Dragon Quest XI S Script: Quest NPC Text

 

 

*: Oh, if it isn't young <pc>! You came along at just the right time! I've got a favour to ask, you see.

 

 

*: The other day I was playing with my lad—you know, messing around, as you do. Well, anyway, he's got this flurry feather that he loves, and well...fool that I am, I managed to let it blow away.

 

 

*: Luckily, the wind only blew it as far as the roof of your shed. I'd go and get it myself, but I'm not too good with heights, I'm afraid...

 

 

*: Anyway, I know you're a brave young fellow, so I was wondering if you'd mind clambering up there and getting it back for me. You'd be doing me a huge favour, I'm telling you.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

 

*: Oh. That's...unexpected. I mean, what is it the priest is always saying? ‘Be nice to others!’ Maybe you should bear that in mind next time someone asks you to do them a simple kindness...

 

 

 

*: I knew you'd help me out! You always paid attention to what the priest said in church—you know, that stuff about always being kind to others. You're a fine fellow, and no mistake!

 

 

*: Now, there's no time to lose! My son's desperate to get his beloved feather back—hurry on over to your shed!

 

 

*: I'm sure you've climbed onto your fair share of roofs, but just find something to clamber onto and press  to jump up there.

 

 

*: Once you've found that flurry feather, bring it back here and I'll see if I can't give you a little something in return. Best of luck!

 

*: Listen, you've probably got plenty to keep you busy already, but you'd be doing me a massive favour if you'd go up onto your shed roof and get my boy's feather back.

 

 

*: I'm sure you've climbed onto your fair share of roofs, but just find something to clamber onto and press  to jump up there.

 

 

*: Once you've found that flurry feather, bring it back here and I'll see if I can't give you a little something in return. Best of luck!

 

*: There you are, <pc>! And it looks like you've got the feather! Would you mind letting me have it?<yesno>

 

*: Hey, what are you playing at!? Do I really have to remind you again about all that stuff the priest is always saying about being kind to others?

 

*: Thanks! I knew you wouldn't let me down! I can't wait to see the look on my boy's face! Oh, and before I forget, here's a little something in return...

 

*: And that's not all! I've got a tip for you I hope you'll find useful. If you ever want to do someone a good turn, look for a purple speech bubble above their head.

 

 

*: Listen to what they have to say and see if you can do anything to help—it always pays to be kind to others!

 

 

*: But don't feel that just because someone's shared their woes with you, you have to help them right away. You can always come back when you want a little change of pace, or if you're not sure what to do next.

 

 

*: Anyway, thanks again, <pc>. I really owe you one. Now, just remember—whatever's waiting for you up ahead, be kind to others, and you'll do just fine!

 

*: When I let my boy's flurry feather get blown away, I thought he was going to disown me. You really helped me out of a tight spot, <pc>!

 

 

*: You'll always be able to tell when someone needs a helping hand. They'll have a purple speech bubble floating about their heads, just like I did.

 

 

*: If you spot any folks who look like they might need your help, make sure to have a word with them—it always pays to do what you can for others.

 

 

*: But don't feel that just because someone's shared their woes with you, you have to help them right away. You can always come back when you want a little change of pace, or you aren't sure what to do next.

 

 

*: Anyway, thanks again, <pc>. I really owe you one. Now, just remember—whatever's waiting for you up ahead, be kind to others, and you'll do just fine!

 

*: I came all the way to Heliodor with just one goal in mind—to catch a glimpse of two of the greatest heroes in all of history: Sir Jasper and Sir Hendrik!

 

 

*: The only problem is that they won't let me into the castle. Can you believe it? Well, if I'm not going to get to meet them in person, I suppose I'll have to bide my time by reading up on them instead.

 

 

*: You know, if you wanted to earn my eternal gratitude, you could help me find a book about the exploits of those two fabulous knights.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Oh well, it was worth a try. I had wanted to bone up on all their tales of derring-do, but I know when to quit. I suppose I'll do some souvenir shopping and head off home...

 

 

*: Oh thank you so much! I know there's a book about my two favourite knights just sitting on a bookshelf somewhere!

 

 

*: I've taken a look around the west of the city, so maybe you should head east. If you see any bookshelves with red books in them, take a closer look—apparently, they're the ones worth reading.

 

 

*: If you do manage to find a book about Jasper and Hendrik, make sure to come back and tell me all about it, won't you? Good luck!

 

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

 

 

It appears to be all about Heliodor's two most noble and knightly heroes.

 

*: I've come all the way to Heliodor, so I'm not going to go home without at least learning a little more about my heroes, Sir Hendrik and Sir Jasper.

 

 

*: I just know there's a book all about them both sitting on a bookshelf somewhere in the city—there must be!

 

 

*: I've taken a look around the west of the city, so maybe you should head east. If you see any bookshelves with red books in them, take a closer look—apparently, they're the ones worth reading.

 

 

*: If you do manage to find a book about everyone's favourite knights, make sure to come back and tell me all about it, won't you? Good luck!

 

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

 

 

‘No matter how ferocious an assault the monsters may launch against Heliodor, this great kingdom shall not fall, for two heroic figures will stand in the path of any attacker.

 

 

‘The first is Sir Hendrik, a warrior without equal. Countless times has he ridden his colossal black steed Obsidian fearlessly into the heart of an oncoming assault, scattering the enemy like so many leaves.

 

 

‘He is chivalrous to a fault, and considered by many to be the greatest swordsman in the world—even the vilest, most towering troll dare not stand its ground when faced with his whirling greatsword.

 

 

‘The second half of this gallant duo is the shrewd and ingenious Sir Jasper. Regarded as the sharpest military mind of the age, he has led heavily outnumbered forces to glorious victory again and again.

 

 

‘Though as a swordsman he may be no match for Sir Hendrik, his ability to analyse any battlefield and quickly arrive at the ideal strategy for the situation at hand is unrivalled.

 

 

‘With these two great men—the Swordsman and the Strategist—to protect it, Heliodor need fear no foe.’

 

You found the book about the two great heroes of Heliodor! You should go and tell the tourist who was looking for it!

 

*: Oh, hello there! I can tell from that look in your eyes that you found that book! Go on—tell me what it said!

 

 

*: ...What's that? Sir Hendrik is the mightier swordsman, but Sir Jasper is a peerless military tactician? I'd heard as much!

 

 

*: ...And between the two of them, they've made Heliodor a nigh on unbeatable military force! Well, I never! Fancy that!

 

 

*: Ahh, I'm so glad you shared that with me! Now I feel a lot closer to my heroes—and I feel a lot safer knowing they're around to protect Heliodor!

 

 

*: Thank you so much for enlightening me! I may not have met them, but this is the next best thing! Here's a little something to say thank you!

 

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

 

 

‘No matter how ferocious an assault the monsters may launch against Heliodor, this great kingdom shall not fall, for two heroic figures will stand in the path of any attacker.

 

 

‘The first is Sir Hendrik, a warrior without equal. Countless times has he ridden his colossal black steed Obsidian fearlessly into the heart of an oncoming assault, scattering the enemy like so many leaves.

 

 

‘He is chivalrous to a fault, and considered by many to be the greatest swordsman in the world—even the vilest, most towering troll dare not stand its ground when faced with his whirling greatsword.

 

 

‘The second half of this gallant duo is the shrewd and ingenious Sir Jasper. Regarded as the sharpest military mind of the age, he has led heavily outnumbered forces to glorious victory again and again.

 

 

‘Though as a swordsman he may be no match for Sir Hendrik, his ability to analyse any battlefield and quickly arrive at the ideal strategy for the situation at hand is unrivalled.

 

 

‘With these two great men—the Swordsman and the Strategist—to protect it, Heliodor need fear no foe.’

 

*: So between the two of them, Sir Jasper and Sir Hendrik have made Heliodor a nigh on unbeatable military force? Fancy that!

 

 

*: Ahh, I'm so glad you shared that with me! Now I feel a lot closer to my heroes—and I feel a lot safer knowing they're around to protect Heliodor!

 

 

*: This just goes to show that there are all kinds of amazing facts just sitting in books waiting to be read! If you see a bookshelf with a red book, make sure to have a good leaf through it!

 

*: Waaah! Waaah! Amelia's stuck on the roof! She won't come down! Waaah!

 

 

*: Someone help meee! Amelia's stuck on the roof! You have to help!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Waaah! You're horrible!

 

*: Oh thank you! Thank you so much! You're so nice! Please get Amelia down! She's scared of heights, you know!

 

 

*: Meeew!

 

 

The cat sounds distressed.

 

*: According to this poor nipper, her friend Amelia's gone an' got stuck on the roof.

 

 

*: You can get out on the rooftops from the item shop, but I can't leave 'er 'ere bawlin' to go an' get it, can I? Cor, wot a pickle...

 

*: Waaah! Waaah! Amelia's stuck on the roof! She won't come down! Waaah!

 

 

*: Poor Amelia! She must be starving!

 

 

*: Please, mister! You have to help Amelia! She's stuck on the roof! You have to get her down!

 

 

*: Meeew!

 

 

The cat's paw seems to be stuck in a hole in the roof. Do you want to help it?<yesno>

 

 

*: Miaooow!

 

 

<pc> gently removes the cat's paw from the hole.

 

*: Miaaaowr!

 

You helped the little girl's cat! Go and tell her the good news!

 

*: Y-You did it! You got Amelia off the roof! Thank you! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! Here, take this!

 

*: If you got up on that roof, you can get onto others! You can probably even climb down chimneys!

 

*: Mmm! Mmmeowww!

 

*: So you're the 'ero who climbed up on the roof an' came to the rescue, eh? Nice one, mate! She looks pleased as punch to 'ave 'er cat back!

 

*: Thank you so much for getting my kitty back, mister! I'm glad you didn't get stuck on the roof too!

 

 

*: If you got up on that roof, you can get onto others! You can probably even climb down chimneys!

 

*: So that blue-haired chap with you is called Erik, is he? Well, he looks like he knows how to handle himself. You could have picked a worse travelling companion, that's for certain.

 

 

*: Now, tell me something—have you heard of pep powers? They're special attacks that you can only unleash with the help of your companions.

 

 

*: Basically, they're what happens when spells and abilities are mixed together in various combinations. And believe me, they're well worth learning. Heh heh! I can see I've piqued your interest!

 

 

*: Alright, let me think... Ah, of course! I've got just the one for you to try! I'm pretty sure that if you and your friend Erik put your minds to it, you'll be able to master a little cracker known as The Real Decoy!

 

 

*: All you need to do is team up and try it out on some hapless monster. You'll soon see how incredible it is. Well, what do you say—fancy giving it a try?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Hmph. I see. So you'd rather do things alone, eh? Well, it's your loss. Trust me, there's nothing quite like a pep power. Ah, well...

 

*: That's the spirit! But just one word of warning—this pep power won't work unless the people performing it are pepped up.

 

 

*: And what does that mean, I hear you ask? Well, it's when you're in battle, and monsters are attacking you, and suddenly you find that you're fully focused and ready for anything!

 

 

*: That should be enough to get you there, I'm sure. Now, stop listening to me waffling on and get out there and try it! Once you've taken out a monster with The Real Decoy, come back and let me know!

 

*: No doubt about it, you and that blue-haired chap could pull off The Real Decoy with panache! Now, go and find a hapless monster to try it out on!

 

 

*: But just one word of warning—you won't be able to use it unless both of you are pepped up.

 

 

*: And what does that mean, I hear you ask? Well, it's when you're in battle, and monsters are attacking you, and suddenly you find that you're fully focused and ready for anything!

 

You defeated a monster using The Real Decoy! Head back to the soldier by the church in the Heliodorian Foothills and tell him the good news!

 

*: ...No! Don't say a word! You don't need to! A man with my vast fighting experience can recognise a first-time pep power user a mile off!

 

 

*: The glint in your eyes, the spring in your step, the glow of satisfaction...oh, yes! You nailed it alright!

 

 

*: You should be proud of yourself! To have teamed up with a trusted ally and pulled off a pep power is a momentous day for any aspiring warrior!

 

 

*: It feels amazing, doesn't it? Yes, there's nothing like a pep power! And I must say, I feel rather proud of having opened your eyes to their wonder!

 

 

*: Here you are. Consider this a small souvenir to commemorate this magical moment!

 

*: Now, don't forget—there are many more pep powers out there just waiting to be discovered. The number of ways in which spells and abilities can be combined is beyond even my imagining!

 

 

*: And don't think they're all just two-person affairs—oh no, there are some that need three of you to be pepped up before they can be performed too!

 

 

*: To cut a long story short, the more spells and abilities you master, and the more companions you meet, the more pep powers will become available to you.

 

 

*: Which just goes to show that you can't always go it alone in this life. No, there are times when it really pays to work with others!

 

*: There are all kinds of pep powers out there just waiting to be discovered. The number of ways in which spells and abilities can be combined is beyond even my imagining!

 

 

*: And don't think they're all just two-person affairs—oh no, there are some that need three of you to be pepped up before they can be performed too!

 

 

*: To cut a long story short, the more spells and abilities you master, and the more companions you meet, the more pep powers will become available to you.

 

 

*: Which just goes to show that you can't always go it alone in this life. No, there are times when it really pays to work with others!

 

*: A wedding beckons.

My son is to tie the knot,

But he needs a ring...

 

 

*: I have the gold ore,

But sadly not the talent

To craft a gold ring.

 

 

*: ...But could it be true?

Could you have a Fun-Size Forge,

And know how it works?

 

 

*: Please, forge a gold ring!

And not just a normal one—

My son demands it!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?

You'll need to forge a +1 gold ring or better.<yesno>

 

*: This is a dark day...

My hopes dashed against the rocks

Like boats in a storm...

 

*: What a joyful day!

Now, open this treasure chest!

Take what lies within!

 

 

*: You will need this too.

Take the tome I offer you,

And study it well.

 

<pc> receives the book containing the recipe for the gold ring!

 

*: Learn the recipe.

Gather the items it lists

And craft a gold ring.

 

 

*: And if you should fail,

Use a perfectionist's pearl.

Try your hand again.

 

 

*: Forge the ring I crave.

Do not equip it yourself,

For my son needs it.

 

 

*: Please, I beg of you!

Pray, make my son's dreams come true

With a ring of gold!

 

*: Please, forge a gold ring.

And not just a normal one—

My son demands more!

 

 

*: I have what you need.

Just open this treasure chest,

Take what lies within.

 

 

*: You will need this too.

Take the tome I offer you,

And study it well.

 

 

*: And if you should fail,

Use a perfectionist's pearl.

Try your hand again.

 

 

*: Forge the ring I crave.

Do not equip it yourself,

For my son needs it.

 

 

*: Please, I beg of you!

Pray, make my son's dreams come true

With a ring of gold!

 

*: Do you have the ring?

One of refined quality,

Shining like the sun?<yesno>

 

*: Do not toy with me!

My son's wedding is at hand,

Time is against me!

 

*: A wonder, a joy!

All I had hoped for and more!

Please, take this reward!

 

*: I am so grateful!

My son will be overjoyed,

His wedding perfect!

 

 

*: I owe you so much!

You and your miniature forge—

A thing of wonder!

 

*: The sweat on one's brow,

The hammer on hot iron—

The life of a smith.

 

 

*: Art of our fathers.

A village built on this trade.

A proud tradition.

 

 

*: We need iron ore.

The mountains abound in it—

An endless supply.

 

 

*: Help us to find it!

Gather the ore we so need—

A reward awaits!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Your words pain my heart...

Your refusal saddens me

Like autumn's first chill...

 

 

*: You are still so young,

Yet you fear effort and toil,

Lazy as the sloth!

 

*: Your words glow like gems!

You have a miner's spirit,

A will of iron!

 

 

*: Now, seek out that ore.

Look for crystals in the rocks.

There you will find it.

 

 

*: Find a source of ore.

Rain down blows with your hammer—

The prize will be yours.

 

 

*: Head west from Hotto.

The earth's wealth awaits you there—

Bring me what you find!

 

*: Seek out iron ore.

Look closely for its sparkle,

Blessing of the rocks.

 

 

*: Look out for crystals

Glittering in the rock face.

There you will find it.

 

 

*: Find a source of ore.

Rain down blows with your hammer—

The prize will be yours.

 

 

*: Head west from Hotto.

The earth's wealth awaits you there—

Bring me what you find!

 

*: You have found the ore!

Now, friend, I must beg of you—

Please, let it be mine!<yesno>

 

*: Your words pain my heart.

Yet I still have a faint hope—

You may change your mind...

 

<pc> hands over the iron ore.

 

*: ...Now I must confess—

In truth, we had enough ore.

I wished to test you.

 

 

*: You passed with aplomb!

You have a true miner's heart—

You may keep the ore!

 

 

<pc> receives the iron ore!

 

*: But that is not all!

I must reward you further—

This tome, too, is yours!

 

*: You have learned a lot—

About mining, about ore...

And about yourself!

 

*: A smith without ore—

Bereft as a winter nest,

Birds long departed...

 

 

*: Remember my words:

Find those precious seams of ore,

Let your hammer swing!

 

 

*: Do not fear shortage—

In time, the seam will give more,

Like new leaves in spring.

 

 

*: How much longer must I wait...? Why must the sands torture me so...?

 

 

 

*: ...Ah. Good day to you. You are perhaps wondering why I am standing here, yes? The truth is, I am a painter, and I am waiting for a scene worthy of being immortalised by my hand.

 

 

*: I have already envisaged the sort of image I would like to paint: a mighty, magnificent conflict unfolding in the desert...

 

 

*: Alas, the sands have yet to oblige me. There is something missing...

 

 

*: But what could it be...? The setting is perfect, and there are plenty of spitzfires... Ah, but of course—conflict! Cataclysmic, chaotic conflict in the form of a magnificent move such as Wild Side!

 

 

*: Wait—perhaps you could assist me! Venture out into the Celestial Sands and slay a spitzfire by unleashing your Wild Side—that will provide me with a tableau truly worthy of my talents!

 

 

*: Surely you will not refuse a struggling artist in his hour of need?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Oh. How disappointing. It would have made a wonderful painting, I am certain... Still, things cannot always be as one would like them to be...

 

 

*: Oh, wonderful! A thousand thank yous! Yours is the kind of attitude that can inspire a masterpiece, I am sure!

 

 

*: Now, before you venture out into the sands, I feel that I should remind you that Wild Side can only be performed by three very specific people. That should give you an idea of its power—and its beauty!

 

 

*: If you want to know who exactly needs to be pepped up in order to perform it, simply select ‘Attributes’ from the menu and press  to find out more about your pep powers.

 

 

*: Now, get out there and show me the beauty of battle! I will ensure that you are immortalised on canvas!

 

*: I would like you to venture out into the Celestial Sands and slay a spitzfire by unleashing your Wild Side. That will provide me with a tableau worthy of my talents!

 

 

*: Now remember—Wild Side is a pep power that must be performed by three very specific people.

 

 

*: If you want to know who exactly needs to be pepped up in order to perform it, simply select ‘Attributes’ from the menu and press  to find out more about your pep powers.

 

 

*: Now, get out there and show me the beauty of battle! I will ensure that you are immortalised on canvas!

 

You unleashed your Wild Side and slew a spitzfire! You should go and tell the painter in front of the noticeboard in northern Gallopolis!

 

*: I saw it all! Every single moment! Even from this distance, I could sense the glorious intensity of the battle!

 

 

*: And do you know, inspiration for a title for my masterpiece has already struck—it shall be called ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’!

 

 

*: But now is not the time to be thinking of titles—I must devote all my energies to completing the work itself!

 

 

*: Ah, but before I forget, I must give you something to thank you for your assistance. Please...

 

*: Truly, it has been years since I witnessed such a stimulating scene! These are the moments an artist lives for! A thousand thank yous, young man!

 

*: I have already chosen a title for my masterpiece! It shall be called ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’!

 

 

*: But now is not the time to be thinking of titles—I must devote all my energies to completing the work!

 

 

*: And as soon as it is finished, I must devote myself to my next great project: capturing the ominous majesty of Erdwin's Lantern!

 

*: Oh! Good day to you! I assume you are here to sample Gallopolis's world-renowned cactus cutlet?

 

 

*: If so, I am afraid I have bad news for you—the kitchen is currently closed while I dedicate my energies to improving the recipe.

 

 

*: I am certain that a golden globule would intensify the flavour tenfold, but acquiring such an ingredient is easier said than done. The golden globes—the cacti who carry them—are extremely vicious...

 

 

*: Ah, but they would pose no problem for a young and no doubt vigorous individual such as yourself, I am sure!

 

 

*: Perhaps you could assist me? Would you be willing to hunt down a golden globe in order to acquire the golden globule I require in order to perfect my cutlets?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Aha ha ha! But of course. A thousand pardons. I should never have made such a demand of a stranger. How terribly rude of me...

 

 

*: I shall have to make do with the ingredients I have. I will seek out other ways of improving the flavour of my cutlets. I only hope I am able to find one...

 

*: You will? Oh, praise the sands! I can assure you that you are about to play a crucial role in culinary history!

 

 

*: The golden globes which drop the golden globule that I require are curious beasts. They appear very occasionally alongside their cactiball brethren in combat out in the desert surrounding Gallopolis.

 

 

*: They are not the most common of creatures, I confess, but if you were to engage enough cactiballs in battle, you would be sure to encounter one eventually.

 

 

*: I only require a single golden globule. That will be more than enough for the culinary experiments I wish to perform. I pray that it will not take too long for you to find one and deliver it to me.

 

*: My cactus cutlets require an additional...something to take their flavour to the next level, and I am keen to try using a golden globule in my next batch.

 

 

*: However, the golden globes that drop them are curious beasts. They appear very occasionally alongside their cactiball brethren in combat out in the desert surrounding Gallopolis.

 

 

*: They are not the most common of creatures, I confess, but if you were to engage enough cactiballs in battle, you would be sure to encounter one eventually.

 

 

*: I only require a single golden globule. That will be more than enough for the culinary experiments I wish to perform. I pray that it will not take too long for you to find one and deliver it to me.

 

You got a golden globule! You should take it to the chef at the Aloe Beera in Gallopolis.

 

*: Ah! Good day to you. Does your presence here mean that you have brought me a golden globule?<yesno>

 

*: Oh... That is rather disappointing, I must confess...

 

 

*: But I have faith in you still! You are the only one who can acquire one for me—and I am fully confident that you will!

 

*: By the sands—a golden globule! Is it not so much more charming than any ordinary cactus? And its texture appears to be perfect! This will make for a most satisfying cutlet indeed!

 

 

*: Perhaps I should sample a small piece of it raw... (nibble) Hmm... (munch) Oh! It is so rich and juicy! And so very sharp—just as a cactus should be!

 

 

*: My cactus cutlets will soon taste better than ever, of that I am absolutely certain!

 

 

*: A thousand thank yous, friend! You have improved the lives of cutlet-lovers everywhere! Please, allow me to give you a little something in return...

 

*: Golden globes are not the only rarefied forms of regular monsters. Seeking others out would provide you with valuable experience, I am sure.

 

*: Ah, good day to you, friend! I am pleased to report that as a result of your heroics, my cactus cutlets are growing tastier every day!

 

 

*: I am not quite satisfied just yet, however. Rest assured that you will be the first to sample the new recipe as soon as it has been perfected!

 

 

*: Golden globes are not the only rarefied forms of regular monsters. Seeking others out would provide you with valuable experience, I am sure.

 

*: The city of Gondolia lies beyond this checkpoint. It is known for its busy port, and for the crowds of people that throng its streets.

 

 

*: Somewhere among those crowds is my dear little sister. She went to Gondolia to pursue her career, and has been too busy to come home since. I dearly hope that she is well...

 

*: Greetings, traveller. My name is Hakim. Please pardon my impertinence, but I assume you are making the journey to Gondolia? If so, I have a favour I would like to ask of you.

 

Hakim

I have a sister, you see. Her name is Akia, and she works in a bakery in the city.

 

Hakim

It seems she has been very busy of late, and has been unable to come home and visit as a result. As such, I have written her a letter.

 

Hakim

Unfortunately, I am not permitted to leave my post. Would you be so good as to deliver the letter to Akia on my behalf?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Hakim

...I understand. It was most impudent of me to ask such a favour of a stranger. Forgive me, please.

Hakim

You will!? Oh, praise the sands! Only one with a truly kind heart would agree to assist a stranger in this manner!

 

Hakim

Here is the letter I would like you to deliver. I do not need to tell you this, of course, but its contents are very important. Do not lose it, please!

 

<pc> receives Hakim's letter.

Hakim

Akia works in a bakery in the north-western part of Gondolia. I would be most grateful if you could deliver the letter to her there.

 

*: Doge Rotondo is rightly revered as the greatest merchant in all of Gondolia. I consider it an honour to be in his employ!

 

*: If you are no sure what to buy, I recommend the cream cake. Is fresh from the oven! It tastes like the heaven! Molto delizioso!

 

*: Is so tiring, working in the bakery from the morning until the night. Now I finish, I want to eat something sweet. Allora, what I choose today...?

Hakim

Please, you must deliver the letter I gave you to my sister in Gondolia.

 

Hakim

She works in a bakery in the north-western part of the city. I would be most grateful if you could deliver the letter to her there.

 

*: ...Hm? You are looking for a young lady named Akia? Well...my name is Akia. Do you think I might be the one you are looking for?<yesno>

Akia

No? Are you sure? There are no other people of that name in Gondolia...

Akia

Oh! Is this...a letter from Hakim!? A thousand thank yous! I shall read it right away! Let me see...

 

‘My dearest Akia,

Are you well? I hope that your apprenticeship at the bakery is not proving to be too draining. I am certain that you will do well there.

 

 

‘After all, you have always been such a hard worker, ever since you were a little girl.

 

 

‘Now that the misery of our old life is a thing of the past, I pray that you are enjoying your freedom. I cannot wait to see you blossom into a fully fledged baker.

 

 

‘I have enclosed a few gold coins. Hopefully they will make life a little easier for you. I very much hope to see you one day soon—and to taste one of your delicious cakes! With all my love, Hakim’

Akia

Oh, poor Hakim... How he must scrimp and save in order to send me money...

 

Akia

I must write him my own letter in response. Wait a moment, please. It will not take long.

 

<pc> waits while Akia writes her letter...

Akia

I realise that this is quite the imposition, but would you mind returning to the western checkpoint and delivering this to Hakim?

 

<pc> receives Akia's letter.

Akia

Also, I would very much appreciate it if you did not tell my brother that I no longer work at the bakery. That is something I would like to tell him myself when the time is right.

 

Akia

A thousand thank yous for your kind assistance, friend. May the sun smile upon you always.

 

When you have time, you should go and deliver Akia's letter to her brother Hakim at the checkpoint west of Gallopolis.

 

*: ...Eh? ‘Akia’? A letter from my brother? No, no, no! My name is no Akia, and I have no brother! You talk to the wrong person, signore!

 

 

*: Sì, Akia work here before, but then she finish. Finito!

 

 

*: Is a shame—she is a talented baker. But she say to me she find the better job. I think now she work for Doge Rotondo as a maid.

 

 

*: Allora, I see her today, just near the house of the Doge. She seemed to be molto, molto busy. If you meet with her, say ‘ciao’ from me!

Hakim

Oh! You have returned! Did you see my sister? How is she? Is she well?

 

Give Akia's letter to Hakim?<yesno>

Hakim

Hm? Why will you not answer me? This is hardly very polite...

Hakim

Oh! Is this...? It is! A letter from my dearest Akia! A thousand thank yous for bringing it to me! I cannot wait to see what it says...

 

‘Dear Hakim,

I received your letter. Thank you. Thank you also for the money. I know that it cannot be easy for you to have to support us both.

 

 

‘If it were not for your assistance, I would be unable to follow my dream of becoming a baker. I am learning so much here. Only the other day, my master mentioned how much I had improved.

 

 

‘I will continue to work hard, Hakim. I want you to be proud of me.

With all my love,

Akia’

Hakim

Aha ha! Dear little Akia! She sounds as though she is doing well—and working hard!

 

Hakim

In truth, life has not been easy for her. Our father did not treat us well...

 

Hakim

He was once a kind and gentle man, but then he suffered a terrible injury, which made him horribly bitter. Akia and I would often bear the brunt of his frustration...

 

Hakim

It was not a pleasant environment in which to grow up. Which is why I want to ensure that she can enjoy her life now that she is free of it.

 

Hakim

Her letter has brought me great relief. I am indebted to you for delivering it to me. Please, accept this by way of thanks.

Akia

I know that it is a terrible imposition, but would you mind returning to the western checkpoint and delivering my letter to Hakim?

 

Akia

If you are kind enough to do so, I would appreciate it if you did not tell him that I no longer work at the bakery. That is something I would like to tell him myself, when the time is right...

 

Akia

A thousand thank yous for your kind assistance, friend. May the sun smile upon you always.

 

*: Akia, she work here before, but then she finish. Finito!

 

 

*: Is a shame—she is a talented baker. But she say to me she find the better job. I think now she work for Doge Rotondo as a maid.

 

 

*: Allora, I see her today, just near the house of the Doge. She seemed to be molto, molto busy. If you meet with her, say ‘ciao’ from me!

Hakim

Life has not been easy for Akia. Our father did not treat us well...

 

Hakim

He was once a kind and gentle man, but then he suffered a terrible injury, which made him horribly bitter. Akia and I would often bear the brunt of his frustration...

 

Hakim

It was not a pleasant environment in which to grow up. Which is why I want to ensure that she can enjoy her life now that she is free of it.

 

Hakim

Her letter brought me great relief. I am indebted to you for delivering it to me.

Akia

Good day to you! Please, allow me to thank you once more for your fine delivery work.

 

Akia

Hakim's letter brought me great comfort. It is a most pleasant feeling to know that we are connected despite being so far apart.

Akia

Oh! It is you! The one who delivered Hakim's letter! Your timing could not be better. I find myself in need of your assistance once more...

 

Akia

Could you deliver another letter for me, please? This time it is going to Puerto Valor, to a gentleman who lives there by the name of Valentino.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Akia

Oh... I was under the impression that you liked nothing better than making deliveries. I suppose I must have been mistaken...

Akia

A thousand thank yous! Here is the letter.

 

<pc> receives Akia's letter.

Akia

In order to travel to Puerto Valor, you must sail to the north-west. Valentino will not be difficult to find when you arrive there, I am sure.

 

Akia

Please be aware that my letter tells Valentino everything, including the fact that I abandoned my career as a baker to come and work here.

 

Akia

As such, it would be a disaster for me if it fell into the wrong hands. You must take great care of it, and ensure that it reaches its destination safely.

 

*: ...Hm? You are a new client? Lo siento, señor. I am sorry, but I am on holiday at the moment. Perhaps you can come and see me when I am back at work, sí?

 

 

*: ...Sorry? What kind of work do I do? ¡Je je! Then you are not a client? Honestly, I think it is better if you do not know...

 

*: Yes? Can I help you? Ha. I doubt it. Who would require the help of a simple stable boy...

 

 

*: Of course, I was not always a stable boy. No—once I was a celebrated horseman. The name ‘Abu’ rang out from every corner of the racetrack. Until my fall, that is...

 

Abu

But while I may no longer be able to ride, it still pleases me to be near my beloved horses. There are certainly worse situations in which I could have found myself.

 

Abu

Now, that is quite enough of my tale of woe. I must return to work. I am sure to lose my job if my superiors catch me idling.

Akia

In order to travel to Puerto Valor, you must sail to the north-west. Valentino will not be difficult to find when you arrive there, I am sure.

 

Akia

Please be aware that my letter tells Valentino everything, including the fact that I abandoned my career as a baker to come and work here.

 

Akia

As such, it would be a disaster for me if it fell into the wrong hands. You must take great care of it, and ensure that it reaches its destination safely.

 

*: ¿Qué? You are searching for a man by the name of Valentino? Then señor, you have found him.

 

Give Akia's letter to Valentino?<yesno>

Valentino

So now you have found me, you have nothing to say? Ay ay ay... Please, do not waste my time. I am trying to enjoy my holiday.

Valentino

A letter for me? There is only one person who would write me a letter. It is from Akia in Gondolia, sí? Ay, it has been a very long time. Let me see what she has to say...

 

‘Dear Doctor,

It has been a while, has it not? My apologies for not writing since I last visited.

 

 

‘But I have good news! I finally have the money! I can finally pay you to treat my father's leg!

 

 

‘We must hurry, Doctor! Please, come to Gondolia right away!

Yours expectantly,

Akia’

Valentino

¡Mi querida! The poor dear child... Akia has still not given up the hope that Abu's leg may one day be healed...

 

Valentino

Ah, but perhaps I should explain. As you just heard, I am a doctor. Akia heard of my reputation, and came to me to ask if I could treat her papi's injured leg.

 

Valentino

But at the time, I could not help her. ¡Ay de mí! The treatment required by her papi cost far more than she could afford...

 

Valentino

I believe that is why she abandoned her career as a baker—she wanted to earn more money so that she could save up and pay for the treatment of her papi.

 

Valentino

...Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to treat her father's injury. Please, take this letter to Akia. It is very important—muy importante, sí? She must know the truth of the situation.

 

You've received an important letter. Deliver it to Akia on the east side of the main street in Gondolia.

Akia

Welcome back! You delivered my letter to Valentino, yes? Well? How did he react?

 

Akia

...What!? N-No... Surely not...! He refuses to treat my father!? But...why?

 

Give Akia the important letter?<yesno>

Akia

I-If this is a trick you are playing on me, then you are the cruellest man alive!

 

<pc> gives the important letter to Akia.

Akia

Hm? This letter is not addressed to me—it is addressed to Valentino...and the sender is...?

 

Akia

‘A-A-Abu’!? My father...?

 

Akia

Wh-Why is my father sending letters to Valentino? And why are you delivering them to me? Perhaps things will become clearer if I read it. Let me see...

 

‘Doctor Valentino,

I have heard that my daughter visited you, and asked you to treat my leg.

 

 

‘You must do something for me, Doctor: if Akia offers to pay for my treatment, I would ask that you refuse.

 

 

‘I would also ask that you give her the few coins which I enclose in this envelope. Tell her that they are to help her follow her dream of becoming a baker.

 

 

‘I have saved up this small sum through my work in the stables, in the hope that they might help my dear daughter.

 

 

‘I have been a terrible father to my children. Nothing I do now will ever change that. But I would like to try and help in this at least. Thank you, Doctor. Your humble servant, Abu’

Akia

I... I see... So my father knew about my plan. In truth, I thought he had forgotten all about me...

 

Akia

But it seems my career means a great deal to him... And here I am, having abandoned it all in order to try and help him...

 

Akia

He was thinking of me all along... But why make his feelings known through such roundabout means...?

 

Akia

I must thank you for bringing me this letter. It has brought my father and I together again, if only indirectly. Please, accept this as a small token of my gratitude...

Hakim

Akia told me that she had some very important news. I left my post at the checkpoint and came here right away.

 

Hakim

She has told me everything—of her attempts to pay for treatment for our father...and of the fact that she abandoned her baking career in order to do so...

 

Hakim

To think that she would make such sacrifices for the sake of one who treated us both so badly... Who never so much as sent either of us a single letter...!

Valentino

Akia has been saving money to pay for her father's treatment, sí? Oh querida... The poor thing... The truth is, I cannot treat her father's injuries. Es imposible...

 

Valentino

Ay, but I cannot be the one to tell her this. It is a matter for the family to solve among themselves, no?

 

Valentino

You must take this letter to Akia, señor. It is... It is very important, that is all I can say...

Akia

I left the bakery and abandoned my dream, all because I wished to earn money to pay for my father's treatment...

 

Akia

Little did I know that my father had also been working, despite his injury, in order to support my career...

 

Akia

But at last we understand one another—and that is no small thing, given the distance that was between us.

 

Akia

Our first priority must be to ensure that he receives the treatment he requires. My brother and I will remain by his side until he recovers.

Hakim

Akia informed me of the contents of our father's letter. I was surprised to learn that he had been working so hard in order to help her achieve her dream...

 

Hakim

But this does not mean that I forgive him. As far as I am concerned, Akia is the only family I have. It has always been this way, and it will always be this way.

 

Hakim

She is, however, very insistent... And I do not wish to let her down...

 

Hakim

Perhaps I will agree to join her and my father at next year's Sand National. She has expressed a wish for us to go there as a family, and to cheer on some of the horses that my father has been looking after...

Valentino

You delivered the letter I gave to you, sí? Ay, I can only hope it will help to bring that poor family a little closer together...

 

Valentino

It is strange though, no? Es muy extraño... People are unable to reconcile their differences without the help of a letter delivered by someone they do not even know...

 

Valentino

But we do not know what we have until it is gone, eh? This is as true of families as it is of everything else. I pray that your little delivery will help to heal their rift...

 

*: Yes, I am Abu... Do you require something from me?

 

Abu

...Why are you staring at me like this? Do I have something stuck to my face? We do not know each other...do we?

 

Abu

Please, if you do not require anything, I must ask you to leave me alone. I cannot neglect my work. For the sake of my children...

 

Abu

I must provide them with the money they need to follow their dreams. That is all I can hope to do for them now...

 

*: I was a terrible father to my children. That is why I decided to work my fingers to the bone to provide for them. I had given up on our being reconciled, but I did not want them to be ashamed of Abu...

 

Abu

And yet, by some miracle, they have returned to me! I cannot believe it! I feel as though I am dreaming!

 

Abu

They have told me of what you did, friend. I thank you. From the bottom of my heart. If it were not for your assistance, my family would be lost to me still.

Akia

Ah! It is wonderful to see you again! The world has become such a dangerous place lately, I was more than a little worried about you!

 

Akia

Thank you for all that you did for us—as a result of your kind efforts, we are a family once more!

Hakim

Good day to you. A thousand thank yous once again for all that you did for my sister.

 

Hakim

But there is something I would like to make clear—the fact that I am standing here with my father does not mean I have forgiven him.

 

Hakim

It is true, however, that he is not quite the dreadful man he once was... Age has...softened him... And Akia and I are no longer children, either...

Valentino

¡Je je je! No deliveries for me today, eh? It must be a tiring job, carrying letters from one corner of Erdrea to another!

 

Valentino

Por fortuna, you are not the only one who performs this role. In fact, I received a letter from Akia only this morning. It seems their family has been reunited, no? Ay, that is wonderful news! ¡Buenas noticias!

 

*: Did you know, traveller, that these fields were once part of a great kingdom? Zwaardsrust, they called it. In its heyday, its grandeur equalled that of Heliodor or Gallopolis.

 

 

*: That is, until one night, when an enormous swarm of monsters razed the entire nation to the ground. Now, all that remain are ruins. Its former glory is but a distant memory...

 

 

*: But some remnants yet linger. The souls of those who were slain on that fateful night are still bound to those ruins by the weight of their grief.

 

 

*: Twisted by their fury at the monsters who destroyed their homeland, and by their frustration at being unable to protect it, they have become monsters themselves... Deadnauts...

 

 

*: When night falls, they rise from their graves and prowl the ruins of Zwaardsrust. To atone for their failure, and to assuage their wrath, they attack any whom they encounter on sight.

 

 

*: Traveller, those fiends were once my kinfolk. I cannot bear to see them suffer so. Will you help to end their torment and allow them to rest in peace at last?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: I see... No doubt a warrior such as yourself has more pressing issues to deal with. I only ask that once those deeds are done, you return to this place and reconsider my plea.

 

*: Thank you, my friend! My researches into the art of exorcism have led me to believe that my former countrymen will only find peace if they are purified by means of the pep power known as Care Prayer.

 

 

*: Your blonde-haired companion is skilled in the art of curative magic, is she not? Perhaps she might know something of this ability.

 

 

*: I would bid you explore the ruins of Zwaardsrust at night and meet with the deadnauts. Say a Care Prayer for their eternal souls before defeating them, and they will surely find peace at last.

 

*: If you were to say a Care Prayer for their eternal souls before banishing them to the beyond, the deadnauts—my former countrymen—would surely find peace at last.

 

 

*: I believe it is what is termed a ‘pep power’. Your friend with the long blonde hair has an aptitude for restorative magic, has she not? Perhaps she might know something of how it might be performed.

 

 

*: The deadnauts emerge from their graves at night and prowl the ruins of Zwaardsrust Castle. They are ferocious foes indeed. Be careful, traveller.

 

You defeated a deadnaut after blessing it with a Care Prayer and saved its eternal soul! Return to the priest near the Warrior's Rest Inn and tell him the good news!

 

*: The voices... Those mournful moans that have echoed through the night air for decades... They have finally fallen silent...

 

 

*: You have done it, traveller! You have laid my kinfolk to rest at long last! I cannot thank you enough!

 

 

*: Please, allow me to give you this as a token of my gratitude...

 

*: It is not only in Zwaardsrust that tortured souls have been bound to this mortal plane and reborn as monsters.

 

 

*: I pray that such souls may one day find peace and make the journey back to the World Tree's holy Heart—the same journey you have so kindly helped my fallen kinfolk to complete.

 

*: It is not only in Zwaardsrust that tortured souls have been bound to this mortal plane and reborn as monsters.

 

 

*: I pray that such souls may one day find peace and make the journey back to the World Tree's holy Heart—the same journey you have so kindly helped my fallen kinfolk to complete.

 

*: These days, it's not enough for a fighter just to kick butt in the arena—you gotta look good while you're doin' it too! That's why skincare's so important, man.

 

 

*: But you knew that already, right? I mean, your skin's pretty darn smooth—nowhere near as smooth as mine, but still, not bad!

 

*: Fightin' in the arena means performing in front of a crowd, and that means lookin' your best at all times. Bad skin's bad news out there in the ring.

 

 

*: But keepin' things blemish-free ain't easy when you're gettin' punched in the face all day. Luckily, mellow vera can do a real good job of fixin' up a fighter's cuts and bruises. Which is why I want some—bad!

 

 

*: It grows by this big waterfall out west near where Dundrasil used to be. Once you got some, you just need to squeeze it to get the good stuff out!

 

 

*: Hey, you travel a lot, right? How about you head over there and grab some for me? I'll make it worth your while...

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Heh. I get what's goin' on here—you're jealous, right? You can't handle someone havin' better skin than you? That's pathetic, man!

 

*: Sweet! Thanks, man. Guess you got a good heart as well as good skin!

 

 

*: Oh, one thing you should know about mellow vera is that its roots go waaay down. Even the toughest fighter'd have trouble tryin' to pull that stuff outta the ground. You'll need to cut off a piece or somethin'.

 

 

*: So you remember where I said it grows, right? You'll see it sparkling near the big waterfall out west. Cut me off a piece and bring it back, okay?

 

*: My skin's cryin' out for some mellow vera, man! It grows near the big waterfall out west near where Dundrasil used to be.

 

 

*: The roots go waaay down into the ground, though, so you'll need to cut off a piece. And don't keep me waitin' too long—I can feel my skin gettin' crusty already!

 

You got some mellow vera! Take it to the fighter who's worried about his skin—he's standing near the arena in Octagonia!

 

*: So did you get the mellow vera?<yesno>

 

*: You didn't? What a let-down... I really thought you were gonna come through for me...

 

 

*: You gotta hurry, man! Standin' here waitin' ain't doin' my skin no favours!

 

*: Nice! That's the good stuff, right there! You know, I'd go get it myself, but I wouldn't have the first idea how.

 

 

*: Guess it's kinda embarrassing, but hey, I'm a fighter, not a gardener! Heh heh!

 

 

*: Anyhow, I don't gotta worry about that right now—I got me enough mellow vera here to keep me goin' for a while. Thanks, man. You really helped me out.

 

 

*: I'd give you a big ol' hug to say thanks, but my skin's so rough, it'd just be all scratchy and gross. Here, take this instead...

 

*: Look, man! Look how silky smooth my skin is! And it's all thanks to you! I bet you feel good about yourself now, huh?

 

 

*: This is fightin' talk I know, but I'm gonna go ahead and say it anyhow—I'm lookin' even better than Golden Boy himself!

 

*: I got the biggest collection of fighter autographs in all of Octagonia! I've pretty much got every single one! Not bad, right?

 

*: Look, I don't know who you are, but you don't wanna talk to me—I'm a nobody, trust me.

 

 

*: Sure, I'd love to be like Vince, lappin' up the love in the arena...but that just ain't how things turned out for me...

 

 

*: Hey, do you know Xero the Shadow? The MMA fighter? He's the coolest! He can just, like, disappear! The other guys don't even know he's there—that's his thing!

 

 

*: Anyhow, I really, really wanna get his autograph. He's pretty much the only fighter whose signature I don't have!

 

 

*: I'm not supposed to go off on my own, though... But you can go anywhere you want, right? Hey, could you go and get his autograph for me!?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Oh. Okay... Guess you must be busy or something...

 

*: Wow, thanks! So I heard he was in the last MMA tournament, which means he should still be here in town.

 

 

*: I don't know what he looks like, but I'll bet he's big and strong and mean—you know, like a fighter! You'll find him easy enough, I'm sure!

 

 

*: Anyhow, I'll be waiting right here. Bring me Xero's autograph, and I'll be the happiest kid in Octagonia!

 

*: I heard Xero was in the last MMA tournament, which means he should still be here in town.

 

 

*: I don't know what he looks like, but I'll bet he's big and strong and mean—you know, like a fighter! You'll find him easy enough, I'm sure!

 

 

*: Anyhow, I'll be waiting right here. Bring me Xero's autograph, and I'll be the happiest kid in Octagonia!

 

*: Huh? You're lookin' for Xero? Well...you found him, I guess. I don't get why you'd wanna talk to me, though...

 

Xero the Shadow

 

What!? Some kid wants my autograph!?

 

Xero the Shadow

No way, man! That's impossible! How come he's even heard of me?

 

Xero the Shadow

I mean, people don't even notice I exist—that's, like, my whole thing! I don't even get a number for the partner draw because nobody there can see me. Every time it's the same—it's like I'm invisible!

 

Xero the Shadow

Like...they don't even notice when I shout right in their ears... It's... Well, it's kinda lonely... All I ever wanted was a chance to fight...

 

Xero the Shadow

...And this kid knows who I am, huh? Heh. He might be the only one who does... Which means he deserves an autograph, I guess. Here.

 

You got Xero's autograph! Take it to the boy who collects autographs in lower Octagonia!

 

*: So? Did you get Xero's autograph?<yesno>

 

*: Oh... Well, keep trying! You can do it, I know you can!

 

*: Whoa! You did it! This is amazing! And you talked to him too, right? What kind of guy is he?

 

 

*: ...What!? People don't even notice him when he's trying to talk to them!? Sounds like he's taken the disappearing act too far!

 

 

*: But it must be sooo cool when he does it in the arena... Even you'd have trouble fighting someone you couldn't see, right?

 

 

*: You know, I think he might be my new favourite fighter! I can't believe I finally got his autograph! Thank you, mister. Here, let me give you something for what you did...

Xero the Shadow

I gotta tell you, it feels good knowing there's somebody out there who wants my autograph...

 

Xero the Shadow

So don't keep the poor kid waiting—go hand it over!

 

*: Xero's so stealthy, people don't even notice when he's standing right next to them!

 

 

*: It's supercool that I got his autograph, but what I really want to do is meet the man himself. I'm gonna go look for him some day soon!

Xero the Shadow

I was gettin' tired of not being noticed, but I guess it's my thing now. I mean, I've even got myself a fan.

 

Xero the Shadow

I better make sure I stay invisible—if the poor kid ever finds out what I look like, he won't be a fan for much longer...

 

*: Oh dear... This is turning into rather a tricky situation all round... I really need to be heading home and getting back to work, but if I don't get her what she wants, there'll be hell to pay...

 

 

*: ...Oh, sorry. This is the first holiday my wife and I have been on in years, you see. I'm always too busy with work. Anyway, I thought I'd bring her here and get away from it all for a bit.

 

 

*: But now she's saying she won't go home unless I get her a piece of floral coral! And you can't buy that stuff in shops—you have to fight a coralossus to get it!

 

 

*: I know I haven't been giving her the attention she deserves, and I really would like to try and make her happy, but fighting monsters is... Well, it's really not my cup of tea...

 

 

*: You, on the other hand, look as though you love a scrap! I don't suppose you could do the deed instead of me, could you? I'd make it worth your while...

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: ...I suppose it was rather unreasonable of me to ask. It's just that I'm at a loss here you see. ...Just how am I going to get that coral!?

 

*: Really!? Oh, that's wonderful! Simply wonderful! Now, those coralossus things aren't hard to find—they're all over the Costa Valor, and they're so brightly coloured, you can't miss them.

 

 

*: I really can't begin to tell you how big a favour you'd be doing me if you could find one, clobber it and bring me some floral coral so I can go home and get back to work.

 

*: I'm not being unreasonable, am I? If he's going to make me go home so soon, the least he can do is get me a nice souvenir to take with me!

 

 

*: And the floral coral you get from those pink monsters they have around here is just so lovely!

 

 

*: So I've told him—I'm not going anywhere until he gets me some!

 

*: Thanks ever so much for agreeing to help me. As I said, those coralossus things aren't hard to find—they're all over the Costa Valor, and they're so brightly coloured, you can't miss them.

 

 

*: I really can't begin to tell you how big a favour you'd be doing me if you could find one, clobber it and bring me some floral coral so I can go home and get back to work.

 

*: I do absolutely everything around the house, and all my husband does is moan about work! He never lifts a finger to help me!

 

 

*: That's why I've decided to put my foot down—I'm not leaving until he brings me my floral coral!

 

You got a piece of floral coral! You should take it to the tourist in Puerto Valor!

 

*: Please, you must bring me a piece of floral coral! My wife is adamant that she won't leave without her precious souvenir!

 

 

Hand over the floral coral?<yesno>

 

*: I dread to think how much work will be waiting for me when I get home... If I ever get home, that is...

 

*: Is that...? It is! It's floral coral! Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!

 

 

*: At last I'll be able to go home and get back to work! And this might even keep me in my wife's good books for a while too!

 

 

 

*: ......

 

 

*: Things shouldn't be like this, though, should they? My wife shouldn't have to hold me to ransom just to get my attention...

 

 

*: Look, thank you for all your help. I'm sure it was far from easy getting that coral. Please, take this—you deserve it.

 

*: Do you know what? I think I've learned a valuable lesson. Work is important, but nothing is more important than family. I can't believe I didn't realise that before.

 

 

*: Thank goodness we came here, eh? I'd probably never have realised how much I needed to change my ways otherwise!

 

*: I do absolutely everything around the house, and all my husband does is moan about work! He never lifts a finger to help!

 

 

*: That's why I've decided to put my foot down—I'm not leaving until he brings me my floral coral!

 

*: I've learned a valuable lesson, you know. Work is important, but nothing is more important than family. I can't believe I didn't realise that before...

 

 

*: Thank goodness we came here, eh? I'd probably never have realised how much I needed to change my ways otherwise!

 

*: I hear that you were the one who took on the coralossus in order to get me my floral coral. Thank you, young man.

 

 

*: You do realise that I didn't really care about the coral though, don't you? I just wanted to spend more time here with my husband.

 

 

*: Perhaps my methods were a little extreme, but I'd say they were successful. We're having a lovely time together, and our relationship is sure to be all the stronger as a result!

 

 

*: ¡No! ¡No, no, no! Without proper pepper, the flavour is all wrong! It is as simple as that!

 

 

 

*: Ay... Lo siento, señor. I am sorry. I should not get so angry in the kitchen, but the fact is, my speciality dish requires a pinch of proper pepper, and I do not have any!

 

 

*: You see, I always import my pepper from Gondolia, but recently they have been facing a terrible shortage.

 

 

*: It seems that a gang of vicious pirates has been attacking the Gondolian trade fleet and stealing entire cargos of my beloved spice! Curse those wicked men! ¡Los brutos!

 

 

*: Alas, they are clever as well as cruel—proper pepper is a valuable commodity.

 

 

*: Indeed, it is known in these parts as ‘oro gris’. Grey gold... I dread to think how expensive it will become if criminals are in control of its supply...

 

 

*: Señor... You are a strong and capable man, sí? Perhaps you would be willing to liberate my precious proper pepper from its pirate captors?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Ay... I feared that you would say this. But it is probably wise that you do not engage with such vicious criminals...

 

 

*: ¿¡De verdad!? Truly, you will do this for me!? ¡Oh, gracias, señor! ¡Muchas gracias!

 

 

*: I have heard a rumour that the pirates' base is on a small island not so far from the city of Gondolia itself. That is probably where the stolen pepper is being stored, sí?

 

 

*: But señor, you must be very careful. I hear that they are very fierce indeed. Muy, muy fuerte. I would not wish for you to get hurt trying to help me.

 

*: I cannot prepare my signature dish without proper pepper! Por favor, señor—you must recover some from the pirates!

 

 

*: I have heard a rumour that their base is on a small island not so far from the city of Gondolia itself. That is probably where the stolen pepper is being stored, sí?

 

 

*: But señor, you must be very careful. I hear that they are very fierce indeed. Muy, muy fuerte. I would not wish for you to get hurt trying to help me.

 

 

*: ...Hm? Come to take our precious pepper, have ye? Harr harr harr! The only thing ye'll be leavin' here with is a black eye, lad!

 

You got some proper pepper! You should take it to the chef at the hotel in Puerto Valor!

 

*: I cannot prepare my signature dish without proper pepper! Por favor, señor—you must recover some from the pirates!

 

 

Hand over the proper pepper?<yesno>

 

*: Un poco proper pepper... That is all I need to make this hotel a great success once again... But without it... ¡Ay ay ay...!

 

*: ...Hm? ¡Caramba! You have brought me some proper pepper! Muchas gracias, señor, for your courage and gallantry!

 

 

*: Now I will be able to prepare my signature dish once again! Hungry customers will crowd the dining room to feast on my steak and kidney paella! The hotel's profits will go through the roof! ¡Je je je!

 

 

*: Muchas gracias once again, señor. I could never have done what you did. Please accept this gift, on behalf of myself and the hotel...

 

*: Now, let me take a sniff of my beloved spice's beautiful odour... Sí... Sí...

 

 

*: ¡A-a-aaa-chú!

 

 

 

*: ¡Ay ay ay! ¡No, no, no! My precious proper pepper—it is all over the floor! What a terrible waste! And after you went to so much trouble! So sorry, señor...

 

*: I could not believe it, señor. I thought my sneeze had blown all that precious proper pepper away before I could start cooking with it.

 

 

*: But it is okay! I managed to scrape up enough to prepare a batch of my delicious steak and kidney pa—a—aaa—

 

 

*: ¡...Ay! That was too close! I would have felt very foolish indeed if I had sneezed away the last of it! Aha ha!

 

*: ¡Hola, chico! You like bunny girls, sí? I like bunny girls very much! No one in Erdrea likes bunny girls as much as me!

 

*: ¡Hola, chico! You like bunny girls, sí? I like bunny girls very much! No one in Erdrea likes bunny girls as much as me!

 

 

*: I have loved them ever since I was a little boy. I saw a bunny girl so beautiful that I was obsessed from that day forward! Sí, I admit it, I am completely loco!

 

 

*: Ay, but the sad truth is that in all the years that have passed since then, I have never seen another who compared to my first bunny love...

 

 

*: But perhaps that is about to change! Chico, your amiga—your dark-haired lady friend—I think she would make a most beautiful bunny girl!

 

 

*: Could you give it a try? Could you prepare a bunny costume for her? Then I can try to persuade her to put it on!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: ¿¡Qué!? Am I to understand that you do not share my passion for bunny girls!? ¡Qué sorpresa! Such a surprise! I thought that all young men loved bunny girls!

 

*: ¡Je je je! ¡Muchas gracias, chico! It is good to meet a young man who shares my passion for bunny girls!

 

 

*: Now, as I am sure you know, the beautiful bunny costume is made up of three essential elements: bunny ears, a bunny suit and a pair of fishnet stockings!

 

 

*: I will wait here while you assemble the outfit. I cannot wait to see it, chico!

 

*: Your dark-haired friend would make a magnificent bunny girl, chico—I am sure of it.

 

 

*: All you need do is prepare the costume. I am certain that I will be able to persuade her to try it on. Ahh, and that will make an old man very happy!

 

 

*: I will wait here while you prepare the outfit. I cannot wait to see it, chico!

 

*: ¡Ay ay ay! Is the transformation complete!? Has your friend transformed into a beautiful bunny girl!?

 

*: ¡Muy bien! Then all that remains is for her to oblige an old man and put the costume on!

 

 

*: My dear! You are so very beautiful! You look every bit as maravillosa as the first bunny girl I ever saw!

 

 

 

*: ¡No! Even more maravillosa, in fact! ¡Sí, chica! You are the most beautiful bunny girl the world has ever seen!

 

 

 

*: Not everyone can carry the bunny girl outfit, you know. It requires a certain...something. And you have it in spades!

 

 

 

*: You agree, sí, chico? You also know that your friend makes a perfect bunny girl!

Jade

 

...Hmph!

 

Jade stares coldly at the old man, sighs deeply, and walks off.

 

*: ¡Ay ay ay! Angry bunnies are even more adorable! ¡Je je je! I must thank you for your efforts, chico—take this, por favor...

 

*: ¡Hola, chico! Your friend is not still angry, I hope?

 

 

*: Ay, I can die happy now that I know there is such beauty in the world! I wish you a long, bunny-loving life, my young friend!

 

*: I don't suppose you know anything about food, do you? I'm a chef, you see. Right now I'm travelling around trying to learn more about the various cuisines of the world.

 

 

*: I came to Phnom Nonh to pick up some rainbow rock salt. I hear it's their most popular—and delicious—souvenir.

 

 

*: But when I got here, the locals told me that monsters have taken over the place they get it from. Everyone's too scared to go down there!

 

 

*: Hey—you look like you can handle yourself. I don't suppose you could go and get me some, could you? I only need a little pinch of the stuff.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: No? Fair enough. It was a bit cheeky of me to ask, I suppose...

 

*: You will? Oh, that's great! Apparently they get it from a place called the Grotta della Fonte over in the Laguna di Gondolia.

 

 

*: It's some kind of cave, by the sounds of it, and the rock salt's somewhere near the middle. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding it.

 

 

*: I'll be waiting for you here. Good luck down there—and make sure you come back in one piece, okay?

 

*: Apparently, they get the rainbow rock salt from a place called the Grotta della Fonte over in the Laguna Gondolia.

 

 

*: I'll be waiting for you here. Good luck down there—and make sure you come back in one piece, okay?

 

You got some rainbow rock salt! Take it to chef near the church in Phnom Nonh!

 

*: Oh, it's you! Did you manage to get the rainbow rock salt?<yesno>

 

*: ...You didn't? Oh, that's a shame. I've got myself all worked up about it now, though. Don't give up, will you?

 

*: You did!? Oh, that's just great! Can I have a look? ...That's strange. It looks just like normal salt. Let's see how it tastes...

 

*: Oh! Oh my goodness! This is sensational! It's...sweet! And...sour! And...a little bit spicy! Oh, it's just wonderful! It tastes of absolutely everything!

 

*: There isn't any other seasoning that can compete with this for depth and complexity. I'd say rainbow rock salt deserves its reputation!

 

 

*: I think it's going to open all sorts of new culinary avenues for me. I'm so glad I came all this way to get some!

 

 

*: I have to say, I don't blame those monsters for setting up camp down in that cave, either. If I had a supply of this stuff on tap, I don't think I'd ever leave either!

 

 

*: Thank you so much for going down there to get it for me. Here, take this. You've done my culinary career no end of good, I'm sure of it!

 

*: That rainbow rock salt you got me is mind-blowing stuff! That's what heaven tastes like, I'm sure of it!

 

 

*: Every time I have a little taste of it, an idea for a new dish pops into my mind!

 

*: What do you think of the lanterns, sir? I love them. I live for them. Keeping them alight is my life's work.

 

 

*: The lanterns are a symbol of Phnom Nonh, I think so. Many, many tourists come to see them, and everyone is impressed by how beautiful they are.

 

 

*: Unfortunately, some of the lanterns have been in use for a very, very long time. They are showing severe signs of wear and tear...

 

 

*: I would like to repair them, of course, but I have run out of the rainproof rayon that is required, and it is impossible for me to go and fetch more.

 

 

*: You see, the only way to acquire it is by hunting monsters called brollygaggers. If I tried to do that, it would surely end in disaster.

 

 

*: You, on the other hand... You are strong and fearless, I think so. Perhaps you could go and fetch the rainproof rayon I require?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Oh dear... My beautiful lanterns are going to fall apart if I do not repair them soon...

 

*: Oh, thank you sir! Thank you very, very much! You have a very big and generous heart, I think so!

 

 

*: Brollygaggers can be found in the southern part of the Champs Sauvage—but only when it is raining. Please, sir, hunt one down and bring me the rainproof rayon I require!

 

*: Please sir, hunt down a brollygagger and bring me the rainproof rayon I require! You will find them in the southern part of the Champs Sauvage when it is raining.

 

 

*: I fear that my lanterns will not last much longer—please hurry!

 

You got some rainproof rayon! Take it to the old man who tends the lanterns in Phnom Nonh.

 

*: My beautiful lanterns will fall apart if I do not repair them soon. Please hurry sir, and bring me the rainproof rayon I require!

 

 

Hand over the rainproof rayon?<yesno>

 

*: Oh dear... I must repair my beautiful lanterns before they are lost forever.

 

*: Oh! This is it! This is exactly what I need! Thank you very, very much, sir! The lanterns of Phnom Nonh will look as good as new in no time, I think so!

 

 

*: You have done a great thing for our village. You are a real hero, I think so. Please, accept this by way of thanks...

 

*: Perhaps the lanterns are not as famous as the mural or the ruins, but they are still very important to us, and they attract many, many tourists also.

 

 

*: Of course, they require a great deal of care and attention, otherwise their lights will go out—perhaps forever...

 

 

*: That is my role in life. I will continue to take good care of the lanterns, repairing them as necessary, and making sure that they remain brightly lit!

 

*: Perhaps the lanterns are not as famous as the mural or the ruins, but they are still very important to us, and they attract many, many tourists also.

 

 

*: Of course, they require a great deal of care and attention, otherwise their lights will go out—perhaps forever...

 

 

*: That is my role in life. I will continue to take good care of the lanterns, repairing them as necessary, and making sure that they remain brightly lit!

 

*: Ah, you must be ze voyageur Monsieur Médaillé told me of! I am Madame de Beauvoir, vice-principal de l'Académie. Per'aps you might be able to 'elp me with une enquête privée—a private investigation.

*: I was tidying ze bookshelves in ze bibliothèque ze other day when I made a strange discovery—in amongst ze old and dusty textbooks, I found a diary.

 

Mme de Beauvoir

I thought it was probably left behind by an ex-étudiante—a girl who 'ad once studied 'ere—so I 'ad a petit peep inside, but what I found zere was curieux et encore curieux. Very strange indeed...

 

Mme de Beauvoir

Tell me, voyageur—will you 'elp me get to ze bottom of zis little mystère?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Mme de Beauvoir

Quel dommage... What a pity. Still, I am sure you are a busy boy. Forgive me for taking up so much of your temps précieux.

Mme de Beauvoir

Merci, voyageur! Thank you very much! Bon alors, let me tell you what was written in zis journal...

 

Mme de Beauvoir

‘'Ere I will bury my memories, where ze shadow of ze birch tree zat we dreamed beneath stretches in ze evening light. All zat I leave be'ind, I leave to you, my dearest friend.’

 

Mme de Beauvoir

It may be merely my imagination, but I cannot 'elp thinking zat zis message is meant for me.

 

Mme de Beauvoir

When we were girls, my best friend and I would often sit on ze swings beneath ze old birch's branches and speak of what our lives would be like when we were grandes personnes.

 

Mme de Beauvoir

If zis message is from 'er, zen I must know what it means. What is buried out zere in ze jardin?

 

Mme de Beauvoir

I would go and search myself, but hélas, during ze day I am busy with my work, and at night I cannot see where I am digging...

 

Mme de Beauvoir

If you would search ze jardin in my stead, I would be très obligé—very grateful indeed. Et bien, allow me to read ze message to you encore une fois:

 

Mme de Beauvoir

‘'Ere I will bury my memories, where ze shadow of ze birch tree zat we dreamed beneath stretches in ze evening light. All zat I leave behind, I leave to you, my dearest friend.’

Mme de Beauvoir

‘'Ere I will bury my memories, where ze shadow of ze birch tree zat we dreamed beneath stretches in ze evening light. All zat I leave behind, I leave to you, my dearest friend.’

 

Mme de Beauvoir

It may be merely my imagination, but no matter 'ow many times I read it, I cannot shake ze feeling zat zis message is meant for me.

 

Mme de Beauvoir

Voyageur, will you search ze jardin in my stead? Something is buried zere, where ze shadow of ze birch tree stretches in ze evening light, just as the diary says. I am certain of it.

 

You found a memory box buried in the gardens! Go back to the cafeteria and show Madame de Beauvoir!

Mme de Beauvoir

Alors, voyageur? Did you find anything in ze jardin?

 

Show Madame de Beauvoir the memory box? <yesno>

Mme de Beauvoir

So, you 'ave returned empty-'anded... Je vous supplie, voyageur—I beg you! Do not give up so easily!

 

Mme de Beauvoir

I am positive zat something is buried out zere in ze jardin. Keep looking, and I am sure you will find it finalement!

 

<pc> hands the memory box to Madame de Beauvoir.

Mme de Beauvoir

You found zis box? What is inside it, I wonder? Let me 'ave a little look...

 

Madame de Beauvoir opens the memory box and finds a red ribbon and a letter inside. She unfolds the letter and begins to read...

 

‘By the time you read this, I will be far, far away. The Crown Prince of Heliodor has asked for my hand in marriage, and I cannot refuse him.

 

 

‘I am to be a queen, so I cannot think only of my own happiness any more. My kingdom, and my people, must come first. I am afraid that I will no longer be myself...

 

 

‘But even though I may change, I will always carry the wonderful memories of the days we shared together in my heart. I will never forget you.

 

 

‘So I beg you, dear friend, do not forget me. Remember the girl I was, and know that you will always be ma meilleure amie, mon âme sœur. My best friend...my soulmate.

 

 

‘I give you my ribbon as a token of our eternal friendship. You always said how much you liked it. Now, it is yours.’

Mme de Beauvoir

...Ah! So it is true! It is a letter from 'er—my dearest friend!

 

Mme de Beauvoir

She was ze prettiest girl in ze school—la plus belle fille de l'Académie—with long, beautiful black hair zat she always tied with zat bright red ribbon...

 

Mme de Beauvoir

On ze day of our graduation, I learned zat she was to be married to ze prince of a faraway kingdom. I felt so betrayed. We 'ad such a terrible argument...

 

Mme de Beauvoir

Zat was ze last time I ever saw 'er. I 'eard she gave birth to a daughter, but was taken ill soon after ze child was born, and passed away... (sigh)

 

Mme de Beauvoir

I 'ave always regretted what 'appened zat night... We should not 'ave fought. She was 'appy, and I should 'ave been 'appy for 'er.

 

Mme de Beauvoir

So many years 'ave passed since zose jours de rêve—ze dreamlike days we spent together—but I 'ave thought about ma belle amie every day since we said au revoir...

 

Mme de Beauvoir

Merci, voyageur. I thank you for bringing us together once more. Voilà—take 'er ribbon as your reward.

 

Mme de Beauvoir

When my friend was a jeune fille, she wore it in 'er beautiful 'air. But I am an old woman now. I must follow 'er lead, and let go of childish things.

 

Mme de Beauvoir

Let your compagnon wear it instead. She is très belle too, wiz long black 'air just like zat of my friend. I am sure it will suit 'er just as much as it did ma belle amie.

Mme de Beauvoir

When she was a jeune fille, my friend would often wear zat bow in 'er 'air. But I am not a young girl any more—I must let go of childish things.

 

Mme de Beauvoir

Let your compagnon wear it instead. She is très belle too, wiz long black 'air just like zat of my friend. I am sure it will suit 'er just as much as it did ma belle amie.

 

*: I'm Zazie, the leader of the roughest, toughest girl gang in the Académie! We live by a single rule—don't do bad things to good people, but stuff the rest of them!

 

Zazie

Problem is, I've gone and broken it. Have you met Madame Waloppe, my form teacher? She's one of the good guys but I, err...accidentally stole her favourite whip and threw it down the, er...you know.

 

Zazie

She might seem to be all sweetness and light, but when she gets angry, she's seriously scary. If she finds out what I've done, she'll have my guts for garters...

 

Zazie

If I could get a replacement, I might be able to get out of this without too much trouble, but it turns out you can only make them with a Fun-Size Forge. I might as well face it—I'm stuffed.

 

Zazie

...Hold on—you're some kind of globetrotting adventurer, right? You haven't happened to pick up a Fun-Size Forge on your travels, have you?

 

Zazie

If you have, it would be amazing if you could help me out. Well? Will you make me a new whip for Madame Waloppe?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Zazie

Fine, be that way... (sigh) What kind of gang leader am I anyway, trying to get some stranger to do my dirty work for me?

 

Zazie

I'll just have to take whatever punishment Madame Waloppe's got in store. That's what you get for breaking the girl gang code, I suppose...

Zazie

Thanks a million! Let's get started then, shall we? I found a set of instructions for making the same type of whip in the library. Here you go...

 

<pc> receives a recipe for a queen's whip!

Zazie

Madame Waloppe's a classy lady, so a bog-standard one won't cut the mustard. Sorry to be a pain, but I'm going to need a +1 version or better if I'm going to make it out of this alive.

 

Zazie

Oh, and don't even think of equipping it yourself! If she finds out a boy's had his grubby mitts all over her special whip, there'll be hell to pay!

 

Zazie

My life's in your hands, adventurer. Forge me a whip fit for a queen, and let me make amends!

Zazie

If Madame Waloppe finds out that I pinched her favourite whip and threw it away, goodness knows what kind of cruel and unusual punishment she'll have in store for me.

 

Zazie

If I could get a replacement, I might be able to get out of this without too much trouble, but it would have to be a queen's whip—nothing else will do.

 

Zazie

And it couldn't just be a bog-standard one, either. If I'm going to get out of this alive, I'm going to need a +1 version or better.

 

Zazie

Oh, and don't even think of equipping it yourself! If she finds out a boy's had his grubby mitts all over her special whip, there'll be hell to pay!

 

Zazie

My life's in your hands, adventurer. Forge me a whip fit for a queen, and let me make amends!

Zazie

Hello again, adventurer! How's the forging coming along? Have you managed to make a queen's whip that'll meet Madame Waloppe's ridiculously high standards yet?<yesno>

Zazie

...Seriously? Come on—my life's on the line here! If I don't get me a good quality queen's whip soon, I'll be completely up the creek!

Zazie

Wow! What a whip! There's no way Madame Waloppe can complain about this little beauty! This is sure to get me off the hook!

 

Zazie

In fact, even if she finds out what I did, she might reward me for throwing away her ratty old one when she sees this absolute corker! Tee hee!

 

Zazie

Thank you, adventurer. I owe you one. Here—you should have these.

Zazie

Thanks for making me that whip, adventurer! That'll stop me getting in trouble with Madame Waloppe for sure!

 

Zazie

In fact, even if she finds out what I did, she might reward me for throwing away her ratty old one when she sees this absolute corker! Tee hee!

 

*: Oh, hello there. My name's Purscilla, and I have a problem. A secret anguish that I can't tell any of my classmates...

 

Purscilla

Ah, but I can't tell you either! In fact, you're the last person I can tell! Please, leave me alone before I say too much!

 

*: I'm Bashtienne, editor-in-chief of the school newsletter, ‘Le Mini Monde’...not that you'd know it from this big, blank-blank-blank space on the noticeboard.

*: I'd just finished tacking up this month's issue when it got caught-caught-caught by the breeze and blew out of the window!

 

Bashtienne

And to top-top-top it all off, it was an all new-new-new format! It even had the long-awaited ‘Chère Chérie’ column—advice for the lovelorn from Madame Chérie herself!

 

Bashtienne

I've already taken all the letters out of the tray thing for the printing press. It would take forever to put-put-put it all together again...

I suppose I'll just have to write-write-write this month's issue off and start work on the next one... Ohhh, but it was so good!

 

 

‘DANGER!

Do not enter without good reason!’

 

It looks like a tattered copy of some sort of school newsletter.

None of the articles seem particularly interesting.

 

*: Oh, hello there. My name's Purscilla, and I have a problem. A secret anguish that I can't tell any of my classmates...

 

Purscilla

You look like a tight-lipped sort of fellow. If I share my deepest, darkest secret with you, will you promise not to tell anyone?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Purscilla

I see... I'm sure you don't have time to listen to me blabber on, what with all your exciting adventuring... But if you ever do, will you let me tell you of my woes?

Purscilla

Mmmwah! Thank you so much! Now, have you heard of Le Mini Monde? It's our school newsletter.

 

Purscilla

Well, I heard that Madame Chérie was starting a new column offering advice to the lovelorn, so I wrote a letter to ask her about my secret passion.

 

Purscilla

But I'm too afraid to read her answer. What if she says that he'll never be mine? My heart would break clean in two!

 

Purscilla

That's why I need someone to read it for me. But I can't ask any of my classmates—they can never know the unfathomable depths of my desire!

 

Purscilla

Which is where you come in. Could you go and read this month's issue of Le Mini Monde for me, and see what Madame Chérie says I should do?

 

Purscilla

You'll find it pinned up on the noticeboard in the gallery overlooking Monsieur Médaillé's study.

 

Purscilla

If you can't see it, just ask Bashtienne, the editor. She's a hammerhood, so you should be able to spot her easily enough. She'll be able to tell you where to find it.

Purscilla

Please, you have to read Madame Chérie's column for me and let me know what she says! I'm too scared to read it myself!

 

Purscilla

You'll find the newsletter pinned up on the noticeboard in the gallery overlooking Monsieur Médaillé's study.

 

Purscilla

If you can't see it, just ask Bashtienne, the editor. She's a hammerhood, so you should be able to spot her easily enough. She'll be able to tell you where to find it.

Purscilla

...Whaaat!? The latest issue of Le Mini Monde blew away into the Eerie Eyrie!?

 

Purscilla

No! It can't end like this! If I don't find out how to make him mine, I'll surely die!

 

Purscilla

Please, I'm begging you! You have to go there and find it before my burning, yearning heart explodes!

 

*: I'm Bashtienne, editor-in-chief of the school newsletter, ‘Le Mini Monde’...not that you'd know it from this big, blank-blank-blank space on the noticeboard.

*: I'd just finished tacking up this month's issue when it got caught-caught-caught by the breeze and blew out of the window!

 

Bashtienne

And to top-top-top it all off, it was an all new-new-new format! It even had the long-awaited ‘Chère Chérie’ column—advice for the lovelorn from Madame Chérie herself!

 

Bashtienne

Were you hoping to get-get-get some advice yourself? I'm sorry, but it would take me far too long to reprint it. I've decided to write-write-write this issue off and start work on the next one instead.

 

Bashtienne

If you're absolutely desperate to read the Madame Chérie column, you'll just have to hunt-hunt-hunt down the one and only copy.

 

Bashtienne

It blew-blew-blew away in the direction of the Eerie Eyrie. I'll wager that some kindly monster has found it and stuck-stuck-stuck it up on a signpost somewhere.

 

Bashtienne

...Why do I think-think-think that? Because it was a masterpiece, of course! Even the meanest monster would recognise its genius, and want-want-want to share it with the whole world!

 

 

It looks like a tattered copy of some sort of school newsletter.

This must be Le Mini Monde!

 

 

<pc> takes a closer look...

 

 

‘Le Mini Monde, Issue 2238

Chère Chérie – Madame Chérie's Letters from the Lovelorn

 

 

‘Chère Chérie,

I've fallen in love with a man of a different species!

 

 

‘It was love at first sight! And now I can't get the thought of his beautiful, silky-smooth hair out of my mind! Whatever should I do?

—Kissy Lips

 

 

‘Ma Chère Kissy Lips,

Firstly, pay the boy's species no heed. Remember—love knows no boundaries!

 

 

‘What you must do is to share a secret with the target of your affections. It matters not what this secret is—the excitement of your petite conspiracy will set his heart aflutter for certain!

 

 

‘All that will be left then is to convince him that the pounding in his heart is caused by his love for you! Achieve this, and a happy future together is assured!

 

 

‘Good luck, Miss Kissy Lips. I pray for your victory on the battlefield of the heart!

With all my love, Madame Chérie’

 

You found the missing edition of Le Mini Monde! You should head back to l'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles and pass Madame Chérie's advice on to Purscilla!

Purscilla

...You found it, didn't you? Your trembling lips tell me you have something important to say! Tell me—what was Madame Chérie's advice?

 

<pc> repeats Madame Chérie's answer to Purscilla's problem.

Purscilla

...So, I should share a secret with the target of my affections, should I? Tee hee hee! I knew that's what she would say!

 

Purscilla

Which is why I told you all this in the first place! ...Well? Do you see what I'm trying to tell you? Do the plaintive cries of my aching, breaking heart reach your ears? <yesno>

Purscilla

Ugh, you're such a meanie! I know you know, you know! Stop toying with my girlish emotions!

 

Purscilla

Hmph! You've really ruined the mood now! Let's start again from the beginning, shall we?

Purscilla

I was visiting Mummy and Daddy back in Heliodor when I first saw you, racing through the long grass like a wild stallion! You looked at me and smiled...

 

Purscilla

Ever since that moment, I have been a prisoner to my passion! I am yours, <pc>—now and forever!

 

Purscilla

But you're in the middle of an adventure, aren't you? Well, don't worry about me for the time being. Let our love ripen, and it will taste all the sweeter when it's finally time for us to be together!

 

Purscilla

Farewell for now, my darling! Take this to remember me by.

Oh, and this—mmmmmmmmmwah!

Purscilla

You must go off on your adventures, and I must stay here and complete my education. But don't worry, my darling—no matter how long cruel fate keeps us apart, I'll stay true!

 

Purscilla

After all, I cannot give my heart away, for it is already yours! Mmmmmmmmmwah!

 

*: Hello! I'm Conchella, and I'm a shell slime. If anyone asks you what's got a foot but no legs, the answer is...me! Hee hee hee! I love a good riddle!

 

Conchella

I'm just putting the finishing touches on my most mind-bending, brain-straining riddles yet. As soon as they're ready, I'll challenge you to a royal riddle bonanza!

Conchella

Hello, traveller! It's me, Conchella! How do you fancy testing your puzzle-solving skills in a right royal riddling spectacular?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Conchella

Too busy to strain your brain, eh? Come back when your shoelaces come untied—I mean, when you're at a loose end!

Conchella

Yay! You're a first-rate recreation, traveller—a good sport! Now, let the games begin!

 

Conchella

Riddle me this—what sort of single-handed sword sounds like you should pilfer it?

 

Conchella

If you think you know the answer, equip it and come and show me!

Conchella

What sort of single-handed sword sounds like you should pilfer it?

 

Conchella

This riddle's an unyielding unit—a hard one—so I'll give you a clue...

 

Conchella

What do you think the sword would say if it wanted you to pilfer it? ‘Snatch me’? ‘Pinch me’? ...‘Steal me’?

 

Conchella

Oh dear, I think I've presented the pastime—I've given the game away! If you've worked out what the answer is, equip it and come and show me!

Conchella

So, you think that's the answer, do you? Let's see...

Conchella

...That's it! You've exercised the answer, traveller—you've worked it out! The single-handed sword that sounds like you should pilfer it is...a steel broadsword!

 

Conchella

Get it? ‘Steel broadsword’! ‘STEAL broadsword’! Hee hee hee!

 

Conchella

Not bad, not bad, but the game's not over yet! I've got another perplexing problem for you!

 

Conchella

This one's like a short-tempered cactiball—it's particularly prickly! Alright, here we go...

 

Conchella

Riddle me this—what sort of weapon sounds like it's made to frustrate something that's flagging?

 

Conchella

If you think you know the answer, equip it and come and show me!

Conchella

What sort of weapon sounds like it's made to frustrate something that's flagging? Have you worked out the answer yet?

 

Conchella

This is a tricky one, even for a cranium container—a brainbox—like you! I'll give you a clue...

 

Conchella

Whatever this weapon is, it frustrates things that are flagging, it defuses damp squibs, it declines defeats! ...It foils fiz—

 

Conchella

...Oops! I think I've freed the feline—I've let the cat out of the bag! If you think you know the answer, then equip it and come and show it to me!

Conchella

Hmm... So you think that's the answer, do you? Interesting... Very interesting...

Conchella

You're a perished privilege, traveller—you're dead right! The answer was a Fizzle foil all along!

 

Conchella

To flag is to fizzle, and to frustrate is to foil. That's why the weapon that sounds like it's made to frustrate things that are flagging is a Fizzle foil!

 

Conchella

I didn't think anybody would be able to solve my two most brain-straining riddles, but you did it! You're a set of smart shoes alright—a real clever clogs!

 

Conchella

You win the riddle competition, and here's your reward—a set of small sovereigns!

Conchella

I thought I was the queen of conundrums, but now I see that I'm decidedly distant—I've got a long way to go. But I won't give up! My next set of riddles will leave you like a chopped-down tree—stumped!

 

 

*: Ahh, it's so peaceful here... There ain't no place like Lonalulu for an old-timer to live out his autumn years...

 

 

 

*: Oh, hey, friend. Looks like you ain't from around here. A traveller, huh? Good for you. When I was your age, I travelled the world too.

 

 

*: I can see that same thirst for adventure in your eyes... Man, I got into so many scrapes back then! You too, right? It looks like you know how to handle yourself, though.

 

 

*: But adventuring ain't about looking for trouble. It's about finding yourself—you leave home a kid, and you come back a man!

 

 

*: Guess it musta been fate that brought you here, 'cause I know just the thing to send you racing down that road to manhood!

 

 

*: Far to the west of here, there's an island of giants. And night clubbers are some of the worst. All you gotta do is beat one of those using a certain special skill.

 

 

*: Hyeh heh heh! What do you say? Want to make a man of yourself, kid?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Hyeh heh heh! Don't sweat it, kid. You don't gotta grow up just yet. But if you ever want to put some hairs on your chest, come back and talk to me!

 

*: Hyeh heh heh! That's the spirit, kid! Okay then, let me fill you in—the special skill you gotta use is a pep power called ‘Buff-Buff’.

 

 

*: It's, uhh...how can I put this...? Actually, maybe you're better off finding out for yourself. Once you've learned it, you'll see what it's all about.

 

 

*: You'll be needing to unleash a move called Unbridled Blade—you really gotta put your back into that one. And one of your friends, well...she'll need to use a different part of her body...

 

 

*: Hyeh heh heh! I'll say no more! Once you've worked out how to use it, get yourself over to that island of giants and take a night clubber down with Buff-Buff!

 

 

*: Next time I see you, you'll be well on your way to manhood. Maika'i pomaika'i, kid—good luck!

 

*: You ready to take your next big step on the road to manhood, kid? Then get yourself over to that island of giants far to the west and take down a night clubber using Buff-Buff!

 

 

*: It's a pep power that's a combination of Unbridled Blade and, uhh...a certain other special skill... Hyeh heh heh! You'll have to figure out which one it is for yourself!

 

 

*: Next time I see you, you'll be well on your way to manhood. Maika'i pomaika'i, kid—good luck!

 

You defeated a night clubber using Buff-Buff! Head back to the bar in Lonalulu and let the old man know that you've done as he asked!

 

*: Hyeh heh heh! You did it! I can see it in your eyes—you ain't a kid no more!

 

 

*: Now you know the true power of the Puff-Puff! You've seen it for yourself! You've felt it burning inside you!

 

 

*: You've taken a big step on the road to manhood, but you won't be a real man until you've learned to channel that power—to be the master of your own emotions.

 

 

*: You got a long way to go, friend, but you don't gotta rush it. Just take it one eyeful at a time!

 

 

*: Here—take this. It's my way of thanking you for reminding me of the good old days.

 

*: Back when I was your age, me and my hoaloha—my best friend—set off on a journey all around Erdrea.

 

 

*: Chalky, his name was. We travelled from town to town looking for adventure—trying to make men of ourselves.

 

 

*: It's funny, but you kinda remind me of him, you know. I wonder what happened to the old coot...

 

*: Back when I was your age, me and my hoaloha—my best friend—set off on a journey all around Erdrea.

 

 

*: Chalky, his name was. We travelled from town to town looking for adventure—trying to make men of ourselves.

 

 

*: It's funny, but you kinda remind me of him, you know. I wonder what happened to the old coot...

 

*: Heh heh heh! Take a good look, kid—this is what a real fisherman's body looks like! Any monsters that climb on board my ship take one look at me and jump right back into the sea!

 

 

*: Man, where did it go? If I don't find it, it's only a matter of time before the rest of the guys realise I'm a—

 

 

 

*: Whoa! ...Oh, it's you. Sorry, friend, but I'm kinda busy right now. I don't have time to chew the fat.

 

 

*: Wait—you travel all over the world, right? Maybe you can help!

 

 

*: I know this is kinda outta the blue, but...could you track something down for me? I'll make it worth your while, I swear!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

 

*: Come on, you gotta throw me a bone here! The guys from the village can't find out about this! You're the only one I can rely on!

 

 

 

*: Mahalo, friend! Thank you so much! Alright, I'll cut to the chase—I need you to get my lucky lady back.

 

 

*: She's a wooden figure in the shape of the goddess Lona. I take her with me every time I go fishing, but she's missing. I must have lost her on my last trip.

 

 

*: I definitely had her when I sailed up to that uninhabited island way off to the north of here. Guess maybe I dropped her there or something...

 

 

*: Which means you gotta sail up there and get her back! Oh, and don't tell the rest of the guys, alright?

 

*: Remember, I need you to bring my lucky lady back. She's a little wooden figure in the shape of the goddess Lona.

 

 

*: I've looked under every stone in the village, but I can't find her anywhere. I must have left her behind on my last fishing trip.

 

 

*: I definitely had her when I sailed up to that uninhabited island way off to the north of here. Guess I musta dropped her there.

 

 

*: Which means I need you to sail up there and bring her back. Oh, and don't tell the rest of the guys, alright?

 

You found the carved figure the fisherman was looking for! Head back to Lonalulu and reunite him with his lucky lady!

 

*: You're back! Well? Did you find her?<yesno>

 

*: Ah, man... Well, don't give up yet! I gotta get my lucky lady back before the rest of the guys start asking questions!

 

 

*: Yeeeah! Lucky Lona, you came back to me! I'm never gonna let you go again!

 

 

*: Oh, Lona... (sob) I've been so scared and sad since I lost you... I haven't felt that way since my ma passed away... (sniff)

 

 

 

*: ...Uhh, sorry you had to see that, friend. That ain't no way for a tough guy like me to be talking.

 

 

*: Truth is...I never told the guys this, but this figure was a present from my ma.

 

 

*: I may look like a stone-cold killer, but deep down, I guess I'm kind of a coward. I'm too scared to sail alone. But when I have Lucky Lona on board, it's like my ma's there with me.

 

 

*: She has the same smile, you know. When the waves get big and I feel like I can't take no more, I look at Lona's face and it gives me the strength to carry on.

 

 

*: Mahalo, traveller. If you hadn't brought my lucky lady back, I'd have been too scared to ever set sail again. Here, I want you to have this.

 

*: Seriously, I've been a nervous wreck since I lost her. If my ma was still around, she would've chewed me out so bad...

 

 

*: One of these days, I'm gonna grow myself a backbone and set sail into stormy waters without my lucky lady to keep me company!

 

 

*: I'm gonna do it, Ma... I'm gonna be a big, brave boy just like you always said! Till then, say you'll watch over me and keep me safe...

 

 

 

*: Huh!? H-How long have you been standing there!? Seriously, don't scare me like that! For a moment there, I thought my secret was out!

 

 

*: I was obsessed with humans around fifty years ago. When their ships sailed overhead, I'd watch them from below.

 

 

*: One sailor was a singer, and he sang a sweet refrain. Oh, how I wish that I could hear that splendid song again...

 

*: Is hard to believe now, but when I am a boy, I have a voice like an angel. Il Piccolo Angelo, they call me!

 

 

*: The capitano of the biggest ship in Gondolia, he take me aboard to sing for the sailors. I travel everywhere! Is so much fun! Molto divertente!

 

 

*: Even the sea creatures come to hear me sing. One time I even see the face of una sirenetta—a real live mermaid!

 

*: I was obsessed with humans around fifty years ago. When their ships sailed overhead, I'd watch them from below.

 

 

*: There was a certain trading ship which brought me so much joy, for in its crew there was a most delightful little boy.

 

 

*: His tiny fingers tickled on a lyre's silver strings, and every day, from dawn to dusk, the darling boy would sing.

 

 

*: The songs he sang were nothing like the dirges of our nation. Those merry medleys moved me to a state of exaltation!

 

 

*: But after just a few short years, I heard his voice no more. Perhaps he left the crew and now he sings his songs ashore...

 

 

*: Oh, how I wish to hear once more those heavenly refrains! Could you find him, friend, and beg that boy to sing again?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Forgive me my presumption, it was rude of me to ask. I mustn't burden strangers with such trifling little tasks...

 

*: Thank you! Let me tell you all that I recall of him—it was so very long ago, my memories grow dim...

 

 

*: His ship was brightly coloured—silver, gold, chartreuse and pink. A word was painted on the prow—‘Gondolia’, I think...

 

 

*: Does that mean anything to you? Is it some sort of clue? Please find that boy again and have him sing his song anew!

 

*: Is hard to believe now, but when I am a boy, I have a voice like an angel. Il Piccolo Angelo, they call me!

 

 

*: The capitano of the biggest ship in Gondolia, he take me aboard to sing for the sailors. I travel everywhere! Is so much fun! Molto divertente!

 

 

*: Even the sea creatures come to hear me sing. One time I even see the face of una sirenetta—a real live mermaid!

 

 

*: If you are thinking I am lying, go ask the mermaids...if you are a lucky enough man to find them! Yo ho ho!

 

*: There's not much I remember of that sweet-voiced singing boy—most memories have ebbed away, but some still bring me joy.

 

 

*: His ship was brightly coloured—silver, gold, chartreuse and pink. A word was painted on the prow—‘Gondolia’, I think...

 

 

*: Does that mean anything to you? Is it some sort of clue? Please find that boy again and have him sing his song anew!

 

*: Is hard to believe now, but when I am a boy, I have a voice like an angel. Il Piccolo Angelo, they call me!

 

 

*: The capitano of the biggest ship in Gondolia, he take me aboard to sing for the sailors. I travel everywhere! Is so much fun! Molto divertente!

 

 

*: Even the sea creatures come to hear me sing. One time I even see the face of una sirenetta—a real live mermaid! If you no believe me, go ask her yourself!

 

 

<pc> tells the old sailor about the mermaid in Nautica who wants to hear his song again.

 

 

*: ...Yo ho ho! Di certo, this is the mermaid I saw all those years ago! I am so happy that she remembers me! Sono felice!

 

 

*: I would very much like to sing for her again, but I am an old man now. My voice is not what it was...

 

 

*: But you—you are a healthy young ragazzo! You will not run out of breath so easily! If I teach you, will you sing to her my song? <yesno>

 

*: Perdonami... Forgive me, ragazzo. I forget that some people do not like to sing as much as I once did...

 

 

*: Please tell to the mermaid that I am very sorry, but my singing days are over. Non si può fare niente—there is nothing that I can do.

 

*: Grazie mille! Thank you, traveller! Well then, if you are listening carefully, the song—it goes like this...

 

 

*: Farewell to thee, dear contest stage, goodbye, cake shop, goodbye,

I'm bound for Octagonia, my humble wares to ply,

 

 

*: I'm bound for Octagonia, by way of Zwaardsrust town,

I'll write to thee a letter, love, when I am homeward-bound,

 

 

*: So fare thee well, when I return, united we will be,

Leaving Gondolia's not what hurts, my love, it's leaving thee!

 

 

*: ...Yo ho ho! How long has it been since last I am singing this song? Now, is your turn, traveller—let the mermaid hear my shanty once again!

 

The old sailor taught you his song! Go back to Nautica and sing it for the music-loving mermaid sitting in front of the Pearly Palace!

 

*: Welcome back to Nautica! You've been so very long. Did you find the minstrel boy? Did he sing you his song?

 

<pc> tells the mermaid the old sailor's story, and sings the song that he taught him.

 

 

Farewell to thee, dear contest stage, goodbye, cake shop, goodbye,

I'm bound for Octagonia, my humble wares to ply,

 

 

 

I'm bound for Octagonia, by way of Zwaardsrust town,

I'll write to thee a letter, love, when I am homeward-bound,

 

 

 

So fare thee well, when I return, united we will be,

Leaving Gondolia's not what hurts, my love, it's leaving thee!

 

 

*: That's the one—the pretty little song that I adored! It seems like yesterday I heard him strum those sunny chords!

 

 

*: But now you say he's old and grey? Your lives go by so fast... You fill your songs with fire, for you know that fire won't last...

 

 

*: I feel that passion once again, and it's all thanks to you. Please take this, my friend—it is the least that I can do.

 

*: I stop singing when I leave the crew of the trading ship so many years ago. I do not think that anybody is remembering my songs.

 

 

*: My voice is not what it was, but still, is nice to sing from time to time. Thank you for reminding me, traveller!

 

 

*: Now, ragazzo, is your turn to sing! Go back to that mermaid, and serenade her!

 

*: I cannot sing as sweetly as that boy, my friend, nor you—but if you'd like to hear his song, I'll see what I can do...

 

 

*: Farewell to thee, dear contest stage, goodbye, cake shop, goodbye,

I'm bound for Octagonia, my humble wares to ply,

 

 

*: I'm bound for Octagonia, by way of Zwaardsrust town,

I'll write to thee a letter, love, when I am homeward-bound,

 

 

*: So fare thee well, when I return, united we will be,

Leaving Gondolia's not what hurts, my love, it's leaving thee!

 

*: I stop singing when I leave the crew of the trading ship so many years ago. I do not think that anybody is remembering my songs.

 

 

*: My voice is not what it was, but still, is nice to sing from time to time. Thank you for reminding me, traveller!

 

*: Sniflheim gets so very chilly at night. It makes one long for the warmth of another...

 

 

*: (sigh) If only I had a wife, my bed would not be so cold... Or so lonely...

 

*: Do you know Krystalinda, traveller? She often drinks downstairs in the mead-hall. She is so very beautiful...

 

 

*: I fell in love with her at first sight. The other day, I finally plucked up the courage to ask for her hand in marriage.

 

 

*: I gave her a posy of flowers, and told her that I loved her more than words can say. That I would do anything for her!

 

 

*: And can you believe it, traveller—she said yes! She said that she would marry me...so long as I prove that I mean what I say...

 

 

*: She says that there is a flower that only blooms by the inlet shaped like the full moon in the south of the Snærfelt. If I am to win her hand, I must pluck one and bring it back to her.

 

 

*: But that place is infested with fierce and ferocious monsters! There is no way that I would be able to find it and return alive! (sigh) I do not know what to do...

 

 

*: Wait—traveller! You are a strong and stalwart warrior, yes? Will you brave the Snærfelt and find it for me? I will make it worth your while!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: I see... Well, no matter. I will just have to ask somebody else...

 

*: You will!? Oh, thank you traveller! As I say, the flower I need blooms by the inlet shaped like the full moon in the south of the Snærfelt—and only there.

 

 

*: Please pluck one and bring it back to me. My future happiness depends upon it!

 

*: The flower that Krystalinda wants me to bring her blooms only by the inlet shaped like the full moon in the south of the Snærfelt.

 

 

*: As soon as you have found one, please bring it back to me. My future happiness is in your hands, traveller!

 

You found a Snærose! Take it back to the young man in the mead-hall in Sniflheim!

 

*: Oh, you are back. Tell me, traveller—have you found the flower I need to win Krystalinda's hand? <yesno>

 

*: Then why have you returned? If ever I am to make her mine, I must have that flower! Please—do not disappoint me!

 

*: This is the flower you found by the moon-shaped lake? It is a Snærose—a rare bloom that only grows amid the winter snow, and whose pure-white petals only open in the light of the moon.

 

 

*: Now that I have it at last, Krystalinda will— ...Wait. A flower that never sees the summer? That never feels the warmth of the sun upon its face? This can mean only one thing:

 

 

*: Unseasoned.

 

 

*: ...I see now. This was not a task designed to prove my love—it was a message. She knew that I would not be able to find the flower myself.

 

 

*: That I could not fulfil my true love's wish without relying on the aid of a stranger proves how unseasoned I am...

 

 

*: But my dream is not over yet! When I am strong enough to brave the Snærfelt and find the flower myself, she will surely reconsider!

 

 

*: Thank you, traveller. You have opened my eyes. You have shown me that I am not yet worthy of Krystalinda's love. Please, take this.

 

*: Oh, it is you again. Since last we met, I have been training myself in body and spirit, but it is more difficult than I first thought...

 

 

*: I will not give up, though—I will become strong enough to win Krystalinda's hand, and her heart too!

 

*: The Vikings who live in the far western reaches of Sniflheim are rough and rowdy fellows, but they are good people at heart.

 

 

*: They honour the royal family with rare and exotic treasures from all over Erdrea, and the kingdom offers them a certain level of financial assistance in return.

 

*: I hope he is alright... No, I am sure he is! He is a Viking! He would not offer himself up to the crows so easily...would he?

 

*: Away with you, world-walker! I am fishing for a tribute fit for a queen!

 

*: The Vikings who live in the far western reaches of Sniflheim are rough and rowdy fellows, but they are good people at heart.

 

 

*: They honour the royal family with rare and exotic treasures from all over Erdrea, and the kingdom offers them a certain level of financial assistance in return.

 

 

*: I serve as the Minister for Viking Affairs, ensuring that relations between our two societies run smoothly. Alas, all has not been smooth of late...

 

 

*: Days have passed since the Vikings were due to deliver their latest shipment of tributes, but they have not yet shown their faces.

 

 

*: They are usually such sticklers for punctuality. I do hope nothing untoward has happened to them... Ah, but I cannot go to check on them myself—what if they were to arrive when I was away?

 

 

*: You look as if you are at a loose end, my friend. Would you help me find out what has become of our missing Viking friends and their overdue tributes?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: (sigh) Very well... But if Her Majesty does not receive her gifts soon, she will be most upset. I do hope that she does not shut herself in her room again...

 

 

*: The last time this happened, her wailing kept the whole of Sniflheim awake for a week!

 

*: Thank you, friend. If Her Majesty does not receive her gifts soon, I fear she will shut herself in her room again...

 

 

*: The Viking hideout is just to the west of Sniflheim. It is a very short journey by ship.

 

 

*: Please go to them and ask what is delaying their delivery. If you can recover the missing tributes, I will reward you most handsomely!

 

*: The Vikings should have delivered their latest batch of tributes by now. This delay is causing me no end of worry. I want you to find them and bring them here.

 

 

*: The Vikings' hideout is just around the coast to the west. It is a very short journey by ship.

 

 

*: Please let me know as soon as you have located the missing gifts. I will ensure that you are rewarded most handsomely!

 

*: Hello again, my friend! Well—did you speak with the Vikings?

 

 

*: ...What!? The man who was sent to collect the tribute for Her Majesty has gone missing!?

 

 

*: Oh dear... Oh dear, oh dear... If she does not receive her gift soon, I fear Queen Frysabel will shut herself in her room again...

 

 

*: Please, my friend—you must find this missing Viking and bring back the tribute as soon as you can!

 

*: What do you want, world-walker?

 

 

*: ...So, that busybody minister sent you to chase up the missing tribute, did he?

 

 

*: Sorry, but you've made a wasted journey. The truth is, my little brother was the one who went to collect it, but he's gone missing.

 

 

*: We have had all the longboats out looking for him—that's why we weren't able to send word to your friend.

 

 

*: However, we have had no luck in finding him so far. Every boat that has sailed into the northern seas to try to find him has been driven back by savage sea monsters.

 

 

*: You have a sailing ship of your own, yes? If you should bump into my brother on your travels, will you tell him we are looking for him?

 

 

*: He sailed to the island north of Yggdrasil. I am sure he is still around there somewhere.

 

 

*: Please, world-walker. He is my only brother. If you see him, tell him to come home.

 

*: If you should bump into my brother on your travels, will you tell him we are looking for him? I am sure he is still alive. He would not give himself up to the crows so easily.

 

 

*: He sailed to the island north of Yggdrasil. He must still be around there somewhere.

 

 

*: Please, world-walker. He is my only brother. If you see him, tell him to come home.

 

*: What do you want, world-walker? I am busy finding a tribute fit for a queen. I do not have time to talk to strangers.

 

*: Sæll, world-walker! I am a Viking, and I hail from snowy Sniflheim. I have come here to find a present for Her Majesty the Queen!

 

 

*: ...What? My brother sent you to tell me to come home right away? Ha ha ha! He is such a worryguts!

 

 

*: Yes, my ship may have sunk, but apart from that, I am perfectly fine!

 

 

*: Indeed, I am better than fine! The seas around this island are absolutely teeming with Queen Frysabel's favourite food—scruffy urchins!

 

 

*: They may look a little tatty, but they taste incredible! I have just found the biggest, juiciest specimen I have ever seen—it will make a perfect present for Her Majesty!

 

 

*: I just have to sail back to Sniflheim, and— ...Ah. Now I see the problem. Would you take this back to Sniflheim for me?

 

 

*: I will stay here and fish for more scruffy urchins to grace the dining table of the Queen. May the wind be at your back, friend!

 

<pc> receives a scruffy urchin!

 

You found Queen Frysabel's missing tribute! Return to the item shop in Sniflheim and hand it to the Minister for Viking Affairs!

 

*: Oh, you have returned. Well—did you speak with the Vikings?

 

 

*: ...Wait a moment—what is that in your hand? Is that Her Majesty's favourite foodstuff—a scruffy urchin!?

 

 

*: I do not know why you have such a thing, but you must give it to me! This will make a perfect present for Queen Frysabel! Well? Can I have it? <yesno>

 

*: You will not part with it? Oh dear... If I do not deliver her tribute soon, I fear we will never see Her Majesty's sunny smile again. Please, I beg you to reconsider.

 

*: That black, glossy body! Those higgledy-piggledy spines! This is the finest example of a scruffy urchin I have ever seen! It will make a perfect present for Her Majesty!

 

 

*: Thank you, traveller. If she were denied her tribute, Queen Frysabel would surely pull her hair and stomp her feet, and shut herself in her room for three days and three nights at least!

 

 

*: But now this crisis is averted, and it is all thanks to you! Here. I hope this goes some way to expressing the true depth of my gratitude.

 

*: Sæll, world-walker. What news of my brother?

 

 

*: ...I see. He was shipwrecked and washed up on a desert island, but instead of seeking help, he has spent his time fishing for urchins for Queen Frysabel?

 

 

*: Ha ha ha! That is my brother, alright! He would not let a little thing like a shipwreck get him down! I was a fool to worry about him!

 

 

*: Thank you for your help, world-walker. You have put my heart at ease.

 

*: Go take that scruffy urchin back to Sniflheim and give it to the Minister for Viking Affairs.

 

 

*: I'm going to stay here a little longer and try to catch an even bigger one to put on Queen Frysabel's plate! Good luck, world-walker!

 

*: Now that you have brought us the scruffy urchin, our little Viking problem is solved.

 

 

*: I cannot thank you enough, traveller. You have my undying gratitude.

 

*: You gave the scruffy urchin to the Minister? Thanks, world-walker.

 

 

*: I'm going to stay here a little longer and try to catch some more—then I'll load them into the longboat and be back for supper! Oh, wait...

 

*: I'm...rather poorly. The doctor said that he doesn't know how to make me better. But I think I might know a way...

 

 

*: My grandfather once told me about a magical flower called a wishteria. He said that when they bloom, they grant a single wish.

 

 

*: If you're ever planning on a trip to the First Forest, could you let me know? You might be my only hope...

 

*: I'm...rather poorly. The doctor said that he doesn't know how to make me better. But I think I might know a way...

 

 

*: My grandfather once told me about a magical flower called a wishteria. He said that when they bloom, they grant a single wish.

 

 

*: But their seeds are very difficult to get hold of. The only way to obtain them is to track down a very rare monster called a wight bulb and defeat it in battle.

 

 

*: You and your friends look very strong. Could you defeat one for me and bring me back some wishteria seeds? It might be my only hope!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Sorry... I know it's a lot to ask of a perfect stranger. Please, forget that I said anything... (cough cough cough)

 

*: Oh, thank you! If I can just get my hands on some of those seeds, I'll be able to wish for them to make me well again when the flowers finally bloom!

 

 

*: The wight bulbs that carry them live in the First Forest, but they only appear very rarely.

 

 

*: You should try fighting their friends, the sprite bulbs. ‘Fight a sprite, and a wight might bite!’ That's what my grandfather always told me!

 

 

*: It won't be easy to find, but I'm counting on you. After all, you're my only hope. Please, bring me back the seeds I need to make me better... (cough cough)

 

*: When I have my very own wishteria seeds, I'll wish for them to make me well again when the flowers finally bloom!

 

 

*: The wight bulbs that carry them live in the First Forest, but they only appear very rarely.

 

 

*: You should try fighting their friends, the sprite bulbs. ‘Fight a sprite, and a wight might bite!’ That's what my grandfather always told me!

 

 

*: It won't be easy to find, but I'm counting on you. After all, you're my only hope. Please, bring me back the seeds I need to make me better... (cough cough)

 

You found a bag of wishteria seeds! Take it to the grove north of Arboria and give it to the poorly girl!

 

*: Did you find the wishteria seeds I asked you to look for? <yesno>

 

*: That's alright... I'll just wait here until you find some... (cough cough)

 

*: Hooray! You kept your promise! Thank you so much!

 

 

*: My grandfather told me that the bigger the wish that you ask of the seeds, the prettier the flowers will be when they finally bloom.

 

 

*: I wonder if my wishterias will be pretty... Actually, I don't have to wonder—I just have to wish and wait, and some day soon I'll see for myself!

 

 

*: Thanks to you, I can dream of the future again. Here—I want you to have this.

 

*: (cough cough cough cough) My cough seems to be getting worse... But don't worry about me—when my wishterias bloom, I'll be back to my old self again!

 

 

*: I can't wait to see them... I wish they would hurry up... When they do finally appear, you'll come back to have a look too, won't you? (cough cough)

 

*: Ho ho ho! You are not feeling under the weather, I trust? You must take care of yourself, my boy! There can be no greater pleasure in life than to tend to one's own health!

 

 

*: Indeed, you seem to be in fine fettle. If you should ever plan to pop to the First Forest, pray speak with me before you go. I might know of a way to make that fettle of yours even finer!

 

*: Ho ho ho! You are not feeling under the weather, I trust? You must take care of yourself, my boy! There can be no greater pleasure in life than to tend to one's own health!

 

 

*: But the path to true fitness is an arduous one indeed! One must sacrifice one's heart and soul upon the altar of wellness!

 

 

*: I have devoted my entire life to the pursuit of true salubrity, and after years of painstaking research, I have finally found the secret! I call it...Super Soup!

 

 

*: ...Or at least, I will when it is completed at last. Young man, will you lend me your aid in concocting this miraculous broth?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: What!? You have no interest in the ways of wellness!?

 

 

*: I find your way of thinking unfathomable! If your health matters so little to you, by what miracle are you still alive!?

 

*: Ho ho ho! I knew that you would say yes! Now, what I need you to do is to head deep into the First Forest and bring me back a single leaf of the most vital ingredient of all—red kale!

 

 

*: The First Forest is a sacred place, into which none may set foot without the High Priest's permission—but you are the Luminary! How could he possibly refuse you?

 

 

*: Remember, my boy—a single leaf of red kale is all that I require. May the spirits of salubriousness go with you, my fellow fitness fanatic!

 

*: I need you to head deep into the First Forest and bring me back the vital ingredient for my miraculous Super Soup—red kale!

 

 

*: A single leaf is all that I require. May the spirits of salubriousness go with you, my fellow fitness fanatic!

 

You found a leaf of red kale! Return to Arboria and give it to the fitness fanatic near the cathedral!

 

*: My boy, you have returned! Tell me, did you find the red kale? <yesno>

 

*: Forgive me, but I would be most grateful if you could find it sooner rather than later. This anxious anticipation is not good for my health-loving heart!

 

*: This is it! The vital ingredient! I have merely to add it to my Super Soup, and the recipe will at last be complete! I will prepare it immediately...

 

*: (gulp gulp gulp)

 

 

*: Yeurgh!

 

*: That is DISGUSTING! I have never tasted anything quite so foul in all my life! But wait... I can feel it... It is working!

 

 

*: HOOHOOOOOO! I am bursting with energy! It is as if the life force of the First Forest—no, of the World Tree Herself!—is surging through my every sinew!

 

 

*: You are a true servant of salubrity, my young friend! Take this—may it bring you happiness, but more importantly—health!

 

*: Well met, my young friend! The Super Soup you aided me in perfecting has ushered me to a plane of wellness beyond my wildest dreams!

 

 

*: But my journey is not over yet! I must put my new-found fitness to good use in the pursuit of an even more vigorous vitality! Ho ho ho ho ho!

 

*: Whether one emerges from battle in triumph or defeat depends not on one's skill with a sword or one's magical might, but upon one's will to win.

 

 

*: No matter how powerful one's opponent, one must clear one's mind of all doubt, and devote oneself entirely to overcoming the challenge they present.

 

 

*: This is the first teaching of Angri-La. We disciples train day after day to master this mindset.

 

*: Whether one emerges from battle in triumph or defeat depends not on one's skill with a sword or one's magical might, but upon one's will to win.

 

 

*: No matter how powerful one's opponent, one must clear one's mind of all doubt, and devote oneself entirely to overcoming the challenge they present.

 

 

*: This is the first teaching of Angri-La. We disciples train day after day to master this mindset.

 

 

*: Perhaps our teachings might aid you in your battles to come... Would you like to experience our training for yourself?

 

 

*: This particular lesson involves defeating a mighty monster using a certain pep power. Will you accept the challenge?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Very well. But I believe that this training would serve you well in future battles. If you should change your mind, return to me, and I will explain all.

 

*: Good. You have the spirit of a true disciple. I sense that you have braved the battlefield countless times before, and performed the dance of death with many a foul fiend.

 

 

*: For this trial, I would have you slay one of the boreal serpents that haunt the paths of Mount Pang Lai during the day, and hide themselves away at night. They are fearsome foes indeed.

 

 

*: And not only that, you must use the pep power Blaze of Glory before felling the fiend.

 

 

*: This skill vastly increases one's attacking might at the expense of defence. It encourages one to eliminate all thoughts of defeat from one's mind, and concentrate entirely on the offensive.

 

*: For this trial, I would have you slay one of the boreal serpents that haunt the paths of Mount Pang Lai during the day, and hide themselves away at night. They are fearsome foes indeed.

 

 

*: And not only that, you must use the pep power Blaze of Glory before felling the fiend.

 

 

*: This skill vastly increases one's attacking might at the expense of defence. It encourages one to eliminate all thoughts of defeat from one's mind, and concentrate entirely on the offensive.

 

You defeated a boreal serpent after using Blaze of Glory! Report back to the martial arts instructor standing near the church in Angri-La!

 

*: My congratulations. I know that you have passed the trial—the aura of triumph flows from your every chakra.

 

 

*: You have seen the true power of the first teaching of Angri-La. Summon that same spirit on the battlefield, and none shall stand in your path.

 

 

*: Though this enlightenment is its own reward, please allow me to add a small token of my own congratulation. May it serve you well in the battles to come.

 

*: Not all have been as successful as you in passing this trial. Many years ago, a disciple named Robert attempted it, but fled at the first sight of the serpent.

 

 

*: Some say that it was not fear that made him flee, but that he purposefully failed the trial in order to earn the Grand Master's ire. Truly, he was a glutton for punishment...

 

 

*: I pray that you do not develop similar...proclivities. The training that our disciples undergo here may be harsh, but only by overcoming such trials can one hope to find enlightenment.

 

*: Not all have been as successful as you in passing the Trial of the Serpent. Many years ago, a disciple named Robert attempted it, but fled at the first sight of the monster.

 

 

*: Some say that it was not fear that made him flee, but that he purposefully failed the trial in order to earn the Grand Master's ire. Truly, he was a glutton for punishment...

 

 

*: I pray that you do not develop similar...proclivities. The training that our disciples undergo here may be harsh, but only by overcoming such trials can one hope to find enlightenment.

 

*: Fear not, traveller! I plan to put my training to good use, and protect all who seek shelter here from danger!

 

 

*: If the worst should come to pass, I shall lay my very life on the line! My steely physique shall shield this temple from attack!

 

*: I have been hard at work honing my physique, so that it might serve as a shield to protect all who seek shelter here from danger.

 

 

*: My brawny body is stronger than a slab of stainless steel! A liquid metal slime has nothing on me!

 

 

*: My mighty muscles are so strong that no normal weapon could even mark them!

 

 

*: Do you not believe me, traveller? Do you think that you can build a blade sharp enough to cut through my steely physique?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: I thought not. There is not a weapon in the world my body could not break!

 

*: Ha ha ha ha ha! I admire your confidence! Alright then—show me what you can do!

 

 

*: But you should know that my victory is already assured. Why, you ask? Because I know for a fact that the only weapon capable of harming my iron-hard body is a legate's blade with a power of +3!

 

 

*: Such a sword can only be crafted with a Fun-Size Forge—that most mystical of smithing stands—and only then by a true master of metallurgy.

 

 

*: Not only that, but the recipe is a closely guarded secret of Angri-La. It is only awarded to those bold enough to test themselves against the Wheel of Harma, and strong enough to conquer its every cycle!

 

 

*: If you should succeed in crafting a legate's blade with a power of +3, then equip it and come and show me. I have always wanted to witness a miracle! Ha ha ha ha ha!

 

*: My burly body is impervious to any sword under the sun, save a legate's blade with a power of +3. And such a sword can only be crafted with a Fun-Size Forge.

 

 

*: The recipe is a closely guarded secret of Angri-La. It is only awarded to those bold enough to test themselves against the Wheel of Harma, and strong enough to conquer its every cycle!

 

 

*: If you should succeed in crafting a legate's blade with a power of +3, then equip it and come and show me. I have always wanted to witness a miracle! Ha ha ha ha ha!

 

 

*: C-C-Can it truly be!? The sword that you hold in your hand—is it a legate's blade? And with a power of +3, no less!?

 

 

*: I... I underestimated you! Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that you would be able to craft such a weapon!

 

 

 

*: Even my mighty muscles could not withstand a critical hit from such a blade! It would cleave me in twain...

 

 

*: And if an evildoer were to wield such a weapon, I would be powerless to shield those seeking shelter here from their attacks... Angri-La would fall...

 

 

*: I see now that no shield is truly unbreakable... One cannot rely on defensive strength alone. I must learn how to put these muscles of mine to use!

*: Thank you, traveller, for showing me the light. Please, take these—I thought them worthless, but now I see how precious they really are!

 

*: I was wrong to think that mighty muscles were all I needed to protect this place. I have confessed my error to the High Lama, and in his infinite wisdom, he has forgiven me.

 

 

*: I thank you again, traveller, for showing me the light. From now on, I shall devote myself not only to building my strength, but my martial prowess also.

 

 

*: I will never forget what you have done for me. You have opened my eyes to the true path! I swear that I will make the most of the wisdom you have given me!

 

*: A knight's word is his bond, his kingdom his master! He serves the weak untiringly, challenges the strong unflinchingly and never retreats in the face of adversity!

 

 

*: You have heard of the Knight's Pledge, sí? It is a set of rules that all caballeros—and aspiring caballeros—must live by. We must all commit it to memory.

 

*: Por favor, amigo... Please listen to this tale of woe. A monster known as the knight aberrant is haunting the Eerie Eyrie.

 

 

*: He was once a noble caballero, but was somehow transformed into a monster. His sense of knightliness has disappeared completely, and he commits the most wicked acts. ¡Es terrible!

 

 

*: Someone must put an end to the evil ways of this disgrace to chivalry and restore the reputation of caballeros everywhere!

 

 

*: It will not be easy, of course, but there is a certain pep power that I am sure could be used to put him in his place.

 

 

*: You appear to have something of the caballero about you, friend. Would you be willing to confront this so-called knight and smite him in the name of justice?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Ay... Very well. I understand. Let me know if you should change your mind, sí?

 

*: Muchas gracias, friend! Now, the pep power that you will need to use to put this knight aberrant in his place is called Arise!

 

 

*: It must be performed by three able swordsmen. Bring two such warriors with you to the Eerie Eyrie and unleash merry hell! ¡Vamos, amigo!

 

 

*: You must make the knight aberrant pay the price for breaking the promises of the Pledge!

 

*: The pep power that you will need to use to put the knight aberrant in his place is called Arise!

 

 

*: It must be performed by three able swordsmen. Bring two such warriors with you to the Eerie Eyrie and unleash merry hell! ¡Vamos, amigo!

 

 

*: You must make the knight aberrant pay the price for breaking the promises of the Pledge!

 

You used Arise to defeat the knight aberrant! Go and tell the old man standing on the other side of the sea gates in Puerto Valor!

 

*: Je je je... You do not need to say anything, amigo! ¡Nada! I can see from your face that you have done as I asked you!

 

 

*: You have done a great service to the cause of chivalry, and to the reputation of caballeros everywhere. Accept this small reward, por favor...

 

*: Ay, pero es muy triste... The tale of the knight aberrant is very sad, no? To be turned into a monster, and to forget everything in which you once believed...

 

 

*: A knight's word is his bond, his kingdom his master! He serves the weak untiringly, challenges the strong unflinchingly and never retreats in the face of adversity!

 

 

*: A caballero must live by these principles, amigo! The thought that they could be forgotten is frightening indeed!

 

*: Ay, es muy triste... The tale of the knight aberrant is very sad, no? To be turned into a monster, and to forget everything in which you once believed...

 

 

*: A knight's word is his bond, his kingdom his master! He serves the weak untiringly, challenges the strong unflinchingly and never retreats in the face of adversity!

 

 

*: A caballero must live by these principles, amigo! The thought that they could be forgotten is frightening indeed!

 

 

*: ...Y-You can see me!? Yay! It's nice to have someone to talk to at last! I'm Rose.

 

Rose

Or at least, I was... I died when I was ten years old. Now I'm just a ghost...

 

Rose

Oh, but don't worry—I'm not a scary ghost. I wouldn't say boo to a goose!

 

Rose

The truth is, I don't really want to haunt this place. I'd like to go to Yggdrasil and be with my mummy and daddy, but I'm stuck here until my final wish comes true...

 

It's a small gravestone. The inscription is old and worn, and <pc> can't quite make it out.

 

 

*: ...Y-You can see me!? Yay! It's nice to have someone to talk to at last! I'm Rose.

 

Rose

Or at least, I was... I died when I was ten years old. Now I'm just a ghost...

 

Rose

Oh, but don't worry—I'm not a scary ghost. I wouldn't say boo to a goose!

 

Rose

The truth is, I don't really want to haunt this place. I'd like to go to Yggdrasil and be with my mummy and daddy, but I'm stuck here until my final wish comes true...

 

Rose

And now you've appeared, and you can see me and everything! It must have been Yggdrasil's will that brought you here.

 

Rose

Would you be able to make my final wish come true so I can finally be free? You'll do that for me, won't you?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Rose

I see... You're probably too busy... I'll just have to wait another decade until another adventurer who can see me comes along...

Rose

Oh, thank you! You're so kind! Alright then, I'd better tell you about my wish...

 

Rose

My deepest, most heartfelt wish is to find the treasure left behind by l'Académie's most prolific medal-hunter ever: Maxie van Bloem!

 

Rose

I don't know what this treasure is, but apparently it glitters like the setting sun on the ocean waves, and it's more precious than the purest gold.

 

Rose

She's said to have taken it with her to her grave, which is supposed to be somewhere in Zwaardsrust...but I was never able to find it.

 

Rose

Please! You have to find Maxie's treasure and bring it to me so I can leave this world at last!

Rose

I died before fulfilling my last wish—to find the legendary treasure of Maxie van Bloem, the girl who collected the most mini medals in the history of l'Académie.

 

Rose

I don't know what this treasure is, but apparently it glitters like the setting sun on the ocean waves, and it's more precious than the purest gold.

 

Rose

She's said to have taken it with her to her grave, which is supposed to be somewhere in Zwaardsrust...but I was never able to find it.

 

Rose

Please! You have to find Maxie's treasure and bring it to me so I can leave this world at last!

 

It's a small gravestone. The inscription is old and worn...

 

 

But <pc> squints his eyes as hard as he can and manages to work out what it says!

 

 

‘I saw many unforgettable sights on my travels as I hunted for mini medals across Erdrea, but two in particular will never be far from my heart.

 

 

‘The first is the golden glitter of a mini medal. The second, the scene you see before you—the fields of wheat whose every grain shines just as brightly. The land of Zwaardsrust—my home.

 

 

‘I journeyed in search of mini medals, but along the way, I found my true treasure. And so, I will end my journey here, in the land that I love.

 

 

‘Here lies Maxie van Bloem, medal collector extraordinaire and proud daughter of Zwaardsrust.’

 

 

<pc> takes a long look around, absorbing the bucolic beauty of fields of golden wheat glittering like the setting sun on the ocean waves. It's quite a breathtaking sight.

 

This is Maxie's true treasure—the scenery of her homeland of Zwaardsrust! Return to l'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles and tell Rose what you've learned!

Rose

You're back! Did you find Maxie's grave? Was her legendary treasure buried there?

 

<pc> tells Rose that Maxie's true treasure was actually the beautiful scenery of her homeland of Zwaardsrust.

Rose

So... So it was the fields of wheat that were the part of her treasure that shone like the setting sun...? And it was her homeland that she thought was more precious than the purest gold...?

 

Rose

I see... It's...not what I expected, but thank you. Thank you for fulfilling my last wish—now I know what the treasure truly is, I can finally rest in peace. Oh, but before I go, have this!

Rose

I'm going to go up to the World Tree right away so I can look down on Zwaardsrust and see Maxie's treasure for myself!

Rose

Bye-bye! We'll see each other again soon, I'm sure!

 

It's a small gravestone. The inscription is old and worn, but <pc> can just about make out what it says.

 

 

‘I saw many unforgettable sights on my travels as I hunted for mini medals across Erdrea, but two in particular will never be far from my heart.

 

 

‘The first is the golden glitter of a mini medal. The second, the scene you see before you—the fields of wheat whose every grain shines just as brightly. The land of Zwaardsrust—my home.

 

 

‘I journeyed in search of mini medals, but along the way, I found my true treasure. And so, I will end my journey here, in the land that I love.

 

 

‘Here lies Maxie van Bloem, medal collector extraordinaire and proud daughter of Zwaardsrust.’

 

 

<pc> takes a long look around, absorbing the bucolic beauty of fields of golden wheat glittering like the setting sun on the ocean waves. It's quite a breathtaking sight.

 

*: Welcome to l'Académie. I am Madame Augustine, and I 'ave been a teacher 'ere for forty years. I cannot count ze number of young girls zat 'ave passed through zese 'allowed 'alls.

 

Mme Augustine

So many 'appy days... I thought zat zey would last forever... But my old bones, zey are beginning to creak—it will soon be time for me to leave zis place too...

 

*: Hello, mister! My name is Lili! When I grow up, I am going to go to school and learn about everything!

 

Lili

It is the same school that my mamma's mamma went to when she was a little girl. They say it has a garden with lots and lots of pretty flowers!

 

*: Welcome to l'Académie. I am Madame Augustine, and I 'ave been a teacher 'ere for forty years. I cannot count ze number of young girls zat 'ave passed through zese 'allowed 'alls.

 

Mme Augustine

I remember one girl en particulier 'oo caused me more 'eadaches zan all of ze others put together...

 

Mme Augustine

She was a naughty jeune fille 'oo was always getting 'erself into mischief!

 

Mme Augustine

But no matter 'ow much trouble she caused, you could not 'elp but smile at 'er antics! She was ze breath of fresh air zat messes up your 'air!

 

Mme Augustine

But zen, one cold and frosty winter morning, just a few days before 'er graduation, she ran away. She sent a letter a few days later saying she would not be coming back—et voilà, she never did.

 

Mme Augustine

Zat was thirty years ago... I am an old woman now. Soon I will leave zis place too.

 

Mme Augustine

But before I go, I want 'er to 'ave 'er diplôme—ze certificate I would 'ave given 'er on 'er graduation day. Only when zat is done can I retire sans regrets.

 

Mme Augustine

Can you 'elp me, mon cher? Can you find zis girl and give 'er ze diplôme I 'ave been 'olding onto all zese years?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Mme Augustine

Per'aps you are right... It all 'appened so very long ago. 'Ow would you ever even find 'er?

Mme Augustine

Merci beaucoup! If you could find 'er, I would be so very grateful! Ze only clue I 'ave to 'er location is ze letter she sent after she ran away.

 

Mme Augustine

Ze postmark shows zat it was sent from ze Crystal Kingdom of Sniflheim.

 

Mme Augustine

Per'aps if you were to go zere, ze locals might be able to give you some kind of clue as to 'er whereabouts.

 

Mme Augustine

'Er name is Liliane. Please, you must go to Sniflheim, find 'er and deliver ze diplôme!

 

<pc> receives the Diplôme de l'Académie!

Mme Augustine

I cannot 'elp but wonder what 'appened to ze 'ot-'eaded jeune fille who ran away a few days before 'er graduation.

 

Mme Augustine

She sent a letter to tell us zat she would not be coming back.

 

Mme Augustine

Ze postmark on ze envelope shows zat it was sent from ze Crystal Kingdom of Sniflheim.

 

Mme Augustine

Per'aps if you were to go zere, ze locals might be able to give you some kind of clue as to 'er whereabouts.

 

Mme Augustine

'Er name is Liliane. Please, you must go to Sniflheim, find 'er and deliver ze diplôme!

 

*: What's that, mister? You're looking for a lady called Liliane? Well, my name is Lili—is that close enough?

 

Lili

Tee hee! I'm only joking. I know exactly who it is that you're looking for.

 

Lili

Liliane is the name of my mamma's mamma. Are you a friend of hers?

 

Give Liliane's diploma to Lili? <yesno>

Lili

Hmm... Maybe there is more than one Liliane, then. I hope you find your friend, mister.

Lili

Is it a letter for my grandmamma? ...I'm sorry, mister, but she will not be able to read it.

 

Lili

She... She isn't here any more, you see... She went to see the World Tree. I, I mean, she...passed away...

 

Lili

Her story was a very sad one. She came from Zwaardsrust, you see. One day, not long before she would have graduated, it was destroyed by the monsters. They hurt her mummy and daddy and stole all their money.

 

Lili

She had to leave the school she loved and start working so that she could pay the doctors who were trying to make her mummy and daddy better.

 

Lili

Because of what she went through, she always wanted me to study very hard so that I could one day go to the school she loved so much and learn to be a lady.

 

Lili

So that's what I am going to do—when I am older, I'm going to go to l'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles.

 

Lili

I will finish the studies that my grandmamma never managed to, and make her happy up in heaven!

 

Lili

...But just listen to me, going on and on. You don't want to hear my troubles. You just want to deliver your letter, I am sure.

 

Lili

Well, I cannot give it to her exactly, but I can put it on her grave the next time I go to see her. I'm sure she'd like that!

 

You gave Liliane's diploma to her grandaughter Lili. You should head back to l'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles and tell Madame Augustine what you found out.

Mme Augustine

'Allo again, mon cher. Did you 'ave any luck in finding Liliane and giving 'er ze diplôme?

 

 

<pc> tells Madame Augustine that Liliane has passed away, but that he was able to give her diploma to her grandaughter Lili instead.

 

Mme Augustine

Oh... Is zat so... I was too late, zen...

 

Mme Augustine

I remember ze people of Zwaardsrust were scattered far and wide after ze kingdom fell. Many could not find ze strength to carry on.

 

Mme Augustine

But Liliane was always dure à cuire—'ow you say...a real tough cookie. She did what she 'ad to do to make sure 'er family pulled through.

 

Mme Augustine

Merci, mon cher. Thank you for delivering the diplôme. Now, I can finally retire sans regrets.

 

Mme Augustine

'Ere, I want you to take zis. It is only une petite chose—a little thing—but I 'ope zat it 'elps you on your way.

Lili

My grandmamma told me that there was a very, very scary teacher at her school called Madame Augustine.

 

Lili

Every time Grandmamma played one of her funny jokes, Madame Augustine would turn bright red and chase her around the classroom with a ruler!

 

Lili

The strange thing is, whenever my grandmamma told me scary stories about her, she always had a big smile on her face. She was a funny lady...

Mme Augustine

I thought that I might retire soon, but if Liliane's grandaughter is to come 'ere, per'aps I will stay a little longer.

 

Mme Augustine

You said zat 'er name was Lili, est-ce correct? Just like 'er grand-mère... I only 'ope zat she does not 'ave ze same penchant for mischief!

 

*: ...Yes? Do not stare at me comme ça. I believe ze words you are searching for are ‘Bonjour, Madame Labouche!’

*: Honnêtement, I do not know what Monsieur Médaillé is thinking, allowing such an inélégant young man to wander around l'Académie willy-nilly!

 

Mme Labouche

Ze girls 'oo attend zis honourable école will one day be ze shining stars of Erdrean haute société. Zey should not be mixing with riff-raff!

 

Mme Labouche

As 'ead of ze deportment department, it is my duty to ensure zat all 'oo come here leave with ze required standard of élégance et politesse—and zat includes you!

 

*: I am Madame Labouche. I 'ave been watching you since you first set foot on Académie grounds. I 'ave 'eld my tongue until now, but I can 'old it no more!

 

Mme Labouche

'Ow dare you traipse around zis honourable école comme un vagabond!? Zese girls will one day be ze shining stars of Erdrean haute société. Zey should not be mixing with riff-raff!

 

Mme Labouche

And you, mon petit filou, are ze riffiest, raffiest ruffian I 'ave ever 'ad ze déplaisir to witness wandering zese 'allowed grounds!

 

Mme Labouche

But zere is 'ope for you yet. If you wish to prove zat you are indeed un gentilhomme worthy of zis Académie, you must dress to impress—me, zat is!

 

Mme Labouche

Come back when you are looking a little more chic et choc—smart and stylish—and I will see if you measure up to my exacting standards! Do we 'ave an accord?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Mme Labouche

Quel lâche! What a coward you are! Afraid zat you will not make ze grade, hein? Le style is not something you are born with, it is something you must work hard to achieve!

 

Mme Labouche

So get to work! Qui n'avance pas, recule—if you do not try, you will never succeed!

Mme Labouche

Une bonne réponse! Zat's ze spirit, filou! Now, zere are several ways to boost your style: first and foremost, you must gain experience and take your statistiques vital to another level.

 

Mme Labouche

But zat alone will not suffice! Un gentilhomme must ensure zat 'is entire ensemble exudes élégance.

 

Mme Labouche

Les armes, les accessoires... Every single thing that you equip affects 'ow stylish you appear. Pick out ze équipement zat shows you off to your best avantage!

 

Mme Labouche

Bonne chance, filou—good luck! Come back to me when you 'ave made a true Prince Charmant of yourself!

Mme Labouche

Ah, you 'ave returned. But 'ave you grown élégant enough to measure up to my exacting standards yet?

 

Mme Labouche

Let me 'ave a look at you...

 

Mme Labouche

Hmmm... Hm hm hm... Hmmmmmmmmm...

 

Mme Labouche

...Non, non, non, non, non! Zis will not do at all! You look about as élégant as ze backside of a bunicorn!

 

Mme Labouche

Listen to me, filou—if you wish to improve your style, you must improve yourself! Gain experience and take your statistiques vital to another level!

 

Mme Labouche

But zat alone will not suffice! Un gentilhomme must ensure zat 'is entire ensemble exudes élégance.

 

Mme Labouche

Les armes, les accessoires... Every single thing that you equip affects 'ow stylish you appear. Pick out ze équipement zat shows you off to your best avantage!

 

Mme Labouche

Bonne chance, filou—good luck! Come back to me when you 'ave made a true Prince Charmant of yourself!

Mme Labouche

Ah, you 'ave returned. But 'ave you grown élégant enough to measure up to my exacting standards yet?

 

Mme Labouche

Let me 'ave a look at you...

 

Mme Labouche

Hmmm... Hm hm hm... Hmmmmmmmmm...

 

Mme Labouche

...Chapeau! I take my 'at off to you, filou! Once, you were decidedly démodé, but now you are un gentilhomme worthy of ze 'and of any of our alumni!

 

Mme Labouche

In fact, you look absolutely irrésistible! Come 'ere and let Madame Labouche give you a big kiss...

 

Mme Labouche

Ha ha ha! Only joking, filou! I just wanted to see your face—and it was priceless! Tee hee hee! Let me give you zis instead.

Mme Labouche

Truly, filou, you look absolutely irrésistible. Come 'ere and let Madame give you a great big kiss...

 

Mme Labouche

Ha ha ha! I joke, I joke! I merely wanted to see your face—and it was priceless! Tee hee hee!

 

<pc>'s nostrils are suddenly filled with an intensely flowery fragrance...

 

 

*: BonJOOourgh, monsiEURGH! My nAME's MalODORine DElamoOORrrgue. Do yOU like MY perFUUUMe?

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

All mY FRIends in schOOL say I'm the pretTIEst-SMELLing wALKing cORpse thEY'Ve EVer mET! Tee HEe heeEGH!

 

<pc>'s nostrils are suddenly filled with an intensely flowery fragrance...

 

 

*: BonSOOoirgh, monsiEURGH! My nAME's MalODORine DElamoOORrrgue. Do yOU like MY perFUUUMe?

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

All mY FRIends in schOOL say I'm the pretTIEst-SMELLing wALKing cORpse thEY'Ve EVer mET! Tee HEe heeEGH!

 

*: (sniff sniff sniff) UUurrRRRrgh... It'S mE, MalODORine DElamoOORrrgue... ANd I smELL absoluUUtely rrRRRrottEN...

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

I'Ve RUn oUt of perfuUUMe! tHIs Is aWfUL! NOw evERYOoone wILL FInd out hOW STINKy I reEEAlly AaAm! (sob) I'd raAATHer DIIie...

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

YOoou HAvE to HElp meeE! PLEEease! Could yOU go anD SEE my dADDY AnD ask hIM FOr anOTHer bottle? ...PreTTY PLEeease!?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Malodorine Delamorgue

Boo HOO HooOOOo! (sniff) MY liFe iS OVEr! NO oNe's EVer GoING tO SpEaK tO Me AGAaain!

Malodorine Delamorgue

Oh, thANK YOu, THAnk yoOOuuUGH! My daDDY's NAme is FétIDe, and HE MAkes the pRETTiest-SMELLing perFUMe in the WHOle widE woOOrrRLD!

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

He uUUSually SENds mE A nEW BOTtle eveRY MONth, but FOr the lAST TWo monTHS, NOthing has COOome...

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

MY FAMily recentLY MOOoved to thE CRYPtic crYPT, jusT TO the wEST of HOTto.

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

I hEAR a lot OF SCARy monstERS HAVe been sEEN aROUNd thEre LATEly. I hope THEY DON't have aNYTHINg to DO with mY PERfuuUMe goING MISSing...

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

I'd be EVER So grateFUL if you'D GOoo there aNd make SUUure my DADdy's okaAAy. OH, and bRING me back SOMe pERFuuuME TOoo!

 

*: SORry, but I'M A bit BUSy rIGHT NOoow. I don't hAVE TIme to taaALk.

 

 

*: I HAVe to finISH OFF this BATch of pUNGent PERfuuUME. Us walKING CORpses can'T LIVe withOUT It!

 

*: My couSIN IS stUDYing at a schOOL fAR, Far awAAay. We havEN'T HEArd anyTHINg from HER SINce all thESE HORrible monSTERs appeared.

 

 

*: To tELL you the truUUTh, she's a bIT of a SCARedy-CAT. I HOPe she isn'T HAVing nightMAREs agaAAIn...

 

*: Now that tHAT ROTter JarvIS HAs gone, we WALKing cORPSes have mADE THis crypt our nEW HOoome!

 

 

*: Isn't thIS DAMp, MUSty air jusT DIViiINE? FétiDE was a GEEenius to pICK THIS PLAce out!

 

<pc>'s nostrils are suddenly filled with an intensely flowery fragrance...

 

 

*: Ho ho HOooOOGh! Do yOU like MY perFUUUMe? PUNGent, isn't IT?

 

 

*: We walKING CORpses make IT OUrseeELVes, you knOOow. EvERy FAMilY has ItS OWn SeCrEt RECipE!

 

 

*: BUT we HAVen't bEEN able to SHIP it acrOSS ERdrea lAtELy, what WITH aaALL the horRID MONsters everyWHEeere. They're GIVing us quITE the HEADache, let me TELL YOuuu!

 

*: WoweeEGH! Are yOU ACTually aLIVE? I've NEVer met anyONE who wasn't UNDead befoOOre!

 

*: I've onLY JUst climbed OUT of my GRAve. I'M a TODdler in walKING CORpse terms. I supPOSE YOu could say I'm a tODDling corPSE! Tee hEE HeeEGH!

Malodorine Delamorgue

I'Ve RUn oUt of perfuUUMe! tHIs Is aWfUL! NOw evERYOoone wILL FInd out hOW STINKy I reEEAlly AaAm! (sob) I'd raAATHer DIIie...

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

MY FAMily recentLY MOOoved to thE CRYPtic crYPT, jusT TO the wEST of HOTto.

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

I hEAR a lot OF SCARy monstERS HAVe been sEEN aROUNd thEre LATEly. I hope THEY DON't have aNYTHINg to DO with mY PERfuuUMe goING MISSing...

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

I'd be EVER So grateFUL if you'D GOoo there aNd make SUUure my DADdy's okaAAy. OH, and bRING me back SOMe pERFuuuME TOoo!

 

You got some pungent perfume! Head back to l'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles and give it to Malodorine!

 

*: Oh, hELLOoo. It's STRANge to sEE A HUuuman heEERe. How can I HELp yooOU?

 

<pc> tells the walking corpse that he's looking for Malodorine Delamorgue's father, Fétide.

 

*: Ohhh, is THAT SOoo? Well, you'RE IN LUck—I'M FétIdE! She's NOT in anY TROUBle, is sheEEGH?

 

<pc> explains that Malodorine has run out of pungent perfume, and has sent him to bring her back another bottle.

Fétide

Poor GIRl... She's aT A DELicate aaAGE, you knoOOW. BEing thE ONly walKING CORpse in AN all-GIRrrls' school must bE HARd enough WITHout worRYINg about HOW she smELLs...

 

Fétide

DANGerous monSTERs have bEEN PROWling arOUND outside the crYPT RECently, so some of MY SHIPments have bEEN DELaaAYEd.

 

Fétide

ThankS sO MUCh for ofFERing to take HEr a BotTLE.

 

Fétide

HERe you goOO—one PhIal of my fINEst aNd MosT pUNGEnt perFUUume!

 

<pc> receives a bottle of pungent perfume!

Fétide

THAnk yoOOuuu agAIN, ADventuREEer! Oh, and bE SURe to telL MALodorINE I'm thinKING of hER, won't yoOOU?

Fétide

THAnk yoOOuuu for agREEing to taKE MALodorINE her peRFUUume, adVENTurer! Be SURe to tELL Her I'm thinKING of hER, won't yoOOU?

 

*: ...WhaAAT? You're asKINg if I'M MAlodORINe's fAAather?

 

 

*: How ruUUDe! Do I lOOK LIke an oOOLd MAn to yoOOU!? I'm MaloDORine's couSIN, MALodorETTE!

Malodorette

Hmph! It's TOO latE to apoLOGise NOOow! How dARE YOu ask iF I'm MaloDORINe's faTHEr! I'm OBViouslY A giIIRL!

 

*: ...Am I MALOdorine'S FATher? Don't bE SILly! I'm her UNCle IlLiPPe!

 

Illippe

fétiDE's TWICE My aaAGE. Do I reeEALly look OLD enoUGH To have a dAUGHTer in schoOL? HONestly, whAT ARe you thINKing?

Illippe

I'm tELLing you, I'M NOT fétiDE! I'm his liTTLe BROther, iLLiPpe! FétiDE's OUt in THe bacK ROOoooOM.

 

*: What'S THaaAT, ladDIE? Am I MalODorine'S FAAather?

 

 

*: Hyeh HEH HeeEGH! NOoo, I'm heR GRAaandfathER, MaLPhoNSe. HoW could YOU GEt me anD MY BOy conFUUused?

 

Malphonse

FéTIdE'S BUSy bREWing up a BATch of PUNGent perFUUume bACK THEre in hIS LABoratoRY.

Malphonse

I'M MaloDORine's grANDFather, MaLPHoNse. I don'T KNOw how yOU COuld conFUUuse me with fétIdE—I'm oVER three HUNdred YEeears ooOLD!

 

Malphonse

My boy'S bACK THEre in hIS LABoratoRY, bREWing up aNOTher BATch of PUNGent perFUUume.

 

*: ...Am I MALOdorine's dADDy? Of coURSe not! I'm BlEURghTranD, and I'm onLY EIGHt yeARS OOold!

Bleurghtrand

AuntIE MALodorINE is soOO PRETty! PINk haAAIr reALLY SUits her, don'T YOu thiIINk?

 

*: ...Am I FéTIDE? NOoo. I've onLY JUSt crAWLed out OF my grAAave. NOBody'S EvEn GIVen me a NAAame yeEET.

Malodorine Delamorgue

HELLo agaIN. Did yOU FINd my daDDY? Have you brOUGHT ME back a BOTtle of PUNGent perFUUume? <yesno>

Malodorine Delamorgue

Boo HOO HooOOOo! (sniff) MY liFe iS OVEr! NO oNe's EVer GoING tO SpEaK tO Me AGAaain!

Malodorine Delamorgue

That's iiIT! My daddY'S SECret formULA!

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

OHhh, I don't kNOW HOoow to thANK YOOou! You've saved MY LIIife!

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

Here, you shoULD TAke thiiIS—it's the LEASt you deSERve! You've mADE me tHE HAPPiest girl in the whOLE WIDe woOORld! Tee hEE HEeegh!

Fétide

THAnk yoOOuuu agAIN, ADventuREEer! Oh, and bE SURe to telL MALodorINE I'm thinKING of hER, won't yoOOU?

Malodorette

Hmph! It's TOO latE to apoLOGise NOOow! How dARE YOu ask iF I'm MaloDORINe's faTHEr! I'm OBViouslY A giIRL!

Illippe

I'm tELLing you, I'M NOT fétiDE! I'm his liTTLe BROther, iLLiPpe! FétiDE's OUt in THe bacK ROOoooOM.

Malphonse

I'M MaloDORine's grANDFather, MaLPHoNse. I don'T KNOw how yOU COuld conFUUuse me with fétIdE—I'm oVER three HUNdred YEeears ooOLD!

 

*: I'm BlEURghTranD, and I'm EIGHt yeARS OOold!

Malodorine Delamorgue

My daDDY's PUNGent perfUUUMe is the PRETtiest-smELLIng pERFuuUME in thE WHOle wide woOORld!

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

...What mAKES it SMEll so goOOd? Tee hEE HEeegH! My daddy TOLd me TO neVER reveEEAl the SECRet ingreEEDient—espeCIALly not to HUuumans!

 

Malodorine Delamorgue

You mIGHT NOt like whAT you foOOUNd OOout!

Fétide

HellOOo again, huuUMAN. Thank yOU FOr deLIVERing the PERFuuUMe. MALOdorine sENT a LETter saying sHE HAd receIVED IT.

 

Fétide

My daaARLINg DAUGhter is cONSidereD TO Be quITE THe beauty aMONG WALking corpses, yOU KNOoow. SHE's the sHINing STar of our speEEciiIES!

 

Fétide

By the tIME SHe graDUATes from thAT ACADemy, she'll be tHE LOVEliest walKING CORpse—no, the loVELIest LADy!—in aaALL of ErdreEEAAa!

 

Fétide

So we caN'T HAVe anyTHING distracting hER FROm her stuDIES... I'd better gET to worK ON a NEEew batch oF PERFUuume!

 

*: This bathhouse is rather a hot topic among the cognoscenti of Heliodor. It is famed for its marvellous effect on wrinkly skin, you see.

 

 

*: I must confess, the rather...basic nature of the facilities shocked me somewhat at first, but still, I am very much looking forward to enjoying its youth-giving benefits.

 

*: I came all the way from Heliodor to sample the waters here and enjoy their supposed wrinkle-reducing properties, but I must confess, the experience left me rather cold—literally!

 

 

*: If I want to look twenty years younger, I am going to need veritable clouds of piping hot steam, not this dreadful, lukewarm excuse for a sauna!

 

 

*: I spoke to the fellow who runs the place, and he said something about them having used a substance called fiery brimstone to heat the water in the past, but that it had become rather difficult to find of late.

 

 

*: I say, you look like a nice, kind young man. There's something about the sheen of your hair that I instinctively trust... I wonder if you might do me an enormous favour and seek out some of this fiery brimstone?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: How very dare you! Where is your sense of decency!? Of decorum!? When a lady asks you to jump, you must ask ‘how high?’ Did they teach you nothing at school? Honestly!

 

*: Ho ho! I knew you were a fine young man who would never refuse a request from a damsel in distress!

 

 

*: Apparently, this brimstone substance can only be obtained by defeating a monster known as a lava lampling.

 

 

*: According to the owner of this tepid bathhouse, they can be found on Mount Huji. He couldn't be more precise than that, so I suppose you'll just have to have a jolly good look round.

 

 

*: Now, there's no time for dawdling! Find that fiery brimstone so that we can heat the water here properly and build up the head of steam I need to make my wrinkles vanish!

 

*: This bathhouse is famed for its youth-giving properties among the chattering classes of Heliodor, but I must confess that it left me rather cold—literally!

 

 

*: If I am to have the clouds of steam I need to soothe away my wrinkles, I shall require a substance known as fiery brimstone.

 

 

*: Apparently, the only way to obtain it is to defeat a monster known as a lava lampling. They live somewhere on Mount Huji, apparently.

 

You got hold of some fiery brimstone! Take it to the woman waiting by the bathhouse in Hotto!

 

*: Good day to you, young man. I trust you have defeated a lava lampling and brought me the fiery brimstone I require for my beauty regime?<yesno>

 

*: What!? Not yet, you say? Well, what are you waiting for? I cannot wait here forever—I have wrinkles I need to get rid of! Now hop to it!

 

*: You have? How marvellous! With this wonderful substance, I shall have all the clouds of piping hot steam I'll need to rid myself of wrinkles forever!

 

 

*: Of course, I didn't just do this for myself! No, I want everyone to be able to partake of the gift I am so generously bestowing upon this unfortunate little establishment!

 

 

*: No doubt they will one day build a statue here in my honour—that's the very least they owe me!

 

 

*: Now, speaking of my selflessness and boundless generosity, here is a small reward for the minor role you played in my latest philanthropic enterprise...

 

*: I simply cannot wait to make use of this marvellous fiery brimstone and enjoy the silky-smooth skin of my youth again! Thank you so much for bringing it to me, you dear, sweet boy!

 

*: You won't believe this, but the wretched owner of this rotten bathhouse has forbidden me from using the fiery brimstone you brought me!

 

 

*: He told me that I risked burning the whole place to the ground, and that I was banned for life! The cheek!

 

 

*: Does he not realise that I have wrinkles that require treatment!? Is that not more important than whether or not his wretched shack burns down!? Honestly, some people are completely and utterly misguided!

 

*: Perché...? Why he die...? Why he leave me...?

 

*: My lover... (sniff) He die on the day that Yggdrasil fall down... Before this day, he is an healthy man... An happy man...

 

 

*: But they say that every leaf of Yggdrasil is the life of one person, sì? Maybe his leaf is destroyed, and he lose his life because of this...

 

 

*: (sniff) Before he die, he tell me he bring me a special flower... One that grow in the desert of Gallopolis... He say he give me this as the engagement present... (sniff) Oh, povero me...

 

 

*: But... But still I want to see this flower... I want to see what my lover wished to give to me... Maybe it can bring me a little bit of comfort, sì?

 

 

*: Can you help me, per favore? Can you go into the desert of Gallopolis and find for me this flower?

 

*: That day, everything change, sì? The monsters, they become molto, molto vizioso... And my lover, he is killed...

 

 

*: (sniff) Before he die, he tell me he bring me a special flower... One that grow in the desert of Gallopolis... He say he give me this as the engagement present... (sniff) Oh, povero me...

 

 

*: But... But still I want to see this flower... I want to see what my lover wished to give to me... Maybe it can bring me a little bit of comfort, sì?

 

 

*: Can you help me, per favore? Can you go into the desert of Gallopolis and find for me this flower?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Ah, scusa, scusa... Forgive me—is very rude of me to make this request to a stranger. You forget about me, per favore...

 

 

*: Is okay, signore. Really, is okay. I find another way...

 

*: G-Grazie... Grazie mille... You have a cuore d'oro—an heart of gold, sì? Allora, I tell you all I know about this special flower.

 

 

*: My lover, he say the name of the flower is the desert rose. Is hard to believe the rose can grow in the desert, sì? But my lover never lie. Never.

 

 

*: This desert rose exist, signore. Per favore, you must search the sands of Gallopolis! Every grain of them, if is necessary!

 

 

*: When you find it, signore, bring it to me. I wait here for you, sì?

 

 

*: Before he die, my lover tell me that he bring me a special flower from the desert of Gallopolis. I want to see this flower, signore. Maybe it bring me a little bit of comfort in my grieving, sì?

 

 

*: My lover, he say the name of the flower is the desert rose. Is hard to believe the rose can grow in the desert, sì? But my lover never lie. Never.

 

 

*: This desert rose exist, signore. Per favore, you must search the sands of Gallopolis! Every grain of them, if is necessary!

 

 

*: When you find it, signore, bring it to me. I wait here for you, sì?

 

You found a desert rose. You should take it to the grieving woman in the eastern part of Gondolia.

 

 

*: Ciao, signore. ...Hm? Could it be? You find my desert rose?<yesno>

 

 

*: Ahimè... Is okay, I understand... The desert rose, is not so easy to find, I suppose...

 

 

*: Per favore, signore—you cannot put yourself in danger because of me. If you die, you make someone very, very sad, sì? Molto, molto triste...

 

*: ...Hm? You have brought it for me? Santo cielo... Is made of crystals! Ahh, Madre Natura—Mother Nature—she create so many miracles!

 

 

*: At last I have seen what my lover wanted to give me... Is... Is beautiful! Bellissimo! And also, is a symbol, sì? A symbol of how life always emerge and prevail.

 

 

*: Is strange, signore... When I look at this flower, I think I can hear the voice of my lover, speaking to me... He tell me to enjoy my life...

 

 

*: Sì... He is correct, no? This world, it is full of miracles. I must enjoy them as much as I can. Then perhaps I tell my lover of them when we are reunited at last.

 

 

*: Grazie mille, signore. I feel much stronger now. Molto più forte! Prego. Take this, per favore. Is not so much, but I want you to have it.

 

*: The desert rose bring back many happy memories for me.

 

 

*: You no need to worry about me any more, signore. I never forget my lover. Always he exist somewhere inside of me.

 

 

*: I must say grazie mille once again to you. Thank you, sì? I pray that your journey is safe and successful. Buon viaggio, signore!

 

*: Ciao, ragazzo! You are an adventurer, sì? Aha ha ha! Sì, I can see it in your face—is so full of curiosity and ambition! Is like looking at my face when I am young!

 

 

*: Ahh, there is nothing better than adventure! Grande avventura! You must enjoy as many adventures as you can while you are young, that is my advice!

 

*: Ahh, la brezza marina! Every time I stand here and smell the sea breeze, I remember the adventures I have when I am young...

 

 

*: I was un capitano, sì? The captain of a ship! Every day, me and my crew, we sail the ocean and look for the treasure. We find a lot, but one day, we find something very, very special indeed!

 

 

*: The name is the sage's stone. Santo cielo... Still I remember the moment I see it for the first time!

 

 

*: But alas, ragazzo, this not a story with an happy ending... When we sail back to Gondolia with all our treasure, there is a terrible storm—una tempesta molto terribile—our ship, it is wrecked upon the rocks...

 

 

*: Fortunatamente, we all survive, and I try to jump into the sea to save our treasures, but my crew, they hold me back. I simply watch as all of my beautiful treasures sink to the bottom of the sea...

 

 

*: Is still down there now, I suppose... My dear old ship, my treasures... The fabulous sage's stone...

 

 

*: Listen, ragazzo—I want to see the stone again. Just one time before I die, sì? Can you help? Can you find it for me?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Aha ha ha! Sì, is the answer I expect. You have better things to do than to look for the treasures of an old man, eh? I understand.

 

*: Eh!? Veramente!? I no expect you to say yes! I expect you to think I am totally crazy!

 

 

*: Allora, the place where my ship sank, it is due east of Heliodor. That is where you must look, ragazzo. The sage's stone is there still, I am certain! È certo!

 

 

*: Of course, is no easy thing to find the treasure at the bottom of the sea. Is impossible from the surface, for a start—you must dive down and look closely at the ocean floor.

 

 

*: I know it is a difficult request, and I no have many details to help you, but I have faith, ragazzo! I know you find the sage's stone, and you bring here to show me!

 

*: I want you to find the sage's stone, ragazzo. Is the most spectacular treasure I have ever seen! Search the seabed until you find the stone, and bring here to show me!

 

 

*: Allora, the place where my ship sank, it is due east of Heliodor. That is where you must look, ragazzo. The sage's stone is there still, I am certain! È certo!

 

 

*: Of course, is no easy thing to find the treasure at the bottom of the sea. Is impossible from the surface, for a start—you must dive down and look closely at the ocean floor.

 

 

*: I know it is a difficult request, and I no have many details to help you, but I have faith, ragazzo! I know you find the sage's stone, and you bring here to show me!

 

*: ...Hm? You seek the sage's stone, you say? You will struggle something fierce, I fear. The sea is so very vast and deep, you see.

 

 

*: But luckily for you I look around a lot. And guess what I saw when I was scanning the seabed west of here—a sparkly spot!

 

 

*: I sincerely hope it is the stone you seek. If not, you may be searching for days. Or weeks...

 

You got the sage's stone! Take it to show the old adventurer in Gondolia!

 

*: Ah! You come back, eh? And you have the sage's stone?<yesno>

 

*: Aha ha ha! Si figuri, ragazzo! Never mind! Is no easy to find things at the bottom of the sea!

 

<pc> hands the old man the sage's stone that he found down in Nautica.

 

*: Santo cielo! Sì! Sì, this is the sage's stone! This is the fabulous treasure that sink with my ship! I cannot believe that you find it!

 

 

*: ...Hm? Che cosa? What you say? You want me to have it? No, no, no, ragazzo! You find the stone—you must keep it!

 

 

*: I wished to see it one last time, but the item itself, is no so important to me. Memories and friendships—these are the real treasures that I discover on my adventures. You will learn this too, I think!

 

 

*: And you make me an happy old man, also. Allora, you must take this, per favore. Is my way to say grazie!

 

*: Is that the sage's stone I see sparkling so wonderfully? It's so pretty and glittery!

 

*: I am so happy that I see the sage's stone one more time before I die. Is very beautiful, no? Bellissimo!

 

 

*: But such trinkets, these are not what adventures are for, ragazzo. Adventures are for experiencing excitement, forging friendships and making magnificent memories! Aha ha ha!

 

 

*: H-Holy mackerel! You scared me, uncle! For a minute there, I thought you were one of the fishermen from the village.

 

 

*: They ain't none too fond of mermaids, see. If they found out I was hanging out with one, they'd tan my hide good.

 

 

*: I came here to fish, and found her washed up on the shore.

 

 

*: Seems like she ain't feeling too good. She's got a frog in her throat the size of a coconut, and she can hardly talk.

 

 

*: The Kahuna's always telling us that mermaids ain't welcome in Lonalulu, but I feel so sorry for her, coughing and croaking like that. I can't just tell her to get gone.

 

 

*: You couldn't help me out, could you? I gotta help her fix up her throat before the fishermen find out she's here.

 

 

*: Have you ever heard of dulcet dulse? It's a kind of seaweed so soft and slippery it can soothe a sore throat wikiwiki! Could you go get me some?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Ah, man... Well, don't tell anybody in Lonalulu about the mermaid, okay, uncle?

 

 

*: R-Really!? Thanks, uncle! I heard you big city folk can be real cold fish, but you're super kind! I'll never trust what the grown-ups say ever again!

 

 

*: Lemme tell you about dulcet dulse: it only grows on this one little island, near some country up north that's crazy cold. Seriously, they have snow there and everything.

 

 

*: All you gotta do is go get some, and then give it to the mermaid. Aloha, a hui hou, uncle! Come back soon!

 

*: I'm sorry... (cough) My throat, it's... (croak) Feeling so... (cough hack hawk) So sore right now, I cannot... (cough) I cannot... (hawk hack) Talk...

 

 

*: Would that I had some dulcet dulse—it is the only cure... But without any... (cough cough) I must... (croak hack hawk) Endure...

 

*: This island's coast boasts an abundance of dulcet dulse, the only seaweed needed to cure a sore throat. I've come to restock my supplies.

 

 

*: Mermaids love to sing, but a sore throat brings all singing to a standstill. That's why this weed is so highly sought after by the daughters of the waters.

 

*: If I don't get this mermaid all healed up before the fishermen find out she's here, there'll be hell to pay!

 

 

*: You gotta help me out, uncle! All I need you to do is find me some dulcet dulse and bring it back here. Meantime, I'll keep her hidden.

 

 

*: It only grows way off to the north, on a little island near a country that's crazy cold. Seriously, they have snow there and everything.

 

 

*: Soon as you've found some, bring it back here wikiwiki and give it to the mermaid. A hui hou, uncle! Come back soon!

 

*: Hey, uncle! You're looking pretty pleased with yourself. You found the dulcet dulse, didn't you? Go ahead and give it to the mermaid!

 

*: I'm sorry... (cough) My throat, it's... (croak) Feeling so... (cough hack hawk) So sore right now, I cannot... (cough) I cannot... (hawk hack) Talk...

 

 

*: Would that I had some dulcet dulse—it is the only cure... But without any... (cough cough) I must... (croak hack hawk) Endure...

 

*: Is that some... (cough cough) Dulcet dulse? Could you give it to me? My throat's as... (croak) As painful as a... (hack hawk) Throat can be... <yesno>

 

*: Please, have... (hack hawk) Pity... (croak) My throat is so... (cough) Sore... I need some dulcet dulse! I can't... (hack) Take this any more!

 

*: Oh, thank you! (cough cough) Thank you! You're so very... (hawk hack) Kind... I'll just have a little nibble, if you don't... (croak) Mind...

 

*: (chomp chomp chomp) La... La la...

LA LA LA LAAAAAAAAAAAA!

 

*: My throat felt rough and raspy like a stony, sandy shore, but now it feels more mellow than it's ever felt before!

 

 

*: At long last, I can sing again! I'll sing both near and far! Where once my voice went cough, cough, cough, it now goes la, la, laaa!

 

 

*: But there's a special reason why this brings me so much joy—now I've got my voice back, I can thank this darling boy!

 

 

*: He stayed with me through thick and thin! Protected me from danger! Who else but a true hero would do so much for a stranger?

 

The mermaid's sore throat is cured! Talk to the little boy and let him know that all is well!

 

*: This island's coast boasts an abundance of dulcet dulse, the only seaweed needed to cure a sore throat. I've come to restock my supplies.

 

 

*: Mermaids love to sing, but a sore throat brings all singing to a standstill. That's why this weed is so highly sought after by the daughters of the waters.

 

 

*: ...What's that? You met a mermaid with a frog in her throat, and you've come to collect the antidote?

 

 

*: Take some of mine! It's fine! I take a pride bordering on pomposity in my generosity—and as a mer-medic, I cannot allow an ailing mermaid to go unaided.

 

 

*: Feed her this remedial weed, and she shall surely be cured! Her vocal chords shall be sore no more!

 

 

<pc> receives a piece of dulcet dulse! Head back to Lonalulu and give it to the mermaid with the sore throat!

 

*: Don't dilly-dally, shilly-shally or tarry—carry that dulcet dulse back to Lonalulu and make that mermaid's vocal chords sore no more!

 

*: Thanks, uncle! Now the mermaid can sing again!

 

 

*: Mermaids sure do have pretty voices. It's enough to make you wonder if all those scary stories the fishermen tell about them are really true.

 

 

*: Right, that's it—I'm not gonna believe everything the grown-ups tell me any more! I'm gonna keep my eyes and ears open and decide for myself!

 

 

*: Here, I want you to have these. You've really helped me out, and it's only right that I repay the favour!

 

*: Thank you, friend, for curing me. I am so very glad. Not only can I sing again, but I can thank this lad!

 

 

*: He stayed with me through thick and thin! Protected me from danger! Who else but a true hero would do so much for a stranger?

 

*: You delivered the dulcet dulse to the debilitated mermaid, didn't you? And I bet she's feeling better! Why, that weed works wonders!

 

*: Thanks, uncle! Now the mermaid can sing again!

 

 

*: Mermaids have a funny way of saying stuff, huh? But I like it! When she thanked me for staying with her in that sing-song style of hers, my heart started beating super fast!

 

 

*: Is... Is this what it feels like to be in love?

 

*: Thank you, friend, for curing me. I am so very glad. Not only can I sing again, but I can thank this lad!

 

 

*: He stayed with me through thick and thin! Protected me from danger! Who else but a true hero would do so much for a stranger?

 

*: The dulcet dulse that abounds around this island is highly sought after by the daughters of the water. It cures sore throats as fast as lightning—it's almost frightening!

 

 

*: It would be a good thing, but when those sirens start singing, they won't stop till your ears are ringing! Bwah hah hah hah!

 

*: The seas around Lonalulu are some of the finest fishing grounds in all Erdrea. You've only gotta dip your toe in and something's sure to bite!

 

*: Oh hey, friend. You've come at just the right time. Truth be told, we've been hauling in nothing but seawater lately.

 

 

*: I tried offering up some fresh fish to Kanaloa, the god of the sea, and praying for his blessings like our ancestors used to when times were tough, but no dice.

 

 

*: Guess I left it too late. Things have been so bad lately, all I could spare was a single sardine. That ain't gonna fill a baby's belly, let alone a sea god's.

 

 

*: Now, if I could offer up some Kanaloamari made from a tentacular's tentacle, that'd get me in Kanaloa's good books for sure, but I ain't no fighter. There's no way I could take one of those things down.

 

 

*: You, on the other hand, are a tentacular-fighting fiend! You could totally bring one down in just the right way to turn its tentacles into Kanaloamari, right?

 

 

*: If the fish don't come back soon, the whole village could be history! You're the only one we can rely on, friend! Please, bring me some Kanaloamari before it's too late!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Y-You won't help us out!? Hm. Fine. Guess you got your own problems...

 

 

*: I'll just have to figure out a way to fill these crying kids' bellies all on my own... Ah, jeez... What am I gonna do...?

 

*: You will? Mahalo, friend! You really are the saviour of Lonalulu! You did it once, and you'll do it again, I just know you will!

 

 

*: Tentaculars tend to hang out around the coast to the north, near the little island east of Zwaardsrust.

 

 

*: But it ain't just a question of beating one to a pulp—to make an offering fit for a god, you'll have to finish one off with a pep power called Tempered Tantrum.

 

 

*: It's a cross between Flame Slash and Hot Lick. Make sure you and your friends know how to pull off both those moves before you go sailing off into tentacular-infested waters.

 

 

*: Then, when you find one, land the finishing blow with Tempered Tantrum, and you'll slice and sear its tentacles into a perfect plateful of Kanaloamari!

 

*: Tentaculars tend to hang out around the coast to the north, near the little island east of Zwaardsrust.

 

 

*: But it ain't just a question of beating one to a pulp—to make an offering fit for a god, you'll have to finish one off with a pep power called Tempered Tantrum.

 

 

*: It's a cross between Flame Slash and Hot Lick. Make sure you and your friends know how to pull off both those moves before you go sailing off into tentacular-infested waters.

 

 

*: Then, when you find one, land the finishing blow with Tempered Tantrum, and you'll slice and sear its tentacles into a perfect plateful of Kanaloamari!

 

You cooked up some Kanaloamari! Head back to Lonalulu and give it to the fisherman standing near the harbour!

 

*: Hey, friend. Something smells good. Hold up—that isn't the smell of Kanaloamari, is it? <yesno>

 

*: Huh. You trying out a new cologne or something? Smells kinda fishy if you ask me.

 

*: Uiha! Talk about a generous serving! I never saw anything like it!

 

 

*: This'll get us into Kanaloa's good books for sure! As soon as the sea god's had his fill, I'll bet the ocean will be back to how it used to be in no time!

 

 

*: Our little keikis ain't gonna go hungry no more. Thank goodness for that...

 

 

*: Mahalo, friend! I can't thank you enough for what you've done. We don't got much here, but what's ours is yours. ...So take it!

 

*: E komo mai, friend! Welcome back to Lonalulu! I offered up that Kanaloamari you brought me to the god of the sea.

 

 

*: It's only a matter of time before the fish start biting again! You're the saviour of the village! Mahalo, mahalo!

 

*: Oh dear... I came here to research Erdwin's Lantern—I'm an astronomer, you see—but now it's gone and disappeared, so I'm not sure what to do...

 

 

*: Some of my colleagues have managed to find some shards of the Lantern out in the desert, though. I've seen a couple, and they look absolutely fascinating! I'd love to perform a few experiments on one!

 

 

*: But I've heard that the desert's crawling with monsters. There's no way someone like me could venture out there on a shard hunt...

 

 

*: You look like you can handle yourself, though. I don't suppose you'd be able to go out there and find one for me, would you?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Oh. Well, I suppose it was rather a ridiculous thing to ask a complete stranger... I'm sorry, I'm just getting a bit panicky thinking that I might not be able to proceed with my research...

 

 

*: Really? Oh, thank you! As far as I heard it, the shards have been turning up in the desert to the north of Gallopolis.

 

 

*: If you could find one and bring it to me, I'd be ever so grateful. I'll be waiting here for you, alright?

 

*: I need a shard of Erdwin's Lantern in order to continue my research. My colleagues tell me that several have been found in the desert to the north of Gallopolis.

 

 

*: If you could find one and bring it to me, I'd be ever so grateful. I'll be waiting here for you, alright?

 

 

You found a Lantern shard! You should take it to the astronomer near the paddock in Gallopolis.

 

 

*: I can't prove any of my theories until I perform the necessary experiments... And I simply can't do that without a Lantern shard...

 

 

 

*: ...Hm? Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't see you there! Wait—does this mean you've found a Lantern fragment for me?<yesno>

 

*: Oh... Well, that's alright... I'm sorry, I got a little bit ahead of myself there...

 

 

*: You have!? Oh, thank you so much! I'll start preparing my experiments right away!

 

 

 

*: B-But these are...!

 

 

*: Oh, gosh! Now that is fascinating! Do you see these runes on the shard you brought me? These are the same ones that are on those ruins in the desert—the ones that are said to date from ancient times!

 

 

*: This reinforces my theory that Erdwin's Lantern contained the power of the ancient hero for whom it was named!

 

 

*: The meaning of the runes is a bit more mysterious, though. It's something like ‘entrusted to you...people of the future’... What does that mean? Did Erdwin entrust us with his power?

 

 

*: I'm going to need to research this in a lot more depth!

 

 

*: This Lantern shard could potentially lead to some really groundbreaking discoveries! Thank you for going to all the trouble of getting it for me. Here—a little token of my gratitude.

 

*: Thanks to that shard you brought me, I've been able to ascertain that the runes on the Lantern are the same as the runes on the ancient ruins out in the Celestial Sands.

 

 

*: This reinforces my theory that Erdwin's Lantern contained the power of the ancient hero for whom it was named!

 

 

*: The meaning of the runes is a bit more mysterious, though. It's something like ‘entrusted to you...people of the future’... What does that mean? Did Erdwin entrust us with his power?

 

 

*: I'm going to need to research this in a lot more depth! It won't be easy, of course, but I'm prepared to make it my life's work if need be!

 

*: Whoa there, traveller! What's the rush? Didn't anybody ever tell you that haste makes waste?

 

 

*: Sometimes you've got to just sit back, relax, and listen to some sweet lute licks—like the ones I'm about to lay down!

 

*: Hey there, traveller. The name's Luter—Luter van Boss. You won't believe this, but I only went and left my masterpiece in a monster-infested forest.

 

Luter van Boss

That song was a piece of my heart! A piece of my soul! It's the message I want to send to the world! It means everything to me!

 

Luter van Boss

...Hm? How could I be so foolish as to leave it behind? Heaven knows! But one thing's for sure—I'm so angry with myself, I can't write another note!

 

Luter van Boss

I wish that I could get it back, but I'm a luter not a fighter. I don't even own a sword...

 

Luter van Boss

You, on the other hand, look like you can handle yourself. Will you help me get my masterpiece back? I'd be super grateful if you would—always and forever!

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Luter van Boss

You won't help me? Give me the reason! Can't you feel the hot, hot heat of my hot, hot heart?

Luter van Boss

You will!? Thank you, friend! I finished up my masterpiece when I was staying in a little hut to the south-west of the ruins of Dundrasil. I must have left it behind when I headed out.

 

Luter van Boss

I've tried to rewrite it, but I just can't get it right. That song was a part of me, man. Since I lost my baby, I haven't been myself...

 

Luter van Boss

But I believe in you! All of you! I'll wait right here until you come back to me with my opus in tow!

Luter van Boss

I finished up my masterpiece when I was staying in a little hut to the south-west of the ruins of Dundrasil. I must have left it behind when I headed out.

 

Luter van Boss

I've tried to rewrite it, but I just can't get it right. That song was a part of me, man. Since I lost my baby, I haven't been myself...

 

Luter van Boss

But I believe in you! All of you! I'll wait right here until you come back to me with my opus in tow!

 

You found Luter's opus! You should head back to the Warrior's Rest Inn near Zwaardsrust and return it to him!

Luter van Boss

If I didn't know better, I'd say you had something to tell me. ...Well? Did you find it? <yesno>

Luter van Boss

I'm keeping my faith in you, friend. I'll wait right here, no matter how long it takes. Just promise me you'll bring my masterpiece back!

Luter van Boss

...Your selflessness is only bettered by your bold bravery!

Erdrea's shining star, our guiding light, our Luminary!

 

Luter van Boss

Oh, herooo!

A thousand visits from you is never too much!

Tell me you'll never stop!

 

Luter van Boss

That's it... My magnum opus... My masterpiece!

 

Luter van Boss

I wrote this song to tell the world that there's still hope. As long as we believe in the Luminary, we can get through this!

 

Luter van Boss

When night falls, you can't see the sun, but you know it's going to rise again. And just like the sun, I know the Luminary's going to come back one day and save us from the darkness!

 

Luter van Boss

You brought me back my masterpiece...and with it, I can bring hope back to Erdrea! You got the heart of a hero, friend! Here—this is for you!

Luter van Boss

One more thing—if you ever meet the Luminary on your travels, tell him he's made me a believer!

Luter van Boss

Some say the Luminary's the harbinger of evil, but I don't believe it one bit! He's made me a believer, which is why I decided to sing his praises!

 

Luter van Boss

Okay, here goes! I can't wait no longer—let's do this!

 

Luter van Boss

Your selflessness is only bettered by your bold bravery!

Erdrea's shining star, our guiding light, our Luminary!

 

Luter van Boss

Oh, herooo!

A thousand visits from you is never too much!

Tell me you'll never stop!

 

*: (yawn) Time for beddy-byes... I love beddy-byes very, very much...

 

*: It is time for beddy-byes, but the drums are so, so noisy, I cannot sleep at all!

 

 

*: It is the fault of a monster called bongo bango... Always he is banging his drum, ‘boom-boom-boom’... It makes going to beddy-byes impossible...

 

 

*: Could you go and make him stop, please? He is somewhere just outside the village, I think so...

 

 

*: But I do not want you only to give him a beating. I want him to know how very, very bad it is when beddy-byes is ruined!

 

 

*: There is a pep power called Snooze 'n' Bruise that should teach him the lesson he needs to learn, I think so!

 

 

*: Once you have unleashed it on the bongo bango, he will see how annoying it is and leave me to snooze in peace. Will you do that for me, please?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Oh... That is a shame... Maybe I will never sleep again...

 

*: You will!? Oh, thank you! Thank you very, very much!

 

 

*: Snooze 'n' Bruise is a combination of Persecutter and Snooze, so you will need to work with an entertainer friend in order to perform it.

 

 

*: I am sure the bongo bango will stop disrupting my sleep once he has learned how annoying it is. Go and deal with him quickly, please!

 

*: I want you to perform Snooze 'n' Bruise on the bongo bango who hangs around outside the village, please.

 

 

*: Snooze 'n' Bruise is a combination of Persecutter and Snooze, so you will need to work with an entertainer friend in order to perform it.

 

 

*: I am sure the bongo bango will stop disrupting my sleep once he has learned how annoying it is. Go and deal with him quickly, please!

 

You've taken care of the bongo bango! Go and give the good news to the sleepy girl in Phnom Nonh!

 

*: The drumming of the bongo bango has stopped! Thank you very, very much!

 

 

*: I want you to take this, please. It is a sign of how grateful I am!

 

*: Now I can enjoy my beddy-byes without any disturbance, I think so. This makes me very, very happy!

 

*: Thank you very, very much for stopping the terrible drumming of the bongo bango!

 

 

*: Now I can enjoy my beddy-byes without any disturbance, I think so. This makes me very, very happy!

 

*: You know what, kid? Today is goin' GREAT! You wanna know how much dough I've lost? Only a hundred grand! That's, like, half what I usually lose! Pretty cool, right?

 

 

*: Woo yeah! Some people get all freaked out when they lose money, but I just don't get that way of thinkin'. Gamblin' ain't even about winnin'! It's about havin' fun!

 

*: Oh! Hey there, Mister <pc>! Say, you go to the casino once in a while, right? Mind if I ask you a favour?

 

 

*: See, I've been saving up my allowance to buy this supercool statue of Uncle Vince to give him as a retirement gift.

 

 

*: But when I went to the store to get it, some big bully named Richie barged in front of me and bought the last one they had!

 

 

*: Man, and it was just perfect too! I tried asking him to sell it to me, but he just ignored me. Probably because I'm just a kid...

 

 

*: So yeah...that's the favour I wanted to ask you...

 

 

*: Could you go ask Richie if he'll sell you the statue? I'll give you the money...<yesno>

 

*: Wow... I always thought you were one of the good guys. Guess I was wrong...

 

*: You will? Thanks, Mister <pc>! Okay, so here's the money I saved up. If you could buy the statue back from Richie, I'd be super happy!

 

 

<pc> receives 3000 gold coins.

 

*: Richie loves gambling, so he's in the casino pretty much all the time. He usually plays on the special roulette tables up on the top floor.

 

 

*: I gotta say, I don't think he'll be the easiest guy to make a deal with...but I know you can do it, Mister <pc>! I'm counting on you!

 

*: Hey there! What's goin' on with you? ...Huh? Some poor little orphan wants the statue of Vince I bought, and she sent you to do the talkin'?

 

Richie

Heh heh! Well, everything's for sale if the price is right... But I ain't interested in your money. Nah. What I want is for us to have a little game together. So how about it. Wanna play?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Richie

You don't wanna play? Well, that's your call. But that poor little orphan can kiss her statue goodbye forever...

Richie

Heh heh heh! You're my kind of guy! Now, I bet you wanna know how to win my little game, right? Well...

 

Richie

All you gotta do is hit the jackpot on one of these here special roulette tables! Simple as that!

 

Richie

I don't even care which table. Go for your life, champ!

 

Richie

I gotta tell you though, I've been comin' here every day for a while now, and I still ain't seen nobody win the jackpot yet! You got your work cut out!

 

Richie

So how about it, huh? You gonna take the cash that kid gave you, trade it in for some tokens and try your luck? Or are you just gonna chicken out and forget all about it? It's up to you, man.

 

Richie

From here on out, you're on your own. If you get lucky and hit the jackpot, let me know. Otherwise, the statue stays with me!

 

*: That big bully Richie bought the statue I wanted to give to Uncle Vince as a retirement gift. Could you go ask him to sell it to me?

 

 

*: Richie loves gambling, so he's in the casino pretty much all the time. He usually plays on the special roulette tables up on the top floor.

 

 

*: I gotta say, I don't think he'll be the easiest guy to make a deal with...but I know you can do it, Mister <pc>! I'm counting on you!

Richie

Play and win at my favourite game, and I'll give your little friend the statue.

 

Richie

All you gotta do is hit the jackpot on one of these here special roulette tables. Simple as that!

 

Richie

I don't even care which table. Go for your life, champ!

 

Richie

So how about it, huh? You gonna take the cash that kid gave you, trade it in for some tokens and try your luck? Or are you just gonna chicken out and forget all about it? It's up to you, man.

 

Richie

From here on out, you're on your own. If you get lucky and hit the jackpot, let me know. Otherwise, the statue stays with me!

 

You won the jackpot! Go and tell Richie—he's sitting near one of the special roulette tables!

Richie

Wooo yeah! You did it, champ! You hit the jackpot! I gotta tell you, I never thought I'd see anybody pull it off!

 

Richie

Guess I lost another bet, huh? But I don't mind—that was a whole lotta fun! Here, this is for you...

Richie

...Huh? The statue? Oh, don't worry about that. I already asked one of my guys to take it to the orphanage. We made a deal, right? I don't back outta deals, man!

 

Richie

Hey, go ask your little friend yourself if you don't believe me!

 

*: Hey, Mister <pc>! They just told me Uncle Vince's statue's being sent to the orphanage!

 

 

*: And it's all thanks to you! Ohhh, I can't wait to see Uncle Vince's face when we show it to him!

 

 

*: You know he's a hero to all us kids at the orphanage, right? And heroes get statues of themselves—everybody knows that!

 

 

*: Thanks again for all your help! I couldn't have done it without you!

 

*: I wonder if the statue's been delivered yet... I can't wait to see Uncle Vince's face when we show it to him. All the other kids are going to love it too, I just know it!

 

 

*: I already know where I'm going to put it too. It's gonna be the centrepiece of the whole orphanage!

Richie

Heh heh! Don't worry about that statue, champ! It's on its way to the orphanage, just like I said. I ain't the kind to go breakin' promises!

 

Richie

It might take a while, that's all. See, I had it sent to one of my vacation homes. It's kinda far away from here.

 

Richie

So just tell your little pal to be patient, okay? Heh heh!

 

*: Hey, Mister <pc>! They just told me Uncle Vince's statue's being sent to the orphanage!

 

 

*: And it's all thanks to you! Ohhh, I can't wait to see Uncle Vince's face when we show it to him!

 

 

*: You know he's a hero to all us kids at the orphanage, right? And heroes get statues of themselves—everybody knows that!

 

 

*: Thanks again for all your help! I couldn't have done it without you!

 

*: I wonder if the statue's been delivered yet... I can't wait to see Uncle Vince's face when we show it to him. All the other kids are going to love it too, I just know it!

 

 

*: I already know where I'm going to put it too. It's gonna be the centrepiece of the whole orphanage!

 

*: It has been almost... Yes... Six hundred years since the Royal Terrarium was... (yawn) Founded... We hope to mark this anniversary by unveiling a new... Hmm... Exhibit...

 

 

*: A truly startling treasure from the world above... Yes... All of Nautica is looking forward to... (yawn) Seeing it...

 

*: There's nothing I love more than the sound of cannon fire! As far as I'm concerned, every day should start and end with a bang!

 

 

*: My late husband, rest his soul, made all the cannons you'll see dotted around the village. And he made 'em just for me! They're louder than anything!

 

*: It has been almost... Yes... Six hundred years since the Royal Terrarium was... (yawn) Founded...

 

 

*: I was hoping to mark this anniversary by unveiling a new... Hmm... Exhibit...

 

 

*: An item that I first saw when I was... Hmm... Still a fresh-faced hatchling... Yes... It caught my eye as I made the perilous journey from the beach to the... (yawn) Ocean...

 

 

*: Alas... I have been unable to find such a treasure on the ocean floor... Hmm... And being a sea turtle... (yawn) I cannot go to the world above to retrieve it...

 

 

*: But you, young man... (yawn) You can travel freely between the ocean and the land... If you were to assist me... Yes... I could acquire the exhibit of my dreams...

 

 

*: Well, my boy...? (yawn) Will you journey to the world above and bring me back... Hmm... This truly startling treasure...?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: I see... Well, I suppose you are the Luminary... No doubt you have more important matters at hand... Sorry to have... (yawn) Bothered you...

 

*: You will...? Truly, you are a kind soul... Very well... The item that I seek is very unique in shape... Almost like a long... (yawn) Legless squid...

 

 

*: I only caught a brief glimpse of it... Many years ago... (yawn) It was atop a cliff that towered above one of your human villages...

 

 

*: It was black and glossy... Hmm... And large enough to fit a mermaid inside... But then, just as I was admiring its beauty...

 

 

*: BANG! It produced a cacophonous blast that sent a shock wave running across the surface of the sea... (yawn) It took my breath clean away...

 

 

*: Ever since that day... Hmm... That enormous, explosive, sleek, black squid has never been far from my heart...

 

 

*: If you have any idea where such an item might be found... (yawn) Could you bring one back to me from the world above...?

 

 

*: It will be the perfect exhibit... Yes... To celebrate the six hundredth anniversary of the founding of... (yawn) The Royal Terrarium... I am counting on you, Luminary...

 

*: An enormous, explosive, sleek, black squid... Yes... Just like the one I saw when I was but a hatchling... (yawn) It will be the perfect exhibit to celebrate the Royal Terrarium's anniversary...

 

 

*: You are a well travelled fellow, Luminary... Hmm... Surely the settlement I remember it being near is one you have... (yawn) Visited on your wanderings...

 

 

*: If you think you might know where to find one... (yawn) Pray, go there and bring it back to me... With such an exotic exhibit, this anniversary is sure to go with a bang...!

 

*: Aloha, friend. Long time no see! What can I do for you?

 

<pc> explains that the curator of a certain museum wants to exhibit an enormous, explosive, sleek, black squid-like object, and one of the cannon lady's cannons might just fit the bill.

 

*: He aha ke 'ano!? Where do you get off, calling my beautiful babies squids!? I'll put you over my knee, mister!

 

 

*: Still... If this curator guy likes my late husband's cannons enough to wanna put one on a pedestal, he must have his head screwed on right.

 

 

*: Sure, friend. You got it. I'll let you borrow the biggest, shiniest, most ear-splitting cannon in my collection!

 

<pc> receives the kanono cannon!

 

*: Let me know when it's due to go on display—I'll come see it! Ooh, I can't wait!

 

You convinced the cannon lady to lend you the kanono cannon! You should head back to the Royal Nautican Terrarium and give it to the curator!

 

*: Ohhh...? What's that you're carrying, Luminary...? (yawn) Is it an enormous, explosive, sleek, black, squid-like object that's big enough to swallow a mermaid...? <yesno>

 

*: Hmm... Such a treasure will no doubt be difficult to source... As the curator of this establishment, I know how hard it can be to track down such exquisite items...

 

 

*: But the six hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Terrarium is... (yawn) Fast approaching... Please hurry...

 

*: Yes...! This is it...! This is the very sleek, black, squid-like item I have been... (yawn) Looking for...!

 

 

*: What's that you say? It is actually a type of weapon...? And it makes a loud noise when it fires a... (yawn) Metal ball into the air...?

 

 

*: Ho ho ho... You humans will fight with anything—even sleek, black squids...!

 

 

*: I always knew that you were a warlike species, but this is a revelation... The study of human society is endlessly fascinating...

 

 

*: Thank you, Luminary... (yawn) This is the perfect exhibit with which to honour... Hmm... The six hundredth anniversary of the museum's founding...

 

 

*: Please allow me to give you this in return... Yes... From all of us here at the Royal Terrarium...

 

*: I forgot to ask—which museum was it exactly that wanted to put one of my cannons on display?

 

 

*: ...The Royal Nautican Terrarium? Never heard of it! I've never even heard of a place called Nautica before. Must be a long way away, I guess.

 

*: You humans are strange and complex creatures... Yes... I have been studying your society for decades... (yawn) And yet there is so much I still do not understand...

 

 

*: But that is what makes such research so rewarding... Hmm... We of the Royal Nautican Terrarium must continue to study your kind until we know you like the backs of our fins...!

 

*: I am a hatchling lawyer—until now, my only cases have been minor misdemeanours: drunken dabs, jayswimming plaices.

 

 

*: But now I find myself entangled in the prosecution of one accused of infringing our kingdom's constitution!

 

*: Bless my sole! You won't believe this—I was on my usual morning swim about the plaice when that merman swam up from out of nowhere and tried to take a bite out of me! I was dumbfloundered!

 

 

*: I mean, I wouldn't have minded if he'd just asked me first, but preying on people without their permission is a whole different kettle of fish!

 

 

*: Ooh, it's enough to make you green about the gills... You agree, don't you? You can't just grab a passing guppy and start eating them—you've got to give them a chance to swim away first, right? <yesno>

 

*: You mean you're on the merman's side!? You think he haddock case for dismissal!? What kind of a fish are you!?

 

*: Exactly! I knew a fellow fish would understand the scale of this affront to deep-sea decency!

 

*: As Justice of the Court Ship, I must judge each case before me. Some drip with deepest intrigue while some others frankly bore me.

 

 

*: Today's defendant is accused of breaking from tradition, and feasting on a fish without first asking its permission.

 

*: It all happened a few months ago. I'd been living on nothing but seaweed for weeks when that delicious-looking fish swam by—my greed exceeded my need, and I did my misdeed.

 

 

*: He just looked so lovely and lively... Before I knew it, I'd jumped in and was nibbling on his fresh, fishy fins!

 

 

*: I didn't mean to be unkind, but in hindsight, I should have asked him if he minded. Now I'm in a bind—I might get fined, or even confined!

 

*: The blockhead in the dock is my own dear brother. The fool tried to feast on a fish without asking first.

 

 

*: Still, he stopped as soon as he saw he was in the wrong, and us fishfolk gobble up guppies and snack on snappers all the time. I only hope the judge sees it the same way...

 

*: An adventurer, are ya? It ain't often we get folks like you comin' 'ere. This island's a place for 'ermits, exiles an' other assorted outcasts.

 

 

*: When I was younger I got up to all sorts—piratin' an' pillagin' an' the like—but now I spend me days just starin' out to sea.

 

 

*: This ain't no place for a globetrottin' traveller like you. I reckon it's 'igh time you were on yer way.

 

*: I am the legal counsel of the merman on the stand. He's been accused of flouting Nautica's supreme command.

*: He saw a tasty-looking fish and, by his own admission, he sank his teeth into it without asking its permission.

 

 

*: I need to show the judge he's not a criminal at heart, but hatchling lawyer that I am, I don't know where to start!

 

 

*: If I could read my mentor's casebooks—even just a little—I'm sure that I could build a case to safeguard his acquittal.

 

 

*: I need to go and borrow them, but now the court's in session, I cannot leave! My client's sealed his fate with his confession!

 

 

*: If only I could quote those notes, I'm sure that he'd go free! Oh Luminary, will you go and bring them back for me?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: It's not your fault, it's mine—I should have known I'd need those notes... But what to do? It's down to me whether he sinks or floats...

 

*: Oh, thank you, Luminary! You're as kind as kind can be! My mentor was an ace attorney, famed throughout the sea.

*: It was to follow in his footsteps that I studied law—alas, he left us long ago, and now lives on the shore.

 

 

*: He built a hut upon a tiny island to the west, and hid himself away in self-inflicted house arrest.

 

 

*: As you may surmise, he was an odd, unsocial sort...but always kind at heart, and a true maestro in the court!

 

 

*: If you could ask him for his notes on all the trials he stood at, I may yet get the chance to prove the law's something I'm good at!

 

*: As Justice of the Court Ship, I must judge each case before me. Some drip with deepest intrigue while some others frankly bore me.

 

 

*: Today's defendant is accused of breaking from tradition, and feasting on a fish without first asking its permission.

 

 

*: The fishes are our friends, and yes, sometimes they are our food, but if you don't obey the law, you're asking to be sued.

 

*: My client isn't blameless—he admits he bit the fish—but then again, fish feature in many a merman dish.

 

 

*: In this case, the plaintiff's claim for legal restitution is based on the first clause of the Nautican constitution.

*: ‘All fishfolk are our friends, even if they are our food. To eat them is permitted only if one is not rude.’

 

 

*: These words were written by the very first Queen of the Sea—to go against them is a most atrocious felony!

 

 

*: If I could read my mentor's casebooks—even just a little—I'm sure that I could build a case to safeguard his acquittal.

 

 

*: You'll find him on an island to the west inside his shack. Could you go and meet with him and bring his old notes back?

 

<pc> asks the sailor if a lawyer from Nautica lives on the island.

 

*: ...A lawyer from Nautica? You must be talkin' about the Sealicitor. 'E's an old mate o' mine.

 

 

*: When me old pirate crew dumped me 'ere and sailed off into the sunset, 'e let me stay with 'im in this 'ere cabin. Saved me life, so 'e did.

 

 

*: 'E ain't around no more, though. Died a couple o' years back. A bright, sunny day it was. 'E was sittin' there, starin' out to sea, just like always, and then...gone. Just like that. (sigh)

 

 

*: You a mate of 'is too, then? Sorry I ain't got better news for ya.

 

 

*: 'Is stuff's in that chest over there if you wanna take somethin' to remember 'im by.

 

There's a note scrawled on the title page of the Sealicitor's statutes. <pc> takes a closer look...

 

 

‘I hereby bequeath my prized edicts unto you, my most honourable apprentice. May they aid you in delivering justice according to Nautican law.’

 

You snagged the Sealicitor's statutes! Head back to Nautica and give them to the mermaid lawyer on the Court Ship!

 

*: Welcome back, my friend. Did your trip to the shore succeed? Did you meet my mentor and bring back the notes I need? <yesno>

 

*: The trial isn't going well—and if the judge's frown is anything to go by, the defendant's going down!

 

 

*: I need to prove my client isn't guilty of this crime, or sure enough the poor old thing will soon be doing time!

*: Could you go and see my mentor on the western isle and bring his casebooks back before the last day of the trial?

 

*: ...You didn't find my mentor on the island to the west—only this casebook, stashed inside his bedside treasure chest?

 

 

*: ...This is exactly what I need—my mentor's legal knowledge! It's sure to help me more than all the stuff I learned in college!

 

 

*: Let's see... ‘When one defends a charge of criminal fin-biting, there is an argument all able lawyers should be citing:

 

 

*: ‘Per se, that sharks, the enemies of all fish-kind, abhor feasting on fish with nibbled fins. Res ipsa loquitur.’

 

 

*: A fish with nibbled fins is less likely to be predated...but how does that fact help my client be exonerated?

 

 

*: Wait—I think I understand—by chewing on the fish, he spared it from becoming a much bigger creature's dish!

 

 

*: The actions of the merman should not cause him to be sued! In fact, the plaintiff owes him a deep debt of gratitude!

 

 

*: I'm sure this line of reasoning will spare my client prison! When faced with such sound sense, the judge can make but one decision!

 

 

*: Thank you so much, Luminary! Here—this is for you. With all you've done for me, this is the least that I can do!

 

*: When me pirate crew gave me the old 'eave-'o and dumped me 'ere, I 'ad so much 'ate in me 'eart. It was the Sealicitor 'oo made me see the light.

 

 

*: 'E used to spend all day starin' out to sea. Thinkin' of 'ome, I shouldn't wonder...

 

*: I'll do just as my mentor asked and read all his decrees, then be the lawyer who delivers justice to the seas!

 

 

*: But first I need to get this current case out of the way—and now I've read his notes, I know exactly what to say!

 

 

*: To whit: that sharks, the enemies of all fish-kind, abhor feasting on fish with nibbled fins. Res ipsa loquitur!

 

*: Sæll, wanderer. I am a soldier of Sniflheim. I came here with my younger brother to eradicate the killing machines that have been plaguing the Snærfelt of late.

 

 

*: All was proceeding as planned...until that blood-red robot appeared. A terrifying Type G0, far more powerful than its cousins, with murder on its metallic mind.

 

 

*: We battled the beast with all our strength, and at long last, we prevailed...but at great cost.

 

 

*: My brother did not survive his injuries. I dragged myself to this cabin, and have been resting here ever since. Alas, I still do not have the strength to stand...

 

 

*: Since our parents passed away, my brother was the only family I had. We swore that we would always be together. I will never forgive that Type G0 for taking him from me...

 

 

*: I will not rest until every Type G0 in Erdrea is reduced to a smoking pile of cogs and sprockets! I will make them taste my pain a thousandfold!

 

 

*: You fight for justice, do you not? While I recover from my wounds, will you slay a Type G0 in my stead?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Well, no matter. One day I will be fully healed, and on that day, every Type G0 in Erdrea will feel my wrath!

 

*: You will? Thank you, friend. The Type G0s are the commanders of the robot army. They only ever appear alongside their killing machine subordinates.

 

 

*: They appear on the front lines only rarely, but if you keep fighting their footsoldiers, one is sure to show its fiendish face eventually.

 

 

*: The killing machines congregate in the Snærfelt near the frozen fjord. The Type G0s will not be far behind them.

 

 

*: But I beg you, do not overstretch yourself. Beat one, and bring back a piece of its inner workings as proof. This will suffice. The fiends must pay for what they have done, but not at the cost of yet more lives.

 

You got yourself a Type G0 sprocket! Take it back to the Sniflheimian soldier in the scholar's cabin and give it to him!

 

*: You will? Thank you, friend. The Type G0s are the commanders of the robot army. They only ever appear alongside their killing machine subordinates.

 

 

*: They appear on the front lines only rarely, but if you keep fighting their footsoldiers, one is sure to show its fiendish face eventually.

 

 

*: The killing machines congregate in the Snærfelt near the frozen fjord. The Type G0s will not be far behind them.

 

 

*: But I beg you, do not overstretch yourself. Beat one, and bring back a piece of its inner workings as proof. This will suffice. The fiends must pay for what they have done, but not at the cost of yet more lives.

 

*: Sæll, wanderer. How goes the fight against the Type G0s? Do you come bearing the blood-red innards of one who fell at your hand? <yesno>

 

*: Those fiends killed my brother—the only family I had. They must pay for their crimes! I will not rest until their entire race is extinguished once and for all!

 

*: Yes... This is indeed a part of one... Ha! How do you like that, fiend? This is what you get for—...

 

 

 

*: ......

 

 

*: Thank you, friend, for doing as I asked. But let this be an end to it. This hatred, this destruction—it must stop.

 

 

*: When I held the sprocket in my hand, I realised something.

 

 

*: If I spend my life seeking revenge, I will become everything I hate. I will be just like a Type G0, living only for death and destruction.

 

 

*: My hatred blinded me to what is truly important: honouring the memory of my dear, departed brother.

 

 

*: Now I see the light—and it is thanks to you. I will return to Sniflheim at the earliest opportunity and live life as my brother would have wanted. Please, take this with my thanks.

 

*: Sæll, friend. Thank you for all you did for me. I have abandoned all thoughts of revenge. From now on, I will live my own life.

 

 

*: My brother brought so much joy to the world—now I must do so in his place. This is surely the best way to honour his memory.

 

*: The lady of this house is a keen collector of classic literature. As her butler, it often falls to me to do the collecting on her behalf.

 

 

*: Many years ago, she dispatched me to Arboria to pick up a particularly rare volume. At the time, I was aggrieved to be sent on such an arduous journey, but looking back now, it was quite the adventure!

 

The books are old and faded, and <pc> can't make out any of the titles. They must have been here for quite some time.

 

 

*: ‘Dost thou recall, my love, when we two did gaze upon the beauty of all Erdrea?

 

 

*: ‘The sky, so deep and blue, did seem like to swallow us whole. The sea burn'd madder red, stain'd by the light of the setting sun. And all around us, Yggdrasil's leaves did shine with the light of life...

 

 

*: ‘The heavenly vision I saw with thee that day seared itself into my very soul. Ne'er shall I forget it, though I live for all eternity.’

 

 

 

*: ...Fair words indeed, would you not agree? It is the text of a letter, written by an unknown hand, that was discovered inside a book in the library here in Arboria.

 

 

*: I have read it so many times now that I am able to recite its contents by heart.

 

 

*: However, the letter is incomplete. I have searched and searched for the second page, but alas, it is nowhere to be found. Not here in Arboria, at any rate...

 

 

*: You travel a great deal, do you not? Would you aid me in searching for the letter's no doubt lyrical and heart-wrenching ending?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

 

*: What a shame. No doubt the letter's end is just as eloquent as its beginning. It is a pity you will not be witness to its true beauty.

 

 

 

*: You will? Oh, thank you! The villagers tell me that the first page of the letter was discovered between the pages of an ancient Arborian tome.

 

 

*: Alas, this tome was sold some years ago to a Gallopolitan noblewoman. It is my belief that the second page of the letter is inside the book still.

 

 

*: I would ask that you journey to Gallopolis and enquire at the homes of the noble families of that realm. I wish you the best of luck in your search.

 

 

*: ‘Dost thou recall, my love, when we two did gaze upon the beauty of all Erdrea?

 

 

*: ‘The sky, so deep and blue, did seem like to swallow us whole. The sea burn'd madder red, stain'd by the light of the setting sun. And all around us, Yggdrasil's leaves did shine with the light of life...

 

 

*: ‘The heavenly vision I saw with thee that day seared itself into my very soul. Ne'er shall I forget it, though I live for all eternity.’

 

 

 

*: ...Fabulous, is it not? The more I recite these words, the more meaningful they seem! I must know how the missive ends!

 

 

*: The villagers tell me that the first page of the letter was discovered in the pages of an ancient Arborian tome.

 

 

*: Alas, this tome was sold some years ago to a Gallopolitan noblewoman. It is my belief that the second page of the letter is inside the book still.

 

 

*: I would ask that you journey to Gallopolis and enquire at the homes of the noble families of that realm. I wish you the best of luck in your search.

 

 

*: The lady of this house is a keen collector of classic literature. As her butler, it often falls to me to do the collecting on her behalf.

 

 

*: Many years ago, she dispatched me to Arboria to pick up a particularly rare volume. At the time, I was aggrieved to be sent on such an arduous journey, but looking back now, it was quite the adventure!

 

 

*: ...What became of that book, you ask? I am afraid that we no longer have it. A travelling woodcutter who once stayed here took it with him when he left.

 

 

*: He was so enthralled by its contents that my lady reluctantly agreed to part with it. It was the only way to make him leave.

 

 

*: If I remember correctly, he said that he was on his way to a cabin in the Manglegrove. Whether he still resides there now, I do not know...

 

You've read the second page of the letter that the minstrel told you about! You should make a copy of it to show him!

 

The books are old and faded, and <pc> can't make out any of the titles. They must have been here for quite some time.

 

 

While squinting at their spines, he spots the corner of a piece of torn and tattered paper poking out of one of them!

 

 

This must be the second half of the letter that the minstrel in Arboria told you about! <pc> takes it out and reads it...

 

 

‘But wherefore must it be so? This world may be unchanged—as beauteous as e'er it was—but without thee, all seemeth grey and muted...

 

 

‘My chest is fit to burst! My dearest Erdwin, each new day I must endure without thee pierceth my heart like a dagger!

 

 

‘I can do naught but cling vainly to the hope that one day we might be reunited at last. Until then, my songs are thine and thine alone. I pray that they might reach thee, wherever thou might be...’

 

*: Ah, you have returned! Well? Did you find the second page of the letter?<yesno>

 

*: What a pity. Pray, do not end your search yet. I cannot rest until I know how the missive ends!

 

<pc> hands over his copy of the letter.

 

 

*: Yes! This is it! Pray allow me to read both parts together. Ahem...

 

 

*: ‘Dost thou recall, my love, when we two did gaze upon the beauty of all Erdrea?

 

 

*: ‘The sky, so deep and blue, did seem like to swallow us whole. The sea burn'd madder red, stain'd by the light of the setting sun. And all around us, Yggdrasil's leaves did shine with the light of life...

 

 

*: ‘The heavenly vision I saw with thee that day seared itself into my very soul. Ne'er shall I forget it, though I live for all eternity.’

 

 

*: ‘But wherefore must it be so? This world may be unchanged—as beauteous as e'er it was—but without thee, all seemeth grey and muted...

 

 

*: ‘My chest is fit to burst! My dearest Erdwin, each new day I must endure without thee pierceth my heart like a dagger!

 

 

*: ‘I can do naught but cling vainly to the hope that one day we might be reunited at last. Until then, my songs are thine and thine alone. I pray that they might reach thee, wherever thou might be...’

 

 

*: My word... Such passion! And that name: ‘Erdwin’... Could it be that this letter is addressed to the Luminary of Legend?

 

 

*: Of course! The tales tell of the star-crossed romance between Mighty Erdwin and the Great Sage Serenica. This can only be a love letter from Serenica herself!

 

 

*: What an honour it is to read such heartfelt words from the pen of one so illustrious! One feels as if one is witnessing the glory of the Age of Heroes first-hand!

 

 

*: Pray, take this. It is but a token of the gratitude I feel for your having allowed me to read these beautiful words at long, long last.

 

*: A love letter from the Age of Heroes... Ahh, I could not have dreamed of anything more romantic than this!

 

 

*: I am brimming with ideas for a new song on the subject of Erdwin and Serenica's love—and it is all thanks to you!

 

*: A love letter from the Age of Heroes... Ahh, I could not have dreamed of anything more romantic than this!

 

 

*: I am brimming with ideas for a new song on the subject of Erdwin and Serenica's love—and it is all thanks to you!

 

 

*: I had heard that the summit of Mt Pang Lai commanded a most marvellous view, but this surpasses all my expectations!

 

 

 

*: It's simply breathtaking! I shall etch this image into my heart, and remember it until my dying day!

 

There's an inscription carved into the tree trunk. It's rather hard to read, but if <pc> squints, he can just about make it out...

 

 

‘This is truly one of the most magnificent, spectacular and indeed utterly gobsmacking views I have seen in my long career as a connoisseur of splendid scenery!

 

 

‘But what use is a beautiful view when one is all alone?

 

 

‘I have realised that if a man has his love beside him, even the most paltry view will be filled with beauty. In conclusion, I must find a wife! Signed, Vincenzo Turismo’

 

 

*: I had heard that the summit of Mt Pang Lai commanded a most marvellous view, but this surpasses all my expectations!

 

 

 

*: It's simply breathtaking! I shall paint this image onto the canvas of my heart, and remember it until my dying day!

 

 

 

*: My name is Hugo, and I have devoted my life to travelling the world in search of the most marvellous views in existence.

 

Hugo

Now, I know we've only just met, but I have a very strong suspicion that I have found in you a soulmate—a fellow devotee of jaw-dropping views and transcendent vistas!

 

Hugo

And with your youthful vigour and limber limbs, I have a feeling you may be able to witness the most marvellous view of all! So, how about it—do you want to join me in the exalted ranks of the scenery-seekers?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Hugo

 

That is...unfortunate... I have clearly misjudged you. I believed you to have a lofty spirit and a love for beauty, but clearly that is not the case...

 

Hugo

But being a scenery-seeker is not for everyone, and the last thing I would want to do is pressure anyone into it. Well, I wish you luck in all your endeavours, whatever they may be!

 

Hugo

 

I knew it! I could tell from your face that you were a kindred spirit! May I heartily welcome you to the most exclusive club imaginable—the secretive association of the scenery-seekers!

 

Hugo

Now, without further ado, let me point you in the direction of the most marvellous sight of all—the view from the soaring, cloud-kissed heights eulogised by the legendary Vincenzo Turismo, a member of our order!

 

Hugo

According to his celebrated writings, there is a great mountain to the south of Heliodor from which a truly unparalleled view of Erdrea can be enjoyed.

 

Hugo

Apparently, he experienced something of an epiphany upon seeing it, and carved his thoughts into the trunk of a nearby tree, that they might be preserved forever. But he never divulged exactly what it was he wrote...

 

Hugo

I want you to do something for me—head into the rocky south of Heliodor, find that mountain and share with me the insights of my hero and mentor!

 

Hugo

I would go myself, but I am afraid my knees are not what they were—even making this comparatively easy ascent was a struggle. Please, as a new member of our order, you must do this! You simply must!

Hugo

I want you to witness the most marvellous sight of all—the view from the soaring, cloud-kissed heights eulogised by the legendary scenery-seeker, Vincenzo Turismo.

 

Hugo

According to his celebrated writings, there is a great mountain to the south of Heliodor from which a truly unparalleled view of Erdrea can be enjoyed.

 

Hugo

Apparently, he experienced something of an epiphany upon seeing it, and carved his thoughts into the trunk of a nearby tree, that they might be preserved forever. But he never divulged exactly what it was he wrote...

 

Hugo

I want you to do something for me—head into the rocky south of Heliodor, find that mountain and share with me the insights of my hero and mentor!

 

Hugo

I would go myself, but I am afraid my knees are not what they were—even making this comparatively easy ascent was a struggle. Please, as a new member of our order, you must do this! You simply must!

 

<pc> finds an old dead tree.

 

 

There's an inscription carved into the trunk. It's rather hard to read, but if he squints, he can just about make it out...

 

 

‘This is truly one of the most magnificent, spectacular and indeed utterly gobsmacking views I have seen in my long career as a connoisseur of splendid scenery!

 

 

‘But what use is a beautiful view when one is all alone?

 

 

‘I have realised that if a man has his love beside him, even the most paltry view will be filled with beauty. In conclusion, I must find a wife! Signed, Vincenzo Turismo’

 

You found the inscription left by the legendary scenery-seeker! Head back to the summit of Mt Pang Lai and tell Hugo what it says!

Hugo

Well, if it isn't the newest member of the secretive association of scenery-seekers! So, did you find Vincenzo Turismo's message?<yesno>

Hugo

Oh, that's a shame. But perhaps I'm expecting too much too soon—you are new to the vista-hunting game after all.

 

<pc> tells Hugo what was carved into the tree trunk...

Hugo

Well, knock me down with a feather! Not in a million years would I have imagined that Vincenzo Turismo's profound insight as he looked down upon the world was that he needed a wife!

 

Hugo

But thinking about it, solitude is something of an occupational hazard for we scenery-seekers. I myself have been so busy scaling these heady heights that I have neglected to think about finding a life partner...

 

Hugo

B-But I don't regret it for a second! N-Not a single solitary second! No! I have lived my life in pursuit of a higher cause—for who needs a wife when a resplendent vista is unfolding beneath one's feet?

 

Hugo

I have chosen this life, and I stand by my choice! Besides, I am not alone—beauty is my bride, the wide blue yonder is my beloved, and the whispering breeze is my most faithful friend!

 

Hugo

No, my choice was the right one! And now I have introduced a bright young talent to the marvels of scenery-seeking too! Speaking of which, let me give you a small reward for all your efforts...

Hugo

My knees may not be what they were, but I shall continue to pursue beautiful views and etch them into my heart for as long as there is breath in my body!

 

There's an inscription carved into the tree trunk. It's rather hard to read, but if <pc> squints, he can just about make it out...

 

 

‘This is truly one of the most magnificent, spectacular and indeed utterly gobsmacking views I have seen in my long career as a connoisseur of splendid scenery!

 

 

‘But what use is a beautiful view when one is all alone?

 

 

‘I have realised that if a man has his love beside him, even the most paltry view will be filled with beauty. In conclusion, I must find a wife! Signed, Vincenzo Turismo’

Hugo

 

I find my mind returning unbidden to thoughts of matrimony... There was that one rather appealing woman in the tavern in Heliodor whom I could not help but feel took a shine to me...

 

Hugo

 

Oh! Did I say that aloud!? The thought of marriage could not be further from my mind! What use would I have for a wife when I have the world's most beautiful views to enjoy?

 

Hugo

Anything I may have said about a certain lady in a certain tavern was just my senseless rambling! Please, pay me no mind!

 

 

*: Heliodor has always been a kingdom whose fighting prowess has been feared far and wide. Before Sir Hendrik and Sir Jasper, there were scores of famous knights who served the crown.

 

 

*: In my youth, I aspired to join their number, and asked if I could be taken on as a novice. Sadly, I didn't quite cut the mustard...

 

*: Heh! You're a pretty tough customer, I can tell! I bet you've been in your fair share of battles over the years, haven't you?

 

 

*: Well, if there's one thing I love, it's discussing mighty warriors and sharing tales of derring-do.

 

 

*: But it takes two to tango, and mighty warriors are nothing without monsters to cross swords with!

 

 

*: And it just so happens that I've heard of a beauty! It's called Harmachis, and it rules over an army of bilhaws from atop the Hotto Steppe!

 

 

*: I've been hearing terrific things about how tough it is, but I want to hear from someone with first-hand experience. Will you go and fight it for me?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: Gah! All my hopes cruelly dashed against the rocks! Well, I suppose it was a lot to ask. Still, I can't say I'm not disappointed...

 

*: I knew it! I knew you wouldn't let me down! Now, let me tell you everything I know...

 

 

*: As I mentioned, he lives on the Hotto Steppe—that's south of Mount Huji—on some kind of high plateau. But he only shows himself to those who can prove themselves strong enough.

 

 

*: And to do that, you'll need to beat up a load of his bilhaw minions.

 

 

*: Now, go and lure him out so you can come back and tell me all about it! I want to hear all the gory details! Good luck—I know you can do this!

 

*: On a high plateau on the Hotto Steppe south of Mount Huji, there dwells a mighty monster known as Harmachis. I want you to take him on in battle and tell me all about it.

 

 

*: But he won't reveal himself to any old warrior. No, first you'll need to prove yourself by beating up a load of his bilhaw minions.

 

 

*: I'm rooting for you—I just know you can do it! And when you do, I want to hear all the gory details!

 

You beat Harmachis! Go back to Heliodor and give the old man a blow-by-blow account!

 

*: So, you're back! And I can see that you must have bested Harmachis in battle!

 

 

*: ...How can I tell, you ask? Why, I can see the wounds you still bear, the horror in your eyes—he was no ordinary foe, I can see that much!

 

 

*: Nor should he have been—for in truth, he was once a mighty general of the ruined realm of Zwaardsrust!

 

 

*: But fate caught up with him when he faced a ruthless foe, who led him into a terrible trap from which he and his men could not free themselves.

 

 

*: He fell into a state of utter despair at his defeat, and his body rose again to become the bitter, brutal Harmachis. But by defeating him, I feel certain that you have enabled him to find peace at last.

 

 

*: You fought bravely, and you rescued a mighty warrior from a living hell. Take this—you have earned it.

 

*: According to the stories, Harmachis was once a mighty general of the ruined realm of Zwaardsrust.

 

 

*: But fate caught up with him when he faced a ruthless foe, who led him into a terrible trap from which he and his men could not free themselves.

 

 

*: He fell into a state of utter despair at his defeat, and his body rose again to become the bitter, brutal Harmachis. But by defeating him, I feel certain that you have enabled him to find peace at last.

 

 

*: It is truly an honour to have met a warrior mighty enough to have bested such a foe. I'll be boring my grandchildren with this little tale until my dying day!

 

*: Hee hee hee hee! I knew you'd be coming to Mistress Bev's before long—I saw it in the stars, didn't I!

 

Mistress Bev

Now, I used to make a decent livin' tellin' fortunes an' floggin' a little 'oly water on the side, but since them flippin' monsters went an' got loads tougher, me 'oly water's stopped workin'!

 

Mistress Bev

That meant people stopped buyin' it, an' I've been losin' sleep ever since. I don't wanna end up on the streets, do I! Anyway, I took a little look at what's up ahead, an' I seen me knight in shinin' armour!

 

Mistress Bev

'E was a silky-'aired lad wiv a kind 'eart 'oo was keen as mustard to find me the divine dew I need to power up me merchandise an' get me business back on its feet! So come on, darlin', wot d'you say?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Mistress Bev

...Bah! You fink you can just walk away from yer destiny, do ya? Nah, I've seen it written in the stars—you'll be back, sunshine!

Mistress Bev

Hee hee hee hee! I knew you'd say that! Nuffink gets past the magnificent Mistress Bev!

 

Mistress Bev

Now, clear out yer lug'oles an' listen up! Divine dew comes rollin' off the leaves o' none other than the World Tree itself!

 

Mistress Bev

Accordin' to wot I saw in me crystal ball, there's all these waterfalls an' little ponds up in the First Forest. If you 'ave a poke round there, yer bound to find some.

 

Mistress Bev

Go an' find some divine dew an' bring it back to Mistress Bev. I know you'll do it—it's written in the stars! Hee hee hee!

Mistress Bev

Wot I need you to do is get 'old o' some divine dew from the First Forest an' bring it back 'ere so I can flog it an' finally pay me rent.

 

Mistress Bev

Accordin' to wot I saw in me crystal ball, there's all these waterfalls an' little ponds up in the First Forest. If you 'ave a poke around there, yer bound to find some.

 

Mistress Bev

Go an' find some divine dew an' bring it back to Mistress Bev. I know you'll do it—it's written in the stars! Hee hee hee!

 

You found some divine dew! Take it back to Mistress Bev in downtown Heliodor!

Mistress Bev

Hee hee hee hee! 'Ello there! So, 'ave you brought back some divine dew for good old Mistress Bev?<yesno>

Mistress Bev

...You wot!? Well, not to worry—it's just a matter o' time before you do. It's written in the stars, after all! Hee hee hee hee!

Mistress Bev

Hee hee hee hee! I'm gonna make a killin' wiv this stuff! Nice one! Now, I ain't got nuffink to give you as a reward...but I can tell yer fortune for free!

 

Mistress Bev

Tell me, mysterious rulers of fate...

What's this lank-'aired lad 'ere got on his plate...?

 

Mistress Bev

...Somefink's comin' through loud an' clear! The spirits are talkin' to me!

 

Mistress Bev

...You wot!? ‘The Luminary needs that divine dew more than you, Mistress Bev’, they're sayin'! An' if I don't 'and it over, I'm destined to break a tooth on a stale slice o' bread an' die alone an' in agony! Crikey!

 

Mistress Bev

 

Well, there's no use arguin' wiv the powers o' destiny, is there? I don't want to meet me end at the 'ands of a loaf o' bread, do I?

 

Mistress Bev

Looks like it's your lucky day, darlin'. S'pose you 'ave got to save the world an' fulfil yer destiny an' all that... Fair enough. I ain't about to stand in yer way.

 

Mistress Bev

I'll just pop it in a bottle for ya, shall I? Better start finkin' of another way to pay me rent, an' all...

Mistress Bev

I dunno if you knew this, but divine dew's also known as pep pop. Like the name says, it gets ya pepped up an' ready for anyfink. It's a good plan to 'ave a drop or two 'andy when you go into battle.

 

Mistress Bev

Now, go an' rid the world of evil, will ya? Then I can tell everyone it was ol' Mistress Bev who 'elped the Luminary save the day! That should be good for business! Hee hee hee!

Mistress Bev

I dunno if you knew this, but divine dew's also known as pep pop. Like the name says, it gets ya pepped up an' ready for anyfink. It's a good plan to 'ave a drop or two 'andy when you go into battle.

 

Mistress Bev

Now, go an' rid the world of evil, will ya? Then I can tell everyone it was ol' Mistress Bev who 'elped the Luminary save the day! That should be good for business! Hee hee hee!

 

 

*: Shhh! Be quiet! Can't you see I'm tryin' to 'ide!?

 

 

 

*: Gah! An' there I was finkin' this was the perfect spot!

 

 

*: 'Ang about! You ain't 'oo I thought you were! I thought me mates 'ad rumbled me! We're playin' 'ide-and-seek, you see.

 

 

*: But if some bloke wiv a silly 'airdo can just 'appen across me like that, I can't be 'idin' very well, can I? Gah. Must be losin' me touch...

 

 

*: It sounds like I'm gonna 'ave to up me game! An' that means gettin' some tips from the one an' only All-Time 'Ide-an'-Seek Master!

 

 

*: Only problem is, 'e's a right pain to find—as you might expect. But I've got the perfect plan—I'm gonna get you to find 'im for me! You'd do that for me, wouldn't ya? Well, wouldn't ya?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: You ain't got the 'eart to 'elp me out!? Come on, mate—you wouldn't want me not bein' able to 'ide if 'orrible monsters came an' attacked the town now, would ya? Would ya?

 

 

*: Nice one! Now, this All-Time 'Ide-an'-Seek Master I'm talkin' about ain't gonna be easy to track down, but I 'appen to know he's somewhere in Octagonia.

 

 

*: 'Ead to the orphanage there an' 'ave a sniff around. The kids there are pretty into their 'ide-an'-seek, so they should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

*: The most famous 'ide-an'-seek expert of 'em all is this bloke called Xero the Shadow. I want you to go to Octagonia, track 'im down an' find out the secret o' bein' a master o' disappearology!

 

 

*: There's this orphanage over that way. The kids there are really into 'ide-an'-seek—they should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

 

*: They don't call 'im the All-Time 'Ide-an'-Seek Master for nuffink, so 'e ain't gonna be easy to find, but I reckon you can do it!

 

*: Hey, mister! Long time no see!

 

 

*: ...What's that? Some kid asked you to find the All-Time Hide-and-Seek Master?

 

 

*: You must mean Xero the Shadow! When he hides, nobody can ever find him! He's the best!

 

 

*: He was here, but he left Octagonia a while back. I heard he headed toward the Champs Sauvage.

 

 

*: Sorry. Wish I could tell you more. It won't be easy to find him, but if anyone can do it, you can!

 

*: Xero was here, but he left Octagonia a while back. I heard he headed toward the Champs Sauvage.

 

 

*: Sorry. Wish I could tell you more. It won't be easy to find him, but if anyone can do it, you can!

Xero the Shadow

You did it! You found me! You won! I'm Xero the Shadow, the one they call the Knight of the Night! Or at least, the kids at the Orphanage in Octagonia do...

 

Xero the Shadow

...What's that? You're wondering why I'm hiding here? Well, that's simple—I was looking for the ultimate hiding place. Somewhere nobody in Octagonia would ever find me.

 

Xero the Shadow

And who would ever think to look for a grown man in a school of small girls, right? I thought it was my greatest stroke of hiding genius yet!

 

Xero the Shadow

Trouble is, I was so busy congratulating myself on my brainwave that they caught me before I had a chance to hide, and locked me up in here thinking I was some kind of thief!

 

Xero the Shadow

But why would you have gone out of your way like this to find me? Is there something you need?

 

Xero the Shadow

...What's that? You want to know the secret of becoming a hide-and-seek master? But how can I tell you that? I'm no master—you just found me, after all.

 

Xero the Shadow

...Still, since you've come all this way, I'd be happy to tell you what I think is the most important thing about the disappearing game. It's simple—having fun with your friends.

 

Xero the Shadow

Nothing is as precious as friendship, and the fact that you might have pals who are actually willing to look for you instead of letting you rot in a cellar or gather dust in an attic is something to truly treasure.

 

You've learned a profound truth about hide-and-seek from the undisputed master! Head back to Heliodor and tell the little boy!

 

*: Wotcher! So, did you find 'im? Did you find out the secret o' bein' an 'ide-an'-seek master?

 

 

 

*: ...You wot!? The point of 'ide-an'-seek is 'avin' fun wiv yer mates!?

 

 

*: Wow... I've never looked at it like that before, but it's true, I s'pose—if you didn't 'ave anyone to play wiv, 'ide-an-seek wouldn't be much fun, would it...?

 

 

*: Yeah, that makes total sense! Nice one! I ain't gonna forget this! Every time I play from now on, I'll be sure to remember 'ow lucky I am to 'ave pals to play wiv!

 

 

*: Fanks, mate! You've changed me life! 'Ere, 'ave this as a little token o' me appreciation!

 

*: Xero's amazing! We call him the Knight of the Night!

 

 

*: When I grow up, I want to be just as slippery, evasive and hard to pin down as him! He's my hero!

Xero the Shadow

It's not really my place to talk about the secret to being a hide-and-seek master. I mean, you found me, after all.

 

Xero the Shadow

But if I had to put my finger on it, I'd say the most important thing is having fun with your friends.

 

Xero the Shadow

Nothing is as precious as friendship, and the fact that you might have pals who are actually willing to look for you instead of letting you rot in a cellar or gather dust in an attic is something to truly treasure.

 

*: The most important fing about 'ide-an'-seek is to enjoy spendin' time wiv yer mates. I never looked at it that way before! This 'as changed me life!

 

 

*: Every time I play from now on, I'm gonna be thankful I've got mates to play wiv!

 

 

*: Now, if you wouldn't mind, d'you fink you could clear off? If you keep standin' there, me mates are gonna spot me!

 

*: Hotto truly is a fascinating place. Being surrounded by high mountains as it is, it was largely left alone for centuries, and has consequently developed its own unique culture.

 

 

*: But that's not the only thing that's fascinating about the place—they say there's a hoard of ancient artefacts buried somewhere near the village. Yes, that's right—treasure!

 

*: Hotto truly is a fascinating place. Being surrounded by high mountains as it is, it was largely left alone for centuries, and has consequently developed its own unique culture.

 

 

*: But that's not the only thing that's fascinating about the place—have you ever heard the tale of the treasure buried here by a shrine maiden many years ago? They say it may even include the legendary Bloodstone!

 

 

*: Since the time of my great-grandfather, the men of my family have set out in search of that most priceless of gems. I am Iago, the latest in that noble line of treasure hunters!

 

Iago

And now, after all these years, I believe I can finally finish what my great-grandfather began! The tale I heard has convinced me that the jewel is here in Hotto! But I cannot take the final steps of my journey alone!

 

Iago

No, I shall need someone to assist me with the final chapter of my epic quest. Will you join me—will you help me find the hidden treasure of Hotto?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Iago

Ahh, that is a shame. I had planned to take the Bloodstone and let you have the rest of the treasure, but if you're not interested, you're not interested...

Iago

Heh heh! I thought you might say that! You are clearly a man with a taste for adventure and excitement—and what could be more exciting than buried treasure!

 

Iago

Now, the first thing we will need to do is locate the journal of the shrine maiden said to have buried the treasure. I have been led to believe that it still remains somewhere here in Hotto.

 

Iago

I hereby entrust you with the task of finding it, and using it to track down the treasure!

 

Iago

Bring me the Bloodstone—the rest you can keep!

Iago

For generations, my family have sought a certain precious gem. After years of fruitless wandering, I am now convinced that it is to be found here in Hotto.

 

Iago

I have been led to believe that the treasure was buried by a shrine maiden long ago, and that she left a journal describing the circumstances. If we can find that, it may lead us to the hoard!

 

Iago

I hereby entrust you with the task of finding it, and using it to track down the treasure!

 

Iago

Bring me the Bloodstone—the rest you can keep!

 

You've found the hidden hoard of Hotto! Head back to Iago at the inn and tell him the good news!

Iago

Ah, there you are, my partner in treasure hunting! So, how did it go? Did you manage to track down the hidden hoard of Hotto?<yesno>

Iago

Oh well, that is a shame! But it's out there, I can feel it! And we cannot rest until it has been found!

Iago

Y-You found it! Finally, the epic endeavour my great-grandfather began all those years ago is at an end! There are no words to express my gratitude!

 

Iago

As you know, I am from a long and illustrious line of treasure hunters.

 

Iago

I can still remember my great-grandfather on his deathbed, looking me in the eye and telling me to continue his lifelong search for the Bloodstone...

 

Iago

And now it is finally at an end. Could I have done it without you? Perhaps not, my friend. Perhaps not. Truly, there are no words...

 

Iago

What there is though, is lots of lovely treasure! I shall take the Bloodstone, but the rest is all yours!

Iago

Without you, I may never have got my hands on the Bloodstone. There are no words to express my gratitude! Truly, you are my brother in arms! My greatest treasure hunting companion!

 

Iago

But in truth, I have a real brother also. A brother by blood. But he has no interest in treasure hunting—he seeks something else. He is a hunter of stunning scenery by the name of Hugo!

 

Iago

He is always on the lookout for grand vistas and breathtaking views. If you should ever run into him, be sure to say hello. The last time I saw him, I believe he said he was heading for some mountaintop shrine...

Prince Faris

Ah! My dear <pc>! I was hoping that you would come and visit. I have a favour to ask, you see—and I know that I can always count on my old friend!

 

Prince Faris

Now, as you can imagine, the appearance of that black star and the increased viciousness of the local monsters have put rather a strain on our brave desert knights.

 

Prince Faris

However, I do not know whether it is due to a lack of experience or a lack of concentration, but the sad truth is that most of our men are simply not up to the task. It does not bode well for the future...

 

Prince Faris

Now, as you know, I am a practical prince, and I like to try and find solutions wherever possible. Can you imagine, therefore, how delighted I was to hear of a berry that boosts concentration on the battlefield!?

 

Prince Faris

These miraculous fruits are known as pep pips, and they grow on the boughs of the Pepper Tree. Could I trouble you to fetch one of its branches for me? I will reward you handsomely, of course...

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Prince Faris

Oh... Very well... I am, uhh...sure to come up with another ingenious solution before long... Do let me know if you change your mind, though. Please...

Prince Faris

I knew I could count on you, old friend! I would have asked one of my servants, but the Pepper Tree grows in a rather...tricky location... Thank goodness you came along when you did!

 

Prince Faris

The location in question is an elevated area in the northern part of the First Forest.

 

Prince Faris

I have heard that only certain special people are allowed to enter this place—but that is a trivial detail. You will have no problem gaining access, I am sure!

 

Prince Faris

A thousand thank yous once again for agreeing to help, old friend. It would seem that the future of Gallopolis is in our hands once more!

Prince Faris

Our desert knights lack focus, <pc>! That is why I require a pep-pip-laden branch of the Pepper Tree—in order to boost their concentration on the battlefield!

 

Prince Faris

The Pepper Tree grows in an elevated location in the northern part of the First Forest.

 

Prince Faris

I have heard that only certain special people are allowed to enter this place—but that is a trivial detail. You will have no problem gaining access, I am sure!

 

Prince Faris

A thousand thank yous once again for agreeing to help, old friend. It would seem that the future of Gallopolis is in our hands once more!

 

You got a Pepper Tree branch! Take it to Prince Faris in the palace in Gallopolis!

Prince Faris

Welcome back, old friend! Well? Did you bring me a branch of the Pepper Tree from the First Forest?<yesno>

Prince Faris

No!? Oh goodness... Please, <pc>, you must try harder! Our brave desert knights are depending on you!

Prince Faris

Oh, praise the sands! How wonderful! Who would have thought that such tiny berries were packed with such miraculous powers!?

 

Prince Faris

Eating a few of these will cause the consumer to enter a state of intense focus. Some refer to it as being ‘pepped up’.

 

Prince Faris

Of course, a single handful will not go very far when I have an entire army in need of pepping up. An endless supply would be preferable.

 

Prince Faris

Which is why I asked you to bring me the branch! If I could somehow graft this onto one of our local trees, all our problems would be solved!

 

Prince Faris

A thousand thank yous once again, <pc>. Perhaps you would like to take one of the pips as a reward?

Prince Faris

Pep pips are said to greatly boost concentration on the battlefield. Our desert knights are sure to find them most useful.

 

Prince Faris

Now that we have some, our next priority must be to secure a continuous supply. I have already contacted some of Erdrea's finest botanists and invited them to Gallopolis in order to assist us in this.

 

Prince Faris

Of course, I am not expecting our initial efforts to be successful. But even if we require another branch or two from the Pepper Tree, I am sure you will be glad to fetch them for us, will you not, old friend!?

 

 

*: Cor blimey! Leave it out, will ya? I ain't exactly in the mood for a chinwag right now. I've been worn down by the injustices o' life, see. I just want to lie here till it don't 'urt no more.

 

 

*: I set sail on a quest to find a legendary crystal lily, but then me boat sank, an' I washed up 'ere wiv nuffink but the clothes on me back.

 

 

*: I ain't got no friends 'ere, no one I can turn to for 'elp... I'm all alone... I might as well just give up... Gah, why did it 'ave to end this way...?

 

 

*: I must've been born under the unluckiest star in the 'ole o' the 'eavens! I'd be better off dead...

 

 

*: (sob) All I ever wanted was a look at a crystal lily... Just one... (sniff) Was that too much to ask...?

 

 

*: If only some kind soul would bring me one, I could die 'appy... (sniff)

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

 

*: Ha... Yeah, that's about right. There ain't no kind souls in this rotten world. I'll just lie 'ere and wait till it's all over...

 

 

*: S-Seriously!? ...'Ang on, I know your game—yer just gettin' me 'opes up so you can dash 'em to the ground again, ain'tcha?

 

 

*: Well, s'pose I ain't got nuffink to lose by 'opin'. If you find a crystal lily on yer travels, bring it back 'ere, eh?

 

 

*: I 'ear they only grow far to the north of 'ere, on the 'igh plateaus of Snifl'eim, where the freezin' blizzards blow.

 

 

*: ...It's too far away, ain't it? Too much of a faff to trudge through all that snow? Fine, forget it, then.

 

 

*: I'll just carry on lyin' 'ere till the last dregs o' me rotten life ebb away. If you do find a crystal lily, then this is where I'll be... Fat chance o' that 'appenin', though...

 

 

*: Crystal lilies only grow far to the north of 'ere, on the 'igh plateaus of Snifl'eim, where the freezin' blizzards blow.

 

 

*: Pretty long way to go for a flower, ain't it? If you give up 'alfway, I won't blame ya.

 

 

*: I'll just carry on lyin' here till the last dregs o' me rotten life ebb away. If you do find a crystal lily, then this is where I'll be... Fat chance o' that 'appenin', though...

 

You found a crystal lily! You should take it back to the crestfallen castaway in Lonalulu!

 

 

*: Oh, yer back. You gonna try an' make me believe you went an' got me a crystal lily or somefink? <yesno>

 

 

*: Heh heh heh. Didn't think so. I knew I was right not to get me 'opes up. Only thing in me rotten life I ever did get right, mind...

 

 

*: Y-You did it! This is a crystal lily! An actual crystal lily! I can't believe you actually did a favour for a washed-up, worn-out wreck of a bloke like me!

 

 

*: Then it is just as I hypothesised—no predicament, no matter how hopeless it may seem, is truly irremediable!

 

 

*: Forgive me for deceiving you, but in truth, I am not a castaway. I am currently conducting research into human psychology, with a particular focus on the altruistic instinct.

 

 

*: When the dark star appeared in the sky and spread its evil aura across Erdrea, I began to question whether compassion would survive the pressures of self-preservation.

 

 

*: I hoped that it would, but, scientist that I am, I could not rely on hope alone. Hence, I devised this experiment...and you have proved my hypothesis to be true!

 

 

*: Thank you, my friend. Please, take this as a reward for your kind efforts.

 

*: That you brought the legendary crystal lily to me proves that your heart is pure. I pray that you will stay that way forever more.

 

 

*: So long as there are people like you in this world, I am sure that love and laughter will return to us in time.

 

*: From dawn to dusk, I devote my time to studying the ancient teachings of Angri-La.

 

 

*: Our temple's rich and storied history goes all the way back to the Age of Heroes. Over the years, we have accumulated quite a collection of fascinating tomes.

 

There's an ancient book. <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Wizard's Canticle – Book I’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

But it's magically sealed, and he can't read it...

 

There's an ancient book. <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Wizard's Canticle – Book II’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

But it's magically sealed, and he can't read it...

 

There's an ancient book. <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Wizard's Canticle – Book III’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

But it's magically sealed, and he can't read it...

 

 

*: ‘Ye art of sorcery consisteth in ye manipulation of ye magickal energies that courseth through a wizard's veins. This being so, ye magickal might of any given spellcaster is necessarily limited by ye extent of said power.

 

 

*: ‘But long years of study have revealed unto me a secret by which ye power that floweth through Erdrea's very soil might be channelled, thereby rendering a magick's power greatly more potent.

 

 

*: ‘Yea, 'tis an art only for ye wisest and greatest of wizards. This being so, I have hidden its secrets in three tomes, and hidden these tomes in their turn among ye threefold floors of ye Sniflheimian Royal Library.

 

 

*: ‘If I should fail in laying the Dark One low, thou who followest in my footsteps, I prithee—seek out ye tomes, and pronounce these words before them:

 

 

*: ‘“Slumb'ring place of strength untold, break thy bonds! Unlock! Unfold!”’

 

 

 

*: ...Ah, forgive me. I did not notice you there. I am studying the ancient teachings of Angri-La.

 

 

*: This book was written by Morcant, the great sorcerer who joined the Luminary of Legend in his battle with the Dark One. I discovered it in the temple's storerooms only recently.

 

 

*: If Lord Robert were to follow Morcant's instructions and learn to channel Erdrea's energies, it would surely benefit you greatly.

 

 

*: You have been to the Royal Library before, have you not? Will you return there and seek out his secrets?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: ...As you wish. But remember this—a moment's inconvenience in the present can spare a lifetime's suffering in the future.

 

*: Good. Then you must journey to Sniflheim, and eastward into the Snærfelt where the Royal Library stands. Morcant hid three books there, it seems—one on each floor of that great repository of wisdom.

 

 

*: ‘Slumb'ring place of strength untold, break thy bonds! Unlock! Unfold!’

 

 

*: This is the mantra that you must repeat before each one to break its seal. Good luck. Return to me when you have read all three tomes.

 

*: It seems Morcant placed three books on the shelves of the Royal Library, which lies to the east of Sniflheim—one on each floor of that great repository of knowledge.

 

 

*: ‘Slumb'ring place of strength untold, break thy bonds! Unlock! Unfold!’

 

 

*: This is the mantra that you must repeat before each one to break its seal. Good luck. Return to me when you have read all three tomes.

 

You've read all three parts of Ye Wizard's Canticle! Head back to Angri-La and tell the studious disciple standing near the inn what you've learned!

 

There's an ancient book here entitled ‘Ye Wizard's Canticle – Book I’. This must be the sealed grimoire of Morcant's that the monk at Angri-La told <pc> about.

 

 

He recites the mantra that he learned from the monk, and the spell protecting the book is broken! He opens the cover and begins to read...

 

 

‘Hear me, O spirits of ye great realm of Erdrea—realm of boundless skies, of bottomless seas, of endless plains—heed my call!’

 

 

It must be part of the incantation Morcant used to make his magic more powerful. <pc> carefully commits it to memory.

 

There's an ancient book here entitled ‘Ye Wizard's Canticle – Book II’. This must be the sealed grimoire of Morcant's that the monk at Angri-La told <pc> about.

 

 

He recites the mantra that he learned from the monk, and the spell protecting the book is broken! He opens the cover and begins to read...

 

 

‘Grant unto me thy power, that I might protect this beauteous world and thy children, its peoples, from ye foul machinations of that most vile and villainous of beasts—ye Dark One!’

 

 

It must be part of the incantation Morcant used to make his magic more powerful. <pc> carefully commits it to memory.

 

There's an ancient book here entitled ‘Ye Wizard's Canticle – Book III’. This must be the sealed grimoire of Morcant's that the monk at Angri-La told <pc> about.

 

 

He recites the mantra that he learned from the monk, and the spell protecting the book is broken! He opens the cover and begins to read...

 

 

‘Lend me thy might—fleeting and ephemeral, sublime and blinding! Rain down upon me thy glorious luminance!’

 

 

It must be part of the incantation Morcant used to make his magic more powerful. <pc> carefully commits it to memory.

 

*: So, <pc>? Have you located and digested all three volumes of Morcant's great work? <yesno>

 

*: I see... According to his writings, he left them on the shelves of the Royal Library, which lies to the east of Sniflheim. Return to me when you have read all three.

 

<pc> recites the incantation that he learned from the books.

 

*: ‘Hear me, O spirits of the great realm of Erdrea—realm of boundless skies, of bottomless seas, of endless plains—heed my call...

 

 

*: ‘Grant unto me thy power, that I might protect this beauteous world and thy children, its peoples, from the foul machinations of that most vile and villainous of beasts—the Dark One...

 

 

*: ‘Lend me thy might—fleeting and ephemeral, sublime and blinding. Rain down upon me thy glorious luminance...’

 

 

*: So this is the spell whose mastery can unleash untold magical powers...

 

 

*: I am not nearly enlightened enough to feel its effects myself, but for a seasoned sage such as Lord Robert, it is sure to work wonders. Lord Robert, if you would...

 

 

Rab reads out Morcant's incantation at the top of his voice, and suddenly feels as if all the energy of Erdrea is flowing through his veins! His magical might and magical mending increase by 50!

 

*: Truly, Lord Robert, you are a titan of the arcane arts! You have mastered the mysteries of Morcant's incantation after a single reading!

 

 

*: The great sorcerer left those books behind in order to pass on his knowledge to future generations. No doubt he would be greatly pleased to see that you have taken up his torch.

 

 

*: I too feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to study the secrets of such a legendary hero. I thank you, Luminary.

 

*: Lord Robert is a true titan of the arcane arts. Only one such as he could master the mysteries of Morcant's incantation after a single reading.

 

 

*: I must follow in his footsteps and devote myself body and soul to my training. I shall huff and puff until my cheeks are as red as his!

 

*: STUDY HARD. STUDY FOR MY DREAM. TO BE HARP-MAKER. LOVE SOUND. LOVE MUSIC.

 

*: SERENA'S HARP BEAUTIFUL. BEAUTIFUL SOUND. BEAUTIFULLY MADE. SHOULD KNOW. AM HARP-MAKER.

 

 

*: SERENICA HAD HARP TOO. SOOTHING SOUND. CURED ILLNESS. CURED PAIN.

 

 

*: USED SPECIAL STRINGS. MADE BY WATCHERS. MADE FROM SPECIAL STONE. HARMONICRYSTAL.

 

 

*: KNOW HOW TO MAKE. BUT NO HARMONICRYSTAL. WITHOUT IT, NO STRINGS.

 

 

*: WITH HARMONICRYSTAL, CAN MAKE NEW STRINGS. CAN MAKE NEW HARP. HELP SERENA. INCREASE POWER. INCREASE HEALING.

 

 

*: GO, LUMINARY. SEEK HARMONICRYSTAL. LUMINARY CAN FIND. WATCHERS BELIEVE IN LUMINARY.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: UNDERSTAND. LUMINARY BUSY. BUT SHAME. HARP OF SERENICA COULD HELP GREATLY...

 

*: PRAISE LUMINARY! KIND LUMINARY! HARMONICRYSTAL FOUND AT BATTLEGROUND. HIGH IN SKY. BUT CRYSTAL DEEP UNDERGROUND. INSIDE MONSTER. INSIDE CRYSTALOTL.

 

 

*: BUT NEED KEY. ULTIMATE KEY. KEY FOUND IN SQUARE. SQUARE OF ELDER. SQUARE OF EEGOLTAP.

 

 

*: BRING HARMONICRYSTAL. I WAIT UNTIL THEN. I WAIT HERE.

 

*: HARMONICRYSTAL FOUND AT BATTLEGROUND. BATTLEGROUND IN SKY. BUT CRYSTAL DEEP UNDERGROUND. INSIDE MONSTER. INSIDE CRYSTALOTL.

 

 

*: BUT NEED KEY. ULTIMATE KEY. KEY FOUND IN SQUARE. SQUARE OF ELDER. SQUARE OF EEGOLTAP.

 

 

*: BRING HARMONICRYSTAL. I WAIT UNTIL THEN. I WAIT HERE.

 

You got the harmonicrystal! Take it to the harp-maker in Havens Above!

 

*: YOU RETRIEVED IT? YOU HAVE BROUGHT IT? PRECIOUS HARMONICRYSTAL?<yesno>

 

*: NO? HAVE NOT BROUGHT? SHAME. WISHED TO MAKE HARP STRINGS. MAKE HARP. HARP OF SERENICA.

 

*: YOU HAVE BROUGHT IT! MYSTERIOUS HARMONICRYSTAL! SO BEAUTIFUL! SHIMMERS IN LIGHT! CAN FEEL POWER... GREAT POWER...

 

 

*: CAN MAKE STRINGS NOW. MAKE HARP. ANCIENT HARP. HARP OF SERENICA.

 

 

*: WAIT HERE. MY TURN NOW. WILL MAKE. WILL SHOW POWER OF HARMONICRYSTAL.

 

The harp-maker uses the harmonicrystal to make beautiful harp strings just like the ones used by Serenica in the Age of Heroes.

 

*: IS DONE. STRINGS ARE MADE. HARP IS MADE. SHOULD NOT SAY, PERHAPS, BUT AM PROUD. VERY PROUD.

 

 

*: TAKE HARP, SERENA. PLAY IT. MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. PLEASE. YOURS NOW.

 

 

The sacred power of Serenica's harp increases Serena's magical mending by 100!

 

*: THANK YOU. WITHOUT HARMONICRYSTAL, COULD NOT HAVE MADE HARP STRINGS. COULD NOT HAVE MADE HARP. HAVE GROWN. LEARNED. BECOME BETTER HARP-MAKER.

 

*: GREETINGS, LUMINARY. HOW IS MUSIC? MUSIC OF SERENA? BETTER, YES? MORE BEAUTIFUL. MORE SOOTHING THAN BEFORE.

 

 

*: THANK YOU. WITHOUT HARMONICRYSTAL, COULD NOT HAVE MADE HARP STRINGS. COULD NOT HAVE MADE HARP. HAVE GROWN. LEARNED. BECOME BETTER HARP-MAKER.

 

*: THREE HEROES OF LEGEND. COMPANIONS OF LUMINARY. EACH WITH OWN POWERS. VERY SPECIAL POWERS.

 

 

*: IF POWERS COULD BE FOUND. REAWAKENED. COULD BE USED TO GREAT EFFECT. NO MONSTER COULD WITHSTAND THEM.

 

There's an ancient book here. The binding is almost completely worn through, and <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Drustaniad: Secrets of ye Flame’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

He tries to read a page or two, but something tells him he's not quite ready yet...

 

There's an ancient book here. The binding is almost completely worn through, and <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Drustaniad: Secrets of ye Firmament’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

He tries to read a page or two, but something tells him he's not quite ready yet...

 

There's an ancient book here. The binding is almost completely worn through, and <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Drustaniad: Secrets of ye Waters’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

He tries to read a page or two, but something tells him he's not quite ready yet...

 

There's an ancient book here. The binding is almost completely worn through, and <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Drustaniad: Secrets of ye Heart’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

He tries to read a page or two, but something tells him he's not quite ready yet...

 

*: DRUSTAN. GREAT HERO. VERY POWERFUL. LEFT KNOWLEDGE OF POWERS. LEFT TOMES. PRECIOUS TOMES. TOMES CONTAINING SECRETS. SECRETS OF POWERS.

 

 

*: TRUE WARRIOR COULD FIND TOMES. READ TOMES. LEARN SECRETS. ENHANCE ABILITIES. GET BETTER BLIND MAN'S BIFF.

 

 

*: HENDRIK IS TRUE WARRIOR. BUT NOT READY YET. DOES NOT KNOW BLIND MAN'S BIFF. MUST LEARN.

 

 

*: POINTLESS TO SEEK TOMES WITHOUT IT. GO. LEARN BLIND MAN'S BIFF. THEN RETURN.

 

*: DRUSTAN. GREAT HERO. VERY POWERFUL. LEFT KNOWLEDGE OF POWERS. LEFT TOMES. PRECIOUS TOMES. TOMES CONTAINING SECRETS. SECRETS OF POWERS.

 

 

*: TRUE WARRIOR COULD FIND TOMES. READ TOMES. LEARN SECRETS. ENHANCE ABILITIES. GET BETTER BLIND MAN'S BIFF.

 

 

*: HENDRIK IS TRUE WARRIOR. HENDRIK HAS POWER. KNOWS BLIND MAN'S BIFF. SEEK TOMES. IMPROVE IT. WILL HELP. HELP AGAINST DARK ONE.

 

 

*: TOMES OF DRUSTAN LOST. BUT CAN BE FOUND. HAVE NOT PERISHED. HAVE NOT VANISHED. WILL YOU SEEK? WILL YOU FIND? WILL YOU LEARN?

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: ...YOUR DECISION. CANNOT FORCE. PERHAPS YOU ARE RIGHT. PERHAPS TOMES ARE HARD TO FIND. NEEDLES IN HAYSTACKS. PERHAPS.

 

*: DRUSTAN WROTE FOUR TOMES. WAS MENTOR TO FOUR WARRIORS. GAVE ONE TO EACH.

 

 

*: DRUSTAN DIED. BUT HIS LEGACY LIVED ON. FOUR WARRIORS SPREAD HIS TEACHINGS. TOOK TOMES TO EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD.

 

 

*: ONE WENT TO GALLOPOLIS. ONE TO SNIFLHEIM. ONE TO PHNOM NONH. ONE TO HELIODOR.

 

 

*: GO THERE. TOMES MUST BE THERE. ON BOOKSHELVES. WAITING. READ THEM. THEN RETURN HERE. TELL ME ALL.

 

You've read all four volumes of Ye Drustaniad! Go back to Havens Above and tell the Watcher in the inn what you've learned.

 

*: DRUSTAN WROTE FOUR TOMES. WAS MENTOR TO FOUR WARRIORS. GAVE ONE TO EACH.

 

 

*: DRUSTAN DIED. BUT HIS LEGACY LIVED ON. FOUR WARRIORS SPREAD HIS TEACHINGS. TOOK TOMES TO EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD.

 

 

*: ONE WENT TO GALLOPOLIS. ONE TO SNIFLHEIM. ONE TO PHNOM NONH. ONE TO HELIODOR.

 

 

*: GO THERE. TOMES MUST BE THERE. ON BOOKSHELVES. WAITING. READ THEM. THEN RETURN HERE. TELL ME ALL.

 

There's an ancient book here. The binding is almost completely worn through, and <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Drustaniad: Secrets of ye Flame’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

‘One single word encapsulates all that I have learned of the art of offence in my long and storied career: “fire”.

 

 

‘As ye fire sweeps unbidden and unbound through ye fields, so sweep through thine enemies, striking swift and true. No defence can stand before such an onslaught.’

 

 

<pc> has uncovered one of Drustan's teachings, and learned the Secret of Offence.

 

There's an ancient book here. The binding is almost completely worn through, and <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Drustaniad: Secrets of ye Firmament’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

‘One single word encapsulates all that I have learned of ye art of defence in my long and storied career: “earth”.

 

 

‘Like ye earth beneath thy feet, thou must needs be solid and unyielding. As steadfast as ye mountain itself. Though thy foes may strike, their strikes shall be as rain upon ye cliff face!’

 

 

<pc> has uncovered one of Drustan's Secrets and learned the Mysteries of Defence.

 

There's an ancient book here. The binding is almost completely worn through, and <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Drustaniad: Secrets of ye Waters’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

‘One single word encapsulates all that I have learned of ye art of movement in my long and storied career: “water”.

 

 

‘Flow, swift and formless, like ye stream. Be like water, and thou shalt avoid ye blows of even thy swiftest foes.’

 

 

<pc> has uncovered one of Drustan's Secrets and learned the Mysteries of Movement.

 

There's an ancient book here. The binding is almost completely worn through, and <pc> can only just make out the words ‘Ye Drustaniad: Secrets of ye Heart’ on the faded, threadbare cover.

 

 

‘Though I have written much concerning the techniques by which a warrior might perfect his craft, these techniques are all as naught if he be not sound of heart and mind.

 

 

‘Come what may, a calm, clear spirit shalt see thee through. 'Tis in ye heart that victory is won.’

 

 

<pc> has uncovered one of Drustan's teachings, and learned the Secret of the Spirit.

 

*: SO? HAVE YOU FOUND EACH TOME? READ EACH? ABSORBED ITS CONTENTS—DRUSTAN'S WISDOM?<yesno>

 

*: THERE IS YET TIME. FIND TOMES. READ THEM. COME TO ME. BLIND MAN'S BIFF WILL BECOME BETTER. A MIGHTY POWER AWAITS.

 

<pc> tells the Watcher what he read in the four volumes of Ye Drustaniad.

 

*: YES. ATTACK LIKE FIRE. DEFEND LIKE EARTH. MOVE LIKE WATER. KEEP CALM, STRONG HEART. WISDOM OF DRUSTAN IS PROFOUND.

 

 

*: HENDRIK UNDERSTANDS. WORDS OF DRUSTAN RING TRUE. KNOWLEDGE OF TRUE WARRIOR AWAKENS...

 

 

As Hendrik mulls over Drustan's words of wisdom, he has a sudden moment of clarity, and sees how to make Blind Man's Biff much more powerful!

 

*: DARK ONE FEARS POWER OF DRUSTAN. NOW HENDRIK HAS POWER OF DRUSTAN. DARK ONE FEARS HENDRIK, PERHAPS. UNLEASH BLIND MAN'S BIFF. WATCH DARK ONE COWER.

 

 

*: KNOW THIS, LUMINARY. YOU WILL PREVAIL. ALL WATCHERS KNOW THIS. WE ARE HERE. BY YOUR SIDE. UNTIL THE END.

 

*: KNOW THIS, LUMINARY. YOU WILL PREVAIL. ALL WATCHERS KNOW THIS. WE ARE HERE. BY YOUR SIDE. UNTIL THE END.

 

*: WAS LOVE. TRUE LOVE. ERDWIN AND SERENICA. HEROES OF LEGEND. SOULMATES.

 

 

*: A PERFECT MATCH. CAN TELL. LOOK AT STATUES—PERFECT... (sigh)

 

 

*: WAS LOVE. TRUE LOVE. ERDWIN AND SERENICA. HEROES OF LEGEND. SOULMATES.

 

 

*: EXCHANGED BRACELETS. LONG AGO. BRACELETS TO SYMBOLISE LOVE. BUT WAS IMPOSSIBLE. TRAGIC. COULD NOT BE TOGETHER.

 

 

*: MEANT TO BE TOGETHER. BUT COULD NOT BE. SO SAD... (sigh)

 

 

*: I HAVE WISH. WISH TO COMMEMORATE. COMMEMORATE THEIR LOVE. PUT BRACELETS ON STATUES. MATCHING BRACELETS.

 

 

*: COULD NOT BE TOGETHER. BUT CAN BE IN THIS AT LEAST. SMALL THING. BUT SOMETHING. NOT NOTHING.

 

 

*: HAVE BRACELET OF SERENICA. BUT NOT ERDWIN. LOST, SINCE ANCIENT TIMES.

 

 

*: PLEASE. LUMINARY. FIND BRACELET OF ERDWIN. BRING TO ME.

 

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

 

*: ...UNDERSTAND. LUMINARY HAS PURPOSE. DESTINY. MUST DEFEAT DARK ONE. NO TIME TO SPARE.

 

 

*: BUT STILL SAD. ERDWIN AND SERENICA STILL APART. BUT PERHAPS THERE IS HOPE. PERHAPS ONE DAY. PERHAPS...

 

 

*: THANK YOU. HAD FAITH. KNEW LUMINARY WOULD ACCEPT. WOULD UNDERSTAND.

 

 

*: BRACELET LOST. BUT CAN BE FOUND. PERHAPS. ERDWIN DIED. DRUSTAN TENDED TO HIM. KEPT HIS POSSESSIONS SAFE.

 

 

*: DRUSTAN FOUNDED KINGDOM. ZWAARDSRUST. BUILT LABYRINTH. DEEP UNDERGROUND. HID TREASURES THERE. MANY TREASURES. BRACELET TOO. PERHAPS.

 

 

*: FIND BRACELET. BRACELET OF ERDWIN. BRING BRACELETS TOGETHER. TOGETHER AT LAST. GOOD LUCK.

 

*: BRACELET LOST. BUT CAN BE FOUND. PERHAPS. ERDWIN DIED. DRUSTAN TENDED TO HIM. KEPT HIS POSSESSIONS SAFE.

 

 

*: DRUSTAN FOUNDED KINGDOM. ZWAARDSRUST. BUILT LABYRINTH. DEEP UNDERGROUND. HID TREASURES THERE. MANY TREASURES. BRACELET TOO. PERHAPS.

 

 

*: FIND BRACELET. BRACELET OF ERDWIN. BRING BRACELETS TOGETHER. TOGETHER AT LAST. GOOD LUCK.

 

 

You found Erdwin's bracelet! Take it to the Watcher standing by the statue of Erdwin in Havens Above.

 

*: YOU HAVE RETURNED. IS IT FOUND? IS BRACELET RECOVERED? BRACELET OF ERDWIN?<yesno>

 

*: UNDERSTAND. THERE IS TIME. BRING BRACELET HERE. WILL PLACE ON STATUE. SYMBOL OF LOVE. BUT LATER. STILL TIME.

 

 

*: YOU HAVE IT! BRACELET OF ERDWIN! NO DOUBT! SAME AS THE OTHER—BRACELET OF SERENICA!

 

 

*: WILL PLACE BRACELETS ON STATUES. SYMBOL OF LOVE. CELEBRATION OF LOVE. FOR ALL ETERNITY. THANK YOU, LUMINARY.

 

 

*: B-BRACELETS! WH—!?

 

The two matching bracelets are glowing in unison!

 

 

 

The light seems to awaken something within <pc>. The powers of Earthsplitter, Skysplitter, Seasplitter, Flamesplitter, Brightsplitter and Blightsplitter have all been enhanced!

 

*: LIGHT OF LOVE. AWAKENED SOMETHING. SOMETHING IN LUMINARY. POWERS HAVE GROWN.

 

 

*: MIRACULOUS! POWER OF LOVE! TRUE LOVE! BLESSINGS! BLESSINGS OF ERDWIN AND SERENICA! GIVEN TO NEW LUMINARY!

 

 

*: POWER OF FIRST LUMINARY. NOW PASSED TO SECOND. MIRACLE. NOTHING LESS.

 

 

*: LIGHT SO WARM. LIGHT OF LOVE. MUCH TIME PASSED. BUT LOVE REMAINS.

 

 

*: LOVE LIVES ON. LOVE OF ERDWIN AND SERENICA. EVEN IN SYMBOLS. STATUES. BRACELETS. THANK YOU, LUMINARY. KEPT LOVE ALIVE.

 

*: THANK YOU LUMINARY. FOR BRACELET. WILL PUT ON STATUES. AS SYMBOL OF LOVE. CELEBRATION.

 

 

*: ERDWIN AND SERENICA. PERFECT MATCH. CAN TELL. PERFECT COUPLE. SOULMATES.

 

 

*: PRAY TO FIND LOVE TOO. PRINCE, PERHAPS. ON WHITE HORSE. SWEEP OFF FEET. ONE DAY. PERHAPS...

 


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