Passaj

Passaj (コリドー Corridor) is a mountainous town seen in Golden Sun: Dark Dawn with two defining features: first is the Zol mine below it; second, the Alchemy Forge located within. It is located in the Ei-Jei region of Angara. Passaj's encyclopedia entry reads as follows:
 * "The Exathi descendants in this town mine the floating ore, zol. Passaj is said to have gotten its name because it is, or was, a mountain passage of some sort."

Description
Passaj is a small community located near the edge of the Khiren Mountains. The city itself is located atop a large mountain mine filled with the mineral known as Zol, which is both mined and forged by the residents. The city was founded in ancient times by a subset of the Exathi race, a non-Adept race of craftsmen. Over time, the Exathi of Passaj became known as skilled smiths. The residents of ancient Passaj held an alliance with the Neox, a tribe of the Jenei race, who were ancestors of modern-day Adepts. This alliance was so strong that the Neox chose Passaj as the location for a passageway to their home on Craggy Peak. However, this alliance was severed due to the disappearance of the Neox following the sealing of Alchemy.

At the outset of Dark Dawn, Passaj is stagnant, due to their inability to use their Alchemy Forge, which had been built jointly by the Exathi and Neox. Passaj is governed by a group of Elders, with Bogho as their head. The Elders of the town know much lore, most of it relating to the town's rich heritage.

Story
During Dark Dawn, Matthew's group of Adepts comes to Passaj seeking a way over the Khiren Mountains, having been trapped in Ei-Jei by the mysterious Blados. The group is led to a platform north of the city by Rief, who had traveled to Passaj with his sister Nowell and the scholar Kraden a short time before. The platform was once the location of an ancient passageway that led up and over the otherwise impassable Khiren Mountain Range. Traveling back to the town, the group heads to Passaj's Alchemy Forge, said to be the key to activating the passageway. Kraden had been unable to repair the Forge during his previous trip, due to a lack of proper Psynergy. When Matthew and co arrive, they are able to restart the Forge thanks to their party containing a Mars Adept, namely, Tyrell.

The activation of the Forge is noticed by Bogho, the town's Elder, who reveals the town's past to the Adepts. Unfortunately, however, restarting the Alchemy Forge was insufficient, as the Sol Mask was required to control the Forge. According to Bogho, this mask was held in a labyrinth below Kaocho, who were warlike and had attempted to conquer Passaj in the past (though had failed). Matthew's party agrees to retrieve the mask, after learning that the Forge will also help revitalize the Ei-Jei region in addition to activating the passageway.

After several adventures, Matthew's party manages to retrieve the mask. The Alchemy Forge's revival causes giant walls to rise around the city, transforming it into an impenetrable fortress, thus ensuring that the town will be safe from future attacks. In addition, it combines with the corresponding Alchemy Well in the city of Ayuthay to provide water to the entire Ei-Jei region. Though most of the remaining citizens had considered leaving, the Alchemy Forge's revival brings new inspiration to the town. However, to use the Forge as a mode of transport, the Adepts soon realize that they need to set the Forge in reverse. After speaking with Bogho, they learn that such a feat is only possible by using the Ice Queen Stone, which had been stolen from Passaj several years before. Matthew's group eventually find the Ice Queen Stone in Harapa and return to Passaj. Activating the passageway, they leave Passaj to travel to Craggy Peak.

When the Grave Eclipse strikes most of Angara, Passaj one of the only areas under the Eclipse's shadow to remain relatively safe. A couple townspeople are killed after attempting to leave the city, but the rest remain unharmed inside the Alchemy Forge-powered walls.

Politics
Passaj is an ancient city, apparently ruled by a council of Elders. Currently, Bogho serves as head Elder. They have long shared a close alliance with Ayuthay, partly out of their shared heritage as descendants of the Exathi. In ancient times, they also were close allies to the Jenei, impressing the Jenei with their craftsmanship. In recent times, Passaj is considered an enemy of Kaocho. Kaocho attempted to invade Passaj, numerous times, but was always unsuccessful.

Vendors
Passaj's inn is located in the middle of the camp, between the entrance and the item vendor, and costs 8 coins per party member.


 * Note: Weapons and Armor do not become available until after the Sol Mask is recovered.

Collectibles
Brand: after re-igniting the Alchemy Forge, it becomes possible to obtain Brand via jumping from the walls that form. Brand is located just south of Passaj. Zol Ring: after re-igniting the Alchemy Forge, solve the puzzle in the Weapon and Armor vendor's room to be given a Zol Ring. Old Rag: found during the Grave Eclipse. After going through the back door of the Inn, go to the leftmost room. The Old Rag is located on the table. Ivy, during the Grave Eclipse, enter the Inn, give the Old Rag to the woman on the bed, she will go around the back of the Inn. Follow her and talk to one of the men she confronts, he will offer to follow your party. Head to the room with the elevator and go to the westernmost wall, the man will mine out some zol ore from the wall and reveal Ivy. Prophet's Hat: Found in the treasure chest of the treasure storage. Hard Nut: Treasure chest in the treasure storage. Vial: Jar in the treasure storage.