Saga of the Skyserpent/Plot Details

===Cutscenes===
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===Game Script===
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!Saga of the Skyserpent - Aht Urhgan Whitegate
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!Saga of the Skyserpent: Part 1 - Aht Urhgan Whitegate
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|Biyaada: You found something!?
Biyaada: Yes...that ribbon... 
I have often seen the general gazing contently at that strip of cloth.
Biyaada: Thank you. 
This must be the item he dropped.
Fari-Wari: Did I not tell you? 
You could expect nothing less from an attendant to Fari-Wari the Eloquent!
Biyaada: So it seems. 
I believe I owe you a tale, then.
Biyaada: It was the events of a single night that would change General Rughadjeen's fate forever...
Biyaada: Almost two years ago now, the western arm of the Imperial Army was under the sole command of General Missahd, a member of the royal family.
Biyaada: Assigned to this general was one Captain Rughadjeen...
(Cut to flashback. Two soldiers are walking down a hallway in the palace.)
Missahd: Hmph. I see. 
I will pass your proposal on the Operations Staff for due consideration.
Rughadjeen: There is no time for that! 
There are signs that the beastmen are missing for a full-scale assault! 
We cannot wait for reinforcements!
Missahd: <Sigh>...
Captain, have you seen the fortifications on the Balrahn Defense Line? 
And the number of our solders that man those walls?
Missahd: Our enemies are nothing more than mindless beasts that will break themselves against our stalwart defenses. It matters not how many pigs come for the slaughter.
Rughadjeen: ...
Rughadjeen: At the very least...
Missahd: ...
Rughadjeen: We will approach under the cover of darkness this very night and blunt their desire for battle.
Rughadjeen: We will break the spine of this newly formed army before it even begins to move.
Rughadjeen: If all goes well, we will sow chaos among their disorderly ranks, and buy time to bolster our defenses.
Missahd: Captain Rughadjeen...
Rughadjeen: If we allow them to reach the capital with an organized army, they will break through any holes in the line and rain destruction on the lightly defended city streets ...
Missahd: Rughadjeen!
Rughadjeen: ...Sir.
Missahd: You speak above your station. 
I don't have time to listen to a lowly captain with delusions of strategic brilliance.
Rughadjeen: ...
Missahd: I will not stand for this disrespectful attitude. 
From this day forth, you are relieved from the position of captain.
Rughadjeen: Wha--!?
Missahd: After receiving the punishment of ten lashes for disrespecting a senior officer, you are to return to your unit and follow the orders of the newly appointed captain.
Rughadjeen: ...Sir.
Missahd: Hmph. 
A simple captain attempting to lecture me on strategy...
(Rughadjeen walks out of the palace into the streets.)
Rughadjeen: An attack?
Vatharad: Where are they!?
Yamuld: The West Gate!
Rughadjeen: What befalls!?
Yamuld: Captain Rughadjeen! 
It's absolute chaos!
Yamuld: The Balrahn Defense Line has been breached...
Yamuld: And the capital is surrounded by an army of Troll Mercenaries!
Rughadjeen: Surrounded!?
Yamuld: The savages have brought siege weapons. It won't be long before the streets are swarming with them...
Rughadjeen: What of the soldiers along the defense line? 
An army of that size could not have been swept aside so easily.
Vatharad: The defense forces are engaged with a horde of Mamool Ja that arrived on the heels of the Trolls.
Rughadjeen: Then we are too late...
Rughadjeen: The beastmen have outmaneuvered us...
Yamuld: Our unit is forming up as we speak.
Yamuld: What are your orders, Captain?
Rughadjeen: Forgive me...
Yamuld: Captain?
Rughadjeen: General Missahd just relieved me of my post. 
I have no authority...
Vatharad: Isn't that the general over there...?
(General Missahd walks into the streets. Then prompty runs away.)
Rughadjeen: !?
Vatharad: Why is he running that way? The front line is... 
Surely he doesn't intend to abandon the citizens to their fate?
Rughadjeen: ...
Rughadjeen: I shall assume temporary command of our forces.
Vatharad: Sir!
Rughadjeen: Ready arms! 
Form ranks!
Rughadjeen: This will be a bloodbath...
(Scene changes to Al Zabhi)
Rughadjeen: Hold ranks!
Rughadjeen: The enemy is just as exhausted as you.
Rughadjeen: If we can hold but a few moments more, they will break. 
This battle is ours!
Rughadjeen: Let them tire themselves destroying our buildings--it will help prevent the spread of fires.
Rughadjeen: Your main objective is the safety of our citizens. 
The future of this city rests on your shoulders!
Yamuld: For Al Zahbi!
(Rughadjeen spots a puppetmaster dressed in white running on the walk way above.)
Rughadjeen: !?
Rughadjeen: You! You can't go that way!
Rughadjeen: You'll get yourself killed!
Rughadjeen: Sajalda, take command of the troops.
Sajalda: Sir!
(The puppetmaster and her red puppet stop in front of a burning building.)
 
Ovjang: Aphmau... 
It's worse than we heard. 
Look!
(They see a small girl trapped on the balcony.)
Aphmau: She didn't get out in time...
Aphmau: Ovjang?
Ovjang: Okay.
Ovjang: Follow me!
Rughadjeen: Hey! 
You can't...!
(The two run into the building)
Rughadjeen: !!!
Rughadjeen: Dammit!
(Several minutes later, Ovjang exits carrying the girl-- alone.)
Rughadjeen: You!
Ovjang: ...
Rughadjeen: Where's the girl?
Ovjang: ...
(Ovjang collapses non-functional)
Rughadjeen: !!!
(Rughadjeen runs into the building. He finds the puppetmaster unconscious and carries her out. He lays her on the ground)
Aphmau: Ngh...
Nateeyu (the girl from the building): Please wake up...
Rughadjeen: She'll be fine. 
Just a bump to the head.
Aphmau: Ngh... 
<Cough...cough>.
(She wakes up.)
Rughadjeen: You're safe now. Can you sit up?
Aphmau: She is...unharmed...?
Aphmau: I'm so glad...
Aphmau: You...rescued us?
Rughadjeen: Yes.
Aphmau: Our thanks...
Rughadjeen: Reckless child. 
You could've been killed!
Rughadjeen: But I commend you on your bravery...
Aphmau: Please... 
You must go now...
Rughadjeen: What?
Aphmau: We'll be fine... 
You must return...
Aphmau: There are still many...who need your help...
Aphmau: So go...and help them...
Rughadjeen: I can't just leave two children--
(A Blue Mage runs up.)
Rishfee: Lady Aphmau!
Rishfee: Thank Walahra! 
Are you injured!?
Aphmau: I'm fine.
Rishfee: Well, that's good to...
Rishfee: No, this is terrible! 
What if something happened to you!? 
You must be more careful!
Aphmau: I am sorry...
Ovjang: (You worry too much, Rishfee.)
Rishfee: Lady Aphmau, who is that person?
Aphmau: He risked his own life to...
Aphmau: Wait!
Aphmau: Your arm... 
You're bleeding!
Rughadjeen: This scratch? It's nothing.
Ovjang: It looks bad. 
You shouldn't ignore your injuries!
Rughadjeen: ...
Aphmau: Here...
(Aphmau undoes the purple ribbon in her hair and binds his arm.)
Rughadjeen: Thank you...
Aphmau: Would...would you tell me your name?
Rughadjeen: I am Rughadjeen. 
:...A soldier in the Imperial Army.
(Flashback ends.)
Biyaada: Rughadjeen then returned to the front line, gathering the scattered soldiers to him as he leaped into the fray...
Biyaada: The Troll and Mamool Ja armies were beaten back by the invigorated defense, and the capital was saved from destruction.
Fari-Wari: The words of that young lady had instilled him heroic valor!
Biyaada: It may be as you say.
Fari-Wari: And then? 
I assume the valiant Rughadjeen was handsomely rewarded for his deeds?
Biyaada: Despite the desperate circumstances, Rughadjeen's actions overstepped the bounds of his authority 
The military is unforgiving when it comes to such transgressions.
Fari-Wari: Unbelievable! 
Surely that nasty General Missahd interfered in the proceedings!?
Biyaada: Who can say? 
The result was that Rughadjeen was confined to the barracks--a punishment accepted without a single word of protest.
Fari-Wari: How tragic! 
Are the fates so cruel!?
Biyaada: Then one day, a messenger arrived with a summons to the Imperial Palace.
Fari-Wari: Huzzah!
Fari-Wari: He was to have an audience with Her Magnificence?
Fari-Wari: Wh-what became of Rughadjeen!?
Biyaada: Well, you see...ah. 
My break time is over. 
I must return to my post. 
Fari-Wari: Nooo!
Biyaada: I'm sorry, but we must continue this another time.
(Biyaada runs away)
Fari-Wari: Biyaada! How can you torture me so!? 
Ah...
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!Saga of the Skyserpent - Al Zahbi - Dialogue
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|Biyaada: I'm on duty.
Biyaada: (Wait at the teahouse. I'll make my way there once my shift is over.)
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!Saga of the Skyserpent: Part 2 - Aht Urhgan Whitegate
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|Fari-Wari: Aha, my loyal attendant! 
Excellent timing!
Fari-Wari: I've had word that Biyaada will soon be here to conclude her tale!
Biyaada: Ah. I see you've been waiting.
Fari-Wari: Waiting!? 
Why must the sun crawl through the sky at such a leisurely pace!? 
The story, my dear, the story!
Biyaada: Yes, the story... 
Where was I...?
Fari-Wari: Such cruelty! 
Our hero was about to meet the Empress, as the audience turns blue holding its collective breath!
Fari-Wari: That's where you were!
Biyaada: Oh? The Empress?
Biyaada: Ah yes, the Empress addresses...
(Flashback opens as Rughadjeen kneels before the curtain-draped thrown. Razfahd stands to the right of the thrown.)
Nashmeira: Rughadjeen. 
Word of your valor on the field of battle has reached the palace...
Rughadjeen: Your Magnificence is too kind.
Razfahd: You have been confined to the barracks until now...?
Rughadjeen: Yes, Grand Vizier...
Nashmeira: You have been done a great disservice.
Rughadjeen: Your Magnificence need not apologize...
Razfahd: Rughadjeen. 
Do you know why Her Magnificence is aware of your deeds?
Rughadjeen: I am sure I do not--
Razfahd: You are beloved by the soldiers. 
The palace has been inundated with requests for release.
Nashmeira: We sympathize with their outrage. 
You are a mighty warrior that has protected the capital and her people, including--
Razfahd: Your Magnificence...
Nashmeira: ...
Razfahd: Rughadjeen. 
In recognition of your heroics, you are hereby appointed to the position of Skyserpent General.
Rughadjeen: !?
Razfahd: I assume you understand the implications of this title?
Rughadjeen: ...Sir.
Razfahd: For the Empire's time of greatest need, Emperor Ulthalam created a title that conferred ultimate authority on the bearer in matters of national defense.
Nashmeira: It is our wish that you devote your life to the defense of the Empire...
Rughadjeen: I am honored beyond words. 
I swear to uphold this duty until the last drop of blood spills from my veins.
Razfahd: We have faith in your commitment.
Razfahd: The blade is a gift from Her Magnificence.
(Camera turns to the two puppets, Ovjang and Mnejing, holding the greatsword.
Razfahd: It is a national treasure, said to have been wielded by the great hero Balrahn himself.
Nashmeira: We believe you will prove a fitting master...
Rughadjeen: You offer me the algol? 
I am speechless...
(Rughadjeen walks over to the sword. Ovjang turns to him and gives him the middle finger.)
Rughadjeen: ...!
(Rughadjeen recognizes the red puppet. He turns back and looks at the curtains.)
Razfahd: Are you ready for your first duty as Skyserpent General?
Razfahd: As you are aware, the Empire stands on the brink of unprecedented peril, beset be enemies from both the east and the west...
Razfahd: This nation needs talented commanders, without concern for lineage or station.
(Camera pans from Razfahd to Rughadjeen kneeling again before the thrown with his new sword on his back.)
Razfahd: It falls to you to gather such leaders, to stand against the coming storm.
Rughadjeen: Understood.
Rughadjeen: I will seek out the most valiant warriors of Aht Urhgan and judge their quality with my own eyes.
Nashmeira: We have faith you will not fail us...
Nashmeira: Our mighty Skyserpent General...
(Flashback ends.)
Biyaada: And thus Rughadjeen became the Skyserpent General and the protector of Al Zahbi.
Fari-Wari: Wonderful! 
So that is the tale of how such a young man came to hold such a heavy responsibility.
Fari-Wari: How does the story continue? 
When does he meet the other Serpent Generals?
Biyaada: After confirming that the Trolls and Mamool Ja were too weak to mount another offensive, General Rughadjeen set off to the east...
Biyaada: For some time, the Imperial Army had underestimated the strength of the beastmen in the west, and positioned the great bulk of its forces along the eastern front.
Biyaada: And that is when he encountered the first of his recruits...
(Flashback starts with Biyaada doing a voice over. A Hume mage with a scythe is single-handedly barbequing an entire army of Yagudo.) 
Gadalar: Haha! 
Burn! Burn! Burn!
Biyaada: General Gadalar's brigade had fallen into an enemy ambush.
Biyaada And he was single-handedly occupying the Yagudo to give his troops a chance to escape...
Gadalar: <Pant...pant>... 
Dammit! 
Someone's been busy with the egg laying!
Gadalar: Muhahaha... 
That should be enough of you to fuel a decent blaze!
Gadalar: Firaga!
Gadalar: Phew... 
Been a while since the rank and file gave me so much trouble...
(Rughadjeen runs up behind him.)
Gadalar: ...?
Gadalar: Who goes there?
Rughadjeen: I am an ally from the western capital! I came when I heard of your plight...
Gadalar: ...
Gadalar: Hehehe... 
Hahahahaha!
Rughadjeen: I don't...?
Gadalar: Why do my enemies...
(Gadalar spins around.)
Gadalar: ...all try the same trick!?
(Gadalar draws his scythe and leaps at Rughadjeen.)
(Flashback ends.)
???: Biyaada!
Biyaada: S-sir!
(Rughadjeen walks in front of her.)
Rughadjeen: There is no time for chai and sweetmeats. 
There are reports of Mamool Ja scouts in the city.
Biyaada: In the city!?
(Fari-Wari jumps in the air and claps his hands.)
Fari-Wari: Whoa! 
You...you're General Rughadjeen!
Fari-Wari: You're even more dashing and noble than I imagined! 
A fine hero if ever there was one!
(Fari-Wari claps his hands.)
Fari-Wari: You must allow me to immortalize you in verse! 
How does "Saga of the Skyserpent" sound for a title?
Rughadjeen: Who...who is this gentleman?
Rughadjeen: Biyaada, were you telling stories about me?
Biyaada: My apologies, sir.
Biyaada: But it was this man's attendant that found your--
Rughadjeen: Ah, that was you two? 
Then it is I who must apologize...
Fari-Wari: Nothing to apologize for! 
Scrambling up the steep crags of Halvung, battling through a small army of vicious Trolls, facing certain death...
Fari-Wari: These thing are of no consequence. Hardly worthy of gratitude.
Rughadjeen: That day I saw true courage and compassion...
Rughadjeen: And every day now, even in the think of battle, one glance at this ribbon reminds me of the of those things...the things I fight to protect.
Rughadjeen: Will you give me the honor of your name?
Rughadjeen: <Player's Name>...
Rughadjeen: I thank you.
Fari-Wari: Ahem...
Rughadjeen: And you too, of course, my splendid bard.
Rughadjeen: I am honored to fight shoulder to shoulder with such courageous mercenaries.