Author's note: The Glossary was primarily intended for my friends who don't know the game, but it also elaborates on some aspects of the history and philosophy that I expanded for the story. It, and the Timeline that follow, have tidbits that didn't make it into the main text.
GLOSSARY
ALTENA is a kingdom of the northern ice country. Faced with the challenges of the endless winter, Altena turned, hundreds of years ago, to the use of magic to become one of the most powerful and rich countries in the world. Their prowess in magic relies on the careful use of logic, a major value of the kingdom; their Queen is called the "Queen of Reason," and is one of their most powerful magic users. Applying their magic has also given Altena the most advanced technology of the world, and riches surpassing even those of Rolante (see ROLANTE). Though Altenans believe in the Goddess, they do not worship her directly, as in the "Goddess religion" centered in Wendel (see WENDEL), which is followed in most of the world. Their brand of religion is commonly called "Elemental religion" or "Mana religion", a more secular form focusing not on the Goddess herself, but Her power as derived through her underlings, the Elemental spirits (see ELEMENTAL). Magic has kept the forbidding ice country habitable, and as Mana fades, Altena faces the most dire chances of survival. Women of Altena have developed a reputation for beauty and seductive behavior.
ANGELA, PRINCESS OF ALTENA is exiled by her mother for her inability to use magic. She is chosen by the Fairy by random chance (see FAIRY), forcing her into the uncomfortable role of heroine, and sticks with it first out of the chance for personal benefits. As the journey goes on, she finds herself growing into the responsibility she has been given despite herself. She realizes her mother may be controlled by Koren, and seeks revenge (see KOREN). Her relationship with Duran of Forcena (see DURAN) begins as a shared goal and develops into an intimate relationship; her relationship with Lise (see LISE), at first marked by sexual jealousy and envy of the Amazon-Queen's competence, grows into a close friendship. She is nineteen years old, slender, with wavy violet hair, dark grey eyes, and an hourglass figure that makes most men - and women - stare.
ANGELA: CLASS CHANGES Even without being able to use magic, Angela is considered to be a Magician, a beginning student. The term becomes derogatory when used on a more advanced magic user; mage or wizard is preferred. Angela always imagined that when she finally was able to use magic, she would advance to Sorceress, a user of advanced but safely structured magic spells that Altena has perfected over many years. From there she could become a Grand Divina like her mother, Queen Valda (see VALDA); or the high-level magic user, the Archmage. Once faced with the choice, though, she decides to pursue the path of the Oracle, the slang for which is Delvar. This path is dangerous, and its second class change even more so; many who attempt it suffer death or insanity. The Oracle does not use the holy magic developed in conjunction with Wendel, instead pursuing dark magic. Emotions drive the Oracle, and magic flows through her in sometimes uncontrolled states. This is often considered "illogical" by the Sorceress caste, but is the way novel magics are developed. Wendel considers this path somewhat heretical. From there, the Oracle can follow to the Rune Master, who develops powerful combined versions of traditional spells. The darkest path, the Black Magus (called just Magus for short) channels the largest possible flow of Mana power. The risk is that this branches into chaotic powers, and the flow can never be controlled completely; only those who can accept this can survive the change. This power makes the Black Magus rare, and feared. Koren holds this status, although it is unlikely he gained it through normal means (see KOREN).
BEAST KINGDOM, THE (proper name: Ferolia) is the newest kingdom of the world, having been carved out only within the last forty years by the Beast King. They can change from human to werewolf at night, a gift from Luna. Despite Wendelic preaching that all are equal under the Goddess, the Beastmen endured centuries of persecution by humans. They joined forces under their leader and turned their tribal groups into a cohesive nation. The Kingdom has a strong bond with animals and nature in general. The average Beastman despises humans, but the Beast King, having once studied in Forcena, understands all are part of the whole. His half-human son may be their best chance to bridge the gap with humans. The Beast Kingdom attempts to invade Wendel, but the Priest of Light puts up a magic barrier to keep them out (see WENDEL; PRIEST OF LIGHT).
BIGIEU is a wizard of mysterious origins who becomes advisor to Flamekhan, the leader of Navarre (see FLAMEKHAN). She is fanatically devoted to her lord, the Dark Prince (see DARK PRINCE), and releases the Mana Stone of Fire to help him claim the Sword of Mana. She works together with Jagan, a vampire of the underworld. She frames Hawk for the murder of his best friend, Eagle, and places a cursed necklace on his sister, Jessica (see HAWK; EAGLE; JESSICA). She takes over the Kingdom of Rolante while seeking the Mana Stone of Wind.
CARLIE OF WENDEL, whose real name is Charlotte, is the granddaughter of the Priest of Light of Wendel (see PRIEST OF LIGHT; WENDEL) on one side, and the elven king on the other. She was born in the elven village of Diorre (see DIORRE). Her half-elven heritage expands her lifespan considerably; and her grandfather estimates that she will live for two hundred years. A priest of Wendel, Heath (see HEATH), helps take care of the orphaned Carlie, but when he is sent to Astoria on a mission by the Priest of Light, Carlie panics and follows, only to see him with a strange man who seems to kidnap him. Later, finding out her grandfather is ill, she seeks to cure him as well. She is not yet committed to the priesthood, not yet being old enough to choose; but her unusual life span means the Goddess has a special plan for her... She is fifteen, but looks and acts like a human ten-year old. She has wildly curly copper hair and big blue eyes, and wears the robes of a cleric of Wendel in blue and pink.
CARLIE: CLASS CHANGES Being from Wendel, most clerics like Carlie would become Priestesses. From there they proceed either to the Bishop, a holy class with the power to exorcise the undead; or to the Sage, as is the current Priest of Light (see PRIEST OF LIGHT), providing comfort to the masses. However, clerics can also change to Enchantresses, dark priests able to reach past death - in Carlie's words, "scary but cool." The second change for the Enchantress can lead to the Necromancer, who advances her abilities to summon souls, or the Evil Shaman, who can safely control the demons of the underworld, bringing them to do the Goddess's work.
CLASS CHANGES The Goddess allows those she deems worthy to make two increases to their abilities; though officially this is known as the "Gift of Mana", in practice most call them "class changes", a slang term which also conveys the nation-specific abilities received. The catch is that at each change, the candidate must choose either the Light or Dark path, forgoing the abilities of the other. The terms "Light" and "Dark" result from a common prejudice that the Dark element is evil and dangerous; more accurate descriptions might be "Stability" and "Chaos". Light classes are marked by honor, holiness, healing, defensive power, enhancing magic and logic. Dark characteristics include self-interest, summoning, destruction, offensive power, weakening magic, and chaos. Each path has its time and place. Also see specific character (ANGELA; CARLIE; DURAN; HAWK; KEVIN; LISE).
DARK PRINCE, THE was formerly an heir to the kingdom that guarded the Mana Stone of Light. He made a pact with the demons of the underworld to destroy his own kingdom, and lead them to conquer the overworld instead. After the kingdom's destruction, Wendel was founded to guard the Stone (see WENDEL). He now makes his seat on an island north of Rolante. Jagan is his demonic representative, and Bigieu his human (see BIGIEU). He can freely access the chaotic demon magics (see DEMON MAGIC). He plans to use the body of Elliott, Prince of Rolante, as a host body (see ELLIOTT).
DAYS OF THE WEEK are, in order, Luna's day, Salamando's day, Undine's day, Dryad's day, Jinn's day, Gnome's day, and the Mana Holy Day. Each Elemental is strongest on its day while, predictably, light elements are always stronger in daytime, and dark elements at night. The Mana Holy Day is the day where the elements are in balance.
DEMON MAGIC aka DEATH MAGIC is derived from the underworld, a place that exists to contain pockets of chaotic energy. This magic bypasses the Goddess and Mana completely, but is extremely dangerous and users are easily corrupted. The Dark Prince employs this form of magic extensively (see DARK PRINCE).
DIORRE is the elven kingdom from which Carlie's mother hails. The elves have largely withdrawn from humans over the centuries, avoiding human wars in order to stay in touch with nature. Though culturally distinct, they are not yet so biologically different that they can no longer breed with humans (see CARLIE; for comparison, KEVIN).
DRAGON EMPEROR, THE is a shadowy figure who has lurked in the background for many years. Some say he is part dragon himself; others say he is of the underworld, and his power may derive from there. Historical records indicate he was once a citizen of Pedan, centuries ago. Duran's father, Loki, traveled with King (then Prince) Richard to defeat the Dragon Emperor twelve years ago (see RICHARD). Loki and the Dragon Emperor fell into a bottomless pit and were both presumed dead, but the Emperor survived and trapped the soul of Loki into the cursed body of the Darkshine Knight. Koren of Altena received his power from the Dragon Emperor in exchange for a piece of Koren's soul (see KOREN). The Dragon Emperor destroyed the city of Pedan, seeking its magic to defeat the Goddess, and take her power for himself.
DURAN OF FORCENA is a mercenary knight in the service of King Richard. His father, Loki, was the closest friend of King Richard (see RICHARD). He is dedicated to swordsmanship, as his father was, but an attack by Altena highlights his weakness against magic. Richard allows him to travel to Wendel to learn how to class change. He has a prejudice against magic, but is forced to reevaluate his beliefs after meeting Angela - and learning some magic of his own. He seeks revenge on the Altenan wizard, Koren - especially after learning of the wizard's connection to the Dragon Emperor, who killed his father (see KOREN). He falls for Angela quickly (see ANGELA), but only slowly learns how to deal with his temperamental, beautiful woman. He is seventeen years old, medium height but well muscled. His long hair is a rich cinnamon that complements his blue eyes.
DURAN: CLASS CHANGES Duran is faced first with the choice of becoming a true Knight, a peaceful warrior committed to helping the weak, or a Gladiator capable of mastering the fight. He is tempted to follow the second path as his father did. His father proceeded from there to a Swordmaster, a warrior as one with his weapon, in order to protect King Richard; it seems likely Duran would have instead chosen the killing power of the Duelist. Recognizing that anger is his weakness, he becomes a Knight. This leads him to the options of (War)Lord, the rank of his mentor King Richard, a master of balanced marital skill; or the holy life of a Paladin, who possesses the healing power of the Wendel priests.
EAGLE is the son of Flamekhan and older brother to Jessica (see FLAMEKHAN; JESSICA); he is twenty years old. The orphaned Hawk became his best friend, eventually lover to his younger sister, a relationship Eagle encouraged (see HAWK). Eagle underwent both his class changes, at age sixteen and eighteen, to become a Wanderer (see HAWK: CLASS CHANGES). Bigieu came to the Navarre Sand Fortress with his father under mysterious circumstances (see BIGIEU), and began to exercise undue influence over Flamekhan. Eagle and Hawk together one night caught Bigieu and her demonic contact with Flamekhan, who was obviously being controlled by the woman. Eagle, rushing in, fell under Bigieu's influence as well; his Wanderer spells had been powerless against whatever demonic magic Bigieu possessed. He turned on Hawk, only recovering his senses as he lay bleeding his last on the floor. Hawk was accused of his murder, and scheduled for execution.
ELEMENTALS, THE (aka Elemental Spirits) are the underlings of the Goddess. After the God-Beasts were contained, the Elementals were created to guard the Mana Stones which contain the Beasts, and channel the energy the God-Beasts had corrupted into an ordered form, allowing life to thrive (see GOD-BEASTS; GODDESS). The eight elementals are: Lumina (Light), who also controls healing magic; Gnome (Earth); Jinn (Wind) (see ROLANTE); Shade (Darkness); Undine (Water); Salamando (Fire); Luna (Moon), representing the empty void, and the absence of permanence; and Dryad (Tree), who controls life magic sometimes considered to represent the purest form of Mana itself. Spells are derived by using and combining the power guarded by the Elementals; Altenan religion derives from this (see ALTENA).
ELLIOTT, PRINCE OF ROLANTE, younger brother of Lise (see LISE), was tricked into stopping the wind that protects his home castle, allowing a sleep pollen to enter the castle, disabling the Amazon army so that the Navarre raiders could conquer it (see ROLANTE). His kidnapping was incidental, but Bigieu and the Dark Prince suggest a new use for him... (see DARK PRINCE)
FAIRY The Fairies are messengers of the Goddess, and her heirs. As conflict grows, and the Goddess herself is threatened, the fairies are sent from the Holyland before it is too late, but only one survives. Unable to fly further, weakened by her time in the human world and the diminishing power of Mana, the Fairy adopts Angela as her host, much to the Altenan's chagrin (see ANGELA). The Goddess later warns Angela and her party that the Fairy is important above all other things, even the Sword.
FLAMEKHAN is the democratically elected leader of Navarre. He brought the mysterious Bigieu from the desert, to become his close advisor (see BIGIEU). Gradually, her influence over him became all-encompassing; it was said she used all means possible, including seduction, to put him under her control. He is father to Eagle, twenty years old, and Jessica, fifteen, and a mentor to Hawk (see EAGLE; JESSICA; HAWK). After Hawk escapes, Flamekhan becomes strangely ill as Bigieu seeks to remove him.
FORCENA is a strong country located in the grasslands; largely landbound, they use the ports of the independent cities Maia and Byzel, in exchange for military protection when required. Known for martial pursuits and the strength of its knights, particularly the elite corps known as the Knights of Gold, Forcena is nevertheless a major academic center, led by its learned ruler, King Richard (see RICHARD), who provides both information and financial support for the party.
GOD-BEASTS, THE are not true "beasts", but are concentrated chaotic forms of energy representing the eight elements. The Goddess took the chaotic energy that was the God-Beasts and corralled it, turning the chaotic elements into order, which she used to create the world. The Elemental Spirits were created to channel the ordered forms of these elements (see ELEMENTALS). The actual energy used for this corralling was stored in the Sword of Mana, as energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted (see SWORD). The energy of the God-Beasts was trapped in the Mana Stones, which were placed under the care of the Elementals (see STONES). Released, they are capable of converting to a corporeal form, though this leaves them vulnerable; they can be defeated this way, but their energy will flow first into the other God-Beasts, then finally into the Sword of Mana, to which they are bound. The Goddess can then use the Sword once again to restore Mana as it was.
GODDESS The Goddess has taken many forms through the years. In this age, she is considered to be female, though in actuality she is neither male nor female. She uses a tree as her corporeal form. Hawk hits very close to the truth when he wonders if the Goddess can age and die; in fact, this has been happening for hundreds of years. If she dies without leaving a heir, the Mana Stones will break and release the God-Beasts. Her creations, life-forms, are capable of self-replication, but the ability to use magic derives from Her. The Fairy will become the new Mana Tree, allowing life to exist; but until the tree grows, there will not be enough surplus energy to use magic (see MANA). Factions in the human world seek take advantage of the loss of Mana, in order to release the Stones guarded by the Elementals and seek the Sword (see ELEMENTAL; STONES; SWORD).
GODDESS STATUES are found throughout the land as places to worship. Some are enchanted by the blessings of the Wendel priesthood (see WENDEL), glowing with a soft golden light, and can, through this blessing, refresh travelers. These are most often found in major cities and other important locales. The more common grey stone statues, though unblessed, still seem to keep away monsters and beasts of warped Mana. Several persons have noticed the statue's resemblance to Lise; in fact, they were modeled on one of her Amazon ancestors.
HAWK OF NAVARRE Orphaned by a plague that hit the city of Sultan when he was too young to remember, he was rescued by Nikita's parents and brought to the Sand Palace of Navarre. No one knew his name, so the four-year old son of Flamekhan, Eagle, suggested the name "Hawk". The boys became close friends. When Eagle and Hawk walked in on Bigieu communicating with her demon contact, Eagle was controlled and killed (see BIGIEU). Hawk was framed for the murder and jailed. He could not confess innocence due to a curse placed on Jessica, nor could he kill Bigieu as the curse tied Jessica's life to her. After a tearful visit from Jessica, the guards an hour later to inform him he would be executed the next day. Nikita broke him out of jail, suggesting he travel to Wendel. Hawk's sarcasm and cynicism cover a deep romanticism. He had many lovers before linking with Jessica, and had thought she was the one he was to marry, until Eagle's death made him wonder if things could ever be the same again. That, and an intriguing young Amazon getting under his skin (see LISE). Even after Jessica's curse is broken, his desire for revenge, for Navarre's restoration, and for Lise, keeps him going (see FLAMEKHAN, EAGLE, JESSICA). He is seventeen, estimated, as he does not know his exact birthdate. He is slender, tall (about six feet). He has scruffy, silvery-purple hair, some of which he pulls back into a ponytail, olive skin, and tilted, warm brown eyes.
HAWK: CLASS CHANGES Hawk can become a Ranger, following the nature connection of his ancestors, or a Ninja, a quiet killer who has adapted magic to remove obstacles to the Rangers (see NAVARRE). The second change of the Ranger can be to the Wanderer, the purest form of the Ranger who uses magics of Moon and Tree (see EAGLE), or to the Rogue, a practical form using tools and simple weaponry to defend the forest. The Ninja may change to the Ninja Master, honing the skills of the Ninja to their highest level; or the Nightblade, who uses the same skills for novel, and deadly, purposes.
HEATH is a priest of Wendel, who helps take care of the orphaned Carlie (see CARLIE; WENDEL). He is sent by the Priest of Light to investigate Mana disturbances, and the mysterious light recently seen over the waterlands (see PRIEST OF LIGHT), but is instead seemingly kidnapped by the Deathjester.
JESSICA is the daughter of Flamekhan and younger sister to Eagle (see FLAMEKHAN; EAGLE). She was born six months after Hawk's arrival in Navarre; the two grew up together, falling in love when she was fourteen and he, sixteen (see HAWK). After her brother's death, Bigieu placed a cursed necklace on her, planning to sacrifice her life to unseal the Mana Stone of Fire (see BIGIEU).
KEVIN OF THE BEAST KINGDOM is the son of the Beast King; this makes him a prince, as humans understand it, but as the nation is new and this their first king, it is unclear whether the Beastmen will pass the throne to their heirs as humans do. Born after the conflicts that created his father's kingdom, and half-human through his mother, Kevin espouses a pacifistic philosophy. His beliefs unpopular in his own kingdom, Kevin began to feel more comfortable with the natural wolves of the forest, even being accepted into their pack. A mysterious man nicknamed Deathjester used magic to trick the leader, Karl, into attacking Kevin; defending himself, Kevin stumbled onto his ability to transform into wolf form, but, not realizing his wolfish power, ends up killing his wolf-friend. Deathjester tricks him into believing the Priest of Light can bring Karl back, and Kevin travels to Wendel to find out that was a lie. He seeks revenge on Deathjester, for the death of Karl and for his trickery. Kevin is fifteen years old, about the same height as Angela, but stocky from his powerful muscles. His orange-brown hair sticks out wildly like a lion's mane; his brown eyes have a definite golden cast to them, like those of a wolf.
KEVIN: CLASS CHANGES Though all Beastmen have strong physical power, some follow the path of the Monk in order to heal their comrades. Oddly, from the Monks, only the Beast King himself changed to a God Hand in the second change; while the others became Warrior Monks. Dryad grants some magic to these second classes, in the hope that they will protect the nature she is so proud of. It is said this indicates the Beast King is the chosen savior of the Beastman race. Most prefer to become a Bashkar. The Bashkars can change either to the Death Hand, whose anger creates a being of enormous strength, or to the Dervish, an emotionless creature that gains his strength from the lifeforce of other creatures. Luna boosts the abilities of the darker classes, having cultivated some of the underworld magics for her night creatures to use.
KOREN was a magician of minimal promise, who several years ago developed remarkably, becoming one of the most powerful magic users of Altena. He seems to have the powers of a Black Magus, a fearfully respected status (see ANGELA: CLASS CHANGES), but these powers were given to him, by the Dragon Emperor he now serves, rather than earned (see DRAGON EMPEROR). Having risen to power, he wields an unnatural influence over the Queen of Reason, Valda (see VALDA). Currently he has convinced her to pursue an aggressive agenda of releasing the power of the Mana Stones (see STONES), purportedly to save Altena from the effects of the diminishing Mana. Angela and Duran both have reasons to want revenge on him (see ANGELA; DURAN).
LISE, PRINCESS OF ROLANTE has been the leader of the kingdom's Amazon army since she was twelve. She also is a second mother to her brother since her mother died giving birth to him, when Lise was seven (see ELLIOTT). She has a second name, Rieszella, only used formally. After her father's death in the assault on the castle (see ROLANTE), she is now Queen Rieszella. Her Amazon sisters, in particular, rarely use this name and the most formal title they give her is "Miss." In the attack on Rolante, her brother, Elliott, was kidnapped while she ran to protect her blind father, and she feels terribly guilty, thinking she should have been able to protect them both. She has three goals driving her: to restore her kingdom, and to avenge her father and find her brother. Upon meeting Angela and Duran, she accompanies them in hopes that the Goddess can help her achieve these. Her relationship with Angela is at first rocky, but slowly blossoms into a close friendship (see ANGELA). She puts responsibility before herself, but the "selfishness" of her friend Angela and Hawk's determined affection (see HAWK) slowly teach her that womanhood may mean putting herself first. She is average height for a woman, her body slender but strong. Her long golden hair is often braided, but when let down makes a striking frame to her emerald eyes.
LISE: CLASS CHANGES Not all Amazons develop magic after class change, unless they have the latent ability, which Lise does. The ordinary path for an Amazon is to change to a Valkyrie, a powerful and brave warrioress, whose magic abilities enhance her allies. Lise chooses this path after briefly flirting with the idea of becoming a Rune Maiden - a rare choice in Rolante, whose mystical powers to weaken the enemy are sometimes seen as being less honorable. They are not true maidens - they freely take lovers and occasionally bear children - but Rune Maidens do not marry and form a close-knit minority in the Amazon army. The Rune Maidens can transition to Dragon Masters, who focus on attacking monsters, or the brutal Fenrir Knights, who prepare for human opponents. As a Valkyrie, Lise can become a Star Lancer, a spearmaster and mage, or the powerful demi-goddess Vanadis, whose separation of soul from body requires a sacrifice Lise may or may not be prepared to make. The strong religion of the Amazons allows those powerful enough to summon aspects of the Goddess (see ROLANTE).
LUC is the unit of currency currently in use. The denomination is universal, but the coinage itself is minted in many locations.
MANA is the power that creates order from disorder; it comes from the Goddess herself. Therefore, Mana is the power that creates life; its disruption can turn lifeforms into monsters. Life is defined by self-reproduction, and the Goddess is no different; but she must reproduce before she dies to maintain order (see GODDESS). Magic is the use of Mana in much the same way as the Goddess, though on a smaller level.
MANA TONGUE is the name for the language used by most humans. Beastmen have their own native language.
NAVARRE was once a lush forest, and its citizens were Rangers, protecting the forest and communing with nature. But as Mana began to fade, Navarre showed some of the harshest effects, as the forest began to revert to lifeless desert. Desperately, its citizens became first thieves, then developed ninja skills to survive under harsh conditions (see HAWK: CLASS CHANGES). With few natural resources left to them, Navarre began to develop its wealth through transactions both licit and illicit. Over a couple centuries, the "Thieves' Guild" housed at Navarre became rich enough to gain a status on par with the other major countries, though not a country itself. Nevertheless, it was the scandalous past and underground dealings that continued to label Navarre as a center of disreputable activity. The culture developed is sensual and decadent, further contributing to the reputation of Navarre. Navarrese women are said to put the seductive women of Altena to shame. The core of Navarrese power is in the Sand Fortress, also called the Sand Palace. The nearby cities of Deen and Sultan are currently unaffiliated. Navarre conquers the kingdom of Rolante, ostensibly as a new home for its people as the desert becomes ever more inhospitable (see ROLANTE).
PRIEST OF LIGHT, THE is the High Priest of the Holy City Wendel (see WENDEL). The current man in this position holds the rank of Sage (see CARLIE: CLASS CHANGES). He is sought by many around the world for advice. He falls ill after casting a barrier to prevent Wendel from invasion by the Beast Kingdom, and only Heath can save him (see HEATH; BEAST KINGDOM). Carlie is his granddaughter (see CARLIE).
RICHARD, KING OF FORCENA (see FORCENA) was once accompanied by a fairy himself, when twelve years ago, he and Duran's father Loki (see DURAN) went on a quest to defeat the Dragon Emperor (see DRAGON EMPEROR). He was at one point close to Queen, then Princess, Valda of Altena (see VALDA), but only finds out years later about the daughter that resulted.
ROLANTE is the Wind Kingdom of the mountains. The natural defenses of the mountains, and the strong winds they are able to control through the permission of the Wind Elemental, Jinn (see ELEMENTALS) allow them to protect both their Mana Stone and the natural resources which make them the naturally richest country in the world. Altena is the only richer but has achieved this through magical means (see ALTENA). Their army is composed of female Amazon warriors, though men have important roles in building and defense; their belief is that it is the role of women to know both death and birth equally. Their position high in the mountains makes them feel closer to the Goddess, and they are nearly as religious as Wendel. Those that succeed in a second class change can summon aspects of the Goddess directly (see LISE: CLASS CHANGES). The castle is known as the "Castle That Never Fell", but the mysterious magic of Navarre (see NAVARRE) puts the castle under a sleeping spell and it is conquered. Princess Lise narrowly escapes, being in the basement at the time the spell swept the castle (see LISE). The Navarre raiders intimidated the prince, Elliott, into deactivating the wind that could have protected the castle from their spell (see ELLIOTT).
STONES. THE MANA STONES were created by the Goddess (see GODDESS) to form both a physical and magical barrier to the God-Beasts. The barrier can be broken magically to access the Stone's immense power, but this leaves it vulnerable to physical breakage as well, allowing the God-Beast to escape (see GOD-BEASTS). Unsealing two or three stones will give enough power to open the gate to the Holyland, the Goddess's home, and the location of the Sword of Mana (see SWORD). The Stone can be resealed, and the God-Beast trapped, using the power in the Sword; the Goddess has become too weak to do so herself. The Stones are unsealed by: Light - Heath, Earth - Koren, Wind - Darkshine Knight, Water - Koren and/or Valda, Fire - Bigieu, Moon - Deathjester, Wood - Koren (see KOREN; VALDA). The Dark Stone is broken by the God-Beast from the inside, having received power from other God-Beasts.
SWORD. THE MANA SWORD is not truly a sword, but a container for the energy the Goddess used to trap the God-Beasts in the Mana Stones, and subvert their power to create life (see GODDESS; STONES; GOD-BEASTS). The God-Beasts therefore are tied to the Sword, and the wielder can contain or release them. When they are first released, it is easier to return them to the Sword's control. The Sword has a layer of protection from the Goddess; but once removed, the energy is available to any magic user. Angela and her party seek to reseal the stones and defeat those who seek to exploit their energy; they think they can use the power to restore weakening Mana, but later find out they are wrong.
VALDA, QUEEN OF ALTENA is a powerful sorceress, whose magic keeps the inhabited areas of the ice country warm. She has undergone her final class-change to the rank of Grand Divina (see ANGELA: CLASS CHANGES). This path, implying a connection to the traditional Goddess-Worship of other countries, was chosen to facilitate better diplomatic relations. The alternative, the Archmage, emphasizes on the "Mana-religion" that Altena follows, and would have indicated a focus more on internal affairs. As Mana withers, and her power is no longer able to keep the country warm, she takes on a shadowy advisor, Koren (see KOREN). He convinces her to begin siphoning power off the Mana Stone of Ice (see STONES), though she does not dare tell this to her people. As she draws more and more off the Mana Stone, Koren begins to place more pressure on her to release the seal on the Stone completely, and get the Mana Sword. She has a past - and a daughter - with King Richard of Forcena (see RICHARD).
WENDEL is the center of the "Goddess religion"; though all the world believes in the Goddess, variants of the religion exist (see ALTENA). It was founded to protect the Mana Stone of Light during the decline of the ancient Kingdom of Light (see DARK PRINCE), and wields considerable moral and political power. Most people try to make the pilgrimage to Wendel once in their life; the birth of a child is often the motivating event, to get the High Priest's blessing. Wendel also blesses some Goddess Statues (see GODDESS STATUES). The current Priest of Light has class-changed to a Sage (see PRIEST OF LIGHT), while the Priest Heath had expected to become a Bishop before a series of unfortunate events (see HEATH). Hearing of the Jad invasion through prayer to the Goddess, the Priest raised a magical barrier to the path to Wendel through the Cave of Waterfalls; after the barrier is broken by the Fairy, he creates a stronger barrier in the nick of time, before the Beastmen enter the city (see BEAST KINGDOM). This takes its toll on the health of the elderly priest, and Carlie is now faced with the prospect of losing both her grandfather and Heath (see CARLIE).
