Английский:
<id1024679#>Dark Portents<#>

<id1024679#>Dark Portents<#>

Английский:
<id1024680#>Ramza and his comrades arrived at the gates of Riovanes, where Marach and a unit of castle guards barred his path. Rapha's best attempts to talk sense into her brother fell on deaf ears, and Marach beat a hasty retreat. Moments after Ramza's party defeated the guards and secured entry to the keep, a knight, mortally wounded, came crawling from within and spoke of a monster gone amok in the castle's halls.<#>

<id1024680#>Ramza and his comrades arrived at the gates of Riovanes, where Marach and a unit of castle guards barred his path. Rapha's best attempts to talk sense into her brother fell on deaf ears, and Marach beat a hasty retreat. Moments after Ramza's party defeated the guards and secured entry to the keep, a knight, mortally wounded, came crawling from within and spoke of a monster gone amok in the castle's halls.<#>

Английский:
<id1024681#>Alma's Escape<#>

<id1024681#>Alma's Escape<#>

Английский:
<id1024682#>Alma sat alone in the dungeon of Riovanes Castle, no doubt wondering when Ramza would come to rescue her. The dungeon's eerie quiet was shattered by a shriek of pain outside. Suddenly, a Riovanesian knight came crashing into her cell and fell before her, gravely injured. After a few fearful words, the knight breathed his last. Alma prayed for his soul's repose and then padded cautiously through the open door.<#>

<id1024682#>Alma sat alone in the dungeon of Riovanes Castle, no doubt wondering when Ramza would come to rescue her. The dungeon's eerie quiet was shattered by a shriek of pain outside. Suddenly, a Riovanesian knight came crashing into her cell and fell before her, gravely injured. After a few fearful words, the knight breathed his last. Alma prayed for his soul's repose and then padded cautiously through the open door.<#>

Английский:
<id1024683#>A Demonic Encounter<#>

<id1024683#>A Demonic Encounter<#>

Английский:
<id1024684#>As Ramza scoured the halls of Riovanes, he discovered Wiegraf, the proud soldier who had once dreamt of revolution but had now succumbed to the Lucavi. However, even after transforming into a demonic creature, he could not overcome Ramza and his comrades, and was eventually slain. No sooner had the battle ended than Alma's screams began to echo throughout the castle.<#>

<id1024684#>As Ramza scoured the halls of Riovanes, he discovered Wiegraf, the proud soldier who had once dreamt of revolution but had now succumbed to the Lucavi. However, even after transforming into a demonic creature, he could not overcome Ramza and his comrades, and was eventually slain. No sooner had the battle ended than Alma's screams began to echo throughout the castle.<#>

Английский:
<id1024685#>Tragedy's Mark<#>

<id1024685#>Tragedy's Mark<#>

Английский:
<id1024686#>In shock from the horror that surrounded her in the halls of Riovanes Castle, Alma wandered into the grand duke's parlor. Slumped inside, and fatally wounded, was Isilud, a Knight Templar. He entrusted Alma with the Pisces Stone before falling into an eternal sleep. Folmarv then entered, but as he approached Alma to silence her, the Virgo Stone in his possession began to shine brightly. Sensing this was no coincidence, he took the struggling Alma away with him.<#>

<id1024686#>In shock from the horror that surrounded her in the halls of Riovanes Castle, Alma wandered into the grand duke's parlor. Slumped inside, and fatally wounded, was Isilud, a Knight Templar. He entrusted Alma with the Pisces Stone before falling into an eternal sleep. Folmarv then entered, but as he approached Alma to silence her, the Virgo Stone in his possession began to shine brightly. Sensing this was no coincidence, he took the struggling Alma away with him.<#>

Английский:
<id1024687#>The Marquis Strikes<#>

<id1024687#>The Marquis Strikes<#>

Английский:
<id1024688#>Marach lay slain by Grand Duke Barrington, who demanded that Rapha bring him the auracite her brother held. At that moment, Marquis Elmdore appeared, and one of his underlings saw that the grand duke met a gruesome end. The marquis, too, wanted the Stones in his possession, and battle ensued.<#>

<id1024688#>Marach lay slain by Grand Duke Barrington, who demanded that Rapha bring him the auracite her brother held. At that moment, Marquis Elmdore appeared, and one of his underlings saw that the grand duke met a gruesome end. The marquis, too, wanted the Stones in his possession, and battle ensued.<#>

Английский:
<id1024689#>A Different Power<#>

<id1024689#>A Different Power<#>

Английский:
<id1024690#>Marach had taken Grand Duke Barrington's bullet to save his sister's life. As a tearful Rapha cradled his body, the Scorpio Stone upon her chest began to glow. With the horrible episode of Wiegraf's transmigration fresh in his mind, a dreadful feeling consumed Ramza's thoughts—that another Lucavi might appear at any moment—but no demon was summoned forth. Instead, the Stone responded to Rapha's most profound wish, and Marach's soul was restored to him.<#>

<id1024690#>Marach had taken Grand Duke Barrington's bullet to save his sister's life. As a tearful Rapha cradled his body, the Scorpio Stone upon her chest began to glow. With the horrible episode of Wiegraf's transmigration fresh in his mind, a dreadful feeling consumed Ramza's thoughts—that another Lucavi might appear at any moment—but no demon was summoned forth. Instead, the Stone responded to Rapha's most profound wish, and Marach's soul was restored to him.<#>

Английский:
<id1024691#>A Pure Heart<#>

<id1024691#>A Pure Heart<#>

Английский:
<id1024692#>Ramza searched desperately for Alma, but she was nowhere to be found at Riovanes. All that remained in the castle's ravaged parlor was the Pisces Stone. Ramza tightly clasped the auracite and recalled Marach's words, that the Stone's power depended on the nature of its user. As the chaos spread across Ivalice, the war had begun to shift in a new direction.<#>

<id1024692#>Ramza searched desperately for Alma, but she was nowhere to be found at Riovanes. All that remained in the castle's ravaged parlor was the Pisces Stone. Ramza tightly clasped the auracite and recalled Marach's words, that the Stone's power depended on the nature of its user. As the chaos spread across Ivalice, the war had begun to shift in a new direction.<#>

Английский:
<id1024693#>In the Shadows<#>

<id1024693#>In the Shadows<#>

Английский:
<id1024694#>As Ramza grasped for clues as to Alma's whereabouts, Marach mentioned that Folmarv, lord commander of the Knights Templar, had been at Riovanes and may be holding her. The possibility also arose that Folmarv was manipulating High Confessor Marcel for his own ends. In order to uncover the truth about Folmarv and prevent whatever ambitions he may have from becoming reality, Ramza thought to seek counsel with Delita in Zeltennia.<#>

<id1024694#>As Ramza grasped for clues as to Alma's whereabouts, Marach mentioned that Folmarv, lord commander of the Knights Templar, had been at Riovanes and may be holding her. The possibility also arose that Folmarv was manipulating High Confessor Marcel for his own ends. In order to uncover the truth about Folmarv and prevent whatever ambitions he may have from becoming reality, Ramza thought to seek counsel with Delita in Zeltennia.<#>

Английский:
<id1024695#>Keeper of the Stone<#>

<id1024695#>Keeper of the Stone<#>

Английский:
<id1024696#>Orran welcomed Count Orlandeau back to Zeltennia Castle, availing him of the ominous events taking place across Ivalice, and their possible connection to the Stones. Orran then spoke candidly of the Church and the Knights Templar, and the suspicious tendencies they had been exhibiting of late. Count Orlandeau pulled the Libra Stone from his pocket and gazed into it with an expression of foreboding at the battle that must soon come.<#>

<id1024696#>Orran welcomed Count Orlandeau back to Zeltennia Castle, availing him of the ominous events taking place across Ivalice, and their possible connection to the Stones. Orran then spoke candidly of the Church and the Knights Templar, and the suspicious tendencies they had been exhibiting of late. Count Orlandeau pulled the Libra Stone from his pocket and gazed into it with an expression of foreboding at the battle that must soon come.<#>

Английский:
<id1024697#>Disputed Territory<#>

<id1024697#>Disputed Territory<#>

Английский:
<id1024698#>The Order of the Southern Sky held Dugeura Pass in Lesalia, a key position on the road to Zeltennia. The guards stationed there mistook Ramza's party for scouts from the Northern Order and attacked. Ramza and his allies were able to see them off, and pushed on towards his destination.<#>

<id1024698#>The Order of the Southern Sky held Dugeura Pass in Lesalia, a key position on the road to Zeltennia. The guards stationed there mistook Ramza's party for scouts from the Northern Order and attacked. Ramza and his allies were able to see them off, and pushed on towards his destination.<#>

Английский:
<id1024699#>Seeds of Doubt<#>

<id1024699#>Seeds of Doubt<#>

Английский:
<id1024700#>In order to reach Zeltennia, Ramza had to pass through the free city of Bervenia, but in his way stood Meliadoul, a Knight Templar and sister to the slain Isilud. She was adamant that Ramza, an accused heretic, had slaughtered her brother, and she now sought vengeance for his murder. Ramza protested his innocence, but Meliadoul could not be swayed.<#>

<id1024700#>In order to reach Zeltennia, Ramza had to pass through the free city of Bervenia, but in his way stood Meliadoul, a Knight Templar and sister to the slain Isilud. She was adamant that Ramza, an accused heretic, had slaughtered her brother, and she now sought vengeance for his murder. Ramza protested his innocence, but Meliadoul could not be swayed.<#>

Английский:
<id1024701#>A Natural Barrier<#>

<id1024701#>A Natural Barrier<#>

Английский:
<id1024702#>Before Zeltennia lies Finnath Creek, a treacherous body of water where one slip spells certain doom. For Ramza, the crossing was made all the more perilous by a group of monsters that blocked his path. Once they were dealt with, Ramza proceeded with haste to Zeltennia Castle.<#>

<id1024702#>Before Zeltennia lies Finnath Creek, a treacherous body of water where one slip spells certain doom. For Ramza, the crossing was made all the more perilous by a group of monsters that blocked his path. Once they were dealt with, Ramza proceeded with haste to Zeltennia Castle.<#>

Английский:
<id1024703#>Delita's Will<#>

<id1024703#>Delita's Will<#>

Английский:
<id1024704#>Ramza traveled to a church in Zeltennia to meet Delita, who willingly revealed the high confessor's plan to assassinate both Duke Larg and Duke Goltanna in a bid to give the Church absolute power over the realm. Ramza inquired of Delita's true intentions, whereupon he denied his loyalty to the Church, and expressed his feelings for Ovelia.<#>

<id1024704#>Ramza traveled to a church in Zeltennia to meet Delita, who willingly revealed the high confessor's plan to assassinate both Duke Larg and Duke Goltanna in a bid to give the Church absolute power over the realm. Ramza inquired of Delita's true intentions, whereupon he denied his loyalty to the Church, and expressed his feelings for Ovelia.<#>

Английский:
<id1024705#>Death of a Confessor<#>

<id1024705#>Death of a Confessor<#>

Английский:
<id1024706#>Confessor Zalmour and his forces had surrounded the church where Ramza and Delita held their secret liaison. Upon exiting, Ramza attempted to explain to Zalmour that his superiors had hidden the truth of the auracite, and sought only to use him. Zalmour, however, was of no mind to listen.<#>

<id1024706#>Confessor Zalmour and his forces had surrounded the church where Ramza and Delita held their secret liaison. Upon exiting, Ramza attempted to explain to Zalmour that his superiors had hidden the truth of the auracite, and sought only to use him. Zalmour, however, was of no mind to listen.<#>

Английский:
<id1024707#>Gears in Motion<#>

<id1024707#>Gears in Motion<#>

Английский:
<id1024708#>A woman approached Delita and Ramza after they had defeated Confessor Zalmour. Her name was Valmafra, a young mage dispatched by the Church along with Delita, and the two appeared to share a degree of mutual trust. She informed them that the Order of the Northern Sky had begun its advance on Fort Besselat. Ramza immediately started out for Besselat to meet with Count Orlandeau, for this was his only hope of preventing a major clash between the warring factions.<#>

<id1024708#>A woman approached Delita and Ramza after they had defeated Confessor Zalmour. Her name was Valmafra, a young mage dispatched by the Church along with Delita, and the two appeared to share a degree of mutual trust. She informed them that the Order of the Northern Sky had begun its advance on Fort Besselat. Ramza immediately started out for Besselat to meet with Count Orlandeau, for this was his only hope of preventing a major clash between the warring factions.<#>

Английский:
<id1024709#>Poison on Desert Winds<#>

<id1024709#>Poison on Desert Winds<#>

Английский:
<id1024710#>While crossing the Beddha Sandwaste, Ramza's party chanced upon the Knight Templar Barich. A few moments prior, he had released a poisonous substance into the wind, which would soon be carried to the Order of the Northern Sky's encampment. Barich then claimed that he and the templarate act for the good of Ivalice, to which Ramza took great umbrage.<#>

<id1024710#>While crossing the Beddha Sandwaste, Ramza's party chanced upon the Knight Templar Barich. A few moments prior, he had released a poisonous substance into the wind, which would soon be carried to the Order of the Northern Sky's encampment. Barich then claimed that he and the templarate act for the good of Ivalice, to which Ramza took great umbrage.<#>

Английский:
<id1024711#>Thunder God in Chains<#>

<id1024711#>Thunder God in Chains<#>

Английский:
<id1024712#>Upon his arrival at Fort Besselat, Count Orlandeau was accused of plotting rebellion against Duke Goltanna. Although the count maintained his innocence, the duke, fully unaware of the high confessor's scheme, ordered him imprisoned. Soon after this surprising turn of events, Delita was dubbed a Knight Devout by Duke Goltanna and made lord commander of the Order of the Southern Sky. Delita's machinations proceeded inexorably towards completion, and within his heart of hearts, he afforded himself a satisfied chuckle. <#>

<id1024712#>Upon his arrival at Fort Besselat, Count Orlandeau was accused of plotting rebellion against Duke Goltanna. Although the count maintained his innocence, the duke, fully unaware of the high confessor's scheme, ordered him imprisoned. Soon after this surprising turn of events, Delita was dubbed a Knight Devout by Duke Goltanna and made lord commander of the Order of the Southern Sky. Delita's machinations proceeded inexorably towards completion, and within his heart of hearts, he afforded himself a satisfied chuckle. <#>

Английский:
<id1024713#>Rising Tensions<#>

<id1024713#>Rising Tensions<#>

Английский:
<id1024714#>Ramza led his party to the gates of Fort Besselat and requested an audience with Count Orlandeau, that he may warn him of the Church's grand conspiracy. However, the count had already been incarcerated on charges of conspiracy himself. Then, further adding to their woes, Ramza and his comrades were accused of being assassins sent by Orlandeau.<#>

<id1024714#>Ramza led his party to the gates of Fort Besselat and requested an audience with Count Orlandeau, that he may warn him of the Church's grand conspiracy. However, the count had already been incarcerated on charges of conspiracy himself. Then, further adding to their woes, Ramza and his comrades were accused of being assassins sent by Orlandeau.<#>

Английский:
<id1024715#>Duke Larg's Assassination<#>

<id1024715#>Duke Larg's Assassination<#>

Английский:
<id1024716#>The poison dispersed by Barich of the Knights Templar brought the Order of the Northern Sky to its knees. Even Count Dycedarg and Duke Larg succumbed to its effects, though neither's life was in immediate danger. Zalbaag rushed to their rescue, only to witness Dycedarg stab their duke in cold blood. Zalbaag stood in a state of shock and disbelief as Dycedarg spoke of his ambition that Ivalice be brought under total reign of House Beoulve.<#>

<id1024716#>The poison dispersed by Barich of the Knights Templar brought the Order of the Northern Sky to its knees. Even Count Dycedarg and Duke Larg succumbed to its effects, though neither's life was in immediate danger. Zalbaag rushed to their rescue, only to witness Dycedarg stab their duke in cold blood. Zalbaag stood in a state of shock and disbelief as Dycedarg spoke of his ambition that Ivalice be brought under total reign of House Beoulve.<#>

Английский:
<id1024717#>Opening the Floodgates<#>

<id1024717#>Opening the Floodgates<#>

Английский:
<id1024718#>The two dukes had gathered their forces at Fort Besselat, with a fierce battle set to begin at any moment. In order to prevent such a needless loss of life, Ramza sought to open the fort's floodgates, with the resulting deluge turning the battlefield into a swamp and making a direct confrontation all but impossible. Though their way was barred by the Order of the Southern Sky, Ramza's party fought their way through and succeeded in opening the floodgates.<#>

<id1024718#>The two dukes had gathered their forces at Fort Besselat, with a fierce battle set to begin at any moment. In order to prevent such a needless loss of life, Ramza sought to open the fort's floodgates, with the resulting deluge turning the battlefield into a swamp and making a direct confrontation all but impossible. Though their way was barred by the Order of the Southern Sky, Ramza's party fought their way through and succeeded in opening the floodgates.<#>

Английский:
<id1024719#>Freeing the Count<#>

<id1024719#>Freeing the Count<#>

Английский:
<id1024720#>Ramza opened the floodgates at Fort Besselat, with the vast amounts of water unleashed preventing a disastrous clash of the two armies. Count Orlandeau, freed from captivity and dismayed by his liege lord's warmongering, decided to accompany Ramza in hopes of putting an end to the high confessor's ambitions. On the count's orders, his former ward Orran returned to Zeltennia to ensure that Ovelia would remain safe.<#>

<id1024720#>Ramza opened the floodgates at Fort Besselat, with the vast amounts of water unleashed preventing a disastrous clash of the two armies. Count Orlandeau, freed from captivity and dismayed by his liege lord's warmongering, decided to accompany Ramza in hopes of putting an end to the high confessor's ambitions. On the count's orders, his former ward Orran returned to Zeltennia to ensure that Ovelia would remain safe.<#>

Английский:
<id1024721#>The Black Lion Slain<#>

<id1024721#>The Black Lion Slain<#>

Английский:
<id1024722#>Duke Goltanna stood in frustration as the war was brought to an unexpected halt and commanded Delita to recommence a full-scale attack. It was then that Delita abandoned his feigned loyalty to the duke and killed him. Delita then prepared a body double of Count Orlandeau to make it appear as though the duke had been assassinated by the Thunder God. Just as the high confessor had planned, the leaders of the two warring factions had been eliminated.<#>

<id1024722#>Duke Goltanna stood in frustration as the war was brought to an unexpected halt and commanded Delita to recommence a full-scale attack. It was then that Delita abandoned his feigned loyalty to the duke and killed him. Delita then prepared a body double of Count Orlandeau to make it appear as though the duke had been assassinated by the Thunder God. Just as the high confessor had planned, the leaders of the two warring factions had been eliminated.<#>

Английский:
<id1024723#>A Wanted Man<#>

<id1024723#>A Wanted Man<#>

Английский:
<id1024724#>While on their way to Limberry Castle, Ramza's party was confronted by a gang of bandits operating around Mount Germinas. Recognizing Ramza's face from bills bearing his likeness, and his status as a wanted heretic, the bandits attacked in hopes of claiming the bounty on his head. However, they were soundly defeated by Ramza and his comrades, who then continued on their journey.<#>

<id1024724#>While on their way to Limberry Castle, Ramza's party was confronted by a gang of bandits operating around Mount Germinas. Recognizing Ramza's face from bills bearing his likeness, and his status as a wanted heretic, the bandits attacked in hopes of claiming the bounty on his head. However, they were soundly defeated by Ramza and his comrades, who then continued on their journey.<#>

Английский:
<id1024725#>Ghosts of the Lake<#>

<id1024725#>Ghosts of the Lake<#>

Английский:
<id1024726#>While traveling along the banks of Lake Poescas, Ramza and his allies were ambushed by a host of wandering spirits. Seemingly drawn by the auracite, they commenced a vicious assault upon the party. Ramza's party succeeded in repelling these malicious souls, and then hurried their steps towards Limberry Castle.<#>

<id1024726#>While traveling along the banks of Lake Poescas, Ramza and his allies were ambushed by a host of wandering spirits. Seemingly drawn by the auracite, they commenced a vicious assault upon the party. Ramza's party succeeded in repelling these malicious souls, and then hurried their steps towards Limberry Castle.<#>

Английский:
<id1024727#>Dycedarg's Ambition<#>

<id1024727#>Dycedarg's Ambition<#>

Английский:
<id1024728#>Loffrey of the Knights Templar paid a visit to the Beoulve manse in hopes of arbitrating a peace to the conflict. But acceptance of such a treaty would mean kneeling before the Church, and Count Dycedarg promptly rejected it. His veiled threats against the Church prompted Loffrey to express suspicions regarding the death of Barbaneth Beoulve. Before leaving, the knight gifted the Capricorn Stone to Dycedarg.<#>

<id1024728#>Loffrey of the Knights Templar paid a visit to the Beoulve manse in hopes of arbitrating a peace to the conflict. But acceptance of such a treaty would mean kneeling before the Church, and Count Dycedarg promptly rejected it. His veiled threats against the Church prompted Loffrey to express suspicions regarding the death of Barbaneth Beoulve. Before leaving, the knight gifted the Capricorn Stone to Dycedarg.<#>