recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Beach Parrot

* Green (8-Bit)
* Green (16-Bit)
* Red (8-Bit)
* Red (16-Bit)

**Green Beach Parrot** and **Red Beach Parrot** are enemies in the Picnic Panic DLC of The Messenger.

## Profile

### Appearance

Beach Parrot is a stereotypical parrot with a thick yellow beak. Green Beach Parrot is mostly green with red and yellow accents, while Red Beach Parrot is mostly red with green and yellow accents.

### Abilities

Beach Parrot flies across the sky in one direction. Green Beach Parrot sometimes carries a droppable projectile within its talons, while Red Beach Parrot always carries a Diving Voodkin within its talons. If Ninja is moving and is below Beach Parrot within a certain vertical proximity, it will drop whatever object it is carrying. Otherwise, if Ninja is not moving, it will not drop the object until Ninja is directly underneath it. Standing on top of Beach Parrot also triggers it to drop an object if it happens to be carrying one.

Beach Parrot itself does no damage to Ninja. He can ride upon Beach Parrot like a thin moving platform, which causes the Beach Parrot to fly much faster than usual.

## Gallery

Green Beach Parrot's 8-bit spritesheet.Green Beach Parrot's projectile's 8-bit spritesheet.Green Beach Parrot's 16-bit spritesheet.Green Beach Parrot's projectile's 16-bit spritesheet.Red Beach Parrot's 8-bit spritesheet.Red Beach Parrot and Diving Voodkin's 8-bit spritesheet.Red Beach Parrot's 16-bit spritesheet.Red Beach Parrot and Diving Voodkin's 16-bit spritesheet.An early test for the Open Ocean layout, which displays an early version of Green Beach Parrot.
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Loosely based on its datamined name used in the picture files.
Muse

* Cutscene
* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Muse** is a character in The Messenger. She was known for her beautiful voice and otherworldly ability to make mesmerizing trinkets, like the Music Box. Muse was Phantom's lover, and her death was a major catalyst in setting the events of the Curse into motion.

## Profile

### Appearance

Muse was a young woman with brown eyes and brown shoulder-length hair. She wore a simple golden headband with a pink rose on the side, a plain brown dress with a thin yellow sash, and a simple golden bracelet.

### Personality

In the Music Box cutscene, Muse and Phantom are described to be a formidable couple who took the initiative to lead the remaining survivors of humanity after the flood. And when the demons attacked, the couple inspired their people to prepare against the assault.

Muse cared deeply for Phantom, as she is seen holding Phantom's arm and looking at him with a smile on her face as Phantom overlooked Forlorn Temple's construction from their position in a tall tower.

Muse lost her life while protecting her people, which speaks of her devotion and selflessness.

## Main Story

In the Music Box cutscene, the events of the past are described. The world suffered a massive flood, and only a single piece of land remained. Phantom and Muse ruled over the remaining survivors of humanity as the survivors worked together to rebuild a new home, a large temple. Phantom and Muse ruled for ten years in relative peace, but one day, the demons arrived to the human realm and eradicated the protectors of humanity, the sky giants. The demons then took over the temple and killed Muse while she was trying to protect her people.

Enraged over Muse's death, Phantom foolishly attempted to take on the Demon King. Phantom failed, and the Demon King placed a powerful curse on the Music Box, attached a cursed Mask to Phantom's face, and inserted Phantom into the Music Box to keep the Music Box's magic alive. The front bottom half of the Music Box has a single pink rose design, like the rose Muse once wore in her hair. The inside of the Music Box is decorated with roses and portraits of Muse. Near the end of the game, the Music Box is destroyed, which upsets Phantom as the Music Box was his last memento of Muse.

## Gallery

The datamined version of Muse's sprite, which is less elongated than the in-game version.Music Box cutscene with Muse in a tall tower.Phantom's 8-bit organ, which displays a portrait of Muse.Phantom's 16-bit organ, which displays a portrait of Muse.Music Box cutscene of Muse's Music Box.Music Box cutscene with a portrait of Muse on Phantom's organ.8-bit portraits of Muse in the Music Box.A 16-bit portrait of Muse in the Music Box.
## References

> "*Ever adaptive, humanity gathered its survivors and built a huge temple, where they would try to find new meaning.
> Answering the call of these troubled times, a formidable couple stepped up to be their leaders.*"
> ― *Music Box cutscene*
>
>
> "*Gifted with a beautiful voice and an otherworldly ability to create mesmerizing trinkets, everyone called her Muse.*"
> ― *Music Box cutscene*
>
>
Birdy

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Birdy** is an enemy in The Messenger. Its Picnic Panic counterpart is the Tropical Birdy.

## Profile

### Appearance

Birdy is a large skeleton bird with red eye sockets.

### Abilities

Birdy sits stationary on a perch until Ninja approaches within range. When Ninja approaches, Birdy will take flight. It will fly and attempt to ram through Ninja, continue flying a little onward past him due to acceleration, then slow down and fly at Ninja again. Birdy can also pass through walls in order to reach him.

## Trivia

* Birdies are referred to as "crow" in the sound files.
* In the beta version of the game, the regular Birdy used to have the same sound effect as Bats.

## Gallery

Birdy's 8-bit spritesheet.Birdy's 16-bit spritesheet.Key art #2, which depicts Birdy immediately to the right of Ninja.Key art #3, which depicts a few Birdies.
## References

1. ↑ Datamined name used in the picture files.
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbotY4UNko8&t=5344
Key of Strength

### Description

Forced into being by Colos & Suses' physical feats, it is one of the notes needed to create a melody that will break the curse.

The **Key of Strength** is an item in The Messenger. It is a green Music Note found in Searing Crags. The Power Thistle must be obtained from Colos and Suses's flowerbed in the 16-bit era and delivered to the colossi in the 8-bit era. Colos and Suses then chuck Ninja onto the pathway that leads towards the Music Note.

## Gallery

Key of Strength inventory icon.The Key of Strength in Searing Crags.
Pi

Pi
--

> "*Don't cry, Octo.*"
> ― *Pi*
>
>

    **Pi** is a character in the Picnic Panic DLC of The Messenger. They and Octo are Ruxxtin's adoptive parents.

## Profile

### Appearance

Pi is a large green squid with a wrinkled brow. Their bulbous head is covered in warts and light-colored liver spots.

### Personality

Pi cares deeply for Octo and acts in a lovey-dovey manner around her. Like Octo, they miss their son, Ruxxtin.

## Main Story

After Ninja and Ruxxtin defeat Octo in combat, they retrieve Ruxxtin's stilts back and sail off to Voodkin Island. Pi floats over to console Octo as they talk about Ruxxtin's refusal to return home. They comfort her by doing a "tentacle touch," holding hands together as hearts fly out of their bodies.

## Gallery

Pi's head spritesheet.One of Pi's tentacle spritesheets.One of Pi's tentacle spritesheets.Octo and Pi's heart spritesheet.Early concept artwork of "octopus."Concept artwork of different Pi color variants.Pi talks about Ruxxtin's necromancer phase.
Demon Crown

The **Demon Crown**, also known as the **Demon King's Crown**, is an item in The Messenger. It is a golden crown obtained from 16-bit Forlorn Temple after defeating the Demon King. Worn by the Demon King, the crown is a relic imbued with demon magic, and it is used to power up the scary portal in The Artificer's room in the Tower of Time HQ in order to reach the Corrupted Future.

## Trivia

* The Demon Crown is referred to as the "Demon King's Crown" when you first obtain it, but it is referred to as the "Demon Crown" within your inventory.

## Gallery

The Demon Crown's spritesheet.The Demon Crown's inventory icon.The Demon Crown becoming exposed as the Demon King dies.The Demon Crown being referred to as the "Demon King's Crown."The Demon Crown powering up the scary portal that leads to the Corrupted Future.
Ountarde

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

### Toy Description

A hyperactive turtle demon that likes to run and jump. Rumors say one got lost in the Cloud Ruins.

**Ountarde**, also known as **Hunter**, is an enemy in The Messenger. It is based on the mythological Kappa demon from Japanese folklore. Ountarde's Picnic Panic counterpart is the Croustarde.

## Profile

### Appearance

Ountarde is a red turtle-like monster that stands upright on two legs. It has two long pointy horns on its head that curve slightly up, and it has a turtle shell on its back. Ountarde's arms are extended outward in front of it, its long pointy claws spread out as if it's about to grab something. It wears a loincloth.

### Abilities

Ountarde runs forward in one direction without stopping, jumping when it reaches the edge of a ledge. After it runs the gamut of the room, it disappears into a wall (presuming it has not already run into its death via a pit or spikes).

## Trivia

* Ountarde's enemy behavior is based off of the enemy behavior of one of the unnamed enemies in Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos. This unnamed enemy runs at the player with a knife and automatically jumps at pitfalls.
* Ountarde's toy description refers to a single Ountarde who appears during the third Evil Manfred chase sequence in Cloud Ruins.

## Gallery

Ountarde's 8-bit spritesheet.Ountarde's 16-bit spritesheet.Ountarde's 8-bit toy.Ountarde's 16-bit toy.Ountarde's description card.The lost Ountarde in Cloud Ruins.Key art #2, which depicts Ountarde to the right of the logo.Key art #3, which depicts a few Ountarde.
## References

1. ↑ Datamined name used in the picture files.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 File:Citation Ountarde.png
Jumping Scurubu

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Jumping Scurubu** is an enemy in The Messenger. Its non-winged counterpart is the Scurubu.

## Profile

### Appearance

Jumping Scurubu is a small orange or yellow grub-like bug with two rows of three teeth each, for a total of six teeth. The teeth are always visibly exposed on its rounded mouth. Its body is partitioned into three rounded sections, and each section has two tiny leg nubs, for a total of six legs. It has two short white translucent wings on its backside.

### Abilities

Jumping Scurubu inches itself slowly across the ground. If it hits a wall, it will walk in the opposite direction. However, if it reaches the edge of a ledge, Jumping Scurubu will continue walking until it falls off the ledge. It will jump into the air shortly after Ninja jumps into the air, like a copycat.

## Trivia

* Scurubu is misspelled as "Scuburu" in the sound files.

## Gallery

Jumping Scurubu's 8-bit spritesheet.Jumping Scurubu's 16-bit spritesheet.Jumping Scurubu's 8-bit toy.Jumping Scurubu's 16-bit toy.Jumping Scurubu's description card.Key art #1, which depicts a couple of Jumping Scurubu.Key art #3, which depicts a couple of Jumping Scurubu in the upper-left corner.
ARG

There is currently an **ARG** (alternate reality game) in the official The Messenger Discord (renamed to be the Sabotage Studio Discord). Characters from the universe of The Messenger sometimes visit and roleplay with the players. The community's input shapes the course of an ongoing story that ties together the universe of The Messenger, Sea of Stars, and future Sabotage Studio games.

Hints of the ARG were thrown November 20, 2018, and the ARG truly began December 8, 2018, when The Archivist joined as a member. Other characters from the universe of The Messenger have visited, such as The Shopkeeper, the Clockwork Concierge, and Suses.

Note: Some messages from other members that were posted in between the characters' messages were removed for readability.

## November 2018-February 2019

Main article: ARG/November 2018-February 2019
## November 2019-February 2020

Main article: ARG/November 2019-February 2020
Bouncing Monko

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Bouncing Monko** is an enemy in the Picnic Panic DLC of The Messenger. Its normal counterpart is the Bouncing Dogo.

## Profile

### Appearance

Bouncing Monko is a brown or yellow monkey with yellow teeth and a long tail.

### Abilities

Bouncing Monko bounces a small height from the ground. It continues bouncing in a particular direction until it hits a wall; when it hits a wall, it will bounce off the wall and hop in the opposite direction. It has very fast movement speed. Strangely, Bouncing Monko is immune to the lava of Voodoo Heart.

## Trivia

* There are only three different locations for Bouncing Monkos. Two of them act as cages, where a group of five Bouncing Monkos hops around in a small enclosure that is opened by hitting a switch.

## Gallery

Bouncing Monko's 8-bit spritesheet.Bouncing Monko's 16-bit spritesheet.
## References

1. ↑ Datamined name used in the picture files.
Douraï

## Caractéristique de Peuple

### Forces

Leur Force Physique, leur expertise en Artisanat ainsi que leur très grande capacité à absorber tout ce qui peut être manger ou bu.

### Faiblesse

Ils ne partage pas facilement leur secret, sont un peu trop porter sur la boissons, passe leur temps à se mettre sur la tronche pour un oui ou un non et quand ils commencent quelque chose, ils ne s'arrête cas la mort ou bien quand ils ont fini.
Blue Kappa

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

### Toy Description

Master of ballistics considered annoying to hikers, but quite handy to the opportunist Cloudstepper.

**Blue Kappa** is an enemy in The Messenger. It is based on the mythological Kappa demon from Japanese folklore. Blue Kappa's Picnic Panic counterpart is the Tropical Blue Kappa.

## Profile

### Appearance

Blue Kappa is a blue turtle-like monster that stands upright. It has a large pointy rhino horn on its nose, and three small horns that line the longitude of its head. Blue Kappa has two arms with long pointy claws. A large spiky ball is continuously generated from a hole on the top of its back shell, which it spits out to attack Ninja. It wears a loincloth.

### Abilities

Blue Kappa stands stationary in one location. At evenly set intervals, it generates and shoots a single spiky ball projectile in a parabolic arc at Ninja. This projectile passes through walls. Most Blue Kappa will turn direction to always face Ninja, but some Blue Kappa remain facing a fixed direction.

## Gallery

Blue Kappa's 8-bit spritesheet.Blue Kappa's 8-bit projectile.Blue Kappa's 16-bit spritesheet.Blue Kappa's 16-bit projectile.Blue Kappa's 8-bit toy.Blue Kappa's 16-bit toy.Blue Kappa's description card.Key art #3, which depicts a couple of Blue Kappa.
Necro

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

> "*Oh! You scared me, I thought you were an undead!*"
> ― *Necro*
>
>

    **Necro** is a character and an item in The Messenger. They are a light blue Phobekin found in the Catacombs and is the leader of the Phobekin quartet that repairs the bridge to Forlorn Temple. After Ninja drops into the Catacombs, he automatically speaks to Necro who then returns back to Forlorn Temple. Necro wields a hammer as their tool of choice.

Claustro, Acro, and Pyro are the other three Phobekins required to repair the bridge.

## Item Location

After Ninja reaches the Catacombs for the first time, he automatically speaks to Necro.

## Trivia

* The "Devolver Public Access: The Messenger-Sneak Peek" video depicts a beta talk portrait for Necro. The beta talk portrait icon was a slightly more detailed version of Necro's overworld sprite, while the final talk portrait icon is a highly-detailed close-up of Necro's face.
* If "All Phobekins" is selected as a New Game + item, the conversation with Necro in the beginning of the Catacombs is skipped, as they and the other Phobekins are already at Forlorn Temple.

## Gallery

Necro's 16-bit talk portrait icon.Necro's 16-bit sad talk portrait icon.Necro's 16-bit talk portrait icon with no tool.Necro's 8-bit spritesheet.Necro's 16-bit spritesheet.Spritesheet of Phobekins trapped in a cage.Teleportation spritesheet of Phobekins trapped in a cage.Necro inventory icon.Necro introduces themselves to Ninja in the Catacombs.The Phobekins reunited at Forlorn Temple, in the 8-bit era.The Phobekins reunited at Forlorn Temple, in the 16-bit era.Phobekins enjoying a picnic in the Picnic Panic intro cutscene.Barma'thazël terrorizing Phobekins in the Picnic Panic intro cutscene.Phobekins enjoying a day at the picnic.
## References

> "*You've never seen a Phobekin???*"
> ― *Necro*
>
>
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbotY4UNko8&t=1767
Ninja Village

* Icon
* Map

**Ninja Village** is the first area of The Messenger. It is a village of ninjas and is Ninja's home. It introduces exposition for the beginning of Ninja's journey, and the Cloudstep technique is explained here as a tutorial. 500 years later, Ninja Village becomes a village of soldiers and is Soldier's home.

The east side of Ninja Village leads to Autumn Hills.

## Appearance

### 8-Bit

Ninja Village has yellow and brown color architecture with green accents. There are green plants. In the background are an orange background with aqua clouds tinged with orange, and a yellow sun in the upper-left corner of the screen. When the demons attack, the color scheme changes to orange and red.

### 16-Bit

Ninja Village has gray futuristic architecture. There are red plants, and it's perpetually nighttime with a starry sky and a full moon in the upper-left corner, like Autumn Hills. When the demons attack, the color scheme changes to red.

## Items

### 8-Bit

* Ninja automatically starts off with Cloudstep.
* After watching the intro cutscene involving the Demon King, Ninja receives the Scroll from The Bowman.
* After Ninja gains the power to time travel, he can speak with the Ninja Elder to obtain an Astral Seed.
* After Ninja gives the Astral Tea Leaves to the Elder, the Elder gives him an Ordinary Wax Candle.

### Power Seal #1

In 16-bit, travel to the leftmost side of the level. Jump onto the floating platform and Rope Dart the vertical wall in the tall section of the tree. Climb up to reach the Power Seal room.

## Trivia

* The tea house in the beginning of Ninja Village is an easter egg that references The Shopkeeper's story in Autumn Hills.
* Although Ninja Village's treehouse is only accessible in 16-bit, there is a fully modeled 8-bit version of the treehouse. The Power Seal pathway within the treehouse is appropriately sealed off with a 3-wall symbol, the symbol usually used to represent a pathway that's blocked until Ninja arrives in the opposite era. In the beta version of the game, the 8-bit treehouse could presumably be accessed from the wall extending below, but in the final version of the game, the wall is absent in 8-bit and only present in 16-bit.

## Achievements

*For the main article, see Achievements.*

## Gallery

### General

Ninja Village's tiny map icon.Ninja Village's area preview.Intro cutscene depicting some ninjas in Ninja Village.Intro cutscene depicting ninjas training in Ninja Village.Picnic Panic intro cutscene, depicting alternate-timeline Ninja Village.
### 8-Bit Screens

Full overworld map of 8-bit Ninja Village.
### 16-Bit Screens

Full overworld map of 16-bit Ninja Village.
## References

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbotY4UNko8&t=250;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrD\_hxniBPs

## Interactive Locations Map

**Ninja Village**
Music Box
Autumn Hills
Rivière Turquoise
Forlorn Temple
Catacombs
Dark Cave
Tower of Time
Corrupted Future
Bamboo Creek
Howling Grotto
Elemental Skylands
Quillshroom Marsh
Sunken Shrine
Cloud Ruins
Glacial Peak
Searing Crags
Underworld
Glacial Peak

* Icon
* Map

**Glacial Peak** is the ninth area of The Messenger. Ninja is tasked by The Bowman to deliver the scroll to the top of this snowy mountain.

The south side of Glacial Peak is accessed from Searing Crags. On Ninja's first journey through Glacial Peak, the north side leads to the Tower of Time. In 16-bit, Ruxxtin's Staff sits at the summit and beams Ninja to Cloud Ruins if Ninja has Ruxxtin's Amulet. After Ninja frees Manfred from a block of ice, Manfred ferries Ninja to the Elemental Skylands upon request.

## Appearance

Glacial Peak is filled with layers of blue-tinged white snow on top of black ground with blue-tinged white chunks of rock. Blue Robes statues are featured prominently throughout the mountain, but many statues are crumbling away. There are snow-covered pine trees and leaf-free shrubs. In the background is a night sky filled with stars, and many snow-capped mountains partially covered in clouds are in the distance, near the bottom of the screen. It perpetually snows.

### Linear

#### Power Seal #1

In a tall room with an air current and a couple of Ranged Kappa, enter the room above it. Take the moving platforms across to the Power Seal while avoiding the Bats and the Wall Shmu.

### Final

#### Power Seal #2

In 16-bit, in the room just before the first shop checkpoint, head down-left, and Rope Dart the metal ring leftwards into the next room. Navigate a couple of rooms filled with falling snow corniches to reach the Power Seal.

#### Power Seal #3

There is a tall room with a breakable block in the upper-right corner during 16-bit. Break the block to enter the Power Seal room, which consists of a single Wall Shmu, a spike-filled floor, and a couple of icicles on the far end of the room. Using the "Strike of the Ninja" shop upgrade, Cloudstep off of the Wall Shmu's projectiles to reach the Power Seal.

## The Shopkeeper's Dialogue

### Current area

  Shopkeeper | Never mind. Hey it's cold and slippery out there, be careful.

### Any stories to share?

*For the main article, see The Shopkeeper's Stories.*

## Trivia

* In the Big Time Shard room is a couple holding hands in a large ice block. This is an easter egg that references The Shopkeeper's story in Glacial Peak.

## Achievements

*For the main article, see Achievements.*

## Interactive Locations Map

Ninja Village
Music Box
Autumn Hills
Rivière Turquoise
Forlorn Temple
Catacombs
Dark Cave
Tower of Time
Corrupted Future
Bamboo Creek
Howling Grotto
Elemental Skylands
Quillshroom Marsh
Sunken Shrine
Cloud Ruins
**Glacial Peak**
Searing Crags
Underworld
Open Sea

* Icon
* Map

**Open Sea** is the first area of the Picnic Panic DLC in The Messenger. It is a wide stretch of sea that connects Messenger Island with Voodkin Island. Ruxxtin and Ninja sail upon Ruxxtin's skull ship in an auto-scroller in order to retrieve Ruxxtin's stilts back from Octo. All 4 Voodoo Feathers are located here; 3 are obtained by touching them during specific sections of Open Sea, while the 4th one is automatically obtained by defeating Octo.

The west side of Open Sea is accessed from Ninja Village, and the east side leads to Voodkin Shore.

## Appearance

Open Sea is an expanse of ocean, filled with rocks, debris, and the occasional barrel. The weather is clear and sunny.

## Scoring

### Formula

* (Base Points + Air Time) \* Bounce Combo \* Dash Combo \* Jump Combo
* 1 second of inactivity will cause the combo to end. The value is then added to your current score.
* Getting hurt at all will cause the combo to end and turn the text red. The value is deleted and not added to your current score.

### Air Time

* "Air Time" is a value that continuously increases while you are airborne. It takes about 2 consecutive seconds of air time before the scoring actually kicks in.
* You accumulate about 50 points per 1 second of air time.

### Multipliers

* Bounce Combo
	+ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6... (1 + x).
	+ "Bounce Combo" begins at 2 and increases by 1 each time you jump off of a Pouesson, barrel, or tentacle.
* Dash Combo
	+ 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25... (1 + 0.25x).
	+ "Dash Combo" begins at 1.25 and increases by 0.25 each time you Necro Boost through a Pouesson, debris, or tentacle.
* Jump Combo
	+ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6... (1 + x).
	+ "Jump Combo" begins at 2 and increases by 1 each time you launch off of a ramp.

## Gallery

Open Sea's tiny map icon.Open Sea's area preview.An early test for the Open Ocean layout, with enemies and obstacles.
Bat

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Bat** is an enemy in The Messenger. Its Picnic Panic counterpart is the Tropical Bat.

## Profile

### Appearance

Bat has the appearance of a normal bat but with a skull for a head instead of a bat head. It has a white skull, black or brown bat wings, and a purple aura outline. Its eye sockets also glow with a purple color.

### Abilities

Bat hangs upside-down completely motionless on a ceiling until Ninja closely approaches. Once Ninja approaches, Bat flies slowly at Ninja and pursues him wherever he goes. Bat can also pass through solid walls in order to reach Ninja, but it will die if it touches lava.

## Main Story

As Ninja travels through the Catacombs, he encounters Ruxxtin for the first time. Ruxxtin summons three Bats and five Skeloutons before leaving.

## Trivia

* Bats are referred to as "batty" in the sound files.

## Gallery

Bat's 8-bit spritesheet.Bat's 16-bit spritesheet.Beta version of Bat's 8-bit spritesheet.Key art #1, which depicts many Bats on the left.Key art #3, which depicts a few Bats.
## References

1. ↑ Datamined name used in the picture files.
Fallen

**Fallen** are characters in The Messenger. They are Messengers whose quest came to a tragic end, their power corrupted by demon magic. The only known Fallen is the Queen of Quills, cursed by the Primal Fear, but eventually cured by Ninja's Magic Firefly.

## Main Story

### Queen of Quills

Before the events of the game, Monk was a promising Messenger who helped to restore Rivière Turquoise. However, as she defeated the Primal Fear in Quillshroom Marsh, she and her greed demon, Quillble, were cursed by the Primal Fear's dying breath. Monk succumbed to the "Curse of Quills" and became the Fallen known as the Queen of Quills. She would go on to curse many human travelers in Quillshroom Marsh, transforming them into Quillshroom.

During the events of the game, Ninja encounters the Queen of Quills, and the two engage in battle. If the Queen of Quills's parachute seed attack contacts with Ninja, he temporarily transforms into a Quillshroom, but he eventually returns back to normal. Ninja defeats the Queen of Quills, but she is saved by Quillble.

Ninja returns to Quillshroom Marsh much later, with a Magic Firefly in tow, and the Magic Firefly recognizes the Queen of Quills as the Monk who helped restore Rivière Turquoise. The Magic Firefly uses her magic to cure the Queen of Quills.

## Gallery

The Queen of Quills, the only known Fallen.The Queen of Quills's talk portrait icon.
Key of Courage

### Description

Appearing only for the one who would venture into the biggest unknown, it is one of the notes needed to create a melody that will break the curse.

The **Key of Courage** is an item in The Messenger. It is a blue Music Note found in the Corrupted Future. After collecting the four Phobekins scattered around the world, the little creatures create a pathway to 16-bit Forlorn Temple. After clearing Forlorn Temple and defeating the Demon King, Ninja receives the Demon Crown, which is used on a scary portal in The Artificer's room in the Tower of Time HQ to enter the Corrupted Future. If Ninja owns the Magic Firefly, he can traverse through the entirety of the Corrupted Future and collect the Music Note at the end of the level. Afterwards, he must survive the Abomination chase sequence.

## Gallery

Key of Courage inventory icon.The Key of Courage in the Corrupted Future.
Power Thistle

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

The **Power Thistle** is an item in The Messenger. It is a pink flower obtained from 16-bit Searing Crags in Colos & Suses's flowerbed. By delivering the Power Thistle to Colos & Suses in the 8-bit era, Ninja is sent onto the pathway that leads to the Key of Strength.

## Gallery

Power Thistle's 8-bit sprite.Power Thistle's 16-bit spritesheet.Power Thistle's inventory icon.The Power Thistle in the 8-bit era, a young bud.The Power Thistle in the 16-bit era, a fully-grown plant.
Poursuivant Piquant

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Poursuivant Piquant** is an enemy in The Messenger.

## Profile

### Appearance

Poursuivant Piquant is a red-orange armadillo creature, rolled up inwardly into a ball shape. The entirety of its spine is lined with short spikes, and it has many short pointy legs tucked into its center.

### Abilities

Poursuivant Piquant remains completely hidden underground until Ninja travels past its location. Once Ninja has traveled past Poursuivant Piquant an appropriate amount, Poursuivant Piquant rises vertically out of the earth until it reaches Ninja's elevation, then it travels horizontally in Ninja's direction and into the distance.

## Gallery

Poursuivant Piquant's 8-bit spritesheet.Poursuivant Piquant's 16-bit spritesheet.
## References

1. ↑ Datamined name used in the picture files.
Green Kappa

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Green Kappa**, also known as **Turtle Man**, is an enemy in The Messenger. It is based on the mythological Kappa demon from Japanese folklore. Green Kappa's Picnic Panic counterpart is the Tropical Green Kappa.

## Profile

### Appearance

Green Kappa is a green turtle-like monster that stands upright. It has two very short pointy horns on the top of its head, and it has a turtle shell on its back. Green Kappa has two arms hanging on its sides with long pointy claws on its hands. It wears a loincloth.

### Abilities

Green Kappa walks extremely slowly in a particular direction until it hits a wall or the edge of a ledge; if Green Kappa hits a wall or the edge of a ledge, it will walk in the opposite direction.

## Achievements

*For the main article, see Achievements.*

## Gallery

Green Kappa's 8-bit spritesheet.Green Kappa's 16-bit spritesheet.Green Kappa's 8-bit toy.Green Kappa's 16-bit toy.Green Kappa's description card.Early Green Kappa placeholder artwork.Beta version of Green Kappa's 8-bit spritesheet.Beta version of Green Kappa's 16-bit spritesheet.Intro cutscene depicting many Green Kappa.Key art #1, which depicts a few Green Kappa.Key art #2, which depicts a couple of Green Kappa in the upper-left.Key art #3, which depicts a couple of Green Kappa.
## References

1. ↑ Datamined name used in the picture files.
Money Wrench

The **Money Wrench** is an item in The Messenger. It is a wrench obtained in The Artificer's room in the Tower of Time HQ.

After purchasing all shop upgrades, a Money Sink appears in the shop. If Ninja interacts with the sink on the Version 2.0.2 update or higher, the sink is clogged, and The Shopkeeper advises locating the Money Wrench. Ninja can then interact with the tools on the wall in The Artificer's room, and The Artificer will offer the Money Wrench in exchange for all of Ninja's Time Shards . If Ninja agrees, he obtains the Money Wrench. Interacting with the Money Sink will fix it, allowing access to The Craftsman's Corner.

## Trivia

* As joked about in-game, the Money Wrench does not appear in the inventory.
* Months ahead of time, before the Money Sink became clogged with the Version 2.0.2 update, it was hinted that the sink needed to be fixed.
	+ Rainbowdragoneyes conversed with The Shopkeeper in a series of tweets on Twitter, claiming he figured out how to unclog the sink.
	+ In the ARG, The Shopkeeper referenced the Money Sink being clogged and the Money Wrench's existence.
* If you have 0 Time Shards when attempting to purchase the Money Wrench, the interaction with The Artificer remains unaffected, and you can purchase the Money Wrench for 0 Time Shards.
* There is an unused line of dialogue from The Artificer in the dialogue files, in which he could state "You don't have enough Time Shards!" when attempting to purchase the Money Wrench. However, The Artificer always requests the exact amount of Time Shards in your possession, so it's impossible to not have enough money.

## Achievements

*For the main article, see Achievements.*

## Gallery

The Artificer asks for all of Ninja's current Time Shards in exchange for the Money Wrench.The Money Wrench unclogs the Money Sink.
## References

1. ↑ https://twitter.com/rnbwdragoneyes/status/1121186394313936898
2. ↑ ARG/March-June 2019#April 12, 2019
Blow Dart Voodkin

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Blow Dart Voodkin** is a Voodkin enemy in the Picnic Panic DLC of The Messenger.

## Profile

### Appearance

Blow Dart Voodkin is a yellow-orange Voodkin with red-brown hair in a short ponytail. It wears red-brown tribal face paint and wields a blow dart gun.

### Abilities

Blow Dart Voodkin hides in a tree where it's intangible. In evenly set intervals, it emerges to shoot a single blow dart downward, then hides again. If attacked, it "dies" by flying a small distance away, where it falls to the ground. It can be attacked an additional time to send it flying downward and off the screen. Like other Voodkins, it does not drop health, Ki charges, or Time Shards upon "death."

## Gallery

Blow Dart Voodkin's 8-bit spritesheet.8-bit spritesheet of a Blow Dart Voodkin in pain.Blow Dart Voodkin's 16-bit spritesheet.16-bit spritesheet of a Blow Dart Voodkin in pain.
## References

1. ↑ Datamined name used in the picture files.
Astral Seed

The **Astral Seed** is an item in The Messenger. It is a brown tea seed obtained by speaking to the Ninja Elder in Ninja Village. The seed is planted in 8-bit Searing Crags in Colos & Suses's flowerbed, and it matures into the Astral Tea Leaves by the 16-bit era.

## Gallery

The Astral Seed's inventory icon.The Ninja Elder explains that the Astral Seed takes centuries to fully grow into Astral Tea Leaves.
Power Rangers Beast Charge

## Plot

Centuries ago, on a far distant planet, resided a Sacred Temple that held the Sacred Beast Stones, powerful stones granting any person that uses them for good incredible abilities of a different animal, but a Vile Artifacts Hunter known has Drexius sought the power of the Beast Stones for his own purposes to rule the universe. Aveus, the Guardian of the Beast Stones, escapes to Earth with the Beast Stones in hand, crash landing on the outskirts of the city of Cedar Cove.

Twenty years later, Drexius has come to Earth having tracked down Beast Stones here. Sensing Drexius' arrival, Aveus sends each Beast Stone to find worthing human beings to command the Beast Stone's powers.

## Characters

### Allies

* Aveus
* M.A.X.

### Villains

#### Main

* Drexius
* Zaumira
* Rythor

## Zords

* Beast Charge Megazord Shark-Deer-Dragon FormationTemplate:ZTemplate:ZTemplate:ZTemplate:Z
	+ Beast Charge Megazord Shark-Deer FormationTemplate:ZTemplate:ZTemplate:Z
		- Lion ZordTemplate:Z
		- Shark ZordTemplate:Z
		- Deer ZordTemplate:Z
	+ Falcon Zord/FalconCharge MegazordTemplate:Z
* Bat ZordTemplate:Z
* Snake ZordTemplate:Z
* Stingray Zord Template:Z
* Wolf Zord Template:Z
* Gazelle Zord/Gazelle Charge MegazordTemplate:Z
* Jackal Zord/Jackal Charge Megazord Template:Z
* Raven Zord/Raven Charge Megazord Template:Z

Other Zords

* Eagle ZordTemplate:Z
* Lynx ZordTemplate:Z
* Orca ZordTemplate:Z
* Swan ZordTemplate:Z
* Cheetah ZordTemplate:Z
* Peacock ZordTemplate:Z
* Bear ZordTemplate:Z
* Swallow ZordTemplate:Z
* Tiger Zord Template:Z
* Gecko ZordTemplate:Z
* Dolphin ZordTemplate:Z
* Hawk ZordTemplate:Z
* SawShark ZordTemplate:Z

Alternate Combinations

* Beast Charge Megazord Shark-Snake FormationTemplate:ZTemplate:ZTemplate:Z
* Beast Charge Megazord Bat-Snake Formation
* Beast Charge Megazord Bat-Shark Formation
* Beast Charge Megazord Stingray-Wolf formation
* Beast Charge Megazord Eagle-Deer-Shark Formation
* Beast Charge Megazord Lynx-Eagle Formation

Falcon Charge Megazord Combination

* Falcon Charge Megazord Bat-Snake Formation
* Falcon Charge Megazord Bat Formation
* Falcon Charge Megazord Deer Formation
* Falcon Charge Megazord Stingray Formation
* Falcon ChargeMegazord Wolf FormationTemplate:ZTemplate:Z

Gazelle Charge Megazord Combinations

* Gazelle Charge Megazord Lion-Wolf FormationTemplate:ZTemplate:ZTemplate:Z
* Gazelle Charge Megazord Wolf Formation
* Gazelle Charge Megazord Bat Formation
* Gazelle Charge Megazord Snake Formation
* Gazelle Charge Megazord Stingray Formation
* Gazelle Charge Megazord Bear-Eagle Formation

Jackal ChargeMegazord Combinations
Guile Pile

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Guile Pile**, also known as **Pile Voodkin**, is a Voodkin enemy in the Picnic Panic DLC of The Messenger.

## Profile

### Appearance

A Guile Pile is composed of a tall stack of individual Voodkins. The individual Voodkins are blue, sport a flattened yellow hairstyle, wear white or yellow face paint, and wear little tiki skirts. They sometimes open their mouth to reveal a single lower tooth.

A Guile Pile can range anywhere from 4 to 10 Voodkins tall, but Ninja can attack the stack, reducing the number.

### Abilities

A Guile Pile is a harmless stack of Voodkins that makes no attempt to attack Ninja. It walks until it reaches a wall, then it walks in the opposite direction. Typically they walk back and forth in spike-filled pits. Ninja can hop onto any section of the stack and stand on it like a moving platform in order to hitch a ride where he needs to go. By holding crouch and pressing jump, Ninja can move down the stack one level at a time as if passing through thin platforms. Tall Guile Piles move slowly, but shorter Guile Piles move extremely fast.

Ninja can shorten the stack by attacking it to remove individual Voodkins from the Guile Pile. When attacked, an individual Voodkin falls out of the stack, and it "dies" by flying a small distance away, where it falls to the ground. The individual Voodkin can be attacked an additional time to send it flying downward and off the screen. Like other Voodkins, it does not drop health, Ki charges, or Time Shards upon "death."

## Trivia

* Many Voodkins, including individual non-stacked Guile Piles, are seen in the background of the Barma'thething boss fight.

## Gallery

Guile Pile's 8-bit spritesheet.Guile Pile's 16-bit spritesheet.A couple of Guile Piles walking through spikes.
## References

1. ↑ https://twitter.com/sabotoy/status/1095061903955644426
2. ↑ Datamined name used in the picture files.
Energy Shuriken

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

### Description

Ranged attack - Tap into your mind's Ki charges, allowing you to throw energy shuriken with [shuriken button].

The **Energy Shuriken**, also known as the **Regular Shuriken**, is an item in The Messenger. It is a shop upgrade that is purchased from the shop.

## Notes

* Shurikens fly in a horizontal line and deal damage to enemies, destroy projectiles, trigger switches, deal damage to Big Time Shards, and trigger Magic Fireflies.
	+ Normally, shurikens do not damage lanterns. However, they do trigger pulley lanterns in Bamboo Creek, Glacial Peak, and the Underworld. They have no effect on the pulley lanterns in the Tower of Time.
* It costs 1 Ki charge to use an Energy Shuriken. If all Ki charges are depleted, they must be restored in order to throw more shurikens.
* You initially start with 3 Ki charges, but this number can be increased up to 5 Ki charges by purchasing relevant shop upgrades.
	+ These shop upgrades also cause the shurikens to pierce through more targets, starting at a default of 0 and piercing up to 2 targets.
* Ki charges are restored by attacking certain lanterns. Sometimes enemies will drop a single Ki charge upon death. All Ki charges are restored upon reloading the game or after dying and being revived by Quarble.
	+ The "Meditation" shop upgrade allows checkpoints to restore all Ki charges.
* After obtaining the Windmill Shuriken from the Power Seal treasure chest in the shop, you can interact with this chest to swap freely between the Energy Shuriken and the Windmill Shuriken.

## Trivia

* Promotional footage such as the "Devolver Public Access: The Messenger-Sneak Peek" video depicts shurikens temporarily sticking to walls before disappearing. This visual feature didn't make it into the final game, and now shurikens immediately disappear upon contact with a solid surface.
* If you don't own the "Energy shuriken" shop upgrade, then collect all 45 Power Seals, and then open the Power Seal treasure chest in the shop to unlock the Windmill Shuriken, you'll automatically unlock the "Energy shuriken" shop upgrade without having to pay for it.
* Unused shurikens are seen in the "Behind the Schemes: The Messenger" video. These are similar in appearance to the official Steam badges.

## Gallery

Energy Shuriken's 8-bit spritesheet.Energy Shuriken's 16-bit spritesheet.Particle effect that follows the Energy Shuriken as it flies through the air.The Power Seal treasure chest's spritesheet.Energy Shuriken's inventory icon.Fangamer T-shirt design, which depicts Ninja throwing a shuriken in The Shop.
## References

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbotY4UNko8&t=2605;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvxRZxKVT58&t=31;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mojuJKFyAAo&t=46
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhIZPCbuHiw&t=194
3. ↑ https://www.steamcardexchange.net/index.php?gamepage-appid-764790#badges
Boulder Douche

* Normal (8-Bit)
* Normal (16-Bit)
* Snow (8-Bit)
* Snow (16-Bit)

**Boulder Douche** and its snowy counterpart, **Snow Boulder Douche**, are enemies in The Messenger. Snow Boulder Douche is the variant found in Glacial Peak.

## Profile

### Appearance

Boulder Douche is a brown monster with a rocky exterior. Only the upper half of its body is visibly sticking out of the surface of the ground. It has a large brow and a large lower jaw, resembling a primitive human expression or an annoyed expression. It has large hands to chuck rocks, and particles of dirt fall off of its hands.

Snow Boulder Douche is identical in appearance, but it's blue and snowy, along with its rock projectiles.

### Abilities

Bolder Douche sits in one spot and periodically pulls a small rock projectile out of the ground with both of its hands. It chucks the rock forward, and the rock bounces onward, a small height from the ground. The rock bounces off of walls and exists for about 5.5 seconds before disappearing. Some Boulder Douches will turn direction to always face Ninja, while other Boulder Douches remain facing a fixed direction.

## Trivia

* According to Thierry Boulanger, the main writer and director of the game, Boulder Douche is an homage to Karnov.

## Gallery

Boulder Douche's 8-bit spritesheet.Boulder Douche's projectile's 8-bit spritesheet.Boulder Douche's 16-bit spritesheet.Boulder Douche's projectile's 16-bit spritesheet.Snow Boulder Douche's 8-bit spritesheet.Snow Boulder Douche's projectile's 8-bit spritesheet.Snow Boulder Douche's 16-bit spritesheet.Snow Boulder Douche's projectile's 16-bit spritesheet.Boulder Douche placeholder artwork.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Datamined name used in the picture files.
2. ↑ https://www.twitch.tv/videos/360549529?t=22m53s
Pyro

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

> "*To be honest, I don't remember. But I do have to get back to my work station.*"
> ― *Pyro*
>
>

    **Pyro** is a character and an item in The Messenger. They are a deep blue Phobekin found in the pathway between Searing Crags and the Underworld. After speaking with Ninja, they return to Forlorn Temple in order to repair the bridge. Pyro wields a wrench as their tool of choice.

Necro, Claustro, and Acro are the other three Phobekins required to repair the bridge.

## Item Location

In order to reach Pyro, Ninja must obtain the Lightfoot Tabi from the Sunken Shrine and use it to cross the initial lava gap between Searing Crags and the Underworld.

## Trivia

* Pyro is the only Phobekin in Picnic Panic with no spoken dialogue.

## Gallery

Pyro's 8-bit spritesheet.Pyro's 16-bit spritesheet.Spritesheet of Phobekins trapped in a cage.Teleportation spritesheet of Phobekins trapped in a cage.Pyro inventory icon.In Searing Crags, Ninja asks how Pyro got so close to the Underworld.The Phobekins reunited at Forlorn Temple, in the 8-bit era.The Phobekins reunited at Forlorn Temple, in the 16-bit era.Phobekins enjoying a picnic in the Picnic Panic intro cutscene.Barma'thazël terrorizing Phobekins in the Picnic Panic intro cutscene.Phobekins enjoying a day at the picnic.
## References

> "*One of the four Phobekins needed to repair the bridge to the Forlorn Temple.*"
> ― *Pyro item description*
>
>
Cloudstep

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

**Cloudstep** is a default ability in The Messenger. It is a special technique taught to the ninjas of Ninja Village. Attacking objects in midair results in the Cloudstep symbol appearing beneath the user, indicating that an additional jump can be performed. Cloudsteps can be chained as long as you attack objects while in midair.

## Notes

* Many objects provide Cloudstep, including enemies, switches, Big Time Shards, Magic Fireflies, and lanterns.
* After purchasing the "Strike of the Ninja" shop upgrade, enemy projectiles can also be destroyed and offer Cloudstep.
	+ Ruxxtin and Manfred's projectiles can always be destroyed for Cloudstep, even if you don't own the "Strike of the Ninja" shop upgrade.
* The Windmill Shuriken provides Cloudstep when it hits applicable objects.

## Trivia

* Cloudstepping is referenced in the Blue Kappa's description card.
* According to Thierry Boulanger, the main writer and director of the game, the ability to shoot a beam with your sword after charging was a scrapped idea since it hindered the Cloudstepping mechanic, and taking away from this core mechanic made the game less enjoyable.

## Achievements

*For the main article, see Achievements.*

## Gallery

The Cloudstep inventory icon.The Cloudstep symbol's spritesheet.A Cloudstep emblem banner from the Ninja Village dojo.Cloudstep in action.Rock Lesieur explains how to perform the Cloudstep.Monk mentions that she was taught the Cloudstep technique by a clan that wears the same outfit as Ninja.
## See Also

* Game Design Deep Dive: Re-imagining the double-jump in *The Messenger*

## References

1. ↑ https://www.thegeeklygrind.com/archives/perfecting-the-ninja-way-a-conversation-with-the-messenger-development-team
Primal Fear

* 8-Bit
* 16-Bit

The **Primal Fear** is a character in The Messenger. The Primal Fear is not encountered as it was defeated by Monk long before the events of The Messenger, but its arm can still be seen, partially buried in the ground halfway through Quillshroom Marsh.

## Profile

### Appearance

The full appearance of the Primal Fear is unknown, but its green arm sticks out of the ground and resembles tree roots. The hand has five bony fingers. A few green shrubs grow out of the knuckles, the wrist, and the base of the arm.

## Main Story

As Ninja travels through Quillshroom Marsh, he can enter a shop and talk to The Shopkeeper. Ninja asks about the history of Quillshroom Marsh, and The Shopkeeper explains that legends state that the marsh was once ruled by a monstrosity called the Primal Fear until a brave monk defeated it; with the Primal Fear's final breath, it cursed the monk forever, and the monk still roams the marsh to this day, turning any trespassers into fungi.

Ninja can enter the shop just before the Queen of Quills to ask about the boss fight. The Shopkeeper warns Ninja that she senses a Fallen up ahead, explaining that Fallen are Messengers whose quest came to a tragic end, their power corrupted by demon magic.

Before Ninja fights the Queen of Quills, she yells out a battle cry, proclaiming for Ninja to kneel before her and to receive the "Curse of Quills." After Ninja defeats the Queen of Quills, Quillble appears to rescue her. In Quillble's conversation with Quarble, Quillble states that she was cursed a long time ago, along with her Messenger, implying that she was cursed by the same magic as the Queen of Quills.

Ninja's Magic Firefly describes Monk's curse as the "Curse of Quills."

## Trivia

* The 8-bit version of the Primal Fear arm is referred to as "PrimalFearArm\_8" and the 16-bit version of the Primal Fear arm is referred to as "QuillshroomMarsh\_16\_Atlas\_28" in the picture files. Without the 8-bit picture file name, it would be unknown that these sprites were related to the Primal Fear.
* The "Live Messenger Q&A" revealed more information about the Primal Fear.
	+ The Primal Fear is unrelated to demons. It is actually a Primal.
	+ Primals are huge incarnations of extreme emotions.
	+ Depictions of the Primal Fear in The Messenger are not canon as they are just loose attempts at depicting how it was described in The Archives.

## Gallery

Primal Fear arm in the 8-bit era.Primal Fear arm in the 16-bit era.
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Developer Interviews#Live Messenger Q&A - June 2019 (Part 1)
> "*Legend says it used to be ruled by a monstrosity called the Primal Fear, until a brave monk defeated it.*"
> ― *The Shopkeeper*
>
>