Dialogue

Alaric is the LandKing, who rules from his stronghold at the northern end of the mountains.

House Attis is the former ruling House of Cademia

Cademia is the oldest city in Cythera, where the River Sitia flows into the sea.

Catamarca is a resort town on a peninsula east of Cademia

House Comana is the ruling House of Kosha

Who has not heard of Demodocus, the famous bard?

House Dodona is a minor power in Catamarca

Kosha is a fairly new town on the coast south of Cademia

Alaric's bond with the land grows weak, and so his mind is strained.

Metics are a legendary race who, according to legend, used to live here.

Milcom was the head of former House Atussa.

House Comana is headed by Myus.

House Nicander is the ruling House of Odemia

Odemia is a rustic town along the coast northeast of Cademia

Elder Philinus is head of House Nicander.

Pnyx is a city on the eastern coast of Cythera, home of the Magisterium

Elder Propontis runs House Strymon

River Sitia flows from LandKing Hall to the sea at Cademia

House Strymon is the ruling House of Catamarca

Matron Thuria runs House Attis.

Ah, you must be the one that Lindus sent! I am Timon

May I see the glowing green crystal?

Bellerophon: Yes, I suppose so...

Hm, yes indeed. Most interesting. It is very much like the one that I found, only smaller.

Where did you get it?

Bellerophon: I was in a spring below the Citadel of Catamarca. I believe that it was connected with a plague-like illness that had swept the city.

Really, how fascinating. I found this one buried in the ruins here. Perhaps there is a connection somehow.

Hm...

Well, here, let me give them to you. Perhaps you can make some headway.

House Comana, well, something about those three brothers bothers me.

They were a minor House until their father died, and then Myus, Naxos, and Darius took control.

Darius is the youngest brother. He lives in Catamarca - perhaps you've met him?

I am a Freemage, one who spends his time learning, in perparation to become a Master.

Well, as a Freemage, I should be spending my time learning, but if truth be told, and Lindus can back me up on this, I will certainly learn a great deal going with you.

I have a feeling that you'll be able to discern the purposes of the crystals, at the very least, which would be to my best interests.

I'd be honored to join your quest!

Kosha is the city of my birth. It used to be a nice city until House Comana rose to power.

Larisa is an explorer. She is also my sister, by the way, which makes the fact that she found Seldane ruins quite ironic

One day I hope to become a Master, and my research on the Metic is my speciality

Well, actually there is an interesting topic. My field of research, you know.

'Metic' is actually a name we've given them - they call themselves Seldane.

Some say they are a myth, or extinct, but neither is true, you know.

I'd really like to find them someday, and talk with them. Most fascinating.

Anyway, there are at least two sets of ruins made by them. I've been studying what I can in Headwater

Myus is the leader of House Comana, being the eldest brother. He rules Kosha.

I am Timon, a Freemage.

Naxos is the middle brother. The last I heard he was causing trouble in Cademia.

Well, there is the 'Headwater' ruins, and a newly discovered set found in the Swamp of Kalkis.

Larisa found a set of ruins in the Swamp of Khalkis, west of Kosha.

Abydos was an offspring settlement from Pnyx some 700 years ago, but it was destroyed.

The real magic here is the books, yeah, the books.

I'm the Librarian here at the Magisterium. I know every book in here!

My name is Selinus - what's yours?

House Comana is a relative upstart among Houses. They started out in the small town of Kosha.

About three years ago, Canachus, the House Elder died and Myus took power, and now they are trying to gain control of Cademia

Nicander is the ruling House here in Odemia. Elder Philinus is nice enough, and you've met his wife Ariadne.

Their younger son, Ascalon, well, let's say I'm glad that his older brother Opheltius will inherit

Strymon is one of the older Houses. It has the enviable position of power in Catamarca - they are the major rival of Nicander

It all started about a month ago. We thought it was the flu, for that was the initial symptons.

Unfortunately, anybody who came down with it only gets worse.

A number of people have died.

House Strymon is the current ruling house of Catamarca, but the plague is wearing on their popularity, to say the least.

Master Selinus is in charge of the library - he knows every book in the library.

Timon knows more about it than I do, talk to him.

There are ruins to the north east - just follow the River Tirynth upstream and you can't miss them.

Selinus is a Master, the librarian at the Magisterium.

He has been studying the Metic ruins and an artifact that he found, much like that glowing green crystal you carry.

Perhaps you should talk to him, and see what he knows.

In 184 settlers from Pnyx tried to form a second, Mage-friend community down the coast from Pnyx.

Everything went well until 192 when all communication from there was cut off.

When an expedition was sent, they discovered everybody gone from the settlement, but no sign of violence.

It has since fallen to the elements, and some say it is haunted. Nobody knows what happened to its citizens.

Founder Attis was originally a page in court of the Tyrants, whose quick wit led him to his power.

Founder Atussa was originally a leader of a group of craftsmen.

Cademia is our oldest city, which is why I live here. It was founded after our arrival from Thera.

Catamarca was founded in 113 as a retreat for the first Tyrant. A defendable cliff with a good source of water.

Since then, Catamarca has become famous for its water.

Founder Comana was originally a powerful merchant.

Founder Dodona was originally an innkeeper here in Cademia.

The First Tyrant of Cademia feared the unknown powers of Mages, so he had them exiled in 152.

While some found shelter in Odemia, most fled west, over the mountains, and founded Pnyx.

Houses were the descendants of the first six powerful leaders that helped to pull society together after the destruction of the Tyrants.

Kosha is a more recent settlement, founded by House Comana in 303.

Mages are trained at the Magisterium in Pnyx.

Founder Nicander was originally the leader of a group of hunters.

Odemia was founded 5 years after our arrival from Thera, but it was little more than a permanent hunting camp for a year.

The city of Pnyx was founded in 153 by the exiled Mages, and established the Magisterium.

Founder Strymon was actually just a simple farmer, until he acted to help pull together our society after the destruction of the Tyrants

Now that's an old name. Our original home was the island of Thera, before it was destroyed.

The Tyrants were our earliest rulers. Their absolute power corrupted them.

The First Tyrant exiled the Mages in 152.

It was during the rule of the Third Tyrant that Alaric appeared in 216. He ended their rule.

It wasn't until 219 that our current system of government was established, with the return of us Mages.

House Atussa is no longer of importance.

House Comana is a house of villainy and deceit.

House Dodona is an honorable House, though a bit pedestrian.

House Nicander is a valuable ally of ours.

House Strymon has all it can do to retain control of Catamarca.

House Attis is a noble house, with wealth from our iron mine to support us.

With the power that our iron mine gave us, we rose to power in Cademia, and despite rumors of troubles, our position is solid.

I am Elder of House Attis, and with the support of House Strymon, we are still the strongest house in Cademia.

We are House Attis

With the support of House Strymon and Dodona, we are still the most powerful house in Cademia...

...despite what supporters of House Comana may say.

One day I will take over the rule of House Attis, but for now I learn the family business.

I am Malis, son of Matron Thuria.

House Nicander is full of simpletons and fools.

It is surprising that there aren't more troubles in Odemia, with Nicander ruling

We are House Strymon

My brother Halos loves the intrigue of Cademia, but for me, I prefer the relaxed life in Catamarca.

House Comana is not to be trusted, if rumors I hear from Halos are true.

Perhaps you should seek him out yourself, in Cademia.

He claims to represent House Comana here in Catamarca, but I don't trust him.

Halos is my younger brother. He represents our affairs in Cademia.

Milcom is an honorable and noble man, fitting House Atussa....

And quite a good blacksmith too, I hear

I've got reasons to believe that they are involved with the kidnapping of Ariadne.

OK, this is what I've been able to gather so far - mind you, I can't prove any of it yet...

The bandit who kidnapped Ariadne of Odemia was hired by House Comana

Their motives are unclear, but the ransom could have bankrupted House Nicander.

Toppling Nicander would leave Odemia open for a new ruling House.

More importantly, Nicander would have no power here in Cademia.

The politics of Cademia are complex, but here's the story:

House Attis has lost popular support being just recently edged out by Comana.

However, Attis, combined with Strymon and Nicander, outweigh Comana.

Of course, Strymon and Nicander don't get along.

Attis and Nicander, however, are allied enough to keep Comana from outright control.

This could help explain the Nicander kidnapping...

My brother Propontis sent you? Well, why didn't you say so...

So, you came all this way to talk politics?

It's hard work running House Strymon - especially watching out for the likes of Houses Nicander and Comana.

Farewell.

I share my husband's distrust of House Comana - especially Darius.

People have seen him wandering around in the middle of the night.

Recently I even saw him with some ruffians - I couldn't hear what they said though.

There's something about him - I don't know. And the company he keeps...

Halos is Propontis' younger brother - he lives in Cademia - he's quite resourceful.

I help my husband rule Catamarca.

I am Lady Mantinea, wife of Propontis.

My husband Propontis was quite ill from the plague, but he'll recover nicely, if he'd just rest.

But he always seems to keep himself busy with something.

Hapmonides and Andromache were servants of House Strymon.

Unfortunately, they didn't survive the Plague.

Milcom is my father - he is the blacksmith in Odemia.

Good luck to them - Elder Philinus is an honest man, but his youngest...

Well, Ascalon is an idiot. At least Opheltius will inherit....

Odemia is our hereditary home - it was originally settled by an Attusan.

Now it is ruled by House Nicander.

Opheltius tries to represent House Nicander in Cademia

Strymon rules Catamarca, which is good for all.

Atussa is an old House, and in truth, its time has passed.

I'd rather not speak of that.

Being a blacksmith is more rewarding than heading House Atussa.

Nicander is the current ruling House of Odemia - and they are welcome to it.

Philinus is the head of House Nicander

Though Atussa has little power, we are still allied with House Strymon.

Abydos is the lost settlement.

Attis is a noble House that once ruled Cademia.

House Atussa is the only other House with a presence here in Odemia.

One can't be too careful with anyone allied with House Strymon

Cademia is the oldest city in Cythera, though it is too busy for me. My son Opheltius is down there.

Catamarca would be a fine city to visit on vacation, were it not for House Strymon.

Our paths have rarely crossed, but I don't trust them

Dodona is a noble House that once ruled Catamarca, before House Strymon rose to power.

I am the Elder of House Nicander, and so long as the people support me, I set the policies of Odemia.

Milcom was the head of the former House Atussa

House Nicander is the ruling house of Odemia, and I am the head of that house.

Odemia may be a bit out of the way, but it is a nice town none the less.

House Strymon is our rival. I really don't trust any of them

My primary duty in Cademia is to maintain good relations with House Attis.

House Atussa matters not.

Our paths have rarely crossed, but we don't trust them.

House Dodona is most Honorable.

Watch your words about our noble House.

A bunch of busybodies - they can barely handle the responsibilities of Catamarca.

Face it, House Attis never had what it took to rule the city of Cademia.

House Dodona is probably more fit to rule Catamarca than House Strymon.

To think, three years ago, Kosha was just a struggling farmtown, and now it prospers!

They say mages help keep the world in order - they aren't doing a great job, aren't they?

We heard what happened to lady Ariadne - what a pity, but those things are to be expected in Odemia.

Considering how remote Odemia is, it is a wonder it is as safe as it is, or isn't, as the case may be.

A terrible thing, but crisis brings out the best, or worst, in people.

You know, the way House Strymon has handled this Plague, they clearly aren't fit to rule.

Though I was born and raised in Kosha, I love Cademia like a native.

Ah, you must be the mysterious hero I've heard so much of.

And you couldn't have picked a better time to arrive - never has the land known such strife!

Bandits kidnapping noblewomen, a mysterious plague, why I even hear there are problems with this year's wine!

Such unrest is a clear sign that the peace of Alaric is slipping, and that we must look elsewhere for leadership.

No matter, welcome to Kosha. If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know.

Not a day goes by that I don't miss my father.

Though I am Elder of House Comana, I view myself more as a leader of Kosha.

My cousin Apis runs the Two-Taled Rat in Cademia.

My cousin Crito runs the Titan's Head in Odemia

House Dodona happens to run the finest inns and taverns in Cythera.

My cousin Helen runs the Study Hall in Pnyx.

My cousin Parium runs the Green Goat Tavern and Inn in Catamarca - fine place.

I'm your humble host, Crito

Halos represents House Strymon in Cademia. Claims to be an honest businessman.

I run this inn, the Two-Taled Rat.

I'm your humble hostess, Apis

Well met again, friend. Perhaps you'll tell me your story...

I think I once wrote a song about that, but now it's just echoes of the past.

Alas, Alaric is not well, and the land not well with him.

I do what I can to make him feel better with my arts of song, but perhaps you can do more.

Nasty sorts. Cythera used to be a peaceful land...

I don't know what is behind their appearance, be it just vultures feasting on the decaying land, or a more organized plot.

Off on some adventure? Well, sometime you'll have to tell them all to me so I can make a ballad...

Canachus was a good man, better than all his sons put together. He was also a big fan.

I remember his favorite song of mine - went like this... (He plays the notes PHJMD)

Of course, that's with this lyre - to be done right, it needs to be played on pan-pipes.

Unfortunately, nobody makes pan-pipes that play all those notes anymore, though some people might still have a set around.

House Comana hasn't been the same since Old Man Canachus passed away.

With the bandits roaming about, there is much mischief afoot, but the honorable folk in town do not condone such stealing and pillaging.

I am Demodocus, that is true.

Oh, why yes. I often travel from city to city, playing at Inns to delight the patrons, and occasionally I am honored to perform for the Land King.

Of late, I come to play for the Land King more often, to lift Alaric's spirits.

Old Hadrian has trained many a warrior.

The best sorts don't often frequent them, but most folks are decent enough, and the idle chatter can often be quite informative.

This life suits me well, despite the travelling.

I make legends out of the follies of man, and entertain people with ballad and fable.

Cythera was once a proud land, with little crime, and beautiful prospering villages, from the mighty Cademia, to the quaint village of Odemia.

Alaric has been waning, and is further drained from summoning you here.

Much depends on you, hero. I hope to sing about your tale one day.

I am Demodocus - you've heard of me, perhaps.

I don't know for sure, but it's certainly possible that there are unseen forces at work...

...or it could just be another sort of plague descending upon the land.

The plague in Catamarca was most odd, was it not?

I spend much of my time travelling, and this advice I'll give you: travel at night only with an alert eye, and a drawn sword.

There have been bandits about, running amuck in the land as Alaric's power to stop them has weakened.

I am, or was, at one with the land and its people. I have provided all the basic needs of its people - a bountiful land, mild weather, and peace for its people.

But now it all seems to be slipping away - a void where I can neither see nor affect.

Yes, Cythera is the land.

There have always been minor tremors here, but as time goes on, they become more and more common.

Enesidaone, Mater Theia, the old gods. They no longer guide our fate. Sadly, I'm the closest thing to a deity now...

Hm, let's look you over...

There, that should help...

My history, I remember a few parts. Living with my mother, as a child in Catamarca. When she died, I left Catamarca, to roam.

How I survived, I don't know. I think I was seeking out the exiled Mages, for I felt I had powers beyond those of normals, and I would learn of them.

Instead of finding them, I wandered into a cave, but it was not a cave. I crossed a bridge of stars, and found an abandoned hall or temple of some sort.

Who built this place, I knew not. It was empty and abandoned, but great power called to me.

I remember standing on the edge of the Abyss, and felt myself surrender to it, becoming one with it, with the Land.

It was then that I became the LandKing. I know not how long I stood there - for years, it was certain. And in the end, I had completed the bond.

I knew then that the rule of the Tyrants must be ended. And thus I ended it - and from that came the current system of Houses and Judges.

All that seems to be failing now - perhaps my time has ended...

I am keeper of the land of Cythera, though at times I feel like a stranger.

We are not from this place, but from the same Earth that you are. We lived on an island called Thera, until Enesidaone reclaimed it.

But that was not without warning, for a stranger, in the form of the Holy Bull appeared, telling us to flee. We saw Thera destroyed from the safety of our ships at sea.

That night a storm such as has never been before tossed us about, until in the morning when we woke up, tossed aside at the beach near what would become the city of Cademia.

Or so goes the legend. I am not a historian - perhaps you should ask another...

Alaric's bond with the land grows weak, and so his mind is strained.

Magpie might be my fool, but he is a trusted advisor.

Mater Theia, Earthmother, at least before the Journey brought us here. Now we are without Mater Theia, but there are stories.

I am Alaric - did I tell you before? I am sorry, how rude of me.

Odemia is the closest city - travel east, staying along the coast.

Metics are those who lived in Cythera before we arrived. Their ruins can be found outside Pnyx, and I hear more have been discovered in the Swamp of Khalkis

You should seek out a Freemage named Timon - he has studied them.

Stories tell of a power, formed of Earth, which still walks the land, whom we call Metics.

However, I doubt that they still live, or I should have been able to detect their presence.

Greetings again, stranger.

Farewell.

I too am concerned for Alaric...

I do what I can providing him with nourishing food to ease his weary bones and troubled brow.

These are troubled times, stranger. I do hope you can help him, and by doing so, help us, and all of the land of Cythera.

Would you like to learn how to make bread? (No)

Perhaps some other time.

Baking bread isn't that hard - Take some flour and spread it out.

Take some water and add to the flour.

Take a rolling pin and roll out the dough.

Take the finished dough and bake it, and you're done!

Hadrian's concern for Alaric has in turn led to my concern for my husband.

He hasn't even had time to properly mourn the passing of his mother, let alone tend to his family that still lives.

Are you hungry, and in need of food? (No)

Well, make sure to ask me if you are hungry.

Are you hungry, and in need of food? (Yes)

Let me get you something to eat.

Yes, Hadrian is my beloved husband...

He works so hard to protect and care for Alaric in these times of strife, I worry about him...

Hector is our son - we are very proud of him.

I am the cook for Alaric - my specialty is bread.

Magpie is quite the jester, isn't he?

Hadrian's kindly mother passed away recently in Catamarca.

She was such a kindly old woman, but one with much life left within her.

A terrible shame to have it stolen from her.

I am Emesa, ma'am

He rarely sleeps, and has become quite withdrawn of late...

I think his concern for Alaric is overpowering the man I love; it's quite a burden for him to bear.

You see, Hadrian's sworn duty is to protect Alaric, and Land King Hall, but now that an unseen force has afflicted his liege, he is left powerless to do anything about it.

I am in charge of the guards that protect Alaric and LandKing Hall.

I am called Hadrian, the Captain of Alaric's Guards.

Yes, my leader, what can I do for you?

You confuse me with your words.

Alaric is more than just our ruler, he binds the land together in some strange way that I don't understand.

I may not know exactly what is going on, but I do know that as Alaric has weakened, the land has suffered as well.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you...

How I'd love to give them a taste of their own medicine! Dark-hearted cowards!

Cythera should return to the just land it once was...

I've heard stories of criminals romaning rampant, and stranger still, of odd creatures roaming about.

My father Hadrian is the head of Alaric's guards - it is a very honorable profession.

I am a warrior, or at least will be one, like my father.

My mother's right around the corner in the kitchen, usually.

She's a kind-hearted soul, and it kills me to see her working at such a menial job.

She's here mostly to be close to my father, I think, and she does seem to enjoy her work.

I am called Hector - our legends tell of a great warrior named Hector, and I hope to follow in his, and my father's footsteps.

So you're the stranger that Alaric has summoned here to aid him?

Well, I hope Alaric knows what he's doing. No offense, but you don't look like much of a hero to me...

However I suppose looks can be deceiving, as my mother always says.

Much has happened in Cythera that would be unthinkable just a few scant years ago...

It's as if the land is stricken with a disease, and can no longer fight back against agents of evil.

My father helped me out with that: he's a great warrior in his own right, as well as a patient teacher.

I think I've passed the point where training alone can help me, however.

Yes, I hope to honor my father, and as well as make name for myself.

I've been training and studying the ways of a warrior.

Well, she prepares all of the meals for folks in the Land King Hall, including Alaric himself!

Say, I bet if you asked her, she'd be more than willing to cook you a meal...

Ours is not the Air.

The bond of Alaric is the bond of the Seldane.

Here is our Ayrit.

Ours is the Earth.

Ours is not the Fire.

Ignae is known to us, but not trusted to us, for he is alien to us.

Ours is not the Sea.

We are the Doorkeeper of the Ayrit.

We are Unhayt

We are the Watcher of the Ayrit.

We are Seqedher.

Timon: This is amazing! It is a living Seldane! Never did I think I would actually meet one!

In due time you have come to us. We are Sabinate, heir of the Seldane.

What then is your condition?

The Crolna is a green glowing gem. Corruption was our enemy. The Corruption drove us from Maayti

Would you help us us, so that you may help yourself (Yes)

For 120 eternities, ours was Maayti, city of Truth, until our enemy drove us forth.

A Crolna shard, such as you bear, but larger, was turned to evil, and abide with corruption we could not.

Sealed it within, we did, lest corruption spread. The gates were sealed with two keys.

By your hand have you removed the corruption of a Crolna part. We would that you did the same.

You need to learn our language, we shall make it so.

(Sabinate's eyes seem to bore through your skull, and then the effect is gone)

To open the gates, you must also have the two keys. Here is the key to the left post.

(Sabinate gives you a strange looking half-disk.)

When we left Maayti, the one who was our son was given the other.

The one who was our son is no longer one of us, and is closed to us.

We see that one no more - you need to use your own eyes to find that one.

You shall help us, we shall help you. Free the corruption from Maayti

We have no son.

We are Sabinate, heir of the Seldane.

Maayti, city of Truth, was our home.

Now we are here, and around Maayti the land sank, becoming a swamp.

We are Sabinate, heir of the Seldane.

This is our land. As is its troubles, so are ours.

The troubles of your Alaric march with ours. Perhaps our help is your help.

We are Jhiaxus - why do you disturb us? We grieve.

Dust. All shall be dust.

Honor Jinrai and then return.

We grieve for lost Jinrai.

You must make an offering to the Ka of Jinrai.

Bread it shall be, made by your own hands.

Take it across the Lake of Fire, and offer it to the Ka of Jinrai.

Then alone shall Jinrai be honored.

Jinrai was our mate. Together we were alone.

As our father has no son, that father of Jinrai had no daughter.

Our union was our destruction, but our union offered salvation for our people.

Long were we united, along in that which you would call LandsEnd.

Then came the people of Jinrai, who destroyed Jinrai.

But the people of this one have no power over the people of Jinrai, so we fled.

Alone now for 120 eternities are we, without our people, without Jinrai.

Honor Jinrai, or we will speak no longer.

Without Jinrai, we wait for the end of the world.

We are Jhiaxus. Once we were the son of Sabinate, but Sabinate has no son now.

Our father has no son, as we have no father.

You have honored our memory. You have fed our KA. In return, we shall tell you of truth.

Truth is one's perception of the facts. The facts are singular, but truth is manyfold. Once can be told facts, but one must make truth.

Jhiaxus and we shared the truth, and neither of our people would accept that. The mixing of Sea and Earth was heresy to them.

Ours were the people of the Sea. Jhiaxus' were the people of the Earth. Our conflict was eternal.

Only here, were the powers of Fire were strong could we hide, but alas, our people found us, destroyed us.

Consider the facts, young mortal, and be set free by the truth. The ruins that were built by the Seldane - that is fact.

The ruins that were destroyed - that is fact. Ask yourself how, ask yourself why, ask yourself who.

For what purpose was this done? With what tools was this done? And how are those tools used?

A tool is neither good nor evil - it is but a tool. It is in the hands of the wielder that a tool's purpose is determined.

You must learn who your enemies are, and who are your allies, but in the end, you can only trust yourself, for all others are blinded by their truth.

There is one you can trust, who is our offspring. But in the end, do not be blinded by a truth which is not yours.

This, of course, is our truth. Your truth, you must make.

That is a story that is not for Magpie to tell.

The King is Alaric and Alaric is the King, bonded to the land.

A magical bond Alaric has with the land, which allows him to ensure its prosperity. That is why he is called LandKing

And this place is thus LandKing Hall, Hall of the LandKing, Hall of Alaric.

In truth, he is surely the King of more than just the Land.

Perhaps we will share more stories...

Magpie is welcomed there, or at least was.

Magpie is welcomed there, or at least was.

If two of five are lost, there are then but three.

Could there be four? Why with man there can be five!

Old Ignae is a trickster - the sly one he is.

Magpie is the King's Fool! Is that not enough?

That is not a place where Magpie is welcomed.

Land and water, water and land - those two are not one, except for two, who are two and three.

Metics are a legend, but so is Magpie, and both are true.

Knows them, Magpie does. Welcome by them, Magpie is not.

Many names Magpie has.

Magpie is welcomed there, or at least was.

It is easy to say that one is, or is it? Can one truly say what one is, and what one isn't?

Is one really one, or perhaps two? Mayhaps even three?

City of Wizards. They know how to treat Magpie.

Seldane, Seldine, are they not all the same? Metics by any other name.

Ah, three, now that is important, but you are not ready for that knowledge.

Two matters not, but three?

Tourguide Magpie has played you for once.

Our imprisonment has finally ended, but we do not care.

At one time we would have smited any who dared approach, so great was our anger.

At another time we would have rewarded any who freed us with their wildest desire.

But now, it matters not. Our people have all fallen, and the Seldane and Undine are at war.

Imprisoned though we were, UrSylph still senses the turning of the wheel.

And you, you must be human. We have sensed your arrival and the chaos it causes.

Of the four elements, air is the most noble.

We sense that one - very unique. Not quite human, that is truth.

Ignae betrayed us. You humans, any one of you would betray your entire race.

Farewell human. Know that you walk into death.

Both Undine and Seldane would claim you as their own, and both will lie to do so.

We would not trust much of what either side says.

Earth, the Seldane.

Earth to the East, Air to the North, Fire to the South, Water to the West.

Fire, the Ignae.

We know of destruction of a small colony, through the hands of a traitor, and the power of the Undine.

We know how that traitor attempted to subvert the humans, worshipping false gods.

That one still thinks that he might some day have revenge on Seldane who used him as a puppet.

Instead, he just sits in his mountain strongholds, awaiting a death that will never truly come.

We know what transpires. We know about betrayers.

You humans are the unknown. We sense your existence, and your struggles.

When you arrived, the balance between Seldane and Undine was thrown wild.

If either side can claim you as their own, that side would surely win.

Once we were friends with Ignae, but they have turned on us, and help imprison me.

Aeons ago all three elements united to overthrow us, and imprisoned us here.

Trapped within earth, surrounded by fire, cut off by water, we waited.

And now you come to free us, perhaps. We no longer care.

Once we led a mighty people, and we were the greatest of them. Now, we alone remain.

We are UrSylph. The last great Sylph.

Our people have all fallen, and are lesser than we once were.

Pitiful beings. Though they help to imprison me, still, they fade in the war.

Though cut off, still we can sense some things that transpire.

We know much of history that remains hidden to your most wise.

We are sylphs, beings of air.

Trust - who to trust. Once we trusted Ignae, but Ignae betrayed us.

You can trust no one, that is for sure, not even us.

We need not lie to you, since we do not care, but your mind may still not understand our words.

The Under are clever, they are. They have overthrown the Seldane, and play with you humans like toys.

All the elements are at war with each other, as the wheel turns.

North to south, east to west, but you humans can be the middle

Water, the Undine

Air is the North pillar.

Alaric is more than human, as you should know - but how much more? He sits in the balance.

The axis stretches from East to West, for the axis is both East and West.

Ah! Now you are closer to the heart of the matter - but for every hunchback there is a soldier.

The balance between East and West.

Leaving so soon?

The balance between North and South, East and West, has always been precarious, but always it was balance.

Until the West found a way to have their powers trancend the axis, and drove the East from their seats of power.

This all happened, of course, long before you humans ever arrived. I'm still not sure how that happened.

You humans, it seems, are outside the four pillars, or perhaps are a combination of all four - I'm not sure.

You could be quite an ally to any of the four pillars, though who would be master and who would be slave is hard to determine.

Earth is the East pillar.

You've already met the East - those of Earth are the East pillar.

Fire is the South pillar.

Hunchback - bent over and curved, looking like a question mark?

No matter how many times you say it, it still refers to me.

Jhaixus attempted to go beyond what he is, and he pays the price for that.

I have respect for the attempt, but scorn for the folly.

Jinrai was the downfall of Jhaixus, and of Jinrai, but who would not pay that price?

That's a good one. What job does the wind or the tide have? 'Job' indeed!

You are no Magpie, but neither is he. He is the balance that is not.

As I've said, I am Ignae of the South.

You do not want to know about that one.

As there are four points on what you call a compass, there are four pillars of the world - North, East, South, and West.

Sabinate is what he is, and no more.

That label is confusing at best - I think in terms of the four pillars...

Soldier - standing straight and at attention, looking like an exclamation point!

Yes, I am Ignae of the South. There are four pillars for the world, and I am of the south.

Water is the West pillar.

Perhaps you will know the West - the West is certainly involved! They attempt to destroy the balance.

Yes, you have come to learn? Perhaps to teach? But the world you were sent to reach has no future now.

Why were we brought here? To be pawns, to advance one side or another? Or to be outside the game, perhaps even ending the game?

What once was elusive is calling me now.

You must leave here - it is not safe. The horrors I have seen with my eyes.

There is a terror, a war going on, and we are all but unaware. Yet we are pawns, and we die in this war.

The sides of the war use us, abuse us. We suffer. Alaric along can save us - remove us from the struggle.

He must be cured. You must save him, save us, save yourself.

I will carry your white feather, I will carry your white flag.

Thus all things are presented by shadows.

Have you heard of a word that will stop us going wrong? The time is now.

Some struggles are eternal, but the cycle can be broken by those of great resolve and will.

He knows, you know.

Where do we go from here?

What do we permit? What do we allow?

Just another comic actor behind a tragic mask.

It doesn't have to be like this.

What do you want from me!