DA-RA-RA-RAM, UPDATE!
CHAPTER THREE, OR A CUNNING PLAN!
The last time, we finished just after getting out of dread SUPPLY CELLAR.
First things first. We sell our loot.
Now for a bit of sightseeing.
The blacksmith:
However, apart from bows, nothing a human can use.
Trainer. We use our training points and teach Tom melee fighting and Rainer shooting.
The Dji-Fadh guild, or the Formers. They create all the plant-buildings. Let's go inside.
We agree of course.
Yes, we would like to have a little tour, Aliis!
Well then, please follow me. The east wing, where we are now, was built solely for presenting the achievements of the Dji-Fadh.
Large families are very fond of these sofas. They also are made of living plant tissue.
The surface is soft and elastic. If it is damaged it simply grows closed again.
If you like, take a look at the house's fountain, a cherished object in larger clean houses. It is found in the south part of the house. I will leave you alone now to explore our guild house.
Thank you very much for guiding us, Aliis. Surely you understand that we cannot buy any of the works of your guild.
We loot some chests.
And find the guildmaster.
A very impressive building. We are fascinated by your guild's art.
Your answer honors your sense of form. Personally, I believe buildings are the most important things a culture can produce, and creating them is the noblest art of all.
We ask him about his guild.
We see what we do here as a mixture of magic, art, and craft. We are one of the oldest guild in Jirinaar and, as you surely know, we are able to create, change, and permanently modify plants into a desired form through magic. This means we can produce complete houses out of living plant material which are not only beautiful, but also perform all the functions necessary for the well-being of its residents.
And about the second magic guild.
Oh, the seed throwers! I'm sure you've noticed that most of us do not have very friendly feelings toward the Dji-Kas. They often entice our greatest talents away with promises. Their craft lacks direction, dedication, and, apart from their healers, they are of no use to our society.
I gather they don't like each other very much.
So now let's go the Dji-Kas, magicians.
Their guildmaster.
I'd be glad to try, Fasiir.
I thank you for your willingness to satisfy my curiosity.
Tom begins to speak.
We call it technology. There are advanced machines which enable us to travel through the air and from world to world. They are based primarly on simple principles, however...
It is a long explanation, often interrupted by Fasiir's surprisingly discerning questions. Then he says:
That is astonishing. If I understand correctly, your machines draw energy from matter, without having to resort to spiritual or magical means!
Rainer interjects.
Excuse me, Fasiir. I have heard you and other Iskai talk about magic, and it doesn't seem to fit in with otherwise open nature of your people. We have relegated magic to the realm of superstition hundreds of years ago and...
Now I understand! So, you believe magic to be a superstitious belief which we use to understand the laws of the world! Believe me, that is not correct! You must come from a strange world, one that only knows about energy from matter. Let me demostrate something to you! Please follow me into our experiment room!
WHAT...
...THE FUCK?
That is really something! These guys are no fakes, that's for sure. That was beyond any growth accelerators!
A kingdom for a couple of measuring instruments! They cannot poke fun at the laws of physics!
I see, admittedly with satisfaction, that I was ableto eliminate your doubts. I hope you now think a little bit differently of our talents.
It was an honor for me to speak to you, Tom.Look around our place some more if you'd like, but for now I must return to my work.
In any case, thank you very much for the impressive demonstration of your abilities, Fasiir.
we also ask him about his guild...
Our magic is deeply rooted in this world. For example, we use a specific type of seed, concentrated with our spiritual forces, to cast spells. We are proud of our diverse art. We know magic that can create and destroy, injure and heal.
...and their competitors.
Oh, the builders. The relationship between our guilds is troubled sometimes. Many of their talented members feel attracted to our art, and transfer to our guild. I must also confess that I don't get along well with Akiir, the Stri of the Formers. There are old rivalries between us.
Again, we can feel some bad blood between them.
Let's go.
A healer. She can also give us a free potion from time to time.
Tavern "House of the winds". Unlike taverns is most RPGs, this one is mostly empty and boring. No fed-ex subquests.
Food shop. Rations are one of the things we don't lack.
After some time...
Oh, it's time. We should go to the festival the Sebainah invited us to.
We reach the council chambers. Everyone's waiting.
Dsarii-ma, Tom and Rainer, welcome to our meeting. May I introduce you to Akiir: he is the head of the guild of the Formers, or the Dji-Fadh, as we say.
Dsarii-ma.
And this is council member...
When suddenly...
The Sebainah is interrupted suddenly when a masked figure storms intro the room. Shocked, Tom and Rainer recognize that it is a human being!
Before anyone can react, the human shoots a small arrow. Akiir collapses!
THE FUCK IS GOING ON AROUND HERE? DID I MISS SOMETHING? LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, BLOODTHIRSTY HUMANS?
Stiriik! Seize the human!
Akiir is dead. May he live with the Goddess.
The murderer fled through a window, Sebainah! We will search the city!
We must act swiftly. Send for Drirr, the Stiriik for Human Affairs!
Honored council members, Briid, my nephew: please go now. I am sorry that the ceremony has had such a tragic outcome.
Tom and Rainer, I must speak with you.
Janiis, no one ever told us that there are native HUMANS on this planet! We are just trying to get over the shock!
You didn't know that? But I thought... You must have misunderstood our first conversation. You would have gotten to know your fellow humans on the island that we were going to take you to.
You speak as if your offer can no longer be kept after what has happened.
But we are still strangers on this world. How can we possibly find those guilty of this crime?
I have already had a capable Stiriik sent for. He will help you with your task.
It looks as if we have no other choice, right?
Unfortunately, no. I cannot overrule the laws. I can only wish you good luck in the hunt for the fugitive murderer and whoever gave him his orders.
You're sure this was ordered by someone?
Without a doubt.The murderer belongs to a human race who are famous for their assassinations. These people seldom kills for their own interests. You should talk with Frill, I've heard he's in the palace again. Surely, he is on his way here.
Look who's here.
Ah, here comes Drirr, the Stiriik who will accompany you.
Dsarii-ma, Drirr. Have you been informed of Akirr's murder?
Yes. What a shock!
What can WE say about that!
Indeed! Drirr, I'm sure you've heard of Tom and Rainer, our visitors. They are strangers here and they need your help to solve this crime.
I will stand beside them with everything I have, Sebainah.
Tom and Rainer, I am sorry we have to meet under such circumstances.
Dsarii-ma, Drirr. We are a little overcome by what has happened.
I believe what you're saying. We should probably talk with Sebai-Giz Frill first. He can certainly tell us something about the murderer's human tribe. Let's go to his room. I am sure he knows about all this.
Anyway, we get a new party member!
It seems I missed a screenshot here, but it's nothing important.
I am trying to help them in any way I can, Sebai-Giz Frill!
We can ask him some questions. Shitload of text commencing!
From your title, I take it that you have gone through the Sebai ritual 20 times. Therefore, are you actually over 600 years old?
That is true. My interest in this world and its history keeps me from getting weary of life, as so often happens with Sebai. And it is my knowledge which keeps causing the council to make ma a candidate.
Talk about OLD.
What is the history between humans and Iskai on this world?
Do you have any idea who could have ordered Akiir's murder?
A difficult question. A similar event happened more than 240 years ago. It involved a powerful Iskai merchant that became involved with human affairs. Akiir had no relations with human beings. Therefore, only an Iskai could have given the orders. But why anyone could have had a reason for such horrible behavior is a complete riddle to me.
We ask him about humans here:
As far as I know, not all human beings live accordingly to the customs of their forefathers, the way those on the island closest to us do.
Then there the Kenget Kamulos, famous warriors, who are often hired as assassins. One of their members is responsible for carrying out Akiir's murder. Apart from them, I know of the Umajo and Beloveno's inhabitants.
And now about the different tribes, as the info will come handy later on. The Kengets:
Kenget Kamulos can be loosely translated as "The Footsoldiers of Kamulos", Kamulos being their supreme deity. As far as I know, they are divided into two group: the warriors and the mages, who are supposedly very powerful when it comes to battle and destruction. Exactly where they are found is one of their secrets. Apparently, they are convinced that they are the only ones who maintain their forefather's true warrior ideals.
The city of Beloveno:
Beloveno is a harbor city in the south of the great continent far northeast of here. We call this land Trenkiriidan, and the humans call it Maini. Both humans and Iskai live there. Beloveno itself is inhabited mostly by humans, but also some Iskai. If I remember correctly, Drirr's mother is from Beloveno. He can certainly tell you something about the city.
Umajo:
In the dry land far to the east live some humans devoted to producing valuable metals. They know rituals for placating the Goddess, who is offended by this digging for metals. They produce weapons, many different crafted implements, and jewelry, and export these all over the world. We also get many metals from them.
Frill, are you sure that digging for raw materials raises the Goddess' wrath?
You know our language well enough that I can hear the doubt in your voice, Rainiir. This is not a question of belief, my friend. We have tried many times to get valuable metals from the earth. It has always caused catastrophes, earthquakes, or appearances of horrible beings. These are not rumors, but things I have actually experienced. No, be assured that I can tell superstition from reality very well.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking? And I'm thinking about Toronto, of course.
Strange, Driscoll, that someone who is as educated as Frill, would cling to such convictions.
Hmmm, I agree. He inspires confidence, but somehow I get the impression the old boy knows even more than he tells us. However, we better start talking Iskai again.
We say goodbye. Before leaving, let's see our new addition, Drirr:
He's one tough motherfucker. He's maybe not the strongest, but all iskai have additional weapon slot (tail), which means he'll be doing lots of damage. His HP are also nice, but he can't be as heavily armored as humans.
Let's go back to bussiness. When we exit Frill's chamber...
Hopefully, the Stiriik of the City Watch will spot the murderer soon.
Perhaps we should also search the city streets.
A trail! Let's immediately go to the Dji-Kas!
They all hurry to the guild house of the Dji-Kas.
The murderer can't be found on the street and so they enter the house...
Have you heard about the death of your father, Sira?
Yes, I... never even got the chance to speak to him again. Oh, Goddess, it is...
Do you know who's behind the murder?
I grieve with you, Sira. No, we still have no clue. However, they say that the fugitive murder has been seen near this building.
Fasiir, the Head of the Dji-Kas, enters.
Dsarii-ma. I have heard about Akiir's murder. What brings you to us?
The murderer was seen near your guild. May we look around a little?
Of course. I have nothing to hide.
Come!
We search the facility.
And encounter the human speaking with an Iskai!
(I'm very proud of this shot)
All need some time before they can see anything after the blinding light.
I believe that the murderer has disappeared to the south! After him! Stiriik, take this accomplice!
We chase the murderer, but to no avail!
Hate those windows.
We go back to the Iskai traitor.
Well, who are you and why have you helped the murderer escape?
His name is Kriis, he is, WAS, a member of our guild.
Kriis, you miserable skorrek, why did you let the murderer come into our building?
wut
WHAT?
Are you out of your mind? drirr, don't believe a word of it! I had nothing to do with this thing!
I know the reason for the hostility between you, Fasiir, and Akiir very well. You have a motive for the murder!
After all these years, would I choose this time to...
Stiriik, please take Kriis and Fasiir into custody until we have caught the murderer and have found out the truth!
Drirr, I would like to leave. I cannot stay here any longer. I have to be alone and think everything over.
We almost had the murderer! In any case, he's no longer in this house. Perhaps we can still catch him somewhere in the city.
Good, Drirr, we'll go. Only one more thing:
What is the story between Fassir and the murdered Akiir?
Well, to make a long story short, Akiir was once married to Fasiir's sister. On a hunting trip with Akiir, Fasiir's sister lost her life. Fasiir blamed Akiir for the death of his sister since Akiir insisted on the trip in spite of bad weather. That is the reason for their lasting enmity.
Now, let us search the city.
THE PLOT THICKENS! We now exit the guildhouse.
The old Former building, or the old Argim as some say, lies to the northeast of the city, I believe.
I have never been there.
Let's go there immediately... Perhaps we can catch the guy there!
Time for our first REAL dungeon! But before, some backstory on the building (we can talk with party members just like with NPCs):
Coool.
But before chasing the culprit, we head to Giria's store and buy a blue music crystal.
We now leave the city.
We ask a farmer about the Former building:
and we go as he told us:
A krondir! With Drirr, he won't be such a problem.
Level up!
We enter.
it's dark in here.
some light-mushrooms to save us.
Sweeeet.
DUM DUM DUM DUM!
We fight some critters, find some stuff...
Tentacle raep!
The automap is priceless in such grim darkness. Notice the skull - it means a trap!
This is it, not very scary:
An interesting creature. Notice the strong luminosity of the grasping arms. It is hard to say whether we are looking at a specimen of this world's flora or fauma, but this life form does seem to be carnivorous.
Rainer may be crap, but I like him. A true scientist.
Anyway, putting the torch off does the trick. We find a chest!
(with some crap inside)
Another room, this time with glowing floor!
We explore the southern part, some fights and stuff. Next.
These things are more dangerous than the collar-traps, in fact they can kill the entire party if we aren't careful.
But some krondir meat satisfies and closes the jaws.
We now find ourselves in a stranger part of the dungeon...
It can't be seen on the screens, but walls are moving! Trippy stuff.
It seems we found the assassin... or what's left of him.
But first we need to do something with the glowing thingie.
Drirr cautiously touches the surface of the structure...
Oh, I feel something!
It is as if I had touched the Trii of another person, only much stronger!
I... I'm getting distinct contact with...
It can talk!
Who or what are you?
I am... here. I am now this place. A long time ago... I was small, I was single, alone.
You were once someone different?
Yes...I was... once I was as you. Iskai.
Oh, Goddess! You... You were once... ARGIM!
HOLY SHIT, this thing is the long-gone crazy Former!
Yes.
Drirr directs a short statement to the others.
It's unbeliavable! I have made contact with what was once Argim's consciousness!
We ask him a couple of questions.
We are searching for a man who came in here.
Yes. There was a man here. He was a good predator. But he wasn't the only predator here. He has been incorporated into the cycle. He is no longer alive.
Did you look at his remains? We saw them in the room behind the structure through which we communicate.
Yes, Drirr. I will move this structure after our contact.
Could you tell me about your past?
I've been here so long, it is... hard. I'm no longer used to this kind of... thinking... remembering. I wanted to live. My life was so short. I was hot. So angry. Everything flowed out of me. I expanded. It's hard to talk about it.
But, everything became good. I live.
Can you tell me something about your current life, Argim?
I live. That is wonderful. I live in this place. I am this place. I live in the animals here. I experience everything that they experience.
I am in them. I sense how they live, how they hunt and are hunted, how they love and die.
It's wonderful. I am happy. I only miss little. Talks like this. And music.
That's too bad. I really enjoyed the contact. Please come again.
And I... I would like to ask you something. I often remember music, wonderful music. I miss music. I often dream of music of the crystal. Please bring me a music crystal. Promise me that.
We promise you, Argim. We'll bring you a crystal.
I'm very happy. Let me show you my gratitude.
In the large room, there are two sources of color. Connect them with a path of light.
Then enjoy the sources of power. Now farewell. I await your return.
We give him the crystal we cleverly bought before.
We have brought you a music crystal, Argim.
Music has returned to my life! I am happy, I am fortunate. Thank you.
Let's see what's left of the murderer.
Not much.
We explore what's behind Argim, bumping into two krondirs:
and a goodie chest
Now... remember what he told us about the large room?
We 'connect' the two sources of color (mushrooms) with a path of light (glowing floor), and...
A wall opens!
I see a light at the end of a tunnel!
What a wonderful feeling! But what in the world was that?
There are stories about the 'Lights of the Goddess', which exist in particularly blessed places in the world. They elevate the discoverer and bring him luck. This is the first time I have seen such a light. What an experience!
A nice tale, honorable Drirr. However, I wish I had a set of measuring devices so I could investigate the phenomenon...
Ever the scientist. There are three such lights here, increasing strenght, stamina and speed. But in fact I've loaded the game and came here a bit later, with our fourth character present.
The dungeon cleared, let's get back to Frill.
Interesting! Let's go see this Bradir guy.
Nigga please.
After the battle, Bradir drops to his knees. The pain drives the confuse look from his face and his eyes become clear.
We must take him to the healer, quickly. Otherwise we will never understand why he attacked us.
Let's find out what has really happened.
Bradir, please explain to us your unusual reaction when you saw the antique weapon the murderer had with him.
Sebainah, the dagger was part of the murderer's payment. It belonged to me. Upon seeing it, I lost my nerve.
I am really happy it is all over.
You're saying that YOU gave the order? YOU had Akiir, your admired friend, murdered?
No, by the Goddess! I did not hire the murderer!
But you know the person who gave the order?
Yes, Sebainah.
It was... Akir himself.
WHAT?
IMPOSSIBLE!
That cannot be!
I know that Bradir was the closest and most honest friend that my father ever had. Let him continue.
The last few weeks have been the worst in my life. I will gladly subject myself to testing by a Tri-Nadh to verify my story.
Bradir has been a friend of my family since my childhood. In my opinion, he could not have made all of this up. I loved my father, but I know how obstinate he could be. Under these extreme conditions...
He could really have reacted this way and that because of ME, oh, Goddess.
I believe Bradir's words.
I also believe Bradir. He is free of suspicion.
Return to your guild. Bradir. You have a lot of explaining to do there.
Fasiir, who has been wrongly accused, will be rehabilited immediately.
Kriis, the bribeb Dji-Kas, will have to answer for this treason.
Does this clear us of our duty to solve the murder, Sebainah Janiis?
Yes, it does. I thank you humans, and also you, Drirr, for clearing up this matter. Nothing more stands in the way of your journey.
We were a good team. Tom and Rainer, if you want, I will accompany you on the journey. I could do with a little excitement.
Gladly, Drirr! I'm happy to have you with us.
Tom and Rainer, I've always made impulsive decisions.
I would also like to join you for a while. After what has happened here, I would like to get away from everything.
A trip will do me good, and my modest magical talents can certainly be useful to you. What do you say?
Naturally you are welcome, Sira! We probably have a long journey ahead of us and the more who join us, the better!
Although Akiir's tragic plan has left a feeling of sadness, I am glad that everything is finally cleared up.
Tom and Rainer, you are still welcomed guests here in Jirinaar. When you are ready to begin your journey, speak to me. I now declare the meeting ended.
We have a new party member, and our first spellcaster!
this is it! for now.
next time, we'll at find some human beings, who aren't a) murdering Iskai b) eaten by krondirs, and it'll be a real twist!