Hassian's Dialogue

Player, I presume?

Don't act stunned that I know your name.

I know everything that goes on in this village.

Including when someone new arrives.

My name is Hassian, and I'm in charge of maintaining the natural order of the woods that surround the village.

Be good to the valley, and we will have no quarrel.

Use nature poorly...and you'll find I know how to rid this village of all sorts of pests.

You are not like the other Humans. You see things as they are, not as you wish them to be.

I like that about you.

Have you seen my Plumehound, Tau?

He's much more than a pet to me.

He's my dear friend and companion.

Please alert me if you see him the forest.

I wouldn't want any harm to come to him.

I'm aware you think I dislike your people.

That's not entirely accurate.

The truth is I don't KNOW your people.

And anything I don't know is a potential threat.

Have you ever wondered how a small stream is capable of shaping a mountain given enough time?

Nothing is truly permanent, except impermanence.

Today has been an adequate day.

I was able to hunt enough food to provide dinner for myself and my mother.

And the pelts should fetch a fair price in Bahari.

What do I like to do for fun?

...I like to be left alone with my thoughts.

I find myself to be all the company I need.

Perhaps you should learn to become more comfortable with solitude yourself.

If you are seeking sernuk, I would look for them in the meadow.

They enjoy grazing on the tall grass.

I saw you strike a sernuk the other day. Congratulations!

Just be sure to find a good use for the horns.

It takes over fifty years for a sernuk to grow horns like that.

You wouldn’t want them to go to waste.

Today is a good day to be outdoors.

The sounds of Palia are very much alive.

As a child living on the plains, I actually thought the world ended at the Kilima mountains.

And here I am on the other side of them… it’s funny how much bigger the world seems after you grow up.

You know I never wanted much out of life.

Just a purpose, a hearth to call my own, and… someone to share those things with.

I sometimes wonder why that is so hard to find.

You know, growing up I never really belonged to a village.

My people went wherever the hunt was best.

So, there’s not really a “place” for me to miss. But I do sort of miss the lack of a place… if that makes sense.

Sometimes I resent being tied down.

Care to join me for a game of cards?

I find games of strategy help keep my mind sharp.

I like spending time at the lake...

...it’s very quiet here.

Usually.

I could teach you to make a better bow...

...but you'll need to get a handle on that one first.

If you're looking for a chapaa, I would try searching in the forest.

Chapaa are burrowing creatures that make their homes in the base of trees.

...

If I wanted you to know my thoughts, wouldn't I have already told them to you?

If you ever see a kitsuu, do not make the mistake of trying to hunt it.

Kitsuu are sacred animals in Palia.

They are meant only to interact with us as companions and friends, not food!

They say there is a creature that stalks the Elderwood beyond Bahari.

I actually had it in my sights once...

...but there was something about it that made me unable to loosen my arrow.

Its eyes seemed familiar somehow.

Admiring my bow, are you?

My mother makes the finest blades and bows this side of the Kilima mountains.

I'm lucky that what she lacks in maternal instinct, she makes up for in professional talent.

I wish to talk to you about...serious matters, but I fear you will turn our conversation into another one of your jokes.

Excuse me if I appear surly.

I didn't get much sleep last night as I slept indoors.

I greatly prefer to sleep under the stars when possible.

Would you like some leftover chapaa stew?

It is disrespectful to let any part of an animal go to waste.

As much as I will miss the forest, I will have to accept my duty as a blacksmith after my mother passes.

For the time being though, I do prefer to use weapons rather than make them.

I have to do most of my hunting in the mornings since my evenings are spent apprenticing with my mother.

As a proper Majiri, I must do my duty as a son.

Is it cold outside?

I hadn't noticed.

I've trained myself so I no longer feel the cold.

Please ignore my mother when she makes a fuss over me.

Parents can be quite embarrassing...

You are not like the other Humans. You see things as they are, not as you wish them to be.

I like that about you.

Hunting is all about understanding nature's balance and respecting its boundaries. Too much or too little, both can be just as devastating.

I find myself lost in thought this evening.

Do you ever find yourself in a place you fear you don't belong?

Do you hear that chirping?

It's the mating call of the Silverwing.

You're lucky to hear it. Their mating season is only two weeks out of the year.

Evening is beautiful, but it's also a primary time for predators.

I would be careful if I were you.

It's tough to pick just one favorite constellation.

But if I had to it would probably be the Smiling Kitsuu.

See, you can see her horns right there above her big floppy ears.

The stars are beautiful this time of the evening.

And they tell more than a few good stories if you know what you're looking for....

If you'll excuse me, I was actually about to retire for the night.

I have a busy day planned tomorrow.

If I were a less disciplined man, I'd be happy to stay up all night stargazing with you.

But alas, I have to get some rest. It's the early ogopuu that catches the oyster.

As a hunter, I must rise with the sun.

All the most desirable prey awaken at dawn.

Please leave me be.

No respectable Palian should be awake at this hour.

Shhh...step quietly.

I am serching for a Proudhorned Sernuk.

Their pelts fetch quite a bit of money in Bahari

Apologies if my home is a bit spartan for your taste.

My mother and I both know a house is nothing more than shelter.

So there's no need to make a big fuss over it.

Being awakened at this hour will make it difficult for me to rise with the dawn.

Please leave.

Auni's got the upper hand for now, but I still may have some tricks up my sleeve.

I enjoy spending time in the tavern, but I make a point not to lose myself in drink.

Indulging in vices weakens even the sharpest mind.

I didn't have a brother growing up, so I've been trying to be that for Auni. I know he has Nai'o... but who says Auni can only have one?

Auni is a good kid. He just needs a little validation and some companionship to grow into the Majiri he is meant to be.

My momma and I used to stargaze every night. She would often tell me that if I ever lost my way, all I needed to do was look to them.

I miss her.

You know, I actually found myself thinking of you fondly in your absence.

It was an...odd...sensation.

I see you have befriended Auni.

Keep an eye on the little guy, will you?

I caught him trying to run away last summer.

I get the feeling he doesn't feel altogether welcome here.

I'm glad you passed your virtues test.

It's nice to see at least one Human in this village who wants to earn their keep.

I'm working on a new poem. It's called "Two Worlds Collide". The subject, I hope, is obvious.

You’re... wearing my pin. I’m truly honored to see you share my feelings.

I was nervous the whole thing would turn out to be one sided.

I see your heart belongs to another.

I suppose I was foolish to think you'd reserve it exclusively for me.

You are making acceptable progress.

I have a new recipe available for you to purchase.

Don't prove me wrong.

... I suppose your skill obligates me to provide you with another recipe.

Congratulations. Goodbye.

Still hunting? I can offer you the recipe for this tracker.

Perhaps you won't even need it.

Now follow that tracker away from here.

You have become a fine hunter.

I think you could finally fire this bow without hurting yourself.

Aim steady, and aim true.

Oh no, I know that look.

...You are free to do whatever you like.

If I were... so opposed, I would have rejected your gift.

You're here. ...Good.

I've already eaten today. But... I appreciate the thought.

Are you alright? You look faint.

Yes?

Player. I was just thinking about yo-

-gurt. Yogurt.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Last night was cold. You should take care to keep warm out there.

Do you need something?

...chocolates for me? I receive them in the spirit with which I hope they were given...with great affection.

...flowers for me? I receive them in the spirit with which I hope they were given...with great affection.

My mother has been trying to convince me to go to the Maji Market with her.

I was going to... until I heard one of the booths is selling chapaa-themed merchandise.

Not only is there a Petting Zoo, but people are playing with chapaas!

I don’t understand how anyone could celebrate them when they’re a constant threat to our ecosystem.

I am here because my mother has requested I bring her "some of those spicy little boys" from Reth's stall.

I believe she meant the "Hot Peki Wings". If she did not, she can come correct the issue herself next time.

Tamala is also attending the market tonight. There was a time when that fact would have disconcerted me...

But these days, her barbs don't seem to sting as much. I have you to thank for that.

I thought this was supposed to be a night market, not a monument to environmental folly.