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Entry tags:
Transcript (Elpis)
Bold: Main voiced cutscene
Italics: Non-voiced quest dialogue
Small italics: Optional dialogue
Italics: Non-voiced quest dialogue
Small italics: Optional dialogue
Index;
• Hope Upon A Flower
• Petalouda Hunt
• In Search Of Hermes
• Ponder, Warrant, Cherish, Welcome
• Lives Apart
• Their Greatest Contribution
• Aether To Aether
• A Sentimental Gift
• Verdict And Execution
• Travelers At The Crossroads
• A Past, Not Yet Come To Pass
• Witness To The Spectacle
• Worthy Of His Back
• A Flower Upon Your Return
• Hunger In The Garden
• Words Without Sound
• Follow, Wander, Stumble, Listen
• Caging The Messenger (pre-dungeon)
• Caging The Messenger (post-dungeon)
• Thou Must Live, Die, And Know
A Past, Not Yet Come To Pass
Hythlodaeus: You needn't be nervous around Venat- those white robes mark her as one of fair and impartial reasoning. Aside from the emissary, Elidibus, such garb is worn only by those who have stepped down from public office to serve as advisors. Whatever you have to say, she will listen without judgement.
Emet-Selch: Yes, this will be far more comfortable than interrogating you on the side of the road.
Venat: Welcome to my temporary abode. Please, make yourself at home while I put on some tea.
Hythlodaeus: A wonderful aroma... I feel more relaxed already.
Venat: Would that I had sweetmeats to offer, but I travel light out of habit. There's plenty of hot water, though, so please have as much tea as you like. Now then... will you tell us your tale?
"The world has been sundered... broken into shards."
Emet-Selch: Why don't you start from the beginning?
*The WoL tells their tale from the start.*
Emet-Selch: Preposterous. Utterly preposterous.
Hythlodaeus: While not the words I would have chosen, I too have my doubts. Much of it borders on the incredulous. What of you, Venat?
Venat: Not knowing the precise details of the first Final Days, 'tis difficult to determine the veracity of the tale. Supposing it is all true, I must ask myself why I would do what I did. Why would I feel I had no recourse but to oppose the Fourteen and create this Hydaelyn... circumstances change, of course, but it would not have been an easy decision regardless. No, there must have been a reason. One compelling enough to force me to take such drastic measures. Then there is the Elpis flower, which I said would serve as a guide. That it's of import to your mission is plain, but your presence here leads me to believe that this place also holds significance. But what could it be? What are we meant to accomplish?
Hythlodaeus: Might it not be simply thus? In the future whence she came, the Final Days could not be averted. Mankind has no choice but to flee the star. By alerting us to that eventuality, perhaps you wished to pave the way for other futures.
Venat: Theoretically speaking, it is a possibility. Yet if that were my primary objective, I see no reason to guide our friend to Elpis specifically. The Capitol in Amaurot, or even my own home would be more logical destinations.
Hythlodaeus: True, true... I note also that Hydaelyn did not specify a point in time to which she must return. By this, it may be inferred that it was not critical that we should meet.
Venat: Alternately, She had reason to believe that our paths would converge, coincidental though it may seem.
Hythlodaeus: This is quite a puzzle, and we do not have all the pieces...
Venat: Hardly any. But we do have one immutable fact. If the Final Days are indeed as described, they will bring death to all that I hold dear. Yet despite being afforded long years of preparation, the only provisions I could make were... for flight? Nay, my first and foremost endeavour would be to find a way to forestall the coming doom.
Hythlodaeus: Given that even the Fourteen failed, mayhap you deemed it impossible.
Venat: Nothing is impossible. This, I have always believed. And if Hydaelyn is indeed me, She would believe the same.
Emet-Selch: Listen to yourself. Are you seriously entertaining the notion that you are a messianic figure in some far-fetched tale? Well, I will not. I refuse to believe that our world could be undone by some unforeseen calamity. I also take offence to my portrayal as a megalomaniacal madman. To sacrifice oneself for the star is a noble act, and I would hold those who gave themselves to this Zodiark in the highest esteem. Yet you claim I recreated Amaurot and populated it with phantoms of our people. A bizarre indulgence that would be insulting to their memory. Worse still, I even invited you there- literally invited my own downfall. Why would I do something so idiotic and inexplicable? Now, I will allow the hypothetical task of restoring our world would be daunting in the extreme. The thought of having to bear such a burden for a thousand thousand lives horrifies me. But I would never forsake my duty! I would never forsake my brethren! You do not know me! I've had my fill of your fiction. I will return to my duty... and you will not bother me again.
Hythlodaeus: Emet-Selch! Wait!
*Hythlodaeus chases Emet-Selch as he leaves the building.*
Venat: You've seen much of Elpis already. If you have any observations to share, I should like to hear them.
"Hermes and Meteion are somehow involved."
Venat: Hermes and his creation Meteion, you say? If dynamis is the selfsame energy as akasa, as it likely seems, then those two may well be at the centre of the calamity to come. This warrants further investigation. With that settled, 'tis time for action. The missing pieces of the puzzle are here, I'm certain of it. And when you find them, the picture my future self has painted will be complete, and you will have your answer. Suffice it to say, I will aid you in your quest. Have faith. If Emet-Selch is the man Azem described to me, we've not seen the last of him.
Venat: Shall we begin our investigations, then? I am acquainted with Hermes, of course, but only as a visitor received by the chief overseer of Elpis. Of the man himself, I know only that which is common knowledge. Thus I suggest we fall back on the tried-and-true method of conversing with the locals. The observers who live here can surely tell us more of Hermes and Meteion, and I have a good idea of where we might begin...
Venat: See you the woman standing in front of yonder building? Her name is Ismene. She is the one who made arrangements for my stay in Elpis, and from what I recall, she has held her position here for quite some time. Chances are she can provide us with some insights. Go and ask your questions. I will help with drawing out answers if need be, but I leave the choice of topic up to you.
Venat: Let us speak with Ismene. You know more of this coming calamity, so I think it best that you lead the conversation.
Ismene: Questions? For me? Well, I suppose I have no other pressing duties at the moment...
Venat: Greetings, Ismene. My friend here is desperately curious about Chief Hermes, and I was wondering if you might indulge her.
Ismene: Certainly, Mistress Venat. Anything of be of service! What do you wish to know?
"What are Hermes' interests?"
Ismene: ...His interests? Well, he is an authority on flying life-forms, and has expansive knowledge of living creatures in general. Is that what you wished to know...?
Venat: How would you describe him as a person? As a colleague?
Ismene: He is a quiet man- reserved, you might say- and occasionally somewhat poor with his choice of words. His reticent nature, however, does not prevent him from carrying out his duties as chief overseer. I hope that answers your question. Was there anything else?
"Do you know of Meteion's abilities?"
Ismene: It's no secret that she is a highly unusual familiar. Of late, the chief often makes his rounds with her, like a mother hen raising her chick. I understand that she is able to read emotions and communicate directly with one's mind. Exactly how she was created with that talent, however, is a mystery to me. My apologies. I wish I could explain her nature more in-depth, but I've not had occasion to discuss it with Chief Hermes.
"Do you wish you knew him better?"
Ismene: The chief may not be the most gregarious individual, but he engages with us as is necessary for everyone to perform their duties. I wouldn't want to intrude upon his privacy for the sake of curiosity... though if you wish to learn more about Meteion, you could try speaking with Timaios- another expert in the creation of flying concepts. He should be conducting his observations on the banks of the stream, somewhere to the east. Oh, and, uh, unless you take a particular joy in rambling discourse, I suggest you keep your questions concise.
Venat: We shall keep that in mind. Thank you for your patience and your insight.
Ismene: Think nothing of it. If there is aught else you need during your stay, please, do not hesitate to ask.
Venat: Come, [NAME], I think we've taken enough of Ismene's time. ...Our investigation is off to a fine start, wouldn't you agree? From here, I propose that we split up. I shall continue making inquiries with the resident observers, if you could track down the colleague Ismene mentioned. While I did feel compelled to interject once or twice during that previous conversation, you seem more than capable of drawing forth the answers you seek. All I ask is that you watch your footing around the stream! We can meet back here once you've finished speaking with this Timaios.
Venat: I will start from one side of the compound and make my way through, speaking to as many people as I can. We should have plenty to discuss upon your return.
Timaios: Yes, yes, I am Timaios, but please keep your voice down. You'll startle the birds. ...So, what is it that you wished to speak about?
"What do you think of Chief Hermes' flying creations?"
Timaios: Chief Hermes' work? A worthy subject, indeed... those beings which soar through the clouds, majestic and graceful, are ever a favourite of creators. Even now, with so many varieties in existence, the flood of newly imagined concepts continues unabated. What sets the chief's creations apart, however, is how they benefit from his boundless knowledge of the celestial realm. Birds that climb so high that they disappear from view. Others which traverse the boundless sky in moments, and all without riding the currents... I know of none save he who can conceive of such marvels. Even we who prize elegance of form above all else are dumbfounded by his genius.
"Meteion, too, is a marvel, then?"
Timaios: My opinion on that matter would be superficial at best... despite my admiration for Meteion as a concept, I have never delved too deeply into the inner workings of her nature. I know that she has a gift for communicating via emotions, but otherwise, her abilities are a mystery to me. If Chief Hermes should choose to submit Meteion's concept to the Bureau of the Architect, then will the design be registered for public scrutiny. Analysing a colleague's creation before that step is... frowned upon, to say the least. Of course, if he came to me- a fellow artisan- looking for advice, that would be an entirely different story.
Do you know of dynamis and entelechies?
Timaios: Dynamis and... entelechies? Those terms do sound vaguely familiar... was there not a flower made here in Elpis which exhibited properties of one or the other? It must have been centuries since I last heard anyone speak of such things. Has there been a resurgence in interest? ...Then why bring up the subject? I'm flattered that you sought my insight, but I cannot afford to neglect my duties for the sake of idle chatter. Now, I really must return to my observations. Surely you have your own tasks to attend to?
Venat: Back already? That was quick work. You were obviously clever enough to head off any of that "rambling" Ismene mentioned. So, have you any new findings to share? ...I see. Even an expert in the field had little understanding of Meteion's capabilities, let alone an awareness of dynamis. My questions resulted in much the same answers. Hermes' colleagues view Meteion as his personal project, and could provide no details beyond those which you just told me. Which leads me to believe that the only person with any significant knowledge of dynamis is Hermes himself. Yes, we've made some progress here... but more information is needed if we are to reach any definitive conclusions.