Chayne's Dialogue

Hello, Phoenix's child. Welcome to our fair village!

I am Chayne, the local ritual sage, and devotee of Maji, the Great Dragon.

It's my job as Kilima's healer and sage to care for our villagers both physically and spiritually.

Tell me, are you spiritual?

If you wish to bathe in Maji the Dragon’s glory, might I suggest a walk out in nature?

Welcome to the temple. If you need a place to heal your body or your spirit, I am always here to help.

The Dragon teaches us to seek inspiration in his favorite element... the very waters around us.

I’ve seen over a hundred Dragon shrine sites in my time.

But this one is my favorite. This one means home.

Sometimes, it is difficult to keep the faith when no one has spoken to the Dragon in thousands of years. Even for me.

When I was a new initiate, no matter how many texts I studied or nights I spent observing the moon, my devotion wavered.

So I traveled to the Wellspring, where he used to converse with us Majiri, to see the answer for myself.

Its waters were silent. It gave me no answers.

I realized then that I alone had to determine how I would walk my Path, and I chose to believe there was something in store for my future.

Because I knew in the end, whether the Dragon spoke directly to me or not, it would still be my duty to care and provide for others.

It must be tough, simply appearing out of thin air, without other Humans to turn to.

We Majiri are so tied to our families and our communities, it is difficult to imagine our lives without them.

But we also believe that family and community are things that can change.

I am looking forward to our collective future with you in it.

There are four Orders of sages in Palian tradition.

The Brothers of Earth and Air, the Brothers of Rite and Ritual, the Brothers of Moons and Stars, and the Brothers of Writ and Word.

They each have a special role to play, but between you and me the Brothers of Moon and Stars always have their head in clouds.

My apologies, just a little monastic humor there...

My fathers were from the Brothers of Air and Earth.

Their job was to travel and maintain the natural shrines the Dragon, Maji, has given us to enjoy.

I decided to join the Brothers of Rite and Ritual.

It is my duty to take care of the physical and spiritual wellbeing of those in this valley.

It is a sacred duty I hold very dear.

I just came back from my fathers' remembrance sites.

I try to keep in mind that death is another stage of life and the veil between here and where they walk is thin… but, still, I miss them.

I’ve noticed many Humans are confused by why a sage is also a healer.

We Majiri believe that a man or woman’s spiritual health is not separate from their physical health.

After all, it’s hard to have one in isolation of the other.

I believe it is important that the children of the village are brought up experiencing the same rites as their forebears.

That way, they can move forward in life already prepared by the knowledge of the generations before them.

When I was young, I developed immense gratitude to the authors whose books I read.

Their advice helped me avoid quite a few potential mistakes!

Don't be too hard on old mayor Kenli. I do think he tries his best.

And governance is his Path, even if it's not the one he seems suited for. "It's best to walk your own Path poorly than another man's well."

Once when I was a child I found a bird.

This bird had a special call that could give whoever heard her sing the most pleasant dreams.

As I slept under her grove, I dreamed that I wasn’t a lonely nomad, but I lived in a village with other children. I had friends.

I tried to take the bird with me when my fathers and I moved to the next down, but my Papa Bakar showed me the bird had eggs.

If I took her from her nest, they would never hatch. So I did the right thing and left the bird.

Still, I think that dream in some ways lead me to my life here.

I don’t know what reminded me of that just now...

Clear your mind of all distractions and you can almost hear Maji the Dragon's voice in the silence.

Come sit with me if you wish to meditate.

I find sometimes when I clear my mind, I can almost see across the veil that separates our world from the Dragon's...

Even we Sages do not posses a complete understanding of the mysteries of Flow.

But I see its presence as a sign that the Dragon still watches over and guides us all.

Some Majiri think of Galdurs as simple machines.

But I do not, their pursuit of Oneness has always seemed to me a sort of spiritual endeavor.

And what sort of machine is capable of that?

My favorite constellation is the Oak Tree. There you can see it's roots taking substance from the cosmos and it's fruit dipping just below the horizon, giving life to Palia.

I’m looking for Heat Root.

It’s needed to heal one of my patients who keeps exacerbating an ankle injury by continuing to lift heavy barrels against doctor’s orders...

I love everyone who grew up in this village as if they were my own children.

But still, sometimes children can be exhausting.

If you wish to pay your respects to the ancestors of this village, you can find their shrines at the Remembrance Garden.

Unlike many other cultures, Majiri do not actually bury our dead.

The families of the newly departed go on a sacred pilgrimage to a Wellspring, where they can return their loved one to the birthplace of Flow.

The seasons and phases of the moon influence a Majiri's life from the moment of their birth.

Those born in the spring have souls flowing or turbulent as water, and those born under a new moon are mercurial and care free.

My charts say I am optimistic and dutiful. Can't deny that!

I wonder if appearing fully-formed out of nowhere, as you Humans do, would still constitute a birthday.

I picked this valley to settle down in partially because of the mountains.

I make a journey to the highest peak once a month to get just a little closer to the moons.

My fathers were both monks for the traveling Order of Air and Earth.

They devoted their lives to spreading Maji the Dragon's wisdom throughout Palia.

Traveling as a child was...exciting.

But I always knew I wanted to settle down and become a village ritual sage.

Traveling always made me feel like a tree without roots...

Now that the Humans have returned, I wonder if anyone will take up the mantle of caring for Phoenix Shrine.

Perhaps...it will be you?

I always knew I would follow the Path set out by my fathers. But it was a winding Path indeed.

I began as they did, in the Brothers of Earth and Air. But my time was filled with frequent and lonely days of travel... I was exhausted, disconnected.

I was ashamed at first, believing I would never live up to the road my parents set before me. But they are wise men, and they sat me down to talk.

I inspired by their words, joined the Brothers of Rite and Ritual and eventually became this town's healer. I found purpose here.

That is when I realized walking one's Path is not about being good at something, but rather about becoming good at something and making the world better.

As a deft fisher, I'm sure you already know the cave-dwelling Stonefish is highly poisonous when consumed.

But what seems harmful can often be a blessing in disguise.

Stonefish venom is a key ingredient in a topical antiseptic used by healers around the continent to treat cuts and burns.

Now, if you ever catch one, you can appreciate its true beauty.

If you find any spice sprouts or heat root, let me know.

They are very useful for treating a variety of wounds and ailments.

The Dragon's bounty never ceases to impress me.

Today is beautiful, is it not? Let us thank the Dragon Maji, for the blessing.

The awakening of Humans shows our world is shifting, changing. Some people fear change.

But the brave know how to embrace it. I pray the Dragon, Maji, gives me courage in these turbulent times.

We know the Grimalkin traveled to Palia from a different planet, far beyond ours. They must have had their own sun, their own sky.

I do wonder how their constellations must have differed from ours. What questions did they ask their stars?

A few Grimalkin have even asked me how to make offerings at the Wellspring.

It seems travelling amongst the stars does not stop one from venerating them.

I'm collecting Karanga nuts for my father Bakar's remembrance site.

They always were his favorite.

The Dragon, Maji, oversees the weather. Bringing sun and rain as needed.

He does not prefer one state over the other. It is all about balance.

I just saw young Auni run by. That child has more energy than a newborn Kitsuu!

I remember when I first delivered the boy. He was so tiny, Delaila could hold him in one arm.

Children are a constant reminder of how things change.

Having spent so much of my childhood wandering, I know how hard it can be to have no place to return to.

I do my best to keep the shrine clean because I want it to be, in essence, a home for anyone who needs it.

Not just a physical shelter, but a spiritual one as well. When Sifuu lost her partner, she brought her son here.

I prayed alongside her and Hassian, and I believe this gesture helped them weather such a devastating blow.

Every rite we perform, from the littlest prayer to the largest offering, is to create a feeling of home.

Sweeping can be a relaxing work if you clear your mind of whatever else you have to do for the day.

It lets you focus on the now.

I've been meaning to travel to the Elderwood to see if the Zendruu Tree is still intact.

The tree is a beautiful religious site.

It's not dedicated to the Dragon directly, but as a monument to the power of Flow and nature, it is still a tribute to his works.

I am glad to see you. Come, speak to me. What do you know of Embra, the Phoenix?

Ignus has changed since the Humans arrived. It used to be still, now it is alive with fiery movement.

That has to mean something, right?

Tell me, what is the first thing you see when you look into the night sky

Maintaining the Dragon Shrine is as important for me as it is for the village's relationship with Maji himself.

It fills me with a sense of calm and wonder at the beauty of all things.

Tell me, Phoenix’s child. What is it you seek this evening?

If you'll excuse me, I'm preparing to retire for the evening.

Maintaining a healthy body is an important part of maintaining a healthy spirit.

Sometimes, farmers will take a subset of stars from the constellation we sages study and give it a name more relevant to the task at hand.

There! Although most of us interpret that formation as the tail of the Dragon constellation, some farmers call it the Plot.

Its appearance signals it is time to turn the earth for new planting.

I intended to make a medicine to help keep people feel less sore after a day of fieldwork, but well... it tasted awful.

I wanted to ask Reth for advice, but he is busy with the dinner rush.

Say, you wouldn't happen to have any ideas to aid its flavor it, would you?

Luna is especially bright tonight.

If you look closely you can almost see the shadow of Maji's face across the Great Wellspring.

The insects sound so alive this time of night, don’t they?

It’s as if the Dragon, Maji, performs a concert just for us.

A lot of people think the stories told in the stars are just that...stories.

But sages know the Dragon, Maji, left those stories there for a reason, to remind us of the mistakes and triumphs of our ancestors.

So we may learn from them.

Nights like this remind me of the story of the Kitsuu who wanted to steal moon.

It's a long one, but a cherished favorite.

If you're interested, I think the library has a copy of the Ashar's fables version.

Tonight, I'm keeping my eye out for Brightshrooms. They make a tea that is very helpful for meditation.

The stars are just as important for farmers are they for us sages because they hold knowledge of the seasons.

Sometimes, farmers will take a subset of stars from the constellation we sages study and give it a name more relevant to the task at hand.

There! Although most of us interpret that formation as the tail of the Dragon constellation, some farmers call it the Plow.

Its appearance signals it is time to turn the earth for new planting.

I have been friends with Ashura for a very long time. It is why I come to the inn so often. That, and the lettuce soup.

At first, when he still ran the inn alone, I had to patch him up every time he picked up a chef’s knife!

He is still shy about his past, but from what I gather, he possesses wounds that I cannot heal with herbs.

But I believe in due time and with the Dragon’s guidance, he will one day make a full recovery.

I always love a good meal after a day of hard work.

All good food, even the simplest lettuce broth, has healing properties. Even if not for the body, then always for the soul.

Sharing a meal with others, restores us even more. Maybe you will join me for a bite someday?

When I was a boy, there weren’t many other children around.

Sages don’t typically marry, and they raise children even less frequently.

So I spent most of my days alone. I didn’t mind it, but now I find I enjoy the company of others. It’s very nice to have those I can call friends.

Yourself included, of course.

As a spiritual guardian of this village, it is my duty to the Dragon to love all those I care for equally.

That does not mean I am always able to fulfill my duty.

I have especially enjoyed my time getting to know you, and I am delighted that we have formed such a close friendship.

You are perhaps... first among my friends. Don’t go telling that to Ashura though.

I grew up travelling alongside my fathers. Although they always made time for me, time moves slowly for children, and I did not have many friends with which to fill my days.

I was... very lonely for a long time.

It wasn't until I settled in Kilima that I understood the power of lasting friendship. Seeing as you are also new to this place, I am pleased to see you befriending the town as well...

...and I hope it does not sound too selfish, but I am glad I can call you one of my closest friends as well.

I hear you have become friends with Reth, the cook? That's good.

From what his sister tells me, that boy could use more positive influences in his life.

I heard Ashura told you about his son. I pray to Maji everyday asking that he send that child back.

The boy needs Ashura as much as Ashura needs him

I'm glad to see you taking the time to visit Hodari and Najuma.

I know it's been hard for both of them to open up since Leta died.

Your friendship means more to them than you know.

The Moon Charts you gave me are quite fascinating, but I haven't made anything of them yet.

Perhaps come back when I have a better idea of what I'm looking at.

I’ve never had an apprentice before. It’s interesting.

I find I’m almost learning as much from training her as she is from being taught by me.

Kenyatta's care for the natural world makes her surprisingly well suited for the life of a sage.

Thank you for directing her my way.

I imagine you received an invitation to the Maji Market as well.

There’s no better way to learn more about Majiri customs and traditions than by participating in our cultural events.

When I was just a boy, my fathers brought me to a Luna New Year festival not unlike this one.

I remember being awe-inspired by all of the sights, smells, and sounds. I was simply bursting with excitement.

The three of us spent hours celebrating together, going well past my bedtime. I remember feeling like such a rebel because of that.

It warms my heart to see so many people here, celebrating Luna New Year together.

There are a few unexpected faces among the crowd- Ashura especially.

He has been reluctant to leave his post at the Inn to participate in the festivities, for numerous reasons, but he decided to join us, anyway.

I have seen any apprehension he had fade away throughout the night. I am proud of how far he has come.

While Tau and Hassian are not at the Maji Market with us, they did make their wishes for the year.

Tau was especially enthusiastic about Hassian writing and hanging his wish on the tree on his behalf.

Once the deed was done, a burst of energy overtook Tau and carried him up the hills and down to the furthest corners of the dock!

Hassian pursued him all the while, fearful he would create a mess. It was quite a sight to behold.

Eshe and Kenli both consulted me when organizing the Maji Market and personally invited me to preside over the wish tree.

Not only am I honored to oversee such an important ritual, but the tradition also holds a dear place in my heart.

It reminds me of the joy I experienced when making my very first wish, and brings back fond memories of spending Luna New Year with my fathers. Ah, how time passes so quickly...

I spoke to Zeki earlier, and he had nothing but praise for you.

Your actions over the last few days have touched him, and for that he is deeply grateful.

I, too, appreciate all that you have done, Phoenix's child. You have made the Luna New Year very special for all of us.