We start our little runaround... at Hotto, mostly because it's on top of the Zoom list. Aside from going to Octagonia last, that'll roughly be my order of consideration.
Noah and Connie are still here? I was of the impression Noah was a drifter. The fact we met him in Hotto makes the game actually think of him as a Hotto character in part too.
Ronnie saved a lot of people, thank you for asking.
Connie is off being a little girl for now.
Oh great, you're going and telling people the priestess was a hero? Well, I guess that is how the first Tatsunaga went down...
Where aren't I a hero? Probably Angri-La.
Wait... you two are married now? When did this happen?
Proof of concept, you can go into the steam baths whenever.
...Actually, yeah, wasn't this free bathe a special offer?
If you leave through the female exit, you get scolded- although I think there's another line before you save the Hotto people. Excuse me, I have Jade and Serena here too!
They at least managed that.
Hendrik: Although he is yet a child, Atsuo displayed rare fortitude and determination. He certainly has what it takes to grow into a leader. Perhaps one day he will have the chance to govern this village.
Rab: Aye, things are certainly looking up for the people of Hotto now they don't have a horrible dragon to be worrying about.
Sylvando: We've come all the way to Hotto, honey! It'd be a crying shame if we didn't hit the bathhouse!
Jade: The sight of the volcano brooding above the village is as impressive as ever. You know, it feels like just yesterday we were there forging the Sword of Light. And now the battle's over- we really defeated Mordegon!
Erik: Do you remember when we met Veronica for the first time? She seemed to think I was a complete idiot. I guess our relationship did kind of get off on the wrong foot... Still, we ended up getting along pretty well.
Serena: Hee hee! This village always reminds me of when I first met you and Erik, Erdward. I'd wandered into that awful labyrinth, and had just lain down for a little nap by that fountain... Then I met you, and everything changed!
Over here in Gallopolis, the Sultan is off being his usual extravagant self. Hey, any other royal treasures you were planning on parting with?
The Sultana continuing to reference her friendship with Eleanor.
...Well, this is just hilarious.
...Cart before the horse, Princey? Maybe Sylvando will take you up on your offer.
Hendrik: The thought of Prince Faris one day ruling over this realm does not inspire confidence in the kingdom's future...
Rab: I still cannae work it out. Why was Mordegon so intent on slicing Erdwin's Lantern in two? And what does that word written on the star mean? ‘Calasmos’? There's something about it that gives me the willies...
Sylvando: I don't want to be mean, honey, but Prince Faris really doesn't quite have the gravitas of his old man... Still, no one becomes a great showman overnight. I'm sure he'll be able to grow into his role as sultan one day!
Jade: Whenever I see Prince Faris's foolish face, I want to tell him to sort himself out. I've managed to bite my tongue so far, but I don't know how much longer I'll be able to hold back...
Erik: Prince Faris hasn't changed a bit. He still acts like he hasn't got a care in the world. I wish I could be a bit more like that...
Serena: Prince Faris still cuts a striking figure, doesn't he? That feathered hat was really quite something...
There are Nauticans who are sticking it out in Gondolia. Mostly males, as it was staying in Gondolia to begin with. Hopefully the Mermaid's Burden doesn't mess them up too much.
Rotondo still feels horrible about toeing the party line, but he's happy we made it through despite his hindrance.
...Imagine living in a society where, at any moment, one of your neighbours will eat you.
Fascinating. I guess this helps bridge the divide between the two peoples, if they're paying attention?
Hendrik: Princess Jade takes after her father in having a very sweet tooth. I have rarely seen her so content. I shall track down the finest delicacies in this town and present them to her. I consider it nothing less than my duty.
Rab: Ye did well to outrun the troops of Heliodor, laddie. I wouldnae have been able to do it at my age. So I suppose it's just as well I didn't run into ye until after that, then, eh? Ho ho ho!
Sylvando: You remember Dave, don't you, honey? The doughty captain of the Salty Stallion? Well, while we were busy fighting the Lord of Shadows, he was making sure the ship was seaworthy and ready to go at a moment's notice. We should go and thank him for all his hard work sometime. I'm sure he'd be thrilled to see us.
Jade: Ah, what a wonderful town. The smell of delicious desserts seems to fill the air.
Erik: I'll never understand why anyone would sign up for a contest like that Signor Universo thing. Being the centre of attention sure isn't my idea of fun. I'll always feel more comfortable lurking in the shadows than standing in the spotlight. Once a thief, always a thief, I guess.
Serena: Once our journey is over, Sylvando, Jade and I have a plan to go and sample all of Gondolia's finest desserts. You know you're very welcome to join us, don't you, Erdward?
The people of Lonalulu are grateful to have their fishing bounty back.
...Hey, come to think of it, we're not exactly a hero around here.
Kainui is still thinking about Michelle. He refers to her in present tense, strangely, but it fits if you let it.
...Let's try not to encourage that. She's dead, lover-boy.
Hendrik: Princess Jade will not speak to me about what happened in this village. Clearly it affected her deeply.
Rab: Remember Kainui's mother talking about her son being so serious and responsible, laddie? She was on to something there. I'd like to talk to her again one day.
Sylvando: I've been thinking a lot about my new stage show. It might be nice to replace the feathers with seashells. Imagine a shell opening to reveal the Great Sylvando! The crowd would go wild!
Jade: Poor Kainui and Michelle... Theirs is a sadness we can do nothing to relieve. Love can be painful indeed.
Erik: I could never live in a place like this. I'd be bored to death.
Serena: Ah, I love the sound of the waves and the cool ocean breeze. We never had any of that in Arboria, you see.
Yes, Jade's line is a script error. At least, I think it's a script error. What I mean is, in game, she does call Kainui the saddened one and not Kainoa.
Marina's grateful, for her part.
Says the woman who could watch from any pool of water.
Hendrik: Such extraordinary creatures. It is no wonder that I feel rather flustered in their presence... Wait! Please ignore what I said! I did not mean to voice my thoughts!
Rab: Erdrea doesn't belong to us humans, ye know. We share it with all sorts of other creatures: on the surface, in the air and under the sea. Remember, laddie: when we fight, we're doing it for all of them.
Sylvando: Getting the people of Nautica to laugh feels like it's going to be quite a challenge. I don't know a lot about life under the sea, or what people here find amusing. I wonder if they'll enjoy the old sailor jokes that Dave's been telling me...?
Jade: I would love to have a proper conversation with the mermaid queen one day. I feel we would have much to share with each other.
Erik: I still can't quite get used to breathing underwater. It just feels a bit wrong.
Serena: Knowing more about life below the waves makes it hard to eat fish without feeling guilty... Still, I suppose it's also taught me to be grateful for what I'm eating.
I think Nautica doesn't actually have postgame Party Chat, but here some is anyway.
Alternate punchline for Sylvando's Party Chat:
I might be reduced to recycling my old seaweed material...
Now that the World Tree has returned, the L'Academie girls in the front have gone back to proper medal-collecting form rather than running practice.
Not that this is any less harsh a task.
We also have three other lovely ladies to idolise. Also possibly Sylv and Hendrik, although perhaps you should stick with Ronnie, Rini and Jade.
You don't want to grow up to be Erik or Rab, trust me.
If you have successfully found every single Mini Medal in Erdrea, you will be able to reach 75 and collect the Circle of Serendipity. This accessory increases the chances that a Rarefied Monster will appear in battle. I've intentionally been not hunting them because screw looking for them without this. There's another one of these later on, too.
Maxime Medaille doesn't show the fourth page of the Album de Medailles, although the fact that one exists at all is a pretty clear hint we've got plenty of Mini Medals somewhere in the world...
(It's pretty impressive considering Act 2 only added 20.)
I'm holding you to that.
...
Don't eat the whole continent at once just because the food chain's back!
Hendrik: I have fond memories of the library back in Heliodor Castle. When I was young, I would compete with my companions to see who could read the most. I loved tales of derring-do and books about magical feats. They were so exciting, it never felt like study.
Rab: Aye, this is the life! I'd love a wee cup of tea and a lie-down in the sunshine!
Sylvando: The medal motif here is a great design choice.
Jade: Seeing lilies always reminds me of my mother. She loved them, and my father would always make sure the castle was filled with them.
Erik: Now the world's not in danger, it's great to hang round nice, quiet places like this. We've earned some down time.
Serena: To think that the girls here won't have to grow up in a world ruled by the Lord of Shadows. It makes it all worthwhile!
Well, normal as normal is around these parts.
Hopefully Sylv decides to go touring with the Soldiers of Smile.
As an Australian, I'm torn between cringing and admitting accuracy. It'll be a cold day before I accept "strewth" comes from us and not from DQ, though.
We're having a sale!
...Wow, that kid is good. Or overconfident, one of the two.
This line coming up now is weird. You'd think this is an actual prize to collect, but...
His directions, unless I miss my mark, are just pointing at the Magic Key room.
Which we looted months ago.
Oh, you will.
OK, how do people actually find that out? Where did this rumour mill start?
I'm just curious, not concerned.
...Oh, never mind, you guessed.
Although I think some people think themselves properly informed.
Hendrik: I shall never forget the moment when Sylvando presented Avarith with that horse dung... The question remains, however... Just how did he carry it around with him? There are some feats I fear I could never equal...
Rab: Nhou Wat was built by a civilisation that was destroyed by the Lord of Shadows in the distant past. Now that he's been defeated and that evil wall painting is no more, perhaps all of the lost souls that were trapped in there have found their way back to Yggdrasil.
Sylvando: I'd never have made up with my papi if it wasn't for Da and Son! I owe the two of them a lot. I'll have to invite them to a show as special guests one day, so they can appear on stage with me.
Jade: Climbing the steps in this village every day would make you amazingly fit. Maybe one day I'll come and stay here for a while, and do some training...
Erik: I know it sounds funny, but I really can't remember much about that time I lost my memory. I guess I wasn't at my best- sorry if I caused any trouble.
Serena: The food here is delicious. It has a delightful spiciness I have never experienced anywhere else. Just smelling that aroma in the air makes my tummy rumble!
Now for Sniflheim. Turns out I didn't check on Mia's caretakers while I was here...
You remember that I was caring for young Mia, yes? She awoke from her lengthy slumber some days ago. ...But I am afraid that she left soon after, and I have not seen her since. I fear that she is in no fit state to be travelling- she is still weak, and needs rest. Wherever she is, I pray that she is unharmed. Now...
It is my divine duty to pray for the safety of you and young Mia- a duty that I perform gladly, and with all due diligence. Now...
There's also a bunch of NPCs that mention Mia. The map telling you where all the cutscenes are does point you at the Viking Hideout anyway, though.
Hendrik: Heliodorian armour was never designed for cold climates. Even thinking about that battle with Jörmun sends a chill down my spine...
Rab: Sniflheim has been through some hard times, but it seems the kingdom has emerged unscathed. Aye, it always was a resourceful place.
Sylvando: It's great to see that the fabulous people of Sniflheim are living normal lives once again. Getting turned into lumps of ice can't have been much fun. It's good to see they've thawed out.
Jade: Sniflheim looks so beautiful from above- I could watch the light falling on the snow forever. Scenery aside, though, is there a reason we're here? If there's somewhere you'd rather visit, I don't mind at all.
Erik: The Vikings have been lying low ever since that outbreak of Gold Fever. I've thought about paying them back for all that me and Mia suffered, but you know what? I've got better things to do. You've got to let this stuff go. Isn't that what your grandfather wrote in that letter? That you shouldn't waste your life bearing grudges? I guess he knew what he was talking about.
Serena: Oh, this place is just full of life. It looks like the kingdom's in safe hands with Queen Frysabel and Krystalinda.
Hendrik mentioning he didn't have a great encounter with the cold back in Act 1. Apparently, the "he had hypothermia just off-screen" theory holds water.
Now for the castle residents...
You're welcome, Frysabel.
There's something charming about the "you beat the Lord of All Evil? I feel less bad for losing." attitude.
Krystalinda, to some extent, knows Jasper is dead now, and also some of the circumstances of his death. She also kinda guesses at Jasper's motivations, and hits perhaps closer to home than it sounds. To say Jasper turned to the darkness "for Hendrik" is misleading- he was under no delusions Mordegon was going to make Hendrik's lot better, after all- but perhaps the correct turn of phrase, if one exists, lies in that ballpark.
Scholars circa 2016-202X wish they could take that one back.
Hendrik: Queen Frysabel must be around the same age as Princess Jade, but she seems much more mature somehow. Perhaps the Princess will become more even-tempered and less impetuous when she takes the throne, but somehow I have my doubts.
Rab: Queen Frysabel has grown up to be a fine young woman. If auld King Gustaf could see her now, I bet he'd be proud as punch.
Sylvando: I wonder if Krystalinda has heard about Jasper's death...? Even if he was deceiving her all along, losing someone you once loved is still hard.
Jade: Queen Frysabel is tougher than she looks. She's won Krystalinda over, and that must have taken some doing. Still, that's what a true ruler does, I suppose.
Erik: When I was a kid, I used to look at Sniflheim Castle and imagine what it was like inside. Now I get to wander around it whenever I want. I still can't really believe it...
Serena: The symbol of this kingdom is a cross between a snowflake and a magical rune. It's just right for Sniflheim!
...Frysabel, more mature than Jade? I don't see it. Well... maybe... I dunno. Kinda weird either way, though.
Now for Angri-La.
She's talking about Rab, incidentally.
...And the High Lama goes right into his gameplay spiel. Most everyone here is committed to training for the next bad guy to come along. Not that I saw them do anything about this one.
Hendrik: When we first found Rab up here, I thought he was mummified. I do not scare easily, but I was terrified when he started to move. Even thinking about it makes me shudder. Indeed, I regret mentioning it at all...
Rab: Grand Master Pang may no longer be around, but we can still pay a visit to the High Lama. He may not be as ferocious as my auld teacher, but I bet he could still give ye a mean smack on the backside!
Sylvando: ‘Solar Flair’... It's got a real ring to it, hasn't it? If only every move had such a fabulous-sounding name!
Jade: We've come all the way to Angri-La, so it would be a shame not to visit the Field of Discipline. You can never train too much, Erdward!
Erik: So if you'd grown up in Dundrasil, you'd probably have come up here to train, right? You know, it's probably better you didn't have to do it. I'm not sure you'd have suited the shaved head look...
Serena: I tried to read Rab's favourite magazine, but he said the Ogler's Digest wasn't for me. Maybe he thinks it's too high-brow. In any case, now I can't stop wondering what's in it...
Last stop is Octagonia. After all, the plot is right outside!
...I am in time for tea. So much for dignity in defeat.
Golden Boy has found a new passion for dancing, and is, somehow, winning back his old fans. To an extent. I'm not sure Golden Boy can fundamentally deliver on what these people are looking for.
Sinderella's back to normal, of course.
And Whambelina's the one who's happy to have been one of our opponents.
...I, uh... wouldn't do that too often.
Hendrik: It pains me to admit it, but I do not tend to be lucky in situations such as these.
Rab: Aye, there's nothing quite like a casino! Now then, I fancy a wee roll of the dice or two, laddie. Anything to impress the pretty young ladies who work here!
Sylvando: You know, honey, I think you're the kind of person who can't live without a bit of adventure. I can understand that. Luckily, it's already time for your next challenge- let's see if you can win big here!
Jade: We need to make sure Rab doesn't gamble all of our gold away. When we were on the road together, there were nights we had to go without supper because he had squandered all our funds. Just don't say I didn't warn you...
Erik: Few things get my heart racing like a casino. I mean, it's all just so unpredictable, right? We might walk out of here millionaires, Erdward!
Serena: I just had a go on one of those slot machines, though I don't really understand them. It does seem I won something, though- hundreds of tokens poured out. Hmm? What did I do with them? Well, wasn't too sure what they were for, so I just gave them to the person standing next to me. They seemed happy enough...
Serena's story reminds me of a generic NPC in one of the DQV Casinos that did the same thing. I feel like that's supposed to be a recurring joke, but I don't recall an NPC like this in the other games. Not that I checked too thoroughly, I suppose...
Vince, on the other hand, was our partner more often than not. Despite, you know, the other thing.
Good for you, big guy.
I don't think this ever gets delivered.
Hendrik: King Carnelian would not be happy if he knew I had allowed Princess Jade to return to this terrible place. Might I suggest that we leave as soon as you have finished whatever it is you want to do here.
Sylvando: The arena's gone, and I suppose that's curtains for the Bullion Boys. I just hope Golden Boy and Sterling Sylva managed to inspire people with their style and sense of justice- I know you were a fan, weren't you, honey?
Jade: The poor people of Octagonia did nothing to deserve that hideous statue at their town's entrance. Hendrik's body with Booga's head isn't the best combination in the world...
Erik: Did you see that, Erdward? That statue of Hendrik still has Booga's stupid head stuck on it. I guess if the folks in this town like it that way, who am I to tell them they're wrong?
Serena: I really respect Vince. The Masked Martial Arts contest is no more, but he's decided to stay here to offer support to the town's young people. If he does have a fault, it's that he's just a little too trusting. I hope no one ever tries to take advantage of his better nature again.
OK, one last thing for the road... I've never gotten around to showing off Brownie Boost.
This ability appeared in DQ9, where it was represented by a red, yellow and blue fairy that could almost have been ripped straight out of Phantom Hourglass. Those elements still seem to be here.
Although the main feature is now a dance.
Free Oomphle, free double Kabuff, and massive passive HP/MP regen. This is an ability that's amazing to throw at, say, the tentacular, Dora-in-Grey, Krystalinda or Tatsunaga, or really any difficult fight. I considered it too cheap to do, although the animation is lovely.
Now then, before we progress in the story, there are two pretty good Party Chat groups that I didn't do personally. To be fair, I didn't even know you could do one of them- my reason for missing the other is the lack of NPCs to interact with at that destination.
Heliodor Castle:
Hendrik: The very moment I met Princess Jade, I vowed to protect her and always stand beside her. That vow still stands. To rebuild the kingdom will be a huge task, but I will share her burden.
Rab: Castles may fall, villages may be burnt to the ground, but where there is life, there is hope. The people of this kingdom will rally and rebuild their homes. Aye, I am certain of it.
Sylvando: Oh my... Just thinking of all the horror this castle has seen could make a grown man weep...
Jade: This place may be in a terrible state, but I recognise it still. It was my home, after all... But this is no time to dwell on all that has happened. That won't help the kingdom get back on its feet. I vow to restore Heliodor to its former glory, no matter how long it takes. The people of this kingdom have suffered greatly, but their spirit is far from broken. As long as I have them beside me, I will not falter. We can build a future together, I know we can!
Erik: Hey, don't worry about me, man. I think you should be checking that Jade is alright. She's a tough customer, but it can't be easy for her seeing her home in ruins.
Serena: I pray that the spirits of all those who lost their lives here are now with Yggdrasil.
Zwaardsrust:
Hendrik: Three decades have passed, but the memories have not faded. This will always be my home. I pray that my family and friends have returned to Yggdrasil and rest now in peace.
Rab: If I spent one more night at the Warrior's Rest, I wonder if I could see my Eleanor and Irwin again? I'd love nothing more than to meet them in a happy dream...
Sylvando: When Hendrik and I both trained with my papi, he never spoke about how Zwaardsrust had suffered and how much he had lost. I can't imagine how painful it must be to lose your home.
Jade: If the Purple Orb had fallen into the hands of Mordegon, we would never have been able to defeat him. We must salute the courage of the people of Zwaardsrust. They lost their kingdom, but still they did what they could to help the Luminary fulfil his destiny.
Erik: Mordegon hurt so many people and destroyed so much. It'll take a long time for the wounds to heal.
Serena: There's something so nice about being in Zwaardsrust. The sound of the windmills turning and the breeze blowing through the wheat fields... It's all ever so soothing!
Welcome to the ruins south of Octagonia.
This place wasn't here... at all in Act 1. Which means something has to have happened nearby...
These are the ruins of Havens Above. The parts that didn't have the Guiding Light protecting it, at least.
And we're set loose. Jade, for her part, stands right by the starting point and says mostly the same thing.
Rab, of course, found the only working books.
Interesting. I wonder what was seen in those visions.
I'm leaning towards Erik's side more than Sylv's.
Although I can't deny that to the sculptor.
Hendrik's just focusing on the fact the ruins are "new".
Serena's been staring at a massive mural back here.
There's quite a bit to take in.
So now we're looking at the timekeepers of the world? They're definitely referring to Tockles, although the vanilla version kept that part exceptionally vague. We are about to start seeing them be plot-relevant, though.
...There's a lot of figures in the painting.
..."Those who are lost to eternity"...
...
That's...
...That's an idea.
Best not to bring hopes up too high too quickly, Rab.
Rab explains how to get to the light that apparently has power over time. All we need is "a wheel of time".
...I feel strangely concerned about how little security there is around the power over time itself.
Also a cute little explanation of why it's a Wheel and not an ordinary key.
I remembered a few moments of cute physical contact between Erik and Serena, and it turns out both the big moments are bundled up in here. I'm not entirely sure whether these are meant to be brotherly or romantic in nature, but it's a big part of why I feel Erik/Serena was in the cards somewhere along the way.
...Well, can't argue with that.
Good question.
Better question, what is the Wheel of Time? We're only mostly sure it's a physical object!
Rab guesses, through context clues, that it's pretty likely the Wheel started life in that hole, and probably isn't too far away. Well, unless Indignus seized it when he destroyed the place.
Erik offers a suggestion on where to head.
Hendrik: The ruins appear to have been inhabited by the Watchers- until Mordegon's powers caused them to fall from the sky. I wonder how many islands once floated above us...
Rab: When the light burns bright enough, it can restore those lost to eternity... That's what the book says, anyway. Maybe it's a load of auld nonsense, but until we get hold of the Wheel of Time, we can't be sure.
Sylvando: There's more to Rab than meets the eye! I thought he was just an old timer with some lousy jokes, but it turns out he can read ancient texts written by the Watchers! And he was king of Dundrasil too, of course. I do keep forgetting about that...
Jade: The time I have spent with you has taught me that nothing is impossible. If there's even the slightest chance that we can bring Veronica back, we have to try. Let's start by searching for the Wheel of Time.
Erik: I bet Veronica would have plenty to complain about if she were here now... You know what, though? Things aren't as interesting without her.
Serena: I'll do whatever it takes to see my sister again! Let's find the Wheel of Time and take it to the tower. We shouldn't make Veronica wait- you know how impatient she is!
It's time to finally pick up that sparkly Erik noticed back in the credits.
Thank goodness it was right nearby! Imagine if Mordegon got his hands on the power over time itself! That's quite possibly the one thing he didn't already have.
...Hm... no, I think Rab's wrong on this point. He's close, but there's nothing really to it.
No one in the party remembers seeing a tower that might be the Tower of Lost Time.
But perhaps the player does.
Erik also comes to that conclusion, in case a player didn't stumble across it on their own through riding Cetacea.
Hendrik: It seems Princess Jade is rather taken with the creatures from the wall painting. If it would please her, I would gladly track one down and bring it to her.
Rab: So if I understood the book correctly, now we've got this wheel, the beings known as the Spirits of Lost Time should be able to help guide us to the tower... I'm not quite sure how it's all meant to work, but if we keep looking I'm sure something will turn up.
Sylvando: Now, I don't know what this Tower of Lost Time looks like, but I'm guessing it's going to be tower-shaped. Our best bet would be saddling up Cetacea, taking a little tour of the world and seeing if we can spot any likely candidates.
Jade: Those round creatures in the wall painting looked adorable. My father has always had a keen interest in all the living things in our world- I know he'd be delighted if we could bring one back for him.
Erik: We've got to check out that old tower I saw to the north of Yggdrasil. Why don't we take Cetacea and go have a look? Unless you've got somewhere you'd rather be, of course...
Serena: We have the Wheel of Time... Could we really be reunited with Veronica if we take it to the tower? We have to try, Erdward...
Welcome back to the Lost Land.
Hendrik: There are powers that only the Luminary possesses. We could not have seen the visions Yggdrasil showed us without you, Erdward. Perhaps these Spirits of Lost Time are the same- perhaps they are invisible to all but you.
Rab: That tower looked pretty ancient to me- let's go and find out what mysteries it's hiding, eh?
Sylvando: I know it's a horrible eyesore, honey, but you're going to have to keep hold of the sword that Mordegon dropped. After all, it's safer with you than with anyone else- and who knows, one day it might come in handy!
Jade: I was hoping we could find the white creatures from the wall painting, but it seems not. Perhaps they have long gone...
Erik: We've found ourselves a tower, but I can't see any of these Spirits of Lost Time that are supposed to guide us. Well, unless anyone's got any better ideas, I guess we need to take a closer look at this old thing...
Serena: Spirits of Lost Time, if you can hear me, please lead us to the tower...
We've found ourselves a tower.
With a Wheel-shaped keyhole.
...
Anyone feel up to playing with time?
Could be anything and anywhen. Try not to look too closely.
...Hello there, little guy! Are you lost? Precisely how curious you might be about this guy depends on when you decided to do the Erdwin's Lantern stuff in Gallopolis. You could've done it near the start of the Act, you could've done it right at the end.
So... the Tower of Lost Time.
Hendrik: There is something strange about this place. We must proceed with caution. This tower was not the work of ordinary humans, that much is certain... But who could have built it? Gods? Monsters?
Rab: Aye, this place looks strangely familiar. I have a feeling I saw a picture of a tower like this in an auld book many years ago. It said something about the sands of time and some kind of mechanism that controls the way time flows, but I cannae remember the precise details.
Sylvando: This place is just stunning. All that beautiful golden sand falling is a nice touch.
Jade: So the sacred light in this tower may somehow be able to return Veronica to us. I pray we can see her smiling face once again. Whatever it takes, we have to try.
Erik: This place is quite something. I just wonder what's powering it all...
Serena: Veronica and I made a vow that we would always stand by each other, right to the end. I pray that she can be returned to us so that we can be true to our word...
There are no enemies and few branching paths. Two chests total, I believe.
And also this chronocrystal sparkly spot. Feels fitting.
An Agate of Evolution in one chest.
And in the other... "Basic Weapons"?
...Oh. The eight "ultimate weapons" we've been finding and I've mentioned can be improved into new ones? This is how. There are three recipe books we need to find to get them all the way up, but each new stage is worth plenty on its own merits.
Although you can't get bonuses for doing well until the last level.
If you only want to focus on a few ultimate weapons, I'd go with the Axe, Spear, Staff, and Sword, in that order. The Boomerang is also nice as an option, of sorts. The Knife and Claws have better alternatives for most purposes, and Whips are just an option one struggles to use outside maybe Sylv.
Each weapon should now be roundly stronger than all the contempories we currently possess (including Liquid Metal +3 for the Sword/Spear/Boomerang), and a handful more.
At the top of the tower is the Altar of Ages. And this is where something Big happens.
Meet the Timekeeper. She speaks in a very slow, measured voice that's difficult to express in text, but she pauses every clause and has some echo effect.
The song that plays for this scene is "Small Shrine" (it's a DQ3 song).
...That is certainly an answer to that question.
Serena, the one most interested in seeing her sister returned, is the one to try and make her case. Although our information seems remarkably scant now that she says it aloud.
The Timekeeper looks over the party before answering the question.
Exactly the answer I was expecting.
Complete with the "but".
Considering the theming of saving your progress being recording your memories with the church (or in a journal), I can't help but hear this line and think "save corruption".
In the world of Erdrea, "time travel" is not something we can do. We can play with the laws of time, but we have... more destructive options.
We must go back to when Veronica was alive and stay there. And that's just the stuff we can comprehend.
Well, isn't that an optimistic way of looking at it.
Well, when you put it like that... how could I not?
This line has all the emphasis you'd expect- including the "that particular fork" and the trailing hint of another "but".
Hendrik is glad to step forward. I imagine Serena would, too, but after that... the implications run deep. Erik and Sylv will be back to square one with their family issues.
The question is all for naught, because there is only one person who has the power to turn back time.
The Luminary.
This is an interesting sentence that seems to be more aimed at the re-readers than the readers.
Well, I guess that makes the relatively lax security more forgivable.
If "we" want Veronica back... then that means sending Erdward to the past forever.
"Lost to you" means lost to specifically Erdward. Does everyone else still exist?
...
...I don't know.
Even the Timekeeper doesn't seem entirely certain.
...
I like Ronnie a lot. And I mean a lot.
...
But everything?Hendrik: .........
Rab: .........
Sylvando: .........
Jade: .........
Erik: .........
Serena: .........
The party steps forward, and announces their second thoughts.
There's actually an alternate Party Chat where the party expresses doubt verbally, presumably before this moment. I think I prefer the ellipses.
Hendrik, in his usual way, wishes it could be he who suffers all the pain and not the people he is sworn to protect.
Rab, of course, has very good reason to be wary... he's already lost so much of his family. He might be too old to lose his grandson.
Sylvando seems to think that the once was enough.
Jade's just flashbacking to the time she dropped Erdward in the river.
Serena wonders whether it would be disgracing Veronica's memory to step forward and take this duty.
Erik, ever the practical one. The game kinda wants you to talk to him last.
He'll be the one to ask if your resolve is really up to the task.
The question of whether or not to do this- to turn back time to do everything again but better- is a question that hits a lot of people hard. The game really makes you work if you want to take this chance, and considering how conclusive the ending and aftermath of Act 2 was... I don't think the game would blame you if you wanted to finish the story here, turn back and go restore Cobblestone with Gemma.
But I'm the type who's ready to take on that chance.
I plan to cheat like mad.
They oblige by literally parting to allow you to proceed.
Sylvando decides that his goal of making "the whole world" smile applies recursively. There's a lot of faces that'll never smile again in this world...
I feel like Hendrik is still feeling some guilt for helping Mordegon back in Act 1 here.
And I you.
Rab seems in high spirits. Hopefully he can come to terms with it in the end.
Don't worry Jade, you'll still be there.
Erik's back to saying the same thing he said before.
Miscellaneous Party Chat that seems like it's after this moment, had we picked up the party:
Hendrik: You will find that in the past we will be enemies once more. I trust, however, that you will allow me to join you. ...No, perhaps I have no right to make these demands of you. Whether we fight together or not, all I wish is for peace to be restored to the world.
Rab: Laddie, even though ye're going back into the past, Yggdrasil will be still wanting ye to defeat the Lord of Shadows, and we'll still be there, ready to help ye out. So ye might feel sad about leaving us all here, but ye haven't seen the last of us. Not by a long shot!
Sylvando: I'm never going to forget the time we spent together, Erdward. Wherever I go, there'll always be something to remind me... Now, when you meet up with me in the past, make sure you give me some fabulous new memories, you hear? Don't let me down, darling!
Jade: You don't need to worry about your friends and family back in Cobblestone. I'll make sure they're all safe and well. My father, Hendrik and I will get the village back on its feet, I promise.
Erik: Listen, about what happened back in the tower... There's stuff I'd like to say, but I'm not the type for emotional speeches. I think it's best if you just get going, Erdward...
Serena: I've been meaning to ask you something. I'm starting to think that short hair really suits me... So if you meet me in the past, please feel free to tell me to have it cut!Hendrik: I am as keen as anyone to bring Veronica back, but we are talking about defying death itself. Can it truly be possible?
Sylvando: Veronica is going to just love Cetacea. I can't wait to take her out for a ride!
Erik: It's a shame we never got to see Veronica in her true form. I wonder if she looked anything like Serena?
Serena: I know you have to return to the past, Erdward, but I just wish it didn't hurt so much to leave you. Actually, there's one thing I want to ask you- after you find us in the past, please don't ever leave us like this again. I don't want anyone else to go through this...
Now that we've all but committed to taking the plunge, it's time to discuss what, mechanically, turning back time means.
Erdward isn't going to be going back to just having what we did in Act 1. That would make changing fate difficult.
Our progress through the game will be maintained. This includes, funnily enough, our Gallopolis Horse Race and Wheel of Harma records. As well as anything else I might have forgotten along these lines.
We'll be the same level we beat Mordegon at, with all our Skill Trees in place.
Bit of a long-winded explanation here:
All that to say "All our items- equipment, alchemy ingredients, everything in between- comes with us too".
However, since we're using the Sword of Light to break Time's Sphere, we can't bring it with us.
The Sword of Shadows, which is ironically not going to be used to destroy time, can go into a Time Capsule and come with with no other dramas. Aside from, you know, being a big ugly evil sword.
Translation: "And I suggest you use it."
The Timekeeper's knowledge stops here. Now... it is time for faith to begin.
And I start with perhaps the most faithless decision I could've made: I think the stuff in your party's inventories does get put in the Time Capsules automatically, but I dequipped everyone and stuffed their stuff in the bag just to be sure. You never know.
At this point, I think the game isn't being genuine with the idea you might not be willing to do this, just making absolutely sure you know how big a deal this is. Sort of like how the option to go to Crimson Flower is not meant to be a big mechanical thing, but an expression of the narrative impact of Byleth making the choice to side with Edelgard.
At best, this game might be asking "do you have everything you want to have?". As far as I can think, there's nothing that you'll explicitly miss here in Act 2, although do note the Gyldenhal won't be available. Neither is the Fortress of Fear, but we've long since lost access to that.
Say yes to both options here, and you've committed.
Although we haven't heard our last goodbyes.
Hendrik promises, as best he can, that despite the whole "Hendrik will be our enemy back in Act 1" thing, he will gladly join the party again if Erdward tries.
Sylvando's a lot looser about the whole thing.
We may take this step alone, but we won't be alone dealing with Mordegon.
Those are some great words.
This'll be one to tell your grandkids... in a manner of speaking.
This is the other Erik/Serena moment. I think this one is probably more brotherly than romantic, considering the context, but they're both really cute considering it's Erik, a man whose sole other interactions with the fairer sex have been Mia and being confused why the L'Academie girls won't look him in the eye.
With that said, this is an incredible choice of words if my guess were true.
You can count on that. Both of you.
It's time.
Erdward's Sword of Light shatters against Time's Sphere. Although I kinda feel like there should've been something more surgical than just... shattering the whole thing.
That's that.
Don't worry about us, Rab.
We'll be fine in your hands.
And a nice collection of memories to sort through, to try and find the right moment to land back in time. Anything with Gemma in it is the wrong one, though- either way too early or way too late.
The shattering of Time's Sphere represents the beginning of Act 3, a truly fascinating decision on the writer's part. This isn't an unheard of concept- fanfic writers have been calling it "Peggy Sue" for ages- but stop me if any official medium has built-in the idea of time travel-as-redo into the story they just built up.
One interesting consequence of this decision comes with the scope of the tragedies of Act 2- all the more serious than Dragon Quest's usual fare, with high body counts and even the loss of a party member, explicitly (but off-screen) killing a baby, and doing some serious damage to the passage of death itself. The game has, all along, known that it was ready to rewind time to undo all of it. And that can say a lot depending on your opinion on the importance of painful times on the human condition.
How does this post-game compare to Dragon Quest's usual fare? Surprisingly well. Dragon Quest usually has a single dungeon and maybe some associated story content to explain its boss- DQ4 had you seek out an Yggdrasil Flower to revive a plot-dead character, DQ8 had you find out your Hero's origins, and DQ9 is basically all post-game with its focus on the grotto system. DQ11 isn't quite DQ9, but it's got plenty to keep the wheels turning. That is, if you don't count Act 3 as just "the game"- there's still more story to tell, after all. I find it difficult to take a side on this matter- it plays like a postgame, but it's definitely all the one story.
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