AU10 - Astral Waves Spoilers
Following is the transcript for the mission AU10 - Astral Waves.
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Script
Scene 1: Alzadaal Undersea Ruins
Abda-Lurabda: Wow! Look at this place! Ooh, what's that? Tell me everything!
???: Hey, now! This is an ancient ruin you have the privilege to be in. Try not to disturb the--
Abda-Lurabda: This is my first time in an ancient ruin! It's so exciting! Poor old Tateeya is stuck in the factory all by herself! But lucky me gets to go on a field trip with Mister Ghatsad!
Ghatsad: Well, I'm glad to see you're talking an interest in the past.
???: But if you keep up that ruckus, who knows what sort of unwanted attention you'll attract? Even with us here to protect you, some monster might snatch you away into the shadows. They've even employed mercenaries from Salaheem's Sentinels to patrol the ruins for dangerous beasts. Many alchemists have fallen prey to the legions of foul creatures that stalk these halls. You know how on moonless nights you can hear the roar of the Cyan Deep echoing through the darkness? That sound is really the wails of those lost alchemists as their spirits roam the ruins in despair...
???: Rishfee! That's quite enough. The poor child is shaking in fear.
Abda-Lurabda: Is that r-really true?
Rishfee: Maybe you'll be the first to find out...
Abda-Lurabda: Y-you're lying! You're just being a big meanie-weanie!
Amnaf: !!!
Ghatsad: Amnaf. What do you see?
Amnaf: Quiet...We're not alone...
Abda-Lurabda: Oh?
Abda-Lurabda: Oh? Hey, it's you! What are you doing down here? If you want to see the ruins, you should come along with us!
Ghatsad: Ah, yes. Your <> make you plainly. Are you taking care of your automaton? I'm assuming this is your first visit to the ruins? Perhaps it would benefit you to join our little tour.
Abda-Lurabda: Mister Ghatsad was about to tell us about the Alzadaal civilization. These ruins have so many stories!
Ghatsad: You wish to learn about the windows?
Abda-Lurabda: Look at those fish swimming around in there! I wonder what would happen if the windows broke!
Ghatsad: Those fish are actually swimming in the waters of the Cyan Deep. We are currently on the bottom of the ocean, looking out at them. Those windows are under an incredible amount of pressure from the weight of the water. If the windows were to break, I'm afraid we'd be crushed in an instant.
Abda-Lurabda: What is the sparkling light all over the glass? I've never seen anything like it!
Ghatsad: That is the glow of plasma oil...
Abda-Lurabda: Ooh, isn't that the same oil we use in the automatons?
Ghatsad: That's correct. The windows of these ruins are actually membranes of plasma oil that repel the waters of the sea like giant bubbles.
Abda-Lurabda: You mean it just bounces off?
Ghatsad: You could put it that way, yes. But these barriers have been in place of hundreds of years. I highly doubt they'll give way any time soon. A truly astonishing feat of technology. However, the only reason these membranes hold is due to a constant supply of plasma oil. Some day, this supply must run out, and when it does...
Abda-Lurabda: Are y-you trying to scare me too, Mister Ghatsad? I'm not sure I wanna stay here much longer...
Ghatsad: Ah, you've touched upon an interesting area. But it is not the shape of the pillars that is so fascinating. Any person with a basic knowledge of archeology would recognize the graceful conical base and frail-looking central column. This design was often seen in the temples built during the reign of Emperor Alzadaal, some 900 years aago. The fascinating thing about these pillars lies in the construction itself. There are markings that suggest a degree of rotation and elongation is possible...
Abda-Lurabda: Why would they make a pillar like that?
Ghatsad: Hmm, I wonder the same thing. I theorize that the architects of this structure wanted to incorporate a level of flexibility to compensate for the changes in water pressure...
Abda-Lurabda: That's pretty clever...
Ghatsad: Should these technological marvels be understood in the near future. I hope to adept their use of the field of automaton construction...
Abda-Lurabda: Mister Ghatsad! I'm gonna work real hard on my studies so I can help you!
Ghatsad: The floor? Yes, it really is quite fascinating.
Abda-Lurabda: Ooh, I wanted to hear about this!
Ghatsad: The elegant mosaics on the floor are designed with several different varieties of stones... One might say that these designs are symbolic of the property of the Alzadaal Dynasty. It's a shame we've lost so many of the arts of that age...
Abda-Lurabda: What about this shining symbol on the floor over here? I'm sure I've seen this design somewhere before... Hmmm... Dum-dee-dum-dee-dum...
Ghatsad: That is a transport device not unlike the runic portals currently employed by the Empire. The Aht Urhgan Research Institute has deemed these device safe for use in their continuing investigations.
Abda-Lurabda: Hmmm... Dum-dee-dum-dee-dum... So they still work even after 900 years?
Ghatsad: Yes. A curious fact. The A.A.R.I. has been diligent in its efforts to remove all traces of dust and grims as they work through the ruins, but have not attempted any maintenance. There simply hasn't been a need. It's as if these ruins have been frozen in time... Not merely in appearance, but in all of its functions.
Abda-Lurabda: I love mysteries! I bet the ruins were just waiting for us to rediscover them!
Ghatsad: You could be right, Abda-Lurabda... I think that's enough for one day. Time to return to the workshop.
Abda-Lurabda: What? Already? We just got here!
Ghatsad: We can't have poor Tateeya mind the place all by herself, now can we?
Abda-Lurabda: I suppose not... But you'll bring me here again, right?
Ghatsad: I promise. Rishfee, would you mind escorting young Abda-Lurabda back to Al Zahbi?
Abda-Lurabda: Aren't you coming with me?
Ghatsad: Not just yet. I have some things to discuss with this mercenary...
Abda-Lurabda: Well, okay. See you later!
Ghatsad: I suppose you're wondering why I asked you to stay. As you can see, I am also an alchemist affiliated with the Aht Urhgan Archaeological Research Institute. I often have cause to visit the ruins in this manner. Have you figured out what the A.A.R.I.'s true purpose is here in the ruins? The conservation of cultural heritage? The research of ancient civilization? These are merely facades. The truth of the matter is, our organization is under orders from the Empress to locate the missing Astral Candescences. Yes. The candescence held in Al Zahbi is not the only one in existence. How much do you know about the Astral Candescence, PLAYERNAME?
PLAYERNAME: Not so much
Ghatsad: The Astral Candescence is a national treasure that is set upon the Astral Plinth within Al Zahbi's Hall of Binding. Known as the "Astral Wind", the infinite energy of the astral plane flows from this treasure... uplifting the Empire's citizens and granting them courage. It is the source of the Empire's prosperity. And yet the candescence is also the catalyst for unending conflict, as the beastmen hurl themselves against our defenses time and again in an effort to claim it. We receive the blessings of the candescence at the price of peace...
How much do you know?
PLAYERNAME: "I'm an expert"
Ghatsad: Well, it seems our nation's treasure is more famous than I expected.
Ghatsad: The Astral Candescence was originally brought into the city to halt the spread of the Bastokan Blight in the Empire. The emperor of the time hoped to ease the suffering of his people and his nation... But there is more than once candescence. There are few that are aware of this fact. Through the research of various ancient texts and relics, we have verified the existence of four other candescences. If we can but find these missing treasures, there may be a chance to end this futile conflict. That is the aim of the A.A.R.I. What do you say, PLAYERNAME? Will you aid us in our search? Hm? You wonder why I know your name? It is not so surprising. I was the one who sent the request to Salaheem's Sentinels asking you to patrol the ruins. It seems the Immortals stationed at the staging points have taken a liking to you. Your name was at the top of the list of candidates... Aht Urhgan, no, the entire Aradjiah Continent may know the paradise of peace once again.
Obtained key item: Astral Compass!
Ghatsad: That astral compass will lead you to a candescence. But, be warned. This device is not set to respond to faint astral waves. The Astral Wind that blows from the candescences reaches far across the land, even as it weakens in intensity. Picking up these waves would help little in pinpointing a location, and so you will only receive a response when you are close to the source. I'm sure you can see why your position as a mercenary with duties across the continent will prove invaluable. I ask you carry the astral compass with you at all times. Ah yes, the device has been constructed to ignore the emanations from the candescence in Al Zahbi. You have your mission. The future peace of the Near East is riding on your success. One more thing, PLAYERNAME. Do not reveal my position as the chief of the A.A.R.I. We should not even acknowledge each other on the street. I value my quiet existence in the automaton workshop.
The adventurer leaves this place.
Amnaf: ...
Ghatsad: Amnaf. Tell the Grand Vizier that the "bell" has been set.
Amnaf: Understood.
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