Keep in mind I probably won't be able to get it for a while (imports and all that) so it may be tweaked, as the story is based on what I understood from the Japanese version.
<please be prepared for Xboxhueg post>
-----------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
One day, Prince James, inquisitive, honorable and just heir to the throne of Lectrom, received a strange prophecy about an ancient city from his countries newly appointed wise-woman, Len Kassul. It spoke of treasures lying deep under the sea, and how the one to grasp hold of that potential shall forever rule in prosperity, with the power to heed all men and women and right all wrongs.
Naturally, given his position, it seemed a tempting offer to send a troop on an expedition, though the royal cartographers spoke about how it would require a long and tiring journey from the continent to the wild and uncharted South Seas, where the main jewel of civilization was the bustling port of Armoroad.
Of course, members of the court scoffed at the idea. It would be a waste of precious resources on the visions of a prophet as of yet unproven (and in any case, the nobles usually didn't like wise-women). Whats more, war was looming with the neighboring land of Starke. The Prince argued for some time, but eventually had to cede to their wishes after a border conflict forced him to the front line.
But, a year later, the winds of conflict had blown themselves out, never really building to anything significant, and many of the nobles came down with a mysterious sickness. Suddenly, Prince James had a dream about the prophecy once more, and its existance, once forgotten, re-emerged; and the hypocritical nobles were suddenly all for the idea.
"Maybe it can save us!" they said. Though James frowned on their motivations, he prepared to finally lead the expedition he had wanted to lead before. His father, King Hector, also approved his rapid departure, in case the sickness killed off his entire line, so James left with haste, only with a handful of retainers in tow.
What will he find, in the southern city of mysteries?
-----------------------------------------------
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Party 1
Prince James Rahlever of Lectrom
"Prosperity is a concept most sought after. It is rarely understood that it lies all around us."
{Prince}
Heir to the throne of Lectrom, he received a strange prophecy about an ancient city. As his country was undergoing a strange malady, he took an expedition to find the truth, but he personally was always interested in the trip, due to a personal interest in technology and archaeology. He's inquisitive, honorable, and just.
Ser Duran Fides
"Duty is as duty does. What really matters is to whom your duty applies."
{Gladiator}
An old friend of the Prince, whom had a lifelong aspiration to be knighted, which he recently achieved with merit, being elevated to being a Knight of the Chalice, master fighters that aid the Prince's Royal Guard, a duty he takes very seriously. Has a tactical mind and is a great swordsman, but is surprisingly honest, and has a secret crush on his superior, Leanne.
Ser Leanne Rochxe
"... You shall not stand in the glory of my liege whilst I breath"
{Hoplite}
The beautiful, calm and collected Knight-Captain of Lectrom's Royal Guard, and the eldest daughter of Random Rochxe, she found her calling in spear arts rather than bows, and became a great knight at a young age. Though a prodigy, she has some troubles with social interaction. Accompanies Prince James on his trip, feeling she can learn about the world and protect her liege at the same time.
Ellis Reed
"And if you turn left here, you can find delicious celery!"
{Farmer}
A cute farmgirl with a lovely singing voice, she has an intimate knowledge of the upper levels of the labyrinth, as she commonly goes to forage there. She is scouted out by James upon his arrival to the Port of Armoroad for that knowledge, and happily accepts the chance to be near a royal. Happy-go-lucky, but reliable.
Guy the Lad
"Fancy calming me ocean, luv?"
{Buccaneer}
Wanted in three ports along the continent, he decided to come to the south seas and lie low for a time, but somehow finds himself in the guild after a failed bet against the Prince, who showed Guy he was more savvy than he first appeared to a potential swindle. A remarkable dual-wielder, and great at the rudder of both ships and ladies (!).
-----------------------------------------------
Party 2
Lady Len Kassul
"It appears the stars are in an appropriate align~ OH! Is that a lamb kebab!?"
{Zodiac (F)}
Eldest daughter of Shannon Kassul, a famous swordmage, and Luize Lacrima, the previous wise-woman of Lectrom, she recently inheritedly the duty of celestial observation from her mother, and was instantly gifted with the prophecy that led to the expedition. Has a quiet introspective personality... except when it comes to delicious meat; she seems to have a transdimensional stomach for food. Master of Cold and Electricity. Came along to confirm her findings (and, of course, to eat roasted Yamineko).
Brand Kassul
"Do you know what you get if you cross a fish with a frog? You don't? Me neither, but I want to try!"
{Zodiac (M)}
Len's younger twin brother, and also proginy of Shannon and Luize, he was obviously never going to inherit the prophets position, but was trained in the arts anyway, often because it was easier for Luize to have them both in the same room. Is an errant perfectionist and loves odd experiments, which creep alot of people out. Also a bit of an insomniac, but has his sweet moments from time to time. A master of Coldfire.
Lee Chun Ze
"Discipline is the key to understanding life. The fist is the centre of all things."
{Monk}
The son of the great sensei; Chow Chun Ze, and the heir to the Long-Feng martial arts tradition, he is especially adept at hand to hand combat; and is sometimes called the 'Ningentora' (Human Tiger). He is wise and calm and stoic, but is a little vain.
Briggit Ulir
"Nothing stops my bullet. Even the waves part for its roar."
{Buccaneer}
A long retired pirate, once legendary for her amazing aim with guns and bows, she has picked up her hat again after recently being widowed, and then being requested to captain the Lectrom ship heading to Armoroad. Planned to head back afterwards, but fortuitously came across her son Akuto in his travels, which had brought him to the same place. Decides to accompany him when he chooses to join the guild. Sultry and Stong willed.
Myscha Grey
"I appear to have lost my shirt again..."
{Gladiator}
A rare female fighter, she trained in a fast moving style using blunt weapons, and discovered that she was a combat prodigy. Sadly, she is rather dense in other matters, rarely taking care of her appearance, and frequently managing to lose her clothes for some unknown reason. Despite her airheadedness, she has a 52/0 win record at the Armoroad arena, and was promptly hired by the Prince as combat support.
-----------------------------------------------
Party 3
Princess Klaryn Deidre Irene Pentigriffin
"Come Largo, JAMES WILL MARRY ME! I WILL MAKE HIM SEE MY LOVE!!!"
{White Clad Princess}
A hyper, super-tsudere girl, she gets nicknamed the 'Shirobakahime' (stupid white princess). She is convinced that she must marry James of Lectrom at all costs, and has continually caused headaches for him ever since they were introduced as children. Hearing of his quest, she grabs Largo and a few retainers, and chases him to the isle. Natural rival to Althea, the two clash repeatedly in perceived rivalries for his heart, earning their nicknames.
Ser Largo Potter
"Yes... princess... I'm quite sure... (sigh)..."
{Hoplite}
Long suffering middle aged knight, a veteran of several conflicts, he is a trusted vassal of the Pentigriffin royal family. He was given the great honour (aka. dubious duty) of protecting the ever impossible Princess Klaryn. Tries to keep her in line, but usually fails. Stoic, with a love of vegetables.
Random Roxche
"Leanne! Arle! This shot is for you!"
{Arbalist (M)}
Legendary archer, now retired, it is said that his bolts were blessed by the goddess of love, as back in his youth he made hundreds of girls swoon. These days, he is content to follow his two daughters into battle; and appreciates a second chance at a real adventure. He often fails to realise that lugging a Ballista around as a combat weapon is actually not normal.
Arle Roxche
"Dad, can you give me another 500G? I need a gyroscope and rapid reload clip."
{Arbalist (F)}
Younger daughter of Random Roxche, unlike her elder sister Leanne, she followed her fathers footsteps in developing absurd strength and the ability to rapidly aim, maintain, and reload what is technically a siege weapon. Blessed with exceptional vision, and loves to tinker with devices and technology on the side, always trying to make a new upgrade for her precious 'Cute Abomination'.
Seth Salvador
"The key is keeping the mind a blank slate."
{Zodiac}
A prodigy of magical arts, he is actually self-taught, having shown an interest in astrological signs and their meanings since he was young boy. His long, hard training in the basics has made him especially skilled in metamagic and the summoning of matter. Has an adamant, yet wistful personality.
-----------------------------------------------
Party 4
Princess Althea Ecaterina Marianne Leah Starke
"And what makes YOU think you have the right to his loins, Klaryn?"
{Black outfit kuudere princess}
A 'holier-than-thou' type ojou-sama girl, her nation of Starke has often had disputes with Lectom. She was sent to court the attentions of Prince James on the hopes of finally establishing a peace treaty marriage between the two great nations. Of course, this leads her to an instant rivalry with Klaryn, and their conflicts over the acquisition of his percieved affections earns her the nickname of 'Kurobakahime' (stupid black princess).
Sheena Mikazuchi
"... target has been dealt with"
{Ninja (F)}
Young head of the Mikazuchi clan, she was assigned as a guardian for Althea (Starke uses alot of Ninja as its troops), and sees the mission as a chance to train and prove herself a worthy inheritor of her title. Is especially adept with a Ninjato in hand, preferring melee assassination to normal ninja arts. A bit standoffish and dutiful, but quite kind.
Yamoto Ichiban
"Hmm, I never realised how useful a Kunai is for opening bottles..."
{Ninja (M)}
Current (7th generation) head of the Ichiban clan, he is assigned along with Sheena to guard Althea on her journey to the South Seas. The Ichiban clan are well known for their infiltration prowess, which is helped by their mastery of illusion and cloning techniques. Yamoto is a bit of a prodigal mercenary, but has a special taste for fine wines and sake.
Erin Koh
"I'm a powerful Pirate now! Eat this sword! Its delicious!"
{Buccaneer}
Actually the younger sister of Henry Fisher, she thought life as a farmer on the island was a boring waste of time, and ran off to be a pirate. Fortunately, she was considered an amusing diversion by Guy the Lad and trained up rather than getting herself killed. Despite her hasty personality, and carefree attitude, she is supremely agile and dexterous, able to consistantly juggle her rapiers. Decides she's fallen in love with Guy, but it is unlikely she understands her true feelings at her age.
Jason Foster
"Say precious, how you doin?"
{Gladiator}
A fighter from the continent, he has extensively trained his muscles up to a shine for the sole purpose of wooing ladies. Really loves the promiscuous life of more booze and even more girls, but not bad with a heavy blade. Declares his undying loyalty to the beauty of Althea Starke on sight (which he considers an '11' on his personal 1-10 scale of girls), and follows her around as a protector. Will he ever truly settle down?
-----------------------------------------------
Party 5
Serra Ector
"I am a legend! No really! Stop looking like that!"
{Monk}
An orphan girl with a spunky, no-nonsense attitude, she is convinced that she is the lost daughter of some ancient royal line, and pesters the Prince (and eventually, the Princesses) for retainership. Brought along for her supreme balance in the monk arts, in which she has equal skills in both fisticuffs and chakra manipulation.
Aruru
"Come, Baldr, we shall evaluate the spirit of these people."
{Wildling (F)}
A jungle queen. She is a progressive female warrior whom believes it would be best to open trade with the rest of the world via the port of Armaroad. She is tough, but kind, especially to children and cats, both of which she seems to share a special bond with. Decides to join the expedition into the labyrinth to study the cultures and language of the other members.
Baldr
"...... naturally..."
{Wilding (M)}
A strong warrior from the jungle, he is sent with Aruru on her mission. The mask he wears is a symbol of great prowess and pride among his people. He is the serious kind, often seemingly preferring the company of animals to people. At home, had a pet elephant called Nolly.
Akuto Ulir
"Now, if I can prove myself to them..."
{Ninja}
The son of the famous pirate, Brigit Ulir, it is perhaps ironic that he ended up training to become a Ninja. He has recently graduated from Ninja Academy, and is looking to improve his skills. By fortune, he come across his mother again, as well as Princess Althea, a most likely employer, and so stays with the party. Perhaps due to his background, he specialises in acrobatics and marksmanship. A little shy, but determined.
Lynette
"Is that wise, mistress Aruru?"
{Zodiac}
A mysterious girl with amnesia, she was found washed on the shore of the island by Aruru, remembering only her first name, and the fact that she was a powerful reader of the stars. Since that time, she has faithfully served the jungle queen as an advisor and mage. Has no particular elemental affinity, but is skilled with manipulating the void. Has a lovely soft voice, but its hard to notice, as her demenour is quite powerful and commanding.
-----------------------------------------------
Party 6
Ser Kureha Rakie
"Look more closely. The leaf has fallen here. They were here. We should turn back."
{Hoplite}
A girl from a long line of monster hunters, she is a mercenary knight of the highest caliber, specialising in hunting and tracking techniques, and analysing and avoiding monsters patrols. Equally skilled with sword and spear. Hired by the Prince for the duty of protecting his financial income via foraging in the dungeon.
Remmie Nadla
"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but my name can always heal you."
{Monk}
A woman of considerable intelligence, she has extensive herbal and medicinal knowledge, and also trained in Chakra manipulation to aid in her ability to become a superior healer. Useless at fisticuffs, however, and usually uses a mace. Often goes with the forage team to allow them to identify good quality plants of value, and at base acts as the master guild healer. A bit prideful in her abilities, but is still a kind altruist.
Arthur Stanton
"The ground here is weeping. It is not good for us to set camp here."
{Blonde Farmer guy}
A childhood friend of Ellis; he has a pretty serious crush on her, and immediately offers his skills with foraging to the team upon learning that she was present, hoping to find more ways to get close to her. Can be a bit naive, but is rather gentle and is exceptional at what he does, with a perfect understanding of soil and footing.
Nora Stanton
"Brother, it is not healthy to talk to your sheep. Let me cook him!"
{Farmer girl with hat}
Arthurs younger sister, she is in charge of the animals, and is quite skilled at apparently using her soothing voice to talk to them. Is a bit of a tomboy, but is a fabulous chef, and as a result is worryingly adept with her meat cleaver. Often has her head in the clouds.
Henry Fisher
"I don't really want to fight, but I feel the need to watch over Erin and my friends."
{Famer with black sheep}
Cousin of Nora and Arthur, he joins to help them with their gathering and foraging work, and is surprised to also come across his sister whom had run away from home. He's dutiful and composed, and his father considers him to be a good luck charm to their household, though neither understand this is due to his latent magical talents.