RUMORS
Below is a full list of entries for the tavern rumors available throughout the game, presented in the original Japanese or with the English text from either the original PSX game or the War of the Lions remaster. G's Cemetery, and both TBaatar's and RevenantThings' game transcripts proved invaluable in assembling this.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4
CHAPTER 1 RUMORS
THE DEATH CORPS | THE CORPSE BRIGADE
骸旅団について First Appears: Chapter 1, at the onset of the game
PSX Translation: Robberies are on the rise in various areas and Gallione is no exception. Wagon hijackings and abductions are rampant. Now a group of former criminals and mercenaries, called the 'Death Corps', have been making the most trouble for the Hokuten.
THE KING OMDORIA | KING ONDORIA III
国王オムドリア３世について First Appears: Chapter 1, at the onset of the game
PSX Translation: There is a great concern over King Omdolia, who collapsed at Prince Orinas birthday celebration. The Board of Chamberlains reported his fever has subsided, but he'll take 3 weeks to recover. It will be several months before he can make any public appearances. But since most public policy is made by Queen Ruvelia, no turmoil is expected.
THE FIFTY YEAR WAR | THE FIFTY YEARS' WAR
五十年戦争について First Appears: Chapter 1, at the onset of the game
PSX Translation: A war that caused terror for nearly 50 years between Ivalice and Ordalia, known as the 'Fifty Year War'. The War was ignited when King Diwanu died without naming a successor. The throne was succeeded by Diwanu's brother, Valowa, but Denamunda of Ivalice, declared war. This was only an excuse... the real reason was because of... Zelamonia, a territory of Ivalice running along the Ordalian border. It was once independent, but was annexed over a century ago, after an invasion. Ivalice supported Ordalia, but the result was failure. Unrest among the Nobles and in the cities of Zelamonia, along with Ordalia's rule, led them to seek intervention from Ivalice. With victories in the early battles, Ivalice's Army marched on the capital of Bura. But King Denamunda fell ill and was never to return to his kingdom. The confusion gave the Ordalian Army an opportunity, as Valowa was successful in holding off Ivalice's Army. Approximately 2 year stalemate of was broken by the Romandan Army's invasion.
Romanda is a military state separated from Ivalice by Larner Channel. Under King Valowa's orders, a blood relative, they marched on Ivalice. But, Denamunda who succeeded King Denamunda was a brave warrior against both the Romanda and Ordalian armies. An outbreak of Bubonic Plague in Romanda forced them to retreat in 2 years. The 2 squads most effective in the war were the Hokuten, led by Balbanes, and the Nanten, led by T.G. Cid. They scored many victories as they marched on Ordalia. But the long war was disasterous for both administrations. Farmers' revolts and riots broke out in many areas, as both kingdoms focused their war efforts within their borders. This made another stalemate broken only by the death of King Denamunda. (Widely believed to be assassinated) His successor, Omdolia was not fit to lead the kingdom, and left all matters of state to the elder statesmen and the Queen. Therefore, there was no power to drive the troops of Prince Lanard, Valowa's successor, out. After allowing the invasion of Zeltennia, battles that both the Hokuten and the Nanten fought in, Ivalice hoped for peace. Realizing the war was useless, both kingdoms agreed on peace, focusing their efforts within their respective borders. Although the agreement was bilateral, Ivalice surrendered. Soon after, Ivalice's economy was on the brink of bankruptcy because of severe war reparations. Payments could not be made to returning soldiers, and large groups of Knights were discharged. As a result, high unemployment, uncertainty and distrust filled Ivalice.
THE CONDITION OF OMDORIA | KING ONDORIA III'S CONDITION
オムドリア３世の病状について First Appears: Chapter 1, following Delita and Ramza's discussion on the Mandalia Plains after Teta's abduction
PSX Translation: The rumor of the failing health of King Omdolia is spreading throughout the capital. Since his collapse during Orinas' birthday celebration, we've been told that he was on his way to recovery, but the discouraged faces of his close advisors tell otherwise. With an official guardian for the Prince yet to be named, the Queen is certain to clash with the elder statesmen over his guardianship.
DESTRUCTION OF THE DEATH CORPS!? | THE CORPSE BRIGADE DESTROYED
骸旅団壊滅！？ First Appears: Chapter 1, following Delita and Ramza's discussion on the Mandalia Plains after Teta's abduction
PSX Translation: It was revealed that the main group in the Death Corps the Thieves, were close to annihilation due to the joint effort by the four groups of the Knights. According to official reports, the total number of thieves apprehended by the plan added up to approximately 700, and the death toll was approximately 3000. Wiegraf, the leader of the Death Corps is yet to be apprehended, but the Hokuten stated that it was just a matter of time.
ATTEMPT MURDER OF LORD DYCEDARG | THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
ダイスダーグ卿暗殺未遂事件 First Appears: Chapter 1, following Delita and Ramza's discussion on the Mandalia Plains after Teta's abduction
PSX Translation: The Thieves, major players in the Death Corps, are close to annihilation, but the Knights haven't been able to capture their leader, Wiegraf, yet. Although the Hokuten are in pursuit of the remaining members. An assault on a high official occurred at the mansion of the well-known and respected Beoulve family. The target seems to have been Prince Larg's assistant, Dycedarg. Unfortunately, the assassination attempt was unsuccessful.
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CHAPTER 2 RUMORS
AFTER THE KING'S DEATH | IN THE WAKE OF THE KING'S DEMISE
国王の死後 First Appears: Chapter 2, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: After the death of King Omdolia, Queen Ruvelia held the reigns of the government. Any officials objecting her policies were ousted, even elder statesmen. The Empress openly criticized the Queen, and was banished to Bunahan, never to return. It is said she was poisoned, but no proof was ever found.
FEUD BETWEEN LARG AND GOLTANA | THE DUKES LARG AND GOLTANNA
国王の死後 First Appears: Chapter 2, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: A political struggle erupted between the Prince Larg and the son of the late King. They are fighting for the regency, who will be guardian to the Prince. The Queen sided with Larg, but the officials who oppose her, including many Nobles, sided with Goltana. Lately, some say Prince Larg will officially be appointed Regent.
PEASANT RIOT IN ZELTENNIA | WIDESPREAD PEASANT REVOLT
ゼルテニアで大規模な農民一揆 First Appears: Chapter 2, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: A large peasant rebellion has erupted in Zeltennia, Goltana's territory. It was caused by the heavy damage resulting from the previous years drought, as well as growing unease over the rise in taxes after the War. A group of ex-Knights, known as the 'Ryomoku' seemed to be behind the rebellion. Baron Grims' Black Sheep are struggling to suppress it.
KIDNAP OF THE PRINCESS | PRINCESS OVELIA KIDNAPPED
王女誘拐 First Appears: Chapter 2, following the battle at Zirekile Falls
PSX Translation: Princess Ovelia has been abducted from the Orbonne Monastery. Witnesses say the Knight that disappeared had a crest of a Black Lion, believed to be those of the Nanten, under Prince Goltana. Goltana strongly denies any involvement. He assembled a group of investigators to clear any suspicion, but due to the attempted supression of the rebellion in Zeltennia, it seems difficult.
ZODIAC BRAVE STORY | THE LEGEND OF THE ZODIAC BRAVES
ゾディアックブレイブの伝説 First Appears: Chapter 2, following the meeting with Draclau
PSX Translation: Long before Ivalice was united, the land was divided into 7 kingdoms: Zeltennia, Fovoham, Lionel, Limberry, Lesalie, Gallione, and Murond. Each tried to expand their territory and the struggles continued for hundreds of years, until an ambitious new King, was born in Murond. He gathered a great army from all over Ivalice and fought, but victory did not come easily. Then the King found a secret way to summon a Magic God from the netherworld. But when he tried to use its powers, the Magic God killed the King and tried to destroy the world... 12 brave souls defeated the Devils summoned by the Magic God and sent him back to the netherworld. At this time, the 12 warriors were crested with 12 zodiac symbols, and people began to call them the 'Zodiac Braves'.
ZODIAC STONE | ZODIAC STONES
ゾディアックストーン First Appears: Chapter 2, following the meeting with Draclau
PSX Translation: Crystals said to be made in a mythic area. With a zodiac symbol carved on their surface, the crystal was known as the 'Zodiac Stone of the 12 zodiac symbols'. The stones are said to have holy powers used by the Zodiac Braves to work miracles. The last time they were seen was during St. Ajora's time, no one has seen them since...
BART COMPANY'S DARK RUMOR | THE BAERT TRADING COMPANY
バート商会の黒い噂 First Appears: Chapter 2, following the meeting with Draclau
PSX Translation: Bart Trading Company, based in Warjilis, is increasing in popularity because it donates heavily to projects improving the infrastructure and orphanages. But they are not only known for their charity. Some say they are a criminal outfit involved in opium smuggling, slavery and even murder. Who knows the real truth about this company?
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CHAPTER 3 RUMORS
FUTURE OF THE WAR | A STALEMATE
戦争の行方 First Appears: Chapter 3, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: Three months have passed since the Battle at Gulofavia -The first all out battle on a plain bordered by Lesalia and Limberry-. The death toll for the two armies reached nearly 400,000. This battle between those that fought side by side during the War is only creating many casualties with no end in sight. Many see the situation as a stalemate, and its length has brought pessimism among the people.
RESCUE OF PRINCESS OVELIA | PRINCESS OVELIA SAVED
王女オヴェリア救出 First Appears: Chapter 3, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: Princess Ovelia, abducted from Orbonne Monastery has been safely rescued. The mastermind behind her abduction was Gelwan, a close official to Goltana and Queen Ruvelia. Trying to bring her son to the throne, it was the Queen's plan, to persuade the Minister -But, those supporting the Queen strongly deny these allegations-. Furthermore, the Minister has been already been executed. The one who rescued the Princess was a young Knight named Delita, an assistant Black Sheep Knight under Baron Grims. Recognized for his heroism, he is expected to be the next leader of the Black Sheep now that the seat is vacant since the Baron was killed fighting the 'Ryomoku'!
DRACLAU'S DEATH | THE DEATH OF CARDINAL DELACROIX
ドラクロワ枢機卿の死 First Appears: Chapter 3, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: 3 months have passed since the death of Draclau, due to illness. There are rumors that the leader of Lionel Castle was really assassinated. There is even one rumor that it was a murder by an 'Unidentified monster'. To support these theories, there was an attack upon the castle by thieves, the night before his death causing many death and injuries. The cause of death was said to be people were 'crushed to death.'
DROUGHT AND FLOOD DAMAGE | DROUGHT AND FLOOD
干ばつと水害 First Appears: Chapter 3, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: 10 years ago, the kingdom had a terribly bad harvest. Zeltennia and Limbbery were devasted by drought and their harvests were half the norm. On the other hand, Gallione and Fovoham, were devasted by floods. The harvests in the west were about half the norm as well. People left destitute in the war and people suffering from famine migrated to Lesalia seeking refuge.
THE DEATH OF MARQUIS ELMDOR IN BATTLE | MARQUIS ELMDORE SLAIN
エルムドア侯爵戦死！ First Appears: Chapter 3, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: Known as the 'Silver Nobleman' to his allies and 'Silver Ogre' to his enemies, Marquis Elmdor was hit by a stray arrow at the battle at Fuss Plains and died. His people believed in him and thought he was a devout believer in the Glabados Church. Many visit his grave to pay their respects. Since he was the leader that supported the Goltana Army, the war effort will be affected.
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CHAPTER 4 RUMORS
THE FUTURE OF THE WAR 2 | A TURNING POINT
戦争の行方２ First Appears: Chapter 4, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: Suffering through the long stalemate, Larg's Army began to mobilize. Over 80 percent of the Knights in the frontline were Hokuten when the march on Bethla began. Bethla was a strategic location for the invasion of Zeltennia. Occupying this area would mean an abundant food supply. This would either make or break the war effort for either side.
MONSTER IN RIOVANES CASTLE | THE HORROR OF RIOVANES
リオファネス城の怪物 First Appears: Chapter 4, at the opening of the chapter
PSX Translation: There was an incident of an attack by an 'Unidentified monster' at Lionel Castle. But now, it has occurred again at Riovanes Castle, home of Duke Barinten. Victims of the incident are said to number over 500. The image of people's crushed heads are etched into the minds of those who saw it.
GHOST OF COLLIERY | THE HAUNTED MINE
炭坑の亡霊 First Appears: Chapter 4, at Goland
PSX Translation: There are numerous coal mines in Goland, but a monster seems to have recently settled in one of them. A plan to gather Knights to suppress the monster was being made by the adminstration, but due to the war no progress has been made. The adminstration put up a reward for anyone, from commoner to hunter, who slays the monster. All hope for a quick solution.
CURSED ISLAND, NELVESKA | THE CURSED ISLE OF NELVESKA
呪われた島・ネルベスカ First Appears: Chapter 4, at Zeltennia, after recruiting Beowulf and Reis and learning from Besrodio that the apparatus he has built is marked with the Cancer symbol.
PSX Translation: Nelveska Island, an island that lies 8000 doma north of Zeltennia. In the center of the island are many temple graves. It was a critical area used by guerillas resisting the enemy. Known as a paradise for its lush greenery, the fishermen call it a 'Cursed Island.' and 'A fearsome iron sentinel will kill all those who approach.'
LIONEL'S NEW LIEGE LORD
First Appears: Chapter 4 [War of the Lions]
PSP Translation: Several months had passed since the murder of Cardinal Delacroix, and the question of who would succeed him as liege lord of Lionel had been on everyone's minds. Although a fierce struggle for power no doubt occurred behind the scenes. Celebrant Bremondt was chosen in the end as expected. He is known for his genial disposition and uncompromising pursuit of heretics, and most have high high hopes for his future as Lionel's new ruler.'
RASH OF THEFTS
First Appears: Chapter 4, at Dorter [War of the Lions]
PSP Translation: Clergymen from all over Ivalice have been reporting thefts as of late. All of the items stolen have been jewels in the care of religious institutions, leading the Church of Glabados to conclude that the crimes are the work of heretics or other enemies of the Church. Anticipating further incidents, it has warned its members to exercise particular vigilance.
A CALL FOR GUARDS
北天騎士団の危機！ First Appears: Chapter 4 [War of the Lions]
PSP Translation: The city of Bervenia has donated a treasure known as the Wailing Orte to the city of Dorter, and a merchant has been commissioned to make the delivery. However, recent rumors of bandits on the trade routes have him too frightened to make the journey. He seeks guards with strong swordarms to protect him along his way.
DISORDER IN THE ORDER
First Appears: Chapter 4 [War of the Lions]
PSP Translation: The Order of the Northern Sky lost their leader, Duke Larg, at the battle of Fort Besselat. Their misfortune was followed by further tragedies: the disappearance of their commander Lord Zalbaag, and the murder of Lord Dycedarg. These events exacerbated the discontent already present in the Order, causing a group of knights to defect, taking up residence in a former brigands' den and terrorizing nearby towns.
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