Golden Sun: Dark Dawn/String Dump (Part 6)

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.

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Border Town

Border Town (msg_brdr_town)

Where are you going, Matthew? We have the letter, so hurry up and read it for us already! Hey, Matthew, did you forget to, you know, READ that letter? I want to know what Kraden says! What could Briggs want of Kraden? The suspense is almost overwhelming! Please read it and let us know. I am surprised that a common pirate was able to swallow his pride and ask a favor of anyone. This is Border Town. Usually we're a prosperous trading town, but the border is closed, so no trading. The closed border is really starting to wear on people's livelihoods around here. Watch out, stranger! I'm a beastling, and we're always ready for a fight! My daddy says it's because we haven't grown out of the animal part of our personalities yet. Grrrrowl! Have you noticed that grown-ups never growl? Don't they know it's fun? Watch yourself. There've been a couple of rough-looking humans looking for someone around here. A lot of folks come through here— even pirates sometimes. I'm always nervous with those types around. There were some pirates from the Sanan Sea here earlier. What were pirates doing on land, though? We've been seeing pirates from the Sanan Sea around here lately. Pirates! If you see any, be careful what you do and say. You don't want to cross a pirate! You want to leave Border Town and cross into Bilibin? I'm afraid that the gate will have to remain closed for the foreseeable future. That is very wise. I understand that though their land is rich, it is small, and McCoy is a weak and ineffective ruler. [Pirate 1] Your name be Matthew, right? [Pirate 1] I thought so. [Pirate 1] No need to be cagey, old son. I got a good description of ye, and there's no mistakin'. [Tyrell] So what if he is Matthew? [Pirate 2] Yar! You are a defensive lad, ain't ya? You'll be Tyrell then? [Karis] You know an awful lot about us. Who are you two? [Pirate 1] I wouldn't yell it from the riggin', but we're a couple o' freebootin' sailors as beholden to no country... Also called pirates. [Matthew] ?! [Karis] I thought as much... [Rief] But that's... [Amiti] These are...thieves? [Tyrell] Worse than thieves— they're pirates! [Pirate 1] Keep yer voices down! We told you we're bein' discreet here! [Pirate 2] So aye, we're pirates from Champa, sailin' under the command o' Captain Briggs. [Rief] Briggs?! [Pirate 1] Pipe down, I said! [Karis] What are you pirates doing here...on land? [Pirate 1] Our leader, Cap'n Briggs, well... His son's gonna be executed. So he sent us to find his old mate, Kraden. [Pirate 2] Briggs's heard from his old friend, Piers, that Kraden was in Bilibin, so we headed out this way. [Rief] So if you were going to Bilibin by sea, how did you wind up in Border Town? [Pirate 1] It's not a lie, if that's what yer thinkin'. Just read the letter, then we'll explain. [Pirate 2] Aye, instead of asking us a bunch o' questions, why don't you read it? [Rief] It's a private letter for Kraden! We can't read it! [Pirate 1] The letter's actually about you lot, at least partly. Should be OK for you to read. [Pirate 2] Like I said, just read it. Should answer some o' yer questions. [System Message] Read the letter? [Letter] Dear Mr. Kraden, I bet you're surprised to get this letter. I'm surprised I'm writing it. [Letter] I don't have a lot of time, so I'll make this short and to the point. I need your help. [Letter] My son was captured in Morgal. They're planning to execute him by boiling at the next full moon. [Letter] I heard the kids of those Vale warriors are running around Ei-Jei. Please get them to help. [Letter] I wouldn't be asking, but he's my son and I'm desperate. —Briggs [Pirate 1] Well? Vale warriors' kids and all? That's you guys, right? We'll be going, then. [Tyrell] Hey! Hold on a second! [Tyrell] We haven't said that we're going to help rescue some pirate's son. [Pirate 1] Aye, true... [Pirate 2] If that's the way it is, so be it. [Amiti] Was that truly your entire task? To give us a message? You do not care if we refuse the request? [Pirate 1] Well...not really. [Pirate 2] To be blunt, when you're a criminal, you don't put a lot of stock in others wantin' to help ye. [Rief] If that's the case, why would you go to the trouble of bringing us this letter? [Pirate 1] Seemed like a better gamble'n most. We knew the Warriors of Vale woulda helped, so maybe their kids would too. [Pirate 2] As for how we got here, the passage to Bilibin is blocked by ice, so we thought we'd try land. [Pirate 1] O' course, we didn't know the border was closed. [Pirate 2] It all worked out, though. We ran into you guys. [Karis] Wait! [Karis] Not that we're necessarily going to help, but...where would we find Briggs now? [Pirate 1] It took us a while to find you. I don't think you'll be able to meet him. [Karis] We won't be able to meet him? Why not? [Pirate 2] The cap'n's impatient. By now I expect he's already boarded his ship and set sail for Belinsk. [Pirate 1] Did ye hear the cannon sounds? They came from the direction of Belinsk. [Amiti] A head-on assault? This Briggs is obviously suicidally insane. [Pirate 2] That's why he's the cap'n. [Pirate 1] Aye. He's the best of us. Never give up, even if you know you're gonna lose. [Rief] Courageous or not, can his ship survive such punishment? [Pirate 1] Maybe. Maybe not. [Pirate 2] The best we can hope is that he limps back to Port Rago. [Tyrell] Wow. He is crazy... [Karis] So why would he go to Port Rago? [Pirate 1] For the shipwrights. There's a lot o' men there could fix up his ship right proper. [Pirate 2] Aye. The fellas there've got shipyards for even the biggest pirate ships...for the right pirate. [Pirate 1] Anyway, not who we were expectin' to deliver it to, but the letter's delivered. See you around. [Tyrell] You know we still haven't said we'll help, right? [Pirate 1] Aye, you've made that more than plain. [Pirate 2] And what's Briggs's son to you? You don't know him. For all you know, he deserves to be boiled to death. [Pirate 1] Clear sailin' to ye! [Pirate 2] So long! [Pirate 1] Look, it's none of our business, but if yer lookin' for Kraden in Bilibin, you can't get there. [Pirate 2] Aye, so why not lend a hand for Briggs? [Rief] They're gone... [Tyrell] Can you believe those guys? Thinking we'd help them just because of who our parents are? [Karis] This Briggs fought Felix and his friends... Do we just forget that and risk our lives to help him? [Karis] I suppose it does feel sort of poetic that Briggs's son could be saved by his enemies' children... [Karis] On the other hand, by aiding criminals, we might become criminals ourselves... [Karis] Of course, nothing could be worse than watching your own son boiled alive. We can all agree about that... [Karis] I guess my vote is that we should at least talk to Briggs and hear him out. [Amiti] The Champa pirates are notorious enough that I have heard of Briggs's son, Eoleo. He may even be worse than this scourge of a father. Should we help such a man? [Rief] But all we know about this Eoleo is hearsay. We can't judge him yet. [Rief] If we can't get to Bilibin, then I believe we should help. [Amiti] We will not help roving sea thugs. [Tyrell] Sheesh, Amiti, who died and made you prince of the party? [Karis] Tyrell... [Amiti] Champa is a nation of lawless cutthroats. Their leader does not deserve our help. [Karis] Amiti, I know you mean well, but I don't think the world is quite that simple. [Amiti] What do you mean? [Karis] We like to imagine that right and wrong are absolutes, but they really depend on how you look at things. [Karis] Don't you agree, Matthew? [Karis] I'm sorry to put you on the spot. I know it's a thorny question. [Karis] Glad to hear you agree. [Rief] Besides, it's not just Eoleo! Ryu Kou said that his sister was captured and is being held in Belinsk. [Rief] We can all agree about rescuing a blameless girl, right? [Karis] So do we have an agreement? [Tyrell] No objections from anybody? Great! Let's find this Port Rago and talk to Briggs already! [Pianist] Oh, hello. Are you a fellow music lover? [Pianist] You have to come to a place like Border Town to write music about real sorrow. It's only in a place with a war on its doorstep where the melody of desperation really emerges. [Pianist] You want to request "Arangoa Prelude" from my band? [Pianist] We can't play without all six of us there, so I'll head back to Belinsk soon. Uh, hello. Are you a fellow music lover? You have to come somewhere like Border Town to write music about real sorrow. It's only in a place with a war on its doorstep where the melody of desperation really emerges. Did you really come here just to talk to a starving musician? Border Town may not be much for sightseeing, but I've never had to look hard for musical inspiration here... Every poor soul here has some tragic story to tell. Someday, maybe, I'll write them a song that represents all of Morgal. They're going to perform "Arangoa"? It can't be done without all five musicians, so I'd better go back to Belinsk. It's locked.

Border Town, interior (msg_brdr_ph)

My son was on the west side of town when they closed the border... I hope he has enough to eat. Our son is trapped on the other side of the border... I've been keeping his room ready for him. Finally free after years of Sanan rule, you'd think we'd be at peace... Apparently Bilibin disagrees. I hear that the lord of Bilibin, McCoy, won't so much as cough without the say-so of his wife. I'm certain the war against Morgal is her doing... People who eat dream leaves here in our inn often dream of the days when the border was open. If you happen across any dream leaves, be sure to come back and dream with us! The border closing hit these people pretty hard. All I can do is pray that the war ends soon and the gate opens. Border Town's local soup—seasonal fruit wrapped in bacon and slowly stewed in spices for seven days. It's actually even better than it sounds. Diary of Border Town: ...or at least half of it. The war with Bilibin is slowly choking our trade town to death. After we fought to end Sanan rule, Bilibin, sensing weakness, moved in, and we had to close the border. The Bilibin soldiers have been quiet since we closed the border gate, but who knows when they'll attack? There is a telescope here. Would you like to look through it? Did you get some good rest? Great! Take care, now.

Border Town dream (msg_brdr_town_ym)

Welcome to Border Town! We're sort of a cultural crossroads between the east and west. I was born and raised here, but I'm proud of how humans and beastmen work together in this town. I've heard that Bilibin is a country ruled by a woman. I wonder what she's like... Er, please don't tell my wife what I was just saying! Bilibin has a king, but I guess he's kind of weak and the queen is the real power there. I wonder what it would be like to run your own country... Welcome to Border Town! You're coming in from Morgal, right? Heading to Bilibin next? You know what's great? Humans and beastmen living and working together, that's what. My husband and I try to feed the local children when we can. It's terrible to go hungry. My wife and I were never able to have children of our own, so we help care for our neighbors' children. They say the more you fight, the closer you must be... My sister and I are really close. Garrr... Aaah! I'm not mad or anything— I'm just joking around. Wake up from this dream? Wake up from this dream?

Border Town dream, interior (msg_brdr_ph_ym)

Last night the wife and I were bickering when our son came in and said something ridiculous. We laughed so hard that we forgot what we were fighting about! There's probably a lesson there of some kind... Our son is such a piglet! Last night he'd fallen asleep, then popped awake and asked if it was breakfast time! Is it time to eat yet? This soup involves bacon-wrapped fruit that has been stewed for days... More people should eat like this. Wake up from this dream?

Port Rago

Port Rago (msg_urgo)

Welcome to Port Rago, gateway to the sea for all of Morgal! Be sure to visit our famous docks. Port Rago's sailors are the best in the world! Well, with one exception... Apparently one of the Warriors of Vale actually sailed through the Sea of Time! That guy must have seawater for blood... Piers showed up out of the blue about...30 years ago and became a seafaring hero overnight. Wait...has it really been 30 years? I swear, he hasn't aged more than 10. Some people are just born under a good sign, I guess. I wonder how Briggs wrecked up his ship this time...? Those docks aren't just our livelihood, they're our heritage. Our shipwrights have been respected since ancient times. My dad had some bad trips to the Otka Sea. We don't get crab and shrimp for dinners anymore... I hear the shipwrights are working on a really old ship now! I wish I could get into the docks and see! Huh. I could swear I saw a boat come in at dawn. I wonder why it's being worked on in secret... If you came to see the shipwrights at work, I'm afraid you're out of luck— the yards are empty right now. With their reputation, they could work all the time, but they're proud. If they don't like you, your money's no good to 'em. You want to see the ships on the docks? The gate to the docks is shut, so it would take a magician to sneak in there. Well I'M curious. This morning I thought I saw a ship flying the skull and crossbones. Spooky... I was out fishing when I saw a Sanan ship. I hurried back to the harbor, since she sure weren't a fishing boat. What are Sanan warships doing out this far...? Must've been a scouting mission...or the start of another war? The shipwrights are inside, but the doors are closed, so I can't see what's going on! I'm dying to see them work! I hear a big boat is in the docks right now! I wish I had some magic powers that would help me sneak in... It's just business as usual down at the docks, but if you've never been, it might be interesting. Our shipwrights can make ships sturdy enough to actually sail the Otka Sea, so there's always demand. Our shipwrights aren't just in it for the money. They work for their own reasons. But the money is nice. When they're building one of their great ships, the whole town comes to life! I was in Belinsk the other day and saw a ship that was simply massive. I wonder where it could have come from... Some people call the Port Rago shipwrights "Exathi." I guess that was the name of some legendary ancient craftsmen? Salted fish eggs, a delicacy to people of a certain palate... and a certain degree of wealth. Pancakes made in the Port Rago style, topped with seaweed and dried fish. Delicious and hearty. A shredded-herring-and-potato pie. Hot out of the oven and ready to eat! Port Rago's Sailing Song: When the waves crash 'gainst our hull, And the wind plays with the dancing gulls, Salt on our faces and fish in our nets, For sailors this is all we hope to get! Port Rago Fish: The fish from Port Rago seas are a staple of the Morgal diet. Naturally this means that fishing makes up a substantial portion of the local economy. The Morgal Revolution: Morgal's vast, open plains gave rise to a free, open-minded people. The Sanans, jealous of Morgal freedom, marched in with armies and ushered in the darkest era of our history. Port Rago Sailing Tips: In sailing, as in life, it is always easiest to go with the flow. It is also vital to make the wind your friend, regardless of which way it may blow. This is also a life lesson. Captain Briggs seems to spend more and more of every day sleeping. I guess age catches up to everyone... It's a pretty slow day at the docks today. But you're welcome to look around if you like. Errrrhhh... Ohhhh... Hello. Here to enjoy the ocean as well? The sound of the waves here inspires my violin playing. The tide on the sand is like my bow on the strings... You came all the way to Port Rago just to find a violin player? Ah, yes. I can indeed play "Arangoa Prelude." I suppose I should return to Belinsk, then. [Violinist] Hello. Here to enjoy the ocean as well? [Violinist] The sound of the waves here inspires my violin playing. The tide on the sand is like my bow on the strings... [Violinist] You came all the way to Port Rago just to find a violin player? [Violinist] Ah, yes. I can indeed play "Arangoa Prelude." I suppose I should return to Belinsk, then. [Old Man] I saw a ship coming in to dock... [Old Man] But it turned out to be Briggs in his old, broken-down tub. [Old Man] Briggs is well known up and down the coast... as is his antique ship. [Old Man] Say what you like about his ship, a life at sea has made Briggs tough as deck plating. [Old Man] If Briggs is in town, the shipwrights are probably about to make some money on repair work... [Briggs] Hmmmm... [Briggs] Eh, time to get myself a snack... [Briggs] Matthew? You're here... [Briggs] Where is Eoleo? [Tyrell] What, like we just went off and rescued him without you? [Briggs] Hmmph... No, I guess not... [Rief] What about what Tret said? [Briggs] You guys talked to Tret?! What'd he have to say for himself? [Amiti] He did not offer advice on the Belinsk situation, if that is what you are asking. [Briggs] Yeah, figures... [Karis] But we still need to go to Belinsk. Maybe while we're there we can meet up with Ryu Kou. [Briggs] Ryu Kou, huh? Is he in Belinsk, too? [Tyrell] What, do you know him or something? [Briggs] That little country that Volechek destroyed, he was the prince or somethin'... Guess he left 'is sister and took off. [Briggs] As to what happened to him, you said you might see him, so I guess he's in Belinsk now. Trying to help his sister, maybe? [Briggs] You're gonna ask me to help him while I'm busy rescuing my only son? [Briggs] What a pack you are! [Tyrell] Yeah, this guy has to be Briggs! [Rief] Um, about that ship... [Briggs] Nothin' to talk about. It's still not fixed. [Amiti] But we have no time to spare! It is almost the day scheduled for Eoleo's execution! [Briggs] Try to get it through yer head: without a ship, there's nothin' to be done, and that ship won't be fixed in time. [Karis] But Eoleo is your son! And you're just going to give up on him?! [Briggs] Yeah, I know he's my son. And I'm just thrilled to have to leave him to those Belinsk jackals, believe me. [Briggs] If the ship were fixed, it would be a different story. As it is, I'm helpless. [Amiti] But how will— [Briggs] Tell you what— you go on ahead. [Rief] What, you want us to go without you? [Briggs] Exactly. [Tyrell] You're joking! We came all this way to help YOU. [Briggs] And I appreciate it. But what I need is for you to not wait for me and get there as soon as you can. [Karis] Some father! Waiting around on a dock while others rescue your son! [Briggs] I'll set sail for Belinsk as soon as I've got my boat fixed. Trust me. [Tyrell] Trust you?! Trust the pirate who doesn't care about his own son's execution?! [Briggs] I'm tellin' you, I'll meet you in Belinsk. You'll see. [Briggs] I just need to finish these repairs before I go. [Rief] What should we do? [Amiti] I am completely opposed to helping this man in any way. [Karis] So what then? Do we just forget about going to Belinsk? [Karis] Look, I don't expect much from Briggs, but I do think we still need to go to Belinsk. It's our only way forward. It's locked.

Port Rago Docks (msg_urgo_dock_2)

If you're looking for Briggs, he's probably sleeping inside the ship. Again. Are you associated with Briggs and this...dilapidated vessel? The great pirate Briggs. Supposedly a sailor without rival, yet his ship is this broken-down tub. We'd gladly build a new ship for him if he asked, but he says he can't give up on this old lady yet. This pile of driftwood and barnacles is too old for an honest pirate ship. I wonder when it was made... I guess the Belinsk battleships are already on patrol for pirate ships roaming around offshore. I always worry when those battleships get a taste of blood. Once they get going, nothing stops them... You want a ship built, I imagine? Well, there are a lot of people who want us to build ships for them. The shipwrights of Port Rago choose their customers with care. We only build for those we take a liking to. Oh? So you've come to see the docks then. These docks are our inheritance from the ancients... Aren't they amazing? This ship would barely float even before it ran afoul of the Belinsk garrison. Briggs should consider just retiring it. We shipwrights of Port Rago like to say that we're the best in the world, but it's not like anyone can prove it, per se. We can, however, trace our ancestry back to the Exathi, the favorite artisans of the Jenei. Good grief! This ship is in even worse shape than I first thought! Can we just scuttle her and be done? This ship is my greatest treasure and my oldest friend. I expect I'll die aboard her someday. This is the ship I'll go after Eoleo with. She should be ready by the time you guys get back from the forest. Those shipwrights offered the cap'n 'is money back if we'd just leave, but 'e won't give up on that old tub. Glad ye could make it! Briggs told us we could put faith in the great Warriors of Vale! I was sure that someday I'd understand why the cap'n loves this old, rotten tub so much... But now I'm sure he's just crazy. When people find out this withered old ship belongs to the great pirate Briggs, we always get a good laugh. I s'pose he must have a reason for loving the old girl...maybe someday I'll understand. If you're here to help Eoleo, then it's better done sooner than later. We'd be obliged if you'd hurry. [Briggs] Matthew! You made it here! [Briggs] Let me get a look at you, Matthew. [Tyrell] How do you know who he is? [Briggs] I was only sure once I saw you use Psynergy over there. [Briggs] But I already suspected on account o' you havin' your mother's eyes, Matthew. Jenna'd be proud, boy. [Amiti] I cannot help but notice that your ship is in an advanced state of disrepair. [Tyrell] No kidding! I can't believe it actually floats—it's got so many holes. [Rief] You're a brave man to sail in such a ship, Captain Briggs. [Briggs] It's true. She could sink under my feet, and I'd not be surprised. [Karis] So, uh, your letter to Kraden said you need our help... [Briggs] Ah, yes. I suppose I do. [Tyrell] You "suppose"? Don't tell us you don't need help anymore! [Briggs] No, no, I need help. And Adept help is likely the best kind for my problem. [Amiti] But you sounded uncertain when Karis asked you. Why? [Briggs] It's not that I'm uncertain... [Briggs] It's just that with my ship in this shape, I can't go to save Eoleo anytime soon. [Rief] Yes, I'd say that this ship isn't going anywhere for a good while. [Karis] Well, I'm afraid we wouldn't know how to fix your ship, so I don't know how we can help. [Briggs] If I could make a suggestion, I know something you can do while we're waitin' for the boat. [Briggs] I want you to talk to an elder for me. [Amiti] An elder? I imagine we could do that. Why is it important? [Briggs] Well...he won't meet with me. [Rief] Well, if he's got an image to maintain, it does make some sense that he wouldn't want to be seen with a notorious pirate... [Briggs] You're in Morgal to get a feather from the Mountain Roc, eh? Well, this elder might be of some help. [Karis] Is there someone besides Kraden who can help us? [Briggs] Yeah, it's not like Kraden's the only guy in the world who knows stuff, you know. [Karis] Well, who is it? [Briggs] Fella named Tret. Lives out in Kolima Forest. [Tyrell] Isaac mentioned Tret, too. Can you tell us anything about him? [Briggs] I don't know much, just what Piers told me. But I guess he owes Isaac big. [Rief] I wonder if he would consider that debt to transfer to Isaac's son, if Matthew were to ask...? [Amiti] What is your purpose in sending us to this Tret? [Briggs] Well... [Amiti] We expect the full truth, criminal! [Briggs] He knows quite a bit about the city of Belinsk. [Tyrell] He knows a lot about the city? What good does that do us? [Briggs] No one's ever successfully attacked Belinsk Castle by sea. Tryin' is how I tore up my ship. [Briggs] So the only way we're gonna rescue Eoleo is by land. [Briggs] So what we need is information on how to get into Belinsk Castle by land. Anything might help. [Rief] Just to be clear, you are now asking US to get information AND to rescue your son? [Karis] Yeah, I'm starting to feel like an indentured servant. It seems very selfish on Briggs's part. [Tyrell] To be fair, he needs us. Only Adepts are gonna be able to break in there. [Amiti] But if Tret does not have valuable strategic information, an attack may not be possible. [Briggs] That'll be enough o' that kind o' talk! Eoleo is depending on us! [Karis] What do you think, Matthew? [Karis] I guess you're right... If we have to find Tret eventually, now's as good a time as any. [Karis] Right! With lives on the line, we can't give up now! [Karis] Hey, it can't all be doom and gloom! How about a little optimism? I think Tret is our best shot at cracking this nut. [Karis] Right! Tret was a big help to your dad's group, so he'll probably have great advice for us too! Way to keep up our spirits! [Briggs] So you'll go? Great! [Tyrell] Hold it... Aren't you coming? [Briggs] Nah, I'm no good at talkin'. I also got to make sure my ship gets finished soon. [Amiti] You mean you do not want to go. [Briggs] Well, yes. [Tyrell] I feel like we just fell into a trap! [Briggs] I prefer the term "volunteered." [Tyrell] Whatever. So are we still doing this? [Rief] Well, Kraden has spoken of Tret before. I'm curious to meet him. [Briggs] To hear Piers tell it, there's nothin' under the sun that Tret doesn't know. [Karis] Sounds like our best shot, then! Let's head for Kolima as soon as possible. [Briggs] Outstandin'! I'll stay here and supervise the repairs. Oh, and I couldn't ask you this favor without a little reward. Take this. [Briggs] I know it doesn't look like much, but this water is really rare...and valuable. [Briggs] It's a kind of medicine—magic medicine that'll cure any kind o' disease. I think Isaac used some... [Tyrell] Huh? When was Isaac sick? [Briggs] No, no, not on himself. He used it on a tree or a forest or something. [Karis] A tree OR a forest? There's a bit of a difference, you know. [Briggs] Yeah, Piers told me the story when he gave it to me... I should've listened better. [Amiti] So you were given a treasure but cannot remember its value, so you "thank" us with it. Delightful. [Rief] But if Captain Piers said it was important, it must be. [Tyrell] Yeah, Briggs may not know what he's talking about, but Piers sure does. Let's get going. [Briggs] Hmph. Treasure from me is garbage, but treasure from Piers... [Briggs] S'pose I can't worry about it now. Don't forget your promise! You've been paid! Eh, that way's no good right now. Best go out the way you came in. The ship is rotting away in at least six—make that seven—places. Is this really a pirate ship? I always thought pirates had big boxes full of treasure and whatnot. But it's not looking all that lucrative now... Hey, Briggs told us we can't go in and out of there right now, remember? Yeesh. Fix one thing, and another breaks. Repair that, the first busts open again! ...W-we're never going to finish, are we? We'll have a lot of work soon. I can feel it in my hands, and my hands are usually right about these things. Briggs says his ship is full of history, but there must be just as many termites. You want to know if we can fix it? We're the best shipwrights in the world. I would never say there was a craft we couldn't fix... But if Briggs told us to stop and sell the thing for scrap... I think we'd all be relieved. You don't even have to ask? Well, you certainly know our reputation! Of course, with this much damage....

Saha and Kolima

Saha Town (msg_saha_town)

If you're here to see Saha Town, welcome! If you're looking for dream leaves, keep moving to Kolima Village farther on. If you're looking for Saha Town, you've found it! If you're looking for dream leaves, keep looking. Kolima had a curse on it long ago, and there's still a lot of odd stories about the trees and what goes on there. When the holy tree was cured and the curse lifted, things were good, but now we're cursed all over again. If you're looking for dream leaves, you'll need to look in Kolima Village, though I hear the gate there is closed. Kolima Village is built under these four great trees that cover the whole place. It looks like the faeries built it! Kolima is the rotten little village nearby. It's not beautiful like Saha Town. Don't bother going there. Wait—you can go into Kolima Forest and nothing happens? Well, I can hardly believe it... I'm still not going near that place. Ah, you feel it too! That's reassuring. There's no way a place so dangerous could suddenly become safe... Hey, if you ever want to be rich, just get me one Mountain Roc feather. You'll never have to work again. Yeah, yeah—I'm sure you've got a real roc feather to sell. Just like the last three guys. That peak on the other side of Kolima Forest is where the Mountain Roc is supposed to live. It gives me shivers. If you can bring me a feather from a Mountain Roc, I'll pay you handsomely. Please consider it for my sake. Kolima's curse has been lifted. The villagers say it's thanks to some foreign warriors. When the village was cursed, the gate was always closed and no one could enter or leave... Kolima used to be near Bilibin. It actually moved 30 years ago when the Golden Sun changed everything. This upheaval gave it the nickname "the accursed village," though now I think there really IS a curse there. If I got to live on top of a mountain like the Mountain Roc, I'd look at the view all the time. But I hear all he does is sleep! Warning! Old wells are dangerous! Good boys and girls stay out! -Saha Safety Council- The plaque on this statue describes the subject as a crusader for peace between humans and beastmen. Some people come from very far away to catch a glimpse of the fairy-tale village of Kolima. Is that why you're here? I guess I understand why someone would travel to see an entire village built into trees... Unfortunately, the gate between Saha and Kolima is closed right now, so you can't get in. Keep this to yourselves, but something unnatural is going on there. I think the village has been cursed somehow. Most of this area is swampland, unfit to live on. The Golden Sun changed all that, though. One night, Kolima Forest just showed up here and made enough usable land for us to build a village. I came here to buy some dream leaves in Kolima, but now the gate is closed! Should I wait around in case it opens? There's nothing like dream leaf when you can't sleep. I'm not going home without some. [Beastman merchant] We came all this way for roc feathers. Now we can't get through the forest. Sometimes I hate being a merchant. [Human merchant] It's bizarre! You walk into the forest, and no matter what you do, you wake up and you're back at the entrance! [Beastman merchant] The other day we tried hiring a guard to escort us into the forest...but we still just woke up outside the woods. [Human merchant] We, uh, haven't seen any sign of our guard, though... [Beastman merchant] I still think he turned into a tree. It's the only answer that makes any sense. [Human merchant] At any rate, we're done trying our luck in there. We're all about sending hirelings in for us. [Beastman merchant] By the way, if you guys want to be rich, go in and get us a roc feather! You'll never worry about money again! [Human merchant] Yes, yes! You guys look like natural feather finders! And we're wealthier than we look! Go get it for us! Is that a roc feather you've got there? Let me take a closer look... That's a big feather, all right, but I don't believe it's a real roc feather.

Saha Town, interior (msg_saha_ph)

Lord McCoy of Bilibin is apparently very interested in Kolima Forest. Maybe he wants a holy tree of his own? I heard that one of the four great trees of Kolima Village is sick and is cursing the village. Years ago, the villagers were turned into trees. Seems like a lousy place to live... I'm not allowed to go to Kolima, but I really want to. Is it true that it's just one giant tree house? When I first heard that the curse on the village had been lifted, I didn't believe it, to be honest. But I'm sure of it now. The fear and sadness that hung over this area is gone. It's...quite a relief. Most of the northern country was all but destroyed by the Golden Sun, yet Kolima was spared. Not only was it spared, it was moved all the way here. Is this what they call a miracle? Some kind of rich, red soup with meatballs floating in it. Seems like a perfect comfort food. This hearty dish has strips of meat in a tangy sauce over noodles. A warm and filling dinner. The lady of the house is frying an egg. Mmmm...eggs. Some kind of meat-stuffed pastry. Perfect portable food for the on-the-go peasant. The Travails of Kolima Village: Long ago, all of the people of a village found their feet turned into roots. Before long, the people were turned entirely into trees, until four heroes ended the curse and saved them. Booming Saha Town: The largest city in northern Morgal, Saha was once a tiny hamlet. When Kolima was displaced, it brought fertile land to Saha's marshes, giving Saha an impressive population boom. Saha Town's Marshland - Part 1: Once the town of Saha was surrounded on all sides by marshes. While humans find marshland difficult to live in, many aquatic and amphibious animals depended on these marshes. Saha Town's Marshland - Part 2: During a great earthquake, the marshes were swallowed by dry land. The swamp was buried underground, as were many of its native creatures. The great Saha marshes were lost. Imil's Springs of Hope: The home of the Mercury Clan contains a spring whose water can heal any plant. When I was young, I lived in Bilibin and didn't know much about the cursed village. The tale of Kolima was considered too frightening to tell to children. If I had known, I wouldn't have come. Tret? Did you say Tret? That name has always frightened me, even when I was a little girl. It is a dark name. I feel I heard that name as a child, but now... I'm sorry, you were asking if I know where to find him? Well, there is no one by that name here. And if there were, he likely would not help you. You called him the elder of the forest? No one lives in Kolima Forest but the trees. There are woodcutters there, but they don't stay. There are many unsettling rumors about the forest. People don't go far into it. You should stay away. All this talk of Kolima Forest is bringing back the old fears. Please be on your way. It was when one of the great trees of the village became ill that Kolima became a place to avoid. Mountain Rocs are the ancient symbols of Morgal, and the sight of one is lucky...and very rare.

Kolima Village, first visit (msg_crma_vlg)

Some Saha folks came to the gate saying the curse was broken, but no one believed them at first. The lady from the dream-leaf shop says that the curse has been lifted, but the tree still looks ill... I wonder if that magic water that helped lift the curse on Tret all those years ago would help... In the daylight, you might think this was a normal village. Nighttime, on the other hand... The odd curse now and then is a small price to pay to live in such harmony with nature. I just can't believe that this horrible curse was from some giant lizard monster... I mean...a lizard monster? The Dream Tree has been looking sick, so I'm not sure I trust the dream leaves anymore. Let the city folk look at our village and think we're bumpkins. I'm proud of our little paradise. The last time the village was cursed, the Warriors of Vale came to the rescue. They used some kind of special water from the Mercury Lighthouse. I can't remember what it was called... The four giant trees all have names: the "Dream Tree," the "Djinn Tree," the "Roof Tree," and the "Sapling Tree." When I was young, the Sapling Tree was as small as its name suggests. Now it stands proud and tall! Excuse me—are you by any chance Matthew? The dream-leaf seller tells me you killed the lizard in the swamp. You, sir, are a bully and a thug! That poor lizard... Oh! A thousand pardons! Please forgive my intrusion. I do hope that those who come here looking for pleasant dreams don't assume we are rogues and charlatans. That tree over there is called the Roof Tree. Its leaves form a sort of umbrella for the town. The lady at the shop was right. The entrance to the Dream Tree has opened again. Looking at the tree itself, it doesn't really look like the curse has been lifted... Is something wrong with the Dream Tree? It's the only one you can't go inside right now. It doesn't sound like the Dream Tree is calling for help anymore, but there's still something...spooky in the air. You wanna know what I think? I think the Dream Tree is callin' for help, only no one can help it. You know, if I knew how to make statues, our town square would have some statues of you guys. I miss the way the Dream Tree used to look. Not so, you know, old and sick. Those Saha jerks went and shut the gate. Like you can quarantine nightmares. Jerks. [Young man] You're the ones who beat the lizard monster? Thanks, I guess... [Young man] I thought the curse was supposed to have been lifted, but the Dream Tree is still in bad shape. [Young man] A long time ago, the village was cursed and warriors saved it. Much like this time, I guess. [Young man] Supposedly the cure for the holy tree last time was springwater from the Mercury Lighthouse. [Young man] But the Mercury Lighthouse is far, far away in western Imil. I don't know anyone who's been out that far. The Mercury Lighthouse is far, far away in western Imil. I don't know anyone who's been out that far. I don't remember my dream last night, but it must have been sad. My pillow was soaked in tears. I'm not having bad dreams anymore, but my dreams still aren't, you know, cheery. Am I crazy, or is the Djinn Tree kinda...sparkly right now? [Vande] Why, yes, I am Vande. You were looking for me so you could hear "Arangoa Prelude?" [Vande] You want me to go back to Belinsk and rejoin my band? Sorry, but "Arangoa Prelude" will have to wait. I came to see the Mountain Roc, and I will see it. Eventually I will go back, once I've gotten what I came for here. Our fans need us all to be there. [Vande] Why, yes, I am Vande. You were looking for me so you could hear "Arangoa Prelude?" [Vande] You want me to go back to Belinsk and rejoin my band? What perfect timing! I came here to hear the Mountain Roc's cry, and just recently I finally did! [Vande] I saw it! I saw the Mountain Roc with my own eyes! It was like a flying mountain of stone... Its cry was a new kind of music, and I shall try to bring it to our next performance. Back to Belinsk!

Kolima Village, interior (msg_crma_tibi)

Folks over in Saha say that Kolima is cursed, but what do they know? We may have had some hard times, but we're still here! Hear that, curse? WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU GOT?! I hoped that after the monster was taken care of, the Dream Tree would recover. But no such luck. Folks over in Saha say that Kolima is cursed, but what do they know? We may have had some hard times, but we're still here! Hear that, curse? WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU GOT?! Did you hear somewhere that you can't get into Kolima Forest? I thought there might be a rumor like that floating around, but folks around here can certainly enter. Oh, good. I was hoping those lies would eventually stop circulating. I think they're afraid to open the gate for you in case the disease spreads any further. Did you hear somewhere that you can't get into Kolima Forest? Silly rumor. Outsiders can't even tell if it's true, since no one can get through the gate in the first place. Glad to hear it. Outsiders can't even get through the gate, so I don't know why they tell such stories. It's jam made from wild strawberries picked from Kolima Forest. The smell is tart-sweet perfection. Kolima Forest, Cradle of Life: All living things owe their existence to forests, from the ant to the elephant. History of the Sapling Tree: He was a shy tree, always growing where he wouldn't stand out too much. The other trees grew tall and strong in the sunlight, but Sapling always hid in the shade. That's why he was small.

Kolima Village, interior 2 (msg_crma_tibi)

Thirty years ago, when all the big changes happened, the village pretty much died and we sort of lost hope. I left for a while, but when I passed through Saha, I discovered that Kolima was green again and had followed me! After the first curse on the holy tree was broken 30 years ago, we thought the village would be at peace. But the curse wasn't really broken until the Warriors of Vale returned with some special water for the tree. Thirty years ago, when all the big changes happened, the village pretty much died and we sort of lost hope. I left for a while, but when I passed through Saha, I discovered that Kolima was green again and had followed me! People think our little village is cursed just because every now and then we turn into trees and whatnot. My feeling is that the little changes keep life interesting...and the big changes make life fun! I wish I could do something for the poor Dream Tree. It still looks like it's struggling just to stay alive... If only we had some Hermes' Water to pour into its roots... That would fix it right up, I'm certain! People think our little village is cursed just because every now and then we turn into trees and whatnot. My feeling is that the little changes keep life interesting...and the big changes make life fun! Omelettes with mushrooms from Kolima Forest. The fluffy eggs contrast nicely with the mushrooms' earthiness. View from the Top of Kolima Forest: The view from high atop this tree confirms one thing. The world is big. The Sanan Invasion: Supposedly, Emperor Ko invaded Morgal to obtain Mountain Roc blood. Apparently Ko was told that roc blood would grant immortality, though there are no legends claiming this.

Kolima Village, Jill (msg_crma_jin)

I tried picking some leaves from the Dream Tree, but they smelled... off. I wouldn't eat them. I'm not selling dream leaves right now. All the current crop does is give nightmares, which don't sell. I don't eat dream leaves, but maybe I should. Lots of folks seem to travel here just to buy them. The smell when you grind up dream leaves is...unique. It smells like a slug's feet. People have always used dream leaves to ensure restful sleep, but recently all the leaves changed color. Anyone using these leaves has had nothing but nightmares...and my livelihood is a nightmare now. Everybody just likes dream leaves 'cause they have a cool name... At least, that's what I think. Nothing that tastes that bad could give you good dreams. Hak-hak-aaak... Hak— Ow! This cough really hurts... I don't even have a fever or anything... I'm glad the Dream Tree is feeling better. My mom wanted me to thank you guys for everything. Since my brother got sick, I'm not allowed to do anything anymore. I'm so bored... My brother and I used to play by the Dream Tree all the time... Now Mom won't let us. I don't know how I ever slept before I discovered dream leaves. Modern medicine is something, eh? As you get older, it gets harder to sleep all the way through the night. Dream leaves are such a blessing! [Jill] Business has been pretty bad since I can't sell dream leaves anymore. [Jill] There's an old Kolima legend that says warriors will arrive to help if the village is cursed. Sigh... [Jill] Hang on... You remind me of the Warriors of Vale... Are you here to help us? [Jill] I knew it! [Jill] I guess I got my hopes up, but that's hardly your fault. [Jill] Sometimes you just get it in your head that something good is going to happen... [Jill] When the river was flooding, warriors came and helped us. I've been waiting for their return. [Jill] I guess I should be too old for these sorts of fantasies... [Jill] These days, we have to be suspicious of our dreams. [Jill] No one can find their way through Kolima Forest anymore, and our dreams have changed. Something's happened. [Jill] What is your name? [Jill] Matthew, eh? Good name. [Jill] I believe you're the warrior I've been waiting for, Matthew. [Jill] If you think you can take on this curse, I could bring you over to Dream Tree right now. [Jill] There'll probably be some fighting, so get ready first, but what do you say? Will you do it? [Jill] Wonderful! [Jill] Let's get started, then. [Jill] If you don't want to answer just yet, I understand. Let me know when you've made up your mind. [Jill] Are you ready? Can I take you over to the Dream Tree to lift this curse for us? [Jill] What do you say? Will you do it? [Jill] Wonderful! [Jill] Let's get started, then. [Jill] If you don't want to answer just yet, I understand. Let me know when you've made up your mind. That slug-lizard thing is gone and the curse is lifted, so the tree should be healthy now. But it still looks dead, and the villagers are still having nightmares. What could be happening? The secret of harvesting the dream leaves? If I told you that, my business would be ruined! You're looking for Tret? There's no such person! And he lives in the center of the forest! Where you can't get anyway! Do yourself a favor and forget this conversation ever happened. That's good. Real good. Don't go nosing around the heart of the forest. We don't have anything else to talk about.

Kolima Village, Dream Tree (msg_crma_yume)

Oh, it's so wonderful to have the inn open again! I feel like I'm dreaming! Mushrooms from Kolima Forest sauteed with garlic butter. The scent makes it hard not to drool. The Goddess of Imil: A priestess in the village near Mercury Lighthouse is truly holy. Thanks to her tireless devotions, the old and sick of Imil never suffer from their ailments. Dream-Leaf Nightmares: Eating dream leaves before sleep is known to result in pleasant dreams. However, eating dream leaves to excess creates horrifying nightmares. The lesson is: moderation in all things. You all done with your other business? Then sleep. Please do whatever you can to defeat the beast that's spoiling our dreams. Just checking in? That's OK. Come back whenever you're finished, then. It's the roots of the poor Dream Tree that's seen the worst deterioration. [Pewter] Hey—looks like you saved the Dream Tree! Nice work, flesh-guys! [Tyrell] Huh? Who are you?! [Pewter] You LOOK like an Adept, but you don't know a Djinni when you see one? Not too bright, tinderfoot. [Pewter] I see you've even got a few Venus Djinn with you. What, am I funny looking or something? [Rief] Forgive us—we weren't actually looking for Djinn inside the tree... or indeed at all. [Pewter] Whatever. You'd have to be wet behind the ears to miss me, though. [Pewter] You guys really need to work on your sense of humor. Tell you what— I'll wink when it's time to laugh. [Amiti] Are you here simply to annoy us, or have you come with a purpose? [Pewter] Oh, dry up, Mr. Wet Blanket. [Karis] Look, if you have business with us, out with it. Otherwise, we'd appreciate it if you'd leave us alone. [Pewter] Fine, fine. I'll deliver my message and stop bringing a sense of joy and laughter to the world. [Pewter] "For saving the Dream Tree, I most humbly thank you..." yackity-shmackity and like that. [Karis] Yackity-shmackity? What are you talking about? [Pewter] Eh, Laurel said some other stuff, too, but I can't remember what it was. You can ask when you see her. [Pewter] Yeah, she'd love to talk to you guys. Head into Kolima Forest. Can't miss her. [Pewter] Hey—if you want to complain to someone, take it up with the Kolima Forest management. [Pewter] Y'know, those tears are gonna make it a lot harder to get through Kolima Forest without tripping. [Pewter] Now you're talkin'! Get yourself into Kolima Forest, and tell that to Laurel! She'll love it! [Karis] So Laurel's in Kolima Forest? I thought we couldn't actually get through there. [Pewter] You beat the big lizard, right? [Pewter] You should be good to go, then. He was the problem with the forest—nothing Laurel did. [Pewter] See you later. Don't keep the big lady waiting. [Tyrell] What was all that about? [Rief] I suppose he was a... messenger for this Laurel person? [Tyrell] So who's Laurel? [Amiti] Someone important enough to have Djinn as messengers. The forest elder, perhaps? [Tyrell] Great, someone else to tell us what to do... [Karis] I think we should go. [Karis] Whoever Laurel is, she's gone to the trouble of sending a messenger to find us. [Karis] So we should return the favor, right? [Tyrell] Yeah, I guess I'm a little curious about this "elder of the forest." ...A little. [Tyrell] Yeah! Why do WE have to go to HER if she's so grateful?! [Tyrell] Hey—cheer up! Maybe if we go, we can catch that Djinni. [Tyrell] Yeah, it is pretty great that people can get into the forest now, thanks to us! [Karis] I've never heard of anyone who could use Djinn as messengers... I'm excited to meet this person! [Rief] As am I. [Amiti] Your collective curiosity is beginning to rub off on me, I must confess. [Tyrell] All right—let's go meet ourselves a forest elder! [Jill] Bad dreams, eh? You were thrashing around a bit. [Jill] Maybe it's time for a rest after all that sleeping? [Jill] Good plan. Walk around— shake it off. I'll be right here. [Jill] Alrighty then. I hope you sleep better this time... [Rief] How did we arrive in this situation, exactly? [Tyrell] Matthew can be talked into anything—that's how. [Amiti] The saviors of this village, and we will be sleeping on the ground like animals? [Jill] Sorry! Bare ground is all we have! [Jill] This is the only place close enough to the Dream Tree for it to work on you. [Jill] Looks like the dream leaves you ate are starting to take effect... [Karis] How can you tell? [Jill] You're starting to look sleepy. In addition to affecting your dreams, the leaves bring sleep. [Tyrell] Matthew's yawning is contagious. He's got me doing it too. [Karis] Ugh... I can barely keep my eyes open... [Rief] The bare ground is starting to feel pretty comfortable... [Amiti] Yeeeeesssss... [Jill] Sleep well, children. My prayers go with you. [Matthew] !! [Karis] It...wasn't a dream? [Tyrell] The lizard thing... We beat it, right? [Rief] THIS was that horrifying monster? [Amiti] I am confused. Which part was the dream? [Jill] You saw the monster? There was a monster, right? [Jill] I knew it! Look over in the corner! The Dream Tree's face looks all surprised, too! That reminds me, I need to water it soon. Do you have any water on you? [Jill] What am I saying? You beat the monster! You've done enough! [Jill] I'm gonna tell the whole town! [Rief] She seemed pleased. [Amiti] I suppose if that thing had haunted my dreams for who knows how long, I, too, would be off kilter. [Tyrell] That's right! The whole town's gonna love us after this. They were all having nightmares. [Karis] Well, glad we could help them all out. [Karis] Shall we head out of here? Oh, and don't forget the tusk thing. [System Message] The Crush Tusk can only be equipped by Fire Adepts. [Tyrell] Is that something the monster coughed up? [Karis] It's sort of a...tusk? I can feel Psynergy coming off it... [Amiti] Perhaps that is the power it was using to break up the ground in our path. [Rief] Intriguing. I wonder if there is enough power within the tusk to break up boulders or cracked ground... [Tyrell] A rock-breaking Psynergy? Sounds like fun! Let's try it. The Crush Tusk can only be equipped by Fire Adepts. Is that something the monster coughed up? It's sort of a...tusk? I can feel Psynergy coming off it... Perhaps that is the power it was using to break up the ground in our path. Intriguing. I wonder if there is enough power within the tusk to break up boulders or cracked ground... A rock-breaking Psynergy? Sounds like fun! Let's try it. The tree seems to have healed perfectly. Were you able to get a decent night's sleep? Safe journey, now.

Phantasmal Bog (msg_yume_dun_1f1)

[Rief] Where did this insane maze and its horrible lizard-monster come from?! [Amiti] Perhaps the Golden Sun event moved Kolima on top of a swamp where the lizard lived? [Tyrell] So maybe this talk about Kolima being cursed just comes from this lizard trying to get revenge? [Karis] As crazy as that sounds, that might actually be the truth. Either way, there's a monster here. [Matthew] !! [Tyrell] Look out! [Karis] Get ready, everyone! [Rief] I hate lizards... [Amiti] Have at you, monster! Wake up from this dream?

Kolima Forest

Kolima Forest, interior (msg_crma_frst_ent)

If you're looking for the heart of the forest, good luck. No one gets very far. They all wind up back here. It's a Kolima-style rye bread with nuts kneaded into it. It smells like a freshly baked forest of tastiness. Lost in Kolima Forest: The path through Kolima Forest has never been clear-cut and simple. In recent times, however, it seems to have somehow gotten even more confusing and complicated. [Man] Hey! Where'd all these come from? [Man] I'm sure these vines weren't here a minute ago. Plants sure grow fast around here... [Man] I'm so glad you came! I thought I was gonna be stuck in there forever! [Man] Oh, hey! Take this. Just my way of saying thanks.

Kolima Forest, meeting Laurel (msg_crma_frst_evn)

[Pewter] Hey, you made it! I owe Laurel five coins. [Pewter] Hey, easy does it, big fella! Looks like you're gonna burst something there. [Tyrell] What do you expect when you just pop out of nowhere like that?! [Pewter] Please. THAT got you all hot and bothered? Not much of a warrior, are you? [Laurel] Pewter, I have warned you about being polite to guests. [Laurel] My deepest apologies. You have not traveled all this way to listen to Pewter's nonsense. [Laurel] If I may introduce myself, I am Laurel, a guardian of this forest. [Karis] You're...a...talking tree? [Laurel] Ahem. I am usually referred to as a "holy tree." On my better days, even a "tree of wisdom." [Rief] Astonishing... To meet a holy tree in the...flesh? [Amiti] A tree of wisdom? We have legends of such in Ayuthay. Are you familiar with the tale of the enlightened lark? [Laurel] Indeed I am. The lark in question perched in my branches for a time on his path to understanding. [Amiti] I apologize for not recognizing you, Elder Laurel. I am Amiti. It is a great honor to meet you, holy one. [Tyrell] Pssst! Amiti! What are you doing? [Amiti] We are in the presence of an enlightened entity! Bow your heads! [Tyrell] Did Amiti just call the tree "holy one"? [Rief] Yeah, I think he did. Does he think Laurel is some sort of priest or god? [Laurel] Do please raise your head, Amiti. I am no divinity, and the last thing I need is someone praying to me. [Laurel] I understand that to your relatively short-lived species, the Waelda can seem godlike. [Laurel] I also can see how from your point of view, a talking plant would be...novel. [Laurel] I prefer to think of us as beings whose long lives allow us to gather a share of the world's knowledge. [Amiti] I must respectfully disagree. The qualities you describe are the very essence of divinity. [Pewter] What part of "I'm not a god" do you not understand, fishbrain? [Laurel] That's enough, Pewter. [Laurel] I apologize again for Pewter. I also must thank you for what you've done for the Dream Tree. [Laurel] If you had not intervened, I am certain that Sludge would have destroyed it. [Laurel] Poor Sludge deserves some sympathy as well, though. His home was destroyed around him. [Tyrell] Is that why you didn't fight it? You felt sorry for the lizard thing? [Pewter] Hey, if Laurel and the others had been healthy, Sludge wouldn't have stood a chance. [Karis] Healthy? Is Laurel sick? [Pewter] Injured. Waelda take a while to heal, and Laurel's still hurt from 30 years ago when the thing happened. [Rief] The "thing"? You mean the Golden Sun? [Laurel] Yes. Pewter isn't one for details. But let us return to the matter at hand: is there some way I can repay you? [Tyrell] Um, Matthew? D'you think we can just ask a holy tree for the feather? [Laurel] Feather? [Karis] Er, yes. We came to Kolima looking for a feather from a Mountain Roc. [Laurel] What for, if I may ask? [Tyrell] I sort of broke a soarwing, and Matthew's dad, Isaac, said we had to get a new feather for it. [Laurel] Did you say "Isaac"?! [Tret] What about Isaac?! [Laurel] Ah, awake at last, Tret. [Matthew] ?! [Karis] Tret! Is that you? [Tyrell] Tret is ugly... [Rief] So this is Tret... [Amiti] Another tree of wisdom... [Tret] Yes, yes, I'm Tret. Who are all of you? [Laurel] These are the warriors who defeated Sludge. [Tret] Sludge? I thought I quieted him some time ago... [Laurel] He recovered while you were resting, Tret. He was gnawing at Kolima again. [Rief] He had almost destroyed the Dream Tree when we intervened. [Tret] Hrooom... And why didn't you stop him, Laurel? [Laurel] I was occupied defending the rest of the forest from his influence. [Tret] Of course... We are not what we once were... [Tret] But we were talking about Isaac. What were you all going to tell me about him? [Laurel] Apparently these young humans are the children of the Warriors of Vale. [Tret] Warriors of Vale? Is that what they're calling Isaac and Ivan and Mia and...? [Tret] And there was one more... [Tyrell] Yeah—Garet! Did you just forget about my dad?! [Tret] Hrooom... Yes, Garet. You're the firebrand's son, eh? What is your name? [Tyrell] I'm Tyrell. [Tret] Hmmph. Yes, I see Garet in your aura. Let's see who I see in the rest of you... [Tret] Yes... You're all Adepts, good... You do look like the Vale warriors... Ah. [Tret] You. You are Isaac's son. What is your name? [Matthew] ... [Tret] What was that? You'll have to speak up. I didn't catch your name. [Karis] He's kind of quiet. His name is Matthew. [Tret] And you are Ivan's daughter, hmmm? [Karis] Er, yes. I...I am Karis. [Tret] Looks like you've got a bit more spark than your father. Just as clever, though... [Tret] Two more of you... [Rief] My name is Rief. You were a great help to my mother. [Tret] Is that so? I'd say it was the other way around. [Amiti] I am Amiti of Ayuthay. It is a great honor to make your acquaintance. [Tret] Hmph. Charmed, I'm sure. [Tret] Another relative of Mia's, right? [Tyrell] Bwah ha ha! Wait— are you serious? [Rief] He's traveling with us, but he's from Ei-Jei in the south. He's a prince of Ayuthay Kingdom. [Tret] So you're saying he's not related to your group? His aura says otherwise. [Laurel] Let's not get distracted by trivialities right now. [Matthew] ?! [Karis] Trivialities?! [Rief] But... [Tyrell] What? What's going on? [Amiti] Could this be? [Tret] Hmph. Hope I didn't give away any family secrets... [Laurel] Please forgive Tret his bluntness. I keep having to apologize to you for the behavior of my companions. [Laurel] This is a topic best discussed amongst yourselves, I think. Let us change the subject. [Tret] Change the subject? Why? [Laurel] I believe we were discussing a feather of some sort. [Karis] That's right. A feather from a Mountain Roc. [Laurel] Yes, quite. [Tret] Ah, I understand. [Karis] You do? Isaac said we had to go to Kolima Forest and meet Tret. [Tret] Is that what Isaac said? [Laurel] Unfortunate... [Tyrell] What? What's unfortunate? [Laurel] It's the Mountain Roc... [Tyrell] What's the problem? You want to show your thanks, we need a feather. Simple. [Tret] No—simple is the one thing it's not, I'm afraid. [Rief] You're a tree of wisdom! Don't you know...everything? Is a feather really too much? [Karis] Clearly there's something you haven't told us. [Tret] Hroom... [Laurel] Well... [Tyrell] Out with it! [Laurel] We should tell them. [Tret] It probably won't make a difference, but yes. The roc in question... [Laurel] The Mountain Roc is sleeping. Deeply. [Tret] Very deeply. [Laurel] Such is the roc's slumber that extracting a feather as it sleeps is impossible. What's more, only a certain type of Psynergy can wake it. [Tret] Yes, and it's a Psynergy that only naturally occurs among the beastmen. It's called Slap. [Matthew] ...? [Karis] Sveta! [Tyrell] Is THAT what she was doing?! [Rief] It must be. [Amiti] Yes, that must be the Psynergy we need. [Laurel] You know an Adept capable of Slap? [Rief] Sort of, but we don't know where in Belinsk Sveta might be. [Amiti] Is Slap the only way to awaken the Mountain Roc? [Tret] Yes, but it's possible to use the Slap Glove instead of the natural ability. [Tret] Last I knew, the Slap Glove was located in Belinsk. It's one of the Fang Tribe's great treasures. [Tret] So that just brings you back where you were, doesn't it? [Karis] Wait! Didn't Briggs say that Tret might know something about Belinsk Castle and its defenses? [Karis] He might know something that'll help us rescue Eoleo. Let's ask him! [Tret] Ask me what now? Speak up! [Rief] We need to rescue Prince Eoleo of Champa from Belinsk Castle before he's boiled alive. [Laurel] So you're asking us if there is a way to break into Belinsk's prison. Is that right? [Tret] Well? [Laurel] Is that it? [Tyrell] Well...yeah. If you want to thank us, that would do the job kinda perfectly. [Laurel] I suppose we do owe you that, but the way will not be without risk. [Laurel] The city's energy was depleted some time ago, which will be a problem for you... [Tret] You should first know that the front gate is essentially impossible to pass through discreetly. [Tyrell] Yeah, we were hoping you'd know some other way... [Tret] You assume a castle built on ancient ruins MUST have a secret entrance infested with traps and monsters? [Amiti] Well...yes. [Tret] Well, you're right...THIS time. There is a hidden door, but it can't be used without being powered somehow. [Laurel] If you can bring power to the door, I'm certain it will be operable by a control switch or the like. [Tret] So you'll need an object infused with magma power. Fortunately for you, we know of one. [Rief] Wonderful! What is it? [Tret] When the Mountain Roc awakens... [Amiti] Yes? When the roc awakens? [Laurel] When the great bird is roused, a shard of its power will appear. You will know it on sight. [Tret] That should be all you need to know... Just in time too... I feel a nap coming on... [Karis] Looks like he really did fall asleep! [Tyrell] So is that it? Are we going to try to sneak into Belinsk Castle now? [Tyrell] I'm glad you're so relaxed. Me? I don't know if we can pull it off. [Tyrell] What are you yelling at me for? I'm not the one who's trying to boil the pirate! [Tyrell] Yeah, it's not gonna be easy, is it? But how much choice do we really have? [Tyrell] Wow! Yeah! Let's go rescue ourselves a prince! [Karis] We need to meet up with Sveta too. I'm just not sure how this will all work... [Laurel] I do have one favor to ask of you... [Laurel] The reason Belinsk's ruins lie dormant is the dangerous legacy that sleeps there. [Rief] Dangerous? Like a weapon or something? Are you saying that the power was cut intentionally? [Laurel] I cannot say. [Amiti] What is this favor you spoke of? [Laurel] There is an Alchemy Dynamo in the ruins. You must not restore power to it. [Karis] How would we even do that? [Laurel] If I told you, that would bring you one step closer to activating it, so I will not share that secret. [Tyrell] Whatever. Why would we even want to turn on some dumb Dynamo? [Tyrell] We're not turning it on, are we, Matthew? [Tyrell] Yeah, I knew that... I was just checking that we're all on the same page here. [Tyrell] Hey, this sounds serious. It's no time to just nod your head all sarcastically. [Tyrell] What's with the hangdog look? Did you really WANT to turn on the Dynamo or something? [Tyrell] Right! Definitely NOT turning it on! I like your confidence! [Laurel] Excellent. I believe that you will be true to your word. [Karis] You're developing into a real leader, Matthew. I'm proud of you. [Rief] Shall we sally forth, then? [Laurel] Tret can't wish you farewell, but please accept my wish for your safe travels from both of us. Tret can't wish you farewell, but please accept my wish for your safe travels from both of us. [Laurel] Ah, you have found the Slap Glove. Excellent. [Laurel] The roc sleeps atop Talon Peak, but you will not see it there. Use the Slap Glove to strike everything you can. You will soon discover the roc's resting place. [Laurel] Once it becomes flesh and bone, Slap should knock it unconscious. I'm certain it will then drop a feather.

Kolima Forest, near north exit (msg_crma_frst_cnt)

[Pewter] Well, you impressed the boss lady, anyway. [Pewter] So congratulations! You just scored some major help in your quest thingy. [Pewter] ...And Laurel said something about me getting some experience in the field... [Pewter] What, are you new? I'm joining your merry little band! [Pewter] So we're all on the same scroll? Good. Let's get going.

Kolima Forest, side area (msg_crma_frst_side)

I thought I heard someone calling for help... Maybe it was the wind? It's good to be back to work again, but the voices from the forest sure are spooky. [Amiti] There is another tree of wisdom... [Man] Tree of what-dom? I shouldn't even be here. I was hired as a guard by some merchants... [Man] I was just climbing the tree to get some of that fruit when I slipped and fell in here. [Man] I'm glad to see someone, but I don't know if you can help me. Is there someone else you can send?

Kolima Junction (msg_crma_frst_fork)

West: Belinsk East: Talon Peak [Ryu Kou] Heading to Talon Peak and the Mountain Roc? [Ryu Kou] Without Sveta? What's the point? [Hou Zan] After all, you will need Slap Psynergy to wake the roc. [Ryu Kou] So you are going to Belinsk? [Ryu Kou] Did you send all the musicians back to Belinsk? [Hou Zan] It doesn't appear so. [Rief] How did you know about that? Have you been following us? [Ryu Kou] That's not important now. Your goal is the Mountain Roc. [Tyrell] Don't tell us what our goals are! [Hou Zan] Wait a moment. [Matthew] ?! [Karis] Is that what I think it is? [Tyrell] It's gotta be, right? [Rief] That glove... [Amiti] Where did you get that? [Hou Zan] Sveta gave it to us. [Ryu Kou] It's the Slap Glove. [Tyrell] But you're not Adepts— do you even know how to use it? [Ryu Kou] Are you calling us stupid?! [Hou Zan] Now, now, let's not get upset. I'm sure we can come to an arrangement of some sort. [Karis] Are you suggesting we all team up and work together? [Hou Zan] What a bright young lady you are! Exactly. [Rief] How is it that you know so much about the Mountain Roc and the Slap Glove? [Hou Zan] We may have overheard a conversation or two with some talking trees... [Amiti] The deal you propose—you are offering the Slap Glove... in exchange for what? [Hou Zan] We want your help sneaking into Belinsk Castle. [Ryu Kou] You were going anyway, right? [Hou Zan] If you are planning to sneak in and rescue the Champan pirate, we could just go with you. [Ryu Kou] No? Figures. Come on, Hou Zan—we're leaving. [Hou Zan] Don't be so certain, young one. [Karis] No, wait! [Hou Zan] Don't be so certain, young one. [Karis] No, wait! [Tyrell] What are you doing, Karis? [Karis] Something's bothering me... [Karis] I think this is actually what Sveta wanted to happen. [Karis] And I think we have to play along. [Tyrell] Karis, what are you talking about? [Karis] Don't you get it? [Karis] After the Teppe ruins, she left us so suddenly. [Karis] And remember when we told her about the Mountain Roc? She acted differently after that. [Karis] And the Slap Glove... Tret told us that it was in Belinsk, a treasure of the Fang Tribe. [Karis] So if Sveta gave it to you, she must be pretty important in the Fang Tribe, right? [Ryu Kou] I-I wouldn't know. [Karis] Really? I bet you do. [Hou Zan] I have heard her called the White Deer. [Hou Zan] She is part of the Czamaral clan, the Morgal royal family. [Ryu Kou] She is sister to King Volechek. [Hou Zan] She told us you would pass through here to reach the roc, so we've been waiting for you. [Ryu Kou] She lent us the Slap Glove so you would help us break into Belinsk. [Amiti] Beyond the Slap Glove, can you offer any sort of help with our entry into Belinsk? [Hou Zan] We have some soldiers, but they're still too injured to be of any help. [Rief] Not exactly an equal partnership: you two and a glove with the five of us and our Psynergy. [Tyrell] But we need Slap Psynergy or that glove. Looks like Sveta gets her way. [Tyrell] Guess we're stuck doing what Sveta or Czamaral or whatever her name is wants. [Tyrell] Even if it is a trap, what else can we do? Yelling about it won't help. [Tyrell] Yeah, sometimes it really does seem like everybody knows what's going on but us, huh? [Tyrell] I'm glad YOU'RE excited. I'm still mad about being played for a fool. [Ryu Kou] So it's decided then? [Karis] If you need more time to decide, we understand. Where to in the meantime? [Ryu Kou] All we can do while you make up your mind is wait. Come see us when you're ready. [Ryu Kou] Good. Let's get started, then. [System Message] Any Adept can use the Slap Glove. [Ryu Kou] So you are going to Belinsk? [Ryu Kou] Let's get started, then. We need power to use the back door into Belinsk Castle... So our next move is to face the Mountain Roc. [System Message] Any Adept can use the Slap Glove. [Karis] If you're still deliberating, that's fine. We'll follow your lead, whatever you decide. [Ryu Kou] All we can do while you make up your mind is wait. Come see us when you're ready.

Talon Peak

Talon Peak (msg_rock_mt_3_a)

[Blados] Leaving so soon? [Matthew] ?! [Karis] Blados! [Tyrell] What are you doing here? [Rief] Oh no! [Amiti] Who is this person? [Ryu Kou] Someone who needs to be taken down a peg. [Hou Zan] Indeed. [Chalis] Now, now, boys. Is that any way to talk about someone who's here to help you? [Chalis] Hello, everyone. Lovely to see you all again. [Matthew] !! [Tyrell] You said it, Matthew! [Karis] Chalis. I thought we might see you again. [Rief] This just gets better and better... [Amiti] I am beginning to feel left out. [Ryu Kou] You're not missing much. [Hou Zan] Let's find out what they have to say. [Chalis] Why, thank you! At least the older generation still remembers its manners. [Chalis] We've actually been waiting for you folks for a while now. We were starting to worry. Right, Blados? [Blados] Yes... Worry. [Blados] We're relieved you made it... this far. [Rief] Why are you pretending to care about our well-being? What's it to you? [Chalis] Our concern is entirely selfless, I assure you. [Blados] You came all this way for the roc's power source, right? We're going to help you along. [Amiti] What can you do? Without Sveta's Slap Psynergy, you cannot wake the roc. [Ryu Kou] You don't think Sveta would help these thugs, do you? [Hou Zan] Not a chance. [Chalis] Sveta? Of the Czamaral clan? I didn't know you knew Volechek's sister! [Hou Zan] Volechek? Of course... This is his doing. He set a trap for us. [Ryu Kou] He let us escape, knowing Sveta would come after us, give us the Slap Glove, and point us here. [Chalis] Impressive deduction. Naturally I can neither confirm nor deny its accuracy. [Hou Zan] Enough of this. State your business. Why are you here? [Hou Zan] You've come for Matthew and his friends, haven't you? [Hou Zan] As we fled Belinsk, I had the feeling that it went too easily. Now I know why. [Blados] Is that so? [Blados] What would we gain by capturing these stray dogs? [Ryu Kou] Then why do all this? [Chalis] Because we needed to talk to Matthew and his friends and to be sure that they would listen. [Tyrell] We're talking in circles here. Why us? What would you need us for? [Blados] Can't tell you that. [Chalis] You'll find out. [Karis] So did you capture Eoleo for the same reason? Just to draw us in? [Blados] Heh heh heh... [Chalis] Hm hm hm... [Rief] What did you mean when you said "Leaving so soon?" [Blados] I wanted you to know that if you leave now, you're missing out. [Chalis] Exactly. You've come a long way, and we wouldn't want you to leave without completing your task. [Tyrell] Task? What do you care about our task? [Blados] Simple. We want the Magma Orb. [Amiti] The Magma Orb? What is that? [Chalis] Oh, did Tret and Laurel not share that little detail with you? What a shame they don't trust you more... [Karis] So, what IS the Magma Orb? [Blados] Something Laurel's afraid of. [Tyrell] I'm not listening to any more of this! You've got some scheme, and I don't want any part of it. [Blados] Our "scheme" has brought you this far... [Hou Zan] Enough riddles! What are you two after? [Chalis] We've explained that. We brought you here to get the Magma Orb for us. [Ryu Kou] Since we still don't even know what the cursed thing is, you can forget it! [Blados] The Magma Orb powers Belinsk's Alchemy Machine. [Matthew] ?! [Karis] Now I get it... [Tyrell] What?! [Rief] I've got it too... [Amiti] That must be what Laurel was concerned about... [Ryu Kou] I understand... [Hou Zan] So you plan to start that machine. Why? [Chalis] Can't tell you, but I will say that if we don't start it soon, Hou Ju and Eoleo will regret it. [Matthew] !! [Karis] Treacherous snakes. [Tyrell] I knew this was all a trap. [Rief] No... [Amiti] This cannot end well. [Ryu Kou] Grrr... [Hou Zan] You were right, Tyrell. This certainly is a trap. [Blados] Chalis, I think we're done here, aren't we? [Chalis] Yes, I believe we are. [Ryu Kou] So where is the Magma Orb? [Blados] Oh, right. That little detail. [Tyrell] Enough with the act! Just tell us! [Chalis] They seem really eager to help, Blados. We should at least give them a hint, hmm? [Blados] Definitely. [Chalis] Kill the roc, and you'll find the orb. Unless it kills you. Bring the orb to Belinsk. [Hou Zan] It looks like they've gone. [Matthew] !! [Karis] Look out! [Tyrell] This is gonna hurt! [Rief] Get ready, everyone! [Amiti] Do not panic. We can do this. [Ryu Kou] Maybe you guys can... [Hou Zan] Ryu Kou, take cover!

Talon Peak, Mountain Roc dead (msg_rock_mt_3_b)

[Rief] Whoa! [Rief] Look at that! [Karis] Should we check it out? [Ryu Kou] Matthew, you remember what we have to do, don't you? [Ryu Kou] Good. I know it's risky, but we've just got to bring the Magma Orb to Belinsk. [Ryu Kou] You forgot already? Those two thugs...? [Hou Zan] I believe you mean Blados and Chalis. [Ryu Kou] Yeah, those two. We need to bring them the Magma Orb in Belinsk.

Inside Mountain Roc (msg_rock_mt_4)

[Matthew] ?! [Karis] Wow... It's beautiful. [Tyrell] So this is the magma thingy we've been looking for? [Rief] The Magma Orb, yes. [Amiti] Just as they said... [Ryu Kou] Hou Ju... [Hou Zan] It really is lovely... [Rief] So...what do we do? [Tyrell] What do you mean? We take it with us, right? [Amiti] But surely this is exactly what Laurel was concerned about? [Tyrell] Right. Those guys want to turn on the Alchemy thing that Laurel doesn't want turned on... [Ryu Kou] Right. You all made a promise... [Ryu Kou] I suppose I should have seen this coming. [Hou Zan] Young one...what are you saying? [Ryu Kou] I'm saying I should have known better than to assume Matthew would just forget a promise. [Hou Zan] You don't mean... [Ryu Kou] You know exactly what I mean, Hou Zan. [Karis] Ryu Kou...? [Ryu Kou] I'm taking the Magma Orb now. Don't try to stop me. [Tyrell] Oh, we'll stop you all right! [Ryu Kou] Don't try it! [Ryu Kou] If I were to smash this orb, the release of energy would be the end of us all. [Rief] You wouldn't dare. If you did, your sister's life would be forfeit. [Ryu Kou] You're right, but I'm obviously desperate. Can you risk it? [Amiti] Why are you so desperate? [Ryu Kou] Ask me that again when YOUR sister is going to be boiled alive. [Karis] I don't buy it... [Ryu Kou] You think I'm lying? [Ryu Kou] Just what part of this do you think I'm making up? [Karis] I know you want to save your sister, but you're making it sound like you just want to go off on your own. [Karis] I think you know that we would all be overwhelmed by guilt if we broke our word to Laurel. [Karis] So you decided to spare us the pain by taking the orb out of our hands. [Ryu Kou] Hah! If that's what you think, you're bigger fools than I could have imagined. [Ryu Kou] I'm doing this because I'm sick of mincing around the problem when a solution is right in front of us. [Tyrell] Oh, that's it! [Ryu Kou] Not another step! [Ryu Kou] Good boy. Finally figured out who's in charge, have you? [Ryu Kou] Now, hand over the Slap Glove and one of those magma shards. I'll leave you the other shards so you can follow us into the ruins if you like. [System Message] You handed over the Slap Glove. [System Message] You handed over a Magma Shard. [Ryu Kou] I hope none of you takes this personally. It really is just about saving my sister, you know. [Rief] I'm going to make you regret this. [Hou Zan] Young one... Ryu Kou... We don't have to do this. [Ryu Kou] I'm afraid we do. Good-bye, everyone. [Amiti] He's gone. [Tyrell] He's gonna pay for this. [Karis] I can't believe we lost the Slap Glove and the Magma Orb all at once... [Karis] Makes it hard to figure out what our next move is, huh? [Karis] You're right, Matthew. We've still got people who need saving in Belinsk. [Karis] Wow...graphic. But you're right— we can probably find Ryu Kou in Belinsk and get some payback. [Karis] Yeah, if Ryu Kou hadn't done that, we could've helped him. We'll just have to head to Belinsk without him. [Karis] Right! We'll travel faster with fewer people anyway! Let's go meet Sveta in Belinsk!