Golden Sun: Dark Dawn/String Dump (Part 3)

This reference page features cleaned-up versions of most of Golden Sun: Dark Dawn's in-game text strings that are expressed as dialogue. To facilitate legibility, all strings that are parts of either mandatory or otherwise significant cutscenes will list the characters speaking them in [Bold], whereas all optional strings will not list any character names. Instances of junk strings are also removed. Each collapsible section represents the contents of a different .dat1 file, the file name of which is listed in the title.

Navigation:
(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8) (Part 9) (Part 10)
Back to main list

Harapa and Ruins

Harapa, first visit (msg_hrpr_town_a)

Are you people warriors? You can get good work these days if you're a warrior. All the powerful men in the world are fancying themselves "kings" and calling their lands "countries." So they all need warriors to defend their borders or help take over neighboring lands! All our young men want to be warriors now. What go-getters! Don't deny it. The dents in your armor tell a different story. You're warriors, all right. Oh, country folk! How quaint. When I was a lad, the only things around here were ruins, ruins, and more ruins. But 30 years ago, people came here to escape all of the disasters. We all polished up Harapa as best we could, but the back half of the city is still a wreck. Hrrrm...! Burn already! If he can do it, so can I! I channeled some Psynergy a second ago. I'm sure I lit a fire! But I can't do it again! Warriors who can use Psynergy are in high demand. Every king wants some. That's why we're all practicing! He lit a fire! I saw it! He did it! But he's having a hard time doing it again. When you cross the Khiren Mountains, you'll cross the great divide that separates our continent. That's where you'll find the Khiren Glacier. Few have seen it, but its waters are legendary. The countries of Kaocho and Ayuthay to the east are on the verge of war. Kaocho has powerful generals. But their warriors...? Let's just say they need more mercenaries like me. Both Nhamu and Nhemo are great fortune-tellers. It's eerie how exact their predictions are! But I'm their apprentice, so I would say that, wouldn't I? Still, I'm sure they have an uncanny talent! Fortunes told. Futures found. Enter to find out your fate. [Rief] This is Harapa, the City of Ruins. Kraden is fascinated by ruins, so our travels brought us here, of course! [Karis] City of Ruins? But it doesn't look ruined whatsoever! [Tyrell] Yeah, I've never been to a city before, but it looks all fancy and new! I'll never fit in here! [Rief] So you feel right at home here, Matthew? Good! [Rief] You feel the same way? It's got to be strange for you, seeing cities for the first time. [Rief] I guess I'd be sad too, if I spent my whole life near Vale and was seeing all this for the first time. [Rief] I can imagine why you'd be thrilled to visit a city like this for the first time, Matthew. [Karis] Well, if this is the City of Ruins, there must be something old around here somewhere... [Rief] I...guess so. [Matthew] ??? [Tyrell] You don't sound like such a know-it-all, all of a sudden. [Rief] I've traveled through Harapa only once before. It wasn't enough time to learn much. [Tyrell] My dad says he always steers clear of city people. Do you think it's risky being here? [Karis] I agree with Matthew. We'll be fine if we all just stick together. [Karis] You might be right, Matthew. But if we stick together, I'm sure it will be fine. [Rief] At the very least, we should stock up for our trip over the mountains to Belinsk. [Boy] Wanna know what I'm doing? [Boy] I'm in training! I want to use this thing called Psynergy. Someday, I'll be a famous Adept! [Boy] You're not even a little curious? You people don't have what it takes to be Adepts. Not like me! [Boy] You must be some of those ignorant country people! Ha! I bet you've never even HEARD of Psynergy! [Boy] How'd you DO that?! You lit the fire! [Girl] Psynergy! Psynergy! [Karis] Put it out NOW, Tyrell! [Karis] Come on, Tyrell! Extinguish it! [Tyrell] I...I can't. [Karis] You can't? What do you mean?! [Tyrell] A Fire Adept can start fires. But we can't put them out. It's a sore subject for us. [Karis] Good work, Rief! [Matthew] ...! [Tyrell] I'm impressed. [Rief] Well, I am a Water Adept! I possess the Psynergy to put out fires, of course! [Karis] You did it AGAIN, Tyrell! You used your Psynergy in public! You promised! [Karis] Don't encourage him. We're not supposed to be throwing our Psynergy around like that! [Karis] You've got to lay down the law more than that. We have to stay focused here! [Karis] Isaac and Garet would expect you to lay down the law more than that! [Karis] Did this seem FUNNY to you? We're not supposed to throw around our Psynergy like that! [Rief] Well, I agree with you completely, Karis. [Karis] I'm glad to hear it, Rief! [Rief] In fact, Kraden has taught us that it's crucial to never misuse our powers. [Rief] Psynergy is a gift. But if you were the sort of people who abuse that gift... [Rief] Well, I hate to say it, but we'd have to part ways. [Karis] You don't need to worry about that, Rief. We've got discipline...mostly. [Karis] It's natural to want to show off Psynergy. [Karis] But controlling Psynergy means controlling our minds. We've got to maintain discipline. [Tyrell] Yeah, and by "we," you mean me, right?! But I'm NOT weak, Karis! [Rief] You, weak? Of course not! Any son of the Warriors of Vale can surely become a true master! [Karis] It looks like Rief has faith in us already! [Rief] Of course! I was only saying that we Adepts always need to stay vigilant. Now let's continue! [Tyrell] OK, I guess visiting a city wasn't all that bad. So, Rief, where to next? [Rief] Up and over the Khiren Mountains! Kraden and I once tried to go over the peaks, but we couldn't make the crossing. [Karis] What?! But I thought there was a way through! We need to go north to Belinsk! [Rief] Kraden knew of a way. We just weren't able to take it. [Karis] Blados said that HE knew of a way over the mountains, one that would be treacherous. [Rief] We will likely find the answer in the mountain town of Passaj. [Tyrell] So we can cross over in this Passaj place? [Rief] Most likely, for the path to Passaj is the only way up the mountain range. Once there, surely we will find the answer for how to go down the other side to Belinsk. [Karis] I'm sure that we'll figure this out with your help, Rief. Now let's head up the mountains! Everyone wants a sip of the special water we sell! It's from glaciers in the Khiren Mountains! I don't know why I bother to hawk up business. We can barely make weapons fast enough to satisfy demand!

Harapa interiors (msg_hrpr_ph)

Whoop-whoop! I feel like there's energy running through me! It must be the power of the ruins! I'd swear that I just saw that old monk! The one who vanished all those years ago! I never thought much of Harapa, but how wrong I was! All this beauty was hidden under our ruins? Heh... So was all this power coursing within the ruins this whole time? I bet all other cities around are going to be jealous that they don't have good ruins too! I can't figure out Alchemy on a lovely night like this. Let's just enjoy the ancient lights! South Ei-Jei has become so lush and green! Something in the ruins must be causing it! If I was your age, I would leap into action and see what was causing this miracle! In the old days there was a monk who would go in the Harapa ruins. But I haven't seen him in a long while. Craggy Peak is on the distant horizon when you're in Passaj. Way across the sky, it seems. Craggy Peak's ruins hold the power of the ancients—power that can help travelers reach the Khiren range! The Alchemy Machine in Passaj has many powers, so the stories say. Me? I'm not all that curious. Hmm. I swirled together the water, fire, air, and earth, then added some plants. Maybe next time I'll get it right! Are you treasure hunters? If you seek the riches of the Harapa ruins, you may find passage there impossible! But let me pull an old adage from my noggin... Ah, yes! Where there's a will, there's a way! Good. Then you're not wasting your time, because there's no way into the local ruins. Besides, if there were a way inside, you wouldn't be treasure hunters for long. You'd be monster snacks! Shortly after the disasters 30 years ago, a well-known monk came to help all the volunteers rebuild the city. But one day, he vanished. People worried that monsters in the ruins got to him. There's a town called Passaj in the Khiren Mountains. It was once the gateway to crossing the range. That's the legend anyway. Now it's a dead end. Hey, how'd that place get a name like Passaj?! The mountain town of Passaj was known in ancient times as the Clouds of Passaj. Maybe all the clouds around Passaj used to look like roads or something! Oh, you startled me! Curious what I'm up to? I'm trying to stir up some Alchemy! But I guess it's harder than making soup. I'll tell you anyway! I'm making gold! All you need is a pinch of earth, then a smidgen of air, water, and fire. Er, I think. Harapa Ruins Research: The local ruins are thought to be quite marvelous, at least judging from the palatial entrance. Unfortunately, entry can be difficult, because the water pavilion before its front gate has long since dried up. These are fried dumplings in a tantalizingly triangular shape. They're so crispy! What is this?! It seems like an utterly inedible piece of charred food. This is barbecued meat prepared with a spice blend that sets off fireworks of flavor! This is steamed milk with a blend of sugar and spices. It smells so cinnamony! I feel terrible for our young people. How little time they've had to enjoy their lives...and now all this happens. We've avoided the monsters, but now we're running out of food. I'm getting very worried. People say that the whole continent has been plunged into darkness. But they have to be wrong...right? Are...are they gone? I managed to survive the catastrophes brought by the Golden Sun 30 years ago. So I'm sure we can survive even this, if only we can all band together! How can I stretch what food we have left? Our soup is already so watered down...it's practically water! If the world has gone dark, I'm glad Harapa has at least a little light, or I'd lose all hope! M-m-monsters! There's just no getting away from them! The local Harapa ruins are thought to be quite marvelous, at least judging from the palatial entrance. Unfortunately, entry can be difficult, because the water pavilion before its front gate has long since dried up. The hearth is covered in dust. No one has used it in a very long time. The hearth is covered in dust. No one has used it in a very long time. The hearth is covered in dust. No one has used it in a very long time. The hearth is covered in dust. No one has used it in a very long time. There's no escaping the darkness out there. I tried to make my way through it. But a monster chased me down. I got away with only a scratch, but...it was a very BAD scratch. In the face of such calamity, all we can do is pray to the gods above. In ancient times, the powerless Fori offered prayers to the gods and stopped such an apocalypse. Strike one of those monsters down and another takes its place. There's no end to their hunger. That day when the dawn died, I stepped outside and saw savage monsters everywhere! The Brilliance of Modern Harapa: At night, our revitalized Harapa glows with an unusual illumination. Some believe that this glow is powered by water, but this remains pure speculation. The hearth is covered in dust. No one has used it in a very long time. Psynergy and Prophecy: There have long been stories of prophets who walk the land, warning of what the future holds. It is unclear whether prophecy comes from Psynergy, or if such powers derive from other sources entirely. Mummified Nyunpa: The people of Harapa recall a monk who was said to have almost achieved perfect enlightenment. His name was Nyunpa, and he was said to live upon spiritual sustenance only, and so he appeared to be a living mummy. You had something to do with all this, didn't you?! Your fate is all tangled up in the eclipse! Now what is Nhamu doing? The world hasn't ended yet, and fortunes must still be told! You wouldn't believe it! Nhemo saved us here with a last-minute prediction! Madness! Pure madness! Even if this nightmare ends, things will never be the same... My visions have seen what is next to come. The long night WILL give way to daybreak. But hopefully that's not just wishful thinking. Nhemo's vision was a godsend: "As day dies, run to the light! Monsters come in eternal night!" This must be a dream...! So bright, even at night! We can't let King Wo see Harapa! Or else he'd send his soldiers here! Harapa was just a pile of ruins before. No highfalutin lord wanted this place. That's why we're free in the new Harapa! Did you see the barrier at the town's main entrance? The power coming from Harapa's ancient ruins is protecting our town so we can sleep in safety. If only we pray to the gods, then perhaps all of Ei-Jei will remain lush and green. The people on the southern coast of Ei-Jei have been besieged by an army for some time now. If only divine intervention would put a stop to their plight...! This is what a civilization SHOULD be! Look at all the greenery around Harapa! Beyond the mountain town of Passaj lie the Khiren highlands. When kings first started creating countries, they waged bloody wars to control that highland divide. Morgal and Sana fought tooth and nail to control the Khiren highlands. I guess it's a crucial piece of land if you want to launch attacks on the world below the mountains. Harapa is stunning at night. The ruins look simply miraculous in all the light. The Brilliance of Modern Harapa: At night, our revitalized Harapa glows with an unusual illumination. Some believe that this glow is powered by water, but this remains pure speculation. These are crepes that are folded over fiery-spiced vegetables. Psynergy and Prophecy: There have long been stories of prophets who walk the land, warning of what the future holds. It is unclear whether prophecy comes from Psynergy, or if such powers derive from other sources entirely. Mummified Nyunpa: The people of Harapa recall a monk who was said to have almost achieved perfect enlightenment. His name was Nyunpa, and he was said to live upon spiritual sustenance only, and so he appeared to be a living mummy. Put five coins in the box to hear your future told. I am Nhemo, and I can gaze upon your near future! For five coins, I will tell you all. Nhamu is acting strangely. She says fortune-telling is too scary, and she doesn't want to tell anyone's future! Nhamu has gazed into the greenness that's come to South Ei-Jei. It seems beautiful... But Nhamu says that it's a sign of terrible things to come! Nhamu speaks the truth! Her crystal ball shows the distant future! Some say it's just an act, but I'm buying it! [Nhamu] Ah, newcomers to our tent? Allow me, Nhamu, to look into your distant future! [Nhamu] A rabid beast...? Endless darkness...? What a fearful future I see! [Nhamu] Ohhhh... Is it the end of the ancient world...? Or the beginning of the end of OURS...? Cursed warriors, I cannot bear to look upon you! Please leave our tent! You're those cursed warriors! I cannot bear to look upon your future again. Leave now! [Nhemo] I see a labyrinth caught in the coils of a snake. You shall not be able to enter its true depths! Not until you possess the power to see the real way inside. [Nhemo] This power comes from a precious object hidden below the roots of an ancient tree. Two vicious generals will bar your way to this tree. And that...is all I see. [Nhemo] Many people will be instrumental to your efforts. Take care of them! Guide them! [Nhemo] Your ability to win friends easily will serve you well. Yet, even with these friends... [Nhemo] You will feel the chill of darkness, but always band together, good warriors! Your fate is fixed for now. I can see no further. After your future finds you, I may be able to see further. It has been an unusual honor for me to look upon such great fortunes... Please do return in your future so that I may do so again. I see the release of ancient energies, and the beginning of a truly dreadful future! Will you put five coins in the box? You don't have enough coins.

Harapa, second visit (msg_hrpr_town_b)

Poor Ayuthay. Word is that Kaocho has it fully surrounded. But news often travels here so slowly that one could be victorious, for all we know! This area was all desert, but now it's so green! Did you have anything to do with all this? No doubt your amazing powers have brought this upon us! You didn't? I thought warriors of your caliber had to be behind it. Welcome to the newly spruced-up Harapa! It's like the good ol' days of the ancients are back again! I was training to be an Adept, but now that I've seen the changes in Harapa, I changed my plan! I'm going to become an Alchemy scholar and help advance our civilization even further! He gave up on studying to be an Adept. Now he wants to learn about Alchemy. He'll give that up too! Last we heard, the Kaocho army still surrounds Ayuthay. I wonder who's going to win the standoff? I have to tell you something difficult. But I'm bound, as a disciple of Nhamu and Nhemo, to deliver this message... The world may fall into darkness, but don't blame yourselves. Fate is at fault, not you. Find Your Future Inside Way up amid the peaks of the Khiren Mountains is a freezing, inhospitable highland. No one would ever want to go there, yet there was once a great battle there for control of that great divide. I bet we'll see even more customers, now that Harapa has become a lush place!

Harapa Ruins (msg_hrpr_ruin_2)

[Ice Queen] Oh, my...! Do I sense some warm-blooded guests come to my chilly court? [Ice Queen] Well, I do love to be adored. But only from a distance. No touching now! [Ice Queen] Wait, you're NOT groveling. How rude. But then again, it's clear why you're REALLY here. [Ice Queen] You've come to take me back, haven't you? Now don't you DARE lie to me! [Ice Queen] Well, I'm NOT leaving. So, out of my sight! [Ice Queen] I can see through your lies. But I am flattered. So, you truly DO want to possess me? [Ice Queen] Then what ARE you bothering me for, if you don't covet my beauty? Begone! [Ice Queen] Of course you do. And who doesn't? But meddling in MY affairs can be quite hazardous. I hope you realize that. [Ice Queen] Hmm. It would seem that you've managed to restart the Alchemy Forge. [Ice Queen] So I suppose you want to put the forge in reverse to travel to the peak of the Neox. [Ice Queen] Well, you may have defeated the Sand Prince, but you will never make ME your slave! [Ice Queen] It took me an eternity to dupe someone into taking me away from Passaj... I mean, how often does a silly monk like Nyunpa come along to give me my freedom? Once in a lifetime, that's how often! And I will NOT go back to a life of servitude! [Ice Queen] But I can see that you're not going to see reason. You want to carry me away in my gemstone! Well, the Ice Queen will not go without a fight, I tell you! [Ice Queen] Come then! I will shatter you into a million pieces! [Ice Queen] I can't...! NOOOO...! [Tyrell] Well, I guess she realizes her place NOW. [Rief] We defeated her! We have the Ice Queen Stone! [Karis] We did win, didn't we? But I do feel a little bad, forcing her back in that gem. [Tyrell] We may never learn the true nature of these gemstones. Which came first: the gem or the queen? Well, let's just pocket that stone and be on our way back to Passaj. [Rief] This stone is... Eeeeep! [Tyrell] Eep?! This stone is eep? What kind of talk is that for a brainy kid like you, Rief? [Nyunpa] Greetings, good warriors... How long I've waited for someone to challenge her! [Nyunpa] Thanks to you, I'm free at last. [Tyrell] A ghost! [Nyunpa] A ghost? Oh, don't put me beyond the grave quite yet. I've still got a few years left in me! [Karis] That monk! I hear his voice inside my head! [Nyunpa] Don't be frightened. I have the gift of reading minds. [Nyunpa] I can see into the depths of your hearts. Nothing escapes my vision. [Tyrell] Oh, yeah? Then what am I—? [Nyunpa] Easily answered. I have long been on a quest for enlightenment. Long ago, I met warriors at my temple far away. [Tyrell] He—! But how—? [Nyunpa] They were four in number. The warriors left on their vital quest, and thereafter I sank into the deepest meditation... [Tyrell] He's reading my thoughts! Answering my questions! It's just plain creepy! [Karis] Who were these four warriors? [Nyunpa] Ah...I think you children know them very well! [Nyunpa] After some time passed, I found myself within reach of enlightenment. But then came the earthquakes and typhoons. I had to put people's lives before my own enlightenment, and so I walked out into the world... [Rief] Are you the one who stole the gemstone from Passaj? [Nyunpa] Yes...and no. My work took me to Passaj, where its people too were suffering greatly. And that's where I beheld the Ice Queen Stone. [Nyunpa] My mind, which reads others' thoughts so easily, was flooded with her forceful will. The next thing I knew, I had fled Passaj and come to Harapa with the gemstone. [Karis] So how did the Ice Queen get freed from her stone? [Nyunpa] I have been her puppet for all these many years. She has forced me to do her bidding. [Nyunpa] All I wanted was to help people. But it all went horribly wrong. [Nyunpa] She escaped the gem with my help, but her true home was inside the stone. The Ice Queen learned that she was bound to the stone and could not stray far from it. And so she never let me stray far from HER. Our lives have been bound together. But now she is back where she belongs. And you may now take the stone you came for. [System Message] The Ice Queen Stone can be used only by Water Adepts. Equip it to gain Cold Snap Psynergy. [Nyunpa] Now that her petty empire has fallen, the natural flow of life may resume its course. Let us leave this place. [Nyunpa] Has this place lost its power? The once-frozen floors have melted. I doubt one could leave now... [Nyunpa] I wonder if it is possible to use the Ice Queen's power to freeze the water once more and create a path!

Harapa Ruins, entrance (msg_hrpr_ruin_1)

[Nyunpa] Ah, night has fallen over Harapa! How long it has been since I've seen the silver moonlight! [Nyunpa] Now I must go my own way once more. [Nyunpa] Looking at you here... It is like I'm seeing your father, Isaac, stand before me. [Nyunpa] Ah, those young masters with the whole world before them! I hope we ALL meet again in life's long journey!

Harapa, at night (msg_hrpr_town_c)

You want to leave Harapa? Now?! Sorry, we don't let anyone in OR out at night. That's how we keep Harapa safe. You should sleep at the inn, then leave in the morning. Oh good. Trust me, you'll be glad you didn't leave here at night. I remember this monk that didn't listen to my advice. He slipped by me, and we never saw him again. The area around Harapa is very dangerous at night, so we don't let people out until morning. Go get a good night's rest at the inn, then you can leave in the morning. All these lights make Harapa seem like a beautiful fairyland! It's spectacular! The lights! The colors! Now THIS is the real Harapa! I think our city even outshines the majesty of the night sky! Behold, the strength of a great civilization! You know, this seals the deal. I'm definitely going to be a scholar now! Ugh. All these bright lights everywhere? I'll never get to sleep again! A pretty city is nice, but if only we could bottle this power... Then we could sell it! How am I supposed to shill anything when Harapa is THIS dazzling?! With Harapa looking like this, I can only guess that there's a festival going on. Is there? Thought so. It seemed too over-the-top to be just another day in Harapa. Well, even if it's not a festival, I can't help feeling festive! How did they make these brilliant lights? Can someone tell me—or sell me—the secret?! If you stay in the inn and wait for morning, the wall will return to its original state. I can see the signs all around us! Ancient Psynergy has been unleashed! Fate will soon have its FINAL say! Enter if you would like your fortune told! There's only one reason we've survived—and that's because Harapa has so much light! Make sure to stay in the light if you want to live! That day when the dawn died, I stepped outside and saw merciless monsters all over! Oh, my poor husband! The sight of THAT will haunt me forever! My friend was so ambitious! And what did I do, except doubt him all the time? I hope that shopkeeper made it to safety. It all happened...so fast. My friends doubt how bad the problem is, but it's obvious to me. This is no normal eclipse! People need things more than ever at these worst of times. My shop is open to you. Good thing I stumbled into the light by accident. Or I wouldn't have made it! Night always brings chills, but THIS darkness scares me to the very marrow... But those monsters can't destroy my love for my husband! I'll hold him in my heart forever. I shouldn't have doubted my friend for a second. He had such big plans! In all the panic, I ran for safety, just like everyone else. I should have done more to help! What if the eclipse never ends? No...no...it's too much to bear. I'm ashamed to think that this eclipse has been good for business. Money is money, after all. I can't believe some fool went and reactivated the Eclipse Tower. If you don't learn from history... How long will it be, I wonder, before the tower absorbs enough light and finally turns itself off again? Long ago, this land was a battleground for the Jenei tribes. Peace is always temporary... When the warring tribes wiped each other out, we Neox came down to rule the survivors. Who will rule now? I see now that I was truly blessed to live in such a time of bounty, thanks to the Alchemy Machines. All who wish to have their fortune told are welcome. What a nightlife we have here in Harapa now! I can't focus on fortune-telling with the city like this! [Karis] Funny, I don't recall seeing this barrier here when we passed through it earlier today. [Fortune-teller] Night has fallen in Harapa. After dark, the power from the ruins causes this barrier to rise. [Fortune-teller] It's the reason no enemy has ever successfully launched an attack on Harapa, even in ancient times. [Fortune-teller] But I must say, tonight the barrier seems especially formidable. It stands taller and looks more colorful than ever before. As if new force is pumping extra life through the ruins and into Harapa! [Tyrell] Well, that's just great. How are we supposed to get back to Passaj with this barrier here? [Fortune-teller] Oh, just spend the night at the inn. When you wake up, the barrier will be down again. [Rief] I wouldn't mind a rest, after all our work with the Alchemy Forge, then coming to Harapa. Let's just enjoy the evening lights, then rest up at the inn. We can leave in the morning!

Passaj

Passaj Mountain Climb (msg_crid_road)

The ladder has been cut. It must have happened when Passaj was attacked by Kaocho soldiers. Wind Advisory: Dangerous path ahead! Very high chance of horrible gusts! —Passaj Safety Board What a pain! We can't get back into town since the winds are so strong right now. Guess we have to wait. Welcome to our zol mine! We gather all the floating zol stones that we can find... Then send 'em higher on the updrafts in here. Zol floats on the wind, you know! The ancients used their Psynergy to blow these zol stones around. How I wish I could do that!

Passaj exterior (msg_crid_town_1)

Meeting in Session Entry Prohibited Whoo-ee! What a bright mask you've got there! Well, I won't bother masking my delight... That's beautiful! That mask! It's so bright and shiny! Look at that mask! You must be going to a great party! We people of Passaj have always valued an honest day's work. We've been craftsmen for ages, long before the days when Alchemy vanished from the world. The elders are angry that Kaocho recently tried to take over Passaj. Does Kaocho want our Alchemy Forge or something? We often speak of the ancient times here, young ones. The people of Passaj owe much to our ancestors, the Exathi, who were master craftsmen. But the Exathi owed just as much to a people with special powers called the Jenei. There was a third group of ancients we have heard of, known as the Fori. They had neither special powers nor master craftsmanship. Sadly, the world laughed at them. I feel for the Fori now, for we have lost so much of the old ways. Grandma said the Alchemy Forge here could melt anything down... then make it whole again! Meeting in Session Entry Prohibited The Alchemy Forge building lit up, bright as fireworks, and then Passaj transformed! Look at these walls! We'll never have to worry about another army attacking us! Take that, Kaocho! I've heard that a strange mist comes from the forge... If the mist catches in your clothes, it almost seems to lift you up off the ground! I've always dreamed of leaving Passaj and moving to Ayuthay. But now I love our little town! Oh, it's terrible! Someone didn't realize what this eclipse was. He went out among the monsters! Is it true that monsters are prowling outside of the fortress? Yeah, I thought so. I went outside without thinking and got rushed by something. I ran right back inside! No? Then I don't know what to make of the things I've seen... Was this what the world was like when the Grave Eclipse last happened? How could the ancients have coped with such a nightmare? Well, then the ancients got off easy, didn't they? Horrifying things are slithering around! What should we do?! It's like a fairy tale come to life! I'm actually having fun here! You can see red eyes, all bloodshot and glowing, in this darkness. They must be monsters! We've been insulated from all the madness outside our walls. But we've had our own problems. When the Grave Eclipse happened, one of our people wandered out and... well, it's too horrible to imagine! I've always been one to test the depths of my courage. So I can't stand being cooped up like this. I want to stare one of those monsters in the eye! I've always been chilled by the legends of how Passaj fell into darkness. Now I wonder...will WE see Sol again? There's no light left to scare away the beasts out there. I can't take it anymore! I get scared to look into the sky and never see sunlight... but it's also sort of exciting! I wonder what would happen if I went up into all that darkness? Maybe I'd wind up in another world! The beasts have horrible red eyes that seem to draw you in! It's like they're calling me... closer...and closer. That big wall might make it hard to get new stock in, but at least I can sell what I've got in peace... [Rief] We've climbed all the way to the mountain town of Passaj! I can't wait to see it again! [Rief] Now, follow me to the very spot that Kraden believed was the only way across the peaks! Sorry, but I've learned my lesson: I'm not leaving town again 'til this is all over. Sorry, but I've learned my lesson: I'm not leaving town again 'til this is all over. Sorry, but I've learned my lesson: I'm not leaving town again 'til this is all over.

Passaj cloud platform (msg_crid_town_2)

Passaj Cloud Platform We can go back into the main part of Passaj later. Let's follow Rief. [Rief] We're almost to the passage that Kraden believed would lead across the Khiren Mountains. It's above the town. Let me take you there directly. We can come back to explore Passaj later. [Rief] So, this is the way across the Khiren Mountains. [Tyrell] What?! But we're so high in the clouds that there's nowhere else to go! [Rief] Nonetheless, this is the spot that Kraden believed was the key to crossing over. [Karis] That's impossible. We're at the very top of this mountain! [Karis] How can we go anywhere from here, except back down? [Rief] If only we had a soarwing with us! [Rief] But here's the crux of the matter. See that mountain across the sky? That's Craggy Peak. Kraden says that the ancient ancestors of us Adepts lived there. They were known as the Jenei. Our ancestors lived there and many other places across Weyard. The Jenei that lived on that peak were known as the Neox, and they looked over this part of the world. [Karis] Did Kraden think that the Neox used their powers to travel between here and there? [Rief] Exactly. He thinks they could create some sort of sky passage between the peaks. The Neox Jenei worked with the ancient people of Passaj to create a machine that could manipulate the clouds. Kraden said that such machines were based on Alchemy principles. The one in Passaj is called the Alchemy Forge. [Tyrell] Well, show us the way to this machine then! [Rief] It's not so simple. Kraden couldn't figure out how to get Passaj's Alchemy Forge running. [Karis] But Kraden is a genius. How can we succeed when he couldn't? [Rief] We have to figure it out. There's no other way to reach Belinsk and catch up with Kraden. Not to mention getting to Morgal to find that feather... If only we hadn't run into those fiends in the cave! [Karis] Hey, Blados had a direct hand in forcing us into the south part of Angara... But why is that masked man tagging along with him? You know, that guy who wanted to know if we had the Glyph Book? [Karis] He was eager to send us south to find you, Rief. Not Kraden. [Rief] From what I could gather, it seemed that Kraden suspected his true identity. [Karis] I got the feeling that they knew each other pretty well. [Rief] Do you think so? Perhaps that explains why Kraden was so willing to part ways. [Rief] Well, I can't imagine that they'd be friends. But old allies, perhaps? [Karis] I trust Kraden, but I can't see trusting anything about that masked man or Blados. [Tyrell] I don't see how this helps us get across the sky. Now, if only we DID have a soarwing. [Karis] Too bad that ours is broken. Of course, we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that. [Rief] So all we have is an ancient legend about a machine that could make a cloud passage. [Rief] I wish I had pried more details from Kraden when we were last here. [Karis] No use fretting about it now. [Rief] I guess we'll just have to investigate this ourselves. [Karis] That's the only way we'll get to that peak. [Tyrell] So, we have nothing but a dusty Jenei legend to go on?! [Karis] That's all—just the Jenei and a fabled cloud passage to Craggy Peak. [Tyrell] What, have you had another thought, Rief? [Rief] There was one more reason Kraden gave up on getting to that peak! [Rief] He said we didn't have a wide-enough variety of Psynergy to start the Alchemy Forge! [Karis] Variety? What kinds of Psynergy did he think you needed? [Rief] I don't know! [Tyrell] Well, who else came here with you and Kraden? [Rief] Just my sister, Nowell, and we're both Water Adepts. [Karis] Then maybe we have a chance, because we cover all types of elemental energy! [Rief] You might be right! [Tyrell] Then let's find that Alchemy Forge, Rief! [Karis] I'm sure that we'll create that cloud passage to Craggy Peak in no time. [Rief] I didn't notice it before... Things feel a little different from when I was last here... [Rief] This place is brimming with Psynergy power now. Can't you feel it? [Rief] I'm certain it wasn't like this before. Change is in the wind... [Rief] The key to all of this is in Passaj. [Karis] Let's head back to town then! I'm sure we'll uncover the secret there! Maybe the Alchemy Forge is part of the mystery! Oh, wait! I seem to recall that the Adepts from Craggy Peak could come here... And the people of Passaj could once go THERE! How could they go there? There's no way to go... but back the way we came. I don't know. The answer has been lost to the fog of time, I suppose. But legend says that they could. The people of Passaj aren't Adepts, so they couldn't soar to Craggy Peak! How could they have done it?! I'm not sure... Maybe it DID have something to do with the Alchemy Forge! Perhaps the Alchemy Forge makes something much greater than anyone remembers. What a provocative thought. You see, you're already helping us find a way forward, Karis! Yeah, it does seem hard to believe that Passaj is truly a dead end. I think there's more to this crossing than we still know. But I'm glad we came up here. We just need to find a way to reach distant Craggy Peak. Hmm. If only Kraden were here, he'd know what to do. But he's always pushing us to explore the unexplorable. So let's keep on investigating. And since this avenue looks closed to us for now, let's get the Alchemy Forge fully functional. If the Sol Mask is the key, then we have to go find it. I suppose that search will lead us to Kaocho and Ayuthay, won't it? Won't Kraden be proud! Well then, let's be on our way, shall we?

Alchemy Forge, first visit (msg_alcm_pod_a_0)

[Rief] This is the machine! [Matthew] ...? [Karis] What is all this? [Tyrell] So this is the ancient machine, Rief? [Rief] Indeed it is! [Tyrell] Well, tell us everything. Don't keep us waiting! [Rief] This is the Alchemy Forge! [Karis] This doesn't look like any kind of forge I've ever seen. The Alchemy Forge, huh? That's pretty impressive! [Tyrell] Forges are normally used to make weapons. And this one creates a cloud passage to Craggy Peak, huh? [Karis] But the Alchemy Forge isn't doing much of anything at the moment. [Rief] Perhaps it's broken? [Karis] Hey, Tyrell! Throw a fireball at this spot marked with the flame! [Tyrell] I can't stand it when Karis bosses me around... [Karis] Just fire it up! [Karis] So...that's the secret! [Karis] It's not broken, just disconnected! [Rief] So you think we can get it running again? [Tyrell] I don't know. It's awfully big. [Rief] Maybe you're onto something, Karis! [Karis] So, what do you think, Matthew? Can we get the Alchemy Forge started? [Karis] I agree! This place looks like it has lots of parts that we can manipulate. [Karis] Don't get frustrated! This place is full of parts that we can manipulate. [Karis] Don't doubt yourself. This place is full of parts that we can manipulate. [Karis] I competely agree! This chamber is crammed with parts that we can manipulate! [Tyrell] All right then. So, where do we start, hotshot? [Rief] Are those blocks the secret to reconnecting the forge, Karis? [Tyrell] She gets like this. Just watch. [Rief] I am watching... But I don't understand what she's doing. [Karis] The lines of power are broken! First, let's reconnect them throughout the chamber. Then we should fire up the forge again to see if the Alchemy Forge powers up! [Tyrell] Er, yeah. What she said. [Karis] We'll have this Alchemy Forge up and running again in no time. [Karis] So let's reconnect all of the power lines, then throw another fireball, OK?

Alchemy Forge, first visit (msg_alcm_pod_a_1)

[Bogho] Who has tampered with the Alchemy Forge?! [Bogho] Who are you intruders?! Tell me at once! [Bogho] If you're with those terrible soldiers... [Bogho] don't bother trying to strong-arm me or my people! [Bogho] I may look old, but I'm a descendant of the ancients! Passaj will never cave to you outsiders! [Bogho] We descendants of the Exathi will band together! So I'll speak with the Ayuthay king—but not yours! [Rief] Excuse me, sir. But we're not who you think we are...though you and I have met before. [Tyrell] What are you looking at, gramps? [Bogho] GRAMPS?! [Bogho] I'm an elder of Passaj! Call me that...or by my name, Bogho! Anything else is disrespectful! [Bogho] Now, who lit these fires? Was it you?! [Bogho] One of you must be able to wield Psynergy! [Rief] All of us can. We're Adepts. [Bogho] Are you, now? The Adepts are descendants of the Jenei, who reigned over the ancient world. [Rief] I have heard the legends of the Jenei—and even the Neox of nearby Craggy Peak. I have also heard of the Exathi, who were your ancestors of legend, right? [Bogho] How did you come to know of all this? [Rief] I am a student of Alchemy. I once visited here with the scholar Kraden. [Bogho] Kraden, did you say? [Bogho] Is Kraden with you now? [Rief] No, I'm sorry to say that he's not. [Bogho] What a shame. He was an interesting old fellow, and we parted ways too soon. [Rief] Kraden couldn't figure out how to restart your forge. But we Adepts have! [Bogho] So you have! [Bogho] Well...look at that! [Bogho] The fires are blazing! [Bogho] Though the Alchemy Forge has been relit...this writing says that we need a critical part to control it! [Tyrell] What does it say? [Bogho] What? It couldn't be clearer! [Bogho] It says what it says! [Rief] You'll have to forgive our ignorance. It simply looks like a curious design to us. [Karis] It all means something? [Bogho] My, my... For Adepts, it seems that you know less than I'd expect. [Karis] What is THAT?! [Bogho] Ah... [Bogho] Sol...Mask. That's what it says. [Rief] Sol Mask? [Tyrell] Anything else, gramps? You've got all the answers! [Bogho] Don't call me gramps! [Bogho] It says that the machine can only be used once the Sol Mask is inserted here. Ah! And that this mask is in the ancient Ouroboros labyrinth. Hmm, that WILL be a problem, given that the Ouroboros is below Kaocho Palace. [Rief] But are you sure we need the mask? The forge looks ready to go! [Karis] Yes, I bet you're right! The ancients probably wanted to ensure that only the right people used it! [Karis] Yes, it's strange, but the ancients probably wanted to ensure that only the right people used it. [Karis] Yes, it is frustrating, but the ancients probably wanted to ensure that only the right people used it! [Karis] Yes, I bet you're right! The ancients probably wanted to ensure that only the right people used the forge! [Bogho] I'm certain that's why we need the mask. I only wish it were here. [Karis] Bogho, what exactly is the Sol Mask? [Bogho] You seem to have heard of the Neox on distant Craggy Peak who watched over this part of Angara. [Rief] The Neox were Jenei who helped build Harapa, Ayuthay, and—I'd guess—the Ouroboros? [Bogho] Yes, and Passaj. Ah, so few alive today know the secrets of those ancient times. [Bogho] I am one of them—and I rarely share secrets with outsiders. But since you know Kraden, I'll tell you more. [Bogho] I know of an old prophecy about what would happen if Alchemy was restored to the world. [Bogho] The Neox predicted that Adepts would come to restore our fallen civilization to its former glory. I have long hoped that such a thing would come to pass. For life here gets harder by the year. [Bogho] Those of us in the southern part of Angara owe what little we have to the ancient Neox. We live our hardscrabble lives amid the broken pieces of their long-dead civilization. [Matthew] ...? [Tyrell] Those people who lived on Craggy Peak really made that much stuff, huh? [Karis] It's hard to imagine that the Neox could have done so much, yet so little is known of them. [Rief] The Jenei all over ancient Weyard took their secrets with them. These Neox sound fascinating. [Bogho] I know nothing of Jenei elsewhere, only of the Neox who guided the fate of our region from that peak. [Bogho] When the ancient Jenei faded into history, so too did the Neox. [Bogho] I'm sure Kraden has told you that the ancients cut off the world's connection to Alchemy. [Karis] Of course. All that powerful Psynergy was too tempting for the ancient people of Weyard. So they placed devices across the world to stop it up. [Rief] As we now know, stopping the flow of Psynergy had terrible consequences. [Bogho] Psynergy is what sustains the world. Without it, everything began to decay. [Tyrell] Our parents were the ones who saved the world! The Warriors of Vale! [Bogho] Those are your parents?! Kraden told me all about the quest to save the world with the Golden Sun! [Rief] Kraden does like to talk about it, doesn't he? He's quite proud of the role he's played. [Bogho] A noble soul, that Kraden! And you are the children of the Warriors of Vale! Remarkable! [Karis] How does all this relate to the Sol Mask? [Bogho] Oh, yes! [Bogho] The Neox created the Alchemy Forge just for the craftsmen of Passaj. [Bogho] But Psynergy was needed to keep the forge running. [Tyrell] So, when the Neox vanished, Passaj couldn't use the Alchemy Forge anymore. [Bogho] What a clever young man you are. [Bogho] Without Psynergy, our forge stopped, and Passaj began its long and slow decline through the ages. [Bogho] When the Golden Sun happened 30 years ago, we thought our forge might restart. But it didn't. I guess we simply needed the right Adepts to come along. But it's not yet at full strength, it seems. [Bogho] To get the Alchemy Forge back in working condition, you don't need any more fire, that's for certain. [Karis] We need the Sol Mask, don't we? [Bogho] Right—as you can see, that's exactly what we still need. [Rief] But why would the Neox require a mask to operate the machine? [Bogho] If I had to guess, it was to ensure that only their allies could get to the Neox city on Craggy Peak. [Bogho] And speaking of allies... and enemies... Sol Mask is perilously close to OUR enemy, King Wo of Kaocho. [Bogho] The Ouroboros is under distant Kaocho Palace, from which King Wo is waging war on Passaj. [Bogho] Kaocho has sent waves of soldiers to conquer Passaj. We've fended off their attacks. [Karis] Do you think that the Kaocho soldiers are trying to get their hands on the Alchemy Forge? [Bogho] Do you think so? It's possible, I suppose. [Bogho] The very notion makes me seethe too! [Bogho] The very notion saddens me as well. What a terrible thing it would be! [Bogho] Do you think so? Now that you mention it, I bet they ARE after our forge! [Tyrell] But how could they do anything with it? [Rief] What do you mean? [Tyrell] Well, we Adepts could only start it up, and even now, we still need the Sol Mask to actually use it. [Tyrell] You know, that mask seems just as important to the people of Passaj as it does to us! [Tyrell] So it's twice as important to find that Sol Mask! [Rief] Kraden did think this machine was very important... [Karis] It does seem that Bogho and his people have fallen upon hard times without their forge. [Bogho] We cannot ask you to enter the Ouroboros for our sakes. No, it is far too dangerous. [Rief] What is inside the Ouroboros? [Bogho] It's a fiendish labyrinth. Its twisting, turning coils have ensnared all who dare enter it. [Tyrell] Gramps, that's some crazy story! [Bogho] Stop calling me that! [Bogho] Nevertheless, it's all true. The Ouroboros is a maze filled with riches. Many treasure hunters have ventured inside. [Bogho] But none has ever returned. Not one in all these years. [Rief] Have any Adepts ever tried? [Rief] Elder...? [Bogho] I don't believe so. Perhaps you could succeed! [Bogho] We of Passaj could never thank you enough, if you were able to restore our Alchemy Forge fully. And wouldn't the king of Ayuthay be fascinated...! [Tyrell] The king of Ayuthay? [Rief] King Paithos. [Bogho] The people of Ayuthay are also descended from the Exathi. They have their own ancient machine. [Tyrell] Ayuthay has another one of these machines? [Rief] Theirs is called the Alchemy Well. [Bogho] The Ayuthay machine started working suddenly about 20 years ago. Ayuthay's growth has been explosive since then. [Bogho] I've been somewhat jealous. [Bogho] So my heart's desire is to see our own Alchemy Forge working again! [Tyrell] Where's he hurrying off to all of a sudden? [Bogho] Before you leave Passaj, you must learn more at our meeting hall. We have ancient secrets to share. [Bogho] Please come outside, then climb the stairs on the side to reach it. I'll wait for you in our hall.

Alchemy Forge, lit but unusable (msg_alcm_pod_a)

A picture of the Sol Mask is visible.

Passaj, interior (msg_crid_room_1)

So Amiti gets to go with you, but I have to stay behind? Seems unfair, after all my help... Please, leave me be for now. I need some time alone after our talk on the cloud platform. After hearing about the Ouroboros, you must be having second thoughts. King Wo would love to get his hands on the relic inside, but the Kaocho refuse to go inside! Now that you've reversed the Alchemy Forge, I'm certain that you can travel to Craggy Peak! The Ice Queen Stone is a stunning blue jewel, one of Passaj's greatest treasures. We're counting on you to find it. I've informed everyone about what you plan to do. We're all relying on you to bring us the Sol Mask. We'll have reputations as master craftsmen in no time—now that our forges are blazing away! Power has been restored to most of Passaj, but not to this room! Why aren't our forges working?! Passaj is a craftsman's town, so we've made our fair share of masks. But that mask...? I've never seen one like it! If only we could get the Alchemy Forge working properly. My hammer is begging for action! When we hammer zol in here, mist gushes out—and it's sucked up by a fan in our forges. So if all that mist is in zol, I bet that's why it floats! I wish we hadn't been so rough on this room over the years. We messed up the floor in here! What a remarkable mask! I've made a few masks in my day, but mine pale in comparison. Here's the real reason there's a town all the way up here. Because metal liquifies more easily at this altitude! Take it from an old metalworker like me—or discover it for yourself! I am now meditating upon... the legend of the sleeping queen. This does not pertain to the Sol Mask, but rather to the output of our Alchemy Forge. It is said that a blue gemstone must be imbued with a sleeping queen's power... Only then can fire be forged into ice, which bolsters the clouds that go to the horizon. An odd legend, is it not? Perhaps that will be useful in your travels. I am meditating upon... the Ouroboros. It is by the Ouroboros that you will enter a labyrinth. And it is by labyrinths that treasures are found. Thus, in the Ouroboros, you should come face-to-face with the Sol Mask. I am ruminating upon... Passaj's missing gemstone. This precious treasure was known as the Ice Queen Stone, for it was a sparkling beauty. The gemstone was in Passaj for ages, but someone took it from us years ago. I am ruminating upon... Kaocho Palace. King Wo had that palace built upon ancient ruins. He has raised himself high by disrespecting the past. I am contemplating... the clouds. The Alchemy Forge seems to produce fluffy clouds from the floating zol. But if the clouds could be strengthened, they could help people cross to Craggy Peak. I am contemplating... the Ouroboros puzzles. The ancient Ayuthay people, then part of the Exathi, helped build the labyrinth. So, aside from the ancient Neox, the Ayuthay people must hold the secrets of surviving it. I am pondering... the story of the blue prison. I don't know why this tale would come to Passaj, but still we speak of it. It is said a demonic queen was once trapped within a prison of blue, waiting for a foolish man to free her. It's a very peculiar story, isn't it? I am pondering... our Alchemy Forge. Our ancestors crafted many things for the ancients with it. They used the floating material we call zol. Perhaps zol was used to make something that could cross the sky. Bogho has told me that you can head inside. I still can't believe that you started up our Alchemy Forge. You're really something! Everyone seems to be obsessed with masks these days. I don't see why—they're sort of silly. This here's our treasure vault. I don't let so much as a mouse through without say-so from Bogho. It's locked. It's locked. I have faith in you. After all, you fought your way across the mountains and reached Morgal. It's clear that you are warriors unlike any the world has ever seen, at least for a long time. I am meditating upon... the Grave Eclipse. In ancient times, the Apollo Lens was used to create a powerful spear of light to stop it. I am ruminating upon... an ancient Alchemy Machine. The Apollo Lens amplified light many times over, creating a powerful ray that could be aimed at a target. I am contemplating...what the Jenei did to fight the Grave Eclipse. They used the Apollo Lens against it, but the machine was so powerful, they hid it somewhere high in the mountains. Not here in Passaj. Somewhere else. That much I know. I am pondering...the one way to end the Grave Eclipse. There is an Alchemy Machine called the Apollo Lens hidden in Angara. Legend says it will open up only when the Grave Eclipse occurs. Our best craftsman was finished off by those monsters. Our best craftsman... Bah, who cares about that! He was my best FRIEND! Did Matthew really come all the way out here just to see how we're doing? What a kind young man! I am meditating upon... hey, get OUT of my head! Looking for secrets in here? Sorry, I've got no more. I gave them all to you freely. Hey, is someone in my mind? Nah, probably just an echo. ECHO...echo...echo... Yep, thought so. No, no! You can't come in here! I would have tidied up if I knew I was having visitors! I'm crushed... A truly great friend comes only once in a lifetime. But he just HAD to investigate. I guess that's what made him such a great person though. [Bogho] Please! Everyone! I must have your attention! [Bogho] We have special visitors to our meeting—the children of the Warriors of Vale. They have just arrived in Passaj. [Bogho] They've used their great Psynergy powers to restart our Alchemy Forge! [Elder 1] Our forge, fixed? [Elder 4] Psynergy powers? [Baghi] I can't believe it! Visitors from Vale! [Bogho] Settle down. Our forge has been restarted, but it's not functional. We need a crucial item. [Elder 3] Not functional? [Elder 2] A crucial item? [Baghi] But we have to get our forge working again! [Bogho] What we need is the Sol Mask from the Ouroboros labyrinth. [Elder 1] Not the Ouroboros labyrinth! [Elder 2] But that's under Kaocho Palace! [Elder 4] Then it's hopeless! [Baghi] Hmm, maybe not! I think I know a way to get the Sol Mask... [Bogho] Calm down, everyone. The children of the Warriors of Vale will fetch it for us. So please, answer their questions. [Bogho] Now, please enter, friends! These elders possess great wisdom. You may find something vital for your journey in their thoughts. [Baghi] My name is Baghi. So you're helping my grandfather Bogho? Then you must be headed to Kaocho to find what we need to make the Alchemy Forge functional. [Baghi] Why would you do this for us? Do you perhaps...hope to get across the mountains? You know, more destinations are possible if you fully repair the Alchemy Forge. So, if you really want to cross the mountains, you're on the right track. [Baghi] The ancients crossed the mountains by a special passage. Or so it's said. If the Alchemy Forge was working, I'm sure you could go the same way. [Baghi] So, if you must enter the Ouroboros... I know someone who might know how to survive that labyrinth. [Baghi] His name is Amiti. He leads a pretty privileged life in Ayuthay. I guess you could say he's their golden child. So it's difficult for most outsiders to get anywhere near him. But I'm his friend. I know a way. [Baghi] But I'll need to give you something first. Follow me. [Baghi] Now, where did I put it...? [Baghi] That's odd... [Baghi] Ah! Found it! [Baghi] Now, before I give this to you, I've got to tell you the latest news from Ayuthay. [Baghi] King Wo of Kaocho wants to take over Ayuthay. In fact, he's got the main castle surrounded by troops. Don't worry. King Wo's soldiers can't possibly succeed. [Baghi] The people of Ayuthay have hidden deep under the castle grounds where Kaocho can't find them. There is a gate into this hidden city, but I hear that Kaocho's generals cannot open it. No one can. [Baghi] So, if YOU want to get inside Ayuthay, you'll need this. [Baghi] This flute is the secret to getting into the castle. But it still won't be easy. You'll need to get past the generals to reach the inner Ayuthay courtyard. There you'll find a strange and ancient tree. Walk up to it, then play this flute. [Baghi] That tree is your only way into Ayuthay. Once you get inside, find Amiti. [Baghi] Oh, I bet our zol transport might be working, now that you powered up the forge! [Baghi] That's the fast way down to the bottom of our mountain. It hasn't been used in my lifetime. Look for it in the zol storehouse nearby. [Baghi] OK then. Go find that Sol Mask. We're all counting on you. Bogho has given me the go-ahead to let you in. You're all amazing. I can't believe you got our Alchemy Forge running! That's the material that person was wearing. Where in the world did you get your hands on it? I'll tell you. I can't forgive...him. Now I know why my friend here looked so frazzled when he came back. His life had been saved. To think that he sacrificed his life...to save me. He had fuzzy memories of what happened, so it's a relief to hear more about it. He threw away his life...to save ME. I didn't even remember it. I'm disgusted with myself. It's you, huh? But what about the soldier who told her? I should thank him... after all. Hmm...you shouldn't tell a lie. He couldn't handle the truth right now. But someday he might appreciate what you did. All I'm good for is swinging hammers and smashing rocks. That's all I've got to offer. But I'll be here for you anytime you need help. [Right smith] Whoa! They're working again! [Left smith] Now my hammer will get some REAL work! [Right smith] Thanks for starting our forges back up! [Left smith] Let me take my forge for a spin and see what I can make for you! [Left smith] Without you, we'd be sitting around dead forges, making a whole lot of nothing. But now we can forge and sell so many things! Here, take this! It's the least we can do! [Left smith] Safe travels to you!

Passaj, interior 2 (msg_crid_room_2)

I'd been thinking of leaving Passaj until you got our Alchemy Forge working again! What a mask you have! I could look at something that beautiful all day long. The Alchemy Forge in the central hall is said to have been made by the ancient Jenei of Craggy Peak. Are you as surprised as we are, seeing what the Alchemy Forge would do for Passaj? Who knew the Alchemy Forge could do so much more than just melt things down! You'd seen the Alchemy Well in Ayuthay, so I suppose you're getting used to such wonders! Hmm. Odd mask you've got there. It looks like it's made of gold. Long ago, it was said that the clouds seemed to bridge the sky between here and Craggy Peak. It's a phenomenon that was called the Clouds of Passaj. What a spectacle! The fortress walls burst up from the ground in a matter of a minute! Oh, my word! What a mask! I've never seen the like. Our ancestors here in Passaj were like two peas in a pod with an ancient people called the Jenei. The people here were then superb craftsmen, so the Jenei were said to value their abilities. I wish I'd seen the Alchemy Forge start up... I could have told MY grandkids someday! What a neat mask! But it's too big for me. Looking for our elder? Try the central hall where the Alchemy Forge is! Our ancestors must have been truly great if they helped craft Passaj into this fortress! Of course, the Alchemy Forge is a truly great machine! I heard that a mask was needed to start the Alchemy Forge. That must be it! No doubt about it, Alchemy has returned to the world. I know it because the country of Ayuthay is doing well now. It's an Exathi area like ours! Passaj's fortunes have turned around! Now we'll prosper as much as Ayuthay has! Such a mask! It would be perfect for a festival, if we were having one anytime soon. The Alchemy Forge is the key to Passaj's survival. Without it, we may just fade away... So THIS is the real Passaj?! We lived here all these years and never knew the truth! Oh, what I wouldn't give to have an expensive mask like yours! Our legends tell of a people called the Jenei who lived atop distant Craggy Peak. I wish I could show our new Passaj to all the youngsters who've left us. Maybe they'd come back home. That mask looks older than even I am... Which makes it ancient! Hmm. Those ancient people... What are they known as now? Oh, yes! They're called Adepts! Everything shook—and then the lines in the floor all flooded with powerful light! Bless the power of the ancients! What a lovely mask you've got! I'd decorate the inn with that, but then it'd look too ritzy here! Quite a few people make the long trip up to Passaj to see our amazing craftsmen. So I do a pretty brisk business. They're all ready for a good night's sleep after that climb! The Zol Below the Clouds: How can zol look like rock but be lighter than air, and even drift like the clouds? In ancient times, zol was mined from the earth all throughout Ei-Jei, and it was used in many wondrous constructions! The Alchemy Machines: The ancients were known to create immensely powerful machines that drew upon elemental energy. These machines were meant to benefit civilization and improve peoples' lives, but most Alchemy Machines no longer work. Ancient Languages: Sad to say, but very few people alive today know how to decipher any ancient languages. Words are often the only portal into long-dead worlds, so ancient tablets are like windows closed to us forever. This is a simple soup of meat and mushrooms. Hearty stuff for Passaj's workers! This is a mountain-style dumpling filled with minced vegetables and a hot-and-sour sauce. What high-altitude tastiness! This is a dessert spun from sugar that looks like clouds. So pretty, so sweet! To think that he died saving me... That's how he was. Too noble for his own good... Now I know why my pal came back looking so ragged that day. He nearly died... I could hate this man, but it wouldn't bring my boyfriend back... I hope she understands that he wasn't hiding from her— he honestly didn't remember. He sacrificed his life for me, and he didn't even know my name. Worse, I don't remember one bit of it... Had Passaj not been fortified, we would have been wiped out. We have you to thank for our walls! If you hadn't brought our Alchemy Forge back to life, Passaj would be unprotected! We've been spared the worst, but I bet most towns were devastated. Maybe you're needed in those places! When my friends headed out of Passaj, they invited me along. I'm glad I didn't go. I was clueless about what was going on outside. When I went out, I was swarmed by monsters. I'm still not sure how I escaped... It's kind of a blur... On that dreadful morning, I heard a terrible cry. When I peeked outside, I saw a young woman who'd fainted. I dragged her inside, and I'm letting her stay in the back room until she pulls herself together. Though Passaj is protected by our Alchemy Forge, I'm now terrified of everything left behind by the ancients. Bless our Alchemy Forge, and bless these heroes. Monsters will never get into Passaj now. The Grave Eclipse of legend is every bit as horrible as the one plaguing our world. I wonder if there's even anyone left in other towns?! Someone in this town owes his life to my man, but he hasn't even paid his respects. He's probably afraid to come here and look me in the eye. Why can't I remember who he is? My friend here escaped a monster attack outside. But he was traumatized when he returned. He was shaking badly and holding that strange scrap of cloth on the table there. I was supposed to be out there with a bunch of my friends, but I overslept. When I hurried out to catch up, the monsters surrounded me. I should have been a goner... So how did I survive? My memory is so blurry... I don't know what happened to her out there, but I'll bet she lost someone dear to her. The Way of Zol: The green ore known as zol has a most curious property. This material is lighter than air. Zol, which is found throughout Ei-Jei, is tossed and turned on the wind. The ancients used zol often in construction. Miraculous Alchemy Machines: The ancients created immensely powerful machines that operated on the principles of Alchemy. Several of them have been found throughout the world, but most still don't work, despite the return of Alchemy. These Alchemy Machines were originally created to aid civilization, and perhaps they can again help people in the future. The Great Glyphs: Experts believe that the glyphs found in ruins may have a strange connection to ancient civilizations. The glyphs almost seem to become clearer to those who strongly desire to bring back the best of those dead civilizations. This is a basic soup of meat and mushrooms. Hearty stuff for Passaj's workers! This is a mountain-style dumpling filled with minced vegetables and a hot-and-sour sauce. Such high-altitude tastiness! This is a dessert spun from sugar that looks like clouds. Very pretty, very sweet! [Woman] My boyfriend is gone! Lost to those creatures! Why would he try to rescue someone who was already surrounded by monsters?! [Woman] This fabric looks familiar, but I just can't remember why... [Sveta] Perhaps I can help you recall. [Woman] I remember...everything! [Man 2] Now I know why my friend looked so frazzled that night... Your boyfriend saved his life. [Man 1] To think that he traded his life for mine... [Woman] And at first I couldn't even remember who it was he'd saved... [Man 1] I'm...so sorry. [Woman] He was a good man. I'm sure he doesn't regret what he did. [Man 2] It all makes sense now... Hmm...you really shouldn't tell a lie. [Man 2] I really should thank him...after all. [Man 2] He can't handle the truth right now. But someday he might appreciate what you did. [Man 1] All I'm good for is swinging hammers and breaking rocks. [Man 2] That's all I've got to offer. But I'm here for you anytime you need help. You need my help, huh? Somebody saved my life, so I'm dedicating the rest of it to helping other people. OK, lead the way. This fabric looks familiar, but I just can't remember why... Perhaps I can help you recall. I remember...everything! Now I know why my friend looked so frazzled that night... Your boyfriend saved his life. To think that he traded his life for mine... He had fuzzy memories of what happened, so it's relieving to hear more about it. He sacrificed his life... to save ME. I didn't even remember it. I'm disgusted with myself. It's you? But what about the soldier who told her? I really must thank him...after all. Well...you shouldn't tell a lie. He couldn't cope with the truth right now. But someday he might appreciate what you did. All I'm good for is swinging my hammer and smashing rocks. That's all I've got to give. But I'll be here for you anytime you need help.

Passaj, interior 3 (msg_crid_room_3)

Passaj was crusty before, but now I can't help thinking it looks gaudy! I bet the young people like it. Hmm... If only the forge could make ME less crusty too! No masks made hereabouts ever looked anything like yours. A true master must have made it! Long ago, the Exathi were much respected by the Jenei, who once ruled the world. Yet it saddens me to think that we, the descendants of the Exathi, don't respect ourselves so much anymore. I get so excited, thinking about how Passaj will prosper now! Hopefully I'll live to see the day when Passaj truly blooms! That Sol Mask is mighty curious. It could only be for something special! The Jenei people have long gone. They were the original Adepts, with the purest abilities. We of Passaj are descendants of the Exathi, but our smithing skills don't hold a candle to theirs. You know, I've always put down Passaj my whole life. Now I realize how wrong I was. Our ancestors were truly great. That's the mask? How strange that the ancients made it such a key part of our forge! One of the zol miners once stepped off the edge of the platform above Passaj... He'd heard of the old stories about a cloud passage that went to Craggy Peak. Pretty dumb idea. That was the last we ever saw of him. Then there's that OTHER old story about some kind of man-beasts who live across the clouds... Sounds just as ridiculous, if you ask me. Our people will regain their pride, in Passaj and in themselves, now that you fixed our forge! And I bet the legendary path to Craggy Peak will be open now too! What?! You got the mask? Bogho said that's the key to making our forge work! I've looked for the cloud road that was once said to exist above Passaj. What a waste of my time. There's nothing up there! Restoring the Alchemy Forge has given the town a new lease on life! Passaj has never been so much fun! Hey, shiny mask you've got there. Looks priceless! This is where we store the floating rocks. We float the zol stones up from the mine below! The Ancient Exathi: Though the Neox ruled much of the ancient world, they had a special appreciation for the Exathi. The Exathi were renowned as master craftsmen, and the modern citizens of Passaj and Ayuthay are their descendants. Though their peoples possess little or no Psynergy, their ancestors' powers of craftsmanship have been passed down. The Ancient Jenei: Those ancients with the power of Psynergy were called the Jenei. Theirs was a great and vast civilization. They understood the laws of Alchemy and could use them to create things from their deepest imaginings. I hope that that group of friends who left Passaj weren't attacked by the monsters! I have no doubt that starting up the Alchemy Machines is tied to the coming of this evil eclipse! With no sun, it's gotten much colder. And it'll be even worse when it's actually winter! The young people here tried to leave because they were sick of the quiet life in Passaj. I almost hoped that they would get away and live their dreams. Until all this happened... The Neox made our Alchemy Forge. We have always thought of such machines as treasures. But maybe that's only because we really don't understand what they're really for at all! So cold...and then there's snow blowing in from the north too, probably from the Khiren range. I shudder to think what would have happened if the walls were not in place. The gods are merciful. The Ancient Exathi: Though the Neox ruled much of the ancient world, they had a special appreciation for the Exathi. The Exathi were renowned as master craftsmen, and the modern citizens of Passaj and Ayuthay are their descendants. Though their peoples possess little or no Psynergy, their ancestors' powers of craftsmanship have been passed down. The Ancient Jenei: Those ancients with the power of Psynergy were called the Jenei. Theirs was a great and vast civilization. They understood the laws of Alchemy and could use them to create things from their deepest imaginings. Since you restarted the Alchemy Forge, Passaj has flourished like it did in ages past. Fortune will soon be ours. Oh no! I mustn't get so excited! I might fall right over! Huh. Looks like there's something stuck behind that zol stone... Ah, that did it. See you around! Sorry, but I've learned my lesson: I'm not leaving town again 'til this is all over.

Alchemy Forge, with Sol Mask (msg_alcm_pod_b)

The Sol Mask has been set in place. I can't believe it, Amiti. You and the Warriors of Vale! I have heard people speak of this as the Grave Eclipse. A similar fate befell the ancient world. But Passaj had its Alchemy Forge to help it survive those bleak times. It's good to see how well Amiti is doing with Matthew and the others. He's been a good friend, and I have every confidence that he'll make a difference out in the world. The Sol Mask has been set in place. [Baghi] Is that you, Matthew?! [Baghi] It is! What a relief to see you again! [Bogho] Ah, relief indeed, Matthew. [Baghi] You've come back to Passaj. So, did you succeed in your quest? [Baghi] How wonderful! [Bogho] That should come as no surprise, Baghi. They're surely trying to help the whole world survive this time of crisis. [Baghi] What? So is the end of all this misery in sight yet? [Bogho] The world is a big place, Baghi, and Matthew and his friends have a big job ahead of them. [Bogho] But I'm right, aren't I? You're trying to fight the Grave Eclipse. [Bogho] I had a feeling something horrible was in the wind, just like before the Kaocho army attacked us. [Bogho] Now that I think about it, I'm sure there was a reason Kaocho tried to attack us and Ayuthay. They were after both of our Alchemy Machines. [Bogho] I now seem to recall that our two machines are connected to a third one... But what was it? Oh, yes. It was called the Apollo Lens. I know nothing more. Perhaps you've learned of it—if you've heard legends about the ancient darkness. [Baghi] Maybe the Grave Eclipse is also tied to that machine. [Bogho] I cannot say. [Bogho] But Matthew has surely discovered more about what plagues the world. [Bogho] I pray that you can stop the Grave Eclipse. [Bogho] Even knowing of something called an Apollo Lens strikes fear into my heart. [Baghi] Hmm. He's always been like that— speaking in riddles, then shuffling off before you can get answers. [Baghi] Don't mind the elder. I'm sure you'll find out what's at the heart of all this. [Baghi] At least I hope so. I can't even imagine how much you have on your hands with the Grave Eclipse. [Baghi] I'm sorry we can't do more to ease your struggle. I don't have to tell you what's going on out there. The Alchemy Forge's walls are all that keep us safe. With our whole town hanging in the balance, I have to ask you not to mess with the forge now. Matthew, have you gone mad, boy? If the forge stops working for even a moment, it's the end of Passaj. Let's not interfere with it! [Bogho] What has happened?! [Baghi] It must be the Alchemy Forge! [Bogho] The Sol Mask! You retrieved it from the Ouroboros! [Baghi] You actually got into the labyrinth? [Amiti] Of course they did, Baghi. Matthew and his friends are true miracle workers. [Bogho] Oh, gracious! You're of the Ayuthay court! [Baghi] Amiti, you're here! [Amiti] Please, no need for formalities, Bogho. And hello to you, Baghi! [Bogho] I'm...I'm honored, Amiti! But why have you warriors troubled him with the climb to Passaj?! [Karis] Amiti helped us get the mask so we could start the Alchemy Forge! [Bogho] Then it seems that we are in King Paithos's debt. [Amiti] No, we are in your debt. Your people helped them find their way to Ayuthay. [Bogho] Just imagine... A royal child of Ayuthay...and the children of the Warriors of Vale! [Amiti] The children of the Warriors of Vale?! [Baghi] Yes, the Adepts of legend! [Bogho] You didn't know? [Amiti] I had no idea! [Baghi] How strange! [Bogho] Well, together you have brought about quite a change here in Passaj. [Baghi] Didn't you feel the shaking?! Our little town has been reforged into a fortress! [Bogho] But it couldn't be just our Alchemy Forge that has done all this. [Baghi] Our machine alone could not produce such a wonder. [Amiti] It is BOTH of our machines, working hand-in-hand, that is bringing about such miracles. [Amiti] These great Adepts have done nothing less than revive our ancient civilization! The descendants of the Jenei have reunited we Exathi peoples! Passaj and Ayuthay—in harmony! I will never forget this moment, the day on which the lands of my birth were forever changed! But I won't be staying in Ei-Jei to enjoy the first days of this new golden age. [Amiti] I would like to accompany my new friends farther on their journey. If they'll have me, that is? [Bogho] Are you truly turning away from your royal duties to walk the path of a warrior? [Amiti] I am not turning my back on my home, for I will surely return as a wiser son of Ayuthay. [Baghi] Hmm... Amiti and the Warriors of Vale... [Karis] Please, Baghi... Our parents were the Warriors of Vale, not us. But we are glad to have Amiti. [Bogho] How I yearned for adventure when I was young. [Bogho] When I was your age, all my dear friends left Passaj and scattered to the winds... Before I knew it, only I was left to bear the burden of the head Elder, helping Passaj through its dark days. [Bogho] If only I could have gotten our Alchemy Forge working... [Bogho] Ah, sorry. My mind has wandered. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for helping my people. [Bogho] But I can't leave it at mere gratitude. [Bogho] We must find a suitable reward for those who restored Passaj's fortunes. I open our vault to you. Our new future is worth more than any treasure! [Amiti] We mustn't turn down his offer, friends. His pride as Elder would be hurt. [Bogho] Now, if you'll pardon an old man... I'll leave you to YOUR future. [Bogho] But one last thing! [Bogho] Before you depart for Craggy Peak, speak with the other elders in our main meeting hall. They may know more lore that could help you. [Bogho] We must repay our debt to you in full, of course! [Tyrell] Well, there goes gramps. So Craggy Peak, huh? We'll be on our way soon! [Rief] We've been mired in the south too long. We must cross over the mountains. Craggy Peak is our path forward. [Karis] Finally! We can see for ourselves what kind of cloud passage the Alchemy Forge has made for us! [Karis] So, should we head for the sky platform above Passaj, Matthew? [Tyrell] No? After all the trouble we've gone to? Well, Bogho did say we should pry more secrets from the other elders before we leave Passaj. They're usually sealed up in their meeting hall though. Maybe they're too busy to see us right now. OK, let's make our way upward then! [Baghi] Wait, wait! Don't leave me behind! A picture of the Sol Mask is visible.

Passaj, reactivated cloud platform (msg_crid_town_2a)

Passaj Cloud Platform [Baghi] I thought I wouldn't get here in time to wave good-bye... But wh-what happened?! [Tyrell] You tell us! That wasn't much of a cloud passage, Baghi! What about the legends about getting to Craggy Peak?! We got the forge working! [Tyrell] I could jump higher than that cloud carried us! You OWE us, Baghi! [Baghi] I...I don't know what's wrong! [Karis] Leave him alone, Tyrell! I'm sure that Baghi told us everything he knows! [Rief] We're close; I just know it! The forge is at least trying to make a cloud for us... [Amiti] I agree with Rief. So we must still be missing something that we need to get across. [Matthew] ...? [Karis] Yes, it seemed like that cloud was too... [Tyrell] Too fluffy! [Rief] Too misty! [Baghi] Yes, yes! The clouds from our fiery forge must be too hot and misty! They need to be cooled down and made more substantial somehow! [Bogho] Indeed, young ones. And our legends may again serve you. [Baghi] Please tell us, gramps! [Tyrell] Hey, it's gramps! [Bogho] Baghi! Don't ever call me that! [Amiti] Elder, please share your wisdom. What's this about further legends? [Bogho] I vaguely recall something about ice... Hmm, my memories are a little too foggy... [Rief] Would perhaps the other elders remember more? [Bogho] Their combined knowledge may provide the answer. We have some old tales about a blue gemstone... [Amiti] A gemstone? That sounds like what we needed to put the Alchemy Well in reverse. [Amiti] We couldn't have put the well in reverse without the power from the Sand Prince Stone. [Baghi] The Sand Prince Stone...? It sounds related to our own Ice Queen Stone! [Rief] Princes, queens, gemstones... What a royal mystery! [Baghi] Ah, some of it is coming back to me now... This gemstone once vanished from Passaj! [Bogho] More like it was stolen! Didn't a monk take it from Passaj many years ago? [Karis] Are you OK, Amiti?! [Amiti] The Sand Prince spoke to me once more... He said that he knows of a woman who escaped from her gemstone... She is in a maze somewhere, he says, hoping that she will never be found... [Tyrell] What does all THAT mean, Amiti? [Amiti] She is a woman who is using her power to revive an area that once lay in ruins... But she is a greedy creature, giving up only a tiny fraction of her power to help people... And that is all he says. [Rief] If we needed to find the Sand Prince to deal with the Alchemy Well... Then I bet we need to find this woman to sort out the Alchemy Forge! [Karis] To throw the forge in reverse, you mean? Maybe you're right! [Bogho] An area that once lay in ruins...? [Bogho] We all know of such a place, of course! [Matthew] ...? [Karis] Harapa! [Tyrell] No doubt! [Rief] That's it! [Amiti] Now we know exactly what to do to create a solid cloud passage. [Baghi] Er, how did you...? Who spoke to...? [Tyrell] We found a man in Ayuthay... who's actually a gemstone... and only Amiti can hear him talk. Really, Baghi. You've got to try and keep up better. [Rief] He put up quite a fight before he came along with us, however. So I bet this queen won't come quietly either. [Bogho] I'll admit that I find this all perplexing too. Gemstones? Queens? I can't believe that they're one and the same... [Amiti] Still, we must defeat this woman to get the Ice Queen Stone. [Karis] All right, let's go, Matthew. Let's find this queen! [Bogho] I suspect that the ancient world was far stranger than we can imagine... [Bogho] Be careful, warriors. Our Ice Queen Stone was said to be beautiful. If this woman is just as alluring, I hope you don't fall victim to her charms. [Bogho] Baghi! [Bogho] Don't you have errands down in Passaj? Please, don't be a bother to our dear friends. [Baghi] Well, I... [Baghi] Take care, everyone. [Karis] If we leave, we may not be able to return again. So, ready to go, Matthew? [Karis] OK, let's get everything in order then before we leave. [Bogho] Look at that! It's working! [Bogho] You've done so much for us. I'm sorry to see you leave! [Baghi] I can only imagine what adventures lie ahead of you, my friends! [Amiti] Our adventures would have never gotten off the ground without you, Baghi. You have been a good friend, and I will miss you deeply. [Baghi] The honor has been all mine, Amiti. [Tyrell] I don't mean to butt in here, but... how do we get this thing going? [Bogho] This cloud was forged from floating zol, so I'm sure that strong winds will carry you. [Karis] Then I'll do my best to blow us across the sky! [Baghi] Wow! What a strong gust! Did she do that?! [Bogho] Her powers will come in useful soon, but this gust is a gift from Ei-Jei. [Baghi] What do you mean, Grandfather? [Bogho] It is a parting wind from the coast below, blowing them north, where they need to go... [Bogho] Good-bye, Matthew! Take care! [Baghi] Come back and visit! After your quest is done! [Amiti] I will never forget this lovely place. I promise that I'll return.

Alchemy Forge, reversed (msg_alcm_pod_c)

The Sol Mask has been set in place. The Sol Mask has been set in place. [Bogho] Baghi! Our friends have reversed the flow! [Baghi] Then they found the Ice Queen Stone! [Bogho] There is seemingly nothing these brave warriors can't do! [Baghi] So, I suppose that you'll be heading off to Craggy Peak immediately then? [Amiti] If this improves the cloud conditions at the platform...then yes! [Karis] Let's go and find out! Come on! [Bogho] It should be smooth sailing at this point. Now friends, head for the cloud platform!