Lunar: The Silver Star World of Lunar & Strategy Guide: "Fundamental Data" & "Lunar Side Stories: The Untold Lunar" sections translation The following is taken from Tokuma Shoten's (second) guide to the Mega CD Lunar: The Silver Star, pgs. 7-13 & 119-128. The first part contains a basic (though not comprehensive) primer on TSS continuity, with a good outline of the magic vs. technology and magic vs. hard work plotlines that were mostly dropped from subsequent versions of the tale, as well as the Magic Empire backstory. The second, using information taken from scenario writer Kei Shigema, details a few bits of character backstory that didn't make it into the game. (Some of this info is touched upon in the SSS novels, albeit in a different continuity.) (Being a Japanese document, however, it does fail to address the one vital point U.S. players need to know regarding TSS continuity, namely: if anyone tries to tell you that Ghaleon was never aware of a certain crucial fact regarding his own backstory and was acting on misinformation, just smile and nod and back away slowly. Bad jokes take a terribly long time to die in this fandom.) U.S.-Japanese name changes of which to be aware: Alex -> Arhes Luna -> Luhna Kyle -> Killy Dyne -> Dain Lemia -> Remilia the Vile Tribe -> the magic race Vane -> Vheen the Grindery -> Machine Mountain Caldor Isle -> Honmel Isle Any explanation or commentary by me, the translator, is in brackets. Translation by R. Capowski at RACapowski@sceneryrecalled.com, 3/14/11. Lunar is copyright GameArts, XSEED, Ubisoft, Working Designs, etc., etc.; this document is not affiliated with any of them. ************************************************************* LUNAR: THE SILVER STAR FUNDAMENTAL DATA The dark, ever covetous, vies to steal the light that shines within pure hearts. Vast are the powers of the darkness, but always is there a pure heart to light the way through. Fundamental Data THE MAGICAL WORLD OF LUNAR Lunar is the world of Arhes and his friends, a world where the Blue Star glitters in the skies above. It seems perhaps a rather strange world to our eyes - but, even so, let's learn all about Lunar, past to present. [This text sounds like it should be on the back of a doll package. "Totally Hair Lucia with Annie Lennox costume change; Althena's Light sold separately!"] ~*~ Lunar was once a world of death, a world without a single tree or blade of grass - indeed, without a single breath of air. Long, long ago - so long it seems like myth - the goddess Althena descended to this world and resolved to build a paradise for her people. By the goddess's will, the four dragons and the first Dragonmaster hastened to this world. Through the great magic of our mighty goddess, this dead world was transformed into a verdant paradise overflowing with life. The goddess blessed the beautiful, good land the world had become and decided to live there herself. The four dragons and the Dragonmaster pledged eternal fealty to Althena and were tasked with the protection of the world and its goddess. And that is the origin of this world. ~Old Vheen Legend ~*~ 1. THE GODDESS ALTHENA, GUARDIAN OF THE WORLD At the center of this world of magic is the goddess Althena, the source of the magic power that shaped the world itself. She lives alone in the Goddess Tower, not easily approached by humans, and, reincarnating herself time and again, has protected the people of this world from its genesis to the present. On the day of the Goddess Festival, it is customary in every village for its talented young songstresses to raise their beautiful voices in praise of Althena, who is said herself to possess an exquisite voice. However, Althena has not appeared before her people for several generations, and many have come to think of her not as a flesh-and-blood deity but as a figure of legend - mere myth. Were the magic power of the goddess to fail, Lunar might once again revert to a world of death. [Image Caption 1: Arhes and Nasch near the Goddess Tower] The Goddess Tower rests on the peak of a high mountaintop; none can approach it. The island circling the Goddess Tower is the magic city of Vheen. [Image Caption 2: Arhes talking to villager: "The Goddess Festival serves to praise Althena, goddess of this world."] The inhabitants of this world all deeply revere the goddess Althena and hold a Goddess Festival every year in her honor. [Image Caption 3: Arhes at a shrine, with "Let me rest for a while"/"I would like to pay my respects": "Let me restore you body and soul with the power of the goddess Althena."] Shrines to Althena are scattered all over the world, waiting to provide the weary traveler some respite during his journey. 2. THE MIGHTIEST CREATURES OF MAGIC, THE DRAGON TRIBE The Dragon Tribe are the strongest magical creatures alive; they defend Althena and have existed since this world's inception. The White, Red, Blue, and Black Dragons are lords of the spirits of wind, fire, water, and earth respectively; they are the embodiment of magic power. As they are not creatures of flesh and blood, they cannot grow old or die. Usually, the dragons lie asleep deep beneath the earth, in four caves surrounding the Goddess Tower on the north, south, east, and west, forming a strong magic barrier that protects the tower. Anyone who wishes to become a Dragonmaster must first pass through each dragon's cave and withstand the dragons' trials. [Image Caption: frieze of Althena, dragon, and Dragonmaster from opening] Image from the bas relief from the opening. Is the figure on the dragon's back the Dragonmaster? 3. THE DRAGONMASTER The Dragonmaster is the world's most powerful magic warrior, he charged with the duty of protecting the goddess Althena and this world. He stands at the pinnacle of the world's magic power, his might surpassing even that of the Four Dragons - and the only way to become one is to have one's courage and passion recognized by the Four Dragons themselves. Clad in the five pieces of equipment that serve as proof of the Dragons' acknowledgment of his might, the master of the most powerful magics in the land, the Dragon Magics, he is a true hero of legend. In every age, there are those with talent in magic who aspire to become a Dragonmaster, and the tales of the Dragonmasters of old continue to serve as the bedtime stories for the children of the land, told over and over again. [Image Caption: Arhes & Nall] The hero of the story, Arhes. He embarks on an adventure and eventually decides to set down the path toward becoming a Dragonmaster. 4. THE FOUR HEROES WHO SAVED THE WORLD The newest addition to the tales of adventure that have captured the imaginations of children around the world is the story of the Four Heroes - Dain, Mel, Remilia, and Ghaleon. Save for Dain, the Heroes are still among the living. Their adventure began when an evil magician tried to vanquish an aged Althena while her magic power was weak; he resurrected an ancient demon god who had been sealed away. On the adventure, Dain rose to claim the title of Dragonmaster and, with the help of the other three heroes and the inventor Maight, defeated both magician and god and restored peace to the world. But why would a goddess who reincarnates herself on a regular basis ever grow old? Of this, nothing in the popular legends is said. 5. LUNAR, A WORLD OF MAGIC In Lunar, magic is taken as an everyday fact of life, and normal folk can use magic in accordance with their ability. From trifling spells like those used to stop sneezing to magic infused in song to the manifestations of indomitable battlefield might that are attack magics, magic manifests itself in many different ways according to the caster. The source of this magic is the same as that of the sky and sea - the magic power bestowed by the goddess Althena that permeates the very land and air itself. But there are also those - an extreme minority of the population, but still - who are born unable to use any magic at all. Among them are said to be those who research ways of supplanting magic with machines - but few put much stock in these "machine" things. [Image Caption: party casts magic in battle] Just as everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, magic manifests itself in many different forms from person to person. 6. THE LEGEND OF THE MAGIC EMPIRE Legend tells of a Magic Empire that once ruled the world. In an age when the world was filled with far more magic power than it is even now, this Empire tried to lay waste to the entire world with its magical might. Its ruler was known as the Magic Emperor, and he defied even the Goddess Althena. His actions saddened the goddess, and it is said she cried for seven days and seven nights to purify the land. During this time, it is said that Vheen rose to the skies, and a guild was established to oversee magic so that such a thing would never happen again. Some claim that the Magic Empire was located in the area in the continental interior known as the Frontier, but the truth remains uncertain. We know only that legend claims the former Magic Empire lay somewhere in a land where the light of the Blue Star does not shine. [Image Caption: Arhes in Vheen's library: "In this age, they say, there was a great Magic Empire that ruled the enitre world."] Vheen's magic library houses many books. Several contain records of the Magic Empire. 7. THE MAGIC CITY OF VHEEN The magical city of Vheen is the headquarters of the Magic Guild that oversees the world's magicians and regulates the use of magic. This huge city is self-contained on a floating continent that revolves around the Goddess Tower where Althena lives on a clockwork schedule. It was set aloft 1,000 years ago, in events connected with the legendary Magic Empire, but the details of the story are a mystery. In the millennium since, Vheen has become the day-to-day center of the world's magic, and many legendary magicians and Dragonmasters have hailed from there. The current guildmistress, Remilia Ausa, is one of the former Four Heroes. Another of the Four Heroes, Ghaleon, assists her as the guild's premier. With two of the Four Heroes at the heart of Vheen, the people say that the city might currently be at the peak of its glory. [Image Caption: Vheen from cutscene] Actually, save for that of the Four Dragons and the Dragonmaster, the greatest magic power in the world rests in Vheen. 8. THE MANY RACES OF LUNAR The races of this world are largely divided into the humans and the beastmen. The humans mainly make their homes in towns and villages and use magic as a tool to assist them in the tasks of everyday living. The beastmen dwell in the forests and wilderness and previously didn't attempt much contact with humans, but in recent years, ties between the two races have deepened. The two races can marry and have children - in fact, they are even said to have originally been one race. No one, though, knows the truth. Many other races also exist - tiny fairy-like creatures, tribes who speak in song - and while their forms may differ, they all give the Goddess Althena their thanks and adoration and try to live together on this earth in peace and harmony. That is, except for the magic race... 9. THE MAGIC RACE EXILED TO THE FRONTIER The magic race is known by their black bodies that sport horns and wings. 500 years ago, they were exiled to the faraway land known as the Frontier by the Goddess Althena for tormenting the people of Lunar. This act was said to be prompted not by the magic race's vile forms, of course, but by their far more vile hearts. The magic race despises Althena for their banishment, however, and deeply desires someday to take over the lands that once drove them out. One legend has it that they are the descendants of the lost Magic Empire of old; another, that they are creations of that empire. The truth, however, remains utterly unknown. LUNAR SIDE STORIES: THE UNTOLD LUNAR For this section, we've enlisted the help of Kei Shigema, the man in charge of the Lunar storyline, to introduce you to some neat tales and intriguing episodes that weren't explored in detail in the game. Will you, too, become a Lunar Guru? 1. MAGIC: THE ONLY AREA WHERE HUMANS SUCK The heroine Luhna loves the sound of the harp Arhes plays. She feels that her own singing soars when accompanied by Arhes's harp; it soothes her soul... Perhaps that's because Luhna grasps the deeper meaning of Arhes's tune... But this world is one of magic. If all you want is good music, then you can't beat someone who can use magic to play their instrument. What makes Arhes's playing so special, though, is that it's the product of his own hard work. Arhes, unlike everyone else in the village, does not have magic power. In his heart, however, is a yearning for endless adventure. That's probably why he's so dedicated to his swordfighting, continuing his practice in secret. And so, likewise, he puts all his heart into practicing his harp because he knows Luhna loves to sing. In a world of magic, ordinary folk aren't supposed to waste their time with such hopeless pursuits. But Arhes is different. He never gives up. I think it's why Luhna loves him. [Image Caption 1: a still of the early cutscene of Arhes & Luhna playing at the spring] Arhes is a hard worker. That's why his harp-playing shines!! (He's kinda off his game here, though) [Image Caption 2: a still of Arhes talking to one of Vheen's band members: "I'm _terrific_ at playing without magic!"] That reminds me, in the Vheen magic guild, there were people who said things like _this,_ huh. 2. ARHES'S FATHER, WASHED-UP ADVENTURER Whoa - My Own Father Once Went on Adventures with Dain! Cool, Dad! To kids, parents are enigmas, mysterious figures. All the more so if they work at an office - they're always off in the daytime, doing Althena knows what. What's more, it seems impossible to conceive that they were ever young like us, with the same passions and heartaches. Arhes is the same way. How could he, who adores Dain and dreams of going off on his own adventures, believe that his own father went off with Dain on death-defying expeditions!? Now living out their lives as cranky old men, the Saith harbormaster and Arhes's father once traveled to places Arhes has never seen and encountered things unimaginable! Sadly, though, somewhere in the course of their adventures, Arhes's father and the old harbormaster ended up going their separate ways from Dain. Could discovering this unexpected side of his father, though, provide Arhes with an opportunity for personal growth? [Image Caption 1: Arhes talks with his father: "Actually, I went there with Lord Dain myself, but I'd have died if I'd gone alone!"] I never thought that my own dad had his own adventures!! Man, this really changes how I see him. [Image Caption 2: Arhes talks with the Saith harbormaster: "Lord Dain, good ol' Noah, and me all had adventures together!!"] The crotchety old harbormaster is also an adventurer of old. Wonder what kind of adventures he had? 3. BLOODY MEL'S PIRATE DAYS Now King of the Over-Indulgent Parents, Mel Was Long Ago a Fearsome Pirate. Let's Take a Look Back at Mel's Pirate Days! Meribia (under a different name originally, but still) has long flourished as a port town. In the seas surrounding Meribia lay chains of innumerable little islands, each producing its own brand of rare goods for export. Naturally, this wealth attracts treasure-hungry pirates and other unsavory characters like flies to honey. Mel Alkirk was the lord of a pirate fleet that prided itself on being the largest and grandest in all the world. Its daring deeds were renowned from Meribia to faraway lands, and its leader had earned himself the nickname "Bloody Mel". He never, however, committed evil deeds like killing in cold blood or robbing the poor. Mel himself would apparently brag about being a "pirate for justice" - but, of course, the merchants upon whom he preyed would probably tell a different story. Anyhow, the great merchants and royalty of Meribia several times sent forces to eradicate the pirates, but Mel bested all comers, sending them home with their tails tucked between their legs. It seemed that no one could stand against him. And so, for the umpteenth time, the forces of law and order were assembled. This time, fleets were sent from both Meribia and Saith; their strategy was to surround Mel's ships in a pincer attack. On one of the ships from Saith sailed a young Dain. Dain had joined the battle with the intention of teaching this rowdy pirate lord a lesson. The high-pitched battle spanned seven days and nights and finally ended in a draw. In the meantime, Mel and Dain had found themselves to be kindred spirits, and Mel henceforth (for the most part) ceased his violent ways. Mel then took Dain to the continent, where Dain set off on a new adventure. Later on, the two crossed paths again when Dain needed to cross over to Honmel Isle and obtain the White Dragon equipment. The two headed to Saith in Mel's ship. No voyage with these two aboard, however, was destined to be peaceful for long. The two were soon embroiled in a grand conspiracy to pillage the riches of Meribia. Mel would meet the woman who would become Jessica's mother in the incident, but that is yet another story. Soon, together with Dain, who had become a Dragonmaster, Mel joined the battle to save the world and become one of the future Four Heroes. Really, when you think about it, one could say that - save for their attitudes toward women - young Mel greatly resembled Killy. Hmmm....so it's only natural that Jessica be drawn to Killy - don'cha think? [Image Caption 1: Arhes talks with Mel: "Ain't Jessica the prettiest, sweetest, most ladylike girl?"] You might not think so, but our doting dad's come a long way. He still has his moments, though. [Image Caption 2: Arhes talks to NPC: "They say that Dain and Mel's seven-day battle ended in a draw."] A seven-day battle, huh? Knowing those two, they probably fought twenty -four hours a day, without stopping to eat or sleep. [Image Caption 3: Arhes talks to Mel again: "But...you came here on an adventure, didn't ya? Then work it out for ya'selves!"] Mel looks fondly on young adventurers. And he doesn't give them any breaks. [Image Caption 4: a settei illustration of Jessica sitting in Mel's lap] A doting poppa and his daddy's girl. What a bizarre parent and child. Eh, leave 'em be. 4) THE GRAND ROMANCE OF MEL AND HIS WIFE They Say the Marriage of Mel and His Wife Turned Meribia Upside-Down. Learn in This Chapter How Mel the Beastman Became Admiral of Meribia The following (pardon my language) major crisis shocked not only the citizens of Meribia but those of the surrounding towns and villages and for a time sparked many a rumor. The wedding of the only daughter of a Meribian admiral and high royalty to _Mel_ - a pirate lord, no matter how brave, and a beastman no less - was an event fairly unprecedented in Lunar's long history. The two chanced to meet on a voyage to Saith, when Mel was ferrying Dain to the White Dragon Cave. Mel came upon a suspicious ship that was trespassing in his territory; it was exchanging fire with pursuing ships from the Meribian navy. The navy fleet was soon destroyed, and the strange ship fled to a nearby cove to hide. Well, Mel was just fine leaving it be, but to kill time, he tried to catch it - and when he did, he found it manned by strange sailors from an unknown land, the likes of whom he'd never seen before. And in the ship's hold was a beautiful girl, all alone, who had been kidnapped. Her abduction was in fact merely the tip of a vile conspiracy in pursuit of wealth and power, with Meribia as the stage. Before they knew it, Dain and Mel were swept up in the affair; they finally decided to take on the role thrust upon them as the knights who had come dashing to the fair princess's rescue. Even the girl, who at first feared Mel, was attracted by his bravery and manliness, not to mention his surprising tenderness. And when the dust settled, a true love that transcended social status had blossomed between the two. Before long, Mel had married the girl and become Mel de Alkirk, governor- admiral of the city. He even took the opportunity to change the name of the city to Meribia. And they all lived happily ever after. [Image Caption 1: Jessica touches Mel's moustache] A reminder of his departed wife, Jessica is an irreplaceable jewel to Mel. He just babies her and babies her; whatcha gonna do. 5) REMILIA INTERVIEW AMBUSH!! Our Own Paparazzo Has Infiltrated the Magic Guild. One False Move, and His Life Is Forfeit. Will Lightning Strike? Or Will He Go Down in Flames? Fair Remilia - ruling Vheen with a woman's touch, struggling to raise her only daughter Mia all on her own. But therein hangs...a great mystery. Indeed - who on earth could be Mia's father? We've never heard of Remilia being married at any time in the past. To get some answers, our own Lunar paparazzo has infiltrated the Magic Guild and finally bagged an exclusive interview with Remilia! "Excuse me, Lady Remilia. Umm...I'd like to speak with you for a moment about Miss Mia's father..." ".................." Remilia shot our reporter a glare as soon as the words were out of his mouth. But we were undeterred. "Er, we've asked the people of Vheen, but no one seems to know; might there be some significance to the lack of light shed on the matter?" ".................." "Rumor has it that Miss Mia's exceptional talent with magic might be connected in some way to one of the Four Heroes - Lord Dain, or maybe Lord Ghaleon...?" "No comment!" Ultimately, our reporters were unable to ask any further questions. But we won't give up. We promise to uncover the hidden truth and bring it to your living rooms! Well, then, signing off! Until next time! [Image Caption 1: settei illustration of Remilia in profile] We are told absolutely nothing about Mia's father in-game. The truth remains locked within Remilia's heart. 6) THE ADVENTURES OF THE ROTTEN LITTLE BRAT (Of Course) Even Killy Was a Child Once!! Our Junior Sleepy-Eyed Lone Wolf Comes of Age - with Chicks Falling for Me to This Day! Killy's been on his own ever since he can remember. I imagine he endured many hardships just to survive his early years - until he was twelve, in fact, by which time he had already come of age. Thoroughly convinced that no adult posed a threat to him, Killy headed for Meribia in search of treasure. In a shady corner of a bar frequented by old salts, Killy made the acquaintance of a certain brat. The brat was filthy, a complete runt - and yet, somehow, he managed to be even cockier than Killy, with a quick fist and a smart mouth. Despite initial bickering, Killy was somehow won over; the brat showed him around the city as if he owned the place. One day, Killy let the brat in on a big secret. His target was none other than the riches the town hero, Admiral Mel, kept in his manor. Of course, the security around Mel's manor was horrendous; even Killy would have a tough time getting through. When the brat heard this story, however, he pulled out of nowhere a rough sketch of the manor and a map of a secret passage from the sewers. When the brat asked Killy to take him along for the heist, Killy gave him a quick "sure thing!". But Killy never had any intention of keeping that promise. That night, while the brat had gone off somewhere, Killy entered Mel's manor. (Eh, to give him the benefit of the doubt, he didn't want to put him in a life-threatening situation, but...) Well, Killy somehow managed to infiltrate the manor safely and had a look around the rooms. And he eventually hit upon a particularly opulent chamber. Killy crept in - and came face to face with the darnedest person. Lying in this plush bed, in this lap of luxury, was - my God. That brat. Neat and clean, in beautiful clothes - but what surprised Killy most was that the brat was a GIRL. That's right - the brat was none other than Admiral Mel's darling only daughter, Miss Jessica. At Jessica's scream, all the guards in the mansion flew to the bedroom, and Killy was bound in a flash. Mel was beside himself with rage. However, moved by Jessica's entreaties and the pluck of this boy who showed not a bit of fear, he had Killy tied up and suspended from a tall building until he cried uncle. [Note: the word used here, "roukaku," is generally identified with castle architecture and indicates that this multi-storied building was probably on the grounds of Mel's manor.] But Killy wouldn't give in. One day passed - two, three, and still Killy would respond to his predicament with nothing but curses. It all finally ended when Mel happened to walk beneath Killy - and Killy urinated on him. Mel secretly took a shine to the boy's spirit, and he offered Killy a deal. If Killy could hunt down the bandits that infested the Nanzas mountains, he would be pardoned for his crimes... [As much as I love learning new things about the world of Lunar, I could have lived out the rest of my years without knowing that that was the way to Mel's affections.] And so a young boy of twelve was sent all alone to the Nanzas, home of fearsome bandits. No - there was one other, to be precise. He met up with Jessica, who had followed him in secret, and the two of them began their own private big adventure. So, did Killy ultimately defeat the Nanzas bandits? Well, Killy the bandit is now chief of the Nanzas...isn't he? [Image Caption 1: settei illustration of Jess thinking about "that octopus..."] Not the most harmonious couple, no matter how you slice it. But they seem to work things out in the end, so I guess it's all good. [Image Caption 2: Killy talks to Jessica: "What're you talkin' about, Jessica? Ain't I a pure, sweet, innocent li'l boy?"] Pure, innocent, sweet li'l Killy, now and forever. Ask Jessica, and she'd call you an "octopus"!! 7) MACHINE MOUNTAIN: JUST ONE BIG TOY!? The Character with the Most Complicated Psyche - Does Great Sage Ghaleon Just Like 'Em Big? [I don't write these things, folks.] The Star Chamber is where all the magic in Vheen is gathered - and also where it can be controlled. It has come to be regarded as a deeply sacred place that only the Guildmistress of each generation may enter. Xenobia, as Remilia, bent to her will the abilities of this place that Remilia alone could master - and she did it with the intention of passing them to Ghaleon, did she not? Even for Ghaleon, whose magic power rivaled that of a Dragonmaster, maneuvering Vheen into the palm of his hand - which, by rights, belongs only to the head of the Guild - was probably a quite difficult task. With Vheen at his command, he would have Machine Mountain on the ground, Vheen in the sky - not to mention a giant mobile castle. Ghaleon really seems to like great big things that move. Never thought you were such a kid at heart, Ghaleon. [Image Caption 1: Ghaleon speaks to Arhes in the Star Chamber: "It makes no difference to me, but Remilia is a horror when she's angered!"] What do you mean, "it makes no difference to me"? Ghaleon, you big fibber! [Image Caption 2: settei illustration of Ghaleon pointing] He's always covering up his head; you can't help but wonder if he's b*ld. His final form *is* b*ld, you could maybe say...