I did a short series of posts on Twitter talking about some small details that I really latched onto with the release of the v2.2 Patch: Tangled Truth in Inverted Tower (Ooh! I’m so excited!). I’d like to take the opportunity to expand on these observations and talk about what I think we’ll likely explore moving forward and how a few newly-established motifs may contribute to it.
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They’re not super in-depth compared to what they are in this document, but they are available for viewing here:
Out of all the tidbits we got about the Fisalia family we received with Cantarella’s teasers, the second page has me completely focused on one concept from the phrase “…among them, one promising individual will undoubtedly emerge.”
The [holy] maidens will be born among the members of the Fisalia. Among them, one promising individual will undoubtedly emerge. The enduring trial will soon yield results within days, for us, for the Fisalia. May your grace protect the Fisalia family…
Appletree Forest on the castle grounds, grows apples red and round. A few land making a thump, knocking heads and raising bumps. Apples fall into the earth’s hold, most are red but some are gold. Whose head will the gold apple hit? Who will leave the forest with it? The Queen sits with her meal in place, waiting for fruit to take its place. As the juicy bite goes down, behold on her head the Thorned Crown.
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Other languages make direct references to the “maidens” as “holy maidens.” The EN release of this snippet does not elaborate on it further, but there’s no really other significant “maiden” so it’s kind of implied.
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The phrase greatly reminds me of the Japanese folklore of “Kodoku” (蠱毒, lit. 'curse poison’) — which is derivative from “Gu” (蛊 lit. ‘to poison/bewitch/drive insane’) magic. The premise involves trapping multiple poisonous insects in a closed container, and having them fight for survival.
The sole survivor is used in one of two ways:
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A rather creepy ritual, all things considered, but it’s left a strong impact across media for the intensity of it, and is a common motif. Some (but not limited to) recent, popular examples include:
Upon reaching a certain point in Ragunna’s exploration, the Rover receives a strange message from someone in the Fisalia family. Inviting, what appears to be, any strong individuals to partake in a series of trials, prompting the start of the “Trials of Old” quest; they aren’t picky about lineage, it seems.
An invitation from the Fisalia family. Received while exploring Rinascita.
And it appears to have worked for some. Promises of an omnipotent elixir is tempting, especially for those desperate enough to try, like in the case of the ghostly Chloe.
In the side quest, we experience these trials first-hand. While the first part of these trials have been demonstrated to be rather simple — show insight to history, dodge lethal threats, quickly navigate terrain, and combat competency. By the end, we gain a sense that they want something very specific during the selection process though. And we don’t really get more details other than a relatively grim preview into the truth of the matter through an achievement.
