<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> \\\\ //////////////// \\\\ FAQ for XBOX //////////////// \\\\ Limited Edition content included //////////////// \\\\ //////////////// """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ____. .___ ___________ .__ | |____ __| _/____ _ _____/ _____ ______ |__|______ ____ | __ / __ |/ __ | __)_ / ____ | _ __ _/ __ /__| |/ __ _/ /_/ ___/ | Y Y |_> > || | / ___/ ________(____ /____ |___ > /_______ /__|_| / __/|__||__| ___ > / / / / /|__| / ________________________________________________________________ ///////////// \\\ ///////////// Type -- FAQ/Walkthrough \\\ ///////////// Author -- Barry Willemsen \\\ ///////////// Copyright -- 2005 and after \\\ ///////////// Start Date -- 04/27/2005 \\\ ///////////// Last Update -- N/A \\\ ///////////// Version -- 0.05 \\\ <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 1. TABLE OF CONTENTS / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- 1 .................. Table of Contents 2 .................. Introduction 3 .................. Legal, Contact, and Version History 4 .................. Game Overview A) Controls B) Starting Characters C) Combat 5 .................. Walkthrough: The Way of the Open Palm 6 .................. Walkthrough: The Way of the Closed Fist 7 .................. Quests 8 .................. Appendices A) Styles B) Techniques C) Followers D) The Dragon Amulet E) Literary Works 9 .................. Credits <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 2. INTRODUCTION / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- -------------------------------------- Excerpt from the Jade Empire Manual: -------------------------------------- "The Jade Empire. Fashioned from the Void by the will of the Great Dragon and blessed from its creation, the empire stands at the heart of the civilized world - a cultural wellspring in a sea of barbarity. The majesty of the Sun dynasty has guided our people for generations, preserving our prosperity through- out the ages. The peace of the realm was broken only when nature itself rebelled, withering the land in a decade of thirst. But even this the Emperor Sun Hai would not allow. For when he declared the Long Drought at an end, it was so. Though you were raised far from the benevolent gaze of the Emperor, you have learned much here in Two Rivers - including control over your body and the mastery of your mind. But the end of your time at this borderland school draws near. Now, experience will replace lessons as you travel beyond the shelter of Two Rivers. Remember that though the reach of the Empire stretches far, powerful spirits lurk just beneath the surface, and the threat of chaos is ever present. It is natural that, as an orphan, you would have many questions. And, while your inquiries to this points have been met with silence, perhaps on this day, answers at last will find you." It is with these words that the Jade Empire manual greets you, and you have to admit that it is a fairly promising, mysterious intro. It sets the scene for Bioware's newest creation, the highly expected, Wuxia-inspired game that many enthusiastic previewers already deemed candidate for Game of the Year. It is, in my opinion, indeed a great game, if not a bit short, and I'd love to share my thoughts on the strategy incorporated in the Chinese world of myth with you. Which is why I am writing this FAQ. I aim to offer detailed solutions on all the main- and sidequests, as well as provide you with the locations of the different treasures (gems, books, etc.) found in the game. My name here on GameFAQs is BWillemsen, which is just an abbrevation of my real name, which is Barry Willemsen. I have wrote some FAQs up to now, but this is my first try at a true RPG, so bear with me if the document suffers from beginner flaws. I will try to correct them as I find them. Typos, of course, are inevitable in a walkthrough of this size, but the I will try to make as few as possible. If you wish to place this FAQ (or part of it) on your site, please read the conditions stated in section three, "Legal, Contact and Version History", to keep everything going smoothly. I doubt anyone is reading this part of the FAQ at all, but I still urge you to play the game and solve the quests yourself if it's your first time through. It really isn't that hard. <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 3. LEGAL, CONTACT, AND VERSION HISTORY / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- ------------------------------------------ Copyright 2005 and after Barry Willemsen ------------------------------------------ Before you read anything of the FAQ, please read this and make sure you agree with the terms and conditions included in the text below: All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their respective trademark and copyright holders. This may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright. In other words, just mail me for permission before placing this FAQ or pieces of it on your site. You can find my e-mail adress in the Contact Info section below. -------------- Contact Info -------------- If you discover a major error in this FAQ, would like to submit a strategy that isn't included in here, or have a question about the game that isn't answered in this FAQ, you can e-mail me at the following adress: kryptondragon(at)hotmail(dot)com Of course, there are some restrictions on e-mailing me: - Don't send me SPAM - Make sure the subject line is recognizable. Weird topics will not be read and deleted immediately. - E-mails with questions that are answered (or soon will be) in the FAQ will not be replied to. - Don't ask for cheats or any other strategies: all tactics I know are in this FAQ - If you have negative things to say about this FAQ you can always send them to me, as long as the mails remain polite and have a normal topic. I'll rewrite some parts of the FAQ if I have to, and credit the one who has located the error in the Credits section. If you have some original strategies, to submit or you know easier methods to beat all those fights, e-mails will be gladly accepted. I will put the strategy/hint/tip in a highlighted spot with your name above it in the update. Just remember that e-mails probably won't be replied to the first day afterwards. I still have lots of things to do myself and I won't be able to read my mail every day. ----------------- Version History ----------------- Version 0.05 - Submitted on 04/29/2005 Just couldn't wait to release it. Only a skeleton as of now, but I'm definitely working on it. Quests and Appendix are still heavily under construction, I haven't started an Open Palm walkthrough yet, and Closed Fist walkthrough is done up to the beginning of Chapter 2. Wowzers. Version 0.1 - Submitted on 05/03/2005 It seems that, even though just a skeleton frame, this FAQ has gotten a lot of attention, both from other sites and readers. I am grateful for all of your opinions, and you should have been properly credited in the Credits section by now. Don't stop contributing, but please consider that the FAQ is far from complete and I need to add a lot of things, which will happen in the near future. <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 4. GAME OVERVIEW / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- _____ / A ------------ Controls ------------ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PRE-GAME MENU CONFIGURATION =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= D-Pad -- Highlight different options (1) Left Thumbstick -- Highlight different options (2) A Button -- Confirm a highlighted option (1) START -- Confirm a highlighted option (2) B Button -- Cancel a previously selected option BACK -- Return to previous menu =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ADVENTURE MODE CONFIGURATION =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Left Thumbstick -- Move your character Right Thumbstick -- Control camera (click for 1st-person view) START -- Display in-game menu BACK -- Pause game (then press X to display controls) A Button -- Action (talk, pick up object, etc) X Button -- Toggle mini-map (small/large/off) Y Button -- Toggle run in Focus Mode B Button -- Forward Tumble White Button -- Chi Heal Left Trigger -- Switch targets counterclockwise Cycle through in-game menus Right Trigger -- Switch targets clockwise Cycle through in-game menus =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= COMBAT MODE CONFIGURATION =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Left Thumbstick -- Move your character Right Thumbstick -- Control camera START -- Display in-game menu BACK -- Pause combat A Button -- Basic Attack X Button -- Power Attack Y Button -- Toggle Focus Mode B Button -- Block White Button -- Chi Heal Black Button -- Toggle Chi Strike Left Trigger -- Switch targets counterclockwise Right Trigger -- Switch targets clockwise D-Pad -- Switch between styles A, A, A -- Basic attack combo A + X -- Area attack L + R -- Free Target Mode B + Up -- Flip towards opponent B + Down -- Flip away from opponent B + Left -- Roll to the left B + Right -- Roll to the right NOTE: The button configuration in the In-Game Menu is displayed in the bottom of the screen, since it is different for every distinct submenu. _____ / B ----------------------- Starting Characters ----------------------- You can choose six (seven in the Limited Edition) characters to start the game with. Instead of choosing the most attractive model or textures, you should try to pick one which fits your playing style best. There are four kinds of characters: Fast, Strong, Magic, and Balanced. In my opinion, it is best to choose a Balanced character if it's your first time through. But it really remains your choice. The default characters are these (though you can change their name if you wish): =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= [MALE] Furious Ming [FEMALE] Radiant Jen Zi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TYPE: Fast STARTING STYLES: Thousand Cuts Heavenly Wave A fast character may not be the strongest, but he can maintain Focus in battle longer than others, easily sidestepping strikes and delivering counterattacks with blinding speed. 130 Health - Body 3 120 Chi - Spirit 2 150 Focus - Mind 5 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= [MALE] Tiger Shen =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TYPE: Strong STARTING STYLES: White Demon Heavenly Wave A strong character trades speed and magical aptitude for raw strength and power, enabling him to dish out and withstand much more damage than other warriors. 150 Health - Body 5 120 Chi - Spirit 2 130 Focus - Mind 3 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= [MALE] Monk Zeng [Limited Edition unique] [FEMALE] Scholar Ling =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TYPE: Magic STARTING STYLES: Leaping Tiger Heavenly Wave Though not as physically strong as others, a magic character is the best at channelling Chi to enhance physical strikes and fuel powerful elemental magics. 120 Health - Body 2 150 Chi - Spirit 5 130 Focus - Mind 3 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= [MALE] Lu the Prodigy [FEMALE] Wu the Lotus Blossom =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TYPE: Balanced STARTING STYLES: Legendary Strike Heavenly Wave While not the fastest or strongest of warriors, the balanced character is the most versatile. The balanced character excels at adapting to exploit his enemies' weaknesses. 140 Health - Body 4 130 Chi - Spirit 3 130 Focus - Mind 3 _____ / C ---------- Combat ---------- In a game like Jade Empire, encounters with hostile entities are, of course, completely inevitable. Combat is sudden and plentiful, ranging from martial combat with normal, human opponents to fighting the Greater Demons of the Underworld. The combat controls have been listed above, but I still want to give some tips on fighting in general: - Always target the enemy closest by you. - Never walk around, always move by rolling or flipping by using the B button in conjunction with the Left Thumbstick. This way, you will avoid getting caught up in an enemy combo. - Charge into an opponent by doing a forward tumble, they will be stunned for a small period of time. Use this to get in a combo, and then repeat it. This works especially well on big demons, as you can usually dive through their legs (!). - Never start an attack from the front. Always use B + Up to flip over your opponent, then charge them from behind. - Don't block too much. Evading and staying on the offensive is much more efficient and enjoyable. - Unless you're facing a particularly tough opponent or boss, refrain from using your weapons too much. They cost Focus, and Focus is much better spent on Focus Mode. - Practice on using Harmonic Combos to obliterate your opponents much more quickly. - Chi Strike is useless and a waste of spiritual energy. Don't use it. --> Read section about Chi Strike below and tell me what you think. - If you find yourself surrounded and wounded, use an Area Attack (A+X) to knock adversaries back, and then use Chi Heal (white button). - Remember that you can always use Chi Heal, also when OUT of combat. - Support styles are better than magic styles, since they cost you know Chi to perform, and they are usually easier to set up Harmonic Combos with. - Switch between different styles to keep your opponent guessing. - Transformations are fun to do every once in a while, but don't spend any points on upgrading them. They're not very useful. - When a targetted opponent is blocking, quickly switch to another opponent and start picking on that one until your previous quarry has dropped his shield. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HARMONIC COMBOS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The most stylish and gorish of all attacks are the Harmonic Combos. It can be quite fun to pull off, especially because of the "splatter-effect" it gives, but also because it saves you time in combat. Most Support and Magic styles can set up opponents for an harmonic combo, but you'll have to read their description (in the Appendices) to see which attack you should use. An example: Heavenly Wave's Power Attack can set adversaries up for your Harmonic Combo. We would first cast the ranged power attack of Heavenly Wave (the ripple which slows your opponent). When this attack connects, a circle will form around the opponent's feet, quickly fading away clockwise indicating that you can do a Harmonic Combo. Your aim is to switch to a Martial Style and land a Power Attack on your slowed opponent before the small timer runs out. If you do it right, the enemy should burst into an explosion of blood, bone, and intestines. A fairly satisfying sight, especially since you're doing it with your bare hands... ;) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- A GLOBAL STRATEGY by PAUL WALKER =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "This is something I took advanatge of throughout my runs in Jade Empire. If you boost both your Focus and Chi, you can obliterate ANY majore enemy with extreme ease. Just use Focus Mode to slow things down, and then transform into your most powerful transformation style. The sheer power of the forms, combined with the fact that you have Matrix-like abilities allows you to mow down enemies easily... Combine this with a gem that increases the rate of Chi and Focus boosts, and you're nearly unbeatable. Especially useful if you jack up the transformation styles Damage Increase and Chi Cost Reduction stats." --> Thank you Paul. I, myself, am not very fond of the Transformation styles, but this is a strategy that will work just as well as the ones I've described in my FAQ. Do remember that the gems that increase the chance of a Focus/Chi drop also DIMINISH your Mind/Spirit stat, so if you're going for this one you'll also have to concentrate on buying Mind and Spirit-increasing techniques. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CHI STRIKES AND TRANSFORMATIONS by JULIUS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I've stated that I dislike these two features of Jade Empire, mainly because I don't rely on Chi too much. Still, Julius suggested that Chi Strikes can be very helpful in taking down mobs of opponents (I'd agree on the higher difficulty levels). To use the strikes effectively, though, you'd need a high Spirit stat and perhaps some Chi-boosting techniques. If someone wants to contribute to this discussion, send me an e-mail with your thoughts and I will add it here. On the Transformation Styles, Julius mentioned that they may cost a big amount of Chi, but they also do a lot of damage. So, even if you upgrade the Chi Cost Reduction only, the transformations can be helpful, since no enemy is immune to them. While that may be true, you have to consider the sacrifice in agility you make by transforming into such a big creature. Plan your attacks carefully, for interruptions are common in the latter part of the game. As with Chi Strikes, you will also need a good amount of Chi to keep the Transformations up. Want to add to the discussion? Mail me to put it up here. <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 5. WALKTHROUGH: THE WAY OF THE OPEN PALM / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- COMING SOON <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 5. WALKTHROUGH: THE WAY OF THE CLOSED FIST / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- Before anything else, you get a small combat tutorial which walks you through the basic actions you need to prevail over opponents. There's nothing hard about it. First, there is a dialogue with one of your fellow students, named Jing Woo. Since we're Closed Fist (evil) we'll just play bugger. As long as you don't adapt your behaviour in real-life, there's nothing wrong with insulting people here. :P > "I doubt it. You strike with the grace of a cow." > "Show your skill with your hands, not your words." Now, first you have to land some basic strikes on Jing Woo. Simply close the distance between you two and press the A button a couple of times. Then, you'll have to block some of Jing Woo's attacks. Stand still and hold the B button to do this (be careful to not touch the Thumbstick, or you will do an evade move, which is not what is needed here). After that, a small cutscene takes place. Jing Woo breaks through your guard with one of his Power Attacks. Getting hit is inevitable. Once it's done, keep some distance between your character and Jing Woo by pressing B + Down, and hold the White Button to refill your Health with Chi. Next, Jing Woo starts blocking. Walk over to him and press X to do a Power Attack and break through his guard. After that, you have to do some evading moves by pressing B in conjunction with tilting the Left Thumbstick a couple of times. It shouldn't be hard. And now, you have to defeat Jing Woo, using all that you've learned in the small tutorial. Simply use B to flip behind him, land a couple of quick blows, and then retreat. Repeat and you should KO him without taking any damage yourself. Once it's done, you get to speak to Jing Woo again. Time to piss him off some more. > "Each bruise is a mark of your failure to learn our Master's teachings." > "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" ___________ / Chapter 1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Wherein a Master foretells of doom. A rival challenges for station, And the past haunts the present. Your training nears its completion in the idyllic setting of Two Rivers. Master Li promises that soon you will know more about how you came here and where your future will lead. All the while, strange tales begin to spread of ghosts that will not rest and shadowy assassins who heed no law. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= +---------------------+ Main Quest Received +---------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Speak With Master Li Your earliest memories are of the town of Two Rivers, the school you call your home, and of Master Li, the man who raised and trained you from birth. Now, as your lessons draw to a close, you can only wonder what the future has in store. +----------------+ Right now you're in the middle of the practice arena. You should go and speak with Master Li, according to your objectives. The master's chambers are to the left of the school gates, which you should see upon leaving the ring. As you approach, a man named Gao the Lesser comes out. He seems to be as Closed Fist as a man could possibly be, yet there is no reason to talk to him. Simply navigate past him into Master Li's quarters, and a cutscene should commence. > "I long to leave this tiny place. I am meant for great things." > "Why would you do that?" > "I will fight them! Let me come with you!" > "Is that all? Am I an errand boy/girl? I'm better than that." Your conversation is roughly interrupted by a messenger. It seems that a bunch of bandits have attacked the village, and a student named Kia Min got injured. Master Li has commanded you to grab a weapon from Gujin the Weapon Master, but first, you'll have to find one of your colleagues, a woman named Dawn Star. +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Find Dawn Star Master Li was about to tell you something important, but word of a student injured by bandits interrupted your conversation. With no other town near, it seems likely Two Rivers is their destination. +----------------+ Before you head anywhere, take a look around Master Li's quarters to find a big, black chest. It has three figurines on it. Now interact with the big lion statue. Approach the altar. First set the blue figurine on it, then the red, and then the yellow for ONE silver piece. Now exit the building and make your way to the grassy area BEHIND Master Li's chambers. You'll find a humble grave. Place a coin in it and you get the Lion Head Token. Return to the big lion statue and place the Lion Head Token upon it. Now, first place the BLUE and YELLOW figurines on it. Then REMOVE BLUE and place the RED figurine. Then REMOVE YELLOW and place the BLUE figurine on the altar again. You should gain the "Gaze of the Lion" technique and 75 XP points for your efforts. This concludes the "Lions of Two Rivers" sidequest. Exit the building and turn to the left to find the school gates. Interact with them (A) to open a path to Dawn Star's garden. Run down the path and cross the bridge, and you'll see Gao the Lesser and Dawn Star in a dialogue. The woman obviously doesn't seem to pleased, but she seems to like your interruption. NOTE: For gameplay's sakes, it's better not to behave mockingly towards your followers. It won't get you any Open Palm points anyway, so it's best to be polite when dealing with them. Otherwise... let it all out :) > "It sounds like Dawn Star would like you to leave, Gao." > "You know about the bandits. Master Li said to get a weapon from Gujin." > "No. I have a bad feeling, Dawn Star." > "I'm sure nothing is going to happen." > "And well you should. I am bound for great things." > "Let's go together. I could use the company." You've just gained a Follower, Dawn Star. It simply means that the woman will follow in your wake and help you deal with any onassaulters. Through the submenu "Followers" of the In-Game Menu, you can set Dawn Star to Attack or Support. Attack is default, and I suggest you keep it that way until you've acquainted yourself with the game some more. +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Acquire Your Weapon You found Dawn Star in discussion with Gao the Lesser, who was his usual arrogant self. Having already heard about the bandits from Master Li, Dawn Star has joined you to aid with the defense of the town. +----------------+ Time to head to Two Rivers. Run past the garden, Dawn Star should follow you automatically, and open the gates to go into the next area. There, you will find two bandits picking on the townspeople. They've obviously haven't seen your martial prowess. These bandits are weak, so just get behind them and finish them off with a combo or two. +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Acquire Your Weapon The bandit threat is clearly very real; two of them have already made their way to the town square. You dealt with them, but that was only a small group. It's all the more imperative that you arm yourself before the main group arrives. +----------------+ From the entrance, turn right into the grassland, then look in the left part of the small square for a Bamboo Cask with 25 Silver once you open it. Now return to the town square and head up the white staircase. Proceed until Dawn Star mentions Gujin's shop, then turn to the right and speak to the weaponsmith. He'll give you two choices: you can either have the longsword Fortune's Favorite, or the staff Golden Star (Tien's Justice in the Limited Edition). I will assume that you pick Fortune's Favorite. > "Don't waste my time speaking in Tho Fan, Gujin." > "I don't have time to waste. You have something for me?" > "Is there anything special about these weapons?" > "Tell me about the long sword, Fortune's Favorite." > "I should go." > "Unless you have something else to give me, I'm finished with you." > "How many are there?" > "Run back to the school and warn everyone else. I'll deal with these thugs." STYLE GAINED: Fortune's Favorite +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Stop the Bandit Attack Not long after you acquired your weapon, word arrived that the bandits' main force had arrived on the beach. Master Li hasn't returned, so it falls to you te help defend the town. +----------------+ You can now choose to fight with your weapon, in addition to the damage you can deal with your fists. Beware though, attacking with Fortune's Favorite will drain your focus. It'd be a good idea to stick to your martial style, until you have to deal with the big wave of bandits. Exit the shop and go back the way you came. You will encounter several bandits along the way to the town square, but they're easily disposed of. Run down the steps and beat the bandits on the town square. One of them has longer reach with a spear, so make sure you evade him from a distance, then kill him. Head into the grasslands once again to find another peasant being attacked by thugs. Same story. Once they're all dead, open the chest in clear sight for a big fat 200 silver pieces. Now return the path you came. Upon entering the town square, turn right and head into the dirt path. The game autosaves, but don't forget to also MANUALLY SAVE here. As you tread upon the beach, a cutscene triggers. A weird man stands atop a giant boat, and there is a pack of bandits lingering around it. The strange leader demonstrates the cannons of his ship by bombarding some hapless peasants into dust. It isn't long before your battle with the bandits starts. Don't recklessly charge in here or you'll be dead in no time. Instead, let the bandits come to you, and keep rolling around, even if there's no opponent you need to evade. Pay heed to Dawn Star's warnings, for she will tell you when the cannon is about to fire. If you get hit by such a shot, it will almost always spell out your doom. Keep rolling and flipping to make sure this doesn't happen. Sometimes, the cannon will hit the bandits themselves, helping you in the process of beating them. Once the first wave of bandits is dead, a second wave spawns from the ship. This is slightly harder. The bandits have more health this time, but they still shouldn't hurt you much. Thing you have to watch out for is the Bandit Leader that is with them. This thug possesses the quick Leaping Tiger style and can kick your ass if you linger in front of him. Get to his back and take out Fortune's Favorite to deal with him. Fortunately, his health bar isn't that large. Now, the man on the ship is surprised. Surprised enough to test you with some of his magics. In a movie, he summons three Spirits to deal with you, and they're sorcerors as well. Now, these spirits aren't much of a pain as long as you keep strafing and rolling to the sides to evade the ice bolts they send at you. Slowly close in and use your Martial Style to disperse them. Notice that they are IMMUNE to Fortune's Favorite or Heavenly Wave, so don't even bother. They should die fairly painlessly as long as you keep these things in mind. The man himself descends from his ship. He looks dangerous. Fortunately, Master Li comes to the rescue and kills the man with a simple combo, after having annihilated the Assassin's ship. It seems that he isn't only a Master by title, eh? > "Why did you step in? I could have fought him." +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Return to Master Li The bandits have been driven back, but their leader seemed to recognize Master Li. The recognition leaves you with many questions that only Master Li seems able to answer. +----------------+ You're automatically brought to the Character submenu. Press the A button to level your character up. Choose whatever skills you wish, but I suggest you spend your style points on your Martial Arts style. It will help you in the long run. Make sure you don't invest in Chi Strikes as you shouldn't be making use of them. Take Damage Increase or Speed Increase instead. Next, Dawn Star talks to you. We're Closed Fist, so there's no need for character interaction. > "Perhaps later." Now, it's time to head back to Two Rivers. But first, head back to the town square and into the grassland where you previously found 200 silver in the chest. There are three drunken fellows, Gao's men, as it would seem. > "There will certainly be a lesson learned here today. Let's begin." Deal with them quickly and efficiently, then return to the school. Walk past Dawn Star's garden (you can refill your health and chi at the Spirit Font if you wish, and read the Scrollstand for some cheap XP), all the way up to the practice arena, and you should see Master Li and Gao the Lesser standing there. Speak to Master Li. Gao interrupts. > "Cry somewhere else. I am simply better than you." > "You can call it a challenge, but my victory will be easy." > "I will return when I am ready, Master." +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Answer Gao's Challenge Master Li seemed ready to accelerate your training in light of the bandit attack, but Gao the Lesser refused to let the matter of your progress go without comment. +----------------+ Before we face off against Gao, we have some things to take care off. Look around the practice area to see a big, fat man in orange clothing. He goes by the name of Smiling Mountain. Talk to him. > "Are there any students available to spar with?" > "Is there any way to cure Kia Min?" > "I'll go see if there's any way to cure her wound." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ Kia Min -> Ask Kia Min About Healing Smiling Mountain, one of the combat trainers under Master Li, is offering a special reward to any student who can set a new record for the number of opponents faced at once. You might be able to earn this mysterious reward if you can help Kia Min get back into fighting form. +----------------+ Kia Min's easy to be found. Talk to her. > "What sort of prize?" > "Is there anything I can do to help with your wound?" > "Would this herb heal you quickly enough that you could fight again?" > "I think I know enough about this herb." > "Goodbye for now." +-------------------+ Sidequest Updated +-------------------+ Kia Min -> Ask Old Ming About Herbs Kia Min can't face you in Smiling Mountain's test until she is feeling better, but she vaguely remembered a type of grass that might speed her healing. +----------------+ Head all the way back to the beach, through Dawn Star's garden, the Town Square, the dirt path, until you get to the statue there. An old man should be walking around. This is Old Ming. Talk to him. > "One of the students was wounded during the bandit attack." > "What's the difference between the two grasses?" > "Thank you for the help." > "Goodbye for now." +-------------------+ Sidequest Updated +-------------------+ Kia Min -> Acquire a Red Silk Grass Poultice OR Acquire a Bearded Tongue Grass Poultice Old Ming's memory still seems sharp after all these years. He remembered two grasses that would have similar effects in restoring Kia Min to fighting shape for Smiling Mountain's special contest. He cautioned that you should only use red silk grass, because bearded tongue grass is only a painkiller and not a true cure. +----------------+ On the way back, talk to the troubled villager. > "I don't know you, are you from Two Rivers?" > "Why do you need money badly?" > "If you can't repay your debts, you'll have to live with the consequences." > "It sounds like you're looking for a sympathy handout. Pathetic." > "He has to learn to help himself. Complaining solves nothing." +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ An Unfortunate Debt ... +----------------+ I smell something EVIL cooking. We're not gonna go through the expensive process of buying red silk grass, are we? Nah, we'll just make it so that Kia Min FEELS good. What do we care that she might rip something vital? It is not like she's all that good anyway. Head back to the Town Square and merchant Fen Do should be in the corner. He's the man with the bearded tongue grass to put in the poultice for Kia Min. > "Let's talk about what you can do for me." > "I'm looking for ingredients for a medicinal poultice." > "Do you have any bearded tongue grass?" > "As long as she thinks she's better. Give me the bearded tongue grass." > "Here's the twenty five silver for the bearded tongue grass." > "Goodbye for now." +-------------------+ Sidequest Updated +-------------------+ Kia Min -> Deliver the Poultice to Kia Min You now have a poultice infused with bearded tongue grass. The mixture may not have many curative effects, but it will at least take away the pain. This should be enough to convince Kia Min that she's able to fight in Smiling Mountain's special test. +----------------+ Now return to the school, and speak with Kia Min. > "I have a poultice that should help your wound." > "[Lie] I hope it's worth the fifty silver it cost me." > "Goodbye for now." Things like these just make me say: Muahahahaha! You just made profit on something that's only helping you beat Smiling Mountain's test. Quickly, go talk to the big man and ask him to set a new record. You will face off against five different students, one of them being Kia Min. They are easily beaten if you keep jumping and rolling around. Beating the test gives you the Alloyed Body technique, which gives you a nice boost in your attributes, and 100 silver. Also, because Kia Min's injury has worsened, you gain points towards the Way of the Closed Fist, which is good. +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ Kia Min You have set a new record by defeating five opponents at the same time. The bearded tongue grass poultice lacked any real curative effect, though, and Kia Min's wound has torn open, injuring her further. Despite his obvious concern for Kia Min, Smiling Mountain has awarded you a scroll called "The Alloyed Body" outlining his conditioning techniques. +----------------+ TECHNIQUE GAINED: Alloyed Body Save before you go talk to Master Li. Agree to face Gao in the ring. This should be a challenging fight at first. Attacking from behind is key to victory here. Don't try anything from the front, as he will interrupt you most of the time. Thereby, Gao the Lesser makes good use of the Heavenly Wave technique, which can be avoided by timing your rolls. The attack should be easily spotted. Keep your distance, run in, flip over him, attack, and retreat to a distance anew. Using this strategy will put Gao down quite quickly. Once the challenge is concluded, Gao tries to attack you with a forbidden magical style, but Master Li saves you by blocking it. Dawn Star talks to you in joy about your victory. +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Learn More from Master Li You have succesfully defeated Gao the Lesser, but in his pride he attacked you with a forbidden magical style. +----------------+ Before you head to Master Li, talk to Smiling Mountain again. Ask him what he's got for sale, then buy two of his techniques (Belly of Iron, Heart of Gold, or Mind of Steel). Once you've picked them, go to Master Li's quarters to continue the main quest. > "Yes, Master. I am ready." > "I am listening. What is the next step?" > "Master! You've never said anything about this!" > "Why hide that you are the Emperor's brother?" > "What do you mean that the world may join you?" > "Let's move on. Tell me what this has to do with my destiny." > "Why haven't I witnessed this?" > "Is it safe?" So, now we are in the Spirit Cave. Great. Make sure you save, then walk the path towards the first gate. There's a message inscribed on the stone tablet that is shown as soon as you try to open the gate. Master Li guides you through the storyline with these tablets. Head through the water and you reach an open area. Interact with the pillar encumbered by four torches, and you should gain the Dragon Amulet. This piece of jewelry allows you to use gems to strengthen your skills. Place your Flawed Warrior Gem in there now, for you'll have to use it shortly afterwards. Ghosts spring up from the ground. You've dealt with these before, so switch to your Martial style and kick some transluscent ass. After that, explore this area for two Vases which deliver, in total, 100 silver pieces into your purse. Head through the next gate by holding up the amulet you found in this room. Walk to the next gate and the game should Autosave. Also save manually at this point. A boss awaits behind the next gate, which you should now be opening. > "Back, ghost! I have been warned of your lies." > "Bah! Despite your words, you are as mindless as the other ghosts." You have to face the Old Master of the Two Rivers dojo. He's not easy to beat, since he's kinda tough, and he can freeze you solid. You have to be nimble to avoid his magics, then get close and pound on him with combos. You should completely ignore the other summoned ghosts, they aren't even ten percent of what the master can do to you. Back attacks work fairly well here, too. > "What is this? Another trick of the ghosts?" > "I choose the flame/ice (your choice)" > "Finally! Master Li has withheld such knowledge." +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ A Master's Teachings -> Exit the Spirit Cave After acquiring the artifact called the Dragon Amulet, you encountered several ghosts, including a mysterious female spirit who spoke in riddles. She claimed you were "the last Spirit Monk", but she explained no more. +----------------+ STYLE GAINED: Dire Flame/Ice Shard Search around this room and search the bones for 100 gold. Open the chest standing at the edge of the platform for the Structured Body technique and a Warrior's Gem of Fate (don't equip this gem!), and a measly 5 gold. Also read the two Scrollstands here for easy XP points before entering the portal and returning to Master Li. > "I didn't need that long. A spirit released me." > "You have kept things from me. What is a Spirit Monk?" > "Did you try and stop your brother?" > "Dawn Star is missing? Where would she go?" > "I will start right away." Someone has kidnapped Dawn Star. And Gao the Lesser's missing as well. Haha, difficult to see who did that, right? +---------------------+ Main Quest Completed +---------------------+ A Master's Teachings After returning from the spirit cave, Master Li explained that your people, the Spirit Monks, were warriors who revered the Water Dragon. This connection led to their destruction at the hands of the Emperor, who sought to force the Water Dragon to end the Long Drought. You were the only survivor. +----------------+ +--------------------+ Main Quest Received +--------------------+ The Search for Dawn Star -> Find Dawn Star Your discussion with Master Li about your people, the mysterious Spirit Monks, was interrupted by news that Dawn Star has disappeared. +----------------+ Before you go and search for Ms. Magenta, there are some literary works you should read, just for the XP you can gain from them. You can also search the Lion Statue in Master Li's quarters. Choose to destroy the altar to be done with it, you get 25 silver pieces. You don't have to open the chest here, it only contains Open Palm-oriented figurines. Immediately turn left as you go out of the door and read the first scrollstand. Walk along the walkway and you should reach a bookstand. Read it. Finally, head west from the practice ring for another bookstand (and XP). You can now go to Smiling Mountain and purchase the third and final technique for 400 silver pieces, to gear you up for the inevitable fights that are coming your way. Once this all is done, head through the school gates, all the way to Two Rivers. A burned corpse stains the town square as you enter. It appears to be Si Pat, the young student which warned you of the bandit attack earlier. There is no doubt that Gao the Lesser did this. Through the villagers you can hear that Gao has taken of to the town gate, into the marshes. +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ The Search for Dawn Star -> Find Dawn Star You have found student Si Pat murdered at the gate into town. Eyewitnesses place the blame on Gao the Lesser, who was also dragging something heavy in a sack as he went. +----------------+ Head up the stairs and into Gujin's shop. Read the scrollstand there for a hidden bonus (Legacy of Master Li technique scroll), then proceed towards the main gate. It seems Gao has hired some mercenaries to slow you down. If you have a high enough Intimidation skill, you can avoid having to battle them, but usually such an attempt results in failure. This fight can be annoying if you get stuck on the border of the battlefield, but otherwise, these grunts are quite weak. Standard strategies will suffice against them, and I encourage you to use Martial Arts instead of spending Focus on your weapons. Remember that you can use your Area Attack (A+X) and Chi Heal, should the going get tough. Once you beat them, Guard Yung will get up from the floor. Eventually you can ask him where Gao's gone, and he will say that the only way the Lesser could have gone was into the swamp. Save, then head through the town gate, into the marshes. +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ The Search for Dawn Star -> Pursue Gao to the Marshes Gao the Lesser left several men in ambush for you near the town gate. After you dealt with them, Guard Yung confirmed that Gao has already left town. +----------------+ Proceed down the watery path until you encounter some Outlaws. There are only three of them, one with a spear, so they should be easily disposed of. Once they are dealt with, search behind the worn-down chapel for a Spirit Font and a Bamboo Cask with the Gem of Irresistable Spirit and five silver pieces. Now go and talk with the man the Outlaws were threatening, Hing. Be snappy for some Closed Fist points. > "Your concerns do not interest me. Move aside." +-------------------+ Sidequest Received +-------------------+ The Flower of the Fields -> Hunt Down Fen's Kidnappers It seems you are not the only one hunting a missing person in this swamp. A man named Hing has passionately implored you to rescue his Fen, the "Flower of the Fields", from bandits. +----------------+ Save, then head further down the path for a cutscene to start. A man seems to be hopelessly surrounded by bandits, but he handles himself quite well, leaving the battlefield unscathed. As you draw your weapon to handle him, the man calms you, assuring you that he is not a bandit. > "You fought without mercy. Why should I trust you?" > "I'm in a hurry. Someone was taken from the village by Gao the Lesser." > "You seem familiar with their type. Is there anything else you can tell me?" > "I should beat it out of you! Dawn Star deserves better than your cowardice." > "Thank you. I knew there was a shred of decency in you." > "I will go the way you say, but I will be watching you." +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ The Search for Dawn Star -> A Camp to the North A mysterious hermit who calls himself Sagacious Zu reluctantly directed you to a camp of men at the north end of the swamp. It seems likely that Gao took Dawn Star there. +----------------+ So, Sagacious Zu is your new Follower? He's a fairly good fighter, but don't expect him to take a big weight off your shoulders. Scour around the area and search the bones near one of the trees for some silver. Also check the Scrollstand standing between two of the pillars of the ancient building nearby for experience. Continue your quest afterwards by heading onto the path to the north. Face off against some mercenaries again, yadda yadda. When they're dead, the woman they held captive is released. It seems to be Hing's wife we met earlier. > "I don't care. Some merchant offered a reward for his Flower of the Fields." > "You aren't the Flower of the Fields that Hing mentioned?" > "I don't care who was saved. I want my reward." +--------------------+ Sidequest Completed +--------------------+ The Flower of the Fields You rescued a woman named Sing Wa who introduced you to Fen the Flower of the Fields, who turned out to be an admittedly much-loved water buffalo. Overjoyful, Merchant Hing thanked you profusely while his wife left you with a generous purse of silver for her rescue. +----------------+ Now, you should be able to choose which way you want to go: left or right. It really doesn't matter, the amount of enemies is about the same. Fight your way through the camp, the mercenaries here aren't any tougher than the last ones you faced. Once dead, your character questions one of them. > "Fine. Just tell me what I want to know." > "Where is Dawn Star?" > "Why did he kidnap Dawn Star?" > "What do you mean?" > "I can't take that chance. You're not going anywhere." +-------------------+ Main Quest Updated +-------------------+ The Search for Dawn Star -> Rescue Dawn Star from Gao One of Gao's men in the marsh told you that Dawn Star escaped and led Gao pursued into a cave just north of their encampment. +----------------+ Yep, we'll still kill him. Closed Fist, y'know. After the mercenary's gone, search around the camp. Check the Bamboo Cask and the bones for some silver and an Inferior Intimidation Gem, then search for the entrance to the caves in the north. Enter the Swamp Cave. Save before you proceed. A cutscene takes place. Dawn Star's doing a great job in frustrating Gao the Lesser, but unfortunately, a direct path towards them has been blocked by Gao's reckless assault. That leaves you and Zu to deal with the two Ogres trooping around. These beasts are best taken out with a weapon. Their strikes are very powerful, but so slow that you can easily evade them. Attack from the backside, and, if you are truly full of despair, give them a piece of Dire Flame or Ice Shard. After you've disposed of those, explore this big cavern. There are some chests here containing silver and gems. Be careful though, one of the treasure chests is trapped (you character should use Focus Evade to avoid getting damaged). When you're done looting, look to the left of the path Gao just blocked to find an alternate route. Walk down the path and you are assaulted by a Toad Demon. It is vital that you get behind it with your weapon or the thing'll deal huge damage to you with its crazy tongue swipes. Once it's dead, you gain the ability to transform into a Toad Demon yourself... hygienic... STYLE GAINED: Toad Demon Proceed down the path and you should see Gao and Dawn Star. > "Wasting my time on another errand, and all because of you." > "Empty threats from a beaten man." > "I'm getting sick of your raving, Gao." > "Let's settle this, Gao. One on one." This is your second fight with Gao the Lesser. He hasn't changed much, he will still try slowing you with Heavenly Wave a lot. However, he also makes use of the Dire Flame ability, and sometimes he summons a dragon from the ground to spit fire at you. When he does this, make sure you are out of the way, or you'll be toasted (couldn't resist the pun). Anyway, you have lots of space to move around, so make good use of your flips and rolls. Lure him into doing a physical combo, then flip over him and assault from behind. It won't work everytime, since Gao uses his Area Attack quite often, but it'll get the job done without endangering your own character. You can use your weapon for greater damage, or even Dire Flame if you feel lucky. In all, it's not a very hard fight once you grasp Gao's basic patterns. Once the guy's finished, Dawn Star thanks you for the help. For beating Gao the Lesser, you get 250 silver pieces and the Gentle Persuasion gem. > "I wouldn't let anything happen to you, Dawn Star." > "Empty threats. Let him argue with the worms." > -- Choose whoever suits you most -- There are some chests around here to be opened, one of which contains the Viper's Wit technique. You can use the nearby Spirit Font to heal yourself should Gao the Lesser have injured you in the earlier confrontation. Once you're done, make your way back to the cave entrance - defeating Ogres as you go - and head back into the swamps. +---------------------+ Main Quest Completed +---------------------+ The Search for Dawn Star A pall of smoke in the distance served as a grim landmark as you made your way back to Two Rivers. +----------------+ > "They chose their path. I just happened to cross it." > "He kidnapped you so you wouldn't get caught in an attack?" > "I will not run from a fight!" > "Get to the point! Will it work or not?" > "So it's like flying a swimming ox. Well *that* helps." > "We're wasting time. If we are going, let's go!" You get to play a mini-game now. It's really easy. Just use the thumbstick to navigate your flyer over the screen, and press A to fire your primary weapon. Use X to use your ability, "Radiant Aura", and just blast all enemy planes off the screen. Their interceptors can be taken with one shot, the bombers take about ten. Surviving should be very simple, just keep shooting if you don't feel like aiming. Eventually, the flyer should descend and you will be back at Two Rivers. > "We will find survivors. There has to be someone left." +--------------------+ Main Quest Received +--------------------+ The Burning Town As you drew closer to the town, the source of the black pall of smoke was apparent. Two Rivers, your home since birth, burned with an unnatural intensity. +----------------+ Don't waste time and travel down the path to Two Rivers town square. There are two raiders waiting for you, but they're too easy. Pass Dawn Star's Garden and head over the bridge, towards the school. A cutscene takes place with Kia Min. The girl - by your closed fist effort - is completely injured, and she dies at the hands of the bandits. Now they're coming after you. Time to show them what a real fighter looks like, right? Notice that this is the third time you get Closed Fist points for the Kia Min sidequest. Deal with the bandits, then proceed up the path, through the school gates. Enter the practice arena for a cutscene. > "I'm no weakling student. I will defeat you!" You'll now fight some more bandits. Nothing special about them, only the fighting area is somewhat smaller. Swiftly deal with them, and then the big bad Lieutenant himself will join the battle. He's quick with his Leaping Tiger style, but as long as you attack from behind, you should be able to deal with him fairly easily. Concentrate on taking the weaker bandits out before you try to deal with the Lieutenant. Also watch out for the leader switching styles, in addition to the claws, he also has a Longsword style and the Storm Dragon support, which can shock you. Once they're dead, Jing Woo comes out, dying. He tells Dawn Star how the attack took place. > "Woo mentioned a woman giving orders. What about her?" > "Master Li said I was important, that I was destined for great conflict." > "You're just a bitter swamp hermit. What do you know?" > "That explains your unwillingness to come here. You recognized a familiar tactic." > "We must find where they took Master Li, and rescue him." > "Why? What is there?" > "Yes, I am still curious about you, Lotus Assassin." You get to choose whether you want to do the flyer mini-game again, or to evade all enemies and skip to the next part of the storyline. Choose whichever you want. No matter what, you'll have a rough landing near Tien's Landing. > "It'll take more than a little crash to hurt me!" > "Then I guess we're grounded until we find a wind map." > "Things just keep getting better and better, don't they?" > "I don't plan on being stuck here for long. I'll figure something out." ___________ / Chapter 2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Wherein the fall of Dirge is detailed, The woman in black speaks of Death's Hand, And Gao the Greater learns the fate of his son. Two Rivers is in ruins, and Master Li has been taken captive. It is clear that this attack was carefully orchestrated and that shadowy forces have taken an interest in you and those around you. Leaving your home of twenty years, you set out after Death's Hand and his Lotus Assassins, intent on discovering the reasons behind this assault. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= +---------------------+ Main Quest Received +---------------------+ Picking up the Pieces -> Investigate Tien's Landing Master Li's captors took him in the direction of the Imperial City. To follow, you must secure a new flyer and a wind map to ensure you don't have another rough landing. +----------------+ You should choose whether you want Zu or Dawn Star as a companion for your- self, though if you're having trouble being evil ;) it's best to take Zu with as he doesn't really mind you killing innocents. At least he won't force good conscience into your face like Dawn Star would. Exit the cavern through the only available exit. It won't be long before three spirits pop up from the ground. They're somewhat tougher than what you're used to, but they have made no extra offensive progress since your last confrontation, so they should be easily dealt with. Once they are dispersed, your character is suddenly knocked out by a vision of the mysterious blue spirit. She still speaks in riddles, but we will learn more about her quite soon. Afterwards, Zu/Dawn Star asks what the hell happened with you. Tell them anything you want, then proceed. There is a path to that curves to the left here, up the hill. Soon, you will reach a headstone. Destroy it and your character should Focus Evade the trap that was in it. Not only that, but you'll also get three more ghosts to deal with. Ice wizards this time, so make sure you keep moving to evade their annoying freezing attack. Once they're dead, continue up the path. The end is marked by a Spirit Font, where you can restore any Health or Chi you might have lost during your encounters with the spirits. There's only one way to go from here, since the one of the bridges here isn't lowered. Go left up the steep hill that leads into what seems to be a building. This is actually the bridge Zu was talking about earlier. Three Conscripts attack you. They're even easier than the ghosts you just faced, no real problems here. Deal with them, then cross the bridge into the open again, to start a cutscene. Wow, it's Spider...-woman? > "Get out of my way. You won't delay my revenge." Apparently, the woman clad in black is not easily intimidated. No way out of this fight. A pity we have to beat her, right? At least she's a good match after all those wimpy spirits. She's definitely quick in evading your blows, so you may want to take out your weapon to deal more damage with your blows, or you can stick to your Martial style for speed. If you're having trouble, try slowing her with the Heavenly Wave power attack, then move in for the kill. As soon as her health bar is depleted, she stops fighting, bewildered by your skills. > "Get out of my way. I'm after Death's Hand!" > "I will pursue them both! I am not afraid!" +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ A Woman in Black -> Be Wary of a Second Meeting You were challenged by a woman clad in black as you approached Tien's Landing. She apparently saw you leave Two Rivers, and assumed you were a minion of Death's Hand. You convinced her otherwise after surprising her with your martial skills. +----------------+ She will play a big part in the latter parts of the storyline, but for now you can forget about seeing her. Save your game, then proceed your walking until you reach a stone with a red fish carved upon its surface. From here, you can go right, to reach Tien's Landing. But first, we'll go left to earn some more Closed Fist points. Follow this left path until a cutscene takes place. Some Imperial Soldiers will assault you. They're harder than the occasional thug, but there generic patterns and the absence of any special attacks make them weak. When they're disposed of, a fourth man comes runnning from the small chapel. He tries to convince you that he is not an Imperial Soldier. Haha, we'll show him otherwise won't we :devil smiley: > "Lying cur! You die now!" > "I don't believe you. Time to die!" Beat him easily, then look around the area. There are two Bamboo Casks with silver in the grassland. In the chapel itself you can find a Focus Shrine to restore the power of your mind, and open the chests for silver and a Flawed Monk Gem. One of the chests is trapped, by the way, but your Mind attribute should be high enough to evade it. Now, return to the stone with the Fish on it, and this time head in the direction of Tien's Landing. Once there, you three will immediately make camp. Dawn Star will give you the Good Fortune gem, which you should equip the Dragon Amulet with. Also add in the Gentle Persuasion gem you gained from defeating Gao the Lesser earlier, if you hadn't already. Explore the small, grassy area behind your encampment to find a big chest with 100 silver pieces in it, then use one of the outer hallways to make your way towards Tien's Landing. Approach the bridge and two women will come strolling towards you. > "Your warnings won't scare me away, peasant!" > "Why are you leaving town?" > "Your cowardice endangers your daughter. Flee, peasant." > "So you take the coward's path into worse dangers?" > "I will let you be on your way." +---------------------+ Main Quest Received +---------------------+ Find a New Flyer -> Speak with Minister Sheng The flyer you took from Gao's men in Two Rivers proved as untrustworthy as its original owners. Pirates around the village of Tien's Landing seem to have similar devices, however, so it may be worth your time to try and seek them out. +----------------+ +---------------------+ Main Quest Received +---------------------+ The Great Dam -> Talk to Minister Sheng The Great Dam downriver from Tien's Landing is open, and now the Silkworm River is running faster and lower than it has for years. It is impossible for large vessels to navigate, essentially cutting off the town from the trade that sustains it. Minister Sheng in the town square can provide more details. +----------------+ Before you even enter Tien's Landing, I feel obliged to warn you: this is a big town with lots and lots of sidequests to perform. And I will walk you through all of them, sometimes multiple quests at a time, so the FAQ might seem a bit cluttered. If you simply follow everything outlined here, you should have no trouble, but if you're looking for a specific quest, I suggest you look in the section dedicated to those to get a complete and compact walkthrough of how to solve it. Cross the bridge and walk towards the big building to your left. This is the Teahouse. Remember it as a landmark whenever you need to get back to your camp. When you approach the courtyard surrounding the Teahouse, there seem to be some problems with sailors. Three of them are threatening a woman, yet she does not at all appear impressed. It is not long before they engage in combat, dragging you in there. Wrong place, wrong time, yet the sailors aren't very powerful. You should be able to beat them without difficulties, especially with an ally, Hui, alongside you. After the battle, Hui talks to you. > "Child? What child?" > "This doesn't really concern me." > "My master's true name is Sun Li the Glorious Strategist." > "This is too convenient. Master Li could not anticipate I would crash here!" > "Not much of a god if she fell to the Emperor's bluster." > "The Emperor destroyed my people to take the Water Dragon's power?" > "Why did Master Li do this? What's so special about me?" > "I am always ready to learn." +---------------------+ Main Quest Received +---------------------+ Hui the Brave -> Speak with Hui Hui the Brave is a trusted and very loyal servant of Master Li. Upon his order, she has waited many years in Tien's Landing preparing for your arrival. She seems eager to share what she knows, having waited so long for this moment. +----------------+ STYLE GAINED: Spirit Thief After this, Hui retreats to the Teahouse. Tread in her wake by doing the same. For some odd reason, the game reloads everytime you enter the Teahouse, which is fairly frustrating. Once in the Teahouse, the sailors will get back to you and Hui for revenge. It's the same story as the fight that took place outside, only this time there are more enemies around. Note that you can break a table in the Teahouse by jumping on it with B, and then grab one of its wooden legs to bash opponents with. It won't last long, but it will do a surprising amount of damage. Finally, you will be able to converse with Hui again. > "Try to speed this up. I have other things to do." > "Could we speed this up a little bit. Where is the monk?" > "I should go to the runes and try to find this amulet piece." > "I have a lot ahead of me. I should go." +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ Hui the Brave -> Search the Ruins Hui told a story of a wounded monk who fled the destruction of Dirge with another piece of the amulet Master Li gave you. The monk died in old Tien's Landing, and his possessions were lost there when the village flooded. Now that the waters have descended, you should be able to recover the amulet piece and add it to the piece you now wear. +----------------+ It would seem all these quests tie in with each other. Right now, it's time to enter some new subquests for experience and/or Closed Fist points, which you will need later in Tien's Landing. Search around the teahouse for an old woman named Old Mother Kwan, and talk to her. > "You used to own this teahouse?" > "Did you check the writ to make sure it was real?" > "I'm going to speak to Dutong about this." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ Old Mother Kwan -> Investigate Dutong's Writ Old Mother Kwan used to own the teahouse in Tien's Landing until Three Streets Dutong showed up with an Imperial Writ proclaiming that the teahouse was his. Dutong's story sounds suspicious and is probably worth investigating. +----------------+ Turn around and walk towards the bar. There is a man behind it named Steeper Yanru. Speak with him. > "I want to talk about Dutong and his Imperial Writ." > "Did anyone ever see the actual writ?" > "I think the writ was a forgery!" > "Maybe I can make Dutong confess." > "Get him drunk and I'll get a confession out of him." > "You can make him sober again?" > "Let's send Dutong some drinks." > "Give Master Dutong the Imperial seasoned spirits." > "Give Master Dutong the Imperial seasoned spirits." > "Give Master Dutong some peasant's wine." > "I'll be back in a bit." +-------------------+ Sidequest Updated +-------------------+ Old Mother Kwan -> Get Dutong Drunk Steeper Yanru believes Dutong is lying about the writ. He has agreed to help you get Dutong drunk so he'll confess his crimes. +----------------+ Now head over to Three Streets Dutong and talk to him. > "Let's talk about that writ you showed Mother Kwan." > -- Take whatever stat is highest -- > "Yes. You told me it was a fake." > "Give us the silver, Dutong, and we won't say anything." +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ Old Mother Kwan Dutong admitted that he tricked Mother Kwan out of her teahouse, but you agreed to keep his secret in exchange for a pocket full of silver. +----------------+ You earn Closed Fist points for this. How terribly evil. And we made some good money with it, too. Head for the upper level of the Teahouse by using the stairs. Walk around counterclock- wise and eventually you should be approached by an old man. Tell him to mind his own problems, but do go talk to Zhong (the ogre in the corner there). > "Get out of here, Zhong, or I'll throw you out!" > "No more games, Zhong! It's time to leave." > "I don't care about your dumb ox!" > "Get out of here, or I'll kill the other ox myself!" Now you have to fight Zhong. He's merely an Ogre with slightly more health and toughness than usual, but he is not at all fast. You should be able to deal with him painlessly. When he's dead, the farmer comes complaining, but another man approaches you and gives you some money for killing the ogre, because he's glad that the monstrosity is no longer chasing away all of his customers. You gain Closed Fist points for this act. +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ Zhong the Ox Carrier You killed Zhong the Ox Carrier. Dong Ping will be ruined, but the ogre will no longer scare the patrons in the Teahouse. +----------------+ Follow the walkway and you should eventually meet up with Chai Jin the cook from the Prosperous East. Give him 300 silver to make some dishes for you. The trick to finishing this is to first take the dish which will influence the weakest of your stats. For example, if Spirit is your lowest stat, take the dish which lowers Spirit first. This way you should survive all three dishes. Then, Chai Jin will ask you if you want to give a shot at the final dish. Do it (this won't affect your stats), and then choose to [Lie] and say that he should try it himself. The cook will die from it instantly. Loot the body for your lost money and The Bronze Tongue gem, and a load of Closed Fist points. Good, time to move on. Head downstairs and exit the Teahouse, into Tien's Landing again. Descend the small staircase, read the bookstand right next to it, then head to the right to find Seamstress Lan, sniffing. Talk. > "Your sobbing is annoying me." > "What's wrong?" > "How much can you pay me?" > "It's a deal. I'll take care of those thugs for you." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ The Beaten Baker -> Investigate Baker Bei A young woman named Lan has asked you to help her fiancé, a baker named Bei. Every day he gets beaten up by thugs down by the pier. Understandably, she wants someone to do something about it. +----------------+ We'll deal with the baker later. For now, turn around and run towards the residential part of Tien's Landing. You can talk to "the Sweet" on the way, but it's really not necessary. Head through the small gates and follow the path as it curves around the grassy area. Eventually, you will reach a big building with a reinforced door. When you talk to the guard, he refuses to let you pass. Head to the left of this building and read the bookstand there for some experience (it's behind the dockworker). Turn around and run straight ahead, until you see two people facing each other. Talk to the old man, Jian the Iron Fist, and they will tell you they are playing a game of Yi, only without a board. It appears that they have something to teach you, but only if you can prove them that you understand the respective philosophies behind their styles. Vo can teach Stone Immortal, but this does not interest us as we are aiming for Closed Fist. No matter what, you will NOT have enough Closed Fist points to learn Tempest from Jian yet, so forget about it right now. +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ An Ancient Game -> Impress Mistress Vo OR Impress Jian the Iron Fist You encountered two masters involved in a game of yi, a strategic game in which white and black pieces struggle to control territory on a board. It seems their games extend to the world around them, as both have offered to train you in their style, but only if you can prove that you follow one of their competing philosophies. +----------------+ With your back to the pier, head to the right, past the fenced waterfall, and keep to the paved road to find Baker Bei. Exactly at that moment, he appears to be onassaulted by some thugs. Without any further notice the ruffians attack you, as well. They are not very strong or quick, and so they shouldn't pose any problems, as long as you don't get stuck in the small area you have to fight in. Afterwards, a scared-to-death Baker Bei talks to you. > "Lan figured you couldn't handle things on your own." > "Quit whining, or you might still get a beating today." > "You better tell me what's going on." > "She has to be doing this for a reason." > "Maybe I could talk to Ai Ling for you." +-------------------+ Sidequest Updated +-------------------+ The Beaten Baker -> Talk to Ai Ling Baker Bei told you that Ai Ling ordered the beatings. He wants you to convince her to leave him alone, and he suggested that you speak to her at the boathouse, the headquarters of her gang. +----------------+ Return to the big building mentioned earlier, near the pier. Remember this place as the Boathouse, then talk to the guard. Tell him you're here to talk to Ai Ling about Baker Bei and he'll let you in. Once inside, read the book- stand at the far end of the initial room, then walk the only way to go and you should meet up with Ai Ling. > "Stay away from Baker Bei." > "Bei never said anything about this." > "That's because he's afraid of you." > "Let me bring Bei here. Maybe we can work something out." > "I'll go get Bei right now." > "Ai Ling claims Bei promised to marry her." > "Sorry, Bei, but she's right. A promise is a promise." > "Lan and Ai Ling should fight. The winner gets Bei." > "Let's find out. Fight!" Now, Ai Ling first kill Lan, then defends herself against Bei, killing the unfortunate baker in the process. In sorrow, she turns her aggression toward you. Now you have to deal with Ai Ling and four gang members. Focus on taking out Ai Ling first and use your Area Attack (A+X) when they try to gang up on you. The girl can quite nimble, but you should be able to beat her. The rest of her crew are no problem at all. +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ The Beaten Baker Ai Ling killed Lan and Bei and then tried to kill you. Sometimes things just have to end this way. +----------------+ After the fight, scan around the area for a vase. Break it and you will get the Boathouse Key. Turn right and open the Office Gate with it, and run up the stairs towards Ai Ling's office. Read the scrollstand, crash the vase for a Greater Warrior's Gem of Fate, and open the cabinet to feed your purse with a nice 750 silver. Head back to the area where you faced Ai Ling and check the chest for some fresh silver pieces. When all is done, exit the boathouse and go back to where you first met Baker Bei (under the archway). Cross over into Beggar's Pier the poorest part of Tien's Landing. Walk to this area's far end and then to the right to start a cutscene involving Captain Ing. When it's done, go talk to him. > "Your men don't respect you very much, do they?" > "How much would you pay to have the Great Dam closed?" > "I have more important things to do." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ Trapped -> Free Captain Ing's Ship One of the people hit hardest by the opening of the dam is Captain Ing. The river is too low and fast for his ship, so he is trapped in Tien's Landing with no way to earn his livelihood, and his men are becoming mutinous. If you close the dam, he will reward you with silver, although he has little to spare. +----------------+ Run onto the pier near to captain Ing and enter the guy's ship. There's a bookstand here which you can read for experience, and a chest with a fat 1200 silver pieces - this is actually the reward you would get for closing the Great Dam, but we're not gonna miss it just because we're following the Way of the Closed Fist, are we? ;P Head back onto the pier again and run straight ahead, until you reach an open, grassy plain with several houses along its sides. There should be a person in orange clothing in its center, named Scholar Six Heavens. Talk to him. He has something to do with the Silk Strings you found earlier in the area before Tien's Landing. > "I'm interested. What do you need done?" > "What's so important about this instrument?" > "I think I have already found one of the two parts." > "Where would I find the case?" > "I'll start looking for them now." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ The Zither of Discord -> Find the Case Scholar Six Heavens, adherent of the Way of the Closed Fist, has asked you to find the lost pieces of an artifact called the Zither of Discord. He awaits there delivery in Tien's Landing. +----------------+ Don't forget to check the nearby Bamboo Cask for silver, then return the way you came and go all the way back to Vo and Jian the Iron Fist. This time, head the path leading steeply uphill, and follow it all the way around to reach the town square. Walk forward to initiate a cutscene in which Minister Sheng's displeasement and despair are shown. His prison has burned down... jeez, talk about a loser. Head somewhat left and walk towards the man called Old Wei. Open the chest to the old man's left for some silver, then run along the buildings here until you can speak to the Messenger. > "If enough silver's on the line, I'm interested in whatever you have to say." > "That sounds like an expensive problem to resolve." > "Goodbye." +---------------------+ Main Quest Received +---------------------+ The Sickened Forest -> Seek Out Lord Yun You have heard tales of a disease affecting the Great Southern Forest, which lies just north of Tien's Landing. Lord Yun, a noble from the Imperial City, has recently arrive to find a solution. He seeks skilled warriors to aid him. +----------------+ You can let any thought about entering the forest rest for now, as that time's a long way off. Instead, turn right and read the - hilarious - bookstand behind Minister Sheng and his guard for XP. Then talk to the moustacheered maniacal ministrous monstrosity (yes, FAQ-writing does get so boring that you're gonna start annoying people with metaphors like these). > "What kind of problems do you have?" > "Is there anything that can be done?" > "Why did they do that?" > "Is there anything I can do?" > "Interesting. I'll think about it." > "Would you happen to *not* know anything about flyers while we're at it?" > "That's all I need to know. I'll see what can be done." +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ Find a New Flyer -> Find Ru the Boatswain The pirates nearby are known to have flyers, but the only man foolish enough to risk traveling to their lair is Ru the Boatswain, the town drunk. You'll have to find some way to convince him to take you. +----------------+ +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ The Great Dam -> Enter the Ruins to Reach the Dam Minister Sheng said that the Lotus Assassins opened the dam to search for something in the ruins of old Tien's Landing. They don't care about the hardship they are causing the town. Sheng gave you a key to the ruins, hoping you can close the dam. He also mentioned the reward that Captain Ing promised. +----------------+ After the conversation, you get the key to the ruins. Try to exit this area through the rightmost path (which leads past Old Wei) and someone will stop you in your tracks. It's Merchant Jiang from Beggar's Pier. It seems he has something urgent to tell you. > "Who are you?" > "What sort of help do you need?" > "Yes, he did." > "What'll you give me if I do this?" > "Very well. I'll do it." +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ The Great Dam -> Close the Great Dam OR Sabotage the Dam The Lotus Assassins opened the dam to search the ruins of old Tien's. Minister Sheng gave you a key to the ruins so you can close the dam. Merchant Jiang wants the dam controls destroyed so things remain as they are. He is profiting off the misery of the locals, and can likely offer a larger reward than the Captain Ing that Sheng mentioned. +----------------+ Now run off the hillside and turn right at the intersection. Open the chest near the teahouse for some silver, then circle the building and enter it. In here, immediately head for the stairs and atop them you should find a fat, bearded man. This is Ru the Boatswain, having a dispute with one of the teahouse's servants. > "Go away. I must speak to this man." > "Quit your blubbering, slug! I need your help." > "I need you to take me to the pirate camp." > "Craven slug! You *will* take me!" > -- Choose whatever stat is highest -- > "You better show up at the pier!" +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ Find a New Flyer -> Explore the Pirate Lair Ru the Boatswain has agreed to transport you back and forth between the pirates' island and the docks of Tien's Landing until you replace your crashed flyer. The pirates that hold the flyers may not be quite so helpful. +----------------+ Now exit the Teahouse and head all the way back to your camp, where either Zu or Dawn Star is awaiting your arrival. In the cutscene that follows, act arrogantly if you wish, it really won't serve you in any special way. It's merely a way to drive the storyline. Head into the area behind your hideout and go "To Dam Site". This is the old area where we faced Silk Fox earlier, with the fishy stone. Take the first road to the right and follow it all the way to the gates of the Ruins. Use the key to open them, then head into the next area. Proceed forward to trigger a cutscene. There seem to be Lotus Assassins around here, but fortunately they leave their dirty jobs to the Rat Demons they summon right before your eyes. Enter the clearing and deal with the Imperials that attack you. Defeating them earns you the Gem of Thief's Sense. You can take the path all the way to the left, which leads downhill towards a Spirit Font where you can restore your Health/Chi. Explore the clearing and you should find some bones with silver in them near the Assassin's campfire. There is a trapped Ceramic Urn with an Inferior Charm Gem near one of the pillars. Also open the supplies to the right of the archway leading to the next area for some Dragon Powder, which you will need later on. Then walk into the next area. You will be attacked by a Rat Demon from the left. Once you knock the demon out, the cowardly rat gives up and tries to talk to you. > "Tell me what you know." > "Tell me something useful!" > "Tell me where the gem is." > "So I should use the rockets to blow up the wall?" > "I think I'll kill you anyway." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ Gems in the Quarry -> Find Dragon Powder and Rockets Lotus Assassins are using rat demons to find gems. One of the rat demons said he could feel a gem nearby, in the ruins. +----------------+ Quickly dispose of the filth for some Closed Fist points, then walk into the building on the right. Kill the two Rat Demons and open the Ceramic Urn for more silver, then head out of there and turn to right. Go through the second archway. Deal with the three Imperial Soldiers that try to stop you, then walk into the orphanage on your right. A small cutscene triggers in which a Rat Demon is bewildered by the fact that he can SMELL children, but can't SEE them. Kill the rat, and a new scene should begin. Two ghosts of the children, who died here, approach you. > "Do that again and you'll be sorry!" > "Calm down. Maybe I can help you." > "If you were strong, you could have survived." > "Is there anything I can do to help you?" > "Maybe there's some way I can help?" > "I'll see if I can find him for you." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ The Drowned Orphans -> Send Yushan Back OR Kill Kindly Yushan You met the ghosts of two children at the orphanage in the ruins. They died in the flood because the orphan master, Kindly Yushan, abandoned them. They want your help. +----------------+ Yes, that's right, we're gonna head ALL THE WAY back to Tien's Landing. You may want to heal yourself at a Spirit Font, as Miao inflicted some serious inevitable damage in that cutscene. Once back, get your ass into the Teahouse and head up the staircase. Go to the place where Chai Jin was. In the corner you should see an old man with his back towards you. This is Kindly Yushan. Talk to him. > "You used to be the orphan master before the flood?" > "Why did you let the orphans die?" > "You abandoned the children? You sicken me!" > "I'm taking you to the orphanage... now!" > "You can come willingly, or I can drag you. Your choice." > -- Your character and Yushan are now in the orphanage -- > "Sorry, Bin. I'm letting Miao have her revenge." +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ The Drowned Orphans You forced Yushan to return to the orphanage but decided that Miao deserved the chance to have her revenge. Yushan is dead, and the orphan ghosts have gone to their rest, avenged. +----------------+ Closed Fist points are gained for this. Now you're standing outside the orphanage again. It's a good thing you didn't have to backtrack all the way, eh? Anyway, there are some rockets nearby. They are already aimed for the weak wall, so the only thing you have to go is put the Dragon Powder you found earlier in the ignition and fire them. This will open a path into a new clearing. +-------------------+ Sidequest Updated +-------------------+ Gems in the Quarry -> Find the gem The rockets opened a path to a new area. The gem must be in there somewhere. +----------------+ Take the newly crafted path and walk around the clearing. Three Convict Ghosts should appear. Take them out quickly so they don't get a chance to freeze you and make your life difficult. Once they're dead, search the headstone at the right side of the clearing for The Soft Petal gem. Turn around and walk forward, towards the old path, and a cutscene should trigger. Tell the bossy spirit "Die, fiend!" and beat him and his friends. Open the second trapped headstone for some silver, then take the path leading into the Quarry. In here, walk forward towards the first clearing. More ghosts will appear here, but they're nothing new. Dispose of them with your martial style, and once they're gone search the bones around this area for silver and the Gem of Evil Thought. Then head into the next, watery area. There's nothing to do here yet, so just proceed until the next cutscene starts. Strangler Jizu, the gang king, appears. Tell him "Die, foul spirit!". He acts weirdly, saying that he doesn't die. This fight can be quite tricky if you don't keep on your toes. There's no use in assaulting Jizu unless you first disperse all the ghosts around him. He will just recharge his health bar if he has allies around, so first take out all the convict ghosts before dealing with him. You'll have to watch out for his Dire Flame technique, which can catch you by surprise when you have your back turned to him. Once he's dispersed, a new spirit appears and talks to your character. > "You seem different than the other ghosts." > "The prisoners are dead. They drowned." > "That's why I never try to help anyone." > "Jizu didn't know how to finish the job and disperse you properly. I do." +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ Gems in the Quarry Deep in the ruins of the original Tien's Landing, you discovered a group of convict ghosts who died when the quarry flooded. You've defeated their leader, Strangler Jizu, and discovered the gem the reat demon suggested was hidden there. +----------------+ You won't get to fight the ghost, but at least you will gain some Closed Fist points, and The Wanderer's Jewel, which you can put in your Dragon Amulet. If you look around here, you can find some containers with precious silver and gems in them. There's a vase with lots of silver, an Inferior Intimidation Gem, and a Scholar's Gem of Forethought. The chest and bones can also be searched and will provide you with fresh silver. Now return the way you came and you should meet up with the spirit of a little girl. > "What's wrong?" > "If you won't even try to help yourself, I won't help you." > "I'm not interested in helping you, ghost!" This will yield you a small amount of Closed Fist points. Make your way out of the quarry and back to the orphanage area. Behind the orphanage, you can find a Bamboo Cask with silver after beating the Rat Demon that is intent on guarding it... and eating your toes. Afterwards, continue the main quest by heading through the next archway. Make sure you pay attention during the next cutscene as you can hear the password to disable those who guard the dam. Shao Hua. Defeat the Imperial Soldier and pursue the Lotus Assassin. Unfortunately, the guy curls up the drawbridge before you can set foot on it. Head to the right and hit the switch to lower the thing again, A-Team style. Proceed over the bridge and check the - trapped - Bamboo Casks for silver pieces. Head up the hill and you'll be brought to a standstill by a new vision of the Water Dragon. Tell her anything you want, she'll still give you a shitty speech about the guardian of the ruins. Now that all this is done, run through the archway, toward the Dam Site. It would be a good idea to SAVE your game here. Then head straight ahead and meet up with a little girl. This is Wild Flower. > "Who are you?" > "Make sense, girl!" Now you have to face off against the Guardian Demon of this place, of whom the Water Dragon said that he would be an ally. Wow, he's so friendly right now... sarcastically speaking. Anyways, Chai Ka isn't easy to overcome with ordinary jump-over-and-bash strategies. He will use his Area Attack a lot when you try to get behind him. It's best to roll sideways, before he does his strikes, and nail him with a small combo. Use weapons here or you'll be fighting him forever. Once he's almost dead, he speaks to you in total bewilderment. > "I am --Your Name Here--" > "You better tell me what's going on here!" > "You better make yourself useful." > "So what happens now?" > "What have you done to her, demon?" > "If you're coming with me, let's go." > "There's nothing else I want to ask." > "What would I need it for?" > "Come on. You and Chai Ka are with me now." > --Choose whoever you want-- +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ Hui the Brave -> Return to Hui The Lotus Assassins tricked Chai Ka the Heavenly Gate Guardian out of the amulet piece he was protecting, but he managed to preserve some of what was rightfully yours: a powerful gem you can add to your amulet. Return to Hui the Brave in the Teahouse and tell her what you have learned. +----------------+ You will get Wild Flower as a Follower, an Inferior Scholar Gem, and the machine called the Inscrutable Power Source for beating the demon. From where you entered, take the left path and open the chest at the end to learn The River of Time technique, then head back. Enter the red chapel and read the scrollstand for XP, as well as lowering the drawbridge with the switch and opening the trapped chest for silver and a Flawed Warrior Gem. Now run inbetween the two golem sentries and they will ask you for the word you heard earlier. Tell them Shao Hua and they will let you pass. Head all the way down and make your way to the bridge controls unscathed. > [Remove the Jade Heart and disable the dam so it can never close] > [Remove the Jade Heart] +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ The Great Dam -> Talk to Jiang You have destroyed the controls of the Great Dam as Merchant Jiang in Tien's Landing asked. Bring the Jade Heart, a part of the console, to Jiang at his shop in Beggar's Pier for a reward. +----------------+ Now you get a LOT of Closed Fist points. Make your way up the stairs again and there will be new enemies waiting for you. You get to talk to them, but no matter what you choose, they will always choose to assault you. Make sure you take out the Lotus Assassin first, then the rest. Once they're dead, use the nearby drawbridge to get back to the very area you first started the game in. You should know how to get to Tien's Landing from here. Do so now. When you near the exit towards Tien's Landing, Silk Fox will appear again. > "Another ambush? You barely escaped last time." > "I will not be your errand-boy!" > "What do you want for this information?" > "He is Sun Li the Glorious Strategist, the Emperor's brother." > "Do not call me a liar!" > "Help me defeat Death's Hand." +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ A Woman in Black You encountered the woman in black again. Her name is Silk Fox. +----------------+ +---------------------+ Main Quest Received +---------------------+ Silk Fox -> The Silk Fox You met the mysterious woman known as Silk Fox in the ruins outside Tien's Landing. She did not join you on your journey, but if you reach the Imperial City, she may assist you in finding Master Li. It seems clear that Silk Fox enjoys manipulating those around her. +----------------+ When back in Tien's Landing, head for the Teahouse once more. Inside, Hui will still be waiting. Speak to her. > "The Lotus Assassins already took the amulet from the ruins." > "I have a lot ahead of me. I should go." +----------------------+ Main Quest Completed +----------------------+ Hui the Brave Hui has completed her sworn duty to Master Li and has gone off to resume her life now that it is once again her own. +----------------+ Now exit the Teahouse and make your way to Beggar's Pier. It's the spot with all the beggars and courtesans, where you first met Captain Ing. Walk along the left side wall and eventually a cutscene should start. Ing has given up all hope and his drinking away his troubles with the help of merchant Jiang's expensive wines. Go talk to the ripoff. > "It's right here." > "This town will be stronger for learning to live without the dam." > "Don't forget who got you here. I certainly won't." > "Goodbye." +----------------------+ Main Quest Completed +----------------------+ The Great Dam By sabotaging the dam, you doomed the town of Tien's Landing to a long and slow death, but at least Merchant Jiang lined your pockets with silver. +----------------+ You receive a Gem of Purpose and 2600 silver for doing this. If you continue following the leftmost wall, you will eventually meet up with Darting Lynx, from whom you can buy some new techniques. I suggest buying the Balance of Nature, which has no penalties and delivers a big upgrade to your Focus, which you will definitely be putting to use on the Pirate Isle. Also, make sure you pay a visit to Jian the Iron Fist and ask him to train you. You should have gained enough Closed Fist points by now. Defeating Jian isn't all that hard, just make sure you don't get caught up in the Tempest's Area Attack or Power Attack and you should be fine. This also means you should not try to hop behind him when he's wielding the Tempest style (you can see that he is using his magic from his stance). Lure him into using his normal, martial style, and then inflict major damage with the jump-behind-and-kick-arse technique. When he's reached about 1/8 of his health gauge, he will stop and teach you the Tempest style. +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ An Ancient Game After you faced the aged master in battle, Jian the Iron Fist agreed to train you in the basic techniques of Tempest, a style fueled by discord in the practitioner's soul. +----------------+ When you're done with everything here, save your game and head over to the Beggar's Pier once more. Walk to its far end while keeping to the right and you should eventually see Ru the Boatswain. Tell him to take you to the lair of the pirates. The game reloads and you're on the tropical isle before you know it. Tell Ru "Very well" and walk forward until a cutscene triggers. An old pirate is being mocked by his younger colleagues. Eventually, he runs off the pier, to a location close to your position. Approach him and a dialogue will automatically start. > "Who are you?" > "I better kill you to keep you quiet." > "Sounds like a good idea." Now walk up the pier and interact with the rope. The cannon will drop down, taking the pirates (and the innocent slave with them) down to the depths of the waters. This will give you Closed Fist points. Say goodbye to Cheung, then walk over the wooden walkways until you get to a platform full of pirates. Be careful here, use your Area Attack a lot or you'll be ganged upon. Fortunately, the pirates aren't really tough. Try to take out those with the longswords first, since they have the farthest reach. When they're all dead, read the scrollstand, check the vase for an Intimidation Gem and some silver, and eventually use the Focus Shrine should your Focus Gauge have run empty during the previous fights. There's only one way to go from here if you want to progress. Enjoy the scenery as you head towards your next fight. The area that follows seems to be the slave chamber. In a cutscene, you will see how a mysterious man, Sky, cuts down pirates like nothing. When more appear, he drags you into his fight by mentioning you. With his help, you should be able to easily finish the ruffians off. Afterwards, Sky speaks to you. > "I should kill you for that little stunt!" > "Why are you here?" > "Is this man Gao the Greater?" > "Let's talk about this plan of yours. How do we get past that door?" > "I don't think of pirates as the ingenious type." > "This seems awfully convenient." > "If you betray me, I'll kill you." > "I trained under Master Li of Two Rivers." > "Perhaps you've just never seen a properly trained warrior." After that, a familiar woman talks to you. Yeung Yifong, Fuyao's mother. > "How did you end up here?" > "I don't have time to look for your daughter." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ Yifong and Fuyao -> Find the Slave Breaker Yifong's daughter, Fuyao, has been captured by pirates. She is powerless to deal with these brutal men. Find Fuyao and rescue her from the pirates. +----------------+ You didn't agree to help her, yet you still get a quest? How's that for some linear gameplay? Anyway, there's still only one way to go, and that's up, towards the door. As you approach the construction, Sky holds the lever down. You can now open the door. Behind it are some fresh pirates to deal with. Make good use of the small area you fight in. Afterwards, check the chest (it's trapped) and make use of the Spirit Font if you need it. Head up the next set of wooden stairs. Eventually, a new cutscene should trigger. It seems we've finally met Gao the Greater, and another, strange man called Inquisitor Lim. Part of the storyline is unfolded here. Once they're done, walk around the walkway until you find a way to enter their quarters. To your surprise, the mad scientist will help you beat his pirate guardians. It seems he is not too happy with his current position. > "Who are you?" > "What else can you do?" > "You built Gao a special flyer?" > "Will you help me against Gao and the Lotus Assassins?" > "I agree. I will see what I can do." > "Goodbye." Open the chest in this room for 175 silver, then head to the second level of these quarters. Keep heading up the stairs until you get to a wide area where you, again, will face off against several pirates. Same story. Kill them, then search the chest for fresh silver, and walk into the carved path that lies near it. Eventually you should meet up with Fuyao and the Slave Breaker, who will attack you. Defeat them and Yeung Yifong will show up. Time to earn Closed Fist points once again |>..<| Muahahahaha. > "I guess the slave breaker didn't finish with this one." > "Gao is not selling these slaves now. I am." > "At least they'll be together. It's a deal." +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ Yifong and Fuyao Lordling Lun paid you well for Yifong and Fuyao. +----------------+ You also get some gold for this. Exit the slave quarters and head up the staircase to the left of the platform. You will meet up with more pirates on the elevated platform. Oldskool hack'n slashing. Finish them off, then proceed into the Workshop. Only one way to go here, and that's into the big building. There, one of the more difficult challenges await you. This is your first encounter with the fearsome Horse Demons. These abominations will fire orbs of flame at you from afar, immolating you. They also have a fiery aura that will hurt you if you physically touch them (Martial and Weapon styles). Upon death, they may explode, leaving a painful fire upon your limbs. Make sure to deal with them from BEHIND, even if they keep doing Area Attacks, you will be able to beat them eventually. When they're dead, ordinary pirates come storming into the workshop. They are lead by a brutish Ogre Guard. Fortunately, this wave isn't quite as hard as the demons you first faced. Save your weapon for the Ogre Guard, and first deal with the pirates. When they're dead, you've got a lot of reading to do around here. There's one bookstand and two scrollstands around, one of which contains the Configuration of the Horse. Also check the chest for 750 silver and a Flawed Warrior Gem. Now make your way to the Marvelous Dragonfly, the flyer levitating in the center of the workshop. Next to it are the Dragonfly Controls. Use them to make the Dragonfly shoot a missile into the cargo doors, opening a new path to hidden treasures. Open the prison door and you will meet up with an elephant demon. It will attack you no matter what you say. This beast is agressive so make sure you keep nimble and moving. Try to lure it into attacking, then jump behind it and pounce it with a quick combo. If you try to jump behind it without the elephant attacking you, there's a big chance it will cast you away with its Area Attack. Once you defeat it, use the nearby Focus Shrine if you need it, then search all containers here for silver and some gems, one of which is the unique Gem of the Frail Scholar. Exit the demon's territory and head through the door the Ogre Guard bashed open some moments before. The next set of stairs lead up to Gao the Greater's lair, so make sure you save. Before you enter Gao's territory, circumvent the octagonal construction and crash the bonsai tree at its backside for some silver and a gem. Then approach Gao the Greater. Tell him whatever you wish, though you should act with malice if you want to be Closed Fist. No matter what, you will end up battling Gao the Greater. As long as you take out all of his pirate allies, Gao won't be much of a problem. Take out the weaklings first, they're easy to dispose of, but do make sure that you're not suddenly blindsided by Gao. If you can get your follower to attack Gao, so much the better. When it's finally one-on-one, use normal tactics to beat Gao. He fires magic with ease and does it often, but the only thing that could possibly worry you is the area attack which can slow or immolate you. Otherwise, you shouldn't really have any trouble killing him. When he's dead, Sky comes storming in, with Kang in his wake. > "Where have you been?" > "You know I did. Get to the point." > "That's horrible!" > "I've seen similar evidence." > "It will be good to have you along." > "Stumbled across? You mean stole." > "Glad to have you aboard, Sky." Open the chests in Gao's quarters for silver and the Zither Case, which is a plot item for the Zither of Discord quest. Also read the bookstand, which should complete a book set, granting you the 'Strength of Wood' technique as a reward. Afterwards, hurry yourself back to the Workshop, where Kang and Sky are already waiting. > "I have an Inscrutable Power Source." > "Okay, let's get out of here." Choose whether you want to beat the flyer mini-game or not. I personally chose to evade them, but that's because I'm not good at flying the damn thing around ;) Whatever you choose, you will eventually make it to your base camp in Tien's Landing, with two new followers in your footsteps. Now there's only one thing left to do: finding a wind map. First things first, though, head over to Beggar's Pier and head into the grassy area once again. Speak to Scholar Six Heavens, now that you have found the Zither Case. > "I found both of the components you were looking for." > "What do you need me to do?" > "I'll do it." > "Where is this spot?" > "Goodbye." +-------------------+ Sidequest Updated +-------------------+ The Zither of Discord -> Find the Zither's Bridge Having recovered the strings and case, you have agreed to help Scholar Six Heavens find the bridge to the Zither of Discord, the final piece he would need to reconstruct the ancient instrument. +----------------+ Now that this is done, go to the town square. It's the place where you found Minister Sheng and his guard earlier, remember? Where the messenger asked you to help Lord Yun. Head through the gate nearest to this messenger and you will arrive in the Great Southern Forest. Save, because immediately after you will be onassaulted by several Lost Spirits. These enemies are the most annoying in the entire game, not too powerful, but their numbers make them a pain to deal with. Make sure to close the distance between you and them with forward rolls (B+UP) and get behind them to disperse them with a martial style. Always take out Lost Spirits before other ghosts, because otherwise they will keep pelting their greenish projectiles at you, which can very well blindside you. When one-on-one, you can BLOCK but not DODGE their green projectiles and you can DODGE but not BLOCK the blue ones. Keep these guidelines in mind when facing them. Once they're dead, Lord Yun runs off the stairs. > "Not many people have my skills." > "Perhaps there's some way I can help you." > "I heard that you needed help opening the forest for travel again." > "Where did you acquire a wind map that would cover the distance?" > "It seems I need your wind map to travel north." > "What do you propose?" > "You have a deal. I'll find out what's wrong with your land." > "Who is the Forest Shadow?" > "I've heard enough about this fox spirit. What do I need to do?" > "She could be behind this. I'll just eliminate her." > "I need that wind map, so I have work to do." +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ The Sickened Forest -> Find Spear Catches Leaf In return for your help, Lord Yun has offered you a copy of a highly prized wind map that covers the skies between Tien's Landing and the Imperial City. Impressed with your skills, he has asked that you find a cure for the blight that affects his forest. +----------------+ Run up the concrete (WHA? Concrete in a forest?! Whatever.) and you should reach a clearing once again. Two Lost Spirits and a normal ghost pop up to make your life a misery. Notice that, if you wish, you can run over to the shrine that lies behind them. This will trigger some yellow-lit patches over the forest floor for a limited amount of time, which will damage all spirits that pass through. I usually only make use of it on Grand Master difficulty, as on lower difficulties the ghosts are easily disposed without the shrine's support. Though Yun told you to take a left, we will go right here. Run off the hill and talk to the Red Minister waiting there. Don't forget to check the bones on your way there. > "Who are you, spirit?" > "I see trees tearing and water churning at the rocks, and I see time destroying all this because it is weak." > "It would be an honor to serve." > "You want me to repair your instrument?" > "Why do you want him dead?" > "I really don't care what happens to the scholar. You have a deal." > "How did you get past the ghosts?" > "I have the bridge here. It's all yours." > "I hope you at least made him suffer." +---------------------+ Sidequest Completed +---------------------+ The Zither of Discord Bladed Thesis' spirit was bound to the Zither of Discord, and with its reconstruction, he was able to absorb some of Scholar Six Heavens' life force. +----------------+ This concludes the Zither of Discord quest and yields you 500 silver pieces and the Chaotic Strains technique. Use the Spirit Font if you wish, return the way you came and this time take the left path, up the staircase. Follow the winding path until you get to a bridge over the river. Here, you will be attacked by two more Lost Spirits. When they're defeated, the man at the other end of the bridge talks to you. > "Yes, I was in Tien's Landing." > "I don't have time to baby-sit some simpleton. Make your own way." > "These ghosts are the Forest Shadow's minions?" > "I've had about enough of you. Go where you wish." After this a cutscene starts. A fox spirit destroys the man that just spoke with you, and after that, comes for you. She manages to turn you to stone, however, through the magic of fate, you are revived. In awe and fear, the fox spirit flees your grasp, leaving only the words "What are you?" for you to ponder. Continue up the road and smash all headstones you encounter for silver and a gem. Eventually you should reach a clearing with some fresh ghosts. To the right of this area, there is another shrine should you be willing to use it. When they're dispersed, take the left path. Proceed until you arrive at the Forest Shadow's temple. Your entrance will initiate a cutscene wherein a wild axeman is taking care of a multitude of ghosts. Unfortunately, mad with rage, he attacks you, seeing you for a ghost! The Black Whirlwind is only dangerous if you linger in front of him for too long. Keep jumping and mobile and he'll be picking himself off of the floor. Once they're dead, Spear Catches Leaf nobily grants you his apologies. > "Ha! Your strikes are clumsy as a drunken cow." > "I don't care about him. Lord Yun sent me here to help you." > "Tell me more about this ritual." > "Do you have any idea where the crystal might be?" > "What was strange about them?" > "I met a man from the inn on my way up here." > "I'll go back to the inn and ask them about the missing crystal." > "Goodbye." +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ The Sickened Forest -> Restore the Missing Crystal You made your way to the temple of the Forest Shadow and met with Spear Catches Leaf. Spear Catches Leaf has told you that a missing crystal is key to a ritual he hopes will allow you to meet with the Forest Shadow. +----------------+ You can also buy some techniques from Spear Catches Leaf before you go, and I strongly suggest you do so. Hunter's Spirit and the Storm Dragon style can be especially useful, with Hunter's Spirit having a somewhat higher priority than the support style. From the path you first entered from, take the right path uphill. You should reach the area right before the inn. There will be A LOT of ghosts to deal with at the next clearing. Defeat them one way or the other, then head up the stairs towards the Pilgrim's Rest Inn, and once there, deal with the ghosts, look behind the tree to find a rock with 80 silver and a gem, then watch the cutscene on the walkway, and enter the inn to speak with the Innkeeper. > "I'm in search of a missing crystal from the temple." > "That crystal is the key to reaching the Forest Shadow!" > "That explains why you didn't tell me about this before." > "If you have those resources, why not do this yourself?" > "I think it's obvious what I have to do." > "For that much silver, consider the fox dead." +--------------------+ Sidequest Received +--------------------+ Fox Hunt -> Tracking the Forest Shadow The people at the inn seem to want nothing more than the death of the Forest Shadow, the fox spirit who serves as guardian of the Great Southern Forest. They have offered a handsome reward of silver for her death. +----------------+ Search the upper level of the inn for a scrollstand and some containers which hold some silver for you. You can also talk to Henpecked Hou if you want. Once done, exit the inn and make your way back to the temple of the Forest Shadow, where you should talk to Spear Catches Leaf. > "I have the missing crystal here." > "You're running like a coward?" > "I'm hoping you've done most of the work by setting up those furnaces." > "You think the light is key somehow?" > "I can figure this out from here." > "I'm sure I can find a use for him." > "I'm reeling from your smell." > "You could be useful. Glad to have you along." > --Choose whoever you wish-- +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ The Sickened Forest -> Complete the Ritual of Seasons You have retrieved the missing temple crystal from the Pilgrim's Rest Inn and brought it back to Spear Catches Leaf. Now it falls to you to complete the Ritual of Seasons at that temple in the hopes of finding the elusive Forest Shadow and ultimately a cure for the forest. +----------------+ And another follower is ours. If you want to be evil, always take Whirlwind with you, as he can approve of such things. Now it's time to complete the damn ritual. First walk up the staircase behind you and interact with the pedestal atop it. Your character will place the Temple Crystal. Now the levers can be set to work. Run off the stairs, away from the temple, and switch the first lever. Head to the right and downstairs some more to find the second singular lever. Now head back to where you came from, and stand still at the start of the pedestal's staircase. First, take the leftmost stairs and pull the BLUE switch, which stands for the season of winter. Now head over to the final set of levers and this time choose the RED switch, representing summer. Now head back to the pedestal and interact with it to put the focusing crystal in place. Finally, a portal to Heaven will be opened. It's time to head into the temple itself. +--------------------+ Main Quest Updated +--------------------+ The Sickened Forest -> Enter the Portal While Lord Yun's wind map will eventually take you to the Imperial City, it seems retrieving it will take you considerably farther. Completing the Ritual of Seasons has opened a portal in the inner sanctum of the Forest Shadow's temple. +----------------+ Before you scurry through the portal, look left and right to find a pair of scrollstands which you can read for experience. Use the Focus Shrine if you must, then head up the stairs and into... Heaven. All seems peaceful as you arrive. Still, it would be a good idea to save here as it's just the calm before the storm. TO BE CONTINUED <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 7. QUESTS / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- ============= CHAPTER ONE ============= ~*~*~ MAIN QUESTS ~*~*~ ______________________ / A Master's Teachings ========================------------------------------------------------- INITIATION: Automatically given at the start of the game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Speak With Master Li >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> After your tutorial battle with Jing Woo, head exit the practice ring and head into Master Li's quarters. A cutscene automatically starts wherein Master Li prepares to unveil your destiny, however, you are rudely interrupted by reports of a bandit attack. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Find Dawn Star >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Exit Master Li's quarters and head through the school gates on your left. Run down the dirt path, cross the bridge, and you should arrive at Dawn Star's Garden, where your partner resides. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Acquire Your Weapon >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Proceed until you reach the gates that lead to Two Rivers. Once there, deal with the bandits that are besetting the town square, then head left up the big staircase. The first building you encounter is Gujin's shop. Talk to Gujin and you will receive the weapon of your choice. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Stop the Bandit Attack >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Run back to the town square, dealing with any bandits on the way. Go left onto the dirt path and follow it all the way to the beach. There you will have to deal with two waves of bandits, and one wave of spirit opponents. Finally, Master Li comes to the rescue. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Return to Master Li >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Simply head all the way back to the school, and Master Li should be standing in front of his quarters, together with Gao the Lesser. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Answer Gao's Challenge >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Talk to Master Li when you're ready to face Gao, and you will get a match in the practice arena. See the walkthroughs for detailed strategies on how to beat him. Once he's defeated, he tries to attack you with a forbidden magical style (Dire Flame), but Master Li blocks it for you. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Learn More from Master Li >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> When you're done with the sidequests available in this area, head into Master Li's quarters and tell him you're ready for the final test. He will reveal his true identity and send you into the Spirit Cave. In here, you will find the first piece of the Dragon Amulet, and you will also face a multitude of ghosts. Beat the Old Master spirit to trigger a cutscene in which you meet the Water Dragon for the first time. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Exit the Spirit Cave >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scour the environment to find some helpful trinkets, gather knowledge, then enter the portal to return to Master Li. He seems bewildered by your encounter with the Water Dragon, but once again the conversation is cut off by an emergency: Dawn Star appears to be missing. __________________________ / The Search for Dawn Star ============================--------------------------------------------- INITIATION: Given once you finish "A Master's Teachings" quest. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Find Dawn Star >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Get out of Master Li's chambers and through the school gates. Run past Dawn Star's garden and enter Two Rivers. There, you see the burning corpse of student Si Pat. According to eyewitnesses, it was Gao the Lesser who did this. He also was carrying a big sack. Head to the left up the stairs, and run past Gujin's shop. You will have to deal with some mercenaries here, then Guard Yung will tell you that Gao took off towards the marshes. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pursue Gao to the Marshes >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Head through the town gate and you will immediately be transported to the swamp. Run off the only path available and deal with the outlaws that are pestering Hing. Deal with the farmer, then head further up the path. Here, you will meet up with Sagacious Zu, who, upon uttering Dawn Star's name, becomes your new Follower. He also mentions a camp of Gao's men, which lies to the north. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A Camp to the North >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Loot the area, then take the only passage that leads north by making use of the mini-map. You will deal with more bandits here, and you can eventually complete the "Flower of the Fields" quest. You can now choose to go left or right. Both have about the same amount of enemy forces, so it's up to you. Clear out Gao's camp and your character will interrogate one of the mercenaries. He tells you that Dawn Star escaped into the nearby caves. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rescue Dawn Star from Gao >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Take the path that lay in front of you when the cutscene ended, and enter the Swamp Cave. In there, you will have to face Ogres and a Toad Demon, but the route is pretty straightforward. Eventually, you will have to face a more powerful Gao the Lesser. See the walkthrough for strategies. Once Gao's dead, our friends gather outside the cave, unless you chose to clear out the entire cave. Once outside, the three fighters notice flyers overhead... with weapons aimed for Two Rivers. __________________ / The Burning Town ====================---------------------------------------------------- INITIATION: Given once you finish "The Search for Dawn Star" quest. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Burning Town >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Only one way to go here. Take care of all the bandits on your way to the school. Once there, you will have to face off against lots and lots of bandits and Death Hand's Lieutenant. The walkthrough can offer you strategies to deal with them. Once they're dead, a dying Jing Woo comes trooping out of the building to tell you what happened. The three adventurers decide to take Gao's flyer and head for Tien's Landing, marking the end of Chapter One. ~*~*~ SIDE QUESTS ~*~*~ _________ / Kia Min ===========------------------------------------------------------------ INITIATION: Talk to Smiling Mountain about sparring after the bandit attack, and he will mention that you can only try to break Kia Min's record for most foes beat at once if you find a way to heal her. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ask Kia Min About Healing >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Look around the practice ring to find Kia Min. Talk to her and she will mention a special herb with healing properties. It seems that Old Ming may know more about it. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ask Old Ming About Herbs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Head to the Two Rivers beach and Old Ming can be found near the big statue. After a lot of chattering, he will mention Red Silk Grass and Bearded Tongue Grass as healing herbs. Unfortunately, Bearded Tongue Grass is only a painkiller. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Acquire a Red Silk Grass Poultice OR Acquire a Bearded Tongue Grass Poultice >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Run back to Two Rivers' town square and find Merchant Fen Do. If you want Open Palm points, buy a Red Silk Grass Poultice, if you want to be Closed Fist, go for a Bearded Tongue Grass Poultice. The first costs fifty silver pieces, the latter twenty-five silver pieces. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Deliver the Poultice to Kia Min >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Return to the School and talk to Kia Min. You can have her pay you back for the poultice. Having her pay back more than she's due to will give you more Closed Fist points. No matter which medicine you gave her, the contest Smiling Mountain set up can finally take place now. If you gave Kia Min Bearded Tongue Grass and you won the contest, she will be severely injured and you will gain even more Closed Fist points. _________________________ / The Lions of Two Rivers ===========================-------------------------------------------- INITIATION: There is a big statue in Master Li's quarters with a peculiar light around its claws. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In Master Li's quarters, there is a big statue of a lion. Next to it is a black chest. Open it for a Red, Yellow, and Blue Figurine, then walk towards the statue. If you choose to destroy the altar - which you SHOULD NOT - you get some gold, but that's not our intention here. Place the figurines in the order that the lion statue tells you two (blue light means placing the Blue Figurine). You get 1 Silver piece once you have placed the three sculptures. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Exit Master Li's chamber and head to the right until you find a small opening, which leads into the grassland behind Li's room. In a moment, you should see a small shrine dedicated to the first master of Two Rivers. Place a silver coin on the shrine to retrieve the Lion Head Token. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Head back to the big lion statue. Place the Lion Head on it and the color in its paws should turn to green. Now place the BLUE and the YELLOW figurine. Then remove the BLUE figurine, and place the RED figurine for orange. Finally, remove the YELLOW figurine and once again place the BLUE figurine for the purple orb. This gains you 75 XP and the "Gaze of the Lion" technique. __________________________ / The Flower of the Fields ============================------------------------------------------- INITIATION: In the marshes, you will encounter a merchant named Hing who has apparently lost someone dear to him. He asks you to find his "Flower of the Fields". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hunt Down Fen's Kidnappers >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Proceed your main quest until you find Sagacious Zu, who joins up with you. Head through the passage to the north and you will find bandits holding captive a woman. Kill the bandits to free the woman, named Sing Wa. The "Flower of the Fields" seems to refer to a water buffalo named Fen. Hing comes storming to see his dear animal. If you act politely, you will gain Open Palm points, if you rudely demand money, you will gain Closed Fist points. Both yield you money. ============= CHAPTER TWO ============= ~*~*~ MAIN QUESTS ~*~*~ MORE TO COME <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 8. APPENDICES / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- _____ / A ----------- Styles ----------- MARTIAL STYLES ================ _______________ / Leaping Tiger =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Assign it as your starting martial art when initiating a new game. Alternatively, you can buy it from Zin Bu later on. With the vigor and speed of the animal for which this martial style was named, Leaping Tiger dazzles onlookers even as it carves up opponents. Practitioners of this Martial style focus so completely on the strength and quickness of the tiger that razor-sharp claws seem to sprout from their fists. The style's quick, leaping techniques and punishing strikes create a flurry of death that can keep even armed opponents at bay. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________ / Legendary Strike =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Assign it as your starting martial art when initiating a new game. Alternatively, you can buy it from Zin Bu later on. Many in the Jade Empire have heard of Legendary Strike, but few have actually seen it in action. Fewer still have mastered this martial style, but those who have are to be feared, their blows rain down too fast to block, and their kicks can quickly put an opponent out for good. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______________ / Thousand Cuts =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Assign it as your starting martial art when initiating a new game. Alternatively, you can buy it from Zin Bu later on. Thousand Cuts is aptly named, though the style does not involve blades. A master of this style relies on numerous light strikes in quick succession instead of singular punishing blows of murderous kicks. Most opponents reel under such a relentless assault, unable to counter fast enough to find an opening for their own attacks. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____________ / White Demon =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Assign it as your starting martial art when initiating a new game. Alternatively, you can buy it from Zin Bu later on. Many martial artists criticize the White Demon style for being slow and ponderous, but in the hands of a true master it can be one of the deadliest martial styles of all. While it lacks the crowd-pleasing panache of faster styles, White Demon's sheer power and intimidating techniques plow through opponents like an ogre in a teahouse. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= SUPPORT STYLES ================ _______________ / Heavenly Wave =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: You get it automatically at the start of any new game. This style's Power Attack can initiate a Harmonic Combo that produces a Health power-up. Fighters skilled in Heavenly Wave learn techniques that can slow their opponents to a crawl. While this Support style does no damage on its own, a master can manipulate the chi in the area around opponents, rendering them sluggish and easily defeated. Even the most lightning-fast of foes can be slowed to a turtle's pace with the skillful application of Heavenly Wave. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____________ / Hidden Fist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Help master Smiling Hawk disperse Radiant in the Black Leopard School quest in Chapter 3. This style's Area Attack can initiate a Harmonic Combo that produces a Chi power-up. Warriors willing to tread a darker path learn that a confused mind is a weakened one. This infamous Support style is a collection of techniques that render the practitioner's foe disoriented and unable to fight back. A master of Hidden Fist is not above using dirty tricks and forbidden strikes to serve the goal of total domination. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _________________ / Paralyzing Palm =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Help Radiant defeat master Smiling Hawk in the Black Leopard School quest in Chapter 3. This style's Power Attack can initiate a Harmonic Combo. This esoteric style has a sinister reputation but many more peaceful masters prefer it for its ability to render an opponent helpless without killing him more unscrupulously. Masters take advantage of this style's paralyzing blows to weaken foes for the killing blow. It is designed around its magical palm strikes, which can stop a man in his tracks with a single hit. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________ / Storm Dragon =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Purchase from merchant Cheung in Tien's Landing during Chapter 2. Alternatively, you can buy it from Spear Catches Leaf in the Great Southern Forest, also in Chapter 2. This style's Area Attack can initiate a Harmonic Combo that produces a Focus power-up. The forms and strikes of Storm Dragon enable the master to call upon the power of lightning to damage an opponent. While this style's attacks don't cause any direct damage, its motions summon forth electricity to course through its victim, doing small but constant damage over time. Storm Dragon will rarely win a fight on its own, but combined with other styles it can easily change the tide of a difficult battle. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= WEAPON STYLES =============== All weapon styles drain Focus. _______________ / Crimson Tears =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PARENT: Double Blades LOCATION: Warn Crimson Khana of the poisoning Lyn and Cho are planning when going up for the Bronze Championship in the Arena during Chapter 3. This inscription on these unique sabers is written in a long- forgotten dialect. The writing, deciphered by scholar Shao Shen many years ago, reads: "The innocent are cut down with the guilty; the brave die beside the craven; the blades do not weep for the dead." Rumor has it that the Crimson Tears have ended more lives than the great drought itself. Despite centuries of use, these sabers are as sharp and deadly as the day they were forged. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________ / Dragon Sword =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PARENT: Longsword LOCATION: Buy from the Blacksmith in the Imperial City for 10,000 silver pieces in Chapter 3. Before his departure to the unknown, the Celestial Dragon crafted the first true warrior, Lu Fang. Though Lu Fang's fists were stronger and quicker than any blade, the Celestial Dragon forged the Dragon Sword to give the warrior a weapon worthy of his skill. Hard as dragon scales and sharp as a dragons tooth, it is still one of the most formidable swords in the Empire. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________ / Flawless =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PARENT: Staff LOCATION: Buy from the Blacksmith in the Imperial City for 7,500 silver pieces in Chapter 3. The scrolls of Peng Qi contain the story of a monk who shaped a flawless staff using only swatches of silk. At first, the silk did nothing but polish the rough wood, but after thirty-four years the staff was perfectly smooth, straight and flawless. After finishing the staff, the monk told his abbot he was going for a walk to test his new staff, and he never returned. An exiled warrior eventually discovered the staff and attached a sharp blade that is every bit as perfect as the staff itself. It has since been adorned with precious metals, but it remains as flawless as ever. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ____________________ / Fortune's Favorite =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PARENT: Longsword LOCATION: Choose it when Gujin the Weapon Master presents it to you together with Golden Star in Chapter 1. This long sword bears the mark of Shining Fortune, the blacksmith of the gods. Shining Fortune's weapons were so finely crafted that the gods forbode him from creating weapons for anyone but them. When his son was enlisted to subdue the barbarians from the west, Shining Fortune forsook his oaths and forged this marvelous long sword for his son. The gods cursed Shining Fortune for breaking his oath, and he was never again able to produce weapons of any worth. Still, the blade he made for his son never experienced defeat. It is truly Fortune's Favorite. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____________ / Golden Star =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PARENT: Staff, Regular Edition Unique LOCATION: Choose it when Gujin the Weapon Master presents it to you together with Fortune's Favorite in Chapter 1. Forged under an auspicious comet, this staff was originally a gift for the Water Spirit of the Silkworm River. A young prince named Seng Lo sought to win the heart of the Water Spirit and had the staff created as a gift. He convinced the Great Eastern Serpent to fly him to the heavens, where he dipped the staff in the golden comet. The light of the comet dimmed, but the staff became more powerful than any before it. To this day, no one knows if Seng Lo won the Water Spirit's heart, but there is no questioning the magnificence of the staff he created. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ___________ / Mirabelle =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PARENT: Gun LOCATION: Defeat the Outlander in battle and choose his weapon as your prize in Chapter 3. A strange weapon from a strange culture, Mirabelle is made of wood and steel and emits thunder and fire. Loud and ungainly (like its previous owner), Mirabelle is nonetheless capable of doing real harm at medium range. Etched with undecipherable symbols from the Outlander's language, this weapon is a unique (and dangerous) trophy. The power of some enemies is such that fate itself turns away the cold, foreign steel Mirabelle projects. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________ / Tang's Vengeance =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PARENT: Double Axes. LOCATION: Defeat Kai Lan with the Black Whirlwind in the Imperial Arena during Chapter 3. When Emperor Fong died without at heir, the Empire became fractured and divided. After years of war, Tang the Merciless rose to be the forerunner in the battle for the contested throne of the Jade Empire. Tang's own father betrayed him into the hands of his enemies, fearing that his son's violent ways would ruin the Empire. Rumor has it that before he fled into exile, Tang the Merciless used these very axes to cut off his father's head. These devastating axes remain extremely sharp, even after hundreds of years of use. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ________________ / Tien's Justice =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PARENT: Staff, Limited Edition Unique LOCATION: Choose it when Gujin the Weapon Master presents it to you together with Fortune's Favorite in Chapter 1. This ceremonial staff was once displayed in Sagacious Tien's great hall. Many years after his reign, Emperor Yan Shun took up the staff to defend the palace from rebels. Once the infidels had been stopped, Yan Shun gathered his army and left the palace, vowing to rid the Empire of all dissidents before he returned. Emperor Yan Shun returned after seventeen years. In that time, Yan Shun and Tien's ceremonial staff had become a symbol for justice in the Jade Empire. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= MAGIC STYLES ============== All magic styles drain Chi. ____________ / Dire Flame =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Choose it when the Water Dragon offers you the choice between Fire and Ice in Chapter 1. This style's Area Attack can initiate a Harmonic Combo that produces a Health power-up. Practitioners of Dire Flame can throw bolts of fire, project explosive fireballs, and even summon dragon-like burning constructs that immolate enemies with tongues of flame. Sometimes the sight of a fighter weilding the power of flame is enough to reduce the bravest of opponents to begging for mercy. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ___________ / Ice Shard =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Choose it when the Water Dragon offers you the choice between Fire and Ice in Chapter 1. Alternatively, buy it from Guang in the Lotus Assassin Fortress in Chapter 3. This style's Attack can initiate a Harmonic Combo that produces a power-up. While many warriors swear by the power of Dire Flame, many others seek to master the powerful Ice Shard. By using their Chi to summon forth the soul-chilling cold of the highest mountains, masters of Ice Shard can send daggers of ice flying towards enemies, call a freezing ice storm to slow their shivering foes, or even encase opponents in columns of ice before shattering them with a single blow. Few fighters have the courage to stand up to the cold stare of an Ice Shard master. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ________________ / Stone Immortal =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Impress mistress Vo with your knowledge of the Way of the Open Palm in Chapter 2 for her to teach you this style. RESONANCE: Stronger when wielded by a follower of the Way of the Open Palm. This style's Power Attack can initiate a Harmonic Combo. Fighters who study this style gain mastery over the ponderous element of earth, putting the mighty power of stone and crystal at their command. Masters of Stone Immortal have the ability to attack enemies with crystalline missiles, encase foes in stone, or even open the ground beneath an opponent's feet. To command the power of earth requires a mind centered on balance, stability, and order, and so the Stone Immortal is a favored style among followers of the Way of the Open Palm. It is far less effective if wielded by those who follow the Way of the Closed Fist. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _________ / Tempest =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Impress Jian the Iron Fist with your knowledge of the Way of the Closed Fist in Chapter 2 for him to teach you this style. RESONANCE: Stronger when wielded by a follower of the Way of the Closed Fist. This style's Power Attack can initiate a Harmonic Combo that produces a Focus power-up. Warriors proficient in Tempest have the winds at their beck and call. Fighters who have faced this style and survived tell tales of blasts of gale-force winds and of powerful whirlwinds that effortlessly sent them flying away from the Tempest master himself. Many practitioner of Tempest face entire gangs without even taking a wound, as the mighty winds at their command keep their foes at bay. Warriors with the chill of the wind in their hearts fing Tempest far easier to command, so it is a favored style of the Way of the Closed Fist, and less effective in the hands of those who follow the Way of the Open Palm. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TRANSFORMATION STYLES ======================= All transformation styles constantly drain Chi. ____________ / Toad Demon =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Kill the Toad Demon in the Swamp Cave to get this transformation style in Chapter 1. Toad Demons might not be the most highly respected demons, but this style proves that they are not to be trifled with. A warrior using this style takes the hulking form of the deadly toad demon, complete with the demon's clawed flippers and its punishing tongue attack. This form also makes the martial artist immune to all Support styels, just like the toad demon itself. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____________ / Horse Demon =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Kill all Horse Demons in Heaven to get this transformation style in Chapter 2. Powerful warriors can gain the power to take the form of the fearsome horse demon. This transformation grants the horse demon's legendary ferocity, as well as its mastery of the element of fire and its immunity to the effects of Support styles. Faced with the immolating brutality of the horse demon, weak-willed foes cower in fear, helpless against the raging flames. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ____________ / Jade Golem =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Kill the Jade Golem in the Lotus Assassin Fortress to get this transformation style in Chapter 3. This style imbues the martial artist with the power and form of the towering Jade Golem. Powerful and terrifying, the Jade Golem mauls foes with brutal strikes and inhuman cunning, and the form's complete immunity to magic and martial styles makes it the perfect tactic when facing deadly sorcerers and certain demons. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________ / Red Minister =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Kill the Red Minister in spiritual Dirge to get this transformation style in Chapter 5. When an eminent sage dies, its spirit sometimes returns as a ghostly red minister. Taking the form of a red minister grants a warrior the nefarious ability to feed on an opponent's life force and the incorporal spirit's immunities to weapons and Support styles. Few people in this troubled age have the resilience to withstand the spine-chilling touch of a red minister. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= UNIQUE STYLES =============== ______________ / Spirit Thief =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Help Hui the Brave in her fight against the sailors for her to teach you this in Chapter 2. EFFECTS: Drains Chi from enemies. Does direct damage in Chi Strike mode, but Spirit Thief's Power Attack does not drain any Chi when doing this. Those most adept at manipulating chi find that even the spiritual energy of others is within their grasp. The strikes and forms of the Spirit Thief style enable practitioners to tap an enemy's vital energies and refill their own reserves. While the techniques of this style do no physical damage to its victims without being charged with the user's chi, those who face a Spirit Thief master find themselves without the resolve to put their hearts into the fight. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____ / B -------------- Techniques -------------- ______________ / Alloyed Body =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Succesfully beat five opponents in Smiling Mountain's grand test in Chapter 1 EFFECTS: Health +5 Focus +5 The Alloyed Body is Smiling Mountain's ultimate series of exercises, designed to offset some of the weaknesses the corpulent trainer saw in the exercises he developed earlier in his career. Practicing these holistic exercises strengthens both health and focus. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ___________________ / Balance of Nature =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Darting Lynx in Chapter 2 EFFECTS: Focus +15 Chi +3 To be one with your art, it must be your entire world, your only focus. But to lose yourself in that world is also a serious falling. If you balance the needs of your art with the needs of your inner self, you can achieve true transcendence and clarity of purpose. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______________ / Belly of Iron =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Smiling Mountain in Chapter 1 EFFECTS: Health +3 Chi -1 A series of excercises developed by Smiling Mountain. Those who learn and use his Belly of Iron techniques learn to take blows better, giving them more stamina in combat. The strain of using these exercises in battle can slightly reduce a warrior's ability to channel their Chi. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _________________ / Chaotic Strains =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Agree to aid Bladed Thesis in the "Zither of Discord" sidequest. EFFECTS: Health +5 Chi +5 Played by skilled hands, the Zither of Discord can attune the chaos in a person's soul, making one stronger and better able to walk the Way of the Closed Fist. Every so often you catch a hint of music carried on the breeze to remind you of this ancient artifact. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________________ / Conditioning of the Body =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Darting Lynx in Chapter 2 EFFECTS: Health +7 Chi -3 The lithe grace of any serious physical artist, be they dancer or martial artist, belies the strength of their body. Through their arts, all fat and useless muscle is burned away, leaving only the hard muscle beneath. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ____________________ / Craftsman's Litany =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from the Blacksmith in Chapter 3 EFFECTS: Focus +5 Many craftsmen repeat litanies in their heads while they work, the repetition helping them focus. A warrior who has learned the power of such exercises can adapt their meditative nature to the battlefield with much the same results. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ________________________ / Friends in High Places =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Gained when you're about to enter the Throne Room in Chapter 4. EFFECTS: Chi +5 Intuition +1 You helped Princess Sun Lian see that her father is behind the Empire's troubles. Whatever happens, you will always have an ally in court, an asset that cannot help but buoy your spirit. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________ / Gaze of the Lion =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Solve the riddle of the Lions of Two Rivers correctly in Chapter 1 EFFECTS: Health +2 Focus +2 A masterful hunter, the lion must always be aware of the totality of its domain and be ready to protect it. You feel a kinship with the mighty predator after solving the riddle left by the old master of Two Rivers. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _________________ / Hawk's Elegance =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Darting Lynx in Chapter 2 EFFECTS: Focus +7 Health -3 As brittle and as elegant as they may be, a bird must have a keen mind to adapt and make use of its surroundings. This constant attention to detail is a sign of one who focuses more on one's mind than on one's body. The mind is a weapon as powerful as any other. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______________ / Heart of Gold =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Smiling Mountain in Chapter 1 EFFECTS: Chi +3 Focus -1 Heart of Gold is a set of meditative techniques developed by Smiling Mountain to help his students learn to master their chi. By remembering specific mantras in battle, it is possible to channel slightly more chi than normal. This extra concentration can slightly distract a warrior from maintaining focus in battle. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____________________ / Legacy of Master Li =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Read all book- and scrollstands in the School and Two Rivers in Chapter 1 EFFECTS: Focus +7 Literary: Granted by studying all the books in Two Rivers. Master Li's training techniques have been passed down to all of his students. Some learn better than others and see the greater pattern present within each of his smaller teachings. Each of these minor lessons builds on the others, teaching a student to focus his mind and learn from his surroundings constantly. The lesson of perception may be Master Li's greatest goal. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________ / Lessons of the Forge =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Spar against 1, 2, 3, and 4 opponents by asking Smiling Mountain in Chapter 1. EFFECTS: Health +2 Smiling Mountain's training sessions can teach valuable lessons. Standing one's ground against increasing numbers of students helps young warriors learn to pace themselves and last longer in battles. As metals are carefully folded to make them stronger still, so are those students who have learned the lessons of the forge. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________ / Loutish Approval =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Refuse to act politely to Princess Lian at the start of Chapter 3. EFFECTS: Health +2 Few possess the nerve to stand up to a member of the Imperial family. Fewer still survive such impertinence. The fierce determination you showed when dealing with the Princess and her delicate entourage will serve you just as well on the battlefield. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______________ / Mastered Evil =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Side with Ya Zhen when he tries to drive Chai Ka out of Wild Flower forever. EFFECTS: Health +5 Focus +5 You have freed Ya Zhen from his imprisonment, and now the power of that demon is yours. He not only aids you physically, but his power insinuates itself into your being, as well, bringing out an aspect of him within you. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______________ / Mind of Steel =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Smiling Mountain in Chapter 1 EFFECTS: Focus +3 Health -1 Mental exercises that test the memory and quickness of thought, Smiling Mountain's Mind of Steel techniques can help warriors better focus in battle. The time spent honing the mind can have the side effect of slightly weakening one's body, however. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ________________ / Mother's Touch =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Aid the Mother in destroying the Forest Shadow and let the cannibals live to get this technique in Chapter 2. EFFECTS: Health +5 Chi +5 Despite their tiny nature, the cannibals of the Pilgrim's Rest Inn possess surprising strength and resilience. Their connection with the ancient beast known as The Mother has made them strong, and they have rewarded your aid with a scroll that granted a light touch of the magic that affects them. There's no chance you will end up twisted like those creatures, but you do have occasional cravings for meat. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________ / Strength of Wood =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Read all volumes of "The History of Flight". EFFECTS: Health +2 Literary: Granted by your studies of The History of Flight. An ancient technique that strengthens a warrior's body until his skin becomes as tough as wood. While the skin looks unchanged, it is tougher and more resilient than normal. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _________________ / Structured Body =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Found in a chest in the final cavern of the Spirit Cave, where you first meet the Water Dragon in Chapter 1 EFFECTS: Health +3 Intimidation +1 Intense training can result in more than a healthy physique. With an understanding of the body's abilities, one also realizes that slight shifts of weight and changes of stance can give one's arguments more force. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _________________ / Swallow's Grace =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Darting Lynx in Chapter 2 EFFECTS: Charm +3 Intuition -1 A dancer must learn to glide as softly and as delicate as a small bird, flitting from here to there. Many people find this behavior fascinating but mysterious. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______________________ / The Perfected Warrior =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Defeat all the arena opponents and become Imperial Champion without being defeated at all. EFFECTS: Health +15 Focus +15 An ancient technique taught only to the finest champions in the Empire, the Perfected Warrior technique serves to focus an already razor-sharp mind and condition an already powerful body to the heights of perfection. Your undefeated rise to the rank of Imperial Champion proves that you deserve to be among the elite few who have ever learned this technique. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ___________________ / The River of Time =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Find in a chapel located on a branched left path from the clearing where you first faced Chai Ka in Chapter 2 EFFECTS: Chi +5 Intuition +1 Life is made of many details, many facets of being. A person in tune with his surrounding may feel the subtle vibrations each thing makes as its fate passes nearby. By being attentive to these influences, one can not only become closer to one's own fate but may begin to see glimpses of others' as well. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________ / Tiger Mantra =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Zin Bu in Chapter 3 EFFECTS: Health +5 Focus +5 The tiger relies on strength and speed. It is a symbol of passion and power. In the tiger lies the utmost physical ability of an individual. By dedicating yourself to the tiger, you strengthen your body along with your mind. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____________ / Viper's Wit =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Can be found in the Swamp Cave in a chest located near to where you killed Gao the Lesser. EFFECTS: Focus +2 Charm +1 A sharp wit and mind are key to winning the hearts of people. Too many believe that looks and strength alone rule the day, and they neglect to realize that a mind will always triumph. One's wit and skill must strike like a snake, taking the opponent by surprise. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________________ / Warrior of the Inner Eye =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Found in Radiant's room after helping Master Smiling Hawk dispose of his rival in the Black Leopard School during Chapter 3. EFFECTS: Focus +7 Intuition +1 The inner eye, the eye within the mind, sees much. There is nothing that cannot be understood by a clear mind and a pure spirit. Warriors of this path seek to rid themselves of all distraction, focus on their arts, and perfect the clarity of their mind. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _________________________________ / Warrior of the Unyielding Heart =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Buy from Zin Bu in Chapter 5 EFFECTS: Health +7 The body is the final arbiter of any choice. Our destinies are made in this world that our destinies are made, and warriors of this path seek to strengthen their bodies by any means. Through courage and strength, they seek their place as set out by heaven. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= MORE TO COME _____ / C ---------------- Followers ---------------- TO BE DONE _____ / D ------------------- The Dragon Amulet ------------------- TO BE DONE _____ / E ---------------- Literary Works ---------------- CHAPTER ONE ============= _____________________ / Auspicious Portents =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: To the west of the practice arena Understanding the stars and the universe is a very important goal. By examining the universe, we can interpret and predict things to come. The sky is where the Great Dragon was said to dwell, and in his illustrious home we can see the signs of his effects on creation. Of the observable phenomena, three major ones are the most auspicious: comets, the flames of the heaven, passing across the sky; eclipses, during which the power of the gods blocks the sun for brief periods; and falling stars, marking the descent of one of the Celestial Bureaucracy to the earth. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ________________________ / The Old Tongue, Vol. 1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LOCATION: On the walkway near Master Li's quarters. "Tho Fan", or The Old Tongue, was the native language of one of many kingdoms struggling for supremacy before the Empire was unified by Sagacious Tien, our first Emperor. As the wars raged, constant shifts in territorial leadership spread the use of the Old Tongue. By the time Sagacious Tien formed the Empire, the Old Tongue was so widely spread that it became a second official language of the Jade Empire. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________ / The Long Drought =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LOCATION: Next to the door to Master Li's chambers. The Long Drought stands as one of the worst periods in the Jade Empire's recent history. Ten years of scorching heat and little rainfall took their toll on even the prodigious reserves of the Empire's granaries. The sages predicted at least three more devastatingly dry years, whie those in the Ministry of Harmony watched the death toll mount into the hundreds of thousands. Then Emperor Sun Hai declared that the drought was over, and somehow, it was. Through the Emperor's divine will, green returned to our parched land and stability was restored. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ________________ / The Inner Self =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Dawn Star's Garden The great Wheel of Life turns eternal, bringing one through life, into death, then back around again into life. Though the new life is always different, the core essence, the spirit, of a person remains the same. This spirit, breathed into each person, is eternal. To achieve harmony with the universe, one must perfect their harmony with the spirit. Indeed, the spirit in each individual is a reflection of that greater universe. It is a reflection of the Wheel of Life and the Great Dragon that created it. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________ / The Martial Arts =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LOCATION: Gujin's Armory The pride, perfection, and achievement of an individual are represented in many ways: the honing of the mind, civic achievements and glory gained for the Empire, the development of the spirit and one's inner energies, and the training of the body. Through the body the practitioner imposes his will upon himself and, through that, upon the universe. Through use of his body, the martial artist achieves transcendence and strength, overcoming all obstacles, both physical and spiritual. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________________________ / The Nature of the Spirit, Vol. 1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LOCATION: Final Cavern of the Spirit Caves Mankind has long known that we are not alone in this world. Descended from heaven, risen from the ground, present all around us are spirits. These beings often go unseen, but when they choose to interact with us, the effect is usually profound. But what are these beings? Are they people who have died? Are they servants created at the beginning of the world by the Great Dragon? Are they something else entirely? Or are they all of the above? In my research I have managed to find and communicate with a number of them. I contacted some through priests or relatives, when it was a spirit returned from the dead. But other encounters were much stranger. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________________ / Jade Empire Bestiary, Vol. 3 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LOCATION: Final Cavern of the Spirit Caves To Kill a Spirit A wise monk once asked: "How can you kill a thing that is already dead?" The answer is simple: You cannot. You can, however, disperse a spirit. This is not the same as killing, but it has a similar effect. It is important to remember that spirits are virtually immune to man-made weapons. You must confront spirits with martial, magic, or transformation styles. Never underestimate the strength of spirits. They may appear insubstantial, but they can still be deadly to the living. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________________ / Jade Empire Bestiary, Vol. 1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LOCATION: Between the pillars in the area where Sagacious Zu first joins you on your quest. Ogres These curious beasts are not always as dangerous as their looks might imply. Those who confront one of these hulking monstrosities should treat them with caution, however, for despite the ogres' obvious skill at making weapons and armor, they are little more than wild animals. Although ogres are typically resistant to earth and air magic, fire and ice to significant damage to them, and weapons are usually effective against their thick hides. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CHAPTER TWO ============= _________________________ / The Shadow in the Trees =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: A bookstand to the right of the small staircase leading up to the Teahouse. Travelers in the Great Southern Forest often report strange sightings and bizarre phenomena. Aside from the hospitality of the Pilgrim's Rest Inn, the forest is nearly entirely wilderness, and the verdant canopy of the forest hides wonderful and fearsome creatures unlike any seen anywhere else in the Empire. The strangest tales are those of a shadow among the trees that seems to follow visitors to the forest. Philosophers hoping to reflect in the peace of the forest often report feeling watched, and patrons of the Pilgrim's Rest Inn claim to have seen a strange silhouette darting among the trees. Despite the apparently otherworldly nature of this figure, those who witness it sense no aggression and attribute it to the mysteries of the forest. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______________ / The Cataclysm =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: To the left of Ai Ling's clubhouse in Tien's Landing. It's near where Big Tian is located. Many tales circulate of the travels of the Water People, but one of the most disturbing tales comes from far to the west, beyond the Ocean of Tempus. Rumors persist of an area in the middle of the western ocean that is inhospitable to life. The farther one travels across the Ocean of Tempus, the warmer the climate becomes. Many have postulated that this may be because you approach the resting place of the sun, but there must be another explanation, not shrouded in myths and superstition. Of particular note are reports of an enormous cloud that rises miles into the air, visible to those few brave enough to travel the increasingly rough seas of Tempus. At night, this cloud glows with heat, and its acrid smell carries on the wind. Those who approach too closely fall ill. The few ghost ships found in that area were filled with desiccated corpses, their sking rotting and their hair and teeth falling from their bodies. One particularly disturbing log, penned in the shaking hand of a dying captain of one of these lost craft, suggests that the skies were filled with a roar like the cries of the gods, and it finishes with the unfortunate man's wish that death take him before the howling demons descend upon him. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ____________________ / Horse Lord Tactics =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Right in front of you as you enter Ai Ling's Boathouse, bookstand. Unlike the ordered armies of the Jade Empire, the Horselords favor lightly armored units of horsemen who can move rapidly over the field of battle. Moving like a rushing tide, small groups of horsemen harry all angles of their opponent's flanks. Armed with bows, almost to a man, these mounted archers can rain destruction upon unprepared foes. While the Horselord tactics are surprisingly effective, their men lack the discipline of the Imperial Army; for all the damage they can inflict the horselord forces have difficulty holding strategic locations. For now, the Jade Empire exists in an uneasy peace with the Horselords, leaving the savages to their arid lands north of the Seat of Heaven Province. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____________________________ / The Land of Howling Spirits =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: On the upper floor of the Boathouse (Ai Ling's). You have to break a Vase to get the Boathouse Key first, then open the gates and head up to the office with the scrollstand. To the west of the Jade Empire proper lies the Land of Howling Spirits, a range of sheer mountains and desolate, haunted passes. Not many men dwell in this harsh land. It does not support much in the way of communities, and those who dwell there are hardy mountainfolk who rely on themselves and their herds of goats more than trust in nature. There is one exception to this rule. High in the mountains lies a secluded monastery, home to a reclusive and mysterious order known as the Spirit Monks. They tend an unknown charge in their sealed monastery. No one, not even an emperor, has been able to discover what lies within. The monks possess strange powers, but they exist in balance with nature. Eventually the land will be absorbed, and the Empire shall learn its secrets. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________________ / The Airing of Grievances =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Behind Minister Sheng and his guard. Being a collection of the indignities suffered by Minister Sheng at the hands of the backward shanty town of Tien's Landing: His hat has been soiled. A parchment was stolen from him before a speech at a community gathering. His cat was viciously threatened. A chair at his table was placed backward. His finger was slammed in a door not once, but thrice. An egg was thrown at him by an unknown assailant. His cart was stolen, filled with soiled garments, and then returned. His face was ridiculed by young children. His prized tonberry was squashed. It was suggested that he perform acts of deliberate indecency upon himself. He was forced to suffer the interminable and petty gripes of the people. His hair was accused of being inpermanent and false. The honor of his family was impugned. He suffered a disabling attack by a pack of bees. His reputation was maligned by brigands. Brigands! A local dog evacuated in the Minister's shoe. He was given a gift of turtle eggs by a visiting merchant. It was suggested that he would be able to trace his lineage to a simple courtesan. He was referred to as "smelly". He slipped in mud, no doubt placed in his path by jealous townsfolk. Sailors burned down his office. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ___________________________ / Tragedy in Tien's Landing =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: In the redwood chapel near where you defeated Chai Ka, together with a chest and the bridge controls. Let the history of this town not be forgotten, for the water that defines our border covers ghosts of children. Nearly two decades ago, just after the shining Emperor Sun brought water to the land again. Tien's Landing lay where the water now stands. Children played and people lived and worked in the peace that only the lands away from the bustle of the heart of the Empire can bring. When the Great Dam came, few believed that the Emperor would allow us to come to harm, but harm came in the form of water that covered our homes and buried our families. When the flooding came to an end, the town of Tien's Landing lay submerged beneath this new sea, where only ghosts and ruined homes could flourish. Those who survived lived to rebruild, and Tien's Landing has come to prosper once again. Lest anyone here forget, however, we must always remember that our lives bend to the whims of the gods, the Emperor, and the decades-old machinery of the Great Dam. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________ / The Undertow =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Bookstand on Captain Ing's ship. The farther east one goes across the Ocean of Glass, the colder and drier the air becomes. Modern scholars have struggled to understand this phenomenon, but to no avail. If one travels far enough, the sea currents all change, drawing east, just as all winds begin to draw in the same direction. Myths persist, however, of something greater, an ancient devouring evil detailed in the legends of the barbarian savages who line among the isles of the Glass Ocean. The legends tell of a voracious creature, a great demon trying to draw the entire world into its maw. An expedition sent during the Star Dynasty to discover the truth of these legends never returned and was presumed lost at sea. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________________ / The History of Flight Vol. 1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Pirate Isle -- Scrollstand in the center of the wooden platform where you face many pirates. There's a focus shrine in the corner, too. The first person to attempt flight was Cao Shong, an early scholar who originally came from the Prosperous East. Though his ideas were creative, they were hardly sound. Cao Shong met an early end after he strapped several canisters of dragon powder to a bamboo chair and ignited it. It was at first rumored that he had survived the ill-fated mission, but few truly believe that anyone could have survived such a disastrous explosion. His death, however, was not completely in vain. Several of his writings were studied by later scholars, and some of his ideas were adapted for the first succesful human flights. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________________ / The History of Flight Vol. 2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Pirate Isle -- Bookstand at the far end of Kang's Workshop. The first known succesful flight was made by Mad Fong. Though he had studied to become a scholar, he was kicked out of the school for destroying one of their buildings. Based on the history books, it is difficult to determine if Fong was a genius, or insane. Either way, his techniques were original and in the end, succesful. Though his first several attempts were unsuccesful, he refused to give up. Despite the costs and the obvious danger to his own life, Fong persevered until he completed his first prototype flyer. The flyer didn't do much more than hop across the landscape, but it was a start. A year later, he was able to travel for nearly a mile before crashing, and unfortunately, dying, in the process. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________________ / Jade Empire Bestiary, Vol. 4 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Pirate Isle -- Scrollstand in the bottom left corner of Kang's Workshop. The Dangers of Demons The average person is never likely to come across one of these horrific beings. Demons are some of the most dangerous and malevolent beings in all of the Jade Empire. Though some demons are not evil, they are all powerful, and rarely can they be trusted. If confronted by a malicious demon, it is important to remember that they are usually immune to magic, especially the larger demons. You can succesfully combat them with weapons and simple martial styles. Strangely enough, on those rare occasions where demons and ghosts were seen to tangle, the strange magics used by the ghosts seem to affect these malevolent beasts. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________________ / The History of Flight Vol. 3 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Pirate Isle -- Bookstand in Gao the Greater's quarters. Several years after Mad Fong's first succesful flight, a scholar from the south discovered the unusual device known simply as the Inscrutable Power Source. A few years later, Scholar Shu Wen came up with a design for a flyer that used this mysterious new device. Initial attempts bordered on apocalyptic, in one case destroying half of a mountainside and the village that lay below. Several scholars tried to outlaw the use of this strange new energy source, but Shu Wen continued his experiments until at last he was succesful. Unfortunately, his prototype was too succesful; both he and the flyer took off at great speeds towards the north, and neither was ever seen again. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ________________ / The Tricksters =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: On the elevated walkway in the Pilgrim's Rest Inn is a scrollstand with this text. The fox spirits are among the most wily and deceptive of all the minions of heaven. They think nothing of playing games with mortals, and they often follow no rules at all. Though some are said to serve honorably in the Celestial Bureaucracy, many more have made their mark in more sinister ways. Tales of demons snatching children from their beds, husbands and wives led astray, and good men led into lives of excess and murderous depravity are all the work of these spirits. Never, should you value your life, trust one of this breed completely, no matter how honorable their intentions seem. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ________________ / Temple Records =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: One of the scrollstands in the Forest Shadow's temple. A collection of logs, notes and records maintained by the Yn family up until roughly fifteen years ago. One entry catches your eye. "My son seems utterly disinterested in the temple and I worry that he pays no attention to the lessons I try to impart. The key, of course, remains in knowing that the seasons which most affect a forest are summer and winter, and the colors associated with these two seasons. If I am right and my lessons fly from his head as quickly as they can, then I fear for his safety should he attempt the ritual incorrectly. These furnaces are an ancient magic, and ancient magics draw dark intentions." Another note, entered a bit later, reads: "As I feared, my son pays little heed. Perhaps I will install something to remind him. Violet is not our family color, but I hope it can be a potent reminder." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________ / The Dragon of Storms =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: One of the scrollstands in the Forest Shadow's temple. Being an argument on the origins of Focus. Min Shi the Dragon of Storms was a master who lived hundreds of years before the formation of the Jade Empire. Legends of her exploits could fill a library, and while the veracity of such fables must be questioned, all the yarns agree that she formalized the teachings of the Storm Dragon style and brought knowledge of true focus to the martial arts. Debates still rage on the subject, but the evidence is there to support such claims. Take, for instance, that harmonic combinations initiated by Storm Dragon invariably allow the user to collect his thoughts and steal some of his opponent's focus essence. Such a synergy is hard to dismiss, and when I questioned Jian the Iron Fist, a master of some renown, he replied. "Only a fool denies legends. They always hold a grain of truth." Jian speaks wisely: would it be so hard to accept that Storm Dragon was developed to make it easier for its adepts to achieve true focus in battle? This author thinks not. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ______________________________ / Jade Empire Bestiary, Vol. 5 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LOCATION: In Heaven, on the second platform with the Horse and Toad Demon. Horse Demons Words are only wasted describing these equine horrors, for their appearances are all too easily recalled from the nightmares of childhood. All the legends talk of these beasts' fiery manes and terrifying strength, but few sources delve beyond the lore to seek out the fact. It was a most fortunate happenstance that led this author into a roadside discussion with the venerable Li Shi Tun, a master warrior who had recently destroyed one of these beasts. His insight proved most valuable, for it was this master who first made clear the true effect of the horse demon's terrifying mane. Holding out blistered hands, the ancient warrior made his point most clearly: to strike a creature who controls elemental fires with such ease is to strike the flame itself. One must be prepared to hurt themselves with each attack. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____________________________ / The Celestial Order, Vol. 1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LOCATION: Upper left corner of the Forest Shadow's residence. The world is a place of order. When order is not enforced, chaos reigns. Chaos is the natural state of the world. The order that currently exists is the result of the power of the Great Dragon. Out of this streaming chaos, the Great Dragon created the world, perfect in every way. By nature, the forces of the universe, demand balance. For every bit of order, there must be corresponding chaos. That first world, that perfect world, was pure order. It could not last. The perfect order choked life and did not allow growth, and so chaos was allowed back into the world. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CHAPTER THREE =============== ______________________________ / The History of Flight Vol. 4 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Bookstand on the bridge leading to the left when entering Market Square from the big door leading to the Imperial City's rich part. Some time after Scholar Shu Wen and his prototype flyer disappeared an apprentice from the Imperial City discovered the scholar's cryptic notes, detailing the use of the Inscrutable Power Source. The apprentice showed the information to his master, General Sung Tao. Sung Tao was an engineer before he joined the army, and he recognized the potential of the scholar's work. He convinced Emperor Sun Siwen to fund a project to develop a flyer for use in the army. The emperor agreed readily and after several months of trying the first true flyer was created. Within a year the skies near the Imperial Palace were filled with flyers. Though the safety of the new flyers was questionable, it didn't take long for others to adopt and improve upon the design. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ____________________ / Imperial Champions =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Far end of the Arena's entrance hall. Gaze upon these words with reverence, for they offer some small slice of the history of the most glorious contest in the arena. -- Your Name Here when you beat The Ravager -- The Ravager: Deadly, cold, and precise. The Ravager refuses to speak and shows no care for the crowd, but none can question his deadly strength. Wildly popular with the more bloodthirsty members of our crowd, the Ravager's rare fights are always sold out. Raging Ox: All of the Imperial City fondly remembers Raging Ox, our recently retired Imperial Champion. Quick with a smile and famous for his antics both in and out of the ring, Ox's legend will live many lifetimes. Kai Lan the Serpent: Kai Lan's phenomenal control over magics and his intense focus made him one of the greatest champions to grace the ring of the Imperial Arena. Cold and imperious, Kai Lan played to the crowd to cultivate a love/hate relationship that has persisted to this day. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __________________________ / Cannibal Cookbook Vol. 1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= LOCATION: Far end of the Arena's kitchen. Valued Customer: While we appreciate your business, the staff of the Heart of the Empire politely requests that you keep your nose out of ours. To assure that you will no longer wish to pry into our recipes, please enjoy this excerpt recently unearthed in the south. Leg of Lam This hearty meal was first discovered after Yu Lam the Hunter stumbled upon our community. For five to ten people, use just one leg (The other can be pickled for later or roasted slowly and smoked to preserve it). For larger groups, use both legs of an adult, male or female. Boil the legs in a large pot for two hours with the following ingredients: twenty gallons of fresh water, three tablespoons of salt, half a cup of rosemary, three cups of spiced wine (summer wine is best if you can get it), three bags of onions, four whole garlic cloves, and a dash of ginger. When the legs have about half an hour left, add some skinned potatoes and leaks. Can be served on the bone or in steaks. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= MORE TO COME <<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->> / 9. CREDITS / / -->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-->>--<<-- ----> CJayC ----> For maintaining GameFAQs, giving us gamers a chance to exchange knowledge about the plethora of games available on the market. ------> BioWare ------> For delivering yet another wonderful game, and for their courage to break loose from turn-based engines. ----------> Paul Walker ----------> For contributing a global strategy when it comes to fighting, with a mixture of Focus Mode and Transformation Styles. -----> Julius -----> For the compliment ;) And for the discussion about the use of Chi Strikes and Transformation Styles. -----> Myself -----> For taking the time to write this FAQ. I know it's not completed, and it probably won't be soon, but I'll be working and spending time on it nonetheless. ----------- TO DO LIST: ----------- [o] = Finished for now [-] = Under construction [x] = Not yet started [o] Table of Contents [o] Introduction [o] Legal, Contact, and Version History [o] Game Overview [x] Walkthrough: The Way of the Open Palm [-] Walkthrough: The Way of the Closed Fist [-] Quests [-] Appendices [o] Credits THANKS FOR READING AND REMEMBER: MORE TO COME SOON!Extra special thanks to Revolution reader Barry Willemsen!
Kindred Fates is an open world monster battling RPG, and a love letter to the monster battle genre. Our goal is to evolve the genre, and finally bring fans what they've been asking for.
