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1
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version. (And other oddities.)
« on: November 01, 2023, 02:35:15 pm »
Status Effects
Stat Buffs
———
Attack Up - Increases physical attack power.
Defense Up - Increases defense against Physical damage.
Magic Defense Up - Increases defense against Magical damage.
Resistance Up - Increases defense against Elemental damage.
Magic Up - Increases magical attack power.
Speed Up - Increases chance to act sooner each turn.
Evasion Up - Increases chance to dodge attacks.
Hit Up - Increases chance of an attack connecting.
———
Beneficial Status Effects
———
Vanish
Immovable - Prevents being knocked back, readjusted, or launched off the battlefield by certain enemy attacks.
Vigor
Multihit - Basic attacks have a chance to hit from two to four times. (Chance is random.)
———
Character Unique Buffs
———
Sixth Gate: Mastered - Usable only by Cain.
Sixth Gate
———
Stat Debuffs
———
Attack Down
———
Status Ailments
———
Fear - Affected are forced to skip their turn.
Burned - Inflicts Red Element Damage Over Time.
Frozen - Cannot move. Crushing attacks have a chance to KO instantly.
Drowned - Inflicts Blue Element Damage Over Time.
Burden - Basic attacks do single-digit damage.
Shocked - Inflicts Yellow Damage Over Time.
Confusion - May attack allies.
Poisoned - Inflicts Green Element Damage Over Time.
Blind - More likely for attacks to miss regardless of Hit stat.
Corrupted - Inflicts Black Element Damage Over Time.
Lock - Techs and Magic cannot be used.
Starscorned - Inflicts White Element Damage Over Time.
Stat Buffs
———
Attack Up - Increases physical attack power.
Defense Up - Increases defense against Physical damage.
Magic Defense Up - Increases defense against Magical damage.
Resistance Up - Increases defense against Elemental damage.
Magic Up - Increases magical attack power.
Speed Up - Increases chance to act sooner each turn.
Evasion Up - Increases chance to dodge attacks.
Hit Up - Increases chance of an attack connecting.
———
Beneficial Status Effects
———
Vanish
Immovable - Prevents being knocked back, readjusted, or launched off the battlefield by certain enemy attacks.
Vigor
Multihit - Basic attacks have a chance to hit from two to four times. (Chance is random.)
———
Character Unique Buffs
———
Sixth Gate: Mastered - Usable only by Cain.
Sixth Gate
———
Stat Debuffs
———
Attack Down
———
Status Ailments
———
Fear - Affected are forced to skip their turn.
Burned - Inflicts Red Element Damage Over Time.
Frozen - Cannot move. Crushing attacks have a chance to KO instantly.
Drowned - Inflicts Blue Element Damage Over Time.
Burden - Basic attacks do single-digit damage.
Shocked - Inflicts Yellow Damage Over Time.
Confusion - May attack allies.
Poisoned - Inflicts Green Element Damage Over Time.
Blind - More likely for attacks to miss regardless of Hit stat.
Corrupted - Inflicts Black Element Damage Over Time.
Lock - Techs and Magic cannot be used.
Starscorned - Inflicts White Element Damage Over Time.
2
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version. (And other oddities.)
« on: November 01, 2023, 01:45:49 pm »
Tech List
Cain
———
Techs:
Desperate Rush - Rain a flurry of punches upon a single foe.
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Physical, Crushing
Notes - Upgrades to Phantom Rush in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Raining Lance - Throw your spear, fast and true.
Range - Enemy Line (Target)
Damage Type - Physical, Piercing
Notes - Upgrades to Freezing Spike in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Explosion Rune
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Physical, Fire
Notes - Inflicts Burned status. Upgrades to Destruction Rune in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Unchain - Open the Sixth Gate and unleash hell.
Range - Self
Support Type - Buff
Notes - Puts Cain into Sixth Gate: Mastered status. Normal attacks gain Multihit. Techs and spells are upgraded to superior versions. Critical Rate and Critical Damage are increased.
Phantom Rush - Unleash righteous fury.
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Physical, Magical, Crushing
Notes - Attack becomes Physical or Magical depending on enemy weakness. Ignores Crushing Resistance.
Freezing Spike
Range - Enemy Cone (Cain's position)
Damage Type - Physical, Piercing, Ice, Earth
Destruction Rune
Range - Enemy Group (Surrounding Target)
Damage Type - Magical, Fire, Lightning, Gravity
Magic:
Flame - Basic Fire spell.
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Notes - Occasionally inflicts Burned status. Upgrades to Inferno in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Protect - Conjure a barrier that lessens damage.
Range - Self
Support Type - Buff
Damage Shielded - Physical, Slashing, Piercing, Crushing
Notes - Upgrades to Aegis in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Wildfire - Intermediate Fire Spell
Range - Enemy Group (Target)
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Notes - Upgrades to Hellfire in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Flare - Advanced Fire Spell
Range - All Enemies
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Notes - Upgrades to Astral Flare in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Inferno
Range - Enemy Group (Target)
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Notes - Inflicts Burned status.
Aegis
Range - Self
Support Type - Buff
Damage Shielded - Physical, Magical, Slashing, Piercing, Crushing
Notes - Gives Cain Immovable status.
Hellfire
Range - All Enemies
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Astral Flare
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Magical, Fire, Celestial
Notes - Inflicts Burned and Starscorned status upon the enemy.
———
Schala
———
Techs:
Empower
Range - Self
Support Type - Buff
Notes - Puts Schala into Sixth Gate status. Power of attack and healing magic increased. Automatically regenerates MP. Allows access to Grand Barrier and Luminaire spells. Unlocked during Arbiter of Hatred boss battle.
Spells:
Recover
Heaven's Gate
Grand Barrier
Luminaire
———
Eiric
———
Techs:
Freezing Arrow
Magic:
Aura
Cure
Splash
Aquabeam
Flood
———
Zhao
———
Techs:
Whirling Leaf Slash
Magic:
Gust
Tailwind
Tornado
———
Eva
———
Techs:
Dance of Gems
Rust Hurricane - Metal shards swirl in the wake of Benmaru's spinning lariat.
Range - Caster area
Damage Type - Physical, Slashing, Crushing, Earth
Notes - Unlocked upon completion of personal sidequest. Lowers enemy defense.
Arc Cannon - Benmaru fires a beam of concentrated lightning energy.
Range - Line (across screen)
Damage Type - Magical, Lightning, Light
Notes - Unlocked upon completion of personal sidequest.
Magic:
Spark - Basic Lightning spell
Lightning Bolt - Intermediate Lightning spell
Thundercloud - Advanced Lightning spell
Range - All Enemies
Damage Type - Magical, Lightning
Notes - Upgrades to Thunderstorm upon completion of personal sidequest.
———
Tristan
———
Techs:
Hell's Gate
Devilish Flurry
Magic:
Dark Bomb
Cain
———
Techs:
Desperate Rush - Rain a flurry of punches upon a single foe.
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Physical, Crushing
Notes - Upgrades to Phantom Rush in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Raining Lance - Throw your spear, fast and true.
Range - Enemy Line (Target)
Damage Type - Physical, Piercing
Notes - Upgrades to Freezing Spike in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Explosion Rune
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Physical, Fire
Notes - Inflicts Burned status. Upgrades to Destruction Rune in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Unchain - Open the Sixth Gate and unleash hell.
Range - Self
Support Type - Buff
Notes - Puts Cain into Sixth Gate: Mastered status. Normal attacks gain Multihit. Techs and spells are upgraded to superior versions. Critical Rate and Critical Damage are increased.
Phantom Rush - Unleash righteous fury.
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Physical, Magical, Crushing
Notes - Attack becomes Physical or Magical depending on enemy weakness. Ignores Crushing Resistance.
Freezing Spike
Range - Enemy Cone (Cain's position)
Damage Type - Physical, Piercing, Ice, Earth
Destruction Rune
Range - Enemy Group (Surrounding Target)
Damage Type - Magical, Fire, Lightning, Gravity
Magic:
Flame - Basic Fire spell.
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Notes - Occasionally inflicts Burned status. Upgrades to Inferno in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Protect - Conjure a barrier that lessens damage.
Range - Self
Support Type - Buff
Damage Shielded - Physical, Slashing, Piercing, Crushing
Notes - Upgrades to Aegis in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Wildfire - Intermediate Fire Spell
Range - Enemy Group (Target)
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Notes - Upgrades to Hellfire in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Flare - Advanced Fire Spell
Range - All Enemies
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Notes - Upgrades to Astral Flare in Sixth Gate: Mastered status.
Inferno
Range - Enemy Group (Target)
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Notes - Inflicts Burned status.
Aegis
Range - Self
Support Type - Buff
Damage Shielded - Physical, Magical, Slashing, Piercing, Crushing
Notes - Gives Cain Immovable status.
Hellfire
Range - All Enemies
Damage Type - Magical, Fire
Astral Flare
Range - Single Enemy
Damage Type - Magical, Fire, Celestial
Notes - Inflicts Burned and Starscorned status upon the enemy.
———
Schala
———
Techs:
Empower
Range - Self
Support Type - Buff
Notes - Puts Schala into Sixth Gate status. Power of attack and healing magic increased. Automatically regenerates MP. Allows access to Grand Barrier and Luminaire spells. Unlocked during Arbiter of Hatred boss battle.
Spells:
Recover
Heaven's Gate
Grand Barrier
Luminaire
———
Eiric
———
Techs:
Freezing Arrow
Magic:
Aura
Cure
Splash
Aquabeam
Flood
———
Zhao
———
Techs:
Whirling Leaf Slash
Magic:
Gust
Tailwind
Tornado
———
Eva
———
Techs:
Dance of Gems
Rust Hurricane - Metal shards swirl in the wake of Benmaru's spinning lariat.
Range - Caster area
Damage Type - Physical, Slashing, Crushing, Earth
Notes - Unlocked upon completion of personal sidequest. Lowers enemy defense.
Arc Cannon - Benmaru fires a beam of concentrated lightning energy.
Range - Line (across screen)
Damage Type - Magical, Lightning, Light
Notes - Unlocked upon completion of personal sidequest.
Magic:
Spark - Basic Lightning spell
Lightning Bolt - Intermediate Lightning spell
Thundercloud - Advanced Lightning spell
Range - All Enemies
Damage Type - Magical, Lightning
Notes - Upgrades to Thunderstorm upon completion of personal sidequest.
———
Tristan
———
Techs:
Hell's Gate
Devilish Flurry
Magic:
Dark Bomb
3
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version. (And other oddities.)
« on: August 02, 2023, 03:26:10 am »
Still working on these.
*collapses*
Still working on 'em…
*collapses*
Still working on 'em…
4
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version. (And other oddities.)
« on: June 05, 2023, 01:07:59 pm »
Boss List
Prologue:
1. Mystery Combatant (Dalton)
2. Dalton (Vagabond)
3. Benedict
Main Game:
4. Pavlov
5. Demon Lord (Weakened Thanaton)
6. Sigmund (Round 1)
7. Manticore
8. Issac
9. Bellowing Beast
10. Sigmund (Round 2)
11. Divine Boron Series
12. Divine Sparrow (Core)
Normal Path:
13. Olivia
14. Sigmund (Round 3)
15. Royal Guards
16. The Prophet (Magus)
Bonus Endings:
17. Queen Zeal
18. Queen Zeal (Corrupted Sixth Gate Beast)
Another Path:
19. Cain (Corrupted Sixth Gate Beast)
20. Sigmund (Round 4)
21. Sigmund (Sixth Gate)
22. Archive Keeper
23. The Prophet (Sixth Gate)
24. Jailer Beast
25. Giga Gaia (Whole)
26. Giga Gaia (Torso)
27. Golem Sisters
28. Chancellor Arvis
29. Dalton (Commander)
30. Magus
31. Magus (Corrupted Sixth Gate Beast)
32. Avira Draconis
33. Thanaton
Endgame Path:
34. Dark Wolf (Overture)
35. Dalton (Porrean General)
36. Lynx
37. Dark Wolf (Crescendo)
38. Spite's Reward
39. Vera
40. Dark Wolf (Climax)
41. Lynx
42. Dark Wolf
43. Manmon
44. Lavos-Corrupted Manmon
Prologue:
1. Mystery Combatant (Dalton)
2. Dalton (Vagabond)
3. Benedict
Main Game:
4. Pavlov
5. Demon Lord (Weakened Thanaton)
6. Sigmund (Round 1)
7. Manticore
8. Issac
9. Bellowing Beast
10. Sigmund (Round 2)
11. Divine Boron Series
12. Divine Sparrow (Core)
Normal Path:
13. Olivia
14. Sigmund (Round 3)
15. Royal Guards
16. The Prophet (Magus)
Bonus Endings:
17. Queen Zeal
18. Queen Zeal (Corrupted Sixth Gate Beast)
Another Path:
19. Cain (Corrupted Sixth Gate Beast)
20. Sigmund (Round 4)
21. Sigmund (Sixth Gate)
22. Archive Keeper
23. The Prophet (Sixth Gate)
24. Jailer Beast
25. Giga Gaia (Whole)
26. Giga Gaia (Torso)
27. Golem Sisters
28. Chancellor Arvis
29. Dalton (Commander)
30. Magus
31. Magus (Corrupted Sixth Gate Beast)
32. Avira Draconis
33. Thanaton
Endgame Path:
34. Dark Wolf (Overture)
35. Dalton (Porrean General)
36. Lynx
37. Dark Wolf (Crescendo)
38. Spite's Reward
39. Vera
40. Dark Wolf (Climax)
41. Lynx
42. Dark Wolf
43. Manmon
44. Lavos-Corrupted Manmon
5
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version. (And other oddities.)
« on: May 08, 2023, 06:09:57 pm »
Trophies
Bronze:
Double Knockout - Performed your first Dual Tech.
Inquisitor or Bodyguard? Menace or Savior? - Learned all of Cain's Techs and leveled him to **.
Dancing Puppeteer - Learned all of Eva's Techs and leveled her to **.
Destined for Greatness - Learned all of Eiric's Techs and leveled him to **.
Giant of the Forge - Learned all of Zhao's Techs and leveled him to **.
Noblesse Obliged - Learned all of Tristan's Techs and leveled him to **.
Paradise Lost - The death of one close changes those around them… (Cleared the Prologue)
Fiend Slayer - Dealt with a demonic incursion. (Cleared Act 1)
Three-Ring Circus - Stood at the top of the heap. (Cleared Act 2)
Sins of the Past - Solved the mystery of a rogue AI. (Cleared Act 3)
Lavos' Witnesses - Put an end to the Way of Lavos. (Cleared Act 4)
Last Desperate Stand - Witnessed your unfortunate fate. (Cleared Act 5)
Round Two - And thus, Time repeats itself. (Begin a New Game Plus)
What Could Have Been - Witnessed an alternate future with the help of a Time Gate.
Turning Point - Could you have found a way to change your fate? (Unlocked Another Path)
I Need A Hero - This is your last chance. Do it right this time. (Cleared Chrono Cross - Denouement)
Untrustworthy - Completed your first Side Quest
Layabout - Completed 5 Side Quests
Suspicious - Completed 10 Side Quests
Trouble In Paradise - You survived your assassination… but at what cost? (Cleared Act 6)
Woe Is Them - Saved your friends and brought down the mountain. (Cleared Act 7)
Rebellion - The Kingdom of Zeal stands in your path, and the only way to Schala and the Ocean Palace is through it. (Cleared Act 8 )
The Black Wind Howls - Fight through the Ocean Palace and take control of your fate. (Cleared Act 9)
Silver:
Last Hope of Zeal - Learned all of Schala's Techs and leveled her to **.
Freudian Slip - Fought Sigmund for the last time. (Defeat Sigmund during Act 5)
Zeal Team 6 - Braved the depths of the Elemental Temple and accessed the lost Zeal Archives.
Patricide - Shut Chancellor Arvis up… permanently. (Defeat Arvis)
Family Therapy Session - Settle the score with the false prophet. (Defeat Magus)
Lavos Beckons - Finish the job. (Defeat Lavos Terminus)
Union of Heroes - Performed the Shining Strike Triple Tech with Cain, Crono, and Serge.
Accepted - Complete 15 Side Quests
Helping Hand - Complete 20 Side Quests
We Will Not Fall This Day - Defended your new home from Porre's invasion. (Cleared Act 10)
One Last Loose End - Exact your long-awaited revenge. (Defeat Dalton)
A Cross to Bear - Became acquainted with Lynx. (Cleared Act 11)
Where Angels Fear to Tread - Arrived in El Nido. (Cleared Act 12)
Viper Manor Shuffle - Receive more questions than answers. (Cleared Act 13)
Betrayal at Fort Dragonia - You can't save everyone… but you can damn well try. (Cleared Act 14)
The Dead Sea - Find a way home. (Cleared Act 15)
Rematch of the Damned - Face an old foe. (Defeat Garai)
Prisoners of FATE - Face an old friend. (Defeat Miguel)
Dragon's Tears - Help Serge regain what he lost. (Cleared Act 16)
Let Love Bleed - Settle the score with Lynx. (Cleared Act 17)
What It Means to Live - Shut it all down. (Defeat FATE)
Tower of Stars - The planet rumbles… (Cleared Act 18)
Death on Lunar Wings - Set her free. (Defeat the Dragon God)
Gold:
Man of the People - Complete all Side Quests
Behind The Curtain - Discovered the face of your enemy. (Defeat Thanaton)
Origin Point - Together with heroes of time and dimensions, discovered the cause of all this tragedy. (Cleared Act 19)
Beginning of the End - Witnessed the events leading to Antiquity's end.
Life: A Distant Promise - Stared the arbiter of the Black Wind in the face… and survived.
Platinum:
To Far Away Times - Saw the tale to its final conclusion.
Bronze:
Double Knockout - Performed your first Dual Tech.
Inquisitor or Bodyguard? Menace or Savior? - Learned all of Cain's Techs and leveled him to **.
Dancing Puppeteer - Learned all of Eva's Techs and leveled her to **.
Destined for Greatness - Learned all of Eiric's Techs and leveled him to **.
Giant of the Forge - Learned all of Zhao's Techs and leveled him to **.
Noblesse Obliged - Learned all of Tristan's Techs and leveled him to **.
Paradise Lost - The death of one close changes those around them… (Cleared the Prologue)
Fiend Slayer - Dealt with a demonic incursion. (Cleared Act 1)
Three-Ring Circus - Stood at the top of the heap. (Cleared Act 2)
Sins of the Past - Solved the mystery of a rogue AI. (Cleared Act 3)
Lavos' Witnesses - Put an end to the Way of Lavos. (Cleared Act 4)
Last Desperate Stand - Witnessed your unfortunate fate. (Cleared Act 5)
Round Two - And thus, Time repeats itself. (Begin a New Game Plus)
What Could Have Been - Witnessed an alternate future with the help of a Time Gate.
Turning Point - Could you have found a way to change your fate? (Unlocked Another Path)
I Need A Hero - This is your last chance. Do it right this time. (Cleared Chrono Cross - Denouement)
Untrustworthy - Completed your first Side Quest
Layabout - Completed 5 Side Quests
Suspicious - Completed 10 Side Quests
Trouble In Paradise - You survived your assassination… but at what cost? (Cleared Act 6)
Woe Is Them - Saved your friends and brought down the mountain. (Cleared Act 7)
Rebellion - The Kingdom of Zeal stands in your path, and the only way to Schala and the Ocean Palace is through it. (Cleared Act 8 )
The Black Wind Howls - Fight through the Ocean Palace and take control of your fate. (Cleared Act 9)
Silver:
Last Hope of Zeal - Learned all of Schala's Techs and leveled her to **.
Freudian Slip - Fought Sigmund for the last time. (Defeat Sigmund during Act 5)
Zeal Team 6 - Braved the depths of the Elemental Temple and accessed the lost Zeal Archives.
Patricide - Shut Chancellor Arvis up… permanently. (Defeat Arvis)
Family Therapy Session - Settle the score with the false prophet. (Defeat Magus)
Lavos Beckons - Finish the job. (Defeat Lavos Terminus)
Union of Heroes - Performed the Shining Strike Triple Tech with Cain, Crono, and Serge.
Accepted - Complete 15 Side Quests
Helping Hand - Complete 20 Side Quests
We Will Not Fall This Day - Defended your new home from Porre's invasion. (Cleared Act 10)
One Last Loose End - Exact your long-awaited revenge. (Defeat Dalton)
A Cross to Bear - Became acquainted with Lynx. (Cleared Act 11)
Where Angels Fear to Tread - Arrived in El Nido. (Cleared Act 12)
Viper Manor Shuffle - Receive more questions than answers. (Cleared Act 13)
Betrayal at Fort Dragonia - You can't save everyone… but you can damn well try. (Cleared Act 14)
The Dead Sea - Find a way home. (Cleared Act 15)
Rematch of the Damned - Face an old foe. (Defeat Garai)
Prisoners of FATE - Face an old friend. (Defeat Miguel)
Dragon's Tears - Help Serge regain what he lost. (Cleared Act 16)
Let Love Bleed - Settle the score with Lynx. (Cleared Act 17)
What It Means to Live - Shut it all down. (Defeat FATE)
Tower of Stars - The planet rumbles… (Cleared Act 18)
Death on Lunar Wings - Set her free. (Defeat the Dragon God)
Gold:
Man of the People - Complete all Side Quests
Behind The Curtain - Discovered the face of your enemy. (Defeat Thanaton)
Origin Point - Together with heroes of time and dimensions, discovered the cause of all this tragedy. (Cleared Act 19)
Beginning of the End - Witnessed the events leading to Antiquity's end.
Life: A Distant Promise - Stared the arbiter of the Black Wind in the face… and survived.
Platinum:
To Far Away Times - Saw the tale to its final conclusion.
6
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version. (And other oddities.)
« on: February 17, 2023, 07:05:16 am »
Updating for those who arrived late to the theater.
7
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version. (And other oddities.)
« on: January 18, 2023, 12:48:05 pm »
Soundtrack List
1. Song Title - (Song used as placeholder)
Disc 1:
1. Origin's Dawn (Title Screen)
2. Dreamers Forward (Theme of Chrono)
3. Guardian Qualification Exam
4. Push Forward (Battle Theme 1)
5. Unexpected Danger
6. Alphard's Theme
7. Schala's Theme (Origins)
8. Zeal Palace (A Shining Star)
9. Conspiracy
10. The Frozen Flame
11. The Trap is Sprung
12. Death of the King
13. Madness
14. Innocence Lost
15. Sands of History (Chapter Narration)
16. Underground Vice
17. Inquisitor
18. Mansion of Demons
19. Last Rites (VS Conspirators)
20. Awe-Inspiring Force - (The Gods' Military Forces - Asura's Wrath)
21. The Sixth Gate (Battle Ver.) - (Furious - Asura's Wrath)
22. A Hand of Friendship
23. The Alphard Coalition - (Avalanche's Theme - Final Fantasy VII: REMAKE)
24. Cain's Theme - (In Your Belief: Instrumental - Asura's Wrath)
Disc 2:
1. Cain and Schala: Fractured Bonds
2. Eiric's Theme - (Partitio's Theme - Octopath Traveler 2)
3. Janus' Theme
4. Southeastern Territory
5. Sigmund: First Movement - (Moebius: Phase 1 - Xenoblade Chronicles 3)
6. Enhasa
7. Kajar Labratories
8. The Three Gurus
9. An Honest Day's Work
10. Hostility (Boss Theme 1)
11. Zhao's Theme - (Hikari's Theme - Octopath Traveler 2)
12. The Northern Forge
13. Bitter Memory
14. Gotta Hurry!
15. Blood Sport
16. The Great Divide (Earthbound)
17. Eva's Theme
18. Tristan's Theme
19. Cain and Schala: Stalemate
20. Frozen Wastes
21. Alghetty: The Earthbound's Prison
22. The Great Divide (Enlightened)
23. Schala's Theme (Trigger)
24. Zeal Palace (Corruption)
Disc 3:
1. Underground Blues
2. The Pitch Black
3. Returning to the Traitor's Estate
4. Secret Lab
5. Mechanical Menace
6. Cult of the False Savior
7. Enter The Prophet
8. Genocide
9. The Underground Aflame
10. The Chancellor's Judgement
11. The Coalition Collapsed - (Come Back to Us - Final Fantasy VII: REMAKE)
12. The Manmon Machine
13. Alghetty Enslaved
14. A Dance Among Enlightened
15. Abel's Theme - (Osvald's Theme - Octopath Traveler 2)
16. Cain and Schala: Desperate Pleas
17. Stay With Me Forever
18. Zeal Palace (Trigger)
19. A False Crime
20. Rebellion
21. The False Prophet (Battle With Magus)
22. Fated End
23. Sorrow's Prize (Normal Path End Credits) - (Sound of Breath - Yakuza Kiwami 2)
24. Epilogue: Life, Legacy, and a Distant Promise
Disc 4:
1. Nightmare
2. Battle with Queen Zeal
3. Vera's Theme
4. Turning Point
5. Funeral Tears
6. The Vision
7. The Princess Missing
8. Siegmund: Sixth Gate
9. Cain and Schala: A Bond Renewed
10. Forbidden Archives (Sealed Door)
11. Passing the Torch - (Orphan Wolf Legend: Wind - Asura's Wrath)
12. Sacrifice
13. Wounded, Through the Wastes - (The Look on Her Face - Final Fantasy VII: REMAKE)
14. Severed Ties (Schala vs Magus)
15. Bringing Down the Mountain - (Orphan Wolf Legend: Fang - Asura's Wrath)
16. Confrontation (vs Arvis)
17. Karmic Punishment
18. Ocean Palace
19. False Prophet of Time
20. World of the End
21. Harbinger of the Black Wind
22. Saving One's Own Future (vs Thanaton) - (I'm Here - Sonic Frontiers)
23. Epilogue: A New Dawn
24. To Far Away Times (Another Path End Credits)
1. Song Title - (Song used as placeholder)
Disc 1:
1. Origin's Dawn (Title Screen)
2. Dreamers Forward (Theme of Chrono)
3. Guardian Qualification Exam
4. Push Forward (Battle Theme 1)
5. Unexpected Danger
6. Alphard's Theme
7. Schala's Theme (Origins)
8. Zeal Palace (A Shining Star)
9. Conspiracy
10. The Frozen Flame
11. The Trap is Sprung
12. Death of the King
13. Madness
14. Innocence Lost
15. Sands of History (Chapter Narration)
16. Underground Vice
17. Inquisitor
18. Mansion of Demons
19. Last Rites (VS Conspirators)
20. Awe-Inspiring Force - (The Gods' Military Forces - Asura's Wrath)
21. The Sixth Gate (Battle Ver.) - (Furious - Asura's Wrath)
22. A Hand of Friendship
23. The Alphard Coalition - (Avalanche's Theme - Final Fantasy VII: REMAKE)
24. Cain's Theme - (In Your Belief: Instrumental - Asura's Wrath)
Disc 2:
1. Cain and Schala: Fractured Bonds
2. Eiric's Theme - (Partitio's Theme - Octopath Traveler 2)
3. Janus' Theme
4. Southeastern Territory
5. Sigmund: First Movement - (Moebius: Phase 1 - Xenoblade Chronicles 3)
6. Enhasa
7. Kajar Labratories
8. The Three Gurus
9. An Honest Day's Work
10. Hostility (Boss Theme 1)
11. Zhao's Theme - (Hikari's Theme - Octopath Traveler 2)
12. The Northern Forge
13. Bitter Memory
14. Gotta Hurry!
15. Blood Sport
16. The Great Divide (Earthbound)
17. Eva's Theme
18. Tristan's Theme
19. Cain and Schala: Stalemate
20. Frozen Wastes
21. Alghetty: The Earthbound's Prison
22. The Great Divide (Enlightened)
23. Schala's Theme (Trigger)
24. Zeal Palace (Corruption)
Disc 3:
1. Underground Blues
2. The Pitch Black
3. Returning to the Traitor's Estate
4. Secret Lab
5. Mechanical Menace
6. Cult of the False Savior
7. Enter The Prophet
8. Genocide
9. The Underground Aflame
10. The Chancellor's Judgement
11. The Coalition Collapsed - (Come Back to Us - Final Fantasy VII: REMAKE)
12. The Manmon Machine
13. Alghetty Enslaved
14. A Dance Among Enlightened
15. Abel's Theme - (Osvald's Theme - Octopath Traveler 2)
16. Cain and Schala: Desperate Pleas
17. Stay With Me Forever
18. Zeal Palace (Trigger)
19. A False Crime
20. Rebellion
21. The False Prophet (Battle With Magus)
22. Fated End
23. Sorrow's Prize (Normal Path End Credits) - (Sound of Breath - Yakuza Kiwami 2)
24. Epilogue: Life, Legacy, and a Distant Promise
Disc 4:
1. Nightmare
2. Battle with Queen Zeal
3. Vera's Theme
4. Turning Point
5. Funeral Tears
6. The Vision
7. The Princess Missing
8. Siegmund: Sixth Gate
9. Cain and Schala: A Bond Renewed
10. Forbidden Archives (Sealed Door)
11. Passing the Torch - (Orphan Wolf Legend: Wind - Asura's Wrath)
12. Sacrifice
13. Wounded, Through the Wastes - (The Look on Her Face - Final Fantasy VII: REMAKE)
14. Severed Ties (Schala vs Magus)
15. Bringing Down the Mountain - (Orphan Wolf Legend: Fang - Asura's Wrath)
16. Confrontation (vs Arvis)
17. Karmic Punishment
18. Ocean Palace
19. False Prophet of Time
20. World of the End
21. Harbinger of the Black Wind
22. Saving One's Own Future (vs Thanaton) - (I'm Here - Sonic Frontiers)
23. Epilogue: A New Dawn
24. To Far Away Times (Another Path End Credits)
8
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version.
« on: January 11, 2023, 06:04:27 pm »
YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)
9
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version.
« on: January 11, 2023, 06:03:15 pm »
Fridge Brilliance
Cain shows plenty of times that he has a soft spot for the Earthbound, and in a few sidequests, even shows sympathy to those in Zeal who have trouble unlocking their potential in magic. Yet, he shows no such courtesy to Janus, who seems to be in a similar situation. However, canon shows that Janus was hiding his potential out of fear of what Schala has been forced to go through, and then it makes sense. Cain knows Janus is holding back and sees the prince as a coward for not tapping into that well of power ease his sister's burden. One may argue that Janus is still just a child, but Cain ended up having to grow up too fast and thus believes that's no excuse, expecting the son of the man he idolized to step up.
———
Near the end of the Normal Path, after the brief time skip that happens after the capture of his allies, Cain is bereft of his usual confidence, almost listless at times. The room next to Schala's he uses while under her protection is completely barren save for a bed, and during the dance at the gala, he gives her a quiet, if anguished declaration of love. Schala learns soon afterwards that Eva, Zhao, and Tristan are scheduled to be executed, and things suddenly click, for her and the audience. Cain is expecting the coming reckoning, and he knows he's not going to make it out unscathed, so he's putting all of his affairs in order.
———
Why is Schala able to access the mastered Sixth Gate despite her negative views on power? Because she's the Princess of Zeal. She has been trained in basic, practical, and advanced magical theory since childhood. And despite her pacifism, self-defense is a requirement for a royal.
- Which then begs the question, how was she able to awaken it regardless? It happens in the altered timeline during Porre's attempt to sack Guardia. Schala wants to help him, to save him and her newfound family, whatever it takes. And it clicks. For the first time in her life, she wants power, in spite of past experiences telling her 'no, bad idea'. It is the first time her heart and mind are in conflict, and she ultimately chooses the former in spite of her misgivings.
- The best part? It pays off. Cain is saved, ironically validating his own belief that desiring power is not a bad thing as long as it’s used responsibly. The first crack in Schala's long-held beliefs appears, but it does take a couple more incidents before it all finally sticks.
———
Fridge Horror
Cain shows plenty of times that he has a soft spot for the Earthbound, and in a few sidequests, even shows sympathy to those in Zeal who have trouble unlocking their potential in magic. Yet, he shows no such courtesy to Janus, who seems to be in a similar situation. However, canon shows that Janus was hiding his potential out of fear of what Schala has been forced to go through, and then it makes sense. Cain knows Janus is holding back and sees the prince as a coward for not tapping into that well of power ease his sister's burden. One may argue that Janus is still just a child, but Cain ended up having to grow up too fast and thus believes that's no excuse, expecting the son of the man he idolized to step up.
———
Near the end of the Normal Path, after the brief time skip that happens after the capture of his allies, Cain is bereft of his usual confidence, almost listless at times. The room next to Schala's he uses while under her protection is completely barren save for a bed, and during the dance at the gala, he gives her a quiet, if anguished declaration of love. Schala learns soon afterwards that Eva, Zhao, and Tristan are scheduled to be executed, and things suddenly click, for her and the audience. Cain is expecting the coming reckoning, and he knows he's not going to make it out unscathed, so he's putting all of his affairs in order.
———
Why is Schala able to access the mastered Sixth Gate despite her negative views on power? Because she's the Princess of Zeal. She has been trained in basic, practical, and advanced magical theory since childhood. And despite her pacifism, self-defense is a requirement for a royal.
- Which then begs the question, how was she able to awaken it regardless? It happens in the altered timeline during Porre's attempt to sack Guardia. Schala wants to help him, to save him and her newfound family, whatever it takes. And it clicks. For the first time in her life, she wants power, in spite of past experiences telling her 'no, bad idea'. It is the first time her heart and mind are in conflict, and she ultimately chooses the former in spite of her misgivings.
- The best part? It pays off. Cain is saved, ironically validating his own belief that desiring power is not a bad thing as long as it’s used responsibly. The first crack in Schala's long-held beliefs appears, but it does take a couple more incidents before it all finally sticks.
———
Fridge Horror
10
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version.
« on: January 11, 2023, 05:42:38 pm »
Nightmare Fuel
The Benedict Manor Incident. The event that signaled the beginning of Zeal's decline into hubris, and changed the lives of Cain and Schala forever, and not for the better.
- It begins with the young Schala stealing the recently discovered Frozen Flame from her mother's chambers and disappearing, sending her father and the Royal Guard into a frenzied search. What they didn't know was that she had stolen off to Benedict Manor, believing that one of her father's allies would be able to help. Unfortunately, Benedict had already been bought off by Arvis Cray, and decides the situation would be perfect for luring the King into a trap. All of this would be horrifying enough, but it gets worse…
- Long story short, the trap is sprung, and Alphard is separated from the guard. Although he finds Schala quickly, the King of Zeal is shot, and soon enough dies in Schala's arms. Some of Benedict's men then prepare to kill the distraught princess, but Cain intervenes, and is nearly blinded in one eye and impaled for his trouble. A terrifying situation indeed, but it gets worse…
- It's at this point that Cain's full magical potential awakens, opening the Sixth Gate. What happens next is a one-sided massacre by Cain against Benedict's guards… and Cain is laughing, reveling at the slaughter, as if finally releasing his all of his hidden grudges against society at once. Benedict tries to stop Cain's rampage with an experimental robot, but the latter takes it apart with ease, and with a deranged grin, Cain literally cooks the traitor alive inside the machine's remains. Schala, still rooted to her dead father's side, witnesses all of this, begging for it all to stop over and over. Unfortunately, this activates the Frozen Flame, bonding her fate to Lavos, and rendering Cain unconscious.
- Although Cain seemed to regain his senses later, he was never the same, while Schala was left afraid of him for at least a year according to Abel. Not only that, she came from the experience believing that power of any kind can only destroy, a mindset that would ironically nearly serve to destroy all reality millennia later…
———
Cain's nightmare at the beginning of a New Game Plus. It start with a re-enactment of his own death in the Normal Path, but it doesn't stop there. It cuts to a dungeon somewhere in the depths of Mt. Woe where the bodies of Eva, Zhao, and Tristan lie. All three show signs of having been tortured before being executed. It gets worse however, when it then switches to Schala collapsing in front of the Manmon Machine as the Ocean Palace collapses around her. There is no discretion shot here: we see Schala get crushed. The last thing seen before Cain nearly catapults out of bed is Schala's arm sticking out from the rubble and blood pooling on the ground…
The Benedict Manor Incident. The event that signaled the beginning of Zeal's decline into hubris, and changed the lives of Cain and Schala forever, and not for the better.
- It begins with the young Schala stealing the recently discovered Frozen Flame from her mother's chambers and disappearing, sending her father and the Royal Guard into a frenzied search. What they didn't know was that she had stolen off to Benedict Manor, believing that one of her father's allies would be able to help. Unfortunately, Benedict had already been bought off by Arvis Cray, and decides the situation would be perfect for luring the King into a trap. All of this would be horrifying enough, but it gets worse…
- Long story short, the trap is sprung, and Alphard is separated from the guard. Although he finds Schala quickly, the King of Zeal is shot, and soon enough dies in Schala's arms. Some of Benedict's men then prepare to kill the distraught princess, but Cain intervenes, and is nearly blinded in one eye and impaled for his trouble. A terrifying situation indeed, but it gets worse…
- It's at this point that Cain's full magical potential awakens, opening the Sixth Gate. What happens next is a one-sided massacre by Cain against Benedict's guards… and Cain is laughing, reveling at the slaughter, as if finally releasing his all of his hidden grudges against society at once. Benedict tries to stop Cain's rampage with an experimental robot, but the latter takes it apart with ease, and with a deranged grin, Cain literally cooks the traitor alive inside the machine's remains. Schala, still rooted to her dead father's side, witnesses all of this, begging for it all to stop over and over. Unfortunately, this activates the Frozen Flame, bonding her fate to Lavos, and rendering Cain unconscious.
- Although Cain seemed to regain his senses later, he was never the same, while Schala was left afraid of him for at least a year according to Abel. Not only that, she came from the experience believing that power of any kind can only destroy, a mindset that would ironically nearly serve to destroy all reality millennia later…
———
Cain's nightmare at the beginning of a New Game Plus. It start with a re-enactment of his own death in the Normal Path, but it doesn't stop there. It cuts to a dungeon somewhere in the depths of Mt. Woe where the bodies of Eva, Zhao, and Tristan lie. All three show signs of having been tortured before being executed. It gets worse however, when it then switches to Schala collapsing in front of the Manmon Machine as the Ocean Palace collapses around her. There is no discretion shot here: we see Schala get crushed. The last thing seen before Cain nearly catapults out of bed is Schala's arm sticking out from the rubble and blood pooling on the ground…
11
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version.
« on: January 11, 2023, 05:33:16 pm »
Crowning Moment of Awesome
- Cain's invasion of Mount Woe in Another Path. Does he walk up the chain like Crono's party? No. He joins with Benmaru (thanks to Eva who had planned ahead and resummoned him before her capture) to first wipe out the mountain's outer defenses. Once they find the prison compound within the mountain's depths, Cain performs a Dynamic Entry that would make Kamen Rider proud and releases the cell locks. With the ensuing prison riot as a distraction, Cain and Benmaru tear through Zeal forces and rescue Eiric and the others.
- It doesn't end there. Before the group is able to escape, they are stopped by none other than the iconic Giga Gaia. Some time after the battle starts, it flies upwards, inadvertently dragging Cain with it. Cain is eventually launched over the precipice and lands straight in front of a familiar group of time travelers. Yes, Cain is officially introduced to Crono and his team. While the initial standoff starts out tense, the ultimate golem's appearance necessitates the obvious truce. Almost immediately, Cain develops synergy with the group, developing at least three Triple Techs during the fight, culminating with Cain smashing through Giga Gaia by way of the Spectral Strike. Now that is a hell of a team-up.
———
The culmination of Guile's gambit in the altered timeline. After Schala whisks away Crono's party (and an utterly defeated Magus) from the crumbling Ocean Palace, Cain stays right by her side. Sure enough, they're both sucked into the DbT, where Cain faces down a dying Lavos… except Lavos isn't dying, no matter how much damage Cain does. The will to protect and the will to survive clash in a similar manner to an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.
The Awesome part is that thanks to the timey-wimey ball that is Crono's last battle with Lavos, that battle, Cain's battle, and Serge's battle with the Time Devourer all happen in the same plane of existence, and Serge uses the Chrono Cross just as Crono deals the final blow. Schala's pendant, the Chrono Cross, and the Astral Amulet all resonate, transporting Crono and Serge to Cain's side. The three heroes team up to finally end Lavos for good and properly save Schala from her doomed fate.
———
Awesome Music
Like with many fan stories, the author of Origins uses music from other games as placeholders to hopefully set the tone of certain events.
- The True Final Battle with Lavos uses “I'm Here: Revisited” the theme song of Sonic Frontiers, a song fitting for fighting Lavos for the final time for a few reasons. One, it's a kickass rock ballad fit for fighting a literal eldritch alien beast, and two, the lyrics are surprisingly appropriate for the story and Cain's situation as he, alongside Crono and Serge , fight to Screw Destiny and save themselves and their friends from their undeserved fate.
”Leave the life you knew before…
See a new world worth fighting for!
Find the truth of who I'm meant to become…
Another Path I must now walk on!”
- Cain's invasion of Mount Woe in Another Path. Does he walk up the chain like Crono's party? No. He joins with Benmaru (thanks to Eva who had planned ahead and resummoned him before her capture) to first wipe out the mountain's outer defenses. Once they find the prison compound within the mountain's depths, Cain performs a Dynamic Entry that would make Kamen Rider proud and releases the cell locks. With the ensuing prison riot as a distraction, Cain and Benmaru tear through Zeal forces and rescue Eiric and the others.
- It doesn't end there. Before the group is able to escape, they are stopped by none other than the iconic Giga Gaia. Some time after the battle starts, it flies upwards, inadvertently dragging Cain with it. Cain is eventually launched over the precipice and lands straight in front of a familiar group of time travelers. Yes, Cain is officially introduced to Crono and his team. While the initial standoff starts out tense, the ultimate golem's appearance necessitates the obvious truce. Almost immediately, Cain develops synergy with the group, developing at least three Triple Techs during the fight, culminating with Cain smashing through Giga Gaia by way of the Spectral Strike. Now that is a hell of a team-up.
———
The culmination of Guile's gambit in the altered timeline. After Schala whisks away Crono's party (and an utterly defeated Magus) from the crumbling Ocean Palace, Cain stays right by her side. Sure enough, they're both sucked into the DbT, where Cain faces down a dying Lavos… except Lavos isn't dying, no matter how much damage Cain does. The will to protect and the will to survive clash in a similar manner to an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.
The Awesome part is that thanks to the timey-wimey ball that is Crono's last battle with Lavos, that battle, Cain's battle, and Serge's battle with the Time Devourer all happen in the same plane of existence, and Serge uses the Chrono Cross just as Crono deals the final blow. Schala's pendant, the Chrono Cross, and the Astral Amulet all resonate, transporting Crono and Serge to Cain's side. The three heroes team up to finally end Lavos for good and properly save Schala from her doomed fate.
———
Awesome Music
Like with many fan stories, the author of Origins uses music from other games as placeholders to hopefully set the tone of certain events.
- The True Final Battle with Lavos uses “I'm Here: Revisited” the theme song of Sonic Frontiers, a song fitting for fighting Lavos for the final time for a few reasons. One, it's a kickass rock ballad fit for fighting a literal eldritch alien beast, and two, the lyrics are surprisingly appropriate for the story and Cain's situation as he, alongside Crono and Serge , fight to Screw Destiny and save themselves and their friends from their undeserved fate.
”Leave the life you knew before…
See a new world worth fighting for!
Find the truth of who I'm meant to become…
Another Path I must now walk on!”
12
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version.
« on: January 11, 2023, 05:22:28 pm »
Tearjerker
- The entire confrontation concerning High Priestess Olivia. Regular citizens are driven into a frenzy by Olivia to 'sacrifice' the Earthbound and other denizens of the Underground to 'give more power unto Lavos'. Cain chooses to help Schala and the others protect the fleeing refugees by holding the mob off. Unfortunately, this allows Olivia to set a trap that ends up killing all of said refugees, despite the Coalition's best efforts. Cain is once more consumed by rage leading to a “boss fight” with Olivia, while Eiric and the others are forced to put down the maddened mob that have turned their sights on them. A single line from Eiric proceeds to hammer home not only the hopelessness of the situation, but forces Tristan, Zhao, Eva, and ESPECIALLY Schala to finally confront the reality that the 'paradise' they believed they lived in had become nothing more than a hypocritical lie.
Tristan: You aren't actually suggesting we put down our own people?!
Eiric: Take a damn look around!! These 'things' are NOT! OUR! PEOPLE!!!
- It gets worse. Cain isn't just consumed by rage. All of the hatred that he's built up inside towards society, his father's machinations, and just plain old human cruelty finally erupts in a horrifying display of power. He doesn't even see his opponents as human anymore, just 'sacks of meat' for the slaughter. For Schala, she's basically reliving the Benedict Manor Incident, and tries to break through to Cain. By the time she does, the opposition is already dead and Cain's anger is already spent, causing him to fall to his knees and mutter the question of why people always act like monsters. Recognizing this question from when they first met and with the added context of knowing Cain's history, Schala can only hold and weep for him.
- Just to twist the knife further, Arvis uses this incident as a rallying cry to finally put an end to the Alphard Coalition, leaving the party isolated…
———-
The Normal Ending. Framed for killing Abel, Cain is isolated and realizes at this point the only way to survive is open rebellion. Schala is confined to her room and Eiric is spirited away from Zeal by remaining sympathizers. We see Melchior, Eva, Tristan, and Zhao arrested and sent to Mt. Woe, where the latter three are implied to be executed for treason. Cain mows through the palace defenses only to run into the Prophet/Magus. Not only is he capable of going toe-to-toe with the former, but Cain notices the amulet Schala was making for Janus at a critical moment and puts two and two together.
Cain's brief hesitation costs him, and takes a point blank Darkmatter, killing him. The only thing left of him is a familiar rosary amulet that falls to the ground. Meanwhile, Schala feels the full force of the Black Wind, realizing Cain has died, and breaks down weeping.
After a short cut to black, we see Lavos nuking Zeal to all hell, in far greater detail than in Trigger. Cut to later on, Eiric is at the shores looking for survivors. He sees Schala's pendant wash up on the beach. Picking it up, he laments that everything has been left up to him and sobs, realizing that all his closest friends are dead just before the credits roll.
- It gets worse when you take Chrono Trigger into account. Cain is never mentioned once by anyone. Not the Gurus, not the citizens, not the people of Alghetty, and certainly not Magus (for obvious reasons). The implication is (and confirmed in the Developer's Room Archives) that everybody ultimately held him responsible for lighting the fuse for the Fall of Zeal and the devastation that followed with his ill-fated rebellion after Abel's death, and was thus made persona-non-grata.
———
The first side quest of the game. Eiric convinces Cain to help build goodwill among the citizens of Zeal. The first client is a nobleman looking for one of his manservants. Eiric and Cain ultimately rescue the man from a sticky situation, only for Cain to note that he's Earthbound. With a bad felling forming, they return to the client only to find him screaming and kicking his now dead manservant. All for accidentally breaking one of the eggs (from the monsters he was saved from, mind) for the man's breakfast. Furious, Cain tries to call the boorish bastard out for such a petty reason, only to get dressed down that a 'lowborn' has no clue of a noble's palate. Cain is so disgusted at this point that he skewers the bastard on the spot.
This plays out more like a vigilante execution than a murder, but Eiric freaks out anyway, claiming the should've called in the authorities, only for Cain to coldly reply 'I AM the authorities' before leaving. Eiric can only look back at the two bodies and lament on how deep the divide between Earthbound and Enlightened has grown. This quest not only shows Cain at the peak of his misanthropy before his Character Development, but also how morally bankrupt the people of Zeal have become compared to the Prologue, as well as just how close Cain is to Jumping Off the Slippery Slope. This outcome also gives some horrifying weight to Abel's belief that Cain signed up to become an Inquisitor partly to have a license to legally kill people.
The kicker? The trophy for completing this first (mandatory, by the way) side quest is called Untrustworthy. Make of it what you will.
———
Cain's backstory heavily averts Hilariously Abusive Childhood, and has left him some long-lasting emotional scars. His mother dying when he was born caused his already-rotten father to want him dead, and is only spared because Arvis is reminded of the potential scandal a newborn's death would cause. Nonetheless, Cain would grow up treated as little more than a parasite, with what little support dwindling to nothing due to pressure from either society or Arvis himself, until he's old enough to be tossed out into the streets.
At ten years old and no sign of magical talent, Cain would be harassed wherever he went, with one traumatizing incident being used as target practice by a Sadist Teacher for her students. Once, he even visits a fortune teller to see if his fortunes will ever change, only for said teller to sense the Black Wind flowing around him (foreshadowing the power he'll one day come to wield) and decry him as Zeal's future destroyer. Typically, this interpretation spread like wildfire. It gets to the point where he genuinely considers leaping over the edge of the kingdom just to make the pain stop, and he probably would have had he not met a young Schala by chance.
Unfortunately, Arvis receives word of Cain's impromptu play-date with the princess. Since he wants the Crown's eyes off of him while he plots their downfall, he stuffs the poor boy into a cage with other 'undesireables' and exiles the whole lot into the blizzards below. For the next three years, Cain earns his way as a young hunter amongst the Earthbound, but one day his latent magic finally manifests, causing many of the villagers to begin fearing him. The manifestation of such powerful magic draws the attention of King Zeal, who manages to reach the young man before his inner turmoil causes his uncontrolled powers to run rampant.
Alphard takes Cain in as a Ward, and for the next five years it seems his life is finally come around as he sees the Royal Family as the family he never got to have… but then the Queen discovers the Frozen Flame, and Arvis succeeds in his plot to kill Alphard, leading to the Benedict Manor Incident and his new peaceful life crashing down, leaving him jaded, cynical, and hateful. It's no small wonder Cain believes that Humans Are Bastards so strongly after the prologue, and he never truly gets any closure until the altered timeline.
———
- The entire confrontation concerning High Priestess Olivia. Regular citizens are driven into a frenzy by Olivia to 'sacrifice' the Earthbound and other denizens of the Underground to 'give more power unto Lavos'. Cain chooses to help Schala and the others protect the fleeing refugees by holding the mob off. Unfortunately, this allows Olivia to set a trap that ends up killing all of said refugees, despite the Coalition's best efforts. Cain is once more consumed by rage leading to a “boss fight” with Olivia, while Eiric and the others are forced to put down the maddened mob that have turned their sights on them. A single line from Eiric proceeds to hammer home not only the hopelessness of the situation, but forces Tristan, Zhao, Eva, and ESPECIALLY Schala to finally confront the reality that the 'paradise' they believed they lived in had become nothing more than a hypocritical lie.
Tristan: You aren't actually suggesting we put down our own people?!
Eiric: Take a damn look around!! These 'things' are NOT! OUR! PEOPLE!!!
- It gets worse. Cain isn't just consumed by rage. All of the hatred that he's built up inside towards society, his father's machinations, and just plain old human cruelty finally erupts in a horrifying display of power. He doesn't even see his opponents as human anymore, just 'sacks of meat' for the slaughter. For Schala, she's basically reliving the Benedict Manor Incident, and tries to break through to Cain. By the time she does, the opposition is already dead and Cain's anger is already spent, causing him to fall to his knees and mutter the question of why people always act like monsters. Recognizing this question from when they first met and with the added context of knowing Cain's history, Schala can only hold and weep for him.
- Just to twist the knife further, Arvis uses this incident as a rallying cry to finally put an end to the Alphard Coalition, leaving the party isolated…
———-
The Normal Ending. Framed for killing Abel, Cain is isolated and realizes at this point the only way to survive is open rebellion. Schala is confined to her room and Eiric is spirited away from Zeal by remaining sympathizers. We see Melchior, Eva, Tristan, and Zhao arrested and sent to Mt. Woe, where the latter three are implied to be executed for treason. Cain mows through the palace defenses only to run into the Prophet/Magus. Not only is he capable of going toe-to-toe with the former, but Cain notices the amulet Schala was making for Janus at a critical moment and puts two and two together.
Cain's brief hesitation costs him, and takes a point blank Darkmatter, killing him. The only thing left of him is a familiar rosary amulet that falls to the ground. Meanwhile, Schala feels the full force of the Black Wind, realizing Cain has died, and breaks down weeping.
After a short cut to black, we see Lavos nuking Zeal to all hell, in far greater detail than in Trigger. Cut to later on, Eiric is at the shores looking for survivors. He sees Schala's pendant wash up on the beach. Picking it up, he laments that everything has been left up to him and sobs, realizing that all his closest friends are dead just before the credits roll.
- It gets worse when you take Chrono Trigger into account. Cain is never mentioned once by anyone. Not the Gurus, not the citizens, not the people of Alghetty, and certainly not Magus (for obvious reasons). The implication is (and confirmed in the Developer's Room Archives) that everybody ultimately held him responsible for lighting the fuse for the Fall of Zeal and the devastation that followed with his ill-fated rebellion after Abel's death, and was thus made persona-non-grata.
———
The first side quest of the game. Eiric convinces Cain to help build goodwill among the citizens of Zeal. The first client is a nobleman looking for one of his manservants. Eiric and Cain ultimately rescue the man from a sticky situation, only for Cain to note that he's Earthbound. With a bad felling forming, they return to the client only to find him screaming and kicking his now dead manservant. All for accidentally breaking one of the eggs (from the monsters he was saved from, mind) for the man's breakfast. Furious, Cain tries to call the boorish bastard out for such a petty reason, only to get dressed down that a 'lowborn' has no clue of a noble's palate. Cain is so disgusted at this point that he skewers the bastard on the spot.
This plays out more like a vigilante execution than a murder, but Eiric freaks out anyway, claiming the should've called in the authorities, only for Cain to coldly reply 'I AM the authorities' before leaving. Eiric can only look back at the two bodies and lament on how deep the divide between Earthbound and Enlightened has grown. This quest not only shows Cain at the peak of his misanthropy before his Character Development, but also how morally bankrupt the people of Zeal have become compared to the Prologue, as well as just how close Cain is to Jumping Off the Slippery Slope. This outcome also gives some horrifying weight to Abel's belief that Cain signed up to become an Inquisitor partly to have a license to legally kill people.
The kicker? The trophy for completing this first (mandatory, by the way) side quest is called Untrustworthy. Make of it what you will.
———
Cain's backstory heavily averts Hilariously Abusive Childhood, and has left him some long-lasting emotional scars. His mother dying when he was born caused his already-rotten father to want him dead, and is only spared because Arvis is reminded of the potential scandal a newborn's death would cause. Nonetheless, Cain would grow up treated as little more than a parasite, with what little support dwindling to nothing due to pressure from either society or Arvis himself, until he's old enough to be tossed out into the streets.
At ten years old and no sign of magical talent, Cain would be harassed wherever he went, with one traumatizing incident being used as target practice by a Sadist Teacher for her students. Once, he even visits a fortune teller to see if his fortunes will ever change, only for said teller to sense the Black Wind flowing around him (foreshadowing the power he'll one day come to wield) and decry him as Zeal's future destroyer. Typically, this interpretation spread like wildfire. It gets to the point where he genuinely considers leaping over the edge of the kingdom just to make the pain stop, and he probably would have had he not met a young Schala by chance.
Unfortunately, Arvis receives word of Cain's impromptu play-date with the princess. Since he wants the Crown's eyes off of him while he plots their downfall, he stuffs the poor boy into a cage with other 'undesireables' and exiles the whole lot into the blizzards below. For the next three years, Cain earns his way as a young hunter amongst the Earthbound, but one day his latent magic finally manifests, causing many of the villagers to begin fearing him. The manifestation of such powerful magic draws the attention of King Zeal, who manages to reach the young man before his inner turmoil causes his uncontrolled powers to run rampant.
Alphard takes Cain in as a Ward, and for the next five years it seems his life is finally come around as he sees the Royal Family as the family he never got to have… but then the Queen discovers the Frozen Flame, and Arvis succeeds in his plot to kill Alphard, leading to the Benedict Manor Incident and his new peaceful life crashing down, leaving him jaded, cynical, and hateful. It's no small wonder Cain believes that Humans Are Bastards so strongly after the prologue, and he never truly gets any closure until the altered timeline.
———
13
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version.
« on: January 11, 2023, 04:26:12 pm »
Crowning Moment of Heartwarming
Why does King Zeal take Cain in as a ward of the royal family, despite the young man being potentially dangerous in magic, having a chip on his shoulder the size of the kingdom towards its society, and being the son of one of his potential enemies? Because he was the very first friend outside of the palace young Schala had ever made.
———
In the altered timeline where Cain lives, nearly every interaction he has with the three-year-old Kid can be considered this on many levels. He is incredibly loving to his family and dotes on his daughter constantly, a far cry from the angry youth he was in Antiquity. Judging by his previous experiences, it becomes very clear that Cain will never be the bastard his own father was.
———
Unlike in Chrono Cross, Kid has grown to be far more well-adjusted in the altered timeline than her counterpart due to having both parents in her life, though she still sees Lucca as her 'honorary' Big Sis. She's even given a proper name of (Kalyana). She still inherits her father's spicy temper, but her new experiences do much to take the edge off. Even after Lynx upends everything she holds dear, she's able to hold herself together over the years as her family goes on the run.
———
In the altered events of Chrono Cross, Cain is the only person who remains of Serge's original entourage after Lynx's body swap, and nobody else aside from Pip. Why is this? Well, aside from Crono, Serge helped Cain fight off and destroy Lavos Terminus, thereby saving his wife. Then, Serge is transported to the day Lucca's orphanage is sacked and gets Kid to safety, thus saving Cain's daughter. Cain owes Serge a debt twice over, and he's not going to let a small roadblock such as Lynx hijacking Serge's body stop him from helping.
Why does King Zeal take Cain in as a ward of the royal family, despite the young man being potentially dangerous in magic, having a chip on his shoulder the size of the kingdom towards its society, and being the son of one of his potential enemies? Because he was the very first friend outside of the palace young Schala had ever made.
———
In the altered timeline where Cain lives, nearly every interaction he has with the three-year-old Kid can be considered this on many levels. He is incredibly loving to his family and dotes on his daughter constantly, a far cry from the angry youth he was in Antiquity. Judging by his previous experiences, it becomes very clear that Cain will never be the bastard his own father was.
———
Unlike in Chrono Cross, Kid has grown to be far more well-adjusted in the altered timeline than her counterpart due to having both parents in her life, though she still sees Lucca as her 'honorary' Big Sis. She's even given a proper name of (Kalyana). She still inherits her father's spicy temper, but her new experiences do much to take the edge off. Even after Lynx upends everything she holds dear, she's able to hold herself together over the years as her family goes on the run.
———
In the altered events of Chrono Cross, Cain is the only person who remains of Serge's original entourage after Lynx's body swap, and nobody else aside from Pip. Why is this? Well, aside from Crono, Serge helped Cain fight off and destroy Lavos Terminus, thereby saving his wife. Then, Serge is transported to the day Lucca's orphanage is sacked and gets Kid to safety, thus saving Cain's daughter. Cain owes Serge a debt twice over, and he's not going to let a small roadblock such as Lynx hijacking Serge's body stop him from helping.
14
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version.
« on: December 28, 2022, 02:19:34 pm »
Crowning Moment of Funny
———
One particular moment comes during the epilogue of the Golden Ending. Cain attempts to open the Seventh Gate a second time on a whim. However, since he isn't in the proper mindset, the built up power simply fizzles out, but not before giving him one hell of a headache.
Cain: *knocked on his ass* Ow, ow! Son of a…! Okay. Can't do the whole Enlightenment thing whenever you want. Good to know.
———
Late in Antiquity's story, after Cain and Schala have Their First Time, the post-coitus pillow talk inevitably turns to Schala's fears about everyone discovering their private marriage. Cain, being the tactful sort…
Cain: I'm willing to bet three months of my stipend that Eiric figures it out just by looking at us.
Schala: Please tell me you're joking…
Cain: You have not seen that man work. I swear, he can smell purity from a mile away.
And sure enough, the next morning…
Eiric: Alright, hold up. (Beat) Well, it's about damn time.
Cain: (resigned) I hate it when I'm right…
———
———
One particular moment comes during the epilogue of the Golden Ending. Cain attempts to open the Seventh Gate a second time on a whim. However, since he isn't in the proper mindset, the built up power simply fizzles out, but not before giving him one hell of a headache.
Cain: *knocked on his ass* Ow, ow! Son of a…! Okay. Can't do the whole Enlightenment thing whenever you want. Good to know.
———
Late in Antiquity's story, after Cain and Schala have Their First Time, the post-coitus pillow talk inevitably turns to Schala's fears about everyone discovering their private marriage. Cain, being the tactful sort…
Cain: I'm willing to bet three months of my stipend that Eiric figures it out just by looking at us.
Schala: Please tell me you're joking…
Cain: You have not seen that man work. I swear, he can smell purity from a mile away.
And sure enough, the next morning…
Eiric: Alright, hold up. (Beat) Well, it's about damn time.
Cain: (resigned) I hate it when I'm right…
———
15
Fan Fiction / Re: Chrono Origins: The TV Tropes version.
« on: December 13, 2022, 02:56:30 pm »
Those Behind the Curtain
Lavos
Zurvan
The Entity
Thanaton
Cain and Abel - The Cain to the Entity's Abel, a literal God of Death that will not stop his 'duty' until all life is extinguished.
Canon Character All Along - Well, background decoration. You see that demon statue in Magus' chambers in Trigger? That's Thanaton.
Greater Scope Villain - While Lavos is the greater Inciting Incident, its actions are born simply from animalistic survival instinct. Thanaton, on the other hand, is directly responsible for many of the travesties that befall the series and our heroes, all out of an in-born directive to end all life and a near psychotic hatred of humanity.
- By sending Dalton to 1000 AD, he is ultimately responsible for the Fall of Guardia.
- He is the one who sends Schala to the Darkness Beyond Time, thus responsible for the creation of the Time Devourer. As an added insult, he reinforces the creation point, making it so the Chrono Cross fails to ret-gone Lavos, and thus the reason Project KID ultimately failed.
- He is the one who pulls Dinopolis from its reality to counteract Chronopolis, all in the hopes that the Dragonians would destroy humanity.
- Finally, he is the one to guide Magus back to Antiquity in order to specifically kill Cain due to the latter being the lynchpin of foiling his plans.
Gaia's Vengeance - Prioritizes protecting the planet itself more than the lives living on it. Its twisted philosophy would inadvertently be adopted by many extremist non-humans, especially the Dwarves.
Grew Beyond Their Programming
The Man Behind The Man - For Dinopolis and the Dragon God.
Pieces of God
Threads of Fate - Represents Clotho, 'severing the thread of life'.
True Final Boss
Lavos
Zurvan
The Entity
Thanaton
Cain and Abel - The Cain to the Entity's Abel, a literal God of Death that will not stop his 'duty' until all life is extinguished.
Canon Character All Along - Well, background decoration. You see that demon statue in Magus' chambers in Trigger? That's Thanaton.
Greater Scope Villain - While Lavos is the greater Inciting Incident, its actions are born simply from animalistic survival instinct. Thanaton, on the other hand, is directly responsible for many of the travesties that befall the series and our heroes, all out of an in-born directive to end all life and a near psychotic hatred of humanity.
- By sending Dalton to 1000 AD, he is ultimately responsible for the Fall of Guardia.
- He is the one who sends Schala to the Darkness Beyond Time, thus responsible for the creation of the Time Devourer. As an added insult, he reinforces the creation point, making it so the Chrono Cross fails to ret-gone Lavos, and thus the reason Project KID ultimately failed.
- He is the one who pulls Dinopolis from its reality to counteract Chronopolis, all in the hopes that the Dragonians would destroy humanity.
- Finally, he is the one to guide Magus back to Antiquity in order to specifically kill Cain due to the latter being the lynchpin of foiling his plans.
Gaia's Vengeance - Prioritizes protecting the planet itself more than the lives living on it. Its twisted philosophy would inadvertently be adopted by many extremist non-humans, especially the Dwarves.
Grew Beyond Their Programming
The Man Behind The Man - For Dinopolis and the Dragon God.
Pieces of God
Threads of Fate - Represents Clotho, 'severing the thread of life'.
True Final Boss