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The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch

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The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch (英雄伝説III 白き魔女), released in North America as The Legend of Heroes II: Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch, is a role-playing game developed and published by Nihon Falcom for PC-98 in 1994, and the first installment in the Gagharv trilogy. It was licensed to Hudson and GFM for a Sega Saturn and PSone version, respectively. Before the release of The Legend of Heroes V: Cagesong of the Ocean, Falcom re-released the game on Windows.

Bandai's remake for PSP remake was released in North America in 2006 as the second title of the Gagharv Trilogy, but chronologically it is the final chapter, taking place 49 years after The Legend of Heroes V: Cagesong of the Ocean in the year 992.

On January 6, 2023, the Geofront, the group whose translations were used as the basis for the official English-language localizations of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure announced plans to release a new English-language localization of White Witch.[1]

Gameplay[]

Synopsis[]

Characters[]

  • Jurio, a young and naïve pilgrim from Ragpick.
  • Christina, a carefree girl who travels with Jurio.
  • Shirla, a beautiful but otherwise unsuccessful thief.
  • Goose, Shirla's partner-in-crime but equally unsuccessful.
  • Lodi, a young swordsman seeking revenge on Galga.
  • Alf, a traveler who in a strange manner.
  • Roule, a cheerful old man who likes gambling at Dice.
  • Morrison, aide to Ambisch's king and an specialised in Kand.
  • Philly, daughter of the Compounder Liz.
  • Huck, Chris' eccentric uncle who is knowledgeable about the White Witch.

Setting[]

The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch takes place in an era when it was believed there was no world beyond the fissure known as Gagharv and the treacherous mountain range Great Serpent's Backbone. There lived a girl known as the White Witch, travelling as a pilgrim. For her innate precognition she was praised at some times, persecuted at others. She nevertheless continued her journey, leaving prophecies in her wake.[2]

Story[]

Prologue: "Little Pilgrims"[]

The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch starts in G.992, twenty years after the White Witch vanished. Jurio and Chris, a boy and a girl living in the village of Ragpick, Pholthia, are about to embark on a coming of age journey that is tradition in their village. This journey is like the one the witches once did.[2]

On the day of their departure, a minstrel visits their village. They soon discover the minstrel was actually one of two thieves in disguise, aiming to steal the village's treasured Silver Dagger. On their way out, the thieves run into the eccentric Old Man Lap and lose their loot. Old Man Lap hands the dagger to Jurio, informing him and Chris of its importance for their journey.[2]

On their way out, Jurio and Chris stop by at Old Man Lap's house. He gives Chris an old cane as a parting gift. He tells them it is nothing but a clothesline, withholding large secret the cane carries. With the dagger pocketed and cane equipped, Jurio and Chris leave their hometown.[2]

Synopsis 4 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

They arrive at their first destination, the Shrine of Deane. They offer the silver dagger as is customary and witness an image in the Magic Mirror. Whereas they had been told to see nothing but beautiful sceneries, they see a darkness fanning the flames of unrest instead. Anxiously, they proceed to the next Shrine.[2]

In Raguna they greet Chris's uncle, Huck, and board the ship Eagle Talon for Nyri. They are allowed to travel for free upon showing the Silver Dagger as proof of their pilgrimage, but are tasked with odd jobs during the trip. On the second day of their trip, there is a burglary aboard the ship. Crew and passengers fall asleep consecutively. Jurio uncovers Heston as the habitual thief, but loses track of him. The stolen goods were returned by Shirla and Goose, who they now realise were the thieves attempting to steal their dagger back at Ragpick.[2]

After solving the burglary, the little pilgrims collaborate with the thieves before taking control back of the ship since the crew is still asleep. Huck, who had stowed himself away among the cargo, reveals himself to provide instructions and navigates the ship with his improvised crew to its destination.[2]

Chapter 1: "Gems of Tegura"[]

Synopsis 8 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

After arriving in Nyri, Menarth, Jurio and Chris head to Alde to take the fishing boat Thalassa to Negall Island. En route they catch a glimpse of the supermassive sea monster Galga and learn it recently attacked Negall Island. When they arrive in Tegra, where the Shrine is situated, they find houses mercilessly destroyed.[2]

Synopsis 9 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

At the shrine, they offer the Silver Dagger and are presented with images of Galga and a red light. It reminded them of the grim future ahead of them. They consult the sage overseeing the Shrine, but he informs the image is a reflection of the spectator's state of mind and advises them not to take it too seriously.[2]

Completing the second stop of their pilgrimage, they return to Tegra to help to mine the Crimson Flame at Old Man Kevin's request. Once done, they cross the sea back to Citta, Menarth, on the mainland. There they run into a peculiar man with an equally strange manner of speaking, introducing himself as Alf. Chris offers him food to calm down his grumbling stomache, but Alf turns down the offer. After a standoff Alf gives in and accepts the food. In return for the meal, he accompanies the two up to Nelva.[2]

They arrive in a partially destroyed city. One elderly man reminiscences of the White Witch's prophecy and whether this is what she had foretold. Unable to turn a blind eye to the situation, Chris decides to head south and gather information in the neighbouring country of Ambisch. As such, the group travels further south again.[2]

Chapter 2: "Battle of Bolt"[]

Synopsis 13 (ED3)

On their way south, Jurio and Chris run into the talented swordsman Lodi. They had already heard about him from his grandfather, Old Man Kevin on Negall Island, and ask him to accompany them if they head in the same direction anyway. After some urging, Lodi agrees to join them.[3]

Synopsis 14 (ED3)

They arrive in Thuair where they meet Mrs. Genet, who is familiar with the White Witch's prophecies. She informs them the White Witch was called Gueld and passes down what she foretold about Galga. The group realises they can guide Galga using fire and head to King Nordic next.[3]

Synopsis 15 (ED3)

Alf manages to force himself into an audience with King Nordic. The king supplies the group with supportive measures, such as a great number of torches. During the group's short rest at a local inn, Alf disappears, leaving behind nothing but a ring engraved with the crest of Ambisch.[3]

Jurio and Chris continue their journey to Bolt in Ambisch as planned. When they arrive at the checkpoint to enter Chanom, Old Man Roule forces his way into their party after an argument with the gatekeeper. He joins them until they arrive in Dice, but his Cand abilities suggest he is no ordinary elderly man.[3]

In Dice, Roule immediately and happily heads to the casino he was looking for. There, they find him on a winning streak and he has no plans to stop soon. Jurio and Chris try their hand at roulette, but end up with a debt of 2 million pia. Roule steps in to help. The mayor is an old acquaintance of Roule and he takes them to the official residence. He donates all the money he accumulated at the casino to President Baron. Roule then spends the money he earned on lentils to donate these to the poor village of Darts.[3]

Synopsis 19 (ED3)

Roule asks Jurio to help him carry the lentils to Darts. On the way, the group learns about the White Witch's prophecy that difference in wealth between Dice and Darts will give rise to a poisonous swamp. On their way, they indeed have to navigate through a poisonous swamp.[3]

Synopsis 20 (ED3)

Darts gave up and accepted being poor. The village organises a performance by Trova, a cithara player, to lift the spirits of the people. In spite of an instrumental accident, the performance was a success thanks to Jurio and his friends. The villagers regain their motivation and pledge their support to make Darts prosperous again.[3]

Synopsis 21 (ED3)

The group returns to President Baron of Dice to report their work. Roule and Baron are overjoyed and hope for a revival of Darts. As the two part ways, they refer to each other as Thomas and Ramon, leaving Jurio puzzled, for he is sure he heard those names before somewhere.[3]

Synopsis 22 (ED3)

Continuing their way to Ambisch, the group breaks through the checkpoint's blockade to reach Bolt, which is expected to become Galga's next target. Before entering Bolt, soldier stop them at the gate. When they show the ring Alf left behind, they are mistaken for bandits and arrested without further inquiry. As they are taken away, they spot Alf and call out to him. This is how they discover Alf is actually King Alfred of Ambisch. Lodi feels dejected, but Chris maintain her usual strong attitude as the person who saved his life by offering food.[3]

After clearing up the misunderstanding, Jurio, Chris and Lodi decide to help Alf in his mission to intercept Galga. Alf planned to use the torches to lure Galga to a valley away from the village and defeat it there. Since Galga refuses to leave the water, Chris offers Jurio as bait instead.[3]

The bait is successful and Galga appears on the shore. Magisa uses magic to cut off its retreat and everyone launches their attack. Lodi throws a Crimson Flame, a flammable ore, into its beak and blasts it open. The parasitic monster that emerged from its beak is defeated and Galga returns to its former self.[3]

Synopsis 26 (ED3)

The usually mild-mannered Galga becomes harmless as soon as the parasite was defeated, leaving the group to wonder why it attached itself to Galga. With that mystery unsolved, Jurio and Chris leave the injured Lodi in Alf's care as they head to the Shrine of Ignis, southeast of Bolt.[3]

Chapter 3: "Shadows on Three-city Bridge"[]

At the Shrine of Ignis, the little pilgrim see an image of stars in space and a mysterious figure. Chris worries something will happen to the person. They leave the shrine and head to Amdera, the capital city of Ambisch. Alf welcomes them with open arms in the royal castle of Amdera. The following day, Chris participates in a cooking contest in the castle. Shirla and Goose infiltrate the royal castle, but fail to steal something. Afterwards, Alf and his confident Morrison join Jurio and Chris on their way to Ordos.[3]

The group makes way for the neighbouring nation of Udor. En route they are surprised to learn that Old Man Lap was once the famed archmage. At the border, they find Goose left behind by Sharla. At Goose's request, they cross the border together.[3]

Chapter 4: "The Holy Beast's Sanctuary"[]

Synopsis 30 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

The group arrives at the Shrine of Syphor,[?] where they are attacked by the Conjurer Kazim. He managed to defeat them once, but with the help of their friends they manage to strike back at him. Right before he dies, Kazim casts a curse on Chris and Goose. Afterwards, Jurio and Chris witness the images of the Magic Mirror and continue their pilgrimage to Ordos.[3]

On the way, Kazim's curse on Chris and Goose is activated. Their health drastically deteriorates. They manage to reach Ordos and are taken to the well-known Doctor Phyllo. He tells Jurio he needs the medicine of Compounder Liz in Phenthe to help Chris and Goose, so Jurio leaves the city on his own.[3]

Jurio runs into Shirla and after calling out to her, he explains the situation. They team up and make it safely to Liz's house. She tells them she needs the horn of the Holy Beast Argres. Liz's daughter Philly joins the group and together they set their sights on the Lost Woods where the beast is said to reside.[3]

Along the way, they pick up another of the White Witch's prophecies, which leads them to the Ashtree, a hidden village that aims to protect the Lost Woods. With the chief's permission, they enter the woods and eventually discover Argres. Turns out it looks exactly like the beast Jurio saw at the Shrine of Syphor.[4]

Synopsis 34 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

The antidote lifts the curse and Goose resumes his journey with Shirla. Jurio and Chris head to Shrine of Ordos, where they hear the word 'Raual' coming from the Magic Mirror. This flusters Denken, who fears the Wave of Raual will come to destroy the world.[4]

Chapter 5: "A Lake Dividing"[]

Synopsis 35 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

Jurio believes there is a link between the Wave of Raual and Roudo Castle, so he and Chris head to Pholthia next. Morrison leaves the party in Phenthe, a country on the brink of civil war due to a growing conflict between King Henneton and King Carrack. Jurio seeks audience with both to mediate.[4]

Synopsis 36 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

Jurio and friends thwart Belart's plans to take hostage Queen Carly, King Carrack's wife. They were assisted by the Wildcats Gang formed by Shirla and Goose. Philly, who travelled with the party up until this point, stays behind as Jurio crosses the border Ghidona, further closing in on Pholthia.[4]

Chapter 6: "The Proven Prophecy"[]

Synopsis 37 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

The people of Ghidona find themselves oppressed by the mercantile plutocrat Urgit and his subordinate Candata. When the bomber known as Desert Panther blows up a corrupt merchant's mansion, the people rejoice. In the town of Baraka, Jurio is mistaken for Desert Panther and Chris is sent to Urgit.[4]

Synopsis 38 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

Together with the martial artist Badat, whom he met in prison, Jurio devises a plan to break out of jail. A woman known as Naje[?] assists in their prison break. Stella, the true identity behind both Naje and Desert Panther, lends Jurio her strength and together with Badat they manage to free Chris from Urgit.[4]

Synopsis 39 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

It turns out that Urgit and Candata were under control of Revas, an astrologer from Pholthia. Jurio and friends manage to defeat the two in spite of their inhumane power and they regain their senses. Urgit asks Jurio to make the world one where people can do business in good conscience and promises to improve his oppressive regime.[4]

Together with Stella and Badat, the group arrives at the Dirt checkpoint. Instead of crossing into Pholthia they are thrown into jail for having heard military secrets. For some reason, they find Huck in the prison. He shares the final prophecy of the White Witch: expressionless soldiers crossing land borders signifies the destruction of the world. Convinced that this relates to the soldiers that just crossed the border, the group sets out for Dolphes, Pholthia, to seek out former court fencer Durzel, who knew the White Witch personally. As they cross the border, they are separated from Huck and Badat.[4]

Chapter 7: "Trails of Pilgrims"[]

In the town of Aroza, Jurio shows the Silver Dagger to Durzel's granddaughter, Joanna. She informs him Durzel wished to return to the Shrine with the dagger and points Jurio to the Dorphes Tower, where Durzel is imprisoned. When they meet him face to face, Durzel tells the group he is going to see Gueld.[4]

The place Durzel leads them to is Gueld's Hill, where her grave is situated. Gueld has been dead for twenty years. Gueld was but a girl when she came from another world following Isabelle, who became the queen consort of Pholthia, and Revas to stop them. It was Revas who killed Gueld two decades ago.[4]

Queen Isabelle is manipulating King Rudolph with magic and uses the armillary sphere's power to draw the Wave of Raual towards her. When they offer the Silver Dagger to the grave, the cane they received from Old Man Lap transforms into Gueld's beautiful staff and the rusted sword they found near the grave changes into the shining sword, Esperanza.[4]

Final Chapter: "Tender Witch"[]

Synopsis 45 (ED3)

Screenshot (PC-98)

With no time to lose, Jurio and friend depart to destroy the armillary sphere in at the top of Roudo Castle, Queen Isabelle's residence. Jurio is stopped by Revas' subordinates when entering the castle, but with the help of Shirla, Lodi and other friends, he can continue the climb to reach the armillary sphere.[4]

There, Revas explains the reasons for his scheme. His home world is on the verge of destruction and he seeks to save it by forcing the harmful Wave of Raual into this world. Revas emphasises there is no way to save both worlds. Jurio emerges victorious in the battle that follows and destroys the armillary sphere with the Silver Dagger.[4]

When they ask Queen Isabelle what justice lies in guiding destruction to this world, she answers the guilt lies with this world to begin with. She challenges the group to a fight as a last hope to stop the Wave of Raual. The battle ends with her defeat. Before she collapses, she prays that this world can be saved after all.[4]

Even after Queen Isabelle's defeat, the Wave of Raual shows no signs of ceasing. That is when Gueld's spirit manifests from her staff. She spreads her arms, takes in the Wave of Raual and fuses with it, nullifying its effects with virtuous, positive thoughts. As blue returns to the sky, the group realises both this and another world have been saved from the brink of destruction by the White Witch from Tirasweel.[4]

Music[]

Development[]

Releases[]

There are no major differences between the PC-98 version and the Windows version, both developed by Nihon Falcom. The most notable difference is the battle system and music arrangements. In Japan, a number of different versions of both the PC-98 version and Windows version have been sold.

PC-98[]

The difference between the following versions is the title on the packaging.

Title Release Description
The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch
英雄伝説III 白き魔女 		18 March 1994
Floppy Disk 		Subtitled 'もうひとつの英雄たちの物語'. The original versions that serves as the basis for future PC-9801 releases.
The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch Renewal
英雄伝説III 白き魔女 リニューアル 		16 December 1994
Floppy Disk 		System and game balance have been improved. The most notable change is the different ending song. Also came with a limited first edition. Currently available through Project EGG.
The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch Renewal (CD-ROM version)
英雄伝説III 白き魔女 リニューアル（CD-ROM版） 		26 May 1995
CD-ROM 		Identical to the 16 December 1994 release, but on CD-ROM.
The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch (DOS Prompt Compatible)
英雄伝説III 白き魔女（DOSプロンプト対応版） 		8 March 1996
CD-ROM 		Identical to the 26 May 1995 release, but compatible with DOS Prompt, PC-9821 and Windows 95.
The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch (PC98CanBe/Valuestar)
英雄伝説III 白き魔女（PC98CanBe/VALUESTAR専用版） 		30 August 1996
CD-ROM 		Sold as part of the '98 Campaigns'. Also compatible with non-CanBe/Valuestar devices.
The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch (Special Package)
英雄伝説III 白き魔女 スペシャルパッケージ 		11 December 1996
CD-ROM 		Bundled with The Legend of Heroes IV: A Tear of Vermillion in the 英雄伝説スペシャルBOX '97.

Sega Saturn[]

PlayStation[]

Windows[]

PSP[]

Reception[]

Production credits[]

Packaging artwork[]

Trivia[]

External links[]

References[]

  1. ↑ The Geofront - Embarking on The White Witch Pilgrimage!
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Falcom Chronicle, p. 312.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 Falcom Chronicle, p. 313.
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 Falcom Chronicle, p. 314.


v · e
The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch


Characters
Main Alf - Badat - Chris - Durzel - Goose - Huck - Joanna - Jurio - Lodi - Morrison - Philly - Shirla - Stella
Others Gueld - Old Man Lap - Queen Isabella - Revas
Locations - Tirasweel
Countries Ambisch - Chanom - Ghidona - Menarth - Oldos - Phenthe - Pholthia - Udor
Others Gagharv - Great Serpent's Backbone - Shrines
Gameplay
Lists Books - Chests - Enemies - NPCs - Skills - Shops - Weapons
Illustrations
Types Character Artwork (Portraits) - Concept Art - Official Artwork - Screenshots - Visuals
Music
Albums
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