

 

The Revivalist is no more! Head back to the Revival Room and speak to the spirit of the young man from Tenton!

 

*: Ah, there you are! Now, would I be right in thinking that you've managed to get hold of some Defuddle drops?

 

*: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But I know you can do it—and when you do, I'll be right here waiting for you.

 

*: Oh, how wonderful! You did it! You really did it!

 

*: Well, there's no time to lose! I need to find out if everyone really opposes my marriage, or if they were just cursed.

 

*: Everything was going so well and then you had to go and interfere, didn't you? If you use those drops, you'll undo the curse I wrought so lovingly!

 

*: I tried to play nice and get the townspeople to say a few nasty things so you'd call off the wedding—you'd have got over it—but now the gloves are off!

 

*: I don't care if I have to slaughter every last person here—I will not permit this wedding to take place! Never!

 

*: Urrrgh... B-But if this woman weds Ortega... Th-Then the hero will be born...

 

*: I, I could not allow that to happen... I d-did all I could... Ugh...

 

*: Can what that awful creature said really be true? It went to all that trouble to stop me getting married?

 

*: Gosh, this is awful! All those poor people really were cursed. I have to use those Defuddle drops right away!

 

The woman sprinkles Defuddle drops on all the cursed townspeople and brings them to their senses!

 

*: ...What's that? A monster put a curse on us?

 

*: That explains why we all suddenly had such strong opinions about Ortega's wedding!

 

*: It makes sense! I mean, there's no finer man alive than Ortega, and we were all thrilled about the wedding. It could only have been a monster's curse!

 

*: Oh, what a relief! I thought everyone hated my boy! Now we can have the wedding of the century!

 

*: Thank you so much for what you did! If it wasn't for you, Ortega and I might have been run out of town...or worse!

 

*: Here's a little something by way of thanks...

 

*: You know, there's something that monster said which has been really bothering me. He said that if we got married, the hero would be born.

 

*: Which means the monsters aren't just frightened of my Ortega, but of any children we might have too. If I'm going to protect my family, I'll need to toughen up.

 

Sancho gives everyone in the village a dose of cold medicine.

 

The villagers are soon feeling much better, and are strolling around with a spring in their step!

 

This looks like one of those curious books that can change the reader's personality.

 

<pc> acquires <LM_6>Guns 'n' Buns<LM_9><LM_LF>Wait for the right moment to put it to use!

Necrogondolier

See how the fallen of the Necrogond obey my every word! Yes, they have served me well—but little do they know that their reward will be unimaginable suffering! Yes, their torment is only beginning!

Necrogondolier

The time of his return is at hand! Fed by the flesh of the living and the despair of the wakened dead, my lord and master Baramos shall rise once more!

Necrogondolier

Wait... What is this? I sense a certain hostility emanating from you... Do you seriously mean to try and stop me?

Necrogondolier

Good. I thought for a moment that you might be foolish enough to take me on. Now be silent and prepare to witness a truly momentous occurrence!

Necrogondolier

Heh heh heh! This is a most amusing turn of events! It seems I shall have even more mortal flesh to offer up to my master!

Necrogondolier

...But wait! What is this!? Th-They are gone! My minions! Those who were to assist me in the rite! Th-This cannot be!

Necrogondolier

You! Are you responsible for this!? Do you really mean to prevent me from reviving my master?

Necrogondolier

Lying wretch! You expect me to believe that!? You have some nerve! I know you were responsible! It was you who slew my puppets!

Necrogondolier

...But I shall forgive you just this once. I have no time for this nonsense—I have a ceremony to attend to. Now, promise not to cause any more trouble.

Necrogondolier

I knew it! You have committed a heinous crime—not only have you interrupted the ceremony, but you have deprived me of the company of my puppets! Pathetic though they were, I liked having them around...

Necrogondolier

How...!? Wh-Who are you...!? How did you manage to defeat me...!?

Necrogondolier

Wh-What about my dreams...? My beautiful dreams...! Please, Master...! Take me...! I offer myself unto you that you might live again...! P-Please...M-Master...! Urrrgh!

King of Portoga

Iii, you have returned! And it seems you have had some success—the walking dead are no more, and the stench of evil has faded.

King of Portoga

I knew you could do it! I knew you could defeat whatever evil was plotting the resurrection of the fiend Baramos!

King of Portoga

Obrigado! Thank you! Now take this, por favor. Truly, you have earned it...

King of Portoga

Iii, but there is more! I found a mysterious word carved into the wall of the castle. I do not pretend to know what it means, but it may prove useful to you...

 

The King repeats the mysterious word to <pc>.

 

Baramos's Castle has been added to the list of locations you can travel to from the Altar of Salvation.

King of Portoga

You have saved us all. Baramos will not return, and the fallen of the Necrogond can rest in peace again.

King of Portoga

We will pay our respects to them for the sacrifice they made, and then we will return to our respective kingdoms. Know that we will never forget what you have done.

Baramos

When you interrupted the rite of resurrection, my underling the Necrogondolier was cast into the deepest despair. And it was that despair that fed me, that nourished me, that allowed me to return.

Baramos

And now the hero of Aliahan is no more, and the world is mine for the taking! There is none who can stand in my way!

Baramos

...Or do you have other ideas? Do you really mean to face me?

Baramos

As I thought. You are not foolish enough to throw your lives away for nothing. Now begone from here—next time I will not be so forgiving!

Baramos

You know, of course, that to stand against mighty Baramos is to throw away your life?

Baramos

Well, as you please. This is a decision you will regret. But not for long—I shall rend you asunder and devour your innards before you have even realised that you are dead!

Baramos

Nnngh... You... How...? Curse you...!

 

You defeated the Archfiend Baramos! Report back to the King of Portoga near the castle entrance!

King of Portoga

Iii, you have returned! And it seems you have had some success—I understand that you have defeated Baramos!

King of Portoga

I really thought that this was the end! But then you showed up! Truly, you are like a light in the darkness!

King of Portoga

Your valour can only be compared to that of the hero of Aliahan, and there is no higher praise than that! You have saved us all!

King of Portoga

Obrigado! Thank you! But really, there are no words to adequately express my gratitude. Take this, por favor. Truly, you have earned it...

King of Portoga

Now, I do not wish to alarm you, but I sense that this is not over. The fiend who called himself the Necrogondolier did not appear unbidden. No, he was sent by someone, of that I am certain.

King of Portoga

I fear that there may be other emissaries of evil abroad in the world. Por favor—continue on your journey, and do battle with these fiends wherever you find them!

 

There's no response. It's just a corpse.

King of the Necrogond

Urrrgh... That voice... I cannot give in to it... I cannot let it win...

King of the Necrogond

No, there is something more powerful than that voice... Something I cannot ignore... I speak of my people's pain... Their anguish at being treated as mere puppets...

King of the Necrogond

That vile creature who calls himself the Necrogondolier must be defeated! Only when he joins his master in oblivion can my people truly rest in peace!

 

A quiet voice can be heard as if carried on the air from a far-off place...

 

*: ...Thank you, friend.

 

There's no response. It's just a corpse.

 

There's no response. It's just a corpse.

 

There's no response. It's just a corpse.

 

*: Verily and yea, the great turtle doth intrigue and excite in equal measure! Lo, the power that emanateth from him is like unto that of the heavens!

 

*: ...Zounds! Who art thou? Wherefore hast thou ventured here? Intendest thou to trespass against us, and return the turtle to Tenton, its erstwhile home?

 

*: Praise be. This being so, I pray that thou wilt begone from here forthwith, that I might be spared the spectacle of thine over-earnest visage.

 

*: Verily, thou art dogged indeed to have pursued the creature so far. Thy devotion would be admirable, were it directed toward a more righteous end.

 

*: Alas, thou art plainly misguided in thy faith, and must needs be excommunicated like the heathen thou art!

 

*: Urrrgh... Wh-Wherefore...? We did faithfully kidnap the turtle...

 

*: The loss of the creature's aid would surely have starved that hateful hero of help, and all would have been...heavenly... HNGH!

 

The Galapagod is looking this way. His benign expression seems to be communicating His gratitude.

 

<pc> uses the Zoomstone to return to the village of Tenton.

 

The King serenades <pc> with a delightful ditty.

 

<pc> examines the statue of Pegasus...

 

There doesn't appear to be anything untoward about it. It's waiting patiently for its heart to be returned.

 

An eerie voice can be heard drifting on the air...

 

*: Wherefore comest thou here, fool? Knowest thou not that to vex the ruler of this realm of misery is a crime punishable by death? Have at thee!

 

With the knight aberrant defeated, the spirits of the townsfolk will be able to rest in peace once more.

 

Go and tell the man at the entrance to Damdara that his oppressor is no more!

 

*: Gwah hah hah! This Lyre of Ire is hard to beat! I can just keep drumming up new fans!

 

*: ...Eh!? Is that...a human? You've come to hear me play, right?

 

*: ...What are you banging on about!? You want me to give the Lyre back after all the trouble I went through to snare it!? Fat chance of that! This thing is great!

 

*: I'm a bit of a misfit among my bongo-banging brethren, you see. My rhythm's all over the place, and I can't sing for toffee. All I've ever wanted is an audience that appreciates something a bit different.

 

*: Now all I have to do is strum the Lyre, and a whole bunch of alternative music fans show up to kick it with me! I've never had so much fun!

 

*: So if you're going to try and make me give it back, I'm going to have to beat you black and blue! Drum roll please...

 

The monster who stole the Lyre of Ire is no more! Go and give the old man who asked you to get it back the good news!

 

It's dark and deathly silent up ahead. It doesn't seem like a good idea to go any further...

 

Something tells you it would be a bad idea to go any further...

 

There doesn't seem to be anything of interest down there.

 

The treasure chest is locked tight.

 

The treasure chest is locked tight. There must be something very precious inside.

 

*: Gyaaahhh... All I wanted was to look nice so that Tania would be kind to me...! Is that really so...bad...?

 

*: I promise I won't pull any stunts like this again... Can you forgive me...? Please...?

 

*: Come on! You've got a kind heart, I can tell by looking at you! Please, I'm begging you here—give me one more chance!

 

*: Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You really are a kind-hearted person, just like Tania!

 

*: Anyway, I think I've caused enough trouble in this village for one day. I'd better head back home. Thank you again for being so kind to me!

Veronica

<pc>! Where are you going!? The faerie said the monster was this way!

 

*: It's a good job everyone's woken up now. No one could have reached the Faerie Realm if us forest-dwellers were all fast asleep! Tee hee!

 

*: We faeries are ever so grateful for what you did. Thank you, from the bottom of our faerie hearts! Tee hee!

 

*: Do I espy a wand'rer come to visit? I bid thee welcome, friend. Now, unless mine eyes deceive me, thou art no callow youth, but rather a seasoned warrior.

 

*: Allow me to apprise thee of what hath befallen this place—'twas once the fair town of Damdara. Alas, 'tis now a monster-ravaged wasteland whose people have all fled.

 

*: Our woes began when marauding fiends laid waste to our beloved home. Now one among them is risen again—by what foul means I know not. I speak of that shadowy chevalier, the knight aberrant.

 

*: This wicked being now ruleth o'er the ruins of Damdara, and hath roused the departed from their slumber that he might tyrannise them. ...Yea, I myself am one such unfortunate soul.

 

*: I know not who thou art, friend, but I beseech thee—take up arms against the knight aberrant and return us to our rest! Prithee, banish the darkness that hath descended upon this place!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: I would not presume to grovel, wand'rer, but wilt thou perchance reconsider? None but a seasoned warrior such as thyself can bring this nightmare to an end, I fear...

 

*: Huzzah! Thou wilt accede to my request? Verily, the hero we have awaited hath come at last! Now—thine enemy, the knight aberrant, doth oft appear behind the armourer's in the south-east of the town.

 

*: Prithee, lay this foul fiend to rest, that our own unquiet souls may sleep in peace once more.

 

*: The knight aberrant—the foul fiend under whose yoke we slaveth—doth oft appear behind the armourer in the south-east of the town.

 

*: Prithee, lay the foul fiend to rest, that our own unquiet souls may sleep in peace once more.

 

*: Praise be! We are delivered from our plight! Verily, thou art the saviour we have so long awaited!

 

*: Prithee, accept this small token of my gratitude, trifling though it be.

 

*: Hadst thou not happened upon our humble town, mayhap we might never have been saved. Now though, thanks to thy timely intervention, we may sleep peacefully at last.

 

*: I am Galen, best among bards, whose praises once were sung in every corner of this fair land.

Galen

The town of Damdara, in whose ruins thou standest, was once a bustling and handsome settlement. But alas, no more...

Galen

Though when I close mine eyes, glad scenes of yesteryear do float before me as if they occurred only yesterday. Come friend, join me in my reverie...

 

*: The monstrous marauders didst fall upon our town as a lion doth its prey. Those who could not flee in time were slain without mercy.

 

*: Aye, 'tis true—all those thou wilt encounter here are long since dead. Yet all were rudely roused from their slumber, and now haunt the very place they once called home.

 

*: Awoken by the knight aberrant, that he might terrorise what remaineth of this place all the more. Truly, our fate is not one that I would wish upon my most bitter foe...

 

*: Hadst thou come sooner, thou wouldst have found all manner of fine items available to purchase. Alas, we have been forced to offer up all that we own to that wicked tyrant, the knight aberrant.

 

*: Fie upon him! Would it not have sufficed to rob us of our lives!? Wherefore must the fiend torment us even beyond the grave? Verily, fate is a cruel mistress indeed...

 

*: Our heartless new master brooketh no dissent. Were we to display the merest hint of resistance, we would doubtless be cruelly punished.

 

*: Yet we are safe for the nonce—the wicked creature is abroad. 'Pon his return, he will no doubt resume his favoured post behind Magog's shop o'er yonder...

 

*: In days of yore, these were the premises of a dear companion—Magog the armourer.

 

*: 'Tis reason to give thanks indeed that he and his kin did flee the town ere the monsters destroyed it.

 

*: Would that I had been so wise... Alas, I was cut down where I stood, and now have little choice but to serve as the vassal of our vile oppressor.

 

*: Lo, might this be our saviour who standeth before me? Might this be the one to smite the knight aberrant and free us from his cruel vassalage at last?

 

*: Our tormentor doth oft appear behind this place. Gird up thy loins, friend, and do thine utmost to end our suffering!

 

*: How long has it been since the town fell to the fiends and our servitude began? Verily, 'tis too painful to dwell upon it...

 

*: Yea, to lose one's life is a fate cruel enough in itself—to lose one's honour and bow to the will of monsters...this, truly, is a fate worse than death...

 

*: There is no rest for we unhappy souls... Trapped 'twixt life and death, we toil morning, noon and night... How I long for release... How I long to know peace at last...

 

*: Yet 'tis hopeless, it seems... Our cruel master hath sentenced us to ceaseless servitude...

 

*: A curious memory doth trouble my mind of late. I didst espy Magog as he buried a certain something 'neath the tree behind his shop. 'Twas on the very eve of the calamity that struck us.

 

*: Though what it might have been, I know not. And besides, 'twas long ago—whate'er it was has doubtless long since been disinterred or otherwise removed...

 

*: This place was once an inn. Alas, it was long since left to crumble. It paineth me to say it, but nary a bed remaineth where a weary traveller might lay his head.

 

*: Alack, 'tis a fate worse than death to see it so depleted! Though that particular fate hath long since befallen me...

 

*: Heed me, wanderer: the knight aberrant under whose tyranny we labour is known to appear without warning to the rear of the armourer's shop. Be sure to be on thy guard!

 

*: As to the matter of wherefore he might haunt such a place, this I know not. Could something precious perhaps have been lost to him there...?

Alena

Yoy! This heat is too much powerful! It makes everyone exhausted completely.

Alena

But I am incapable to abandon my quest regardless. And so, I create an adventurer's band with these fellows. I begin to consider that this was perhaps not an act of genius...

Alena

Yoy! This heat is too much powerful! It makes everyone exhausted completely.

Alena

But I am incapable to abandon my quest regardless. And so, I create an adventurer's band with these fellows. I begin to consider that this was perhaps not an act of genius...

Alena

...Hm? You ask did I see boy who is Prince of Cannock?

Alena

I indeed did. This boy recently came to me in search for royal relative.

Alena

He informed to me that he is Prince of this place Cannock, and enquire if I am from Moonbrooke. He appeared maximally disappointed when I answered in negative.

Alena

Then he make implication he will venture toward Whealbrook to continue investigations.

Alena

Upon pronouncing this, he immediately vanished! Like a spectre! I did not even attain an opportunity to say farewell!

Alena

...Hm? You ask did I see boy who is Prince of Cannock?

Alena

I indeed did. This boy recently came to me in search for royal relative.

Alena

He informed to me that he is Prince of this place Cannock, and enquire if I am from Moonbrooke. He appeared maximally disappointed when I answered in negative.

Alena

Then he make implication he will venture toward Whealbrook to continue investigations.

Alena

Upon pronouncing this, he immediately vanished! Like a spectre! I did not even attain an opportunity to say farewell!

Alena

You have bested hot monster? Many thank yous! With creature gone, collection of feverfew seed will be entirely facile!

Alena

But yoy, this place is now with great coldness! Brrr! If only I had been astute enough to pack stout woollen tights!

Alena

You have bested hot monster? Many thank yous! With creature gone, collection of feverfew seed will be entirely facile!

Alena

...Hm? You ask did I see boy who is Prince of Cannock?

Alena

I indeed did. This boy recently came to me in search for royal relative.

Alena

He informed to me that he is Prince of this place Cannock, and enquire if I am from Moonbrooke. He appeared maximally disappointed when I answered in negative.

Alena

Then he make implication he will venture toward Whealbrook to continue investigations.

Alena

Upon pronouncing this, he immediately vanished! Like a spectre! I did not even attain an opportunity to say farewell!

Alena

...Hm? You ask did I see boy who is Prince of Cannock?

Alena

I indeed did. This boy recently came to me in search for royal relative.

Alena

He informed to me that he is Prince of this place Cannock, and enquire if I am from Moonbrooke. He appeared maximally disappointed when I answered in negative.

Alena

Then he make implication he will venture toward Whealbrook to continue investigations.

Alena

Upon pronouncing this, he immediately vanished! Like a spectre! I did not even attain an opportunity to say farewell!

Alena

Due to your heroic victory over monster, I can now go to fetch feverfew seed. Thank you, friend!

Alena

My intention is to employ seed's powers to cure illness of Kiryl. I hope it is success. We cannot to continue adventures while he is unwell.

Alena

Incidentally, do you not deem this floor surpassingly bizarre? Wherever a person chooses to step upon its slipperiness, they are deposited to the same location...

Alena

Behold—floor is broken there. Aga! I do not have time for such hitherings and thitherings!

Alena

Due to your heroic victory over monster, I can now go to fetch feverfew seed. Thank you, friend!

Alena

My intention is to employ seed's powers to cure illness of Kiryl. I hope it is success. We cannot to continue adventures while he is unwell.

Alena

...Hm? You ask did I see boy who is Prince of Cannock?

Alena

I indeed did. This boy recently came to me in search for royal relative.

Alena

He informed to me that he is Prince of this place Cannock, and enquire if I am from Moonbrooke. He appeared maximally disappointed when I answered in negative.

 

*: Then he make implication he will venture toward Whealbrook to continue investigations.

Alena

Upon pronouncing this, he immediately vanished! Like a spectre! I did not even attain an opportunity to say farewell!

 

*: Haa... Gosh, it's hot in here...

 

*: We agreed to help—Phew!—to help the Tsarevna find it, so we went all the way into the deepest part of the cave with her, but there was some...horrible, fiery monster there!

 

*: Thanks to that ungodly creature, the ice has all started to melt now... Haa... And it's...flipping boiling instead!

 

*: We tried to take the thing on, but... (pant) Well, it was such excruciatingly sweaty work that we had to give up and run away...

 

*: Trouble is, feverfew seeds are—Phew!—notoriously sensitive to the heat... If we can't get it soon, it'll... Haa... It'll be ruined... Someone has to get rid of that monster!

 

*: (pant) Look, sorry to ask, but we're too hot and bothered to go ourselves... Could you... (gasp) Could you clobber that thing and get the seed for us?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Too busy, eh...? (gasp) Suppose we'll have to just try and—Phew!—muddle through ourselves, then... Urrrgh, the thought of...going in there again...

 

*: You're a...lifesaver! It's down in the deepest part of the cave! (puff) I've got a fantastic reward for you if you can...wallop it without getting frazzled...

 

*: Oh, and if you spot the...feverfew seed while you're down there... (pant) Leave it be, won't you?

 

*: Tsarevna Alena came all this way to fetch it so she could...help her friend Kiryl... (puff)

 

*: She'd be ever so—Phew!—disappointed if she didn't get to...find it for herself...

 

*: Feverfew seeds are...liable to go bad in the heat... We can't leave the thing—Phew!—down here much longer...

 

*: But we can't go and get it until that monster's gone, either... (pant) You'll get rid of the horrible thing, won't you? (puff) There's a fantastic reward in it for...if you do...

 

*: Oh, and if you spot the...feverfew seed while you're down there... (pant) Leave it be, won't you?

 

*: Tsarevna Alena came all this way to fetch it so she could...help her friend Kiryl... (puff)

 

*: She'd be ever so—Phew!—disappointed if she didn't get to...find it for herself...

 

*: (shiver) Th-Th-Thank you, friend... The m-m-monster's been beaten, and the cave is cold once more... (shudder)

 

*: Oh, I g-g-got you this by way of thanks...

 

*: N-N-Now we can—Brrr!—grab that feverfew seed and g-g-go and help Tsarevna Alena's f-friend! Thanks so much!

 

*: B-B-But this cold is r-really something else... (shiver) I s-s-suppose it's better than that heat, though. B-B-Better for the seed, at least...

 

*: Anyway, we're off into the depths of the c-c-cave. (shudder) Y-Y-You get on and enjoy your own adventure, won't you?

 

*: Oh, hello again. This slippery floor is proving to be a right old bother. We just can't seem to get anywhere!

 

*: If I'd known this feverfew seed was going to be such a pain to get hold of, I would have thought twice about coming!

 

*: But you don't need to concern yourself with our woes—you've probably got far more important things to be getting on with.

 

*: We're on a journey to prevent the Lord of the Underworld from destroying the world.

 

*: But I have to say...I don't care how much of a hero you are, this heat is absolutely unbearable! I'm sweating so much, I can't take another step!

 

*: We're on a j-j-journey to p-prevent the Lord of the Underworld from d-d-destroying the world. (shiver)

 

*: B-B-But h-h-how are we supposed to do that when it's—Brrr!—freezing c-c-cold!? I n-n-never thought I'd miss the heat, b-but anything's better than this! (shudder)

 

*: We're on a j-j-journey to p-prevent the Lord of the Underworld from d-d-destroying the world. (shiver)

 

*: It's so c-c-cold, I feel like my b-b-bones and b-b-brain are b-b-both turning to ice...

 

*: I heard this cave was freezing cold, so I wore thermal underwear and a fur coat. Talk about a massive mistake!

 

*: How is Tsarevna Alena not falling over with heat exhaustion? These royal types really are another breed!

 

*: (shudder) It's s-s-so c-c-cold... My f-f-fur underwear is f-f-frozen solid! It's all the s-s-sweat from when it was h-h-hot!

 

*: H-H-How does Tsarevna Alena m-m-manage not to let it b-b-bother her? Th-Th-These royal types really are another b-b-breed!

 

*: C-C-Can't Tsarevna Alena see we k-k-keep making the s-s-same mistake? (shiver) If we c-c-carry on like this, we'll just k-k-keep ending up b-back here!

 

*: W-We'll never find the f-f-feverfew seed at this rate! (shudder)

 

*: .........

 

The King looks as if he has something he wishes to say.

 

*: 'Tis wondrous indeed to be master of my voice once more! I am able to serenade my beloved subjects in honeyed tones, and to discuss a matter of great import with the hero of our realm. And all is thanks to thee!

 

*: Speaking of my heavens-given gift for song, wouldst thou have me sing once more the magnificent ditty I would fain regale our hero with at his coronation?

 

*: ...Very well. If ever thou art desirous of a repeat performance, thou knowest where to find me.

 

The King serenades <pc> with a delightful ditty.

 

*: ...Lo, my voice hath never before sounded so sweet, and ne'er have I sung a song with such conviction! Verily, thou art blessed indeed to have chosen this moment to visit Alefgard!

 

*: I pray that my song shalt live forever in thy heart, and bring fond memories of thy time here in Alefgard!

 

*: Wherefore doth my father suffer so? Verily, it defieth all sense and reason!

 

*: Greetings to you, wand'rer. I am Gwaelin, Princess of Tantegel. Prithee, lend me thine ears, that I might impart to thee my sorry tale.

Princess Gwaelin

Some days ago, a fiend calling himself the End of Time did appear before my noble father, and did place upon him a curse that hath rendered him unable to utter a word.

Princess Gwaelin

Tis a calamity indeed, for there is a matter of great import upon the subject of which he did wish to consult with the hero of our land. But how can he do so when he hath been struck so cruelly dumb?

Princess Gwaelin

I have done all that is within my power to cure him, but alas, no tincture, tonic or balm hath had the slightest effect.

Princess Gwaelin

But one faint hope remaineth to us—a sweet syrup known as spectrum nectar. A single spoonful is said to bring honeyed words gushing forth like unto a brook after the summer rains.

Princess Gwaelin

Alas, 'tis not a concoction the humble peasant or idle miller might mix up in a trice. Nay, it hath been said since ancient times that only one who bringeth peace upon his world might lay his hands upon't.

Princess Gwaelin

Tis a weighty request indeed, but perhaps one day thou might bring peace to this world or another. Should such a happy marvel come to pass, the sacred nectar might then be thine.

Princess Gwaelin

What say'st thou? Wilt thou aid us in our hour of need? Wilt thou bring me the spectrum nectar, that I might ease my dear father's suffering?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

Princess Gwaelin

Th-Thou wilt not...? Hmph! (pout)

Princess Gwaelin

Thou wilt? Oh, joy! Tee hee! (simper)

Princess Gwaelin

Would that I might offer more guidance. Alas, all I know is that only one such as thee, able to travel at will 'twixt thine own world and this, standeth a chance of finding that which I seek.

Princess Gwaelin

I beg of thee! Shouldst thou lay thy hands upon the fabled nectar, prithee bring it unto me without delay!

Princess Gwaelin

Spectrum nectar is not a thing the humble peasant or idle miller might mix up in a trice. Nay, it hath been said since ancient times that only one who bringeth peace upon his world might lay his hands upon't.

Princess Gwaelin

Tis a weighty request indeed, but perhaps one day thou might bring peace to this world or another. Should such a happy marvel come to pass, the sacred nectar might then be thine.

Princess Gwaelin

I beg of thee! Shouldst thou lay thy hands upon the fabled nectar, prithee bring it unto me without delay!

Princess Gwaelin

I am given to understand that thou hast journeyed here to fair Alefgard from a place known as...Erdrea, yes?

Princess Gwaelin

We are honoured indeed that you would choose to visit our humble kingdom. Thy noble presence honoureth us greatly.

 

*: Well-met, wand'rer. I bid thee welcome to Tantegel, the town at the very heart of fair Alefgard.

 

*: Alas, it paineth me to relate that thy visit is ill-timed. His Majesty is in no condition to receive guests.

 

*: I bid thee welcome to Tantegel, the town at the very heart of Alefgard. The noble souls thou seest before thee are none other than our beloved king and his fair daughter, the Princess Gwaelin.

 

*: Verily, 'tis marvellous indeed to see the Princess restored to her rightful place. She hath of late been rescued by a mighty hero from the clutches of the foul tyrant known as the Dragonlord.

 

*: The blood of the mighty Erdrick floweth through the veins of our greatest hero. He hath departed on a quest to topple the Dragonlord and restore light to our benighted land.

 

*: Once the hero of our land hath succeeded in his quest, there is a matter of great import our monarch would discuss with him. We are grateful to thee for all thou hast done to return His Majesty's voice.

 

*: To witness our beloved monarch in such a parlous state doth rend my very heart in twain! What manner of foulness lieth behind this? Fie upon't! Is nothing to be done?

 

*: I fear that if the King should remain in his current sorry state, he will be unable to discuss a certain matter of great import with the hero of our land...

 

*: And if our hero ventureth forth without any and all such aid as might be imparted unto him, heaven alone knoweth what might befall him. Oh, how the Princess would wail were he to come to harm!

 

*: 'Tis a mystery as yet unresolved—who was that creature that called himself the End of Time?

 

*: Verily, it took some pluck to walk into this castle and place a curse upon a king as mighty as our own. I only pray that we have seen the last of the fiend...

 

*: No sooner was Princess Gwaelin returned to us than this tragedy did befall the King. Truly, fate doth give with one hand and take with the other...

 

*: How long is it since last we heard the King's bold and vigorous voice resounding throughout the throne room?

 

*: Verily, it must be agony for him to suffer so! I beseech thee—do all that is in thy power to aid the Princess and help put this terrible misfortune behind us!

 

*: Ne'er again shall we allow anyone to curse our king! We shall redouble our efforts, and crush all who would do this kingdom harm!

 

*: How it pained my heart to see the Princess in such distress... By my troth, we will not suffer anyone to threaten what she holdeth most dear again.

 

*: Prithee, hear my tale, wand'rer. Thou hast wended thy way to the one-time dwelling place of the legendary bard Galen, from whom our town taketh its name.

 

*: Alas, thou hast arrived at an unhappy juncture. A foul monster hath had the effrontery to violate the tomb of our most famous son, and hath purloined his most precious possession—the Lyre of Ire.

 

*: Know that this storied instrument is no mere dusty relic. Nay, 'tis a powerful artefact indeed, and can cause monsters to flock toward whomsoever giveth its fabled strings the merest brush.

 

*: The thief knew this only too well, and did strum upon it until this peaceful place was overrun with hideous beasts, and the townsfolk had all fled in fear of their lives.

 

*: 'Tis surely the end for Galenholm. ...That is, unless a hero can be convinced to seek out and vanquish the fiend that dared deprive us of our most hallowed of treasures. ...Couldst thou be that hero?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: 'Twas perhaps too much to hope that our saviour had arrived... (sigh) Then all that remains is to await the end...

 

*: Truly? Thou art gallant indeed! The culprit skulketh yet somewhere in the town. Prithee, flush the rogue out and smite them with all thy might!

 

*: Oh, and keep thy wits about thee, friend—'tis oft the case that the path thou seekest lieth veiled in darkness. Verily, the shadows can yield many a surprise.

 

*: ...And many a monster also. 'Tis certain that without a good deal of care, thou wilt surely perish at the hands of the creatures that prowl the town. May the spirits watch o'er thee.

 

*: The fiend that did purloin the hallowed Lyre of Ire doth skulk yet somewhere in the town.

 

*: Keep thy wits about thee, friend—'tis oft the case that the path thou seekest lieth veiled in darkness. Verily, the shadows can yield many a surprise.

 

*: ...And many a monster also. 'Tis certain that without a good deal of care, thou wilt surely perish at the hands of the creatures that prowl the town. May the spirits watch o'er thee.

 

*: Lo, the wand'rer returneth! And it seemeth that thou hast recovered our beloved Lyre. Prithee, hand it to me.

 

*: Come now—'tis sacred to the people of our town. Why, the very Galen himself—the bard of legend—once strummed its hallowed strings! Now, toy with me no longer. Wilt thou relinquish it or nay?

 

*: Praise be! The Lyre is returned to us, and the townspeople who fled can return home once more! Words alone cannot adequately express my gratitude—but perhaps this can!

 

*: It must now be laid to rest again beside he who once eked such sweet music from its strings.

 

*: Yea, 'tis thanks to thee that those of generations yet to come might seek out our greatest treasure should e'er the need arise. Posterity will thank thee, friend.

 

*: Yea, 'tis thanks to thee that those of generations yet to come might seek out our greatest treasure should e'er the need arise. Posterity will thank thee, friend. And this town thanks thee also.

 

*: It hath been laid to rest again beside he who once eked such sweet music from its strings.

 

*: And for now, it shall remain undisturbed. Though I believe the day will come when a hero will appear to lay claim to it—or attempt to, at any rate! Ho ho ho!

 

*: Verily, I have never met a man I felt truly worthy of my trust—but I sense that thou hast something noble in thy soul that differeth from the ugliness that aboundeth in the rogues I have hitherto encountered.

 

*: 'Tis a lot to ask, but shouldst thou take a liking to our humble town, perhaps thou might make thy home here?

 

*: 'Tis my sacred duty to stand guard here and ensure that the tomb of our greatest bard is ne'er again sullied by foul fiends.

 

*: ...Which is to say that I am far too busy for idle chatter. Shouldst thou wish to prattle, prithee trouble my colleague and leave me in peace.

 

*: Ne'er again shalt monsters be suffered to run riot in the town. I have sworn to do all that I can to defend kith and kin!

 

*: ...Which is to say that I am far too busy for idle chatter. Shouldst thou wish to prattle, prithee trouble my colleague and leave me in peace.

 

*: 'Twas many years ago now that I didst make my way southward to the fair town of Damdara. Verily, I was in the first bloom of youth, and all was right with the world!

 

*: Canst thou truly be the saviour of Galenholm? Was it one such as thee that did battle with the fiend who dared steal our most precious treasure?

 

*: Thou art truly a hero! Were it not for thy gallantry, I would surely have lost not only my livelihood, but my very life!

 

*: 'Tis said that the armour once worn by mighty Erdrick can be found in a certain town somewhere. Alas, I know not which one. How I long to see it with mine own eyes!

 

*: When we fled the invasion of the fiends, I feared that I might ne'er again set eyes upon my beloved home. Yet here I am... Thou hast made an old man very happy.

 

*: 'Twas more than I could bear to see this town, founded by that most celebrated of bards, ransacked by pitiless marauders.

 

*: I had feared our beloved home lost, and with it the memory of Galen. Now, thanks to thee, I am able to dedicate what time remaineth to me to ensuring that our illustrious forebear is not forgotten.

 

*: Good morrow, noble wand'rer and saviour of our town! I bid thee welcome to my humble establishment!

 

*: Seekest thou perhaps new weapons or armour? Prithee, grant me such time as it might take to ascertain whether my stock has been ruthlessly plundered by the foul fiends that descended upon us...

 

*: Forgive me, but I have yet to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the fiends that overran the town. For the nonce, it paineth me to say that my humble establishment must needs remain closed.

 

*: I bid thee welcome to Galenholm, one-time dwelling place of the legendary bard!

 

*: ...Ah, what a joy it is to utter that greeting once more! I had feared I might never again be granted the opportunity!

 

*: I have heard tell that the greatest hero of our realm hath lately sallied forth from the great castle of Tantegel.

 

*: Might he pay our humble town a visit, perhaps? My heart soareth at the very thought of our being graced by his presence!

 

*: Lo, a true warrior standeth before me! How do I know this to be true, thou criest? Why, a proud soldier of Midenhall can tell a fellow fighter when he sees one!

 

*: 'Tis fortuitous indeed, for I seek just such a one as thee! Wherefore, thou say'st? Why, a foul and ferocious monster hath laid claim to the treasures of the cave wherein we stand!

 

*: Aye, three great treasures indeed: the Soul Sigil, Erdrick's armour and the mighty thunderbolt blade. He hath girded himself all about with them, and doth parade these corridors most arrogantly!

 

*: The larcenous fiend must be relieved of them forthwith, lest his Majesty the Prince of Midenhall arrive to claim them, and find himself and his companions deprived of their aid!

 

*: I beg of thee—do all that is in thy power to vanquish this impertinent knave and return the three treasures to their rightful resting place!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Alas and alack, what am I to do? A proud soldier of Midenhall I may be, but I lack the fortitude to face the creature alone... Oh, woe...!

 

*: Huzzah! It seemeth my estimation of thee was not in error! Thou art a courageous warrior, stout and true! Now go—seek out the fiend, triumph o'er it in battle and recover the trio of treasures!

 

*: Thine enemy doth parade these corridors most brazenly. I have no doubt that if thou venturest further inward, thou wilt corner thy prey soon enough!

 

*: Brave warrior, thou must needs venture further into this cave, smite the fiend that dares don Erdrick's armour and recover the trio of treasures!

 

*: Thine enemy doth parade these corridors most brazenly. I have no doubt that if thou girdest up thy loins and venture further inward, thou wilt corner thy prey soon enough!

 

*: Lo, thou art returned! And from the glistering glint that adorneth thine eye, I surmise that thou hast succeeded in thy quest, vanquished thy foe and recovered the items stolen by the fiend!

 

*: With these treasures to aid him, the Prince of Midenhall and his companions will be able to take on foul Hargon when finally the day arriveth! Thou hast done this realm a great service! If it please thee...

 

*: Henceforth, I shall steadfastly stand guard, and ensure that no other miscreant dares lay their hands upon them until such time as they are needed!

 

*: Hmm... 'Tis not my place to say this, perhaps, but thou art possessed of a certain...nobility that doth bring to mind the Prince himself... Intriguing...

 

*: Thanks to thy labours, the Prince of Midenhall and his companions shall be able to continue upon their quest when the time arriveth. Thou hast done this realm a great service.

 

*: Hmm... 'Tis not my place to say this, perhaps, but thou art possessed of a certain...nobility that doth bring to mind the Prince himself... Intriguing...

 

*: Thou wond'rest who I am, perhaps? In truth, I am princess of the realm in which thou standest—fair Moonbrooke.

 

*: Alas, 'tis a realm much diminished. An evil wretch named Hargon, a priest in the service of pure wickedness, did burn my home the castle to the ground, and curse me to take the form of a dog.

 

*: I found myself banished here to Moonahan, where I did spend many a miserable day whimpering and whining at my sorry fate.

 

*: And then, wherefore I know not, the curse upon me was lifted, and the people of the town took on canine form in my stead.

 

*: Yet there may be a solution—I once heard tell of a spell from the time of mighty Erdrick. Sheen was its name, and it was said to be capable of lifting any curse.

 

*: From what I have gathered, 'tis an incantation beyond my meagre magical means, but were I to acquire the enchanted elixir known as magic water, I might perhaps eke out a single casting.

 

*: This being so, I would humbly beg of you—bring me a draught of that ensorcelled liquid, that I might lift the curse that afflicteth the poor people of this town.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: ...Do not apologise. The fault is mine—these are not matters wherewith to importune a stranger.

 

*: But in truth, I have nowhere else to turn. Shouldst thou ever change thy mind, thou knowest where to find me.

 

*: Thank you, kind stranger! Now, as to the precise nature of magic water, I know little save its name, mentioned in passing as it was in an ancient grimoire.

 

*: But thou seemest a capable sort—I have little doubt that thou art more than equipped to find that which I require. Prithee, seek it out and bring it to me, that I might right this terrible wrong.

 

*: To attempt the incantation known as Sheen, I shall need an enchanted draught known as magic water. Alas, I have never seen it with mine own eyes, but have merely read of it in an ancient grimoire.

 

*: But thou seemest a capable sort—I have little doubt that thou art more than equipped to find that which I require. Prithee, seek it out and bring it to me, that I might right this terrible wrong.

 

*: But thou seemest a capable sort—I have little doubt that thou art more than equipped to find that which I require. Prithee, seek it out and bring it to me, that I might right this terrible wrong.

 

Give the magic water to the Princess of Moonbrooke?

 

*: I fear that it may be no easy matter to find magic water, but I will not give up hope. I must cure those afflicted by this terrible curse. I cannot stand idly by.

 

*: I have little doubt that thou art more than equipped to find that which I require. Prithee, seek it out and bring it to me, that I might right this terrible wrong.

 

*: Lo, how beautiful it is! 'Tis almost a shame to use it, though use it I must...

 

*: ...What say'st thou!? Obtaining this wondrous liquid in thy world is a mere trifle!? Just what manner of place is it that thou callest home!?

 

*: Nay, we must speak of such things another time—the townspeople can be suffered to wait no longer for the lifting of the curse that ails them.

 

*: My magical powers are meagre, but with this enchanted elixir at my disposal, they may just suffice.

 

*: For all that thou hast done for me, rest assured that thou hast my undying gratitude. Now, let us pray that our efforts have not been in vain...

 

The Princess of Moonbrooke uses the magic water, and succeeds in casting Sheen!

 

A magical aura gathers around her before spreading throughout the entire town.

 

*: Fie upon't! My powers alone will not suffice to banish this pernicious curse!

 

*: Nay, I must needs take its wicked magics upon mine own self once again... But if that is what it will take to deliver the people of Moonahan from its clutches...

 

*: Ruff! Ruff!

 

*: (yap yap)

 

*: Woof! Woof woof!

 

*: (pant pant)

 

*: Awooo!

 

*: Ruff! Ruff ruff ruff!

 

*: (sniff sniff) Hmnnn...

 

*: Grrr...

 

*: (sniff) Hmnnn... Hmnnn...

 

The dog is looking at <pc> intently. It appears to be holding something in its mouth.

 

*: (sniff sniff)

 

*: What a dream I had! Wherefore I know not, but I had become a mangy mongrel!

 

*: I swept this entire church only yesterday, and now it is bedecked with a veritable carpet of dog hair! What manner of ruffian would allow such a creature into this sacred place?

 

*: 'Twas some years ago now, but I was once in the employ of the King of Midenhall. Aye, I worked as a humble maid up at the castle.

 

*: Forgive me for sharing this with thee unbidden, but verily, there is something in thy mien—something that recalleth the prince of that place.

 

*: Prithee, stranger—wilt thou hear my sorry tale?

 

*: I feared that I had mislaid my precious tombola ticket, only to find that it had been cast rudely into a hole someone had dug in the mud! What manner of cur would do such a thing!?

 

*: I bid thee a warm welcome to Moonahan, friend! Ours is a town where none remain strangers for long!

 

*: But...we are not strangers... We have met before, have we not...? But where...? Forgive me—'tis naught. A dream perhaps. Ahem...

 

*: When I find the wretch who let their filthy hound roam my shop untrammelled, I shall give them a piece of my mind and a mighty clip about the ear!

 

*: I may wear a soldier's garb, but I am naught but a wretched coward. I confess—when disaster befell the castle, I did not stand and fight. Nay, I turned and fled for my miserable life.

 

*: I dread to think what might now have become of the place... Oh, forgive me, Princess! Forgive me!

 

*: Hark! Canst thou hear a dog's faint howl floating 'pon the breeze? Is there not something curiously noble about its timbre? Noble, yet...suffused with sadness?

 

*: Ooh-ooh-ooh... I've been going ape trying to decide what vocation to try out, but I think I've finally decided—I'm going to be a lovely young lady!

 

*: ...Ooh-ooh? What are you doing monkeying around here!? ...What's that? That Briscoletti ape sent you after me?

 

*: Ooh-ooh-ooh! Struggling with that curse I placed on them, are they? Ha! Well, I don't give a monkey's! They should try being sealed away for centuries like I was!

 

*: Now that I'm finally out, I'm going to go bananas! I have to make the most of every moment, and no one's going to stop me! Are you sure you want to get in my way?

 

*: Well I'll be a monkey's uncle! Who'd have thought you were all talk and no action. Ooh-ooh-ooh! Well, clear off, then—I've got a new life to be getting on with!

 

*: Ooh-ooh-ooh! Well, if that's how you want it, that's how you'll get it! Time for some gorilla warfare!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Ciao, lad. You're <pc>, aren't you? I'm Rodrigo Briscoletti, the owner of this house. I don't suppose you could spare me a minute, could you?

Rodrigo Briscoletti

The thing is, you see, there's a big wedding meant to be taking place in town tomorrow. We're all busy preparing for it.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

The groom's gone off to get official permission to wed—the plan is to get everything ready before he gets back.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

But now some awful monster's appeared and put a curse on everyone in my household so they look just like me! No one's going to want to celebrate until this is sorted out!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

I have a theory as to why this might have happened. You see, my grande-grande-grande...grande grandfather Rodolfo was famous for sending troublesome monsters away where they couldn't hurt people.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

I think one of them must have managed to break free, and has come back to wreak havoc on the descendants of the man who imprisoned them.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Per favore, lad! You must find this creature and defeat it! Otherwise the groom-to-be will end up marrying someone with my ugly mug!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Not interested? Hmph. You may have the same glint in your eye as our young hero, but you clearly don't have the same generosity of heart.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Grazie mille, lad! You have the heart of a true hero!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

...Which is lucky, because I don't think defeating this monster will be easy. For one thing, it ran away as soon as it had finished cursing us. I haven't the foggiest where it went.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Someone did say they heard it muttering to itself, though. Perhaps it unwittingly let slip a word or two about its intentions?

Rodrigo Briscoletti

I can't remember who it was now, but it won't take long for a resourceful lad like you to interrogate everyone in the house and find out, I'm sure!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

And don't worry—once you've learnt the monster's whereabouts, I'll be along to help you with the fighting. Can't leave all the hard work to the young ragazzi, eh? Ha ha ha haaa!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

We were all busy with the wedding preparations when a monster came along and placed a curse on everyone in the household before scurrying off!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

I've no idea where it might have gone, but I remember someone saying that they heard it muttering to itself. Maybe it unwittingly let slip a clue or two...

Rodrigo Briscoletti

I can't remember who it was, but if you talk to everyone, you'll get the information you need to track the creature down soon enough, I'm sure.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

And don't worry—once you've established its whereabouts, I'll be along to help you with the fighting. Can't leave all the hard work to the young ragazzi, eh! Ha ha ha hah!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Ha ha ha haaa! Fine work, lad! You beat the beast before I even had the chance to join you!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Now we can proceed with the final preparations for tomorrow's wedding! Grazie mille, <pc>!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

The wedding we are preparing for is no ordinary one—it's not every day that the Zenithian Shield finds itself with a new owner, after all.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

I would be delighted if you could join us, of course, but I know you have your own adventure to be getting on with. Good luck, lad! Buon viaggio!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Hot panini! You have feelings for me, lad!? I, I like you too, but... No! No, no! That's not an option. You will reconsider.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Then it's settled! I admire a man who has the courage to be decisive!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Oh, as a reward for all your help, I will allow you to open one of the treasure chests behind me and take whatever you find inside!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Do let me know if you have time to help us with another rehearsal, won't you? Goodness knows, we could all do with the practice!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

You've been an enormous help, lad! Thanks to you, I'll be able to face the big event without worrying about fluffing my lines!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Ciao, <pc>! Come to help out with the rehearsals again, have you?

Rodrigo Briscoletti

No? I suppose you must be busy. Well, let me know if you change your mind. We could all do with the practice.

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Great! Then let's get started, presto!

Rodrigo Briscoletti

Grazie mille for all your help, lad. Let me know if you want to help us with another rehearsal!

 

Honestly, you've really been a huge help. Now everyone knows what they're doing, there should be no nerves on the big day!

Bianca

I'm back to me old self at last, and it's all thanks to you! I'm well grateful, I am!

 

Bianca

Bianca

We used to go huntin' ghosts and that back when we were little. Ahh, I en't been on an adventure like that in yonks. Great days...

Bianca

This is fun, en't it? Ha ha! I can't wait to see who you end up pickin'!

Bianca

There's someone out there for you too, <pc>. When you find 'em, make sure you take good care of 'em, alright?

Bianca

Now, I wonder where he's got to...

Bianca

...What's that? Who am I lookin' for? Oh, an old pal—a great sabrecat, to be precise. Me and my best friend have known him since he was a cub, but I lost him on the way here.

Bianca

Not that I'm worried—my mate who trained him's practically a professional monster-wrangler! Still, if you see the dear old kitty-cat on your travels, let me know, won't you?

Bianca

There's someone out there for you too, <pc>. When you find 'em, make sure you take good care of 'em, alright?

Bianca

Now, I wonder where he's got to...

Bianca

...What's that? Who am I lookin' for? Oh, an old pal—a great sabrecat, to be precise. Me and my best friend have known him since he was a cub, but I lost him on the way here.

Bianca

Not that I'm worried—my mate who trained him's practically a professional monster-wrangler! Still, can't help wond'rin' if he's okay. I don't s'pose you've seen any sabrecats on your travels, have you?

Bianca

Yeah, it was a bit of a long shot. S'pose I'll have to just wait for him to turn up...

Bianca

What's that!? You saw a great sabrecat on the rampage at Chateau Felix!?

Bianca

That doesn't really sound like him... Mind you, he did go a bit feral after he was separated from my mate for a while...

Bianca

He even attacked him when he found him again, the blimmin' rotter! It was only the scent of me ribbon that brought him back to his senses!

Bianca

Hey, I know! Maybe the same trick'll work again! Let this sabrecat you've found have a look—and a sniff—at this ribbon. If it's him, he'll be all calm again in no time!

 

<pc> receives Bianca's ribbon!

Bianca

There you go! I'd go with you myself, but I en't allowed to leave at the mo—wedding preparations, you know...

 

*: Anyway, go and show it to that great sabrecat at Chateau Felix!

Bianca

Hey, have you heard? Our friend the sabrecat came back! You showed him that ribbon like I asked you to, then?

Bianca

Ha ha! I knew that'd work! Aww, it's so nice to see him again! Thanks, <pc>! I owe you one!

Bianca

You didn't? S'pose he must've managed to find me all by himself, then! What a clever kitty!

Nera

Oh, thank goodness! I was beginning to worry that I might have to resign myself to looking like Papa forever!

 

Now all we have to do is wait for a certain someone to come back and make his proposal... I must admit, I'm a little nervous...

Nera

Now that the rehearsals are over, it's nearly time for the main event. I'm feeling rather nervous, I must admit...

Nera

Thank you for all your help. You've been ever so kind. I wish you all the very best on your travels!

Debora

Hm? Oh! Yes, of course. You're the one who took care of the monster who put that awful curse on us, aren't you?

Debora

Good work. I'm sure Papa'd be happy to put you on the staff if you're ever in need of employment.

Debora

I might even let you be my personal servant if you're lucky. I doubt you'll ever be my favourite, but still, second place isn't bad.

Debora

Oh, hurry up, will you! I hate waiting! Just pick someone and let's get this over with!

Debora

...Speaking of keeping people waiting, where IS that useless boy!? I'll have to have a word with him when he finally shows his face!

 

*: Thank you very much for getting rid of that curse. I was starting to wonder what I'd do if I had to look like that forever.

 

*: I mean, you couldn't have Mr Briscoletti waiting on Mr Briscoletti, could you? That'd just be confusing!

 

*: Come along now, I'm too old for that kind of teasing!

 

*: Thank you very much for getting rid of that curse. I was starting to wonder what I'd do if I had to look like that forever...

 

*: I mean, you couldn't have Mr Briscoletti waiting on Mr Briscoletti, could you? That'd just be confusing!

 

*: I was supposed to head straight home after I'd finished helping get things ready for the wedding, but I can't go back to the village looking like this!

 

*: I dread to think how Dad'd react if he saw me like this. His health en't great as it is...

 

*: Oh dear... Now that everyone looks just like Papa, it's awfully difficult to work out who's who.

 

*: I think the real Papa is over there... Or perhaps he's that one there...? Oh, I just don't know any more!

 

*: I love Papa very much, of course, but not quite enough to want to look like him. Especially with this wedding coming up...

 

*: How long is this going to go on for!? I don't want to look like an ugly old man! I want to be myself again!

 

*: This is just the worst. Of all the people to turn into, I had to turn into Papa! Now none of my clothes fit or anything!

 

*: I'm not quite sure what's happened to me...

 

*: I heard that monster muttering something to itself as it scarpered.

 

*: Something about reinventing itself, heading to some abbey or other to start a new life...

 

*: It didn't make much sense to me, but then monsters never do. You're going after the horrible creature, aren't you? Well, be careful.

 

*: Lo, is this a courageous adventurer I see before me? Well met, wand'rer! I know not whom thou art, but there is a boon I would ask of thee.

 

*: Some days since, mine own beloved son, the Crown Prince, did vow to vanquish the High Priest Hargon, and so saying, did set out in search of the Prince of Midenhall, that they might join forces in this quest.

 

*: But he did not depart on foot—nay, it seemeth that the boy did vanish into thin air, like unto a puff of smoke! None have since seen hide nor hair of him.

 

*: A father cannot help but fret. Prithee—wilt thou seek him out and bring him to me, that I might know he is well ere he ventureth forth once more?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: You would refuse a request from a king? So be it. Then it seemeth I have little choice but to sit and pray that the poor boy returneth unto us unharmed...

 

*: Verily, thou art benevolent indeed! As I have stated, my son did set out in search of the Prince of Midenhall, and in addition, the Princess of Moonbrooke—another of his royal peers.

 

*: I have scant little in the way of further details save this—'twould seem he spake of having heard tell of a prince among a people named the Roamers.

 

*: And 'twas upon so saying that he did vanish in the manner previously described. 'Tis a most vexing tale, to be certain...

 

*: I know not quite whether to believe it, but there can be little doubt that the boy hath disappeared. Forgive me, but I know of naught else that might aid thee in thy search...

 

*: My beloved son did set out to join forces with the Prince of Midenhall and the Princess of Moonbrooke.

 

*: Yet rather than depart on foot, he did vanish into thin air, like unto a puff of smoke.

 

*: I have scant little in the way of further details save this—'twould seem he spake of having heard tell of a prince among a people named the Roamers.

 

*: Beyond this, I know naught that might assist thee in thy search. I can but pray for thy success.

 

*: Lo, the wanderer returneth! Verily, thou art a hero indeed! Thou hast delivered my son from danger and returned him unto me!

 

*: I will ne'er forget what thou hast done for this kingdom! In honour of thy noble deed, pray accept this small token—a treasure that hath graced the castle vault for countless generations.

 

*: 'Tis true that my son hath at times taken a somewhat lackadaisical approach to life, but nevertheless, the blood of Erdrick—that mightiest of heroes—floweth still in his veins.

 

*: If not he, then who else can hope to vanquish the High Priest Hargon? Aye, thou hast rendered a great service not merely unto my family, but to this world entire.

 

*: 'Tis true that my son hath at times taken a somewhat lackadaisical approach to life, but nevertheless, the blood of Erdrick—that mightiest of heroes—floweth still in his veins.

 

*: If not he, then who else can hope to vanquish the High Priest Hargon? Aye, thou hast rendered a great service not merely unto my family, but to this world entire.

 

*: Ne'er before hath the Crown Prince been absent so long.

 

*: I cannot help but fear for him. I only pray that he hath not come to any harm.

 

*: I must confess that when the long-absent prince did reappear as suddenly as he had vanished, I could do little but stare and gape...

 

*: The castle town of Cannock welcomes thee.

 

*: Though alas, thou hast arrived at an unhappy time. ...Thou seem'st a capable sort—prithee, make haste unto the throne room and speak with the King.

 

*: Long, long ago, the hero by whose hand the Dragonlord was slain did cross the great ocean of Alefgard to found the kingdom of Midenhall.

 

*: In time, his descendants did set out in their turn to found yet further realms—those of Cannock and Moonbrooke.

 

*: Which is to say that the prince to whose aid thou didst so heroically come is a scion of none other than mighty Erdrick himself.

 

*: Beyond this door lieth the chamber of the Princess, beloved sibling of our dear Crown Prince. I daresay thou hast no business here...

 

*: Saviour of the Crown Prince, and indeed the realm, thou may be, but nonetheless, I cannot permit thee to roam as thou wilt. The Princess's chamber remaineth strictly off limits.

 

*: 'Tis marvellous indeed to be back in the place I call home—I owe it all to thee!

 

*: And yet I must not tarry here—I am given to understand that the Prince of Midenhall hath set out upon a great quest, and I must needs join him without delay!

 

*: Let us offer up our voices in prayer, that the Crown Prince might be returned to us unharmed!

 

*: The Crown Prince is returned unto our bosom! Doubtless Rubiss, Spirit of the Land, did hear our prayers and deign to answer them! Praise be!

 

*: Thou approachest the place wherein the kingdom's most sacred treasures—the relics of the mighty Erdrick—are housed. None may enter without royal assent.

 

*: Herein are the kingdom's most sacred treasures—the relics of the mighty Erdrick—housed. But even one who hath done as much for our realm as thee may not enter without royal assent.

 

*: Our most valuable treasure is kept down this way. There's no question of letting anyone through while there's a monster loose in the village!

 

*: Thank you, friend! We'd have lost our Eliza forever if it weren't for you!

 

*: I still can't let you through here, though. This is where we keep our most valuable treasure, and even though you're a hero, you're also an outsider. Sorry, but that's just the way it is.

 

*: Look at that horrible creature! Goodness knows how it managed to slip into the village...

 

*: I'll tell you one thing, though—if it touches so much as one hair on my boy's head, I'll turn it into a puddle of gloop!

 

*: My husband took our boy to hide in the storehouse, so I know he's safe. It's Eliza I'm worried about. She's nowhere to be seen.

 

*: This monster's done something terrible to her, I just know it! We need to catch it and find out what before it's too late!

 

*: Sorry for ranting and raving at you earlier. It all feels rather silly now. I just panicked, you see. I thought my boy was in danger...

 

*: Anyway, I'm just glad Eliza's safe. We all are—she's such a good friend to all the other children.

 

*: Listen, you rotten nuisance! We don't take kindly to strangers around here—and even less kindly to monsters!

 

*: Listen, you rotten nuisance! We don't take kindly to strangers around here—and even less kindly to monsters!

 

*: I really lost it back there—sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions and accused you like that. But we don't get many outsiders coming here. I didn't really know how to react. None of us did...

 

*: We're nice, friendly people really, though, I promise. Why don't you take a walk around the village and see for yourself? It's a lovely day for it!

 

*: The minute that horrible blue blob turned up here, Eliza disappeared! That can't just be a coincidence!

 

*: We need to catch that disgusting thing and get it to tell us what it's done with her!

 

*: The minute that horrible blue blob turned up here, Eliza disappeared! That can't just be a coincidence!

 

*: We need to catch that disgusting thing and get it to tell us what it's done with her!

 

*: I'm sorry I spouted all that nonsense about you being in league with the monster. We're not really that paranoid and closed-minded, I promise. We're actually rather welcoming.

 

*: I'd offer you a free stay at the inn to prove my point, but I'm afraid I'm not allowed to provide accommodation for outsiders. I'm sorry, but those are the rules.

 

*: (pant) Who does this...monster think it is...making me run around like this!? (pant)

 

*: Why, if I were only...forty years younger, I'd...be able to muster up the energy to wallop it with Zapple...! (pant) That'd put an end to its antics!

 

*: (gasp) Come here... (pant)

 

*: Blasted thing is...running in fear of my...deadly Zapple spell... (pant)

 

*: Blimey, that was close! Imagine if I'd whacked our Eliza with a Zapple spell! I'd never have lived that down.

 

*: Thank goodness you came here when you did. If you hadn't, I suspect things might have ended badly...

 

*: Waaah! (wobble) Goo away! Don't hurt me!

 

*: P-Please, you have to listen to me! I know I look and sound like a slime... (slurp) But I'm actually a gooman, just like you!

 

*: My name's Eliza! I'm just a regoolar girl from the village!

Eliza

I wanted to practise my magic, so I oozed a spell called Morph to turn myself into a slime, but then a horrible monster appeared out of the goo!

Eliza

It put a curse on me, then slurped off, and now I can't seem to change back to the girl I oozed to be!

Eliza

It's a big problem—the goomans who live here are responsible for looking after someone important, so they're very slurspicious of outsiders—especially monsters! (wobble)

Eliza

I don't know what they're gooing to do if they catch me, but it won't be pretty... I have to lift the curse that monster oozed on me!

Eliza

Please... (slurp) I know it's an unoozual request, but could you please help me?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

Eliza

Oh... (slurp) I understand, you must have a lot gooing on. I slurpose I'll just have to try and manage by myself, then...

Eliza

Let me know if you change your mind, though. Goobye for now!

Eliza

You will? Gooreat! You've got a goo heart, you know that? Now, I don't slurpose you've ever heard of an item known as the supreme sage's staff?

Eliza

It's slurposed to be filled with a holy power that can ungoo all sorts of nasty spells, and I've heard you can build it oozing a Fun-Size Forge.

Eliza

I'm pretty sure I could ooze it to dispel the nasty curse that monster put on me.

Eliza

So my request is simple: goo and forge the staff, then bring it to me! (slurp)

Eliza

I should be able to give the villagers the slip until you get back, but I'd appreciate it if you could try and hurry. Goo luck!

Eliza

The supreme sage's staff is slurposed to be filled with a holy power that can ungoo all sorts of nasty spells, and I've heard you can build it oozing a Fun-Size Forge.

Eliza

I'm pretty sure I could ooze it to dispel the nasty curse that monster put on me.

Eliza

So my request is simple: goo and forge the staff, then bring it to me! (slurp)

Eliza

I should be able to give the villagers the slip until you get back, but I'd appreciate it if you could try and hurry. Goo luck!

Eliza

Has anyone ever told you that you've got really weird hair? It's so straight and shiny. My best friend's a boy too, but his hair's completely the opposite.

Eliza

It's green, for one thing, and really wild and curly, like a big bush. I think it's great.

 

*: Zzz... Zzz... (snort) Hngh? Hmph!? Who are you!? Some sort of adventurer, I suppose?

 

*: This is the Neverglade. It leads to the Faerie Realm, but not just anyone can get through.

 

*: Actually, no one can at the moment. You see, a little while ago, one of the forest flowers turned into a monster and started pumping out a pollen that sends people to sleep.

 

*: One sniff of the stuff sent me straight to the Land of Nod. I wouldn't be surprised if the same were true of everyone else who goes in there.

 

*: It's the faeries I'm most worried about, of course, but it's not like I can go and check on them—grown-ups like me can't even see them.

 

*: But we have to do something. If all the faeries fall asleep, there'll be no one to guide people to their kingdom, and the Faerie Realm will be cut off forever!

 

*: Wait a minute—you said you were an adventurer, didn't you? Maybe you could go and beat up this pollen-pumping fiend?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Fair enough. I suppose it was stupid of me to ask a complete stranger to help. I'd better come up with another way out of this mess. Maybe after a little nap...

 

*: You'll help us? Gosh. I didn't think there were people like you left in the world.

 

*: The monster's somewhere deep inside the forest. I'll warn you, though—navigating the Neverglade is far from easy.

 

*: Life'd be much easier if you could ask a faerie for guidance, of course, but unfortunately only children can see them...

 

*: Anyway, I know it's asking a lot, but we're really counting on you—and the faeries are too! Please, you have to go and take care of that monster!

 

*: That flower monster thing's filled the forest with some kind of pollen that's putting everyone to sleep.

 

*: It's the faeries I'm most worried about. If they all fall asleep, there'll be no one to guide people to their kingdom, and the Faerie Realm will be cut off forever!

 

*: The monster's somewhere deep inside the forest. Any faerie worth their salt would be able to show you the way, of course...

 

*: But unfortunately, only children can see them. I've no idea where they might be or what they're up to...

 

*: I know it's a lot to ask, but we've no one else to turn to. Will you please go and take care of this flower monster? The faeries are counting on you—we all are!

 

*: Owww... My poor joints... I'm far too old to be sleeping on the floor!

 

*: Still, hopefully I won't be doing it again for a while now you've taken care of that monster. The faeries will be relieved as well, I'm sure of it.

 

*: I suppose I'd better give you some kind of reward, hadn't I? Here, take this.

 

*: It's good to hear that nothing bad happened to the faeries. It would have been terrible if their realm had been cut off forever...

 

*: You're a real hero, I must say. We owe you a great deal. Stay safe out there, and be sure to drop by again sometime!

 

*: They say that only the pure-hearted are able to see faeries. That pretty much rules out oldies like me.

 

*: ...What's that? You can't see them either? Well, congratulations. Sounds like you're all grown-up!

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Zzz...<LM_LF>Ah-phew... (snort)

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Zzz...<LM_LF>Ah-phew... (snort)

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Hmph! ...Eh? You're looking for a magical tree that grows in the forest where the faeries live?

 

*: Hmm... I'm not sure about the tree itself, but I know where you can find a branch from it. There's a local silvapithecus that uses it to practise its fencing skills!

 

*: I suppose you'll have to fight it to get the thing off it, though... Err, good luck...

 

*: Now, if you don't mind...(yawn)...I need my beauty sleep... Zzz... (snort)

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Hmph! ...Eh? You're looking for a magical tree that grows in the forest where the faeries live?

 

*: Hmm... I'm not sure about the tree itself, but I know where you can find a branch from it. There's a local silvapithecus that uses it to practise its fencing skills!

 

*: I suppose you'll have to fight it to get the thing off it, though... Err, good luck...

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Zzz...<LM_LF>Ah-phew... (snort)

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Zzz...<LM_LF>Ah-phew... (snort)

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Hmph! ...Eh? You're looking for a magical tree that grows in the forest where the faeries live?

 

*: Hmm... I'm not sure about the tree itself, but I know where you can find a branch from it. There's a local silvapithecus that uses it to practise its fencing skills!

 

*: I suppose you'll have to fight it to get the thing off it, though... Err, good luck...

 

*: Now, if you don't mind...(yawn)...I need my beauty sleep... Zzz... (snort)

 

*: Zzz... (snort) Hmph! ...Eh? You're looking for a magical tree that grows in the forest where the faeries live?

 

*: Hmm... I'm not sure about the tree itself, but I know where you can find a branch from it. There's a local silvapithecus that uses it to practise its fencing skills!

 

*: I suppose you'll have to fight it to get the thing off it, though... Err, good luck...

 

*: (growl) (grumble)

 

*: Oh dear, just listen to my stomach! I was asleep for so long, I've no idea when I last ate! Best start making dinner right away!

 

*: Oh! Is that a branch from the revelatree you've got there? You did well to get hold of that! They're rarer than hen's teeth!

 

*: (growl) (grumble)

 

*: Oh dear, just listen to my stomach! I was asleep for so long, I've no idea when I last ate! Best start making dinner right away!

 

*: Oh! Is that a branch from the revelatree you've got there? You did well to get hold of that! They're rarer than hen's teeth!

 

*: This tower was built as a shrine to Pegasus, but it only contains her body—she's missing her heart, poor thing.

 

*: It was stolen, you see. Someone carted it off, and nobody knows where it ended up...

 

*: But some believe that it'll be returned to the tower one day, and Pegasus will be set free. People have been flogging that dead horse for a while now, though. I don't think it's ever actually going to happen...

 

*: You really had the bit between your teeth back there! Thank you for stepping in and saving our master!

 

*: (whinny) I've got a nagging feeling something terrible has happened...

 

*: ...Hm? Hold your horses! You're some kind of adventurer, aren't you? Then please, you have to listen to what I've got to say!

 

*: This tower is known as the Pillar of Pegasus. It's a sacred place—a stable for a statue of Pegasus herself.

 

*: Now, the old man who looks after it happens to be my master. He's a huge fan of all things equine!

 

*: The thing is though, he trotted off up there a while ago, and he hasn't come back down. I'm ever so worried about him.

 

*: I don't want to put the cart before the horse, but I've heard a rumour that Pegasus will be revived when her stolen heart is returned to her.

 

*: I'm wondering whether something like that might have happened, and my master got caught up in it all.

 

*: I don't suppose you could go up there yourself and see if he's alright, could you? I just can't help but worry that he's come a cropper...

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Oh. I see... Looks like I backed the wrong horse. I'd better go and look for him myself, then...

 

*: You will!? Wow! Thanks so much—it would have been a total mare trying to go after him myself.

 

*: Anyway, my master was heading to the top of the tower to polish the statue of Pegasus—I got that straight from the horse's mouth.

 

*: All you need to do is gallop on up there, and you should be able to find out what happened soon enough.

 

*: I'd come with you, but it's probably better if I wait here in case you miss him on the way up. Plus, stairs are probably more your forte than mine—horses for courses, and all that!

 

*: My master was heading to the top of the tower to polish the statue of Pegasus—I got that straight from the horse's mouth.

 

*: All you need to do is gallop on up there, and you should be able to find out what happened soon enough.

 

*: I'd come with you, but it's probably better if I wait here in case you miss him on the way up. Plus, stairs are probably more your forte than mine—horses for courses, and all that!

 

*: Thank you ever so much for saving my master! You had no horse in this race, but you stepped in and saved the day regardless!

 

*: You know, I really thought I was done for when that statue came for me... Thought I'd be going to the great big pasture in the sky...

 

*: Anyway, enough about me. I'd better pony up and give you your reward. I know it isn't much, but I'd like you to have it.

 

*: After all, not only did you rescue us, you also made sure that the statue of Pegasus won't be trying to claim the hearts of random strangers any more!

 

*: We still believe that someone will bring the heart of Pegasus back one day, but for now we'll just have to get back on the horse and carry on working hard. The tower won't take care of itself!

 

*: ...Hm? You were wondering why an old nag like me is so good at speaking?

 

*: Well, I'd love to tell you, but I'm afraid it's a secret. I don't want to get on my high horse about this, but it's for equine ears only!

 

*: I can't stop thinking about the eerie power that forced me and the statue together... Who could have been responsible for something like that?

 

*: Anyway, all's well that ends well, I suppose. Thanks again for rescuing us. My darling horses and I will never forget what you did!

 

*: I've always loved horses, ever since I was a little boy. The Pillar was built by horse-lovers too. That's why I took the job here.

 

*: They say some evil being caused Pegasus to <LM_6>lose her true self<LM_9>.

 

*: But what does that even mean? Sounds like a load of manure to me...

 

*: I'd like to soar through the skies like Pegasus one day. That's why I'm eating double portions of hay with extra sugar lumps!

 

*: My master said that if I eat enough, I'll start sprouting wings. It hasn't happened yet, but I'm going to keep trying!

 

*: Welcome to Alltrades Abbey, my child.

 

*: The abbey is a place of peace to think back on life's road and to plot the journey ahead. Do you wish to change paths?

 

*: Ah, but I am forgetting myself. It is unfortunately not currently possible to change vocations, regardless of your desire.

 

*: As you have perhaps noticed, we are currently dealing with a rather...unique situation.

 

*: Elderly gentlemen from every corner of the world have gathered here in the hope of becoming bunny girls.

 

*: I have told them repeatedly that it is impossible, but none of them will listen! Dealing with them is taking up all our resources—I fear we may have to shut our doors if they cannot be convinced to leave...

 

*: But wait—perhaps you might be able to help?

 

*: One of my predecessors once mentioned a book that claimed to provide guidance for those wishing to become <LM_6>lovely young ladies<LM_9>.

 

*: Do you think you could find it and bring it to me? There is just the faintest chance that it might contain a clue as to how I might give these gentlemen what they so fervently desire.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Oh dear... Then I really am perplexed as to what to do... These people are getting rather...restless...

 

*: You will seek it out? Wonderful! You will be doing the abbey a great service, my child. ...Hm? Ah, yes! The book's location!

 

*: All my predecessor said was that the guide was kept in a place where one might expect to find fashion advice—somewhere <LM_6>where a lot of young ladies gather<LM_9>.

 

*: Beyond that, I am unsure what this place might be, but if you find somewhere that fits the bill, take a look on its bookshelves, and I am sure you will find what you seek eventually.

 

*: I appreciate that all this information is a little on the vague side, but I am afraid it is all I have. Still, you seem a resourceful fellow. I am sure you will be back with the book before I know it!

 

*: If you could bring me that book on how to become a bunny girl, perhaps I might finally be able to give these gentlemen what they want so they will leave us in peace! Sadly, I do not know exactly where it is.

 

*: All my predecessor said was that the guide was kept in a place where one might expect to find fashion advice—somewhere <LM_6>where a lot of young ladies gather<LM_9>.

 

*: Beyond that, I am unsure what this place might be, but if you find somewhere that fits the bill, take a look on its bookshelves, and I am sure you will find what you seek eventually.

 

*: I appreciate that all this information is a little on the vague side, but I am afraid it is all I have. Still, you seem a resourceful fellow. I am sure you will be back with the book before I know it!

 

*: Ah! Welcome back, my child. Did you succeed in finding the book I requested?

 

*: Ah... Perhaps it does not exist after all... I had better try to think of another solution...

 

*: So this is it, hm? What does this say... <LM_6>The Bunny Girl's Bible<LM_9>...?

 

*: It certainly sounds like the kind of book we need. Let us take a look inside and see...

 

*: ...O-Oh my!

 

*: ...G-Goodness me!

 

*: Well, it is certainly quite the...page-turner. I shall have to make time to peruse its contents in more detail later on. Ahem...

 

*: But most importantly for our immediate purposes, it does indeed seem to contain instructions on how to turn anyone into a lovely young lady.

 

*: Which means that we can finally give our elderly friends what they want, and bring peace back to the abbey at last!

 

*: This is a dark time, my child. The world is overrun with monsters, and chaos reigns supreme.

 

*: Alltrades Abbey has always been a place where people have come to learn the skills required to overcome such challenges.

 

*: And thanks to your selflessness in coming to our aid, we are able to fulfil that function once again. Thank you, my child. Our debt to you is great indeed.

 

*: This is a dark time, my child. The world is overrun with monsters, and chaos reigns supreme...

 

*: Alltrades Abbey has always been a place where people have come to learn the skills required to overcome such challenges.

 

*: And thanks to your selflessness in coming to our aid, we are able to fulfil that function once again. Thank you, my child. Our debt to you is great indeed.

 

*: To be completely honest, however, I have some doubts about how much of a role bunny girls have to play in the battle against the forces of evil...

 

*: Still, it is not my place to give career advice, only to facilitate the changing of vocations. If every old man in the world wishes to become a lovely young lady, who am I to stop them?

 

*: You've arrived at Alltrades Abbey. This holy place has served as a beacon in people's lives since ancient times.

 

*: We're struggling a bit at the moment, though. The High Priest will fill you in on the details, I'm sure.

 

*: You've arrived at Alltrades Abbey. This holy place has served as a beacon in people's lives since ancient times.

 

*: It's not usually this...lively, though. You might struggle to get an audience with the High Priest at this rate.

 

*: It's a pleasure to welcome you to Alltrades Abbey.

 

*: P-Please! Form an orderly queue!

 

*: Bunny girl, bunny girl, that's what I want to be! <LM_.|><LM_LF>Bunny girl, bunny girl, that's the life for me! <LM_.|>

 

*: Bunny girl, bunny girl, that's what I want to be! <LM_.|><LM_LF>Bunny girl, bunny girl, that's the life for me! <LM_.|>

 

*: Me! Me! I'm next! I'm becoming a bunny girl before any of my friends!

 

*: I just want to have a little bit of beauty in my life again, you know? And what better way to do that than become a lovely young lady!

 

*: I'll happily give you a puff-puff once I'm all set. You can be my first customer if you like!

 

*: I can't wait to become a bunny girl and have people fussing over me all the time! I'm going to be so popular!

 

*: I'll still make time to give you a puff-puff, though. You can be my first customer if you like!

 

*: Come ooon! Come ooon! I can't wait any longer! I want to become a lovely lady this instant!

 

*: I bet you can't wait for me to give you a puff-puff either, can you?

 

*: Won't be long now... Just a few more sleeps and all my bunny girl dreams will come true!

 

*: What's the hold-up!? Why haven't I become a bunny girl yet!?

 

*: Becoming a bunny girl's been my dream for decades. At last, I can die happy!

 

*: ...But only after I actually become one, of course! Imagine if I died before it happened—that would be the greatest tragedy of all time!

 

*: Heh heh... You probably think I'm just another foolish dreamer looking to become a lovely young lady, don't you? Well, you'd be right! Heh heh!

 

*: I've always wanted to become a bunny girl, ever since I was a little boy.

 

*: I think everyone does secretly, don't you?

 

*: ...What's that? Why am I so keen on becoming a bunny girl? Ha! What a stupid question!

 

*: You see a mountain, you want to climb it, right? You see a river, you want to go swimming. So if you see a bunny girl, you just want to be one! It's simple!

 

*: What's the hold-up!? I've waited my whole life to become a lovely young lady, and I refuse to wait any longer!

 

*: The High Priest doesn't seem too keen on the idea of turning us all into bunny girls...

 

*: Look, if you want to become a bunny girl too, you're just going to have to join the queue!

 

*: I'm not sure I can wait much longer...!

 

*: Heh heh heh! Look! Just look! I'm a bunny girl at last!

 

*: If my dear old grandmother could see me now... Ahh, she'd be so proud!

 

*: This is even better than I expected! Look at my bobbly tail! And these ears! Hoo hoo!

 

*: My new vocation's not all fun and games, you know. Oh no, a bunny girl's got to earn a living! So how about it? Would you care for a puff-puff? Heh heh heh...

 

*: I had a last minute change of heart. I thought I wanted to become a lovely young lady, but what I really wanted to be was a merchant! And now that's what I am! Hoo hoo!

Rose

I don't believe it... The flute of revelation has been destroyed... D-Does this mean I won't be able to see Psaro any more!?

Rose

Why would anyone do such a thing? Who would be cruel enough to possess Sir Roseguardin and set him on us like this?

Rose

Thank you so much! Now I'll be able to meet my beloved Psaro once again!

Rose

The th-thought of seeing his...(sniff)...face... Gosh... It's made me all...(sob)...emotional...

 

Ruby tears start to roll down Rose's cheeks... <pc> catches them as they fall!

 

But as soon as they touch <pc>'s hand, the jewels shatter...

Sir Roseguardin

Uh...uuurgh...? I...seem to be back to my—Clank!—old self... You have my thanks, kind sir.

Sir Roseguardin

Alas, I have very little recollection of what happened to me. I do recall a voice in my—Clank!—head, urging me to destroy everything, but that is all...

Sir Roseguardin

Still, whether it was by my own volition or not is beside the point. I had a duty to protect Rose, and instead I turned my—Clank!—sword upon her...

Sir Roseguardin

What is more, I have destroyed the precious flute of revelation, the only—Clank!—means by which she and Psaro could be reunited...

Sir Roseguardin

I have thoroughly disgraced myself. I must gather my meagre—Clank!—possessions and leave the tower immediately...

Sir Roseguardin

An all-new flute of revelation! I can scarcely—Clank!—believe it! Thank you, good sir, for all you have done!

Sir Roseguardin

The burden of guilt which weighed heavy on my heart has been lifted. I hereby vow, with renewed—Clank!—vigour, to do my utmost to protect Rose from those who seek to harm her!

 

*: (slurp) Thank you very much for rescuing us! You're a goo person!

 

*: You mustn't blame Sir Roseguardin for attacking us, though. He's not some horrible monster—he's been Rose's staunchest defender since slime immemorial! (slurp)

 

*: I don't know what happened to him, but he just changed completely all of a sudden. He started attacking us, like he was possessed or something. It was so slurprising!

 

*: The next thing we knew, he'd smashed up Rose's beloved flute of revelation! (slurp) Now it's completely oozeless...

 

*: It's what her boyfriend Psaro oozes to get into this room. Without it, they won't be able to see each other!

 

*: It's a tragedy, don't you think? Rose and Psaro are so gooreat together!

 

*: That's why I've decided to make a new flute of revelation and give it to Rose as a present! (slurp) Hey, I don't slurpose you'd be able to help, would you?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Oh... Alright then. (slurp) I'm sure I'll manage on my own...

 

*: (slurp) Really!? That's gooreat! Now, what I need you to do is bring me the wood I'll be oozing.

 

*: My goorandmother once told me that you can't ooze just any old wood to make something like the flute of revelation. You need some timber from a very special tree indeed.

 

*: It's called the revelatree, and it goorows in the forest where the faeries live!

 

*: Could you goo and fetch some for me? Once you've brought me it, I'll be able to make the flute in no slime!

 

*: Oh, and don't worry about Rose and Sir Roseguardin—I'm gooing to stick to them like goo and make sure nothing else bad happens!

 

*: I'm gooing to make a new flute of revelation to cheer Rose and Sir Roseguardin up!

 

*: I'll be needing to ooze some special wood from the forest where the faeries live, though. If you bring me some, I can make the flute in no slime!

 

*: Oh, and don't worry about Rose and Sir Roseguardin—I'm gooing to stick to them like goo and make sure nothing else bad happens!

 

*: Goo day to you! Did you get the special wood I need to ooze for the flute?

 

Give the revelatree branch to the slime?

 

*: Oh. I slurpose I'll have to wait a little longer, then. Please hurry up, though—I can't wait to see the look on Rose's face when I give it to her!

 

*: Oh! This is gooreat! I can feel the magic just oozing out of it! Thanks so much!

 

*: I'm gooing to start working on the new flute of revelation right away! (slurp) I can't wait to show Rose and Sir Roseguardin!

 

*: Oh, and here's a little something for your trouble. You got us out of a sticky situation there! (slurp)

 

*: Rose and Sir Roseguardin were absolutely delighted when I slurprised them with the new flute of revelation!

 

*: Thank you so much for all your help! You really are a goo person! Come back and say hello next slime you're in the area! (slurp)

Pankraz

Greetings, traveller... (snuffle) Please, don't come too close. I wouldn't wish this cold on my worst enemy. Ahhh-CHOO!

Pankraz

I just can't seem to shake the blasted thing. (sniff) No sooner had I got over one bout than I was struck down by another! Ah-CHOO!

Pankraz

I wonder if I'll even be able to continue my adventures... (snuffle) I can hardly set out on the road in this condition...

Pankraz

You'll have to forgive me. I'm feeling a little bit sorry for myself at the moment.

Pankraz

I just hope my boy doesn't see me like this. Ah-ah-ahhh...CHOOO!!! Ughhh...

Pankraz

Greetings, traveller... (snuffle) Please, don't come too close. I wouldn't wish this cold on my worst enemy. Ahhh-CHOO!

Pankraz

...What's that? You want to ask me about something?

Pankraz

I'm sorry, I don't think this is a very good time... Could you come back when I'm feeling better?

Pankraz

Ah! It's you! Sancho told me that you were the one who fetched that cold medicine for us. We owe you a great deal! Thank you!

Pankraz

It really was the strangest thing. The moment I got back to Whealbrook, I caught the worst cold of my life. I was barely able to move. I thought some monster must have cursed me...

Pankraz

Still, I'm feeling better now, thankfully. We all are, thanks to you! You're the hero of the hour!

Pankraz

I'm afraid I can't stand around chatting all day, though. The King has summoned me to Coburg—and it seems he wants me there in a hurry!

Pankraz

I'd really rather not go, to be honest with you. It's my boy, you see. He never complains, of course, but I hate the thought of leaving him all alone again...

Pankraz

I suppose I'll just have to make it up to him when I get back. Spend a few days playing together, just like we used to. It's so easy to forget that he's still so young...

Pankraz

Mind you, you're not that much older yourself. I'm sure you've got a family out there somewhere worrying about you. You should go and see them whenever you get the chance. When it's too late, it's too late...

Pankraz

Ah! It's you! Sancho told me that you were the one who fetched that cold medicine for us. We owe you a great deal! Thank you!

Pankraz

It really was the strangest thing. The moment I got back to Whealbrook, I caught the worst cold of my life. I was barely able to move. I thought some monster must have cursed me...

Pankraz

Still, I'm feeling better now, thankfully. We all are, thanks to you! You're the hero of the hour!

Pankraz

Now, was there something you wanted to ask me?

Pankraz

Oh. Very well. Do let me know if there's ever anything you need, won't you? I'd be happy to try and help.

Pankraz

...What's that? Has a boy who calls himself the Prince of Cannock paid a visit to the village?

Pankraz

Why, yes! He was here not long ago. He asked me if I was related to the King of Midenhall.

 

Pankraz

Pankraz

Anyway, he shuffled off soon afterwards mumbling something about the Neverglade. That's the last I saw of him.

Pankraz

I wonder what his story was... Honestly, it's been a while since I've seen one so young look so despondent...

Pankraz

...What's that? Has a boy who calls himself the Prince of Cannock paid a visit to the village?

Pankraz

Why, yes! He was here not long ago. He asked me if I was related to the King of Midenhall.

 

Pankraz

Pankraz

Anyway, he shuffled off soon afterwards mumbling something about the Neverglade. That's the last I saw of him.

Pankraz

I wonder what his story was... Honestly, it's been a while since I've seen one so young look so despondent...

Sancho

¡Achús!

Sancho

Excuse me, señor... (snort) You need something from me? Is no a good time right now. I have a terrible cold...

Sancho

My fever is so high, I can no do my job and serve Señor Pankraz. Is so shameful! (cough splutter)

Sancho

But is no only me. Everyone in the village has the same cold...(sniff)...even Señor Pankraz himself!

Sancho

(cough snuffle) You have to help us, señor! If you do not, Whealbrook is ruined! Ruined!

Sancho

(snort) Fortunately, I have heard a rumour about a medicine that is able to cure any cold.

Sancho

Perhaps you can go and find it for us, sí? ¡Por favor! You are our only hope!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

Sancho

Oh... Maybe is too much to ask. Sorry to bother you, señor...

Sancho

Y-You will help us!? ¡Gracias, señor! (snuffle) Is good to know there are still some good people in the world! (snort)

Sancho

Now, I would love to be able to tell you where this medicine is, but unfortunately, I have no idea. (cough)

Sancho

All I know is this: when I fell ill, I heard a strange voice...

Sancho

It says to me... (cough) <LM_6>The Sinndicate... The Quester's Rest... They have the medicine you need...<LM_9>

Sancho

Maybe is a voice from heaven, or maybe just a dream... Maybe is nothing... But is the only clue I have to offer to you.

Sancho

So, señor, this is what I suggest: find this Quester's Rest, and look there for the medicine! ¡Por favor! ¡Achús!

Sancho

Everyone in the village has the same cold...(sniff)...even Señor Pankraz himself!

Sancho

Fortunately, I have heard a rumour about a medicine that is able to cure any cold. But unfortunately, I no know where it is. (snort)

Sancho

All I know is this: when I fell ill, I heard a strange voice...

Sancho

It says to me... (cough) <LM_6>The Sinndicate... The Quester's Rest... They have the medicine you need...<LM_9>

Sancho

Maybe is a voice from heaven, or maybe just a dream... Maybe is nothing... But is the only clue I have to offer to you.

Sancho

So, señor, this is what I suggest: find this Quester's Rest, and look there for the medicine! ¡Por favor! ¡Achús!

Sancho

(cough splutter) Hola, señor. Did you bring me the special cold medicine I asked you for?

 

Ay... I see. I suppose is no so easy to find... But por favor, señor—you must keep trying!

Sancho

Ah! Here it is! If everyone takes just a small sip of this, their colds will surely be cured! (snort)

Sancho

¡Muchas gracias, señor! Please, take this. Is no much, but is my way of saying thank you!

 

You know, is a surprise for me to learn that the Quester's Rest really exists... (cough) I thought it might only have been a dream...

Sancho

But now is no the time for such things. I must concentrate on making a full recovery!

Sancho

Is a miracle, señor! After I take that cold medicine, I feel healthier and stronger than ever! ¡Muchas gracias!

Sancho

I also hear that Señor Pankraz is feeling much better as well! Is such a relief for me! Now he can continue his travels with his beloved boy!

Sancho

But speaking of the young señor, I have no seen him for a while. Ay, he is such a troublemaker! I look away for one second, and he has disappeared!

 

*: Ah-ahhh-CHOO! (shiver) It's s-s-so cold... Even this b-b-bonfire can't warm me up...

 

*: Ahhh... That medicine's warmed me right through! I feel so much better now!

 

*: The moment Pankraz came back to the village, everyone got struck down with this horrible cold. What in the world is going on!? Ahhh-CHOO!

 

*: Honestly, when I saw Pankraz lying there, I really feared the worst. Gah, illnesses are horrible things! They scare the life out of me!

 

The woman is breathing, but seems to be in a great deal of pain.

 

*: Pankraz has used Whealbrook as a base for his adventures for years now. It seems he's on the hunt for something very special indeed.

 

*: I do hope he takes it easy for a while now, though. A bad cold like that takes a while to recover from.

 

*: (sniff snuffle) No matter how many times I blow it, my nose just won't stop running... Please... (sniff) Don't look at me...

 

*: Owww! My poor nose! It's red raw after all that blowing and wiping! Please... Don't look at me!

Tania

Oh, hello there. Just passing through, are you? Well, before you go, I wonder if you might be able to help me.

Tania

It's my brother, you see. He went to the market down the mountain to fetch the spirit crown for the village festival.

Tania

And ever since he's come back, it's like he's a different person. So...fashionable, I suppose you'd call it. He's never shown any interest in that stuff before!

Tania

Most of the people in the village think it's great that he's suddenly so stylish, but I think there's something fishy going on.

Tania

Truth be told, I just don't think that man is my brother, and I intend to expose him as the impostor he is!

Tania

I can't do it alone, though. I mean, what if whoever it really is gets all defensive and turns on me? I need your help—can you lend a hand with the unmasking?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

Tania

Oh. I see... I'm sorry, it's just... You looked like a helpful sort, that's all...

Tania

You will!? Oh, that's great! Tee hee! Thank you so much! I knew you were a helpful sort—just like my brother. My REAL brother, that is.

Tania

Now, I think the best way to get to the truth is to make a few discreet inquiries. If you ask around at Patty's Party Planning Place—that's the big inn—someone's bound to know something.

Tania

It won't take you long to unearth a few clues, I'm sure of it! Then we can find out why this creep's pretending to be my brother!

Tania

My brother went to the market down the mountain to buy some things for the village festival, and ever since he's come back it's like he's a different person. So...fashionable...

Tania

Most of the people in the village think it's great that he's suddenly so stylish, but I think there's something fishy going on.

Tania

Truth be told, I just don't think that man is my brother, and I intend to expose him as the impostor that he is—with your help, of course.

Tania

I think the best way to get to the truth is to make a few discreet inquiries. If you ask around at Patty's Party Planning Place—that's the big inn—someone's bound to know something.

Tania

It won't take you long to unearth a few clues, I'm sure of it! Then we can find out why this creep's pretending to be my brother!

Tania

Ah, there you are! Well? Did you find anything to help us unmask that impostor?

 

<pc> tells Tania about the bodura grass he was given.

Tania

Oh! This is wonderful news! Now we'll be able to find out who's pretending to be my brother!

Tania

You'd better go and use it straight away. We can't let that con man pull the wool over people's eyes one minute longer!

Tania

I knew it! I knew he wasn't really my brother! He's a monster!

Tania

Please, <pc>, you have to help me! This monster's been pretending to be my brother! He can't be allowed to get away with this!

Tania

It's a relief to know that impostor won't be troubling us any more!

Tania

I am starting to worry about where my brother's got to, though. He should have come back by now...

Tania

Still, this is hardly out of character. I'm just impatient because I want to show him what I'll be wearing for the festival!

 

*: These youngsters really do grow up quickly, don't they? I mean, look at that stylish young man! Last time I saw him, he was still just a snotty-nosed brat!

 

*: He's got me thinking about my own clothes, I must confess... Maybe we should include a fashion show in this year's festival?

 

*: Hold on—I thought that boy who went down the mountain had come back as some sort of suave fashionable type, but now he's a monster all of a sudden!

 

*: I just can't keep up with what youngsters are into these days...

 

*: First that boy turned into a stylish man about town, then he turned into a monster!

 

*: I'm not so sure a fashion show's such a good idea any more. Some of the looks these youngsters go for are a bit extreme for my tastes!

 

*: Tania's not happy that her brother went to market and came back looking so smart and elegant.

 

*: Poor thing's probably worried that now he's got a taste for the big city, he'll be running off and leaving her behind. But he'd never do that.

 

*: Wh-Where's that smart and elegant young man gone!? And wh-what in the w-w-world is that monster doing here!?

 

*: I really thought that Weaver's Peak had witnessed the birth of a star back there—that boy had the looks and attitude to make it big!

 

*: Turned out it was all a big con, of course. That'll teach me to get carried away...

 

*: Meooow...?

 

*: Meeeeeeow!

 

*: Meow...

 

*: I just can't believe I never noticed before... I mean, you're just... Wow!

 

*: You certainly did a good job of hiding all that style away and pretending to be a normal country boy. You had me convinced!

 

*: Ugh! This monster's the ugliest thing I've ever seen! Where did that beautiful, fashionable boy go?

 

*: I can't believe I was fooled by that awful monster just because its disguise was so easy on the eye!

 

*: It just goes to show that my mother was right: you can't judge a book by its cover!

 

*: Waaah! You're so stylish! Do you think you could give me a few fashion tips?

 

*: Waaah! It's a monster! A horrible, horrible monster!

 

*: I can't believe all the time I wasted trying to get that disgusting monster's attention!

 

*: I should have been preparing for the festival! The spirit won't be happy if we don't have everything ready for her!

 

*: I used to be a run-of-the-mill country bumpkin, but then I received a special blessing in the church at the bottom of the mountain, and now I'm transformed!

 

*: I suppose you want some advice, do you? Well, first things first, that hairstyle's got to go—it's about a century out of date!

 

*: I came to Alltrades Abbey in search of a new life.

 

*: Instead I found a horde of rather agitated old men. I doubt I'll ever be able to change vocation at this rate...

 

*: It seems Alltrades Abbey is finally returning to normal.

 

*: And I hear they're now offering people the opportunity to become bunny girls. Perhaps I should take advantage of this, since I'm here...

 

*: I have always wanted to become a sage. That is why I came here to the abbey. I did not expect to have to wait so long once I arrived...

 

*: At last, it seems those old men will be dealt with and I can finally fulfil my ambition of becoming a sage. I've no idea how many people they have to get through before me, though...

 

*: Alltrades Abbey is an absolutely essential institution! Without it, people would have no way of learning the skills they require to survive in this world.

 

*: I don't think it's quite fulfilling that role at the moment, though—it's absolute bedlam in here!

 

*: It's no use just looking like a bunny girl—unless you know how to act like one, you'll still just be an old man on the inside. Honestly, don't these people know anything?

 

*: Word's starting to spread about how chaotic Alltrades Abbey has become. It's putting people off coming here, and that can't be a good thing...

 

*: Alltrades Abbey appears to be back to its old self. Once word gets out, people are sure to start coming here to change vocations again.

 

*: I hear it's you we've got to thank for things getting sorted out. If that's true, then the world owes you a debt of gratitude!

 

*: Alltrades Abbey has always attracted all sorts of people—as the name suggests—but I don't think I've ever seen anyone leaving here as a bunny girl...

 

*: I know what you're thinking—is that even a real vocation? It's a good question, but I'm afraid I couldn't tell you the answer.

 

*: I didn't really think it would ever happen, but it seems those old men are going to get their wish and become <LM_6>lovely ladies<LM_9> after all.

 

*: What I can't work out, though, is why every elderly gentleman in the world suddenly decided that that's what they wanted to do with their lives!

 

*: It's a mystery, right? Well, I suppose it doesn't really matter—all's well that ends well!

 

*: Hay hay! How are you doing? I'm a talking horse! I just love chatting—I could talk the hind legs off a donkey! Did you have something you wanted to ask me?

 

*: Really? Nothing? Look, I don't mean to nag, but how often do you get the chance to talk to a horse? Well, some people are just neighsayers, I suppose...

 

*: You do? Yeehaaa! Well, ask me anything you like—I can take anything in my stride!

 

*: ...What's that? My favourite food? Well, that's a piece of cake—whoa there, I don't mean it's actually cake, obviously—it's carrots, washed down with some nice sugar cubes!

 

*: Hay hay! How are you doing? I'm a talking horse! I just love chatting—I could talk the hind legs off a donkey! Did you have something you wanted to ask me?

 

*: ...Eh? You're asking me if I've heard of some dogs who might have something called a golden mane that guard a tower where flying horses live? Well, you've saddled me with quite a question there!

 

*: ...Whoa there! I think I've got it! You're talking about the Pillar of Pegasus! And as for the guard dogs, I have a feeling you're talking about the terrifying, fiery beasts known as hot dogs!

 

*: My horse sense tells me that this golden mane you're talking about is the shiny, hairy thing they drop from time to time.

 

*: I'd say if you roll up your sleeves and unleash a few haymakers at a hot dog or two, you'll be able to bag one soon enough. Be careful, though—they're definitely not man's best friend!

 

*: Hay hay hay! Looks like you've got yourself the golden mane you were after! I didn't want to be a neighsayer, but I did wonder if you could beat those hot dogs.

 

*: Well, you look like you're in your right mind, at least. I wish I could say the same for everyone else around here.

 

*: Sorry, you must be wondering what in the world I'm going on about. Let me explain—I'm all set to marry my beloved Ortega, but things have got a little complicated.

 

*: All of my friends and neighbours were thrilled at the idea of our finally tying the knot. Well, they were until this morning, at any rate. Now they're all dead against the idea!

 

*: It seems suddenly no one's got a good word to say about my hubby-to-be, which makes absolutely no sense, as he's the most lovely, generous man you could ever hope to meet.

 

*: I just don't understand! Everyone's known Ortega for years, and they've never had a bad word to say about him! They've lost their collective minds!

 

*: ...Now, just between you and me, I suspect foul play. I've heard about this horrible curse, you see, which makes folks say things they don't really believe.

 

*: But apparently, there's a cure—a mysterious medicinal liquid known as Defuddle drops that can restore people to their senses.

 

*: The thing is, I don't think I've got it in me to go looking for such a thing and, well, you're the only sensible person I've met all day. Would you mind bringing me some Defuddle drops? Please? Pretty please?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: ...Oh. Well, it was rather a lot to ask, I suppose. I mean, I don't even know if they actually exist. Sorry to burden you with my troubles.

 

*: It's just that Ortega is away slaying monsters on the King's orders, and he won't be back any time soon, so I don't have anyone else I can ask. But never mind...

 

*: You will? Oh, thank you! I could tell you were one of these adventurous types who see all kinds of strange things on their travels, so you wouldn't just laugh at me. You're just like my Ortega!

 

*: Now, all I know about Defuddle drops is that they're found up in the heavens where the angels live—or so they say.

 

*: As you'd imagine, I have no idea how you'd go about getting there, but I'm sure you'll think of something. I'll leave it in your capable hands!

 

*: I don't care what anyone says, I'm sticking with my Ortega. He's a wonderful man who always goes out of his way to protect the weak and help those in need.

 

*: But the way people are talking, I fear they're going to do everything they can to stop us getting married...

 

*: Please, I'm begging you—find those Defuddle drops and help bring everyone back to their senses!

 

*: I don't know if what the monster said about Ortega and my child being a hero was true, but I have to take what it said seriously.

 

*: It seems the monsters aren't just frightened of my Ortega, but of any children we might have too.

 

*: If I'm going to protect our family, I'll need to toughen up. And if that is their destiny, I'll need to make sure that any child of ours grows up with all the love and support we can give them.

 

*: Bah! I can't believe all the nonsense they're talking about my boy! I raised him to be a fine, upstanding pillar of the community, and now all I hear is his name being blackened, left, right and centre!

 

*: How can the wedding go ahead now? What kind of future awaits this poor woman if she marries my son? She'll be an outcast!

 

*: Bah! I can't believe all the nonsense they're talking about my boy! I raised him to be a fine, upstanding pillar of the community, and now all I hear is his name being blackened, left, right and centre!

 

*: How can the wedding go ahead now? What kind of future awaits this poor woman if she marries my son? She'll be an outcast!

 

*: ...Hm. Unless I'm very much mistaken, there's something you want to ask me. Is that right?

 

*: Fair enough. My mistake.

 

*: Wh-What's that!? You're looking for books that can change people's personalities?

 

*: Heh heh! You're a wily one, aren't you! How did you know?

 

*: It's true. I have a certain tome I always keep about my person. I swear by it, in fact. But since you were smart enough to sniff out my secret, I'm going to pass it on to you!

 

<pc> receives <LM_6>The Champion's Code<LM_9>!

 

*: I've never told anyone this before, but the truth is that however courageous my son may be, I'm a natural-born coward.

 

*: Or at least, I was until I read that book. It totally changed my life! One day I was a lily-livered wreck, and the next I was calm, cool and collected!

 

*: Well, I say that—hearing all the horrible stuff they're saying about my boy is getting me pretty worked up... But what can I do? Being a father isn't easy, let me tell you.

 

*: I can't believe all the nonsense they're talking about my boy! I raised him to be a fine, upstanding pillar of the community, and now all I hear is his name being blackened, left, right and centre!

 

*: How can the wedding go ahead now? What kind of future awaits this poor woman if she marries my son? She'll be an outcast!

 

*: ...Oh, there was something I meant to tell you when I gave you that book.

 

*: Apparently, there are other volumes out there that can change people's personalities. I haven't got the foggiest where they might be, though—you'll just have to keep your eyes peeled!

 

*: What a relief! I was terrified that the world and its mother hated my poor boy. Now we can go ahead with the wedding and make sure it's the event of the century!

 

*: The only thing I'm still wondering is why the monster left me and my daughter alone. Surely if it had made us lose our senses, the wedding couldn't have gone ahead.

 

*: Were we somehow immune to its curse, or was it just an idiot? I really can't tell...

 

*: What a relief! I was terrified that the world and its mother hated my poor boy. Now we can go ahead with the wedding and make sure it's the event of the century!

 

*: The only thing I'm still wondering is why the monster left me and my daughter alone. Surely if it had made us lose our senses, the wedding couldn't have gone ahead.

 

*: Were we somehow immune to its curse, or was it just an idiot? I really can't tell...

 

*: ...But leaving that aside, unless I'm very much mistaken, there's something you want to ask me, correct?

 

*: Fair enough. My mistake.

 

*: Wh-What's that!? You're looking for books that can change people's personalities?

 

*: Heh heh! You're a wily one, aren't you! How did you know?

 

*: It's true. I have a certain tome I always keep about my person. I swear by it, in fact. But since you were smart enough to sniff out my secret, I'm going to pass it on to you!

 

<pc> receives <LM_6>The Champion's Code<LM_9>!

 

*: I've never told anyone this before, but the truth is that however courageous my son may be, I'm a natural-born coward.

 

*: Or at least I was until I read that book. It totally changed my life! One day I was a lily-livered wreck, and the next I was calm, cool and collected!

 

*: Well, I say that—hearing all the horrible stuff they're saying about my boy got me pretty worked up... But all's well that ends well, eh?

 

*: What a relief! I was terrified that the world and its mother hated my poor boy. Now we can go ahead with the wedding and make sure it's the event of the century!

 

*: The only thing I'm still wondering is why the monster left me and my daughter alone. Surely if it had made us lose our senses, the wedding couldn't have gone ahead.

 

*: Were we somehow immune to its curse, or was it just an idiot? I really can't tell...

 

*: ...Oh, there was something I meant to tell you when I gave you that book.

 

*: Apparently, there are other volumes out there that can change people's personalities. I haven't got the foggiest where they might be, though—you'll just have to keep your eyes peeled!

 

*: I'm dead against this wedding. It's a terrible idea! I mean, a horrible individual like Ortega really shouldn't be getting married. What if he has children? They might be even worse!

 

*: A slob like Ortega really shouldn't be thinking about getting married. He's so uncouth and boorish, he'd make his wife's life a misery, there's nothing surer.

 

*: No, he'd be doing the world a big favour by staying single and letting his bride-to-be find someone better.

 

*: It's true that Ortega is a little rough round the edges, but he's by no means a boor. No, he's as decent, passionate and straight-talking a man as you could ever hope to meet.

 

*: When I play a song he doesn't like, he tells me. And I appreciate that. Honestly.

 

*: Ortega's as poor as a church mouse. I mean, look at the state of the armour he wears! And that sword—well, it was the cheapest model I had, and that was years ago.

 

*: I know money isn't everything, but how he hopes to make a marriage work when he doesn't have two gold coins to rub together is beyond me.

 

*: Eveyone loves and respects Ortega—he's a great man, and I know he's going to make a great husband.

 

*: That Ortega fellow is supposed to be preparing for his big day, but where is he? Off gallivanting about the place on some foolish adventure or other!

 

*: Why would anyone want to marry a man like that? No sooner will he slip the ring on his bride's finger than he'll be out the door on his next escapade!

 

*: Ahh, I can hear the wedding bells already! I always knew it! They were a perfect couple from the start!

King of Portoga

Iii, things do not look good! ...Wait, what do we have here? Caramba! A mighty warrior! Ai, you look like you know one end of a sword from the other!

King of Portoga

But I am getting ahead of myself! Let me explain a little about this place. This was once the seat of power of the King of the Necrogond, before the Archfiend Baramos came and claimed it as his own.

King of Portoga

Happily, a great hero ventured forth from a place called Aliahan and smote the beast. With peace restored to our world, we came from all over to honour those who fell at Baramos's hand.

King of Portoga

Ai, but things are rarely so simple! To our horror, when we arrived here, we found countless reanimated cadavers prowling the corridors of the castle on a quest to revive their fallen master!

King of Portoga

If they succeed, the incredible achievement of the hero who toppled Baramos would have been for naught! No, we cannot allow this to happen—but we will need your help, stranger. What do you say?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

King of Portoga

You will not help us? Ai... Perhaps you are not as courageous as you appear...

King of Portoga

Obrigado! My appraisal of you was not mistaken! Now, venture into the castle, where you will doubtless find kings from other realms and their courageous men doing battle with the undead hordes!

King of Portoga

I warrant they will be able to tell you more about who—or what—is orchestrating this plot to resurrect the fallen fiend. Por favor—find them and put an end to their monstrous machinations!

King of Portoga

When peace returned to our world, we came from all over to honour those who fell at Baramos's hand.

King of Portoga

To our horror, when we arrived here, we found countless reanimated cadavers prowling the corridors of the castle on a quest to revive their fallen master!

King of Portoga

We cannot allow this to happen! Which is why the kings of other realms and their courageous men are doing battle with the undead hordes as we speak.

King of Portoga

I warrant they will be able to tell you more about who—or what—is orchestrating this plot to resurrect the fallen fiend. Por favor—find them and put an end to their monstrous machinations!

King of Portoga

You have saved us all. Baramos will not return, and the fallen of the Necrogond can truly rest in peace.

King of Portoga

We will pay our respects to them for the sacrifice they made, and then we will return to our respective kingdoms. Know that we will never forget what you have done.

King of Manoza

Porquê...? Why...? How could this happen...? A brave young soldier who travelled with me from Manoza fell into the hands of the enemy and was taken away! Iii, just thinking about his fate is too painful!

King of Manoza

Porquê...? Why...? How could this happen...? A brave young soldier who travelled with me from Manoza fell into the hands of the enemy and was taken away! Iii, just thinking about his fate is too painful!

King of Manoza

Obrigado! Thank you for saving me! But still I fear for the life of the brave young soldier who was carried away by these undead fiends...

King of Manoza

Obrigado. Thank you, stranger. Your efforts saved a brave young soldier from a terrible fate.

King of Romaria

Cazzarola! Please, do not sneak up on me like that! I was certain you were a monster!

King of Romaria

Forgive me—I am a little on edge. If I had known that things would end up like this, I would have insisted on the hero keeping my crown when first he came to Aliahan.

King of Romaria

Ciao, friend! I understand you did it, sì? You stopped Baramos from being revived!

 

King of Romaria

King of Romaria

Wah hah hah! It was just a joke! I know you have important things to do! I wish you well on your journey! Buona fortuna!

King of Edina

Well met, stranger! I am the King of Edina, but fear not—I have the common touch! That means I can make conversation with everyone from foreign dignitaries to the lowliest bumpkin—such as yourself!

King of Edina

Now, this is rather embarrassing to admit, but after managing to make it all the way to within a hair's breadth of the bad hat who's behind all of this, I'm afraid I find myself rather too frightened to continue...

King of Edina

Ah, what a blessed relief! I sensed the evil had dispersed, and sure enough, the fiend who was orchestrating all of this is no more!

King of Edina

You defeated him, did you not? Well, bravo! Who would have thought a humble bumpkin such as yourself would have it in you?

King of Aliahan

I am convinced that somewhere in this castle, there is a monstrous mastermind pulling the strings and controlling the hordes of undead.

King of Aliahan

If this sinister manipulator were to be defeated, the unquiet souls at his command would surely be released from his thrall, and any danger of Baramos being revived would be ended.

King of Aliahan

You do not have to say a thing—I can tell from your eyes. It was you who defeated the puppetmaster and extirpated the evil from this place.

King of Aliahan

Words cannot express my gratitude to you. I feared for the peace that was so hard won by the mighty hero who defeated Baramos, but you came to the rescue. I salute you!

 

*: Iii, when the hero of Aliahan toppled the evil Baramos, we could have been forgiven for thinking we had seen the last of the monsters who terrorised our land.

 

*: But no such luck, I am afraid. No, there are sinister things afoot. If you are inclined to help us, and wish to learn more, I recommend that you speak to His Majesty just over there.

 

*: The castle of the Necrogond was originally built as a defence against the evils that periodically spewed forth from the nearby Pit of Giaga.

 

*: It is built on tough mountainous terrain. It cannot have been easy to live here, but I understand that the citizens of the Necrogond were as kind and brave a people as one could ever hope to meet.

 

*: But no matter how brave they may have been, when the monster Baramos attacked, they did not stand a chance. This is why all the kings of the land have come here—to pay tribute to the fallen.

 

*: But no one expected the castle to be crawling with the undead. Where is the hero of Aliahan when you need him? But of course—he plunged into the pit to defeat Baramos. It seems we are on our own...

 

*: The King is waiting for you! Report to him without delay!

 

*: The castle of the Necrogond was originally built as a defence against the evils that periodically spewed forth from the nearby Pit of Giaga.

 

*: The Archfiend Baramos laid waste to the entire kingdom, but I believe that one day people will return here, and the realm will rise again.

 

*: Umm... What would a tortoise be doing in a place like this...?

 

*: ...Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there. I've just seen the strangest thing—it was to the north of here in an out of the way spot. I swear I could see a tortoise in the gaps between some trees. Strange, right?

 

*: Brrr... It was a truly terrifying sight! A gang of putrid corpses seized a young soldier and carried him down the stairs in the centre of the pond!

 

*: I gave chase, but a powerful evil seemed to hang in the air, growing greater with every step I took. It chilled my blood, and I am ashamed to say that my nerve failed me and I turned back...

 

*: What a blessed relief! Truly, I feared for the life of that young soldier, but it seems you came to the rescue. Thank you so much!

 

*: It is most curious, but I am convinced that I saw one of those undead creatures weeping...

 

*: Perhaps they are not truly evil... Perhaps they are merely pawns in a higher power's game... Truly, that is not a fate I would wish on anyone.

 

*: The undead have all vanished, but before they disappeared, they were surrounded by a glowing light, and their faces took on a look of deepest relief. The evil power manipulating them is no more.

 

*: As far as I can tell, the undead are in fact the people of the Necrogond. It seems both the King and his unfortunate subjects have been resurrected.

 

*: It is a truly tragic irony that those who fell victim to the Archfiend Baramos should be forced to try to revive him.

 

*: Finally, the people of the Necrogond have been freed from their hideous enslavement. I pray that now they truly know peace.

 

*: I have resolved to remain here and ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

 

There's no response. The guard is unconscious.

 

*: ...Hm? What's that you say? I was all set to be used as a sacrifice, but now the undead fiends who had overrun the castle are all gone...?

 

*: ...Wait! That means the battle's over, right? And I was out cold the whole time! Gah, this is so embarrassing! What am I going to tell my superior officer!?

 

*: Gah... This accursed voice... It rattles around my skull, and I cannot ignore it...

 

*: It first spoke to me as I lay in my grave... <LM_6>Rise, people of the Necrogond<LM_9>, it said... <LM_6>Give me life once more, and I vow to grant you eternal bliss...<LM_9>

 

*: At first I tried to resist it...but it was futile... Now I know that I was wrong... If I only obey the voice in my head, I can be free! I can truly live again!

 

*: Soon it will begin... I can feel it in my bones... The rite of resurrection... And none can stop it...

 

*: The people of the Necrogond once guarded the Pit of Giaga... We wished to protect the world... To prevent calamity...

 

*: But now I see how futile it was... Peace means nothing... Protecting others is for fools... All that matters is power... And serving Baramos will give us power without end!

 

*: All our prayers... The sacrifice we will make... It is all for one end... The resurrection of Baramos... You too should pray...

 

*: At first, all I had were questions... Why did I return...? What am I here to do...? But then I heard his voice... And everything became clear...

 

*: We must restore our master, Baramos... That is what we are here to do...

 

*: We have our victim... The sacrifice our master demands will be made... There is little left to do but gloat... Ha! How pathetic these mortals are!

 

*: Just when everything was going so well... We had our victim... The sacrifice was at hand... And then you had to come along... Well, I am afraid I cannot let you disrupt the sacred rite... To arms!

 

*: Finally... I am free... I was a mere puppet... I tried to resist, but my body was not my own... Thank you for freeing me, stranger... Thank you...

 

*: Gah ha ha! I do not envy you... You live in mortal terror... You fear for your life... Yet we are free... Free from all fear... Free from all pain...

 

*: Gah ha ha! I do not envy you... I am free... Free from all fear... Free from all pain... Come, let me set you free... You can be like me...!

 

*: I thank you... The voice in my head has gone... My mind is my own once more... Now I truly am free...

 

*: What did I do with my life...? What did I achieve...? Nothing... But I have no regrets... My life was a mere prelude to this... To what comes next...

 

*: Yes, when we serve the mighty Baramos... Only then shall we know true fulfilment... True joy... Only then shall we be truly alive!

 

*: What did I do with my life...? What did I achieve...? Nothing... But I have no regrets... My life was a mere prelude to this...

 

*: Yes, when we serve the mighty Baramos, then we shall do as we please... Now I must merely bide my time...and amuse myself by tearing you limb from limb!

 

*: Forgive me... I should not have attacked you... But I was not in control of my actions...

 

*: I lied... I was proud to be born in the Necrogond... I achieved much with the life I was given... I knew joy... And true fulfilment... At least now you know the truth...

 

*: Master... Return to us... Rule over us... Forever...

 

*: Any who would disrupt the ceremony...must die!

 

*: I beg of you... Defeat him... That fiendish priest... There is yet time... The ceremony is not yet over... But you must hurry... Please...

 

*: This pitiful mortal will be sacrificed... He will be offered up to our master...

 

*: Hideous mortal... The frailty of your flesh offends my eyes...! You disgust me—and so you must die!

 

*: So this is what it means to be free...

 

*: Let us pray... To our master... To Baramos...

 

*: You dare disrupt our prayers...? You dare to hinder us as we call Baramos back from the beyond...? In the name of all that is unholy, you shall pay for your insolence...

 

*: You have freed me... You have broken the chains that ensnared my soul... I thank you, stranger...

 

*: Return to us... We have waited too long...

 

*: I did not understand why Baramos had not yet returned to us... But now I know... It is your fault... It is you who stand in our way... But no more... Prepare for the end...

 

*: Finally I can speak the truth... Do not let Baramos return... I beseech you...

 

There's no response. It's just a corpse.

King of the Necrogond

Urrrgh... That voice... I cannot give in to it... I cannot let it win...

King of the Necrogond

No, there is something more powerful than that voice... Something I cannot ignore... I speak of my people's pain... Their anguish at being treated as mere puppets...

King of the Necrogond

That vile creature who calls himself the Necrogondolier must be defeated! Only when he joins his master in oblivion can my people truly rest in peace!

 

A quiet voice can be heard as if carried on the air from a far-off place...

 

*: ...Thank you, friend.

 

There's no response. It's just a corpse.

Necrogondolier

See how the fallen of the Necrogond obey my every word! Yes, they have served me well—but little do they know that their reward will be unimaginable suffering! Yes, their torment is only beginning!

Necrogondolier

When my lord and master returns, he shall inflict untold suffering upon living and dead alike! You are fortunate indeed to be here, for you will soon bear witness to a truly momentous event!

King of Portoga

Ai, it is you! And not a moment too soon! I was just going to send one of my men to search for you.

King of Portoga

Please brace yourself for bad news. I am sorry to be the one to tell you this, but the Archfiend Baramos has returned.

King of Portoga

Ai, I do not understand it. You slew the evil mastermind behind the monstrous plot to revive the lord of evil—the one who called himself the Necrogondolier. So how is it that his plan succeeded regardless?

King of Portoga

Well, however he achieved it, we have no choice but to fight. We have mustered forces from all corners of the land, but it will not be easy—Baramos has summoned legions of savage beasts to defend him.

King of Portoga

I beseech you, mighty warrior—come to our aid once more! Por favor, take up arms and banish the Archfiend from this world forever!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

King of Portoga

Caramba! You will not help us!? But who else will stand a chance against Baramos? I can only ask you most humbly to reconsider...

King of Portoga

Obrigado! I knew you would not turn your back on us! Now, it seems that Baramos is in the very room where you defeated his cruel underling, the Necrogondolier.

King of Portoga

Defeat the Archfiend and restore the peace won at such great cost by the hero of Aliahan. You hold the future of this realm in your hands!

King of Portoga

It seems that Baramos is in the very room where you defeated his cruel underling, the Necrogondolier.

King of Portoga

Go there and destroy the Archfiend. Restore the peace that the hero of Aliahan fought so hard to bring about. You hold the future of this realm in your hands!

King of Portoga

Obrigado! Thank you! You have defeated the Archfiend Baramos and rid this realm of a terrible evil! But still I am uneasy...

King of Portoga

The fiend who called himself the Necrogondolier did not appear unbidden. No, he was sent by someone, of that I am certain.

King of Portoga

I fear that there may be other emissaries of evil abroad in the world. Por favor—continue on your journey, and do battle with these fiends wherever you find them!

King of Manoza

Iii, I will no longer ask my men to put themselves in harm's way in my stead. No, I will take on these foul monsters myself! Have at you, fiend!

King of Manoza

Iii, I will no longer ask my men to put themselves in harm's way in my stead. No, I will take on these foul monsters myself! Have at you, fiend!

King of Manoza

Thank you. Though it shames me to admit it, that battle left me shaken. I am afraid I can fight no more. Please, take on Baramos, for all our sakes.

King of Manoza

The monsters are gone and the stench of evil has disappeared. You do not have to tell me—I know that you defeated Baramos. Obrigado. Thank you, brave warrior.

King of Manoza

Never did I dare to imagine that anyone but the hero of Aliahan might be able to fell the great evil...

King of Manoza

And speaking of things I never imagined, I just saw some most uncouth looking individuals manhandling an enormous tortoise! What in the world can they have been up to?

King of Romaria

Cazzarola! I was trying to flee but now I find myself frozen with fear!

King of Romaria

If I had known that things would end up like this, I would have insisted on the hero keeping my crown when first he came to Aliahan.

King of Romaria

Ciao, friend! I understand you did it, sì? You defeated Baramos!

King of Romaria

You are truly a hero! Tell me, will you take the crown of our dear country in my stead?

King of Romaria

Wah hah hah! Just a joke! I know you have important things to do! I wish you well on your journey! Buona fortuna!

King of Romaria

...Hm? Was it my imagination, or did I hear something going on outside? Who could it be, I wonder?

King of Edina

Well met, brave warrior! No sooner had you departed than a terrifying black cloud appeared around the throne, and when it cleared, it revealed none other than the Archfiend Baramos!

King of Edina

Well met, brave warrior! No sooner had you departed than a terrifying black cloud appeared around the throne, and when it cleared, it revealed none other than the Archfiend Baramos!

King of Edina

You defeated him, did you not? Well, bravo! A humble bumpkin you may be, but it seems there really is no end to your talents!

King of Edina

...But perhaps I have mocked the low-born for long enough. You have taught me that though a man may have straw in his hair, as long as he has courage in his heart, he too can be truly noble.

King of Aliahan

I am the King of Aliahan, the realm that was home to both the great hero and the hero's father, Ortega. In light of their mighty deeds, I vow that I will not leave this place until Baramos is defeated!

King of Aliahan

I am the King of Aliahan, the realm that was home to both the great hero and the hero's father, Ortega. In light of their mighty deeds, I vow that I will not leave this place until Baramos is defeated!

King of Aliahan

You made short work of that monster! Truly, you have what it takes to defeat the biggest beast of them all—the Archfiend Baramos!

King of Aliahan

You did it! You truly did it! You defeated the Archfiend!

King of Aliahan

Your achievements recall those of another who once set out from my kingdom ready to take on the world. I speak, of course, of the hero of Aliahan!

 

*: It is such a relief to see that you have returned! If you wish to learn more of the terrible predicament in which we find ourselves, I recommend that you speak to His Majesty just over there.

 

*: Sadly, the hero of Aliahan is not here to help us. After defeating Baramos, our brave saviour plunged headlong into the great Pit of Giaga to take on Zoma, Lord of the Underworld.

 

*: Zoma fell at the hero's hand, and his cries as he died rang throughout the land. Peace returned to us, but at a price—the great pit closed, and the hero has not been seen since.

 

*: This time, the hero cannot help us. No, it is up to us to take on Baramos and banish him from this world once and for all.

 

*: The King is waiting for you! Report to him without delay!

 

*: It is clear that this castle is of great importance to monsterkind. It is here that they chose to revive Baramos, and it also seems he wished to make it his base.

 

*: Well, I have vowed never again to let evil enter this place. The people of the Necrogond may be gone, but their spirit and their hopes remain.

 

*: I will do all that is in my power to defend this castle, and I believe in my heart that one day people will return here, and the realm will rise again.

 

*: Umm... What would a tortoise be doing in a place like this...?

 

*: ...Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there. I've just seen the strangest thing—it was to the north of here in an out of the way spot. I swear I could see a tortoise in the gaps between some trees. Strange, right?

 

*: Brrr... It chills my blood to recall it, but I witnessed the return of the Archfiend Baramos. And as he appeared, I swear I could hear an awful gloating laughter...

 

*: There was something familiar about it, and then it struck me—it belonged to the cruel fiend who orchestrated the ceremony, the very one that you defeated!

 

*: Baramos may be no more, but I cannot stop wondering about the nature of the creature who tried to revive him...

 

*: We believed that monsterkind had been banished from our land forever, and yet that fiend appeared. Where did he come from?

 

*: Hah, is that all you've got!?

 

*: Hah, is that all you've got!?

 

*: I-It is the Archfiend himself...! I, I am trembling so much, it is all I can do to stop myself collapsing to the floor in a quivering heap!

 

*: Witnessing you in action against Baramos is something I will take to the grave! Truly, it was an epic confrontation!

 

*: Curse you! You will not take this castle! I will not allow it!

 

*: Curse you! You will not take this castle! I will not allow it!

 

*: Curse my feeble body! It will not do as I command it! I wish to take on Baramos, but I find myself rooted to the spot!

 

*: Thank you for all you have done. I believe that now the people of the Necrogond can truly know peace.

 

*: I have resolved to remain here and watch over the Pit of Giaga to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

 

*: Gah! I can't believe I managed to get lost! I must rejoin my liege!

 

*: Gah! I can't believe I managed to get lost! I must rejoin my liege!

 

*: This place is driving me mad—I cannot find the King I serve, and yet I managed to come across a giant tortoise in the north-west corner of the castle! A tortoise!

 

*: I can't believe it! I can't believe I went and got lost and missed all the fighting again! Gah, this is so embarrassing! What am I going to tell my superior officer!?

 

*: I can't believe it! I can't believe I went and got lost and missed all the fighting again! Gah, this is so embarrassing! What am I going to tell my superior officer!?

 

*: I mean, I could tell him I managed to find a giant tortoise in the north-west corner of the castle, but I doubt he'd be too impressed...

 

It's a very large tortoise. Chances are it's the Galapagod—the sacred guardian of the village of Tenton.

 

It's clearly in some discomfort, but is remaining stoical.

 

*: Heehoo hoohee! Come on, you silly turtle! Don't fight it! Give in! Go on, use your far-out powers and take us somewhere nice!

 

*: Apparently, you can ride this thing! I bet he can take us to some amazing places, if he's in the mood!

 

*: Grrr... Ruff ruff!

 

*: (whine)

 

*: Woof woof!

 

*: Now that our master has returned, the world will soon be consumed by darkness!

 

*: How dare humans sully the realm of the mighty Archfiend Baramos with their presence!?

 

*: Grah hah hah! Do not tarry here, or my brethren and I shall fall upon you and feast on your flesh!

 

*: Do you really think you can stand in the way of the Archfiend Baramos? Truly, you make me laugh!

 

*: Heh heh! This castle will make a fine home for my master! And it will be even finer once we have purged it of every last trace of you humans!

 

*: Gurr hurr! Foolish humans! You really thought you had succeeded in thwarting our plot to revive our master, didn't you? Well, we will have the last laugh!

 

*: This old man is not as pathetic as he first appeared to be! He will not give in without a fight, it seems!

 

*: I wanted to begin by feasting on that old man's flesh, but it seems I will need to devour you first!

 

*: He is brave indeed to think himself a match for me and my monstrous kin—brave, or very stupid!

 

*: Gah, is there no end to this plague of humans?

 

*: Kree hee! Where did you appear from!?

 

*: Well, whatever you are trying to do, it is too late, I am afraid! The Archfiend Baramos has returned, and there is nothing you can do about it!

 

*: Gah hah hah! I shall toy with this foolish human for as long as it amuses me, and then slay him with a single stroke!

 

*: Gah hah hah! I grow weary of toying with this foolish guard! Perhaps you will offer me a more worthwhile diversion!

 

*: Keh heh! I hereby vow that I will be the one to slay the King of Aliahan!

 

*: Keh heh! I will be the one to slay the King of Aliahan! But it seems I will need to deal with you first!

 

*: Bah! This human does not give in easily!

 

*: Bah! This human does not give in easily! But I shall defeat him—and you too!

 

There's no response. It's just a corpse.

 

There's no response. It's just a corpse.

Baramos

You know, of course, that to stand against mighty Baramos is to throw away your life? And yet still you came.

Baramos

Go. Begone from here. But rest assured that next time, I will not be so forgiving...

 

*: Grrr...

 

*: (pant pant)

 

*: Hmnnn... Hmnnn...

 

*: Our inn hath a mightily strict policy on dogs—ne'er shalt one set so much as a single paw 'cross the threshold! This being so, canst thou explain the...unpleasantness I have just discovered in one of the beds!?

 

*: No doubt it was the handiwork of that hound that wandered forlornly into town not so long ago! Well, by my troth, I shall not let this matter lie!

 

*: I have been known to nod off at times and in places not deemed appropriate, but never in all my life have I awoken to find myself curled up in a basket...

 

*: I dreamed that I did meet with the Princess of Moonbrooke herself! ...'Twas a dream, was it not? Verily, it felt as true to life as my talking to you now...

 

*: Alas, Her Majesty did seem most downcast. ...'Tis no surprise, with what befell the castle. I can only pray that she escaped with her life.

 

*: Prithee, canst thou perhaps enlighten me—wherefore am I so abominable itchy?

 

*: What manner of mischief resulted in my fine stock of weapons and armour being pitted hither and thither with bite marks!? ...By the by—might thou be in the market for a chewed buckler?

 

*: What brigand broke in here and scattered my stock this way and that!? This sorry world hath gone to rack and ruin!

 

*: Greetings, traveller! ...What's that? You want to know if I've got anything that will reveal a person's true identity?

 

*: Hmm... Let me think... Ah, I know! Some bodura grass should do the trick—and as it so happens, I have some right here!

 

*: It's yours if you want it. I doubt I'll have any use for it myself.

 

<pc> receives some bodura grass!

 

You've managed to find some bodura grass! You'd better head back to Weaver's Peak to let Tania know.

 

A mysterious voice can be heard, though it's unclear where it's coming from...

 

*: Call me Ishmahri. I come from the Land of the Moonshadow.

 

*: I sense that destiny has guided you to me that you might hear my tale. I have a problem, you see. A number of visitors to my world are trapped there, unable to return to their own.

 

*: This world and the world I call home are connected by the Moonshadow Window—a portal that opens only in the light of the moon.

 

*: But some wicked soul is preventing the night from falling. The sun has been high in the sky for as long as I can remember. Please—will you aid me in bringing this unending day to a close?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: I understand your reticence, but really, I have no alternative but to appeal to your good conscience. Please, you must help those poor, stranded souls to return to their own world.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Thank you, child of man. I have discerned that whatever foul force is preventing night from falling has hidden itself away somewhere within Trodain Castle.

 

*: Know that the spirit of the moon shall protect you. I wish you luck.

 

*: (yawn)

 

*: ...Waaah! Wh-Where did you appear from!? How dare you startle the mighty Dayle like that!?

 

*: As long as it's daylight, this world is mine! My master taught me the most marvellous spell for turning night into day, and I intend to keep using it!

 

*: As soon as evening comes, I cast Tick-Tock, and it's broad daylight again! And as long as I can keep doing that, I'll be the ruler of all I survey!

 

*: Now, I think it's high time the truth dawned on you...

 

*: You are no match for the mighty Dayle! Nighty-night!

 

*: Urrrgh... How...? The world was mine... And now the sun sets on my mighty empire...

 

*: Maybe now...I can finally get some rest...

 

A mysterious voice can be heard, though it's unclear where it's coming from...

 

*: Thank you, human. You have brought night back to this world at last.

 

*: Finally, the castle library will be bathed in the light of the moon, and the Moonshadow Window shall appear once more.

 

*: Those who are trapped in my world can finally return to their home—a place where they have much to do. And all is thanks to you.

 

*: For now, your work here is done. But one day, I fear that the fiend who sent his minion here will make himself known to you.

 

*: Take care of yourselves, and know that the moon shall always watch over you.

 

The light of the moon has created the Moonshadow Window, a mysterious aperture that serves as a portal between worlds.

 

Voices can be heard drifting faintly through from the other side...

Angelo

*: If you would stop your incessant eating, you might see that the Moonshadow Window is open again!

Yangus

*: (munch crunch) Cor blimey, you're in an 'urry, ain'tcha? Keep yer 'air on, pretty boy, I'll be wiv you in a mo!

 

*: Help! Heeeelp! Can anyone hear me!?

 

*: I'm in a bit of trouble here! I need help getting out!

 

Defeating Obstructicus appears to have restored the rainbow rocks to their original colour.

Kiefer

You're tougher than you look! I'm impressed! In fact, you remind me of an old friend of mine...

Kiefer

But this isn't the time for a trip down memory lane. I have to get back to Lala right away!

Kiefer

I owe you one! You really got me out of a jam! Head back to the Roamer encampment and I'm sure they'll find a nice reward for you!

 

Pained groans can be heard coming from within.

 

*: Urghhh... It hurts...so much... Help me... Please...

 

Pained groans can be heard coming from within.

Lala

*: Urghhh... Help me... Please, my love... Help me...

 

*: Oi, you over there! The tough-lookin' lad with the hair! Will ye lend me an ear and listen to me sorry tale?

 

*: Sure, ye'll never believe what's happened to our precious rainbow rocks!

 

*: It's no use, I can't begin to describe the horror. Ye're goin' to have to see it with yer own eyes, so y'are. All I know is that this mine is banjaxed entirely.

 

*: Please, I'm beggin' ye! Go an' knock seven shades o' sometin' out o' whatever divil's done all o' this an' get our beloved mine back to normal!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Are ye havin' me on!? Sure, I'm beggin' ye, so I am! Ye have to help!

 

*: Listen, let me put it another way—ye're a man o' the world, an' clearly ye won't do sometin' fer nuttin'. If ye save our bacon, I'll make it worth yer while, like. I'll give ye sometin' good.

 

*: Thanks a million! Like I say, reckon there's some awful creature or other down in the depths that's behind all this bother. Give 'em a wallopin' an' ye'll set everytin' right, sure as sure can be.

 

*: I'm not exactly sure o' the details, y'understand. It happened all of a sudden, like. Ye'd be best to go an' see what's occurrin' with yer own eyes.

 

*: ...What's that, ye say? Join ye!? Are ye daft—!? I mean, ehh... I, I'll stay here an' pray for ye! That'll do ye the world o' good! Best o' luck, now!

 

*: Mwah hah hah! Feel that! Sure, that's some rare auld power coursin' through me veins!

 

*: I'm impressed a feckless-lookin' sort such as yerself made it this far! I'm Maeve, the warrior queen!

Maeve

Have ye seen me lovely rockbombs? They're a sight prettier than them stupid rainbow rocks, I tell ye. They were useless things, so they were—sure, they didn't even explode.

Maeve

But there'll be an almighty explosion soon enough! This place is goin' sky-high any second! The mine an' everyone in it! Mwah hah hah! It'll be beautiful! An' I won't let ye stand in the way of it!

 

It seems that defeating Maeve has caused the rockbombs to turn back into rainbow rocks!

 

The rainbow rock glows with a lovely green hue.

 

It would probably be a good idea to let the man at the entrance to the mine know what's happened.

 

*: Urrrgh! Sure, me head's splittin'! What did I do...? What was I thinkin'...?

 

*: Ye'll be wantin' to know me name, I suppose. Well, I'm Maeve. I can't for the life o' me tell ye why I was actin' like that, but all I know is that ye saved me from meself, so ye did.

Maeve

The other day, I was in the mine checkin' all was in order when I came across a monster the like o' which I'd never seen. An' d'ye know what it whispered in me ear?

 

It asked me what I was doin' wastin' me time tryin' to protect people! Told me that deep down I didn't want to help folks at all! That I wanted to destroy things. Said I should...embrace that side o' meself.

Maeve

After that, well... After that, I don't remember a whole lot. Must've cast some kind o' spell on me an' turned me into that... That thing.

Maeve

I wanted to destroy everythin' all of a sudden! I even set around tryin' to ruin the miners' livelihoods by turnin' the rainbow rocks into monsters! Ah, did ye ever hear the like of it? It's been like a bad dream!

Maeve

But now thanks to yerself, I've woken from the nightmare. I'm a human once again. Thank goodness—it's no fun thinkin' ye're a monster, believe me...

Maeve

I'm eternally grateful to ye, so I am. Thanks for stoppin' me an' helpin' me remember me true self.

 

*: Waaah!

 

*: C-Calm down... Th-There's a good kitty...

 

*: GRRRAAARGH!

 

*: Th-This is a catastrophe! I don't mean to be a scaredy-cat, but you've g-g-got to help me! P-Please!

 

*: ...No!? B-But...! Look! Look at its c-c-claws!

 

*: Th-Th-Thank you! If you could just get it to shoo, I'd be eternally grateful.

 

*: GRRRUUURGH...!

 

The great sabrecat slinks off.

 

*: I owe you big time! I was within a whisker of getting mauled there! I seem to be catnip to that thing. Lately, he keeps coming round and growling at me. I'm terrified that one day he's going to pounce.

 

*: Normally, I can get any cat purring in no time, but he's completely feral. He's got all the other kitties terrified—if someone doesn't do something soon, I'm worried they'll all run away.

 

*: So, enough pussyfooting around—you look like you know a thing or two. I was wondering if you might be able to bring me something that might help tame that savage beast. What do you say?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Look, I know you're a cool cat, but there's no need to be like that! If you ever come across an item that might help calm that thing down, I just want you to bring it to me, okay?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.<LM_LF>Will you acquiesce to this request?

 

*: Thank you! I knew you wouldn't let me down! Now, I don't believe I've introduced myself properly—my name's Tom, and I serve Master Felix, the owner of this house.

Tom

As you can probably guess, I have a real fondness for felines of all descriptions, and when the cat hasn't got my tongue, I can even talk their language.

Tom

When that wildcat slinked off, he muttered someone's name under his breath... <LM_6>Bianca<LM_9>, was it...? Anyway, maybe that might help you in your quest for the thing that will tame him.

 

*: Waaah!

Tom

N-Not again! Listen, p-please calm down... Th-There's a good kitty...

 

*: GRRRAAARGH!

Tom

Oh, th-there you are again! D-Did you manage to find something that might calm this fellow down?

Tom

...No!? Th-Then I'm in trouble! L-Look at its c-c-claws!

Tom

...This is a lovely ribbon, I must say. Well, I'll show it to him and let's see if it works its magic!

 

*: Grrrrrr!

 

Tom shows Bianca's ribbon to the great sabrecat.

 

The sabrecat gives it a good long sniff.

 

It looks as if the ribbon has sparked some kind of memory...

 

*: Meeeeeew!

 

The great sabrecat slinks off.

Tom

Wh-What exactly just happened? I can't be sure, but it looked as if that ribbon jogged his memory. Do you think he might have remembered where his home is?

Tom

Perhaps that was the reason he was so irritable—he wanted to go home, but he couldn't remember where home was. Well, let's hope that's the end of it.

Tom

If that sabrecat has managed to find its way home, it'll be thanks to you. And you've saved my skin too—here, this is the least I can do.

Tom

Oh, and there's one more thing. When it slinked off, it muttered something under its breath. It sounded like some kind of code word. Let me tell it to you before I forget...

 

Tom tells <pc> the secret word he learned from the great sabrecat.

 

Chateau Felix (Dusk) has been added to the list of locations you can travel to from the Altar of the Cursed King.

 

Patty hands Erinn the book, and she begins leafing through the pages...

 

Erinn

Erinn

<LM_6>A true king takes responsibility for the well-being of his people. He must never forget what he owes to others.

Erinn

<LM_6>If a king loses his pride, his subjects will suffer. And a king who makes his subjects suffer is unworthy of his honoured role.<LM_9>

Erinn