51. The Most Beautiful Thing
The dwarves, who pour their lives into their craft, worship the Smith God Ghinjamaya. It is said among them that the soul of the god resides in the works that please him, and that such an object will be forever free from harm.
~ ~ ~
With all of the materials in place, the work of art is completed, but the craftsman feels that something is missing. He worries that he hasn’t succeeded in drawing out the charm of the material. With that, he returns to his workshop and begins work once again.
~ ~ ~
The craftsman realizes that his work lacks a symbol for the winds that blow across the continent. He asks the party to retrieve a „rainbow feather of a wind bird“. He greets the party’s return from New Moon Tower brimming with tears of joys. The craftsman returns to his work.
~ ~ ~
As the crowning piece, the craftsman adds the „rainbow feather“ to his work. This final touch, the result of a journey begun long ago, casts off an aura of nostalgia and longing. The Smith God’s soul most certainly resides here.
52. The Monster and the Adventurer
Teolorr has asked the party to search for Jaspyr, who has strayed into the Underground Crypt. Jaspyr is discovered without a scratch. He claims that he drove away the beast on his own, but there is something odd about his story.
~ ~ ~
Teolorr is angered to learn that the beast wasn’t driven out after all. It seems that there was some reason why Jaspyr was unsuccessful… Teolorr leaves, determined to finish the task on his own.
~ ~ ~
When Teolorr doesn’t return from his journey to exterminate the beast, the tavern bartender requests that the party goes to save him. The party finds Teolorr, but on the journey home he says not a word. Exactly what happened to Teolorr and Jaspyr?
~ ~ ~
On orders from Rabella in Aquirus, the party agrees to drive the dire wolf out of the Abandoned Holite Mine. After the lupus is defeated, Teolorr and Jaspyr rush in. It seems that upon seeing lupus taking care of its children, they couldn’t bring themselves to destroy it.
~ ~ ~
When the beast’s offspring matures it will surely cause harm and destruction… but is there no way that humans can live in peace with these creatures of the wild? Teolorr and Jaspyr leave, declaring that they will try to imagine a future in which the two can coexist.
53. Quest for a Stolen Item
A mage despairs that he spent years searching for a text, only to have it pilfered by a beast. He asks Areus and the party to search out the missing text. They succeed in finding one volume, but two are still missing.
~ ~ ~
Areus and the party search for the remaining texts, rumored to be somewhere on Sacred Mountain Tor. They take back another section from a goblin, but the mage tells them that he still requires the final volume.
~ ~ ~
On the mage’s request, the party makes for Sea of Trees to search for the final volume. The text is returned safely, and the mage is thrilled to finally begin his research. For their part, the adventurers are relieved to finally be released from the mage’s requests.
54. The Footsteps of Gulazion
The curious mage Chadmon is intent on setting foot in the Sunken Temple, with no regard for those who would counsel him otherwise. Introduced to Areus and the party by the tavern bartender, Chadmon explains his purpose and asks for Areus‘ escort.
~ ~ ~
Through the party’s help, Chadmon finally arrives deep within the Sunken Temple. It seems as though the numerous ruins here date back to the Age of Myth. Astounded, Chadmon declares that he will begin a journey in search of more such ruins.
55. The Encoded Letter
The elf Haleruan is intrigued by the party and its various races. He asks them to find a code sheet he hid long ago in the Sea of Trees. Unfortunately, he appears to have forgotten where it is over the long years and the miles between.
~ ~ ~
The party is successful in retrieving the code sheet. Haleruan is pleased, saying that the code will make it possible to read the letters he received from his human friend long ago. The long life of the elves means that they must part with many companions…
~ ~ ~
An adventurer who traveled with Haleruan long ago asks you to return a letter to his old friend. The adventurer is retiring, and wishes to set his affairs in order at the end of his days. Upon hearing this Haleruan laments, once again, on being left alone.
56. A Moment at the Hidden House
While their personalities are entirely different, Areus and Elliot have each put Lugh’s lessons into use in their lives. Areus once again realizes that his father left him with the strength to face Balor.
57. Uneasy Footsteps
The prophecy that the grandson would murder the Emperor costs Princess Aeslyn her life. Lugh sacrificed his own life to protect his son. To ensure their deaths were not in vain, how must Areus use his own life…?
~ ~ ~
Protecting this world from Balor. If that is what must be done, Areus must follow the path he trusts to its end.
58. The Meaning of Souls
Souls reside within all living things, taking a variety of malleable forms. There are those which remain immutable, while others transform again and again. But there must be some special impetus for a soul to settle on a new form.
59. Lord of the Dragons‘ Boneyard
A powerful creature lives among the wastes of the Dragons‘ Boneyard, feared by the adventurers that make the trek across the desert. They say that he takes the form of a dragon reeking of death, and that only one in possession of holy power can defeat him.
~ ~ ~
Just as the rumors said, the dragon zombie could only be defeated with holy power. In the face of such awesome power, even the seemingly immortal creature had to bow down.
60. Visit the Wind-Swept Ruins
Nemea reports that a chilling power stalks the Wind-swept Ruins of late. He seems worried about the ruins, saying that they must not be a disturbance to the world.
~ ~ ~
Nemea calms down after realizing the truth of the sightings in the ruins. It seems that his interest in the ruins sprang from a concern for his mother’s spirit. Nemea worried that she wandered there, unable to return to Nothune.
61. Just Desserts of the Lady-Killer
Xenetes accepts a request from a beautiful lady to search for her brother, who has disappeared in the Zegna Mine. Xenetes seems unable to say no to a woman.
~ ~ ~
The brother tells you that the „beautiful lady“ is still in her early teens. Areus and the party are stunned, but Xenetes declares brightly that he’s simply looking forward to the future.
62. Reason Behind the Greed
Zeraschel has taken on a request on his own that promises a huge reward, and asks Areus and the party to fight at his side. He seems intent on completing the task without waiting for his friends…
~ ~ ~
After somehow completing the request, a dark expression flashes momentarily over Zeraschel’s features, but quickly disappears. Perhaps he is taking on reckless tasks in an attempt to do something about the curse on his body.
63. Birthplace of the Elf Patriarch
An elf who refuses to acknowledge the abilities of other races offers a challenge to the Elf Quidarrow, Orphaus. If Orphaus will battle beasts with the adventurers and make a safe return, the elf will reconsider his beliefs.
~ ~ ~
The party returns from fighting together with Orphaus, but the elf is still unsatisfied. Perhaps one day the elf will begin to understand Orphaus‘ desire to live in peace with all races.
64. Origins
„Origins“ tells the story of the gods who created the world. Many have heard fragments of this story but only a small portion know it well.
~ ~ ~
This world was created to the vision of the Sky God. The weather, the stars, the sky, the sun and the moon.
~ ~ ~
Among the gods, was the God of Destruction, who fell into darkness during some ancient war. He was sealed away but lately there are many who have felt his influence seeping back into the world.
~ ~ ~
It is feared that efforts are underway to awaken the slumbering God of Destruction. The Dragon King, last remaining agent of the gods, is supposed to protect this land. But if this uneventful age continues, he may remain deep within his slumber.
~ ~ ~
It is widely know that the creation of this world is seeped in myth. But, there are many who do not realize that the connection between the Age of Myths and today is still active.
65. Races
Many races live on this continent. Humans are the most populous and influential, but the dwarves have created their own independent kingdom. The elves prefer the secluded environs of deep forests, however there are some who leave to experience adventure.
~ ~ ~
Many elves who leave the forests feel superior to other races, resulting in strained relations. However, both elves and humans are alike in their dislike of half-elves.
~ ~ ~
Half-elves are considered neither elven nor human and carry stigmas from both races. Even should a half-elf prove themselves capable, it is difficult for them to overcome those innate prejudices.
~ ~ ~
There are a number of other minor races. Darkeniths, feared by humans due to rumors of them feeding on human blood, are one of them. Their numbers have dwindled greatly due to the irrational fear that humans hold for them.
~ ~ ~
As time passes, successive generations of half-elves can gradually return to human or elven stature. But those elves that have fallen to darkness and become dark elves, can never return to being elves. Such is the truth and tragedy behind the prejudice of races.
66. The Lives of the People
Recently, monsters have been appearing in greater numbers near populated areas. Many have sought assistance through the Adventurer’s Guild and by seeking out adventurers directly in taverns.
~ ~ ~
While there are powerful independent merchants, the Merchant’s Guild has set up a network of shops all across the land, fulfilling most shoppimg needs. Other than the occasional request from large conglomerates like the Fugo Cooperative, adventurers tend to have little to do with merchants.
~ ~ ~
The majority of people are engaged in agricultural activities. Every year, prayers are made to the Fertility Goddess, Leytia, for a bountiful harvest. The goods are then sold while preparing for next year, where the cycle is repeated.
~ ~ ~
In Rostorl, a citizens‘ militia is largely responsible for the safety of the commoners. These militias vary in strength from city to city but the people of Rostorl believe very strongly that only one can guarantee the safety of one’s self.
~ ~ ~
It is know by all that fire, the vital element for everyday life, is created by magic. Those that can control magic are appreciative of the fire spirits who lend their power and make it possible for civilization to thrive.
(c) TECMO KOEI GAMES CO., LTD.
Subculture works. 