Nei Cosplay

How great would it be to run into Nei at your next convention? If you're lucky, you may meet the talented cimmerianwillow, who crafted this fantastic Nei cosplay. It's accurate down to the last detail, including Nei's hypnotizing red eyes. The beloved, elf-eared numan from Phantasy Star 2 is clad in her signature purple leotard, gloves and ribbon, and is sporting a set of claws ready to slash through any biomonster that may get in her way. In case you're wondering if she has her matching boots, she does! The spirit of Nei and the classic Phantasy Star series live on, thanks to dedicated cosplayers like cimmerianwillow.

Cimmerianwillow's deviantArt gallery

Phantasy Star III - cross stitch project

Lileya-Celestie brings us this piece of fan art in a unique medium - cross stitch! Yes, that's right. Every individual pixel is individually stitched on the canvas, creating a project so detailed, it practically looks like a screenshot. Ever since the game was released, there has been much debate in the Phantasy Star community over the possible choices and potential endings in the third game of the series. This artwork reminds us just how difficult those decisions are!

Phantasy Star III - cross stitch project on deviantArt

Ask a Priest: Hey, Man, Pass the Laconian Pot

 

Hello once again, citizens of Earth. Your favorite holy man in all of Andromeda is back to answer another of life's pressing dilemmas. Shall we get to today's letter? We shall!


  

Dear Raja,

I have a problem with Maruera Leaves. It's known that they produce large quantities of oxygen when chewed, but I've taken it a step further and have begun smoking them. I don't think I can stop, and it's become a spiraling addiction. I've lost many friends and my family no longer associates with me, but I haven't gotten rid of that Motavian who digs through my trash. He's the only one who sticks around, and that's probably because he's smoking the stuff, too.

Can you help me?

-The Kueri Kid


Well, Mr./Ms. Kid, my advice would be to spend time at the temple, meditating on a heated rock next to the sacred flame, increasing this time incrementally by the week until you are only away from the temple for meals. How can you hold on to an addiction when you're always meditating? However, I'm told by some of your human authorities that this is not a practical solution for your kind. Something about risking extremes in body temperature, yadda yadda. Therefore, I've sought the wisdom of a two-thousand year-old musk cat with wings to help solve your problem.

What? He's warm-blooded, at least! *ahem* I will now turn the column over to my guru guest with an impressive shuttlecock: Old Man from Myst Vale.

Old Man: Thanks, preacher man. You're pretty hep for a religious dude, you know that?

Raja: I try.

Old Man: Groovy, but man, let's go easy with the "shuttlecock" biz from now on. I don't want to give the ladies the wrong idea.

So, Kid, I hear you've discovered some of the many far out uses for maruera leaves, to which I say: right on! Welcome to the world of enlightenment, man. It's going to be a magical journey, so strap in and don't forget your towel.

I know, you're probably thinking, "Dude, I can't believe that cat would tell me smoking maruera is all right. He's trippin'!" See, this is exactly the kind of close-minded attitude that's kept your family from understanding the new and improved you. I didn't sprout wings or cheat death on just any ol' diet and exercise regimen, after all. But let's take this one step at a time, cool?

First, if you haven't already, you gotta get yourself a nice laconian pot. Your stash will keep longer in the pot, or at least that's what I'm told. I haven't ever kept mine long enough to find out, but don't let that stop you from getting one of your own. If for no other reason, at least you'll have a bitchin' way to store your leaves. Just don't get your pot from that cheat in Paseo. Dude deals in animal trade. Totally not cool.

Second, your family and friends are a drag, man. If they don't dig it, cut 'em out. Besides, it sounds like this Motavian hanging around your pad could be a real cousin, ya know? There's a lot to like about Motavians; I mean, look at how great they are at recycling! Get tight with your Motavian pal, and he may give you rides in his jet scooter or bring you cake. It's all about expanding your experience!

Last, quit buggin' out about how much you toke. Yeah, I know it's scary at first. When I had my first laerma nut, all of a sudden I grew wings, flew to a giant floating castle, and slew a dragon along the way. Heavy stuff, man! I'm telling you, it gets easier. If you just chill and enjoy yourself, who knows what may come your way? I'm the chief of Myst Vale. You could, like, have your own tribe of Motavians. You could be the chief of Roron! Outta sight, Kid!

Raja: Wait, are you suggesting that drug addiction leads to an empire of trash?

Old Man: I like to think of it as an empire of unlimited possibilities, actually. Plus, you don't need to take a drug test to work at the junkyard.

Raja: Take a stoner and find them friends and employment? I can't argue with that.

Well, thank you for stopping by, Old Man. I'm sure you need to flee, fly, flail, all the way back to Myst Vale, but how about drinks later at Gyuna's?

Old Man: You bet, Space Pope.

---

Su Raja is a highly virtuous and wonderful priest that hails from southwestern Dezolis. While his temple is undergoing major reconstruction (and because his superiors at Gumbious Temple are, um, enthusiastic about assigning him abroad), he has offered to lend his sage advice to the good citizens of Earth. At the end of your joint and seeking Raja? You may email him directly at itsrainingmachines@gmail.com.

“Ask A Priest!” logo designed by Daniel Olsén. http://danielolsens.daportfolio.com/

A huge "Thanks!" to Heather for helping with this week's entry.

Don't Fall In

This short, humorous story by Bryon Nightshade brings up an interesting question regarding one of the main characters of Phantasy Star IV. (Whether or not that question is answered...well, this post shall remain spoiler-free!) Our beloved heroes set out to take on the Profound Darkness, but stumble upon an issue no one could have predicted!

Excerpt:

Rune, Rika, Chaz, and Wren looked down into the hole.

It was impossibly dark down there.

Chaz gulped. "Wren, tell me something."

"No data," the android replied. "None of my sensors can penetrate into that darkness. No readings on infrared, ultraviolet, or radar."

"Rune?"

"It's definitely the place. This is the epicenter of the Black Energy Wave. It makes me a little nauseous to stand here, to be honest. Without the Rings of the Stars we'd be dying for sure."

Silence settled over the party. It was one thing to know that this was their destination, and that their target was inside. It was another to plunge into such a place. Even Chaz, who couldn't tell the Black Energy Wave from chocolate syrup, felt hatred and danger emanating from the hole, and was in no hurry to leap into it.

Wasn't the Profound Darkness waiting for them inside? A being that even the Great Light had been unable to destroy? How could they hope to do more than that?

Another dimension existed through that hole. Even from here it seemed to stretch their sanity. The hole was bottomless, as near as they could tell. If they did jump in, would they ever hit bottom?

Chaz ground his teeth together. He needed to play for time. "Uh... hey, Rune, I've been meaning to ask you something."

Rune thought he might have answered impatiently at some other time, but if it meant delaying dropping into that madness, he would play along. "Yes?"

"I've been wondering this for a while. How did you get to Motavia?"
  

Link to full story: Don't Fall In

Ripple Effect

In this ongoing Phantasy Star III fan fiction, Snorb examines how events of the game could have progressed very, very differently. The characters and settings we all know and love remain true to the game's portrayal, despite the obvious changes to the plot. In addition to the creative concepts, the writing style is easy to read and offers a wonderful blend of action and humor. (Ever wonder what a Smasher would say to the heroes? You're about to find out!)

Excerpt:

Prologue: Titans

(AW 2294 - The throne room of Cille Castle)

For four long months, the image remained painfully clear in the young prince's head, spurring him ever onward: The image of a young woman standing next to him, nothing but love in her sky blue eyes, a serene smile upon ruby-red lips as they stood before the priest of the Church. She had that smile as she was about to read her vows- before the dragon tore through the skylight of the Orakian stronghold.

For four months, Rhys Landen had searched for his blue-haired angel, Maia. At long last, he had found her- but like any knight rescuing his fair maiden, there were complications. Complication Number One, Maia told him, was that she was a hated Layan- and not just any hated Layan, but the crown princess of the Kingdom of Cille.

Rhys was perfectly willing to overlook that in the name of true love, if it weren't for Complication Number Two: Lord Orin Cille, Maia's father, who wasn't quite as accepting of Rhys's sudden change of heart about Orakians and Layans.

Complication Number Three was that Rhys was dying on the floor of Cille Castle's throne room, his armor covered in scorch marks from numerous Foi blasts, his skin sliced into by Orin's repeated use of Zan and Gra. He could hear voices, he thought- his companions, his lovely angel- calling for him, begging him to get up and fight, but he was too battered.

"You want to rescue Maia, right?" Lena asked, holding out the massive Moonstone to the prince. "This should sync up with that Lunar Tear Lyle has... it's a worthwhile sacrifice, Rhys. C'mon. Let's go save Maia..."


Link to full story: Ripple Effect

Phantasy Star III 'Legacy'

The founder of the video game music site OverClocked ReMix, djpretzel, brings us this orchestral remix of Phantasy Star 3's opening theme. Fit for the royal courts found throughout the Alisa III worldship, djpretzel's Legacy starts on ominous notes, perhaps foreshadowing the mystery Prince Rhys becomes embroiled in. These notes quickly give way to a regal processional, perfect for the launch of an epic adventure that spans three generations and several heroes.

OverClocked ReMix's youtube channel

Dezoris Eclipse (Phantasy Star I Overworlds)

The planets of Algol fall into alignment in this heavenly medley of Phantasy Star 1 overworld themes, arranged and performed by Thea Landen. This piece features Dezoris’s cold and somber tune, then adds the exotic notes of Motavia’s melody, ending on the cheerful, instantly recognizable opening chords of Palma’s song. As the artist herself says, the layers “represent the eclipse that was so important to the native Dezorians.” We think it worked to perfect effect, easily making it one of our favorite fan arrangements. Now, who’s ready to go exploring with Alis and friends?

Ask a Priest: P is for Passion. And Pyromaniac.

Greetings, earthlings. I come as priest. Ha, I always wanted to say that! Before I get to anything else, I need to set something straight: we aliens are not little green men. We are VERY TALL green men! In fact, I don’t know how you humans get anything done with those stubby legs of yours. Parmanians have this problem, too. Actually, you all look suspiciously like Parmanians....

Let’s move on. Today I’d like to talk about something we Dezolisians know better than any other race in the universe: expressions of love. Passion. Fireworks. Finding that proverbial hot spot. Igniting the flames of...

Chaz: Okay, I think they get it now, Raja.

Raja: Oh, that’s right! I forgot to mention that I have one of Motavia’s happiest couples with me today: Chaz and Rika Ashley. Welcome and hello, you sickeningly adorable people, you.

Chaz: Hello, out there!

Rika: Hi!

Raja: Yeah, yeah. So you two are here because Rika has a related question. Go ahead, Rika. Ask a priest.

Rika: Thank you, Raja. Chaz and I have been together for four years now, and even though we love each other more with each passing day, things are getting a little, ah, routine in the bedroom. Why are we so bored with each other when our love has never been stronger? I don’t want us to get burned out! Chaz says we need to keep up the frequency, that it’s our duty to repopulate Motavia.

Chaz: Rika!

Raja: That’s the worst ploy for getting laid I’ve ever heard.

Rika: I told him that, too.

Chaz: Wait a sec! That’s not what I...

Raja: Rika, luckily for you, I know exactly how to fix your problem. It’s no wonder the Parmanian race is dying out. They waste their days working their dull, meaningless jobs...

Chaz: But I’m a hunter!

Raja: Let me finish. Then after their days of sitting around the office making silly pie charts for The Man...

Chaz: This is ridiculous.

Raja: ...they come home brain-dead and exhausted. So it’s not surprising that this numbness carries over into their love lives. Do you ever notice a vacant expression on Chaz’s face as he comes through the front door in the evening?

Rike: Um, actually, we get home at the same time. We greet each other at the door. He smiles, kisses me and asks if I want a foot rub.

Raja: Foot rub?! Oh, this is worse than I thought. Looks like we’re going to have to cut right to the demonstration.

Chaz: The what?

Raja: Well, you didn’t think I was holding this unlit torch the whole time for nothing, did you?

Chaz: I... thought it was a part of your passion/fire metaphor, maybe.

Raja: Psh, metaphor! Everything has to be symbolic with you people. Now, hold this torch.

Chaz: Uh, okay... I guess. You’re not going to light it, are you?

Raja: Me? No. Of course not. All right, Rika. Do you see that button on the side of the torch?

Rika: The red one that says “on”?

Raja: Yes. Now, I want you to...

Chaz: Don’t do it, Rika! Raja, you said you weren’t going to light this thing!

Raja: I’m not. That’s Rika’s job.

Rika: Uh... what does any of this have to do with my question?

Raja: I’m a priest. Trust me, for the sake of your marriage.

Chaz: Oh, all right. Rika, just light the... wow, okay, you pushed that button faster than I thought you would. Huh, so... fire. And I’m holding it. Now what?

Rika: Don’t swing that thing so close to my hair!

Raja: Yes. YES. The FIRE! Hold it toward Rika and the two of you gaze deeply at each other through the flame. Only then will you understand the true passion of the Dezolisian people. Go on, now.

Chaz: It’s really hard to see you, Rika.

Rika: Watch the hair!

Chaz: Are you waving your arms around?

Rika: Ahhh! Fire!

Raja: That’s it! I can feel Rika’s passion increase already!

Chaz: That’s not creepy at all.

Raja: Concentrate, Chaz!

Chaz: I’m worried about Rika!

Raja: Good! I see you feel Rika through the flame. Keep staring! Hold it closer--CLOSER--to her!

Chaz: Well, all right, but...

Rika: TOO CLOSE! AHHH!

Chaz: Rika? If you sit still, maybe... whoa, your cape almost touched the flame.

Rika: GET THAT THING AWAY FROM ME!

Chaz: Hey, you’re going to knock the torch out of my... OH SHIT LOOK OUT!

Raja: Airborne torch! I’ll catch it!

Rika: It’s going to land in my hair! NOOO!

Raja: Got it! Rika, don’t bat it toward... oops...

Rika: Oh, Chaz, I’m so sorry!

Chaz: AHHH, my sideburns! They’re on fire!

Raja: Haha, sideBURNS, huh?

Rika: Chaz! I’ll put them out!

Chaz: Ow, OW, stop hitting my ears, Rika! Are they out yet? Do I look okay?

Rika: Chaz, I... oh my... we need to get you home NOW. We’re leaving!

Chaz: What do you mean? It’s bad, isn’t it? I need a mirror!

Rika: Goodbye, Raja!

Raja: That’s the ticket! Motavia hasn’t seen this much excitement since Hahn tried eradicating Krup's rappy infestation in 2287 with his “special” technique. Now go and make beautiful babies! Well, as beautiful as non-Dezolisian babies can be, anyway. You’ll thank me later about the sideburns, Chaz.

And there you have it, humans: the reason why Dezolisians don’t have hair. Er, I mean, the way to rekindle your love life. If you, too, would like your very own pleasure-enhancing, mini-eclipse torch, send $19.99 + $1,500,000,000,000.00 intergalactic shipping and handling to His Excellency Su Raja, 213 Guaron Way, Ryuon, Dezoris, 17121993, Algol Star System, Star Cluster 87... oh, just go to Houston’s Space Center and ask for me by name. Be sure to include the “highly virtuous and wonderful” part.

---

Su Raja is a highly virtuous and wonderful priest that hails from southwestern Dezolis. While his temple is undergoing major reconstruction (and because his superiors at Gumbious Temple are, um, enthusiastic about assigning him abroad), he has offered to lend his sage advice to the good citizens of Earth. Have a burning question for Raja? You may email him directly at itsrainingmachines@gmail.com.

“Ask A Priest!” logo designed by Daniel Olsén. http://danielolsens.daportfolio.com/

Phantasy Star 1

The original foursome is looking fierce and ready for action in this portrait of the Phantasy Star cast by kamiomutsu. She's kept the characters' appearance consistent with the game and added her own details that enhance the original designs. Even with their tough expressions, the close bond between Myau and Odin shines through in this piece. And as always, there's no mistaking that distinctive title!

Phantasy Star 1 on deviantArt

Camineet at Night

This digitally-rendered piece of artwork by Fragula2003 depicts an updated version of Camineet - Alis Landale's hometown, where the saga began. Palma's spaceport is visible in the background and maintains the same layout as in the game. Though this image of Camineet has a much more modern feel than the original, nostalgic details such as the dome-shaped houses and the Robotcops guarding the entrance remind us of why this place in Algo(l) is so special.

Camineet at Night on deviantArt

Mieu - Color Pencils Experiment

This artwork of Phantasy Star III's Mieu was drawn by Wing-0/DorkFalz. Mieu has always been a fan favorite, as evidenced by the amount of fanwork she's inspired. Regardless of who your favorite PSIII hero is, Mieu is always there to help slash up the enemies and heal any bruises. Heck, she'll even bring you back from the dead! With her versatility, it's no surprise she's such a popular character.

DeviantArt Link