Beyond the Depths of Despair
| «Amidst the Apocalypse |
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We were to reconvene with the others in front of Meghaduta, were we not? That should be just outside.
With any luck, they will have already returned from their own investigations. My friend, we must take our leave. I pray that your establishment is spared further tragedy. But remember: your lives are far more precious than any wares. If you are ordered to flee, do so without hesitation. |
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Indeed... I thank you for your concern, and pray you two take care as well.
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Local Dialogue
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(- Arkasodara Man -)
Surely the satrap will offer his wisdom and guidance to us...
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(- Au Ri Man -)
I... I saw it! That terrible beast...
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(- Hyuran Man -)
We escaped somehow, but... What in heavens' name is happening to our fair city!?
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(- Au Ri Woman -)
By the gods! Is everyone all right?
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(- Hyuran Woman -)
Whatever is the meaning of this!? Where is the satrap!?
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Finished your rounds and ready to share? |
 The Unending Journey: # 1: Voiced cutscene start.
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There you are. You've spoken with the survivors?
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Indeed. We thought to share what we have gleaned, that we might together gain a greater understanding of present circumstances.
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Fortuitous timing. Alisaie and I completed our own investigations not long ago.
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Then we should take a moment to compare notes. Shall we begin with the two of you?
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...So the merchant Khalzahl was gravely concerned about his business in the days preceding his untimely end.
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The tales we heard were much the same. The first victims to be changed into blasphemies were all overcome with anguish of one manner or another.
Then those who saw their loved ones stolen before their eyes succumbed to a similar panic, setting in motion a chain of transformations. |
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Fear, unease, despair...these negative feelings serve as a catalyst.
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If so, then it is not unlike the calamity that befell the ancients.
With their creation magicks they unwittingly gave form to untold horrors. Had they simply lost control, surely it would have manifested in many forms─not all of them monstrous. Yet somehow this phenomenon is triggered solely by the darkness in their hearts. A common thread with what we now witness. |
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...Common, but not identical. While the beasts the ancients faced were forged with magic alone, those of today are born of sentient beings.
Why remains to be seen, but there is one fundamental difference between us and our predecessors: our souls are sundered, whereas theirs were not. Perhaps that single variable makes all the difference. |
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If I may...there was another detail that troubled me.
We have it on good authority that Khalzahl's transformation took place before the skies began to burn. |
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What!? If that's true, then the situation's more dire than we realized.
It means even if there's no ominous sign presaging the Final Days, anyone─anywhere─has the potential to become a beast. Even in lands we thought safe. Even as we speak... |
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Look, it's the satrap!
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My countrymen. I am relieved and heartened to see you strong and safe.
While the danger has not yet passed─far from it─allow me to assure you that the beasts that raged within the city walls have been exterminated to the last. Outside this sanctuary, the brave men and women of the Radiant Host and our dragon ally continue to battle our unholy foes. I pray these tidings put your minds at ease, and help you calm your hearts. Have faith that we shall soon conquer this terrible trial. |
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Your Excellency...is there any word from Palaka's Stand?
My grandson was bound for there yesterday, and I-I worry for his life... |
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We are still awaiting a report. But I promise you, as soon as I have aught to share...
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Y-Your Excellency! I bring grave news!
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You are...?
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I...I'm Matsya of Akyaali. A humble fisherman.
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Ah, I remember you from our first visit.
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Hm? Wait, you're...
B-But no, that can wait! When the skies turned red, I set off for Palaka's Stand, fearing for the safety of a friend. But as I drew near the village, I saw dreadful beasts all about. |
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No... Gods have mercy...
Your Excellency! Save my grandson! I beg of you! |
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We will spare no effort to save all we can. But you must remain calm─
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Calm!? You tell me to be calm!? You saw those beasts! They tore our bravest warriors limb from limb!
What if we are too late? If they catch him─sink their fangs into him... The fangs...the blood...the screams! |
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Get away from her. Now!
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Nooo! Nooooooooo!
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...Damn it. We've got to kill them before it spreads!
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We'll handle this. See the townspeople to safety!
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Run! As fast as you can!
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Aaah...aaah...no!
Merchant's Son: Faaa...grrraaaaaaghhh! |
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Vrtra... Our people... You must save them!
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My son...he...he... The satrap!
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Enough! You must run, for their sake and your own!
Yes. You will survive. You must. Be strong, my friends! Fear not, for we will defeat these abominations! Brave men and women of the Radiant Host! Lend Y'shtola and Thancred your aid! Let not a single beast escape! The rest of you, flee this place! Carry the wounded if you must! Head indoors, or underground! Above all, stay calm. No beasts will follow you─we will see to that. |
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Alphinaud! Alisaie! Leave the city to us, and make for Palaka's Stand at once!
Matsya, show my friends to the village. I promise you─they're more capable than the Host's finest. |
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R-Right!
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Go with them, will you?
We will save these people─as many as we can! |
| The Unending Journey: # 1: Voiced cutscene end.
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Local Dialogue
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The entire island is in turmoil: storms are brewing and monsters are running amok! You doubtless have your hands full, so rest assured that I won't stand in your way. |
Local Dialogue
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I have heard much of your bravery. By all means, pass through the Gate of First Sight.
The eye, Radz–at–Han's emblem, represents the divine eye of Vrtra and how it was able to see through all evil falsehoods. May it watch over you on your travels. |
Local Dialogue
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Seems like there's something going on outside, but I'm staying focused on my work as always. "Keep calm and carry on" is what I always say! |
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The folks fleeing from the plaza above shouted something about monsters running amok... I know I ought to escape as well, but what will become of my silkworms!? |
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Is it true some innocents were turning into beasts out there!? If so, we need to get our craftsmen to safety at once. |
Local Dialogue
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Welcome to the High Crucible. You don't appear to be injured. This is good. I heard of the chaos in Dharma, but we have been fortunate to remain unscathed so far. Be safe out there. |
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We meet again. You...you do remember me, yes?
You saved my skin twice over in Yedlihmad. And now I find myself turning to you for help once more... But let us tarry here no longer! |
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Damn it all... Staying calm isn't exactly my forte... |
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We must save Palaka's Stand. Whatever it takes.
Matsya. It pains me to put you into harm's way, but I would ask your aid as well. |
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O-Of course! Palaka's Stand is not far, just down that hill.
But as I told His Excellency before, the path was blocked by terrible creatures. I had no choice but to turn back. |
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In that case, this is what we shall do...
Forename. I ask that you take the lead and dispatch any beasts you encounter. Alisaie and I will keep Matsya hidden amidst the trees, and follow when the path is clear. There is no telling what dangers await us. Keep your eyes peeled. |
(- Terminus Snatcher -)
Graaarrrrrrgh!
Urghk! Graaand...maaaaaagh... |
(- Terminus Pursuer -)
Unnnghhh...
Urkkk... |
(- Terminus Stalker -)
Eeeeeegh! Eeeeeegh!
It hurts... It...hurggghhh... |
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Wh-What's happened to them!? |
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Good work, Forename, though I worry for Matsya... |
| Cutscene start.
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It...it cannot be...
We must heal those we can, and quickly! I see no beasts, but stay on your guard! |
| Cutscene end.
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When I last came here to sell my fish, everyone was so bright and cheerful. This is a nightmare... |
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The horror... I pray that the Sisters will see us through this calamity... |
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Urgh...
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(- Hyur Female Villager -)
Why...!? The horror!
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His wounds are deep, but he may yet be saved. Go and help the others! |
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There...you'll be fine. The pain will soon pass. |
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Even if I wake...the nightmare goes on... No...leave me to sleep... ... |
System
You call out, but the man does not respond...
This poor soul is beyond saving. |
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Have you...have you come to...help us?
Too late...too late... My family...my friends... <sob> I...I am fine, thank you... Please...save the others... |
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Are these the only villagers who survived?
I can only hope others managed to flee. But if the rest have been turned to beasts... By the Twelve... Let us do what we can to see that the damage spreads no further. And no matter what comes, we must keep our spirits high...lest we ourselves suffer a similar fate. |
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His wounds are deep, but he may yet be saved. I will see to him─pray look after the others! |