Zephyros (NPC)

* Thinking

 Location
 Gender
 Species

Hey. Careful of that beaker there.

*Player:*
Zephyros, sometimes we encounter huge Astromons on our adventures. What are they?
*Zephyros:*
It sounds like you mean Astromon pack leaders. Adventures call them **bosses**.
*Player:*
Yeah. Why can't we capture them?
*Zephyros:*
The simple explanation is that Astrochips are limited in what they can catch. Your success depends heavily on the strength of the Astromon's mind.
You've no doubt noticed Astromons become easier to catch the more you try.
*Player:*
Yeah, they do seem to.
*Zephyros:*
Your tenacity weakens their resolve, making them easier to catch. It's similar in principle to a tenacious salesman, or a determined suitor.
But we've gotten off topic. Astromons with a certain amount of mental strength simply cannot be captured.
*Player:*
Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Bosses have to have strong minds, right?
*Zephyros:*
If they are in a position to be leading others, they certainly must.
*Player:*
That's too bad... Would've been cool to catch one!

*Player:*
Zephyros, what have you been up to lately?
*Zephyros:*
Recently my research has been focusing on Astromons' hidden potential.
*Player:*
Ooh, hidden potential! ...What exactly do you mean?
*Zephyros:*
Just like humans, Astromons each have their own unique talents.
 Some have a knack for breaking through their foes' defenses, while others are adept at locating an enemy's weak points.
*Player:*
Oh, kinda like how Seira's good at everything but cooking?
*Zephyros:*
Yes, but please don't ever remind her about her cooking again...
 At any rate, these talents normally manifest themselves when an Astromon is developing.
 Of course, some Astromons have such talents from the time they are born.
*Player:*
Isn't an Astromon's development heavily influenced by its ascension?
*Zephyros:*
That's right. I was just in the middle of researching the effect ascension has on an Astromon's hidden potential.
*Player:*
You conduct such interesting research. Best of luck with it!
*Zephyros:*
Thank you. Care for some tea before you go?

*Zephyros:*
No doubt you know by now that some Astromons have a chance to become **Variants**.
*Player:*
Those're the ones that are a slightly different color, right?
*Zephyros:*
Correct. They otherwise have the same physical properties as regular Astromons, but are born with an innate sense of leadership.
 Humans often exclude others based on physical appearances, but Astromons do not.
 If anything, they have a greater sense of awe for variants, and are naturally inclined to follow them.
*Player:*
Yeah, that definitely doesn't sound like a very human thing to do.
*Zephyros:*
Their thoughts and values are much different from ours, and merit greater research. There is much we could learn from them, don't you think?
*Player:*
Yeah, you've really made me curious. I have to start asking you more questions!

*Player:*
Zephyros, why does the Astromon League need people from other worlds? Aren't there enough masters in Latecia?
*Zephyros:*
It is not a matter of numbers. Anyone can become a master, but only few really have a gift for it.
The use of pendants to bring masters here from other worlds is not a new phenomenon either. It is a practice that has continued for generations.
*Player:*
Is that okay, though? What if they win the Astromon League? This isn't their world.
*Zephyros:*
Much has been said about whether it is prudent or even responsible to put the fate of our world into the hands of outsiders.
However, such conversations ultimately lead to the conclusion that the goddesses created the League, and if it is their will, then we must accept it.
*Player:*
That sounds pretty shady to me...
*Zephyros:*
Perhaps, but thus far there have been no major issues with otherworldly masters.
In fact, many have been recognized for their diligence and dedication, which in turn has improved the public image of outsiders as a whole.
The influx of extraordinary masters has raised the overall level of the Astromon League, resulting in unprecedented excitement and anticipation.
*Player:*
Extraordinary masters, huh? Sounds like fun!

*Player:*
Hey Zephyros, what exactly is **ascension**? I keep hearing people talk about it.
*Zephyros:*
Excellent question. Ascension is the method by which you extend the limits of an Astromon's ability.
Let's take Birdies as an example. At some point, you will find Beaker can no longer grow any stronger.
When that time comes, you will need mystic stones called "starstones" to help him overcome his limits and continue progressing. That is what ascension is.
*Player:*
Gotcha. Do you think there'll be a time when I absolutely have to ascend my Astromons?
*Zephyros:*
Without a doubt. You are still gaining experience, so you may not feel the need now, but ascension will be crucial if you wish to reach certain heights.
*Player:*
Okay, then where can I get starstones?
*Zephyros:*
You can obtain them from the Starstone Dungeon. You will also need other stones infused with elemental energy, which can be found in Elemental Dungeons.
Each dungeon is guarded by an overlord who is there to test you, and whom you must defeat to obtain the stones they guard.
It is a good way to test your limits.
Stocking up on starstones, and their elemental cousins, will be to your benefit as you progress.

*Zephyros:*
**Light** and **dark** Astromons...? Ah, you must have been to Star Sanctuary. There are many Astromons there that can't be found anywhere else.
*Player:*
So I hear. Seira talked about how light and dark aren't the same as good and evil. What do you think, Zephyros?
*Zephyros:*
Seira's right. Good and evil is a human concept derived from human values. Holding Astromons to that same standard is ludicrous.
Astromons are simply Astromons.
*Player:*
Yeah, but some of them have less than pleasant personalities, wouldn't you say?
*Zephyros:*
That is simply their nature.
Woolves are known for being violent, but there are those among them that are timid, just as Catterflies are normally gentle, but some are no doubt easily agitated.
Much of it depends on their masters.
*Player:*
That sounds like what Seira said.
The Astromons on this ship are all good-natured. They must take after me, heheh.
*Zephyros:*
...I'll be quiet now.

*Zephyros:*
The **Seabed Caves** have never been thoroughly explored.
The biggest hindrance to expeditions there is the lack of a reliable oxygen source.
*Player:*
Really? Seira said she could do something about that.
*Zephyros:*
She may seem ordinary, but Seira's abilities are anything but. You can rely on her in nearly any situation.
*Player:*
That's good to know. Anyway, what sort of Astromons are there in the Seabed Caves?
*Zephyros:*
I would surmise that a number of Astromons from nearby beaches also reside in the caves. You will also probably see others that have come up from the deep sea.
Since the region is mostly unexplored, I can't really give a more detailed answer.
*Player:*
Don't worry about it! If you don't know, I doubt anyone does. Anyway, I'm off!
*Zephyros:*
You take care, now.

*Zephyros:*
The **Pagos Coast** is famous for being a hotbed of piratical activity. Merchant vessels and fishing boats alike are prone to plundering in that area.
*Player:*
Aren't there sanctions or punishments for that sort of behavior?
*Zephyros:*
Sometimes masters from the Association attempt to bring them to justice, but it is said the pirates are mysteriously nowhere to be found during those times...
Those waters act as a neutral zone between two large cities, which makes any attempt at law enforcement there all the more complicated.
*Player:*
So neither city does anything because it's waiting to see what the other does?
*Zephyros:*
As ridiculous as it sounds, yes. Recent reports have revealed interesting new information, though.
The Pagos Coast was originally controlled by the Crow Brotherhood, but it seems another group has entered the scene.
Called the Kraken Clan, they have the odd inclination of targeting other pirate gangs to plunder.
*Player:*
Ooh, like killing poison with poison! That's interesting.
*Zephyros:*
Yes, but as with poison, a pirate is still a pirate in the end. Promise me you'll be careful in that area.