Sword of Mana script

Hero's journey

Prologue

(Black screen)

This dream again... Oh, don't make me watch it again!

(Opening screen)

In the beginning,
the world was void.
Then the goddess appeared.
In her left hand, she held
the light of hope, and in
her right, the Sword of Mana.

The goddess summoned
spirits to assist in
the creation of life.
Finally, to maintain peace,
The goddess cast away
the sacred sword.

It is said the sword rusted
the moment it left her hand.

The goddess then transformed
herself into a great tree
that would sustain and
and watch over the world.

A mystical power guards
the sanctuary where the tree
stands to this day...

(The screen displays a past cutscene of the young hero talking with a grown up man in a manor.)

Woah! What a song! I could practically see the Mana Tree... !

Is that so?

Your voice is so unusual... It's like I'm dreaming.

Thanks for your praise, [Hero]. Your words are magic––and a great encouragement.

Magic, you say? Not at all! I'd rather hear you telling me your story... about how the Gemma Knights defeated the evil Vandole Empire!

Unfortunately... I cannot sing songs about myself.

Why not!? I wanna know the truth! Other minstrels just sing about stuff they've heard from other people... They get the story all wrong.

Hahahahaha! A story's just a story. No matter the truth, no matter who tells it, it's still a story.

Then I'LL sing! YOUR story! Oh I just remembered... we have a lute at home. I'll go get it!

(The young hero runs offscreen.)

Such a good-natured child...

(The next scene shows the young hero outside with a young man in front of him)

You should get home. The consul might be angry if you dawdle.

Dad won't be mad. Today's my singing lesson with Lord Granz!

Wow, I heard that Lord Granz quite signing after he lost his lute.

Nuh-uh! Lord Grand hasn't quite signing!

(The young hero dashes offscreen.) (Another scene shows a regal-looking man talking with two soldiers in front of a mansion. The young hero shows up from another alley and hides from them.)

Break it down!

But Dark Lord... This is Granz Realm Consul Hermann's estate!

So what? Because he's consul, we should allow him to harbor heretics?

(Heretics in my house? Did something happen to Mom and Dad?)

Most certainly not! But Sir Hermann is a friend of Lord Granz! To suddenly barge in with soldiers seems unthinkable!

Anything else to say?

Sir... Are you telling me to step aside!?

At the very least, let us get Lord Granz's permission.

It's thanks to him we enjoy peace now!

Leave if you object. I have my ways. And that's that.

(Oh no! I've gotta tell dad right away!)

(The young hero runs off to his father's study, where he is seen conversing with another man.)

Hey! I told you not to come in that way! We have guests!

Dad! Big trouble! We're sourrounded by soldiers!

What?

(The Dark Lord barges in from the front door.)

Prince Stroud!? What is all this about?

You will refer to me as Dark Lord. As a servant of the Realm, surely you know the consequences of harboring heretics!

Hermann, it's just as I told you! This masked man is the one who burned down Mana Village! This man is insane!

Now, Prince Stroud––I mean Dark Lord––surely there must be... This can't be true...

Heretics... I vividly remember how Vandole used them to pull the wool over the eyes of the entire nation. I won't allow you to protect them!

Of course not! I'm not one to protect subversives! If things are just are as you say––

That Granz... He's not a real man. How does one raise such a foolish son?

Pph, pph, pph. That's enough of that. If you've got something to say, let your sword do that talking.

(The Dark Lord raises his sword while the Hero's Father tries to diffuse the situation.)

There must be some mistake, Dark Lord! Put your sword away, please!

Out of my way!

(The Dark Lord attempts to strike his blade at him, but the Military-type Man covers him)

The idea that the Mana Clan are heretics is simply laughable! I don't know what excuses you'll make. But your sins are severe! I'll make you pay!

Pay? You're the one who'll pay, Bogard!

What?

Knowing all you do, still want to play hero!? I'll show you! I'll show you the truth!

(The Dark Lord's two henchmen enters the room.)

Traitor!

Protect Dark Lord!

(The Realm Soldiers surround the Military-type man.)

Run, Hermann!

(The Hero's Father grabs the Hero and escape.) (They are shown in a hallway. A lady enters from a door in front of them.)

Hermann! What is happening?

I don't know! Prince Stroud mentioned something about the Mana Clan being heretics...! I have no ideas!

(The Dark Lord and his henchmen show up a the end of the hallway.)

The heretic girl is here. Go get her.

To the Hero's Mother (Go out the back! Take [Hero] and the girl... Don't let anyone see you!)

Y–yes!

(The Hero and his mother exit through the other side of the hallway.)

I have no choice... I'll take you to her.

(The Hero's Father and the Dark Lord head to another exit while the henchmen guard the hallway.) (The scene cuts back to the Hero and his mother entering a bedroom where a girl is seen sleeping)

Mother... No, don't leave me!

Wake up! You must flee NOW!

What... ? What's wrong... ? Where's Sir Bogard... ?

No time to explain! Take her with you! Hurry! Go!

??? Who's she... ? What's going on... ?

Keep quiet! Just get going! I'll deal with them!

(A Granz Soldier is heard knocking on the door.)

Open up!

One moment please! I'm dressing for bed!

To the children Go! Quickly!

But Ma'am...

No, I won't! You come too!

You're a big boy now. Take care of her!

(The Hero nods.)

I'll try!

(The Hero and the Girl escape through a back door.)

Don't worry about your father and me. Prince Stroud is such a nice man. I'll tell you all about it later.

(Three Granz soldiers are seen forcing their way in as the Hero's Mother slowly backs up.)

(The Hero and the Girl are seen running in a dark void when the Hero trips and falls.)

Oh, no... Not this dream again...

(The Girl run away while the three Granz soldiers from eariler surround the Hero.)

Don't... make me watch...

Ooooh...

(Screen fades to black)

Chapter 1

(The now grown-up Hero wakes up inside a cell)

Whoooooooooaaaaaahhh!

Whoooooooooaaaaaahhh!

(Willy wakes up at the same time next to the Hero.)

What's up with you, shoutin' like a banshee!? For once I was havin' a pretty sweet dream... until you interrupted!

...

Hey, [Hero], what kinda dream were you havin'? Want me tell ya what it means?

~If the player selects "Yes"~

Were ya eatin' a Rabite? Or maybe a Mushboom? I hear they're a lot tastier than ya might think!

A girl...

A chick? ...Whoa! The same one as before?

I couldn't protect her... Only I was left... She... Afer that, she...

Aw, get real, will ya? It wasn't your fault. Times are tough. A kid like you couldn't protect her. What couldja do?

Her name was...

~The player names the Heroine~

It was [Heroine]...

[Heroine]!? Did you say [Heroine]!? Nah, nah, can't be. [Hero], after we're outta here, ya can tell me the whole story. In detail! For now... just hold that thought.

(Willy gives [Hero] something from his pocket.)

?! Hey, is that bread... ?

Hah! I got extra. And it's prime stuff.

([Hero] takes the bread)

That chick... I hope she's alive... I mean, I'm sure she's alive. No doubt about it.

Awright, eat up! We're still alive, too! Ya wanna see that [Heroine] chick again, right? I'm gettin' pretty interested in her, too!

"See that chick again"? You're not still thinkin' about escapin', are ya?

Hmph! I'm serious this time. One of the soldiers told me.

Your last escape plan was a disaster!

Another escape plan?

Oooooh, yeah! Seems like there's a way out through the monsters' holding cell.

He's pullin' your leg.

Last time, they even punished US with no food for a week!

The guy's legit, I swear!

Ya believe the guy 'cause he gave ya bread?

No, it's not that. His song...

Song?

He sang this sad song.

Lord Granz's songs were pretty sad, too...

That's it! Lord Granz turned into a soldier to help us!

Pffft! You wish!

Trust me! The Goddess loves me!

The Goddess, eh?

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

Don't listen to Windbag Willy. Beat monsters, show the crowd the "beauty of agony and pain," and go on living. Even if ya could escape, it's hell outside...

You guys are planning to break out? Don't make me laugh.

You can get the Mana Goddess's protection by praying at the statue. It's a good idea to get her protection whenever you can. But don't let the Realm soldiers see you!

It's almost time!

(The screen transitions to an arena filled with an enthusiastic crowd. A Granz soldier is in a private loge addressing the venue.)

The Realm Monster Bouts are about to begin. But first, a world from our leader. Welcome, Dark Lord.

(The Dark Lord comes forward.)

Beloved citizens! You daily struggles are appreciated. Heretics still prowl outside the towns, but have no fear!

Crowd: (Is he talking about the Mana Clan?)

Crowd: (If that's what they are, let's get them!)

Crowd: (After all, they control Mana power, right? Pretending to be weak, they're just like the Emperor Vandole.)

We advance ever oward to victory! A victory led by our own strength. Are we not more powerful than those who rely on the Mana Goddess's strength!? Without any effort, not breaking a sweat, wanting only glory to themselves. With people such as this be victorious!?

What we need is not Mana power! The Emperor Vandole was manipulated by Mana power and was destroyed! Let us not make the same mistake. We must be of strong mind and heart!

Crowd: Strong mind and heart...

Crowd: Dark Lord rules!

Tales of the three Gemma Knights from the Dark Age of the Empire are old new now. Do not rely on legends! We must shape our fate by our own hands. we shall not lose! The victory is ours for the taking!

(The crowd cheers)

Crowd: Long live Dark Lord!

Crowd: Long live Granz Realm!

(The cutscenes switch back to inside the cell.)

They're sure fired up.

(A Granz soldier shows up near the entrance.)

Willy, [Hero]! You're up!

It's a "bout" time!

(Willy and [Hero] make their way to the prison cell door while Amanda cheers them up with a thumbs up.)

To the Realm Soldier Thanks for the bread!

So are you going through with it?

You bet! Let's do it, [Hero]!

Right!

([Hero] and Willy follow the Realm Soldier to the arena.)

Release the jackal! Now fight!

(A huge yellow tiger comes out from the other side of the arena. It is eventually fell by [Hero] and Willy.)

(The crowd cheers the two warriors while confetti covers the arena.)

Here are your winners... Willy and [Hero]!

Now's the time! Play it cool and smile at the crowd!

Gotcha!

Long live Dark Lord! (Under a very big rock...)

Long live Granz Realm! (Under new management...)

Crowd: Long live Dark Lord!

Crows: Long live Granz Realm!

([Hero] and Willy escape through the monster gate. They are next seen crossing a bridge.)

We did it! We're really gonna get outta here! Mana Goddess and Granz, hats off to ya!

[Hero], we are FREE! We can go anywhere! We can do anything! We can eat till we hurl! [Hero], whaddaya wanna do?

([Hero] is thinking about it.)

I want to... get Dark Lord...

Oooookay... No comment here. By the way, [Hero]... about that chick [Heroine]... I know that name too.

You do???

Yeah, but I'm not sure whether the [Heroine] you're talking about is the same [Heroine] I used to know or not. No use gettin' all serious here! Okay, yeah. That's it... Let's go to Topple! They have lots of Mana believers. We can talk here.

Okay. So we're off to Topple!

(The two men are suddenly surrounded by the Dark Lord and two Realm Soldiers.)

You made it this far. Not bad.

!!! Wha–! Dark Lord! Uh! We, um... just wanted some fresh air! Out with the bad air, in with the good. Aaaah, that'll do me... Whaddaya say we head back? When's the next bout!?

...Dark Lord!

Good fighting skills, smart enough to escape. To bad you're slaves. How about it, you two? Why not work for me? We're short on Heretic Hunters.

Well, I, um...

What's the matter, boy? Jackal got your tongue?

Work for you? You murdered... my father and mother... And [Heroine], too...

Murdered? What do you mean? The law is the law. Even the laws I made are out of my hands–– they've been set into motion. There's no point in bellyaching to me.

(H-Hey, [Hero]! Play along!)

Go what you want, Willy. Go be a Realm Soldier. But count me out!

The lawless prefers the sword to the law. I can play it that way, too. Come on!

([Hero] draws his sword.)

This is for my parents! Say your prayers!

([Hero] attemps to stike the Dark Lord with his sword, but he stops the blade with one hand.)

H–he stopped the sword with one hand!?

What the– ! What ARE you!?

Pride comes before a fall foolish fencer!

(The Dark Lord strikes [Hero] with his blade, making him fall off the bridge.)

Wooooooooaaaaaaaahhhhh!

[Hero]! [Hero]!!!

Mana Goddess, save [Hero]! Break his fall!

(The next cutscene shows an anthropomorphic rabbit fishing in a pond; his rod starts pulling.)

Hoo–hoo! I've got one! And it's a biggie! I'll be a feast tonight!

(Niccolo fishes out an unconscious [Hero])

!?

(Niccolo gazes at [Hero])

... Not remotely fishy... Not even edible...

Hmmmmm. As I recall... Grandpappy always told me that being a good Samaritan is good for business.

(Nicolo kicks [Hero], waking him up.)

Ouch! ...Where am I? Oh, yeah... I got knocked off the bridge by Dark Lord. Blast it all! And what happened to Willy?

([Hero] looks around and see Niccolo)

Were you the one who rescued me? My name's Loki. Thanks for saving me. I really appreciate it.

...That's right! I saved your life! I'm Niccolo, the traveling merchant.

Where the heck is this?

Truth is, I just got here myself. If you ask me where we are, all I can say is... We're here!

I'm trying to get to Topple Village. Do you know it?

!!! I've heard of it.

Really!? Which way is it!?

Beast me. I told you, I just got here. Pay attention, willya?

(Niccolo looks around.)

Well, I'm going home! Don't worry–– I'll make sure you pay me back sometime!

(Niccolo runs off.)

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

(After going south, [Hero] hears a noise nearby.)

Eeeeeeeeeek!

!? Someone's in trouble?

([Hero] finds a maiden being attacked by a Chobin Hood.)

Look out!

([Hero] defeats the monster.)

Are you okay? Are you hurt?

No, I'm fine... Thank you very much. I'll be on my way...

It's too dangerous for you to go by yourself. I can take you where you need to go.

No, really. I'm okay! I can get back home on my own.

But what if you get ambushed by a monster again?

You, you're from... Granz Realm, aren't you?

Do I LOOK like I'm from Granz Realm?

(A loud noise is heard from a distance.)

Wait... ! What was that sound?

... Oh, all right. If you could take me to Topple...

Topple? Great! I was just looking for it myself. We can go together!

Okay. Topple Village is northeast of here.

My name is [Hero]. What's yours?

I'm [Heroine]. Nice to meet you.

([Heroine]? The same name as... No, It can't be.)

~[Heroine] joins you!~

Oh wait! A boy from the village asked me a favor. He lost a book in this meadow... Will you look for it for me?

~If the player selects "Yes"~

Thank you. It'll be a big help. Oh, you can cut the grass with your sword! I think we can find it faster that way. Please!

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

([Hero] finds the book by cutting grass.)

Got it!

Thank you! Now we can go back to Topple!

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

([Hero] escorts [Heroine] to Topple Village.)

Thank you for taking me so far. Well, then...

Sure, anytime.

([Heroine] leaves the party.)

No, she couldn't be...

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

([Hero] is about to leave though the eastern exit.)

Wait a minute!

(Niccolo runs toward [Hero].)

Oh! The kid I rescued! Great timing! I've got just the thing for your adventure! I spesshy-alize in items catered to the individual needs of your trip! And where will you be heading?

~If the player selects "To avenge my parents!"~

Ooooooh! Then it's a lucky day for both of us! This Popoi's Notebook is perfect for you! While on your adventure, Popoi's Notebook will automaticall record maps and monsters, and even your friends! And it's only 10 lucre! Why not pick one up?

~If the player selects "Yes"~

Cha-ching! Thank ya much! You're quite the shopper. Well, I'll see you later!

~Received Popoi's Notebook!~

(Niccolo exits the village.)

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

([Hero] enters the southeastern house.)

We're HERETICS... ?! You gotta be kiddin'me... !

???

([Hero] comes near the Topple Grandfather)

!? Wh–who's there!? What are you doing, sneaking in here like that!? Y–you won't find anything! Anything at all! Go ahead–– check the whole place! W–we don't believe in the M–Mana Goddess! You can leave now!

???

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

([Hero] searches the room and finds Mana paraphernalia)

...

([Hero] exits the house and find a boy blocking his path.)

What were you talkin' to grandpa about!? Aw, you don't have to tell me. I already know! Go ahead. Ask! You're from the Realm... You've come to arrest us Mana Goddess followers!

(The Topple Grandfather exits the house and comes near the Topple Boy.)

What nonsense are you babblin' about? Don't bother the nice soldier! We don't believe in that Mana Goddess superstition!

No! I'm not gonna keep living a lie! I believe in the Goddess! And if that's not okay with you, then you can go right ahead and kill me!

Sir! Please forgive the boy his childish nonsense! Please overlook it!

So kill me, already! Go ahead. I dare ya! Hurry up and get to it!

([Hero] croutches before the Topple Boy.)

Oh, sweet mother of Mana, we're done for... It's all over...

([Hero] nods in disagreement.)

...

(The Topple Boy and Topple Grandfather look at each other.)

...

...

(The Topple Boy and Topple Grandfather turn their gaze at [Hero].)

C–could it be that you're NOT a... Realm soldier?

([Hero] nods in agreement.)

(The Topple Boy and Topple Grandfather look at each other.)

...

...

Oh... I thought you were one of Dark Lord's... Oh, my... I guess you're not... Well, then. Why don't you come inside?

(The cutscene transitions inside the house.)

You may already know this, but Dark Lord is...

Quit making excuses!

... It's not that... It's just that Dark Lord has been rounding up Mana believers with his Heretic Hunters. Topple Village has the most believers out of anywhere. And because of that, we are a marked people.

It's a scary story...

...

So tell me...

Tell you? Tell you what?

How can I defeat Dark Lord?

Defeat Dark Lord? You can't be serious! YOU!? Face him alone!?

You're gonna take out Dark Lord!? Awesome!

I've got... Issues with him, too.

I won't be easy... with his legions of minions and his superhuman power. It would take the mightiest of swordsmen to do it... I don't think it's possible without the Sword of Mana.

The Sword of Mana... ? What exactly is that?

Well, well, well. Your eyes glowed at the mention of the sword... Cibba the sage over in Wendel can tell you all you need to know.

Wendel is two mountains away from Topple. It's the biggest town anywhere!

With the Sword of Mana, I could beat Dark Lord... I'm off to Wendel, then!

I almost forgot! I reckon you'll be facing new dangers on your trip. Here, use this!

~Received Magic Rope!~

This Rope provides divine protection. When used, it'll send his owner back to a safe place!

I'm afraid that's about all I can do. Give it your best!

Thanks, Mister!

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

([Hero] goes into the northwestern house.)

Young man... you bear a sword... Are you and adventurer? You like you know how to use that.

An adventurer? I'm not sure if I'd call myself that...

Ah, so I'm mistaken. I thought you might've gone to see the man who live in Cascade Cottage just north of here. Word has it he's quite the accomplished knight.

(Hmm. Cascade Cottage, north of Topple... If he's that good, he might have some advice for beating Dark Lord. I'd better pay him a visit.)

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

([Hero] travels all the way to the Cascade Cottage.)

Cascade Cottage... Isn't that where the swordman I head about in Topple lives?

([Hero] enters the cottage and notices an envelope on a table.)

Hm!? ...A letter?

Letter: Head to Wendel and we'll meet up there.

([Heroine] enters the cottage.)

So you ARE one of the Realm's Heretic Hunters!

([Heroine] draws out her staff while [Hero] nods in disagreement.)

Heretic Hunter!? With the Realm!? Wait a minute! What're you talking about!?

What have you done to Sir Bogard!?

I haven't done anything!

You're lying!

([Heroine] strikes [Hero] twice with her staff.)

Ow! Ow! Ow!

Why don't you draw your sword? Just like you did when you destroyed my village!

Hold on! You've got it all wrong! My only enemy is Dark Lord! And if you're one of his minions, I WILL draw my sword!

Me? Work for Dark Lord!? Get real! Dark Lord is the sworn enemy of my village...

Okay, so neither of us work for Dark Lord. Let's calm down or we won't get anywhere.

([Heroine] lowers her staff.)

So you hate Granz Realm too?

([Hero] takes the letter on the table.)

Um, here... It's a letter I found. I must be for you.

Huh? Is it a letter from Sir Bogard?

([Heroine] opens the letter and a Mana Spirit comes out of it.)

Wha– !?

Hey ya! I'm Wisp, a light spirit! Recovery from attacks and such is my speciality. How d'y a do?

That's a... light spirit, isn't it? Can you actually use spirit magic!?

(Wisp suddently disappears and [Heroine] heals [Hero].)

You've never seen a spirit before? They won't appear to bad people. So I guess you're... probably not too bad. Okay, then. I'll teach you how to use magic.

First select "Spirits" and the magic you want to use. Then press the R Button. Pressing the R Button calls the spirit, and letting go of the button releases it. How long you press the button determines whether it uses attack or support magic.

Have you got it now?

~If the player selects "Yes"~

Spirit magic, huh? So I can use it, too. Oh, that's right! I forgot the letter. I didn't know it was for you when I read it... Sorry about that.

([Hero] hands [Heroine] the letter.)

Just as I thought. It's sir Bogard's handwriting! He's all right! Oh, good... I'm going to have to visit Wendel.

If you're going to Wendel, would you mind if I tagged along?

How come?

There's a sage in Wendel by the name of Cibba.

Yes, I've heard of him. Are you going to see him?

Yeah. There's something I need to ask him.

...Alright, then. Let's go to Wendel together.

~[Heroine] joins you!~

The Master over at Vinquette Hall sealed the cave to Wendel. We've got to go to Vinquette Hall before we can get anywhere.

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

(The player is about to leave Cascade Cottage when [Heroine] speaks to [Hero].)

We'll encounter cliffs on the way to Wendel, but we can jump up them.

~Learned "Jump" ability!~

You can jump by pressing the L Button.

(The player gains [Hero]'s control)

(The player enters the Batmo Cave)