"After doing some rudimentary synthesis and helping a few people around town, I was reminded that Maya made a new friend. The new friend didn't want to be a friend, and it might be Maya's fault, but a new friend they became. As we left the castle, a woman in a brown cloak that veiled her face was standing next to Maya. Our flower girl was pulling on the cape. I forgot what we discussed, but the woman went to the bar. Was she looking at information on Altago? Is she a spy?
But Dogi and I had to fight our way to the forest that served as Alrago's eastern border. We had to walk through more of the plains, which contained new creatures. Spitting flamingos and a creature that resembles a rock. We also found a titano that we had no chance against. Let's hope it remains docile for now... We eventually walked into the woodland area where Shannoa was located. Angry plants, snakes, more rock bugs, and (I think) a slug inhabit the forests. A gentle stream flowed towards the village and acted as our guide, but a new visitor made that more complicated.
A boy caught up to us and wondered who we were. He didn't dress like someone from Altago, so Dogi assumed he was from the village. Dogi asked for directions and told the boy why we were here, and he wanted to see the King's Letter. And then he ran away... The kid said he wanted to play, but now was a bad time. We gave chase across a bridge and found him in a small clearing. But he wasn't alone. The long tusked boar, Es Gallion, was trying to eat the kid. Dogi thought the kid was mischievous and not evil, so we had to help him. Gallion's primary attack method was to ram into us. It's very obvious when that's happening, and I know how to dodge after five years of travel.
We finally got a proper introduction between us and the boy. He was Elk, and he was from Shannoa. In fact, he was Eldress Fatima's grandson. He returned our letter and reminded us how to find Fatima before returning home on his own.
Shannoa felt like a peaceful place. It wasn't, but that might be because of the earthquake. Something just felt off. We bought some better gear from the merchant and looked around. Shannoa is home to warriors who've mastered combat in the forest, but the increased monster activity made even them worry. So we found Eldress Fatima in her home and gave her the letter. She confirmed that Shanboa has another Dragon Alter nearby. It's in the Ancient Tree, which is usually forbidden to outsiders, but the King's letter was enough to let her let us in. We were also warned about a titano... With the key in hand, we left the hut. Elk was eavesdropping outside and wanted to come along. He knew the way to the altar, so we reluctantly let him guide us. But before that: Tia's medicine! Fatima was glad to have it and told us to thank Tia. And then she yelled at Elk. She didn't want her grandson being deviant, but he talked his way of punishment. For now...
We rounded the bend to the Ancient Tree, and I was amazed! It was one of the largest trees I've ever seen. None of the Roda Trees in Erestia or Celceta can match this thing. And it was only the trunk. The foliage was gone. I'm sure it could have given Comodo a run if it wasn't destroyed. There were two paths inside the tree, but the bottom was blocked by spikes. The key Fatima gave us opened the second floor door, and we began our investigation there.
Inside were a wide range of mobs. Several plants and mushrooms stood around or roamed between the insects. I wasn't expecting the kobolds inside here. We were up in some branches and had to find a way to get higher. Carefully walking across the branches took us to a vine we used to get up. Some more wandering around up here brought us to a Sacred Tree Sap reservoir. Elk said this could make any plant grow instantly. Returning to the previous floor, we could reach new areas by growing vines. After another another vine up, we found something equally as useful. Hidden behind overgrown wood was a red treasure chest that contained Diamond Boots. Elk informed us these boots were once worn by elite soldiers in Shannoa. He thinks... But they let us break the ground thorns that blocked the bottom path.
The alter was down this path, but something blocked it. It was a giant silver egg. And inside was something Elk hated: a titano. He ran headlong to the egg just as it hatched. Something happened to Elk before all this happened... But we now had to defeat Zeran Fith, the big bug beast. It had the tendency to ram into us, but its primary attack was to jump into the air and land on us. It could also spit poison at us, and it's nausea inducing tongue could trap us. Speaking of that tongue, it was the creature's weak spot. Zeran was defended by an impenetrable shell that deflected all attacks. Its six legs were open to the world, so we attacked them until our opponent fell, opening its mouth for us to wail on. But it caught me once, and Elk managed to get some good hits in. Elk isn't the strongest boy I've seen, but he's very fast, and his duel bladeed sword can be used in some mesmerizing ways. Defeating this monster seemed to calm down Elk. We'd learn later that both of his parents died in a titanos attack two years ago, and he's held a great anger in him ever since. I think this victory gave him some relief.
Behind the dead titano was a room that resembled a great cathedral. A monolith stood alone in the back, much larger than the moon one. And it also spoke to me. It warned me again about a coming disaster and told me to find its brethren. Elk suggested this was the Earth Dragon, Rada-manj.
We returned to Fatima, and she also thought the same. Long ago, all five tribes worshipped a dragon. These dragons were the core pillars of ancient Altago. Sadly, Eldeess Fatima didn't know where any other shrines were. She did suggest speaking to General Dreisen in Altago. He was once the leader of another village, Segram, so he's likely to know something. Elk tried to join us, but Fatima had other plans...
-Adol"
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Elk was surprisingly fun to play. His damage was kinda bad, but his skills gave him speed and range. The only problem is he's another slashing character like Adol, so he's never gonna be in the party.
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