**INCLUDES CUT CONTENT** >[!quote] >*Well, look at you. We don't receive many visitors. I presume you are a [[Tarnished]]. What brings you here?* >[!quote] >*Oh, pardon me. It's hardly my place to ask, is it. I am Iji. A blacksmith who once served the [[Carian Royal Family|Carian royals]]… An old codger who refuses to retire his rusty hammer. So, here I am, still quietly plying my trade, on this spot. Perhaps you'd like a display? These bones are old, but still able.* >[!quote] *Well, it's kind of you to speak to me again. Then I presume these old bones served their purpose, more or less?* >[!quote] *Brave [[Tarnished]]. Here to put my old bones to work again?* >[!quote] *Brave [[Tarnished]]. A word of warning, if you please. This territory once belonged to the [[Carian royal family]]. [[Caria Manor|Their manor]] lies not far beyond this point. When the [[Raya Lucaria|Raya Lucaria Academy]] turned on the [[Carians]], the [[Knights of the Cuckoo]] descended on this tract. After leveling it, they carried on to the manor. The Carians were taken off guard, but their strength had not waned, and they repelled the knights' onslaught... By conjuring an enchanted snare that remains potent to this day. That is why I say, Tarnished. Don't go near the manor. Unless you wish to lie with the corpses of the heedless Knights of the Cuckoo.* >[!quote] *Oh, watch out, there. When I'm absorbed in my smithing, I lose sight of all else. If you come too close, I'm apt to cause you harm. I am, after all, terribly large compared to you, [[Tarnished]]. You don't know how hard it is not to break anything while I work.* >[!quote] *Something else for you?* >[!quote] *I've explained the peril. Of the enchanted snare that remains at the royal [[Caria Manor|Carian Manor]]. Whatever you do, brave [[Tarnished]], stay away from that deathtrap.* >[!quote] *[[Blaidd]] actually did that, did he? Quite a rare occurrence, for such a guarded soul as he. Perhaps he sensed something unusual about you. At any rate, if you're friendly with Blaidd, I've a few more things that might suit you. I've something else that might suit you.* >[!quote] *Oh, so you were the one. [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] has explained everything. Again, I am [[Iji]]. The [[Carian Royal Family|Carian royal family's]] dedicated blacksmith, and Lady Ranni's war counsellor. I am told that you are searching for [[Nokron]] with [[Blaidd]]. I will give you whatever guidance I can. And pray, for your success.* >[!quote] *The [[Carian Royal Family|Carian royal family's]] dedicated blacksmith, and [[Ranni|Lady Ranni's]] war counsellor. I am told that you are searching for [[Nokron]] with [[Blaidd]]. I will give you whatever guidance I can. And pray, for your success.* >[!quote] *Oh, then you must be the one. [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] has explained everything. The pleasure is mine. I am [[Iji]].* >[!quote] *I take it you've heard of the [[Nokstella|Eternal City of Nokstella]]? Well, it has a twin, known as [[Nokron]]. The other [[The Eternal Cities|Eternal City]]. After years of expeditions, we've determined the location of [[Nokron]]. By going [[Siofra River|underground]] through the [[Siofra River Well|well]] in the [[Mistwood]] of [[Limgrave]], you can see Nokron up above. Only, we've failed to find a path leading to the city. [[Blaidd|Blaidd's]] made a good go of it, but I'm afraid this has him quite stumped. To be honest, I'm not sure where to go from here...* >[!quote] *[[Blaidd]] is [[Ranni|Lady Ranni's]] stepbrother. Ranni's mother, [[Rennala|Queen Rennala]], approved of him, and they played like siblings from childhood. They were always happy to have me tag along, as well. When Lady Ranni renounced her flesh, and chose the dark path of the [[Empyrean]], Blaidd and I swore allegiance as vassals, but none of us will ever forget our earliest days together. Promise to look after Blaidd for me, will you? The man is honest to a fault. But fortunately, now he has you.* >[!quote] *[[Jerren]]. Now, that's a name I haven't heard for a while. Before taking up the banner of [[Radahn|General Radahn]], he was a guest of the [[Carian royal family]]. An expert swordsman, to be sure, but ever the eccentric. No surprise he'd get wrapped up in some [[The Radahn Festival|festival]]. Oh, no, wait... How did I not see it before! I ought to retire as war counsellor for such a gross oversight! Let me explain. The [[fate]] of the Carian royal family is guided by the [[stars]]. As is the fate of Lady Ranni, first heir in the Carian royal line. But General Radahn is the conqueror of the stars. Who stood up to the swirling constellations, halting their movement in a smashing victory. And so, if General Radahn were defeated, the stars would once again resume their movement. As would Lady Ranni's [[destiny]]. Perhaps, even, revealing the elusive path. That leads to [[Nokron]].* >[!quote] *My apologies for the misleading words of warning. I never imagined that an audience, let alone service to [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] was in your fate. I, for one, should have seen it, but I did not. Do forgive me, my fellow. Let us give all that we can of ourselves. Together, for Lady Ranni.* >[!quote] *Let us give all that we can of ourselves. Together, for [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]].* >[!quote] *Let us give all that we can of ourselves.* >[!quote] *Well, my fellow. How may I serve you?* >[!quote] *Greetings, my fellow. How can I help?* >[!quote] *Something else for you?* >[!quote] *Go with [[Blaidd]] to the [[Redmane Castle|festival grounds]]. Should [[Radahn|General Radahn]] be defeated, the [[stars]] would once again resume their movement. Perhaps revealing the elusive path to [[Nokron]].* >[!quote] *Ah, you've finally come. [[Blaidd]] told me everything. You've defeated [[Radahn|General Radahn]], unlocking the [[stars]]. The General was blighted by [[scarlet rot]] and driven to madness, but not long ago he was hailed as the mightiest [[demigods|demigod]] of them all. There is no parallel to your achievement. Nor to [[Ranni|Lady Ranni's]] acute judgement of character. Thanks to you, Lady Ranni's fate once again stirs, and the path to [[Nokron]] has opened. Descend underground where the [[comets|fallen star]] struck [[Limgrave]]. And make it yours. The precious treasure of [[Nokron]].* >[!quote] *Oh, [[Blaidd]] wanted me to tell you. Not to bother waiting for him, and head straight to [[Nokron]]. Blaidd has been given an important task. Apparently, a matter of great urgency.* >[!quote] *You need not await [[Blaidd]]. Descend underground alone where the [[comets|fallen star]] struck [[Limgrave]]. And make it yours. The precious treasure of [[Nokron]]. So that [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] may tread the dark path of the [[Empyrean]].* >[!quote] *Now the [[The Radahn Festival|festival]] is over, and [[Radahn|General Radahn]] is defeated... [[Jerren|Jerren's]] duties are finally fulfilled. Though we served different masters, I could see he was truly adept in his role. Now the time has come to remind him of an old promise made. With the [[stars]] of [[fate]] set into motion, [[Sorceress Sellen|a certain sorceress]] is dispossessed of her immortality... Finally, we can be rid of a longstanding [[Carians|Carian]] weed...* >[!quote] *[[Jerren]]. Now, that's a name I haven't heard for a while. Before taking up the banner of [[Radahn|General Radahn]], he was a guest of the [[Carian royal family]]. An expert swordsman, to be sure, but ever the eccentric. It's funny how things happen. Jerren and I parted ways long, long ago, yet here he is, playing his part in [[Ranni|Lady Ranni's]] [[fate]]. I'm afraid I never saw it coming. And I thought myself a capable war counsellor...* >[!quote] *I presume you've spoken with [[Blaidd]]? Very well. There is something you should know. The [[Two Fingers]] gave Blaidd to [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]], as a faithful follower. Her very [[shadowbound beasts|shadow]], incapable of treachery. But if Lady Ranni, as an [[Empyrean]], resists being an instrument of the Two Fingers, the shadow will go mad, transforming from a follower into a horrid [[curse]]. But such is his destiny. In such matters, Blaidd's own thoughts hold no weight. It pains me so, but he must be neutralised. For Lady Ranni's sake.* >[!quote] *Unthinkable, how could [[Blaidd]]... How did he break free from his cell? No, more importantly... Blaidd became a [[curse]] that plagued [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]], yet even in madness, gave himself to her. I've made a grave misjudgment. And I thought myself a capable war counsellor... I'll catch up with you soon enough, Blaidd. When I do, I only hope you'll accept my apology.* >[!quote] *Oh, so you were the one. [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] has explained everything. You've defeated [[Radahn|General Radahn]], unlocking the [[stars]]. A grand reward, justly procured by any measure. Again, I am Iji. The [[Carian Royal Family|Carian royal family's]] dedicated blacksmith, and Lady Ranni's war counsellor. I welcome one of your calibre. A fellow [[champion]] in service of Lady Ranni.* >[!quote] *Thanks to you, [[Ranni|Lady Ranni's]] [[fate]] once again stirs, and the path to [[Nokron]] has opened. Descend underground where the [[comets|fallen star]] struck [[Limgrave]]. And make it yours. The precious treasure of Nokron. So that Lady Ranni may tread the dark path of the [[Empyrean]].* >[!quote] *Oh, so you must be the one. [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] has explained everything. You've defeated [[Radahn|General Radahn]], unlocking the [[stars]]. A grand reward, justly procured by any measure. The pleasure is mine. I am Iji. The [[Carian royal family's]] dedicated blacksmith, and Lady Ranni's war counsellor. I welcome one of your calibre. A fellow [[champion]] in service of Lady Ranni.* >[!quote] *Oh, there you are. Good of you to drop by. Have you heard? [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] has departed on her journey. Along the dark path of the [[Empyrean]], from [[Renna's Rise]], as she calls it. It would not have been possible without you. As Lady Ranni's war counsellor, and moreover, her childhood warden, I express my deepest gratitude. You, and only you, were Lady Ranni's true [[champion]].* >[!quote] *My purpose is nearing its end. I've served [[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] for as long as I can remember... It has been a long and wondrous journey. Now Lady Ranni is in your hands. I pray that you serve her well, unto the very end.* >[!quote] Cut content *Well, what's this? Are you certain? This is a fine reserve. Perhaps you knew that Old Iji appreciates a good drink. I'll save it for a quiet moment, that I might truly savour it.* >[!quote] *[[Lady Ranni]] has departed on her journey. Along the dark path of the [[Empyrean]], from [[Renna's Rise]], as she calls it. Now Lady Ranni is in your hands. I pray that you serve her well, unto the very end.* >[!quote] *Ngh!* >[!quote] *Enough of that, [[Tarnished]]. There is no fight without a foe.* >[!quote] *If that's the cloth you're cut from, don't ever show your face again. Not to me. And not to [[Ranni|my liege]].* >[!quote] *Not to me. And not to [[Ranni|my liege]]. ...* >[!quote] *How could I have missed this... I have failed you... [[Ranni|Lady... Ranni]]...* >[!quote] *Agh.* >[!quote] *Cease this treachery at once. Lady Ranni will be devastated.* >[!quote] *This is a true shame. Don't ever show your face again. Not to me. And not to [[Ranni|my liege]].* >[!quote] *[[Ranni|Lady Ranni]] has seen enough.* >[!quote] *Go as you must, [[Lady Ranni]]... Along the path of darkness...* [[Kingsrealm Ruins]] #source #dialogue #iji #Liurnia