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| - |- BGCOLOR="#FFA500" !Puppet in Peril - Aht Urhgan Whitegate |- BGCOLOR="#FFEC8B" |Nadeey: Welcome to Walahra Temple. Nadeey: How may I aid you in your quest for knowledge? Nadeey: Hello, another soul thirsty for answers... Nadeey: This is turning out to be quite the day for visitors. Gessho: Greetings! Gessho: Player name! This is a coincidence. Gessho: Lord Nadeey, please excuse me while I compare notes with my esteemed colleague. Gessho: How do you fare? Nothing terrible has befallen you? Gessho: No, no. You need not elaborate. Gessho: I'm sure you are here to give your weary spirit a moment's respite from the madness of our occupation. Gessho: Or perhaps...it is some duty that brings you to the temple? Gessho: What, pray tell, lures you within this hall of serenity? Why have you come here? To pursue Walahran philosophy. <----- Chose this option! To speak with someone. Gessho: Truly? A commendable endeavor, indeed. Nadeey: If you seek the wisdom of Walahra, then I would gladly set your feet upon the path. Nadeey: However, the set of your jaw tells me you already tread a harder road... Why have you come here? To pursue Walahran philosophy. To speak with someone. <----- Chose this option! Gessho: To speak with someone? One of the philosophers? Gessho: The court puppetmaster? What dire circumstance would involve a mercenary in the pulling of strings and the dancing of automatons? Nadeey: The court puppetmaster...? Gessho: Lord Nadeey. If there is something we should know...? Nadeey: Now they set mercenary hirelings on her trail... Nadeey: It appears the Grand Vizier has tired of this game of cat and mouse. Nadeey: It was only a matter of time... Nadeey: I suppose I shall have to "come clean," as they say. Nadeey: And since you have some rudimentary understanding of Walahra's teachings, I will trust to your judgment. Nadeey: I have given the court puppetmaster--Lady Aphmau--shelter within the temple. Gessho: You have given shelter to an Imperial fugitive!? Nadeey: That is correct. Gessho: You have broken Imperial law! Nadeey: I cannot dispute this face. Gessho: Why would you do this thing? Nadeey: Some explanation is in order... Nadeey: You see, Aphmau was born a child in high standing--a resident of the palace. Gessho: A member of the royal family...? Nadeey: However, her mother passed away when she was still but six years of age...and the responsibility for her upbringing came to rest with Walahra Temple. Gessho: What an unfortunate story... Gessho: Yet there must be more to the tale if none within the palace were willing to care for her. Nadeey: Yes. The details are not mine to divulge, however. Nadeey: Her childhood was spent within these walls, surrounded by monks and philosophers. Gessho: How does such a child find the path of a puppetmaster? Nadeey: I was not aware of it at the time... Nadeey: But apparently, Lady Aphmau secretly learned the art from the street performers who practice on the Way of the Devout. Gessho: Would not an expensive item such as an automaton have been difficult for a young girl to acquire? Nadeey: You are familiar with automatons, Gessho? Gessho: I must admit to some curiosity... Nadeey: Then I shall speak more on the subject. Nadeey: Lady Aphmau arrived at thte temple carrying two of teh mechanical puppets. Nadeey: One she received from her mother... Nadeey: And the other from her older brother. Nadeey: Ahahaha...now I remember. Nadeey: At first the puppets were completely incapable of speech, and merely trotted around behind their little mistress. Nadeey: Before long, however, there was barely a moment when they weren't voicing their opinions on everything in sight! Nadeey: This change was accompanied by a return of Lady Aphmau's natural playfulness. Gessho: I am glad to hear that... Gessho: I know only too well the loneliness and uncertainty that come with being thrust into an unfamiliar environment at a young age... Nadeey: Indeed... However, there came a day when Aphmau's simple life was irrevocably changed. Nadeey: Yes, it was that day... Rishfee: Lady Aphmau. We have come on orders from the Grand Vizier. Amnaf: We regret to inform you that on the evening of the previous day, the Emperor's immortal soul passed out of the realm of Urhguum. Nadeey: I had not seen Lady Aphmau since that day. Nadeey: There are so many memories that flood back when I hear her name... Nadeey: She is currently within the Hall fo Binding. Nadeey: You may speak with her if you wish. Nadeey: The hall adjoins our temple and can be reached through the door behind us. Gessho: I shall remain here. There are some matters I wish to discuss with Lord Nadeey. Mnejing: The Astral Plinth... Aphmau: It looks exactly as I remember. Aphmau: I was studying day in, day out. The letters from my brother had stopped coming... Aphmau: It was more than I could bear... Mnejing: So you snuck into the Hall of Binding. Aphmau: Yes, with you... Mnejing: ...and Ovjang. Aphmau: Just watching the candescence spinning around and around somehow made me feel better. Aphmau: It was like being wrapped in a warm blanket of peace and calm. Aphmau: Hehehe... Aphmau: That was the first time. Aphmau: The first time you talked to me. Mnejing: It was? Aphmau: Mnejing! You really are hopeless! Aphmau: That was when I realized I wasn't really alone. Aphmau: You and Ovjang were always by my side. Aphmau: And although I couldn't see them, my father and brother were here in the city. Aphmau: And my mother...I'm sure she's... Mnejing: She is watching over you, I am certain. Aphmau: Yes... Aphmau: I decided then and there that I would become a puppetmaster like my mother. Mnejing: You slipped out of the temple every night, and practiced with those performers... Aphmau: And then Ovjang began to speak as well. Mnejing: Ovjang really was the talkative one... Aphmau: Yes she was! But she was so talkative that I couldn't hear your voice anymore... Mnejing: ... Aphmau: Well, that was then... Aphmau: You know, Mnejing, I have no idea what the Astral Candescence is meant to be used for. Aphmau: But if the other candescences are found and the colossus is completed just like the Grand Vizier says... Aphmau: There will come a day when everyone can be happy again. I'm sure of it. Aphmau: I mean, just looking at this orb was enough to turn my life around. Aphmau: Everything will turn out for the best. Aphmau: Don't you think, Mnejing? Aphmau: Player name!? What are you doing here? Player name's badge flashes brightly. Mnejing: By order of the Grand Vizier? Aphmau: You can't be serious!? Aphmau: You're here to take me back? Aphmau: No! I won't go! Aphmau: There are still things I have to do! Aphmau: Go back to the palace and tell them that. Aphmau: Do you still take orders from us? Still taking orders? Sure... <----- Chose this option! Not from you. Mnejing: Now that's our mercenary talking. Mnejing: You may leave us now. Still taking orders? Sure... Not from you. <----- Chose this option! Aphmau: Not you, too... Aphmau: Well, I'm still not going back to the palace until I find Ovjang! Mnejing: And that's final. Aphmau: Lord Nadeey? Nadeey: The Immortal, Rishfee, is here to see you. Mnejing: The Grand Vizier is on to us... Rishfee: Lady Aphmau, I am glad to see you unharmed. Rishfee: Now it is time for you and Mnejing to accompany me back to the palace. Rishfee: The earlier you return, the less Lord Razfahd will be angry when he learns-- Mnejing: ...? You haven't made a report? Rishfee: No, Master Mnejing. I thought to first offer the option to Lady Aphmau... Mnejing: A commendable attitude. Then I shall be pleased to inform you... Mnejing: The Lady Aphmau will not be returning to the palace. Rishfee: ! But, my lady... Aphmau: There are tasks left undone. Rishfee: Lady Aphmau. Rishfee: You still hope to find Ovjang...? Aphmau: If you knew that, why do you try to stop us? Mnejing: Rishfee? Your face is pale. Rishfee: I...it is nothing... Aphmau: You should return to the Imperial Ward and visit the infirmary. Rishfee: You are very kind, my lady. However-- Aphmau: You'll just slow us down. Rishfee: And where exactly do you intend to carry out this search of yours? Aphmau: I...I... Aphmau: I'm not going to tell you! Rishfee: You won't...? ... Rishfee: Please, my lady. It's not safe out there. Rishfee: The Immortals willl do everything in their power to return Ovjang to your side. Aphmau: I don't believe you! Aphmau: You think I don't know? Aphmau: The Immortals are so busy watching the beastmen and searching for the Ashu Talif... Aphmau: There isn't a single soldier to spare for poor Ovjang! Rishfee: I only thought to-- Gessho: If I may? Mnejing: Who is this? Gessho: I am Gessho, a colleague of Player name's in the employ of Salaheem's Sentinels. Aphmau: Hmm, another mercenary. Rishfee: ... Gessho: I may have some welcome news. Gessho: Just recently I was in the vicinity of Mount Zhayolm on mercenary business... Gessho: And at the foot of the volcano, I happened to see a red-colored puppet... Aphmau: ! Mnejing: And then? Gessho: This automaton was trotting along the path all alone, but being busy with my mission, I was unable to follow... Aphmau: It must have been Ovjang! Rishfee: One moment, Lady Aphmau. Rishfee: The Trolls of that region have stolen many automatons from the Empire. Mnejing: That is true... Gessho: Ah yes, I had forgotten! Rishfee: You weren't done? Gessho: There appeared to be something like moss or lichen stuck to the puppet's clothes! Aphmau: Moss? Could it have been moss from the Aydeewa Subterrane? Gessho: I merely present the facts--how you interpret them is not for me to say. Only... Mnejing: Yes? Gessho: Automatons taken to Halvung are thoroughly modified by Moblin craftsmen to follow the orders of the Trolls. Gessho: After this process, they are barely recognizable. Aphmau: No! Gessho: I would not waste any time if, as you suspect, this automaton was your companion. Aphmau: Y-yes, thank you... Gessho: It is time I took my leave of you. Nadeey: Gessho, to what forsaken wilderness do your travels take you this time? Gessho: My duties dictate a visit to the settlement of Mamook. Nadeey: A dangerous region. Do take care of yourself. Gessho: Your concern is appreciated. Until next we meet. Aphmau: That settles it! We go to Mount Zhayolm! Rishfee: Lady Aphmau! If I may... Mnejing: Rishfee. Do you place so little faith in the court puppetmaster? Aphmau: Time is running out! Rishfee: I have just received confirmation. Rishfee: This Gessho character has no official orders that involve a visit to the capital of the Mamool Ja. Mnejing: He was lying? Rishfee: And that unmistakable presence... Rishfee: I felt the exact same aura just before I lost consciousness in Aydeewa. Aphmau: What are you trying to say? Rishfee: That story of his was nothing more than a ruse. Rishfee: In fact, it's more likely that we'll find Ovjang in the same place to which he now travels--Mamook. Aphmau: Then Mamook is our destination! Aphmau: Why don't you escort me as well, Rishfee? Rishfee: If you are so intent on running headlong into danger, I suppose I have no choice. Rishfee: ... But what do you mean, "as well"? Aphmau: Isn't it obvious? Aphmau: I wouldn't brave the depths of Mamook without my faithful bodyguard, Player name! Mnejing: Even if he/she is under the command of the Grand Vizier... Nadeey: May the wisdom of Walahra safely guide your steps... |- BGCOLOR="#FFA500" !Puppet in Peril (pt.1) - Jade Sepulcher |- BGCOLOR="#FFEC8B" |Rishfee: ! Rishfee: Wait... I can hear Mamool Ja talking up ahead... Aphmau: Can you understand what they're saying? Rishfee: I know a little of their language... Mnejing: Translate for us. Rishfee: "Doubt, there is not... For what we have long searched, it must be." Ratol Ja: Meant to threaten us, is this toy? Bakool Ja: Hmph... Dangerous, it does not seem... Molaal Ja: Hsss...hsss... Molaal Ja: The intention of the Aht Urhgan leaders, that is. Molaal Ja: The cunning tricks and devious plans they have used against us, forgotten have you? Gaheel Ja: Even so. To fear in this frail contraption, what is there? Aphmau: !!! Mnejing: (Ovjang.) Gaheel Ja: Facts, we have not. Disassemble this gadget, we must. ???: That will not be necessary, Lancelord. Not if its secrets are already known. Gaheel Ja: Know these secrets, do you imply? ???: I believe I do. Ratol Ja: Hmmm... Ratol Ja: To deceive us, you attempt. Ratol Ja: Allow this charade, we will not. Stay silent, outsider, you shall. Gulool Ja Ja: Grrrrrr... Ratol Ja: ! Gulool Ja Ja: Over, this is not. Gulool Ja Ja: In the outsider's opinion, we are interested. Molaal Ja: Autarch... Gulool Ja Ja: Bicker for a hundred years, we could. Or instead hear something useful, we may. Molaal Ja: Yes, Autarch... Gulool Ja Ja: Kindred to the brethren of the shining scale, what say you? Gessho: My lord. Gessho: If I may... Gessho: This is nothing more than a simple puppet. Gessho: It is a mechanical creation that belonged to Jalzahn, the former Emperor of Aht Urhgan. Gulool Ja Ja: Grrrrrr! Gulool Ja Ja: Jalzahn! Gessho: Yes, my lord. Gessho: It was the first "automaton" in existence--a personal project of Jalzahn's. Gulool Ja Ja: An invention of our old enemy Jalzahn... Gulool Ja Ja: Ignore this, we cannot. Molaal Ja: Even if so, this is... Destroy us, how can it? Molaal Ja: Broken many of these puppets, we have. Gessho: Allow me to explain... Gessho: I have learned some very interesting facts from my observations around the palace. Ratol Ja: Interesting facts? Gessho: A craftsman known as Ghatsad often passes through the Imperial Whitegate. Gulool Ja Ja: Ghatsad? Heard that name, have we? Gulool Ja Ja: Heard that name, we have. Gessho: I would not be surprised. Especially if he was the craftsman who led the development of automatons... Gaheel Ja: Then this... Gessho: Yes. This is likely his creation. Gessho: There is more. This man is also the head alchemist for the Aht Urhgan Archaeological Research Institute. Gessho: An organization that is currently investigating the Ruins of Alzadaal. Gulool Ja Ja: This Ghatsad... Both craftsman and alchemist, he is... Gulool Ja Ja: And historian, as well... Gessho: So it appears. What is even more intriguing are the Empire's activities of fifty years ago... Gessho: Even before the invention of automatons, the scholars of the Empire were conducting large-scale investigations of the ruins. Gessho: Rumors say that ancient Alzadaal technology gleaned from these archaeological sites was used in the construction of the modern mechanical puppets. Bakool Ja: Created, are these automatons. To search the ruins, why do they continue? Molaal Ja: ! Molaal Ja: No... Accept this as truth, I cannot! Molaal Ja: To resurrect the iron colossus of legend, do these Aht Urhgan fools seek? Gessho: All I have is rumor and hearsay, but the signs... Molaal Ja: Madness! Molaal Ja: The iron colossus... Consumed Aradjiah in flames, that machine did. Molaal Ja: To extinguish our entire race, do they intend? Gulool Ja Ja: Molaal Ja! Gulool Ja Ja: Be calm, you must. In front of our guest, you embarrass us. Gulool Ja Ja: An overlord of the Mamool Ja, are you not? Molaal Ja: Autarch, we apologize. But a dire situation, this is. Molaal Ja: The fate of our entire race...hangs in the balance, it does... Gessho: I understand your fears, Sagelord. But is that not why we have forged an alliance? Gessho: The Imperial Army does not have the resources to escalate a war it fights on two fronts. Gessho: On the dawn of our agreement, we will unleash our fury upon the Empire--the Mamool Ja hordes from the west, and my fellow warriors from the east. Gessho: The research of some ancient war machine will be the last thing on the minds of the Aht Urhgan commanders. Gessho: And once we have seized control of the Empire, we have only to cripple this iron engine of destruction beyond repair to guarantee our total victory. Gulool Ja Ja: If an empty promise, this is not... Gessho: I swear to you by the heavens and the earth, I shall not play you false. And if my nation's oath should be broken... Molaal Ja: Be broken, should it...? Gessho: I will present myself before you...and fall upon my sword. Gulool Ja Ja: Grrrrrr! Gulool Ja Ja: Upon your sword, you will fall? A Far Eastern tradition, is this? Gulool Ja Ja: Conviction, you possess! Gulool Ja Ja: ! Gessho: Autarch? Is something amiss? Gulool Ja Ja: Grrrrrr... Smell it, I can. The flesh of smoothskins... Gulool Ja Ja: Out, you come. A place to hide, there is not. Gessho: ! Gessho: Player name!? You overheard...? Gessho: I...I... Gessho: I am not the Gessho you know! Mnejing: You, lizard-man... Mnejing: Return Ovjang to us immediately. Aphmau: Yes... Aphmau: You tell them, Mnejing. Aphmau: If you damage a single bolt of Ovjang's...! Gulool Ja Ja: A name, this toy has? Aphmau: O-Ovjang! S-stop that! You stop that at once! Aphmau: Ovjang! Ovjang! You have to wake up! Mnejing: It's no good. Maybe her breaker is broken...? Aphmau: Fine! I'll activate her myself! Mnejing: Yes, her receptor is not receiving... Gaheel Ja: Smoothskins... Gaheel Ja: Before this machine, about your own life, you should worry! Gaheel Ja: Autarch! Gaheel Ja: To the Lancelord, leave these intruders! Gulool Ja Ja: Grrrrr! Gaheel Ja! Gaheel Ja: ! Gaheel Ja: Offended the Autarch, have we...? Gulool Ja Ja: Very Well. Gulool Ja Ja: In your lance arm, our trust we place! Gaheel Ja: Yes! Regret this, you will not! Gulool Ja Ja: Gahahaha! Send more soldiers, in time, I will. Deprive them of all the fun, do not. Aphmau: !? Aphmau: Ovjang! ???: Look out! Aphmau: Rishfee! Gaheel Ja: Oho. The order of my kills, you have ruined. Rishfee: I...I'm fine... Aphmau: B-but...your wound! Rishfee: You forget, I am an Immortal! Now get out of here! Ovjang is more important... Mnejing: We will return for you. |- BGCOLOR="#FFA500" !Puppet in Peril (pt.2) - Jade Sepulcher |- BGCOLOR="#FFEC8B" |Gaheel Ja: Gwahahahaha! Die! Die, smoothskin slug! Gaheel Ja: What!? Be stomped as well, do you wish!? |}
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