Sazanka/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

Let us be off.

On Entering a Room

Please, let me aid you.

When Quest Begins

Begin the advance!

Are you prepared to move forth?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Let us begin.

I am ready any time.

When Controlling Character in Quest

For my Master.

When Receiving a Heal

You have my thanks.

That could have ended badly.

When Entering a Boss’ Room

The end is almost at hand. Let us finish this.

The final struggle awaits.

Response to Entering a Boss’ Room

I will handle this.

Let us bring this battle to a swift end.

Upon Getting to Low Health

I may have underestimated them.

I can still fight!

Upon Opening A Chest

Oh? What could that contain?

What riches await us?

Boss on Low Health

We almost have them in checkmate.

Prepare to meet your end.

Boss Enters Break State

Seize this chance!

We must not let this opportunity pass!

Rare Enemy Spawns

What a peculiar foe.

Fortune smiles upon us this day.

Upon Death

I'm so sorry, Master Ieyasu...

No... I cannot lose here...

When Using Shared Skills

Witness my true strength!

I shall hone my spirit!

Rouse yourself for battle.

Cease this at once!

I shall attend to you.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

What a fascinating skill.

Simply stunning.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

I am prepared to shapeshift on your command.

The dragon awaits my word.

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Feel the dragon's fury!

Idle During Quest

Our last battle plan had room for improvement.

Should we not return to the battle?

Quest Clear

A simple task.

Quest Failure

How could I have been so careless?

Home Screen Walking

Good day to you.

I believe it is time for dinner.

The night sky remains ever familiar.

Nature's beauty changes with the seasons.

Sunset is the most melancholy of times.

The moon's light soothes a weary soul.

Home Screen Inside

As Master Ieyasu's attendant, I must be strict with myself and vigilant at all times.

This hairpin is my treasure; I have worn it ceaselessly since my childhood.

I can write poetry and play the koto, but alas, singing is a talent I lack.

I strive to refine my skill at the tea ceremony and flower arrangement, but I like poems most of all.

The thought that Alberia has its own wonderful forms of poetry fills me with excitement!

My axe is intended to resemble a traditional hanetsuki paddle. Did you notice that?

Home Screen Portrait

This sazanka flower is a precious memory to me, which is why I wear one on my hair.

I have served Master Ieyasu since he was a babe. I've even changed his diaper.

Addis is a man worthy of my trust. His loyalty to our Master rivals even my own.

Botan is like a younger sister to me. And how cute it is when she eats like a glutton.

Collection Portrait

I have mastered the unconformable art of sitting seiza style. I often forced Master Ieyasu and Botan to sit that way as punishment.

Sazanka flowers bloom earnestly. I aspire to do the same.

I love the transience in the poetry of Hinomoto. What manner of poetry does Alberia have?

I love all kinds of flowers--peonies, irises, lilies--but sazanka blossoms are the most special to me.

Cultural exchange does more than just show you other cultures. It also teaches you about yourself.

So one can receive candy simply by saying, "Trick or treat"? What a curious incantation.

At The Halidom

How may I help you?

Do you have an interest in poetry, perchance?

Kindly do not touch my hairpin.

New Mana Circle Unlocked

Mana Circle Fully Unbound

On Promotion to 5

My talents are more refined than ever before. Permit me a small demonstration!

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Cultural Exchange

Hinomoto is an island country that exists far from Alberia. And from this distant land comes a lone visitor to the Halidom... Well, I guess that's all of your bags. Is there anything else I can help with? You have provided more than enough aid, Prince Euden. Pray allow me to introduce myself anew. My name is Sazanka, and I am an attendant of the Twelve Wyrmclans. I have come to Alberia at the behest of Master Ieyasu for a cultural exchange. I would be most delighted if I could teach everyone here the culture of Hinomoto. I've been looking forward to this ever since Ieyasu suggested it. Indeed. Hinomoto culture is so deep, and there is much I wish to learn. Me too! Let's start with games. You guys play tons of games, right? Aw man, I'm getting all antsy. I gotta play something now! In that case, permit me to teach you something simple we can try right away. Please do! I can't wait anymore! Then let us start with a "renga" poetry collaboration. Great! Er, wait. What's that? In this game, one player recites the first stanza while the other recites the second. Taken together, these create a single waka. I have NO idea what you just said. Here we go! "Though outside... The Hinomoto nightingale..." Bird! Moonlight! Apple pie! I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING! It's simple! Now you say, "the nightingale." Can we please do something else? Mmm. Perhaps that WAS a bit complex. Let us try composing a simpler waka. Simpler? This is a game where we insert seasonal words as we recite poetry. I will begin. "The flower..." Nope. Still too hard. I fear I do not understand the rules of this particular game either. Well, perhaps the universal language of music would be a better starting point. I have some instruments here in my bag. This is a koto. One plays it by simply plucking at the strings like so... ♪♪♪ Yesss! Finally, something I can handle! Can I try it out? Yes, of course. ARE YOU READY TO ROOOOCK?! *clank* *clunk* *plang* ...Yeah okay, that was terrible. I mean, it made NOISE, but not like what you did. It seems this instrument takes some skill. Would you teach us, Sazanka? Of course. As you pluck, you lightly shake the strings with your left hand. By lessening the tension, you create more— Nope! Too complicated. Yeah, this ain't somethin' a person can just pick up in one go. Ha ha! Apparently not. Maybe we can just sit back and let Sazanka play for us. Would that be all right? Certainly. I think I know the perfect song... ...Well, THAT was an incredible afternoon. We had a koto concert, poetry lessons, and even a martial-arts demonstration! Ya do all that stuff like it's no big deal, Sazanka, which MAKES it a big deal! Yeah, but HOW?! How can one person be so good at...at EVERYTHING?! As one born into a warrior household, I have trained in such arts my entire life. From the time I was small, I was expected to be a master of any and all art forms. A warrior household, hmm? That must be like our concept of a knight's lineage. My family has served Master Ieyasu's family for generations. My purpose in life was settled the moment I was born. Such loyalty is admirable, in its own way. And ya never thought about lookin' for some other path? Not even once? Never. Yeah, but why not? In Hinomoto, those born to warrior households spend their lives carrying out their duties. I am proud to serve Master Ieyasu. Those who are frivolous about such service deserve only the pain of death. Gya! I'm sorry! Don't pain of death me! Okay, I getcha. Sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean no disrespect or nothin'. Ahem. We've all been standing for some time. Perhaps we should take a load off. Can I make you some tea, Sazanka? That would be wonderful. Where might the kitchen be, Cleo? I would like to teach you about the Hinomoto tea ceremony. This way. Please follow me. She went from talking about inflicting the pain of death to brewing up tea?! What a weirdo. Loyalty is clearly very near and dear to her. Everyone has such standards in their life. You're right, Elly—and it really makes me want to get to know her better. There's a lot of exciting stuff waiting for us in this cultural exchange!

Episode 2

Flower of Memories

...And there you are. Dressed and ready. Whoa! This kimono is SNAZZY! Thanks for the help, Sazanka. I woulda put this on arse over teakettle if ya didn't help me out. I'm glad to be of assistance. But if I may ask, why did you decide to wear these kimonos today? Ieyasu's kimono gifts were very popular. We wanted to wear them all the time, but none of us could figure out how. Heh. Well, I suppose they can be daunting for a newcomer. I'm so glad to be wearing this again! Kimonos come in so many colors and patterns, yet I like this one best. Yes, everyone here seems quite suited to their own garment. A kimono reveals the character of the wearer, and I can tell yours merely by observing the colors and patterns. Well, your kimono's not so bad either. And that flower in your hair is great! I am honored you noticed my flower. Hey, you ARE always wearing a flower in your hair, aren't you? That's the same one you had when we picked our kimonos. Is it your favorite? I suppose you could say that. This flower is...special to me. Would you mind if we asked why? I would be happy to tell the story. It begins when I was young... I was not very fond of how I looked when I was little. I was the only one in my family with white hair and red eyes. It was as though a single blossom was different from the rest, and I hated it. However, one day, someone gave me a flower and said the following... ＂Your hair and eyes—the colors are remarkable. Here. This flower will look lovely on you." And that flower back then is the same kind you're wearing in your hair now? It is—and it also shares my name of "sazanka." Or camellia as I believe you would call it. My feelings about myself changed the moment I discovered this blossom. That is why the camellia in my hair is so precious to me. Hey, so who gave you that one in your hair, anyway? Someone from your family? Er... Regardless, it was a lovely story, and the flower looks beautiful on you. Mmm... You said that a person's kimono shows their character, yes? Well, in your case, I think that flower shows what kind of person you are. It's lovely how you keep such a gentle memory so close to your heart. You have a dignified air about you, but also one of kindness. That flower kinda livens ya up, actually. For sure! I mean, at first I thought you were just a grump who wanted to kill me, but now I see you're super nice. Do you truly think so? Certainly. Just think about how hard it was to put kimonos on all of us. Yet you didn't frown or complain at all. It even looked like you were having fun. It's easy to see how kind you are. And you return that kindness tenfold. I feel as if I will be able to become friends with all manner of people here.

Episode 3

A Single Deep Pool

The waka is a type of poem unique to Hinomoto made by combining a first and second stanza. At Sazanka's recommendation, everyone was trying to play a game using that composition... Rrrgh, this is hard! Just finding the card with the same poem you're reading out is difficult enough! I mean, you gotta start looking when you're reading the first verse, but the cards only have the second verse on 'em! Heh. That is why we call this "the game of a hundred poets." Let us make this next reading our last. "The people are the castle, the master is the foundation, and the retainers are friends..." Right! The next verse is...is... Argh! I JUST learned this one! "...Such ties create a peaceful rule." Such ties, such ties... Found it! Woo! I got this one, too! Wonderful. And the winner of our game is Prince Euden. Awww, man! He's got so many more cards than all of us. He sure does—but I ain't losin' next time! I just gotta memorize a little more. You'll need to memorize more than a little, Ranzal; you only have five cards. Look who's talkin', you've only got ten! I'm surprised to see that you can create a game out of poetry. It must be a very important art form in Hinomoto. It is indeed—and the ones we were just playing with are some of the most well-known and well-loved. My favorite is the one I just took. What can you tell me about it? Ah, yes. That one happens to be Master Ieyasu's favorite as well. Wait, really? Yes. That's because it is a poem about the bonds between a master and his retainers. A master must be humble and think of subordinates as friends, so that their bonds might become hard as steel. Master Ieyasu speaks constantly of this. Ieyasu's not a bad guy, all in all. Makes sense. A ruler can be tough and stalwart, but still considerate of his people. That's significant, what with all the high'n mighty nobles we got lyin' around. Master Ieyasu places more value in ability and relationships than he does pedigree or status. However, hierarchical relationships between master and vassal are absolute in Hinomoto. He told me, "Think of me as your friend, and be honest in both word and action." But though these were my master's orders, I was still bewildered. You had likely been taught that it was unacceptable to talk back to your master, or even pose a question. I was indeed. Thankfully, Master Ieyasu had been doing things his own way for quite some time. It was much the same when we spoke about the poem you mentioned earlier. ＂A good master is adored not for power," he said to me, "but for benevolence. I would have you be my true friend." His gaze told me of his seriousness, and so I complied with his request. Then it was not just your family's decision for you to serve Ieyasu. I understand. To an extent, we all gathered under His Highness's banner because we were charmed by his character. Yep! He treats everybody like a friend and not some vassal lackey. He and Ieyasu sound pretty similar. Hell, they even like the same poem! Guys, stop. This is embarrassing. Hmm. You may be right, at that. It's funny—when I think of foreign lands, I can only come up with differences. But Ieyasu and I have the same values, and we both like a poem that talks about the common bonds between people. It seems you really can find similarities through a cultural exchange like this. That is one way of thinking about it... Ah, but I can no longer hold it in! ＂In a distant land, I think quietly to the full moon. Our hearts are a single deep pool." Forgive me, but my emotions demanded I compose a verse. How did you find it? It was beautiful. What does it mean? It means that people's hearts can be enchanting, even in a foreign land— a fact that greatly moves me. It reminds me that Master Ieyasu's way of thinking is commendable, even though it often leads to criticism from others. Hey, I know what you mean there. Euden's a real weirdo compared to the rest of his family! I never thought I might meet someone who holds the same ambitions in such a distant and foreign land. But people have gathered in this castle because its lord is truly exceptional. I am so proud to have a cultural exchange with everyone here. And we feel the same. Let's hope the good times continue to roll! May we continue to learn from one other!

Episode 4

Culture Clash

What sort of business do you have in mind for today, Prince Euden? Well, you've been teaching us a lot about Hinomoto so far. So I was thinking it was time for us to show you something about Alberia. Is there anything you want to know? My, what a wonderful proposal. Hmm, let me see... As it is my duty to protect my master, I would know more of your martial arts. Perhaps you might arrange a sparring match with one of your fighters? I shall spar with you. In truth, I have been wanting to test my skills against your own for some time. Looks like we've got a match. Cleo, can you referee? Of course. Let us adjourn to the courtyard. ...Hah! S-she's so fast... I cannot evade! Your defense is impressive, but you cannot win by defending forever! Now try this on for size... Hallowed Waters! Rrrgh... I can...keep going...! Elisanne looks to be in command of things at the moment. Yep. Sazanka is pretty handy with that axe of hers, but I bet I know how this one's gonna end. Elisanne's got her on the run. Only a matter of time now. Alberian martial arts...have such fierce and valiant attacks... A Paladyn's skills are not for show! Oh, they are admirable indeed... But now I've seen them all! What?! Uh oh. Look how Sazanka's movin' now! She's dodging the attacks instead of blocking them. But why? Rgh! Don't tell me you were defending this whole time just so you could analyze my lancework! Ah, I see you have caught on... But it is too late! You should have kept your wits about you! Ah! Sazanka wins! I yield. You have bested me. Only just; you were near to overwhelming me while I was still on the defensive. Your strength is true, Sazanka. Might I ask you something? Of course. What made you want to be so strong? For my sake, I have an infinite well of power devoted to keeping my friends safe. Is it the same for you? Did you grow stronger in order to protect your master? ...... No. I am a weapon for Master Ieyasu. Hmm? I don't understa— Superior weapons must retain a keen edge no matter the circumstance. I am a weapon suitable for Master Ieyasu; one he is not ashamed to have. If there is a reason for my strength, that is it. So that is what makes you strong... I would learn such formidable resolve if you would teach me. And I would learn more of your own fighting style as well! It has a brilliance that is enchanting. More of that cultural exchange stuff, eh? Maybe you two'll even come up with some new tricks! I think I understand what Sazanka's fighting style is about now. It's a way to see through an opponent's techniques in order to defeat them; a way to turn yourself INTO a weapon!

Episode 5

What Makes Loyalty Bloom

As Sazanka grew adjusted to life in the castle, Master Ieyasu came to see how things were going. I trust your cultural exchange fares well? There are no problems thus far. Everyone is very understanding of Hinomoto culture. And they are teaching me plenty of their own culture as well. And how has Sazanka been for you, Euden? She's doing great. Everyone in the castle is quite fond of her. Especially Elisanne—which makes sense, seeing as how their positions are similar and they share a lot of interests. Ah, wonderful. In that case, Sazanka, I wish to reward you with a small gift. A gift? Master Ieyasu, this... It's a sazanka flower hair piece! It is indeed. I pray you enjoy it as much as you did the previous one. I shall treasure it always. This pleases me. Now then, we must be off to the great hall. I have much to discuss with my new friend, Euden. And I'm hoping to hear more about the dragons in Hinomoto. Sazanka? I will see you later. Er, Sazanka? I don't mean to pry, but... Well, you never did tell me who gave you your flower in the first place. Was it...? Yes. It was Master Ieyasu. I told you before how there was never a question of me carrying out my duty to the master's household, yes? I remember as much. Well, I did not always feel that way. Ah. I was weak when I was young. Frail. My family's training was too harsh, and it nearly shattered my spirit. I eventually came to hate and resent the life I had been born into. I see. But Master Ieyasu changed all that. When he gave me this flower, I bid farewell to the weak self I so detested. That is why I pledged my loyalty not to the Twelve Wyrmclans, but to Master Ieyasu specifically. And yet, I can't help but wonder what would happen if Master Ieyasu became an enemy of my family—or if I had to choose between him and the Wyrmclans. Perhaps I was wrong to be his vassal. And now that he has gifted me with another flower, I fear this all the more. Elisanne, I— Belay your fear. What? You fear that your own feelings are more powerful than the sense of duty you were born into. As someone born into a warrior household, you likely find this to be shameful. But your loyalty to Master Ieyasu is real; you need feel no shame for it. And yet I... Hinomoto values loyalty very much. You taught me that. Your loyalty to your master is unwavering, and this is as it should be. Thank you, Elisanne. I could never tell this to anyone in Hinomoto. I thought no one besides Master Ieyasu would ever understand how I feel. But I was wrong. All of you here in this castle understand me utterly. This is true. And I'm sure there are people in Hinomoto who do as well—you just haven't seen it. That's very kind of you, Elisanne. Indeed, that is a possibility. In truth, when I was first appointed to this cultural exchange, I was...discontent. I thought there was nothing more important than guarding my master. But now I understand why he sent me. And why is that? He wanted to give me an opportunity. He wanted me to see things I never would have noticed in Hinomoto. Something as wonderful as this doesn't come about very often. I'm happy to hear you say that. Now then! All of this reminds me of a book I've been meaning to show you. A book? Do go on! As our masters are strengthening their bonds, let us do the same!