Matiki: When we speak of our ancestors and their wisdom, it's not just poetic. All Karui since the time of Tukohama linger here still, in the Halls of the Dead. Their advice and counsel is our greatest source of strength.

Warrior: Elder... please tell me, do I have ancestors here?

Matiki: Of course. Do you know their names? Their song?

Warrior: I... do not.

Matiki: I'm sorry, child, but there are countless souls here. Without a name and a tribe, we cannot find them. Would they recognise your face?

Warrior: No. I was lost as a boy.

Matiki: That is most unfortunate. My heart goes out to you. When this time of trouble is over... I'll ask around on your behalf.

Witch: I underestimated the Karui. Necromancy is woven into the fabric of your culture.

Sorceress: We have something like this, the {barya.} Not on this scale, of course. We mainly use them as punishment for criminals...

Matiki: Necro what now? Well... I don't know about that.

Matiki: This place is no punishment... It is a blessing!

Matiki: For us, this is natural.

Matiki: One voice for all your people? That'd never work for the Karui...

Matiki: Yes. No teaching is lost if the teacher lives on!

Matiki: It is a curious thought. But... you can always strive to keep learning something new!

Matiki: In anycase, my feelings on all this {are} complicated, but the Way was established long before my time. Sometimes it really just is... what it is.

Warrior: How does one become an Elder?

Witch: So, are you just well aged, or is there a ritual required to become an Elder?

Sorceress: Is your title of Elder a special duty? How does one become such a thing?

Ranger: Tell me - how did you become an Elder?

Huntress: We've Elders, too. How'd you become one?

Monk: Why do they call you Elder? Is it a title? How did you earn it?

Mercenary: Is Elder a rank? Did you work your way up or somethin'?

Matiki: Becoming an Elder... hmm. Good question.

Kaimana: It simply requires being old... and not dead yet.

Tavakai: Oh come now, Kaimana. A bit of wisdom as well.

Matiki: Yes! I have plenty of {all} that.

Kaimana: I am just making fun, yes? Matiki became an Elder during the worst plague of Blood Fever these shores have ever seen... Hmmm. He gave himself. All of himself. Without a care, yes? I still don't know how he survived. But many would not have, had he not been so brave... and well, so... wise.

Matiki: You honor me, Kaimana.

Kaimana: Yes. Deserved.

Makoru: You want to take them to the Karui's most sacred place? Were you hit on the head?

Matiki: Trust me. My hero here... is special. They deserve a chance to prove themselves to our ancestors.

Makoru: Tavakai will lose his mind if he finds out about this...

Matiki: Ah. Well, perhaps in this case it's best for him to only hear what he needs to hear.

Makoru: Alright, but after this I'm taking you back to Ngakanu.

Matiki: Yes, yes... that's fine.

Matiki: Ah, Makoru! It is good to see you.

Makoru: Matiki! You're alive! I'd heard you were missing.

Matiki: Yes. They told me I was too old to keep taking out my canoe... maybe they were right.

Warrior: From canoe to a cage. What happened out there?

Witch: You went out on a canoe... and ended up {there?}

Matiki: It is quite the tale... ... and I was weak. I admit. When the fog swept over the water... I should've known what I saw wasn't real! But there she was. My Rakana. Sweet and strong as the day we met. She plowed on through the fog. And I chased her like she was alive! Like we were young again. Then... crash! Next thing I know... I'm wet as anything and cooped up in that bloody cage.

Makoru: Good thing our patron here got there when they did.

Matiki: Yes! And about that... There is the small matter of what I've promised our hero here...

Makoru: Why do I get the feeling this involves me?

Matiki: Show me your map, Makoru. There's a place I want to take our friend, when they have the time.

Matiki: Yes... there it is. The Eye of Hinekora. Gateway... to the Halls of the Dead!

Matiki: Hinekora... has spoken. You are worthy! Prove to our ancestors that which I already know to be true.

Warrior: Wait... am I dead?

Witch: What... What just happened? Am I dead?

Sorceress: Why am I on the ground!?

Monk: I... am dead, aren't I?

Ranger: What just happened? Why is my body {there}?

Matiki: Oh... in a manner of speaking... yes. You are dead. But, do not worry. The Mother of Death has you in her embrace.

Matiki: Well... put simply... you are dead. But, do not worry. The Mother of Death has you in her embrace.

Matiki: Your body will be safe here, while your spirit moves forward to prove yourself to our ancestors.

Warrior: You might have told me that this was going to happen!

Witch: So this is what Death feels like from the other side...

Sorceress: Matiki... you might have told me I was about to die.

Monk: Death is not nearly so fearsome an experience as I expected.

Ranger: Dying was not exactly what I was expecting to happen.

Huntress: I guess I've no choice but to trust in Hinekora.

Mercenary: I should be mad at ya... But dying ain't so bad, is it? I feel like I lost a bit of weight.

Matiki: I didn't want to worry you about it!

Matiki: Not too bad, eh?

Matiki: Hmm... maybe I should have, yes. Oh well!

Matiki: Surprise! Heheh.

Matiki: She will look after your soul. Do not worry.

Matiki: Quite soothing really, isn't it?

Matiki: Hah! Yes, lighter on your feet, perhaps?

Navali: You may enter. We will be watching.

Matiki: We call this place... the Eye of Hinekora. Far below, Hinekora herself resides. She, The Mother of Death, sees the choices we have made, and from that... has foresight of the path ahead. Now. This here... this is Navali. She is the Speaker. The word of the will of Hinekora. Oh! And that on her shoulder... that's Yama. He's a good boy.

Warrior: I am honoured to meet you, Navali. And Yama.

Witch: Greetings, Speaker. I cannot wait to meet your goddess. And hello, monkey.

Sorceress: Good day, Navali. Greetings, Yama.

Monk: You are a curious sort, Navali. I am intrigued to know more about your master. And... Yes, hello Yama.

Ranger: Hello, Navali and Yama. If I get the chance, I look forward to asking Hinekora some rather... personal questions.

Huntress: Spirit watch over you, Navali. And monkey.

Mercenary: Well, pleased to meet you Navali. Also, nice monkey.

Navali: The Elder's tale of your victory is well received. He vouches for you. But, that is not quite enough... The Mother of Death must decide if you may enter. Step forth. Look into the bowl. Hinekora will see you. All of you.

Matiki: Each tribe has its own story of the Great Wasting. Some call it a Great Fire, or the Barren Centuries. Others, an Endless Winter. The truth lies buried in all these tales. There was an ancient time of horror and famine. But in those dark years, our gods first stepped forward. Tukohama, Hinekora, Tawhoa, and the rest.

Warrior: The Karui had no gods before that?

Witch: {All} your gods appeared then? There weren't any before that?

Matiki: No. For us, history begins there. The Great Wasting erased all that came before. Maybe... there wasn't even a {before,} for us. When did the first Karui emerge from that volcano? Something to ask Hinekora, Navali.

Navali: The Mother of Death can recall only her own memories. History begins at the rise of the gods, because that is when Hinekora was born.

Matiki: Hmm. Curious. So the End of Time, as she recalls it, is really... her death.

Navali: Yes.

Matiki: The Halls of the Dead are open to the worthy, and their children. We come here to consult with our ancestors in times of great need.

Navali: Your ancestors take heart from seeing their descendants.

Matiki: It's good to hear that, but it's not all so kindhearted. When the sky permits, we come to watch the Trials of the Ancestors. The living may only see it properly under the light of a full moon.

Warrior: The light of the moon? Why is that needed?

Witch: The light of a full moon? This deep?

Sorceress: Why is that?

Huntress: The moon, eh? How's that work?

Monk: How does the light reach them down here?

Mercenary: How's that then?

Matiki: Well, you see... great crystal veins guide the light down on certain nights of the year. Warrior souls can be seen by the grace of Lani Hua.

Navali: It is a gift from a goddess who cannot be with us in person.

Matiki: It was wonderful to see those Makoru and Kanu again... it has been some time.

Warrior: What keeps them away?

Witch: I assumed they weren't welcome here.

Sorceress: Are they forbidden to enter this place?

Ranger: They're allowed to come here?

Huntress: What keeps them away?

Monk: Too long, perhaps? I wonder what keeps them from visiting.

Mercenary: Do they have permission to visit?

Matiki: We don't stop them.

Tavakai: That's right. We don't. It is their choice not to come.

Kaimana: But that is not the whole story, mmm? They left the tribe. They bear that burden. They know where your heart is, Tavakai.

Matiki: Yes. Though they {know} they can come, it does not mean they {feel} they can.

Tavakai: It is still their choice. And they have made it.

Kaimana: Yes. They have. For now.

Matiki: Tala moana! Oh... you're one of us but from somewhere else. Hmm.

Warrior: Yes. Born Karui. Traded as property. Then left to the tide to wash ashore. And finally... raised an Ezomyte.

Matiki: You have lived many lives. Hard though, it is true. But now... your skin is thicker than most.

Warrior: Some scars never heal.

Matiki: Well... on this day, by your actions, you have honoured an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. My name is Matiki. And I owe you a debt of thanks.

Warrior: You need not thank me, Matiki. I am just glad I got here in time to help you.

Matiki: Humble too! Hmm... Well, I shall thank you. I would honor you in the best way I can. I offer you the blessing of our ancestors. They know the true merit of a warrior!

Matiki: Tala moana, my dear! You have travelled far, haven't you!

Witch: Well, you're awfully cheery for someone who was almost eaten alive.

Matiki: Ah, yes... almost! It seems old Matiki has more to do in life before he is summoned to the Halls of the Dead.

Witch: Halls of the Dead? Okay, you have my attention.

Matiki: You see, I'm an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. And I have something in mind for you... I would honor you the best way I can, dear lady. With the blessing of our ancestors! They can tell if someone is worthy of their honor, and you have strength in you.

Matiki: Tala moana, tale-woman! It's been many a year since old Matiki has seen one of your kind in the flesh!

Sorceress: Not quite a tale-woman but... it is a fair assumption. Greetings to you, Matiki.

Matiki: There is always more to the story. I knew that even before I was an Elder of the Tukohama tribe! Now... I must honor you the best way that I can. With the blessing of our ancestors! If you are worthy, they will see you for who you are... and more. Quite clever really.

Matiki: Tala moana, young man! An impressive display you put on there.

Monk: Well... that display saved your life, it seems.

Matiki: Indeed it did! My name is Matiki, an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. And I must thank you for saving my life.

Monk: I accept your thanks.

Matiki: Oh, no, no! I can't leave that debt unpaid. I would honor you the best way that I can... With the blessing of our ancestors! Prove yourself to them. Show them your might.

Monk: I'm unfamiliar with Karui traditions. Enlighten me.

Matiki: Tala moana, stranger! My eyes could barely keep up with you. Remarkable!

Ranger: You are safe, for now. Best you get going.

Matiki: Oh, no. I must thank you first. As an Elder of the Tukohama tribe, I have something in mind...

Ranger: Please. It isn't necessary... I can just be on my way and then you never have to–

Matiki: You'll have the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors!

Ranger: But I really don't–

Matiki: Yes! A perfect reward, indeed.

Ranger: Guess there's no way around this. Go on, then.

Matiki: Do my eyes tell lies? Do I see an Azmeri before me?

Huntress: Your eyes tell the truth.

Matiki: Wow. What a sight for Matiki's old eyes. As an Elder of the Tukohama tribe, age tends to reveal fewer surprises as the years pass.

Huntress: Elder? I'm truly honored to meet you. Even more so to have saved you.

Matiki: Ah, the grace of the Azmeri. Not something often spoken of. But your people and mine, have an abundance of similarities. Now... I must thank you for what you've done this day.

Huntress: It's not needed, you know...

Matiki: You shall have the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors! Prove your worth to them. Show them what you showed me here.

Matiki: Tala moana, outsider! I can't quite make out your origins... hmm...

Mercenary: Just out here doing what I can. Doesn't really matter where I'm from.

Matiki: True enough. Old Matiki can't help his curiosity. I've been an Elder of the Tukohama tribe for many years and it's not often I get stumped like this.

Mercenary: An Elder, eh? Tavakai would likely be pleased for you to be returned in one piece...

Matiki: Oh, yes. I'm sure the Chieftain had concerns. But first...

Matiki: I must thank you for your good deed here. You've honoured me. I must honour you back. I will give you the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors! Show them your prowess. They will see you for who you are.

Mercenary: Uhh... hopefully they don't see too much.

Matiki: Let us return to your ship. I will show you the way to our most sacred place... the Eye of Hinekora. From there... I will speak for you to enter our Halls of the Dead. You will be tested. But also, rewarded.

Matiki: So... you did it! I knew you could. I knew... you would.

Warrior: This has been exhilarating. It was an honour to meet Hinekora.

Witch: The old woman's got true power. I wouldn't mind picking her brain someday.

Sorceress: Hinekora... is the true tale-woman of this world and beyond. It is... humbling.

Ranger: I see now. I'm part of something bigger. Hinekora has shown me that.

Huntress: It's wondrous. As if, somehow, maybe... the Spirit knew I would end up here. Seeing her.

Monk: I was destined for this. To be here, witnessing all I have seen. I am now certain of it.

Mercenary: Not much impresses me anymore, but Miss Hinekora... now that's someone worth believing in.

Matiki: Ah, yes. The Mother of Death is truly a wonder. I hope you have enjoyed your time here... And perhaps learned a little along the way. I look forward to seeing what you achieve next.

Matiki: So... you did it! I knew you could. I knew... you would. I am proud of you!

Tavakai: Did what?

Matiki: Oh... no matter. Not really anything significant. Hah.

Matiki: At the end of our lives, Hinekora catches the {Ngakuramakoi} in her embrace.

Navali: Death is not the end. The Halls of the Dead are merely the first rest on a long journey.

Warrior: A journey? To where?

Witch: Tell me what you know of Death, sister.

Sorceress: The first rest? What lies after?

Ranger: What natural journey is your 'first rest' interfering with?

Huntress: You don't rejoin the Spirit? What's next, then?

Monk: What do you believe happens after?

Mercenary: How long a journey? Further than Trarthus? Kalguur?

Navali: That is not for man or god to know.

Matiki: Ah, in other words, we have no idea, hahaha! But the Halls give us some comfort from total oblivion, at least.

Matiki: You'll never see anything like it as long as you live! All of our greatest warriors from history on the same field, no holding back. After all, why pull punches? They're already dead!

Navali: The Trial is not a sport. It is a sacred tradition.

Matiki: Can't it be both? Different tribes shoulder-to-shoulder, cheering on their heroes. We bring meat and ale. We make a real night of it.

Navali: I suppose there is joy in community and competition. Just don't speak this way in front of Hinekora.

Matiki: I wouldn't dream of it.

Warrior: Surely she hears us here...

Witch: Can she hear us? Here?

Sorceress: Can your goddess hear us now?

Ranger: Does she hear us here?

Huntress: Can she hear us?

Monk: Can Hinekora hear us now?

Mercenary: What, I thought she could hear us in here.

Hinekora: I do.

Matiki: Praise the Mother of Death!

Navali: Indeed.

Matiki: The gods were once mortal. They hunted, fished, and ate like we do. Many of Tukohama's deeds were achieved {before} his ascension.

Warrior: What were his deeds?

Witch: I suppose one must achieve great things to become divine.

Sorceress: Tell me. I'll carry his tale.

Ranger: As just a man? What did he do?

Huntress: And what did he achieve, as a mortal?

Monk: What exactly was he capable of doing as a mere mortal?

Mercenary: Ah yeah. What'd that fella get up to then?

Matiki: Yes. Indeed.

Matiki: During the Great Wasting, he united the tribes. He put axes in our hands, and taught us to survive. But he was not just a... bringer of violence. No. He was a bringer of hope. Hope among all the tribes. Some forget that.

Navali: Some {choose} to forget.

Matiki: Exactly.